Harman brands JBL, Soundcraft and AKG chose NAMM 2014 as the launchpad for some major new gear releases.

Here's a round-up on the main product debuts from the three audio giants, which includes line array loudspeakers, subwoofers, digital consoles and wireless microphone systems...

JBL Professional

JBL Professional introduced the VTX V20 dual ten-inch line array loudspeaker (pictured) and VTX S25 cardioid-arrayable dual 15-inch subwoofer.

Both offer the same sonic clarity, high power density and precise coverage as the V25, S28 and G28, but in more compact form factors.

The VTX V20 features a true three-way system design with proprietary D2 Dual Diaphragm Dual Voice Coil compression driver and Differential Drive low frequency transducer technology, along with ultra-linear motor technology employed for midrange components.

The VTX S25 sub utilises a pair of the same 2000-Watt continuous, 15-inch Differential Drive transducers employed in the full-size V25, ensuring the same sonic signature, while enabling V20 and S25 arrays to be used for outfill, centre cluster or delay system applications in conjunction with main left/right V25 arrays.

JBL also launched the new LSR310S powered studio subwoofer optimised for use with the firm's 3 Series studio monitors. Rounding out the 3 Series range, the LSR310S subwoofer extends the low-frequency response of the system into the 20 Hz range.

Soundcraft

Soundcraft strengthened its popular Si Performer Series of consoles with the Si Performer 1 – the smallest Si Performer to date.

The new model (pictured, left) has two Option Card slots available for ViSi Connect Expansion cards, 80 inputs to mix, Soundcraft's patented FaderGlow and Channel Displays for instant mix status, as well as the DMX interface and control – allowing for simultaneous control of light and sound – all in a single 19-inch rackmount console.

It offers the same mix power as the Performer 2 and 3 consoles, but with 16 mic pres and 16 faders.

The Realtime Rack is also new from Soundcraft – an extensive library of UAD plug-ins from Universal Audio compatible with all Soundcraft Vi Series consoles. The Realtime Rack is a 1U enclosure capable of processing up to 16 channels of a MADI stream, while additional units can be added for 32, 48 or 64 channels.

Realtime Rack hardware and software allows Vi users to integrate Universal Audio’s UAD Powered Plug-Ins with ultra-low latency, and have full snapshot store and recall within the desk's CUE/Snapshot system.

AKG

AKG used the NAMM Show to debut the WMS420 wireless system, a versatile and high-performance single-channel wireless system designed for schools, town halls, houses of worship and other small venues.

The company claims to have set new feature, performance and quality benchmarks for the single channel market with this new release, enabling customers to select from four specialised product packages: Vocal Set with AKG D5 handheld microphone; Head-worn Set with AKG C555L; Lavalier Set with AKG C417 and Instrument Set with AKG MKG L cable.