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 Dubai-based Smart Vision LLC a leading Middle Eastern systems integrator, has recently commissioned an EAW-based system at the stunning new Elegante Club, already becoming the hottest nightclub in the region since its December opening.
With a capacity of more than 1,000, Elegante Club (housed within Dubai's prestigious Royal Ascot Hotel and managed by the Executive Group) presents diverse entertainment, including live music, special stage shows, top DJs of the region and renowned international DJs once a month. .
 "Elegante Club is unique, appealing to its clientele by featuring a one-of-a-kind light and laser grid, state-of-the-art liquid nitrogen Kryogenifex effects systems and of course, the absolute best sound system design and technology. It all combines to make for the latest evolution of nightlife artistry," explains Oussama Mansour Abou Faraj, who manages Smart Vision LLC as well as HI FI SERVICE of Beirut, Lebanon.
With excellent support from EAW Executive Audio, the Smart Vision LLC team members, including Khaled Abu Rislan (sound system installation) and Tony Mattar (lighting and video system installation) were crucial to the project.
Elegante Club measures approximately 40-meters by 20-meters, with a mezzanine floor for VIP’s. The owners were determined from the outset to have the “best club sound” in Dubai, marked by the ability to deliver high levels and deep, punching bass.
 In meeting that objective, Smaart Vision LLC elected to go with EAW Avalon Series loudspeakers, combined with MK Series and AX Series installation loudspeakers. The other key is EAW's new UX8800 dual-mode digital processing with Gunness Focusing technology.
Specifically, the "front" of the room is outfitted with an EAW Avalon DC1 full-range system on top of four Avalon DCS2 subwoofers, stacked to each side and serving as the mains. These are then supplemented by 10 EAW MK2396/2394 for mezzanine fill and two EAW AX396 for DJ fill.
 "We chose the UX8800 primarily because of the added benefits of Gunness Focusing, which enables cleaner and more accurate reproduction of higher frequencies from compression driven devices while also helping to eliminate low-frequency excursion anomalies," states Oussama. "Coupled with sophisticated loudspeaker system protection, very powerful DSP and useful 4 by 8 configuration, this latest device from EAW was the obvious choice."
Other key components in the sound system include Lab.gruppen amplifiers, Biamp Audia Solo audio distribution, and Pioneer CDJ 1000 MKII and DJM1000 mixers. Following system installation, Steve Badham of EAW ASG Europe provided system tuning and optimization utilizing the industry-standard EAW Smaart platform platform, noting, “once the timing adjustments were made, very little EQ adjustment was required."
"The client did not expect the level and quality of sound achieved in his club. Mr. Hashem (owner of the club) can’t help but smile when he sees a crowd of 1,000 people dancing to the beat of his Avalon system," concludes Oussama. (Our thanks to Oussama for the details in this report as well as the fine photos.)
 New EAW Commercial CAM160 and CAM80 integrated audio mixers-power amplifiers are outfitted with comprehensive input/output facilities and feature sets to provide exceptional versatility from a highly cost-effective package. Designed for a wide range of fixed installation applications, the CAM Series offers “all in one” functionality without need for add-ons such as expansion modules.
Both models are equipped with six actively balanced combination mic/line inputs as well as individual adjustable potentiometers for line level input, mic level input and mic level input with 24-volt DC phantom power. Input 1 also offers the flexibility of an integrated transformer for connection to telephone paging systems.
Inputs 1 and 2 are divided into four discrete input sections: a combination XLR/TRS connector, Phoenix connector, or terminal strip. Meanwhile, Inputs 3, 4, 5 and 6 offer both Phoenix connectors and terminal strips. Two pairs of RCA connectors allow unbalanced auxiliary (Aux) signals to enter the amplifier via Aux 1 and Aux 2, both of which are attenuated by a potentiometer on the front of the amplifier.
 Two levels of priority can be established on Inputs 1 and 2, initiated with external contact closures or adjustable signal threshold levels. External volume control is possible through a Phoenix connector and user supplied potentiometer. A two-position Phoenix connector allows the internal fault relay to be connected to redundant systems. And, an adjustable pre-announcement chime is also included.
Front panel controls include a level control for each input, a toggle switch for Aux 1 or Aux 2 selection, and one Aux master level control for the selected Aux. Low and high EQ controls offer 12 dB of boost or cut at 100 Hz and 10 kHz, respectively. A master volume control offers output volume control, while distinctive LEDs indicate power (green), signal (amber), overload (red), and fault (red).
The CAM160 provides 160 watts of output power at 100-volt, 70.7-volt, 25-volt and 4 Ohms, while the CAM80 offers 80 watts of output for the same power configurations. An intelligent output stage is fully protected against permanent damage caused by overloading, shorts and thermal faults.
Both units operate on 100 volts to 240 volts AC power (50/60 Hz), and are supplied by a detachable IEC power cord. A combination banana plug/binding post connection is also provided for connecting an external 24-volt DC backup battery.
Product Pages on EAW.com: CAM160 and CAM80
 Thanks to the EAW Engineering team, we have a detailed look at the driver configuration inside the new NTL720 "baby" line array. (Click on the image for a larger version.)
Here's what we're looking at: 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. High frequencies are produced by six 1-inch dome tweeters (shown in red), configured in two vertical columns 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 (yellow) 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 (blue) are positioned in a side-mounted “figure-8” configuration that extends horizontal pattern control while directing more acoustical energy on axis.
Get the full story on the new NTL720 here.
 Zamar Media Solutions has just put the finishing touches on an exciting new sound system design and installation at the beautiful new worship center of WestGate Church in San Jose, California, that's headlined by EAW UX8800 dual-mode digital processing as well as EAW AX Series full-range loudspeakers.
Matt Dow served as the project manager for Zamar, which, since 1991, has successfully provided pro audio, video, lighting and acoustics systems and services in the Bay Area communities, with a committed dedication to the local church community. Dow and the Zamar team worked closely with church-contractor liaison John Coyle on the project.
 The WestGate Church worship center features one of the very first church sound systems enhanced with the UX8800's revolutionary Gunness Focusing technology. According to Zamar's Ken Hughes, alternative processing had originally been slated for the system but was replaced when new UX8800 units became available via EAW sales rep firm PCM Marketing.
We'll have a more detailed report on this system in the very near future. Thanks to Ken for the excellent photos shown here. Click here to find out more about Zamar Media Solutions.
 Leading club systems provider Ohm Productions recently provided expert audio, visual and lighting system design and installation for the Tattoo Bar, one of Washington D.C.’s newest nightspots located in the thriving K Street district.
Headed by Jeff Darby and based in nearby Potomac Falls, Virginia, Ohm Productions is recognized as the region’s “go to” nightclub and lounge systems resource for more than 15 years, consistently delivering superior designs that are expertly applied to fit and enhance the desired experiences of club owners and patrons alike. Recent projects include Lotus Lounge, FUR Nightclub and UltraBar – all among D.C.’s hottest of spots.
 Tattoo Bar presents a decidedly “blue collar” ambiance, with the long narrow room (about 2,500 total square feet) taking on an industrial motif with a biker’s twist. In fact, a full-size steel sculpture of a motorcyclist bursts from the wall above the bar, while motorcycle chains are utilized as “hanging door bead” dividers.
“This venue is different from any other in the area, which makes it an exciting, fresh alternative,” Darby explains. “It’s got a gritty feel, and the music programming goes along with that – heavy on rock n’ roll tracks.”
DJs spin tracks several nights each week, working at a fully appointed booth headed by a Pioneer DJM 800 4-Channel DJ Mixer with Digital I/O, FX, and MIDI. It’s driving a full-range house audio system - designed by John Fiorito of Ohm Productions - that features EAW loudspeakers and subwoofers, a staple of the majority of the company’s high-end club projects.
 Specifically, six EAW FR159z (15-inch) full-range loudspeakers are flown (via convenient onboard mounting points) high above the club floor, with dual sets of loudspeakers at both ends, combined with two placed in the center, supplying blanket coverage throughout the long, rather narrow room. Charlie Weiner, Ohm Productions’ veteran rigger, expertly placed the loudspeakers to blanket the facility while keeping stray energy off other surfaces, resulting in very clean, reverberation-free audio.
“The EAW FRz Series is one of our ‘go to’ audio solutions – great sounding boxes that really hold up, and easy to fly,” Darby notes. “These loudspeakers provide everything you need in a club speaker while not being ‘crazy expensive.’ As a result, they’re a valuable tool for systems developers that also serve to make our customers very happy as well.”
 Low-end is plentiful, supplied by four EAW FR250z subwoofers (dual-15-inch) with a reverse woofer design that cancels mechanical distortion that can occur when large transducers are driven at high levels. Relying upon a floor-space-saving technique developed on previous projects, Ohm Productions built two of the subwoofers into the main bar structure, with the other two subs built into a wall at the other end of the room.
On the lighting side, the approach taken by Ryan Rafferty of Ohm Productions perfectly fits with Tattoo Bar’s blue collar motif. Robe America Color Spot and Wash fixtures (both under DMX control) tastefully highlight elements like the biker statue, while not overpowering the pervading feel. Visuals, including striking tattoo imagery, are provided by a combination of LCD and Plasma screens from Sony and LG, joined by an NEC WT610 DLP projector.
 Leading hire company ML Group will be supplying the largest EAW KF760 Series line array contingent ever to tour Europe as key components of a large-scale sound reinforcement system for the upcoming Iron Maiden “Somewhere Back in Time" 2008 world tour.
Kicking off in India early in February, the tour will visit more than 30 countries on several continents in the coming months. ML Executives Managing Director Gary Marks is coordinating system issues with partner companies around the globe, such as Norwest Productions of Sydney, Australia and Brantley Sound Associates of Nashville. Michael Hackman (pictured below) is serving as the KF760 Series line array system technician for the tour, also performing system analysis and optimization at each stop with an assist from EAW Smaart.
 "For the stadium tour in Europe, we'll be supplying four main hangs of 18 EAW KF760 modules and two EAW KF761 wide dispersion modules," explains Marks. "So, that's a total of 80 cabinets on the main four hangs, plus 24 EAW SB1000 subwoofers per side. Also, because the stages will be very wide, we'll use six more KF761 modules flown in the center to serve as a vocal fill."
We'll be providing updates on the progress of the system and tour as it goes along. Click here for the official tour itinerary.
 You’re invited to participate in upcoming EAW Smaart School sessions in Vancouver, February 6-8, 2008.
The intensive three-day training package, presented by veteran Smaart School instructor Arthur Skudra, will be conducted at the beautiful Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (CCPA), located at the University of British-Columbia (UBC).
Smaart Fundamentals and Applications will be covered the first two days, with the third day devoted to an Advanced User Seminar. Click here to find out more and to get cost/registration details.
Smaart School, Chan Center, Vancouver
Day 1: Smaart Fundamentals
Wednesday, February 6 -- 10 AM to 6 PM
The fundamentals of setting up a Smaart measurement system, as well as basic measurement theory, Smaart basics and a tour of Smaart v.6 and v.5.
Day 2: Smaart Applications
Thursday, February 7 -- 10 AM to 6 PM
Advanced measurement theory and applications of Smaart for loudspeaker and sound system alignment and response optimization. Also, in-class measurements and examples of real-world data will be used to emphasize and support the theoretical subject matter, with a strong accent on measurement interpretation. (Note: Students provide their own laptop and stereo interface for interactive measurement examples.)
Day 3: Smaart Advanced User Seminar
Friday, February 8 -- 9 AM to 5 PM
A hands-on application workshop in a world-class venue (Chan Shun Concert Hall of the CCPA), with participants setting up and tuning a sound system, focusing on advanced system alignment techniques and data interpretation. (Note: Participation assumes a full working knowledge of Smaart operation.)
More Details
- It is strongly preferable that participants bring a laptop computer to the course with Smaart already installed. Also verify that the laptop has a stereo line-level input either built in or via an external audio interface device with Windows wave audio drivers. We will provide the measurement signals for participants' computers via a stereo signal distribution system.
- Participants will receive all course documentation including class notes upon arrival on Day 1.
- Lunch and coffee breaks are provided all three days.
- Cost is $375 for 2 days, and $450 for 3 days.
Please confirm attendance before Monday, January 28th, 2008, via e-mail with Elie Bellama at elie.bellama@sfm.ca. You will be contacted for payment following your confirmation of attendance.
Course payments can be made via credit card to Louise Véronneau via telephone at 514-780-2070 (Ext. 2292) or e-mail at louise.veronneau@sfm.ca.
Better hurry – seats are limited!
This educational event is organized by SF Marketing, EAW’s distributor in Canada.
 Leading U.K. hire company Concert Sound just finished up providing a large-scale sound reinforcement system for the latest European concert tour by the legendary Joe Cocker, including extensive EAW line array and loudspeaker sets.
Concert Sound worked closely with FOH Engineer Chris Madden in formulating the system, which traveled throughout the European continent in support of the 2007 release of the acclaimed Hymn For My Soul album. The scalable system, under the care of System Engineer Dave Dixon, was comprised of left and right main hangs of up to 20 EAW KF760 Series large-format line array modules, with EAW KF730 Series small-format line array modules on the deck for front-fill.
 Side-fill came from up to eight EAW KF750 Series three-way concert loudspeakers flown per side, with a low-frequency contingent of up to 18 EAW SB1000z dual-18-inch-loaded subwoofers split left and right. “I loved the consistency of this system – it sounded great every day throughout the 13-week tour, performing in a widely differing variety of venues,” noted Madden. “The system also provided very fast load-ins and load-outs, and further, it didn't suffer a single component failure during the whole tour.”
A portion of the system as well as key sound team members are pictured above. Left to right - Ben Byford, Adrian Fitzpatrick, Chris Madden, Niall Slevin, and Dave Dixon. And, thanks to Moray McMillan of EAW Europe for the great photos!
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