Product Reviews

Roland VR-5 AV Mixer Recorder with Streaming - everything you need in a single device

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Roland VR-5 AV Mixer Recorder with Streaming - everything you need in a single device
 
Finally! How I wish this product would have been available 10 years ago. Heck, even 6 months ago, this would have made a difference in how we designed certain systems. 
 
Roland boasts of the VR-5 “effortless live video, production, recording and streaming.” All of that has been available, but it’s never been rolled into an easy to use and affordable package, until now. 
 
A month or so ago, we got the first peek the new Roland VR-5 AV mixer. It features three video inputs with stereo audio (S-video or composite video), a direct PC input with audio, and two external audio inputs.
 
According to Roland, the VR-5 is “The world’s first USB Video/Audio Class supported AV mixer.” What does that mean?

Read more: Roland VR-5 AV Mixer Recorder with Streaming - everything you need in a single device

 

MyMix Personal Mixing and Recording System Reviews

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What's better than us reviewing a product?  How about about 10 other people from around the world?  To get the scoop, click here to read the reviews.  For more product information, click here or call us at 800-747-7301. 

   

EV LiveX vs. QSC K-Series Shootout

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by Mike Sessler, ChurchTechArts.org

Speaker shootout

Our setup for speaker testing


One of the most interesting (at least to me) announcements at NAMM was EV’s new line of self- and un-powered speakers, the LiveX. They were a direct shot at QSC’s K-Series, and come in at a compelling price point; roughly $200 a box less than a comparable K-speaker. Based on the demo we heard in their small demo room, I was very interested. This was a timely announcement as we are in the process of upgrading our PA in our student room. The existing JBL Eons are just not doing it, and it’s time to make a change. Though we were told the speakers were in stock and ready to ship, that turned out to be marketing-speak. It took a few months of wrangling, but the truck finally delivered two palates of speakers to my dock. It was an exciting day.

Since the K-series is sort of the new standard in this category, it seemed fitting to compare the LiveX to those.

Read more: EV LiveX vs. QSC K-Series Shootout

   

Sanyo PLC-WK2500 - Wide-format projection, under $800.

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My job is pretty cool.  I get to work with new gear, I get to help you find solutions, and I usually get paid to do it, so thank you! 

For the past couple years, I've been waiting for a wide-format projector for small venues - one that's affordable.  As you know, television is wide format, computers are wide format, but many projectors are standard 4:3, and there's still a good reason to stay there, instead of changing out your switcher and your screens.  However if you're just starting out, here's at least one very compelling option for a new wide-format projector. 

The Sanyo PLC-WK2500 is Sanyo's newest ultraportable wide-format projector.  At 2500 ANSI lumens and with a 3000:1 contrast ratio, you'll find it to be extraordinarily effective for screen sizes of about 5x8' and smaller, with lights on.  The PLC-WK2500 features WXGA (1280x800) resolution.  That's a 16:10 wide format image.  DVD and video is typically 16:9, so that content will display at full width. 

Last July, we featured an article entitled "Go Widescreen" and it explains some of the visual benefits to wide-format projection.  At the time, I'll bet that we didn't have a wide-format machine under $1200 or so, but this one is under $800 and it works really well.  The PLC-WK2500 doesn't have a wireless network interface, but it has great video performance for smaller auditoriums, boardrooms and classrooms.  Chief makes a mounting kit for it, so getting it up in the air is a breeze, and it uses standard analog video interfaces via VGA, component, composite or s-video.  Some of those require an adapter cable.  

I almost forgot, if you are in a boardroom or small classroom, you might not need a PA system.  The WK2500 has a microphone input and a 10W amplifier with speaker.  That's just a bonus.   

All in all, if you're looking for a wide-format projector at a reasonable price, you've found it.  Sanyo PLC-WK2500  $795.95

   

Control StudioLive mixers with multiple iPads!

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With their new free iPad app, "front of house" can be anywhere in your church!  Up to 10 praise band musicians can control their own monitor mixes.  

Introducing StudioLive Remote, the free iPad app that works with any PreSonus digital mixer.  It gives you hands-on control of channel levels, mutes, panning, EQ and more for multiple channels at once.  Click for a closeup Fat Channel view.  Tweak monitor mix levels, panning and processing.  Adjust the graphic EQ's, well...graphically.  

Combine Studio Live Remote with Capture (2-click multitrack recording program), VSL, plus Studio One artist DAW, and your church has the most versatile, affordable live mixing/recording solution ever.  

Get the whole story here. 

And then get a StudioLive.  We've got them in stock for immediate shipment!

Imagine allowing your sound technicians and your individual musicians to have control of your StudioLive anywhere in the room. Think of it as a "free" personal monitor mixer with no wires required. 

   

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