Four loudspeaker families were presented - the new STM Series of modular line array cabinets, scalable for audiences from 1,000 to 100,000; the Geo S12 all-purpose compact line array; the radical 45-N-12 stage monitors, shaped like a wedge of Brie; and the classic PS Series.
But in prime position was Nexo's NUAR or Universal Amp Rack, filled with technological innovation and functionality. This is a scalable amplification solution for all Nexo concert systems, encouraging inventory standardisation among Nexo users and facilitating cross-hire opportunities.
The Nexo Universal Amp Rack contains two NXAMP4x4 amplifiers, a new Digital Patch Unit (DPU), an intelligent output patch panel, a new Digital Meter Unit (DMU), an intelligent input patch panel providing digital communication with the NXAMP, and an optional network card, Dante or EtherSound by request. The NXAMP digital processors and amplifiers are now available in a dual-voltage version for touring applications.
In September, Nexo starts shipping its first STM systems, previewed in Frankfurt, and this was the first showing anywhere in the world of the new S118 sub bass cabinet.
The STM system is supplied road-ready, paired with the NUAR and its plug-and-play digital patches, real-time system monitoring and control network functionality. Each NUAR will feed 12x STM modules in any combination in groups of three.
"The modularity of STM makes it truly all-purpose," says Nexo's concert sound specialist Stuart Kerrison, explaining that the badge STM stands for Scale Through Modularity. "A rental provider can scale up his system from just six cabinets a side for a small event, to whatever is needed to handle an arena or stadium application. Even large flown arrays of main+bass+sub are so low-profile that they comply with sightline restrictions for broadcast concerts and events."
A first for NEXO, the main and bass cabinets are injection-moulded for maximum durability and weather-resistance. Technical director Francois Deffarges is proud of the system's bass and sub bass provision, this being one of Nexo's traditional strengths. "Our extremely powerful Bass cabinet has a frequency response which overlaps that of the Sub and Main modules, providing a valuable increase in LF headroom. With the Sub, we can achieve a similar SPL output to our CD18 unit, using just one 18" driver. And there are advantages in use; two subs can be used back-to-back in cardioid mode, or side-by-side in omnidirectional mode."
Speaking on the final afternoon of the show, Nexo's sales director Denis Baudier said the show had been "very good", for the company, with a particularly strong international attendance. He added: "A lot of our export customers are coming here, so with PLASA coming six months after ProLight&Sound in Frankfurt it's a great opportunity for us to talk with them about their view on the second part of the year. In fact, we have possibly seen more international visitors than UK."
(Lee Baldock)
