Direct Pro Audio Carries Full Line of ProCo Stagemaster Snakes

Direct Pro Audio proudly carries the full line of ProCo Stagemaster series Snakes. Re-engineered from the stagebox to the connectors for even greater reliability, our StageMaster multipair cables are an ideal choice for church groups, fixed installations, schools and "one-nighter" portables.

The rugged design features the latest in connectors and a cable that is extremely flexible for easy coiling. All StageMaster snakes are backed with our 3-year, limited warranty.



Pro Co StageMaster SMC Series Snakes use the exact same wire, box, and connectors as the StageMaster SMA Series Snakes. The only difference is that the SMCs are manufactured in China and the SMAs are manufactured in the USA. All StageMaster snakes are backed with our 3-year, limited warranty.

ProCo Stagemaster snakes compete on a quality level with any competitors' products costing up to twice as much. Cleverly designed by Pro Co director of engineering, Gerry Carpenter, these snakes are logically thought out and designed for ease of manfufacting. Thus, much of the cost of the snakes stays in the materials, not in the labor and overhead.

The rugged T-Bar construction and aluminum extrusion technology make for a truly sturdy stage box that assembles in a hurry. StageMASTER snakes are available in 12, 16, 24, 28 and 32 channel configurations in lengths starting at 25'.

The narrow profile top-loading boxes are easy to set up and use and are easily visible in poor lighting on stage. The fan ends are clearly numbered in groups of four, making setup even more convenient. The assemblies come in models with XLR or 1/4" T/R/S returns to conform to your personal requirements. The snakes use either Amphenol or REAN components.

Visit the ProCo Stagemaster Snake page here.

Shure Raids Wholesale Shops and Warehouses in China, Seizes Counterfeit Earphones

NILES, IL, May 21, 2009 — Shure Incorporated announced that it has struck another blow against suppliers of counterfeit Shure products. Following an investigation initiated by Shure, officials of the Baoshan Office of the Shanghai Administration for Industry and Commerce (AIC) conducted raids on wholesale stores and warehouses of Han Si Appliance Co., Ltd and Run Zheng Digital Ltd on Baoshan Road. Both locations are in the Zhabei District of Shanghai.

“Counterfeiters are constantly working to duplicate the Shure logo and other product markings as well as the general appearance of the products,” said Anita Man, Managing Director of Shure Asia. “Due to the popularity and reputation of the Shure brand, they know that consumers are interested in an item that bears the Shure name.”

In the two raids, large quantities of counterfeit Shure E2c and E4c earphones were seized as well as counterfeit earphones of other brands, including Audio-Technica and JVC. These raids have been officially reported and published on the public website of the Shanghai AIC. The penalties to be imposed by the Shanghai AIC are still being determined.

“The Shure brand carries with it a promise of quality and performance,” said Sandy LaMantia, President and CEO of Shure. “Counterfeit Shure products do not live up to that promise, and that damages the value of our brand. We are fiercely committed to working with international agencies and with other brands to fight the spread of counterfeit products and halt this kind of criminal activity.”

“Shure encourages customers to purchase our products only from authorized Shure dealers,” added Man. “These sellers can be found in the ‘Where to Buy’ section of www.shure.com/asia. Customers should be highly cautious of Shure products that are priced unreasonably low at retail outlets online.”

In addition to anti-counterfeiting actions in China, Shure has also been continuing forceful efforts in other parts of Asia, Europe, South America, the Middle East, Africa, and the United States to cease intellectual property violations.

Crestron Releases New QuickMedia® Receiver

QM-RX1-2G Delivers AV Signal Routing and Control in a New Low Profile, Compact Design

ROCKLEIGH, NJ, June 1, 2009 - Crestron unveils its QM-RX1-2G receiver, the latest addition to the QuickMedia (QM) family of AV transport solutions. QM integrates 16 separate cables into a single CAT5-type wire, streamlining presentation system design and installation. Upon receipt of the QM signal the QM-RX1-2G outputs the AV signals- which can include HD, high-res computer graphics and four channels of 24-bit digital audio - to the display device. With built-in display control, audio DSP and stereo amplifier, the QM-RX1-2G provides complete connectivity for a display device, screen, lift, and speakers, and eliminates the need for outboard audio processing.

Perfect for installation behind a flat panel display or above a ceiling mounted projector, the QM-RX1-2G mounts simply onto a standard 2-gang US, UK, or European electrical box. Bidirectional RS-232 and IR/serial ports enable full control of the display device without additional wiring, and two relay ports are included on the QM-RX1-2G to control a projection screen or lift. Signal routing occurs automatically, based on the input source selected at the QM transmitter.

A digital input port can accommodate a room occupancy sensor or power sensor for enhanced automation and monitoring. Connections for the display device and speakers are all positioned on the top and bottom of the receiver, while the QM cable and screen/lift connectors are behind the unit within the electrical box. The QM-RX1-2G is available in black or white.

Crown Expands Range Of Class Leading Fixed Installation Amplifiers With CDi 6000

ORLANDO, Florida -- Further proving its ability to offer sound integrators the best available solutions for power amplifiers in fixed installation applications, Crown Audio today introduced the CDi 6000 amplifier, the fourth amplifier in the CDi series.

“The CDi 6000 provides an unmatched combination of processing, power and a competitive price that makes it the clear leader in its class. The new CDi 6000 is a reflection of our commitment to providing integrators with the greatest range of options for power and scalability for the challenges that each individual installation presents,” stated Brian Divine, director of marketing for touring and installed sound for Crown.

The CDi 6000, like the other amplifiers in the series, has the ability to run both low-impedance two-, four- and eight-ohm loads as well as 70- and 140-volt outputs. The amp also features 20 available presets that can be recalled at the touch of a button. All CDi amplifiers can be controlled and configured through Harman HiQnet™ System Architect™.

All CDi Series amplifiers feature an intuitive front panel LCD display that guides installers through their configurations. All amps in the CDi series also offer onboard DSP for loudspeaker signal processing. Other features include a switch-mode universal power supply, useful function indications, proportional-speed fan-assisted cooling, removable Phoenix-style inputs, as well as barrier strip outputs for 70V/100V/140V loads. Equipped with Crown’s extremely light and efficient universal switch-mode power supply, each of the four CDi models weigh only 19 pounds and can be conveniently and reliably run off of a standard 15-amp outlet.

Power output ratings on the CDi 6000 are as follows:

• 3000W per channel at two ohms
• 2100W per channel at four ohms
• 1200 per channel at eight ohms
• 2500 per channel at 70V
• 6000W in bridge-mono mode at four ohms
• 5000W in bridge-mono mode at 140V

Crown is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com). Harman International designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets, and maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, employing more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the
New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across the Harman Pro Group and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Shure UHF-R, Wireless Workbench 5.0 Software on Parade at Carnaval

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, March 24, 2009 — Last month, thousands of dancers in full make-up and bright costumes, along with hundreds of elaborate floats accompanied by musicians and rolling PA trucks blasting samba music marched down Rio’s famed Sambódromo in celebration of this year’s Carnaval. Song after song, samba school after samba school, Shure microphones took charge of vocalizing the passion of the week-long event that marks the beginning of Lent.

Televised globally by Rede Globo, the fourth largest broadcaster in the world, Carnaval is a giant celebration where samba schools, which consist of thousands of performers, compete for bragging rights as the official winner of Carnaval. The schools prepare all year for this one performance where they are meticulously judged on their costumes, choreography, floats, music, harmony, and overall theme. Because music and harmony play such an important role in the outcome, and due to the hectic outdoor RF environment, all of the bands that performed chose Shure wireless microphones to accompany them on their kilometer long, one-hour performance.

Representatives from Shure worked with Pride Music, Shure’s Brazilian Distributor, to provide RF coordination and technical support for Rede Globo and Gabisom, Brazil’s largest live sound company. They successfully coordinated and monitored the use of more than 78 channels of wireless frequencies using Shure Wireless Workbench (WWB) 5.0 software and UHF-R wireless receivers.

“Our goal was to give full-time technical support to the Gabisom team by managing and monitoring RF using an external scanner that talks to Shure’s Wireless Workbench software,” said Marinho Alves, Sales Manager for Pride Music. “Because of the constantly changing RF environment, the Wireless Workbench RF scanner and backup frequency features were critical in allowing us to recognize and respond to any RF problems, as the trucks accompanied the performers down the Sambódromo.”

In all, 30 UHF-R channels, 12 UHF wireless microphone systems using SM58® and Beta 58A capsules, and 12 PSM®700 personal monitor systems accompanied the schools on their performances without a failure, thanks to daily frequency scans and coordination by Alves and Gabriel Benitez, Training and Education Manager for Shure.

“During one of my Wireless Workbench scans, I noticed two intermittent DTV stations and one of those channels landed right on one of the UHF-R handheld transmitters,” said Benitez. “Since this occurred during one of the performances and there weren’t any spares available, there was no chance to swap it out or reprogram the transmitter. Fortunately, UHF-R is an extremely agile wireless microphone system, so we didn’t experience any dropouts.”

Shure at the 44th Academy of Country Music Awards

UR/SM58 Wireless Stands as the Evening’s Favorite

NILES, IL, April 20, 2009 — Once again filling the MGM’s Grand Garden Arena, the 44th Academy of Country Music Awards drew Nashville’s hottest acts to the glittering desert oasis, where Shure wireless proved to be the choice of a number of artists performing at the annual event.

“From an audio and RF standpoint, Shure’s UHF-R® Series and the SM58® capsule continued to provide us with maximum stability and flexibility,” production mixer J. Mark King said, commenting on the stage blueprint responsible for capturing the night’s live performances. Giving credence to King’s statement, the show opened with Brooks and Dunn, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, and other A-list artists, all using UR/SM58 wireless to sing a medley of hits.

Shure endorser Heidi Newfield and her UR/SM58 mic took the stage shortly thereafter, as did Toby Keith, who broke slightly with the night’s established standards by singing into a UR/KSM9 wireless handheld mic. Falling back into the gravitational pull of the UR/SM58 like iron shavings orbiting a powerful magnet, George Strait, Lee Ann Womack, Keith Urban, and Shure endorser Montgomery Gentry each took their turn in the spotlight, as did Carrie Underwood, who sported additional dazzle by bringing her custom-studded UR/SM58.

The show’s UR/SM58 highlight, however, came when Trace Atkins relied on the mic to sing “Till the Last Shot’s Fired” accompanied by the West Point Glee Club, who were also captured by UR/SM58s. Rascal Flatts closed the evening with “Here Comes Goodbye,” done with — you guessed it — UR/SM58s.

Certainly no stranger to this awards show, Burbank, California-based ATK Audiotek managed RF coordination and all other logistical aspects of implementing the wireless systems. Comprised of some of Nashville’s best studio musicians, the house band included Brent Mason on electric guitar, Glenn Worf on bass, Paul Franklin on steel guitar, Eddie Bayers on drums, and Steve Gibson on acoustic guitar. Not to be left out of the action, Shure hardwired mics figured prominently in the performances in the form of KSM32s on overheads, Beta 98s on toms, and SM57s on snare and guitar amps. Newcomer Jamey Johnson sang on a hardwired SM58, the same choice of John Rich.

“The strong showing of all these Shure products was gratifying,” noted Ryan Smith, Shure’s Regional Artist Relations Manager, who flew in from Nashville for the event. “I am also thankful to the artists and crews behind the scenes who showcased our products.”

Audio-Technica mics featured at Rock Hall induction

For the 12th year in a row, Audio-Technica microphones were chosen to outfit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. A-T supplied more than 50 mics to capture audio for the event held in Cleveland’s Public Hall.

The 24th annual induction ceremony of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was held on April 4, 2009, with inductees including guitarist Jeff Beck, R&B vocal group Little Anthony & the Imperials, heavy metal legends Metallica, hip-hop pioneers Run-D.M.C., soul/gospel singer-songwriter-guitarist Bobby Womack, “Queen of Rockabilly” Wanda Jackson, and instrumentalists/sidemen Bill Black, DJ Fontana and Spooner Oldham. The show was broadcast live on Fuse and www.fuse.tv.

Audio-Technica’s acclaimed Artist Elite® 5000 Series UHF Wireless System was used with the AEW-T5400 handheld microphone/transmitter for frontline vocals on performances by Little Anthony, Wanda Jackson and Bobby Womack. Metallica used A-T AE5400 Cardioid Condenser Microphones for their vocals. A combination of wireless AEW-T5400s and wired AE5400s was used for vocals in the show’s finale, which featured Metallica and Jeff Beck, along with Jimmy Page, Ron Wood, Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea, in an all-star jam of the Yardbirds’ take on the blues classic “Train Kept A-Rollin.’”

The backline mic complement of A-T wired microphones included AE2500 Dual-Element Cardioid Instrument Microphone for kick drum and guitar cabinets; ATM450 Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone for piano; AE5100 Cardioid Condenser Instrument Microphone for hi-hat and audience; ATM350 Cardioid Condenser Clip-On Microphone for toms, horns and strings; ATM250 Hypercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone for toms; AT4047/SV Cardioid Condenser Microphone for guitar cabinets; AT4050 Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone for overheads; ATM25 Hypercardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone for toms; and AT4055 Handheld Cardioid Condenser Microphone for horns.

The technical staff for the induction ceremony was made up of professional audio industry veterans. Mitch Maketansky returned as Audio Coordinator this year, organizing and assigning all the inputs and microphones for the event. Frenchtown, New Jersey-based remote recording specialists Music Mix Mobile, the company responsible for both recording the program and mixing the live feed for broadcast, used its M3 remote truck with Jay Vicari as Music and Broadcast Mixer, mixing the event’s audio onsite. Al Centrella was the Production Mixer, Tony Blanc was Front-of-House (FOH) Engineer and Tom Holmes was the Monitor Mixer. Joel Singer served as Audio Engineer-in-Charge (EIC) and Pro Tools Engineer.

Jay Vicari remarked, “I continue to choose Audio-Technica wired and wireless microphones for high-profile broadcast events because of their fidelity, overall reliability and consistency from microphone to microphone. When dealing with a complex production such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, things can get pretty hectic, but being able to depend on A-T’s sound quality makes my life a lot easier."