Sales

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.

Meyer Sound Celebrates 50 Years with LINA Launch

by Brian Grahn, Sales/Marketing

In 1979, Meyer Sound Laboratories was established in Berkeley, California, but founders John and Helen Meyer had met about a decade earlier during the Summer of Love in 1967. It’s from that time of their first date in a hi-fi shop that John and Helen are celebrating 50 years together this year, along with 50 years of innovative and creative audio solutions.

In celebration of this milestone anniversary, John and Helen have decided to tour the world putting on specially curated audio events, and one of their first stops was the LINA product launch in New York City. TC Furlong Inc. was well represented at the event by General Manager Jeff Cech and the Owner TC Furlong.

Dating back to their very first patents for low distortion sound and trapezoidal loudspeaker cabinets, Meyer Sound Labs has been creating innovative, hand-crafted audio products, systems and ideas. Those innovations continue with the newest addition to the LEO family of loudspeakers: the LINA line array loudspeaker.

The smallest and lightest loudspeaker in the series, the LINA brings the linearity, low distortion and excellent power-to-size ratio of the LEO family to a wider range of applications. Borrowing from the existing MINA footprint, LINA contains new drivers and redesigned amplifier and signal processing. With improved high-frequency headroom, the LINA is able to faithfully reproduce audio with serious power, high intelligibility and minimized distortion. To use Meyer’s terminology, they are “Simple. Small. Superior.”

Designed with versatility in mind, the LINA can be used as a single cabinet, in front-fill or under balcony applications, or for use with a small number of cabinets for situations requiring precise, high-frequency vertical pattern. Additionally, LINA pairs well as a supplemental fill in a larger LEOPARD system. Paired with the companion 750-LFC low-frequency element, the operating range of the system can be extended down to 36 Hz.

Earlier last month, TC and Jeff were able to visit the factory in Berkeley, where Meyer Sound’s ingenuity and attention to detail are on full display. All Meyer loudspeakers are designed, engineered and manufactured in Berkeley, CA, allowing meticulous quality control over all methods and materials used in the process. This translates to a renowned unit-to-unit consistency and reliability of all products within the Meyer Sound brand.

TC Furlong Inc. is proud to have been a Meyer dealer for the past 19 years. Our trust in the quality and reliability of the product makes it easy for us to confidently recommend Meyer systems to our customers, and the reason we have built much of our rental inventory around Meyer’s brand.

For information on any Meyer Sound products, including the LINA, please contact the Sales Team at 847.367.9588 or sales@tcfurlong.com.

For more information on adding Meyer speakers to your next show, or any help with your next rental, please contact the Rental Team at 847.367.9588 or rentals@tcfurlong.com.

Assistive Listening & The ADA – Better Audio For All

By Josiah “Oz” Ostoich, Sales/Marketing

ADA Slider - Blog

It is important to know how the law affects you, and the Live Sound industry is no exception. Most venues are required by the ADA to have some sort of assistive listening capability or system available for those who live with a hearing disability. Depending on the size of the environment, the number of available seats, and several other factors, the configuration of the system can vary. Here are a few important things to keep in mind when thinking about your space and how to achieve ADA compliance:

What is the ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act is a law that prohibits the discrimination against Americans affected by disabilities. Part of this legislation includes provisions to accommodate those with hearing deficits.

When do you need to include Assistive Listening?

You need an assistive listening system in any assembly area where being able to hear is an integral part of why it exists. An assembly area is defined as “a building or facility, or a portion therof that is used for the purpose of entertainment, education, civic gatherings, or similar purposes.” This means that most concert halls, performing arts centers, churches, and other spaces require assistive listening systems. It is also required if there is any kind of amplified sound. However, even some environments that do not have amplified sound may require assistive listening, such as courtrooms. If you are unsure if your space needs an assistive listening system, you can contact us and we can help you determine your needs.

Why should I comply with the ADA?

It is important to make sure that everyone who visits your space is able to participate with what’s going on. Doing so can be beneficial from ethical, legal, and business standpoints.

A large number of individuals in the US are affected by a hearing disability. By providing the ability for them to hear in these environments, you are allowing them to enter into an experience that otherwise might be closed to them. Providing an environment that is welcoming to all kinds of people can improve their experience and make more people feel welcome in your space. The sheer numbers of people affected by hearing loss means that there will usually be an opportunity to provide someone with a better experience via assistive listening.

There are also tax incentives available for businesses complying with the ADA in this way. You can read more here: https://www.ada.gov/archive/taxpack.htm

What do I need to provide in order to be compliant with the ADA?

What an ADA compliant assistive listening system is changes from venue to venue. A few factors affect how many and what kinds of listening devices you need, as well as signage and other compliance requirements.

The assistive listening system is required to cover the entire assembly area or areas. The number of assembly areas and total capacity of those areas change the number of devices. It is also important to plan where the devices are distributed and if they would be compatible across all areas. A certain number of those devices will also have to be compatible with t-coil hearing aids.

There are calculators online that can help you calculate the number of devices. You can find a few of them here and here.

It is also important to be sure to post the required signage to indicate that you have ADA compliant devices available.

If you are not sure about what you need, you can always contact us and we can help you determine the best way to comply with the ADA.

What are my options for assistive listening devices?

There is a wide variety of manufacturers, technologies, and configurations for assistive listning, and there are many ways to approach implementing a new assistive listening system into your space. TC Furlong Inc. believes that all audio systems, including assistive listening systems, are better when designed specific to each space. If you would like help determining your best options and designing your assistive listening system, feel free to contact our sales team at 847-367-9588 or sales@tcfurlong.com.

Better Audio By Design should be Better Audio For All.

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended to supply general information on the ADA and assistive listening systems. It should not be a substitute for legal advice or opinions from your own attorney.

Eastside Christian Uses Meyer Sound’s LEOPARDS to Fit Their Mobile Space

Eastside Photo Text

Introduction By TC Furlong:

When Chris Gille called about Eastside Christian Church in Anaheim, CA opening a satellite location in LaHabra, CA, I was eager to get down to designing a system. But then Chris told me that it would be in a gymnasium, it would need to be portable, and it needed to get loud. Always up for a challenge, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. Around that time, I connected with Daniel Rivera of Meyer Sound about his idea to have an affordable, “first step” configuration of Meyer Sound’s newest star loudspeaker LEOPARD. Daniel’s vision was to configure two ground stacks, each containing three LEOPARD over one 900LFC (my favorite subwoofer in the world).

We had recently purchased a large LEOPARD system for our rental inventory so I was already familiar with this great and powerful speaker. We had also added six 900LFC so I knew these would be a great choice. The next hurdle was to figure out how to keep the system portable and in a “pre-wired” state. Chris Gille, master of everything production related said he would have metal carts fabricated – we went back and forth on the minimum height and before I could say “custom carts” Gille had them ready.

When I arrived in LaHabra to calibrate the system with our SIM3 system, it all came together really well. The system was uber-linear, powerful and punchy. It was all smiles when we finished and from what I understand, they continue to remain very pleased with the system. The fact that both Meyer Sound LEOPARD and 900LFC remain linear from soft to loud was just the ticket for this critical application.

-TC Furlong

This artical was originally posted by Meyer Sound

A new satellite site for Southern California’s Eastside Christian Church is the first to benefit from the power, clarity and quick set-up offered by an innovative portable system of Meyer Sound LEOPARD™ line array loudspeakers. Installed on carts that are rolled into place weekly by volunteers, the self-contained arrays deliver ample power to supply sound for up to 800 worshippers gathered in the gymnasium of Whittier Christian High School, located about nine miles from the church’s Anaheim main campus.

For Chris Gille, Eastside’s CTO and chief systems engineer, the ready-made LEOPARD arrays turned out to be the ideal solution to a vexing problem common to nearly all portable churches borrowing gymnasiums for worship.

“We have extremely high standards for audio quality at our main campus, where we have Meyer Sound MICA arrays and Constellation active acoustics,” he says. “I knew the smaller LEOPARD would be a good fit here, but the question was, ‘Where do we put them?’ Flying was problematic because we didn’t want to be locked into fixed seating layouts. Also, there are strict regulations about clearance for sports activities and safety, which meant motorizing the hangs. All of that would be cost prohibitive.”

The eventual design solution was a collaborative effort, with a ready-made solution mounted on carts proposed by Meyer Sound House of Worship Specialist Daniel Rivera and further developed by Gille and T.C. Furlong of the eventual system supplier, Lake Forest, Illinois-based TC Furlong, Inc.

“It works extremely well,” says Gille. “It sends out a narrow lobe that skims peoples’ heads, and it’s a perfect match for the room’s acoustic treatments. We have more than enough headroom to let the worship band go anywhere they want musically, even if we pull out the bleachers and fill the room to its maximum of 800 people.”

The complete system comprises six LEOPARD line array loudspeakers and two 900-LFC low-frequency control units split across the two carts. Space at the bottom on one side accommodates an MDM-832 distribution module and Galileo® 616 loudspeaker processing system while the opposite cart holds the color-coded audio cables and AC mains cable during storage. “We can have the LEOPARD rig rolled out and ready in under 15 minutes, and all the audio ready inside an hour,” says Gille. “Including stage and seating, the total prep time is about three hours.”

Eastside Blog 2

Gille specified some added acoustic treatments to complement the system coverage pattern. A line of 2-inch absorptive panels was placed on the back wall to dampen slap-back, and the two thick panels that protect the 20’ wide Roe LED screen, when pulled aside for Sunday worship, function as effective traps for low-mid energy.

“Overall I’m very impressed with what I’m hearing,” concludes Gille. “It’s a fun feeling to have all that power and still hear detail in a gymnasium environment. Detail, in a gym? How can you do that?! I chalk it up to putting really good gear with precise pattern control and a linear response, and that’s what we get with this LEOPARD rig. Beyond that, you can’t go wrong investing in Meyer, as flexible components like these can be redeployed in new solutions as needs change.”

Front end gear contributing to the audio quality includes a Yamaha CL-5 digital mixer, DPA headset microphones, Shure wireless systems, and a complement of wired microphones from Audix and Shure.

Eastside Christian’s new main campus, opened in late 2012, is housed inside a completely reconstructed former Boeing Defense Systems plant. It features one of the newest worship auditoriums to offer variable acoustic characteristics using Meyer Sound’s Constellation acoustic system.

For more information about Meyer Sound’s LEOPARD system or anything from our list of over 100 professional audio manufacturers, contact our Sales Team at 847.367.9588 or sales@tcfurlong.com.

We also have many Meyer Sound speakers in our extensive rental inventory, including LEOPARD line array elements. For more information on adding Meyer speakers to your next show, or any help with your next rental, please contact our Rental Team at 847.367.9588 or rentals@tcfurlong.com.

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