Digidesign® is proud to announce the addition of D-Show Profile™ to the VENUE live sound environment family. This compact mixing console is a size-conscious alternative to the wildly popular D-Show™, the flagship console of the VENUE line. D-Show Profile offers full compatibility with all existing VENUE hardware components, total file portability, and an incredibly compact footprint—all of which ensures the exact same sound quality, reliability, and flexibility for which VENUE is now well known.

Compact Form Factor
D-Show Profile features a 24-channel frame that’s smaller than the footprint of a single D-Show main unit. The console serves as the perfect alternative for sound reinforcement vendors, rental houses, and contractors that need to offer a powerful system in a compact form for small- to mid-size environments and applications, such as houses of worship, corporate events, theaters, mid-level concert venues, and remote broadcasts.

Total Show File Portability
D-Show Profile uses the same D-Show software as its big brother D-Show, enabling engineers to create and load files for use on either console. This also means that users won’t need to learn new software if they’re already familiar with D-Show. D-Show engineers can move straight on to D-Show Profile—and vice-versa—without additional software acclimation to start mixing or building show files. Plus engineers will no longer need to build new show files (as many currently do) when simply moving to a different console by the same manufacturer.

Full Hardware Compatibility
D-Show Profile works with all existing VENUE hardware components, such as FOH and Stage racks. For sound reinforcement vendors and rental houses, this can represent a tremendous amount of savings and alleviate fears of current inventory obsolescence. With the VENUE model of interconnectivity and flexibility, vendors can greatly widen the scope of their existing system applications by simply offering an alternative mixing console.

New Features
Profile features eight General Purpose Interface (GPI) inputs and eight GPI outputs to connect and control any external equipment that can react to simple switch closures. Used in conjunction with the new Event List in D-Show 2.5 software, engineers can design up to 999 simple or complex macros and use GPI to control external switches, devices, equipment functions, and more.

Digidesign will be showcasing the entire VENUE family at the PLASA ’06 show in London (stand #K57) from September 10-13.

D-Show Profile is expected to ship in Q4 2006. A complete D-Show Profile System, which includes the Profile mixing console and VENUE FOH and Stage racks, will be available via authorized Digidesign dealers for $54,985 US MSRP. The Profile console will also be available separately for $17,955 US MSRP.

For more information, visit their web site at www.digidesign.com.

Posted in Live Sound, Mixers, Technology

Now, mobile DJs can stay grounded while setting up their high-flying lighting systems. With the introduction of the new SQ-CP1 Mobile Crank-Up System, Global Truss America has made it possible for lighting users to keep their feet on the floor as they assemble professional-quality overhead rigs of hanging effects and fixtures.

The SQ-CP1 Mobile Crank-Up System is a cost-saving, all-in-one package that includes two square pieces of truss, the necessary support bars and two crank stands — everything you need to erect a fully loaded, stable rig without ever having to climb a ladder.

“You can stand there and hang your lights at eye level, then crank ‘er up,” said Ken Kahn, general manager of Global Truss America. “That’s why crank stands make it so much easier to rig your lighting, especially if you’re a solo act. Plus, the SQ-CP1 Mobile Crank-Up System’s super-strong lightweight aluminum trussing is simple to assemble — no tools are required, and all the connector pins you need come included.”

The two 6.5′ square sections of SQ-4112 truss go across the top of the rig. The STSB-005 Support Bars attach to the tops of the ST-132 Crank Stands and hold the truss securely in place. The entire SQ-CP1 Mobile Crank-Up System snaps together so quickly, one person can set it up in about 15 minutes.

Global Truss’ TUV-approved trussing is made from the high-strength 6082-T6 aluminum alloy, a durable and corrosion-resistant material used by the aviation industry. This alloy offers the highest tensile strength currently available and is three times lighter than steel, so the system components are incredibly durable yet easy to transport. The alloy is also easily finished, allowing Global Truss customers to special-order a variety of attractive colors and powder-coat finishes.

Like all Global Truss rigs, the SQ-CP1 Mobile Crank-Up System is extremely flexible, so you can expand and re-configure it for use at different venues. In fact, you can use the company’s full range of trussing products and conical connectors to build whatever structure your lighting system requires.

Each of the ST-132 Crank Stands is rated at 220 lbs., so the entire SQ-CP1 Mobile Crank-Up System can hold a maximum load of 440 lbs. — enough to include about four to six moving heads plus several plug-and-play lights. Since the stands are just 63″ high at their lowest point, the average person can assemble the rig and crank it up to as high as 158″ by raising each side a little bit at a time.

The STSB-005 Support Bars measure 120″ wide by 95″ high and have a diameter of 40mm. Their 18″-wide secure latches are adjustable from 4.5″ to 16″/8″.

For more information, visit their web site at www.globaltruss.com.

Posted in DJ, Live Sound

Nady Systems recently announced the introduction of a new addition to their Headmic Series—the HM-10 Mini Headworn Condenser Microphone.

The HM-10 joins Nady’s 2 other headmics, the HM-1 uni-directional dynamic microphone and the HM-3 omni-directional condenser microphone. Together, these 3 complementary headmics provide exceptional audio and overall performance for virtually all singing and speaking applications.

The HM-10 is a wide bandwidth, omni-directional electret condenser mic featuring clean, transparent audio and enhanced vocal pickup with improved gain before feedback. It has a durable thin-metal frame that can be easily molded to any user and features an ergonomic design for a comfortable fit with or without eyeglasses, hats, or headphones.

The HM-10 is available with a Mini-XLR or 3.5mm phone plug for wired and wireless use and fits most standard wireless bodypack transmitters. The unit requires low voltage phantom power as supplied by most wireless bodypack transmitters and is supplied with a 9~52V adaptor for wired applications. It’s available in black or beige.

The HM-10 is now shipping.

For more information, visit their web site at www.nady.com.

Posted in Live Sound, Microphones, Recording, Vocals

Dubbed Deming’s Tips & Tricks, CharterOak Acoustic Devices recently upgraded their existing website, reaffirming the commitment to provide unmatched service and support for the life of all CharterOak products.

CharterOak founder and record producer/engineer Michael Deming will add tips & tricks content at the beginning of each month. Deming’s 20 years of experience and passion for recording have played a major role in the success of CharterOak microphones.

Users of CharterOak products can visit the website to learn from the [microphone] designer, tricks for positioning and applications, favorite hardware compatibility, and more. Visitors can also make requests for future tips. As questions build, they will be addressed in the FAQ section of the website. Future plans also include the addition of a monthly forum for Q&A moderated by Deming.

For more information, visit their web site at www.charteroakacoustics.com.

Posted in Education, Live Sound, Recording, Technology

Great River Electronics is proud to announce the availability of the new MAQ-2NV, a stereo mastering equalizer based on the much-respected EQ-2NV. Built to satisfy personal requests from mastering engineers who have heard the EQ-2NV, it features the same Class-A inductor-based circuitry, with extended high and low frequency ranges. The MAQ-2NV also features EQ gain switches, linkable channel control, and very low frequency high pass filters.

Each channel’s four EQ band gain switches range in 1/2 dB steps from 0 to +/-3dB, and 1dB steps from +/-3 to +/- 8dB, and each band has separate pushbutton bypass switches. There are Left and Right channel bypass switches, the channel high pass filter frequencies are 15, 20, 25, 32, 40, and 50 Hz, and the Link switch sets both channels from the left channel controls for identical EQ curves.

The same investment-grade components and extremely high quality build standards of the entire Great River Electronics product line are carried through in the MAQ-2NV, and it is available through Great River’s Professional Audio Dealer network. MSRP for the MAQ-2NV is $5330.00 and it is now available for shipment.

For more information, visit their web site at www.greatriverelectronics.com.

Posted in Live Sound, Recording, Technology

With the new L.U.C.A.S SMART system, HK AUDIO introduces the most compact representative of the entire L.U.C.A.S product line.

Despite a system weight of only 30 kg, L.U.C.A.S Smart delivers over 400 remarkable watts of power. The subwoofer is fed by a 250-watt PWM digital power amp and employs the same 10″ speaker that has already proven itself in high-end touring systems. The subwoofer also houses the two 80-watt power amps for the satellite speakers, each of which is equipped with a 6.5″ woofer and 1″ dome tweeter. Thanks to their especially wide and even coverage pattern, the pair of satellites deliver the kind of precise sonic experience usually associated with good studio monitors. Vocals especially benefit from this system’s ability to render fine details.

L.U.C.A.S SMART has connections for a dynamic microphone and a stereophonic signal source such as a CD, DVD or MP3 player, together with individual gain controls, so this smart, compact system can be used on its own without an external mixer. As with all L.U.C.A.S systems, SMART also features the HK AUDIO MicroTilt™ integral stand mount adapter. With its tilt angle of 10″, the speakers can be aligned optimally towards the audience. Ceiling reflections, so often the cause of phase problems, can be avoided for greater clarity and focus.

Accessories are available as an option. Anyone wanting to make it even easier than it already is to move L.U.C.A.S SMART from point A to point B will find the L.U.C.A.S SMART Roller Bag a convenient means of packing and rolling the system to its destination. For the less nomadic, wall mounts are available for the satellites to facilitate fixed installation of the system.

L.U.C.A.S SMART is immediately available.

For more information, visit their web site at www.hkaudio.com.

Posted in Audio, Live Sound, Speakers

Vocomotion announced today the release of The Thumper TH70, the latest update in The Thumper series of throat microphones designed for vocal percussionists, beatboxers, and bass singers. Like previous Thumpers, this new model is designed to pickup throat sounds at the source, optimizing the bass response by filtering everything but the lowest, thumpiest frequencies using Vocomotion’s active filtering technology. The TH70 features a new water-proof collar assembly, new removable mic strap, and an extremely reduced retail price.

“I’ve known for a long time that the price of the Thumper mics was too high for the average vocal percussionist,” said Freddie Feldman, creator of The Thumper. “I’ve streamlined the manufacturing process and redesigned the collar completely, bringing the costs down significantly. Now performers at all levels will be able to enjoy the improved bass response that The Thumper offers.”

The Thumper website has been completely overhauled to herald the release of this new model. Built using Flash, the website provides a great way to get to know The Thumper throat microphone.The new Thumper TH70 throat microphone is available from Vocomotion with a retail price of $250 (USD).

For more information, visit their web site at www.thethumper.com.

Posted in Live Sound, Microphones, Recording, Technology, Vocals