NAB 2016: Audio, Part 3 — Integration and Wireless Attract Attention

Some of the new products that for monitoring and scanning

There’s a lot going on in audio this year, with many milestones expected to be reached. The incentive auction will repack a critical portion of the UHF spectrum, upending the entire wireless microphone ecosphere. There will be more clarity on what ATSC 3.0 will look (and sound) like. And, with the continued development of immersive-sound technologies and the widening implementation of networked audio in broadcast, NAB 2016 will likely be looked back on as an inflection point in the evolution of broadcast sound. Here are some of the pieces of that puzzle that will be talked about in Las Vegas.

CLICK HERE for NAB 2016: Audio, Part 1.

CLICK HERE for NAB 2016: Audio, Part 2.

Clear-Com PIC-4744 IFB router

Clear-Com (Booth C6908)
The new PIC-4744 IFB router seamlessly integrates with Clear-Com’s partyline, Encore partyline, and HelixNet digital networked partyline intercom systems. With an integrated four-channel source and destination matrix, the PIC-4744 allows users to effectively support multichannel IFB requirements. Designed for both broadcast-studio and remote-production applications, the PIC-4744 IFB router simplifies IFB management and reliable operation, with multichannel source-assignment capabilities, front-panel local monitoring, and selectable powering of the IFB outputs. The PIC-4744 and companion MA-704/AX-704 IFB control stations are easily powered by any of the Encore Series power supplies or main stations and can be packaged with Clear-Com hard-wired IFB receivers and/or wireless IFB systems. It is also compatible with all previous versions of the Encore Series of IFB products. www.clearcom.com

Wohler Technologies (Booth C6908)
Wohler has expanded its monitoring offerings with new products: two modules for the AMP2-16V Series audio monitors, a low-cost eight-channel audio-monitoring device in the AMP1 Series, and 4K video displays with quad-split capabilities. A new Dante- and Ravenna-capable module adds audio-over-IP monitoring functionality to the AMP2-16V Series 16-channel, 2RU A/V workstation. The company has also added the AMP1-8-M, a pared-down, more affordable version of the AMP1-16-M 1RU 3G/HD/SD-SDI audio monitor. Like its bigger sibling, the AMP1-8-M offers fast, intuitive operation for monitoring SDI audio in the most demanding production applications. The difference is that it will support de-embedding and display of only eight SDI channels rather than 16. Because of the reduced channel count, broadcast and content-production customers can take advantage of Wohler quality at a much lower price. www.wohler.com/

Sound Devices RF Scan feature for 688 mixer/recorder

Sound Devices (Booth C6040)
The new RF Scan feature for Sound Devices’ 688 mixer/recorder and SL-6 powering and wireless system will be showcased. RF Scan, which will be available as part of the 688’s firmware version 3.00 update, scans the RF spectrum, using the SL-6 with SuperSlot-compatible receivers. When the RF Scan is used, the scanned block (low to high) is displayed on the 688’s larger color LCD, giving users a bigger, clearer picture of what frequencies within the block are free of RF noise. www.sounddevices.com/