Edmeston, NY- October 7, 2008 - Mixer Jeff Juliano is no stranger to good sound. He’s mixed many platinum-selling albums, and is an all-around favorite mixer for artists like Jason Mraz, Josh Kelly and Lifehouse, as well as John Mayer, who won a 2003 Grammy for his album “Room for Squares” which Juliano mixed. When Jeff tried out the Dangerous Monitor ST controller in his own studio and was blown away by the sound, he immediately asked Dangerous Music to send him a Dangerous 2-Bus analog summing amp to try with his system. The rest is history.

“I have the Dangerous Monitor ST and the Dangerous 2-Bus, both of which I cannot live without now,” said Juliano. “I’ve used other monitor controllers, but I feel like I’ve stepped into the major leagues in terms of a listening environment with this equipment. It’s ridiculous! I could immediately hear the difference, and I had to have it.” more

The masked metal noisemakers in Slipknot have issued a blistering new sonic screed on “All Hope Is Gone,” the band’s first album of new music in four years and first Billboard No. 1 album.

Bassist Paul Gray installed a full Peavey professional sound-reinforcement system for the band’s rehearsal room just in time to begin work on the follow-up to the Platinum-selling “Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses,” which spawned the Grammy®-winning single “Before I Forget.” more

The Control 2P is ideal for a broad range of applications in broadcast, desktop audio production and commercial audio installations.

With the opening of the 125th AES Convention in San Francisco, JBL Professional is proud to announce its Control® 2P Compact Powered Reference Monitor is now shipping. The Control 2P is a 5-inch 2-way powered speaker system with accuracy and features required for professional broadcast, desktop production and commercial audio applications. Mounting capability and compact format make the Control 2P ideal for small fixed install applications and portable presentation systems.

The Control 2P is based on the platform of its legendary predecessor, the Control 1 Pro, utilizing the same studio-quality transducers and crossover, while incorporating internal amplification and features for professional audio production and installation. The Control 2P System (Model “C2PS”) includes two speakers, one of which incorporates power amplification and user controls for itself and the connected passive speaker. Snap-on pedestals are included to optimize the listening angle for desktop production applications.

“The development of the Control 2P is JBL’s response to the demand for a compact, accurate system in broadcast, desktop audio production and commercial install applications,” said Peter Chaikin, Director of Marketing, Recording & Broadcast, JBL Professional. “Affordable computer-based desktop audio/video production is driving the need for an affordable yet accurate reference monitor. Additionally, broadcasters have an ongoing need for a compact, high-quality professional monitor that will perform reliably in fixed and mobile systems. And systems integrators need a compact high fidelity system for use in environments such as small conference rooms and commercial spaces. The Control 2P is the solution.”

Desktop Audio/Video Production

The Control 2P loudspeaker can be utilized as a professional reference monitor, adding full, accurate sound to desktop audio/video production systems at a price comparable to that of a pair of computer speakers. The Control 2P offers high output and impressive low frequency for its size, providing the performance needed when working with unprocessed music tracks and audio signals. The Control 2P also incorporates convenient features for professional desktop production including: a headphone jack; side-mounted large volume control, which simultaneously controls the left and right speakers; an internal peak limiter that protects the system from damage caused by continuous overdriving; and an overload protection system with an LED indicator. A high-frequency contour control allows the user to tailor high-frequency response to application requirements. Included snap-on pedestals elevate the front of each Control 2P speaker to optimize the listening angle in desktop applications.

“Affordable computer-based desktop audio/video production is driving the need for a really affordable and accurate reference monitor,” Chaikin said. “The production customer on a budget can now have accuracy, fidelity and JBL quality required for professional content creation.”

Broadcast

With impressive output and accuracy in a compact form-factor, the Control 2P is the ideal utility monitor for the professional broadcast environment. The Control 2P offers excellent acoustic attributes, with linear frequency response and impressive low-frequency performance. Integrating the high-sensitivity Control 2P transducers and a 35 watt-per-channel amplifier, the system boasts remarkable peak output.

Meeting the needs of broadcasters, the Control 2P includes magnetically shielded transducers for use near magnetically sensitive equipment, and balanced XLR inputs that allow connection to professional recording and broadcast equipment. Integrated mounting capability and an optional mounting kit allow the system to be wall mounted in broadcast facilities. “The Control 2P provides broadcasters with a more affordable, higher-performance system than previously available, making it ideal for use in control rooms and mobile systems,” Chaikin added.

Commercial Audio

Small conference rooms and portable presentation systems can now benefit from high output and JBL fidelity at an unprecedented price point. The light weight and portability of the system allows the Control 2P to be easily transported in a shoulder bag, along with a portable projector and laptop. The Control 2P features unbalanced RCA inputs for connection to consumer-level devices including projector outputs, CD players, computers and personal music playback systems. For fixed installation applications, the Control 2P is wall-mount capable with an optional mounting kit. “Thanks to its versatility and high performance, the Control 2P is ideal for video and audio playback systems and portable presentation configurations,” Chaikin said. “Combine this with the product’s affordability, and the Control 2P is a no-brainer for a broad range of applications.”

The Control 2P system (Model C2PS) includes one powered “master” speaker, one passive extension speaker, and power supply, for US$249.00 MSRP. The Control 2P powered Master speaker is also available separately (Model C2PM) with a power supply for US$189.00 MSRP. The optional MTC-2P Mounting Kit contains two wall-mount brackets and a power supply holster, for US$25.00 MSRP.

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The EON300 series features two new models, extending the reach of the new EON line to an even more affordable level.

Rapidly adding to its groundbreaking and industry-standard EON® series portable loudspeakers, JBL is introducing EON300 series portable PA loudspeakers at AES. The EON300 series puts the next generation of EON systems within reach of an even broader range of users, delivering the same fundamental design features, sonic performance and integrated utility as the new EON500 series, at an even more affordable price.

“Given EON’s reputation as the all-purpose solution for instant sound reinforcement, it was imperative that the new line of EON products be the most versatile portable PA loudspeaker series on the market, in terms of power, portability and price,” said Simon Jones, Director of Marketing, Portable PA, JBL Professional. “With the introduction of the EON300 series models–making JBL EON technology even more accessible–EON truly is the ultimate do-anything PA, for everyone, everywhere.”

The EON300 series loudspeakers are the result of ground-up design and engineering integration of all the necessary components necessary for a portable system. All electro-acoustic components have been specifically designed to work together in a highly optimized manner. The efficiencies of design have also reached the construction of the systems making them more robust and reliable than ever.

Through cutting edge mechanical design and expertise in materials the EON300 series loudspeakers are not only as compact as they possibly can be but are significantly lighter than competitive models–the key to portability.

Each of the EON300 series 2-way loudspeakers offers a high performance-to-price ratio, with a very simple user interface, along with multiple handles and suspension utility.

The EON315 15-inch two-way loudspeaker system offers a total of 280/560 watts (continuous/burst) power and weighs a slight 35 pounds (15.9 kilograms). The EON315 features a 15-inch JBL woofer and a 1-inch exit compression driver with a neodymium motor on a 100 x 60-degree wave guide. The input is mic-line switchable and offers connectivity flexibility in the form of a balanced XLR/quarter-inch combo connector. The EON315 also features one XLR output to facilitate signal loop through.

The EON305 is a 15-inch passive two-way loudspeaker featuring 250/500/1000 watts (continuous/program/peak) power handling. It offers a 15-inch JBL woofer and a 1-inch exit compression driver with a neodymium motor on a 100 x 60 wave guide. The inputs include two Speakon®/quarter-inch combo jacks linked in parallel. The EON305 is the perfect powered-mixer match, delivering all the fundamental EON attributes to a pre-existing system.

“EON defined the molded speaker category over 10 years ago, now this next generation of EON has redefined it,” Jones added. “With the EON300 and EON500 series, we have a full product offering fitting the needs and financial scope of a huge number of sound reinforcement users across all markets worldwide. It’s what everyone is looking for in a portable PA system: more power, more performance, and even more portability.”

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The EON500 series features three new models, building on EON’s reputation for unmatched performance, reliability and portability.

Representing the next generation of its groundbreaking and industry-standard EON® series portable loudspeakers, today JBL is introducing the EON500 series. The unveiling of the EON500 series self-powered and lightweight speakers immediately raises the bar in the category of molded powered loudspeakers in all aspects, from industrial design to sonic performance, integrated utility and portability.

“Since its introduction in 1995, the EON series has led the way in terms of versatility, performance and value, as evidenced by the sale of nearly one million EON speakers to date,” said Simon Jones, Director of Marketing, Portable PA, JBL Professional. “Thanks to the acute attention to detail in the design engineering of EON, the highest level of quality is delivered to the end user. JBL has developed the new EON500 series loudspeakers with this same dedication to performance and reliability, while increasing portability, through an even lighter system and designed ergonomics. It has more performance, it’s lighter and it’s even easier to move around.”

There are three models in the new EON product range. Each of the full-range EON500 series compact, lightweight models features an on-board mini-mixer with loop-thru or mix-out capability, allowing for greater control of the loudspeaker’s output. The EON500 series loudspeakers also offer selectable EQ, multiple suspension points, soft-grip handle and a full screened backed grille for extra component protection.

The EON500 series loudspeakers feature a combination of JBL’s patented engineered components, enabling a smaller enclosure and lighter weight than competitive models. When combined with the products’ ease of handling, the EON500 series loudspeakers are ideal solutions for everyone from mobile DJs and musicians to systems integrators.

The unmatched reliability of the EON500 series loudspeakers is the result of JBL’s integrated design of the woofer, amplifier, wave guide and thermal management of all components. Additionally, all electro-acoustic components have been specifically engineered for the EON system. Because the features and manufacturability of the system have also been developed in unison, the highly refined production process contributes to the reliability of the products.

The EON515 and EON510 are both 2-way powered speaker systems, offering mic and line level inputs, as well as selectable system EQ, giving users a “loudness” type control and the ability to roll off the low frequency for maximum performance with a subwoofer or when used as a floor monitor. Both models feature one XLR/ quarter-inch combo connector and additional quarter-inch inputs providing input flexibility and the ability to mix multiple sources. Each loudspeaker features one XLR output where the output signal is selectable, either the whole mix may be looped to another speaker (or sent to a mixing console), or simply the primary input for traditional “daisy-chaining.”

The EON515 is a 15-inch 2-way loudspeaker system offering a total of 450/900 watts (continuous/burst) power. All power in the EON515 is derived from latest Crown® Class–D technology; it’s highly efficient, compact and incredibly lightweight—less than 33 pounds (15 kilograms). The EON515 offers a 15-inch Differential Drive® woofer, a compact high-performance compression driver with a 1-inch exit and neodymium motor on a 100° x 60° wave guide.

The ultra-compact EON510 10-inch 2-way loudspeaker system offers a total of 280/560 watts (continuous/burst) power, weighing only 17 pounds (7.7 kilograms). The EON510 offers a 10-inch Differential Drive woofer, a compact high-performance compression driver with a 1-inch exit and neodymium motor on a 100- x 60-degree wave guide.

The EON518S subwoofer features a single 18-inch Differential Drive woofer in a vented enclosure, powered by a 500/1000 watts (continuous/burst) amplifier. It features a pole mount cup for sub/satellite applications, level control, dual inputs, a stereo crossover network, peak limiter and polarity reverse switch. It also has a speaker level input increasing connectivity, flexibility and system configuration options.

“Once described as ‘the ultimate workhorse, utility loudspeaker,’ the success of the EON line is based on its broad appeal, ranging from simple PA applications to professional sound reinforcement, making it extremely useful for DJs, musicians, major rental companies, schools, churches and institutions alike,” Jones added. “As with the existing EON lineup, utility will continue to drive the success of the new EON models, which truly represent the next generation in portable loudspeakers.”

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Reinforcing JBL VERTEC® as the concert sound industry’s most powerful, versatile, and reliable line array, Firehouse Productions has been providing sound reinforcement services for Nine Inch Nails’ current “Lights in the Sky” tour with a substantial arena-sized system.

In support of its recent release, “The Slip,” Nine Inch Nails embarked on the “Lights in the Sky” tour with a performance in Vancouver, British Columbia on July 25. After two months of touring throughout North America, Nine Inch Nails is currently on tour in South America.

Over the years, Nine Inch Nails has earned a reputation for sonically and visually dynamic live performances, and the band’s current tour is no different. Three transparent “stealth” video screens are raised and lowered throughout the concert, with animation and effects being displayed on the screens.

An equally sophisticated audio system completes the immersive experience of the concerts. Pete Keppler, front of house engineer for Nine Inch Nails’ “Live: With Teeth” tour in 2006, is handling the same duties for “Lights in the Sky.” As in 2006, Firehouse Productions has deployed JBL VERTEC line arrays for the main PA system on the tour. “We have enjoyed tremendous success with VERTEC in the past and have found it to be one of the most powerful and controllable line arrays available,” Keppler said.

The tour system features main left/right hangs of up to 14 VT4889 full-size line array elements per side along with wraps of eight VT4889 loudspeakers per side. The system is augmented by three VT4887 compact line array elements per side for down fill, along with VT4880A Ultra Long Excursion arrayable subwoofers.

“The VERTEC system not only delivers what we need from an audio standpoint, but it’s also extremely versatile, easy to configure and tune, especially with the improvements offered by JBL’s new V4 DSP presets,” Keppler added. “For a concert tour that aims to provide such an intense and immersive event, the VERTEC line arrays have proven to be the ideal fit.”

Firehouse Productions can be reached at www.firehouseproductions.com or at 845-758-9898.

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The VP7212/ 95DPC and VP7215/95DPC feature smaller size and flexible mounting.

Further extending the versatility of its revolutionary VP (Venue Performance) Series powered loudspeakers, JBL Professional is introducing two new compact models to the lineup: the VP7212/95DPC and the VP7215/95DPC. The two new models bring the total model count in the VP Series to 10, and are designed for portable or fixed installation sound reinforcement applications where high output, low distortion, and the highest quality sound is required.

As with previous VP Series models, these two new models are optimized for applications where multiple individual loudspeakers are required for a distributed system or where multiple loudspeakers will be configured into arrays for point-source clusters. Each system features a JBL DPC-2 DrivePack® electronics module, designed in coordination with Crown Audio, JBL’s Harman sister company. The compact DPC-2 DrivePack features DBT (Dual Bridge Technology™) that directly links each voice coil to a discrete amplifier channel for the low frequency section improving overall efficiency

The VP7212/95DPC is a 12-inch, 2-way full-range powered loudspeaker system. The high-frequency utilizes a 2452H-SL 1.5-inch exit compression driver with a 4-inch voice coil mounted to a 90- x 50-degree Progressive Transition™ (PT) waveguide. The low frequency utilizes a JBL 2262FF Differential Drive®, direct cooled woofer with a 3-inch dual voice coil. The system is driven by a JBL 1750W peak (875W continuous) DPC-2 DrivePack. The VP7212/95DPC utilizes nine M10 attachment points (three top, two bottom, two each side panel) and two M6 fittings on the rear panel and incorporates an integrated 35-millimeter stand mount socket in the bottom panel of the enclosure.

The VP7215/95DPC is a 15-inch, 2-way full-range powered loudspeaker system. The high-frequency utilizes a 2452H-SL 1.5-inch exit compression driver with a 4-inch voice coil mounted to a 90- x 50-degree Progressive Transition (PT) waveguide. The low-frequency utilizes a JBL 2265FF Differential Drive, direct cooled woofer with a 3-inch dual voice coil. The system is driven by a JBL 1750W peak (875W continuous) DPC-2 DrivePack. The VP7215/95DPC utilizes 13 M10 attachment points (four top, three bottom, two each side panel and two rear panel) and incorporates an integrated 35- millimeter stand mount socket in the bottom panel of the enclosure.

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Benefits Of Proven Software Legacy For New Products

Studer’s remarkably successful OnAir 3000 Digital Broadcast Console has had a software upgrade to V3.0.

The new software, which coincides with the introduction of the smaller sister OnAir 2500 console, adds new functions and facilities to this highly-regarded digital desk.

Primarily, the new version was introduced to allow the OnAir 2500 to share all the common operating systems of the OnAir 3000 which allows operator continuity across both consoles as well as providing the OnAir 2500 with a proven and stable software base.

Introduced with the new OnAir 2500, the brand new motor fader module extends the great variety of optional OnAir 3000 modules.

It contains six 100mm faders, four large illuminated and configurable pushbuttons with replaceable lables and twelve illuminated small pushbuttons per channel. Two LEDs in each fader strip indicate channel overload (red) and active fader start (blue).

Eight small pushbuttons beside every fader allow immediate access to the linked subpage in the main screen of the OnAir3000 (Touch ’n Action) for quick interaction on channel parameters, no matter which content was shown before a button is activated. Level and gain reduction meters are shown on an OLED display on every channel. Channel label, the I/O sharing producer system name and channel process parameters are also indicated on the OLED. A touch sensitive rotary encoder with two associated pushbuttons below every display allows you to change the indicated channel parameters without losing focus on the fader strip. The OLED display gives outstanding readability of condensed content, even when used in bright environments.

I/O sharing with other OnAir consoles

Encapsulating the fundamental mechanisms of I/O sharing into a functional extension module together with the DNet Framework which can run on any Studer product is the base to smoothly integrating all Studer products in the future. OnAir consoles Route 6000 and the Vista product line will then be able to share their local inputs, outputs and ?-busses.

To compensate audio for video signal offsets when operating the OnAir 3000 in a TV environment, software V3.0 provides a delay function to all consoles based on the SCore Live. During operation, delay can be activated and adjusted on input channels, master-, aux- and N-x busses and subgroups. It is possible to set any delay time between 0 and 5 seconds in a resolution of milliseconds.

System Surveillance via SNMP

With version 3.0, the system state of an OnAir console can be optionally monitored via SNMP messaging. The Simple Network Management Protocol is a common method to monitor and control networked devices independent of type and usage. The way SNMP is implemented enables two different methods to receive information from a single or multiple OnAir systems in an IP network.

Systems can actively send critical or other important status information to an SNMP manager connected to the network. Special messages (Traps) are triggered when parameters reach or surpass predefined thresholds, e.g. a processor’s temperature has risen to a critical level or a console’s OnAir state is activated. Additionally, traps are sent on any occurring system alert, without the need for any user interaction. Parameters to create traps and their associated thresholds can be configured in a corresponding XML file for each console.

For surveillance issues, users can also request the current status information of system parameters (Polls). This is possible at any time and independent from status and parameter.

To view SNMP messages from an OnAir system, customers can use any third party SNMP manager software.

Radio Automation via TCP/IP

To support distributed studio setups, software version 3.0 now tunnels Studer’s automation protocol via TCP/IP. Longer distances between console (SCore) and automation system can be achieved using the existing network interface of the host controller. Multiple automation sessions from the same console can be achieved through tunneling, providing control of multiple playout systems in parallel.

Amongst other enhancements, up to 16 additional external talkbacks (sources and destinations) can be configured, depending on the core configuration.

Software V3.0 is available to all OnAir 3000 users via Studer’s FTP site, on CD by request.

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Crown Audio today announced the promotion of Bradford Benn to Director of Application Engineering. In this role Benn will be responsible for leading application engineering efforts in the U.S. and internationally. He will report to Vice President of Marketing, Marc Kellom. Previously, Benn served as Business Development Manager, where he focused on the creation of sales tools and was heavily involved in the evolution of System Architect™ and HiQnet™. He began at Crown as a Product Integration Manager, and has served in other roles including Director of Product Application Support.

Before joining Crown, Benn was with Soundelux Showorks as a Senior Design Director. He worked on the design, building, and installation process for audio, video and control systems for numerous different projects ranging from retail space, themed restaurants, multi-million dollar theme park attractions, sporting venues, museums, and boardrooms.

In addition to his responsibilities at Crown, Benn serves as a co-instructor for the Syn-Aud-Con Digital training seminars. His dual-background in IT and audio have uniquely prepared him for this role. He is an AES Member, chairing a Live Sound Panel at the AES Convention in October 2008. Benn is also the Vice President of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Foundation, which is dedicated to improving motorcycle riders’ safety, providing support for motorcycling and advancing the moto-lifestyle and its benefits.

“Brad’s wide range of experience in Crown, along with his background in sound engineering make him the ideal person for this position. We look forward to seeing him work closely with our customers and distributors, helping advance their knowledge about the best system design practices and principles” stated Mark Graham, President of Crown Audio.

Commenting on his appointment, Benn said today, “I’m honored and excited to begin my new role. Crown is a market leader in amplifier production and I welcome the opportunity to take on an even bigger challenge to help in the integration of the different areas of Crown to better serve our growing customer base.”

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─Yamaha PM1D, PM5D, M7CL, LS9, PM5K, PM4K consoles, Tn and PC amps and NEXO GEO Rigs Used on Major Tours─

BUENA PARK, Calif.─The summer tour season may have officially ended but was quite successful in terms of audio used by many of the national and regional sound companies who took Yamaha and NEXO products along for the ride.

Clair Bros. used a multitude of PM1D, PM5D, M7CL, PM5K and PM4Ks on many of its tours including Alicia Keys, The Police, Carrie Underwood, Travis Tritt, Elton John and Peter Frampton. PM1Ds and PM5D consoles can be heard on Panic at the Disco, Daughtry, Alter Bridge, Maroon 5, Alan Jackson, Sara Evans, Little Big Town, Terri Clark and Feist. PM5000 consoles are being used on Elton John, The Police, Luis Miguel, Dierks Bentley, and Alan Jackson. M7CL consoles can be found on Talking with Dinosaurs, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, and Terri Clark. And, for those 4K fans, this Yamaha console is being used on Elvis Costello and Miranda Lambert tours.

Clair staff engineer, Bob Bussiere, who mixes monitors for Sara Evans and also front of house for NBC’s ‘Nashville Star’ live TV show, says the PM5D is his console of choice. “The PM5D as a monitor desk has taken over as my ‘sharpest tool in the shed.’ Of all the digital consoles on the market the 5D, is in my opinion, the top. I have been using it since it first hit the market and have never had a single problem with it. The layout and options you have are unbelievable, no more outboard racks; day-day set-up is so simple. Fly dates with rental equipment used to be dreadful, and now I just load my card and off we go. This desk has become the new standard for audio engineers worldwide. Yamaha has really delivered the goods.”

For the past nine years, ClairShowco (Nashville) has supplied sound and production support for the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, both for the night-time LP Field (home of the NFL’s Nashville Titans) performances and the Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park, on and directly across the Cumberland River from LP Field. Front of house mixing, as well as monitors, for both venues was dominated by Yamaha consoles: for LP Field FOH, two PM5D-RH’s and two PM5000 48-channel analog consoles, plus two PM5D-RH’s and two PM1D’s for monitors; and for Daytime Stages FOH, two PM5D-RH’s and a DM2000, plus two PM5D-RH’s for monitors. Additionally, two Yamaha DSP5D Expanders were on hand to supplement the 48-channel PM5D’s for LP Field.

“Engineers are so familiar with the PM5D,” says Clair/Showco Account Manager, Robert ‘Koz’ Kosloskie, “that it’s now become the logical choice for both FOH and monitors.”

Neil Diamond is on tour in support of his latest CD ‘Home Before Dark’ which has already hit #1 in the U.S. and U.K., a first for the singer. Stan Miller, front of house engineer and Bernie Becker, monitor and recording engineer for Neil Diamond had a huge challenge for this tour in that the new set design has the musicians on four moving ‘pods’ (platforms). They needed to come up with a way to cable all of the musicians back to front of house, monitors and recording/playback systems. The design team at Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems determined that by using EtherSound networked audio in place of standard ‘digital cabling’ to connect the system would enable amazing results. The tour is also using a Yamaha PM5D at front of house and a second at monitors.

Eighth Day Sound VP Jack Boessneck notes that Yamaha consoles are being used on the following festival and tours: Lollapalooza Festival - (2) PM5Ds; Virgin Festival - (4) PM5Ds; American Eagle Festival - (3) PM5Ds; 311 Tour - a PM5D support desk, the True Colors Tour – a PM5D; Death Cab For Cutie Tour – a PM5D; OAR – a PM5D; Tom Jones Tour - (2) PM5Ds; Bonnaroo Festival - (4) PM5Ds; Earth Wind & Fire Tour – a PM5D; Foo Fighters - PM1D. “I don’t think there is a tour sound engineer out there who does not have a PM5D file on their computer or in their pocket,” says Boessneck.

The Atlantic City Hilton recently purchased a Yamaha PM5D console from ACIR Pro of Egg Harbor Township, N.J. for use at front of house in their theater. “We chose PM5Ds for a variety of reasons: the flexibility, reliability and sound make the console a pleasure to work on,” states Lead Audio Technician, Kevin Kelly. “More importantly, the console is usually on every rider so most of the incoming engineers have their show on a card. If they don’t, it doesn’t take that long to set it up.”

The new MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort & Casino (CT) also installed two PM5D consoles in their new 4,000 seat theater. “The console choices were made primarily by Foxwoods Entertainment based on their experience with what tools they need in their ‘toolbox’ to support the multitude of visiting acts and in selecting devices they could rely on both electronically and sonically,” states Jeff Mele, President, North American Theatrix. “The Yamaha PM5D is a popular console and is requested on many riders we deal with, so we bought two,” adds Jeff Nelson, Audio Supervisor, MGM Grand Theater.

Ringo Starr & the All Starr’s are using a PM5D and new Yamaha T5n amps at the monitor position. “We did several listening tests comparing other manufacturers’ amplifiers to the T5n,” states Mario Leccese, VP of Operations for Audio Analysts. “We found that the low end was tighter and the high frequency was more present and ‘in your face’ than any other amplifiers we have tested through the years.” Monitor engineer Aaron Goldstein is using a Yamaha PM5D at monitors based on Audio Analyst’s previous experience with the band and their requirements. “Basically, this package makes the monitor rig light, compact, feature-packed and very reliable,” notes Leccese.

Linkin Park’s Projekt Revolution Tour, Judas Priest, Heaven and Hell (featuring Ronnie James Dio), and Kool & The Gang are using PM5Ds for monitors. UltraSound (CA) also has a PM5D out for monitors on Micky Hart’s tour with an M7CL-48 at front of house. “I was first attracted to the PM5D because it is a stand-alone unit, no extra stage racks are needed,” states Kevin “Tater” McCarthy, monitor engineer for Linkin Park. “I’m also using the new DSP5D Expander for an extra 28 inputs and two extra outputs that Linkin Park requires for their summer tour.”

“I have found the desk to be very friendly to analog leviathans such as myself,” states Doug Short, monitor engineer for Judas Priest who recently used the 5D at Mohegan Sun. “The small footprint is handy as well.” Heaven and Hell monitor engineer Lorenzo Banda says “I love the console immensely.”

“One of the best things I like about the PM5D console is its Recall capabilities,” states Alfred ‘Al-Tee’ Williams, monitor engineer for Kool & The Gang. “Routing my outputs and inputs is wonderful, plus the latest software allows me to use 24 GEQs on my mixes.”

The Pat Benatar tour is using a PM5000 at front of house and a PM5D-RH digital console at monitors. “This was my first time carrying a PM5000 on tour, and I was immediately impressed with the warmth of the head amps,” states front of house engineer Rick Reith. “The separation and panning of individual inputs really stands out in the mix and, as with all Yamaha consoles, it’s a snap to get around. 12 VCAs, complete fader/mute automation, and digital recall! This is not your father’s PM series mixing console. The difference on the first night of the concert was so apparent that even our lighting guy noticed. Both Yamaha consoles have served the tour well.”

The Rock the Bells Festival, the major hip-hop event of the summer featuring Nas, Mos Def, De La Soul, Method Man and many more are using two PM5D consoles, one at front of house and one for monitors. “We have about 12 headlining acts on the same stage during the festival, so it is paramount for me to be able to store all the acts and pull them up on the fly” states Billy Flores, sound crew chief and front of house engineer. ”Without the PM5D, mixing the shows would not be nearly the ultimate experience it has been for me this summer. Since we are doing the tour ‘festival-style,’ no one sound checks and most of the artists don’t even arrive on site until 1:00 pm or so and the grounds open up at 11:00 am to about 10-15,000 concertgoers so with the settings stored on a 5D card, I’m up and running in no time.”

Known to most Midwest concert promoters as ‘the NEXO guys’ Gand Concert Sound of Glenview IL has had a record utilization of their expansive NEXO speaker inventory supplying over 140 NEXO GEO T Boxes in June alone for such tours as Dickey Betts, Jo Dee Mesina, Pat Benetar, Merle Haggard, Charlie Daniels, 38 Special, Shooter Jennings, Blue Truth, Gavin DeGraw, Frankie Valli, REO Speedwagon, Sawyer Brown, Wayne Newton, Trisha Yearwood, Loretta Lynn, Kenny Rogers, Muddy Waters Blues Fest, and Herbie Hancock.

The last weekend of June propelled the company to a new plateau. “We had over 100 NEXO speakers out the last weekend of June which gave us a chance to mop our warehouse floors,” said President Gary Gand. The company took delivery of another full GEO T system in March of this year including 24 NEXO GEO T tangent array cabinets, 12 CD18 subwoofers and thirty Yamaha PC9501N amps along with NEXO 242 processors, some Alpha boxes for side fills and more PS series cabinets for stage monitors and front fill. Infrastructure was added to support the new systems including new snakes, power distribution from Motion Labs, and rigging. Tim Swan Gand Vice President said “We purchased two additional GEO T stackers to allow us to provide GEO T rigs in venues without rigging such as outdoor parks and small theaters. The Gand staff developed a rolling stacker which allows six GEO T speakers to literally roll off the truck and onto a stage, pre-aimed and ready to rock.”

Special Event Audio in San Diego also has a stable of NEXO boxes used for regional gigs and events. Mitch Grant recently supplied a GEO T rig for one of two annual fundraisers held for the San Diego Zoo.

A NEXO GEO T rig was also used at SummerFest in Milwaukee along with two Yamaha PM5000 consoles at front of house, provided by Clearwing Productions.

In early September, Edge Audio Services (Northbrook IL) provided a NEXO GEO-S8 system for the band Chicago’s stop at Red Bull FlugTag 2008.

For more information on Yamaha and NEXO touring products, visit www.yamahaca.com.

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About Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc.:

Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. offers a complete line of integrated professional audio products for the commercial recording, production, broadcast, live sound, and sound reinforcement markets. The company has a dedicated dealer network, intensive field training, and 24-7 tech support in the U.S. and Canada.