September Product News

Product Pick of the Month

JBL Audio Engineering for Sound Reinforcement

After two years of writing, refining, and editing, authors John Eargle and Chris Foreman have introduced JBL Audio Engineering for Sound Reinforcement. With sections on audio basics, components, system design, and various applications, this new book fills the need for a reference guide that covers the range from basic information to the latest technologies of line arrays and digital signal processing.

“Following in the footsteps of classic audio books by Don Davis and Gary Davis, we feel this reference work by Chris and John will become the new standard for audio professionals, educators and enthusiasts,” says Michael MacDonald, president of JBL Professional. “John and Chris have over 70 years of audio experience between them. They pass along their knowledge in a way that is very deep and technical, but still readable and easy to understand.”

The 29-chapter book, which is distributed by Hal Leonard Corporation, falls into four broad sections. Section One-Fundamentals discusses the basics of acoustics, psycho-acoustics, electrical concepts, and digital processing. The information in this section supports the topics in later sections.

Section Two-System Components is concerned with the equipment used, including microphones, consoles, amplifiers, signal processing, and loudspeakers. This section is also the first in a book such as this to cover computer-based system control.

Section Three-System Design is about the technical as well as practical sides of system design. System layout, specifications, analysis, and design are covered, as well as how to develop comprehensive customer-based analysis of their goals and expectations.

Section Four-Applications ties it all together with detailed descriptions of several types of sound systems for tour, houses of worship, auditoriums, sports facilities, and other usages. Six appendices follow this chapter.

Eargle is senior director of product development and application for JBL Professional. He is the author of several books on audio and recording. Eargle received a Grammy Award in 2001 and a Scientific and Technical Award in 2002 from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Foreman is vice president of marketing for electronic contracting at JBL. He has over 30 years of experience in pro audio as a sound contractor, consultant, and manufacturer.

JBL Audio Engineering for Sound Reinforcement (ISBN 0-634-04355-2) is available at music and bookstores nationwide, or through Music Dispatch (1-800-637-2852, www.musicdispatch.com).
JBL PROFESSIONAL
NORTHRIDGE, CA
WWW.JBLPRO.COM

Freq-Out

Architectural Acoustics, a division of Peavey, introduces the Freq-Out 116 Anti-Feedback Processor. Based around a powerful DSP engine, the unit includes functionality that reduces feedback and improves system gain without compromising sonic performance. Powerful seek-and-destroy software coupled with 16 precision dynamic depth notch filters are the secrets. Available in a single rack-space unit, the Freq-Out 116 includes an intuitive pre-show mode, which rings out the system during the initial tuning process. Once it identifies fundamental feedback frequencies, an additional performance mode ensures that feedback reduction continues during normal system use.
ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTICS, A DIVISION OF PEAVEY ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
MERIDIAN, MS
HTTP://AA.PEAVEY.COM

Surf the Web

Alcorn McBride has introduced the WEBster, which adds ethernet connectivity to all its products, enabling remote control, monitoring, and programming from virtually any Internet-ready computer in the world. In addition to Alcorn McBride equipment, it is compatible with virtually all serial devices including AMX, Crestron, and most other controllers. It can even be used directly with professional DVD or CD players. Web pages can be password-protected for secure access. Internet protocol capabilities such as SMTP and FTP allow it to automatically send email or data. For example, a fault condition detected during a show could send a service request email to maintenance personnel.
ALCORN MCBRIDE
ORLANDO, FL
WWW.ALCORN.COM

What a Web We Weave

BSS Audio introduces two new matrix switchers capable of routing multiple video and audio sources to several zones, all controlled within a Soundweb programmable DSP system. Such systems are typically found in theme bars and restaurants, corporate board rooms, and visitor attractions. The SW9016 Video/Audio Matrix Switcher features eight broadcast-quality composite video inputs that can be matrixed to four output zones. Also 16 balanced audio inputs can be matrixed to eight balanced audio outputs and are programmable independently of the video matrix. An audio-only version, the SW9026 Audio Matrix Switcher, expands the input capacity, providing eight outputs from a choice of 16 inputs for routing to the eight-input Soundweb device. Both units are also supplied with a PC application permitting them to run as standalone units.
BSS AUDIO USA
NASHVILLE, TN
WWW.BSS.CO.UK

Five-Pound Bag

You know the saying about trying to put 10lbs of “stuff” in a 5lb bag? Essentially that's what the engineers at Bag End Loudspeaker Systems have done by redesigning its TA6000-S staircase/under-balcony speaker enclosure, trimming it down to a height of 6". They developed a method of fitting a 6½" driver in a 6"-high box, thus retaining the same high quality sound and output as the standard TA6000-I installation speaker system, but optimized for horizontal installation in the tightest of locations, especially stair risers, which are typically between 6" to 7".
BAG END PRODUCTS
BARRINGTON, IL
WWW.BAGEND.COM

Enhance Your IQ

Crown announces that IQ for Windows software version 5.1 is now available for free downloading. The new application is an upgrade from version 5.0 released last fall and offers two key improvements over its predecessor. First and foremost, IQ for Windows v5.1 fully supports Crown's six new CTs Series amplifiers. Secondly, and very importantly, the new software now implements a drag-and-drop methodology for the creation of custom user control panels. IQ for Windows v5.1 is a 32-bit software application designed for configuring, controlling, and monitoring Crown IQ Systems and is compatible with Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000/Professional and NT 4.+.
CROWN INTERNATIONAL
ELKHART, IN
WWW.CROWNAUDIO.COM

Analyze This

Gold Line introduces the microprocessor-based Model 30 MP, which is designed to provide the most wanted analog and digital functions at a cost-effective price point. The unit is a complete ⅓-octave, portable audio spectrum analyzer with remote microphone and six non-volatile memories. It also functions as an accurate dB meter and has the capability of reading sound pressure levels in either A or C weighting. The 30 MP comes with a standard measurement microphone with specifications of +/- 1dB from 20Hz-20kHz. The unit provides 12V phantom powering for use with any standard XLR audio cable. The 30 MP is powered by eight AA alkaline or NiCad batteries, or the longer-lasting 1.5V NIMH rechargeable batteries. An external supply can also be used to power the unit.
GOLD LINE
WEST REDDING, CT
WWW.GOLD-LINE.COM