At Activate Winter 2022, QSC expanded its portfolio with new Q-SYS network I/O expanders, microphones and other software solutions.

Costa Mesa, Calif.-based QSC recently announced 15 new products at its Activate Winter 2022 event, held on February 13, 2022. QSC is of course, a provider of scalable and flexible solutions for entertainment, collaboration and commercial AV applications.

Q-SYS Scaling licenses will enable integrators and IT administrators to expand DSP processing power and application-specific features on the Q-SYS Core Nano and Core 8 Flex. The licenses utilize the flexible software-based architecture of the Q-SYS Platform. With this, Q-SYS users can upgrade and customize the Q-SYS Cores to meet the evolving needs of specific applications and use cases.

“The Q-SYS Core OS was designed to utilize the processing power of an Intel-based hardware platform, which continues to increase processing power and headroom to support current and future features and capabilities. As we introduced our latest Q-SYS Core processors, including the Core Nano and Core 8 Flex, we were able to once again take advantage of the latest improvements in hardware speed, performance and overall processing capabilities,” says TJ Adams, vice president, systems product strategy and development.

Adams adds that the new licenses fulfill the company’s commitment to innovation at the software layer. According to him, they also provide a simple path to additional processing resources. This gives customers greater flexibility and granularity with their Q-SYS systems to support future growth and emerging applications needs.

The Collaboration Bundle Scaling License for the Core Nano and Core 8 Flex increases Q-SYS capabilities in meeting spaces. This new software add-on license expands the maximum AEC processing capabilities and available Softphones. It also adds support for up to six Q-SYS NM Series NM-T1 network microphones. Additionally, it releases additional all-purpose DSP hardware processing power and expands the network audio channel capacity to 128×128. This enables the Q-SYS Core Nano and Core 8 Flex to easily scale into larger, high-value spaces such as divisible spaces or multi-purpose rooms.

The Q-SYS Commercial AV Bundle Scaling License for the Q-SYS Core Nano and Core 8 Flex is tailored for background music and paging applications where medium to larger sized Core processors were typically required. This license expands the all-purpose DSP processing power and increases networked audio channel capacity to 128×128. It also increases the Media Streaming channel capacity to 24×24 and Q-SYS peripheral capacity to 48.

Also Read: QSC Launches New Q-SYS Video and Control Products

Moreover, users can add the new feature sets at the software layer at any time with a simple license activation. Thus, it does not require additional processing hardware, making it similar to the Q-SYS UCI Deployment and Scripting Engine licenses.

The Q-SYS NM Series NM-T1 is a tabletop PoE network microphone that features advanced beamforming technology. It also has four software-configurable zones and up to 360-degree coverage. Thus, it allows designers to minimize noise and refine intelligibility for optimal collaboration experiences. The NM-T1 also enables users to easily manage meetings with a fully programmable RGB LED light ring for visual indication of microphone mute state. It also features touchless operation. For this, it has an integrated proximity sensor that activates with a simple hand wave over the microphone.

All processing on the NM-T1 is centralized on the Q-SYS Core processor. This provides processing flexibility and headroom for additional field-deployable microphone enhancements via software now and into the future. For example, the new Q-SYS Collaboration Bundle scaling licenses for the Q-SYS Core Nano or Core 8 Flex enables users to scale up and scale out their Q-SYS installation unlocking processing resources to allow for additional NM-T1 microphones and/or other software-based features.

The NL Series loudspeakers for Q-SYS offer three enclosure types. All deliver optimal speech and music reproduction to any modern collaboration space. Per a statement, the Q-SYS NL-SB42 is QSC’s first soundbar. It is a 4-inch, two-way network PoE soundbar optimized for front-of-room audio in either horizontal or vertical orientations.

Additionally, the Q-SYS NL-P4 is a 4-inch full-range pendant-mount PoE network loudspeaker to accommodate open-ceiling installations. Meanwhile, the Q-SYS NL-C4 is a 4-inch ceiling-mount PoE network loudspeaker for blind-mount finished ceiling applications.

QSC adds that NL Series models feature sleek, elegant designs with complimentary sonic characteristics. This makes it possible for users to mix-and-match form factors to fit the unique needs of any space. Furthermore, integrators can utilize QSC’s Intrinsic Correction to simplify the tuning process. For this, they can use built-in custom QSC loudspeaker voicings delivered by Q-SYS. All NL Series models are PoE and PoE+ capable. Thus, they deliver audio data, power and control over a single network connection. This then reduces traditional cabling infrastructure costs and complexity while expediting deployment.

As native Q-SYS Products designed to work seamlessly together, the NM Series microphone, NL Series soundbar and TSC Series Gen 3 touch screen controllers benefit from the new Q-SYS Call Sync technology. This automatically syncs mute state, call controls and LED status indicators across compatible Q-SYS Products, major UC platforms and calling systems (VoIP/POTS) enabling a simplified collaboration experience without the need for complicated programming. Q-SYS Call Sync will be available in the upcoming Q-SYS Designer Software v9.5.

“These introductions continue the expansion of the Q-SYS portfolio towards more IT-friendly solutions that deliver a true end-to-end IP based Q-SYS system for virtually any dynamic collaboration space,” says Josh Arnold, senior product manager, QSC. “The idea was to deliver flexibility and simplicity for integrators and end users alike, while leveraging the unique software-based power of the Q-SYS OS to drive a truly unique approach to the collaboration space and allow system flexibility as room needs change and evolve.”

The QIO Series includes three Audio I/O models and three Control I/O models. Each supports a specific connectivity type. Additionally, all are designed to support distributed, centralized or hybrid networks and processing architectures. This way, the I/O expanders enable designers to decouple the location of device I/O from the audio, video and control processing. It also expands the I/O customization possibilities of the newer Q-SYS Core processors that have fewer onboard I/O options. These include the Core Nano, Core 8 Flex and NV-32-H (Core Capable). All models feature a compact form factor that can be rack- or surface-mounted.

Furthermore, the audio I/O models feature professional mic/line level inputs with +48 VDC phantom power and/or line outputs. This ensures high performance and compatibility, along with microphone detection on inputs to enable monitoring, usage statistics and failure notifications.

Control I/O models add IR, serial or GPIO connectivity to integrate control over a wide variety of devices into any Q-SYS system.

With the QIO Series, integrators can daisy-chain up to four Q-SYS QIO devices on a single network run (with local daisy-chained DC power). This helps consume fewer network ports, avoid rack clutter and easily expand I/O in the future without pulling additional network cables. Alternatively, the QIO Series are also PoE capable. Thus, they provide simple, single cable connectivity when devices are not daisy-chained.

“The new Q-SYS QIO Series are an ideal extension of the Q-SYS Core processor capabilities and gives integrators the ability to add non-networked devices into any Q-SYS system quickly and easily using the familiar Q-SYS Designer Software,” says Trent Wagner, audio product manager, QSC. “Furthermore, integrators have the ability to tailor product placement to the specific needs of almost any installation expanding design options to serve the widest range of applications while simultaneously reducing system complexity and installation costs.”

The Direct Weather Landscape Series includes the AD-DWL.180 loudspeaker (180-degree directional coverage) and the AD-DWL.360 loudspeaker (360-degree directional coverage). These enable designers to address individual space requirements by directing sound where it’s needed most. Meanwhile, the companion AD-DWL.SUB subwoofer enriches and extends the low-frequency sound profile. All models feature tamper-resistant base support. They also have a subtle green enclosure to match most landscaping aesthetic. The enclosure is also paintable to allow for further customization.

For ease of installation, all loudspeakers in the AD-DWL Series share the same footprint for easy adjustments. They also provide a direct-to-concrete or in-earth base support for a secure permanent installation. In addition, the loudspeakers are built to endure the harshest outdoor environments. For this, they feature a durable polypropylene/fiberglass construction and stainless-steel hardware featuring an IP-55 (Ingress Protection) rating.

The AcousticDesign Series Direct Weather Series offers the same premium sonic characteristics as the rest of the AcousticDesign Series, making it possible for users to mix-and-match between form factors to fit the unique needs of almost any application. Integrators can also take advantage of QSC Intrinsic Correction to simplify the tuning process with built-in custom QSC loudspeaker voicings via the Q-SYS cloud-manageable audio, video, and control Platform or CXD Series amplifier platforms.

“Creating a sonically pristine outdoor listening experience has become increasingly important in many applications,” says Daniel Sanez, amplifier product manager, QSC. “AD-DWL expands the AcousticDesign Series to all types of weather, and is part of a flexible system designed to work together seamlessly to provide a premium sound experience.”

Click on “View Slideshow” on upper-right corner for images of all QSC products.

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