Facelifted dbx Professional outboard processors now in stock

dbx® has enhanced its product line with new facelifted versions of its industry leading high-performance graphic equalizers, compressors and crossovers. The dbx S Series products are the next generation of the industry's most successful signal processors, facelifted with new platinum silver front panels.

The dbx S Series products making their debut include the following:

• 231s dual 31-band graphic equalizer
• 215s dual 15-band graphic equalizer
• 131s single 31-band graphic equalizer
• 266xs compressor/gate
• 166xs compressor/limiter/gate
• 234s/234xs stereo 2-way/mono 3-way/mono 4-way crossover
• 223s/223xs stereo 2-way/mono 3-way crossover

dbx Graphic Equalizers

The dbx 231s dual 31-band, 215s dual 15-band and 131s single 31-band graphic equalizers are designed for exceptional sound and rugged reliability, to meet the needs of the most demanding sound reinforcement and studio environments. Each offers 1/3-octave constant Q equalization with switchable boost/cut ranges of ±6 or ±12dB, with a ±12dB input gain range.

The 231s, 215s and 131s all feature 4-segment LED ladder meters that provide ready indication of output levels, and their 20mm nonconductive sliders enable smooth, quiet operation. All models have XLR and 1/4-inch TRS inputs and outputs, and offer a frequency response of <10Hz to >50kHz with greater than 108dB dynamic range.

dbx Compressors

dbx invented the compressor, and the 266xs compressor/gate and 166xs compressor/limiter/gate continue the dbx heritage of sonic excellence. Both feature patented Overeasy® compression technology that transparently smooths out fluctuating vocal and instrumental levels. Both models offer exclusive dbx AutoDynamic™ scalable program-dependent attack and release controls that continually adjust the actual attack and release times to match the program material, rather than standard compressors that only provide pre-set attack and release functionality.

The 266xs and 166xs also enable classic "hard-knee" compression, and allow users to manually and precisely adjust threshold, ratio, attack, release and output gain. New gate timing algorithms ensure the smoothest release characteristics available. The 266xs and 166xs can be used in stereo or dual-mono mode, and include balanced inputs and outputs with XLR and 1/4-inch TRS connectors, along with a TRS sidechain insert.

dbx Crossovers

A multi-way speaker system can only sound as good as its crossover - and the dbx 234s/234xs stereo 2/way/mono 3-way/mono 4/way crossover and 223s/223xs stereo 2-way/mono 3-way crossover ensure that multi-way speaker systems will perform at their best. Both models utilize precision, industry-standard Linkwitz-Riley filters to separate the audio signal and direct the correct frequencies to the loudspeaker drivers, enabling a system's amplifiers to operate more efficiently with lower distortion. The result is cleaner, clearer and better sound.

The dual-channel 234s/234xs and 223s/223xs offer independent output gain controls for precise level matching, output phase inversion, a 40Hz low-cut filter, selectable stereo/mono operation and low-frequency summing for the subwoofer output and many additional useful features. The 234s and 223s feature 1/4-inch TRS inputs and outputs, while the 234xs and 223xs provide XLR connections.

The new facelifted models are available now priced from £199 SRP inc VAT.

For more information please contact UK distributor Sound Technology Ltd on 01462 4800000 or visit www.dbxpro.com

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Zakk Wylde’s Brand New Home Studio Features dbx ® Compressors

Professional technical A/V consultant Under the Wire, recently completed construction on the home studio of guitar legend Zakk Wylde, installing a multitude of dbx® equipment to help Zakk and his band, Black Label Society record their new album, which is set to be released the summer of 2010.

Featured in the installation is a dbx 160SL Compressor, four dbx 160A Compressors, a dbx 386 Dual Channel Tube Mic Pre and a dbx Tube Channel Strip. “We were specifically looking for the dbx sound,” said Zack Fagan, sound engineer and founder of Under the Wire. “The dbx 160A and SL both have a very unique sound that no studio in complete without.”

Black Label Society’s FOH man, Dave Allen and Fagan have been friends for numerous years before the two met again at Wylde’s new studio. Allen put Fagan in touch with Jeff Harris of dbx when BLS was looking for a total sound turnaround. “Jeff came on board and provided us with great advice for the studio, recommending all of the equipment that would give BLS the ultimate sound for their new record,” continued Fagan.

At the project’s completion, the eager team patiently waited to hear their recordings through the latest dbx equipment. Fagan continued, “The only issue we had with hooking up the new equipment was doing it as fast as we could to start using it.” The team couldn’t be happier with the results as the entire renovation plan went flawlessly, with no problems stemming from either the gear or installation. “The entire process from start to finish went so smoothly and quickly that the soldering iron was still hot when I ran into the studio to start working on the new album,” stated Wylde.

For more information on Under the Wire Services, visit www.underthewire.tv.

In the two decades since Ozzy Osbourne hired him away from his job at a New Jersey gas station to become his new guitarist, Zakk Wylde has established himself as a guitar icon known and revered the world over. Writing and recording with Osbourne led to multi-platinum success, inspiring him to create the now legendary Black Label Society in 1998. In the decade plus since, BLS has turned the notion of what a rock band should be upside down by inspiring legions of fans (known as Berserkers) all over the world to follow the mantra: Strength, Determination, Merciless, Forever (SDMF for short). Wylde and his Berserkers have established a heavy metal institution true to the vision of uncompromising, unfiltered and unrestrained rock n’ roll.

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dbx® introduces Media Engine for SC Digital Matrix Processors

dbx® Professional Products, a Harman International Company (NYSE-HAR), today introduced the Media Engine for its SC Digital Matrix Processors. As a factory option, the Media Engine brings cost-effective, flash-based, multi-channel playback of stored media to the SC 32 and SC 64.

The SC Media Engine comprises a DSP card and 1GB of flash storage. This allows storage of media files on the SC device itself for subsequent routing and playback. The Media Engine facilitates simultaneous playback of up to eight channels of stored media and a total storage time of around two hours. By integrating the media playback into the SC and leveraging the sharing of the SC chassis and components, the functionality of an external playback device can be obtained more easily and at a fraction of the cost. This allows contractors to add substantial functionality and value to a system without significant incremental equipment and programming cost.

Media playback can be triggered from dbx ZC Controllers, Control Inputs, HiQnet System Architect™ Custom Control Panels and third party control systems. It can also be scheduled through the HiQnet System Architect Scheduler function, either from a schedule running on a control PC or a schedule running on an SC device itself.

The ability to run scheduled preset recalls and media playback on an SC device means that, once configured, the control PC can be taken away, leaving the SC to make scheduled system changes and play back stored media at pre-determined times. This makes it the perfect device for simplification of audio systems through pre-engineered automation.

The SC 32 and SC 64 Digital Matrix Processors feature intuitive Wizard-driven system configuration using HiQnet System Architect. Unprecedented DSP power and routing flexibility make them the ideal foundation for even the most demanding systems. The SC 32 and SC 64 host a total of 32 and 64 analog I/O respectively, configurable in banks of eight.

The devices feature dedicated DSP for common processing functions as well as insert positions for specialized processing and popular audio tools including dbx Advanced Feedback Suppression™ (AFS™), Automatic Gain Control (AGC), dynamics, Sub-Harmonic Synthesizer, parametric equalizer (PEQ), Ambient Noise Compensation (ANC) and AutoWarmth®.

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across the Harman Pro Group and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Pro Sound News front page for new Sound Technology Project Team

Pro Sound News Europe gives front page coverage to Sound Technology's announcement of its new Project Team to service the needs of leading audio consultants and installers.

The newly created three man team is the technical cornerstone of Sound Technology's professional division servicing the commercial audio sector. Providing pre and post sales support for individual products and, critically, “engineered” system solutions, key customers of Sound Technology can now call upon the Project Team in the UK, which combined with additional resources from Harman's global support network, offers unprecedented back-up for their audio projects.

With experience in audio design assistance and delivery of world-class venues the team is headed by Sound Technology's chief project engineer Tom Williams. David Bradshaw, formerly Technical Manager at Ministry of Sound in London, and Sam Brandon, returning to Sound Technology Ltd for this role, complete a highly technical and experienced team.

"This team is in place to better support customers and consultants, not to rival them. We are a resource they can call on to help." says Tom Williams. “We’re here to make sure that the right information and support is readily available and easily accessible for anyone that is looking to use any Harman Professional products as part of a project, whether that is in the form of detailed design support on a project, technical product info or simply project pricing. Collectively we have practical experience of a wide range of differing audio applications and we’re here to help people have smooth ride when looking at Harman equipment for any potential project, whether it be a small café/bar or a large capacity stadium and everything in between. Basically we aim to help people looking for premium audio systems to have an easier life, whether consultant, contractor or venue.”

More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/news/project-team
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/commercialaudio

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TLT Theatre chooses JBL VRX, Crown and dbx DriveRack

The Tommy Leddy Theatre, which opened in September 2009, has been equipped by The Sound Shop, Drogheda, with state of the art systems purchased through Reynolds of Raphoe, and including a JBL VRX sound system, Crown amplification and a highly flexible, user-configurable dbx 4800 Drive Rack.

The entire €3.5m development included €1.5m of technical infrastructure, including mechanical seating, and Litestructures truss, stage drapes, acoustic insulation, generic and automated lighting … and a killer sound system.

The system consists of two left/right hangs of four VRX 932LA and two VRX918S subs, powered respectively by Crown I-Tech IT4000 and IT6000 amplifiers — all controlled from the Drive Rack 4800 configured four in, eight out.

“Everyone that’s come through so far has been delighted and the system has certainly been well received.” says Tommy Leddy.

More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/news/jbl-vrx-crown-dbx-4800-tlt-theatre-ireland

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JBL makes its Marc at top fashion store

When Marc Jacobs opened the UK’s first Marc by Marc Jacobs diffusion line on Mayfair’s South Audley Street recently, part of the ambience was provided by Romford-based Digital Village, who equipped the boutique with a high quality JBL sound system. The store has a bazaar type atmosphere (described as “a designer pick ‘n’ mix”) in a chic interior festooned with synthetic white, red and blue roses.

The sound system had to provide unobtrusive coverage across two floors (ground and basement), with zonal switching from another product in the Harman Pro stable, the dbx Zone Pro 640 6 x 4 zone processor. With a requirement for the volume to be run at different levels in different parts of the store, local control has been given via a pair of dbx ZC-8 remote wall controllers (one located behind the PoS counter, the other in the manager’s office).

Music is fed from iPod and multiplay CD to 15 discreetly recessed white JBL Control 24C 4in ceiling speakers, set discreetly around the perimeter, while an additional pair of Control SB-2 slot-loaded subwoofers subs have been provided upstairs to give additional impact to the low frequencies. The entire system is powered by a pair of Crown XTi 1000 (2 x 500W) amplifiers, while Digital Village also supplied a 42in plasma display and DVD playback.

“The client was very happy with the quality of the sound system, which has helped enhance the atmosphere in a shop that is always packed,” says the installer.

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Sound Technology gives UK debut to key new products at PLASA Focus

At PLASA Focus today, Sound Technology Ltd is giving a UK debut to a number of key new products in its portfolio.

The Soundcraft Si2 is a new compact addition to the Si Series of mid-market digital consoles. It's compact footprint and standard I/O configuration, allowing the Si2 to easily slot directly in place of an analogue console, is sure to appeal across multiple markets. With an intuitive user-interface with a "where you mix is where you look" design, Virtual Si offline editor, and the exceptional sound quality Soundcraft digital consoles have become renowned for, the Si2 is shipping in May 2009.

Pictured: Soundcraft Si2

PLASA Focus also marks the first UK appearance of the AKG DMS700 Digital Wireless System. The sophisticated new system operates on two future-proof bands, each with a tuning range of up to 155Mhz, offers up to 100 simultaneous channels, 100% digital audio transmission with no compounder, and the ability to securely encrypt data. The AKG DMS700 system is also shipping in May 2009.

Pictured: AKG DMS700 Digital Wireless System

From dbx Pro comes four new additions to the popular ZonePRO Zone Processing range of models. The 1260m, 1261m, 640m and 641m join the existing range, adding more microphone inputs, input processing on each mic input, Ambient Noise Compensation and numerous other enhancements. Shipping now is the new range of dbx System Core digital matrix processors. Based on the principles of the dbx Zone Processing products the new SC32 and SC64 matrix processors offer wizard driven configuration using HiQnet System Architect™ making unprecedented DSP power, incredible routing flexibility and a rich palette of processing tools accessible with the minimum of training.

Pictured: dbx Pro SC64 Digital Matrix Processor

Finally, Crown's new I-Tech HD flagship amplifier, a stunning product of engineering R&D, more than 60 years of amplifier heritage and systematic user input from tour sound leaders in all markets, has arrived in the UK. Developed in conjunction with sister company BSS, the next generation OmniDriveHD DSP Engine at the heart of I-Tech HD is built on a new architecture specifically optimized for fast and efficient audio processing to provide tour and contracting professionals with a new platform for signal processing. The new FIREWALL™ FIR filter technology provides significantly improved midrange clarity and dramatically improved off-axis response. The OmniDrive HD reduces latency, safeguards sonic integrity and advances system reliability. AudioCore features 24- bit, 192 kHz A/D and D/A converters. In yet another industry first, Crown Audio links the limiters in its new family of amplifiers: Crown's innovative LevelMax™ limiter technology links the previously independent Peak, Thermal and RMS Limiters, enabling more effective, elegant protection of connected speakers while advancing system performance. LevelMax limiter actions are better informed for more effective, efficient results and minimal sonic degradation. I-Tech HD is shipping now.

Pictured: Crown I-Tech 12000 HD

For more information please visit www.soundtech.co.uk

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