HH Electronics News

Base Studios Opts For HH Sound Reinforcement

BASE STUDIOS a Stourbridge based facility providing multi-media based rehearsal, recording and performance space for musicians has opted for HH, as it’s sound reinforcement partner.

 

Established in 2007 BASE STUDIOS offer a state-of-the-art music studio and live performance complex including rehearsal rooms, a 200 capacity showcase venue, a 64-track digital recording studio, live analogue recording studio and video media services.   With a client list which includes a wealth of established industry talent ranging from: UB40, Big Country, The Stranglers, Paul Young, Reef, The Wonder Stuff, Diamond Head, Ned’s Atomic Dustbin too 200+ local band BASE STUDIOS had a number of different sound reinforcement requirements it needed to satisfy.
HH was the obvious choice.
BASE STUDIOS has a number of distinct requirements for sound reinforcement.  These can be broken down in to three main areas.
Warren Evans BASE STUDIOS founder –  “The studio’s 200 capacity live room is a fully functioning venue that already attracts professional musicians and international touring bands for public concerts. A smaller more intimate space which we currently use for open mic acoustic nights and smaller intimate gigs and finally the rehearsal rooms themselves.”

Live room

BASE opted to outfit their live area with the new HH TESSEN range opting to use two TESSEN TNE-212A active cabinets coupled with 2 TESSEN TNS-118A active subs for FOH with onstage monitoring duties being handled by a series of VRM-112 passive monitors powered by 2 x SR1500 power amps housed at the FOH mixing position.  Specialist drum monitoring is handled by an additional TNE-212 housed at the rear of the stage.

Canada Dry – Acoustic area.

With a different set of requirements – but still being a performance area BASE opted for a very modular sound reinforcement system utilizing a combination of Queensberry QBC & QBH products allowing for the acoustic performers to monitor on stage effectively using a QBC712 whilst providing individual channel outs to the QBH525 for the main mix and from there to the TENSOR TRE-112 passive cabinets flown around the room with an additional TNS-215A filling out the bottom end.

Rehearsal Rooms.

BASE opted for a simple but effective set up in their rehearsal rooms utilizing QBH525 heads and VECTOR VRE-112 passive enclosures wall mounted with a VECTOR VRS-115A handling the bottom end.

BASE appreciates the “Simplicity without compromise” ethos adopted by HH.
Warren Again…
“HH offers great sounds and are so easy to use.  Bands who have been using BASE for years have commented on how on the ball HH are from a use point of view.  The all agree that HH has got everything you actually really need, everything is logically laid out and it’s impossible to get a bad sound.”
“It’s rugged and reliable and believe me the bands we have go through the facility don’t hold anything back when it comes to rehearsing”.
For more information on HH visit www.hhelectronics.com or on BASE STUDIOS visit www.basestudios1.co.uk

 

A Designers Insight into the HH Tessen Range

Philosophical by design…

The Tessen series of PA cabinets was one of the first ranges conceived in the relaunch of HH, and is central to the HH ethos.

For many years there has been a tendency for simple PA cabs to be low spec and performance, whilst high performance PA came with far more complexity, unwanted features and exorbitant prices. Companies seem to aim for big numbers and bullet points on the spec sheet rather than real practical use of their products. Patents over performance.

From our collective experience of live music and venues needs we firmly believe there is a desire for high performance PA systems that are simple to use, designed with the application in mind and offer great value for money. You need cabs that allow your audience to hear you and enjoy your performance; loudness alone is not enough, and handing round the marketing spec sheet won’t get you another gig.

In some respects there is nothing revolutionary or unique about the Tessen series. No ‘patent pending’ lightweight magnets, no complex tweeter protection networks, no esoteric drive unit designs. Every aspect of the design however features high quality components, solidly engineered and rated to exceed the requirements of real gigging musicians, and to integrate seamlessly for perfect clarity and definition.

This stripped down, ‘Simplicity Without Compromise’ approach itself can be considered revolutionary and unique.

The design process is very logical and straightforward. We start by identifying what we want, then design the cabinets, cross-overs and drive units that should meet that need.

It’s after this that the real work starts.

Prototypes are tested in the listening room, anechoic chamber, in the power test bunker, in live venues and rehearsal rooms, and out and about with bands and DJ’s.

Cabinet size, shape and internal braces are altered, often by only a few millimetres to reduce vibration, standing waves and colouration. Handles and pole mounts are moved to give the best balance. Drivers, cross-overs and cabinet tuning are optimised ‘in the system’ to give the best detail and performance. Computer simulations and acoustic measurements hold far less weight than what your ears tell you an hour into a packed gig.

The Tessen series feature 18mm plywood cabinets, ruggedly built with rebated joints and extensive bracing designed to reduce standing waves as well as panel vibration.
Despite the impressive projection and high power ratings they remain compact and manageable, making set up and tear down fast and easy and leaving the stage for you. The tough black spatter finish, coupled with wrap around steel grilles and acoustic foam front give the range understated but classic looks.

Woofers and tweeters are designed specifically for the system, and to complement each other. Massive motor structures with high quality ribbon wire coils, coupled with imported glass fibre reinforced cones and cast chassis for the woofers and 50mm Titanium domes with 1.4” exits for the tweeters ensure the cabs remain clear and uncompressed at gig levels, effortlessly translating the nuances and dynamics of your music. Each voice, each instrument and every transient is clearly reproduced making mixing simple, and giving the maximum impact to your performance.
Great drive units cannot work without the right cross-over. The cross-over not only integrates the drivers together, it also protects them if designed properly, but conversely can impart a great deal of distortion and loss of detail if not. Low rated, low cost components overheat, resulting not only in signal degradation but also changing their values and thus destroying the integration of the system.

It’s easy to design and build cross-overs that are cheaper than ours, more complex or even both. To design ones that outperform ours, especially during a gig is another story.

All of these details are however largely irrelevant. What you need is a system that reproduces faithfully everything you throw at it. A system that doesn’t compress, lose clarity and become muffled at gig levels. A system that night after night, from rehearsal room to small club to marquee to large venue sounds right and leaves your audience talking about how great the band were.

A system that sounds as crisp and clear at the end of the night as it did during soundcheck.

A system that pays for itself through repeat bookings.

We never intended the Tessen series to be cheap, but we are certain they offer unbeatable value. Simply put, if a speaker is cheaper than an equivalent Tessen cab, it isn’t as good.

Many higher priced systems will find themselves embarrassed by the Tessen series in a real world shoot-out too. The additional costs of unnecessary features and testing, and development programs to get patents that add to the spec sheet but not the performance have to be reclaimed. Ultimately however they don’t make the performance better.

Tessen. A sound investment.

The Tessen range includes 3 Hi-Mid / full range cabs and 2 subwoofers. All are available in active and passive variants.

HH Queensberry Combos Feature

An in depth look at using the Queenserry Range

 

Consider a small club gig; you have vocals, an acoustic guitar and a keyboard plus your backing tracks. You need a small monitor next to you, and a mixer to get the balance right and send a signal to the house PA. You also want a separate output so you can record your performance for reference later. Imagine walking in with a combo slightly larger than a football that does all of that. And that is the most basic model in the range!

Despite its diminutive size the QBC330 combo has three discrete input channels (mic, instrument and line) plus stereo aux input and record output. Three-band master EQ, reverb, a mix output as well as individual channel outputs. These feed an impressively loud 30W amp driving a highly efficient, Kevlar reinforced HH Hunter Series 8” speaker, carefully optimised for a wide frequency response in a small cabinet. Incredibly simple to use, but more flexible and useful than combos twice the size (and price).

 

The tiny powerhouse of the QBC330 is just the entry point of this range. The larger models offer more channels, individual channel EQ and FX sends, digital effects with variable parameters, master graphic EQ’s, dual speaker cabinets and much more power. Despite all these additions they retain the simple, intuitive operation of a practise combo.

The Queensberry range of multi input / multi instrument combos were developed to provide a flexible solution to many common problems for musicians. Combos that provide flexibility and versatility, but without extensive compromises. Combos that can handle a wide range of instruments, but also voice and pre-recorded sources without degrading or homogenising the sound. Equally valid as a rehearsal system, a tuition aid, a sub mixer and monitor or even your entire PA system for solo performers and duos in small venues, the applications for the Queensberry range are endless.

Although packed with features, the Queensberry combos are straightforward and intuitive to use straight out of the box, as you would expect from HH. Effective but simple to use EQ, high quality, immediately usable effects with control of critical parameters, all the inputs and outputs needed to slot into any system. This ease of use is combined with our own purpose designed speakers and rock-solid power amplifiers to give loud, clear reproduction of whatever you connect.

Being HH products they have been designed and built to the highest standards. Rugged wood cabinets with internal bracing and acoustically optimised tuning, Kevlar reinforced woofers, illuminated controls, wrap around steel grilles, our own bar and strap handles and of course distinctive but practical HH styling. Although perfectly at home in a tuition studio they are tough enough for a life on the road. Indeed, live use was as much in our minds as tuition and rehearsals when these were being developed.

The ability to handle a multitude of different sources makes the Queensberry range indispensible for rehearsal rooms and music teachers. They are also a great investment for multi instrumentalists, keyboard players and drummers with electronic kits. Not only do they act as your personal backline and monitor, their mixing capability and extensive connectivity means you can create your own monitor sub mix through the combo whilst sending the original signal unchanged to the front of house mixer, or you can send your sub mix directly to the FOH desk (or an active cab). A whole band can get together for an impromptu jam or rehearsal with just one combo. Really the possibilities are endless.

The Queensberry Combo range includes the 3 channel QBC330, the 3 mono / 2 stereo channel QBC712 and the 4 mono / 2 stereo channel QBC825

 

HH Electronics at Shanghai Music Show in China 2011

HH Electronics in association with our Chinese distributors Great Wall Music and  SLS Music recently exhibited at the Shanghai Music Show in China 2011.

HH products were presented on two booths. HH’s booth on the Great Wall Music stand showcased the brand, whilst SLS Music’s (Lee Sheng) booth, though smaller, was utilised very well to  demonstrate the high performance and sound quality of HH products which is not easy to do in a loud Audio Hall.

The response from the crowd were extremely positive, with high number of visitors commenting on how they knew the HH brand from years past and interest in HH Electronics’ current product line-up.

Check out the pics below. Thank you again to Great Wall Music and SLS Music (Lee Sheng).

HH Electronics Thai Dealer Launch Party by MI Engineering

On 14^th October 2011, the HH Thai Distributor, MI Engineering, held a dealer launch party to introduce the new range of HH Audio and Backline Products to the Thai market. Approximately 80 Dealers and Media from all over Thailand turned up for the event. Unfortunately due to severe flooding throughout Thailand at the time, not all Dealers were able to attend the event, however those that did thoroughly enjoyed themselves and left very impressed with the HH product quality and performance.

The event was held on the first floor in the Dream Hotel Club/Lounge and the room was converted into a live venue with a specially erected stage and specially installed Sound system featuring all the HH cabinets. Even the Dream Hotel turning Cube Sign at the entrance featured the HH logo……Large HH Banners and Signs were spread throughout the room and several plasmas were running to help those with poor line of sight.

The event started with a HH Presentation which covered some of the brands illustrious history and then went through the product range currently on offer. Demo tracks were played through each series of speakers during the presentation, starting with the Vector, then Tensor and then onto the two larger Tessen systems. Subs were switched in and out to demonstrate them. Demonstrations were then done on the Queensberry Powered Mixers and Combo’s followed by the Studio range of Guitar and Bass Combo’s. Local Guitarist and Bass Player Tuntawaan and Kittichote then the tones and features of amps before their band “Ganesha” played several songs featuring the amps.

All equipment, apart from the Instruments, for Backline, FOH and Monitors was HH, featuring numerous HH cabs for front of House, several QBC712 Queensberry combo’s for on stage kit and keyboard mixes that also acted as monitors, plus a couple of Vector active and passive monitors for vocals and keys.

After question and answer time a lovely buffet dinner was served and the event turned to a party club feel with the band playing a couple more sets, then some great dance tunes continued on through the night pumping the room through the HH system. All agreed the sound was great and everyone enjoyed the rest of the evening which finished with a lucky draw, where several lucky dealers were given HH Studio Amps.  After photos were taken, the stage and system were packed up and the house system (featuring a very established brand) was fired up. It was obvious to those that were there that the HH system performed incredibly against this much more expensive system………

Special thanks go to MI Engineering and their team for putting on such a great event and especially for all the hard work and preparation.

Check out the photos of the HH Electronics launch party by clicking on the thumbnails below!

HH Appoints VTI as new distribution partner in the UAE

HH Electronics has officially appointed VTI in Dubai as their distribution partner to assist in developing the exciting brand new line of HH Audio product within the Middle East.

As what is seen to be a different “Distribution model” to the norm of appointing a local UAE Retailer/Trading Company to represent a product range, VTI will act as a  “true” distributor to enable them to be able to work with all market categories including retail, contracting, Rental etc….. VTI will be responsible for HH throughout the entire Middle East, excluding Israel, plus the Gulf States and East Africa.

Ian Wright, HH’s Sales Manager said, “For over 15 years, VTI have been an established and respected Professional AV and Lighting distributor within the GCC and wider Middle East, so I believe the addition of HH will further compliment the other premier brands they carry such as Martin Audio, Symmetrix and Vari-Lite. It is certainly a step towards expanding their core business into MI and the “Musicians PA” market as well as giving them an opportunity to be present at the more price conscious end of the Audio market where a great deal of the business is done these days. It is an honor to work with them as they have always carefully chosen the products and services they sell, based on their experience and market demands. I look forward to great things from them”

When asked about the decision to represent the legendary HH brand, VTI Director Richard Maunder said “I used HH 30+ years ago as a musician and later as a sound engineer, so I was thrilled when the brand became available again. To be involved at this stage with HH is a real privilege.”

Visit VTI’s website here: http://www.vtionline.ae

HH Appoints Positive Audio Limited as their partner in Hong Kong

HH Electronics is pleased to announce the appointment of Positive Audio as their official distribution partner in Hong Kong.

HH’s International Sales Manager, Ian Wright said “We are very pleased to appoint Positive Audio as our HH partner in Hong Kong. Rob Ascough and his team have years of experience within the Audio market and know what is required to service the business effectively. Having a people of this calibre excited about supporting our brand gives us even more confidence in our product offering. We look forward to working with them as we develop the HH brand in their market.”

When asked about the decision to represent the legendary HH brand, Positive Audio’s MD Rob Ascough said “I started my career in the audio industry using HH products and still to this day have several V series MOSFET amplifiers, which after many years of use still work perfectly. We are truly excited about working with HH and being part of the team responsible for building the brand to the world class status it deserves”.

Find out more about Positive Audio here: http://www.positive-audio.com

New HH Electronics adverts

Check out the all NEW HH adverts by our Art Department!

Australis Music Launches HH in Australia with great success

Australis Music Group proudly exhibited the range of HH products for the first time at the Integrate Expo last week in Sydney, Australia. Integrate, in association with InfoComm International is Australia’s biggest event bringing together the Professional Sound, Light and Vision industries. With its rich heritage in Audio and Backline Amplification, HH was extremely well received by the large amount of Australian PA professionalsattending the show, who were extremely impressed by the range, value and most importantly the quality of the HH products they both saw and heard. With a striking black and red themed stand, with a back wall of HH light boxes, HH drew a lot of attention at the show and many comments were made by attendees about their own history with HH and the fact that they had used and sold HH over the years. It was great to hear all the stories. Australis ran all the system combinations using an 8 channel switcher so any speaker could be run (or all at once) at the request of the customer. Once again the surprise from the customer when they listened to the product, then told the price was truly amazing. The 18″ active Tessen sub, even at low volumes, could be heard (with definition) from all corners of the hall. As this was more a Pro Audio show, the response we received especially on the Tessen Rigs was extremely positive and everyone couldn’t believe the performance and price of the Vector Monitors and Tensor Moulded Cabs. In fact several experienced Engineers said they were the best Monitors they had heard in years….. Here is a link to photos of the booth on the official HH Electronics Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.244392938938166.68038.189857377725056&type=1. HH is back and very much alive.

 

HH Appoints Australis Music Group as their Partner in Australia

HH Electronics has appointed Australis Music Group as their distribution partner to assist in developing the exciting brand new line of HH Audio product within the Australian market.

Ian Wright, HH’s Sales Manager said “with almost 40 years in the Australian MI and Audio business, Australis Music Group is a solid business partner who we believe will excel in representing this iconic British brand in their market. Australis Music Group currently represents Laney in Australia, so the addition of HH to their expansive portfolio of brands is a perfect fit. Servicing more than 240 stores in Australia as well as the Pacific Islands, Australis Music Group is excited to expand its offering to MI stores as well as to professional sound re-enforcement installers”.

‘Including HH into our portfolio of brand was a very natural direction for us’ said Australis Music Group’s CEO Trevor Morrow when asked about the decision to represent the HH brand. ‘To represent such a legendary British brand in Australia is an honour, and with its strong proposition of quality and value we believe we can grow the brand substantially in the Australian market’.

Pictured: Trevor Morrow, Australis Music Group CEO, Ian Wright, Int’l Sales Manager – HH Electronics & Kurt Schramm, Australis National Sales Manager