In Broadcast - August 2018 - 62
62 www.inbroadcast.com | Vol: 8 - Issue 7 | August 2018 InSound Microphones in Action cont'd... Swiss Support On the European distribution front, Shure has opened its own office in Switzerland and will take over direct distribution of its products throughout the country with the newly founded Shure Distribution Switzerland GmbH. Herbert Muff, who, as Director of Shure Switzerland has led Shure's market development office in the country since 2015, and will now head the local subsidiary, comments: "The decision to assume distribution directly was made so that we can work with our customers on a more personal basis. By supplying Shure products and providing customer support directly, we can look after our clients in Switzerland and their projects more comprehensively, flexibly, and quickly. It will also be easier to identify trends or customer needs and incorporate this feedback faster into our product development cycle." With the opening of the new Swiss office, Shure Distribution GmbH now has branches in Germany, Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Dramatic Art In the UK, Shure Distribution UK has partnered with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) "to help foster a strong theatre industry for the years ahead". As part of the partnership, Shure has agreed to donate some of its equipment to the Academy and carry out masterclasses in wireless technology. Equipment supplied to RADA includes top-tier wireless microphone and in-ear monitor systems, such as Axient Digital and PSM300, as well as Shure's range of KSM studio microphones. Steve Mayo, Head of Sound at RADA comments: "The between Equipment supplied to RADA on behalf of Shure includes collaboration top-tier wireless microphone and in-ear monitor systems RADA and Shure is one of innovation, rigour and experimentation. Shure's company values sit perfectly with RADA's dedication to world-class education. The partnership between RADA and Shure ensures the high standards of excellence and helps to deliver consistency across specialist training, product development and application." Tuomo Tolonen, Pro Audio Director at Shure UK, adds: "We are honoured to continue working with RADA and the partnership has been a phenomenal experience from day one. RADA offers their students the best possible education and it is a pleasure to play a role in preparing students so they can enjoy a successful career upon graduation." Shure Distribution UK first offered RADA a technical sponsorship in 2012, when the Academy launched its Sound Design for the Theatre course. Networked Mics Audio-Technica has upgraded its entire line of network microphones and devices, offering new AES67compatible versions of all its previous models. The updated models carry an 'a' suffix in their names and include the ATND971a boundary microphone, ATND8677a microphone desk stand, ATND8734a power module, ATND931a gooseneck microphone and ATND933a hanging ceiling-mount microphone. These new network microphones and devices are designed for audioover-IP interoperability, connecting directly to any AES67-compliant network, including those that utilise Livewire, Ravenna and Q-LAN AoIP technologies. There's been no change in functionality. The latest firmware increases the Dante Domain Manager features, adding role-based security, crosssubnet routing, SNMP alerts and more. With increased connectivity for audio streams and expanded Dante features, these new network microphones and devices give users plug-and-play access to nearly any AoIP system. Audio-Technica has upgraded its entire line of network microphones and devices, offering new AES67-compatible versions of all its previous models Stage Tec Presents 3D Audio and XFIP Interface S tage Tec, the Berlin-based manufacturer of professional audio equipment, will present the world premiere of the new 5.1.4 multichannel format with Z-plane in AURUS platinum at IBC2018. 3D audio is becoming increasingly important in the professional audio arena. The soundscapes that 3D audio creates evoke a more emotional response for consumers not only in music and TV productions and cinemas, but also at live events and in theatres. AURUS, the flagship Stage Tec console, has been offering true multichannel format capability for parallel mixes in 5.1 and stereo or mixes in 7.1 for many years. Following Software Release 4.7, the new multichannel format 5.1.4 is available in AURUS platinum and enables 3D audio mixing with four height speakers. Software release 4.7 will be available in the autumn. Modular, flexible and completely IP-based - Stage Tec will launch AVATUS, its brand new large format mixing console. AVATUS varies in size between one and eight fader cassettes, which are connected via IP and can be used for remote productions. AVATUS display and operating philosophy is based on large multi-touch screens. Only the currently relevant, context-related functions are displayed. Coupled with the decentralised mode of operation, dispensing with the centre section brings users ultimate flexibility, for example in a multi-user operation. Dr Helmut Jahne, Managing Director of NEXUS Fiber Stage Tec, says: "The and IP-Interface (XFIP) industry is currently Stage Tec AURUS platinum and 3D audio metering in transition. Just as the basic concepts of mixing consoles and studios completely changed with the move from analogue to digital today, with IP connectivity and the move toward remote production we are witnessing a similar upheaval. "The future will be fascinating - and with AVATUS we are well-equipped to respond to customer requirements and market trends." Stage Tec will introduce the latest board for the NEXUS network - the NEXUS Fiber and IP-Interface (XFIP). The board is used in the NEXUS Base Devices and is result of the collaboration between DirectOut and Stage Tec. XFIP uses DirectOut's AES67.IO module, which has a full AES67 implementation. It supports the creation of a non-proprietary audio network via an audio-over-IP connection. Alexander Nemes, Head of Sales at Stage Tec, adds: "We offer the NEXUS Fibre and IP Interface to customers when they require small, cost-effective audio networks without a NEXUS STAR router. Even if customers do have a STAR router, but have no room for additional boards, they can use XFIP as an alternative. "The XFIP also follows the recommendations of the standardsbased AIMS Roadmap with the SMPTE ST 2110 goal."