ORLANDO, FL ― Auralex Acoustics, Inc., the industry leader in innovative sound control solutions, continues its leadership in creating environmentally friendly products with the introduction of EcoTech, the company’s first green acoustical panel, at this year’s InfoComm show (Booth 5278). This follows last year’s announcement of the Eco-Friendly Studio Foam, the company’s first green acoustical foam product on the market.

EcoTech brand acoustic panels are manufactured with a proprietary formulation of 65% recycled polyester fibers. EcoTech panels are truly “green�; reducing the ecological footprint of acoustic treatment and our dependence on fossil fuels, including foreign crude oil. The EcoTech family of products is designed with the environment in mind, yet retains the longevity and acoustical properties for which Auralex is known. more

ORLANDO, FL ― Wireworks, the leading innovator of audio/video cabling systems and custom panels, introduces SPEN and SPE5 Loudspeaker Cords designed specifically for use with Meyer Sound’s MM-4 and MM-4XP speakers at InfoComm 2009 (Booth 5221). Wireworks newest additions to its speaker cable line are typically used with Meyer Sound’s speakers, while SPEN cords can also be employed anytime small, secure speaker cords are required.

Wireworks SPEN cords are designed for use with Meyer Sound’s MM-4 speakers, utilizing 2-pole EN3 water-resistant connectors. Available in both link and extension configurations, SPEN cords are manufactured in a variety of standard lengths with custom lengths to order. Each assembly features two 16-gauge, 26-strand conductors in a round matte-finish flexible jacket to deliver high-quality speaker level signals with minimal signal loss.

Wireworks SPE5 cords are constructed to accommodate both the power and audio signal requirements needed for Meyer Sound’s MM-4XP Self-Powered Miniature Loudspeakers. The cords feature a 5-pole EN3 water-resistant connector on each end. The cable contains one 18-gauge pair for power to the speaker and one 22-gauge shielded pair for the audio signal. more

~ New Chassis Connector Design Features Sealing Ring for Improved Shielding ~

ORLANDO, FL ― Neutrik introduces at InfoComm 2009 (Booth 6561) a redesigned and upgraded USB/Firewire Chassis Connector to meet the increasing demands for lockable and watertight digital interface connections. The new chassis connector design features a sealing ring and offers optional screen-to-chassis grounding for improved shielding effectiveness.

Neutrik’s complete USB/FireWire product line, which includes its 2.0 compliant USB A – USB B Reversible Adapters (NAUSB-W, NAUSB-W-B) and 6-pole FireWire Adapters (NA1394-6-W, NA1394-6-W-B), is now equipped with the new sealing ring and optional grounding, and is available with either nickel or black housing. This new design is the first step in providing an IP-protected and lockable data connection. more

Toronto, Ontario, Canada – June 2, 2009 … In its quest to overhaul Audio Control Room 1 (ACR1)—the larger of its two main control rooms housed in its Masonic Temple location— and equip the facility with a full digital path, MTV Canada, a subsidiary of CTV, faced numerous technical and logistical considerations. Chief among them was selecting a mixing console that not only met MTV Canada’s current broadcast production conditions, but one that could grow and adapt to meet their evolving requirements. After an extensive series of evaluations, those most closely involved in the selection process made their decision and chose a new mc²56 digital console from Lawo. more

Alachua, FL––Sabine is now shipping its new SWM6000 Smart Spectrum™ Wireless Microphone Systems, another in its series of wireless solutions that are immune to a whole host of problems associated with the recent dramatic shrinkage of available UHF frequencies.

The SWM6000 Series operates in the 915 MHz ISM band, which is license-free and available for use in North and South America. Because this band is outside the range of frequencies that were recently allocated for consumer wireless products and Digital TV, wireless users will be able to use all 35 of the available channels offered by the Sabine SWM6000 without interference from DTV or other UHF devices.

“The wireless pro audio industry is in the midst of a major shift, and it is clear that new solutions are needed,� says Doran Oster, President of Sabine. “We think the most logical path is to offer wireless systems that do not share spectrum with this deluge of new consumer wireless products, and the overwhelming signals of Digital TV stations.�

Going beyond solving the RF challenges, Sabine has made sound quality the first priority for the SWM6000 systems. A highly refined dual companding system supports the extremely clean sound. Starting with the capsule and going all the way to the output of the receiver, the new SWM6000 series does not sound like a typical wireless microphone.

SWM6000 Smart Spectrum receivers are available in one- and two-channel models and come with Sabine’s built-in processing, providing a digital channel strip in every receiver. Users can take advantage of the built-in FBX Feedback Exterminator®, compressor/limiter, adaptive de-esser, parametric filters, and Sabine’s onboard Mic SuperModelingâ„¢, which provides a virtual cabinet of microphone sounds.

Operating in the 902 to 928 MHz ISM band, the new SWM6000 carries on the tradition of innovation started with Sabine’s groundbreaking SWM7000 systems, which operate in the 2.4 GHz ISM band.

Like the SWM7000, these new systems offer built-in RF scanning and recording, selectable front panel control lockouts, networked control for the maximum number of channels, and remote control via third party controllers like Crestron or AMX.
“Offering another DTV-free band to our customers means they now have more choices,� says Oster. “Sabine can now offer the highest non-UHF channel count in the industry. Large installations requiring huge numbers of wireless mics are now viable again thanks to our investment in 21st century wireless technology.�

Long-life rechargeable NiMH batteries power the SWM6000 transmitters and each transmitter has a built-in charger jack. The convenient handheld microphone clip doubles as a charger stand — whenever a handheld mic is in the clip, the battery is recharging.

For more information about Sabine’s Smart Spectrum Wireless and full line of digital signal processors including the Navigators, Graphi-Qs, FBX Feedback Exterminators and FBX Solo-Processors, stop by Booth #5944 at InfoComm ’09, call us at 386.281.4000, or click to www.Sabine.com.

Summer Term Begins June 29

Pictured is Berkleemusic instructor and Ableton Live course author Loudon Stearns.

Berkleemusic, the online continuing education division of Boston’s renowned Berklee College of Music, has updated their online Ableton Live curriculum (including Advanced Music Production with Ableton Live) to Live 8. The Advanced Music Production with Ableton Live course offers a progressive approach to recording, editing, mixing, and mastering using the Live 8 software. The program emphasizes exploration and experimentation, culminating with a final project in which students create a full-length song or a live performance tool.

“Basically, Ableton 8 is building on how much fun it is to use Live, which is my program of choice for composing and creating sound design,” says course author and instructor Loudon Stearns. Stearns is well known for his composition skills and live sound production, as well as music for radio jingles, and scores for industrial and independent films. “Live is a great tool for trying out new ideas. Because it was designed as a performance tool you can play with ideas and variations until it fits the client’s needs perfectly. In the course, I teach the processes that I use when composing, processes that are unique to Live.”

In addition to personalized chats and interaction in the virtual classroom, Advanced Music Production with Ableton Live offers many hours of instructional videos and a wide selection of screen shots. The Berkleemusic staff also designed new computerized interactive tools resembling Google maps with Zoom features and Pop-Up captions similar to those used by VH1. “It’s fun and today’s online student is already experienced with these interactive functions,” adds Stearns. “They want something that is dramatically different from the traditional classroom.”

By the completion of the course, students will have learned how to:

* Perform unique and intricate grooves easily with any MIDI controller.
* Master Live 8′s new groove and slicing features.
* Compose with rich harmonic ideas, never hitting a wrong note again.
* Perform on the computer as a musical instrument.
* Design any sound with Live’s wide array of synths and samplers.
* Create custom layered instruments with Drum and Instrument racks.
* Enhance productions with sound effects, including the Live 8 Corpus and Looper effects.

Loudon Stearns has a new Berkleemusic blog, new videos on the Berklee YouTube Channel, and a sample lesson from the course. To learn more, visit:

http://www.berkleemusic.com

ABOUT BERKLEEMUSIC.COM
Berkleemusic.com is the continuing education division of Berklee College of Music, delivering online access to Berklee’s acclaimed curriculum from anywhere in the world. Berkleemusic’s award-winning online courses and certificate programs are accredited and taught by the college’s world-renowned faculty, providing lifelong learning opportunities to people interested in music and working in the music industry. As the business of music continues to move online, Berkleemusic is taking a leadership role in educating the next generation of producers, performers, and entrepreneurs on this evolving industry landscape. Berkleemusic’s students come from over 80 countries around the world, and include Grammy award winners, managers, artists, publishers, music business entrepreneurs and major international touring acts.

Buena Park, CA – June 2009… Hosa Technology, the leading innovator of analog and digital connectivity solutions for music, sound, and A/V professionals, announces with great pride that the company has reached a major milestone—its 25th anniversary. From its humble beginnings in 1994, Hosa Technology has developed into an internationally recognized leader that provides an expansive range of cables and connectors, MIDI interfaces, stage boxes, preamplifiers, headphones, microphones, patchbays, instrument care products, switchers, digital audio format adapters, and more. Hosa Technology marks its Silver Anniversary June 1st, 2009. more

NASHVILLE, Tenn.⎯Now in its second season, this year’s taping of Can You Duet (CMT Television) is being broadcast from the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville. Lance Smith hosts the show, which sets out to find country music’s next duo, and singer Naomi Judd has signed on again as one of the three judges for the new season. The competition is a performance-based reality TV series from the producers of American Idol. Audio production for the live taping includes two Yamaha PM5D-RH digital audio consoles, one at front of house and one at monitors, and Kooster McAllister’s Record Plant Remote dual DM2000 rig is used for remote broadcast.

“It’s tough to achieve uniform coverage on all three audience floors used of the Wildhorse,â€? states Independent FOH engineer Rick Reith. “Although this is not unusual in a concert setting, it is especially challenging in the context of a TV show where in order to accommodate the set, over half of the inputs are up to 20 feet in front of the PA.â€? Reith says he’s using all condenser mics for the setup: two for performance, a roaming host mic, and three used by the judges located on a platform directly in front of the speakers’ left hang. Performers and Smith use Shure UHF-Rs with KSM9 capsules, and the judges use Shure podium mics. Shure PSM600-ears and Clair 12AM wedges are also part of the audio set up.

“The configuration has presented some problematic and intensive EQ situations,â€? notes Reith. “One of the goals in live sound is to avoid feedback, a major priority when broadcast is involved. Depending on the venue and PA configuration, you can still rock the house, but it’s really about the remote truck feed, not your killer full range mix. It can be difficult, however, to cleanly dig out unpredictable, off-axis and incredibly low-level input mics let alone while competing with loud audiences. So, for Can You Duet’s diverse audio requirements, the PM5D-RH offers the solution, particularly when assigning either a parametric or graphic EQ as an insert in addition to the channel EQ. Also, the ability to stack them gives me more control. After the main L-R and fill, the remaining EQs are inserted on all vocal inputs and accessed by individually assigned User Define keys. Having instantaneous access to parameters sets that would otherwise require some digging really streamlines the use of the PM5D. The totally customizable User Define key is integral to my fluid operation of the console in all applications.”

On stage, Wildhorse monitor engineer Geoffrey Borchgrevink has his hands full as well. “I couldn’t imagine using anything more convenient than the Yamaha PM5D in Fader Flip Mode at monitor world,â€? says Borchegrevink. “Of all of the consoles I’ve used, the 5D is the most intuitive, and in my opinion, has the easiest learning curve. When using all 48 inputs, monitoring 13 different mixes (ears and wedges), and muting and un-muting the dialogue bus being sent from the truck, things can get a bit overwhelming at times. But, having the mixes right there on hand and being able to easily navigate through my User Define keys to quickly access the 30-band EQ, relieves the stress level just a little bit; that is, until one of the contestants decide to point the mic directly in the wedge!”

Can You Duet is scheduled to air in mid-June. For more information on the show, visit http://www.cmt.com/shows/series/can_you_duet/series.

For more information on the Yamaha PM5D-RH digital console, visit www.yamahaca.com

-END-

About Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc.:
Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. (YCAS) provides a full line of integrated professional audio products offering complete systems solutions for the broadcast, sound reinforcement/installed sound, touring, commercial recording, and post production markets. With the recent purchase of NEXO loudspeakers by Yamaha Corporation Japan, the company remains the official U.S. and Canadian distributor for all NEXO models. YCAS offers comprehensive in-house and field product training for its customers, a dedicated dealer network, and 24/7 technical support.

Photo ID: L to R Can You Duet and Wildhorse Saloon house ME Geoffrey Borchgrevink and independent FOHE Rick Reith at Yamaha PM5D front of house console.

Photo Credit: Steve Cross

A leading producer of the direct response infomercials we all know and love – Swivel Sweeper, OxiClean and Smart Chopper – as well as the subject of Discovery Channel’s popular “Pitchmen� series, Sullivan Productions recently took the Small Tree challenge to see if Small Tree’s scalable, cost-efficient shared storage technology was the right solution for their workflow needs. After struggling with its workflow for months, Sullivan Productions is completing projects much more easily thanks to Small Tree’s Edge-corE ES4524D, a 24-port Gigabit Ethernet switch, along with its PEG6 6-port Ethernet card – both of which are a part of Small Tree’s new GraniteSTOR product line.

Prior to installing Small Tree’s technology, Sullivan Productions had a separate RAID for two of its three Final Cut Pro editing suites. Its third room was used to digitize onto a portable RAID, which would then have to be moved manually to one of the other suites. This slowed down the production team because it couldn’t share anything and didn’t have access to any footage.  By installing Small Tree’s GraniteSTOR products, Sullivan Productions is now running in two  rooms concurrently for 10 hours every day, and three rooms for 10 hours at least three days a week with real-time editing and no dropped frames.

“The difference in workflow since installation [of the Small Tree equipment] is night and day,� said Stephen Cain, post-production editor at Sullivan Productions. “Just the other day I was working in Suite 1 and needed b-roll footage for another project with a tight deadline. I was able to digitize the b-roll in Suite 3 so that when I was finished with the project I was working on in Suite 1 I could pull up the footage and immediately begin working on the next project. It’s incredible that we don’t have to stop, transfer materials onto a portable drive and then move it over. The seamless, real-time editing has made life so much easier for everyone on our team.� 

Improved workflow? Check. Happier production and post-production teams? Check. But wait, there’s more.

Not only did Small Tree’s shared storage make life easier for Sullivan Productions, it did so at a fraction of the cost of a typical storage solution. “It was absolutely more cost-efficient than the system we were currently running and far less expensive than SAN solutions on the market today,� Cain continued. “Cutting the cost of our storage technology allowed us to address other pressing technology needs in our facility, such as adding more computers and software to maximize our services. I can’t think of a reason why a post-production facility wouldn’t go with this solution.�

 Small Tree is the Mac Networking Expert, making networking child’s play. Small Tree provides a complete portfolio of Ethernet-based networking and storage solutions for Apple Mac OS X customers.  Small Tree’s team of networking developers has extensive experience in high performance computing, and knows how to achieve the demanding application requirements of Mac customers.  Small Tree also provides contracted programming services for the Department of Defense.  For more information about the company and its products, please call 1-866-STC4MAC (1-866-782-4622), or visit www.small-tree.com.