Rentals

New in Rentals: Shure Axient Digital

by Brian Grahn, Sales/Marketing

TC Furlong Inc. has recently made a significant investment to add Shure’s Axient Digital AD series wireless systems into rental stock. The newest product in Shure’s extensive wireless systems catalog, the Axient Digital series builds on the digital audio transmission found in the ULX-D series, while also incorporating many of the advanced features from the UHF-R and Axient lines.

The Axient Digital series includes one receiver platform and two styles of transmitters: the AD, which shares much of the ULXD feature set, and the ADX, which are more closely related to the capabilities of Axient analog. One of the main innovations of the Axient Digital series is that all components (transmitters and receivers) operate in a single frequency band that encompasses the entire usable UHF range from 470 to 616 MHz. From a rental standpoint, this means that every Axient Digital component can be adapted to any location and is easily scalable to any application.

Axient Digital receivers come in dual and quad configurations, and feature true digital diversity per channel, networked control capabilities, and antenna pass through. Each channel features analog XLR and TRS outputs as well as AES and Dante digital output options. Network jacks are configurable to work as a network switch or for redundant Dante outputs. The AD4Q quad receiver also features a Quadversity option where four antennas can be assigned to a single channel for greater coverage and signal quality.

AD transmitters can operate in standard and high-density mode, in which up to 47 channels can fit in a single 6 MHz TV band. The AD2 handhelds are compatible with all Shure wireless microphone capsules and AD1 bodypacks come with either TA4F or LEMO3 connections. The form- factor of the AD transmitter series is similar to the ULXD/QLXD series, and all are compatible to work with standard AA batteries or Shure’s rechargeable SB900A solution.

Set to be released in early 2018, the ADX transmitters will feature interference protection, advanced rechargeability and ShowLink remote control for real-time parameter adjustments. The ADX lineup will also feature a micro-bodypack transmitter and a frequency-diversity handheld that transmits RF signal on two discrete carriers. Thanks to the designed scalability of the Axient Digital series, all of these transmitters can be integrated directly with the AD4 receivers and can be combined seamlessly into larger systems along with AD series transmitters.

Axient Digital’s wide tuning range and spectrally efficient digital transmission make the series a flexible and easy-to-use tool that is highly capable of handling the ever-changing RF environment. Wireless system rentals from TC Furlong, including Shure’s Axient Digital, comes with our Wireless Advantage: every rental is custom configured, tested as a full system, and provided with a frequency coordination specific to your location and equipment. For more information about adding Shure’s Axient Digital wireless system to your next rental, please contact our rental team at 847-367-9588 or rentals@tcfurlong.com.

TC Furlong is also a longstanding authorized dealer for all Shure products, as well as other major audio brands. For questions about purchasing an Axient Digital system , including information about system design and the 600 MHz rebates, contact our sales team at 847-367-9588 or sales@tcfurlong.com .

TC Furlong Inc. Supports Chicago’s Big 10 Football Team

As students head back to school and the summer rolls to an end– college football is in full swing, and TC Furlong Inc. is excited to be a part of the Northwestern University Wildcats’ 2017 season.

Since 2012, we have provided a wide range of audio support for Northwestern University home games, each year expanding the scope of the system with the single goal of improving the game-day experience for the Wildcat’s loyal fans.

The stadium sound reinforcement system is based around two Danley JH90 “Jericho” loudspeakers that are able to fill the entire stadium with crystal clear, intelligible audio. Additionally, TC Furlong technicians handle RF coordination of all game-day production wireless gear, including coaching communications, television trucks and other media, as well as the critical referee microphone. Using Shure’s groundbreaking Axient wireless technology, the RF coordinator is able to manipulate and monitor crucial transmitter data remotely from the booth.

Additional services we provide for the games include:

Wireless point-to-point audio links within the stadium
Reinforcement of the pep band
Playback of audio drop-ins
Coordination of the booth mixing operations
Wireless mixing of audio to club level suite
On-field special events and national anthem reinforcement

As each year passes, the system grows to meet the evolving requirements of the space. Due to this years’ construction at Ryan Fieldhouse, significant changes had to be made, including hiring a crane to lift in the necessary equipment for the terrace and supporting audio/video needs for the WildCafe.

“There are a lot of plates that have to keep spinning at every game,” says Crew Chief, Steve Whittenhall. “Things are very dynamic—our team of 7 is always on their toes.”

Every year, our team of designers, engineers and technicians look forward to the opportunity to support Chicago’s Big 10 team with professional audio equipment and services.

Let us know how our team can support your next important event. Contact Jeff Cech at 847.367.9588 or jc@tcfurlong.com.

Seen At TC Furlong: Axient Digital AD

By Oz, Sales & Marketing

Update: Since the posting of this article, TC Furlong Inc. has made a significant investment into Shure’s Axient Digital wireless systems. For more information, contact our rental team at 847-367-9588 or rentals@tcfurlong.com

TC Furlong Inc. recently had the new Axient Digital system in house for a demo presentation. We were very impressed with the system and have already begun adding these systems to our rental inventory.

Here are some of the major points about Axient Digital that makes us excited to have the systems:

The Axient Digital transmitters come in two distinct configurations. The receivers are universal to both transmitter types.

AD Transmitters
- Units are shipping soon and have a similar functionality to Shure UHF-R or other high-quality wireless systems.
ADX Transmitters
- Along with additional equipment such as the AXT600 spectrum manager and the new AD610 ShowLink which enables remote transmitter control and automatic interference avoidance.
- Due to be released in the first quarter of 2018.

The AD4D (dual) and AD4Q (quad) receivers come with a range of features. The design of the systems allow for easier use and simpler workflow. Each channel on the receiver has its own meter for each antenna input and audio level. The receivers have true diversity, switching between and utilizing both antennas for the best signal strength. The AD4Q quad receiver has the added ability of converting to a two-channel receiver using four antennas instead of two for “Quadversity,” allowing for a stronger or more flexible antenna setup.

The AD transmitters can operate in both a standard or high-density mode, which allows them to maximize system channel count. The Digital transmission is fully encryption-enabled for secure transmission. The transmitters can use either AA or SB900A rechargeable batteries and have external contacts for docked recharging. The AD1 bodypack transmitters come equipped with either TA4F or LEMO3 connectors. The AD2 hand-held transmitters have many of the same features, and also come in black or nickel finish. Both the Axient Digital AD and ADX transmitters are fully wideband and capable of operating in the 470-616 MHz range.

While we are still waiting for the release of the ADX transmitters, we have already begun investing in the new Axient Digital receivers and AD transmitters for our rental inventory. If you are interested in adding Axient Digital to your next rental or show, contact our rental team at 847-367-9588 or at rentals@tcfurlong.com.

TC Furlong also sells Shure products, along with other major audio brands. For questions about purchasing Shure Axient Digital wireless or anything else from our list of over 100 professional audio manufacturers, contact our sales team at 847-367-9588 or at sales@tcfurlong.com.

New In Rentals: d&b audiotechnik

By Oz, Sales/Marketing

TC Furlong Inc. has been a longtime authorized sales dealer for d&B audiotechnik, and we recently added d&b speakers to our already extensive loudspeaker rental lineup. d&b is a premium brand known for their conventionally powered loudspeakers, consistent, great sound, and reliable products. With this addition, we are taking our first steps in furnishing a larger inventory of d&b loudspeakers and expanding our capabilities for rentals and shows.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the speaker series’ we added:

Y10P – Y series

The Y10P is a compact, 2-way passive point source loudspeaker that features two 8” drivers in a dipole arrangement with a 1.4” compression driver mounted onto a rotatable CD horn. The horn geometry combined with the bass-reflex port design delivers full bandwidth capabilities with an extended LF output. These point source, high performance cabinets offer 110° of horizontal directivity controlled down to 500 Hz, matched with vertical dispersion of 40°. The horn can be rotated by 90° to enable horizontal orientation. The Y10P provides a broad variety of deployment possibilities, especially when used as a stand-alone full range system, or combined with other elements from the Y-Series, either ground stacked or flown.

E6 & E8 – E series

The E6 loudspeaker is a relatively small high performance multipurpose loudspeaker, employing an integrated coaxial driver. The horn with its 100° x 55° dispersion pattern can easily be rotated through 90° providing a 55° x 100° pattern without the use of tools, allowing it to be used in a large variety of situations.

The E8 loudspeaker is a high performance 2-way multipurpose loudspeaker, employing an integrated coaxial driver. The E8 can be used for speech and music applications as a stand-alone full range system, or incorporated into larger distributed sound reinforcement situations. The 90° x 50° dispersion pattern of the horn is easily rotatable through 90° to provide a 50° x 90° dispersion pattern.

Both the E6 and E8 are available with a variety of mounting options.

B22-SUB – Subwoofer

The B22-SUB is a ground stack sub that houses two long excursion 18” drivers built into a bandpass horn cabinet design. With high Sound Pressure Levels and an extended frequency response, the B22-SUB is ideal for any large format sound reinforcement application.

If you are interested in adding d&b audiotechnik loudspeakers to your next rental or show, contact our rental team at 847-367-9588 or at rentals@tcfurlong.com

TC Furlong also sells d&b audiotechnik products, along with other major audio brands. For questions about purchasing any d&b audiotechnik loudspeakers or anything else from our list of over 100 professional audio manufacturers, contact our sales team at 847-367-9588 or at sales@tcfurlong.com

High Fiber Diet

By Oz, Sales/Marketing

In order to remain flexible and more able to meet the needs of our customers, TC Furlong Inc. has expanded our fiber optic transport resources. Over the past few years, we have added fiber compatible switches, adapters, and cables that run single-mode fiber with ST connections with our fiber snakes of up to 1000 feet. We are also continuing to expand these capabilities to make fiber a more ready option for sending network signals like Dante over extremely long distances. We currently use our fiber capabilities on live events, and have found it incredibly reliable and useful.

Our choice to use single-mode fiber allows us to take advantage of the incredible distance it affords. Single-mode fiber can transmit a network signal upwards of 2 km. While we usually do not have to go that far, we like the flexibility fiber can achieve. Single-mode also allows us to expand our inventory by cross renting additional fiber from local video and audio companies.

The fiber networks are compatible with all TCP/IP protocols, so they are usable with Dante networks, as well as having many other uses. We discovered that these networks also supported intercom over Dante. Most of the time, wired intercom systems work via standard XLR cables. In order to take advantage of the fiber optic Dante network, we incorporated the Studio Technologies Model 45 DC Dual Party-Line Intercom Interface, which allows us to send intercom signals over the fiber-optic network. Having fiber also allows us to expand our capabilities with video, a world that we have just begun entering.

With the increasing demand for networked audio, the capabilities of a fiber-optic network expand our ability to meet that demand and remain flexible and accommodating. If you need to send your audio or video over a long distance, or have any other questions about our fiber-optic capabilities, contact our rental team at 847-367-9588 or rentals@tcfurlong.com

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