News: K.M.E.

On 12th and 13th March the Dresden philharmonic orchestra performed the 6th cycle concert in the sold out Kulturpalast.

The debut was Igor Strawinskys Suite No. 2 for small orchestra with a series of 4 dances (march - waltz - polka - gallop) followed by „Lucernaris“ - a concert for trumpete, live electronic and orchestra of the young Swedish composer Tobias Broström. Finally the „Great“ symphony in C major by Franz Schubert sounded.

„Lucernaris“ was the highlight of the concert. Tobias Broström wrote the work in 2009 for the trumpeter Håkan Hardenberg, soloist in this performance and Artist in Residence of the  orchestra at present.

The work shows very impressive the opposite of light and dark, warmth and cold, distress and hope. The sonification by a mixture of conventional orchestra music, synthesizer sounds, sampling and lighting effects catches the audience more directly than by traditional means of an orchestra.

The reproduction of the live electronic was realized by a 5.1 reinforcement.  The composer intends to cover the audience with sound and to generate directed sound effects.  The reproduction of the sampled trumpete and the saxhorn coming out of the depth of the hall and the instruments playing on stage were the special challenge facing the reinforcement system. 

Hartmut Lissner, Technical Director of Konzert- & Kongressgesellschaft mbH decided for Versio active systems VL 750 and subs VSS 18, positioned also on the gallery achieving a balanced sound dispersion within the entire hall.

The systems are characterized by a natural and, especially at very high volume levels, a very undistorted reproduction.

Standing ovations from the audience and positive reviews were the results of this impressing  concert. Mr. Lissner and the musicians of the philharmonic orchestra commended the first class sound of the system and the seamless coverage achieved by the surround set-up.

Professional Audio Technology Pty Ltd (PAT) has delivered the first K.M.E. PANO line array public address system in Australia to the Elevate Church in Wendouree, Victoria. Various PA manufacturers were compared based on sound quality, manufacturing quality and price-performance ratio by Elevate Church with K.M.E. coming out on top.

Elevate Church prides itself on its musical performances and audio visual displays during services and it was vital to cater to the high quality audio demands on and off the stage. The church, which can hold up to 300 worshipers during a service, was equipped with Line Array subs QLB118, Line Source Units QL1215 PANO and Versio VL12 as monitors. The digital controller amplifiers DA 428 with extensive DSP functionality drive the entire system.

Professional Audio Technology’s Technology Director Tony Fitzsimmons was at the venue during the first soundcheck with the new K.M.E. system: “We are extremely satisfied with the performance and clarity of the new system and, what is equally important,  the client is very happy with their buying decision. We recommended the PANO system to Elevate Church because they wanted to have a solution which would not only satisfy the sound quality requirements, but is also small in size with enough SPL to provide the sound engineer with enough headroom during the service.

The K.M.E. Preset Editor Software  & Wizard delivered a good suppport during the setup of the digital amplifiers. PAT recommended a line array system as it is a future proofed solution providing the highest quality sound and an even sound dispersion.

Before making the recommendation to Elevate, PAT met with the client, discussed their needs, analysed the acoustic characteristics of the room and took into account what the system would be used for.

Currently still run in ground stack mode, the system will be flown in the near future to reduce the visual impact on the stage.

When asked about the new K.M.E. system and the assistance by Professional Audio Technology, Elevate’s Pastor Scott Fellows commented:  "We are extremely happy with the K.M.E. product and the customer service provided by Professional Audio Technology. The sound quality and the build quality are exceptional."

Professional Audio Technology (PAT) founded by Managing Director Patrick Salloch and Technology Director Tony Fitzsimmons is the exclusive distributor of K.M.E. for the Australian Market.

Professional Audio Technology provides Australian and New Zealand customers with high-quality products, high-quality pre- and post-sales service, support and of course value for money. The founders are industry veterans who have a wealth of knowledge in the broadcasting and pro audio industries. A network of local integrators and international manufacturers provides their customers with the best products and solutions to get the job done, on time and budget – every time. Being in direct contact with leading manufacturers around the world, PAT can always gather the latest product information, market technology trends, system consultancy and an uncompromised after sales service to ensure their client's satisfaction. Customer services have and always will be Professional Audio Technology's top priority.

"Professional Audio Technology is delighted to have been appointed as K.M.E.’s Australian and New Zealand distributor. We feel that the outstanding sound and manufacturing quality in addition to K.M.E.’s commitment to deliver world class public address products provides great synergy with other world class manufacturers PAT represents in Australia. We are looking forward to a long and prosperous future between our companies which will consist out of bringing Australian and New Zealand Pro Audio Industry access to K.M.E.’s live sound technology which is second to none," states Patrick Salloch.

PAT will present a selection of K.M.E. products at the Integrate show 2010 from 24^th to 26^th August in Sydney. With this presence a first step is done to introduce the brand to the Australian market and further activities for increasing that will follow.

Based on KME's proven 'thoroughgoing digital amplifier technology' the first release for a new series of rackmount amplifiers is presented with the DA428, a 4-channel unit with 700W each. This compact, light-weight 19"-2U device is equipped with comprehensive DSP features like matrix router, 6 fully parametric equalizers two crossover networks, delay and dynamic processor per channel in the first instance.

All parameters as well as user navigation can be managed using a simple 5-key navigation pad together with 4 rotary encoders. The sophisticated user interface is completed by a graphic LCD display and 4 RGB LEDs informing about relevant operation parameters and state of the single channels.

Factory and user presets may of cause be stored inside the unit, an SD-card reader is implemented and can be used to easily transfer preset and system information to other units. An preset editor software and various firmware add-ons are planned as well.

On the inputs side are 4 analogue connections as well as 2 digital ports accepting AES/EBU and SPDIF formats of 16 to 24 bit and 32 to 192 kHz sampling frequency. 4 link sockets, either carrying the signal applied to the inputs can be routed as processed digital outputs carrying AES/EBU of 24 bit/48 kHz.

The designers also implemented a module slot for future updates, i.e. connections to audio/control networks, standard- fitted with module RSNC equipped with a RS232 connector and a 'normally closed' contact feature. Global remote control is guaranteed using future firmware upgrade modules, but even the standard version contains simple remote features.

Another important feature is the PFC controlled, audio-optimized wide-range switched- mode power supply of the last generation. The outside power connection was realised using a self-locking Neutrik PowerCon connector, 4 Neutrik Speakon sockets (two are wired 'bi-amp') ensure the connection to the speaker systems.

An extensive set of protective circuits and digital monitoring components is included 'rounding off' the professional features of this equipment usable for stage monitor operation to system operation of passive PA components or realization of professional multi-channel systems within sound installations.

The DA428 is developed and made in Germany and gives the user a perfect price-performance ratio.

K.M.E. exhibits in hall 8.0 stand C12 and live on stage the PANO Line-Array at Concert Sound Arena at the open air area with daily presentations at 12 p.m., 2.40 and 5.20 p.m.

The completely digital system unit VSS 15 with integrated 15" subwoofer is launched within the VERSIO series and according to its portable application only weighs 26 kg. The extreme lightweight has been achieved through consequent use of digital amplifier technology and a switch mode with PFC. But also the high-quality neodymium loudspeaker contributes to the weight reduction. Inside the VERSIO VSS 15 works a digital 24 Bit signal processor and three powerful class D amplifiers. Beside the analogue inputs there is a digital input, which accepts AES/EBU or S/PDIF up to 192 kHz with format-/sample rate converter and reaches a unsophisticated crystal-clear audio reproduction. The analogue input signal is digitalized directly inside the input amplifier using an intelligent 24 Bit AD-converter and remains consequently digital to the class D amplifier's output. The user friendly control panel with LCD graphic display and the navigation pad guarantee plain control of all parameters e.g. change of preset or other adjustments. Up to 10 factory presets and 5 user presets enable a flexible and quick operational readiness of the system in each reinforcement situation required.

The VERSIO VSS 15 is core and control center of the new PA systems SD 3, SD 4 and SD 5. The SD 3 standard set with 1750 Watt power output includes two top units VL 8 and one VSS 15. After extending the SD 3 with one VSS 15 (2 x VL 8, 2 x VSS 15) you may add at least two more monitors or top units (VL 8 / VL 12) without additional amplifiers. The standard set of SD 4 has two tops VL 12 and two VSS 15 with a power output of 3500 Watt. This PA system, also, can be extended without additional amplifiers by two monitors (VL 8 / VL 12) or top units (VL12) e.g. for a wide horizontal sound reinforcement or setting up a delay line. The SD 5 consists of two tops VL 12 (2 x 500 W), two passive subwoofers VB 15 (2 x 500 W) and two VSS 15 ( 2 x 750 W). With a system power output of 3500 Watt the SD 5 is a power pack and the perfect recommendation for mobile DJs, show- and coverbands

All VERSIO top units include a swivelling flange with a variable tilt angle. The top parts can be adjusted in 4° steps within ±20° to facilitate an exact alignment to the audience. Furthermore these tops are also aligned for a horizontal use as stage monitor. All models are available in black polyurethane coating