Events

Wharfedale Pro

Details: 14 March 2016

The IAG Group showed current models of Wharfedale's EVP-S, VS, LixC and Systems products, presenting them in detail to new and existing dealers to consolidate the work carried out by the reps over the past year. Newer models include the electronic-based PM System, PM mixers, MP power amps and BX mixers.

Phil Ward reports from Anaheim, USA.

Details: 14 March 2016

It began with Midas. The very fact that Midas chose this year's winter NAMM show to mount the worldwide launch of the Verona console indicated two things. Firstly, the company's redoubtable management duo of Dave Cooper and David Wiggins will use any platform to dress up in costume and do a 'turn'. This time around, it was as The Blues Brothers, somewhat strangely but engagingly rubbing shoulders with character lookalikes from The Matrix who patrolled the ceiling - it was the Xelias Aerial Acrobatic Company, after all - even as Elmore and Jake took the floor.

Secondly, significant sound reinforcement product announcements are now as much a part of this show as they are of Frankfurt's ProLight+Sound beano - which itself grew out of the MusikMesse's MI roots. Perhaps NAMM - busier this year than for several - could begin to steal a march on the German show's pro audio pretensions, as a p

LumenRadio - Banner - April 2025 (embargoed til 2nd)

Shure

Details: 14 March 2016

The new SLX Wireless Systems are aimed at installed sound applications and working bands. They have Shure's patented Audio Reference Companding technology, along with automatic synchronization and support for up to 12 compatible systems per frequency band (country dependent). Features include Utilising Auto Frequency Selection and Auto Transmitter Setup, allowing the system to scan the landscape for clear channels. The transmitter then syncs automatically with the receiver frequency via an infrared link.

The bodypack transmitter works with headworn, lavalier and instrument mics and cables, while the hand-held transmitters are offered with SM58, SM86, Beta 58A, Beta 87A, and Beta 87C capsules.

Shure has also added the E3 sound-isolating earphones to its E Series in-ear earphones, designed for personal monitor systems and portable listening devices. Plus, in March, the hardwired SM86 v

Crown International

Details: 14 March 2016

Crown unveiled the all-new I-Tech Series as the new flagship amplifier series for the touring and corporate PA markets. All models are just 2U and weigh less than 28lbs/12.7kg, have rugged chassis designed 'for the road' and feature Crown's patented Class-I switching output for more power and less heat.

They have Crown's global regulated power supply, delivering full power regardless of AC mains voltage - from 120V to 277V and from 50Hz to 60Hz. Power Factor Correction (PFC) allows I-Tech to draw current from the mains more efficiently, providing more power from a single 20A breaker. The Class-I output and power supply promise the highest output voltage available, and a clearly audible difference through the speakers.

The Xs 1200 was also added to the Xs Series of power amplifiers, becoming the highest-powered model in the series. It provides 1,100W per channel into 4ohms and is desi

BBE Sound Inc

Details: 14 March 2016

BBE launched the MaxCom compressor/limiter/noise gate; the Max-X3 stereo 2-way crossover, also a mono 3-way crossover; and the Max-X2 stereo 2-way crossover. Each contains the BBE Sonic Maximizer circuit, plus the Sonic Maximizer process - as used in BBE's 482i and 882i Sonic Maximizer processors. They come with a solid steel chassis and faceplate, and a two-year warranty.

Crest Audio

Details: 14 March 2016

Crest Audio, now as distinct from Crest Performance, introduced the CD Series power amplifiers. These combine linear power supply with Class D output for heavy duty cycles and sonic integrity, and are aimed at "nightclubs and high school gymnasiums alike, and every application between".

CD Series power amps all include multiple protection circuits such as Active Clip Limiting, which automatically reduces gain at the onset of clipping; Instantaneous Gain Modulation, which monitors load current to protect against overloading; Autoramp, to prevent abrupt turn-on levels by gradually increasing gain; as well as short circuit, DC voltage, comprehensive thermal management, current in-rush turn on/off transient and sub/ultrasonic input.

Crest Audio also introduced the CM Series industrial power amplifiers, designed for multi-channel applications in nightclubs, restaurants, hotels,

Mackie

Details: 14 March 2016

Something of a co-star of the show (with the Midas Verona), the TT24 is a new 24-mic input digital mixer developed specifically for live sound applications such as clubs, theatres, houses of worship, rental companies, sound production companies and regional touring acts - plus what the company calls "weekend warriors". It's a 56x45, 24-bit, 96kHz capable digital live console with 100mm motorized faders, on-board analogue and digital I/O, full channel metering, digital recall, EQ, dynamics and effects.

Contributing to the small analogue mixer bonanza, Mackie also launched the Onyx Series complete with FireWire connectivity. The Onyx 1220, 1620 and 1640 all have new mic preamps, new Perkins 3- and 4-band EQ circuitry, full aux section a redesigned mix buss and summing amp section. Each also has a built-in talkback section with onboard mic.

Plus, the SRM 350 is a two-way activ

QSC Audio

Details: 14 March 2016

The AcousticDesign AD-S52 is a full-range, surface-mount loudspeaker with contemporary styling for multiple environments and applications, including hotels, restaurants, convention facilities, and multimedia environments. The LF driver is magnetically shielded for use near video monitors, and the enclosures are weather-resistant and paintable.

Part of the ISIS family, the QSC I-82H is an 8", 2-way, full-range loudspeaker for similar applications, while the ISIS WideLine line array speaker system is a full-range (55Hz-18kHz per enclosure), wide-coverage line-array designed for ballrooms, theatres, nightclubs, concert halls and houses of worship. RMX 505, finally, is an addition to the RMX Series power amplifier line.

EAW

Details: 14 March 2016

EAW announced the update of its 10-year standing KF850 Series touring mainstay, adding the latest proprietary technology and contemporary components. The resulting KF850z gains a neodymium Orbital Magnet Array HF driver offering increased surface area for better cooling and greater reliability. A new HF horn extends HF response and fidelity while minimizing throat distortion, while the MF subsystem is now based on EAW's Radial Phase Plug design used in the more recent KF650, KF750 and KF760 models. The LF section horn-loads the 15" woofer first used in the KF650z.

Two KF850z models are offered: the KF850zF for flown applications and the considerably lighter KF850zR for ground stacking. The SB850zR also updates the SB850R sub.

As of 1 March, KF850EFs, KF853Ds and KF855EFs will only be available by special order. On 1 July, they will be discontinued.

Soundcraft

Details: 14 March 2016

Soundcraft's integrated mixer/amplifier GigRac is the most compact sound reinforcement solution yet - and is among the most closely blended Harman technology so far. Only mics, speakers and cables are required to complete the system, which contains mic preamps, 2-band EQ, 7-band graphic EQ (designed by BSS Audio) and a selection of preset digital effects.

GigRac 300 has an integrated 300W power amp, while GigRac 600 has 2x300W amplifiers - enough for main PA and stage monitors too.

Soundcraft's flagship MH4 console, meanwhile, now has an updated mono input module. The new input expands the use of the 16 aux busses by adding true mono/stereo configurations.

Aviom

Details: 14 March 2016

Pennsylvania-based Aviom Inc showed enhancements to its digital audio 'snake', capable of transferring 24-bit audio over industry standard Cat-5 cable.

The AN-16/i input module, the AN-16/o output module, and the AN-16SB system bridge work with Aviom's proprietary A-Net protocol to ensure less than one millisecond of latency from analogue input to analogue output. All are compatible with Aviom's modular A-16 Personal Monitor Mixing System.

This gains a new A-Net product, the A-16D Pro A-Net distributor. The 2U device is designed to distribute the A-Net signal from an A-16T transmitter, the AN-16/i input module, the original A-16D distributor, or another A-16D Pro distributor.

Each A-16D Pro accepts one A-Net input signal and provides for eight simultaneous A-Net outputs using Cat-5 cable. The A-16D Pro also features a dedicated A-Net Thru jack that allows the A-Net signal to be sen

Sennheiser

Details: 14 March 2016

Sennheiser unveiled the Evolution wireless G2, the second generation of the successful Evolution series. This generation is said to extend the product features with an enhanced design concept, while maintaining the price level of its predecessor, and offers systems for vocals, instruments, presentations, camera work or wireless monitoring.

The G2 makes 1,440 channels available through a much broader 36MHz switching bandwidth, while the bodypack transmitters and mobile receivers have been reduced in size by about 30%. New features include a scan function that automatically searches for free channels, a new user menu and large backlit displays. A pilot tone squelch creates noise-free transmitter mic on/off, adjustable and compatible with first-generation units.Rental companies are expected to use a new reset function, restoring the system to initial settings for the next gig. Meanwhile,

CALM dates confirmed

Details: 14 March 2016

China - IIR Exhibitions has confirmed the dates for CALM Expo 2004 as 30 May - 2 June 2004. These dates, say IIR, are chosen as this is the only period where all the halls at CIEC (China International Exhibition Center) in Beijing are available, as the event is currently 90% booked.

Visitors to CALM Expo can look forward to a major event for professional sound, lighting, audio-visual and music technology, with special events including new product launches, buyers-sellers meet, educational conference, showcases and a DJ competition to enhance the experience.

For more information on CALM Expo 2004 please contact Adrian Lau, senior project manager, at the e-mail address below, or visit the CALM website.

(Lee Baldock)

Julius Grafton sells Entech exhibition

Details: 14 March 2016

Australia - Exhibitions and Trade Fairs Pty Ltd (ETF) has announced that it has acquired the Entech trade show from the founder of the event and publisher of CX Magazine, Julius Grafton. Ben Ashton, CEO of ETF, said: "We are excited to be bringing on board the premier trade event for the entertainment technology industry. ETF has the capacity to add real value for Entech exhibitors and visitors through our depth of experience in organizing trade shows and the backing of the PBL media group, whose interests include broadcasting, media and entertainment."

Julius Grafton, CEO of Juliusmedia, said: "I am delighted that Entech is now owned by one of the leading trade show organizers in Australia - ETF. I am further excited that Australia's most prominent and successful media company has backed the acquisition. The decision to sell arose following an approach by ETF, wi

SIEL 2004 reports record attendance

Details: 14 March 2016

France - The organizers of the SIEL exhibition, which took place in Paris at the beginning of this month, have claimed a 10% increase in attendance over last year's event, with a record 25,893 visitors attending over the four days.

By moving into the brand new Hall 5 at Paris expo, SIEL effectively created two distinct shows this year, with the ground floor hosting the World of Night and Music, and the first floor the World of Live Entertainment and Events, including pro audio and lighting. "Thanks to this increasingly specialized division into sectors, with each world offering trade professionals the supply of products and services appropriate to them, SIEL 2004 managed to arouse the interest of many new SIEL visitors, attending for the first time," say the organizers.

(Lee Baldock)

New developments at the PSA

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The Annual General Meeting of the Production Services Association (PSA) was held recently at the Novotel Hammersmith in London and saw the appointment of two new members to the council - Lee Charteris of StageAccess.com and Mick Bowles, a freelance event, site, production, safety and licensing manager.

The meeting was followed by the PSA conference, which included important announcements on the new National Rigging Certificate and the PSA's proposed Safety Passport scheme in association with the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The day's activities were followed by the Annual TPi Awards dinner where it was announced that the magazine's owners, Mondiale Publishing, would be seconding Total Production magazine's co-founder, Andy Lenthall, to the PSA to be their full-time general manager. At the same time, Mondiale will be contracted to the PSA to manage the accoun

Calm Expo Sets New Record

Details: 14 March 2016

China - Billed as "the largest and most comprehensive light and sound event" in China, Calm Expo 2004 is set to be 30% bigger than the previous year, according to the organizers, IIR. Occupying a total indoor exhibit area of 55,000sq.m and building additional halls outdoor, the show has grown rapidly with many exhibitors returning for bigger exhibit space, say IIR.

The event will see over 800 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, giving visitors a chance to view the latest offerings in the professional audio, lighting, AV and music industries from the industry's top companies. Calm Expo 2004 is expecting to attract over 55,000 visitors over a span of four days. The last event attracted 50,000 visitors from all over China. Calm Expo is featuring a new show segment - Audio Visual Systems Integration (AVSI). AVSI presents one single market access point featuring the lat

L&SI Networks with Cirque du Soleil

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Lighting&Sound International magazine's latest L&SI Network event - a backstage tour of Cirque du Soleil's Dralion at the Royal Albert Hall - took place last week and was a huge success. Places on the tour, limited to just 30, were snapped up quickly, with attendees coming from all across the UK, including Northern Ireland and Scotland, to take part. Following the tour, the attendees stayed on to see the matinée performance of the show.

The tour included a behind-the-scenes look at the lighting, sound and set elements of this highly complex production, but by far the most fascinating element was the rigging, by Summit Steel, which has allowed Dralion to move seamlessly from its familiar big top environment to the RAH. To get an idea of the complexity of the rigging set-up and view the forest of flying points required, L&SI's visitors were taken right up into

A.C. Lighting North 2004 show returns

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The A.C. Lighting North Tradeshow returns to the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds on 11-12 May this year, following another hugely successful event in 2003. The show is an important exhibition in the industry calendar for buyers in the Midlands and the North of England, providing the regions with a definitive showcase of today's entertainment technology market under one roof.

Following last year's highly popular format and the increasing level of interest shown in the event, visitors to this year's show can expect an even bigger list of exhibitors attending from A.C. Lighting's stock-holding of leading lighting, audio and associated equipment manufacturers. As well as the chance to catch up on the latest product innovations from these brands, visitors will also have the opportunity to receive hands-on demonstrations and gain expert advice face-to-face.

A range of free pro

World Lighting Fair 2004

Details: 14 March 2016

Japan - The World Lighting Fair 2004 takes place from the 24- 26 June at the Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall in Japan. A showcase for state-of-the-art products, technology, and information about lighting for the entertainment industry, the exhibition presents the best of lighting technology for use in a broad range of applications, including the stage, television, motion pictures, theme parks and cultural presentations, as well as retail and trade show environments.

The 2002 event saw 73 exhibitors attending, including 52 from Japan and 21 from overseas. Twenty-one of the participants displayed their products and services at WLF 2002 for the first time because they knew that this exhibition is the best forum to reach the both the Japanese and growing Asian market. In just three days, WLF 2002 drew more than 20,000 visitors.

WLF 2004 will also host a variety of seminars and w

Blitz & Charter demerge from Evenser

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The Evenser Group, the UK's largest event services company, has announced a refinance and restructure package agreed with its majority shareholders (comprising funds managed by Candover) and its principal bankers. Evenser will demerge the companies that make up the Broadcast and Presentation Services divisions to a newly incorporated company to be called Blitz Charter Group Ltd ('Blitz'). Following the restructuring, Blitz will operate as an entirely independent broadcast and presentation services group and Evenser will operate as an independent events services group.

Following the demerger, the Evenser Group will consist of Arena Event Services Group and Melville Exhibition Services, headed by David Walley and Nick Marshall respectively. The new Blitz Charter Group will comprise Blitz Communications and Charter Broadcast, which will be headed by Paul Hutton and David Carr

Forthcoming Events . . .

Details: 14 March 2016

MARCH - Intellectual Property Seminar: 25 March, Victoria, London.

Free to members: This DTI-supported seminar will cover all the issues surrounding intellectual property including trade marks, patents, copyright and counterfeiting, as well as giving practical advice on the most effective way to protect your products and brand.

To register email norah@plasa.org

APRIL - Design Considerations for Buildings: 28 April, Interbuild, Birmingham.

This RIBA-supported seminar has been developed to provide architects, designers and installers with essential information when designing buildings for corporate or entertainment use.

To register email nicky@plasa.org

MAY - Human Resource Workshop: 18 May, Victoria, London.

Free to members: Clive Payne of CP Associates will discuss employment issues and advise members on the impact of new legislation.

To register e

Grants for UK Exhibitors to CALM

Details: 14 March 2016

PLASA - through UK Trade & Investment - has secured government funding for UK exhibitors to CALM 2004, which takes place from 30 May-2 June at the China International Exhibition Centre, Beijing.

All eligible UK companies planning to exhibit at CALM can receive a grant for 50% of costs, up to a limit of £2,500. The grant covers expenditure on such areas as exhibition space, stand construction costs, freight and display materials. For further information, contact Norah Phillips on:

Stephen Santomenna joins massAV

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Event production company massAV has appointed Stephen Santomenna as director of production. In his new position he will lead massAV's growth in large event staging, live events and production. Santomenna has over 20 years' experience in the industry, having worked on Broadway and staged events on five continents. Prior to massAV, Santomenna served as an executive producer and director of technical services for Preston Productions, facilitating the management of events for EMC, API, IBM and PTC-User. His background also includes various positions with Image Engineering, Trinity Repertory Company and as a contract designer, technician and project manager.

(Lee Baldock)

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