Sitting somewhere comfortably between a formal tradeshow and industry gala, the Group Technologies 2020 Expo (GTX) set out to impress, as guests from all around Australia, New Zealand and the world, gathered to learn, demo, and network.
Held last Wednesday at Wick Studios in Brunswick, GTX was an immense offering of the latest technology in pro-audio. With a special focus on premium sound reinforcement, mixing and monitoring, the midweek event presented as equal parts professional and festive. There were 5 unique zones, each helmed by industry professionals, eager to show off exciting new technology that would impress even the most sceptical of engineers.
With 7 international guests from the likes of NEXO, DiGiCo, RCF and Austrian Audio, GTX garnered the attention of the industry’s best and brightest, from major Australian production companies to various industry press representatives. GT’s seasoned sales team were also on hand to offer up real-world industry experience and their own take on the technology at hand.
Staff worked tirelessly to bring the event to life, fostering an environment of cooperation with an air of the inaugural.
Taking pride of place in the NEXO area were the new P+ series of coaxial point source loudspeakers. Available in 8, 10 and 12” versions, the complete range was setup for an impressive listening experience. Also on offer was the P+’s series companion subwoofer the L15, as well as NEXO’s latest GEO M line array unit, the M12.
The RCF area presented a cornucopia of formats and designs, showing off RCF’s impressive portfolio of hardware and proving that the Italian manufacturer has a solution for every scenario. From the point source oriented ART and D-Line series, to the latest additions in their HDL large format array series, such as the HDL 50-A 4K system and the HDL 26-A which featured on the main DJ stage.
The DiGiCo area consisted of 3 digital mixing consoles and two additional self-contained displays for their associated KLANG and Area4 brands. The highlight here was a first look at the new Quantum 338 console- an entirely new design centred around DiGiCo’s latest Quantum engine, following on from their flagship Quantum 7 system.
The studio portion of GTX was devoted to the experience of Austrian Audio’s pristine Microphone and Headphone offerings, as well as PSI Audio’s world class studio monitor range. Austrian Audio’s large-diaphragm OC818 condenser microphone, the Hi-X 55 over ear headphones, and PSI Audio’s new compact three-way studio monitor the A23-M, were all highlights here.
Group Technologies has been a market leader in the Australian professional audio industry for over two decades, during which time it has amassed a glowing selection of clientele -all of which received GT’s famed hospitality. Live entertainment, massages, food trucks and of course a bustling bar, all went into cementing GTX as one of 2020’s stand-out Australian audio industry events.
