PANTHER and ULTRA-X20 Win at 2022 NAMM Show Ceremonies.
Meyer Sound received two of the industry’s most prestigious awards on back‑to‑back evenings during ceremonies held in conjunction with the NAMM Show in Anaheim. At the Parnelli Awards on Friday, June 3, Meyer Sound’s new PANTHER large-format linear line array loudspeaker received the “Indispensable Technology — Audio” award. The following evening, the company’s ULTRA-X20™ compact wide coverage loudspeaker captured the TEC Award in the category of “Sound Reinforcement Loudspeakers.”
The “Indispensable Technology — Audio” award is particularly noteworthy as only one award is given for all components in the live event audio chain. Accepting this year’s award was Meyer Sound Engineering Director, Acoustical & Mechanical, Katie Murphy.
“It was an incredible night being surrounded by excellence — and, finally, all in person!” said Murphy. “To echo many of the other acceptance speeches, the industry has emerged from a tough time, and it’s an honor for PANTHER to be recognized as leading the way. I’m proud of the way our entire team at Meyer Sound put their hearts and souls into this project.”
Meyer Sound’s new PANTHER large-format linear line array loudspeaker sets new benchmarks for power-to-size ratio, tightly controlled coverage, and energy efficiency, incorporating advanced Class D amplifier technology, new cabinet and driver materials, and a new horn design to deliver more than 150 dB peak SPL with a weight of less than 150 lb (68 kg).
The company’s TEC Award recipient, the ULTRA-X20 compact wide coverage loudspeaker, measures only 19 inches high and 7.5 inches wide, yet it delivers a powerful punch from twin 5-inch cone drivers and a 2-inch compression driver. A field-rotatable horn allows flexible orientation, and three horn variants enable precise tailoring of coverage patterns.
“We are pleased with the recognition given by the industry to the ULTRA-X20,” says Meyer Sound Director of Global Marketing Tim Boot. “This TEC award underscores the importance of smaller self-powered, point source loudspeakers as an integral part of so many types of systems, from main loudspeakers in an intimate lounge to fill loudspeakers in a 3,000-seat performing arts center. The ULTRA-X20 once again raises the bar for performance and versatility, as did two preceding TEC winners of this type, UPM-1P™ and UPJunior.”
The latest accolades raise the total number of TEC Awards received by Meyer Sound to 14, as well as four inductions into the TEC Hall of Fame.
Celebrating the best in professional audio and presented by NAMM, for 37 years the TEC Awards have honored the individuals, companies, and technical innovations behind the sound of recordings, live performances, films, television, video games, and multimedia.
Since 2001, the Parnelli Awards have represented the industry’s highest honor for live event professionals as well as the companies that serve them. The award recognizes the pioneering and influential professionals who create the look and sound of live events, and acknowledges the latest product breakthroughs with the Indispensable Technology Award.
Photo: © Kathleen Eddy