KLJY-FM engineer points to lower bills, sophisticated technology as superior benefits

DENVER, November 19, 2012 — KLJY-FM, a Christian music station serving the St. Louis area, is now transmitting crystal-clear sound to its vast listening audience from a new Harris® HPX® tube transmitter, while also lowering operational costs.

The high-power HPX40 (40kW) transmitter hits the power level required, with a compact footprint that significantly lowers installation costs. Its operational efficiency is also reducing monthly bills for the station, commonly known to listeners as 99.1 JOY FM.

“The HPX40 was the only transmitter in this power range that fit in our space without very expensive changes to our facility,” said Dave Obergoenner, director of engineering, 99.1 JOY FM. “The HPX40 has an exceptionally high factory-rated efficiency that translates to the real world. It draws considerably less power than our old main transmitter, and puts out quite a bit less heat — heat that we would need to air-condition away at this site.”

The station’s impressive power output means that a tube transmitter was a far more cost-efficient choice than a solid-state model. Obergoenner notes that the HPX design offers sophistication in line with the top solid-state transmitters on the market, from intuitive web-based monitoring to redundant power supplies that safeguard its operation.

“The HPX line takes the advantages found in very expensive solid-state boxes of most other brands and implements them in a tube-type transmitter,” he said. “It’s a thoroughly modern, sophisticated design. The web interface has enabled me to connect from hundreds of miles away, and see faults at the St. Louis community tower that left other engineers scratching their heads. This is the most amazing transmitter I’ve installed – and I’ve installed many.”

JOY FM broadcasts in analog-only today, but Obergoenner expects that the station will launch an HD Radio™ broadcast service should the budget allow in the future. He notes that Harris tube transmitters are “considerably ahead of the pack” when it comes to HD Radio field upgradeability.

Obergoenner also points to exceptional audio quality since installing the transmitter, with a nod to the Harris® Digit® CD exciter that generates the signal.

“I’ve installed a lot of Digit exciters over the years — some even driving other transmitters — and they present a fantastic sound,” he said. “The Digit line has always delivered some of my favorite-sounding exciters. There is something huge, yet crystal-clear about the sound they produce. The Digit CD is no exception.”

About Harris Broadcast Communications
Harris Broadcast Communications offers products, systems and services that provide interoperable workflow solutions for broadcast, cable, satellite and out-of-home networks. The Harris ONE™ solution brings together highly integrated and cost-effective products that enable advanced media workflows for emerging content delivery business models. Additional information about Harris Broadcast Communications is available at www.broadcast.harris.com.

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Audio-Technica, a leading innovator in transducer technology currently celebrating “50 Years of Passionate Listening,” is proud to announce that the paper “On the Study of Ionic Microphones” and its writers were selected as the recipients of the “AES 133rd peer review paper award, signifying it as the “best paper of the show.” The paper, composed by Hiroshi Akino, Audio-Technica Corp., Japan, with Hirofumi Shimokawa, Kanagawa Institute of Technology, Japan, and Jackie Green and Tadashi Kikutani of Audio-Technica U.S., was presented at a juried paper session at the 133rd AES Convention in San Francisco, California.

Jackie Green stated, “We are honored and delighted to receive this recognition. Audio-Technica has been at the forefront of many technology paradigm shifts, yet historically we have published very little regarding our research. We look forward to taking a more active role in advancing the art and science of audio technology, and sharing this information with our distinguished peers.”

The paper encapsulates the following research: Diaphragm-less ionic loudspeakers using both low-temperature and high-temperature plasma methods have already been studied and developed for practical use. This study examined using similar methods to create a diaphragm-less ionic microphone. The paper reviews the experimental outcome of two ionic methods, and considerations given to resolve issues revealed by the study.

— New Parametric EQ, Optical Compressor and three new Mic Pre units join the acclaimed EX•BB 500™ in the series, forming a comprehensive line of signal processors —

Aphex®, a leader in audio enhancement technology for more than 35 years, has recently debuted its new 500 Series modules. The 500 Series now includes six models: J PRE 500 Mic Pre; EQF 500 Parametric Equalizer; DUAL RPA 500 Mic Pre; A PRE 500 Mic Pre; the COMP 500 Optical Compressor; and the acclaimed, previously unveiled EX•BB 500 Aural Exciter/Big Bottom module. All benefit from the portable and convenient 500 Series format and legendary Aphex sound.

The J PRE 500 mic pre is inspired by the flagship Aphex 1788A remote controlled preamp. They both have the same Jensen JT11K8 nickel input Transformer and Aphex patented Mic Limiter technology. Designed to provide no-compromise audio quality in the convenient 500 series format, the J PRE 500 also features a Jensen JT-11DL nickel output-balancing transformer.

The EQF 500 reissue is a modern take on the classic Aphex EQF-2 500 series three-band equalizer, originally introduced in the 1980s. With a Jensen output balancing transformer and 25Hz to 20kHz operation, the EQF 500 is extremely versatile and will make any program material shine while being punchy and quiet.

The DUAL RPA 500 mic pre is a two-channel solid state/tube hybrid preamp. The solid-state front end provides a fast transient response while the tube back end provides warmth and punch. The DUAL RPA 500 also has the Aphex patented Mic Limiter technology for “no second take” recording.

The A PRE 500 mic pre is inspired by the popular Aphex 188 eight-channel preamp. They both use a custom designed Aphex input Transformer. Like the 188, the A PRE 500 also features a Jensen JT-11DL nickel output balancing transformer. The A PRE 500 is extremely clear sounding yet musical.

The new COMP 500 module is an optical compressor. It features an electronically balanced input and uses a Jensen JT-11DL nickel output balancing transformer. The optocoupler was specified to be as fast as possible and, is produced exclusively for Aphex. The OC-500 features stereo linking, and provides all the transparency of an optical compressor with the flexibility to get aggressive compression when needed.

The EX•BB 500 is a mono, 500 Series module version of the popular Aphex Aural Exciter and Optical Big Bottom processors. Each processor has a dedicated, lighted enable button.

“The expansion of our 500 Series with these five new modules further illustrates Aphex’s commitment to providing a comprehensive range of digital signal processors,” stated Rick McClendon, Aphex’s General Manager. “The addition of three new mic pre’s, a parametric EQ and an optical compressor, which join our highly successful EX•BB 500 Aural Exciter/Big Bottom module, offers audio professionals a wider palette of processing options.”

Aphex CEO David Wiener was excited to add, “Remember that our Aphex technologies and products have been used by major artists, engineers and producers through popular music history, from Paul McCartney and Pink Floyd, to today’s Grammy®s, Oscar®s, and the upcoming Soul Train Awards. Aphex has had a huge impact and now, with our new 500 Series, we’re making these powerful tools available to pros and the new talent coming into the audio and entertainment industry. It’s really exciting to see our tech become small, portable and accessible to everyone.”

Pricing:

J PRE 500 $749 U.S. MSRP
EQF 500 $629 U.S. MSRP
DUAL RPA 500 $999 U.S. MSRP
A PRE 500 $629 U.S. MSRP
COMP 500 $629 U.S. MSRP
EX•BB 500 $299 U.S. MSRP

For more information please visit http://www.aphex.com.

Designed for Radio Broadcasting, Four-Channel Metering Solution Offers Parallel Monitoring of On-Air Signals and Other Sources

TOKYO, JAPAN, NOVEMBER 14, 2012 – RTW, a leading vendor of visual audio meters for professional broadcast, production, post production and quality control, is proud to announce the debut today of its new TMR7 TouchMonitor at the Toyo Corporation booth (Hall 4, 4305) during Inter Bee 2012. Specifically designed for radio broadcasting, the four-channel desktop unit features two AES3 digital (XLR) inputs that integrate all metering options required in radio broadcasting for a solution made to measure. The TMR7 is also making its European debut today, at the SATIS Expo in Paris, France.

The technological basis of the TMR7 is the TM7 TouchMonitor with its flexible modular configuration. Similar to the TM7, the TMR7 also includes a seven-inch touch screen, and is available as a desktop unit, fitted or as an OEM unit with 16 audio inputs. The versatile TM7 supports all professional audio metering applications.

“Based on our TM7 all-round unit, the TMR7 TouchMonitor is specifically targeted at users in radio broadcasting environments,” says Michael Kahsnitz, head of engineering at RTW. “It integrates all features required in radio production, two stereo inputs and extensive local configurability in an attractively priced package.”

Separate true peak and PPM instruments as well as a vectorscope and correlator for evaluating stereo signals are available on each TMR7 input channel. Licensing options include an extensive loudness-meter implementation (EBU R128, ITU BS.1770-3/1771, ATSC A/85, ARIB) with graphical and numerical single-channel and summing views as well as loudness range (LRA), MagicLRA and SPL metering. Licenses are also available for an optional realtime analyzer (RTA) and the Premium PPM package with moving-coil instruments.

The intuitive operating concept of the TouchMonitor range offers maximum flexibility. Users can move freely scalable instruments to any position on the graphical surface, allowing them to personalize the entire screen area. Views, scaling and metering standards are separately definable for each signal source. In addition, the convenient on-screen help function makes setting up the unit a breeze.

The four audio inputs provided by the two AES3 ports are configurable for mono, stereo or multichannel sources, providing separate instruments for each source. Plus, the GPIO interface for overall control, the Ethernet port and the VGA output for external display units offer further functionality.

— New rackmount panel with eight 15-amp power outlets, built-in surge protection and six-foot
non-metallic flexible conduit —

Lowell Manufacturing Company, a U.S. manufacturer of professional A/V products currently celebrating its 65th anniversary, introduces a new rackmount panel, model no. ACR-1508-S-HW, which has eight 15A power outlets in the rear as well as a six-foot non-metallic flexible conduit for secure connection to the power source. The flexible conduit can be trimmed to the exact length needed and is much easier to route through tight spaces than a traditional metal-clad whip. The new hardwired panel measures 19″W x 9″D x 1.75″H and includes built-in surge protection. Two LED status indicators in front allow users to quickly confirm that power is flowing and surge protection is active. The model is ETL-listed.

For more information, please visit www.lowellmfg.com or e-mail Lowell at sales@lowellmfg.com.

— Students at the Recording Studios Program, a component of the James Burton Foundation’s multiple approaches to bringing music and music education to those in need, now can work on an SSL AWS900 console and a complete complement of high-end gear —

The James Burton Foundation, founded by its namesake Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-member guitarist, best known for his work with Elvis Presley, supports music education for those in need through guitar donations and music instruction to schools, hospitals and community service organizations. The Foundation is currently expanding its outreach programs, including taking the organization’s recording education agenda to the next level. That initiative was moved substantially forward recently with a package of studio technology sourced through Guitar Center Professional (GC Pro), the outside sales division of Guitar Center that focuses on the needs of professional users, including a new SSL AWS948 recording console, an Aviom studio cue system, new Mojave studio microphones and an array of outboard equipment. This acquisition, custom-tailored by GC Pro’s Nashville-based Senior Account Manager Chad Evans to exactly match the Foundation’s needs and budget, will help the Foundation continue to provide free-of-charge music and technical education opportunities to students and the community in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Foundation has given thousands of guitars to schools and children’s and veteran’s hospitals, and they continue music education outreach through programs such as the James Burton Foundation Museum and Performing Arts Stage, the Music Education Program, an Oral History Program and the Recording Studios Program, as well as events such as the James Burton International Guitar Festival.

What GC Pro was able to do for the James Burton Foundation comes about from GC Pro’s long history of helping both education and non-profit institutions. For instance, GC Pro works with technical and media arts schools including SAE and the Art Institutes facilities in locations across the U.S., and in Nashville it has sourced equipment and provided advice to music technology programs at schools including Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Belmont University, Lipscomb University and Vanderbilt University.

“To effectively service educational institutions, you have to be able to put yourself in the place of the teacher and the student,” explains Chad Evans, Senior Account Executive for GC Pro in Nashville, who guided the James Burton Foundation through this acquisition process, providing consultation on which products and platforms would best help its students and teachers. “We’ve worked with schools and non-profits often in the past, so we’ve developed a good sense about which products are a good fit for each institution’s needs. And we’re very aware of how important budgets are to these kinds of clients. They need to know that their money is being spent wisely and effectively. We’re able to offer them the best possible advice that also fits their budgetary needs and allows them to further their missions without compromising. That’s why so many institutions like the James Burton Foundation partner with us.”

For more information, please visit www.gcpro.com.

— 238th Guitar Center location features on-site lessons and repair services, along with GC’s vast inventory selection —

On the evening of Thursday, October 25, 2012, Guitar Center held the grand opening of its new location in Somerville Circle, Raritan, NJ, located at 401 Route 28, Raritan, NJ 08869-1340. The Somerville Circle store is Guitar Center’s 238th retail location.

Guitar Center Somerville Circle’s grand opening introduces customers to a vast selection of products and a dedicated staff with unparalleled musical knowledge and experience. To celebrate the store opening, Guitar Center hosted a Grand Opening Weekend celebration featuring exclusive savings, gear giveaways and free events. Guitar Center’s Somerville Circle location features showrooms equipped with the latest products for musicians – from guitars, amplifiers, percussion instruments and keyboards to live sound, DJ, lighting and recording equipment and more.

The store features Guitar Center Studios, an in-house, state-of-the-art lesson facility, which is already creating unrivalled opportunities for Raritan musicians of all ages and skill levels. Guitar Center Studios provides music lessons from beginner to advanced featuring certified instructors teaching world-class curriculum as well as one-on-one courses on Pro Tools, Logic Pro and GarageBand. Guitar Center Studios will be the most modern lessons facility in the area. Guitar Center Somerville Circle also features GC Garage, Guitar Center’s on-site guitar repair service.

As part of Guitar Center’s initiatives designed to educate and inspire artists nationwide, Guitar Center Somerville Circle will offer unique opportunities for musicians to craft their skills, maintain their instruments and experience many other aspects of the music industry first-hand. Musicians interested in learning about the industry will be able to come to the store to interact with and pick the brains of several industry leaders.

Somerville Circle shoppers are also able to enjoy Guitar Center’s new multi-channel “endless aisle,” which includes multiple combinations of product options to conveniently choose from. Not only does the “endless aisle” include Somerville Circle’s inventory, but it also provides easy access to Guitar Center’s $400 million in new and used inventory located in hundreds of GC stores and warehouses nationwide. Customers have the ability to combine a variety of in-store, online and phone options to purchase music equipment from anywhere they may be, allowing for a personalized and convenient shopping experience.

In addition to special programs at the new Somerville Circle store, Guitar Center offers nationwide programs designed to spearhead creativity and highlight the nation’s most promising undiscovered talent. Raritan residents will now be able to participate in these ongoing national events from their hometown:

Guitar Center On-Stage is an annual competition that provides unsigned artists the chance to open for established artists such as Motley Crüe, KISS and Jane’s Addiction.
Guitar Center Singer-Songwriter is an artist discovery program that aims to find the nation’s best unsigned singer-songwriter. Last year’s winner received a career-altering prize package which has included recording 3 songs with accomplished Grammy® Award-winning Producer John Shanks, recording time at Converse Rubber Tracks studio and $10,000 cash.
Guitar Center’s Battle of the Blues is a nationwide amateur guitar skills competition with the goal of finding the next great undiscovered blues guitar player. This year’s winner, Daniel “Boscoe” France, performed alongside Grammy Award-winning Producer Pete Anderson at the Grand Finals in LA, and won an incredible prize package valued at over $50,000.
Guitar Center’s Drum-Off, entering its 24th year, is the nationwide search for the next great undiscovered drummer. Drummers from across the nation compete in the world’s largest drum competition, vying for thousands of dollars in prizes and the coveted title of Guitar Center’s Drum-Off Champion. The grand prize package is valued at nearly $50,000.

Guitar Center Somerville Circle is open seven days a week. Store hours are 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday.

NEW YORK: The Audio Engineering Society (AES) and the OCA Alliance have jointly announced that an AES standards project has been founded to consider OCA, the Open Control Architecture, for a public standard for control and monitoring of professional media networks.

The goal of this project, identified as: AES-X210, “Open Control Architecture (OCA),” is to produce a public, open, and royalty-free communications protocol standard for reliable and secure control and monitoring of interconnected audio devices in networks of 2 to 10,000 elements.

When the standard is complete, it is hoped that OCA will find broad acceptance in the media systems industry, and open a new era in standardized, interoperable control of devices from diverse manufacturers.

OCA will be a control and monitoring standard, not a media transport standard. It is intended to operate seamlessly with a wide range of media transport standards such as AES-X192, “High-performance streaming audio-over-IP interoperability” – currently in development – and IEEE AVB. Together, these standards will offer a path to complete network application solutions for future media networks that include both media transport and system control functionality.

OCA is substantially based on work done in the early 1990′s by the AES24 project, a pioneering effort in network system control. Although AES24 never reached full standards status, it offered a number of advanced concepts, which have found their way into various developments over the years.

In the coming months, the AES-X210 task group, part of AES working group SC-02-12 on Audio Applications of Networks, will be meeting to render the current OCA 1.1 specification into standards form and to shepherd its processing through the AES’s open standards process. Interested individuals are encouraged to participate. The full standards participation policy is available from the AES Standards website. During this period, the OCA Alliance will undertake various initiatives to support the work of AES-X210, and to define proposals for future extensions to the standard.

Crystallizing the focus of the new alliance, AES Standards Committee Chair, Bruce C. Olson remarked, “AES Standards has been deeply involved with standards for digital audio since starting work in 1977. The AES-X210 project to standardize OCA takes us to the next important milestone by integrating control with transport of audio over a variety of networks. Combined with a number of other projects in this exciting area of audio the AES continues to lead the world in audio standards, which enable a thriving marketplace for compatible products from competing manufacturers. We are very pleased to collaborate with the leading manufacturers in the OCA Alliance on this standards project.”

Photo: AES Standards Committee Chair, Bruce C. Olson

Web Pages
AES Standards website: http://www.aes.org/standards/
AES Standards participation policy www.aes.org/standards/development/membership.cfm
OCA Alliance website: http://www.oca-alliance.com/

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About the AES
The Audio Engineering Society was formed in 1948 by a group of concerned audio engineers. The AES counts over 14,000 members throughout the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Japan and the Far East. The organization serves as the pivotal force in the exchange and dissemination of technical information for the industry. For additional information visit http://www.aes.org

About the OCA Alliance
OCA Alliance is a non-profit corporation formed to secure the standardization of the Open Control Architecture (OCA) as a media networking system control standard for professional applications. The OCA Alliance’s purpose is to actively promote the adoption and standardization of Open Control Architecture (OCA) as a media networking system control standard through marketing, education and training and to develop future standards and other documents that augment, enhance or extend the primary OCA standard for the purposes of enabling and promoting increased interoperability and reliability for a variety of transport standards.