Also new at the show was an IP56 rating for the Peavey Elements Series, the North American debut of the Crest Audio Versarray Pro powered line array system, and Crest Audio XD Series compact rack-mount mixers. The company has also introduced a modern, responsive website with a useful search function and tools for creating projects.

PB-32 SoundGrid-to-Dante network bridge

Crest Audio has announced the InfoComm launch of the PB-32 SoundGrid-to-Dante network bridge that will provide the connection between Crest Audio’s flagship Tactus digital mixing system and its new powered Versarray Pro line array system. The PB-32 will enable the audio signal to remain in the digital domain from the desk to the Dante-enabled Versarray Pro PA system. It may also be deployed by any other audio systems utilising the Dante audio networking protocol, thereby also offering compliance with the AES67 interoperability standard.

Housed in a rugged, 1U ½ rack chassis, the PB-32 provides up to 16 channels of bi-directional audio to be transmitted and received by each network (SoundGrid and Dante) via interchangeable 16×16 networking modules. The unit is shipped with one Dante and one SoundGrid module as standard but may be loaded with two Dante cards to link separate Dante systems with different clock sources. The device benefits from high quality full asynchronous sample-rate conversion on all channels to keep clocking simple and straightforward, and a PoE network source selector switch for when PoE is available.

Peavey Commercial Audio general manager Kevin Ivey said: “Our Tactus digital mixing system is an exceptionally powerful and flexible platform, thanks in large part to our decision to integrate the capabilities of the Waves LV-1 software. By default, this means that all internal digital signal flow is handled by the Waves SoundGrid protocol which is prevalent in the live markets. A bridge from SoundGrid to the far more widely adapted Dante protocol, already integrated in so many of our other audio systems, was therefore essential in order to fully optimise Tactus’ performance and interoperability into the PA system and back of house fixed installation domains. This also allows direct integration of the Tactus Digital Mixing System with our MediaMatrix technology, giving designers and integrators the best of both worlds for fixed theatre, live venue, themed entertainment and house of worship applications.”

The C1 Series

Crest Audio has unveiled a new C1 Series range of contracting and installation amplifiers featuring powerful and efficient Class D designs, on-board digital signal processing, Dante protocol networking and USB/Ethernet connectivity for monitoring and control. The new C1 Series amplifiers are contractor-friendly thanks to the addition of Euro connector inputs and barrier strip outputs as well as fault relays and CV (control voltage) inputs.

The C1 Series currently comprises four models:

• C1 86k 8-channel amplifier with 750w/channel into 4 ohms
• C1 48k 4-channel amplifier with 2000w/channel into 4ohms
• C1 44k 4-channel amplifier with 1000w/channel into 4 ohms
• C1 25k 2-channel amplifier with 2500w/channel into 4 ohms

All models incorporate a highly efficient switch mode power supply and Class D circuitry with full bandwidth PWM modulators for ultra-low distortion, high efficiency and superior circuit protection. The clip/limiter function provides output monitoring to prevent speaker damage with gentle gain reduction at clip threshold as well as efficient heat dissipation and overheat protection for uncompromised reliability.

In addition to being powerful workhorses, C1 Series amplifiers are also capable and sophisticated loudspeaker processors thanks to a powerful internal DSP engine with sampling rates of 96 kHz/24bit and high performance 24bit AD/DA converters. Everything users need to optimise a loudspeaker system is at their fingertips: IIR HP/LP crossover filters, RMS compressor, parametric EQ, alignment delays, white/pink noise and much, much more.

Users can set parameters, select input source and load presets via the convenient front panel LCD touchscreen. A Dante network module enables primary and redundant connectivity to a digital audio network and allows seamless external control and monitoring of the amplifier. The C1 Series amps will be fully integrated with Peavey’s MediaMatrix hardware and NWare software, allowing signal distribution, control and monitoring of the C1 Series amps in MediaMatrix projects. The C1 Series power amps may also be integrated with other DSP/control platforms that support Dante audio networking. Applications for these powerful, networked multi-channel power amps include stadia, transportation hubs, theme parks, arenas, convention centres, retail spaces, or any other projects requiring high-quality, reliable networked audio.

MDM32 Dante card for MediaMatrix Nion

Peavey Commercial Audio is now shipping a new MDM32 Dante network audio module for MediaMatrix Nion devices. MDM32 replaces the Dante DLM module which may be easily swapped out for the new interface in existing installations. The familiar CM format of the MDM32 also allows legacy CobraNet systems to be easily updated to Dante systems by replacing the CM1 and CM2 modules in MediaMatrix Nion and CAB4n frames with the MDM32 Dante network module.

The MDM32 is compatible with all MediaMatrix Nion DSP devices as well as CAB4 configurable audio I/O bridges. Supporting 32 x 32 digital audio inputs and outputs, the MDM32 delivers high quality, ultra-low latency Dante audio streaming over a Gigabit Ethernet network with glitch-free redundancy for full Dante plug and play audio networking.

Peavey Commercial Audio’s general manager, Kevin Ivey, commented: “The MDM32 delivers all the power and flexibility of Audinate’s Brooklyn II module in a format that is specifically adapted to our products. MediaMatrix customers can be guaranteed the most straightforward, reliable Dante networking implementation yet.”

Peavey Elements Series IP56 rating

Peavey Elements C Series weatherproof loudspeakers have been upgraded from IP45 to IP56 rating. The American-made Elements weatherproof enclosures showcased at InfoComm 2018 are a combination of innovative cabinet construction and proven, weatherised components designed for direct contact with the elements in the most demanding climates.

The upgrade from IP45 (Ingress Protection) rating to IP56 denotes even more protection against the elements. The first digit refers to protection against contact and ingress of small particles and foreign bodies. IP45 guarantees protection against contact with live or moving parts inside the enclosure by tools, wires or other objects with a thickness greater than 1mm. An IP56 rating signifies complete protection against contact with live or moving parts including protection against harmful deposits of dust

The second digit refers to protection against water. An IP45 rating guarantees that water projected by a nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall not have a harmful effect, whereas IP56 takes things a step further to include protection against water from heavy seas or projected from jets.

Peavey Commercial Audio’s operations manager James Kennedy said: “The Peavey Elements series has enjoyed great success since its launch in 2013, with many prestigious installations in theme parks, military training grounds and other outdoor environments around the world. The upgrade to an IP56 rating continues to assure the relevance of this highly versatile range in the most challenging and difficult environments.”

Versarray PRO

Meanwhile, Crest Audio’s Versarray PRO powered line array, has made its US debut at InfoComm 2018. Comprising the Versarray PRO VR112 line array element and the VR-PRO 215 sub, Versarray PRO is suitable for all mid-sized line array applications including live entertainment, theatres, houses of worship and more. With integrated Dante audio networking, built-in DSP, innovative flying hardware and world class components, the Versarray PRO powered line array delivers premium quality audio in a versatile, easy-to-set-up, networkable package.

The VR112 benefits from Crest Audio’s latest-generation Mark III ribbon drivers and proprietary CLEAR FORM Waveguide for crystalline high-end reproduction. The low end is served by the 12in NEO Black Widow neodymium loudspeaker with dual 4in voice coils which works in conjunction with Crest’s patented Ram Air Cooling (RAC) design for even greater efficiency and power handling. The compact, flyable VR-PRO 215 sub, also with RAC design, features dual 15in Black Widow Low Rider drivers and delivers full power down to 35 Hz and a peak SPL of 135dB. Both elements benefit from 3000 W of available dynamic power.

In terms of rigging, Versarray PRO is a fully articulating array thanks to an ingenious, easy-to-adjust 3-pin system on the back, which enables a range of configurations that are unachievable in other comparably priced systems. The result is near-perfect coverage and audio quality across a vast range of applications. Furthermore, Versarray PRO includes Auto-Hang DSP technology, a quick and easy push-button control option that allows users to adjust the array according to the number of cabinets in the array, speaker positioning and more. Combined with the FlyQWIK hardware, a Versarray PRO system can be deployed in a fraction of the time required by competing systems.

As an active system, Versarray PRO features sophisticated on-board DSP processing including FIR filtering. Certain parameters may be accessed from the back panel for quick and easy initial set-up, or indeed the whole system may be configured and controlled remotely via a dedicated Window-based software utility. Dante network control and audio are delivered via a single CAT5/6 cable, and redundant analogue connections have also been included.

XD-16 and XD-28 digital mixers

New XD-16 and XD-28 digital mixers from Crest Audio set new standards of expandability and functionality for small format, 2U rackmount mixers. Available in either 16- or 28-channel frames, XD Series digital mixers offer optional Dante networking as well as realtime remote control and monitoring from any Android, Windows or iOS device. The range of configurations available enables use as a simple FoH mixer, a monitor mixer, a personal monitor mixer or indeed a combination of all three.An integrated WiFi module enables realtime control and monitoring of the mixer processing functions, either by acting as a Wi-Fi router for direct connection of up to four external devices (laptop, iPad, phone etc.) for remote control, or alternatively by connecting to an external Wi-Fi network. This mode connects both the mixer and the remote control devices via an external router. It has the advantage of extending the mixer’s Wi-Fi range for applications where the remote control devices are a long way from the mixer.

An optional 4×4 Dante network module allows up to eight channels (4-in/4-out) of audio streaming over a Dante network, and extends the physical inputs of the XD-16/XD-28 by four AUX channels, and also adds four outputs (MON 1-2 and AUX 1-2). Control is provided via the Dante Controller application.

Any USB flash media or HDD can be connected to XD Series digital mixers for concurrent recording and playback of dual audio tracks which are stored via USB media in a lossless 16-bit or 24-bit WAV format. Audio streams may be recorded from any node of the processing chain, and users can also create a dedicated stereo mix if desired. In Playback mode, the USB extends the physical inputs of the XD-16/XD-28 with an AUX stereo channel. The AUX input can access the same processors as the MIC/LINE inputs.

The XD-16 mixer may also be equipped with an optional network module to directly link a Slave mixer to the master unit via a 100Mbps Ethernet connection. Linking a Slave to a Master allows the user to access the Slave’s inputs thereby expanding the mixer by a further 16 channels. Master and Slave units process their own input channels, and then the Slave sends the streams to the Master, which collects and mixes the signals before output. Remote control is via the Master unit, which in turn controls the Slave via the network.