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The engineering crew at the international headquarters of Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri selected the new Sennheiser 2000 Series wireless systems for its auto-programming functions and compliance with FCC RF regulations. |
Community of Christ Temple Updates Wireless to Comply with New FCC Regulations
Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri |
Completed in 1994 and located just minutes from downtown Kansas City, Missouri, the breathtaking Community of Christ Temple is part of the church’s international headquarters. The Temple features a 1,600-seat worship sanctuary and a number of smaller lecture halls and classrooms. The “Auditorium” located next door to the Temple facility houses a 5,700-seat auditorium and other smaller assembly halls, dining rooms and meeting rooms. Not surprisingly, the A/V systems that power the Temple are top-of-the-line in form and function. A new wireless systems upgrade to Sennheiser 2000 Series wireless systems to comply with new FCC RF regulations and to take advantage of 2000 Series’ auto-programming capabilities. The new microphones were purchased from Harvest Productions of Kansas City, Missouri.
Consistent with the grandeur of its design and the scope of the Community of Christ’s mission, the headquarters complex serves not just the needs of the church but those of the community as well. The main auditorium features an immense pipe organ and the ability to accommodate everything from a fully-featured Sunday service to concerts to theater-in-the-round to more than twenty graduation ceremonies each year. When Kansas City Chiefs’ owner and American Football League founder Lamar Hunt passed away in 2006, The Auditorium hosted his memorial service. As part of its yearly routine, The auditorium and temple are the venue for Christmas and Easter performances, concerts, plays, and conferences. And they rival many public venues in both scope and magnitude.
“If they can think it up, we are here to support it,” laughs Bob Haworth, CTS-certified electronic media systems engineer for Community of Christ. Haworth heads up the Event Media team that not only operates the facility’s equipment, but also designs and installs it. They handle projection, sound reinforcement, real-time translation, and live Internet streaming. Haworth summarizes, “If there’s a medium out there, we’re involved in it on a professional level.”
When FCC regulation changes made the frequencies of TV stations 68 and 69 no longer usable, Haworth went to work ensuring the new system would not only meet the new regulations but also make daily operations at Community of Christ much smoother. He placed eighteen dual-channel Sennheiser EM 2050 receivers in fixed positions in six different rooms throughout the facility. Those are matched by sixteen Sennheiser SK 2000 beltpacks with HSP 2 headworn microphones and MKE Series lavalier microphones, as well as eight Sennheiser SKM 2000 handheld transmitter microphones with multiple Sennheiser evolution series capsules to accommodate various acoustical situations.
The Event Media Support Team of two full time and fourteen freelance staff handle many simultaneous technical needs. “The auto-programming functionality of Sennheiser’s new 2000 Series is immensely practical,” says Haworth. “Our tech team gets it immediately. We leave all of the fixed receivers on pre-established channels that don’t conflict with the outside RF world or each other. Then, as wireless equipment is needed in various application and rooms, the operators can simply take the transmitter over to the receiver and ‘zap’ the proper frequency. It even works as groups move from room to room in breakout sessions. Nothing could be simpler or more robust!”
In addition, the variety of transmitters and microphone styles gave the church the flexibility to meet their many and varied needs. “We love the HSP 2 headworn microphones,” says Haworth. “We use those most often for spoken word. The lavs are nice too; a natural extension of the units our video crew had been using. With the handhelds, we have the ability to switch out any Sennheiser evolution wireless series capsule. That means we can use cardioid or hyper-cardioid as the needs of a service, program or event change.”
To welcome the diversity in their community, Community of Christ provides real-time translation services. Haworth is currently in the process of drafting a final design detail that involves Sennheiser IR transmitters and receivers, a reflection of the great experience we have with Sennheiser’s RF wireless equipment.
“My job is to provide sound reinforcement that is not noticed, and the Sennheiser wireless system helps my team provide quality sound for worship services and community programs,” concludes Haworth.
www.sennheiserusa.com
www.harvestproductionsinc.com
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STUFF YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW ...
Digico SD8 Scoops Awards on Both Sides of the Atlantic
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The Digico SD8 recently won numerous awards on both sides of the Atlantic. The console was also recently reviewed in Church Production Magazine. |
Confirming both its popularity and its value in the touring and House of Worship market, the DiGiCo SD8 has scooped four awards: the Pro Sound Web/Live Sound Reader’s Choice Award for New Console Mixer Digital Large Format; Best Audio Product – Digital Mixing Console and Best Overall Audio Product at WFX - Worship Facilities Conference and Expo New Product Awards; and Best New Live Sound Product in the Audio Pro Industry Excellence Awards.
This is the first year that Pro Sound Web/Live Sound and the Audio Pro International have hosted awards, with both organisations inviting their readership to vote for their favourite products, while the WFX Awards is a well-established part of the calendar, and DiGiCo is proud to have been chosen as a winner in both North America and Europe.
“We are honored to win in both the Pro Sound Web/Live Sound Reader’s Choice Award and the WFX New Product Awards,” says Matt Larson, national sales manager at Group One, DiGiCo’s US distributor. “These are prestigious awards in the live sound and house-of-worship markets and the industry as a whole. The SD8, with the new Overdrive software, has elevated it to be the professional’s choice, but it’s also easy enough to operate that a volunteer – who is often the person operating a console in a house of worship - can mix on it with ease.”
“The addition of the Audio Pro Award for best new live sound product to these prestigious awards is confirmation that we are developing products to meet the market’s demands,” adds DiGiCo’s managing director, James Gordon. “We’ve always listened to the feedback from our users and taken it onboard and I’m delighted the team effort has been recognised in this way.”
www.digiconsoles.com
LEDnovation Introduces LED Replacement Lamps for Incandescent and Flourescent Lamps
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LEDnovation, Inc. EnhanceLite LED replacement lamps can reduce energy consumption by 90%. They targeted at 100W Incandescent and CFL replacement applications in downlight and other indoor general lighting needs in the commercial and industrial markets. |
LEDnovation, Inc. announces a new addition to its line of state-of-the-art EnhanceLite LED replacement lamps. The company says its 9.8W A19 Design White lamp delivers the world’s highest lumen output for an LED replacement lamp, and is targeted at 100W Incandescent and CFL replacement applications.
The A19 LED lamp is semi directional and is equivalent to a 100W incandescent lamp while consuming only 9.8 Watts for a 90% reduction in energy consumption. It has a total efficacy of 84 lumens per watt, delivering 830 Lumens meaning light output does not have to be sacrificed for dramatic power reduction.
“This latest lamp in the EnhanceLite LED series exemplifies our commitment to developing LED retrofit lamps that deliver dramatic energy reduction without compromising on light output or quality of light,” states Israel J. Morejon, president and CEO of LEDnovation, Inc. “We have quickly set the standard for LED replacement lamps and look to continue this trend with additional product releases over the next few months,” concludes Mr. Morejon.
All EnhanceLite lamps are optimized for downlight applications and are quickly becoming a recognized solution in downlight cans for general illumination. All EnhanceLite A19 LED lamps are tested and certified to UL1993, CSA 84 and UL8750. In addition, the EnhanceLite series is designed to surpass the ENERGY STAR Integral LED Replacement Lamp specification scheduled to go into effect on August 31, 2010.
This product is targeted at downlight and other indoor general lighting applications in the commercial and industrial markets. This next generation lamp is part of the EnhanceLite series of LED lamps. All lamps are manufactured and designed in the USA. LEDnovation’s 100W equivalent LED A19-100-1D-I product is scheduled to be commercially available at the end of December 2009 for the North American market.
www.lednovation.com
SynAudCon Upgrades Audio Education Seminars With New On-Line Training Program And Web Presence
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SynAudCon recently added hands-on training exercises to their live seminars that provide attendees with a tool kit to use for testing and troubleshooting systems during the program. |
Synergetic Audio Concepts (SynAudCon) has announced plans to add on-line training courses to their audio education offerings.
“Our goal is to provide training to more people and to encourage more “synergy” among our members,” Brenda Brown, SynAudCon director explains. “With the changes in technology and the world economy, we think our new programs will be a valuable option to the industry.”
The on-line training program will consist of three levels, each offering training modules in a variety of subject areas. Audio professionals will have the option of subscribing to the levels that best suits their needs.
materials that are constantly changing will continue to be offered as in person training,” Brown continues. “Topics that are well suited for online learning will be incorporated into the new program.”
To support this new online model, SynAudCon will roll out an upgraded web presence that will encourage synergy and sharing among its members. Existing and new content will be reorganized and easier to access and new content will be added frequently establishing SynAudCon as a definitive source for audio information.
The new site infrastructure will allow SynAudCon to remain in the forefront of innovation in the face of today’s ever changing technology.
“We have dedicated all of our resources as well as the resources of a group of experts in web technology to implement these changes,” Brown concludes. “We plan to roll them out in phases during the first part of 2010.”
www.synaudcon.com
| NEW PRODUCTS |
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Aviom Introduces MT-X Expansion Box For Personal Mixers |
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Aviom, exclusive developer of the A-Net audio transport protocol, is providing its Personal Mixer users with additional connection options and durability with the introduction of the MT-X Expansion Box.
The MT-X Expansion Box can be added to any A-16 or A-16II Personal Mixer and offers users robust protection to the Personal Mixer’s case and connectors while supplying additional audio connectivity options. In addition to the 1/4-inch stereo headphone jack found on the Personal Mixers, the MT-X also offers a 1/8-inch stereo headphone jack, as well as separate XLR left/right audio outputs, streamlining connections to a wide range of listening devices. All connectors are located on the underside of the MT-X, with an internal wire harness that connects to the A-16II audio output jack and A-Net input jack. For additional durability, the A-Net input on the MT-X features a heavy-duty locking EtherCon connector.
“The most common feature requests we get are for locking connectors and a metal case. The MT-X is a cost-effective way for our existing users to get these features without having to replace their mixers,” says Chandler Collison, director of marketing for Aviom. “We know our mixers can take a real beating on stage, in the studio, and on the road, and the MT-X gives the extra protection users are looking for, as well as the convenience of more output options.”
The MT-X Expansion Box can attach to any A-16 or A-16II Personal Mixer using the MT-1 Mic Mount.
Aviom was a pioneer in personal mixing with its Pro16 Monitor Mixing System and continues to break new ground with the Pro64 Series of audio networking products. With tens of thousands of products in the field today, Aviom continues to produce high performance, scalable digital solutions. All Aviom systems harness the power of A-Net, Aviom's innovative digital audio technology that simplifies system design while enhancing flexibility and fidelity. All Aviom products are designed, tested, and manufactured in the USA.
www.aviom.com
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NEC Display Solutions Enhances NP Short-Throw Projector Series with Energy Savings |
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NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, announced today the addition of two new short throw projectors, the NP510WS and NP610S, to its NP Short Throw Series. These portable units address the needs of applications that require a short throw distance.
The wide-format NP510WS and standard-aspect NP610S employ a variety of eco-friendly features that lengthen the life of the projector, saving money and energy in the process.
The projectors utilize ECO Mode technology to extend lamp life up to 5,000 hours, and lower power consumption and noise level (29 dB) for nearly silent operation, ensuring a pleasant presentation for speakers and audiences alike. Power management controls contribute to energy savings by automatically turning the unit off when an incoming signal is not detected from any of the inputs, while quick start (3-4 seconds) and quick shutdown allow for immediate use and power off functionality without the need for a cooling period.
The NP Short Throw Series includes new features such as longer filter-usage time and a carbon savings meter whereby users can calculate the positive effects of operating the projector in ECO Mode, which is encouraged by an optional message at system startup.
“The next-generation NP Short Throw Series was purposely designed for ease-of-use in areas with small throw distances where a bright image is needed,” says Rich McPherson, product manager at NEC Display Solutions. “The NP510WS and NP610S are cost-effective products that include a multitude of technologies to help presenters give efficient and successful presentations.”
The NP510WS and NP610S projectors include the following features:
- Short-throw lens, which eliminates shadows on the screen along with projected light in the presenter’s eyes created by traditional front projection systems
- Virtual Remote (DDC/CI), which controls the projector directly from a computer without the need for additional control cables
- Remote diagnostics, which enables the user to monitor and make adjustments to the projector remotely
- Closed captioning, which enables users to display text information for the hearing impaired
- Automatic Vertical Keystone Correction, which allows the projector to be tilted up or down and still produce a square image without the need to make manual image adjustments
- Auto Power ON, which eliminates the need for a remote control by automatically turning the projector on when a signal is detected
- AutoSense, which enables quick setup for users that need fast functionality by intuitively syncing the projector with most computer signals
- Dual computer inputs (VGA and DVI-I with HDCP), which ensure quick switching between presentations
- Integrated RJ45 connection, which provides for quick connection to the LAN (10/100 base-T capability)
- Top cover lamp change, which provides easy lamp changes without removal of projector from the mount
- Powerful 7-watt speaker, which fills the volume requirements for most classrooms and conference rooms
- Optional wall mount kit, which provides flexibility during integration and allows for wall mounting
- Optional control and signal interface box, which manages power on/off, input switching and volume
The NP510WS and NP610S projectors will be available for January 2010 shipment at an estimated street price of $949 and $999, respectively. Both projectors come with a standard 2-year limited parts and labor warranty, including the first year with InstaCare (repair and return in three business days or next business day exchange)
www.necdisplay.com
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03. |
Radial PowerPre Mic Preamplifier |
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The Radial PowerPre is a high performance microphone preamplifier that has been designed from the ground up to attain maximum performance when fit inside a standard API style lunchbox frame. It features a differential design with 100% discreet components throughout to assure maximum signal integrity while delivering up to 60 dB of gain. Particular care and attention has been applied to part selection during the development to ensure low noise at all stages yet the simplicity of the design is reminiscent of the very finest vintage equipment. This delivers a design that avoids zero-cross distortion and other limitations imposed by off-the-shelf op-amps.
It features a front-panel mounted XLR input for easy access with desk top workstations and a second XLR input via the lunchbox frame for traditional patch-bay setups. Phantom power is accessed via a protective set-and-forget recessed switch. This avoids erroneous activation which could harm older vintage ribbon mics. Other features include a ground lift for the XLR output and 180-degree polarity reverse. This is augmented with transformer isolation to eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops and a 10 segment LED for optimum signal monitoring.
Company president Peter Janis further details the design concept: “We think a good preamplifier must deliver on several fronts. So when we started laying out the PowerPre’s design philosophy, we wanted a mic pre that could provide a full spectrum with clinical accuracy at one end and personality or color at the other. And with our pedigree, we did not want to do this by simply tossing in a chip and then inserting some form of EQ. Instead, we used a vintage approach whereby we introduced a transformer into the circuit and then change the applied voltage and RC networks to introduce the extra character. The three-way ‘voice’ control basically lets the audio engineer select ‘punch’ mode for a meatier bottom end to fatten up guitars or warm up a female voice; ‘normal’ mode for times when absolute pure signal gain is needed; and ‘air’ mode for times where more breath and sparkled is applied to enhance a male voice or accentuate an acoustic guitar in the mix.”
When used with the Radial Workhorse, several new features are made possible. Both 1⁄4-inch line level inputs and outputs are provided for easy connectivity while the Omniport has been designated as a high-impedance instrument input for direct to workstation recording. This is configured with a switching jack that will automatically disconnect the XLR inputs when it is being used.
The Radial PowerPre mic preamplifier combines full-size discreet components with a transformer coupled output for a vintage ‘feel’ while delivering pristine ultra-low noise for the most demanding engineer.
Retail price: $500.00
www.radialeng.com
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