FOUNDACTION MICHOU Y MAU, I.A.P., an organization focused on raising money to save the lives of acute burnt Mexican children and their rehabilitation process, hosted The Moots festival from March 20 - March 22, 2009.  The festival took place in “Ajusco," a metropolitan area outside of Mexico, City.

When asked to supply a PA for the event, Consorcio Audiovisa S.A. de C.V., an audio rental house in Mexico city chose to go with an EAW rig to cover the expected 48 hours of continuous music to be played by headliners such as Pit Fusion, Valadie and Minitek. The rig consisted of 12 KF760's per side with 4 KF760's per side used as front fill.  Additionally, 24 SB1000z subwoofers were used to meet the low frequency needs and improve overall acoustical performance.

Alex Morales, owner of Consorcio Audiovisa S.A. de C.V. was very impressed with the sound.   "The system needed extremely high output to reach the demands of the listeners and this system did the trick."

All proceeds benefited FOUNDACTION MICHOU Y MAU, I.A.P.

Posted by EAW at 7:39 AM | Permalink

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!”

Posted by EAW at 3:14 PM | Permalink

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.”

Posted by EAW at 2:40 PM | Permalink

EAW, a world leader in audio system technology, 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.

Posted by EAW at 1:44 PM | Permalink

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.”

Posted by EAW at 10:10 AM | Permalink

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 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.”

Posted by EAW at 1:52 PM | Permalink

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.”

Posted by EAW at 2:45 PM | Permalink

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.

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Posted by EAW at 9:32 AM | Permalink