Direct Pro Audio

Mackie Unveils the DL1608 Digital IPAD Mixer at NAMM 2012

2012-01-19T15:43:00.000-08:00

DL1608

The Mackie DL1608™ redeﬁnes live mixing by combining the proven power of a full-featured digital mixer with the unmatched ease and mobility of an iPad.®

With 16 boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps and the performance of 24bit Cirrus Logic® AD/DA converters, you have unparalleled sound quality.

Seamless wired to wireless iPad control means you can mix from anywhere in the venue. This gives you the mobile freedom to control not only the mix, but also powerful plug-ins like EQ, dynamics, effects and more.

The sleek DL1608 even supports up to 10 iPads. Forget bulky consoles and racks of gear. The power is at your ﬁngertips.

Designed specifically for the iPad, the DL1608’s Master Fader™ app brings groundbreaking DAW mixing features and functionality to the live environment. With this intuitive breakthrough app, you can create mix snapshots, channel presets and even record stereo tracks straight to your iPad. Plus, with “Grow and Glow” giving you visual indication of the function you’re controlling, you can be confident that you’re always in control.

iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries

With the Mackie DL1608’s seamless wired to wireless mixing capabilities, you can mix in real time from anywhere in the venue on your iPad®*. The bar, the bathroom, the back closet. Instantly adjust mix functions from tuning front of house trouble spots to ringing out stage monitors.

* An additional Wi-Fi router is required and must be connected to the DL1608. The iPad must be within range of the Wi-Fi router to enable wireless mixing functionality. Wi-Fi router not included.

JBL Announces New PRX 400 Passive Series at 2012 NAMM

2012-01-19T13:35:00.000-08:00

JBL's brand new PRX400 passive speakers were designed to provide the sensitivity, frequency response and power handling needed for almost any professional audio environment while still being reasonably priced. Whether you use a powered mixer or an equipment rack full of amps and signal processing, PRX400 passive speakers deliver the sound power and bandwidth necessary to make loud music sound natural and even quiet speech intelligible.

Perfect for musicians, DJ’s, House of Worship, public address, or even suspended in a commercial environment like a school or nightclub, PRX400 speakers were crafted to address a multitude of demanding audio environments.

The PRX412M and PRX415M can be used as mains or monitors and with the addition of the PRX418 subwoofer you’ll have a sub/sat system capable of generating 135 dB of full-range, high quality audio. The PRX425 dual 15" two-way is the perfect choice for DJ’s and bands who need low-frequency extension from the convenience of a stand-alone cabinet.

Like all JBL Professional products, the PRX400 Series speakers have survived JBL’s 100 hour power test. We submit each component and each system in the PRX400 Series to 100 hours of continuous, high level input. Very few of our competitors survive the brutality, but this test ensures that your JBL speaker will perform perfectly for a lifetime of long, loud nights.

We also submit all of our speakers to a barrage of other unforgiving environmental and strength tests. By exposing our products to harsh temperatures and humidity we can make certain they will function anywhere on the planet. We conduct pull tests on the suspension points, drop tests on the cabinets, and packaging crush tests in an effort to ensure that you can hit the stage with confidence and pride.

As JBL Professional is part of the Harman family of professional audio companies, we have a unique opportunity to partner with sister company Crown Audio. By accessing the sophisticated sound shaping DSP technology employed in their Crown® XTi2 amplifiers, we are able to offer enhanced performance tunings as a pre-set in their products. Not only have we coded the crossover points for a sat/sub setup, we’ve utilized their parametric filters and peak x+ limiters to craft a beautiful tuning curve that highlights the true potential of the system design. Tunings will also be available in the dbx DriveRack® PA+ signal processor.PRX400 passive speakers are comprised of tour tested JBL components and feature professional connectivity via Neutrik® Speakon combination connectors.

PRX400 cabinets are artfully constructed from an 18mm Birch/Poplar multi-laminate hardwood covered in highly resilient DuraFlex™ and feature rugged 16 gauge steel grilles. All full range models utilize twelve M10 suspension points for safe deployment in light duty installations. With three 2-way designs and an 18" sub-woofer, PRX400 passive series tackle tough jobs affordably and professionally

Peavey Announces PVX Series Active & Passive Loudspeakers at 2012 NAMM

2012-01-19T13:31:00.000-08:00

ANAHEIM, Calif. (NAMM Exhibit 5740, Hall B) —Peavey Electronics® set the standard for affordable, feature-packed powered P.A. solutions more than four decades ago. The new Peavey PVX™ Series of active and passive loudspeakers are the culmination of decades of R&D and experience building the best portable, all-in-one audio solutions—bringing legendary Peavey performance and reliability to audio pros and musicians of all levels.

The compact and portable PVXp 12 and PVXp 15 active (powered) loudspeakers deliver high fidelity and impressive power using Peavey's legendary speaker and power amp technology. The PVXp Series powered enclosures bring 800 watts peak of crystal-clear highs and deep low end, while using exclusive DDT™ compression technology to maintain clarity throughout the mix. A module bay allows for use of expansion modules to increase the functionality of the enclosures.

The PVX 12 and PVX 15 passive (non-powered) loudspeakers deliver superior sound quality by utilizing advanced materials. Designed for live music and speech applications, these two-way loudspeaker systems are lightweight yet rugged and will handle 400 watts program and 800 watts peak power.

Peavey PVX enclosures are constructed with heavy-duty, premium Peavey woofers with 2-3/8-inch voice coils for the lows and low-mids, while the Peavey RX14™ 1.4-inch titanium diaphragm compression driver, coupled to a constant directivity horn, handles the highs and mid-highs.

Peavey PVX enclosures are housed in a durable, injection-molded enclosure that includes a pole mount, three multi-point flying locations and a tilt-back design to accommodate use as a personal monitor. A black powder-coated steel grille provides driver protection and a clean, professional appearance.

The Peavey PVX Series passive enclosures will be available in Q1 2012, and the PVXp active enclosures will be available in Q3 2012, from authorized Peavey retailers. Please visitwww.peavey.com/dealerlocator to find a dealer near you.

PVXp 12 and PVXp 15 Active Loudspeakers

Two-way 800 watt peak power enclosure
Exclusive DDT™ compression and speaker protection
RX™ 14 titanium compression driver
12" or 15” high-performance Peavey woofer with 2.3" voice coil
Multiple cabinet fly points
Pole mountable cabinet
Molded in cabinet handles
Expansion module bay
Angled side for use as monitor when required
LED signal present and DDT active indicator
Rugged polypropylene molded enclosure
Combination 1/4" and XLR input
XLR and 1/4" through outputs
44 lbs.(20 kg) for PVXp 12; 47 lbs. (21 kg) for PVXp 15
U.S. MSRP $499.99 (PVXp 12); $549.99 (PVXp 15)

PVX 12 and PVX 15 Passive Loudspeakers

Two-way 800 watt peak handling powered enclosure
RX 14 titanium compression driver
12" or 15” high-performance Peavey woofer with 2.3" voice coil
Multiple cabinet fly points
Pole mountable cabinet
Molded in cabinet handles
Angled side for use as monitor when required
Rugged polypropylene molded enclosure
Parallel 1/4" and four-pin twist-lock inputs
32 lbs. (14.5 kg) for both models
U.S. MSRP $299.99 (PVX 12); $399.99 (PVX 15)

Features, specifications and pricing are subject to change without notice.

About Peavey Electronics®
Founded in 1965, Peavey® is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of musical instruments and professional sound equipment. Peavey has earned more than 180 patents and distributes to more than 130 countries. Peavey and its MediaMatrix®, Architectural Acoustics®, Crest Audio®, Composite Acoustics® and Trace Elliot® brands and affiliates can be found on concert stages and in more than 10,000 airports, stadiums, theme parks and other venues around the world. To find out more, visit www.peavey.com.

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EXTENDED! Direct Pro Audio Cyber Week Special - 10% off All Orders

2011-11-23T12:46:00.000-08:00

We have extended our holiday weekend sale for all of Cyber Week! We will apply 10% off to all orders, with no minimum and no hassle!

Starting at 12:01 AM central time Thursday November 24th through midnight Friday December 2nd, 2011 we will automatically apply 10% off your order when we process it. No coupon codes required, not minimum, and no hassle!

Back to Direct Pro Audio

The following companies have requested to be excluded from the promotional offer:

AKG
AUDIX
Alesis
Allen & Heath
Behringer
Chauvet
Electro-Voice

Fender
JBL
Mackie
Martin Professional
Numark
Peavey
Pioneer
Q.S.C.

Rane
Roland
Sennheiser
Shure
Yamaha

Direct Pro Audio Holiday Hours

2011-11-23T12:26:00.000-08:00

Direct Pro Audio has the following Holiday Hours:

Thanksgiving: Thursday November 24th - Closed
Friday November 25th: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Saturday November 26th: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Have a great Thanksgiving weekend!

Creighton Men's Soccer Captures 12th MVC Tournament Title at Morrison Stadium

2011-11-13T14:38:00.000-08:00

Direct Pro Audio is proud to provide sound system support for Creighton Athletics at Morrison Soccer Stadium. Direct Pro Audio provided critical system modifications, retuning/balancing, and re-wrote the main system processor settings.

Direct Pro Audio also installed an ambient microphone system to capture the sounds of the stadium for video webcasts.

OMAHA, Neb. - Freshman Jose Ribas scored his first career goal to help No. 2-ranked Creighton beat Missouri State 1-0 in the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Championship match Sunday afternoon at Morrison Stadium. The top defense in the NCAA logged its seventh straight shutout to deliver Creighton its 12th MVC tournament crown.

Senior goalkeeper Brian Holt stopped two shots and kept his backline organized as the Bluejays posted their 16th shutout of the year. Holt was named MVC Tournament MVP for his efforts and he was joined by senior defender Andrew Duran, senior forward Ethan Finlay and sophomore defender Tyler Polak on the all-tournament team.

Ribas scored the game's lone goal in the 38th minute, taking a feed from Kris Clark and creating enough space for himself to launch a shot, despite being surrounded by Missouri State (9-8-2) defenders. His blast found the side netting for his first career score and it held up for the Bluejays as they improved to 11-0-0 at home on the season.

As it has done all year long, Creighton dominated possession in the victory, outshooting the Bears 9-3 in the first half and finishing with a 16-5 advantage on shots. Holt stopped one shot in each half, including a soft header by Cole Alexander in the 86th minute, which proved to be the only threat by the visitors in the second half.

The win was a record-setting one for Holt in goal, as he logged his 54th career victory to pass Jay Fitzgerald for the most wins in school history. The clean sheet was his 14th solo shutout of the year and the 41st of his career. Holt joined Fitzgerald (1994) as just the second goalkeeper in CU history to win tournament MVP honors.

The Bluejays, who entered the MVC tournament with the No. 1 RPI in the nation, will host an NCAA selection show party for fans and media on Monday afternoon. The 48-team NCAA bracket will be announced at 3:30 pm on NCAA.com, and the team will gather to watch the selection show at The Old Mattress Factory (13th & Cass). The Bluejays will be making their 19th NCAA Tournament appearance in the last 20 years.

DiGiCo’s SD9 is Getting Supercharged!

2011-11-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

Direct Pro Audio is proud to install DiGiCo product, and now the SD9 is getting a major upgrade!

Thanks to the future proof nature of its FPGA technology, DiGiCo’s SD9 is getting an amazing boost from software / firmware upgrades that frees up more of the FPGA’s processing power. With up to 100% more added on certain features, it truly makes your SD9 investment Supercharged...

In celebration of DiGiCo’s anniversary year, the upgrade expands the capabilities of the SD9 by a phenomenal amount. It is free to all existing SD9 owners and is also included with any SD9 console purchased up until the last day of ProLight+Sound 2012.

The SD9 Supercharged has a significant expansion in Channel count, Dynamic EQs, Multiband Compressors and Matrix, and the addition of DiGiTuBes, Reorder of Busses and Multichannel inputs (formerly only available on SD7).

Further new features include an expanded Aux Panel, increased Dynamic functions such as a Duck option and expander for the Gate, a De-esser and two types of Knee for the Compressor. There are also new FX types with multitap, ping pong and stereo delay, with different delay times for left and right. A warmth button is provided on each channel for analogue emulation and two types of EQ have been added (Classic and Precision). There are also now Standard template sessions.

Another new feature, Sets (previously only available on SD7T), has been enhanced to allow for ‘Set Spill’. This allows the user to create Sets and, with a simple button press, change the console layout to display members of that Set.

All of this means that SD9 Supercharged has more features and functionality than any other console in its class.

Get Supercharged with the DiGiCo SD9!

Introduction to the Symetrix Automix Matrix 780

2011-11-06T12:28:00.000-08:00

The Automix Matrix 780 provides tools for consistently clear audio in courtrooms, government chambers, corporate boardrooms and houses of worship.

Setup is easy and efficient with a straightforward Windows® interface connected over Ethernet. Compatible with Symetrix RS-485-based Adaptive Remote Control (ARC) Wall Panels for user control.

An interactive front panel provides convenient access to vital system parameters or may be programmed for user and technician control.

Open Collector outputs drive LEDs directly for status updates or integrate with external logic and automation systems.

Featuring:

Twelve inputs (eight microphone, four line level)
Eight outputs
Automixing (Gating and Gain-sharing) and Submixing
Routing and Processing
Matrix mixing
Microphone pre-amplification
Feedback elimination
Compression and Equalization
Limiting and Delay
Filters and AGC

Benefits & Features

A complete, fully-optioned 12-channel Automixer with eight submixers for Courtrooms, Government Chambers, Corporate Boardrooms and Houses of Worship.
Eight (8) Mic/Line Inputs with filters, EQ, and feedback elimination into Gating or Gain-sharing Automixing with full control over NOM counts and priorities.
Four (4) Line Inputs featuring filters, EQ and Automatic Gain Control (AGC) for devices such as CD Player, TV Audio, DVD Audio, or an additional mixer.
Eight (8) Outputs: Route sub or mix-minus mixes to as many as eight (8) unique locations or dedicate any number of outputs to specific tasks such as recording, archive or broadcast.
Wizard-driven software set-up; network ready.

Symetrix Introduces Solus 16

2011-11-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

Symetrix announces an addition to the SymNet Solus product line – the Solus 16. “The Solus 4 and Solus 8 already provide two of the most popular form factors requested by integrators,” said Trent Wagner, senior product manager at Symetrix. “But input counts run higher in many types of installations, and we received a barrage of requests for a higher input form factor. The Solus 16 answers that request without requiring a jump to networked DSP or separate expansion I/O devices maintaining the high value for which the Solus line is known.”

Solus is powerful SymNet DSP hardware, ideal for small to mid-sized installations not requiring I/O expansion. The entire family of SymNet hardware, including Solus, is configured using open architecture SymNet Designer software. System designers have the option to use or modify Solus DSP design templates for basic projects, or, to create unique designs entirely from scratch.

The three Solus hardware offerings differ only in their audio input and output counts: Solus 16 with sixteen inputs and eight outputs, Solus 8 with eight mic/line inputs and eight outputs, and Solus 4 with four inputs and four outputs. Ethernet, ARC port, RS-232 port, two control inputs, and four logic outputs complete the control feature set. To simplify set-up, a front panel LCD displays system settings. Solus supports Symetrix ARC wall panels, third party control systems, and SymVue, a SymNet end-user control panel application.

Direct Pro Audio Provides Sound at The Shadows Edge Haunted House for 9th Year

2011-10-15T14:49:00.000-07:00

The Shadow’s Edge haunted attraction is consistently one of the most popular haunted houses in the Omaha metropolitan area. Direct Pro Audio has been providing sound reinforcement for the Shadow’s Edge since its birth in 2003. While competing haunted houses use home or car stereo parts with little flexibility and fidelity, The Shadow’s Edge has a professionally installed and fully controllable sound system that is critical to the mood and atmosphere of the house.

Situated in a portable structure in the parking lot of a popular novelty and costume store, The Shadow’s Edge is rebuilt and torn down every year. This temporary structure situation poses unique challenges for the the installation of the sound system. It must have high fidelity and a wide dynamic range for the high-pitched screams and low booming growls of the house’s sound effects. It must be quickly and easily installed, wired, and tested. It also must be easily torn down and stored for use the next year. In addition, some speakers are located outside, in the elements, so they must be water-resistant.

Direct Pro Audio has delivered for these needs every year. The system consists of:

Over 30 Yorkville Coliseum series installation speakers in 8 zones
4 compact two-channel Stewart Audio 70V commercial amplifiers
Inter-M 8 channel matrix mixer for routing any input to any zone
Audio-Technica wireless microphone for paging
Housed in a portable, lockable Grundorf rack for ease of setup and transport
CD player inputs

Any CD player input can be routed to any of the houses 8 zones quickly and easily. This provides great flexibility in setting up and changing the mood of a particular room.

In addition, Direct Pro Audio provides a sound system for the Shadow’s Edge’s outdoor rock concert series, “Wake the Dead”. Every Saturday in October finds bands rocking in the Graveyard as entertainment for people waiting in line. This, combined with the high quality, high fidelity sound effects in the house provides for a wickedly scary night for all patrons!

Common Misconceptions Regarding Church Sound Systems

2011-08-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

We have had a number of churches ask for a comprehensive list of misconceptions regarding the purchase of a new sound system. We aim to please, so here it is!

Number 1: The most expensive is always the best bet.

There are many church audio installation companies out there that will try to convince you that you simply must spend at least "X" dollars to purchase the perfect system for your church. While it is true that spending too little can result in a substandard church audio system, it can also be a red flag indicating that that particular audio company has a primary aim of moving more expensive product lines, whether or not your church facilities require equipment of that caliber or not.

Number 2: I was told of the rule of thumb that states you must multiply the seating capacity of the church by $75.00 to arrive at an appropriate sound system cost.

Ok, let us look closely at this. According to this myth, a church that seats 350 people should spend $26,250 on a new sound system for their sanctuary. This rule of thumb is for SOUND ONLY. You will still have thousands to spend on video projection and integration. This is a fallacy, pure and simple. We at Church Audio Template can provide you with a list of clients whose audio systems have far exceeded their expectations at a fraction of the cost of this "rule of thumb".

Number 3: Only "XYZ" manufacturer provides a product suitable to the needs of your house of worship.

Not usually. Some manufacturers are on the cutting edge of loudspeaker design. These new designs feature speakers that can offer pinpoint coverage to reduce reflections off of hard surfaces. This, in turn, increases the intelligibility of the sound system by reducing slap-back and reverberation. In our present day and age, many manufacturers offer fantastic solutions to solve these audio issues, so you need not be tied to one specific manufacturer. As discussed above, this may be a ploy to attempt to sell the installers preferred brand of speakers.

Number 4: The church down the street bought a new system that consists of "XYZ" speakers and amplifiers, it sounds great, we need the same.

Please don't make this mistake. As you well know, all church buildings differ as to size, layout, building materials, attendance and of course type of worship service (spoken word only, or full fledged praise band). Our experts will look specifically at the layout of your church and the type of worship service you engage in. Only then can we offer you a new system that will function above expectations for years to come.

Number 5: Our church has been told that NONE of our current sound system can be reused in our new audio system.

This may or may not be true. When Church Audio Template designs a new sound system for your house of worship we view it as a living, breathing organism. All of the components should be designed to work together with all components working together in harmony. To put it another way, your new church sound system is designed as a team, with each piece of audio gear selected to work seamlessly with all the others in the signal chain. Sometimes, we can use items such as podium mics, wireless mics and CD recorders in the new system. Typically, we will want to replace all amplification, speakers and interface and / or DSP units to create a solid platform that will provide years of reliable service.

Number 6: A new sound system for a church must be installed all at once.

While this obviously helps, our church audio system experts can work out a step by step plan to upgrade your system as funds allow. We will ascertain the needs of your sound system and work to correct any major flaws right away. Then we can work closely with you to formulate a plan that makes sense and fits within your long term budget. We have built Church Audio Template on helping churches of all sizes, but we have a special soft spot for small congregations in rural areas that really need to stretch their donation dollars. We have delivered complete sound systems to churches for as little as $2,100.00. Doing the right thing irregardless of the amount of money spent is what keeps us busy and growing. Call us no matter what your problems are, or how small your budget is. If it is possible to fix your churches audio issues within your budget, Church Audio Template will be there to make it happen.

Number 7: Our worship facility does not have a dedicated sound engineer to run the sound system, will we ever achieve a great sounding church service?

Absolutely! While it does add cost to the system, we can design a system that runs on automatic mixers, which once set-up, require no human interface at all. Another option is to add a digital signal processor that can allow a member of the congregation to control the volume levels and sound sources via Wi-Fi from an iPad or laptop while sitting anywhere in the church!

Number 8: A person in our congregation was / is a musician and believes that they can design our new system with no problem.

Well, maybe yes, maybe no. The background of a musician or band member differs greatly from the experience needed to design an integrated church audio system. In our opinion, you should take into consideration the needs and views expressed by those church members and then relay those on to us to create the perfect church sound system that incorporates the latest technology to satisfy all church members.

Number 9: Our small church can not afford professionals like Church Audio Template.

Not true at all! Let us help you avoid the buy three, get one pitfall of church audio. Most churches accept the least expensive audio system that is proposed to them. After installation they find that the new system lacks a few minor things, and they throw some more money at the problem. Then, after the new problem solvers are installed, a few more issues come up requiring a little more money to solve. During this process they have probably expended enough dollars to have bought one of the midrange bids that would have perfectly suited their needs. Thus the church has bought three systems to arrive at the system they should have bought in the first place! This is usually the fault of the church. How is it the fault of the church, you ask? Well, for starters, they probably did not know how to adequately explain what problems or shortcomings their current audio system has. They simply contact a few local companies and ask for bids. Some come in high, a couple are grouped closely together and there will likely be a low ball or two. Ask the members of your church what bothers them the most about the current sound system. Make it a team effort to ensure that your church gets an audio system that all agree is far superior to the previous system, and is ready for any future additions your church may have in mind.

Number 10: A church sound system is the same whether it is for Liturgical or Contemporary service.

Whoa! Hold on, don't even think that! Nothing is further from the truth. These two systems differ greatly in design, capability, function and flexibility. A system designed for the spoken word will never survive being introduced to a kick drum and bass guitar. Our experts at Church Audio Template can still solve your audio issues within a reasonable budget, but the system is much more complex and will require deeper consultations with your praise team and leadership to design a perfect audio system for your house of worship.

I hope this helps you understand the common myths surrounding the purchase of a new sound system for your church or house of worship. Take your time, do your research and your audio upgrade will be as painless and stress-free as possible!

Find out more at Church Audio Template

About Direct Pro Audio LLC

Direct Pro Audio has been in business since 2003. We our proud of our A+ Better Business Bureau rating and we strive to supply you with the very best customer service possible.

Direct Pro Audio and OmahaNightLife.com Team up to Rock the CWS

2011-06-17T15:27:00.000-07:00

As the NCAA College World Series moves to its new home at TD Ameritrade Park in Downtown Omaha, Direct Pro Audio and a number of local promoters, DJs and business owners including OmahaNightLife.com have teamed up to rock the party atmosphere. Direct Pro Audio has provided nearly one dozen separate sound systems for various bars and clubs, private parties, and outdoor beer gardens.

Union Pizzeria and Sports Bar
The Union Pizzeria and Sports Bar, will host the biggest party downtown from June 17th to the 29th, if necessary. With two indoor areas, one large patio, and a giant tent in back to support all the headliners for the weeks. With such acts as Screaming for Silence outside and DJ Shift D inside, along with many others every night, where else would you go!

With a breakfast and bloody mary bar from 7 to 10 each day, lunch, dinner, and live music every night, this will be the hottest party downtown!

Farrels
Farrells and Famous Daves are teaming up this year and are going to have one of the best tents in town for this years CWS, its gonna be a ZOO!!! $4 beers, $5 cocktails, shot specials, and food By Famous Daves! They will have DJs every night to keep the party going well after the game until 2AM!

The Underground
Located on Howard Street in the historic Old Market (below The French Cafe'), The Underground (AKA The French Underground) is a staple in the downtown Omaha bar scene. But, we are so much more! The Underground is the home to amazing drink specials like the ever-popular $2 Long Island Iced Tea!

Club Irie
Irie is a diverse and eclectic venue which appeals to everyone. Whether you are looking to start your night or end your night at Irie once you join us you won’t want to leave! It is three floors and the best time you can have in Omaha! They offer the largest beer garden in all of the Old Market with great specials.

Direct Pro Audio installed the sound system at Irie when it opened in 2008, and it has been moving crowds in the Old Market for over 3 years.

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So if you have a good time downtown this year for the CWS, you were probably partying with Direct Pro Audio!

Direct Pro Audio and Renkus-Heinz Iconyx Tames a Legendary Challenge

2011-02-08T22:18:00.001-08:00

Durham Museum’s Famously Cavernous Acoustics Under Control with IC16

Omaha, NE. For history buffs, the idea of turning a classic old train station into a museum scores high on the Really Cool Ideas scale. For the person tasked with designing a sound system for said museum, not so much.

When it opened in 1929, Omaha’s Union Station represented the city’s burgeoning growth as a railway hub and a gateway to the west. Hailed as one of the Midwest’s finest examples of Art Deco architecture, the station remained a hub of activity until the decline of the nation’s rail era, finally shuttered in 1971. Two years later the Union Pacific Company donated the building to the City of Omaha, who opened the Western Heritage Museum in 1975. A $22m renovation in 1995 was funded largely by civic leader Charles Durham, with the museum renamed in his honor.

While no train station has ever won praise for its acoustics, the Museum’s home is even more challenging than most. With its soaring ceilings, abundant glass and no shortage of hard surfaces, it’s a space so acoustically live that even minor background noise generates a din that challenges the intelligibility of most normal conversation.

Bringing that environment under control was the task at hand for Omaha-based Direct Pro Audio, and as DPA’s John Manhart explains, the project turned out somewhat different than expected.

“My original design concept called for four Renkus-Heinz Iconyx IC16 arrays,” says Manhart. “Ben Shipman of Audio Video Associates in St. Louis had provided the Museum with a demo system for an event, and it was so successful that a donor immediately provided money for the system.”

The project took an unexpected turn when the museum board discovered that the building’s landmark status prevented them from making the necessary structural modifications. “They had to obtain special authorization, which could potentially take quite some time, or even completely derail the project,” says Manhart.

As an interim solution, Manhart and DPA’s Dan Allen built a temporary system, setting the IC16s on tripods and pairing them with an SG12S-5 powered subwoofer. But rather than a short-term inconvenience, the system’s lack of a permanent fixed location has proven to be an asset.

“Because the system is portable, they can use it in a variety of locations and in different configurations,” says Manhart. “They can set up in the Susanne and Walter Scott Great Hall, or in the smaller Swanson Gallery, or even outside on the grounds. We created a handful of presets, so they can easily change the steering and tuning to suit the space.”

Iconyx’s steerable beam technology made the difference in a space once legendary for its bad sound, says Manhart. “It’s the most acoustically challenging room I’ve ever been in, and the IC16s provide clear, wonderfully voiced sound without agitating the space too much. The beam steering enables us to place the sound exactly where we want it, and nowhere else.”

Not surprisingly, there’s no rush to make a final decision on permanent installation for the system. “Sooner or later they might decide to install them, but for now they’re really enjoying the flexibility,” says Manhart. “The Museum’s staff have commented several times that they’ve never heard it sound so good.”

Back from NAMM 2011 with lots of great new products!

2011-01-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

Direct Pro Audio is back from the 2011 NAMM Convention... this is our eighth consecutive year! The NAMM Show is one of the largest music product trade shows in the world, founded in 1901. It is held every January in Anaheim, California, at the Anaheim Convention Center.

NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants, the International Music Products Association) has evolved from a national entity representing the interests of music products retailers to an international association including both commercial, reseller members, affiliates and manufacturers.

Direct Pro Audio attends the NAMM Show every year to meet up with our suppliers, and check out all of the new and cool products and specials. Sunny Orange County is a great break from the cold and snow of the Midwest!

This year we stayed in style in Newport Beach California at the Newport Beach Marriott. Holy smokes, look at that view! We had an ocean view, and were right next to all of the cool things to do at Fashion Island.

There are so many new and cool products! We are busy right now uploading them to Direct Pro Audio, and we will blog about them here and post links when they are up!

We started our trip to NAMM with the traditional stop at In-N-Out for a great burger! WOW, you can't get that burger experience anywhere else!

Friday night we had a great dinner with our good friends from Yorkville Sound at the Orange County Mining Company. There is no better view and no better steak dinner to be had in all of Southern California! We had a great night with Betty, Joe, and Errol.

Overall the show was a great success for Direct Pro Audio. We are working hard to price and upload all of the newest products we found at NAMM! So check back to our blog over the next couple of days!

JM

Direct Pro Audio Completes New Sound System for Fremont-Mills Iowa School Gym

2011-01-05T14:42:00.000-08:00

Check out this cool sound system at the Fremont-Mills Iowa High School Gymnasium! The customer requested a system to be used for multiple events such as sports, assemblies, and theater performance. So we used a Rane RPM 26z as the main speaker processor to recall preset configurations based on the type of event.

The speaker system consisted of nine Community R.25TZ's that we mounted from the ceiling rafters to achieve even coverage throughout the gymnasium. We used Crown CDi amplifiers to provide plenty of clean power to the speakers.

The system also includes four microphone jacks on the East and West sides of the gym. We included wired and wireless microphones and an portable media player interface.

We finished this cool little job on time and within budget!

Direct Pro Audio Provides Sound For the Durham Museum's Christmas at Union Station

2010-11-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

Direct Pro Audio is proud to be the sound system provider for the Durham Museum in Omaha, Nebraska. Join us for Christmas at Union Station 2010!

Direct Pro Audio has provided 4 Renkus-Heinz ICONYX IC-16 speakers and a wireless head end consisting of Audio-Technica 5000 series wireless microphone systems. The ICONYX digitally steered system provides beautifully clear sound for the entire Great Hall museum space, an extremely challenging acoustic environment.

As the home to Omaha’s largest indoor Christmas tree, The Durham Museum’s Christmas at Union Station is one of the region’s most cherished traditions. Union Pacific Railroad began the tradition over 75 years ago by cutting down a Christmas tree from along its right of way in the Pacific Northwest and transporting it to Omaha’s Union Station. The tree greeted the thousands of passengers arriving on trains during the holiday season in the heyday of passenger rail service.

The Durham Museum, with the assistance of many community partners has continued the tradition by accepting donations of trees from local homeowners and putting it on display during the holiday season. Each year, Union Pacific employees cut down the tree and place it in The Durham’s Suzanne and Walter Scott Great Hall. Then the talented design team from Mangelsen’s decorates the tree.

Tree Lighting Ceremony Friday, November 26, 4-7PM
The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is a holiday favorite! Renowned vocalist, Michael Lyon will give a live performance in front of The Durham’s beautiful Christmas tree. His Frank Sinatra style of music is certain to put you in the holiday spirit. During this family-friendly event, you can also take part in cookie decorating, create holiday crafts in Mangelsen’s Craft Corner, and children can share wish lists with Santa and Mrs. Claus under the glow of the tree.

Direct Pro Audio Provides Harman Sound Solutions for Bar Louie Locations across the United States

2010-11-21T15:48:00.000-08:00

Awarded "Concept of Tomorrow" by Restaurant Hospitality Magazine, Bar Louie is a casually cool neighborhood restaurant & bar, featuring warm, upbeat surroundings with contemporary photography, mosaic tiling, wood-paneled walls, modern lighting and plasma televisions. It is a favorite gathering place for family and friends.

Specializing in oversized sandwiches and artfully concocted signature cocktails, Bar Louie also offers an extensive selection of appetizers, pastas, entrees and a wide assortment of interesting beers, microbrews and wines by the glass or bottle.

Direct Pro Audio has provided professional sound equipment from the Harman family of brands, including JBL MRX speakers, Crown XTi amplifiers, and DBX Zone Pro processors to Bar Louie locations across the United States; including St. Louis and Kirkwood Missouri, Naperville Illinois, West Homestead and Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Boyton Beach Florida, Evanston Illinois, and Milwaukee Wisconsin.

For more information about Bar Louie, visit http://www.BarLouieAmerica.com/.

To check out the extensive offerings of the Harman Family visit http://www.harman.com/EN-US/Pages/Home.aspx

Direct Pro Audio New Location Now Open!

2010-11-19T16:07:00.000-08:00

Direct Pro Audio is proud to announce the opening of our new Omaha, Nebraska location! We are still in the process of moving, so please excuse a little mess.

Our new location in Omaha will provide local customers a more convenient location to find and shop from. We plan an updated and expanded sales experience with interactive lighting, sound and video demonstrations and more product in stock.

"We know this new location in Omaha will provide our customers with the best possible shopping experience in the Metro Area." said John Manhart, Partner with Direct Pro Audio LLC. "We look forward to inviting all our Metro area customers to our grand opening in early December 2010."

New Address:
4022 South 108th Street
Omaha, NE 68137

The new location is just north of 108th and 'I' streets. To access from Interstate 80 westbound or 680 southbound, exit on 'I' street and take a left (East). Drive to 108th Street and take a left (North). We will be on the left (West), just next to Oriental Trading Company.

To access from Interstate 80 eastbound, exit at 'L' street. Merge onto 'L' street then take a left (North) at 108th Street. Go north past 'I' street and we will be on the left (West), just next to Oriental Trading Company.

From the north, we can be accessed from the Rockbrook Village area by going South from 108th and Center, and over Interstate 80.

Our phone numbers 866-444-8090 and 712-256-5446 will continue to work. Our new Omaha number will be 402-991-1488 and fax 402-991-1499.

Omaha Art Space Gets Focused with Renkus-Heinz

2010-11-18T11:33:00.000-08:00

Kaneko Bow Truss Room Outfitted with Renkus-Heinz Self-Powered Speakers

Omaha, NE, November 2010. Founded by renowned artist/sculptor Jun Kaneko, the Kaneko organization is a public non-profit established to provide a space and resource for creative arts in the Omaha area.

The Bow Truss Room is a large open gallery space that's described as "not a museum, gallery, library nor research center, but an open space for open minds that nurtures and promotes creativity in the arts, sciences and philosophy." The space hosts a wide range of programs, performances, exhibits and presentations, ranging from artists' exhibitions and lectures to music and dance.

The space, designed by Los Angeles architect Mark Mack, joins three warehouses together via a glass and steel atrium, creating a light and airy environment that is exceptionally conducive to the arts. One of the buildings, a former truck garage, has been converted into the Bow Truss Room, a large flexible 92,000-square-foot space with concrete floor and walls and a high, curved ceiling. It's an acoustically live space with more than enough reflective surfaces to make intelligibility an issue.

Audio for the hall was designed by Chicago-based Threshold Acoustics LLC, who specified four Renkus-Heinz PN82 self-powered two-way loudspeakers to cover the space. The system was installed and commissioned by Direct Pro Audio of Omaha.

"The room is exceptionally challenging, acoustically, with lots of hard, reflective surfaces," says Direct Pro Audio's John Manhart who, along with DPA's Dan Allen, performed the installation. "The PN82's tight focus contributed to the overall even distribution of sound, and the built-in amplification and RHAON processing let us precisely tune the system to meet the challenging requirements of this room. The Renkus-Heinz speaker voicing sounds amazing, and there is plenty of headroom and clarity in the system."

The space and the system made their debut with a night of music and conversation starring musician Roseanne Cash and noted musicologist Dr. Daniel Levitin.

Direct Pro Audio Announces New Omaha Nebraska Location

2010-11-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Direct Pro Audio is proud to announce plans to move to our new Omaha, Nebraska location, starting in early December 2010. The specific grand opening date will be announced shortly.

Our new location in Omaha will provide local customers a more convenient location to find and shop from. We plan an updated and expanded sales experience with interactive lighting, sound and video demonstrations and more product in stock.

"We know this new location in Omaha will provide our customers with the best possible shopping experience in the Metro Area." said John Manhart, Partner with Direct Pro Audio LLC. "We look forward to inviting all our Metro area customers to our grand opening in early December 2010."

New Address:
4022 South 108th Street
Omaha, NE 68137

DPA Project Profile - Kaneko Bow Truss Room

2010-08-25T16:16:00.000-07:00

Direct Pro Audio has recently completed a sound system at the Kaneko Bow Truss Room.

In 2007, Omaha philanthropist Dick Holland agreed to support the transformation of the truck garage at 1111 Jones Street in Omaha Nebraska into the Bow Truss Room. The Bow Truss Room is a flexible use space for various public events - concerts, art displays, lectures, and others. The internal steel girders, called bow trusses, rest on the exterior walls which support the curved roof leaving the interior space free from any columns or interior walls so the 9,200 square foot space is entirely free from obstruction.

In May 2008, nearly 500 people attended the first public use of this space, a lecture by internationally renowned National Geographic World Explorer Wade Davis. Since then the space has been used for many public programs, conferences, meetings, and performances related to creativity.

In 2010, guided by design from Threshold Acoustics of Chicago, Illinois, Direct Pro Audio installed a system consisting of four Renkus-Heinz PN series active loudspeakers. Each speaker is equipped with onboard RHAON software and amplification. Input wall jacks on each side of the room allow a production company to plug in their equipment and have seamless audio coverage for the entire room.

The project was completed on time and within budget.

Direct Pro Audio SWAP MEET is MAY 22nd, Saturday!

2010-05-20T21:21:00.001-07:00

LET DIRECT PRO AUDIO HELP YOU MAKE A SOME MONEY OFF THE OLD GEAR YOU HAVE JUST COLLECTING DUST. IF YOU HAVE SPEAKERS, AMPS, GUITAR, CORDS-CABLES, DRUMS, HORNS, CD PLAYER, TURNTABLES, VIDEO CAMERA, EQUALIZER, COMPRESSOR, PRE-AMPS, WELL YOU GET THE PICTURE ANYTHING. PLEASE MAKE SURE THEY WORK.

Direct Pro Audio and MISTA SOULL Team Up

2010-04-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Direct Pro Audio is happy to announce that Mista Soull has joined our team as Head of Marketing, Promotions, and DJ Sales.

Mista Soull hosted the number one show on Power 106.9 for 5 years. Mista Soull is the founder and CEO of the CROWD ROCK DJs COALITION (www.crowdrockanation.com), a nationwide DJ social network.

Mista Soull is one of the premier DJs in the Midwest for the last 20 years. He was main attraction at such iconic Omaha venues as the Parthenon, the Millenium, Izms, and the legendary Planet Soull.

Mista Soull has joined Direct Pro Audio to expand the local customer base as well as to pursue nationwide sales opportunities in the club and digital DJ market.

One of the first projects Mista Soull will pioneer is SkidooNow, a DJ-centric social networking site aimed at DJs, promoters, bands, clubs, and entertainment venues. Members will be able to upload and share information regarding their upcoming events free of charge.

“My goal is to bring the Direct Pro Audio brand to the next level” said Mista Soull.

Contact Soull at soull@directproaudio.com, www.mistasoull.com or 712-256-5446.

Power Struggle: Amps and Speakers

2010-04-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

"Which amp should I use to power these speakers?"

It seems that this is a very common question. The answer is relatively easy, once you know the 'secret'. Before I reveal the 'secret', let me take a few sentences to explain power ratings provided by speaker and amplifier manufacturers.

Speaker Power Ratings

RMS? Continuous? Program? Peak? Why can't they all rate speakers the same way? The answer: MARKETING! Bigger numbers are more impressive. Here is a quick rundown of the terms and what they mean (in general)

RMS (Root Mean Square) - The average power which a speaker is capable of handling. Typically the most common standard professionals use to look at speaker power ratings.

Program - This is usually the power rating at which a given speaker should be consistently driven at.

Continuous - Some manufacturers use this interchangeably with RMS, others with Program.

Peak - The maximum amount of power a given speaker can handle at any given moment. In other words, a very short power spike.

Here is a very general rule of thumb: RMS is the lowest rating, Program is twice the number of watts as RMS, and Peak is twice the number of watts as Program.

Here is an example of a speakers power ratings:

RMS: 250 Watts

Program: 500 Watts

Peak: 1000 Watts.

*** Please note that this is an example, and different speakers may have different ratios on their ratings.***

Amplifier Power Ratings

Amplifier manufacturers typically provide power ratings at a specific impedance rating. HUH? This simply means for a number of ohms, 8 ohms and 4 ohms being the most common, and occasionally, 2 ohms.

Here is an example of an amplifiers power ratings:
Stereo 8 ohms: 450 Watts
Stereo 4 ohms: 650 Watts
Stereo 2 ohms: 1200 Watts
Bridge Mono 8 ohms: 1300 Watts
Bridge Mono 4 ohms: 2400 Watts
***Please note that, again, this is an example, and different manufacturers will have different ratios of power from impedance to the next.***

OK, So how do I pair up Speakers to Amplifiers?
Here is a little analogy to use with speakers and amplifiers.

A worker can lift 200 pounds. During his 8 hour shift, all he does is carry 200 pounds from place to place. At the end of his 8 hour shift, the worker is very tired, as he did the maximum amount of work he can do.

This same worker is asked to lift 300 pounds. He can do it, but after 4 hours he is so tired, he cannot do any more work.

The same worker is asked to carry 100 pounds. The worker can do this easily. At the end of his 8 hour shift, he is tired, but not nearly as worn out as when he carried 200 pounds all day.

In this analogy, the worker is the amplifier, and the weight he is carrying is the speaker.

When an amplifier that is capable of 500 watts is put onto a speaker that is rated at 500 watts, then that amplifier is doing the maximum amount of work it is designed to do. When the same amplifier is powering a 700 watt speaker, it is working harder than it was designed to work, and is very very inefficient. When that same 500 watt amplifier is driving a speaker rated at 450 watts, it is working just as hard, but is more efficient at doing the work.

THE SECRET

Power your speaker with +/- 20% of the wattage it is rated at, using the 'Program' power rating.

Example:
For a speaker rated at 500 Watts, power it with 400 to 600 Watts of power from the amplifier.
(500 Watts x 20% = 100 Watts, 500 Watts - 100 Watts = 400 Watts, 500 Watts + 100 Watts = 600 Watts)

It's that easy! Following this system, and running your equipment properly, should lead to a long, happy relationship between you and your sound system.

DPA Visits RockNRollRentals in Austin Texas.

2010-02-12T12:18:00.000-08:00

Direct Pro Audio believes in sharing any information that is useful to other retailers in our industry. And, we found another company that feels exactly the same way. In this tough economy it is vital for companies to band together to help one another out, so we can weather the storm together. Although located 1000 miles away in Austin, Texas, Rock'nRoll rentals allowed me to visit and learn how they run the most awesome monthly rental program I've ever seen in the pro audio business. When I first walked in the door, my emotions completely ran away from me. I was simply awestruck by the sheer amount of pro audio gear available in their MASSIVE inventory.

Don't get me wrong, Direct Pro Audio has been doing weekend rentals since we opened our business. The main difference is, that Rock 'n Roll rentals offers their products at a very low monthly rental rate. A rate so low, that it is almost as cheap to rent the gear for a month as it is to rent for a weekend. The real beauty is, this cuts down on labor and wear and tear on the gear as it goes out, to someone who winds up taking care of it for however long they rent the gear.

My visit was in the middle of a rainy Wednesday afternoon. Not only was I surrounded by massive piles of rental gear, but happy customers drifted through the aisles checking out all the awesome offerings. So whether you're looking for a recording set-up, or a massive PA, Rock 'N Roll Rentals in Austin, Texas is the only name you need to know!

Visit them yourself online at rocknrollrentals.com, trust me, you'll be BLOWN away!