Press Releases

archived press releases
Date:
February 2007
November 2006
October 2006
May 2006
May 2006
February 2006
January 2006
January 2006
January 2006
November 2005
August 2005
June 2005
June 2005

Contents:
Ashly Audio Releases VCM-88C Eight Channel VCA Controller -->
Ashly Audio Upgrades Analog EQ's, Mixers and Signal Processors -->
Ashly Audio Releases CobraNet Option Module for PE-Series Amplifiers -->
Ashly Audio Appoints Three Representative Firms -->
Ashly Audio Selects Four Representative Firms for Camco -->
Ashly Audio Introduces SRA-Series and TRA-Series Amplifiers -->
Bill Woods Joins Ashly Audio -->
Three New Firms To Represent Ashly Audio -->
Ashly Audio Establishes Camco Representation Network For The United States -->
Ashly Audio Releases DSP Option Cards for PE-Series Amplifiers -->
Ashly Audio Appointed Exclusive U.S. Distributor for Camco GmbH -->
Ashly Audio Introduces Ethernet Remote Controlled Amplifiers -->
Ashly Audio Announces Licensing Agreement with Camco GmbH -->


February 2007
Ashly Audio Releases VCM-88C Eight Channel VCA Controller

Webster, NY -- Ashly Audio Inc., has released the VCM-88C Eight Channel VCA Controller. The VCM-88C is intended for installations that include houses of worship, boardroom, nightclub, school auditoriums, as a personal monitor mix, or anywhere remote control of individual levels is required. To assure tamperproof operation, all front panel controls are recessed and all connections and power on/off are located on the rear panel.

Housed in an all-steel, 1RU chassis, the eight fully independent channels provide limiting, remote level control and mixing. Each channel has separate ¼” TRS input and output jacks for patching into line-level signal paths. The VCM-88C controls individual channel and master levels with a range of +20dB to –75dB. It is also possible to pass a channel’s input directly to its output jack, eliminating the need for extra “Y” cables when daisy-chaining. Additionally, each input can be internally routed to one or more channel inputs, particularly useful when used for distributed zone applications. The VCM-88C also has a master output providing a summed output of all channels allowing the unit to function as a fully contained eight-channel remote controlled line level mixer. By itself, the VCM-88C functions as a precise eight-channel limiter.

There are many different ways the VCM-88C can be controlled from a remote location. The optional RD-8C or RW-8C will control each channels output level with the ability to mute the outputs with a pushbutton switch over a distance of up to 1000 feet. An RS-232 port allows for computer-controlled operation using Ashly’s Protea System Software or third party system controllers. DC control of the eight VCA channels and master attenuation provides a simple and cost-effective method for custom control using 10K ohm potentiometers.

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November 2006
Ashly Audio Meets RoHS Requirements / Upgrades Analog Signal Processors

Webster, NY – In the spring of 2006, Ashly Audio faced the challenge to become RoHS compliant. As of July 1, 2006, all Ashly products manufactured and sold are in full compliance with the RoHS directive.

During the redesign period, we evaluated our analog signal processors and mixers. Ashly capitalized on the redesign process and made improvements to the circuitry and cosmetics. Circuit design changes affect the power supply and any products with pseudo balanced outputs. All of the new analog processors and mixers now incorporate a universal switching power supply which operates from 100 - 240VAC, 50/60Hz. By eliminating the power transformer and replacing it with a switching supply, S/N specs have improved and the product is lighter. All outputs are now servo-balanced. Other changes include: moving the power switch to the rear panel, the panel color has changed from gray to charcoal, all products have an inside rack depth of eight inches, and the power LED is blue.

The upgraded products are the GQX-1502, GQX-3102, MQX-2150, MQX-2310, LX-308B, MX-206, MX-406, MX-508, CLX-52, VCM-88C, XR-1001, XR-2001, and XR-4001.

During the evaluation of the products, some were discontinued. These are the GQX-3101, MQX-1310, PQX-571, PQX-572, DLM-821, CLX-51, DPX-100, DPX-200, VCM-88 and VCM88E. The VCM models are replaced by the VCM-88C; the circuit board is now SMT and the feature sets of both the 88 and 88E have been combined. All audio connections on the new VCM-88C are 1/4" TRS.

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October 2006
Ashly Audio Releases CobraNet Option Module for PE-Series Amplifiers

Webster, NY – Ashly Audio, Inc., has expanded its input module options for the PE-Series Amplifiers with the introduction of the PNE-C2 CobraNet module. The PNE-C2 accepts both analog inputs and CobraNet digital audio at either 48 kHz or 96 kHz sample rates and provides two analog output signals to the amplifier as well as auxiliary analog outputs for daisy-chaining multiple amplifiers. The PNE-C2 can replace any PE-Series amplifier’s standard input module when CobraNet is a requirement of the system. The module is easily replaced in the field, or factory installed when ordered.

In addition to CobraNet functionality, the PNE-C2 also has remote level control and remote standby accessible on standard euroblock connectors. Ashly’s Ethernet control protocol via Protea-ne Software providing access to many features, including: input attenuation, channel mute, channel polarity, input level, output voltage, output current, clipping, temperature status, and power on/off.

· Supports CobraNet primary and secondary Ethernet connections
· Selectable latency of 1.33, 2.66 or 5.33ms across network
· 16, 20, and 24-bit CobraNet digital audio input at 48 KHz or 96 KHz
· Ethernet control and monitoring of basic amplifier functions

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May 2006
Ashly Audio Appoints Three Representative Firms

Webster, NY – Ashly Audio, Inc., manufacturer of signal processing equipment and power amplification for the commercial sound contracting and professional audio markets has strengthened their sales force by appointing three new independent representative firms.

The new firms are: Lienau Associates, Inc. for the Mid-Atlantic region, Quest Marketing for the South-East region excluding Florida and Monfort Electronics Marketing for the Indiana/Kentucky region.


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May 2006
Ashly Audio Appoints Four Camco Representatives

Webster, NY – Ashly Audio, Inc., the exclusive North American Distributor of Camco amplification products, has selected four new independent sales representative firms for Camco GmbH in the United States.

Lienau Associates, Inc., located in Clarksville, Maryland and several satellite offices, will represent Camco in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the District of Columbia.

Monfort Electronics Marketing, located in Indianapolis, Indiana will represent Camco in Kentucky and Indiana.

Quest Marketing, located in Miami Beach, Florida with several satellite offices will represent Camco in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Mississippi.

STP Marketing, located in Madison Wisconsin, will represent Camco in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Contact information

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February 2006
Ashly Audio Introduces SRA-Series and TRA-Series Amplifiers

Webster, NY – Ashly Audio, Inc., announces the release of two new series of amplifiers for the commercial and corporate installation markets. The SRA- and TRA-Series of amplifiers incorporate switch-mode-power supplies and Class-D amplifier circuitry, providing an extremely power-efficient solution. Four models in each series are available in two and four channel configurations with power ratings of 75W and 150W per channel. Features common to both series include: convection cooling, extremely low noise, an internally switchable 120V/240V power supply, extensive protection circuitry, euroblock inputs and screw terminal outputs.

SRA-Series amplifiers are housed in a compact 1RU chassis weighing only 10 lbs. and are designed to drive four or eight ohm loads. Front panel features include: level attenuators for each channel, signal present and clip alert status LEDs for each channel. Rear panel features include: rear panel switches to select between two choices of input sensitivity, HPF frequencies and normal or bridged mode, remote power turn-on/off and adjustable turn-on delay up to eight seconds. Two-channel versions have a stereo headphone jack located on the front panel.

TRA-Series amplifiers are housed in a 2RU chassis with the capability to drive four or eight ohm loads and transformer coupled 70V and 100V lines simultaneously. The coupling transformers are internally mounted. Front panel features include: mains power switch and an LED signal level meter indicating –24dB, -18dB, -12dB, -6dB, -3dB and clip alert for each channel. Rear panel features include: level attenuators for each channel, rear panel switches to select between two choices of input sensitivity and HPF frequencies, remote power turn-on/off and adjustable turn-on delay up to eight seconds.

SRA Product Information
TRA Product Information


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January 2006
Bill Woods Joins Ashly Audio

Webster, NY -- Ashly Audio Inc., is pleased to announce the appointment of Bill Woods as the newly appointed National Sales Manager, Camco Division of Ashly Audio. Prior to joining Ashly, Bill entered the professional sound market as Sales Manager at Shuttlesound, one of the leading distributors within the UK of professional audio equipment. After a decade with Shuttlesound, Bill joined Turbosound and in 1999 became their Director of Sales.

"Bill brings energy, ethics, communication skills, a great background in professional sound, and a strong desire to accomplish expected results," states David Parse, CEO of Ashly. "His involvement with overseeing the launch and distribution of Camco products in the United States will be a great benefit to all."

"Ashly Audio has provided a home where I can apply my expertise in the professional audio marketplace for the Camco sales effort," says Woods. "I'm looking forward to building new relationships within the sound reinforcement community and introducing them to the Camco line of amplifiers."

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January 2006
Three New Firms To Represent Ashly Audio

Webster, NY -- Ashly Audio Inc., has appointed three new independent sales firms to represent Ashly Audio's signal processing and amplifier lines.

The Mid-Atlantic territory including: Deleware, Maryland, Virginia, Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the District of Columbia will be serviced by Audio Associates headed by Joe Blacker.

In the Northeast, Benchmark Audio Sales headed by Perry Lengyel will service Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Accounts in Upstate and Northern New York will be serviced by Eaton Sales, headed by Charlie Eaton. Contact information for these firms may be found here.

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January 2006
Ashly Audio Establishes Camco Representation Network For The United States

Webster, NY - Ashly Audio, Inc., the recently appointed exclusive North American Distributor of Camco amplification products, has established its independent sales representative network for Camco GmbH in the United States.

Dave Parse, CEO of Ashly Audio states, "We are committed to effectively promote and distribute one of the world's most respected amplifier manufacturers. These firms have been chosen to represent the Camco Vortex and Tecton amplifiers to the touring and installation markets in the United States based on their strength and diversity in all aspects of professional audio."

The new Camco rep firms are: Samuel K. Macdonald, Inc., Peter E. Schmitt Company, Henry W. Phillips Co., Sound Vision Marketing, Avcom, Inc., Online/CRM, HMR Manufacturer's Representatives, Spoiled by Technology, Eakins/Bernstein & Associates, Dick Bellew Sales, Pearson & Pearson Marketing, Vector Corporation, The SG Group and GLS Marketing. Contact information for these firms may be found here.

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November 2005

Ashly Audio Releases DSP Option Cards for PE-Series Amplifiers

Webster, NY - Ashly Audio, Inc., announces the release of two DSP Option Cards for the PE-Series amplifiers. Proteane DSP Option Cards use a SHARC 200MHz, 32-bit floating-point processor and operate from 48 to 96kHz with a 24-bit AD/DA. The Proteane DSP-1 XLR version and Proteane DSP-2 Euroblock version offer both analog and digital (AES3) inputs and two additional processed output channels for driving two more amplifier channels.

Proteane DSP cards have an extensive DSP library including: graphic, parametric, notch and shelving equalization filter types, Bessel, Butterworth and Linkwitz/Riley high and low pass crossover filters with slopes of up to 48dB/octave and all pass filters for phase correction. Additional processing blocks include: signal delay, compressor/limiter, gate, matrix mixer, signal generators (sinewave, white and pink noise) and metering.

A "Click and Hot-Plug" user interface allows you to select any processing block and place it wherever required in your signal chain. The process is seamless and in real time, with no need to wait for your system to recalculate or recompile its settings.

By adding a Proteane DSP Option Card to your PE-Series amplifier, you have just simplified system implementation for many applications in live sound, commercial sound reinforcement and installations. Best of all, standard Ethernet protocol, a PC and Ashly's easy to understand and navigate Proteane Software is used to control everything. Several layers of security control allow you to determine who can access system settings and also define the limitations of that access.

In addition to the Ethernet control, remote control via hard-wire and contact closure terminals to accommodate requirements for local operation is provided. These include remote level control, power standby/power down and recall of up to three presets.

Installation is quite simple. Or, PE amplifiers may be ordered direct from the factory with either DSP Option Card already installed.

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August 2005

CAMCO AND ASHLY AUDIO TIE THE KNOT IN NORTH AMERICA

Leading independent power amp manufacturers CAMCO GmbH and Ashly Audio Inc. have teamed up together in the USA to offer a single comprehensive catalogue of amplification and signal processing products, backed by an adventurous approach to technological innovation.

From 1 August 2005, Ashly Audio is stepping into the role of North American importer and distributor of CAMCO amplifier products, a union of boutique brands from opposite sides of the Atlantic which bucks the recent trend of large corporate marriages. The CAMCO range of power amplifiers and networkable DSP products dovetails comfortably with the Ashly Audio portfolio.

With more than thirty years of history, Ashly Audio Inc. is recognized as a world leader in the design and manufacturing of quality signal processing equipment and power amplification for use in the commercial sound contracting and professional audio markets. In Germany, CAMCO GmbH has been making amplifiers since 1983, and has become an influential player at the highest level of professional touring and installed sound, one of the first developers to advocate and implement Ethernet control using standard devices.

CAMCO International Sales Director Mick Anderson is struck by the enthusiasm of the Ashly Audio team, led by CEO Dave Parse. "This is the first time Ashly has taken on representation of a third-party product line," says Anderson, "and there are many reasons why it is such a mutually beneficial arrangement. Not only does Ashly Audio have an excellent skills base, but it also has a philosophy which truly interlocks with CAMCO's own. On a practical level, Ashly has a strong presence in the sound contracting market, and the tools to expand it using elements of the CAMCO range: in turn, top-end products like CAMCO's Vortex Series high-power pro amplifiers will provide Ashly's sales network with access to new markets in professional touring."

Ashly Audio CEO Dave Parse continues: "I am thrilled that Ashly has the opportunity to increase our level of involvement with a company of such high caliber. With this new exclusive United States distribution agreement with CAMCO, Ashly will be able to effectively expand CAMCO's presence in the professional sound marketplace."

Ashly Audio will present the CAMCO range for the first time at the fall AES in New York City, October 7-10. Existing and potential users of CAMCO amplifiers will have the opportunity to hear them before the show, provided they are lucky enough to have tickets to see Oasis, one of Europe's biggest-selling bands this year, on the North American leg of their world tour in September.

Further information from:
Ashly Audio, Inc.
Tel: 585.872.0010
www.ashly.com
Email: camcoinfo@ashly.com

CAMCO GmbH
Tel: +49 2762 4080
www.camcoaudio.com

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June 2005

Ashly Audio Introduces Ethernet Remote Controlled Amplifiers

Webster, NY – Ashly Audio, Inc. announces the introduction of the PE-Series remote controlled amplifiers. PE-Series (Protea Enabled) amplifiers are high-power, high-efficiency, lightweight amplifiers incorporating the latest in power and control technologies. Each amplifier can be controlled and monitored through the built-in Ethernet port using Proteane Software™. Proteane gives users access to many features, including: input attenuation, channel mute, channel polarity, input level, output voltage, output current, clipping, temperature, and power on/off. The 800, 1200, 1800, 2400, 3000 and 3800 are low impedance amplifiers ranging in power from 400 watts to 1900 watts per channel at 4 ohms (20Hz-20kHz, 0.05% THD). All models will drive 2, 4 or 8 ohm loads. All amplifiers are 2RU, weigh 20 pounds and utilize a state-of-the-art, efficient, high speed switched mode power supply. Additionally, DC voltage control of the input level and remote power on/off are standard features. Input connections are via XLR-1/4” Neutrik combo connectors and 6-pin Euroblock. XLR male connectors are also provided for looping to additional amplifiers. Output connectors are locking Neutrik Speakon and 4 position screw terminal strip with safety cover. Switches on the rear panel include a selectable HPF (Out, 30Hz and 50Hz), Clip Limiter (Off, Slow, and Fast), Input Ground Lift, Gain (26dB, 32dB and 1.4V) and Operation Mode (Stereo, Bridged Mono and Parallel Mono). Optional 32 bit/96kHz Proteane DSP cards can be installed as needed. Proteane DSP cards feature analog and digital (AES/EBU) inputs, and two additional processed output channels to drive additional amplifier channels. When your next project requires high performance amplifiers with superb sound, reliability, Ethernet remote control and more, Ashly Audio’s PE-Series power amplifiers have been designed to meet the needs of both portable and installation applications.

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June 2005

ASHLY AUDIO ANNOUNCES LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH CAMCO GMBH

Webster, NY – Ashly Audio, Inc., announces that they have reached a technology licensing agreement with Camco GmbH, a German manufacturer of state of the art amplifiers. Under the terms of the agreement, Ashly Audio will incorporate Camco technology into the design of their new power amplifiers.

Utilizing the licensed technology, Ashly will manufacture, market, and distribute new power amplifiers to the professional and commercial audio markets. These amplifiers will include Ethernet control using standard devices and protocol, as well as sophisticated digital signal processing.

David Parse, CEO of Ashly Audio stated, “Power amplification and audio component control are two of the most important functions in today’s audio system designs. With our new amplifiers, Ashly will provide significant advantages in the design and control of these systems. By combining Ashly DSP technology with Ethernet control and applying this amplifier technology, we have created an easy to use, integrated audio tool providing designers the ability to configure and control complex audio systems.”

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June 2005

Ashly Selects Avcom, Inc. for Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania

Webster, NY-- Ashly Audio Inc., manufacturer of signal processing equipment and power amplification for the commercial sound contracting and professional audio markets has strengthened their sales force by appointing Avcom, Inc. as the new independent representative for Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. <Contact information>

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