TECHNOLOGY: SHOWCASE Residential audio
The need for high-spec commercial sound systems has always driven technology innovations in pro audio. In many cases, the same technology finds an outlet in residential systems, writes James McGrath
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Niles offers ‘industry first’ web-configurable amp
The Niles SI-1650 is said to be the industry’s first standalone web-configurable high-power 16-channel amplifier for residential installations. With the innovative web function, users can gain instant control over individual volume and EQ levels for each of the device’s 16 channels. This utility also offers remote management and control of the system – which is especially useful when integrators/users need the freedom to move between rooms when adjusting each speaker’s volume settings to find the perfect sound.
What’s more, the integrated web utility allows
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Rooms for improvement with the Genelec AOW-312
The Genelec AOW-312 (Active On Wall) is a three- way active loudspeaker intended for medium to large installations.
Genelec collaborated with design consultants to create the speaker, resulting in an architecturally conscious enclosure with a flat shape (175mm depth). The speaker can fit behind
a projection screen or behind cloth on a wall, providing a relatively discreet solution for either surround sound audio in large rooms or as LCRs in smaller rooms where there is a lack of space or depth behind the screen. The devices use Genelec’s
Directivity Control Waveguide (DCW) technology – a feature initially developed for, and
www.installation-international.com
incorporated into, the company’s professional studio monitor solutions. These features allow the speakers to offer acoustic calibration through the on- board filter functions. The loudspeaker can be
fixed to the wall via mounting brackets which isolate and suspend the cabinet vertically. These brackets also allow the cabinets to be mounted with a ±15º angle offset to the wall to facilitate energy focus at desired listening locations. Genelec says the AOW
range provides very low distortion and even frequency response on and off axis, which results in an even sound.
www.genelec.com
integrators to control the BusMatrix selector. This gives them the flexibility to assign each channel to any of the 16 signal inputs and enables the distribution of sound around the home at the flick of a switch. For instance, surround sound can be routed to the master bedroom, stereo to the den, while mono runs to the bathrooms.
With the BusMatrix functionality the
SI-1650 opens system design possibilities to the integrator, as it enables every speaker in the home to run from one amp with individual settings for each zone or each speaker, ensuring the SI-1650 can work well as a multi-room or multi-zone amplifier.
The SI-1650 is able to
deliver 50W per channel RMS into 8 ohms or 100W RMS into 4 ohms.
www.nilesaudio.com
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Tannoy creates a hidden hybrid
For installations requiring an unobtrusive loudspeaker system, Tannoy has developed the Definition Install range. The manufacturer set out to combine traditional box enclosures with the stealth- look of inbuilt speaker systems to create a flexible, hybrid solution. Traditional in-built
speakers are usually designed with an open back, which means their tonal characteristics are influenced by the internal volume and construction of the wall or ceiling cavity. This type of product would necessitate professional EQ adjustments.
Because the Definition
Install range comprises cabinet-enclosed CI loudspeakers designed for in-wall mounting, tonal characteristics are unaffected by the speaker’s location, providing installers with a fit-and-forget solution. Furthermore, users can benefit from the system’s flexibility, as the enclosed devices can also be mounted on-wall or behind screens. The devices incorporate
Tannoy’s Dual Concentric drive unit technology – a feature originally developed for the company’s
professional loudspeakers. Tannoy says that positioning the tweeter at the centre of the bass unit provides greater accuracy and true point-source articulation. Each Definition Install
tweeter incorporates the latest evolution of Tannoy’s Wideband high-frequency technology, with a titanium dome driven by a pure neodymium magnet. Characterised by extremely low coloration and an even frequency response to over 35kHz, the Wideband Tweeter is said to allow music to scale naturally into the room with exceptional detailing and a class-leading soundstage.
In addition, the system has been designed for near- boundary placement, so speakers can be installed behind projector screens and fabric panels. Other features include innovative vibration-couplings on the in-wall modules, which allow the cabinets to be mounted into brick or block walls or wooden wall membranes. The range is completed with a choice of tonally balanced freestanding and in-wall subwoofers for bass reinforcement and low- frequency effects.
www.tannoy.com
February 2013 53
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