Allen & Heath has announced the first release of iDR System Manager software for its iDR series, a new DSP audio system for installed and live sound. The software is available for free download from the Allen & Heath Web site.

iDR System Manager runs on a Windows™ PC and allows installers to create customised, integrated audio systems using iDR series hardware units. PC connection can be direct to an iDR-8 or remotely across a network or via a modem. Once a software configuration is complete it can be saved to an iDR-8 audio mix processor and the PC can be removed, leaving the iDR system to run as a standalone entity.

iDR-8 uses a fixed architecture, with full processing resources available to up to 16 inputs and 16 outputs (iDR-8 has 8 inputs and 8 outputs and can be expanded using iDR-in and iDR-out units), making it impossible to run out of DSP power. This rigid structure is reflected in the software, which uses a straightforward channel-by-channel format rather than the CAD style employed in some other DSP systems.

Hardware units which come under software control include iDR-8 audio mix processors, iDR-in and iDR-out expanders, iDR-switch boxes, wall plates and other remote control devices.

Allen & Heath’s Software Manager, Antony Jackson, explains the thinking behind iDR System Manager:

“From the outset we wanted to create a highly intuitive interface with an ‘analogue’ feel. Nobody wants to spend days learning new software, so we have done everything possible to make it easy to find your way around iDR System Manager. Configuring sophisticated installations is never going to be a ten minute job, but having good software certainly takes a lot of the hassle out of the process.”

Allen & Heath designs and manufactures professional audio mixing consoles for an international clientele in the live sound, installed systems and nightclub markets.

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) High End Audio Board today announced the availability of its “It’s All About The Performance” demonstration guide. The publication, which offers eight rules of performance based selling, is available at www.CE.org/performance.

Geared towards high-end audio dealers and their sales force, the “It’s All About the Performance” publication provides ideas and recommendations for enhancing the high-end audio customer experience. The guide reinforces the eight golden rules of performance-based selling: (1) Get right to the demo; (2) Set the stage, set the mood; (3) Script the demo; (4) Sweat the details; (5) Practice, practice, practice; (6) Simplify the demonstration; (7) If it doesn’t perform better, it isn’t better and (8) Performance is defined by the customer.

“Specialty retailers who can effectively demonstrate performance have a distinct advantage,” said Gary Warzin, chairman of the CEA High End Audio Board and president and CEO of Audiophile Systems, Ltd. “A convincing demonstration of great performance establishes credibility and authority, weakens the competition and builds the emotional excitement that is essential to closing sales. Our plan is to make this a living document that can be updated with relevant ideas on an ongoing basis.”

CEA’s High End Audio Board is comprised of executives from specialty audio companies, including Thiel Audio, Audiophile Systems, Ltd., Martin-Logan, Ltd., Conrad-Johnson Design, Parasound Products and Krell. The board’s mission is to promote the high-end audio concept and community. Information on the board can be found online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES – Defining Technology’s Future. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.