Historically, September has been an excellent month for product releases, thanks to major trade shows taking place. This month has certainly treated us to some fantastic product launches in the professional audio world. DiGiCo, DPA Microphones, and Sennheiser announced brand-new audio technologies at the PLASA Show in London and IBC in Amsterdam.
DiGiCo Launches Compact Quantum326 Console
At the beginning of September, DiGiCo released its brand-new Quantum 326 Digital Mixing Console. This console offers 128 input channels with 64 busses and a 24x24 matrix, all with full channel processing. These features will be familiar to those who have operated its larger counterpart, the Quantum 338, released in 2020.
With its more compact size, the console is aimed at audio professionals and applications where space is at a premium, without compromising power and connectivity.
The console, which will also come in a theatre version with the theatre-specific software package titled Quantum 326T, will begin shipping on 24 October of this year. To place your order early, contact Al from our Sales team at [email protected].
DPA Microphones Releases 2061 Miniature Omnidirectional Microphone
At this year's International Broadcasting Convention in Amsterdam, DPA introduced a brand-new lavalier microphone: the 2061 Miniature Omni Mic. This new offering promises simplicity, durability, reliability, and the iconic, natural DPA sound for audio professionals looking to upgrade.
The 2061 fits seamlessly into the DPA lavalier family while offering a completely new and simplified 5 mm capsule construction. It targets superior performance in the 50 Hz – 16 kHz frequency range with a 128 dB peak SPL.
Joe Sunley-Smith, Adlib's Account Manager, commented on the launch: 'It's great to see our partners at DPA Microphones continuing to innovate with the latest release of their 2061 Omni Mic. It looks like a fantastic capsule, and I can see many of our clients benefiting from upgrading their current stock of lavalier microphones with this robust and high-quality audio offering from DPA.'
The 2061 is set to start shipping immediately and is available for purchase from Adlib's Sales team. To place your order, contact Joe at [email protected].
Sennheiser Unveils Spectera Ecosystem and WMAS Technology
Sennheiser also took the opportunity to launch a new product range and audio technology while exhibiting at the IBC. The German-based audio giant has unveiled groundbreaking WMAS (Wireless Multichannel Audio Systems) technology, the world's first wideband, bidirectional wireless ecosystem, which forms the basis for the Spectera Ecosystem.
The Spectera, which includes system components such as the Base Station, SEK Bodypack, LinkDesk Software, and DAD Antenna, aims to vastly reduce dropouts and RF fading compared to narrowband systems. The bidirectional system features up to 64 channels (32 in / 32 out) in a single unit. Its 11 Audio Link modes provide audio professionals with control over latency, audio quality, and more for each link, while its bidirectional bodypacks manage both in-ear monitor and mic/line signals simultaneously.
Adlib's Director, Dave Jones, commented, 'Sennheiser has always been at the forefront of wireless technology, and once again, they've proven why they're one of the leaders in the industry. We can see the immense potential Spectera has for large touring shows that require a high number of channels. Something that historically would have taken more time for our RF technicians to set up and monitor should now be easier, resulting in more confident use of the technology. We can't wait to get our hands on and possibly add some to our rental inventory!'
The Spectera system is now available for pre-order from Adlib in the UK. To place your order, contact Harry at [email protected].