Former NBA Star Wayman Tisdale Scores Jazz and Gospel with Crest

When NBA legend-turned-acclaimed jazz bassist Wayman Tisdale decided to leave basketball in 1997, it wasn’t a sacrifice, nor was it labored; it was a blessing. “I’ve always been inspired to make music my ministry,” he said. “After 12 years, it was simply time for me to go.” In Tisdale’s own estimation, he merely left his career to live his dream.

During Tisdale’s illustrious basketball career – during which he played on the 1984 USA Gold Medal Olympics team, became the first University of Oklahoma basketball player to have his number retired and appeared in 22 NBA playoff games – the lifelong musician showcased his melodic bass style on two chart-topping jazz albums, Power Forward and In the Zone. Tisdale has continued his growth as a musician since retiring from the NBA, releasing two additional albums and returning to his gospel roots as musical director of Friendship Church in Tulsa – a move that inspired his forthcoming album 21 Days. In the studio and on stage, the prolific, multi-talented Tisdale chooses Crest Audio gear for mixing and powering both his music and his message.

“When I’m playing in church, I want to have my system operating in excellence, just like when I’m out on tour,” he said. “That is where Crest comes in.” Tisdale uses the X-Eight(TM) professional front-of-house console to mix his church band, which at various times consists of bass, drums, guitar, organ, keyboard and vocals. “The X-Eight is so versatile, I can accommodate anyone who wants to come on stage without worrying about the sound quality or infrastructure.”

The Crest X-Eight console features four-band EQ with sweepable mids and high-pass filters on each input, a microprocessor-based muting system, multiple outputs and eight auxiliary mixes. It’s also manufactured to be resistant to RF interference and boasts a very low noise floor, taking the noise and hiss typical of other consoles out of the equation. “No one understood the difference between Crest and other manufacturers until they heard it themselves,” he said. “It sounds like I’m mixing a CD back there!”

On 21 Days, Tisdale also began using the Crest CA(TM) 9 power amplifier in his bass rig. “I’ve always been a believer in ‘more power equals more clarity,’ and I’ve always admired Crest’s amplifiers and consoles. As soon as I got the CA 9 in my rig, I was able to get this ultra clean top end. I took a completely different approach on the new album – more melody and more ‘sweet’ notes, but still edgy – and the CA 9 gives me room for more of the punch I need, with twice the power of most bass amps.”

Tisdale has managed to combine his secular interests with his ministry on 21 Days, the Stanley Clarke-influenced bassist’s first gospel album, which he recorded himself in three short weeks. “I try to keep my music pure at all times,” he said. “Even if I’m doing jazz music, I’m just trying to keep it moving forward. I write from the heart – it’s not a compromise.”

The newly christened music minister isn’t giving up his passion for jazz, though. “You gotta have variety,” he offered. “But my church gig is a lot of fun. It’s just intense. I’m becoming more versatile; I want to be an artist, but I feel that my strengths are much more than that.”

In summer 2003, Tisdale will embark on a tour of non-secular venues with a gospel group in support of 21 Days, and will continue writing, producing and recording music for artists including Mike Phillips and Keith Young, as well as his own projects.

Crest Audio’s Pro 200™ Series Amplifiers Produce Masterful Sound

Bob Jeremias has owned and operated Soundmaster for more than 12 years, providing sound hire services across the Greater Northeast. Jeremias and Soundmaster have used Crest amps for years with great results, and recently purchased five Crest Pro 8200s and two Crest Pro 7200s for their large, three-way and four-way FOH rigs.

Jeremias and his four employees deliver FOH and monitors for sold-out concerts featuring chart-topping entertainers, as well as corporate events for some of the world’s biggest and most recognizable brands. Soundmaster’s client list includes Mariah Carey, Funkmaster Flex, Sony Music, Reebok, Motorola, MCA, Tommy Hilfiger, Vibe Magazine and Teen People Magazine.

Since Soundmaster provides FOH and monitors for some of the biggest names in music, taking a chance with sound quality and dependability was simply out of the question. Jeremias has found the lightweight Crest Pro 200 Series power amps do not sacrifice high-fidelity output or reliability. “I love that the Pro 200 Series amps are lightweight, because they make it so much easier to move my racks in and out of gigs,” said Jeremias. “And the fact that they’re shallow is great. It’s really nice not needing a two- or three-foot-long rack case to house my amps.”

Jeremias has been quite impressed with the Pro 200 Series’ sonic performance. “It’s always a legitimate concern that the sound will suffer when you go to a lightweight amp, but my Pro 8200s and Pro 7200s sound as good or better than any other amp on the market,” he said. “Both models produce more bottom end than can be expected from other lightweight amps. A lot of guys in my position have been frustrated by the lack of bottom end generated by lightweight amps, but these new Crest Pro 200 Series amps solve that problem. I’ve run A/B tests with these amps against some of the heavier amps available, and the Pro 200s not only compare–they always sound better.”

After putting his Pro 8200s and Pro 7200s through their paces, Jeremias is confident that they’re extremely dependable and trustworthy performers. “They have been 100% reliable at 2 Ohms,” he said. “They are very efficient amps, and now matter how hard I’ve run them I haven’t been able to blow out a 20 Amp circuit, which is pretty significant considering how much power they generate. Blowing circuits and tripping breakers is a real killer in this business, especially when you’re running FOH for a large concert. Knowing that the Pro 200s will generate tons of power without blowing a circuit gives me great peace of mind.”

Keeping up with the changing demands of mixing a three-hour concert is a challenging task, but even more so once the lights go off and knobs, buttons and meters slip into darkness. That’s why Jeremias appreciates the new ultra-bright LEDs on the new Pro 200 Series amps. “It may seem like a small detail, but the new LEDs on these amps make a big difference,” he said. “They’re so bright that you could probably see them from the other end of a football field. They jump right out at you, and there’s no mistaking what’s on and what’s off, or what’s clipping.”

All Crest Pro 200 Series amplifiers occupy 2RU and weigh 25 lbs. The Pro 8200 delivers 1450 Watts per channel (4500 Watts bridge mode) into 4 Ohms; the Pro 7200 provides 1000 Watts per channel (3300 Watts bridge mode); and the Pro 5200 has 525 Watts per channel (1800 Watts bridge mode). U.S. MSRPs are as follows: Pro 8200, $2630; Pro 7200, $1970; and Pro 5200, $1600.

Crest Audio’s Pro 200™ Series Amplifiers deal nothing but Aces

Since founding Ace Audio in 1992, Mike Goodreau has grown his sound hire company to serve the differing needs of entertainment venues and events throughout New England. His six employees are constantly on the go for this well-regarded “first call” sound hire firm, delivering top-flight FOH and monitors for outdoor festivals, jazz cruises, corporate events, theaters, fairs, churches and regional touring acts.

Goodreau recently added Crest Pro 200 Series power amplifiers to his rental racks because of their light weight, compact size, durability, reliability and high-fidelity output. “Crest Amps have a long history of superior sound quality and reliability,” said Goodreau. “Crest Amps are requested on more tour riders than any other amp, so there is a far greater comfort level with Crest Audio amps when they leave the shop on a job.”

Given that Ace Audio provides sound reinforcement for the whole spectrum of venues and events, it’s no surprise that they often encounter less-than-ideal conditions. Case in point: unreliable electricity. It’s enough to drive a sound engineer crazy, but Goodreau has faith that his Pro 200 Series amps won’t let him down, even in the face of overwhelming AC adversity.

“We go into a lot of venues where maybe a sound system shouldn’t even go, like inadequate, generator-driven cruise ships with AC power and other venues with substandard low voltage,” said Goodreau. “Even when we don’t have enough electricity available, the Pro 200s, with their low current draw, always perform beyond expectations.”

Additionally, Goodreau points out, “The Pro 200 amps don’t trip breakers even when four of them are on a 20 Amp circuit. A huge advantage for us is not worrying, ‘Are the amps are going to cut out?’ when we know the power in the room is inadequate. Therefore, we’re free to concentrate and put our best effort into mixing the show.”

Goodreau’s crew also appreciates the portability of the Pro 200 Series amps. “Aside from the fact that the Pro 200s are less expensive than a lot of the competition, the light weight and compact size of the amps is a big plus,” said Goodreau. “We load the amps on and off trucks, drag them across fields and move them into clubs everyday. Believe me, we looked into all of the options for about a year before we made the switch, and we’re happy we went with the Pro 200 Series amps.”

The Pro 200 Series’ IGM Impedance Sensing and Automatic Clip Limiting (ACL) also helps Goodreau and his Ace Audio staff. “The IGM Impedance Sensing prevents overdriving the Pro 200s into hard clipping,” said Goodreau. “It’s a very unique amplifier protection circuit that’s a great feature for the rental market. It makes me a lot more comfortable when I rent the Pro 200s to people I don’t know. What I do know is the Pro 200s are going to come back in perfect working order, again and again, for a long time to come.”

All Crest Pro 200 Series amplifiers occupy 2RU and weigh 25 lbs. The Pro 8200 delivers 1450 Watts per channel (4500 Watts bridge mode) into 4 Ohms; the Pro 7200 provides 1000 Watts per channel (3300 Watts bridge mode); and the Pro 5200 has 525 Watts per channel (1800 Watts bridge mode). U.S. MSRPs are as follows: Pro 8200, $2630; Pro 7200, $1970; and Pro 5200, $1600.

Rockstar® Mayhem Tour Uses Crest Audio Power Amps

Crest Audio power amplifiers rocked this summer’s inaugural Rockstar® Energy Drink Mayhem Tour.

As the exclusive amplifiers of the Jägermeister® Mobile Stage—a custom-built, traveling foldout stage housed in a 44-foot trailer—Crest Audio provided the power for metal heavyweights Machine Head, Walls of Jericho, Five Finger Death Punch, Airbourne and more during the festival’s 30-date run.

Twenty-four Crest Audio Pro 9200™ amplifiers and six Pro 8200™ amps powered the stage’s main system, while a combination of six Crest Audio Pro 9200, four Pro 8200 and four Pro 7200™ amps provided power for the monitor rig.

Tim McGraw Tour Enlists Crest Audio

 

Tim McGraw’s Live Your Voice Tour has chosen Crest Audio® HP-W™ mixing consoles and Pro 200™ Series power amplifiers for two stages on the country-music superstar’s 2008 North American dates.

Dave Albro—a veteran live-sound engineer whose mixing credits include Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Roy Clark—and A2 Devan Skaggs are running two Crest Audio-powered systems for Road Dog Touring, one configured for the Frito’s® Style Sonic Stage and a second system on McGraw’s VIP Stage.
 
Designed to entertain audiences during pre-show festivities on the midway, the Style Sonic Stage features twin hangs of six Peavey Versarray VR112™ line-array enclosures, paired with three Versarray VR218™ subwoofers and powered by a quintet of Crest Audio® Pro 5200™ and Pro 8200™ power amps.
 
Tim McGraw’s VIP tent stage is a specialized venue where McGraw performs an acoustic set for a select group of fans before his main show. Albro and Skaggs arranged a Versarray setup that is nearly identical to the Style Sonic Stage, although trimmed to a 3:1 cabinet/sub ratio and groundstacked to achieve optimum sound coverage in the intimate setting.

Hard Rock Park Opens With Crest Audio

 

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Hard Rock Park, the world’s first rock ‘n’ roll theme park, is a multifaceted musical experience that brings to life the iconic music that changed the course of music history and continues to influence generations of music fans.
 
Located in the Atlantic Coast resort town of Myrtle Beach, this $400 million music fan’s dream boasts themed rock ‘n’ rollercoasters like “Led Zeppelin: The Ride” and “Eagles: Life in the Fast Lane” among its 50 rides and attractions, and dedicates entire sections of the park to pop-music movements such as the British Invasion, ‘70s era rock and even country music.
 
As the first new major attraction built in the U.S. in nearly a decade, Hard Rock Park benefits from the evolution of technology manifested in Crest Audio’s lauded Pro 200™ Series power amplifiers, the Peavey MediaMatrix® NION® audio distribution system and the ribbon-loaded Peavey Versarray™ line array.
 
The largest segment of the Hard Rock Park project is the background music and paging system, which consists of a cadre of nine MediaMatrix NION n3 processors that configure and control more than 130 zones of audio covering the entire 55-acre park. MediaMatrix CAB 4n CobraNet break-out boxes convert the uncompressed digital CobraNet audio to analog audio and distribute it to nearly 1,000 Peavey PR™ Series and Impulse® Series loudspeakers that are mounted on poles throughout the resort and weatherized for permanent outdoor installation in South Carolina’s humid climate.
 
“There are a dozen stage areas throughout the park where a band can set up and plug a mixing console into the MediaMatrix system,” said Tim Smith, Project Engineer at Electrosonic. “Because there are no more than six speakers to each zone, we have the flexibility to narrow the system for live shows. The speakers in that particular zone will then switch over to the live show instead of the BGM.
 
“That flexibility is all enabled by the MediaMatrix NION,” he added. “There is a rather elaborate GUI at the front end that controls everything. The NION has an additional level of sophistication and an open architecture with additional DSP that other gear doesn’t have.”
 
Three on-site live-show venues—Hard Rock Live as the premier performance site, plus the Roadie Stunt Show, and Malibu Beach Party attractions—are controlled via individual NION n6 processing nodes that talk to the main system via fiber and transfer CobraNet audio and control information in both directions, and powered by Crest Audio Pro 200 Series amps.
 
Hard Rock Live features left, center and right Versarray hangs to cover its traditional amphitheater configuration. The left and right line arrays contain seven VR112™ line array enclosures plus three VR218™ subwoofers each, while the center array has four VR112 line arrays and two VR218 subs. Two pairs of Peavey QW® 2F loudspeakers flank a central LED video screen and help with spillover coverage.
 
The Roadie Stunt Show and Malibu Beach Party use similar Versarray configurations driven by bridged Crest Audio® Pro 9200™ amplifiers for the VR218 subwoofers, and Crest Audio Pro 5200™ amps for the VR112 enclosures. Elsewhere in the park, MediaMatrix PageMatrix™ systems enable paging at “Led Zeppelin: The Ride” and “Eagles: Life in the Fast Lane” rollercoasters, and an armament of Crest Audio amplifiers power all of the park’s audio areas.

 

Crest Audio Debuts New X™ Series Rack MIxers

 

LAS VEGAS (InfoComm 2008 exhibit # C3727) — Crest Audio proudly introduces the new X™ Series rackmount mixers, the successor to the widely regarded X-Rack™ Series. X Series mixers feature the same lauded sonic accuracy, quiet operation and core features as their predecessors, plus an updated circuit design and four new models: the X18R and X20R for mains and the X18RM and X20RM configured for monitors.
 
With high-end performance and rock-solid construction, Crest Audio X Series mixers feature a modular package coupled with an extensive feature set suitable for virtually any application. X Series models are available with up to 14 mono and up to four stereo inputs, long-throw faders, versatile four-band semi-parametric EQ, channel inserts and high-quality, low-noise microphone preamplifiers.
 
The X18R and X20R consoles have six configurable aux buses and three main buses that provide a wealth of FOH mixing configurations, while the X18RM and X20RM have up to twelve mono or six stereo mix buses for floor or in-ear monitoring. Integral monitor and tape-level outputs provide additional flexibility.
 
The X Series will be available in Q4 2008 from authorized Crest Audio dealers.
 
X18R & X20R
  • 14 mono input + 2 stereo inputs (X18R) or 12 mono inputs + 4 stereo inputs (X20R), all with mic preamps and individual 48V phantom power switches
  • 100 mm faders on all inputs and Left, Right, and Mono (center) Outputs; 60mm faders on the four subgroups
  • Four-band EQ on all inputs
  • 18 dB per octave high-pass filters on mono inputs channels
  • Insert on all inputs, subgroups, aux outs and L, R & M outputs
  • Six aux buses, selectable pre or post fader in pairs
  • Auxes 1 & 2 are configured as Level/Pan for stereo operation
  • XLR L, R & Mono outputs switchable between line and mic level
  • ¼” TRS and RCA connectors provided on alt output, monitor output and tape input
X18RM & X20RM
  • 14 mono input + 2 stereo inputs (X18RM) or 12 mono inputs + 4 stereo inputs (X20RM), all with mic pre amps and individual (per channel) 48V phantom power switches
  • Built-in splitter system on all 20 XLR mic/line inputs with ground lift switches on each input channel
  • Additional “stereo common input” for sending click or reference tracks to artists on all 12 buses
  • Four-band mid-sweep EQ on mono and stereo input channels
  • 18 dB per octave high-pass filter on mono input channels
  • Fully balanced XLR outputs and XLR balanced bus inputs
  • Solo link system compatible with other X Series rack mixers
  • 10-space rackmount configuration

 

Crest Audio Adds Flagship CC™ 5200 Model to Popular Power Amplifier Series

 

LAS VEGAS (InfoComm 2008 exhibit #C3727) — Crest Audio is boosting the power of its successful CC™ Series amplifiers with the new flagship CC 5200. Based on powerful, proven Crest Audio Pro 200™ Series technology and utilizing a linear power supply, the CC 5200 delivers 5,200 watts of clean power for main systems, monitors and subwoofers.
 
Built on the solid foundation of legendary Crest Audio amplifier designs, CC Series power amps provide tremendous value in pro amplifier technology. CC Series amps deliver world-class power with exceptional sound quality and value for mobile DJs, working bands, club owners, churches and more. Utilizing advanced production techniques and Crest Audio-designed toroidal transformers for consistent, robust output, the CC Series exemplifies the Crest tradition for solid, reliable and innovative power amp designs.
 
All CC Series amplifiers are built with tunnel-cooled heat sinks, variable-speed DC fans and extensive protection circuitry for superior efficiency into difficult loads and power conditions. In the Crest Audio tradition, the CC 5200 also boasts more power devices (16 per channel) than any competitive amplifier, plus a switched-rail class H output stage and triple-compound design to provide low distortion and excellent thermal stability.
  
Features
  • 5,200 watts into 4 ohms in Bridged Mono mode
  • 2,600 watts per channel into 2 ohms
  • 1,900 watts per channel into 4 ohms
  • 1,200 watts per channel into 8 ohms
  • Temperature control via two back-to-front, variable-speed DC fans
  • Combination XLR and 1/4″ TRS inputs
  • Binding posts and Speakon® outputs
  • ACL, signal, active and temp LED indicators
  • 2RU
  • 50.7 lbs.

Crest Audio Amps Drive Istanbul’s Dogus Otomotion Complex

ISTANBUL, Turkey ? Dogus Otomtion is billed as a unique marketing experience based on the concept of bringing together the premium automobile brands distributed by Dogus Otomotiv ? Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Porsche among them ? with the world of art, design and technology. The 300,000-square-foot Otomotion complex houses a vast range of vehicle showrooms, conference and meeting rooms, a distinctly original restaurant, a children’s club and an exhibition halls, all of which are part of a youthful, dynamic and innovative platform to bring together state-of-the-art technology, unique architecture and a passion for cars. Crest Audio distributor and leading Turkish AV systems integrator Telesine supplied and installed the AV, lighting and control equipment for the project, including the Crest Audio CA™ Series amplifiers that power the venue. “The Crest Audio CA Series amplifiers offer tremendous value in proven amplifier technology,” said Telesine’s Hakan Gurun. “These amplifiers have been tried and tested and have proved their worth time and time again. In a big, prestigious project like this, we can’t afford to specify equipment that we are not 100% confident about. We know that with CA Series amplifiers, we can sleep easy at night!” Telesine specified a total of twenty-eight Crest Audio amplifiers from the legendary CA Series to drive the venue’s sound system, which is zoned into five areas throughout the main hall plus five additional areas. A total of twelve powerful CA9 amplifiers (8 ohms stereo into 600 watts or 4 ohms stereo into 900 watts) were selected for the ambient sound areas around the domes and stairs (zone 2), the under-balcony speakers (zone 3), the Porsche and Bentley areas (zone 4), the Entrance and Exhibit area (zone 5), and the Kids area. Nine CA6 amplifiers delivering 8 ohms stereo into 400 watts (or 4 ohms stereo into 600 watts) were specified for the Experience Dome, the Hospitality Dome and the Future of Motion exhibit, and seven CA2 amplifiers were chosen for the Main Showroom area.

Jeep® NYC Snowboarding Event Jams With Crest Audio

Twenty of the world’s top professional snowboarders whipped Midtown Manhattan into a winter wonderland to the sound of Crest Audio during the Jeep® Union Square Street Sessions Action Sports Block Party.

As the competitors carved and grinded through an urban snowscape in pursuit of a $30,000 purse, a steady succession of DJs and live acts — including Trouble Andrew, led by Olympic snowboarder-turned-rocker Trevor Andrew — entertained the 10,000 estimated local spectators and an audience of millions watching on NBC’s Jeep® World of Adventure Sports.

Working with Doug Jastremski and Power Posse Productions, Michael Powell of Agostino Consulting enlisted a Peavey Versarray line-array sound system powered by Crest Audio to manage the live production at the second annual snowboarding competition, held February 7 in NYC’s Union Square. Powell said that the highly adjustable and articulate Versarray allowed him to overcome an unconventional stage setup to establish comprehensive coverage of the area.

“The stage wasn’t set up on a square, so we had to offset our setup to compensate for the awkward angle,” said Powell, who has used the Peavey Versarray system on dozens of outdoor festivals in the New York/Tri-State area since summer 2007.

“We normally run six VR218™ subwoofers to match our six-box VR112™ arrays on each side, but we cut back to five subs because we didn’t have enough space—but that proved to be plenty. We ran the subs on an aux send and we had tons of headroom and clean sound. The only problem we had was the NYPD asking us to turn it down. There’s nothing within $1000 that can touch the VR218 sub.”

Powell used a pair of Crest Audio Pro 7200™ power amplifiers, one per six VR112 boxes, for the high frequencies. One Pro 9200™ per side powered the mids, while a pair of 9200s drove the five VR218 subwoofers. He chose two Crest Audio CC™ 4000 and two CC 2800 amps for the monitors.

“We ran the entire FOH system on Crest Audio’s Pro 200™ Series amplifiers,” said Powell. “I love Crest amps going way back; we still have some 10001 Series amps in use, and we have a 4801 for some of our four-way systems. The Pro 200 is definitely one of the best-sounding amps, and the CC is literally the most power you can get out of a 20-amp plug. Crest Audio had the right amplifier for every part of this job.”

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