Jan 1, 2008 12:00 PM

MACKIE SRM 350/450 VERSION 2

Mackie (www.mackie.com) has updated its best-selling speakers — now with lightweight neodymium drivers and onboard Class-D bi-amplification — resulting in a 20-percent weight reduction. Housed in midnight-blue, molded-polypropylene enclosures that double as mains or monitors, the flyable SRM350 Version 2 (195-watt) and SRM450 V. 2 (400W) systems feature titanium-dome compression drivers on wide-dispersion waveguides, 24dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley crossovers, onboard phase alignment/EQ/time correction, and mic/line inputs. Shipping begins this month.

A-LINE ACOUSTICS EMMA ARRAY

This compact, powered line array system from A-Line Acoustics (www.a-lineacoustics.com) can be easily set up by two people, yet can cover theaters or ballroom-sized venues. Its 100-degree dispersion coverage reduces the need for satellite point-source speakers in many applications, while onboard Bang & Olufsen ICEpower modules with DSP and networking options eliminate the need for heavy amp racks. The system includes an EMMA806A with eight 6.5-inch LF drivers, eight 6.5-inch ribbon tweeters and a 4×10-inch subwoofer that travels on a custom wheeled transport.

OUTLINE KANGURO 2008

Like the earlier Kanguro (“Kangaroo”) speaker system, the upgraded Kanguro 2008 from Outline Pro Audio (dist. by Morin Productions, www.morinproductions.com) features an HF/MF cabinet that nests within the subwoofer enclosure during transport to create a compact package. The 1,000W powered system pairs a 15-inch subwoofer and a pole-mount satellite box with a 12-inch neodymium woofer and 1-inch compression driver. A network card provides access to DSP parameters (gain, delay, EQ, polarity) using the included software. Once stored, three user DSP presets and the factory default can be enabled using switches on the sub.

LECTROSONICS/HEIL SOUND WIRELESS

Wireless provider Lectrosonics (www.lectrosonics.com) and mic manufacturer Heil Sound (www.heilsound.com) have entered into a strategic partnership to create pro wireless products. Unveiled at this month's NAMM show, the first product is Lectrosonics' UTPR20, which combines Heil's PR20 dynamic capsule/grille basket with Lectrosonic's compander-free UT Series Digital Hybrid Wireless transmitter. The unit features 100mW RF power and 256 synthesized frequencies, and is compatible with Lectrosonics Digital Hybrid Wireless and analog receivers. Retail is slated at $1,695.

ADAMSON METRIX

For small to medium permanent installs or large-format touring, the Metrix Multipurpose Line Source Series from Adamson (www.adamsonproaudio.com) can handle front-fill, lip-fill or out-fill arrays. The enclosures feature both 5-degree (Metrix) and 15-degree (Metrix Wave) vertical patterns, with 120-degree horizontal dispersion. The two-way box has an ND8-ML 8.5-inch Kevlar neodymium mid-low driver and a 1.4-inch HF compression driver on Adamson's patented HF wave-shaping chamber. An arrayable, dual-15 cardioid sub is optional.

TELEFUNKEN | USA ELA M 80 HANDHELD MIC

Unveiled at AES and shipping this month is the Ela M 80 (expected street pricing: $219), a handheld vocal microphone from Telefunken | USA (www.telefunkenusa.com). The mic is said to offer condenser-like performance from its newly designed, low-mass dynamic capsule with a superthin Mylar diaphragm and a custom-wound, step-up transformer from TAB-Funkenwerk. Other features include a cardioid response and an internally shock-mounted capsule.