Category: Featured Press

MERIDIAN, MS — MediaMatrix®, a Peavey Commercial Audio® brand, introduces the sWALL™ 2×2 audio network interface panel with Dante® and AES67 audio-over-IP network compatibility. This in-wall surface mount panel is designed for fixed installation in engineered audio and communication systems, offering IT and pro-audio teams the freedom and flexibility that comes from not having to run hundreds of feet of proprietary cable to the nearest control room rack. sWALL users can instead convert their analog devices to a digital signal for transmission across a standard IP network, to mixers, speakers, and other Dante/AES67-enabled pro-audio components.

The sWALL is designed to fit commonly available NEMA 2-gang backboxes. On the input side, the analog audio channels support both microphone and line-level balanced and unbalanced audio sources. Input attenuation is automatically selected upon connecting either an XLR for microphone-level sources or a 1/4-inch TRS jack for line-level sources. Individual rotary micro switches allow input gain adjustment of up to +20dB.

Another advantage of the sWALL is the inclusion of 48V DC phantom power for high-quality condenser microphones, selectable on each channel. The interface Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) adheres to IEEE802.3af and IEEE802.3at standards. Audio from the universal XLR/TRS 1/4-inch jack input connectors is independently transmitted on the Dante or AES67 network using two separate subchannels.

On the output side, the sWALL provides up to two independent balanced audio line-level channels. Network data streamed audio subchannels are decoded and made available via the XLR output connectors. The network interface panel Ethernet port is side-mounted to ensure the connected network cable has sufficient bend radius. Remote setup of the streams is made possible using Dante Controller.

Whether used in conference rooms, banquet halls, music studios, or houses of worship, the MediaMatrix sWALL 2×2 is a universally compatible, cost-effective solution for the needs of today’s pro audio market.

Good things are arriving in even smaller packages, with the introduction of the sControl™ Nano, an ultra-small industry-grade network control processor from MediaMatrix®. The sControl Nano offers a robust IoT OS (internet of things operating system) pre-configured with the nWare platform ControlManager™ software suite. The software provides open-architecture control and monitoring functionality over an Ethernet data network, making the sControl Nano a cost-effective solution that’s ideal for public address, audio-visual media control, and monitoring applications.

An energy-efficient, yet powerful, Intel® Celeron® N3350 Apollo Lake processor, with HD graphics 500, forms the brain of the sControl Nano, allowing for processor-intensive applications. These vital components are enclosed in a ruggedized, IP50-rated fanless, ventless chassis that’s built to last. The sControl Nano supports MediaMatrix and Crest Audio® networkable products, including the next-generation MediaMatrix “S” series digital signal processors; I/O networkable bridges that complement video and data connectivity; and power amplifiers and audio interfaces that are either locally or network distributed, including third-party devices utilizing plugins supported by the nWare 3.0 software suite.

The sControl Nano can be custom configured as a network edge controller using nWare open-architecture programming and a control graphical user interface (GUI) design suite. Both the MediaMatrix Kiosk2Go™ and Kiosk™ GUI applications can be utilized, respectively, on any smart device supporting compatible HTML web browsers, or directly connected to an optional, supported touchscreen/monitor, as well as keyboard/mouse from the available mini-display.

Flexible and versatile, the sControl Nano features a dual-core 1.1 GHz CPU with independent graphics processor, supporting video resolutions of up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 Hz via two mini-display ports, and includes two gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports. Up to 16 network connected devices can be supported via the control software GUI suite. Two USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0 ports are also available. The sControl Nano offers 32 GB eMMC (embedded multi-media card) onboard storage and 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM (low-power double data rate). The unit is powered by 12V DC at 3A universal external power supply via DC input jack, complete with a power button and LED power indicator.

Where typical fanned solutions fail, the sControl Nano thrives thanks to its hardshell fanless technology, which resists dust, metal shavings, and other debris often found in industrial, commercial, and other demanding environments. The ultra-small unit measures approximately 4.5 inches long, 3.2 inches wide, and 1.3 inches high, with a gross weight of 4 pounds. A DIN rail mounting kit is supplied, with an optional VESA mount kit.

Ultra-compact and portable, with excellent compatibility, the sControl Nano is ideal for small- to medium-size commercial AV systems in which network connected devices are required to be monitored and/or controlled.

MediaMatrix® introduces the sControl™ network control processor. The new sControl is an industrial grade network control processor preloaded with the MediaMatrix award-winning nWare™ platform and Control Manager™ software, providing a full open-architecture control server for audio visual control and monitoring functionality typically required for large and enterprise mission-critical networked media public address and control systems. Built for hosting extensive control, performance and health status monitoring and connectivity of practically any network connected device, the sControl acts as the control center of the entire audio visual system allowing multiple network connected control interfaces running MediaMatrix Kiosk™ windows based control and/or using the HTML 5 supported Kiosk2Go™ app loaded on any Android or Apple smart phone or tablet with a browser.

Representing the brains of the control and monitoring system, sControl is designed to work in conjunction with the NION® series and next generation of digital signal processors (DSPs), Peavey Commercial Audio networkable product line power amplifiers, and audio interfaces, including practically any third-party network device either locally and/or network distributed. Like its predecessor the nControl™, sControl also supports SNMP and RATC protocols, as well as Python scripting within the nWare software control environment . The sControl operating system resides on 64 GB mSATA SSD storage media, has a 4 GB DDR3L 1866 memory (RAM), and includes support for reading/writing data from the operating system and configuration software. The control processing system includes USB ports for direct control and configuration, and dual gigabit Ethernet ports.

Where typical fanned solutions fail, the sControl thrives thanks to its hardshell fanless technology, which resists dust, metal shavings, and other debris often found in industrial environments.

The sControl network control processor weighs just 5 lbs and can be conveniently mounted within an optional 2RU rackmount tray individually or as a redundant pair allowing for independent or redundant fail-over operation typically required for mission critical applications.

For a low-profile industrial package control processor designed for integrated systems media control and monitoring of large and enterprise fixed installations, take a closer look at the sControl from Media Matrix.

PA reliable connection is the foundation of any pro-audio setup, and the new sDAB™ series of networkable digital audio bridges from MediaMatrix®, a Peavey Commercial Audio® brand, are here to provide rock-solid connection and distribution. The sDAB series of devices are break-in/break-out, rack mountable, and allow for the expansion of audio I/O from sDAB to sDAB, or via the MediaMatrix family of DSPs.  No matter the specificity of the input and/or output configuration, there is an sDAB bridge to meet the challenge.

Five sDAB pre-configured models are available, supporting 8i x 8o, 16i, 16o, plus special-order 16i x 16o and 32o configurations, respectively.  All models supporting balanced mic/line level inputs have a level range from -60 to +24 dBu, with software switchable +48V phantom on each input. All models with balanced line level outputs allow for up +24 dBu increase.  Additionally, each audio i/o connection allows for quick hook-up and connectivity utilizing 3.81 mm phoenix/euroblock connectors, each with individual plus (+), minus (-), and ground (G).

The sDAB series of networkable digital audio bridges support Dante™ and/or AES67 audio-over-IP, with control and monitoring via the award-winning nWare™ software suite. Control and monitoring can also be managed by using the built-in Web UI allowing for sDAB to sDAB audio routing and distribution together with control and monitoring from the standalone web server browser-pages.  Dual RJ-45 network jacks provide for steaming audio and control over Ethernet supporting redundant or switched mode configuration as well as being Dante Domain Manager ‘DDM’ ready.

For clear monitoring and visibility, RGB front-panel LEDs, two per channel, provide metering and streaming status at a sample rate of 44.1, 48, or 96 kHz at 32-bit A/D and D/A conversion (AES-67 at 48 kHz ) All sDAB models feature a 25-pin GPIO (General Purpose Input Output) ‘D’ connector for digital, and dry contact closure connectivity. The GPIO also allows for an optional DIN rail mounting system called the GPIO-25 (ordered separately) for efficient rack wiring and service.  The unit is powered via a built-in universal 90 to 260 AC power supply with optional 12V DC redundancy, for mission critical applications.

Take your pro-audio configuration to the next level with the sDAB series of networkable digital audio bridges.

Crest Audio®, a Peavey Commercial Audio® brand, announces that the Tactus™.Control motorized mixing console now supports WAVES® eMotion™ LV1 Version 12 with embedded MIDI control. Tactus.Control users can now enjoy the benefits of the tactile console combined with the advantages of V12 software.

The Tactus.Control is designed to supplement the eMotion LV1 touch screen by providing moving faders, lighted buttons, and knobs for the most used functions. The latest update, now supported by the Tactus Digital Mixing Systems, now offers resizable plugins, retina-ready graphics, a lightning-fast preset browser, and the ability to find and add presets instantly.

Crest Audio’s Tactus Digital Mixing System is a scalable, modular system designed to support any type of live performance event or recording environment. The Crest Tactus hardware and WAVES LV1 eMotion software combine to create a high-quality, flexible live-sound system, giving the operator a flexible audio mixing solution and the ability to expand up to 256 channels to meet any challenge, including fixed installed and touring systems.

Complementing the Tactus.Control are the Tactus.FoH I/O with integrated WAVES SoundGrid Extreme Server and Tactus.Stage rack mount digital network stage boxes, both featuring high-quality audio pre-amps. For existing Tactus.Control users, a MIDI supported sticker pack is available upon request through Crest Audio dealers. Tactus supporting firmware is downloadable at peaveycommercialaudio.com/software/.

Tactus Digital Mixing System products, including Tactus.Control, are in stock and available now for immediate shipping.

Crest Audio®, a Peavey Commercial Audio® brand, proudly celebrates the inaugural installation of the Versarray™ PRO at The Mill on Etowah in Canton, Georgia. The fully articulating line array system with ribbon drivers provides a customized solution for this historic venue, which sits on the Etowah River and serves as the centerpiece of Canton’s downtown revitalization program. As an adaptive reuse development, the venue was in need of a flexible, configurable sound system that could deliver high output, optimized coverage, and pristine high-fidelity audio. The mid-size Versarray PRO system chosen by the development team is a state-of-the-art configuration that’s capable of enhancing the venue’s immersive experience.

The Mill on Etowah combines an outdoor amphitheater and an indoor music and wedding venue, connected by the fully functional Reformation Brewery onsite. In the transformed textile mill’s central space, the development team wanted to showcase how the mill looked in its industrial prime, which inevitably created some sound reinforcement issues.

“With hardwood floors and ceilings, ancient brick walls, and expansive windows, any compression driver-based loudspeaker would be inappropriate in the space,” said installer/contractor Kent Morris of Cornerstone Media. “Fortunately the ribbon-based Crest Audio Versarray PRO system offered the smooth response and balanced tone the room required. And, with full Dante® integration, the solution allowed for simple connectivity coupled with extensive control.”

The indoor performance venue uses eight Crest VR PRO 112, 12″ two-way powered ribbon line array cabinets, which are designed to provide modular coverage of small to medium-size venues while offering excellent versatility and high-performance capability. The 112 modules are perfectly paired with two VR PRO 215 (2 x 15’’) powered subwoofers running in a staggered four-post layout. The system is supplemented with eight Peavey® Impulse® 5C, two-way weather-resistant, indoor-outdoor loudspeakers surrounding the main area. In the VR PRO modules, the smoothness of the Crest ribbons mates perfectly with the natural aesthetic of the wood and brick surfaces to create a compelling sonic landscape.

To further enhance the room’s overall ambience, the Versarray PRO modules are positioned discretely thanks to the advanced adjustability of the rigging system. The flexibility of the Versarray FlyQWIK™ system allows for the use of anywhere from one to five Versarray PRO 215 subs in conjunction with an appropriate number of Versarray PRO 112 cabinets. Angles between the array modules are adjustable from 0 degrees (straight) to 7.5 degrees, in 2.5-degree increments. The total angling possible between two cabinets is 15 degrees.

“Add in the straightforward suspension design, and the VR PRO system made for an elegant answer to a complex problem,” Morris summarized.

Reliability is key for any professional audio system, but especially for the very first application of new sound technology in a groundbreaking venue. Just as the development team leveraged the beauty of this 120-year-old mill to create a functional community development for the 21st century, Crest Audio brought together decades of sound reinforcement research and development to ensure that the Versarray PRO will deliver uninterrupted performance and unrivaled high-end clarity for years to come.