TECHNOLOGY NEWS


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Allen & Heath Presents Updated XB-14 Broadcast Mixer


ALLEN & HEATH has launched a new version of its compact broadcast mixer, the XB-14. Based on requests from broadcast users, XB-14² incorporates several new features including a dedicated audition bus, enhanced stereo channel configurations, updated mic preamps, more flexible monitoring, and a new matte paint finish. Designed for a broad range of applications from small radio or internet broadcast studios, to hospital radio, university radio, community radio, and larger studios with


multiple rooms, the XB-14² is equipped with a wealth of features specifically for broadcasters, including Telco inputs for telephone callers, mic fader start sensing for external connection, and internal automatic muting of the speaker outputs, stereo channel start/cue outputs for transport control, multiple headphone outputs, and an additional stereo bus (Mix B). The new model includes a


stereo audition bus that allows individual channels to be switched away from the main program bus for off-air


monitoring. The Telco channel EQ has been replaced with variable high- pass/low-pass filters for control of the telephone caller feed signal, and there is also a new external monitor input level control. The XB-14²’s preamps have been enhanced for lower noise and higher bandwidth, and the stereo inputs have more gain and routing options. Finally, the mixer is finished in matte- effect paint to reduce surface reflections. “Whenever we talk to XB- 14 customers, they are always


Christie Enters Cinema Audio Market With Vive


DIGITAL PROJECTION specialist Christie has launched Vive Audio to help exhibitors “complete the experience” for their movie-going audiences. Designed for cinema, Christie Vive Audio combines a single enclosure line array speaker and ribbon driver technology with what the company claims is the first use of Class D amplification in cinema. “The introduction of digital technology has sparked tremendous changes in movie content since 2005, but many theatres are still using audio systems designed for 35mm film,” said Craig Sholder, Christie’s Entertainment Solutions unit Vice President. “With Christie Vive Audio, we have found a way to take all the benefits of line array configuration and put it into a cinema environment by combining it with ribbon driver technology and Class D amplification, all in a single, elegant audio solution.” “Typical audio solutions in the


market have not kept up with performance demands of DCI


specifications for audio – until now. The Christie Vive Audio integrated solution with its extended frequency response, high dynamic range and ultra- fast transient response, along with unprecedented peak-to-average SPL ratios and smooth and even coverage, meets the performance demands of the DCI


specification,” 6 August 2013


said Jim Hall, Senior Product Manager with Christie’s Entertainment Solutions unit. “Christie Vive Audio represents a major leap in cinema sound, with perfect timbre-matching that unleashes the potential of today’s uncompressed digital audio along with leading immersive audio platforms such as Dolby Atmos.” At the core of the system are the combination of screen channel speakers with ribbon driver technology and a line array speaker design. This design helps increase the optimal listening area up to four times when compared to conventional compression driver-based audio systems and results in smooth and even audio coverage. As well, Christie’s Class D amplifiers, which are more compatible with digital sources, are more efficient, resulting in lower operating costs. “The complete Christie Vive cinema audio solution can be tailored to the demands of any cinema space, from post-production studios and screening rooms to traditional and premium large-format auditoriums,” added Patrick Artiaga, Director, Business Development, Audio Solutions, with Christie’s Entertainment Solutions group. “Each component of Christie Vive Audio has been engineered to complement the other and combine to deliver a complete solution.” www. viveaudio.com


enthusiastic about the mixer’s great sound quality and high number of features packed into a compact frame – features that make installers and broadcasters’ jobs easier, and combined in a way that makes the XB-14 super flexible in a range of studio setups,” explained Designer Mike Griffin. “Mk2 includes


the remaining features that have been requested by end users over the years. We’re sure they are going to be even happier!” Available immediately, the XB-14² retains its existing retail price. www.allen-heath.com


PreSonus Launches Sceptre CoActual Monitors


PRESONUS’LATEST studio reference monitors feature a coaxial design that works integrally with a 32-bit, 48kHz processor using Fulcrum Acoustic’s TQ Temporal Equalization technology. The series includes two models.


The Sceptre S8 combines an 8in low/mid-frequency driver and a 1in, horn-loaded, high-frequency transducer into a single coaxial unit with aligned voice coils, while the Sceptre S6’s coaxial speaker integrates a 6.5in low/mid- frequency driver. Both models have acoustic ports. “Speaker designers have long been


aware that coaxial designs offer the advantages of a single point source for a consistent acoustic centre and a symmetrical dispersion pattern,” noted PreSonus Executive VP of Product Development, John Bastianelli. “But until time-based DSP became affordable, designing coaxial systems without a variety of acoustic anomalies has been extremely expensive.” Fulcrum Acoustics’ Dave


Gunness collaborated with PreSonus software designers to incorporate Fulcrum’s Temporal EQ algorithms into the monitors, employing multiple, fully addressable Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filters.


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Sceptre monitors include controls that enable full integration into any studio environment. A four-position Acoustic Space switch controls a second-order shelving filter centred at 100Hz, with four attenuation settings to account for bass response relative to room dimensions and speaker placement. A High-Pass switch sets the 12dB/octave filter’s low-frequency cutoff while a High- Frequency Driver Adjust switch adjusts the tweeter’s overall level. The systems are biamplified with each transducer powered by a 90W RMS, Class D power amp with an internal heat sink. Both monitors offer RF shielding, current-output limiting, and over-temperature protection, and have internal power supplies with IEC connectors and power switches with on/off LEDs. www.presonus.com


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