In previous years, EML has been using BSS speaker management systems, but, according to Patrick Demoustier, the older generation of fixed-point processors is now struggling to deliver the processing power demanded by line arrays like the Adamson system used by EML. After an extensive period of researching the market, Demoustier has chosen the new Intelli-X digital speaker management processor, which tested just ahead of a comparable unit from Australian manufacturer Lake Technology.
"The decision was guided by three critical factors," explains Demoustier. "Firstly, the interface on the Apex Intelli-X is much more user-friendly than others, and it does allow you to control certain functions from the front panel rather than using the software control program on a laptop. For a company like EML, where we are often supplying systems for smaller jobs, which don't justify a laptop computer, this was an important distinction between Intelli-X and other alternatives. The Apex Intelli-X has four analogue and digital inputs and eight analogue outputs and houses a huge amount of DSP power. We can switch between digital and analogue on the input section, without having to buy additional input cards, so this gives us flexibility and represents good value for money. "The third factor is the communication between the machine and the user interface. With some processors, you can do something on the computer and you just have to guess whether it is happening in the machine. Intelli-X is completely WYSIWIG; you are 'inside' the machine, or, to put it another way, the PC is a remote screen for the processor."
EML Productions has a long-standing relationship with fellow Belgian company Apex, having offered valuable input to the development of the Intelli-Q equalizer. After field-testing the Intelli-X for three months, mostly on the European tour of Night at the Proms with Joe Cocker, EML was able to make a fully informed decision. The IX48 Intelli-X is a 24 bit/48kHz, single rack-space, four input, eight output equalizer and loudspeaker management system that provides all of the processing required between the mixer outputs and the amplifier inputs. Designed to handle all live and installed sound applications, the networkable Apex Intelli-X features very extensive parametric and graphic EQ, filtering, delay, and output limiting options simultaneously on all outputs, with flexible crossover and matrix configurations. Every input has a user-settable delay, a 30-band graphic EQ, an eight-band full parametric EQ and 2 shelving EQ's. The 4 x 8 matrix has no routing limitations and so can be freely configured to suit all professional needs. Every output has a user-settable delay, high- and low- pass filters including Butterworth, Bessel and Linkwitz-riley types at all available slopes, two shelving EQ's, an eight-band full parametric EQ, a fully-adjustable limiter and phase reversal. All these processes are simultaneously available all the time, so there is no need to allocate processing power.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
