-
QSC ILA LINE ARRAY FOR NEW BANGALORE AUDITORIUM
Bangalore, India, August 2010 - A new 325-seat auditorium located at Bangalore's prestigious Christ University has been equipped with a QSC Audio ILA v2 line array and amplification as part of an integrated multimedia system, supplied and installed by locally-based Acoustic Control.
The University was created by the 19th century educational visionary and social reformer, Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara. Its facilities include air-conditioned seminar halls, panel rooms, a conference hall, an assembly hall, auditorium, health club, and a hostel facility for female students.
The new purpose-built auditorium, with its raked seating, forms part of the new Engineering College block on Christ University's Kengeri campus, situated on the outskirts of Bangalore, and will support this faculty in hosting lectures, presentations and cultural events.
Included within Acoustic Control's system design is an L-R ceiling suspended ILA line array, consisting of five WL2082-i cabinets per side plus four 18-inch subwoofers, positioned under the stage within a masonry and concrete housing. On-stage sound is provided by four QSC HPR122 powered stage monitors.
This provides an extremely cost-effective solution. For by focusing purely on installation processes - rather than the ruggedised design demanded by touring systems - QSC have been able to use a moulded enclosure and simplify the rigging design, thereby driving the overall cost down. Each element contains two 8-inch, neodymium magnet woofers and dual 1.75" neodymium compression drivers with titanium dome HF (selectable bi-amp or tri-amp operation) to provide a wide 140° coverage.
Powering the system are six QSC RMX5050 amplifiers, while loudspeaker management is via a pair of 2-in/8-out QSC SC28 system controllers and a 4-in/8-out processor. The SC28 offers simple preset recall processing and superior audio, incorporating QSC's proprietary Intrinsic Correction™ process.
Acoustic Control, who have designed a complete integrated solution (including full videoconferencing and 200 kW of back-up power), as well as acting as acoustic consultant, have been providing solutions to the University for over 15 years.
Managing director, Sanjay Mudartha, said that speech intelligibility had been the prime concern and worked towards achieving a reverberation time of less than 0.7 secs. At the same time he was unequivocal about why he specified the ILA.
"The compact size, matched with the width of coverage, make this a perfect cost-effective solution. The system's 140° spread means there was no requirement for a center cluster - coverage and intelligibility are excellent throughout the auditorium, and the client is delighted."
This is largely because the auditorium's acoustics - including the QSC ILA modelling - were designed in EASE, with alignment and tuning carried out using SMAART. The entire room automation functions under AMX control, making it "child's play" to operate, according to Mr. Mudartha.
However, he stated that there had been a number of challenges that needed to be overcome - the principle one being that the architect had not made provision for a control room. "We explained the importance of a separate room and stressed that the location of the room was equally important, and eventually they agreed."
The Acoustic Control man adds that In India, where most building is done with masonry and RCC, this needed to be constructed from lightweight pipe and wood, since part of the auditorium floor was cantilevered out, with no support.
The project follows a previous Acoustic Control installation at Christ University, which saw the company supply and install a sound and lighting system for a larger 2,000-seat auditorium in 2005.
-
QSC Unveils CMX Amplifier Line
 CMX 300V, CMX 500V, CMX 800V and CMX 200V models
"The CMX Series provides unmatched performance, the right power for the job, and an affordable price point," states Shawn Watts, Director of Installed Solutions at QSC. "Because CMX Amps are built with QSC's proven and reliable power plant, integrators need not worry about return warranty calls than can hurt profitability."
The amplifiers are designed to deliver true and accurate sound performance and feature high-current toroidal transformers and filtering to ensure generous energy reserves allowing the amplifiers to effortlessly handle high-level transients, even when driving abusive 2-ohm speaker loads.
The CMX Series is available in four models the CMX 300V, CMX 500V and CMX 800V housed in a 2RU chassis design and the CMX2000V housed in a 3RU chassis design with power ranges from 185 watts to 2500 watts per channel. All models feature constant voltage output for distributed audio systems with the CMX300V and CMX500V offering it in mono-mode only, while the CMX800V and CMX2000V featuring constant voltage output in either mono or stereo-mode. The output sections feature rugged class AB and class H architecture (depending on power level) and efficient class H output sections on the CMX800V and CMX2000V to reduce AC current. Unlike other designs, CMX amplifier output devices are directly mounted to the heat sink for optimum thermal coupling and cooling. Likewise, all CMX amplifiers are protected from damage by output short circuits with automatic current limiting protecting the amplifier from damage until the short is corrected.
CMX Amplifiers also feature actively balanced input choices including barrier strip, XLR, and 1/4" TRS connections as well as, rugged NL4 Speakon™ and detachable euro-style output connectors for maximum flexibility during an install. 1dB recessed de-tented gain controls offer fast and accurate output level settings. Recessed rear dip switches offer easy selection between stereo, parallel, or bridged mode operation, and the ability to enable or disable low frequency filter protection. An integrated security plate is also provided to ensure tamper resistant installations.
-
Boarding All Rows
InfoComm Las Vegas, June 9, 2010 - With less than a year in the marketplace, the Q-Sys digital processing platform has established itself in high-profile installations in stadiums, theme parks, cruise ships, museums and legislative chambers. With the introduction of the PS-1600, PS-800, PS-400 page stations and a suite of supporting software functions, Q-Sys now addresses the needs of transportation hubs and other facilities needing sophisticated public address capability.
"The centralized architecture and processing power of Q-Sys allow us to take a different approach," said QSC Marketing VP Gerry Tschetter. "Instead of requiring additional hardware boxes to do paging, all the functions are performed by a Q-Sys core running V2.0 software. All that's required is the addition of input devices which could be QSC networked page stations, plain old microphones or a telephone system."
Three versions of the page station are available and differ only in the number of physical buttons provided. System designers may select a 16, 8 or 4 button version depending on the needs of the facility. All versions are offered with either gooseneck or handheld microphones. As with other Q-Sys devices, they support dual networks for redundancy. The page stations also include a second microphone input so that a single station can serve, for example both the jet-way and the kiosk of an airport departure gate. Page stations are connected directly to the Q-Sys core via standard Gigabit Ethernet; Power over Ethernet (PoE) is also employed so no local AC power is required.
"Q-Sys page stations offer amazing flexibility," says QSC's Q-Sys Product Manager Dale Sandberg. "Besides paging, they can trigger message playback from the Core and even recall Snapshots. To make each function obvious to the user, we've outfitted them with a 240 x 60 graphics display so instructions can be shown on screen. To make them robust we're using capacitive-touch buttons that are very responsive and since they have no moving parts they are extremely durable." On the software side, the "Public Address Router" bears responsibility for a number of complex tasks including; routing of pages; delaying, queuing and sorting delayed pages based on priority and zone availability; playing and routing prerecorded messages; Queuing and sorting message playback based on priority and zone availability; mixing pages and messages with background music; routing background music; receiving telephone-based pages and more. Other related functions include ANC (Ambient Noise Compensation) and message scheduling.
John Britton, Technical Director of the QSC Systems Integration Group states, "The underlying technology choices we've made with Q-Sys allowed us to add comprehensive public address features in relatively short order. Not only that, but we've made these features configurable and manageable to a degree not seen in other products. We are also well-positioned to react to customer input. Please stay tuned for more excitatory and rousing developments." An "Administration Interface" allows the staff of the facility to make changes to zone assignments, priority levels, page commands, passwords, schedulers and other parameters without getting into the underlying system design. The system designer can determine how much or how little is accessible to the facility staff and can assign password protected access.
Central to the system's power is the Q-Sys Core. Available in three sizes ranging from 64 inputs x 64 outputs to 512 inputs x 512 outputs, the Q-Sys Core works in tandem with Q-Sys I/O Frames 1 RU modules that accommodate up to 16 channels of audio using factory-configured, four-channel Q-Sys cards supplying a variety of input and output options. Note that I/O Frames are not required for connection of the QSC page stations but will be needed for other audio inputs and outputs.
Since Q-Sys revolves around a centralized processing architecture, having all processing taking place in a single unit provides audio designers with greater flexibility. Any input can be routed to any output without the need to create convoluted signal paths. The need for system segmentation due to processor constraint is completely eliminated as well, thereby letting the designer create a "natural" signal flow based on the job not the product.
Q-Sys is available from authorized QSC dealers and distributors around the globe. Page stations and V2.0 software will be available beginning in summer of 2010.
-
Joe Pham Appointed CEO
InfoComm Las Vegas, June 9, 2010 - QSC is pleased to announce that Joe Pham has been promoted to CEO of QSC Audio Products, LLC. Pham joined QSC in 2004 and has been extremely instrumental in guiding the company's growth and transition from being known primarily as a professional audio amplifier manufacturer to an organization regarded worldwide as a complete professional audio systems manufacturer.
"Words cannot even begin to describe how truly humbled and honored I am at the trust that's being placed upon me," says Pham, QSC's new Chief Executive Officer. "I am absolutely thrilled to take on this new role and it's a responsibility I do not take lightly. I want to thank Pat, Barry and John for their invaluable guidance and especially acknowledge the hundreds of dedicated QSC employees who make QSC such a special place."
"Joe possesses an unusual combination of assets, a serious technical degree, world-class business training and he's a musician. Many of us in the audio industry feel lucky if we possess only one of these qualifications," said Pat Quilter, Chairman of the Board, QSC. "We lit the rocket that powered QSC for 40-plus years, now with Joe at the helm we're ready to see what the second stage can really do."
"Joe has proven to be a man of uncommon capability and compassion. QSC Audio is in good hands," states Barry Andrews, outgoing CO-CEO of QSC.
"Joe has demonstrated all the qualities you would want in a person that you are entrusting to lead your company forward: intellect, integrity, a passion for our business, great interpersonal skills, a solid business sense and strong leadership qualities," adds John Andrews, outgoing CO-CEO of QSC. "Joe has a burning desire to see QSC succeed and I look forward to watching him build on the great foundation we have created."
Pham joined QSC in 2004 serving as the company's Chief Strategy and Technology Officer. In 2007, Pham was promoted to COO where he began overseeing sales, marketing, R&D, operations, human resources, finance, and strategy. Prior to joining QSC, Pham was with McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, where he worked with chief executives from Fortune 50 companies creating business strategies aimed at driving new growth. Pham holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from UCLA and is a former professor of electrical engineering.
With the ascension of Pham to CEO, Quilter and Barry and John Andrews will begin to transition away from day-to-day operations and the active management of the company they founded over 42 years ago. Quilter will divest himself from direct engineering work and move into an advising and consulting capacity. He will also focus his time on other business ventures and interests. Barry and John Andrews will turn their attention to QSC Holdings, Inc. (QHI) which is the primary owner of QSC Audio Products, LLC. Barry Andrews will remain active in a business and product strategy role, while John Andrews will concentrate on higher level financial, legal and other issues and activities of QHI.
-
Q-SYS Brings Singapore's Universal Studios to Life
InfoComm Las Vegas, June 9, 2010 - Southeast Asia's first Universal Studios theme park opened this Spring, boosting Singapore's attempts to become a top regional tourist destination. Part of Resort World Sentosa, the park was built by Malaysia's Genting Bhd for $4.4 billion.
Joining the other Universal Studios sites in Hollywood, CA., Orlando, FL. and Osaka, Japan it incorporates 24 attractions, of which 18 are original or specially adapted for the park. Each of the seven uniquely themed zones is based on a blockbuster movie or television show, featuring their own specific attractions. With Universal Studios taking up 20 hectares (50 acres) of Resort World Sentosa's massive 49 hectares, (120 acres) excellent site-wide communications were essential.
Singapore based Electro-Acoustics Systems, the regional QSC distributors, were appointed to supply and install the entire sound reinforcement and background music system and wasted no opportunity to put the company's new Q-Sys complete integrated system platform to the test.
A centralized processing architecture consisting of a QSC Audio Q-Sys Core 4000 system (the largest available) lies at the heart of the design. The audio DSP resides on a local network based on L2/L3 switching technology, for which the Core 4000 performs all the audio routing, audio playback (up to 128 tracks) and processing in addition to managing all the control functions throughout the entire signal chain from audio inputs to loudspeakers. With this centralized architecture, input and output connections can be installed close to their sources and destinations using Q-Sys I/O Frames, for which any input can be routed to any output without convoluted signal paths. Each of the Park's 41 I/O Frames house up to four I/O cards that can enable up to 16 channels of input or output in a single unit.
In the event, two Q-Sys Core 4000 systems were specified and installed to provide both Core and network redundancy. While the main Core 4000 system can support this, having had additional network switches and cabling added, in the event of network failure the Q-Sys components switch instantly and automatically to the back-up network, enabling the secondary core to take over. Further redundant I/O Frames have been added in high-priority areas.
Q-Sys itself relies on Q-LAN, a proprietary, standards-based, low-latency Gigabit Ethernet network. This provides the audio routing between devices to ensure that all signals are transmitted from source to destination in less than one third of a millisecond. Q-LAN is combined with 32-bit floating point distribution and A/D and D/A converters, resulting in total system latency of less than 2.5 milliseconds.
The facility managers were all provided with system design training, although Q-Sys is intuitive to operate, without complicated, multi-level menus.
This was the first major project in Singapore to be installed with a Q-Sys set up, and in the countdown to final commissioning, the EAS software engineers were relieved to find that the designs were compiled and deployed very quickly.
Q-Sys is backed up by trouble shooting and measurement tools: for instance a test probe gives an RTA display of the signal at any point, and by using a measurement microphone, FFT-based real-time analysis and impulse response are also provided for on-site acoustical measurements.
Across the site, loudspeakers (many concealed or camouflaged) are powered by a total of 147 of QSC's CX amplifiers purpose-designed amplifiers selected as they can interface with Q-Sys via their HD15 Data Port connection and thus allow remote monitoring and control. Divided between the 13 control rooms, these reliable workhorses have been designed specifically to meet the needs of sound contractors in fixed installations, combining QSC's PowerLight technology to deliver high output, with versatile loading options and high thermal capacity.
Of these amplifiers, the 81 CX702 and CX1102 class H models offer low impedance capability, while the CX204V, CX302V, CX602V and CX1202V models provide direct 70 volt capability ranging from 250 watts to 1000 watts per channel.
Deployment of the CX series amplifiers also saved the EAS engineers valuable site time, since they weigh less than 10kg and their design also includes a 1dB detented gain control for easily repeatable settings.
Music tracks are played out to the various zones around the site by a Medialon Manager, which controls the playback and connects to all the devices via an Ethernet network. Pre-recorded music can be triggered using the scheduler (to ensure daily consistency).
Although Q-Sys has delivered a park-wide secure audio routing, processing, control and monitoring solution, EAS systems engineer KK Tan admits that deployment of the system had been very much a last minute decision, and one which owed much to the collaboration with the system engineers at QSC's Boulder office.
"In fact we had started off with a preliminary design using multiple BASIS units riding on a CobraNet backbone," states Tan. "Then Richard Zwiebel (QSC Vice-President, Systems Strategy) visited our office and gave us a sneak preview of Q-Sys. Within that half hour's presentation, I was totally blown away and I knew immediately that I had to have it for this project!"
After further discussion with the Q-Sys engineers (including Kevin Gross who provided advice on Q-LAN topology) they decided to go ahead even though the system still had to be launched. "We collaborated with Denver every step of the way for instance when we needed to get some special DSP blocks incorporated into the Q-Sys Designer," notes KK. Visitors to the many themed rides, of course, will be blissfully unaware of this.
But thanks to Q-Sys' advance signal transport and all the advanced programming and customizing that went on behind the scenes they will receive all the audio effect enhancements and high intelligibility communications necessary to make the experience a memorable one, as Universal Studios Singapore unveils the southern-most world class theme park on the planet.
-
QSC Audio Chooses Channel Velocity's OnRamp Solution to Monitor Online Channels
Chicago, IL, June 22, 2010 In order to aggressively support their Authorized Reseller Network and act to prevent online consumer confusion, QSC Audio Products, LLC has engaged Channel Velocity, Inc., a leading provider of Channel Analysis software and Asset Recovery services, to monitor its online channels.
"Channel Velocity's OnRamp solution is giving us accurate and real-time data in a manageable format. We are using this valuable information to better manage our brand in online channels." Said Margaret Jenkins, QSC's Corporate Counsel.
Channel Velocity's software clients benefit from obtaining real-time visibility into their online channels. By automating the way QSC is gathering this data, it helps QSC reduce their time, effort and provides a more consistent way to monitor and manage their online channels. "We are excited to be able to work with such a premium brand as QSC. Their commitment to gaining more visibility into their online channels signals a strong belief in the value of their brand and our solution." stated Jim Boccarossa, VP of Sales Channel Velocity.
QSC Audio Products, LLC, is a globally recognized leader in professional audio. This prominence is the result of the company's mission to establish new standards of reliability and performance through the development of breakthrough technologies. QSC's products meet the demanding requirements of audio professionals in concert, installation, portable entertainment and cinema applications.
ABOUT Channel Velocity, Inc. - Channel Velocity (www.channelvelocity.com) provides services and software to manufacturers, retailers and distributors which increase profitability, visibility and control of their channels. Channel Velocity provides asset recovery solutions and channel monitoring services for manufacturers. Additionally, through OnRamp Technologies, Channel Velocity provides business intelligence, retailing software and online price monitoring solutions. For additional information on Channel Velocity's OnRamp Solution, contact them at sales@ChannelVelocity.com.
-
QSC KW SERIES BUILDS ON 'K' PLATFORM
March 24, 2010, Musikmesse - Following the successful launch of their powered K Series at last year's Pro Light+Sound in Frankfurt, 12 months later, QSC have gone a step further with the introduction of the KW Series. Building on the same successful platform as the ABS-molded K Series (which it is designed to complement), it has been engineered to produce the same outstanding performance - but this time in a second generation wooden enclosure. The form factor is consequently more compact and substantially lighter than previous birch enclosure designs.
Summary: Product Highlights
The KW Series represents the next evolution in wood enclosure loudspeakers, incorporating all the groundbreaking electronic attributes of the K Series.
Packaged into the new, second generation Baltic birch design will be the same incredible 1000W of Class D power modules (2 x 500W), 1.75-inch high output HF device (in the full-range models) and extensive DSP featured in the K Series, along with all QSC's patented technologies designed to fully-optimize the system.
The KW Series comprises four models - the KW122 (12-inch, 2-way multipurpose loudspeaker), KW152 (15-inch, 2-way trapezoidal loudspeaker), KW153 (15-inch, 3-way trapezoidal loudspeaker) and KW181 (18-inch subwoofer).
In addition to the 1000W of Class D power, this pioneering system incorporates DEEP™ and Intrinsic Correction™ as performance enhancers into the DSP, while DMT™ (Directivity Matched Transition) ensures uniform coverage across the entire sound field. In addition, the KW Series features GuardRail™ protection, first introduced on QSC's GX Series amplifiers, which prevents the amplifier module from unnatural and destructive clipping, while the full-range models also include a four-position Mic/Line gain switch.
The construction of these rugged, texture-painted birch enclosures has also been carefully conceived, with tour grade 16-gauge steel grilles, comfortable ergonomic handles, and 35mm pole sockets with Tilt-Direct™ (on the KW122 and KW152 models). M10 rigging points enable suspended installation of the full-range models, while the KW122 can also function as a stage monitor.
The Range
In addition to the Class D amplification and DSP, the KW122 contains a 12-inch cone transducer and 1.75-inch diaphragm compression driver, with 50Hz-20kHz frequency range, maximum SPL (1 meter) of 131dB (peak) and nominal coverage of 75° axisymmetric; the KW152 contains a 15-inch cone transducer and 1.75-inch diaphragm compression driver, with 44Hz-20kHz frequency range, maximum SPL (1 meter) of 133dB (peak) and nominal coverage of 60° axisymmetric; KW153 3-way system contains a 15-inch cone transducer, 6.5-inch mid-range and 1.75-inch diaphragm compression driver, with 33Hz-20kHz frequency range, maximum SPL (1 meter) of 134dB (peak) and nominal coverage of 75° axisymmetric, and the KW181 18-inch subwoofer contains an 18-inch cone transducer, with 39Hz-145Hz frequency range and maximum SPL (1 meter) of 132dB (peak).
High Output
Like the K Series, each of the four KW Series models features a QSC-designed, 1000-watt continuous (2 x 500) Class D power module. And continuing in the K Series tradition, every model is fitted with the identical high-output 1.75-inch HF device (full-range models) and woofers of the same high quality design, regardless of speaker size.
Defined Coverage Area
Directivity Matched Transition (DMT™) provides for matched LF and HF coverage across the entire listening area, eliminating unnatural 'dead' or 'hot' frequency zones
DSP
Extensive signal processing is employed throughout, providing levels of sonic clarity and total output that defy all expectations for a product in this category. Intrinsic Correction™, first featured in QSC's high-end line array products, maps 65-75 spatially-averaged measurements to IIR and FIR filters that actively adjust time, frequency and amplitude response to a maximally flat bandpass target. The result is a speaker that behaves equally well across the entire sound field. DEEP™ (and excursion limiting) allow for extended low-frequency response by actively managing low-frequency transients without degradation of the underlying signal or adjacent frequencies. GuardRail™ protects both the amplifier module (and performance) from unnatural and destructive clipping.
Connectivity
KW Series features a four-position mic/line gain switch that allows for connection of a wide variety of devices. Combo XLR and 1/4-inch TRS inputs accept both mic and line level input while a set of RCA phono inputs (except KW181) allow additional connectivity to portable MP3 players, CD players and line-level mixers. Up to three audio sources can be mixed internally and summed to a balanced output for 'daisy-chaining' of multiple units. Separate direct outputs are also provided on each channel for additional output flexibility.
Control
On-board switches provide preset EQ settings. The HF setting (full-range models) can be set to VOCAL BOOST for additional presence in the critical mid-frequency area or FLAT for accurate reproduction of the incoming signal. The LF switch can be set to NORM, DEEP™ for additional bass extension, or EXT SUB (full-range models) for use with an external subwoofer. The rear panel LED switch can be set to POWER, illuminating the front-mounted LED when the unit is powered on, OFF for applications where it is not desirable to illuminate the front LED, or LIMIT which indicates to the system operator that the clip limiter circuit has been engaged during operation.
Tilt-Direct™
The KW122 and KW152 feature a unique Tilt-Direct™ pole cup mounting system. A simple turn of the dial engages a 7.5° downward tilt of the speaker allowing acoustic energy to be kept on the audience and off reflective surfaces for applications where maximum coverage from a high-positioned speaker is desired.
Remote Gain
Remote gain control capability is offered via a potentiometer (not included), connected to the on-board Phoenix style connector. In an installed application, multiple KW Series speakers can be 'daisy-chained' for total gain control from a single remote pot. Auto-standby mode is engaged after 5 minutes of inactivity.
Premium grade Materials
KW Series is designed to withstand the rigors of professional use. Advanced construction processes, premium grade Baltic birch cabinetry, ergonomic, cast aluminum handles, low-noise casters (KW181) and a highly protective steel grille provide for ease of transport and long term durability. Integrated M10 suspension points allow for flown applications with a KW M10 KIT (sold separately) and a threaded pole receptacle (KW181) providing for a positive, wobble free connection to a threaded speaker pole (included).
The new KW Series will begin shipping in the Summer of 2010. For full specifications, enclosure dimensions and product photos, visit the KW Series page.
-
Jason Mraz on Tour with the QSC Audio WideLine-10 Line Array System
Jason Mraz's vocal-centric tunes are a rich musical amalgamation of influences consisting of reggae, pop, rock, folk, jazz, and hip hop performed by a equally diverse band consisting of acoustic and electric guitars and keyboards, ethnic percussion and brass instruments.
Out on an international tour continuing through all of 2009, supporting his multi-Platinum 2008 release, "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things...", featuring the Top Ten Single, "I'm Yours," the Virginia born and bred artist made a stop at Colorado's stunning 9,450-seat Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Adding some "dB push" to Mraz's melodically brilliant hit songs at, what is considered, God's greatest all-natural, acoustically perfect live performance venue, was a QSC Audio WideLine-10 Line Array loudspeaker system, consisting of 24 cabinets per side with a four-cabinet center array.
According to Matt Kornick, Sound Image systems tech and Jason Mraz tour crew chief, "In addition, 16 JBL Vertec 4880 Subwoofers, in a Cardioid Pattern, provided the low-end and the entire FOH system was driven by 32 Crown ITECH 8000 Amplifiers."
The Mraz tour cabinet inventory rounds out with 4 Audio Composite Engineering 1160's for center fills, 2 Sound Image CF Speakers, for Outfills, and 12 Sound Image G2 stage monitor wedges.
Sound Image sent a Venue Console out on the Mraz tour, because as Kornick puts it, "E.T simply loves it and prefers the tactile fell of the faders on the surface."
Michael Goldfarb relies on a Yamaha PM5D for the monitor console, as "he uses all of its onboard processing," states, Kornick. "Additionally, for an act like Mraz, Goldfarb will have at least 18 to mixes set at any given time, all capabilities that he finds the console can handle quite easily."
Jason's sponsorship of Shure microphones has the band out on tour with SM-57's, SM-58's, SM-81's, Beta 52, Beta 91, Beta 98's, a SM-86 for Jason's vocal, as well as Shure UHF-R Wireless components; UR4D Wireless Receivers, and UR-1 Instrument Pack Transmitters. In ear monitoring was handled by 4 Sennheiser G2 IEM Systems.
Stage manager and monitor engineer Michael Goldfarb, who has been on tour with Mraz since 2003, points out, "We were one of the first tours that, early adopter, Dave Shadoan of Sound Image sent out with the WideLine-10 System. That was Mraz's 2005 'Mister A-Z' tour, which hit all the leading theaters."
Goldfarb quickly and easily became acclimated to the WideLine-10 system, which on that tour consisted of 12 WideLine-10 cabinets per side. Now, after years of experience with the system, Goldfarb and front-of-house engineer, Ettore DeDivitiis (simplistically known as ET), are assuringly matter-of-fact when they refer to QSC Audio's WideLine-10 system as about as "plug-and-play" as you can get.
ET states, "The Wideline-10 is a great on-the-fly PA, especially for when you're in time-constraint situations, such as festivals. It runs nicely from the truck, to the air, through the show and back to the truck."
Goldfarb continues, "At Red Rocks, with chains in the air and with power, we have 24 boxes per-side up and active in 35-mintues."
Mraz's "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things..." tour traversed the United States hitting the major outdoor mega-theaters and sheds, such as the breathtaking Red Rocks and the legendary Jones Beach Amphitheater on Long Island, New York. Goldfarb quips, "When local sound professionals and promoters see the WideLine-10 system rolling off the truck, the reaction has consistently been, 'where's the rest of the PA?' Then they hear it. Anyone who knows anything about sound walks up to the soundman and says, "Man, that is really unbelievable.'"
Goldfarb adds, "This WideLine array's wavefront length is the same as 12 or more large format line array cabinets, and the one thing that the audio science guys will tell you; it's not the size of the speaker cabinet, it's the wave form from top to bottom. That's why we have 24 boxes per side, which is as long as 16 Vertec Boxes."
ET, who has worked with Mraz off-and-on for five years, has been on tour with the artist and hands-on with the WideLine-10 system now for a steady 18-months when the show rolled into Red Rocks. With several years of experience on WideLine, using the system on tour with Canadian singer/songwriter Tom Cochran, ET states, "For the whole production, WideLine is really easy to work with and they sound great."
Continuing, ET says, "Red Rocks is a big venue, and the long-throw capabilities here are impressive. For this venue, we shade 5 dB off the bottom three boxes and 4 dB off the next four boxes up, with the front-of-house volume running just under 100 dB A-weighted. With the WideLine-10 system, you don't need to punch it hard, like other systems, to get the fidelity."
Additionally, ET is using the QSC SC28 System Controller on his WideLine-10 system.
"The SC28 works really well and I haven't had to screw around with it beyond the presets. We've actually implemented setting changes during the show, especially when the set list changes on-the-fly, where I open up the splay setting to add a little brightness. Without having to reconfigure each cabinet, the presets make using the SC28 seemless."
As a result, very little "tweaking" time and measurement is needed. At Red Rocks, tuning consisted of little more than time-aligning the subs to the rest of the rig and doing a bit of amplitude shading.
ET is also quick to add, "Other systems will claim 120-degree horizontal dispersion. The QSC WideLine-10 system delivers a wonderfully true 140 degree dispersion that actually does cover every seat in that range."
ET notes that the WideLine's sound is exceptional, even at low volume, without muddiness. And it doesn't get brittle at loud volumes either, "which is critical to an artist like Mraz, who incorporates a lot of horns into his music." During the show, he also pointed out that the only dynamics processing he was using were the noise gates on the drums. Everything else was running full dynamic range, no compressors anywhere and the result was an unusually open and dynamic mix.
"The WideLine-10 system really has the qualities that audiences enjoy from a sound system, and it's probably the best and most musical PA system for vocals," ET says. "The instruments layer very nicely into mix, from the top to the bottom, fitting in perfectly to support the vocals. That's a big thing for me, as I work with a lot of artists like Mraz, Natalie Cole and Tom Cochran; these are all artists with a story to tell. It's even more important for the fans who want to clearly hear the lyrics." Goldfarb states, "For a fidelity mix, such as Mraz, that's vocal-centric, acoustic instrument-based music, the vocals really just jump out of the Wideline System. It's not hard to make a 'loud' speaker, but it is really hard to make a loudspeaker sound good right out of the box. There isn't another PA I would rather use for Jason Mraz."
Gear List:
PA: - 52 QSC WideLine 10 Cabs
- 16 JBL Vertec 4880 Subwoofers **(In a Cardioid Pattern)**
- 32 Crown ITECH 8000 Amplifiers
- 4 Audio Composite Engineering 1160's for Center Fills (not used at Red Rocks Show)
- 2 Sound Image CF Speakers (for Outfills)
- Drive Processing: 3 - QSC SC-28 Crossovers/Processors with 1 - KT DN-6000 RTA.
Consoles: - FOH - Digidesign Venue
- MON - Yamaha PM5D
Stage:
- Shure Microphones - SM-57's, SM-58's, SM-81's, Beta 52, Beta 91, Beta 98's, SM-86 for Jason's vocal
- DI's: Countryman Type 85, and Whirlwind Directors
- Shure UHF-R Wireless components: UR4D Wireless Receivers, and UR-1 Instrument Pack Transmitters
- 4 - Sennheiser G2 IEM Systems
- 12 - Sound Image G2 Stage Monitor Wedges
- 1 - QSC I215 Drum sub
-
QSC Audio Introduces, "Understanding Sound Reinforcement: The Learner's Guide" DVD
The Learner's Guide,
January 14, 2010 - Costa Mesa, CA - QSC Audio, NAMM booth 6750, proudly introduces "Understanding Sound Reinforcement: The Learner's Guide" DVD.
Understanding the fundamentals of audio, acoustics and sound reinforcement can be challenging to the first-time learner. In this self-paced course, this knowledge is presented through narration, images and animation in a concise and easy-to-follow manner.
Whether the learner is an individual Sound Engineer, Musician, or DJ, or a member of a:
House of Worship, School, Public Facility, Community Organization or Private Enterprise, everyone will be able to comprehend, absorb and apply this wealth of sound reinforcement knowledge.
Learning applications included in the "Understanding Sound Reinforcement: The Learner's Guide":
Sound & Hearing
Signal Path & Gain Structure
Mixing Consoles
Equalization
Acoustics
Microphones
Signal Processors
Power Amplifiers
Loudspeakers
Cables, Connectors & Impedance
"Understanding Sound Reinforcement: The Learner's Guide" also includes chapter quizzes available online, free with product registration. Language formats are English and Spanish. No region encoding.
"Understanding Sound Reinforcement: The Learner's Guide" is $99 US Suggested List.
-
QSC Audio's K-Series of Active Loudspeakers has been honored by being recognized as one of MIX Magazine's Top-20 hits of NAMM 2010!
MIX Magazine, one of the oldest and most prestigious magazines about the professional recording and audio industry, has been reporting on major audio/music trade shows for more than 30 years. Their acknowledgment of some of the more innovative products they've ever found at these events is one of the greatest and most esteemed honors a manufacturer can receive.
We at QSC Audio believe that the K Series product group has redefined the standard in compact, lightweight, high-performance powered loudspeakers, and first-and-foremost - we thank you, our loyal customers, for your recognition in making the K Series the #1 selling active loudspeaker series in the country. We humbly thank MIX Magazine for their acknowledgment and this wonderful honor.
To check out the complete list of MIX Magazine's Top-20 hits of NAMM 2010, visit this link:
http://mixonline.com/news/winternamm_2010_certifiedhits_0902/index2.html
For more details about the K-Series Active Loudspeakers, and to find a retailer near you when you can go and check them out, please visit the product page here: K Series
|
