The “Tallships Festival” in Larvik, Norway, saw the inauguration of the first Alcons “The Ribbon” line-array system in Norway.

Rental company Audio One took delivery of a large rig of Alcons line-array modules, bass systems, sub systems, amplification and processing and put it into action immediately on rock band Toto’s Norwegian tour stop.

With more than 10.000 fans on hand, the system underwent its inaugural performance, with 48 LR16 line-array modules, 12 LR16B bass systems, 12 sub systems and ALC controller-amps.

Audio One is a national PA rental and sales company with offices in three cities. The company was established only three years ago and in this short time has already secured the position of one of the top audio rental companies in the country.

Stuart Mørch-Kerrison, head of the Oslo department and sales at AudioOne and veteran FOH engineer for artists such as INXS, Allison Moyet, Erasure, Kim Wilde, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Paul Weller; “The main reason for the success is that we are a company of sound guys rather than businessmen. We have extensive experience in our field and we are proud of the service we provide. Audio quality is the number one reason for us to use a product and that is why I became so interested in the Alcons system after hearing it in Frankfurt in April. Considering there was absolutely no EQ whatsoever on that demo system, it was probably the most natural-sounding PA I had ever heard. With our intention to change our rental inventory, it was clear there was only one direction to go; Buy The Ribbon line-array!”

Alcons Audio Line-Array Modules frame the stage as Toto performs at the "Tallships Festival" in Larvik, Norway

Mørch-Kerrison continues: “The system at the Toto concert was a bit overspec’d, but because it was the first time we used this system, we wanted to find out the limits of the system. During the show, the average level at the FOH position (@ 30m/90ft.) was around 116 – 117db (C-weighted), but during set-up, the peak reading was 127 db without any clip indication.”

“The throw of the system was phenomenal. We had a flat SPL response up to 80metres/240ft. and then a slight roll-off in SPL down to 150mtr./450ft, but the sound was still very much intelligible!. We could never have done this gig properly with our old system without additional large delay systems.”

Colin Norfield, the FOH engineer of Toto (as well as Pink Floyd and others) was very pleased with the system as well: “I was knocked-out by the crystal clear response. The vocals were absolutely “in the face” and the overall sound was very crisp and natural sounding. If I couldn’t make a good mix on this system, I’d better go home! Only after the show I heard the system works with ribbon transducers. It’s an amazing system”.

Mørch-Kerrison adds: “Much to our surprise, the Alcons system also seemed to be very efficient power-wise. The current draw was at least 35 to 40% less than with our “old” system. I can truly say that I have never been so impressed with the combination of audio quality, output and coverage from a PA system. Alcons sets definitely new standards in the world of live sound reinforcement.”

Tom Back, MD of Alcons: “It’s fantastic to get this reaction, which is typical for the response we have been receiving on our The Ribbon line-array since its launch 7 months ago. Because of this, the Ribbon Network is expanding globally every month.”

“We’re very proud to have Audio One on board as latest Ribbon Network member. It is surprising to see the similarities between Alcons and Audio One: Recently established and experiencing success because of quality, teamwork and dedication. We talk the same audio language and this will strongly support the development of both companies.”

Alcons Audio Web Site

Creative Labs has had the market for 5.1 surround audio add-ons for Windows computers to itself for a while now, with its Audigy 2 series of cards and interfaces. No longer: rival developer TerraTec has come up with a competing product that will be especially appealing to laptop users.

TerraTec‘s new Aureon 5.1 USB audio interface will be available early in September. According to TerraTec, the Aureon 5.1 USB doesn’t require complicated installation or configuration – no special drivers or separate power supply: just plug the compact device into a USB port on your PC, and you’re ready to go with multichannel audio.

The Aureon supports “genuine” surround sound over 5.1 channels (with 6 analog outputs and 2 inputs). It has gold-plated connections, digital inputs/outputs, as well as a microphone input and headphones output. This little sound machine also offers everything else you expect from a good audio card. For pure listening pleasure, particularly for your DVD software, current standards such as Dolby Digital, AC3, DTS and Dolby Pro-Logic II are supported (but not built in).

TerraTec bundles the Aureon 5.1 USB with a couple of useful software packages. Remix your MP3 and audio CD collection like a professional DJ with Native Instruments Traktor DJ, and convert your PC into a genuine home theater with InterVideo WinDVD.

Key Features

• 6 analog outputs (cinch)
• 2 analog inputs (cinch)
• Combination microphone / optical digital input
• Combination headphone / optical digital output
• 16 bit/48 kHz signal processing of the analog and digital inputs and outputs
• USB 1.1 port Plug&Play support without driver installation

TerraTec Web Site

Electrostatic loudspeaker technology company MartinLogan® has announced the introduction of its compact new Mosaic™ floor standing loudspeaker.

The new model offers key MartinLogan technology and features, including ATF (advanced thin film) transducers, ultimate crossover design, high-excursion, high-resolution woofers, curvilinear wood cabinetry, and dipole radiation, in a small package (40 inches tall) and at an affordable price. The Mosaic falls at the low-cost end of the MartinLogan product spectrum, available immediately at a retail price of $1,995 per pair (US).

The Mosaic is designed for use as a stereo main loudspeaker, home theater main or effects channel speaker, in a wide range of room sizes and configurations. Compact and décor-friendly, the Mosaic is supplied with tool-less binding posts for effortless cable attachment and management.

In addition to ATF transducer technology, MartinLogan’s design team developed the Mosaic utilizing a new woofer and cabinet based on the MartinLogan Clarity loudspeaker (released January 2003).

ATF™ (Advanced Thin Film) Transducers Provide Clarity, Detail and Resolution

In order to achieve the rigorous MartinLogan standards for detail, clarity and resolution, and yet permit a compact cabinet, high-resolution ATF transducers became the first building block for the new Mosaic.

The MartinLogan ATF transducer consists of a micro-thin, low mass diaphragm with an ultra-light, etched conductive aluminum surface suspended between two high field strength neodymium super magnet arrays. When an electrical current (music signal) passes through the etched aluminum on the diaphragm’s surface it is simultaneously pulled towards one of the neodymium arrays and pushed away from the opposing. When the direction of current is reversed the diaphragm is simultaneously pushed and pulled in the opposite direction, thus producing sound. This concept is called push-pull, and is a major contributor to the linearity and sonic superiority of both ATF and electrostatic MartinLogan thin film transducers.

ATF diaphragms are constructed of extremely low mass Dupont Kaladex® PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), a material chemically similar to the low-mass PET (polyethylene terathylate) film used in MartinLogan’s generation 2 electrostatic transducers, yet capable of handling the high thermal requirements needed for stable magnetic thin film operation. Full surface drive capabilities allow this durable, low mass diaphragm to remain discretely sized, yet achieve extremely low-distortion levels with superior resolution.

Mosaic Shares Key Technologies from MartinLogan Ultimate Speaker Models

Mosaic’s state-of-the-art, 8-inch, high-resolution woofer uses the same motor, cone and chassis structure as the innovative Clarity loudspeaker to deliver a precise low-end with accuracy and authority.

Mosaic’s state-of-the-art Vojtko™ crossover is designed and manufactured with the same meticulous attention, care and precision as those found in MartinLogan’s ultimate loudspeaker products.

Mosaic’s cabinet consists of multiple laminates sonically welded for extreme rigidity. This acoustically inert curvilinear wood cabinet, provides not only audiophile grade high-performance, but also enhances visual integration with any home environment. It is available in three distinctive cabinet finishes (natural cherry, dark mahogany and black).

Dipole Design For A Realistic, Open Sound Stage

The audio industry has long recognized that late arrival reflective information significantly enhances the ambient nature of sound reproduction. This ambient reflective information dramatically contributes to a realistic, “you are there” listening experience. MartinLogan’s dipole radiation pattern (radiating out of phase information from both the front and back) ideally interacts with your listening environment to create this realistic sound stage. We have contoured Mosaic’s radiation pattern to emulate the same dipole characteristics as our world standard setting electrostatic technology, resulting in the same outstanding sound staging and 3-dimensionality.

MartinLogan Web Site

Also see: MartinLogan Grotto Subwoofer

Key Features And Benefits

• ATF Transducers: efficient output with detail, clarity and resolution
• Bass Reflex Aluminum Woofer: delivers an extended, accurate low-end
• Cabinet Finish Options: Mosaic matches any decor
• Dipole Radiation: outstanding sound staging and 3-dimensionality

Specifications

Chipmaker Asahi Kasei Microsystems Semiconductor (AKM) has introduced the AK4122, a 2-channel, 96 kHz asynchronous sample rate converter with a built-in Digital Audio Interface (S/PDIF Receiver).

The new chip is destined for DVD, car Audio/Video, digital TV, and PC audio applications. It provides a combination of standard audio input ports, plus a digital audio interface for DVD recorders and other audio/video equipment.

The AK4122 asynchronous sample rate converter can accept digital audio via standard DSP/I2S interfaces or S/PDIF or AES/EBU interfaces. The integration of the AES/EBU interface saves circuit board space and reduces system cost.

The AES/EBU section of the AK4122 offers the same high performance as the currently-marketed AK4112B, 96kHz 24-Bit DIR including a four-input (4:1) Selector. The AK4122 can also detect non-PCM data streams like DTS and AC-3, while a CD Q subcode buffer allows the chip to easily read CD data.

The AK4122’s built-in PLL eliminates the need to provide an external master clock, and the SRC section provides two audio input ports and one output port.

Price and Availability

Engineering samples of the AK4122 are available now, in an extremely small 48-pin LQFP package. The part is priced at $4.21 in 1K quantities. Evaluation boards and samples are available directly from AKM

Image Line Software, developer of the Fruityloops line of creative desktop music applications, has released FL Studio XXL, a value-priced bundle of software.

The new package includes the top-of-the-line FL Studio Producer Edition, along with all of its available plug-ins, priced at a 40% discount from the regular individual product prices.

The bundle is available from the Image Line Software Web site now, for online purchase and download. The price is $220 (US). The company is positioning FL Studio XXL as “the best price/quality virtual studio available on PC today.”

A free Trial version (fully functional, with only ‘save’ disabled) is available from the Image Line Web site.

FL Studio XXL is a full-featured virtual music production workstation for both novice and advanced desktop music makers

FL Studio is based on Fruityloops technology, but it features a major update in both looks and features.

It includes a built-in full-featured sequencer, support for both VSTi and DXi plugins, advanced MIDI, 64-track advanced mixer, Audio Tracks, Wave Editor and a collection of high-quality sound generators (virtual instruments).

It can play any sample file (WAV, sim synth, drum synth) or any Fruity / VSTi / DXi / BUZZ sound generator or effect you feed. You can export your work to WAV, MP3, MIDI or Image Line’s own Fruity file format.

In addition, FL Studio itself can be used as VSTi or DXi plugin within other host applications (Cubase, Logic, Orion etc.).

FL Studio XXL contains the following products:

• FL Studio Producer Edition (regular price $149 US)
• SimSynth (regular price $35 US)
• WASP (regular price $29 US)
• DX-10 (regular price $19 US)
• Soundfont Player (regular price $35 US)
• DrumSynth Live (regular price $29 US)
• BeatSlicer (regular price $35 US)
• DreamStation (regular price $35 US)

Fruityloops Web Site