In October, FRONT of HOUSE readers nominated six finalists for the Indispensable Technology Award in each of four categories: Lighting, Video, Staging/Special Effects and Audio. Here are the six nominees in the Audio category, all of which made their debut in 2024 or 2023. Based on Parnelli ballot voting, which continues through Dec. 13, 2024, one of these products will be honored with the only Parnelli award to be bestowed for any audio product in 2025. The winner will be revealed at the ceremony set for Jan. 24 at the Anaheim Hilton during the 2025 NAMM Show. To cast your vote, go to www.parnelliawards.com/vote.
Adamson VGt Line Array
More than a standalone product, the VGt line array is part of a comprehensive ecosystem, all designed to work seamlessly with Adamson’s Array Intelligence software. This powered 3-way, Milan-driven line array features two 13” Kevlar woofers, two 10” Kevlar cone directional drivers, two Kevlar M140 compression mids and two 3” HF compression drivers — all in a tour / install-friendly package capable of 151 dB peak SPLs.
Allen & Heath Avantis Solo Digital Console
Built on the same 64-input / 42-bus 96kHz mix engine as the award-winning Avantis digital console — with the only difference being the amount of physical control and I/O available on the mixer — is the new compact-frame Avantis Solo. Avantis Solo features a single 15.6” full-HD capacitive touch screen; 18 assignable SoftKeys; 12 faders in six layers; six analog and one stereo AES inputs; six analog outs and a single and stereo AES output.
DiGiCo Quantum326 Digital Console
Packing the punch of its Quantum338 in a compact footprint for smaller performance spaces and tours with tight logistic constraints, Quantum326 offers 128 input channels, 64 buses, a 24×24 matrix (all with full channel processing), 24 100mm faders and two user-assignable faders, each with high-res metering, matched with two 17-inch, high-brightness multi-touch screens, 58 TFT channel displays, “Ultimate Stadius” 32-bit ADC and DAC conversion and more. A theater-specific Quantum326T version is also available.
Fourier Audio transform.engine
A turnkey solution for plug-in hosting, transform.engine is a rugged 2-rackspace Dante-connected server designed to run VST3-native software plug-ins at low latency in live environments, either standalone, or via a Windows/macOS application to control the engine. The robust platform is specifically designed for the rigors and complexities of live productions. Users simply connect to the engine via Ethernet cable, install their plug-ins, and get directly to processing. www.fourieraudio.com
Meyer Sound ULTRA-X80 Loudspeaker
Meyer Sound expands its ULTRA Series with the flagship ULTRA-X80 concentric-driver point-source loudspeaker that couples two 12-inch neodymium drivers on a rotatable 95°x40° waveguide coupled to a 4” compression driver with Class-D amplification delivering 141 dB peaks in a cabinet weighing just 130 pounds. An ULTRA-X82 variant offers a more tightly focused 50°x40° pattern at 142 max dB SPL. www.meyersound.com
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Shure Nexadyne Vocal Microphones
Shure’s Nexadyne dynamic handheld vocal mics are offered in cardioid NXN8/C and supercardioid NXN8/S patterns, priced at $299; as well as standard 1.25-inch / screw-mount heads for wireless systems with interchangeable capsules, also priced at $299. The mics’ unique dual-capsule design provides tight pattern control and excellent off-axis response.
