Flamingo Audio Owner Brad Walker comes from a music recording background, and his company still does plenty of that at their Seattle-area facility. But their real bread and butter these days comes from systems installation and live sound. As Walker puts it, "The installation work keeps us smart, and the live sound work makes us fast." And for a company that has to cover as many categories of events as Flamingo Audio - from concerts to corporate, from government to tribal - the EAW® NTL720 Self-Powered Line Array Loudspeaker System has been a versatile solution. Walker first acquired his NTL720 boxes a year-and-a-half ago, and they've been in constant use ever since.

"We really like the physical form factor of the NTL720, as well as the way it sounds," says Walker, who notes that the NTL720's compact dimensions, flexible mounting possibilities and scalable deployment let it be used in a wide range of situations. For instance, at the Kitsap Arts & Crafts Festival, which attracts over 50,000 people each year, Flamingo Audio used 16 NTL720 boxes, set up eight per side on a stage that hosted music acts ranging from brass bands to rock bands to a flamenco guitarist. "The system had to cover a music performance area of about 1,000 people and cover all these types of music without sounding hyped," he explains. "The NTL720 performed flawlessly for every genre on that stage." For the University of Puget Sound's last two annual commencement ceremonies, 12 NTL720 boxes per side easily covered an event attended by an estimated 8,000 people, with EAW NT29 Self-Powered Full-Range Loudspeakers used as fills. "The last two years with NTL720s required very minor system EQ during setup, which is a good thing - we never get a soundcheck with the actual people speaking, and hear them for the first time with the rest of the audience." he says.

The NTL720 turned in the same flawless performance when the Suquamish Tribe hosted the 2009 Tribal Canoe Journey, where eight NTL720s covered a 5-acre food and gathering area with a single cluster, and for U.S. Navy change-of-command ceremonies, where, as Walker jokes, "You cannot even think of making a mistake." Citing the NTL720's consistently great sound in such varied environments and how its captive rigging allows it go up quickly and safely, Walker says the NTL720 has been a huge help for his business. "It's a great box for so many reasons," he says. "I can't imagine where we can't use them."

About the NTL720
The EAW NTL720 is a self-powered line array loudspeaker system featuring a true three-way design and numerous other EAW-patented and -proprietary technologies housed in an extremely compact (9.4" x 24" x 14.3") and low-weight (less than 50 pounds) package. The entire enclosure face of each NTL720 module is filled by a full-sized mid/high horn providing 110-degree (horizontal) by 12-degree (vertical) dispersion. The extreme horn size insures broadband pattern control throughout the entire MF/HF pass-band. High frequencies are produced by six 1-inch dome tweeters, configured in two vertical columns (each with three tweeters) mounted on a manifold that feeds a single slot in the center of the horn, highly effective in controlling vertical dispersion. Flanking the HF section, dual 6-inch cone woofers handle the MF range, also loading on to the horn, with minimal space between the MF and HF components enhancing coherency and improving overall off-axis response. The LF section features EAW's proprietary Phase Aligned approach, first deployed in KF730 Series line arrays. Both 6-inch LF drivers are positioned in a side-mounted "figure-8" configuration that extends horizontal pattern control while directing more acoustical energy on axis. The response of the MF drivers is also extended down to 100 Hz, furthering low-end presence and impact. The onboard self-powering technology includes three individual modified 500-watt Class-D (digital) amplifier modules, each tailored for its respective subsection (LF, LF/MF, and HF - all 4-ohm loads). Each amplifier module is accompanied by its own precisely matched digital signal processor. Headlining the DSP is EAW's Gunness Focusing™ alignment and driver processing algorithms that produce horn-loaded performance comparable to premium direct-radiating studio monitors.

Doha, Qatar-based Creative Communication Group (often known as "CCG") is a thriving full-service event management/Production Company and a major player in Qatar and the Middle East for live pro light and sound rental requirements. CCG recently supplied the Doha Tribeca Film Festival with light and sound equipment, including KF760 Long-Throw Line Array Modules from EAW, a world leader in audio system technology.

The Doha Tribeca Film Festival kicked off on October 29 and lasted for four days, with activities and screening held at several venues. The venue Souq Waqif hosted a special screening of The Mummy (Al-Momia), recently restored by Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Foundation.

Jalal Dudin, Managing Partner of CCG, stated, "We used EAW KF760 at Souq Waqif to provide the sound for the screening of The Mummy. The sound quality and surround-sound configuration of EAW speakers projected the movie's sound effects magnificently, especially since it was an open air screening." Dudin added, "We have also used EAW KF730 Compact Line Array Modules at the auditorium, which was set up at the Qatar Museum of Islamic Art gallery for special screenings of the festival movies for celebrities and VIP invitees."

"We have worked in association with Michael Rome from Boston Sound and Light, and it was a successful collaboration," commented Philip Venter, CCG Sound Engineer, adding, "All set-up was up to the standards of Dolby Surround Cinema specifications."

Inside the Gallery over the festival's four days, there were screenings and premieres of such films as Cairo Time, Coco Before Chanel and Team Qatar, which won a best film audience award of $50,000, presented by legendary actor and Tribeca co-founder Robert De Niro.

Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles, recently enhanced its sound system with custom loudspeakers from EAW, a world leader in audio system solutions. The stadium opened its doors in 2003 and has since hosted a number of notable sporting events. Eagles fans are notoriously passionate, and an upgrade to its P.A. system was needed to effectively match and cut through their volume. A/V consulting firm Coffeen Fricke and Associates, Inc. developed a complex specification for the stadium's system, and after considering several manufacturers, EAW was chosen, as they could provide that solution and manufacture the product to exacting specifications to meet the installation deadline. The sale was made by Columbia, Maryland-based Audio Associates, and the installation was handled by the Columbia-based Large Projects Group of the A/V integration company AVI-SPL (headquartered in Tampa, Florida).

EAW's Whitinsville, Massachusetts facility houses the EAW Strategic Engineering Group, which is itself charged with providing custom loudspeaker solutions for very precise installations, including Build-to-Order (BTO) projects. The stadium needed sound coverage of very specific sections of the venue with enclosures that would also deflect weather in a particular manner, so that fans would get great sound without getting wet. To suit these needs, the Strategic Engineering Group team created the new EAW PE83-WP and PE123-WP models especially for the stadium. Forty-five PE83's and more than 700 PE123's were installed in the venue for rich, powerful sound reinforcement.

The PE83 and PE123 cabinets are both designed as a columnar line source of 3" woofer (8 or 12) in a custom cabinet adapted for horizontal mounting with a specified down-angle to the face. All wiring runs through the cabinets to adjoining ones, with 140-Volt transformers in each cabinet. The drivers use neodymium magnets for reduced weight and are inherently weatherproof. The Group took the PE Series concept from an existing EAW line-source speaker array, the type used commonly in houses of worship on columns to project sound without interfering with sight lines, and adapted it for horizontal mounting. The custom solution worked so brilliantly that a version of this design is under consideration to become a standard offering in the EAW product line.

"The custom loudspeakers developed and provided for the Eagles project have again exceeded our expectations in every aspect," stated Pat McConnell, Sr. Projects Manager for AVI-SPL's Large Projects Group. "The sleek cabinet design immediately pleased the client and blended seamlessly into the established architectural detail of the facility. The call to detail for mounting and performing hundreds of electrical connections was a significant plus for our contractor."

Joe Blacker, President of Audio Associates, EAW's Rep for the region who was intimately involved with the sale and installation, remarked, "Once again, EAW was called on to be the manufacturer of the large scale retrofit system needed for the Philadelphia Eagles. It was a pleasure working with AVI-SPL, and I was very pleased that EAW could undertake the gargantuan task of designing, building and implementing 740 custom loudspeakers in a matter of two months directly out of their Whitinsville factory."

McConnell continued, "With over 700 custom loudspeakers fabricated and shipped in stages to coordinate with installation timelines, EAW consistently maintained communication to ensure our flow of work was never interrupted. Our Large Projects Group has completed many professional sporting venues utilizing EAW and always benefits from their total commitment to the project."

Easily one of the most influential bands of the past 20 years, Pearl Jam continues to be a top concert act, noted for their dynamic, deeply compelling live performances. The legendary band is fronted by Eddie Vedder, (lead vocals, guitar), with Mike McCready (lead guitar), Jeff Ament (bass guitar), Stone Gossard (rhythm guitar) and Matt Cameron (drums) generating a tight, cohesive, truly one-of-a-kind rock sound.

Keyes met the band in 1991 as she was working for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, whom Pearl Jam was supporting as an opening act at the time. She has been with them ever since and knows their needs extremely well. Among the challenges she faces this tour are the sheer volume on the stage, small stage space and each band member's different sound needs, including individual monitor mixes or occasional crossfire sound patterns. The goal is to have no pockets on stage without sound, with Eddie Vedder being the loudest and the clearest, as he thrives on the volume. For this reason, Keyes chose to once again use the EAW MicroWedge MW12's,which she had previously used for Vedder's and Ament's mixes in 2008.

Keyes notes that for Pearl Jam, the monitor system is straightforward, elegant in its simplicity, and devoid of gates, compressors and elaborate effects packages. She notes that, in the past, she utilized previous MicroWedge models to a limited extent, but that's changed given the significantly upgraded performance of the new EAW MicroWedge Series.

"I am using the MicroWedge MW12 for Ed's guitar mix," explains Keyes. "They are wonderful and I can get them to sound very close to his guitar rig's sound without much EQ or trouble! So far I have found no other wedge that comes as close. The small footprint helps as well, as we have limited stage space. We are also using MicroWedge 12's for Matt's drumfill, with a left and right mix plus a sub. We have had challenges in the past with Matt getting his drumfill world right, so finding the right combo has been a crucial hurdle we have overcome. Large drumfills and in-ear systems left him fatigued and with ears ringing! They need very little EQ and the smooth high end does not add to ear fatigue! The band thrives on the stage volume, which provides the energy to rock. We are all very happy!"

Pearl Jam are just completing their tour's U.S. and Canada leg and will soon be going to Australia and New Zealand, where EAW MicroWedge MW12's will again be the stage monitor of choice. Keyes notes, "There are two types of wedges: those that are loud, and those that sound good. Usually a wedge is not both, but the new EAW MicroWedge is the exception."

Church now has a touring-class P.A. system based on the successful
EAW KF730 Small Line Array Module

The Christian Life Assembly (CLA) church in Langley, British Columbia is a tech-savvy multi campus congregation that offers both media streaming and podcast downloads of its services from its website. When the church began an extensive upgrade of its facilities last year, a state-of-the-art sound system for its 1,500-seat sanctuary was high on its list of priorities, and that's exactly what they got with equipment from EAW, a world leader in audio system technology. Three clusters made up of the EAW KF730 Compact Line Array Module, the SB730 Compact Line Array Subwoofer and the SB1000z Large Format Subwoofer provide a touring-class P.A. system that serves all the needs of the congregation, from music to speech, with high intelligibility and full frequency response. Vancouver-based audio, video, lighting and multimedia systems design and integration firm Sapphire Sound was chosen by the church as its design/build partner on the renovation.

"This is a very contemporary, technologically-aware church, so we knew we had to bring in the most advanced sound system equipment available for it," explains Harold Wiens, President and Head Designer of Sapphire Sound. The stage thrusts out into the sanctuary, with seating in a 180-degree arc around it. Technical Director for CLA Kurtis Witt, together with Sapphire Sound decided on three arrays in an "exploded cluster" configuration, with the KF730 enclosures loosely spaced to take full advantage of the KF730's Phase Aligned™ LF design that extends its horizontal pattern. A center array consists of four KF730 enclosures with an SB730 designed to fly above the KF730. This array is flanked on either side by an array of six KF730 boxes topped with an SB730 subwoofer. These are buttressed by eight EAW JFX88 Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers installed as under-balcony fills and five EAW UB52 compact full-range loudspeakers for front fill, controlled by a UX8800 Digital Signal Processor with proprietary Gunness™ Focusing technology.

"The dispersion pattern of the KF730 is fantastic," says Wiens, noting that when the room was analyzed for tuning purposes after the system was installed, every one of the 1,500 seats was within 1.0 dB of the others at any selected frequencies. "The consistency and the quality of the sound throughout the room was all you could have asked for. It's excellent for speech intelligibility and it's just as great for music," which Wiens says typically exceeds 100 dB during Sunday services. To add an even bigger bottom to the sound, four SB1000z's were installed in poured concrete bunkers underneath the front of the stage, to eliminate low-frequency vibrations to the stage. With the addition of a Digidesign Venue console at FOH, the system would be at home on any major tour. In fact, says Wiens, "Several of the top live sound mixers in the greater Vancouver area have told us it's one of the best-sounding P.A. systems they're ever heard. It's really a fantastic sound."

EAW Loudspeakers, Subwoofers and Processors provide powerful sound for
live music and DJs at gigantic GLBT pride event

Leading Spanish multi-media/audio provider FOCUS, S.A. was recently contracted to furnish sound reinforcement for Pride Barcelona 09, a huge GLBT event attended by an estimated 15,000 people. The event was held June 28 at Avenida Maria Cristina in Barcelona, Spain. As they often do, FOCUS turned to EAW, a world leader in audio system solutions, for loudspeakers and processors for the night's main stage concert, which featured several live musical artists and DJs performing well into the early hours of the morning.

The main P.A. system consisted of 16 EAW KF760 Line Array Modules (eight on each side of the stage), eight EAW KF730 Compact Line Array Modules (four on each side) and 16 EAW SB1000z Large Format Subwoofers, all processed by EAW UX8800 Digital Signal Processors. Onstage sound for the bands was accomplished with eight EAW JFX260i Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers, and for stage monitoring for the DJs, FOCUS used two side fills formed by one EAW SB730 Compact Line Array Subwoofer and two JFX260i modules per side. All components were amplified by Lab.gruppen FP Series amplifiers, and FOCUS used Smaart Live 5.4 for the adjustment and alignment of the system.

Pepe Ferrer of FOCUS, S.A., stated, "We are big supporters of EAW's products and technological innovations. For this event, we were particularly delighted that the UX8800 gave us access to EAW's proprietary Gunness Focusing Technology. That allowed us to phase all of the EAW speakers in very specific ways, giving us the possibility of multiple configurations."

EAW loudspeakers and processors keep the hits coming at this recently renovated historic venue

London, England's Clapham Grand nightclub, located in a historic theater space, was recently renovated, and the club's P.A. system features outstanding sound thanks to loudspeaker and processor components from EAW, a world leader in audio system technology. South Africa-based pro audio distributor/installer Surgesound supplied the equipment, and the London branch of the SSE Audio Group installed the system and is in charge of its maintenance.

The system consists of four EAW DC4 Medium-Format Dance Club Loudspeakers, four EAW DCS2 Bent Horn Dance Subwoofers, 10 EAW JFX100i Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers and one EAW UX8800 Digital Signal Processor. Lab.gruppen FP+ Series and C Series units are used for amplification.

The owner of London's Clapham Grand also has several venues throughout South Africa, many of which feature EAW units supplied by Surgesound. Andrew Rowan, Managing Member of Surgesound, stated, "We have equipped many of those venues with EAW, including the award-winning Manhattan Club in Rivonia, Johannesburg, as well as Tiger Tiger, which is located in Cape Town. And at the same time Clapham Grand London was set up, we were installing a similar system at another Clapham Grand in Durban, South Africa. For that system, we used EAW JFX88 Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers instead of JFX100i's, but other than that the specifications are identical."

Rowan continued, "We have supplied EAW products for spaces throughout South Africa and even in different parts of the world, and everyone is always pleased with EAW's sound quality, power and control. A venue like London's Clapham Grand relies on keeping the sound energetic and loud, yet with a balanced clarity, and EAW components exceed the demands of club-goers and audio professionals alike."

Market-driven EAW DX1208 is flexible and expandable, with intuitive operation and a rich feature set, making it ideal for a variety of commercial and install applications

EAW is now shipping the DX1208 DSP Matrix Mixer. The direct result of end-user feedback, the market-driven, easy-to-use DX1208 represents the next generation of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) from EAW, maintaining EAW's highest standards while providing end users with an intuitive, high-performance, yet cost effective solution. Its expandability options, combined with its deep feature set, make this mixer ideal for a wide range of commercial and install applications.

"The DX1208 was introduced at InfoComm 2009 in June, and it received an overwhelmingly positive response from contractors and system integrators," stated EAW Commercial Product Manager Dave Raneses. "Six weeks later, we are shipping the product, and we look forward to meeting the demand that has spread since InfoComm."

The DX1208 is a 12-input, 8-output 1U-rackspace DSP matrix mixer. Eight inputs are mic/line capable, with selectable 48-volt phantom power provided when the user selects mic level. Four additional inputs on unbalanced RCA connectors allow the users to "stack" inputs, increasing the number of audio sources that can be connected. An additional four digital inputs are available on S/PDIF with sample rate conversion to 48 kHz. All 12 inputs are included in the audio matrix and can be assigned DSP functions prior to distributing signal at line level.

The DX1208 can also receive up to six logic inputs and send up to three logic outputs, combined on a single 18-pin connector and programmable via the included EAW DX Navigator software. The DX1208 has serial RS-232 remote capabilities via a DB9 connector on the rear panel, for control by AMX®/Crestron® and other third party integrated control systems. Two RJ-45 connections are provided as well, for linking multiple (up to eight) DX Link-enabled products together in a ring network topology.

A remote control port (RJ-25 connector) is included on the rear panel, facilitating the linking of two different types of remotes, all mounted on wall panels. Up to 10 remotes can be attached to the DX1208, and each is individually addressable.

The DX1208 is supplied with EAW DX Navigator software that allows access to all of the system's settings and configurations. The expected range of user-adjustable processing such as EQ filters, gates, compressors/limiters, priority assignment, delay, gain and crossovers are included. In addition, up to 24 programmable presets are available per DX1208; the programming interface is flexible, with connection via the USB port on the front panel or the Ethernet jack or DB9 connector on the rear panel. The DX1208 employs a universal power supply, 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz.

DX1208 Features:
- 32-bit DSP and 24-bit analog-digital conversion
- Eight balanced mic/line inputs and four unbalanced line inputs
- Four digital input channels via S/PDIF
- Six programmable logic inputs, three programmable logic outputs
- 16-channel DX Link expansion bus
- USB, Ethernet and RS-232 connectivity

Market-driven EAW DX1208 is flexible and expandable, with intuitive operation and a rich feature set, making it ideal for a variety of commercial and install applications

EAW is now shipping the DX1208 DSP Matrix Mixer. The direct result of end-user feedback, the market-driven, easy-to-use DX1208 represents the next generation of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) from EAW, maintaining EAW's highest standards while providing end users with an intuitive, high-performance, yet cost effective solution. Its expandability options, combined with its deep feature set, make this mixer ideal for a wide range of commercial and install applications.

"The DX1208 was introduced at InfoComm 2009 in June, and it received an overwhelmingly positive response from contractors and system integrators," stated EAW Commercial Product Manager Dave Raneses. "Six weeks later, we are shipping the product, and we look forward to meeting the demand that has spread since InfoComm."

The DX1208 is a 12-input, 8-output 1U-rackspace DSP matrix mixer. Eight inputs are mic/line capable, with selectable 48-volt phantom power provided when the user selects mic level. Four additional inputs on unbalanced RCA connectors allow the users to "stack" inputs, increasing the number of audio sources that can be connected. An additional four digital inputs are available on S/PDIF with sample rate conversion to 48 kHz. All 12 inputs are included in the audio matrix and can be assigned DSP functions prior to distributing signal at line level.

The DX1208 can also receive up to six logic inputs and send up to three logic outputs, combined on a single 18-pin connector and programmable via the included EAW DX Navigator software. The DX1208 has serial RS-232 remote capabilities via a DB9 connector on the rear panel, for control by AMX®/Crestron® and other third party integrated control systems. Two RJ-45 connections are provided as well, for linking multiple (up to eight) DX Link-enabled products together in a ring network topology.

A remote control port (RJ-25 connector) is included on the rear panel, facilitating the linking of two different types of remotes, all mounted on wall panels. Up to 10 remotes can be attached to the DX1208, and each is individually addressable.

The DX1208 is supplied with EAW DX Navigator software that allows access to all of the system's settings and configurations. The expected range of user-adjustable processing such as EQ filters, gates, compressors/limiters, priority assignment, delay, gain and crossovers are included. In addition, up to 24 programmable presets are available per DX1208; the programming interface is flexible, with connection via the USB port on the front panel or the Ethernet jack or DB9 connector on the rear panel. The DX1208 employs a universal power supply, 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz.

DX1208 Features:
- 32-bit DSP and 24-bit analog-digital conversion
- Eight balanced mic/line inputs and four unbalanced line inputs
- Four digital input channels via S/PDIF
- Six programmable logic inputs, three programmable logic outputs
- 16-channel DX Link expansion bus
- USB, Ethernet and RS-232 connectivity

EAW MicroWedge is recognized in the category of Sound Reinforcement Loudspeaker Technology

EAW has today announced that its MicroWedge Series of stage monitors has been nominated for outstanding technical achievement in the category of Sound Reinforcement Loudspeaker Technology. The announcement was made by Jeffrey Cox, VP Pro Audio.

The EAW MicroWedge was nominated for the upcoming 25th Annual Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards (TEC) by top industry pros -- engineers, studio owners, producers and other leading industry figures -- further underscoring the company's stature within the professional audio industry.

Commenting on their nomination, Jeffrey Cox commented, "We're very proud to be acknowledged for our MicroWedge by the top industry professionals. It is truly an honor to receive such accolades from our peers!"

The TEC Awards, presented by the Mix Foundation for Excellence in Audio, was established in 1985 to honor outstanding achievement in professional audio production and product innovation. The nominations are made by a panel of more than 100 audio industry professionals. Members of professional audio and sound production organizations, including the Audio Engineering Society (AES), the Producers & Engineers Wing of The Recording Academy®, the Society of Professional Audio Recording Services (SPARS) and the Game Audio Network Guild (G.A.N.G.) will determine the winners via online balloting beginning August 10th.

The winners of the 25th Annual TEC Awards will be announced at a ceremony to be held Friday evening, October 9, 2009, at the 127th AES Convention. The convention is being held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City.

Leading events/touring supplier selects EAW products to augment its gear inventory

England's Eurohire Sound and Light, a long established turnkey supplier for Europe's events and entertainment industries, recently decided to bolster its arsenal of stage monitors and processors. After closely considering the options, Eurohire selected a complement of products from EAW, a world leader in sound system technology. Included in the sale were over 20 EAW MicroWedge Series MW15 Stage Monitors, a pair of EAW MicroSub Stage Monitors/Subwoofers and four EAW UX8800 Digital Signal Processors. With the purchase, Eurohire now holds the largest European rental stock of EAW MicroWedges, a line of products developed by EAW in close partnership with Rat Sound Systems, Inc.

Eurohire has, in recent years, provided equipment and services for such varied events as rock and pop concerts by UB40, Steve Winwood, Dionne Warwick and the Kooks, classical showcases by the likes of the Royal Philharmonic, and a number of festivals, plays/musicals and corporate events.

"With our busy and varied itinerary, we needed versatile products that can withstand the rigors of these types of concerts and events," stated Eurohire Owner Mervin George. "That is exactly what we found with the EAW MicroWedge Series stage monitors and subs and the UX8800 processors. These are sturdy, durable units with wonderful directivity and clarity of sound. We cannot wait to put them to use at a major event. In fact, we are planning on using them at the upcoming Pussycat Dolls performance on July 25th at the South Island Festival in Kent."

Loudspeaker manufacturer and award-winning Catalonian rental/theater firm host informative seminar for the area's audio engineer/contractor community

Spanish firm FOCUS, S.A. continued to show their support for EAW products by recently holding an in-depth seminar and workshop for freelance sound technicians. FOCUS serves as a rental company for many high-profile touring companies in the area, so it is very common for third party and freelance technicians to be setting up and operating FOCUS-supplied EAW units. This seminar was intended to prepare those individuals to properly handle EAW equipment and make educated decisions on the setup and configuration of such products, along with some basic discussions of the technology involved. Pepe Ferrer and Ferran Diez of FOCUS acted as the event's primary lecturers.

Part 1 of the seminar focused on the basics of acoustics, including signal coherence, phase issues, crossovers and LP/HP filters, acoustic and electric delays, sub-bass characteristics and pointers, and vertical and horizontal speaker arrangements. Part 2 was a more pointed dissection of Line Arrays technology and tips, with emphasis placed on EAW KF730 Series/KF730 Compact Line Array Modules, KF760 Series/KF760 Long-Throw Line Array Modules, SB730 Compact Line Array Subwoofers and SB1000z Large Format Subwoofers and UX8800 Digital Signal Processors, along with EAW's proprietary KF730/KF750 "Wizard" and "Pilot" software. Also discussed were Lab.gruppen FP 10000Q and FP 13000 Touring Amplifiers and pointers for configuration using Device Power Control. Part 3 of the seminar discussed more EAW-proprietary and EAW-related technology, including Gunness Focusing™ and SMAART Live, along with more helpful tips for engineers.

"FOCUS has great enthusiasm for EAW, so it's no surprise that the event was a huge success," noted Xavi Oliver of Pro3 & Co., EAW's Spanish rep. "Pepe and Ferran did a great job. The audio professionals in attendance all seemed very satisfied with what they learned. Specifically, everyone was impressed with the great number of benefits that the KF730 and KF760 offer: how easy they are to set up, the amazing sound quality, etc. Several attendees remarked on the UX8800 processor too, and the noticeable difference in sound when it's in use. People were blown away."

"We are big supporters of EAW's products and technological innovations," stated Pepe Ferrer of FOCUS, S.A. "It is important that when we are charged with providing equipment for a large project, especially if EAW is involved, that every person dealing with the system knows and appreciates the technology, and that's what this event set out to accomplish. This clinic was hugely successful, and we look forward to hosting more events like this in the future."

Loudspeaker manufacturer, area sales representative and noted systems integrator work together to provide the highest quality audio system solutions for every installation, big and small

Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia have recently experienced a swell of A/V installation activity, thanks to Ashland, Kentucky-based Newtech Systems, Inc. (also with offices in Lexington, Kentucky, and Dunbar, West Virginia). Newtech has proven themselves a leader in audio/video system integration and installation for the region, and a key component of these installs has been a wide range of loudspeaker products from EAW, a world leader in audio system solutions. Newtech's Bill Banfield takes particular pride in a number of recent "small but great" projects, which have taken place at a variety of schools, churches and community theaters. The EAW components were sold by Erie, Pennsylvania-based North Coast Marketing.

"Our installations take on all number of shapes and sizes, and EAW has the best solutions for just about every application we encounter," stated Banfield. "Ashland, Kentucky's Christ United Methodist Church's install was short and sweet: two EAW VR62 Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers. However, working with Mercer County High School in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, was a different story. There, we installed a multi-zoned system in the gymnasium, featuring six MK5396 2-Way Full Range Installation Loudspeakers and 10 MK2366 2-Way Full Range Installation Loudspeakers. Additionally, we installed a new auditorium system featuring one MK5326 2-Way Full Range Installation Loudspeaker, one MK5364 2-Way Full Range Installation Loudspeaker, four VRM12 Full-Range Loudspeaker/Stage Monitors, eight CIS80 Ceiling Loudspeakers and two SMS5 Surface Mount Loudspeakers. Of course that's not a huge install as these things go, but it was huge for the school, and it sounds great. EAW loudspeakers provided exactly what those projects needed."

EAW's MK Series loudspeakers are a particular favorite of Banfield's: "The MK's are the most flexible boxes in their product category. They have consistent voicing in the crossover region and give the installer a lot of versatility on installation. I am able to mix and match horn patterns to achieve the best seating coverage as needed."

Aside from the products themselves, Banfield notes that working with EAW and North Coast has been an overwhelmingly positive experience: "I enjoy working with North Coast Marketing, and I know that Dennis Cray is always willing to exhaust every resource to make things happen to support his dealers. And the support that EAW gives is always top notch - EAW's Joe Fustolo and the Application Support Group always do a tremendous job when called upon."

Other EAW/Newtech installs have included Ripley Elementary in Ripley, West Virginia; Frank's Community Center in Boyd County, Kentucky; several churches in Ashland, Kentucky; Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Huntington, West Virginia; Elliot County Performing Arts Center in Elliot County, Kentucky; and many more. Banfield continues: "Some integrators might not make it a priority to cater toward these smaller installs, but the way we see it, local schools, churches, theaters and community centers need crisp, clear and powerful audio just as much as anyone, if not more. And sometimes all they need is the right set of two or four loudspeakers. It's up to us to install that right set, and EAW and North Coast Marketing are there with us, providing the loudspeaker solutions that make the difference."

The ultimate Canadian sport fishing resort installs EAW VR Series and SMS Series speakers

The waters off the northwest coast of British Columbia are deep, cool and clear - the perfect conditions for salmon and halibut - and the Queen Charlotte Lodge, at the north end of the Queen Charlotte Islands, is perfectly situated to be a fisherman's dream come true. Recently, the Lodge decided to update its sound system, and Vancouver-based installers/integrators Sapphire Sound turned to the reliable and innovative engineering of EAW, a world leader in audio system technology.

The main building was fitted with an SMS1990 Surface Mount Loudspeaker, two SMS3 Surface Mount Loudspeaker systems, a weather-resistant SMS4 Surface Mount Loudspeaker system, two VR62 Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers, a VR61 Compact Full-Range Loudspeaker enclosure with a single 6-inch LF driver, two PH30 Paging Horns, an SB48 Very Compact Subwoofer and three CAZ Series amplifiers. The Totem House, which features a bar and restaurant as well as guest suites, had installed one PH30, six SMS4's and six CIS400 Ceiling Loudspeakers. The private Charlotte House residence now has six SMS4's and two PH30's.

The Queen Charlotte Lodge is accessible only by boat or helicopter. The paging system takes on added importance, as it is fairly common to have to call guests across the island to remind them that their ride is ready to depart. "The system is running background music most of the time, so it has to be full-range and smooth," explains John Powell, Project Manager on the installation for Sapphire Sound. "But when the lodge needs to page people to let them know their helicopter is about to take off, the system has to be loud and clear without being piercing or grating. The PH30 is especially good at that." Powell also cited the ease of installation of the SMS Series speakers, noting that the log wall construction of the Lodge's buildings could have made that a challenge. "The SMS was corner-mounted and we ran the wiring in between the logs," he says. "Everything blended in nicely."

Dave Raneses, EAW Commercial Product Manager describes how EAW is a leader in its field because of its engineering, and the VR62's and VR61 used in the bar area is a perfect example. "The rotatable horn design feature of both enclosures made them the best choice for this application," he explains. "Because of space considerations, these boxes had to be mounted horizontally rather than vertically, which is their usual orientation. But because the rotatable horn can be adjusted up to 90 degrees left or right, the horizontal mounting was not a problem, as the horns were rotated to optimize directivity control. They didn't have to trade off sound quality for space."

The EAW SMS1990 was positioned near the plasma display screens in common areas of the Lodge such as the lobby and breakfast room. "What's unique about the engineering of the SMS1990 is that its coverage pattern is a true 90-by-90-degrees and it's that way throughout its entire frequency spectrum," notes Raneses. "The need in these gathering spaces was for a high level of intelligibility, and the SMS1990 delivers that by design."

Historic venue gets a sonic upgrade with EAW KF, SBX, LS, JF and LA Series products designed in a unique two-set configuration for versatile performance

Mallorca (Majorca), the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands, is home to its capital Palma's Teatre Principal ("Principal Theater"), a venue dating all the way back to the 1600s. Through the years, it has seen a number of alterations, renovations and reconstructions, and in 2001, work began on a comprehensive project to bring Teatre Principal into the 21st century. Crucial to the theater's update would be a cutting-edge sound system, holding up to the rigors and demands of a wide variety of current theatrical productions and musical events. Fernando García Carrión, the head of the A/V Department of Madrid-based installer Chemtrol's División Teatro (theater division), selected a wide range of EAW products as the system's loudspeaker and monitor components. Chemtrol recently installed the full system, with the support of EAW's Spanish representative Pro3 & Co, S.L.

To determine the necessary sound system components, Pro3's Engineering Department, headed by Victor Pérez Cejas, conducted a comprehensive acoustic simulation of the theater. Because of the venue's historic nature, it was important to integrate the system into the architecture as smoothly as possible. The theater is laid out in a horseshoe design, typical of venues built in the 17th century. Also, the venue hosts a number of different events and performers; a variety of different sounds, from a single spoken voice to a booming orchestra, would need sound system solutions tailored toward them. Taking this into account, Chemtrol opted to install what could be considered two separate sets of loudspeaker components. The first is a fixed installation, which itself can cover most of the theater. The second is a more mobile, modular/configurable system, adaptable for concerts and louder events that need extra reinforcement.

The first set of components includes EAW LS832 Line Source Loudspeakers in each of the hall's balcony levels (10 loudspeakers in total) and four EAW SBX220 Compact Subwoofers, installed in the orchestra pit. The second, more adaptable set of components includes 12 KF730 Compact Line Array Modules, which are flown from the proscenium arch, allowing for a straightforward stereo configuration or a three-channel L-C-R array. To maintain uniform coverage throughout the venue, four EAW JF60z Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers were installed as stage frontfills, covering the theater's first few rows. For stage monitoring, the system is rounded out by four EAW LA212 and four LA215 Compact Full-Range Loudspeaker/Monitors with LAKE processing and Lab.gruppen amplification.

"EAW products offered us exactly what we needed for this project," stated Carrión. "We needed to be able to configure this system for a wide variety of applications and sounds, all while maintaining coverage in a challenging space and making sure the loudspeakers keep a low profile visually. And of course sound quality is paramount. EAW delivered all these things and more."

High-Volume, Ultra-Versatile Stage and Small Venue Subwoofer Joins MicroWedge12 and MicroWedge15 in the MicroWedge Series

EAW unveils the new MicroSub stage subwoofer, the latest offering in EAW's MicroWedge Series of stage monitor products. The single-15" enclosure is a high-quality, high-volume, ultra-versatile stage and small venue subwoofer, designed to address the unique environment of onstage low frequency demands - sonic territory that often goes ignored by stage monitor setups.

The MicroSub can be configured and interlocked in a huge range of different combinations - by itself, with other MicroSubs or with other MicroWedge units. Small pads and recesses are located on its sides, top and bottom. The loudspeaker is mounted at a 45-degree angle and the cabinet height is exactly half of the cabinet width when the MicroSub is laid flat (features which facilitate a variety of arrangement options). Due to its small profile, it serves as an excellent side fill monitor, particularly in a club setting: the 13" height allows the MicroSub to be used as a building block to achieve the optimum height for the top cabinets. It is versatile enough to fit in the monitor wedge line downstage or as an addition to many different types of stage monitor setups, understage and front-of-house.

The MicroSub is particularly ideal for drummers. The box projects at a 45-degree angle, and it can stand on its side. When placed on stage directly next to the drum riser, the MicroSub points directly at the drummer rather than the drums. As the chief timekeeper of the band, drummers should have a particular punch and clarity to their kick's low end and the bass player's low end to go along with a finely-tuned rest of the mix, and that is what the MicroSub offers.

For optimal performance, it is tuned at 35Hz, operating in the range from 27Hz to 150Hz. It features external DSP with one-way filter. Axial SPL Sensitivity is 92dB (LF - whole space) or 98dB (half space) at 27-150 Hz. Nominal input impedance is 8 Ohms LF, with minimum input impedance of 7.6 Ohms at 165Hz. The unit's High Pass Filter is a 12db/octave Butterworth filter at 28Hz. Able to produce high sound pressure levels, the MicroSub has a calculated SPL Axial Output Limit of 122dB average/128dB peak (LF - whole space) or 128dB average/134dB peak (half space).

The MicroSub will be available in standard black, matching the other EAW MicroWedge units. The Baltic birch cabinets are protected with EAW's proprietary RoadCoat™ finish, highly resistant to dings and scratches, and the rugged steel grille keeps its distinctive shape, even when stood upon. Additionally, all transducer components are highly liquid tolerant.

The EAW MicroWedge Series MicroSub stage subwoofer will be available August 2009.

From the Eagles to the Orioles, EAW's Strategic Engineering Team has created custom solutions for applications ranging from national theme parks to major-league baseball parks

When Coffeen Fricke and Associates, Inc. (www.cfaconsulting.com) developed a complex specification for the Lincoln Financial Field (home of the Philadelphia Eagles) audio system, they went to several manufacturers of sound technology seeking a solution. EAW was chosen, as they could provide that solution and manufacture the product to exacting specifications. At the EAW Strategic Engineering Group's offices in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, Kenton Forsythe, EAW's co-founder/Vice President, Strategic Engineering; Jeff Rocha, Senior Director of Engineering; Joe Fustolo, Director of EAW's Applications Support Group; and Janet Yacino, who supervises the Build-To-Order (BTO) projects, constitute a brain trust that continuously develops customized solutions for a wide range of applications and users. In the process, those solutions often end up turning into products that benefit the broader industry.

A perfect example is the work EAW's Strategic Engineering Group did for the Eagles stadium sound system, which needed sound coverage of very specific sections of the venue with enclosures that would also deflect weather in a particular manner, so that fans would get great sound without getting wet. The Group took the concept from an existing EAW line-source speaker array, of the type used commonly in houses of worship on columns to project sound without interfering with sight lines, and adapted it for horizontal mounting. Not only did the custom solution work brilliantly, but additionally a version of the design is under consideration to become a standard product in EAW's speaker systems line, providing the benefit of the Group's collective innovation to other users. Another ongoing custom engineering project involves developing a compact, high output design with exceptional pattern control that, when completed, will allow more targeted placement of better-sounding boxes for venues such as theme parks where architectural considerations become paramount.

In another example, a customized version of EAW's full-range AX 364 Arrayable Install Loudspeaker, modified to fire simultaneously forward and down, was developed for the newly opened New York Mets ballpark Citi Field. Working closely with systems consultants WJHW of Dallas, Texas, and integrator TSI Global Companies, LLC, several of these precisely modified enclosures were installed at the clubhouse level, one of the most challenging spaces in a stadium of this design, with a pair of 10-inch woofers aimed downward to cancel out low-frequency buildup in an architectural bass trap. Other solutions have been developed for venues including the Red Sox's Fenway Park in Boston and the Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

In fact, this kind of customized-solution approach to engineering has already led to elegantly converged market and engineering-driven breakthroughs in sound systems design by EAW. "It's a key aspect of our product development," says Forsythe. "A significant portion of EAW's product ranges come from specialized work our engineering and manufacturing divisions have developed to provide specific solutions to our customers. These 'solutions' have then become products within the EAW line." Systems installations are becoming more complex as venues become more competitive and advances in technology allow for more complicated systems designs, but Forsythe says the increase in the amount of custom work that the Strategic Engineering Group has been doing is driven as much by the fact that EAW has such a broad range of products upon which custom solutions can be based. "We have a pretty broad scope of product, so we have a lot of things that would address a wide range of challenges," he explains.

But engineering is just one piece of the customization process. Manufacturing resources also need to be in place to execute the design. The Baltimore Orioles' Oriole Park at Camden Yards recently benefited from the installation of a brand new distributed sound reinforcement system, featuring nearly 300 loudspeakers from EAW. The installation, completed in time for the Orioles' April 6th season opener against the New York Yankees, was finished in a highly accelerated time period of three months, which is approximately half the amount of time a system of this magnitude would take to install under normal conditions. To meet these stringent deadlines, EAW drew on the resources at its Whitinsville, Massachusetts R&D/manufacturing facility to supply the complete loudspeaker inventory requested for the installation. In addition to accelerating the manufacturing process to meet the deadline, a customized weatherproof system was developed for the specific requirements of this job, all within the strict delivery requirements.

Customer interface is crucial in this custom design process. The Applications Support Group evaluates new requests as they come in, reviewing which existing EAW products might form the basis of a solution. Engineering will develop the concept further and create prototypes if required. The BTO group will oversee completion of the custom solution. These custom solutions not only address the issues that clients want solved but also deepen the bond between EAW and its customers. "They love it because they've got an ownership interest in the idea," says Forsythe. "We all work together to help that customer solve their problem, and when we turn the system on and they finally hear the results of everyone's efforts, it's a very rewarding experience."

EAW delivers nearly 300 loudspeakers for April 6th season opener

Oriole Park at Camden Yards has housed the Baltimore Orioles since its unveiling in 1992 and continues to be a favorite among baseball enthusiasts. The park recently benefited from the installation of a brand new distributed sound reinforcement system, featuring nearly 300 loudspeakers from EAW, a world leader in sound system solutions. The installation, completed in time for the Orioles' April 6th season opener against the New York Yankees, was finished in a highly accelerated time period of six months, which is approximately half the amount of time a system of this magnitude would take to install under normal conditions. To meet these stringent deadlines, EAW drew on its manufacturing resources to supply the complete loudspeaker inventory requested for the installation.

The Maryland Stadium Authority, who manages the state-owned facility, contracted with the Tampa-based AV integration company AVI-SPL (www.avispl.com). The system was designed by New York-based SIA Acoustics (www.SIAacoustics.com), who was the audio consultant for the Baltimore Orioles on the project.

"Working with EAW to complete the Oriole Park installation made the process easy for us," stated Sam Berkow of SIA Acoustics. "EAW and our contracting team, SPL, worked out an initial schedule for delivery, in order to meet a tough installation timetable, and they met every deadline - with products we could rely on right out of the box."

SIA selected a wide range of EAW products for the project. EAW AX364-WP (Weather-Protected variation) Arrayable Install Loudspeakers were used for the Upper and Lower Deck front-firing; EAW MK2394-WP 2-Way Full Range Installation Loudspeakers for Upper Deck down- and rear-fill, Lower Deck rear-fill and Outfield front-firing; and EAW JFX100i Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers for Club level front-firing and Lower Deck down-fill. The EAW UX8800 Digital Signal Processor was employed for bowl loudspeaker processing. The system also boasts a new BSS control system, 110 Crown Audio amplifiers and a 48-channel Yamaha digital mixing console. A digital audio network is utilized for signal distribution throughout the stadium, minimizing signal loss and improving reliability and control. Remote monitoring and control of every amplifier channel is also provided.

Berkow continued, summing up the significance of the new system and EAW's key role: "Oriole Park is one of the finest stadiums in baseball - one of the first modern stadiums to celebrate the traditions of baseball. It now has one of the finest sound systems in baseball to match. EAW products serve the seating bowl well and provide the stadium with high performance audio."

Will Parry, VP of Sales for AVI-SPL stated, "Eighteen years ago the team at legacy SPL installed the original system at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. At that time it was one of the first distributed sound systems in professional sports and radically changed forever the way Major League Stadiums were designed and heard. As a resident of Maryland and as part of the original team, I was extremely proud to have been involved in that project. The upgraded audio system that SIA Acoustics designed and AVI-SPL installed certainly reaffirms Oriole Park as a world class ball park. EAW speakers made our job easy as they just sound great!"

Jeffrey Cox, VP of EAW, stated, "We were very proud to have been chosen as the loudspeaker system manufacturer for the newly remodeled Oriole Park at Camden Yards. This is one of the iconic baseball stadiums in Major League Baseball, and despite the very tight delivery schedule, EAW was able to provide the entire system on time. Working with Sam at SIA and SPL is always a pleasure and their design was impeccable, delivering excellent coverage throughout the stadium. Oriole fans will be delighted with their new sound system. Play Ball!"

Seattle-based youth arts program and concert venue has great P.A. and monitor mixes, thanks to EAW

The Vera Project (Vera) is a Seattle music-arts center run by and for youth. By engaging participants at all levels of music production and community organizing, Vera strives to fulfill its mission to foster a participatory creative culture through popular music concerts, arts programs, experiential learning and volunteer opportunities for all ages, especially young people. This year's concert calendar boasts performances from singer-songwriter Maria Taylor, electronic musician Dan Deacon and neo-folk act Iron & Wine, among others. EAW, a world leader in sound system technology, is a proud sponsor of the program and recently donated some products to this worthwhile cause.

In 2008, EAW assisted the Vera Project by providing a selection of LA460 Full-Range Loudspeakers, subwoofers and power amplifiers. Following that, the Vera staff saw an opportunity to upgrade their stage monitors. "EAW was kind enough to donate some SM12's and an SM15," notes Jeffery McNulty, Tech-Facilities Manager for the Vera Project. "I had contacted Jon [Bosaw, EAW Director of Sales] to see about us purchasing some monitors, and he instead got really excited about helping us out in a very kind and generous way with a great donation."

McNulty is thrilled with the EAW products and what it has meant for the Vera Project. He stated, "We have a great Live Sound program here, and we are so happy to be able to teach people how to use this excellent EAW gear. We continuously place engineers into other clubs around Seattle, and they are usually well seasoned by the time they make it through our system. We like to foster a new attitude here at the Vera where the artist comes first, with the audience a close second, so that touring acts have an enjoyable experience, and that of course starts with great gear and well trained volunteers. The Danielson Family was here recently, and the drummer wrote on his blog that the Vera Project was his favorite venue of the whole tour, in large part because of the great P.A. sound and monitor mix."

With a combination of tonality and clarity, the EAW MicroWedge received artists' overwhelming approval as the stage monitor of choice at the California music festival

The tenth Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April saw hundreds of performers across five stages, with a wide range of artists include Sir Paul McCartney, Leonard Cohen, The Cure, The Killers and hip hop pioneers Public Enemy, among many others. These artists thrilled the assembled throngs of eager music fans, and the artists themselves were thrilled by great-sounding stage monitors: MicroWedge (MW) units from EAW, a world leader in sound system solutions.

More than 50 EAW MicroWedge Series MW12 Stage Monitors were employed over four Coachella stages by sound reinforcement vendor Rat Sound Systems Inc. To date, this was the largest outlay of MW units ever for a single event, according to Rat Sound President Dave Rat, who was the co-designer of the MicroWedge 12 (along with the EAW engineering team). For the last 18 months, the MicroWedge Series has been exclusively manufactured and distributed by EAW, under license from Rat Sound Systems.

Covering Coachella took a lot of monitors and a lot of manpower. A 30-member crew from Rat Sound was employed to ensure that the concert's sound was flawless day after day, night after night. The MicroWedge was a key component of the sound reinforcement system. "The MicroWedge is a great monitor under any circumstances, and I'm proud to have been intimately involved in its design," stated Rat. "It especially offers an advantage for festival sound because it's plug-and-play. And the sound is great - it's full range."

As Rat notes, the MicroWedge is versatile for different artists' monitoring preferences: "When you have so many artists constantly playing on all these stages, there's little time to mess around with tuning the monitors. The MicroWedge has great sound from the moment you plug it in. All artists want their monitor sound slightly different, and the MicroWedge has the range to accommodate that and it can do it at very high volume without feeding back. That combination of tonality and volume is incredible. Plus they're small, light and easy to carry and position on stage. Not to mention how cool they look."

About the EAW MicroWedge Series:
The EAW MicroWedge MW12 was recently joined by the new MW15, and these products represent an entirely new series of MicroWedge products designed by Dave Rat and EAW. All EAW MicroWedge Series stage monitors raise the legendary sonic performance and superior design principles of previous versions to a new level. Renowned by audio professionals and discerning artists around the globe, MicroWedge is now further enhanced by the prowess of the EAW Engineering team. All EAW MicroWedge models (coaxial with choice of 8-inch, 12-inch and 15-inch LF) feature increased fidelity, power handling and reliability, attained with an optimum blend of upgraded transducers and EAW's hallmark crossover design techniques. Mechanical durability has been advanced as well, joined by enhancements in enclosure fabrication, ergonomics and interconnection, along with dramatic weight reduction. All MicroWedge Series models produce smooth, clear and consistent response with exceptional gain before feedback in a compact, coaxial design with very high power handling. They are also processor-enhanced (rather than processor-dependent) for true "plug-and-play" operation, eliminating the need to purchase additional processing.

A customized AX364 enclosure is key to powerful and highly intelligible sound at Citi Field

Mets fans will never miss a word when they see their favorite team play at the new Citi Field in Flushing, Queens, New York, thanks to an EAW sound system that's as "amazin'" as the Mets themselves (to borrow the Mets' first manager Casey Stengel's colorful adjective for the team). Over 550 EAW MK and AX series boxes fill the bowl of the 42,000-seat stadium, which opened on April 13, 2009. The systems integrator was TSI Global Companies, LLC, and it was designed by consultants WJHW. The result is a highly focused system that is consistent in quality of sound and intelligibility from the top row to the field boxes. Employing EAW ensures that, from a sound point of view, everyone has a great seat.

The key element of the massive and complex sound system is a customized version of EAW's full-range AX364-210 Arrayable Install Loudspeakers with 60x40 horn, modified to fire simultaneously forward, down and to the rear. A pair of 10-inch woofers was added to the cabinet, aimed downward to cancel low-frequency buildup in what is, essentially, an architectural bass trap. Three of these precisely modified enclosures are installed at the clubhouse level, one of the most challenging spaces in a stadium of this design. Other notable aspects of the system include a large number of under-balcony speakers. These units make certain that the sound in Citi Field is beamed to hard-to-reach seats under overhanging tiers with the same clarity and intelligibility as everywhere else in the stadium. Furthermore, the system is delayed vertically through the upper and middle-tier levels, with delays ranging from 35 ms to 95 ms, computed using acclaimed SMAART software. Smaller clusters made up of various combinations of EAW MK5396, MK5364 and MK2396 2-Way Full Range Installation Loudspeaker enclosures serve seats on the field's main level and outfield seating sections.

"This was an immensely complex and challenging system, engineered to accommodate a sophisticated architectural design, and EAW products are at the core of the solution," says Paul Murdick, Vice President of A/V for systems integrator TSI Global. "The modifications that EAW were able to execute on their AX364 enclosure met the specifications laid out by WJHW to a 'T.' As a result, those boxes are key to the overall consistency of the sound throughout the stadium, even in challenging locations. And the SMAART software made certain that the time alignments were precise and consistent from top to bottom. Thanks to EAW, there truly isn't a bad seat in the house."

Church installs EAW AX and MK Series products in new worship facility

Northside Christian Church (www.northsidechristian.com) of Spring, Texas, recently installed a new sound system featuring loudspeakers and subwoofers from EAW (www.eaw.com), a world leader in audio system technology. The installation was completed in March 2009, with final system commissioning on March 28, as part of the development of the church's new worship facility.

Vance Breshears and Kelly Dunlop of El Cajon, California-based Sound Technology Consultants (www.sound-technology.com) were the A/V and lighting design consultants for the project, and the A/V installation contractor was David Hairel and a team from Hairel Enterprises (www.hesound.com) of Conroe, Texas. The church's team included music director Jeremi Carnes and mix engineer Jose Barni. Other key individuals included Bruce Green from Irvine, California-based Visioneering Studios (www.visioneeringstudios.com), who served as design architect for the new facility, and Kirk Guillory from Columbia, Maryland-based Waldon Studio (www.waldonstudio.com), who was the project architect.

EAW products selected for the system included AX364 Arrayable Install Loudspeakers, MK8196 Two-Way Full Range Installation Loudspeakers and AX122 High Output Subwoofers. The system is configured in a multi-channel LCR array, where all three primary sources and their delay elements provide coverage to all seating areas. Vance Breshears explained the choice of speakers, stating, "The AX products provide a good blend of pattern control, output and sound quality at a very reasonable cost. The MK8196 units were used for downfill and delay speakers. With the asymmetrical layout of the room, it took a combination of primary coverage, delay and fill speakers to get coverage to all seating areas."

Jeremi Carnes stated, "The new system and EAW speakers really enhance our worship experience. Sound Technology Consultants and Hairel Enterprises have done a fantastic job in both design and installation. We so appreciate and have benefited from their attention to detail."

The inaugural Rayli International Jewelry and Culture Festival was recently held on the Rayli Riverbank Square in Yunnan Province, China. Rayli Riverbank Square is one of the most beloved and unique performance venues in the region, designed in such a way that approximately 12,000 attendees, some directly across the river in neighboring Myanmar, can enjoy the space's performances. Chinese firm Hunan Tian Yin Art Performance Company selected EAW products to serve as the event's loudspeakers and subwoofers.

EAW products selected include the KF750 High Output Array Loudspeaker and the BH760 Bent Horn Subwoofer. Twenty-four KF750's were flown, with twelve on each side of the stage in four layers of three speakers, for long throw and mid-distance throw. Each side of the stage also had six BH760's (12 total) with two additional KF750's stacked on each side.

The festival took place from December 2nd through December 5th, 2008, featuring an elaborate opening ceremony headed by the area's International Jewelry Committee and the "Happy China Travel" cast. The ceremony focused on the Yunnan people's minority culture and the strong ties of friendship the area shares with Myanmar.

Davwinder Sheena, EAW Director of International Sales, Asia/Pacific Rim, stated, "EAW provided the perfect sound for this event. All involved were quite pleased. It demonstrated to everyone's ears what real sound is."

About the KF750 High Output Array Loudspeaker
The KF750 is designed to create arrays with optimized coverage in both the horizontal and vertical planes to cover audience areas ranging from 200 to 80,000 people. KF750 arrays are smaller, lighter, more efficient and therefore more powerful than those built with other systems. These smaller, lighter arrays are easier to fly, require less truck space and permit more open sight lines to cover any given venue.

The EAW SMS2124B's state-of-the-art small-speaker technology extends the Blue Martini Lounge experience to the clubs' outdoor areas

The Blue Martini Lounge has locations in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Tampa and West Palm Beach. To keep the patios full of music, Blue Martini has chosen the SMS2124B Surface Mount Loudspeaker from EAW, a world leader in loudspeaker solutions. Thus far, Blue Martini's club location in West Palm Beach has already installed the SMS2124B speaker in its patio area, bringing the Blue Martini experience to patrons enjoying the great weather. SMS2124B's will be installed in the other locations in the coming months, and future Blue Martini Lounges scheduled for other markets will open with SMS2124B's already installed.

"These are the best small loudspeakers for this type of application," says Tom Griffin, President of Griffin Automation of Port St. Lucie, Florida, which handles the lighting for the Blue Martini locations in Florida and is doing many of the EAW SMS2124B patio upgrades, including the one at the Miami location. Next on the schedule are the Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa and Orlando clubs, which will each have a dozen SMS2124B speakers encircling the patio areas, allowing patrons to enjoy a seamless transition between inside and out.

According to Griffin, the suggestion to install SMS2124B's was made by Blue Martini's Byron Gardner, who encountered the SMS2124B in a club in Tampa and decided then and there that it was the best-sounding small speaker he had ever heard, and that it would be the patio speaker for all of his Lounges, replacing the existing systems from another manufacturer.

"It's a good, full-range speaker that brings great sound and good low frequencies to a patio environment," says Griffin, adding that the weather-resistant loudspeaker is also robust and easy to install, thanks to EAW's proprietary Clip-Fit™ system. "It's a great single-speaker solution."

For the legendary metal band, April 2nd show at Florida's BankAtlantic Center caps off over a year on the road, with EAW P.A. components with them at every stop along the way

The latest world tour from heavy metal legends Iron Maiden, a two-year-long journey called "Somewhere Back in Time," has taken the veteran English band around the world several times, some of it aboard a uniquely decorated Boeing 757 piloted by none other than lead singer Bruce Dickinson. And wherever the tour has taken them, one thing that's stayed consistent is P.A. system components by EAW, a world leader in audio system technology. For the last few U.S. and Canada legs of the tour, U.K.-based touring system provider ML Executives (www.mlexecutives.com), Iron Maiden's long-time SR provider, has shipped consoles and monitors here for the band, and Nashville-based Brantley Sound Associates (www.brantleysound.com) has provided the house sound system.

Iron Maiden's P.A. is massive and loud, just like the band itself. The flown main P.A. hang consists of 13 EAW KF760 Long-Throw Line Array Modules and three KF761 Short-Throw Line Array Modules; the side hangs are seven KF760s and three KF761s. In arenas with 270-degree dispersion, the systems adds two KF850e Virtual Array™ enclosures for extreme side fills and two more ground-stacked on either side of the stage, for a total of eight. Additionally, there are a dozen SB1000e Large-Format Subwoofers with two KF300i Medium Format Array Loudspeakers per side, on top of the subwoofers, and four KF300i's positioned in the two cutouts in between the three stage thrusts for vocal fill.

"This is a rock & roll PA system," says Brantley Sound Tech Joe Calabrese, who has been on the tour for the U.S. and Canadian dates. "It's powerful - the P.A. lets us convey the enormity of Iron Maiden's sound with amazing fidelity, not just to the people in the 'good seats,' but at the back of the arena as well." For this final show of the tour, which ends in Ft. Lauderdale just days before the release of Iron Maiden's tour movie Flight 666, the band changed the monitor system slightly, adding the compact yet powerful EAW SM15 and SM200iH Stage Monitors, a configuration the band also used on North America dates in 2008. Additionally, ML Executives has supplied Iron Maiden with EAW KF850e's and SM200iH's for the band's entire tour.

"The SM15 can get absurdly loud, and it's an incredibly great-sounding main monitor," says Calabrese, who notes that eight of them are used for downstage mixes. "It packs a massive punch." The compact SM200iH has a smaller footprint and is used on the ramps above the backline where space is limited. "Bruce can hear himself loud and clear and he's not worried about tripping over them," he says. "Altogether, it's a great P.A. system."

For a unique and challenging install, EAW Product Specialists develop custom loudspeakers with Indianapolis-based A/V design firm Bowen Technovation

The recently-opened Dubai Mall in Dubai, U.A.E., is one of the largest malls in the world, boasting 1,200 retail outlets, two department stores and more than 160 food and beverage vendors. The mall's 220-store "Gold Souk" is an elaborately decorated area used for special events by the U.A.E. Royal Family and other dignitaries, in addition to serving as an impressive entertainment area for mall visitors. The Gold Souk features a 75-foot diameter domed super high-resolution projection screen (designed by Salt Lake City-based Evans and Sutherland Digital Theaters Group) raised 40 feet above the floor, which necessitated powerful and clear audio. The design of the area presented acoustical challenges, all of which were met with a custom system featuring EAW AX Series Loudspeakers and some unique architectural solutions. The system was designed by Indianapolis, IN-based firm Bowen Technovation.

Because of the visual nature of the space, loudspeakers needed to be as low-profile as possible, and this was accomplished by flying the units behind the perforated aluminum projection dome, completely out of sight. The system was engineered to include eight custom EAW AX Series "BWN" 2x15" enclosures, two EAW AX366 Arrayable Install Loudspeakers and eight EAW SB150z Compact Subwoofers. The system offers 5.1 audio powered by 38,000 Watts of QSC DCA amplification. Processing is accomplished via a networked BSS Soundweb London system.

The project presented sonic difficulties: "The throw from the top of the dome to the floor is 75 feet, and we needed to achieve very high impact SPL but with perfect pattern control and instrumental clarity," stated Jeff Bowen, Bowen Technovation President and Creative Director. "In addition to the challenges of providing 5.1 audio inside a concave dome, the surfaces in the area are very high-end marble and custom-sculpted plaster. So keeping audio off the surfaces and focused on the listener was imperative, otherwise we would just have been exciting air needlessly and destroying intelligibility."

EAW product specialists worked together with Bowen Technovation through design, prototyping and production of the custom AX Series BWN boxes, which have since been used on this install in addition to several other projects. Jeff Bowen could not be more thrilled: "The result is these loudspeakers with extremely high SPL yet incredibly detailed and accurate response. I can't wait to get them out there in more spaces."

Near the heart of Reykjavik, Iceland, stands Laugardalsvöllur, the National Soccer Stadium. It recently received a major upgrade, with complete renovations to the main seating area and the construction of new office facilities. The stadium now accommodates 15,000 people. Subsequently, the Football Association of Iceland requested an offer for a complete P.A. sound system for the stadium's west side with the option of later expansion for the remaining areas. To complete this upgrade, the Football Association of Iceland hired local pro audio and lighting firm EB Kerfi ehf, and immediately plans were under way for the design of a full sound system for the entire stadium, which was to include loudspeakers from EAW, a world leader in audio system solutions.

EB Kerfi chose weather-protected versions of EAW's MK5300 Series Small-Format Installation System loudspeakers with rotatable horns. The design of the system's speaker setup was accomplished via a collaborative effort with EAW's Application Support Group. The final design consists of six arrays with two loudspeakers each for the stadium's main seats, and four additional speakers directed to the track area on the side of the field, for a grand total of 16 EAW MK5300 Series loudspeakers, in addition to an EAW DX810 Digital Matrix Mixer. EB Kerfi also chose Powersoft amplifiers and SommerCable cables for the system.

The loudspeakers' weather protection has been designed to maximize the units' durability for outdoor use. Some of the features include multi-layer grill assembly (steel mesh, synthetic foam and a stainless steel perforated grill), an enclosure constructed of exterior-grade plywood coated with styrene resin, fiberglass shell and non-hardening sealant on all hatches and bolts. All drivers and transducers are designed specifically for outdoor applications.

The system's installation got under way in the summer of 2008 and was completed soon after. Response has been enthusiastic and positive: Páll Sævar Guðjónsson, the main announcer for national soccer matches at the stadium, stated, "This system sounds much better than I ever hoped for!" Stadium Manager Jóhann G. Kristinsson added, "We are very satisfied with the sound system. It's very easy to use and sounds very nice!"

"The result was just as we had hoped," stated Einar Björnsson, EB Kerfi's General Manager. "Every single seat received great coverage and rich sound, with enough power for a rock concert. We aimed for high quality, and the final result for the P.A. matches that. The client wanted the best, and I believe that we gave them the best, thanks to EAW and Powersoft!"

Eight of the versatile compact JFL210 enclosures give leading New England audio/video/lighting/staging services provider a scalable solution for a range of applications

Boston area-based massAV knows corporate A/V, lighting and staging, with a client list that includes events for Chevrolet, the New England Patriots, presidential candidate Senator John McCain and the Massachusetts Innovation & Technology Exchange (MITX). In business since 1975, massAV stays on the cutting edge of event technology, so it was not surprising to find Steve Shepard, massAV's Chief Engineer, attending SMAART training at EAW's headquarters in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, late last year. During a break in the seminar, he noticed music wafting in from down the hallway and he followed his ears to the source: EAW's famous "The Pit" product testing lab, where the EAW engineering team was tuning a brand new loudspeaker enclosure. It was Shepard's first encounter with EAW's recently introduced JFL210 Compact Line Array Loudspeaker, and it was love at first listen.

"I had heard something like this was coming, but this was the first time I had actually seen and heard it, and it was fantastic," Shepard recalled. "I was sold on it then and there." The day after the training concluded, he went to the owner of massAV, Patricia Basteri, and told her he had found the loudspeaker they'd been looking for to fill a growing niche in the corporate market: a high-quality, compact speaker that would work well for the scaled-back events imposed on corporate budgets by the economy. massAV's purchase of eight JFL210 loudspeaker enclosures, through Richard Dean Associates, was the first delivery ever of what is destined to become a classic product. Within weeks of delivery, the JFL210 was already working major corporate events for companies including Biogen Idec, EMC and AMR Research.

Shepard's reaction to hearing the JFL210 was not surprising - the JFL210 incorporates a range of EAW's most innovative line array technologies within a mobile, compact and lightweight package. The JFL210 is an ideal solution for a multitude of small- and medium-sized applications, including portable and installed A/V as well as musician/DJ. Each two-way, full-range JFL210 utilizes neodymium drivers that provide optimum performance and tireless durability while also reducing weight. Two 10-inch (2.5-inch voice coil) woofers deliver tight, punchy low-frequency performance, while the 3-inch (1.4-inch-exit) compression driver is closely matched with a horn that provides precise directivity. The enclosure size, shape, weight and rigging points are optimized for ease of transport and handling. Enclosures can be pole-mounted, and arrays can also be easily flown, ground-stacked or permanently installed.

"This is the perfect product for massAV, because it adds tremendous flexibility and scalability for a company that routinely handles events in a wide size range of venues that can seat anywhere from 100 to 5,000 people," commented Bill King, Sales Manager at Richard Dean Associates. "It can be used and positioned in every way conceivable - flown, ground-stacked or pole-mounted, in every role from line array to side fill. The JFL210 is the very definition of a great-sounding, incredibly flexible speaker." Shepard says the company plans to purchase the JFL118, the matching subwoofer for the JLF210. "The sub's built-in mounting pole makes is easy to put together a great small PA for smaller venues," he says. "We love it."

EAW and Rational Acoustics enter into agreement for worldwide distribution and purchase of SMAART brand

EAW today announces that Rational Acoustics is being awarded worldwide distribution of SMAART, the critically acclaimed software used for real-time sound system measurement, optimization and control. EAW and Rational Acoustics are entering into a two-stage agreement, under the terms of which, from today forward, all of the mechanics and infrastructure associated with the sales and distribution of SMAART are being modified, so that sales of SMAART is now conducted and supported by Rational Acoustics. Furthermore, within six months, Rational Acoustics will purchase SMAART outright and assume immediate responsibility of the management of the products.

Rational Acoustics, founded in early 2008 by Jamie and Karen Anderson, Calvert Dayton and Adam Black, has been working closely with EAW for the past year, offering SMAART support, development and an extensive training program. Karen Anderson, COO of Rational Acoustics and former Director of Marketing for EAW, states "It's a very friendly and synergistic relationship which has benefited both companies as well as the SMAART user community."

Jeffrey Cox, VP of EAW, states, "I am gratified that Rational Acoustics is moving forward with the distribution and support of SMAART, as well as ongoing development of the brand. SMAART is a core technology to our industry, and I know that Rational Acoustics will grow it and keep it in the premier position it holds in our business, and in our hearts."

EAW's UX8800, with its highly advanced Gunness™ Focusing technology and advanced U-Net system networking, provides flawless loudspeaker and system control for the legendary after-party

The broadcast of the 81st Academy Awards on February 22, 2009, saw OSCAR®s awarded for outstanding sound achievements in film, but there was one more outstanding audio accomplishment that evening: at the famous Governor's Ball after-party, where the EAW UX8800 Digital Signal Processor optimized the sound system in the Grand Ballroom on the top level of the Hollywood & Highland Center. The sound system was provided and operated by Goodman Audio Services of Santa Fe Springs, California, a leading sound reinforcement company specializing in complex corporate and event audio systems.

For the Governor's Ball, Goodman Audio positioned two UX8800s as system processors at the Front-of-House (FOH) position. Signal from the Yamaha PM5D FOH mixer fed the UX8800 processors in loudspeaker mode, paired with various speaker/amplifier rack locations such as catwalks and amp world near the stage. A typical amp rack will have one UX8800 and four QSC PL236 amplifiers, and these were configured as left and right, with additional channels for dance floor, front fill, under stage, balcony feeds, subs and seven zones of delay.

Thanks to the combination of the UX8800 and U-Net, all of the connections between the components are done via a single CAT-5e cable. "We couldn't live without the UX8800 on this event," commented Rob Smoot, Senior Account Executive with Goodman Audio Services. "Being able to control a web of speakers spread out over a venue with only CAT-5 is unbelievable. The U-Net has allowed us to replace a ton of other pieces of equipment, like 12- and 24-pair mults and snakes, and run all the signals over just one CAT-5 line for all audio tie lines, drive lines and mults."

Goodman Audio is using a wide array of EAW speakers on the project, including an EAW JF Series two-way full range system in a vented trapezoidal enclosure, an EAW JF two-way full range system with passive LF/HF crossover in a vented trapezoidal enclosure, and a SB528z 2x18-inch direct radiating, high output, large-format subwoofer system.

Smoot notes that the UX8800's Gunness™ Focusing technology can take even very good speakers from other manufacturers and make them sound absolutely phenomenal. "It can take any combination and make them into a perfectly matched system," he says, adding that the UX8800 has been the company's sole loudspeaker and system processor since they acquired their first units in 2006. They now have a dozen. Of those, seven are being used at the Ball. Trace Goodman, Owner and President of Goodman Audio Services, says the ability to route to and communicate with any of the UX8800s on the system takes the entire system performance to a higher level. "From the FOH position, or while using a wireless tablet from the floor, I can access any individual processor and fine-tune it to further optimize the system," he explains. "The precision control the UX8800 gives you really adds value to the sound system it's used with."

For more information on EAW's entire product line, please visit www.eaw.com.

About the UX8800 Digital Signal Processor
No other rack-mounted digital processor can approach the UX8800 in terms of dramatically advancing current and future EAW loudspeaker performance. With true dual-mode capability, the four-input by eight-output unit is equally adept as a loudspeaker processor or an overall system processor. The UX8800 utilizes EAW's Gunness Focusing technology that employs sophisticated, custom DSP algorithms designed specifically to correct loudspeaker response anomalies, eliminating the time smear, horn "honk" and low-frequency cone resonances that plague conventional reinforcement system designs. In loudspeaker processor mode, the user can establish up to four individual loudspeaker specific processing units, each with locked-down product-specific settings for crossover, equalization, alignment processing, and limiting. In system processor mode, all settings and parameters for both inputs and outputs are user-adjustable. The processor's 4 x 8 architecture is custom-configured by the user to suit each particular application. The powerful UX8800 digital engine features state-of-the-art 48-bit/96-kHz efficiency. The UX8800 also utilizes EAW's U-Net, which provides full digital control of each device in a system, including audio signal, processing parameters and routing, in addition to accommodating the EAW Smaart tuning and analysis platform.

Lightweight, Mobile Line Array Ideal for Variety of Uses

EAW announces that its JFL210 Compact Constant Curvature Line Array and compatible sub, the JFL118 Subwoofer, are now available to purchase. The JFL210 compact line array features a range of EAW's most innovative line array technologies within a mobile, lightweight package that's an ideal solution for a multitude of small- and medium-sized applications, including portable and installed A/V as well as musician/DJ uses, and with the introduction of the JFL118, now offers a turnkey loudspeaker solution.

Incorporating constant curvature line array design principles, JFL210 modules form easily configured arrays with very predictable output and coherence, and coverage that is both horizontally symmetric and consistent from short to long throws. And, despite the compact size, modules and arrays both deliver exceptionally high output capability and predictable pattern control. The JFL210 can be flown or stacked in a variety of ways. The enclosure size, shape, weight and rigging are optimized for ease of transport and handling. Arrays may be easily flown or ground stacked, and up to two enclosures may be mounted on a tripod loudspeaker stand or on a pole above a pole-mount capable subwoofer.

Each two-way, full-range JFL210 module utilizes neodymium drivers that provide optimum performance and tireless durability while also further reducing weight. Two 10" (2.5" coil) woofers deliver tight, punchy low-frequency performance, while the 3" (1.4"-exit) compression driver is closely matched with a horn that provides precise directivity. These high-end components contribute to a maximum peak output of more than 130 dB SPL, allowing JFL210 arrays to comfortably fill vast spaces. Performance can be optimized even more precisely with an EAW UX8800 digital processor (4 inputs by 8 outputs) that functions as an excellent overall system manager, processor and controller, while its Gunness Focusing™ alignment and driver processing algorithms dramatically enhance JFL210 line array performance.

Dual Neutrik® Speakon® STX Series jacks are provided on each JFL210. The STX Series' all-metal housings are extremely rugged and provide weather protection to IP54 when mated with a complimentary STX Series cable connector. The input panel also houses recessed powering mode and HF Shading switches. Both are shrouded with a rubber boot for weather protection. Yes, it's extremely small and light and easy to handle, but make no mistake - the JFL210 packs an unmatched performance punch in comparison to any other loudspeaker system in its class.

JFL210 Key Features:
- Remarkably small footprint (314 mm / 12.4" H x 631 mm / 24.8" W x 397 mm / 15.6" D)
- Light weight (23.6 kg / 52 lb.)
- Neodymium drivers for superior performance and durability
- Nominal beamwidth: 110° horizontal and 15° vertical
- Easy construction of vertical arrays of up to six units
- User switchable single- and bi-amp modes
- HF Shading switch-optimized array high frequency response in single-amp powering mode
- Optimization for transport by just one person
- EAW UX8800 with Gunness Focusing, further enhancing performance and control
- Easy pole mounting, flying and ground stacking capability
- Integral, high-strength rigging system 10:1 design factor, providing confidence in all flying applications
- Enclosures protection by EAW's tough RoadCoat finish

The JFL210-compatible JFL118 is a lightweight, high-powered, single 18-inch, flyable subwoofer that includes JFL210-compatible rigging fixtures. For use in a multitude of medium-sized applications, including portable and installed A/V as well as musician/DJ, this subwoofer offers a complete system solution. JFL118 enclosure shape, size, weight, rigging and accessory castors are optimized for transport by one to two people. The splay of adjacent enclosures is fixed at 0 degrees, simplifying the requirements of integral rigging. Each module measures 21" (H) by 24.8" (W) by 30" (D) and weighs less than 100 pounds.

Each JFL118 includes integral rigging, which joins up to six enclosures together with a 10:1 safety factor and provides superior balance and stability. Eyebolts screwed into the top of the enclosure simplify rigging in permanently installed applications. Suspended arrays are a common configuration, and the JFL118 can be flown in conjunction with compatible arrays or be flown solely as a sub-only array. A fly bar with multiple fore/aft pick points allows users to set the array angle via gravity. Alternatively, loudspeakers may be stacked directly on top of the JFL118. All enclosures are affixed together using their integral rigging. A ground stack rigging accessory tilts the aiming axis of the bottom of the loudspeaker up to 15 degrees, in order that this system is stacked on a stage so the front rows of an audience may be covered by the loudspeaker. Operating mode is single-amp only with two rear panel NL4 connectors, allowing range system input while a third NL4 is used for a pass thru connection to full range loudspeakers.

JFL118 Subwoofer Key Features:
- Easy configuration: easily rigs and flies above or ground-stacks below loudspeakers.
- Ideal for a wide range of portable and installed AV applications.
- JFL210-Compatible
- Operating range from 31 Hz to 200 Hz reproduces the lowest musical octaves
- Professional Neutrik NL4 Speakon jacks provide secure, flexible connections.
- Neodyium transducers and lightweight rigging contribute to an overall system weight <100 lbs.
- 800 Watt LF allows a maximum peak output of >130 dB SPL and allows JFL118 to fill the largest of spaces.
- EAW construction standard: rugged enclosures, sturdy finish and reinforced steel grilles stand up to road abuse.

The EAW JFL210 Compact Constant Curvature Line Array and JFL118 Subwoofer are now available. For more information, please visit www.eaw.com.

Multipurpose arena installs EAW KF730 Line Arrays and AX Series Loudspeakers

The BankAtlantic Center of Sunrise, Florida, is a multipurpose arena venue serving the diverse sports and entertainment needs of the Fort Lauderdale area. Aside from housing the Florida Panthers NHL franchise, the arena hosts minor league and college basketball, arena football, mixed-martial arts and professional wrestling, as well as such high-profile events as concerts by Iron Maiden and AC/DC, among others. In addition, in 2008 the venue hosted multiple presidential campaign events from then-Senator Barack Obama, one of which was broadcast on nationwide television.

The BankAtlantic Center recently upgraded its sound system with the following products from EAW, a world leader in audio system and loudspeaker solutions: (80) KF730 Compact Line Array Modules, (6) AX364 Arrayable Install Loudspeakers, (20) AX366 Arrayable Install Loudspeakers, (4) AX396 Arrayable Install Loudspeakers, (4) SB1000z Large Format Subwoofers and (6) UX8800 Digital Signal Processors. The venue contracted Delray Beach-based Event Services and Support (www.eventservicesandsupport.net) to create and install a sound system to replace their existing audio equipment. Event Services and Support in turn contacted noted EAW dealer Orlando-based Stage Audio & Lighting Productions (www.salproductions.com). The system was designed by Max Munro, President of Event Services and Support, in coordination with Joe Fustolo of EAW's Application Support Group and Phil Kovacevich of Stage Audio & Lighting Productions. It was tuned by Jamie Anderson of Rational Acoustics (www.rationalacoustics.com), using EAW's Smaart version 6.

"When asked to design and install a new sound system for the BankAtlantic Center, I knew I had to provide top of the line equipment at an affordable price," stated Munro. "I was extremely pleased that EAW was able to come through for us."

"Everyone who has heard the BankAtlantic Center's new KF730 arrays has been blown away. The boxes provide powerful and articulate sound. Any arena would be proud to have a system such as this installed," said Kovacevich.

On the system's alignment and tuning, Anderson stated, "It was rather simple, considering the number of speakers and sub-systems we needed to work through. The system knitted together surprisingly quickly, in a matter of two days, in fact, which was mostly due to the fact that it was a well laid-out and zoned system. EAW's Gunness™ focusing processing in the UX processors provided amazingly even and consistent voicing between the various systems which made all the difference. The 730 line arrays in the lower bowl had virtually the same voicing/tonality and measured response as the individual AX's covering the upper half of the venue, which was really great - the system elements just wanted to work together. There was no wrestling with them to get them to combine, no seams or coverage/consistency issues."

For a baseball venue named 2008 Ballpark of the Year by ballparks.com, only the best would do for its sound, and the EAW MK Series made sure that the audio hit a home run

Springdale, in northwest Arkansas, is a small town with a big vision. When it decided to build a new ballpark for the newly relocated Northwest Arkansas Naturals, the Texas League/Double-A affiliate for the Kansas City Royals, in 2007, it reached for the best, including the award-winning sports architecture division of world-renowned architects HOK. A key addition was sound system components from EAW, a world leader in audio system and loudspeaker solutions. The 6,500-seat Arvest Ballpark, which opened at the start of the 2008 season as home to the Naturals, has a great-sounding PA system consisting of EAW MK2300 and MK5300 Series loudspeakers, as well as the KF750 High Output Line Array with EAW's proprietary V4 Technology. The system was installed by Springdale-based Commercial Audio Systems (www.comaudsys.com) and specified by Gary White of Dallas-based AV systems consultant WJHW (www.wjhw.com).

With a design by the same architectural firm that designed Camden Yards and Progressive Field, Arvest Ballpark has already exceeded expectations: it was named 2008 Ballpark of the Year by ballparks.com, despite being built in record time (13 months from the ground-breaking ceremony, in what was then a pasture, to opening day on April 10, 2008). It was January 2008 when Commercial Audio Systems of Springdale came in to install the PA system: 21 MK2326WP Weather Protected 2-Way Full-Range Installation Loudspeakers featuring 12-inch woofers, 23 MK5326WP Weather Protected 2-Way Full-Range Installation Loudspeakers with 15-inch woofers and a pair of KF750 High Output Array Loudspeakers. These highly focusable components were assembled into a large, distributed system, which evenly and consistently covered all areas of spectator seating but without spilling over into the neighboring houses.

The "WP" designation indicates weather protection, and Jim Crews, Co-Owner and President of Commercial Audio Systems, notes that this was tested as the speakers were installed. "Typical of a baseball stadium to be hanging speakers at a height of over fifty feet in 20-degree weather, and with sleet and snow blowing at forty miles an hour!" Crews recalled. "This installation required quality, reliability and of course the delivery of great sound, and EAW was able to meet all three criteria easily," says Crews, who has enjoyed excellent experiences on other projects with EAW components. "We've used them in other sports venue installations, and they're definitely a pleasure to work with."

For more information on EAW's entire product line, please visit www.eaw.com.

About the EAW MK Series:
EAW's MK Series are high output, trapezoidal loudspeakers that continue to set the standard for compact 2-way installation loudspeakers. A variety of rotatable HF horns with patterns from 60° x 45° to 120° x 60° are available. Low frequencies are reproduced by a choice of 8, 12, or 15 inch cone LF drivers. All MK models are carefully voiced to sound similar, permitting them to be mixed throughout an installation while maintaining the same sonic quality. The result is cleaner, usable, high-fidelity output at significantly higher levels than is normally expected from loudspeakers of this size and price.

Silverado High School gymnasium serves as Hope Baptist Church's new worship space with great sound and easy setup and teardown provided by EAW NTL720 Line Arrays

When a congregation outgrows its worship space, a church can expand its current facility, build a new structure or rent a suitable pre-existing space. Las Vegas' Hope Baptist Church decided on the latter, moving its services to the gymnasium and other spaces of Silverado High School. Although this may seem like an easy solution, it presents its own new challenges, most notably setup and teardown, which need to happen extremely quickly early Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon. These problems were solved by the use of NTL720 Self-Powered Line Array Modules (16 in total), NTS22 Self-Powered Subwoofers (eight in total) and a UX8800 Digital Signal Processor from EAW, a world leader in audio system and loudspeaker solutions. The NTL720 modules and NTS22 subs are easy-to-rig, making for a simple, no-fuss setup and teardown each week.

Robert Sims of Las Vegas' Communication Electronic Systems put together the new gear package as well as the one serving Hope's prior facility. Additionally, Ryan Durham of Las Vegas-based Ford AV guided the church in their equipment and new gear package decisions, and was on hand to assist with the initial setup. Each array consists of seven modules per side, supported on a ground-based tower. An additional NTL720 module per side is used for front fill. The low end of the system is supplied by eight NTS22 subs in a central array under the front edge of the portable stage. All of this is powered by the UX8800 processor.

"When I began my relationship with EAW in the older space, it was the product performance and support that won me over," noted Sims. "I am thrilled that EAW was able to fulfill the needs of this new, challenging space. We had five basic issues to consider: First, speed in erecting the system, because it gets put up and taken down every single weekend. Second, even coverage, front to back and side to side. Third, the power to fill a room of 500-1000 people. Fourth, a system with a small footprint, with self-amplified gear, and less of it! Fifth, repeatability, because we need the same quality of sound every week. The NTL Series and the NT subs fit every one of those issues."

EAW's Martyn "Ferrit" Rowe was also on hand to help with the setup. He noted, "The gymnasium at Silverado is a great place to play basketball, but not ideally suited acoustically as a performance space. Particular care was taken to 'focus' the arrays on the audience areas and keep the energy off the back and side walls to minimize reflections in what is a very 'lively' space. Using the NTL720 wizard allows precise focus of the array, and with a combination of EAW's proprietary Gunness™ Focusing technology and Smaart and Pilot software, tuning was accomplished in under 20 minutes."

Sims and Durham both attend Hope Baptist Church, and both serve as audio engineer for the church's services. The challenges Sims and Durham face weekly involve an 80-member choir, a seven-piece worship band, a six-piece vocal ensemble, various soloists and, of course, the pastor on a wireless headset. Both Sims and Durham have to maintain a balance between musicality, a high energy content and the utmost speech intelligibility. Sims added, "Once Ferrit aligned it and made a very small EQ adjustment, the rig sounded awesome. The mix literally came together in minutes. I never had to use so little EQ before. I feel like I'm mixing on a pair of giant studio monitors. The subs rock. I'm glad we went with eight of them - it's a great match. Using the eighth NTL720 module as the lip fills is working well also. At the end of the first service we did with this rig, one of the comments I overheard was, 'That was the best-sounding gymnasium I've ever heard,' and I think that's a great compliment and a huge accomplishment."

The Fellowship Bible Church of Little Rock presented a challenging design and install project, which was solved using EAW's extensive array of sound system products precisely tailored to the needs of each space

In one of the first installations of its type in the world, the Fellowship Bible Church of Little Rock, Arkansas, recently debuted a digitally connected, simultaneous multi-venue worship facility. A single pastor can reach four thematically distinct worship venues, allowing over 3,000 faithful to hear his message but also enjoy four different worship music styles. One thing these four distinct worship venues have in common is clear, articulate sound for spoken word and music, thanks to components from EAW, a world leader in sound system technology. All systems were designed by Acoustic Dimensions of Dallas, Texas, and installed by American Audio, Inc. of Ruston, Louisiana, with Mission Service of West Monroe, Louisiana, providing video integration.

Fellowship Bible Church consists of four venues: the main Worship Center, with seating of 1,400 and from which the pastor leads the service; the Warehouse venue that provides the "Edge" worship format, an alternative style of music geared toward the "young at heart"; the Chapel venue, which provides a more traditional worship setting; and the Fellowship Student Ministries, the youth worship venue designed for high-school students. In addition, eight separate spaces within the worship facility are designed as Fellowship Kids mini-venues, engaging and entertaining "themed" meeting rooms for faith education. These areas are connected within nearly 200,000 square feet of space by over 50 miles of audio wire used to connect more than 230 speaker cabinets, five large-format digital consoles and seven digital AV mixers, powered by over 165,000 Watts. Three discrete fiber optic AV networks were installed to route audio, video and control at distances approaching 1,000 feet between rooms. Not surprisingly, each of these discrete venues had very unique and specific sound requirements, and EAW had a solution for each one.

• The main Worship Center has a stereo sound system that includes 12 EAW KF730 Compact Line Array Modules, four flown EAW SB730 Compact Line Array Subwoofers and four sidefill EAW AX396 Arrayable Install Loudspeakers. A ring of delay speakers is added to fill out the upper level seats, and recessed frontfills are used to enhance the sound for the front rows. A 96-channel Digidesign Venue digital audio console was selected for control of this room.

• The Warehouse's sound system includes 12 KF730s and three flown SB730s with two rings of delay speakers added for filling out the "shed" areas in the rear. Frontfills are recessed with the subwoofers under the stage lip for enhancement of the front seating. The church's existing Yamaha DM2000 digital audio console is used to control over 72 inputs from the room.

• The Chapel presented unique challenges, as its audio systems needed to blend into the space's elegant surroundings. Two front clusters of EAW MQV VA4 Three-way Full Range Array Modules and EAW MK Series Compact 2-Way Installation Modules, operated in stereo, are the primary speakers for this room. Three sets of delay speakers are added for filling out the lower ceiling areas and the rear gallery seats. Frontfills and additional subs are recessed under the stage steps for discrete use. Another of the church's existing Yamaha DM2000 digital audio consoles was used to control over 50 inputs from the room.

• In addition to services, the Fellowship Student Ministries venue also hosts numerous traveling music artists, so a simple yet effective concert level system was required. Four front clusters of EAW MQV and MV Series Modules are operated in stereo. Six volumetrically loaded F315 subs and frontfills are recessed under the stage to provide the impact and nearfill quality desired in this venue. A Yamaha M7CL-48 digital audio console was chosen for this space.

In the various Fellowship Kids spaces, each room has its own EAW speaker system controlled by the church's existing Sony digital AV mixers. Furthermore, all venue entry areas as well as spaces such as the bookstore, café and meeting areas are covered by discrete, remote controlled, zoned sound audio systems, allowing either facility or local music program to be broadcast.

EAW SM Series monitors are added to existing EAW KF600 Series system

London's Ealing Christian Centre (ECC) recently upgraded its sound system and selected several EAW SM Series stage monitors for vocalist and band use. The Centre already had an existing EAW KF600 Series Compact Three-Way VAT System, both ground-stacked and flown, and they have been very happy with it since it was first installed four years ago. The recent upgrade to the monitor system was accomplished with the help of EAW's UK dealer AA Systems (www.aa-systems.com).

"Sam Blake, ECC's Music and Worship Director, contacted me in November regarding upgrading the monitor system," stated Adrian Copestake of AA systems. "After learning that KF650z Compact Array Loudspeakers and SB600z High-Output, Medium Format Subwoofers were already installed, we soon agreed that the SM range of monitors would fit the bill nicely. The system consists of four SM64's and four SM15's - two left and two right. The SM64's will be used for the choir and the SM15's for the musicians. Together, combined with the amps and processors, this now provides the Centre with eight EAW monitor mixes."

Blake stated, "We have been thrilled with the EAW KF600 Series PA - the sound quality has been exemplary. We simply cannot wait to use the new SM Series monitors."

Copestake continued: "When delivering the system on January 23, 2009 - joined by Moray McMillin with EAW UK Applications & Support - we were presented with a fabulous building that would now be the home to the new monitors. We at AA Systems hope to be working closely with Sam in the future, not only to help integrate the new monitors but also to check and maintain the existing KF system."

About the Ealing Christian Centre
Housed in a lovely ex-theatre, Ealing Christian Centre is based in the West of London and has a thriving congregation of around 1200. As a large ethnically diverse congregation, including a wide mix of ages and backgrounds, their common goal is to love God, love others and express this across all areas of life - work, rest and play! They focus strongly on prayer and biblical teaching and enjoy a contemporary dynamic style of worship.

Additional EAW KF760 and KF761 Line Array Modules make ML Executives the largest EAW sound reinforcement company in Europe

ML Executives, a leading provider of sound systems, microphones, backline and associated services for high-profile touring and event industries, recently added several EAW KF760 Long-Throw Line Array Modules and KF761 Short-Throw Line Array Modules to their stock. ML Executives has a long history with EAW products, and with the recent stock upgrade, they now hold a grand total of 68 KF760s and 22 KF761s, making them the largest EAW-equipped sound reinforcement contractor in Europe.

Over the years, ML Executives has supplied EAW systems for Iron Maiden, Kiss, Deep Purple and Bryan Ferry, among many others, and the upcoming 2009 touring schedule has necessitated some additional EAW inventory. "We have a busy summer of festival shows coming up that we're providing cabinets for, as well as ongoing Iron Maiden stadium and arena tours," noted Gary Marks, ML Executives Managing Director. "We wanted to add to our supply, so that we could take care of stadium tours around Europe without having to rely on any other supplier. Basically, now we can do any show in Europe with EAW KF760s from our own stock."

Marks reflects on the decades-strong relationship between EAW and ML Executives: "We purchased the very first KF850 system that came into Europe. So we've had a longstanding relationship with EAW for 25 years. Essentially, we have always held a quantity of EAW stock. For us, adding the KF760s and KF761s is really a natural progression of our relationship with EAW, and it's a way to confirm our support for the product, because I truly believe it is the best stadium line array system that's out there."

Jeffrey Cox, Vice President of EAW, says, "All of Gary's inventory is top notch gear. Everything is Lab.gruppen powered, and he can supply any consoles that are requested. I would suggest that any band touring in Europe should seriously consider getting in touch with Gary for a quote on their production. We value our longstanding relationships and EAW is proud to work with Gary and the ML team for the past two decades."

Wyclef Jean, multi-platinum hip-hop legend, made an appearance on stage at the Venkestshawara Farm House in Pune (Maharashtra, Western India), on December 8, 2008, and the sound was superb thanks to EAW's KF760 Line Array Speaker Systems, provided by Mumbai-based Rich Audio.

"For FOH, we flew two KF760 Line Array Modules, plus two KF761 Line Array Modules per site with optimal angles of boxes," recalled Lee Braganza, Rich Audio FOH and System Engineer. "The technical result was that the sound in the venue was perfect with no slap backs. To achieve this, we used two EAW UX8800 Digital Signal Processors with presets for different sound zones." The EAW processors, along with amplifiers from Crown Audio, were completely networked to a wireless tablet Laptop, which was equipped with EAW's Smaart Live to provide system correction according to venue and complete system management.

"Everyone who has heard the new system has offered fantastic reviews," Lee Braganza added. "The sound quality is unmistakably EAW, and Wyclef's FOH engineer Alfred, in particular, was amazed that so little needs to be done with the rig to attain a superior concert signature."

Lee and Alfred only had to put in a half hour's work, which mostly entailed wrapping their minds around India's first Soundcraft Si3 Digital Live Sound Console. In fact, the Si3 was directly transported to the venue without having even been switched on, as they received it only a day prior to the event. Alfred was surprised to watch Lee figure out the console so quickly, and he was so impressed with the way Rich Audio's engineers executed everything to detail, that he offered for them to provide their services in Africa, and also requested them to be in contact with him for future events.

Richie Braganza, Rich Audio's Founder, has long specialized in providing pro audio, lighting and trussing services for corporate and national artists, as well as high-profile special events. The new EAW and Soundcraft inventory now positions them to fully serve the needs of large-scale concert sound reinforcement as well. In fact, the new line array system and subwoofers have already been utilized for recently-completed events in Nanded by popular artist Daler Mendhi, in addition to Mumbai's Dhirubhai Ambani International School's annual day event.

MicroWedge15 Joins Highly Successful MicroWedge12 in MicroWedge Series

EAW is now shipping the MicroWedge15 Stage Monitor (MW15), the newest addition to the MicroWedge Series of products. The 15-inch MicroWedge15, a direct result of extensive research and field evaluation with FOH/monitor engineers, leading touring companies and audio consultants, joins the 12-inch MicroWedge12 (MW12, a number of which are also shipping) as the most recent product in the MicroWedge line.

The MicroWedge15 is the second model of the EAW MicroWedge Series to be released since an agreement was reached with MicroWedge developer Rat Sound Systems Inc. in late 2007, stipulating that EAW would serve as the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of MicroWedge products. Additional EAW-exclusive MicroWedge Series products will be introduced in the near future.

Designed to complement the performance capabilities of today's most sophisticated live sound systems, the MW15 provides dramatically enhanced fidelity, power handling and reliability in comparison to earlier MicroWedge models, attained with an optimum blend of upgraded transducers and EAW's hallmark crossover design techniques. Mechanical durability has been advanced as well, joined by enhancements in enclosure fabrication, ergonomics and interconnection, along with dramatic weight reduction. The result is a stage monitor that provides accurate audio reproduction with the ability to project at higher sound pressure levels -- perfect for acts who are performing in larger venues or arenas.

The MW15 features a coaxial driver arrangement that pairs a 15-inch woofer with a 3-inch (diaphragm) HF compression driver on a horn, delivering full yet tightly controlled 90-degree horizontal dispersion. This design path guarantees that all frequencies emanate from the exact same point, eliminating crossover region problems and time/phase irregularities, and optimizing coherency. The coaxial approach also contributes to a very compact, low-profile footprint that stays out of sight-and camera-lines, but attained without sacrificing fidelity and high output levels.

The MW15 is processor-enhanced (rather than processor-dependant) for true "plug and play" operation, eliminating the need to purchase additional processing. In addition, it offers switchable passive or active modes.

The physical profile is visually appealing while serving another valuable function by focusing upward-firing coverage to the area most comfortable for performers - close to the wedge. This is particularly a significant advantage when stage space is in short supply. And, the curved front affords more flexibility in visually placing wedges that are optimally focused.

A large port on the front of the cabinet serves to enhance LF response in coupling with the floor (and cleans up the cable configuration, so that artists do not fall over cluttered cords in the middle of a performance), and in another upgrade, this port also now houses both the carrying handle and the passive/active mode switch. The resulting look is very clean, with the switch easily accessible (but protected from accidental changes) and the handle location fostering very balanced, single-hand carrying, enhanced by reduced enclosure weight.

Further, the port houses dual input connectors, keeping them concealed and protected while also facilitating an ideal way of making sure cables run very close to the floor where they can easily be secured in place with tape. The connector location also allows wedges to be placed as close together as desired, and again, there's no cabling between wedges that can trip the performers.

Additional cable can be stored in the port without impacting LF performance, and it is also sized to accept a leg of a tripod microphone stand, providing added stability and security.

The trapezoidal enclosure sides allow wedges to be placed very close together in "arc" configurations, while the addition of rubber feet to the bottom of the enclosure reduces abrasion. New integral rigging hardware - also mounted on the enclosure bottom - means easy flying when desired.

Finally, MicroWedge Series MW15 and MW12 are very capable of withstanding the rigors of club and touring life. The Baltic birch cabinets are protected with EAW's proprietary RoadCoat™ finish that's highly resistant to dings and scratches, and the rugged steel grille keeps its distinctive shape, even when stood upon by performers. All transducer components are highly liquid tolerant - virtually impervious to spilled drinks as well as natural elements like rain.

The EAW MicroWedge Series MicroWedge12 and MicroWedge15 are currently available. For more information, please visit www.eaw.com.

Several EAW Units, Including New AX Series, Keep the Energy Going at
This Highly Versatile Hybrid Venue

EAW recently had several of its products selected to be installed in Fusion Nightclub, Drogheda, Ireland, a versatile nightclub venue hosting bands, DJs and other acts. EAW products were chosen for their high sound quality and versatility. Pete Williams of Dublin-based AVL Systems Ltd., with the assistance of the EAW ASG team, selected the products and managed their installation and implementation. The designer was Graham Barrow Interiors, and the project manager was Graham Barrow.

Fusion Nightclub is a large venue that prides itself on serving the diverse tastes and needs of the people of Drogheda. A high-volume, high-energy venue, Fusion has been thrilling the region for nearly a decade. Recent refurbishment developments give a welcome update to what was already a thriving venue, and the newly-remodeled space is a stunning club that hosts live acts and DJs weekly. At the center of the club's remodeling are several products from EAW.

"Since this is a hybrid live/dance club venue, Fusion was aware of the hurdles we would face in designing a sound system that would support such a variety of acts," stated Mark Fay of AVL Systems. "With EAW, we were able to carefully design a system that not only met the client's wishes but exceeded them. The wide range of products offered by EAW allowed us to deliver a complete audio solution for the venue, from main PA to support, infill, under balcony and even in the toilets and other public areas. The high quality of the sound in the venue, at all times, is incredible and is a testament to EAW."

EAW products selected for use in Fusion Nightclub included four AX344 Arrayable Install Loudspeakers, eight Avalon DCS2 Bent Horn Dance Subwoofers, two UX8800 Digital Signal Processors with Gunness™ Focusing, four FR159z Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers, four FR250z Compact Subwoofers, four VR62 Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers, eight VR21 Full-Range Loudspeakers, two VR51 Full-Range Loudspeakers and four SB150z Compact Subwoofers.

Fay is especially complimentary of the new AX Series. "The different models in the range allow installation companies to achieve the optimum dispersion patterns and performance for any application where a permanently installed sound system is required. The AX Series are some of the best sounding speaker cabinets EAW has developed, and their natural sound made them the perfect speaker range for Fusion Nightclub."

Fusion Nightclub's Colm McGuinness stated, "I know we have a venue with unique needs, and AVL and EAW delivered exactly what we need in terms of sound quality, power and versatility. EAW's products and AVL's level of expertise together built a system on par with any of the leading nightclubs in the world, let alone Ireland. We look forward to great, powerful sound for years to come."