Califone has announced the recent upgrade of the powered PI30 and PI30-PS Array loudspeakers to include two new outputs – one that will allow multiple units to daisy-chain together and another that will enable one unit to control the output of any of the other units linked to it.

The Array loudspeakers incorporate design principles that provide improved focus of output on the intended coverage area and off of surrounding reflective surfaces such as walls and ceilings.

Specifically, Califone Array loudspeakers take advantage of line array and column design principles to attain tight pattern control of the mid and high frequencies critical to intelligibility, making them ideal for a wide range of commercial applications. Array loudspeakers offer a specified frequency response of 250 Hz to 12 kHz; they can attain verified sound pressure levels of 93 dB (1W/1m); and dispersion is -3 dB at 120 degrees (off axis). The additional outputs will only further their usefulness to commercial sound designers.

“The line of Califone Array speakers was developed to provide installers with functional models for commercial applications,” explains Tim Ridgway, vice president of marketing. ” The self-powered versions are ideal for larger conference room settings and provide the added benefit of being capable of interfacing with whiteboards and projectors. The new outputs make the PI30 and PI30-PS much more installer friendly and easier to use in even larger applications.”

The PI30 and PI30-PS are loaded with three 3.5-inch cone drivers featuring high-energy Neodymium magnet structures and ¾-inch voice coils. These components are housed in durable ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic enclosures, with rugged steel grilles protecting the drivers. The compact enclosures measure just 12.5 inches (h) by 5 inches (w) by 4.5 inches (d), and total system weight is less than 5 pounds. A heavy duty companion steel mounting bracket, with swiveling capability for more flexible and precise positioning, is also supplied.

The self-powered units incorporate an onboard power amplifier tailored to work optimally with the loudspeakers. In addition to the two new outputs, these models also provide dual line-in and RCA ports, volume control and microphone functions. The PI30 also includes a UHF wireless system offering 16 selectable channels. (There is also a non-powered version available which is included with the company’s acclaimed Infrared Audio Enhancement System.)

The onboard AC power supply is universal, providing 100-volt to 240-volt operation for problem-free use anywhere in the world.

The new PowerPro™ SD from Califone is a completely self-contained portable PA system that now includes built-in support for the MP3 audio format as well as Secure Digital memory cards.

Prior to the new SD version (model PA-916SD), the PowerPro Series already offered a myriad of onboard source options, including two UHF 16-channel wireless microphone systems, variable speed cassette player/recorder, and a programmable CD player accommodating both CD and CD-R/RW formats. It also includes two microphone inputs (each with volume control) and a set of stereo RCA jacks that for connecting external audio sources or recording devices.

In the PowerPro SD, all of this source capability has been furthered with the addition of a high-speed USB 2.0 port for connecting MP3 players or flash memory card devices, a port for Secure Digital memory cards as well as 512 MB of available on-board memory. As a result, the unit can also act as a portable recording device, with presentations delivered through the system able to be stored on an SD memory card or USB storage device and then transferred to a computer for post-production and preservation.

“The PowerPro SD was developed to meet the changing needs of how end-users play and store audio,” explained Tim Ridgway, VP Marketing. “The advent of portable MP3 players created an opportunity for Califone to integrate these features into a portable PA device. The ability to record and play MP3 as well as wav files means speeches, presentations and ceremonies can be automatically outputted to an SD card – a feature the rental market has been requesting.”

Sound can be tailored with onboard volume, bass and treble controls, with a volume/mute remote control also included. Voice Priority feature automatically lowers music volume for announcements, and returns to full volume afterwards.

All of this capability is housed in a durable reinforced polypropylene package that also includes a powered two-way loudspeaker with a 10-inch woofer (with 2-inch voice coil) and 4.25-inch cone driver (with 1-inch voice coil), both housed in a bass-reflex enclosure tuned to 50 Hz protected by a sturdy steel grill. The unit also features a beefy 40 oz magnet, which is the heaviest in its speaker class. All components are fed by a specially tailored amplifier delivering 90 watts (RMS) of power.

The PowerPro SD operates on universal AC (110/220-volt) power, as well as DC power supplied by the onboard rechargeable battery which holds up to 6 hours of charge. Conveniently located LEDs on the front panel show power, RF and audio reception. The package is outfitted with large 3.5-inch wheels and four-position retractable handle for convenient transport, with a pole-mount cup facilitating easy stand-mounting.

PowerPro SD also provides wireless transmission at distances of up to 300 feet to an unlimited number of PowerPro Wireless Companion loudspeakers. The unit also has an active bus circuit that can be used to connect two additional units in a conventional wired fashion, with each unit still retaining independent volume control.

All of the companies UHF products are universally compatible making it easy to expand systems as needed. The full line UHF loudspeakers, 16-channel transmitters/receivers and wireless mics work together seamlessly.

The PowerPro Series offers a wide range of options, including a variety of wired and wireless microphones, companion loudspeakers, mic stands, loudspeaker stands and more.

About Califone
Founded in 1947, Califone is a leader in the design, development and manufacturing of a full line of audiovisual and supplemental products for use in education, presentation and professional AV markets. Califone products exceed customer expectations in both installed and portable applications at houses of worship, corporate AV, schools, parks and recreation, government, and other commercial market segments as well.

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CalifonePro.com is the company’s new website designed specifically for audio professionals. The new site features Califone products with a proven demand from the professional audio marketplace. Long known for its roots in educational audio, Califone is expanding its marketing and sales direction to include the professional audio marketplace.

“We’re very proud of the reputation we have developed in the education market,” notes Tim Ridgway, VP Marketing at Califone. “At the same time we can’t help but acknowledge the demand from the professional market for quality, portable, wireless PA systems, wireless array loudspeakers and audio enhancement systems – the very products that Califone has excelled at creating for the education market. It only makes sense to expand our direction to include audio professionals and tailor our information to their needs on a new website.”

Product, dealer and support information is all easily accessed on the site. There is also a news section for those looking to keep up with Califone announcements that pertain to the industry.

“We plan to continue to expand the website as user’s needs become more apparent,” Ridgway adds. “It’s an evolving process and we’re excited to be starting it.”

The new site can be found at http://www.califonepro.com

The Midland Independent School District (MISD) in Midland, Texas, recently purchased Califone PowerPro PA916A systems for each of the 24 schools in their district.

The PowerPro PA916A systems were acquired with federal funds from a three-year Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant awarded to the district in 2005. A recent study had shown that 42 percent of Texas students were overweight or at risk for becoming overweight – a higher percentage than overall U.S. rate reported.

Each of the PowerPro PA916A systems consist of one PowerPro master unit (PA916), a powered wireless companion speaker (PA916-PS), wired and wireless microphones as well as a tripod to serve the many needs of the physical education teachers.

“The number one wish our physical education teachers had was to use this grant money to purchase portable sound systems,” explains Gwen Smith, the PEP Grant Coordinator for the district. “Amplification systems would allow our teachers to focus on instruction and activity at hand, instead of constantly trying to catch the attention of 45-75 students.”

The PowerPro master unit, the PA916, offers a myriad of onboard source options, including two UHF 16-channel wireless microphone systems, variable speed cassette player/recorder, and a programmable CD player accommodating both CD and CD-R/RW formats. It also includes two microphone inputs (each with volume control) and a set of stereo RCA jacks that for connecting external audio sources or recording devices.

The PowerPro also provides wireless transmission at distances of up to 300 feet to an unlimited number of PA916-PS companion loudspeakers. The PA916-PS has the added benefit of being used as a stand-alone wireless PA, essentially giving each school two wireless speakers to use separately on a daily basis, or to be used together for larger events.

Sound on each of the PowerPro units can be tailored with onboard volume, bass and treble controls, with a volume/mute remote control also included. Voice Priority feature automatically lowers music volume for announcements, and returns to full volume afterwards.

“We had a pretty tough laundry list of requirements for the system we needed,” Smith notes. “It had to be completely wireless and have loudspeakers that could be placed far apart. It also had to be transportable, easy to set-up for non-tech savvy users, come with wireless microphones and work outdoors. I was amazed that the PA916A had everything we needed as well as a reasonable price point. I couldn’t have asked for more and the teachers are delighted.”

All of this capability is housed in a durable reinforced polypropylene package that also includes a powered two-way loudspeaker with a 10-inch woofer (with 2-inch voice coil) and 4.25-inch cone driver (with 1-inch voice coil), both housed in a bass-reflex enclosure tuned to 50 Hz protected by a sturdy steel grill. The units also feature a beefy 40 oz magnet, which is the heaviest in its speaker class. All components are fed by a specially tailored amplifier delivering 90 watts (RMS) of power.

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About Califone
Founded in 1947, Califone is a leader in the design, development and manufacturing of a full line of audiovisual and supplemental products for use in education, presentation and professional AV markets. Califone products exceed customer expectations in both installed and portable applications at houses of worship, corporate AV, schools, parks and recreation, government, and other commercial market segments as well.

The new Array line of loudspeakers from Califone incorporate design principles that provide improved focus of output on the intended coverage area and off of surrounding reflective surfaces such as walls and ceilings.

Specifically, Califone Array loudspeakers take advantage of line array and column design principles to attain tight pattern control of the mid and high frequencies critical to intelligibility, making them ideal for a wide range of commercial applications. Array loudspeakers offer a specified frequency response of 250 Hz to 12 kHz; they can attain verified sound pressure levels of 93 dB (1W/1m); and dispersion is -3 dB at 120 degrees (off axis).

“The line of Califone Array speakers was developed to provide installers with three functional models for commercial applications,” explains Tim Ridgway, vice president of marketing. “The non-powered PI30-SP is ideal for smaller sized meeting rooms, while the two self-powered versions, the PI30 and PI30-PS, work well in larger conference room settings that benefit from loudspeakers capable of interfacing with whiteboards and projectors.”

All Array loudspeakers are loaded with three 3.5-inch cone drivers featuring high-energy Neodymium magnet structures and 3⁄4-inch voice coils. These components are housed in durable ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic enclosures, with rugged steel grilles protecting the drivers. The compact enclosures measure just 12.5 inches (h) by 5 inches (w) by 4.5 inches (d), and total system weight is less than 5 pounds. A heavy duty companion steel mounting bracket, with swiveling capability for more flexible and precise positioning, is also supplied.

Three models make up the Array line. Models PI30 and PI30-PS are self-powered, incorporating an onboard power amplifier tailored to work optimally with the loudspeaker. Both of these models are outfitted with dual line-in and RCA ports, volume control and microphone functions, with the PI30 also including a UHF wireless system offering 16 selectable channels.

The onboard AC power supply is universal, providing 100-volt to 240-volt operation for problem-free use anywhere in the world.

Model PI30-SP, available at a dramatically reduced cost, is non-powered and does not include the additional input and control features.

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About Califone
Founded in 1947, Califone is a leader in the design, development and manufacturing of a full line of audiovisual and supplemental products for use in presentation and professional AV markets as well as the education market. Califone products exceed customer expectations in both installed and portable applications at houses of worship, schools, parks and recreation, corporate AV and other commercial market segments as well.

Product Photo