HOUSTON, Texas—The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) of the Houston Independent School District evolved in 1971 from a realization that gifted young artists need highly specialized and rigorous training in the arts to be prepared for the intense competition they will meet in colleges, conservatories, and the professional arts world. The creation of HSPVA represented the first attempt by any public high school in the nation to correlate an academic program with concentrated training in the arts.

Recently, the HSPVA completed the installation of a Yamaha AFC3 (Active Field Control) System for the 400-seat Denney Theater. The system, provided by Sound Productions of Irving, Texas and installed by Covenant Communications of Houston, is the first AFC3 installation, using the new AFC-FIR card released at InfoComm 2012, in the world. The HSPVA AFC3 installation includes 20 speakers with four mics all out in the main auditorium.

The project’s architect, Abe Sustatia of Sustatia Architects, contacted Covenant. “We were asked to design and install a new sound system for the Denney Theater and the black box theater,� states Shawn Mullins at Covenant. “While working with both Abe and the school to determine the best route for the sound system, they asked about options to help the acoustic environment in theater. They have multiple choral and musical groups, and since the theater was so acoustically dead, the school had to move musical performances to other venues that became costly and troublesome.�

“This is my fourth year as the Technical Director at HSPVA,� states Marc Duncan. “To say that we have had sound reinforcement issues would be an understatement of exponential proportions. After three years attempting to repair/replace or reinvent our acoustic orchestra shell and its implementation, we thought we had finally found what we believed was the best ‘sound’ we would ever achieve… until now.�

“We designed two systems, the reinforcement system, that is centered around a Yamaha LS9-32 digital console and digital snake and then the enhancement system,� Mullins continues. “We were familiar with two systems being used to enhance room acoustics, Yamaha and Meyer. We looked at both processes and felt that Yamaha suited the venue better. We contacted Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems and began the process of getting design assistance. As the project matured, we contacted Jeff Humphries of Sound Productions to make arrangements for the equipment. Sound Productions has been a great partner for us for over the past 12 years. The original design incorporated the previous generation of AFC equipment, so we were really excited when we were informed that we would be getting the new Yamaha AFC3 for this project.�

Active Field Control is a reverberation enhancement system that adjusts and enhances the acoustic characteristics of a facility while preserving the natural characteristics. This is achieved by creating feedback loops of microphones and speakers located in the reverberant field of the room to “recycle� the reverberant energy, thus extending the RT time. Yamaha AFC is used to create varying RT settings to suit different performance applications within the same facility. The system can be used to add spaciousness to under balcony or stage areas so all audience members and performers can enjoy the same sense of connection to the music and a greater shared experience. AFC systems can also be used to add early reflections or as crowd enhancements systems.

The new AFC3 processor supports transfer of FIR calculations of AFC processing to dedicated hardware. The new AFC-FIR processor card can be mounted in the AFC3 processor, and in addition to handling the processor-intensive FIR calculations, the card also provides four AES inputs for system microphone channels.

“As a performing arts school that averages 30 different events in our Denney Theater a year, half of them being from the Music Department, it is easy to understand how much this system has benefitted us,� says Duncan. “The look of shock and awe when our music department chairs heard the system for the first time was an overwhelming relief that we could finally provide a space to support the magic that takes place in our school every day.�

Duncan said the first event held for the Music Department using the new AFC System was a fundraiser where they had a 40-person choir, Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Young Performers Pop Concert, and a full Orchestra, all performing in the same space throughout the night. This event takes place throughout the whole building in all of the school’s performing spaces and averages 2,000 guests a year. “Everyone raved about how great the sound was and how shocked they were that this was the same building they had been coming to for years, but had never heard ‘this’ before. Looking back, I wonder how we ever did the event at all without the Yamaha AFC system. When we want a dead space we turn it off, and when we want more, the question now is, ‘how much more?’

As the main operator of the system Duncan said he can’t get over how quick and easy the AFC System is to operate. “We can switch between five different room environments, taking about four seconds to load each setting, and we have a 10 db range of control depending on how live we want it to sound. We can access it from the booth or from backstage, all from a simple panel no bigger than a DVD case. The Denney Theater is not just a performance space; it is also used as a classroom. Now, when we have master classes or guest artists in the space during the day, changing the acoustics of the room to customize it is fast, efficient, and a breeze. The system sounds outstanding; it’s remarkable!�

For more information on the Houston High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, visit www.hspva.org.

For more information on the Yamaha AFC System, visit www.yamahaca.com.

-END-

About Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc.:
Celebrating 125 years of Passion and Performance, and 25 years in the manufacturer of high quality digital audio consoles, 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 addition of NEXO to the product line, the company remains the official U.S. and Canadian distributor for all NEXO speaker models. YCAS offers comprehensive in-house and field product training for its customers, a dedicated dealer network, and 24/7 technical support.

COLUMBUS, OHIO: Nationwide Arena is home to the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League and is host to most of the popular musical acts that travel through Ohio’s capital city. Depending on its configuration, Nationwide Arena can accommodate between 17,000 and 21,000 people, and its recent turn-of-the-millennium design and construction have been widely praised by sports fans and critics. ESPN The Magazine wrote that Nationwide Arena is “the No. 2 stadium experience in professional sports� and the “Ultimate Sports Road Trip� deemed it the greatest arena in the NHL. However, poor sound system coverage had been Nationwide Arena’s dirty little secret since it opened its doors in 2000, and the owners were wisely unwilling to rest on their laurels. Recently, as part of a project that included a massive video upgrade, acoustical consultant Anthony James Partners joined A/V integration firm Daktronics to bring sound reinforcement in line with the rest of the arena’s amenities using efficient, point-source Danley Sound Labs loudspeakers and subwoofers.

“Achieving even coverage with conventional loudspeaker technologies is challenging because low-frequency pattern control is seldom very good,� explained Larry Lucas, director of audio engineering with Anthony James Partners. “As a result, system components interfere with each other and create uneven coverage that cannot be rectified with all the processing in the world. Danley Sound Labs’ unconventional designs array seamlessly and deliver excellent pattern control. Moreover, they are inexpensive relative to their output, which provides exceptional return on investment for the client.�

The design called for eight primary clusters distributed equally around the arena. Each cluster contains two Danley SH-96 full-range loudspeakers hard-packed side-by-side and a Danley TH-118 subwoofer. Eight wide-dispersion Danley SM-100 loudspeakers populate a delay ring that provides coverage for Nationwide Arena’s highest tier. Two additional SH-96s cover the ice. Daktronics installed all of the clusters on chain motors for easy servicing and, in the case of those clusters whose positions would interfere with musical acts, easy hoisting.

The rest of the sound reinforcement system benefitted from the retrofit as well. A new Allen & Heath iLive console provides 32 inputs and 16 outputs at the main mix position and 16 inputs and 8 outputs at a remote position. A QSC Q-Sys processor with a 500i core provides input conditioning, routing logic, and modest loudspeaker conditioning. Lab.gruppen PLM-series amplifiers deliver clean power to the Danley loudspeakers and subwoofers. Because both the Q-Sys processing system and the PLM-series amplifiers are network-ready, Daktronics was able to provide the owners with comprehensive monitoring facilities in the A/V control room.

Nationwide Arena’s new high-definition sound reinforcement system complements a new high-definition video system. Its showpiece is a new 43,000 lb. scoreboard that uses nearly sixteen million LEDs to display high-definition video on four 25-foot by 15.5-foot screens. The brilliant scoreboard hangs over center ice. In addition, two “party towers� now use LED technology to project 25-foot by 14-foot video images in the west corners of the arena. Various smaller screens project in upgraded high-definition, and the resolution of the ribbon video board that circles most of the arena is doubled.

“With the Danley system installed, the coverage is close to perfect,� said David Sturzenbecher, audio project engineer with Daktronics. “The design specification called for +/- 4dB throughout, and the system measures closer to +/- 2dB throughout. Because the Danley products deliver so much output, we needed vastly fewer boxes to provide full coverage than we would have used with conventional loudspeakers or line arrays. That let us give them a very high-performance system at a much lower price tag. And not only is the coverage excellent, but so too is the fidelity and low-frequency extension.� Jeff Baumgartner, Nationwide’s in-house A/V engineer stated, “Daktronics design engineers created a virtual arena and accurately predicted the performance throughout the arena. Overall, I am extremely pleased with the system. Coverage is darn near perfect.�

ABOUT DANLEY SOUND LABS Danley Sound Labs is the exclusive home of Tom Danley, one of the most innovative loudspeaker designers in the industry today and recognized worldwide as a pioneer for “outside the box” thinking in professional audio technology.

www.danleysoundlabs.com

Costa Mesa, CA (December 5, 2012) – QSC Audio Products is proud to announce the launch of the AcousticPerformance™ line of professional, two-way, full-range loudspeakers, ideal for a variety of installed sound reinforcement applications which require higher SPL and a stylish enclosure. All models feature a 3-inch voice coil, high power-capacity compression driver combined with high-output woofers to deliver exceptional full bandwidth reproduction.

“In keeping with QSC’s loudspeaker design philosophy, all AcousticPerformance loudspeakers feature Directivity Matched Transition™ (DMT) which matches the compression driver to the natural coverage angle of the woofer in the cross-over region�, states Phil Sanchez, QSC Loudspeaker Product Manager. “When combined with their axisymmetric waveguides, AcousticPerformance loudspeakers deliver a flat power response with smooth and accurate sonic reproduction and remarkably consistent coverage both on and off-axis.�

AcousticPerformance models may be used in passive (full-range) mode to minimize amplifier channel count or bi-amp mode for greater control and performance. To further enhance performance, bi-amp and full-range tunings using QSC Intrinsic Correction techniques are available for Q-Sysâ„¢ and future QSC products.

All models feature M10 mounting points for deployment via eye-bolts as well as mount points for an optional yoke bracket. The AP-5122m multi-purpose enclosure features a 40-degree angle, making it ideal for floor monitor use, and a pole cup for deployment on a loudspeaker stand. The enclosure and terminal input cup on the AP-5122m have been designed to facilitate the cable runs for a clean appearance on stage.

Presenting a clean, unobtrusive look, AcousticPerformance grilles are unadorned, eliminating the need to cover-up logo treatments, which can be difficult to hide or remove. The grille is also lined with acoustically transparent backing, adding to the enclosure’s professional appearance.

AP-5102/5122/5152 models are available in black (RAL 9011) and white (RAL 9010) finishes. AP-5122m is available in black only. To minimize impact and disposal fees at the job site, all AcousticPerformance loudspeakers are packaged in environmentally friendly, recyclable cartons.

Key Features of the AcousticPerformance Line:

•DMT™ (Directivity Matched Transition) ensures smooth, coherent power response across the listening plane
•3� diaphragm compression delivers a clean and powerful high frequency response
•M10 fittings and yoke mount fittings offer flexible deployment options for a variety of applications
•Clean industrial design with unadorned grilles complement most decors and settings
•NL4 Speakon™ connector and covered barrier strip terminals*
•Bi-Amp / Passive Switchable
•Constructed from 15-ply Baltic birch plywood
•16-Gauge powder coated steel grilles
•Available in black (RAL 9011) and white (RAL 9010)*
•Complete EASE, CAD & BIM information available online
* Except for 5122m

For more information, visit the AcousticPerformance product page at http://qsc.com/products/speakers/ap/

About QSC Audio
QSC Audio Products, LLC is a leading manufacturer of power amplifiers, loudspeakers, digital signal processors, digital sound transport, and network audio for professional audio systems worldwide. qsc.com

Plymouth, NH – December 2012… Part of The Common Man family of restaurants, The Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center attracts audiences from all around New England and beyond for shows featuring some of the best contemporary musical and comedy acts. Booking both regional and national artists, The Flying Monkey’s upcoming schedule includes violinist / fiddler Natalie MacMaster, singer / songwriter Judy Collins, guitarist Johnny Winter, and Blue Oyster Cult, among others. Providing sound reinforcement for artists of this stature is nothing to be taken lightly. That’s why a new sound system using components from Valencia, Spain-based D.A.S. Audio was selected. more

VIENNA, Austria – Newly constructed over one of the busiest transportation hubs in New York City, The Barclays Center, home to the National Basketball Association’s Brooklyn Nets, has finalized its internal PA and is now equipped to host concerts, conventions and numerous additional events with the help of HARMAN’s AKG DMS700 digital wireless system. Installed by Parsons Electric, the complete system is used for numerous aspects of sound reinforcement throughout the 18,000-seat arena.

The Barclays Center has numerous club level suites, which will be used for events throughout the basketball season and beyond. The versatility of the suites allows events ranging from company presentations, birthday parties, or additional ‘meet and greet’ opportunities with the Nets. Each club is installed with two DMS700 systems to ensure flexibility and quality, without signal weakness. The suites and additional back rooms also host post-game interviews, press conferences and VIP events for the Nets.

In the arena, or “bowl,� the AKG system is deployed for the national anthem before the games, and during events as emcees carry handheld units, running around entertaining the crowd with promotions.

In such a large venue, where numerous events may be live at once, it was imperative the wireless functionality was not easily impeded. Project Engineer, David Potts of Parsons literally sat in the announcer’s booth for a week to perform an RF analysis for the entire building. During the center’s debut concert series, eight performances by Nets co-owner Jay-Z, the in-house AKG wireless system was running in the background and showed no signs of interference.

“AKG is very reliable, feature-packed and easy to use,� stated Potts. “As system designers, we chose DMS700 for its reliably, durability, ease of installation and functionality. The customer-friendliness of the system is amazing, and each club maintains a strong signal. It sounds great in all of the rooms, which makes the customer happy.�

The Barclays Center now boasts 18 AKG DHT700 D5 handheld transmitters, 16 SRA2B-W remote antennas, nine DSR700 dual wireless receivers, two HSC271 headsets, two Perception 170 condenser microphones, a DPT700 digital bodypack wireless transmitter and a PS4000-W antenna DA/power distributor.

“When I first saw the AKG systems on the spec sheets, even before I was allowed in the building, I was excited to come in and try them out. DMS700 are robust units, and have plenty of feature sets other systems simply do not,� said Matt Kaitila, AV Technical Engineer at the Barclays Center. “Our mics are providing a thick sound, with a nice bit of brightness to it.�

“AKG has a trust worthy reputation and it compliments the Barclays Center sound system quite well,� continued Kaitila. “DMS700 cuts through nicely. We’ve basically locked in all of our frequencies. It’s going to be a great unit for the different type of events we’ll have for the bowl.�

For more information about AKG, please visit http://www.akg.com and http://www.youtube.com/AKGacoustics. For more information on Parsons, please visit http://www.parsonscorp.com

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets — supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,900 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.4 billion for year ended June 30, 2012.

Linear Announces eMerge Essential – Affordable, Scalable Browser-Based Access Control

Linux-based eMerge Essentialâ„¢ and Essential Plusâ„¢ systems install quickly, operate reliably and offer many features found only in higher-cost systems.

Carlsbad, CA – December 3, 2012 – Linear LLC, the leader in residential and commercial access control, emergency response and security solutions, announces the first products from Linear’s new eMerge e3-Series: the eMerge Essential and eMerge Essential Plus embedded browser-based network appliances. Designed to suit most moderately-sized businesses, the new eMerge Essential units provide 1-door/2-reader access control and immediate out-of-the-box expansion capabilities to grow the system to 4-doors/8-readers with no additional hardware required.

Reliability is a priority with eMerge, so all e3-Series eMerge systems rely on an IT-friendly embedded Linux operating system. By using solid state hardware, eMerge products are protected from risks including: hard drive failures, virus/spyware attacks, and Microsoft updates which can unknowingly take a system offline. Additional access control assurance is provided via the optional Power over Ethernet (PoE) or the ability to backup via uninterruptible power supply. The eMerge Essential Plus includes a self-contained battery back-up with a UL294-approved 60-watt supervised power supply, enclosed in heavy-duty steel cabinet.

Adding to the Linear e3 Series’ value is an intuitive, ultra-fast setup wizard that saves hours of setup time versus traditional systems. Integrated inputs/outputs enhance functionality while a high-speed processor can handle more than 30 transactions per second, allowing multiple users to access simultaneously. The eMerge Essential and Essential Plus also grow with a business, seamlessly scaling up to more robust eMerge e3 systems, such as the Elite 36 or 64, when additional doors and readers are necessary, via a simple software upgrade.

Once installed, remote management enables system status access and updates with any browser on any operating system via the Internet. The eMerge dashboard includes floor plans and event logs offering a full system status at a glance, optimized for viewing on computer monitors, iPhones, iPads, Androids and other mobile devices. Data can be backed up automatically to Micro SD or FTP-based storage to ensure there’s always a record of who has come and gone.

“The Linear eMerge Essential has all the access control and management features many businesses require, whether they are in commercial, industrial, banking, medical, retail, hospitality or some other segment,� said Duane Paulson, senior vice president of product and market development. “eMerge offers tremendous value from a cost perspective but also because customers can easily install an entry-level solution with features normally found in large-scale systems, and still upgrade to more doors and readers as the business grows.�

The eMerge Essential and eMerge Essential Plus are protected by a ruggedized polycarbonate or metal enclosure.

For more information about Linear LLC, please visit www.linearcorp.com/e3emerge or call 1-800-421-1587. Linear can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Linear LLC
For over 50 years, Linear LLC has been an innovator in the security market. Linear’s legacy includes the early application of passive infrared detection and radio frequency (RF) transmission, technologies that revolutionized the wireless security and access control industries. Today, Linear delivers class-leading wired and wireless products into a variety of markets serving the access control, security and home technology needs of its customers. A subsidiary of Nortek, Inc., Linear continues to expand its product and engineering prowess, leveraging the knowledge gained from strategic acquisitions and custom product development which will help lead the company into the next 50 years. To learn more, visit www.linearcorp.com.

Linear is a subsidiary of Nortek, Inc. a global, diversified company whose many market-leading brands deliver broad capabilities and a wide array of innovative, technology-driven products and solutions for lifestyle improvement at home and at work. Please visit www.nortekinc.com for more information.

BUENA PARK, Calif.—Logic Systems Sound & Lighting, Inc. of Valley Park, MO, recently provided a NEXO GEO S12 rig to the historic Fox Theatre in St. Louis for a Straight No Chaser concert. On the road, Straight No Chaser has built a reputation as an unforgettable live act. Now supporting their SNClive Tour, the 10-member a cappella ensemble’s tour will continue into summer 2013.

Logic Systems Audio Department Manager, Brian Bird and Systems Engineer, Pat Murphy outfitted the 5,060-seat Fox with 20 NEXO GEO S1210s, four NEXO GEO S1230s, six NEXO RS18s, eight NEXO PS8s, and eight NEXO 4×4 NXAMPs. The band is also carrying a pair of Yamaha M7CL digital consoles for mixing duties on the tour.

“The Fox Theatre is a difficult space to cover from a single array position,� states Bird. “The large balcony and overhang make it tricky to cover the entire balcony, while still having a direct line of sight to the front of house mix position which is at the rear of the floor level and deep under the balcony. To accomplish the task at hand, a low hang with a 14-degree vertical angle seemed to work best. This angle is hard to achieve with many boxes on the market today, however, we are able to do so with the GEO S12.�

Bird said the layout for the NEXO system they chose modeled extremely well in the NEXO NS-1 software. “In my experience, the software is spot on, if you take the time to build the model properly. For a lower SPL show like this, the clarity of the GEO S12 fit the Straight No Chaser concert perfectly, and was the best choice. We work in this venue regularly and typically use our NEXO GEO T rig, but in this case, the S12 was definitely a better fit.�

For more information on Logic Systems, Inc., visit www.logicsound.com.

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

-END-

About Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc.:
Celebrating 125 years of Passion and Performance, and 25 years in the manufacturer of high quality digital audio consoles, 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 addition of NEXO to the product line, the company remains the official U.S. and Canadian distributor for all NEXO speaker models. YCAS offers comprehensive in-house and field product training for its customers, a dedicated dealer network, and 24/7 technical support.

International EDM festival stages first US event with K1, KUDO and KARA

NEW YORK CITY — Since its Amsterdam debut in 2000, Sensation has grown to become one of the world’s most successful and respected indoor electronic dance music (EDM) festivals. After producing more than 70 events for over two million people in two dozen countries, creator ID&T recently teamed up with promoter Live Nation to bring Sensation to North America for the very first time. As with all of its other productions, ID&T specified the deployment of a full L-ACOUSTICS system to keep the high-tech party hopping well into the night. more

Twin Cities-area house of worship increases intelligibility and presence with KIVA

MAHTOMEDI, Minnesota – November 2012 — L-ACOUSTICS Certified Provider Audio Video Electronics (AVE) of Maple Grove, Minnesota, reports that it recently installed an L-ACOUSTICS KIVA loudspeaker system at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in nearby Mahtomedi.

According to AVE Vice President Kevin Crow, “St. Andrews has a beautiful 1,200-seat sanctuary with a nearly five second reverb time, so going into this project, we knew that speech intelligibility was one of our primary issues of concern. Furthermore, with an 80-member choir, chamber group and huge pipe organ, St. Andrews’ services feature quite an emphasis on music as well, and they were wanting to have it feel more ‘present’ in the sanctuary seating areas.” more

Torrance, CA – Naoki Ebimoto, president of Shotoku Broadcast Systems, the international manufacturer of advanced manual and robotic camera support products, today announced that John T. O’Keefe has been named vice president, sales & marketing. O’Keefe, a highly-respected industry veteran with over 25 years experience, will oversee all sales and marketing operations in North America.

“John enjoys a well-deserved reputation as an expert in the field with high standards and uncompromised integrity,� said Ebimoto. “He not only supports his customers, but truly partners with them to ensure they benefit from the very best operational and business solutions possible. He’s the ideal candidate to drive our business as it continues to expand in North America.�

O’Keefe is best known as president/CEO and co-founder of ProSource, a firm specializing in the import and distribution of broadcast television equipment. He joins Shotoku directly from Panasonic Systems Communications in Secaucus, NJ where he was an area/partner sales manager. O’Keefe previously served ten years as vice president, sales and marketing for Anton Bauer where he had complete sales and marketing responsibility for both the domestic dealer/reseller and overseas distribution networks.

O’Keefe holds a BS degree in Marketing from the University of Bridgeport. He is based in Shelton, CT and can be reached at okeefe@shotoku.tv or +1 866 SHOTOKU.

About Shotoku Broadcast Systems
Shotoku Broadcast Systems is an international leader in the manufacture and marketing of a full range of camera support products with emphasis on manual and robotic pedestals and pan/tilt heads for the television broadcast industry. The Company also provides robotic camera systems capable of interfacing with third-party equipment. Established as an engineering design firm specializing in advanced mechanics and electronic control systems, Shotoku maintains headquarters in Japan with offices in Staines, UK and Torrance, CA. The Company’s robotic camera systems are designed, developed and manufactured in Staines, UK. For further information: www.Shotoku.co.uk

# # #
Shotoku contact: Naoki Ebmioto
1-866-Shotoku • mailto:info@shotoku.tv

Press contact: Desert Moon Communications, Harriet Diener
+1-845-512-8283 / harriet@desertmooncomm.com