Orbital Sound Ltd

Orbital Demonstrates Latest Microphone Technologies at ABTT 2010

Orbital puts emphasis on affordable and resilient wireless microphone systems, with cost-performance advances from Da-Cappo Micro Microphones and Zaxcom's new digital transmitter

CSC Ver. 3 Show Control Software
Upping the ante for real-time show control in theatrical and live sound applications is CSC Ver. 3, which merges timeline-based graphical editing facilities with cue-list methodology and external triggering, to become one of the most sophisticated and intuitive packages currently available for the control of sound effects and cues. Sound designers can mix and layer complex WAV file sequences, shifting tracks in time with each other, while manipulating levels and output destinations using the live mixer and routing modules. Routing groups can be stored for future use, with looping and vamping easily applied via the wave display and enhanced engine. MIDI control is via standard MIDI messages, MIDI Show Control, Machine Control and System Exclusive data, and MIDI sequences can also be recorded to capture fader movements on digital mixing desks. Other facilities include event triggering via remote-control button boxes, MIDI commands and timecode, TCP/IP messages or based on the system time clock.

HM Electronics Digital Wireless Intercoms
Among the intercom systems line-up from HM Electronics (HME) was the DX121 One-to-One Digital Wireless Intercom System, which provides flexible wireless connectivity by plugging into a standard intercom station or belt-pack headset jack, or by connecting to a matrix intercom system via its four-wire interface. It enables wireless intercom links to be established quickly and easily, extending an operator's range by up to 300 metres. A single DX121 can support up to four HME remote Communicator® Beltpac or Headsets, while partial-band selection also enables up to eight DX121 wireless intercoms to be used simultaneously. At ABTT, Orbital is also showing HME's DX300, DX200 and DX100 digital wireless intercom systems, including the all-weather IP67-rated DX300 base station.

Orbital spotlighted its range of innovative stage products at this year's ABTT Theatre Show, including the latest microphone technologies – from Da-Cappo and Zaxcom. The complete line-up of products – all distributed exclusively by Orbital in the UK – included Da-Cappo Micro Microphones, Zaxcom digital wireless microphone systems, HME digital wireless intercom systems and the CSC Ver. 3 Show Control Software. These were complemented by loudspeakers from d&b audiotechnik, together with digital mixing consoles from Digidesign, and Roland RSS digital multicores and consoles. Completing the product line-up were Telex and RTS intercom systems. Orbital also presented its Noise at Work assessment service for theatres, production companies and venue managers.

Da-Cappo Micro Microphones – tiny, affordable and real-world resilient
Orbital showcased the highly affordable Da-Cappo product range at ABTT, including the DA-12 single-ear microphone and the DA-04 lapel microphone, plus the award-winning DA-15 single-ear microphone with an in-ear monitor piece. Manufactured in Australia, all feature Da-Cappo's tiny European-designed microphone capsule, which measures a discreet 2.5mm in diameter. Based on extensive research in precision-hearing instrumentation, the capsule combines market-leading engineering standards and audio performance with exceptional EMI protection, and unparalleled resilience against premature damage from the ingress of sweat and moisture, with the latter contributing to the capsules' potential lifespan in a hot, on-stage environment.

Zaxcom Digital Wireless Microphone Systems – new TRX900LT transmitter
Reflecting the small size, affordable pricing and water resistance of the Da-Cappo Micro Microphones is Zaxcom's just-announced TRX900LT digital wireless audio transmitter. Combining totally digital transmission with recording and remote control functions – for live performance or broadcast – the TRX900LT features a strong, impact-resistant nylon polymer casing, protecting the electronics from both corrosion and water damage. Capable of operation in the frequency range of the now all-important Channel 38, and its adjacent bands, the TRX900LT ensures that technology investments made by a venue or production company will still be valid long after the demise of Channel 69. The new Zaxcom transmitter also removes the risk of mid-show battery failure by offering up to 5 hours' operation from a single AA lithium cell. Complementing the TRX900LT is Zaxcom's QRX100 4-channel diversity receiver, with its intermodulation-free performance enabling large numbers of channels to be operated in close proximity.

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CSC Ver. 3 Show Control Software
Upping the ante for real-time show control in theatrical and live sound applications is CSC Ver. 3, which merges timeline-based graphical editing facilities with cue-list methodology and external triggering, to become one of the most sophisticated and intuitive packages currently available for the control of sound effects and cues. Sound designers can mix and layer complex WAV file sequences, shifting tracks in time with each other, while manipulating levels and output destinations using the live mixer and routing modules. Routing groups can be stored for future use, with looping and vamping easily applied via the wave display and enhanced engine. MIDI control is via standard MIDI messages, MIDI Show Control, Machine Control and System Exclusive data, and MIDI sequences can also be recorded to capture fader movements on digital mixing desks. Other facilities include event triggering via remote-control button boxes, MIDI commands and timecode, TCP/IP messages or based on the system time clock.

HM Electronics Digital Wireless Intercoms
Among the intercom systems line-up from HM Electronics (HME) was the DX121 One-to-One Digital Wireless Intercom System, which provides flexible wireless connectivity by plugging into a standard intercom station or belt-pack headset jack, or by connecting to a matrix intercom system via its four-wire interface. It enables wireless intercom links to be established quickly and easily, extending an operator's range by up to 300 metres. A single DX121 can support up to four HME remote Communicator® Beltpac or Headsets, while partial-band selection also enables up to eight DX121 wireless intercoms to be used simultaneously. At ABTT, Orbital is also showing HME's DX300, DX200 and DX100 digital wireless intercom systems, including the all-weather IP67-rated DX300 base station.