Roland Systems Group has announced the M-200i – a compact, 32-channel digital mixing console with iPad control, which joins consoles, digital snakes, integrated playback/record and personal mixing systems in the company’s live sound V-Mixing System line-up.

The iPad application enables remote control of key features of the M-200i including preamps, pan, and high-pass and PEQ/GEQ filtering. It also supports store and recall of scenes, configuring of compressors and gates, sends on faders and effect editing.

Remote control of the console allows control of a mix from any location in a venue (within the wireless network). The wireless network is created by plugging a router into the LAN port on the M-200i or by plugging the Roland Wireless Connect adapter (WNA1100-RL) into a USB port. Alternatively, the multi-pin cable included with the console can be used to connect the iPad to the M-200i for a wired connection that allows the iPad can be charged at the same time.

The M-200i features a 32-channel architecture with 17 motorised faders, eight aux busses, four matrices and eight DCAs, with 24 inputs and 14 outputs on the console itself (expandable up to 64x54 via the REAC port and the Roland Digital Snake). It will also accept audio from a USB key via a dedicated port. A ‘touch –and-turn’ feature allows users to touch a particular parameter on the iPad, and control it with a physical knob on the console.

Without an iPad, the the M-200i is fully controllable via a built-in LCD screen and buttons on a tactile control surface.

The M-200i also includes a REAC (Roland Ethernet Audio Communication) port that accommodates expansion options such as personal mixing, live multichannel recording or playback using the R-1000 48-track Recorder/Player or recording only via Cakewalk Sonar software. The REAC port can also expand the number of physical inputs by connecting to one of the popular Digital Snakes via a single, inexpensive Cat5e/6 cable. For performing musicians, the Roland M-200i also supports the M-48 Personal Mixing System.

The M-200i with make its debut at the 2012 InterBEE show in Tokyo, and is expected to be available in January 2013.

More: www.rolandsystemsgroup.co.uk/products/100117

The design and performance of the REM Ribbon Emulation Manifold Waveguide (Perrin Meyer/Meyer Sound)

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BlackBox manufacturer JoeCo will use the coming Namm show to preview of a new BlackBox App for remotely controlling and monitoring its range of BlackBox recorders and players.

Designed for use on Apple’s iPad, the BlackBox App will provide high-resolution metering on all channels and a range of transport controls for remote operation. It will also enable the BlackBox menu and set-up options to be remotely controlled.

‘We want to offer users a remote monitoring and control interface that allows them maximum flexibility with the positioning of the BlackBox hardware at a venue, or on location, and that also enables the BlackBox to be operated without moving from the FOH console,’ JoeCo’s Joe Bull explains. ‘Providing high-resolution metering – especially for 64-channel versions of the BlackBox Recorder – is of great benefit to engineers who need to monitor critical levels during a recording and, as usual, we have had input from our professional users in order to deliver software that meets the needs of busy live engineers and sound recordists.

We expect the BlackBox App itself will be free of charge, but it will require some chargeable hardware to transmit and receive the data between the BlackBox and the iPad.’

The BlackBox App is scheduled for release later in 2012.

More: www.joeco.co.uk

Heil Sound has announced an upgrade to its PR 35 handheld dynamic microphone.

Alongside cosmetic changes in the form of a new chassis, significant internal improvements have also been made. Rear rejection –a strength with the PR series of mics from Heil – is -42dB with the upgrade. A concealed two-position roll off switch replaces the former thumb switch.

Visually, the new model recalls those wired handheld vocal mics that could readily be identified on stage and on camera. The PR 35 ships with three interchangeable coloured trim collars that can be mixed and matched.

The PR 35 was introduced in 2008 and quickly found favor with artists such as Joe Walsh, Charlie Daniels, Stevie Wonder and others. The price of the upgraded version of the mic remains unchanged; it is available now.

More: www.heilsound.com/pro

dBTechnologies has released the upgraded Opera DX line of sound reinforcement loudspeaker.

Billed as ‘the next chapter of the celebrated Opera series' 12-year success story’, Opera DX benefits from the latest materials technologies and dBTechnologies’ proprietary digiproG2 power amplifiers.

Additional operational features promise to improve overall performance for a wide variety of mobile and installed sound reinforcement applications.

More: www.dbtechnologies.com

Understanding power amplifier technology and terminology (John Meyer)

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Version 4.7 software for Soundcraft’s Vi Series range of digital consoles brings a major input capacity increase for the Vi4 model, as well as new Virtual Vi software for the Vi1 and a number of other upgrades.

The Soundcraft Vi4 can now handle 96 inputs to mix, bringing it into line with the Vi2 and Vi6 models. Show-files are now fully compatible between Vi2, 4 and 6 consoles, allowing settings to be quickly and easily moved between consoles from a USB memory stick. To take advantage of the 96 inputs to mix on the Vi4, three DSP cards must be fitted to the local rack, so exiting Vi4 owners can upgrade easily. Vi4 consoles with two DSP cards will be uplifted to 64 inputs to mix, from 48. Similarly, rental companies with inventories of both Vi4 and Vi6 can now standardise on local racks.

The same software update brings the dedicated Virtual Vi offline editor for the Vi1 console so users can take full advantage of the Vi1 functionality to program shows offline.

Other software enhancements in v4.7 include EQ width control options in Q or octaves delay unit settings in milliseconds, metres or feet and inches, and a number of other user interface enhancements.

Download: www.soundcraft.com/downloads/software.aspx

Lectrosonics has introduced the Quadra digital wireless monitor (IEM) system at Namm.

Consisting of the M4R belt-pack diversity receiver and the M4T half-rack transmitter, the Quadra system features digital RF modulation, two or four channels of 24-bit/48kHz digital audio, analogue or digital inputs, and a unique mixing interface for users. The system operates in the license-free ISM (902MHz -928MHz) band and has a throughput latency of 1ms for the analog inputs and <0.5ms for the digital inputs.

The M4R diversity belt-pack receiver features a user-friendly interface with a high-resolution, backlit LCD and membrane switches. A four-channel mixer enables the performer to tailor the mix in real time, based on what is sent to the transmitter from the monitor console. Several channel set-ups and knob configurations are available, providing a variety options for system operation. The M4R runs for six hours on three alkaline AA batteries.

The M4T half-rack transmitter features transmission power of 200mW for extended operating range. Locking XLR connectors facilitates up to four channels of either analogue or digital (AES/EBU) audio sources to be applied to the transmitter. A large, high-resolution, backlit LCD and large membrane switches provide an intuitive interface. The included hardware supports rack-mounting of two M4T units together in a 1U configuration. A USB jack provides for future firmware updates in the field. The M4T operates on AC mains power, avoiding the use of a wall-wart.

‘We have been asked repeatedly for many years to make an IEM system,’ says Karl Winkler, Director of Business Development. ‘We didn’t want to make a “me-too” product, though. Instead, we based the Quadra system on our own D4 digital wireless platform, which has already been proven for film and TV production. I’m confident we have a unique solution for the touring market. Furthermore, by virtue of its use of the license-free ISM band, the Quadra can be added to most existing wireless microphone installations without ‘stepping on’ what is already in place.’

The system will be available in February 2011.

More: www.lectrosonics.com

Audio-Technica has released the ATM510 and ATM610a dynamic handheld microphones.

The hypercardioid ATM610a – the premier company’s Artist Series dynamic vocal mic – is tuned for clear, detailed vocal reproduction, while its newly designed internal shock mount and tight pickup pattern reduce handling noise.

The ATM510 cardioid dynamic mic also benefits from a new shock mount design for low handling noise. The ruggedly built microphone is designed for a smooth, natural response and its cardioid pickup pattern ensures off-axis rejection to minimise feedback. The ATM510’s use of a rare earth magnet also ensures high output and excellent transient response.

The mics carry UK/Europe recommended retail prices of ATM510: £119 (inc VAT)/€119 (ex VAT); ATM610a: £129 (inc VAT)/€129 (ex VAT).

More: www.audio-technica.com

Technical specifications:

	ATM510	ATM610a
Element	Dynamic	Dynamic
Polar Pattern	Cardioid	Hypercardioid
Frequency Response	90-16kHz	40-16kHz
Open Circuit Sensitivity	-55dB (1.7mV) re 1V at 1Pa	-55dB (1.7mV) re 1V at 1Pa
Impedance	300Ω	300Ω
Weight	258g	270g
Dimensions	170mm long, 53.7mm	177mm long, 48mm
Output Connector	Integral 3-pin XLRM-type	Integral 3-pin XLRM-type
Accessories	AT8470 Quiet-Flex stand  clamp, threaded adaptor, soft  protective pouch	AT8470 Quiet-Flex stand  clamp, threaded adaptor, soft  protective pouch

The latest version of the compact VLA line array system has been launched by Outline –exceeding all expectations of interest in just a few days.

The Flero-based manufacturer claims that credit is due in part to the performance/price ratio, and also to the plug-and-play package offered – eight Eidos 265 LA/two Flysub 15/two T5-DSP amplifiers for medium and small rental firms.

‘This system’s field of application ranges from live work to permanent installations,’ says Designer, Francesco Simeoni. ‘It’s extremely easily handled for transport from one venue to another and equally simple to install in a theatre or conference room, but above all, thanks to its factory presets, can be up and running loud and clear in a few minutes, without any additional work.’

Outline describes the new system as a ‘little big’ array – the Eidos 265 LA uses two 6.5-inch loudspeakers and a compression driver with a 2.5-inch diaphragm (1.41-inch throat) loaded with a (100° horizontal dispersion) waveguide. The package has a dedicated subwoofer (Flysub 15 - with a long-excursion 15-inch woofer), and uses the same rigging hardware, perfect for both flying and stacked applications.

‘The only aspect that distinguishes it from its big brothers, such as the Mantas and Butterfly for example, is the size of audience it’s able to cover, in relation to its maximum SPL, which is among the highest – we’re proud to say – even when compared with key competitors equipped with larger diameter transducers,’ Simeoni adds.

The rigging hardware for flying the Eidos 265 LA, as well as that for the Flysub 15, is uses a special aluminium alloy and a series of treatments to ensure the structure superlative hardness (500 HV). Outline explains that this latter factor is decisive for contributing to maintaining efficient operation as well as excellent resistance to stress, corrosion and abrasion through time. In fact, the system accommodates up to 16 cabinets in a vertical line array, or set-ups including Flysub 15 subwoofers (for example: two Flysub 15 and eight Eidos 265 LA).

However, the dispersion characteristics of the Eidos 265 LA also enable a few elements to be used with wide splay angles (up to 10° between elements).

For filtering the signals fed to the LF and HF sections, Eidos 265 LA has an on-board passive crossover manufactured with top grade components (coils with very low resistance and metallised polypropylene capacitors). Further processing is done by the DSP in Outline’s T5 power amplifier to optimise electro-acoustic performance and ensure ample safety margins for the reliability of the system.

See also:
Outline Subwoofers

More: www.outline.it