Narrower dispersion pattern gives more options to Technomad customers for controlled output patterns in venues of all sizes
BOSTON, December 3, 2008 – Technomad Associates, LLC, a leader in weatherproof loudspeakers and audio systems since 1995, will begin shipping the next generation of its popular Berlin weatherproof outdoor loudspeakers this month.The two new Technomad Berlin loudspeaker models offer a narrower dispersion pattern than previous generations.These new pattern control configurations are ideal for design engineers, contractors and consultants seeking a more controlled output pattern while retaining the high-audio quality and rugged design that are benchmarks of all Technomad loudspeakers.
The new Berlin loudspeaker models offer constant directivity to maintain a consistent dispersion pattern of 60×40 or 90×40 dependent on the needs of the venue.The two options give systems designers more flexibility when working in tightly controlled acoustic environments or in outdoor installations where long distance projection is required.
The new Berlin loudspeaker models are ideal for design engineers, contractors and consultants seeking a more controlled output pattern
“Technomad customers have often requested a loudspeaker design that is ideal for targeting specific parts of a venue as opposed to blanketing a very wide area. The new Berlin configurations achieve this without sacrificing the qualities and features of the Technomad brand,” said Rodger Von Kries, vice president of Technomad. “The narrower dispersion allows our products to be used in arenas and stadiums where installers want more pattern control to target sound in each specific area. They are also ideal in smaller outdoor venues where long audio throw is desired, such as a high school football field, while ensuring that the audio is localized to the audience and not spilling outside of the venue.”
The latest generation of the Berlin loudspeaker reflects the company’s philosophy of refining its established range of loudspeakers instead of continually introducing new loudspeaker products to the market. For optimal flexibility, design engineers and contractors can plan Technomad installations featuring both the new narrower dispersion Berlin models and other Technomad loudspeakers with wider dispersion patterns.
“The ability to offer a full range of loudspeakers with various dispersion patterns is ideal for contractors and design engineers since a one-size-fits-all approach is a rare situation in larger venues,” said von Kries. “Our wide dispersion products, including the Technomad Vernal 15 and Noho C loudspeakers, give our customers the wide variety of options they need for professional installations. Every situation is unique dependent on the total coverage area and the amount of control required.”
Technomad Berlin loudspeakers are part of the company’s AS Series of IP56 weatherproof loudspeakers, offering unmatched controlled projection, fidelity and power for the most demanding fixed installations and mobile applications. Both the 60×40 and 90×40 Berlin loudspeakers come standard with passive network and bi-amp configurations, and are available in 8-Ohm and 70-volt versions.
Military technology adapted for commercial markets ideal for message repeating in airport and transportation centers
Technomad Associates, LLC, a leader in weatherproof loudspeakers and audio systems since 1995, introduces the Schedulon™, a new automatic mp3 player and recording system designed for integration into commercial security systems for airports and transportation centers of any size.Unique to the commercial market for its flexible scheduling and recording features, the Schedulon is a sibling of Technomad’s popular SuperConductor™ player/recorder used in military and homeland security applications.
The Schedulon is ideal for commercial security applications in airports and other transportation centers, for manual or scheduled playback of critical or non-critical messages and audio files
The Schedulon provides instant playback of up to 99 knob-assigned, user-loaded audio files from a front-panel screen, and allows automatic playback on a user-defined schedule based on an internal clock or synchronized network time server.Operators can interrupt automatic messages and play a knob-assigned siren or emergency announcement from an internal sound library in critical situations.The Schedulon is a reliable, standalone system with few moving parts and Flash RAM storage, and no computer is required for automatic playback.A hardware-based embedded system, the Schedulon does not use Windows or Linux “under the hood” and is therefore not susceptible to typical PC security risks.
The Schedulon can function as the audio source for a single PA system (in the same way a CD player or iPod can), or it can be used to feed audio to large scale paging / BGM systems in airports or transportation centers.The unit can integrate with a single set of loudspeakers for indoor/outdoor playback of voice, sound effects and background music to a concentrated area, including a specific airport terminal or underground train or subway tunnel; or within a networked PA system to cover entire airports or ground transportation centers.
Scheduling can be as straightforward or complex as desired, down to the exact time of day.Airports and transportation centers can connect the Schedulon to existing facility paging systems to broadcast automatic announcements.Operators can also use the Schedulon to record new announcements for instant or future playback via the user-defined schedule.All recording and uploading tasks can also be achieved without the need for a computer or web browser to minimize the risk of crashes and viruses.
“The Schedulon gives operators the freedom to flexibly schedule and record sounds that match the environs of the venue or installation site,” said Rodger von Kries, vice president of Technomad.“For commercial security, the Schedulon can interface with audio distribution equipment to trigger alarms and pre-recorded emergency messages over PA loudspeakers, serving as a powerful message repeater and campus-wide alert system.Although manual operation is a benefit for instant playback of audio, the scheduling feature ensures that operators are not tied down to monitoring the playback operation.”
The Schedulon offers a feature set that makes life easy for the operator.The Local Configuration Mode feature set provides front-panel access to all functions, as well as password protection and management of audio files without the assistance of a computer.Or, an easy-to-use web interface allows rapid configuration of Schedulon functions via any standard browser.
Remote control capabilities allow operation of the system from a distance via CGI command, and the Lockout feature ensures that only scheduled or remotely-triggered files can be played when the unit is unsupervised.Users can upload sounds and modify the schedule remotely via web browser as well, greatly simplifying maintenance.
The Schedulon is ideal for critical applications — because audio is generated locally by the unit (not streamed over a network), network interruptions will not stop critical sound playback, and network bandwidth is not consumed by streaming audio.Permitted staff can remotely or locally interrupt scheduled playback to play important messages or sound effects as needed.The unit’s internal clock keeps scheduled audio on track even when network time servers aren’t available.
The Schedulon can be purchased separately or as part of a Technomad Turnkey PA system, a full range of complete, pre-integrated, fixed or mobile audio solutions featuring Technomad weatherproof loudspeakers, cables, mounting brackets, a dynamic microphone with cable, and a 6RU rack enclosure featuring a two-channel amplifier and a six-channel mixer.Additional rack space allows for inclusion of the Schedulon and other equipment such as power conditioners and limiter/compressors.
Technomad Associates, LLC, a leader in weatherproof loudspeakers and audio systems since 1995, today announced it has introduced recycled plastic into its loudspeaker manufacturing process as part of the company’s developing green initiative in an effort to reduce waste.The company will continue to manufacture all loudspeaker products at its Massachusetts facility, where each loudspeaker is bench-built and tested by small teams of craftsmen.
“We want to take advantage of the opportunity presented by our manufacturing process to reduce waste,” said Rodger von Kries, vice president of Technomad.“This also benefits our customers by allowing us to minimize our manufacturing costs compared to using new plastic, a petroleum product that is subject to cost increases along with rising oil prices.”
The switch to recycled plastic reduces waste without altering the manufacturing process or lessening the rugged durability that is a hallmark of Technomad loudspeakers.The recycled plastic is processed, dyed black for color conformity, and used in the place of the new plastic formerly used for Technomad’s black loudspeaker cabinets.
Technomad is the recognized leader in weatherproof loudspeaker systems, featuring integrated, IP56-rated weatherproofing for outdoor and indoor systems that does not compromise acoustic performance. Technomad loudspeakers are available separately or as part of the company range of Turnkey PA systems featuring a signal processing rack with a powered amplifier, six-channel mixer, a dynamic microphone, cables, and additional rack space for external source and power equipment.
The company recently introduced two new non-loudspeaker products to its inventory: the Schedulon a new automatic mp3 player and recording system for themed entertainment, high-quality music playback, simulated environments, and commercial security applications; and PowerChiton, a series of compact, durable and weatherproof modules that unite a high-performance, passively-cooled amplifier with an IP56-rated, low-profile enclosure.
ABOUT TECHNOMAD
Technomad Associates, LLC, founded in 1995, designs and manufactures loudspeaker systems for the professional audio and security/military technology industries.The company invented the first reliable full-range weatherproof loudspeaker and now offers eight models ranging in power from the 60-watt Vernal 15 to the 1250-Watt OSLO subwoofer.In 2000, Technomad introduces its range of complete Turnkey PA systems that have turned previous complex integration jobs into simple, one-line orders.Please contact Technomad at 617-275-8898 or visit http://www.technomad.com for more information.
GLL testing provides detailed measurements of loudspeaker data to allow more accurate positioning and simulation of loudspeakers in various venues and environments
BOSTON, August 18, 2008 – Technomad Associates, LLC, a leader in weatherproof loudspeakers and audio systems since 1995, has upgraded to the GLL (Generic Loudspeaker Library) format to measure and present its loudspeaker design specifications to the pro audio industry. GLL format data gives Technomad design engineers, consultants and contractors more options in positioning and simulating loudspeakers in large sports, entertainment and other venues that require array or clustered installations. Technomad is one of several loudspeaker manufacturers that encompass the first wave of GLL supporters in the pro audio industry.
A Technomad Noho-C loudspeaker undergoes GLL testing the anechoic chamber at NWAA Labs
GLL is a new standard for measuring and storing loudspeaker performance data that is now part of the EASE software suite, which provides simulated creations of a room’s 3D acoustic model and sound system. The GLL format provides highly accurate technical detail about the loudspeaker design and driver output so consultants and design engineers can more accurately position loudspeakers in various environments compared to simulated point source formats such as SPK or CLF.
Technomad recently visited NWAA Labs, an independent, vendor-neutral laboratory that provides uniform product testing of loudspeakers. Led by Ron Sauro, Owner and Chief Scientist of NWAA Labs, Technomad’s range of IP56-rated weatherproof loudspeakers underwent GLL testing for the first time. The GLL testing system created by NWAA Labs uses a system of accurately-calibrated microphones positioned every five degrees in a four-meter arc to collect data in a highly consistent manner, with the loudspeakers immersed in an anechoic chamber to eliminate reflected acoustic artifacts. The process more accurately collects loudspeaker data than the traditional way of physically moving the position of a single microphone to record measurements at different angles and is much faster.
The tests officially quantify Technomad loudspeakers as GLL-ready, with results and measurements available for download and usage with the new EASE 4.2 software program.
NWAA Labs in Santa Clarita, Calif., is the leading site for GLL testing and certification of professional loudspeakers
“GLL testing is a critical step forward in accurate data collection for loudspeaker design engineers, particularly those specifying a venue that will include clusters of multiple loudspeakers,” said Sauro. “Engineers and consultants who download the GLL files can more accurately predict what will happen in a room or facility when multiple cabinets are used, and also predict and better understand the interaction between all the cabinets and drivers in the loudspeakers. The GLL format provides a very accurate resolution of phase that is superior to how we previously measured and presented data.”
Sauro added that manufacturers like Technomad benefit from GLL testing through physically assembling loudspeakers in a “virtual reality” or simulated environment, measuring the drivers without crossovers or digital signal processing, and making design changes that are instantly noticed. This improves the speed and accuracy of developing the loudspeaker.
“Technomad contractors have always relied on the power, durability, weatherproofing and high audio quality of our loudspeakers,” said Rodger von Kries, vice president of Technomad. “Through testing at NWAA Labs we have been able to generate GLL files that provide consultants and design engineers with the most accurate loudspeakers measurements possible. This highly accurate data provides design information that gives contractors new and exciting options to use Technomad loudspeakers in larger venues. By presenting these measurements in the GLL format, we can more accurately represent this data to the pro audio industry at large.”
ABOUT TECHNOMAD
Technomad Associates, LLC, founded in 1995, designs and manufactures loudspeaker systems for the professional audio and security/military technology industries. The company invented the first reliable full-range weatherproof loudspeaker and now offers eight models ranging in power from the 60-watt Vernal 15 to the 1250-Watt OSLO subwoofer. In 2000, Technomad introduces its range of complete Turnkey PA systems that have turned previous complex integration jobs into simple, one-line orders. Please contact Technomad at 617-275-8898 for more information.
Source: ProAV MAGAZINE
Publication date: September 1, 2008
By ProAV Staff
A former NASA engineer and scientist, Sauro now heads up NWAA Labs, a Santa Clarita, Calif.–based lab for testing loudspeakers and materials for the audio industry Among other things, the lab tests loudspeakers for conformance to the Generic Loudspeaker Library specification, which was introduced at the AES convention in New York in October 2006.
PRO AV: Tell us a little about NWAA Labs.
SAURO: NWAA Labs was founded to fulfill a long-standing, but unrealized industry requirement for independent, standardized loudspeaker and acoustic materials testing. I was able to adapt the array I designed at NASA for magnetic data acquisition for use in gathering sound data at NWAA Labs. This design allows for an exponential increase in the rate of data acquisition, reducing the time involved from many hours, to often less than 40 minutes, thus minimizing the environmental variations that hamper accurate measurement, particularly phase measurements.
PRO AV: What is the Generic Loudspeaker Library?
SAURO: The Generic Loudspeaker Library is a method of inputting, calculating, and displaying complex speaker directivity data. It’s accomplished by measuring individual drivers, in place, and then mathematically integrating these balloons with crossover transfer functions. The data is gathered and stored using impulse responses and can be geometrically combined to do what point-source information cannot do. Its first use was in the EASE 4.2 program, but has been designed as a generic data source for use by the entire industry. It provides a large source of information in a very small storage footprint.
PRO AV: What does GLL testing say about a loudspeaker and how it might perform in the real world?
SAURO: It is especially useful for the construction and simulation of line arrays and complex cluster arrangements in order to predict lobing and other acoustic results more accurately. In other words, GLLs can be used by simulation programs to accurately predict real-world performance of complex and variable configurations of loudspeaker boxes and arrays.
PRO AV: How can AV pros use GLL results and GLL files?
SAURO: Consultants can take advantage of independent testing to confirm equivalent performance between loudspeaker boxes created by different manufacturers. This is useful when specifying a system and then having many contractors bidding with “equivalent” speaker boxes. Comparing GLL measurements helps remove subject marketing claims from what should be—and now can be—an objective process. This also helps contracting personnel to meet system performance criteria.
PRO AV: How has industry adoption been so far?
SAURO: We are receiving more and more requests from consultants and contractors for GLL data and more than a dozen manufacturers have adopted the GLL format. (Technomad Associates of Boston most recently received GLL certification from NWAA Labs for its IP56-rated weatherproof loudspeakers.)
Pat Divietro sent us an email with photos of his new Technomad PA System:
“We used 4 of your Berlin series to replace a dilapidated 70 volt system that was the butt of jokes for years. The stadium seats 8000 and the new system covers the home side with fidelity, and without killing them, hits the visitors side also.
We used 2 QSC 2.0HV’s to power the boxes with 750 Watts each into 8 Ohms. From the mixer, we run the whole system through a Behringer digital cross-over for eq and limiting. The whole system runs through a Furman AS-120 sequence power center with a key on lock. Simple, self-sufficient, sounds great.
But remember this is Louisiana! Summers 45 days + at 100 degrees F. Fall will rain for 2 1/2 weeks straight. Winters with freezing rain. And ANYTIME of year the humidity hovers about at 95%.
