PreSonus Dante Networking Available for StudioLive AI Loudspeakers

October 20 2014, 08:00
PreSonus started shipping its StudioLive AI Loudspeaker range at the end of 2013. The new line includes the full-range StudioLive 312AI, 315AI, and 328AI 3-way powered speakers and the StudioLive 18sAI powered subwoofer. All models use custom drivers, Class-D amplifiers, wireless and wired networking and communications with powerful DSP to create a unified working environment. The StudioLive AI-series speakers incorporate Fulcrum Acoustics’ TQ Temporal Equalization algorithms, using multiple, fully addressable Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filters to eliminate horn reflections and to correct linear time and amplitude anomalies in coaxial systems.

Collaborating with Fulcrum Acoustics’ co-founder, Dave Gunness, PreSonus software designers incorporated custom TQ algorithms with dynamics processing, FFT tools, and performance monitoring into the onboard DSP.

Now, PreSonus’ SL-Dante-SPK upgrade option card for StudioLive AI-series Active Integration loudspeakers is also available, making StudioLive AI-series the first Dante-enabled active loudspeakers on the market. The SL-Dante-SPK card houses one Ethercon connection for Dante audio networking and remote control via the free SL Room Control application for StudioLive AI-series loudspeakers.

With the new option, Dante-enabled StudioLive AI-series 3-way active loudspeakers allow creating a complete, networked audio system with any Dante-enabled mixer using a standard 1 GB Ethernet switch and Audinate’s Dante digital-media networking technology, which offers no-hassle, self-configuring, true plug-and-play digital audio networking.

Users can also connect non-Dante mixers, such as a first-generation StudioLive, to the analog inputs of a Dante-equipped AI loudspeaker and then broadcast the signal over the Dante network using CAT5 cables. This makes Dante-enabled StudioLive AI an ideal solution for large FOH systems.

The Dante upgrade works with StudioLive 312AI, 315AI, 328AI, and 328i loudspeakers and the StudioLive 18sAI subwoofer. It is available from PreSonus dealers and from the StudioLive AI Loudspeaker Accessories store, with an expected MAP/street price of $199.

New StudioLive 328i Loudspeakers
Recently, PreSonus also announced its new StudioLive 328AIActive Integration Loudspeakers, two new cabinet versions and companion accessories designed specifically for installation. Available in white and black, StudioLive 328i cabinets are built for flown installations without handles and pole mounts. Internal grille cloth masks the drivers so that they blend seamlessly into their environments. A companion yoke mount is also available, as is an update to PreSonus’ SL Room Control speaker-management software that allows the user to turn off the front-panel blue power-status LED.

In all other respects the new StudioLive 328i-W (white) and 328i-B (black) are identical to the StudioLive 328AI. The compact, powered, 3-way loudspeakers rely on a custom-designed, 8-inch coaxial speaker with a 1.75-inch titanium compression driver to reproduce the mid and high frequencies and dual 8-inch ferrite speakers for low-frequency reproduction. Triamplified, Class D power amplifiers deliver a combined 2,000 watts of power.

Each speaker includes a USB Wi-Fi LAN adapter as well as the SL-Control-SPK option card to connect to SL Room Control software over a wireless network. SL Room Control is an impressive system-configuration application for Mac OS X, Windows, and iPad that provides both individual and grouped speaker control and includes graphic and parametric EQ, 8 notch filters, muting, soloing, and level control, in addition to performance monitoring (real-time temperature, click detection, and excursions). All parameters are automatically stored in the User layer onboard the loudspeaker. A network-setup wizard is included to quickly connect each speaker to a wireless network.

The included SL-Control-SPK option installed in each speaker can be replaced with the SL-Dante-SPK Dante option card or an AVB option card (expected Q2 of 2015).
Each StudioLive 328i speaker has a combo XLR/TRS line input and an XLR microphone input with an XMAX Class A mic preamplifier and 12V phantom power, as well as an XLR audio throughput. All enclosures are of lightweight plywood construction and include M10 fly points.
www.presonus.com/products/StudioLive-AI-Series
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