EAW had exactly the solution needed by Norwest Productions, Australia's largest audio services provider, for this year's Playground Weekender music festival. The renowned EAW KF740 line array was used for one of the festival's six main stages, hosting artists including Bjorn Again and Orbital, and was chosen for its combination of great sound, pinpoint accuracy and ease of rigging.

The Playground Weekender is a uniquely Australian music festival that has emerged as an eclectic gathering featuring a diverse mix of international and local artists, coupled with a relaxed outdoor atmosphere featuring multiple music stages, cabaret acts, a cocktail bar, a healing area, yoga and an array of international food and market stalls. The P.A. system had to cover a large area with great sound but also needed to be well integrated into the visual presentation, and to go up quickly. The KF740 fit all of these requirements.

The main system consisted of 24, high output, 3-way KF740 modules flown in two line arrays on either side of the stage using 12 KF740 modules each. These were augmented with eight EAW SB1002 Large Format dual-18 Subwoofers and 16 EAW SB1000z Large Format Subwoofers, as well as four EAW KF650z Compact Array Loudspeakers offering 60-degree horizontal dispersion used as front fills. Powersoft DIGAM K10 amplifiers powered the KF740s, and Lab.gruppen FP6400 amps were used to power the system's subs. The Norwest crew had the entire system flown in under and hour.

"One of the advantages of using this array is that it isn't as heavy as some other arrays, and still packs a lot of punch," observes Scott Harrison, Audio Systems Engineer at Norwest Productions. "As we were hanging [the system off] of the stage roof superstructure, weight was very important. Given the short time frame we had to get the P.A. in the air, the easy rigging was a great advantage. With input from EAW's Resolution software, we got a hang that looked like what the computer said it should, and covered all the area it needed to. From start to finish we had both of our 12-box hangs flown in under an hour." The KF740's highly efficient use of power also helped keep weight down. "We were also able to keep the rig down to one amp rack per side, plus a sub rack," says Harrison.

Every mixer and technician who worked that stage at Playground Weekender had nothing but positive comments about it. "All the engineers who came to mix were impressed with the sound of the P.A.," says Harrison. "In particular, I had comments about how even the sound was, in both planes - left to right, and the transitions between boxes front to back - how it had a great presence without being overpowering, and how well it carried right out past 250 feet from the stage." And the KF740 worked as hard and flawlessly as the performers themselves - Harrison notes that the rig operated at medium-to-high SPL during the weekend for an estimated crowd of approximately 10,000 people. "We never saw a sign of a clip light or any signs of speaker stress," he says, noting the diversity of artists using the system, ranging from 3-piece bands to 25-piece orchestras, as well a choir. "The tonal character of the system was considered excellent. I thought the SPL and clarity of the boxes was great, and when combined with the weight/size combo and the easy rigging, it goes up fast, and doesn't disappoint. I'd definitely use it again."

The Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival has become one of the world's largest and most comprehensive music festivals. The 2010 event, which took place March 5th through March 7th, saw over 100,000 music fans come to hear almost 200 performances by artists including John Legend, Bob James, Lee Ritenour, Toni Braxton, George Duke, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and more. Regardless of the genre of music, the EAW® stages sounded full and clear thanks to world-class sound from the renowned KF series of line arrays.

This year, the festival took place at the Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran (JIE), which presented an acoustical challenge. But those challenges were overcome by the exceptional sound offered by the KF Series speakers. "JIE is an exhibition venue," Andre Supryanata from Sumber Ria Sound, the pro audio rental company in charge, was quoted as saying. "But it fits perfectly to accommodate the festival's growing audience. What we have to do now is present the best audio system that can cover up the lacking acoustic treatment of the building."

In total, P.T. Kairos Multi Jaya, EAW's Indonesian distributor, working closely with Sumber Ria Rental Company, outfitted six of the event's eight stages with over 88 EAW KF760 Line Array Modules, which included the recently-unveiled KF740 3-Way Full Range Line Array Loudspeakers as delays at two of the stages. Halls D1 and D2 were the main stages of the event, using the KF760s configured in L-R clusters of 12 cabinets per side, and 20 EAW SB550L vented subwoofers provided massive amounts of clear and punchy bass. In Halls A2 and A3, Sumber Ria slightly altered that configuration, using 10 KF760s per side. Jonathan Steiner, the FOH mix engineer for the opening night at Hall D1, notes that, "The show went on brilliantly, possibly better than ever." Pratama Budiman, also with Sumber Ria, echoed that sentiment, adding, "The EAW KF Series simply sounds great. That's the way the FOH mixers and everyone else felt."

EAW today announced strategic partnerships with Lake, Lab.gruppen, and Powersoft whereby all manufacturers will integrate proprietary EAW DSP algorithms into a subset of their respective product lines. Additionally, in Q3, 2010, Lake, Lab.gruppen, and Powersoft will announce separate agreements expanding the partnership to enable EAW to sell a selection of their respective product lines as components in EAW system sales.

"At the onset, the integration of EAW's lauded DSP, most notably Focusing™, will ensure seamless integration and optimum performance of EAW loudspeaker systems matched with Lake Processors, Lab.gruppen Powered Loudspeaker Management™ (PLM™) systems, and Powersoft amplifiers," commented Jeffrey Cox, LOUD Technologies' Pro Audio Group VP. "And once the sales component of the partnership is implemented, EAW will proudly offer a range of amplifier solutions from the best in the business," added Cox.

"An EAW and Powersoft relationship is a natural," explained Thomas Mittelmann, Powersoft Business Development Manager. "We stand fully behind it because it's truly market-driven and will reward the trade with specifically tailored system solutions. And once we finalize the sales component of the relationship, the trade will be rewarded with even broader access to Powersoft amplification in EAW system sales," added Mittelmann.

Klas Dalbjorn, Lab.gruppen and Lake Product Research Manager, explained, "We strive to make our processing solutions the easy choice in professional sound reinforcement and we are happy to have reached this agreement that allows us to support EAW greybox files with Focusing in our PLM Series and Lake Processing products."

"Additionally, Lab.gruppen and EAW are working to expand the relationship to allow EAW access to Lab.gruppen products in providing complete system solutions; expect a market announcement on this expanded partnership during the 3rd quarter," said Michael Munch, Lab.gruppen's VP of Strategic Product Management.

The companies expect the EAW DSP integration to be complete in Q3, 2010.

QX offers high power, consistent coverage in a compact housing

EAW launches its new QX Series loudspeakers, optimized for installed system applications that require precise directivity in a powerful low-profile form. Engineered and manufactured at EAW's Whitinsville, Massachusetts facility, the QX Series provides size-efficient yet very high output point source clusters. The series is particularly geared toward medium-to-large-sized spaces including sports arenas but is also designed for a wide range of other venues requiring high power and consistent coverage in a compact housing, including houses of worship, outdoor stadiums, performing arts venues, theaters and clubs.

The passive, wired-for-biamplification QX Series draws on the knowledge and engineering resources gained through the development of EAW's lauded AX Series, maintaining its reputation of "big horns in compact packages." The natural sound of the QX Series is unmistakable, and its ability to create custom, seamless arrays is unmatched. All full-range models have squared, symmetrical, dual-trapezoidal enclosures to provide extensive array flexibility. A centrally located co-axial MF/HF horn and two pairs (four) of phase-aligned neodymium 12-inch low frequency transducers team together to ensure that the entire frontal area contributes to horizontal and vertical pattern control capability. The result is an extremely natural sounding loudspeaker with excellent pattern control and low distortion.

Jeff Rocha, EAW Senior Director of Engineering, stated, "Our new QX Series models offer high-end acoustical consultants and large design system contractors the ultimate in output and efficiency in a compact package. The aim is always to provide great-sounding solutions for a wide variety of applications, responding to direct input from leading contractors and system integrators in the field, and the QX Series delivers on that promise."

The five new models include the QX596 (dispersion pattern: 90 degrees x 60 degrees), QX594 (90 degrees x 45 degrees), QX566 (60 degrees x 60 degrees), QX564 (60 degrees x 45 degrees) and QX544 (45 degrees x 45 degrees). All units measure 27.96" x 27.96" x 23.95" and weigh 130 lbs. A variety of installation applications and accessories provide added flexibility for the installer. As always, optimized processor settings for the UX8800 Digital Signal Processor will be available for download at www.eaw.com.

EAW announces ten new additions to its celebrated JF Series of high-definition two-way loudspeaker systems, including four comprehensively integrated NT** models. Designed by EAW's Whitinsville, Massachusetts-based engineering team for a wide range of contractor and system integrator uses, the new JF and JFNT Series are scalable, compact lightweight loudspeakers ideal for a multitude of small and medium-sized sound reinforcement applications.

The newest additions to the JF Series of two-way loudspeakers include JF8, JF10, JF26, JF29, JF56 and JF59, packing even more capability and application flexibility into the ultra-compact series. New comprehensively integrated JFNT units include JF26NT, JF29NT, JF56NT and JF59NT.

The JF models include low-directivity eight-inch and 10-inch systems and four 12-inch and 15-inch systems (60-degree x 45-degree and 90-degree x 45-degree versions of both sizes are available). The integration of lightweight, premium neodymium components and legendary crossover design into an ingeniously adaptable package offers unprecedented utility. When used in conjunction with EAW's UX8800 Processor and its revolutionary EAW Focusing™, the JF Series provides the pinnacle of performance in any venue.

The four JFNT models (comprehensively integrated versions of the 12-inch and 15-inch JF models) elevate the notion of power and utility. They offer 1500 Watts of fully integrated amplification, revolutionary EAW Focusing processing, EAW Pilot™ software-accessible front-end DSP, proprietary U-Net™ audio and communications network, and the JF Series adaptable enclosure design. This provides multi-channel digital audio transmission with remote software control and monitoring capability. Contractors have the ability to initially install standard JF models for their clients, and then at a later date, upgrade those cabinets in the field to the NT model. The entire product line is architected on a core cabinet philosophy that allows users to utilize universal hardware accessories to tailor their JF product to meet the specific needs of their application.

For the ultimate in flexibility, a variety of available accessories offers the ability to tailor the new JF Series products to any application. All JF and JFNT models natively employ a combination of portable features and M10 installation points. Available universal accessories include trim plates that hide handles and provide a connection point for adjustable u-brackets, quick-release flytrack segments that integrate into any enclosure and adjustable legs for use as a stage monitor.

For contractor and system integrator applications such as corporate A/V events, small-to-medium-sized live sound reinforcement, performing arts venues, houses of worship, retail spaces, ballrooms, theaters and theme parks, the new JF and JFNT Series are the perfect solution.

The new model specs are as follows:

EAW announces two new additions to the KF Series, along with three comprehensively integrated NT** variants. Designed for an extremely wide range of applications, the new KF Series offerings deliver a scalable solution for corporate A/V events, small-to-medium-sized live sound reinforcement, performing arts venues, houses of worship, retail spaces, ballrooms, theaters, theme parks and more.

Engineered by the same Whitinsville, Massachusetts-based design team responsible for EAW's critically-acclaimed KF Series, the new KF and KFNT make up a series of ultra-compact, three-way loudspeakers that deliver premium performance in designs that offer a lightweight solution. The complete range includes two externally powered models (90-degree x 45-degree and 60-degree x 45-degree) and three comprehensively integrated models (NT versions of the two previously described, and a 10-inch / 8-inch coaxial model). At the heart of the new KF Series product line is a core cabinet philosophy that allows users to utilize universal hardware accessories to tailor their KF product to meet the specific needs of their application.

The new KF Series models include the KF364 and KF394, packing even more capability and application flexibility into the ultra-compact series of premium 3-way loudspeakers. The integration of premium neodymium components, a co-axial mid/high frequency component and world-renowned crossover design into an adaptable enclosure offers unprecedented utility. When used in conjunction with EAW's UX8800 Processor and its proprietary EAW Focusing, the KF Series provides the pinnacle of performance in any venue.

The new comprehensively-integrated KFNT models include the KF200NT, KF364NT and KF394NT. Like the non-NT versions, these units feature outstanding capability and versatility in a compact housing. Aside from class-leading neodymium components and co-axial mid/high frequency components, they feature EAW Focusing processing, software-accessible DSP and the proprietary U-Net network.

A variety of available accessories offer the ability to tailor each of the new KF and KFNT products to any application. All new KF and KFNT models natively offer both portable features and M10 installation points. For contractors and system integrators who require added flexibility, available universal accessories include trim plates that hide handles, adjustable U-brackets, quick release flytrack segments that integrate into any enclosure and adjustable legs for use as a stage monitor.

The new model specs are as follows:

Michael Lacina, President of JK Sound, and Tom Schindler of acoustical consulting firm Charles Salter Associates, collaborated on the design and componentry of the new system. It was determined that an L-C-R array design would provide the desired coverage, using three pairs of EAW's AX396 speakers with EAW's UX8800 Digital Signal Processor.

The AX396 pairs were to be oriented such that their 90-degree pattern axis was vertical and that the 60-degree pattern axis was coupled, rendering an overall horizontal coverage of 120 degrees for each of the left, center and right speaker pairs. This was the goal of Tom Schindler's design: to provide a true L-C-R listening experience for the entire audience.

However, they encountered the perennial conflict of visual aesthetic versus optimized acoustic performance. "The design called for two AX396 90 x 60 degree cabinets side by side with the vertical dispersion at 90 [degrees] and the combined horizontal dispersion at 120 [degrees]," Lacina explains. "The front dimension of the AX box is 2' x 3'. Acoustically, one would want to arrange the boxes vertically side by side so that the high-mid components have minimal distance between them. But aesthetically, one would want the smallest vertical profile possible so that the speaker would loom less large over the performers' heads."

The solution, they decided, was to strip out the low-frequency woofers from the AX396 altogether and hide these components in the proscenium directly above each L-C-R Mid High pair. Long time JK systems engineer Brad Katz came up with the idea to marry the side-by-side 60 x 90 mid-high horns together in one cabinet, thereby simplifying the complexity of the speaker installation. The new design greatly reduced the vertical and horizontal profile of the speaker arrays, creating a sleek, compact and powerful system. Lacina presented the idea to both Kenton Forsythe, founder of EAW and its Senior VP of Engineering, and Joe Fustolo, EAW's Director of the Strategic Engineering Group. They agreed it could be done, and that there was also an opportunity to minimize the distance between the acoustic centers of the adjoining mid-high components. Thus the AX-SY was born.

A final tweak to the design was a 30-degree angle at the top of the cabinet to get the speaker up as high above the stage as possible. To handle the lows, now that the woofers had been separated out, Forsythe, Fustolo and Lacina decided on the EAW SB625z Medium Format Subwoofer, a compact but powerful dual 15", for the mid bass, which was to be placed above each pair of high-mids. Then between each of the L-C-R dual 15" mid bass cabs, there would be two dual-18 subwoofers, all hidden from view behind an acoustically transparent scrim in the proscenium.

"The beauty of the design is that all of the big low frequency boxes are completely hidden behind the scrim, so the P.A. would look petite but sound huge and effortless," Lacina explains. Yoshi's would also add other groundbreaking elements to its sound system, including the first installation of EAW's then-brand new MicroWedge, which turned out to be so successful (thanks to its small footprint, large output and high phase coherency) that Yoshi's purchased a dozen more MW12s and MW15s for their Oakland venue. And the installation would also be the most extensive use at the time of EAW UX8800s, with a total of five units providing 40 channels of processing output. Thanks to the resourcefulness of EAW's Strategic Engineering Group and the hard work of Lacina, Brad Katz, and the rest of the JK Sound team, and Tom Schindler of Salter and associates, the newest Yoshi's lives up to the goal that had been set for it from the beginning: to be one of the best places in the world to listen to live jazz.

EAW announces the launch of the SB2001 Subwoofer. The dual 21-inch cone driver represents a very noteworthy upgrade to the SB1001 in terms of output capability and low frequency extension (17% larger voice coils, 59% greater Xmax and more than double the volume of air displaced) without a significant increase in size. The stunning result is a new and more powerful workhorse that has greater impact, power handling and output capability than its celebrated brethren.

"The pro audio market has seen a recent return of larger format subwoofers - most of which are very expensive and often esoteric, with limited application flexibility," remarked Nathan Butler, EAW Principal Engineer. "The SB2001 goes lower, gets louder and moves more air - which is a remarkable value, given the cost."

The unique driver mounting of the SB2001 maximizes cone area and allows for the integration of an extremely low turbulence port while minimizing frontal area, providing the acoustical performance and physical configuration well suited for creating large subwoofer arrays. This benefit is largely derived from the unique V-shaped baffle loading of the transducers. The nearly opposing devices force all of their combined output through an opening that is somewhat smaller than their collective cone size. This compression of energy through a smaller aperture results in phenomenal impact and rewarding growl.

The enclosure design integrates 3/8-16 suspension points for installation applications and is fully prepped and ready to receive the user installable quick release rigging kit accessory for touring applications. The SB2001 is noted for its tremendous punch given its small size (33.5" W x 22.63" H x 45.0" D; weight: 200 lbs) and is perfectly suited for a wide range of applications including concert touring, arenas, houses of worship, large auditoriums, theaters and large dance clubs. As always, optimized processor settings for the UX8800 Digital Signal Processor are available for download at www.eaw.com.

The NTS250 is a high output yet compact and lightweight premium subwoofer that unites the following features: a push-pull pair of high efficiency neodymium 15-inch woofers; 2000 Watts of amplification; powerful system optimization DSP and EAW Pilot software-accessible front-end DSP; the proprietary U-Net® audio and communications network; a professional rigging system; and push button two-box cardioid and hyper-cardioid configurability, all within a comprehensively integrated, RoadCoat-clad package.

The NTS250 is the first EAW subwoofer on the U-Net network, allowing for very simple system configuration with other U-Net enabled products. U-Net offers access to a plethora of monitoring and control features, as well as conventional front-end processing for system tuning - potentially obviating the need for external system controllers. The NTS250 is unique, as competitive subs are either not network capable or only offer an expensive network option.

The NTS250's native rigging solution allows the user to fly homogeneous arrays of the NTS250, and the addition of a simple, low-cost kit allows for the suspension of an NTL720 array beneath a subwoofer array. This simple two-box cardioid and hyper-cardioid configurability is an industry first.

Additionally, the network capability and EAW Pilot control software offer a much more substantial list of subwoofer array options that include larger cardioid and shotgun arrays, as well as large linear or two-dimensional arrays and possible user-configurable directivity.

The EAW NTS250 Powered Subwoofer is now shipping worldwide. For more information, please visit www.eaw.com.

For over two decades, TRIUS has been a German leader in the worlds of live sound/touring, installations, recording and M.I., having established itself through consistent and comprehensive sales results for several of the industry's major brands. The TRIUS organization has respective specialized departments for sales and support, service and technology, marketing and IT, and logistics. The company's infrastructure, innovative sales approach and decades of practical experience make them the ideal choice for EAW distribution in Germany.

Kai Boeckmann, TRIUS Manager Director, stated, "TRIUS has been a German market leader for several decades, having built successful business relationships throughout the region, and we look forward to using our experience and contacts to lead EAW's sales initiatives in Germany. EAW produces high-quality products, and with their manufacturing facilities and European warehouse, they are in a position to offer highly price-competitive speaker models with a short delivery time. For these reasons, EAW fits perfectly in our client portfolio, and will help TRIUS maintain our status as a go-to full line supplier, both for rental companies and installers."

"TRIUS is one of Germany's largest and most prestigious distributors for pro audio products, and we are excited to have them exercise their top-tier position in the region's marketplace and act as a key member of our EAW team in Germany," stated Sean Martin, "With several new and innovative EAW products hitting the market this year, we look forward to utilizing TRIUS's expertise in Germany's pro audio market to enhance and expand EAW's presence in the region."

Jeffrey Cox, Vice President, Pro Audio Group, stated, "The SB1001 is a particularly strong, cost-effective solution for those who are not necessarily looking to fly their subwoofers. Rigging hardware is not included, which allows us to offer an outstanding price point unmatched by any other manufacturer. However, if rigging is desired, rigging assemblies are available as a separate product. The SB1001 adds the contemporary capability of high power and performance in the widely used and recognized EAW subwoofer format."

The unique driver mounting of the SB1001 maximizes cone area and allows for the integration of an extremely low-turbulence port while minimizing front area, providing the acoustical performance and physical configuration well suited for creating large subwoofer arrays. Two 18-inch drivers employ large (4.5-inch) voice coils, as well as powerful neodymium magnet structures that also reduce weight. The operating frequency range of the SB1001 is 27 Hz to 161 Hz (± 3 dB).  Maximum sound pressure levels are 129 dB (average) and 135 dB (peak).

Dual Neutrik Speakon NL4 connectors are positioned on a rear-mounted section of the cabinet angled inward at approximately 45 degrees, allowing the SB1001 to position itself flush against walls in a groundstack configuration.  Additionally, the SB1001 can be permanently suspended with sixteen 3/8" - 16 points and is fully prepped and ready to receive the user-installable quick release rigging kit accessory for touring applications. The rugged grille protecting the drivers matches that of the KF760 Series, while the cabinet is finished in a durable, wear-resistant textured black paint.

To optimize LF response, the SB1001 subwoofer is designed for use with EAW's critically acclaimed UX8800 dual-mode digital processor featuring revolutionary EAW Focusing Technology. As always, optimized processor settings for EAW's UX8800 Digital Signal Processor are available for download at www.eaw.com.

SB1001 Features:
- Direct radiating dual 18-inch design
- Optimally tuned with large, very low-turbulence port
- Unique woofer loading generates unbelievable impact
- Premium large coil 4.5-inch (115 mm) components with tremendous motor strength (+20%BI)
- Powerful neodymium magnet structures reduce system weight and increase output
- Can be ground stacked or permanently suspended with sixteen 3/8" - 16 points
- Quick release rigging accessory kit available for touring applications
- Dimensions: 21.0" H x 29.8" W x 42.0" D; weight: 152 lbs.

The EAW SB1001 Large-Format Dual-18-Inch-Loaded Subwoofer is shipping worldwide. For more information, please visit www.eaw.com.

The new sound system, designed and installed by leading Albanian sales and installation company (and EAW's Albanian distributor) Prosound Shpk, is composed of eight EAW JFL210 Compact Line Array Modules configured in two arrays of four speakers each, buttressed by four EAW LA400 Bent Horn Subwoofers under the stage. And the DJs can hear themselves loud and very clear thanks to a pair of EAW FR129z Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers used as stage monitors.

The owners of the two-story, 4,000-square-foot nightclub were looking for a very high-energy sound system using speakers placed as fills throughout the club. However, Kliton Gjika, Sales Manager for Prosound Shpk, immediately recommended the EAW JFL210 line array. "The JFL210 has an amazing sound, it's very easy to rig, and has wide horizontal coverage that can fill the entire club and with vertical coverage to reach all the way to the front of the club and to the balcony, which is 50 feet away," he explains. "It was the perfect solution."

Gjika is amused by how visiting DJs and bands are surprised by the quality and coverage of the sound system from a line array in a dance club. "They all ask, how its possible just these few speakers to cover the entire club?" he says. "But when they hear it, they believe it."

Gjika says he choose the EAW LA400 sub due to its punchy bass and consistent medium throw, perfect for the bass-heavy house music favored by the international DJs and live bands hosted at Mumja. "Sometimes we have to turn down the sub," he says. "It has 500 watts RMS, and the output is comparable to using double 18-inch subs. That means we don't have to push the power amplifiers as hard, so the sound stays clear."

Prosound introduced EAW to the Albanian installed-sound market several years ago, initially with the KF730 Compact Line Array Module as rental items. Demand and inventory have grown since to also include the EAW Avalon Series, a favorite of nightclubs around the world, and EAW's SMS Surface Mount Series of loudspeakers. "The EAW brand has become well respected in Albania as the leading brand of loudspeakers for clubs, bars and discos," notes Gjika. "It offers great overall clarity at all frequencies, clear highs, warm midrange and amazing low-frequency response, even at high SPLs. They're just great speakers."

The package assembled by MS-Max Company included 12 EAW JFL210 Compact Line Array Modules and four EAW JFL118 Subwoofers. Processing is handled by the EAW UX8800 Digital Signal Processor, and the system is powered by Crown MT-series amplifiers.

The circus, which features such spectacles as tigers, lions and other large animals, is performed "in the round," with the audience surrounding the performers in a complete circle. The biggest issue with the sound system was that it evenly cover the 360-degree audience area with clear, uniform dispersion. When approaching the installation and implementation of the new system, MS-Max Specialists Serge Velichko and Ilya Samoletov placed the loudspeakers in four separate arrays in the circus ring's center, under a dome. By all accounts - including audience members, project supervisors, technical personnel, performers and even tigers - the system has provided transparent, rich sound with the right coverage to project the show's thrilling energy to every seat in the house.

EAW loudspeakers selected for the space included 15 EAW AX366 and AX344 Arrayable Install Loudspeakers, six EAW JF50S Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers, eight EAW SB1000z Large Format Subwoofers, five EAW MW12 MicroWedge Stage Monitors and two EAW UX8800 Digital Signal Processors. Amplification was provided by ten Lab.gruppen FP+ Series amplifiers and one Lab.gruppen PLM 10000Q Powered Loudspeaker Management System. The EAW AX Series models were arranged in a low-profile, aesthetically pleasing design in two arcs following the contour of the church. The JF50S units were used as lip fill. Four SB1000z subs were ground stacked, and the remaining four were flown, using different high pass filter (HPF), low pass filter (LPF) and delays to create a constant low frequency response throughout the church. The MicroWedge 12 monitors were spaced along the edge of the stage.

Northwind Recording principal Niklas Fairclough is a firm supporter of the EAW brand, having completed three previous installations in South Africa using EAW AX Series Arrayable Install Loudspeakers. Fairclough commented, "When we tested the system, we were blown away. With an SPL of 110 dB at the front-of-house position, the system sounded superb and very clean, and we still had massive headroom available."

Ruan Joubert from Surgesound, the Distributor of EAW in South Africa, was at the final stages of the installation to act as the System Engineer and represent EAW South Africa. After using Smaart to make fine-tune adjustments to the system, he commented, "With the combination of detailed acoustic design, carefully planned EAW Model selections, the Pre-Install Planning and system design with help of EAW ASG, everything came together, culminating in very a successful project with outstanding audio performance, which exceeded all the client's expectations."

"The large concentric horn design of EAW's AX366 disperses the sound evenly throughout the room," explains Ken Coey, Commercial Sales Manager and Systems Designer at Hollowood. "The AX366 was the perfect fit for this project." Two of the loudspeaker enclosures were used, flown from the ceiling near the sidewalls, which kept reflections to a minimum.

"We used the AX366 in a similar installation recently for Franciscan University's Field house, and they were the perfect solution there, too," recalls Coey. "And the AX366's extended frequency range meant we didn't have to use a subwoofer, so that saved the school even more money without sacrificing any sound quality. My designs always start with the speakers, and EAW is always my first choice. The application-specific design of their products means I'll always have the right speaker to base a design off of."

The EAW AX366 has a horn pattern of 60° x 60°. All AX enclosures, including the companion AX122 subwoofer, have an identically sized, dual trapezoidal shape. The MF/HF transducer loads into a large, common horn via a modified version of the EAW's patented Radial Phase Plug. A unique HF waveguide is integrated within the center of the phase plug. It is acoustically transparent to the MF energy while being acoustically opaque to and acting as a waveguide for the HF energy.

Like all KF Series loudspeakers, the KF740 delivers premium, high-output, 3-way performance, in a package that is extremely compact and easy to set up. Each module contains two HF compression drivers with 2.5-inch voice coils and two 8-inch MF transducers with 3-inch coils, all of which are integrated into a single horn that occupies the entire face of the enclosure. This allows for consistent 90-degree pattern control, even at frequencies down to 160Hz, as the MF frequencies are transitioned to a spaced array of four 10-inch LF transducers with 2.5-inch voice coils. Two of the LF transducers are mounted within the horn, and two are side-mounted, providing as much as 18dB of off-axis rejection. EAW Focusing, as provided by EAW's UX8800 DSP, easily and precisely transitions from one system subsection to another. Also, all magnet structures within the KF740 utilize neodymium magnets.

A full KF740 array provides seamless coverage, from directly below the array, to hundreds of feet in front. The vertical output can be tailored to match the requirements of any space by varying the splay at the rear of the enclosures as directed by EAW Resolution software. The resultant configuration repeatedly produces a continuous, coherent wave front of extended-range, high-resolution audio over the entire defined coverage area. And, unlike other line arrays, the KF740 features a smooth, uniform transition when the listener moves from on-axis to an off-axis position, thereby increasing the soundfield. Broadly applicable line sources can be constructed solely of KF740 modules. The versatile KF740 can also be integrated above KF730 modules or beneath KF760 modules to extend the reach of the range to any application imaginable. The KF740 has an unprecedented low-end response from a cabinet of its size; however, the impressive low frequency output and extension of the KF740 can be even further enhanced by the use of the complementary SB1002 flying subwoofer.

The truck-pack friendly KF740 is assembled in the U.S.A. and is meticulously constructed for structural integrity, long life and impeccable sonic reproduction. The exterior-grade Baltic birch plywood enclosure, wear-resistant textured coating and powder-coated steel grille work to protect each module. The extruded structural aluminum rigging, precision quick-release rigging pins and Neutrik STX series NL8 connectors are ideal for touring applications.

Australia-based Production Audio Services Director Graeme Stevenson and Systems & Projects Engineer Ben Clarke, who are EAW's Australia distributor, were part of the Alpha-testing program for the new KF740. "When we fired up the system for the first time, it really impressed everyone who heard it, and over the next few days of testing and tweaking, the KF740's full potential became extremely evident. The KF740 represents a truly significant moment in loudspeaker design and technology. Jeffrey Cox, Kenton Forsythe, Nathan Butler and Jeff Rocha should be very proud of their work and the team," stated Stevenson.

Ben Clarke echoed his sentiments: "The KF740 Alpha-testing is the third development project we've worked on and I regard it as equally industry-defining, and it certainly continues to solidify the path EAW is taking. The system has amazing clarity, high power, lots of low frequency output and excellent high frequency extension. The KF740 exhibits a very precise horizontal dispersion with an identical frequency response and character across the coverage area, which results in a very wide stereo image. We will find the KF740 being used in bigger venues than people expect due to its output capability."

KF740 Specifications:

Configuration

The EAW KF740 3-Way Full Range Line Array Loudspeaker is now available worldwide. For more information, please visit www.eaw.com.

Upscale sports bar required versatile, powerful and clear audio solutions,
and EAW SMS1990's and CIS400's did the trick

Hully & Mo Restaurant and Tap Room in Dallas, Texas, opened earlier this year, and it features stellar sound thanks to loudspeakers and amplifiers from EAW, a world leader in sound system technology. Gemini Light Sound & Video was the contractor chosen for the project, and they selected a number of EAW products for the restaurant's unique audio system needs. The sale was made by Cowser-Lee Marketing, EAW's sales rep for the region.

Hully & Mo, named after the co-owners, former Dallas Stars right wing Brett Hull (a recently-announced NHL Hall-of-Famer) and current Stars center Mike Modano (the leading American-born scorer in NHL history), is Dallas' newest premier sports bar and restaurant. Located in the McKinney entertainment district, Hully & Mo is a sports-inspired restaurant reflecting a neighborhood feel with Texas Hill Country limestone, custom-designed black and Godiva brown leather booths, dark woods, open theater kitchen and tap room lounge with a courtyard view of fountains. The restaurant houses a front patio, a private dining room, a VIP leather booth to seat large groups and a curtained table offering privacy for national celebrities and special occasion diners. Televisions/drop-down big screens are strategically positioned throughout the restaurant, patio and tap room. The Tap Room Lounge offers a neighborhood-feel atmosphere with imported beers, specialty cocktails and a premium wine list served from the lounge bar designed with dark stone and warm woods. Hully & Mo strikes a delicate balance between an upscale dining environment and a spirited sports establishment, so the speaker system has to have enough control and finesse to meet the restaurant's audio requirements

The main dining area has 12 ceiling truss-mounted EAW SMS1990 Surface Mount Loudspeakers powered with an EAW CXA160 Power Amplifier. The SMS1990's in the main dining room effectively blend in to the background of the black ceiling while providing excellent coverage throughout. Additional SMS1990's were also selected to cover the foyer (one SMS1990 unit) and outsider patio (two SMS1990 units), where surface mounting was necessary. These three units are powered by an EAW CAM80 Integrated Mixer-Amplifier.

In the lounge and the private dining room, flush mounted speakers with high output performance and excellent low frequency response were needed, and several EAW CIS400 Ceiling Loudspeakers were chosen. The lounge has nine CIS400's, powered by a CXA160. The private dining room features six CIS400's, powered by a CAM80. A matrix switcher allows any one of eight DirecTV sources or a DVD player to be routed to any of the speakers in dining or lounge areas - especially useful for hectic game days.

Jerad Garza, Sales Manager for Gemini Light Sound & Video stated, "This restaurant has one of the best atmospheres of any dining establishment I have seen, and the EAW units are appropriately powerful, elegant and low-profile. Because of the nature of a sports bar, several different channels of audio must be piped through different speaker channels throughout the dining room and bar without turning into a muddled mess, and EAW's SMS1990's and CIS400's provide the kind of crisp, clean audio that is just as classy as the restaurant itself."