While the d&b DS10 Audio network bridge and new QSC Q-SYS plug-in attracted plenty of attention, it was the far field noise immission modelling software, NoizCalc, that ultimately stole the show with a PLASA Award for Innovation.
Hans Metger presented the game changing technology to the judges: "With NoizCalc d&b hopes to raise awareness of how important the subject of offsite noise 'immisions' is to the future of open air events. Noise sensitivity in communities surrounding these sites is a big issue, but with NoizCalc, PA companies now have a fighting chance to assess their sound systems ahead of time, and take measures to reduce any negative impact on the neighbours. Receiving this award shows how important solving this issue is for the industry."
Meanwhile in a seminar session entitled Democracy for listeners, the next level, d&b GB's Oran Burns guided an attentive audience through the latest line array technology. Elsewhere, in The Exploratorium, colleague Bill Brooks fascinated visitors with his acoustic experiment Head Space. And, taking every opportunity to talk about the latest d&b solutions Adam Hockley helped deliver Audinate's Dante day of discussion and discovery around the Dante protocol.
"There was a great energy to this year's show," commented Gianni Abruzzese, commercial manager for d&b GB. "By joining forces with our sales partners, we wanted to make connecting with d&b easier for our customers and for visitors to leave knowing and feeling confident in the companies they can buy from and work with.
"It's also been especially rewarding to be so involved in the events programme - contributing to the training and education of our industry is a big part of the d&b philosophy."
(Jim Evans)
