NEW Shure ULX-D Digital Wireless

• 24-Bit / 48 kHz digital audio
• Wide frequency range with flat response for superb low range and transient response
• Greater than 120 dB dynamic range provides excellent signal-to-noise performance

 Encryption-enabled for any application for which secure transmission is needed

• Advanced Encryption Standard (AES-256) conforming to the US Government National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) publication FIPS-197
• Enabled via front panel menu on the receiver and sent over IR sync
• A new, unique, randomized encryption key is generated every time encryption is enabled

 Extremely Efficient and Reliable RF Performance

• Up to 64 MHz overall tuning range (region dependent)
• Up to 14 active transmitters in one 6 MHz TV channel (17 on an 8 MHz TV channel)
• Over 60 compatible channels on one frequency band
• Rock-solid signal stability with no audio artifacts extends over the entire 100 meter line-of-sight range using standard supplied dipole antennas

 Ethernet networking for streamlined setup across multiple receivers, Wireless Workbench® 6 integration, and AMX/Crestron control

Support for frequency coordination with the Axient™ Spectrum Manager

• Optimized scanning automatically finds and deploys the cleanest frequencies available
• Proprietary Shure Gain Ranging optimizes the system’s dynamic range for any input source, eliminating the need for transmitter gain adjustments
• Interference detection and alerts provide instant confirmation when interference is present

• Adapted from industry-leading Axient™ intelligent power management technology
• Lithium-Ion chemistry and intelligent Shure battery circuitry results in rechargeable batteries with zero memory effect. The battery can be recharged at any time; a complete discharge is never necessary
• Provides ULX-D transmitters with unmatched 12+ hours of performance time
• Transmitters and receivers display remaining battery life in hours and minutes accurate to within 15 minutes

http://www.shure.com/americas/products/wireless-systems/ulxd-systems/index.htm

QSC Introduces the Core 250i/500i

Shipping Spring 2012 QSC Audio has announced the next generation of Q-Sys products, designed specifically to deliver powerful digital networked audio solutions for the widest range of applications. The new Core 500i and Core 250i provide advanced centralized processing, routing and control for contractors and consultants needing a solution for smaller venues such as restaurants, nightclubs, stores, schools and churches.  These two new Core models are fully integrated solutions, each with I/O  eight card slots on-board. The Core500i is capable of up to 128 (flexible) network channels while the Core 250i provides up to 64 (flexible) channels. I/O is selectable via the various Q-Sys I/O cards. Options also include the MTP-64, and MTP-128 multitrack players.  Like all Q-Sys Cores, these systems run under a customized Linux operating system on Intel microprocessors and motherboards. IT connectivity is easily implemented utilizing Layer 3 Gigabit networking protocols and standard Gigabit Ethernet hardware.  The systems are capable of providing simple and fail-safe redundancy for mission-critical applications. Q-Sys cores are configured using an intuitive object-based drag and drop user interface that provides for the creation of nearly any imaginable signal flow. Control logic objects are provided and custom scripting may also be used to accomplish a wide range of interface or control tasks. The design GUI is capable of quickly and easily generating graphical control screens that may be run on network-connected computers, tablet devices or QSC touch-screen controllers.  QSC has also announced that Acoustic Echo Cancelling will be included with a new version of Qsys Designer software to be released this spring as well.  The Core500i will be capable of 32 channels of AEC and the Core250i will be capable of 16 channels of AEC.  Also coming this spring is the I/O-22 analog I/O box. It is a compact, standalone unit designed for widely distributed audio sources or destinations such as individual rooms in a multi-room venue (judicial chambers, classrooms, VIP suites, etc.)  It provides two mic/line inputs and two line outputs and connects directly to the Gigabit Ethernet network. It is powered by PoE or 24 VDC and includes an 8.5 watt mono amplifier and mounting plate for discreet and compact installation. http://media.qscaudio.com/pdfs/Specifications/Core250i-500i_SpecSheet_0112_web.pdf

Shure Apps Tech Tip – VP68 Omni Wireless Mic Capsule and Its Attributes

  

Shure Apps Tech Tip  – VP68 Omnidirectional Wireless Mic Capsule and Its Attributes

The Shure VP68 wireless mic capsule, introduced in June 2011, is sold as the model RPW124.  The VP68 audio pick-up pattern is omnidirectional (“all directions”), so the mic can be held upside down, or sideways, and the talker will still be heard.  This is a useful attribute when the mic is spoken into by a person that typically does not use a mic, e.g., an audience member asking a question, a family member giving a wedding toast, or a citizen addressing the city council.

Other useful attributes of the VP68 omnidirectional mic capsule are:

1) Minimal wind noise when used outdoors.

2) Minimal handling noise as the user touches or moves the mic.

3) Minimal “P” popping when the user speaks words beginning with “P”, “B”, or “T”.

4) No proximity effect [excessive bass] when the mic is positioned close to the mouth.

These forgiving attributes are beneficial for the novice mic user, plus these attributes improve the intelligibility of the spoken word.

 Link to the Shure Technical FAQ on this topic: http://shure.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/78/

 Arcana – mysterious or specialized knowledge. Shure Applications Engineering is full of it.

A Shure omnidirectional microphone, the SM11, was installed in every NASA Space Shuttle.  The mic monitored the deafening sound level of the solid fuel booster rockets, and triggered a mechanism that captured the rocket exhaust gases for analysis after the Shuttle returned to Earth.  During the entire Shuttle program from 1981 to 2011, there was only one reported failure of the SM11, and this was due to the mic cable being pulled too tight by a service technician.  The Shure Archives contains an SM11 mic that flew on multiple Shuttle missions.

Shure Apps Tech Tip – Difference between the SM57 and SM58

Shure Apps Tech Tip – Difference between the SM57 and the SM58

There is a plethora of pro audio myth regarding the SM57 and the SM58, and how they differ.  But no matter what is posted on the Internet, the fundamental difference is the type of protective grille: the SM58 has a metal ball grille and the SM57 has a plastic cylindrical grille that rotates.  The shape of each grille does slightly affect the high frequency response and this may seen on the frequency response graph printed on the User Guide supplied with each model.

Links to the Shure Technical FAQ on this topic:

 http://shure.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1118/

http://shure.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/142/

http://shure.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/256/

The SM57 was introduced in 1965, and the SM58 in 1966.  Both models employ the Unidyne III microphone element, developed by Shure engineer Ernie Seeler, and first used in the model 545 introduced in 1959.  The 545SD is essentially an SM57 with an on/off switch.   “SM” stands for Studio Microphone as the SM57 and SM58 were originally developed for use in television studios.   Two features were very important for TV: 1) The non-reflective gray finish to prevent reflections of the TV studio lights, and 2) the lack of an on/off switch to prevent onscreen talent from accidentally muting the mic.

ListenPoint Microphone/Media Interface Kit

The LPT-M1 ListenPoint Microphone/Media Interface Kit (M1) provides the ability to interface external sources wirelessly such as laptops, iPads, MP3 players or be used as a microphone with the ListenPoint system. It offers exceptional audio quality, ease of use and years of dependable service. The intuitive design allows the user to control volume. The M1 uses advanced lithium ion battery technology and intelligent battery management to maximize battery life, minimize battery charging time and increases the time between battery replacements. The included drop in charger makes charging simple and fast.

http://www.listentech.com/lpt-m1.html

Listen ADA Standards Update – Assistive Listening

In addition to this video, Listen Technologies has several resources to help you understand the requirements of the new standards.This table is taken from Section 706 Assistive Listening Systems of the 2010 ADA Standards and provides an overview of the number of receivers required based on the seating capacity. It also shows how many receivers must be hearing-aid compatible.

Table 219.3 Receivers for Assistive Listening Systems

Capacity of Seating in Assembly Area	Minimum Number of Required Receivers Contact Listen for customized quote to accommodate area sales@listentech.com www.listentech.com	Minimum Number of Required Receivers Required to be Hearing-aid Compatible (using Listen LA-166)
50 or less	2	2
51 to 200	2, plus 1 per 25 seats over 50 seats*	2
201 to 500	2, plus 1 per 25 seats over 50 seats*	1 per 4 receivers*
501 to 1000	20, plus 1 per 33 seats over 500 seats*	1 per 4 receivers*
1001 to 2000	35, plus 1 per 50 seats over 1000 seats*	1 per 4 receivers*
2001 and over	55 plus 1 per 100 seats over 2000 seats*	1 per 4 receivers*

*Or fraction thereof

 

Here are links to other valuable resources:http://www.listentech.com/support-research#ada-tax

http://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm

2010 Changes to Assistive Listening Systems

RDL Introduces HD Series 35 Watt Power Amplifiers at NAB 2011