AES Broadens Its Reach to Broadcast

This year’s AES has a bigger broadcast footprint than usual, a function of the organization’s push to expand its constituency beyond its traditional core of music recording, mixing, and mastering studio facilities as the record business continues to falter. And given some of the new gear being trotted out there, you could say it’s working.

Audio-Technica
The new BP893 MicroEarset omnidirectional condenser head-worn microphone features an ergonomically molded earpiece and unobtrusive 1-in. boom to keep the mic inconspicuous while the omnidirectional miniature condenser capsule’s extended frequency response provides natural sound reproduction.

BP893 MicroEarset microphone

The microphone includes a 55-in. (1.4-meter) permanently attached miniature cable. Its free end connects to the provided AT8539 power module via a locking four-pin connector. The connector is also compatible with all A-T UniPak body-pack transmitters. The output of the power module is a three-pin XLRM-type connector.

The microphone requires 11V-52V phantom power for operation. A recessed switch in the power module permits the choice of flat response or low-frequency rolloff (via the integral 80-Hz high-pass UniSteep filter) to help control undesired ambient noise. The BP893 comes equipped with a power module, a cable clip, two windscreens, two element covers, a moisture guard, a belt clip, and a protective carrying case.

The microphone is also available in a variety of wireless models, including the BP893cW, which includes a 55-in. (1.4-meter) permanently attached miniature cable terminated with a locking four-pin connector for use with Audio-Technica UniPak body-pack transmitters. Audio-Technica’s BP893 and BP893-TH will be available in December priced at $479.

Clear-Com
The first installment of Clear-Com’s new HelixNet Party-line intercom is based on I.V.Core Technology. The HelixNet Party-line system is the first set of intercom systems founded on the HelixNet Platform, comprising the HMS-4X (HelixNet Main Station) and HBP-2X (HelixNet beltpacks).

Supporting four channels and 20 beltpacks, HMS-4X offers the simplicity of group communication and the high-channel capacity and flexibility of point-to-point matrix systems. It works on a wide variety of standard twisted-pair cabling, such as microphone cables and Cat-5, and Main Stations can operate over a facility’s preexisting cabling. An announced upgrade planned for “the near future” will connect via standard LAN/IT network infrastructure. All power and all audio channels are transported over a single cable.

HMS-4X has built-in expansion bays for two- or four-wire interface modules to connect with an analog party line, digital matrix, or wireless intercom system and offers USB.

Sanken Microphones
The CS-2 short shotgun microphone, the newest model in Sanken’s comprehensive shotgun-microphone line, offers extended reach in a standard-length mic via the company’s unique gradient-tube length and proprietary rectangular-diaphragm design. The CS-2 achieves high directivity with a 120-mm(4.75-in.)-long acoustic tube in a standard 250-mm (10-in.) length/19-mm (¾-in.)-diameter body, emulating the operation of much longer shotgun microphones.

CS-2 short shotgun mic

The CS-2’s light weight makes it ideal for camera-mounted or boom-pole operations. A new Sanken feature, the “high boost switch,” compensates for the attenuation of high frequencies when the mic is used with a windscreen/windjammer for outdoor use.

An external brass chassis markedly increases durability, while the poly-gold phenylene sulfide diaphragm membrane provides optimum resistance to changes caused by adverse temperature and humidity. The resulting sound is consistent throughout the day in a wide variety of environments and changing climatic conditions. Sanken is also offering a $200 cash-back program for the CS-2.

TC Electronic
The new TouchMonitor TM7 and TM9 full-featured stereo and multichannel loudness and true-peak level meters come in six basic configurations based on connectivity, features, and physical size. Users can choose between 7-in. and 9-in. touchscreen, stereo or multichannel, and whether they want the TC Radar Meter included with the multichannel version.

TouchMonitor TM7

A number of I/O options are available. As standard, TM9 comes with 16 digital balanced I/O, and TM7 features eight analog and eight digital I/O. However, an additional number of I/O configurations on either balanced or unbalanced connectors (Sub-D or BNC) are available as well. An SDI 3G I/O card will be available for TM9 next year.

Both meters can also be expanded/upgraded by installing optional software instruments (meter types), such as real-time analyzer or upgrade from stereo mode to multichannel mode. They will be available next month.

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