BPG Inc. is pleased to introduce d&b audiotechnik to our rental inventory. "We continually invest in the development of our inventory and pride ourselves on the service and presentation of our equipment," 

says BPG President Chris Briere. "Although a number of BPG's clients have expressed an interest in using the new d&b systems, we are also looking forward to developing new relationships and forging stronger links with other members within the rental network. As one of the most recent members to join the d&b audiotechnik family we see the benefits and savings with this product and its packaged systems approach." The following models are now available: d&b audiotechnik J8, J12, JSub, B2 Sub, Q1, Q7, QSub, M4, M2 and D12 amps.

The Black range has a focus on performance applications requiring maximum flexibility, versatility and speed of deployment, especially when mobility is a key factor. d&b systems have been used globally for many years in both mobile and installed situations to fulfill performance requirements, or more specifically, the technical demands of artists, performers and presenters. The Black product range covers a spectrum of technologies and sizes ranging from the C-Series horn loaded point source loudspeakers, the diminutive E-Series point source loudspeakers, the J-Series large line array, the Q-Series medium line array, T-Series small line array and point source, right through to Stage monitors. The Black range also caters for deployment in fixed installations with special options and versions engineered for these situations. The D6 or D12 amplifiers not only provide power, but along with the d&b Remote network enable control and monitoring of a large number of system functions.

Q1 loudspeaker

The Q1 is a two-way loudspeaker housing two 10" LF drivers positioned in a dipolar arrangement and a 1.3" HF compression driver fitted to a toroidal wave shaping device. The 75° constant directivity horizontal dispersion pattern is maintained down to 400 Hz, while the vertical HF dispersion of 15° allows the Q1 to be used to construct vertical columns that produce a curved coherent wave front. The mechanical and acoustical design of the cabinet enables vertical splay angles to be set between 0° and 14°. Q1 cabinets can therefore be used in vertical configurations starting from two cabinets with a 15° to 30° dispersion, up to twenty cabinets with a fully user and venue defined vertical profile. The Q1 cabinet is constructed from marine plywood, incorporates a pair of handles and has an impact resistant paint finish. The front of the loudspeaker is protected by a rigid metal grill covered with replaceable acoustically transparent foam, and two NL4 connectors wired in parallel are mounted on the rear panel.

Q7 loudspeaker

The Q7 is a 75° x 40° two-way loudspeaker housing two 10" LF drivers and a 1.3" HF compression driver with a rotatable constant directivity horn and a passive crossover network. The two 10" neodymium LF drivers are positioned in a dipolar arrangement providing exceptional vertical dispersion control with the nominal angle being maintained down to 400 Hz. The Q7 with the horn rotated is used to mount the loudspeaker horizontally where space is limited, or the maximum horizontal pattern control is needed and when added to the bottom of Q1 arrays. The Q7 can be used as a stand-alone full range system, in combinations with other Q-Series cabinets ground stacked, or mounted on a high stand with a swivel bracket. They can also be combined in flown array systems. The Q7 cabinet is constructed from marine plywood and has an impact resistant paint finish. The front of the loudspeaker cabinet is protected by a rigid metal grill, covered with a replaceable acoustically transparent foam. The cabinet incorporates a pair of handles and mounted on the rear panel are two NL4 connectors wired in parallel.

M2 monitor

The M2 is a 2-way high performance stage monitor, with a peak sound pressure level of 143 dB. Its design uses a low height cabinet, achieves a constant directivity of 45° x 60° > 600 Hz and significantly raises the feedback stability margin. Together with the cabinets baffle angle of 40° (to floor), the dispersion performance offers a realistic artist listening area starting directly above the cabinet and reaching quite far upstage. The result is a loudspeaker system with remarkable vocal presence, clarity and neutral, balanced sound. The M2 cabinet is constructed from marine plywood, incorporates handles and has an impact resistant paint finish. Two fittings, which accept ball-lock shackle pins, are located on each side of the cabinet allowing quick and flexible rigging.

M4 monitor

The M4 is a 2-way high performance stage monitor that produces 134 / 138 dB SPL when driven passively with the D6 / D12 respectivly or 140 dB SPL when driven actively with the D12. The constant directivity dispersion of 50° x 70° (h x v) delivers an accurately defined coverage area on stage and when used upright it is transformed into a powerful PA system with a dispersion suitable for a variety of applications. The M4 cabinet is constructed from marine plywood, which incorporates the handles, and has an impact resistant paint finish. It has two M10 threaded inserts on each side panel to enable quick and flexible rigging and a socket to accept loudspeaker stands. Two runners recessed in the bottom panel protect the cabinet from scratching and prevent movement.

B2 subwoofer

The B2 is d&b's most predominate subwoofer and with its high output bandpass horn design and extremely high SPL it is ideal for extended bass requirements. It is configurable to be either an infrabass for the C4, Q1, and J system or a high output, extended range subwoofer. It is also configurable as a cardioid subwoofer.

QSub 

The Q-SUB is an actively driven low compression bass-reflex loudspeaker fitted with a high excursion 18" driver. d&b SenseDrive technology is available when powered by the D12 amplifier. The Q-SUB is mechanically compatible with the Q1 and Q7; ten sockets in the front grill and side panels for Q-Series rigging components permit use in various combinations, either flown or ground stacked. The Q-SUB cabinet is constructed from marine plywood with an impact resistant paint finish, a pair of handles, four heavy duty wheels and an M20 threaded flange in the top panel to accept a loudspeaker stand. The front of the loudspeaker cabinet is protected by a rigid metal grill covered with replaceable acoustically transparent foam, and two NL4 connectors wired in parallel are mounted on the rear panel. Two runners protect the bottom of the cabinet from scratching, these locate in correspondingly shaped recesses in the top panel to prevent movement when stacked. Fittings for securing an optional transport lid are also provided.

R1 Remote control software 

R1 Remote control software is a graphical drag and drop user interface enabling the construction of a screen based virtual control surface for d&b systems, using the d&b Remote network. All major features, functions and controls available on the front panel of the amplifiers may be remotely controlled and/or monitored using R1. The architecture of R1 allows control of each channel of the amplifier as a single entity and enables the creation of groups of loudspeakers in as little, or as much detail as required by the application. When grouped together, a button or fader can control the overall system level, zone level, equalization and delay, power ON /OFF, MUTE and loudspeaker function switches such as CUT/HFA/HFC or CPL.

In mobile applications, system engineers may use the remote network to verify and tune the system. System check and device diagnostics enable detailed monitoring as and when required, before, during, or after a show. In installation projects system integrators can configure R1 to offer access to different levels of control tailored to the operational demands. For example, simplified functionality for daily use and more complex functionality when multiple applications are required within one installation. Input and Load monitoring coupled with automatic error messages allow installation operators to ensure the optimum performance at all times.

ArrayCalc 6 

For both acoustical and safety reasons d&b line arrays must be designed using the d&b ArrayCalc calculator, a simulation tool for planning system configurations. This includes defining the quantity and optimum aiming of loudspeakers, calculating subwoofer arrays and the time alignment of these to the main arrays, documenting weights and overall dimensions of arrays as well as producing printable rigging plots and parts lists. ArrayCalc calculates and displays the physical parameters of up to fourteen individual arrays including the mechanical load conditions within a column, load safety information and load values for rigging points, warnings are displayed should an overload occur.

ArrayCalc uses a sophisticated mathematical model synthesizing each loudspeaker's wave front with an array of narrowly spaced point sources. Using complex data (phase information) level distribution is calculated in multiple frequency bands for up to three main audience areas and optionally for side seating tiers. ArrayCalc also calculates resulting dispersion of horizontally arrayed subwoofers at different LF bands and the delay values to achieve desired far-field coverage. The display of the phase responses of both Main and Sub Array at a selectable test point allows an applicable time alignment to be defined between flown and ground stacked parts of the system.