IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Clair Global
Opposite: Clair Global’s Cohesion CO-12, a full range loudspeaker and is capable of considerably higher maximum SPL output than previous generation systems and incredibly light weight. Below: Three members from the Cohesion design team, Jim Bowersox, Jim Meyer and David Skaff.
efficient operation. Both of these aspects allow tours to reduce their carbon footprint and be less wasteful. Why is now the right time for its release? DS- As the industry has been evolving, so has the needs of our clients. A theme developed where a significant part of our client base was asking for narrower coverage version of our i3 speaker system, and the technology has finally gotten to a point where that was possible and beyond. Clair is somewhat of a unique company in terms of its rental house and manufacturing capabilities. How much time did the R&D department put into this product? JB- The R&D period for the Cohesion CO12 hardware was slightly less than a year, from brainstorming concept through the first rig leaving our shop in Lititz. The use of extensive computer modelling and simulation, rapid prototyping, as well as drawing on our experience with recently developed products (such as the CO-8 and CP Series Subs) allowed us to complete the hardware design faster than previously possible. JM- Our R&D team is continuously researching and refining new technologies and computerbased design methodologies. So from that standpoint the process of designing the CO-12 has been many years in the making. The computer design and simulation capabilities we now have, combined with our in-house manufacturing, allow us extremely rapid prototyping cycles. JB- Even though the hardware is complete, on the control side, software is always evolving. We are constantly improving and adding features to both our Lake control system, as well 86
as our Focus alignment software. Additional accessories are constantly being developed, such as the Clair SmartGrid precision Laser / Inclinometer system. The year 2015 was the beta testing stage for the Cohesion CO-12, putting it in the hands of various audio professionals. What was the initial reaction from the end users and key decision makers? DS- Judging by how our manufacturing schedules increased to five times our original forecasts, the initial reaction was overwhelming, with many asking: “When can we have them?” The system has already been successfully used on the road by some heavyweight acts and their high profile engineers, what are the main advantages that allow the CO-12 to find a home in the loudspeaker market place? JB- The CO-12 combines the best possible sound quality, and the highest maximum SPL capability and the smoothest coverage into one small package. We have managed to reduce the weight and size of the PA considerably, while at the same time improving all aspects of its acoustic behaviour relative to competitive systems. There has been a lot of excitement for the new system - we’re heard it directly from production managers and system techs! Has Clair been able to keep up with the demand? Were will we see it next? DS- I can tell you it has kept our management and manufacturing side on their toes! January will see CO-12 systems out with Carrie Underwood, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, and Black Sabbath, to name just a few. JB- We are manufacturing the Cohesion series
at the fastest pace possible that lets us maintain our extremely high standards of quality control. We manufacture all of our loudspeakers right here in Lititz, Pennsylvania, rather than relying on subcontractors and imported or mass produced parts. JM- Other loudspeaker systems are generally made by one company who then sells it to a separate audio vendor. Being one of the last audio vendors who make their own loudspeakers, the products we manufacture will remain in our custody for the duration, so we have a vested interest in the durability, serviceability, and quality of our designs, which we believe gives us a significant advantage over other vendors. In 2016, we plan on seeing the CO-12 system being deployed in a steady stream to both our existing and new clients as they hit the road. How does Clair emphasise training for its products? Does it run training days often? JB- Training is an ongoing activity at Clair. In addition to our general comprehensive road staff training programme, we hold special training classes for the Cohesion system to ensure that all of our road staff stays current with the new technology. We also have regular field training with our staff at events to ensure the utmost quality control, consistency, and safety of all systems in addition to the new CO12 series. What is next for the Cohesion range? DS - Our full-time R&D staff has a neverending list of ideas on how to advance the entertainment experience. There are a number of projects in the works, but we are not at liberty to reveal them at this time. Stay tuned! TPi http://clairglobal.com