Live Events Roundup: 14 Days of Rentals and Shows

by Brian Grahn, Sales/Marketing

Summer is a busy time at TC Furlong for rentals and live events. Here are some highlights of a recent 14 day period:

University Commencement – 4-day production for the commencement ceremony at a major university.  The speaker system consisted of Meyer LEOPARD line array hangs with dozens of additional point-source boxes as front fills, out fills, down fills and stage fills.   Four distributed Yamaha RIO stage boxes sent audio via Dante on redundant fiber runs to the main FOH tent where a Yamaha CL5 mixed everything down.  The CL5 provided a mix for the main PA, as well as audio to our on-site broadcast truck and additional speakers on the upper terrace by a Neutrik Xirium point-to-point wireless system.   Altogether, the event was loaded-in, operated and struck by a crew of 20 stagehands and audio engineers.  Planning for the event started months in advance and everything was overseen by our on-site project manager and technical director.

Board of Trustees meeting – large, multi-day rental of boardroom discussion system.  The system included over 160 drops of Shure’s DDS system in 3 meeting rooms including additional panel microphones  and an integrated telephone interface for call-in participation, plus engineers and a crew chief.

WBEZ Members party – a full system rental along with technician for an Electro-Pop act including a main PA of Meyer UPA-1P’s and 900-LFC’s, UM-1P monitors, and a Yamaha QL5 to mix everything down.

Surviving Grace – extensive RF rental with technicians and lighting to reinforce actors in semi-staged reading of Trish Vradenburg’s acclaimed play Surviving Grace to promote Alzheimer’s awareness.  Special guests included Mike Ditka, Loni Anderson, Diane Rehm and Marilu Henner.

June Jazz – a full system rental to reinforce a university jazz festival.  The system was initially to be a Danley JH-90 “Jericho” rig, but was changed to Meyer CQ-1P after the event was moved inside due to weather.  Also provided was a Yamaha QL5 for monitors, Avid Profile for Front of House, and Meyer UM-1P monitors on stage.

Father’s Day Event – 2-day rental of PA systems for a Father’s Day event along with technicians.  The main system was designed specifically to radiate audio 300 feet over the lake, and ground-stacked Meyer Mica line arrays with Meyer 700-HP in an end-fire cardioid pattern were employed to provide ample coverage.  An additional PA system was added to reinforce a performance stage which involved a unique system design of Meyer MSL-4, DS-4P, 600-HP subwoofers, and UPJ-1P front fills.

Peter Himmelman – provided a stage package to be integrated with existing equipment in a concert hall including a microphone package, Meyer MJF-212A wedges, and a technician.

Charity Motorcycle Rally – a full system rental with technician for a charity event to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis National Research Institute.  The system included MacPherson M2X speakers and Meyer 650-P subwoofers with a Meyer Galileo processor, as well as a stage package of microphones and Aviom personal mixers.

Church Camp – a full system rental including a Meyer LEOPARD line array system and Meyer 600-HP subwoofers, along with a wireless microphones and an in-ear monitoring package.

 

TC Furlong’s Live Event Group provides complete event solutions for concerts, broadcast originations and special events. Contact Jeff with TC Furlong’s Live Event group next time you have an important function that demands expert planning and flexible execution at 847.367.9588 or  jc@tcfurlong.com.

How Loud Is It? Managing SPL Levels With Accuracy & Precision

By Oz: Sales & Marketing

How loud is it? In many cases, this is a difficult question to answer because variables will affect the perceived loudness of any given space and performance. The perception of loudness is very subjective. Sometimes, it is critical to get accurate and repeatable measurements in order to maintain consistency and safety.

TREND SPL Reporting Systems Software is objective and easy to use. The system eliminates the difficult task of guessing at sound pressure levels by providing a simple, real-time, and intuitive readout of SPL. It also has a logging system, which allows for consistent levels and documentation over long periods.

The TREND software is built specifically to give users tools needed to accurately manage the loudness of their venues while eliminating the guesswork of measuring with just ears. The features of TREND provide a flexible and adaptable system that can be used out of the box or custom tailored to any environment. The two major versions, “TREND” standard and “TRENDpro”, let users choose the system that best fits their needs.

Here are some of the features offered by the two different versions:

TREND:

  • Uses Galaxy CM-170 as primary input
  • Displays real-time SPL readings on a visual loudness meter
  • Uses real-time Time Weighted Average
  • Can be set to either OSHA standards or custom settings for maximum threshold
  • All settings can be saved and recalled
  • Sends on-screen and email notifications when a specified threshold has been exceeded
  • Logs all information including custom events, triggers, interval changes, and summaries
  • Can be synced with iCal for automatic launching, restarting, and capturing
  • External beacons or “traffic light” indicators can be interfaced via USB
  • Ideal for small venues where accurate and consistent SPL measurements are important

TRENDpro

  • Includes all of the features of TREND
  • Expands the display to include the “Exposure Targeting” engine which allows you to see and monitor how long a target level can be reached without causing damage
  • Includes visual counters for each violation or alert
  • Can use the Galaxy CM-170 or interface with Studio Technologies SPLnet hardware
  • Can be custom configured to include multiple inputs and features with TRENDmanager and TRENDfreq add-ons.
  • Ideal for large venues with expanding or custom needs for SPL measurement

With all of the factors that contribute to measuring SPL, TREND makes it all incredibly simple and straightforward. Whether you are monitoring services to maintain consistent levels or making sure concert attendees are safe, TREND is a great solution.

If you have questions about TREND or would like to get information on ordering, contact the sales team at sales@tcfurlong.com or at 847-367-9588.

TC Furlong Provides PM10 for Willow Creek

Originally posted on ProSoundWeb

(L-R) Tom Spindler, Josh Gonzalez, Dan Smith, Matt Wentz

Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois was the first to explore the possibility of using the new Yamaha RIVAGE PM10 digital audio console for their 40th anniversary event held at the 25,000-seat United Center in Chicago during the latter part of 2015.

Now, the church has installed two at their 7,200-seat main auditorium, one at front of house and one for monitors along with four RPio622s and one RPio222 I/O racks all with the HY144-D Dante cards. The systems were purchased through TC Furlong (Lake Forest, IL) with integration completed by Clark Productions (Atlanta, GA).

“The church has traditionally loved audio innovation, having been the first to also install two PM1D digital audio consoles over 16 years ago,” states Matt Wentz, audio systems engineer, Willow Creek Community Church. “We are a Yamaha facility and make use of every console, from the TF, CL, and QL, to the M7CL, LS9, and O1V spread across seven campuses around Chicagoland that service a congregation of over 25,000. We know and trust the reliability and the functionality of Yamaha products and have had a long standing relationship with the company and know the support we get from them.”

The new RIVAGE PM10s are in use for weekly services as well as three large events held during Christmas, Easter and a two-day Global Leadership Summit (GLS). The services include a full music production as well as speech, drama, and pastor sermons.

Wentz says the decision to move forward with the new PM10s was the need to integrate into a larger Dante network, with Yamaha integrating with Dante. “We love the Yamaha PM10 feel and ease of use, the main console features including plugins, EQ, and, of course, the sound of the board.

“The system as a whole is extremely easy to set up and run. The TWINLANe network makes getting audio to each of the desks really smooth, and the Dante integration is also very clean. The way the board is set up, how you can have all three banks separate or grouped together allows the operator maximum flexibility and customization in addition to the custom faders.”

“Yamaha has typically always had a very transparent pre-amp,” adds Dan Smith, weekend audio director and front of house engineer. “Now that the SILK feature has been added to the pre-amp, it allows me to color the inputs prior to the channel. That means a closer phase alignment as it is passed through the channel because of less overall EQ adjustments. The onboard Rupert Neve Designs EQ and compressors add a great color to the mix. I use the EQ773 quite a bit to lift channels out of the mix. Also, having 12 different custom fader layouts per fader bank helps me to get to channels quickly and to customize my workflow.”

Josh Gonzalez at Monitor Desk

Monitor engineer Josue (Josh) Gonzalez says initially, what drew his attention was the appealing layout of the console. “Not only does it look great, but it also feels good. The faders are SILKy smooth (pun intended) and the comfort level is unreal. Yamaha once again delivered on a great sounding pre amp. Adding SILK to the pre amp is a plus.

“The three fully customizable banks of 12 make the console extremely versatile. The custom layers make programming enjoyable and practical, giving you everything you need right at your fingertips. The “home” button is a great feature. I personally use it as an emergency button. No matter where I am on the console I know I can press the “home” button and it will take me straight to the layer with my most important inputs. You can put up to 8 inserts per input. I don’t use that many myself but to have the option to is amazing in itself. I like to use the Portico 5043 on my vocals. It really makes them pop.”

The Willow Creek upgrade also includes Dante-related gear: Yamaha RSio64-D input/output box, a Yamaha QL1 digital audio console for streaming purposes, four Dante MY-16-AUD2 cards, three Bel Digital BM-A1-64DANTE, a Sound Devices 970, Radius 12×8-EX, nine Symetrix Prism 4×4 for interpretation racks, for ‘special friends’ and monitor communications, a DVS for hearing hotspot, four BSS Blu-806 units to distribute Galileos and QSC amps for PA, a Wohler Dante AoIP input card for AMP2-16V-M, an Auvitran AVBx7, and seven Auvitran AxCDante cards, three of which are on the Main Aud VLAN, seven Focusrite Rednet systems, and Cisco Network Switches.

For more information about Yamaha’s PM10 Rivage system or anything from our list of over 100 professional audio manufacturers, contact the TC Furlong Sales Team at 847.367.9588 or sales@tcfurlong.com.

TC Furlong Inc. Visits InfoComm 2017

by Oz, Sales/Marketing

TC Furlong Inc. is dedicated to keeping up with the latest and greatest in the live sound industry. I recently traveled to Orlando for InfoComm 2017. The convention meets every year and covers audio, video, and lighting.  Here are some gear highlights I took away from Infocomm 2017:

Shure:

Axient Digital:

The Axient Digital system was announced a few months ago, but the full system made an appearance at InfoComm. I had a chance to get my hands on the new equipment. 

Axient Digital system has a few major advancements making it the most versatile wireless microphone system that Shure is currently offering.  Here are a few major features of the new system:

  • Axient Digital transmitters and receivers are both wide band spanning 184 MHz. This means that users don’t have to own and manage multiple frequency blocks. All Axient Digital systems are compatible with each other.
  • The dual and quad receivers are the same for both the basic AD transmitters and ADX transmitters. This makes upgrading even a single channel of Axient Digital very simple. It also means that an Axient Digital system can operate with AD and ADX transmitters simultaneously.
  • The Axient Digital system is capable of operating in high density mode, allowing upwards of 47 channels operating per 6 MHz TV band and 63 channels per 8 MHz TV band.

Microflex Complete:

Shure announced the release of their new conferencing system called Microflex Complete at InfoComm 2017. The systems are intended to be a complete audio system designed for conferences and meetings ensuring that every participant can hear and be heard clearly. The system is available in wired or wireless configurations. The system is able to be either mobile or installed and can be tailored to each individual application as needed.

d&b audiotechnik:

d&b audiotechnik was featuring their brand new Soundscape processing engine as well as their new 24S loudspeaker and 21S subwoofer. I sat in on a demo for both of these new products. 

The Soundscape system has the impressive ability to locate a sound source in an environment rather than simply using a stereo image. Placing a sound in the stereo field produces positional information for only a small section of the audience. Now, its true location, or origin, can be realized. The system creates a natural auditory picture that intensifies the visual environment.

The system is powered by the DS100 signal engine which routes and distributes large channel counts across multiple locations. The signal engine is a Dante enabled 3 RU matrix processor that provides 64 inputs and 64 outputs, with level and delay adjustments at all cross points, EQ, input/output processing and recallable presents. It seamlessly integrates with the DS10 Audio network bridge, which interfaces between the Dante audio transport protocol and the AES3 inputs of the d&b amplifiers. The system is managed by the R1 Remote control software.

The demonstration was an impressive show of the versatility of the Soundscape system and had me smiling the whole time. It will be interesting  to see what applications this system will be used for.

The 24S full range two-way loudspeaker and its companion 21S Subwoofer were also featured in the demo, providing impressive support for the Soundscape system. d&b systems have always been impressive when it comes to their sound, and these additions to their lineup are no exception.

Yamaha

The new Yamaha CS-R10-S surface is the newest addition to the Rivage system lineup. The surface is approximately two thirds the size of the existing CS-R10, but offers the same operability. There is an up-coming dual console function will allow the CS-R10 and CS-R10-S to be connected to a single DSP-R10 DSP engine so that the surfaces can be used as FOH and monitor positions. The addition of this new surface represents an ongoing effort by Yamaha to introduce more options for building a versatile mixing system.

While it’s hard to try and see everything at a convention of this size, I was able to get an exciting glimpse into the near future of professional audio. If you have any questions about any of the products featured in this blog, feel free to contact me or Brian at sales@tcfurlong.com or 847-367-9588.

 

600MHz Auction: How will it affect you?

By Oz, Sales/Marketing

FCC Spectrum Auction

**UPDATE: Shure has extended their 600MHz rebate program through October 31, 2018.  More information can be found at wirelessrebate.shure.com **

It is growing ever more important to be aware of the changing RF landscape. Since the FCC finished the incentive auction for the 600 MHz band, the implications of that sale have become clear.

The sale of the 600 MHz band will displace many TV channels in the 600MHz band. The FCC has re-assigned them to empty space in the lower part of the spectrum. This “repack” will make the space that is usable by standard UHF wireless systems even more crowded and will affect how legal wireless microphones systems will work.

Whether you are considering purchasing new wireless or simply wanting to ensure the usefulness of what you already have, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

  • If any of your current wireless systems can operate somewhere between 614-698 MHz, they will be illegal to use as of July 2019. This expanded time period is intended to give TV channels and other users time to shift their systems out of that part of the UHF spectrum. However, the companies who purchased a large portion of the spectrum have already received approval to begin testing in the 600 MHz space. This could mean that systems operating in the 600 MHz range will become less viable and more difficult to tune to open frequencies.
  • If you own a wireless system that operates in the 600 MHz range, the best course of action is to replace it with a system that operates outside of that range. Shure Inc. is offering a rebate program to encourage these upgrades, and it is likely that other manufacturers will follow suit soon. We will continue to update our website with more rebate information as it comes available.
  • The TV channel repack will crowd the remaining open portions of the UHF spectrum. Systems that up until now have operated fine will likely be less able to find open operating frequencies. It is becoming more and more important to diversify operating frequencies. As far as we know now, this process will not begin in the Chicago area for another two years, but it may begin sooner in other metropolitan areas.
  • Due to the auction and re-pack, many manufacturers have begun building systems that operate outside the UHF spectrum. While switching away from UHF may be a potential safeguard against current or future issues, it is important to recognize all of the implications of making a switch, including needing new antennas, encountering other interference, or issues integrating systems that operate in different parts of the spectrum.

While the continued spectrum changes do present challenges to the live sound industry, TC Furlong Inc. is dedicated to staying on top of all the newest information and making sure you know what to expect. For regular updates on the 600 MHz sale and the TV channel re-pack, sign up for our 600 MHz newsletter below. If you have any questions about this information, feel free to contact our sales team at 847-367-9588 or sales@tcfurlong.com.

 

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