InfoComm 2015 Sounded Big

The InfoComm Show hit a record number of square feet: 525,000, to be exact, covering most of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Much of that was driven by the size of video displays, which were massive and show no signs of slowing down.

But along with new categories such as digital signage, audio has become the InfoComm Show’s biggest expansion component. Companies including JBL, Meyer Sound, Danley Labs, Electro-Voice, L-Acoustics, and others have turned the hallway outside the main show floor into a series of demo rooms capable of showing off systems with large numbers of subwoofers, which need space to fully unfurl low-frequency gymnastics.

Danley announced a new series that places its patented point-source Synergy Horn technology inside a line-array form factor. The Exodus System range currently includes the XD-96 (90 x 60-degree) far-throw loudspeaker, the XD-62 (60 x 20-degree) near-field extension, and the XD-118 subwoofer. New models will be announced soon. The Danley Exodus System permits quick line-array-style rigging and acquiesces to clients who demand a line-array aesthetic, while delivering far better performance than conventional line arrays.

Meyer Sound used the show for the U.S. debut of its new, patent-pending LEOPARD line-array loudspeaker and its accompanying 900-LFC low-frequency control element. Part of the company’s flagship LEO family, the new system is aimed at both the touring and installed markets.

E-V’s new X-Line Advance family of line-array loudspeakers includes the X1-212/90, a compact 12-inch vertical line-array loudspeaker system intended for small- and mid-sized applications including houses of worship, local/regional rental companies, corporate events, clubs, and entertainment venues. Though approximately a third smaller in size than systems typically used in these environments, the X1 is designed to deliver higher output, meaning fewer units are required to achieve desired results — while also making system design, transit, and setup/teardown more efficient and cost effective.

Amplifiers were another growth category this year. d&b audiotechnik introduced two additions to the company’s new-generation amplifier family. The 10D and 30D amplifiers are specifically designed to drive permanent solutions. HARMAN’s Crown Audio added two models to the DriveCore Install (DCi) Network Series amplifier lineup with the introduction of its DCi 4|2400N, DCi 2|2400N power amplifiers. Both the DCi 4|2400N and DCi 2|2400N deliver 1900 watts into 8 ohms, 2400 watts into 4 ohms, and 2100 watts into 2 ohms. All power outputs are minimum- guaranteed power ratings. QSC SPA Amplifier Series with the 2-channel SPA2-60 and 4-channel SPA4-60.

Audio networking continued to make news. The Dante AV Networking World conference, held Tuesday, June 16 (the day before the show floor opened), featured presentations, training workshops, and interactive panel discussions, as well as major interoperability demonstration of Dante-enabled products from licensees including Audio Technica, Bose, Focusrite/RedNet, IED, Lab.gruppen, Lake, Shure, Stewart Audio, Studio Technologies, and Yamaha Commercial Audio.

Sennheiser, which demoed some broadcast mic capsules at the show, also showed what could be a next step for audio manufacturers. The company’s new MobileConnect streaming solution was demoed at a performance of Cirque de Soleil’s spectacle production La Nouba, held in Downtown Disney during InfoComm 2015. During the La Nouba production, Sennheiser worked with Cirque de Soleil’s production crew and FOH sound technicians to create two separate channels on the MobileConnect application: one capturing all of the stage microphones, the other capturing the stage microphones plus the production intercomm. Attendees were able to effortlessly toggle between both channels and listen to behind the scenes production calls. At a time when sports teams and leagues are looking for ways to more deeply engage fans in the stands, the MobileConnect adds one possibility to the pool.