With utility and flexibility in mind, the design of the new Y-Series from d&b audiotechnik presents both point source and line array modules. The Y7P and Y10P point source and the Y8 and Y12 line source loudspeakers each feature two 8" drivers with neodymium magnets mounted in a dipolar arrangement around a 1.4" compression driver. All models are passively crossed over, keeping amplifier channels to a minimum.
The Y-Series line array modules bear more than a passing resemblance to their larger cousins, the V and J-Series. All three Series have the same rigging design in common, while the new Y8 and Y12 share the familiar 80° and 120° horizontal dispersion characteristics, with horizontal dispersion control down to 500 Hz. In keeping with the V and J tradition the Y-SUB is of course cardioid, can be ground stacked or flown, and extends frequency response down to 39 Hz.
While sharing the same LF driver arrangement, the Y7P and Y10P incorporate a rotatable CD horn on the 1.4" compression driver to enable deployment either horizontally or vertically, offering 75° x 40° and 110° x 40° (h x v) respectively. These point source loudspeakers are complimented by the B6-SUB, a single 18" bass-reflex design with a frequency response down to 37 Hz.
Yi installation specific versions were not shown at PLASA, but are available for all Y-Series models and designed for permanent applications, differing only in cabinet construction and mounting hardware. Naturally the Y-Series conforms to the d&b workflow comprising ArrayCalc simulation software, R1 Remote control software and d&b amplifiers.
As sponsors for the Technical Theatre Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sound, d&b were delighted to present the award to Dominic Bilkey who is currently sound and video operations manager of The Lyttelton at the National Theatre. Steve Jones, from Education and Application Support at d&b GB, who presented the award, explains why. "Dominic's theatrical CV reads like a seminal list of British theatre: the RSC, Royal Court, the Young Vic and yet he still finds time to work with smaller companies and produce critically acclaimed sound designs. It is this commitment to 'grassroots' theatre that gained him his nomination. His award is thoroughly well deserved."
The d&b workflow was the title of d&b's seminar in this year's Professional Development Programme. It coalesces the seamless integration of ArrayCalc simulation software, the R1 remote control software and d&b amplifiers. Just along from the d&b audiotechnik stand, SSE Audio Group were offering visitors the opportunity to explore these component parts of the trilogy at their leisure.
Stephen 'Oggi' Hogg, MD of d&b audiotechnik GB elaborates: "Our contribution to the Professional Development Programme this year focused on the d&b workflow. Oran Burns emphasised the unique integration of d&b ArrayCalc simulation software, the R1 Remote control software and d&b amplifiers. By exporting data from one program to the other, the user no longer needs to manually input information into R1, meaning that the task of system planning and implementation is far less time absorbing. Less time in prep, more time in the pub."
(Jim Evans)
