Waterstone School in Johannesburg recently updated their portable PA system, and chose Electro-Voice ELX200 loudspeakers.
We think this is an excellent choice not only because of the lightweight design and superior sound quality but that it also comes with built in DSP and is Bluetooth enabled. This allows teachers to control volume levels on the speakers from their smart phones. Yes, if the kids are too loud, you can turn them down.
The EV Quicksmart app is available in all App Stores and is very easy to use. Check out the video at the link below for a run through of the app.
The system was complimented with Electro-Voice ND76 microphones and a Soundcraft Signature 10 mixer. All cables and stands were also provided.
Invested by Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou Olympic Sports Center is a
multifunctional sports center that includes a 45,000-seats stadium, a
13,000-seats gymnasium, a 3,000-seats natatorium and a commercial plaza
with a hotel tower. Its design and planning was inspired by classical
garden architectural art. Suzhou Olympic Sports Center is built as a
dynamic, fully opened sports park that delivers the atmosphere of
ancient garden in a modern approach. All venues were designed by the
German company GMP, which used to be responsible for the Berlin Olympic
Sports Center project, strictly following the standards of the
individual intercontinental event. The sound reinforcement system
includes the following EV products: 104 EVH weather-resistant
loudspeakers, 70 X2 line array loudspeakers, nearly 100 TG7 amplifiers
integrated RCM28 modules and EV UW30 underwater loudspeakers. In
addition, DYNACORD Cobra series loudspeakers provide an excellent audio
performance for portable use in three venues of the Olympic Sports
Center, while DYNACORD VL series loudspeakers deliver exciting music to
all the players in the skating rink.
The single-layer cable membrane structure
Each
stadium has its own features, Suzhou Olympic Sports Center stadium is
the first stadium with saddle-shaped, single-layer cable membrane
structure roof in China. This also brought the challenges to the entire
sound reinforcement system design. The leader of the Project Design
Department of Suzhou Olympic Sports Center mentioned, “Generally
speaking, most stadiums adopt the steel framed structure. The special
structure used in this project means that we have to use 40 cable heads
across the stadium to fasten the membrane.” Due to this unique design,
the catwalk is above the membrane and there are no fixed mounting points
for loudspeaker installation, thus making the installation and
maintenance very difficult. Furthermore, the swing range of up and down
exceeds 1.5 meters. Those increased the difficulty of whole sound system
design. “After elaborate consideration, Bosch team introduced the
installation method of London Bowl. Bosch guys worked with specialized
designers to make a mounting point on each tapered end and install a
pulley. Then we can use a winding engine to lift the loudspeakers, or
take down for inspection and maintenance. By this way, the challenge of
installation was finally conquered.” He also added, “in addition to
tackling the hanging technical difficulty, another reason why we choose
the single-layer cable membrane structured roof is that we hope to make a
breakthrough in the aesthetic appearance of the stadium. EV’s
white-coloured EVH weather-resistant loudspeakers perfectly match the
cable membrane structure not only on colour but also on overall
environment. What’s more, EVH’s audio quality makes sure that every
audience at any position can hear clear sound and dynamic performance.”
Gymnasium integrating sports and cultural recreation
As
a comprehensive venue, this 13,000-seats gymnasium has been designed to
serve multiple purposes since very beginning. The central funnel screen
is designed according to the standards of large international events
such as NBA. It can offer superb viewing experience for variety shows
and exhibitions. In order to provide both visual and audio enjoyment, 70
pcs EV X2 new-generation line array loudspeakers achieve 360º sound
coverage for floor and audience area. This allows the audiences to enjoy
clear, real and exciting sounds on live. During daily use, the
audiences on site are shocked by the audio quality delivered by X2.
Natatorium integrating sports and fitness
In
addition to standard competition pools and training pools, the
natatorium also provides various spa facilities, stores selling water
sports supplies, children’s amusement and leisure equipment for local
citizens. The owner also chose the white EVH loudspeakers below the roof
of the natatorium, which blended in decoration of the venue in terms of
appearance and sound clarity. “Considering the needs of diving as well
as training and performance of synchronized swimming, we have also
selected EV’s UW30 underwater loudspeakers in the swimming pools, so
that people under the water could hear the music, as well as the
messages through microphone sent by people on shore clearly without
additional receivers.” added the leader of the Project Design
Department.
Commercial plaza with comprehensive functions
The
commercial plaza, which is designed with affiliated functions including
shopping, office and hospitality, supports the three sports buildings
and adds the leisure entertainment atmosphere to the entire park. The
ice rink in the commercial centre is installed with DYNACORD VL series
two-way full range loudspeakers to cover every corner in a balanced
manner and add more fun to the skaters with beautiful music.
All
audio and control signals within the sports venue including stadium,
gymnasium, natatorium and ice rink are transmitted on the basis of OMNEO
protocol. The main digital signal and redundancy digital signal can be
the backup to each other. This ensures smooth, stable signal
transmission throughout the sports centre. EV and DYNACORDs’ total
solution on sound reinforcement not only addresses the design and
application requirement of the sports centre, but also helps boost the
robust development of China’s cultural and sports.
When guests arrived at the train platform for a ride on The Polar
Express this holiday season, they knew they were in for a magical
evening — but chances are they never thought about the technical
challenges that come with mounting a show on a moving train …
“The Polar Express ride is like Broadway on train,” explains Guy Rhodes, lighting designer for the show. “We deploy a complete theatrical lighting and sound system in the luggage racks of each car, and treat the show as we would a show in a proscenium space. We have a full crew, including myself on lighting design, a sound designer, props designer, costume designer, two stage managers, and multiple production managers. In one small train car.”
Guests of the show, based on the well-known children’s book and film,
are taken on an hour-long train ride and treated to a live performance
in the aisles of the train.
Rhodes and his team started researching the lighting in July for an
opening the second week of November. And because of the limitations of
time and availability of the train, teched the show ahead of time in a
mock train car they built in a warehouse in Colorado. This enabled
Rhodes and his crew to finesse the show in a relaxed environment, as
opposed to years past when they fought against time and space. “When you
throw a railroad into the mix, everything is just compressed. You lose
the time to fine tune and you’re always rushing,” Rhodes explains. “Lots
of quirks come from producing a show and doing technical theatre on a
train.”
That quick timeframe and quirky environment also made ETC an easy
choice for his lighting needs. “Triggering lighting cues off Eos was a
no-brainer. It’s my go-to platform in theatre, musicals, and dance, so I
knew that working in such a rigid environment would be a natural fit,”
says Rhodes. He also needed a system with which the local techs at all
four locations would be familiar. Eos was the answer.
The iRFR app was also extremely helpful in the tight space. With iPad in hand, Rhodes could walk down the train during tech and load the cue stack without lugging the console around. “Polar Express has forced us to up our game on technical knowhow,” says Rhodes. “It’s unlike anything I do during the year. Any technology we can get our hands on to make life easier is great. Our electrician even already had the app on his phone.”
If the looks on the passengers’ faces are any indication, it looked like another great year on The Polar Express.
Next-generation UHF wireless product family, featuring pre-packaged sets with the latest EV microphones and an extensive range of accessories for every application
Designed to deliver superior audio performance with best-in-class wireless flexibility and ease of use
10 sets available: five handheld transmitter systems and five bodypack systems
Five frequency bands available in alignment with the latest global RF requirements
“New UHF wireless microphone system engineered for best-in-class sound quality!”
Burnsville, MN (January 2019): Electro-Voice is pleased to announce the launch of the RE3: a new UHF wireless microphone system engineered for best-in-class sound quality, wireless flexibility and overall ease of use in alignment with the latest RF regulations. The RE3’s user-friendly, state-of-the-art technology and roadworthy construction extend the rock-solid reputation of its predecessor the RE2.
RE3 receivers and transmitters are available in 10 pre-packaged sets, configured to cover a wide range of performance and presentation applications. Sets contain one 1/2-rack-space diversity receiver with antennas, universal power supply, rack mount kit, transmitter, batteries and an input device.
Additionally, the RE3 portfolio contains a comprehensive assortment of accessories to aid in the creation of large, multi-channel systems. The RE3’s UHF design with clear frequency scanning makes multi-system wireless operation fast and simple.
The RE3 handheld combines robust aluminum build quality with a sleek profile. Five handheld system sets are available with a choice of interchangeable mic capsules: ND76, ND86, ND96 (dynamic) and the new RE420 and RE520 (condenser). These capsules can be purchased separately.
The compact RE3 bodypack features cast magnesium construction for maximum durability. Five bodypack system sets are available for instrument and lavalier/headworn microphone applications: OL3, CL3 (lavalier), HW3 (headworn), GC3 (instrument cable) and one bodypack-only system.
All RE3 transmitters offer excellent battery life and run on regular alkaline or rechargeable AA cells.
The RE3 operates on three bandwidths for the North American market, chosen to minimize the complexities of today’s challenging RF environments. These include two 36 MHz-wide bands in the low and high 500 MHz spectrum, as well as one strategically chosen to operate within the 600 MHz duplex gap which the FCC has dedicated for wireless microphone use. Additional bands are also available for use in Europe and Asia, in the 600 MHz and 800 MHz ranges.
The EV system felt much more rich and present at any volume. It just felt right in our sanctuary.
Located in the heart of Acadiana in Lafayette, Louisiana, The Bayou
Church is a contemporary Christian house of worship. Regional production
company and system integrator Gulf Coast Sound was among the companies
the church consulted when exploring options for upgrading the sound
system in their 600-seat sanctuary.
Larry Habetz, owner and CEO of Gulf Coast Sound
and a lifelong resident of the area, was excited to be bidding on the
job. “I knew some of the audio and IT guys at The Bayou Church, so it
was really more of a consultation and mutual learning experience for all
of us,” he says. “I was impressed with their sincere desire to make
good decisions, and we developed a great relationship over our time
working together. They were asking all the right questions, so I was
happy to arrange a demo of the product we felt was the best fit.”
For precise coverage of the sanctuary’s
rectangular shape, Habetz designed a demo system based on Electro-Voice
XLD line arrays supported by Xsub subwoofers, all straight from Gulf
Coast Sound’s rental stock. The system made a big impression on worship
pastor Ed Gore and his team.
“We did multiple product demos, and the EV
system really stood out,” says Gore. “Of all the systems we tried, this
one just sounded best in the room. Other systems we heard could only
achieve the enveloping experience we wanted at higher volumes. The EV
system felt much more rich and present at any volume. It just felt right
in our sanctuary.”
Larry Habetz was unsurprised at the outcome.
“I knew the XLD system would be a great fit for the room, and the church
team was extremely impressed with it right out of the box,” he says.
“Once we got it tuned and time-aligned, it was incredible. What I really
loved was the fact that the EV system was clearly preferred over
another, much more expensive system that the church demoed.”
With an EV solution given the go ahead, Gulf
Coast Sound designed a networked system consisting of twin hangs of
eight XLD281 loudspeaker arrays, all with 120-degree dispersion. A pair
of EVC-1082 front fills on the stage lip cover the center-front seats.
Low frequency reinforcement was upgraded to EV’s acclaimed X-Line
Advance dual-18” subwoofers, with six X12-128 units deployed together in
front of the stage. Network control for the system is provided via the
Electro-Voice N8000 NetMax digital matrix controller.
Another upgrade from the original demo system
was via six C3600 amplifiers from EV’s sibling brand Dynacord, a new
model that was launched to market during the design process. The C
series offers high-end features not previously available on install amps
at their price point, including advanced FIR-Drive to optimize system
performance; sophisticated protection circuitry to ensure safe, reliable
operation under all conditions; and an efficient standby power mode
that can reduce running costs and power consumption by up to 90%,
leading to a very low total cost of ownership.
The system design at The Bayou Church
underwent some final fine-tuning to ensure sightlines to the stage and
screens were optimal from the outer seating areas. The EV applications
engineering team used EASE modeling to move the XLD arrays about two
feet upstage, while maintaining coverage; Gulf Coast Sound then created
custom trussing for their precision deployment.
“That’s one of the reasons we love working
with Electro-Voice,” notes Larry Habetz. “We have a great relationship.
They are always there to support us, whether it’s with design assistance
like this or product updates that give our existing systems new life,
adding value to the original investment. That commitment gives us
confidence in the systems we install, and we pass that along to our
customers.”
Ed Gore of The Bayou Church agrees. “I really
admire the way Gulf Coast Sound stayed committed to making the final
install the best it could be,” he says. “That was just very reassuring.
As for the system, the coverage is very even everywhere you go, and the
more I listen to it, the more positive I am that Electro-Voice was
really the right choice for us. We’re really pleased.”
ApexPro, the local distributor of Electronic Theatre Control’s full
range of lighting, control and automation technologies, recently hosted a
brace of launches featuring ETC’s motorised rigging systems in
Johannesburg and Cape Town. Nils Becker, the global ETC rigging products
manager, spoke with ETECH during the Johannesburg leg of the launch, held at The University of Johannesburg in October.
ETC has been a global leader in the design and manufacture of
lighting and rigging technologies for the theatre, film and television
studio environments for more than 40 years, and has a well-established
reputation for innovation, responsiveness and outstanding customer
service. ApexPro, the distribution arm of Prosound, has a long-standing
relationship with ETC, having distributed the company’s lighting and
control systems for a number of years. With the rapid adoption of
automated staging technology in theatres across the globe, ApexPro
decided to invite Becker to introduce ETC’s innovative range of stage
automation solutions to the South African market.
NEW POSSIBILITIES
In 2009, ETC introduced the Prodigy range of automation solutions: a
new class of over-stage machinery systems that were custom-designed to
meet the needs of medium-sized theatres, studios and corporate venues.
According to Becker, ETC’s Prodigy family enables smaller venues to
access to motorised staging technology that, as little as a decade ago,
was only accessible to the world’s largest and most affluent
professional venues.
Prodigy hoists are built around a groundbreaking sloped drum, which
makes for a smaller, lighter machine that fits into more places and
requires less structural support. There are a variety of models, each of
which can be installed in a number of configurations, with a slender
design that enables close line-set placement.
All Prodigy hoists use ETC’s unique compression-tube technology,
which allows the system to be connected to a structure with fewer
brackets, independent of the loft-line placement. This technology
cancels out the lateral forces usually created by traditional rigging
systems, meaning it can reduce new-installation costs and allow for
retrofits in spaces not traditionally designed for stage-machinery
systems.
SIMPLICITY DELIVERS RESULTS
The Prodigy system requires an extremely simple infrastructure, as
each hoist needs just one cable for power and one for control. A package
of 24 machines only requires a single Cat5e cable to connect the hoists
to the controller. Prodigy can include a low-profile cable-management
system that cleanly hides cabling, as well as pantographs or traditional
power options. They accommodate many circuits of power, including
emergency circuits, and can contain DMX or network-based data
communication.
ETC’s automation controllers deliver high functionality at an
affordable price and have been designed with the end-user in mind. From
the most basic QuickTouch series to the flagship Foundation controller,
the user interface features easy-to-understand displays, such as current
weight and position. Also, the system offers a range of installed and
remote options to fit the specific requirements of the particular venue,
enabling the end-user to execute set changes efficiently and
effectively.
SAFETY STANDARDS
ETC’s commitment to safety means that operational safety is a
priority of the design and everything in the load path is engineered in
terms of a ten-to-one safety factor. The ETC Prodigy hoist has built-in
sensors that constantly track, test and log information, such as
distance travelled and weight load errors. Every model includes a
slack-line sensor and load cell displaying the real-time weight, coupled
with an intelligent profiling technology; each motor will instantly
halt when it unexpectedly encounters an obstacle in its path.
“In response to increasing awareness about the importance of safety
and risk reduction in the workplace, there is a growing aversion among
universities, professional theatres and corporate venues to placing
people on ladders and within fly rails to access equipment. As a result,
there is a growing demand for affordable motorised rigging systems that
make it possible for equipment to be lowered and adjusted, which is
exactly what the ETC Prodigy range allows,” says Becker.
SCALABILITY
“One of the most important features of the Prodigy family is that it
offers venues a highly scalable and customisable solution, that is easy
to install and cost-effective to maintain. Also, the system is highly
flexible and can be implemented in phases. A venue may invest in just
two or three hoists to start with and add to the system as the need
arises over the years. As a result, the capital cost of changing from a
counter-weight to a motorised system can be managed over a number of
fiscal cycles,” Becker concludes.
ETC’s Prodigy offers a package that is user-friendly, affordable to
install and increases both the functionality and safety of flying
equipment. The Prodigy family promises better access to your flown
systems from an approachable interface, thereby making your venue safer
and more efficient.
