Author: karl

The Ultimate Extreme Sports Experience: Technomad @ Lake Placid’s Olympic Bobsled Run

The United States Olympic Bobsled Track at lake Placid, New York recently updated its sound system with Technomad loudspeakers.

SWM productions of Plattsburgh, New York specified and installed the 20 total loudspeakers used to cover the 1500 meter track located in one of the most harsh winter environments in America.

“The wind chill can reach 40-degrees below zero, not to mention the ice and snow,” said SWM President Tony LeClair. “We needed loudspeakers that provided sound worthy of an Olympic facility but that could also stand up to a uniquely harsh environment.”

LeClair installed two Technomad Noho C loudspeakers on the announcing booth located about halfway down the course. Loaded with a 1″/12″ coax driver, the mil-spec Noho C will be used for both music playing and voice reproduction. According to LeClair, the Noho has already exceeded expectations.

“We were testing the boxes by cranking some AC/DC for fun,” he explained. “There was a guy working in a Snow Cat at the bottom of the course who mistook the bass response for engine trouble. He turned off the machine before realizing he was hearing music coming from 1000-meters up the mountain. We were all amazed.”

Along with the Nohos, LeClair used 18 of the Technomad 70-voltVienna 16 Ts distributed along the lip of the track so as to minimize delay.

“We needed a distributed system that covered both the spectator area and the track area, “said LeClair. “They have people working on the track during races that need to be warned before a sled doing 100+ miles per hour comes flying at them.”

The loudspeakers are being driven by four QSC CV amplifiers at 400-Watts per side. They are running stereo on three different lines to every other speaker so that all of the loudspeakers can’t be lost in the event of a technical problem. A Berringer Dual Compressor31-band equalizer is also being used.

LeClair, using Technomads for the first time, had his technicians thoroughly examine the loudspeakers before installing them on the face of a frigid mountain.

“My reputation is attached to every installation we do,” said LeClair. “I have to let my guys examine the products I’m using for a given application – and boy was they impressed. We really can’t believe how well these loudspeakers are made. We will not hesitate to use them for future installations, both indoor and out.

SWM Productions, Inc. is a full service production company offering a wide variety of concert and event services ranging from consulting and planning to site coordination, stage management, and full-scale production for 10 years. In additions, SWM books and produces live entertainment throughout the greater upstate New York region.

The Technomad Noho C contains a coaxial 12″ low frequency driver and 1″ compression driver providing unparalleled musicality and voice intelligibility. The Vienna contains a horn-loaded 1″ high frequency driver and 6.5″ low frequency driver. Like all of the Technomad loudspeakers, the Noho and Vienna are fully weatherproof due to a three-layer stainless steel WeatherTech grill, military-specification rotationally molded cabinet and self-draining construction.

Boston-based Technomad users include all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, Universal Studios, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Lines, The White House, Cunard Cruise Lines, Princess Cruise Lines, Rodger Williams University, ESPN Zone, Tony Gwynn Stadium, Cinergy Field and many others.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines install Technomad WeatherTech™ Loudspeakers

Miami, Florida – Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines install Technomad WeatherTech(tm) Loudspeakers.

Pro audio equipment is highly sensitive gear that is very susceptible to the ravages of hostile weather conditions. High fidelity loudspeaker systems have never been items that one would leave out in the rain, fog or humidity, let alone rain, fog or humidity that is very high in salt content.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, one of the leading cruise lines in the world, was recently operating with a revolving door policy when it came to their on-deck, mobile high fidelity loudspeakers. “R.C.C.L was getting about a year of use from our loudspeakers”, notes Mr. Craig Chamberlain, Senior Buyer for Casino and Cruise Programs. “The salt water, rain, sprays and wash downs took their toll on the wood, electronics and especially the speaker cones to the point the loudspeakers would need to be replaced frequently.” The expense of replacing many pairs of professional high powered loudspeakers per year was prohibitive.

The Caribbean weather can go from sunny with temperatures of 110 degrees to driving rain and temperatures of 60degrees, and then back again within fifteen minutes. The lifespan of professional audio equipment and loudspeaker systems in this type of environment is greatly reduced due to the extreme sun, heat, water, wind and salt conditions. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines had used several different brands of cloth covered, pressboard and plywood cabinet loudspeaker systems for their on-deck audio applications. Continues Mr. Chamberlain, “Even though R.C.C.L takes great pride in taking care of all of our equipment, the wood loudspeakers were not holding up to the environment.”

Mr. Chamberlain was told about Technomad WeatherTech(tm) loudspeakers by Brian Leeser of Miami Audio Video Company, of Miami, Florida. Imagine a high-powered, high fidelity loudspeaker system that could be operated outdoors, in the rain, fog, salt spray, humidity, blazing sun and intense heat. This intrigued Mr. Chamberlain.

Mr. Leeser informed Mr. Chamberlain that Technomad loudspeakers are impervious to salt water, sand, condensation, UV light, corrosion, insects, and other damage. A Technomad loudspeaker’s four layer, acoustically transparent grill system breaks up wind driven rain, sprayed water and liquids. Any water that does get onto the chemically treated drivers (speaker cones) is merely shed away. For very extreme weather conditions, Technomad WeatherTech(tm) loudspeakers also feature a watertight lid. With the lid attached, Technomad loudspeakers meet Military-Specification 810E, have an ATA III rating, are splinter-proof and resistant to impact, chemical cleaners and even fire. Like-size Technomad cabinets lock together when stacked, and interlocking ribs allow for secure transport and storage in rough seas.

Mr. Leeser learned out about Technomad at the 1995 INFOCOMM Expo in Dallas, Texas. Miami Audio Video Company (MAVCO) is recognized as one of the leading audio, video and multimedia design and installation firms in the world for the cruise ship industry. MAVCO, never a company to rest on its laurels and only sell the standard fare of “black cabinets” recognized the potential of the Technomad WeatherTech(tm) loudspeaker line. Always looking to make inroads into new markets with new products, Mr. Leeser suggested R.C.C.L. evaluate a pair of the Technomad WeatherTech(tm) full range Berlin model loudspeakers on a two week evaluation cruise. Mr. Leeser states, “When I received a check for the first pair of Technomad loudspeakers after only one week into the evaluation, I knew I was onto something special.”

Since acquiring the first pair of Technomad WeatherTech Berlin model loudspeakers for The Sovereign of the Seas, Technomads have been acquired for several other R.C.C.L. ships, including Song of America, Majesty of the Seas and Nordic Empress. Mr. Chamberlain notes, “Since changing to the Technomad WeatherTech(tm) Berlin model loudspeakers in September 1995, we have been very pleased with their durability.” The Technomads are primarily used poolside for the entire day by a Calypso band. In the evening the Technomads are used for parties and other functions, such as ‘Theme Night’ festivities. It is not unusual for the Technomads to be in use eight or more hours per day.

Ease of use and electronic reliability were other reasons to replace Royal Caribbean’s older loudspeakers with the Technomads. States Mr. Chamberlain, “Many members of the on-board entertainment staff, who will eventually handle the Technomad loudspeakers, are not audio professionals. In many cases an audio technician will set-up the entire PA system and walk away from it, leaving the audio system to be operated by the band.”

Technomad’s electronics are designed to withstand a significant amount of use. High quality, custom made crossover networks ensure superior audio performance and ultimate reliability. Technomad’s crossovers feature premium 400-volt metalized polypropylene Solen capacitors and unusually large inductors for low insertion-loss and DC-tolerant performance, and all internal wiring is 12-gauge multi-braided copper cable.

Aside from the rapidly changing weather conditions at sea, “Royal Caribbean needs to watch what we buy for many reasons. The extended warranty on the Technomad loudspeakers is another reason why we use the product,” notes Mr. Chamberlain referring to Technomad’s 10/5/2 year comprehensive warranty against manufacturers defects. The 10/5/2 warranty covers the Technomad loudspeaker cabinet for ten years, the external hardware for five years and all of the electronics for two years.

Mr. Chamberlain concludes, “We cannot be monitoring the audio equipment 100% of the time, so it’s good to know that we can walk away from the Technomads in 99% of our ‘at-sea’ situations and they will come through just fine.”

Technomad at Jillian’s

March 2, 2001 – Over ten years ago, Steven Foster, Jillian’s Founder and CEO, recognized the need for an adult and family driven destination that offers food, beverage, and socially interactive ice-breaking entertainment. – All in an exciting yet non-threatening environment. Since then, Jillian’s has developed into 35 individual clubs varying in size (15,000 and 75,000 square feet), and operating as a complete multidimensional “Eat! Drink! Play!” facility.

Each Jillian’s locations operate a variety of different entertainment and dining venues all under one roof. Most Jillian’s locations include 2 restaurants, a classic billiards lounge, an over-the-top bowling experience, the latest electronic simulation attractions, dancing, live music and the best sports and media viewing anywhere. Each Jillian location also features four nightclubs designed to entertain anyone of legal age.

Presently, Jillian’s has locations in Washington, California, Arizona, Texas, Minneapolis, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Florida, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Several new Jillian locations that recently came online made use of Technomad VERNAL loudspeakers for their background and foreground sound systems. Indianapolis, Indiana, Champaign Illinois, Hanover, Maryland and Houston Texas locations installed as many as 14 Technomad Vernal 15s per location.

The low-profile Technomad Vernal 15 full range loudspeaker features a smooth, cosmetically clean design that adds to its transparent sound quality. While the Technomad Vernal 15 is a weather-resistant loudspeaker, Jillian’s selected the Vernal for its ability to project over high ambient noise levels while still delivering a smooth, articulate, full-range musical response. The Vernal 15, possibly the smallest loudspeaker on the market that features a 1″ diameter ceramic high-frequency driver, mounted on a 120¡ X 120¡ horn, is designed to deliver high-fidelity, audiophile-quality performance in such ‘sonically intense’ applications. Also impressive is the detailed and articulate low-end from the Vernal 15’s purpose-built 5.5″ bass transducer, a component that took Technomad over two years to design and perfect. The 60 watt (120 watt peak), 8 Ohm Vernal 15 features a sensitivity rating of 91 dB SPL (800 Hz to 10 kHz, 1w/1m C.W.) and can deliver maximum, long-term SPL of 96 dB (100 dB peak), at a frequency response of 100 Hz -18 kHz.

The Vernal is also available in a dual-mode version which lets the user select 8-Ohm or 70-volt operation (featuring 10, 20, 40, and an unheard-of 60 Watt power taps!), using a convenient brass switch on the back of the cabinet. Jillian’s often used the 60-watt / 70-volt setting, which delivered high SPL, excellent fidelity and great bass response with the convenience of 70-volt wiring.”

The high ambient noise level of each Jillian’s makes it difficult for many, if not all, small profile loudspeakers to project over the din of the crowds. The design criteria called for articulate, full-range music that would not get lost in the noise floor, or be reduced to mid-range, transistor radio-like delivery during peak operating hours when the facilities are at maximum capacity.

The manager’s at the aforementioned Jillian locations were quick to point out, the full-range musical response of the Technomad Vernal 15s, even down into the lower frequencies, is detailed, complete, accurate and very smooth.

One manager stated, the output is very impressive. I cannot believe that much music comes out of such a small cabinet. It’s important to have quality music enhance the environment. When an underpowered loudspeaker has to compete with the noise of the environment, it becomes a distraction when it’s pushed to the point of sounding strident. That’s when people focus on the sound and the loudspeakers for all the wrong reasons.

With the Technomads, no one notices the loudspeakers. They just deliver the quality sound so the music is an integral part of the room and the experience. The music surrounds the patron and the loudspeakers are completely transparent. That’s way we want a sound system to perform and we’re happy to say, our systems perform perfectly.

Jillian’s is headquartered at 1387 S. Fourth Street, Louisville, KY 40208.
Phone: 502.638.9008. Fax: 502.638.0984.

REFERENCE LINK

http://www.jillians.com/

White House Communications Agency Upgrades to Technomad

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Technomad loudspeakers are now used for the most advanced, complex, highly coordinated, and technical ‘international touring act’ in the world; The Office of the President of the United States of America.

The White House Communications Agency recently took delivery of 50 Technomad Tour Model loudspeakers. The highly portable, self-casing Technomad loudspeakers are used, primarily, for public events by the President of the United States of America. The White House Communications Agency (WHCA) is the preeminent provider of information systems to the President, Vice President, White House Senior Staff, National Security Council, U.S. Secret Service and others as directed by the White House Military Office. This support includes non-secure voice, secure voice, record communications, audio/visual services, automated data processing support and photographic and drafting services both in Washington, D.C. and trip sites worldwide.

The 50 Technomad loudspeakers used by the WHCA agency consist of 26 Noho/C Tour Model loudspeakers and 24 of the Berlin 15/H Tour Model loudspeakers. Multiple Technomad loudspeaker systems, each consisting of four Berlin 15H loudspeakers or four Noho/Cloud loudspeakers – or a combination of both -are called upon for ten or more public appearances per day, during Presidential visits. These Technomad loudspeakers are stationed at the Anacostia Naval Station and are flown all over the world on the President’s support transport planes. Wherever in the world the President visits and makes a public appearance, 90%of the time he will speak through Technomad loudspeakers. Reliability, ruggedness, military-specification construction, and durability make the Technomad loudspeakers the best choice for an application that would destroy any other loudspeaker in a matter of weeks.

Aside from Technomad’s Military Specification-810E durability, audio performance was ultimately the deciding factor in the WHCA’s choice to purchase the Technomad loudspeakers as a massive upgrade to “The Boss’s” portable loudspeaker system.

Rob Davis is Pro Audio Manager of Markertek, a leading pro audio and broadcast equipment provider, based in Saugerties, New York. As the dealer of record, Rob states, “For high-performance applications, where durability and reliability are of paramount concerns, nothing comes close to Technomad.” Continuing, Rob notes, “The Technomad loudspeakers were designed for those audio applications where the equipment is going to be subjected to extreme road use and abuse. When we were approached by WHCA technical staff for recommendations on the most durable and best sounding mobile loudspeaker for the President’s sound system, I simply advised them, there are no alternatives to Technomad. Personally and professionally, I have mixed on Technomad sound systems, and aside from the fact they are the most road-worthy loudspeaker in the world, they also sound extraordinary.”

Technomad loudspeakers are extremely EQ compliant and offer the user unrivaled control over every type of program material, through the entire frequency spectrum. Technomad Tour Model full-range loudspeakers deliver pitched musically relevant response to 30 Hz and below. All Technomad loudspeakers are inherently free of cabinet resonance, wall flex, vibration, imperfections in Thiele tuning, as well as other self-generated masking noises and anomalies. A Technomad loudspeaker’s extremely low self-noise floor, along with its forward, detailed and articulate acoustic center, and faster transient response produces 3-D-like, musical performance. A Technomad loudspeaker’s ‘quiet cabinet’ design does not mask vocal, musical, and other subliminal cues from program material, thereby offering greater detail and intelligibility through-out the entire frequency range.

Technomad loudspeakers feature a unique cabinet manufacturing technology, called roto-molding, that was developed and first put into service in 1954. Technomad produces one-piece loudspeaker cabinets with 1/2 inch thick linear walls and 3/4 inch thick corners that are free of imperfections, such as air bubbles, stress areas and other ‘built-in’ weaknesses. A Technomad loudspeaker’s one piece, ATAIII-rated cabinet has no joints or seams joining multiple parts. Technomad’s manufacturing technique makes for a very strong, cabinet, especially in the corner areas where impact is likely to occur. The corrugation that is designed into the cabinet walls provides incredible rigidity to the entire cabinet structure, without the need for additional internal cross-bracing, supports or structure.

Technomad full-range loudspeakers feature a unique, five position, internal Passive Processor EQ System. The Passive Processor reduces the need for outboard processors, thereby eliminating expense and system complexity. The EQ contour of a Technomad full-range loudspeaker is ‘shaped’ by the Passive Processor, providing maximum efficiency and fidelity, for any indoor or outdoor event or program material.

These audio innovations also allow the Technomad loudspeaker to perform with greater detail, intelligibility, and articulation in highly reverberant and high-ambient noise environments. All Technomad loudspeakers are also designed to Military Specification-810E, and are impervious to water, sand, salt, temperature, mold, mildew, condensation, chemical, insect, UV radiation, acids and other damage.

The Technomad loudspeaker systems, referred to as ‘PA Packs’ by WHCA personnel, are powered by two Mackie1400i power amps, and mixes are handled by a Sony MX-P61VU 12 channel mixing console. The other equipment in each ‘PA Pack’ signal chain consists of an ART PD3 Delay, DOD Real Time Analyzer Series 2, DOD SR431 31-band graphic equalizer, DBX 266XL Dual Compressor Gate, and ETA Power Distribution provides clean AC power. A multitude of microphone models, for an assortment of applications, are from Shure, Senneheiser, and Crown.

>> Click here to see Technomad loudspeakers on CNN

The WHCA’s 50 new Technomad Berlin and Noho loudspeakers augment 50+ Technomad loudspeakers already stationed at various Air Force bases through-out the United States. These additional Technomad loudspeakers are used by the President, Ambassadors, Military Officials, and visiting Heads of State.

The White House Communications Agency (WHCA), originally known as the White House Signal Detachment (WHSD), was officially formed by the War Departmenton25 March 1942 during the Roosevelt Administration. The detachment was activated under the Military District of Washington to provide normal and emergency communications requirements in support of the President of the United States. WHSD provided mobile radio, teletype, telephone, and cryptographic aids in the White House and at Shangri-La, now known as Camp David.

In 1954, during the Eisenhower Administration, WHSD was reorganized under the Office of the Chief Signal Officer, Army Signal Corps as a Class II unit and renamed the White House Army Signal Agency (WHASA). In 1962 WHASA was discontinued by order of the Secretary of Defense under President John F. Kennedy, transferred to the auspices of the Defense Communications Agency under operational control of the White House Military Office, and reestablished as the White House Communications Agency.

WHCA played silent, significant roles in many historical events to include World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Panama and Guatemala, Operation JustCause, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. WHCA was also a key player in documenting the assassination of President Kennedy and the attempt on the lives of Presidents Ford and Reagan.

The Agency evolved over the past 50 years from a small team of 32 personnel working out of the basement of the White House to a self-supporting joint service command. Headquarters for WHCA is at Anacostia Navy Yard and consists of six staff elements and seven organizational units. WHCA also has five supporting detachments in Washington, D.C. and various locations throughout the United States. WHCA is organized into functional areas each with its own mission in support of the total WHCA mission of Presidential support.

Technical Specs

The 400 watt BERLIN 15/H features a 2″ compression driver on a 120° X 120° horn and a proprietary, weather-resistant 15″bass driver. The Berlin 15/H delivers a frequency response is 50 Hz-17.5 kHz, sensitivity is 102 dB SPL (1w/1m C.W.), with a maximum SPL of 121 dB SPL

The275watt Technomad Noho/C features a proprietary, weather-resistant Coaxial 1″ and 12″driver. The Noho/C delivers a frequency response of 60 Hz-17.5 kHz, sensitivity is 96 dB SPL (1w/1m C.W.), and a maximum SPL of 118 dB. Dispersion is 60° x 90°.

All Tour Model Technomad loudspeakers come standard with the unique MonitorTilt feature that allows the speaker to quickly convert into a floor monitor. When two 1.5″ diameter Monitor Legs are inserted in the rear sockets, a Technomad can be tilted at a 30° angle for use as a stage monitor. Like-size Technomad loudspeakers lock together when stacked for ease and security of transport on Technomad dedicated dollies. Other standard features include four molded-in 1.5″ diameter stand-mount sockets – one per side – for fast and easy set-up, water resistant electronic components and weatherized drivers, for long, reliable life. Other features include phase-coherent design, full-face weather resistant grills and fully recessed black stainless-steel cabinet hardware, large-grip handles, Neutrik connectors, and T-nut, D-Ring and Omni Mount fly points (depending upon model). All Technomad loudspeakers are available in 14 custom cabinet colors. A Technomad’s full-face grill can be ordered in matching cabinet colors. Because Technomad loudspeakers form their own ATA III road case, they are very portable and save truck and storage space. Technomad Tour Model loudspeakers can even be shipped via UPS, Federal Express, or checked as airline baggage.

All Technomad loudspeakers are backed by one of the most comprehensive pro audio product warranties available. Covered against manufacturer’s defects are: Loudspeaker cabinet = 10 years, External hardware = 5 years, Internal electronic components = 2 years.

Technomad Military PA Systems

Technomad makes high-powered weatherproof military PA systems and communications equipment. Our complete ready-to use military PA systems include Technomad’s mil-spec weatherproof loudspeakers and a pre-wired flight case control rack with integrated amplifier, mixer, microphone, and CD/Tape player. Stands and cables are included. Systems can be used alone, or linked via digital wireless link kits or Ethernet / fiber optic systems for base-wide / large area use.
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» Popular Item: the SuperConductor™ military audio MP3 player-recorder… play sounds instantly by hand or automatically via internal clock.[ more info ] » New! Introducing the LMR Interface – lets your team speak through your Technomad PA system using your current Land Mobile Radios. [ more info ]

Technomad military PA systems can be deployed in 15 minutes or less by one operator, and are used for permanent installations or mobile / tactical operations. Systems are palletizable. Operating range: up to 1 mile. If tactical applications, force protection, psyops, high quality music and speech reproduction, or site-wide paging is your priority, Technomad is your solution. Request a demo today!


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