Q2 '08 Archived News

Harman Products Finish On Top At Beijing Summer Olympics

In one of the most-watched global media events of the year, the 2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in Beijing was held on Friday, August 8 at the newly-constructed Beijing National Stadium (known informally as “The Bird’s Nest”). Sound Media Fusion facilitated the event audio system design, programming and deployment, which prominently featured JBL VERTEC® line arrays, Crown I-Tech amplifiers and Soundcraft Vi6 digital mixing consoles. “All FOP [field of play] speakers needed to be self-powered arrays due to highly restrictive physical space limitations,” explained Sound Media Fusion’s Gary Hardesty. “In the case of the JBL products, I needed small size and a lot of SPL, not to mention predictable coverage. The JBL VERTEC DP systems were part of a very large, distributed, multi-zone system and they performed flawlessly, exceeding my requirements and expectations. The sound quality was very good.” Numerous Harman HiQnet™-compatible VT4888DP-AN powered midsize line array elements and VT4882DP-AN companion subwoofers with JBL DrivePack® technology were selected to cover various portions of the stadium, including array locations dedicated for use in critical end-zone locations. Additionally, a total of 26 JBL MS-26 ultra-compact fill speakers were dedicated for second tribune and VIP stand fill. Passive speaker systems were powered by Crown I-T6000 and I-T4000 power amplifiers, compatible with hundreds of other Crown amplifiers installed for the venue’s audio system infrastructure. Additionally, Soundcraft Vi6™ digital consoles were part of the event sound system.

Read the entire story here.

Tascam Introduces Rebates and New Products

Customers of Tascam recorders, computer interfaces, and instrument trainers can save big bucks during Tascam's Slammin' Summer Rebate program. They simply have to purchase the product, download the coupon, and send it in! More information about the program, ending August 31st, can be found here.

With Tascam's GT-R1, you can plug in and record anywhere. It combines a portable recorder with an instrument trainer for the ultimate songwriter's toolkit. Record using the built-in stereo condenser microphones, or plug in your guitar or bass to record using the amp simulator and effects. The GT-R1's built-in rhythm machine sets the groove when beginning your song, and the overdub mode allows you to build a song step-by-step. The GT-R1 records in MP3 or WAV format, 16-bit or 24-bit. A generous 1GB SD card is included to get you started, and the USB 2.0 jack charges the recorder and copies your recordings to your PC or Mac. There's a low cut filter and analog limiter to keep levels under control, whether you're improvising in the studio or recording rehearsals or concerts. Load MP3 files into the GT-R1 and plug in to play along. Loop a section of a solo with two button presses, then slow it down without changing the pitch. You can even switch on a Guitar or Bass canceller to play along with the original rhythm section. The GT-R1 also includes a chromatic tuner and metronome for practice and warmup.

Also introduced are the new recording bundles: Track Pack T1, Track Pack T2, and the Field Pack. Track Pack T1 comes with a US-122L USB interface, a TM-VT1 dynamic microphone, a pair of HP-VT1 headphones, and Cubase LE4 software. The Track Pack T2 starts with the US-144 interface, then adds a TM-78 large-diaphragm condenser microphone, tabletop stand, and Cubase LE4. The Field Pack matches Tascam's DR-1 portable recorder with the TM-ST1 stereo microphone for added recording flexibility.

Information about all of Tascam's new products can be found at www.tascam.com

 

Two Ceiling Speaker Lines Debut At Infocomm

JBL is extending its category-leading Control® Contractor Series loudspeakers with the new Control 40 Series premium in-ceiling loudspeakers. Incorporating JBL’s proprietary conical Radiation Boundary Integrator® (RBI™) technology, adapted from the groundbreaking VERTEC® Series line array loudspeakers, the Control 40 series offers outstanding pattern control combined with superior sonic performance.

The new JBL 8100 Series offers full-range, in-ceiling loudspeakers at a cost-effective price point.  With an “open-back” design and pre-attached dog-ears, this easy to install solution is an ideal for commercial applications that do not require back cans. The 8100 Series loudspeakers also feature low saturation transformers for use on 70V or 100V distributed speaker lines. Combine the JBL 8100 Series loudspeakers with Crown’s 135MA or 160MA mixer-amplifiers, and you’ll get a high-performance commercial sound solution that won’t break the bank.  Ideal for small to medium-sized commercial applications, JBL and Crown deliver an audio system that sounds great, yet keeps you well within budget.

To find out more about either of these, go to JBL's site.

 

AKG Unveils D7 Dynamic Reference Microphone

 

AKG's new reference dynamic microphone delivers high end performance and noble sound in every studio and on every stage. The new Laminated Varimotion diaphragm deep-drawing process allows the diaphragm itself to be fine-tuned with no extra tuning resonators. This leads to a quantum leap in audio performance regardless of conditions and volume. D7 creates that subtle and opened sound in all frequency ranges condenser mics are famous for, but it also has the powerful resonance from a dynamic microphone.
The integrated high-pass filter eliminates all handling noises and the new acoustically designed inner windscreen keeps plosives and wind noise at bay. The precision metal dust filter provides consistent protection for the diaphragm.

For more information, visit AKG's web site.

 

JBL Debuts Control 2P Monitors at Infocomm

The Control 2P System combines JBL’s legendary loudspeaker design with powerful amplification to deliver rich, accurate performance for professional audio applications. The compact design, rugged enclosure, and professional feature-set make the Control 2P Compact Powered Reference Monitor ideal for desk-top recording, video production, audio visual presentations, professional broadcast applications, and monitoring of electronic musical instruments. Impressive performance and affordable price make the Control 2P the go-to choice for professional monitoring applications where space limitations and budget are a consideration.

The system incorporates a 5.25" Low Frequency and .75" Polycarbonate Dome Tweeter, with Shielded Magnets. The powered master incorporates 35 watts amplification x 2 channels; two Neutrik® Combo Balanced XLR / ¼” and two unbalanced RCA inputs; Stereo Volume Control; Stereo Headphone Jack; HF Contour Control, and a dedicated ¼” output to drive the companion passive extension speaker. The system can be wall mounted using an optional wall mount kit. An internal overload protection system prevents damage from continuous over-driving and the system takes just about anything you can throw at it. It even does a great job reproducing electronic keyboards and difficult patches like “Rhodes” piano, percussion and other synthesizer sounds. Snap-on pedestals are included to optimize the listening angle in desk top applications.

Visit www.jblpro.com for more details.

Sanyo Projectors Now Represented By Sound Marketing West

Sound Marketing is pleased to announce that we are now representing Sanyo Projectors and accessories in Southern California and Southern Nevada.

Sanyo ProjectorSanyo offers projectors for all applications: from high-definition and high-contrast models, to 5 lb portable models and the world's shortest throw distance model.  All of your projector needs can be satisfied with Sanyo.  Many models can be controlled and administered through a CAT5 LAN network connection, even e-mailing a specified address when a lamp failure occurs. Certain projectors also utilize a newly developed 6500°K color temperature optical system for the most realistic color reproduction, making them highly suitable for digital cinema.  Your friendly neighborhood Sound Marketing rep is ready to show you Sanyo, please give us a call for details and demos.

More information about Sanyo Projectors can be found at their website.


 

AKG introduces new C214 microphone

c214AKG’s legendary C 414 needs no introduction – it is a tool found in most recording studios and has been used on thousands of hit records; it’s been on stage with artists of every musical genre and is also used by leading broadcast facilities the world over. The new C 214 was designed as a budget-friendly alternative to the leading-edge C 414 family. This new microphone uses the same diaphragm as the legendary C 414 in a single-capsule, cardioid-only design that delivers 90% of the performance of the famous C414B-XLS at ~ 50% of the price!

Features:
- AKG’s legendary edge-terminated, 1-inch large-diaphragm up-front, detailed, “voice-friendly” sound
- Outstanding 143 dB dynamic range for uncompressed, life-like transients (the widest dynamic range in its class)
- 156 dB max. SPL capability – perfect for use on guitar amps, drum overheads, brass instruments, etc. for recording or live use
- Elastically-suspended capsule that greatly minimizes mechanical noise and vibration that could color the sound
- Switchable bass roll-off filter helps minimize wind and LF noise
- 20-dB attenuation switch for micing high-SPL sources o Rugged, scratch-resistant finish – tough, roadworthy construction!
- C 214 kit includes spider-type shock mount, windscreen and metal carrying case
- Designed, engineered and built in Vienna, Austria – backed by a 3-year parts and labor warranty from AKG
For more information, visit AKG's web site

Sound Marketing represents Sony Videoconferencing Products

Sony is one of the largest, most reliable global technology companies in the world. When you choose Sony for your complete videoconferencing solution, you're choosing the highest quality technology and the most sophisticated design. Sony offers products designed for virtually every videoconferencing situation, from full High-Definition conferencing (the only true 1080i conferencing solution) to razor-sharp, fully-integrated Desktop solutions. Sony is the only manufacturer in the videoconferencing industry that can provide a complete, fully-integrated room system, using only Sony products that were designed to work together and look great together, as well. Whether you're looking for a solution to cover three remote sites or 150 offices around the globe, Sony is the best choice for delivering the clear, reliable, and stylish visual communications you deserve and expect — the complete room-to-room solution. For more information, visit Spire Global's home page.

 

Q1 '08 News