French manufacturer Ayrton is showing the EyeColor at PLASA. This is LED moving-head fixture utilizes 18 high-power LEDs to offer users an infinite palette of rich, saturated colours. Maintenance of the fixture is minimal, as it has no lamps or colour-mixing systems and its very low IR emission and non-existent UV radiation enable it to be used close to the objects it illuminates without any risk of damage.

Ayrton - D70

The PLASA Awards for Product Excellence were presented yesterday evening after the close of day three of the PLASA Show. With a record number of new technological innovations nominated this year, the judging panel had a tough challenge on their hands.

This year there were five awards categories and 79 nominations, generating £12,000 for PLASA'S nominated charities - Light Relief, PSA Welfare and Benevolent Fund and the Golden Lions Children's Trust. This system has been running for five years now and every penny of the entry fees is donated. To date this scheme has raised almost £45,000 for charitable causes.

The five product categories this year were Lighting, Sound, Stage Engineering, Software (a new category introduced this year), Audio-Visual, and finally an Award for the product with the most environmental considerations. The PLASA awards were presented by PLASA's Chairman, Da

PLASA is the chosen setting for the debut of several new products from the Deco Leisure Group, including the RT Series from its award-winning loudspeaker brand, Dare Professional Audio. The RT Series incorporates the features of the widely-praised Dare Eclipse system, extending the technology into other areas of pro audio.

The three-way portable version of the RT has a neodymium 15" woofer with a horn-loaded Aerogel 6.5" mid-range driver on a Tractrix horn assembly with a 1" compression driver handling the HF. Dare will also show the RT Wafer: featuring the same components as its portable counterpart, this is just 200mm deep, and can be installed, literally, into the fabric of a building. The RT POD (the replacement for the Eclipse Series) is a moulded lightweight mineral composite shell, incorporating a horn-loaded Aerogel 6.5" and 1" compression driver. Also

UK manufacturer Soundcraft has continued its multi-mode console roll-out with the MH3. The new design follows the company's highly successful MH4 console, bringing the benefits of dual-mode operation to a lower price level, achieved through an appropriate feature set and mechanical and electronic designs which reduce manufacturing costs. This console offers an impressive line up of features for its price range, and is sure to find favour with national and regional touring companies, as well as theatres and corporate production companies, who can use one type of console in several roles - for instance, a single MH3 can be used to fulfil both FOH and monitor duties.

Soundcraft - Stand J70

We have seen the UK debut of EAW's KF730 SLAM (Small Line Array Module) and the European introduction of its new DSA (Digital Steerable Array) Series. The SLAM features a six-driver, horn-loaded KF Series design in a compact enclosure. The full-sized mid/high horn fills the entire face of the enclosure, giving broadband 110° horizontal pattern control. The innovative phase aligned LF design extends horizontal pattern control into the LF, while a bi-amplified powering configuration (passive mid/high) reduces total system cost and complexity. A versatile rigging system allows box-to-box angles of 12, 6, 3, and 1.5°. Under normal conditions, the easily hung arrays can cover listening areas ranging from approximately +10° to -70° along the vertical axis. SLAM also allows for array configurations to cover any vertical angle, say EAW. The system made its touring debut in July with Deep Pur

Turbosound has added two new models in its TXD Series of passive loudspeakers, launched earlier this year. Aimed at the club, DJ and live performance markets, the TXD Series has already proved to be one of the company's fastest-selling product lines. Launched here at PLASA is the compact TXD-081, a passive 8" two-way loudspeaker and the TXD-252 - a 2 x 15" + 2" trapezoidal combo. Turbosound is also launching a new range of compact sub-bass cabinets, kicked off by the TSB-110. A dual-coil 10" bandpass design, it enables up to six satellite speakers to be connected via the internal passive crossover in a stereo configuration. The TSB-110 is powerful enough to generate up to 125dB max SPL (peak) of sub-bass energy, from an enclosure volume of less than two cubic feet.

In the company's QLight series, the self-powered TQ-308SP is being joined by an all-passive version,

ADB's much-talked about Warp fixture from ADB is on show (it was seen at the Show last year under its development name Axis), a cool-beam zoom profile spotlight, available in 15-30° and 25-50° versions. What sets this fixture apart from its contemporaries is its patented control system, which features a series of ring controls around the luminaire's exterior, making control of the luminaire's shutters, focus and zoom settings fully accessible, no matter what the angle of rigging.

The design of Warp also allows for the standard trunion arm to be easily replaced with a motorized yoke to provide remote pan and tilt control. Movement is available between 270° tilt, and a larger than average 400° pan. The yoke links easily into the Warp ring controls, providing automation of all other functions - focus and zoom, shutter insertion and rotation and gobo rotation.

ADB - Stand F70

USA - Elation Professional has launched the Power Spot 250 and Power Wash 250 professional DMX moving head fixtures. A spot and wash-type effect respectively, Power Spot 250 and Power Wash 250 are ideal for nightclubs, churches, corporate events or performance venues. Both units feature high-performance optical systems with high luminous-efficiency reflectors, along with 250W discharge lamps. The fixtures also come 'loaded' with DMX-programmable features.

A 15-channel DMX fixture, the Power Spot 250 combines two effects into one unit - a moving head spot effect and a laser. A 4.9mW red laser has been built into its optical system to give end-users greater versatility. As a spot effect alone, it offers an impressive range of features, including a rotating gobo wheel with 6 interchangeable indexable gobos (4 metal, one glass and one multi-coloured dichroic gobo) whilst a separate

USA - Apogee Sound International has added five new models to its Apogee Fixed Installation (AFI) Series of processor-optional loudspeakers for the contractor market. Like the original five models, the new models - the AFI-1, AFI-2, AFI-110, AFI-115 and AFI-205 - are cost-effective, high-performance loudspeakers.

"The AFI-205 is designed for applications that do not allow for placement of separate subwoofers," explained Apogee director of engineering Barry Grzebik. Because the AFI-205 doesn't require a separate subwoofer, it's an ideal single product solution for restaurants, bars, retail spaces or any application where space is restricted. A powerful 10" internal woofer enables the AFI-205 to provide full, rich low frequency response - down to 44Hz. A control on the rear of the unit adjusts the overall level of the low frequencies for optimum balance in free-fie

UK - Chameleon Audio has Introduced a new range of professional digital amplifiers, with 'A' input and class 'T' output stages. The Atlas range is designed to offer clarity and power and also complement the highly respected Chameleon analogue range.

The AT-700 is two 350W per channel at 4 ohms and two 700W per channel at 2 ohms. The AT-1400 is two 700W per channel at 4 ohms and the AT-4/350 is four 350W per channel and four 700W at 2 ohms

Crosstalk is better than 80dB and signal to noise ratio is better than 100dB. The amplifiers require no fan for cooling and are light weight packaged taking up only 2U of a 19" rack

The Atlas range of amplifier products has been designed to be modular allowing for multiple amplifier versions or individual modules for OEM and loudspeaker retrofits. Factory upgrade retrofitting of modules to existing amplifiers is also a feature.

In

UK - Columbus McKinnon displayed more new products at this year's PLASA exhibition than ever before. Recent optional upgrades to the ever-popular Lodestar electric chain hoist were being displayed for the first time. These include a double brake, which is available as either factory-fitted on new units or as a retrofit kit for existing owners. A direct control Lodestar, which has proven extremely popular since its launch earlier this year will also be available for inspection.

A CM manufactured variable speed Lodestar hoist, dubbed the Varistar will also be making its worldwide debut. This will be shown alongside a sample of the company's new BGV-C1 specification Lodestar hoist.

"Although Lodestars with these features are already available they are conversions of standard units made by end-users or our distributors" comments Adrian Forbes-Black, CM's regional manager

UK - This week's PLASA Show saw the official launch of Artistic Licence's latest product, the Colour-Tramp, which received a 'Highly Commended' during the Show's product awards ceremony, echoing the very positive feedback the products received from visitors during the show. The PLASA Show was a huge success for Artistic Licence, with the number of visitors to the stand breaking all previous records.

Colour-Tramp is an evolution of the original Lamp-Tramp control system that toured with such names as The Rolling Stones' Voodoo Lounge and Pink Floyd's Division Bell tours. It's a lighting control centre for two and three-dimensional colour changing arrays, ideal for architectural applications such as building exteriors and illuminated plazas. Among other applications, it should also find favour in television, where the sophisticated triggering options will vastly simplify game show

Germany - Behringer, the German manufacturer of pro audio tools, is expanding its product line to meet the growing needs of the pro audio and entertainment industry. At PLASA 2003, Behringer unveiled 13 new products developed in close collaboration with professional artists and engineers.

These include three new 31-band equalizers - the Ultragraph digital DEQ1024, Ultragraph pro FBQ6200 and Ultragraph pro FBQ3102 - and one new 15-band stereo-graphic equalizer, the Ultragraph pro FBQ1502. These new products feature ultra high-resolution stereo 24-bit/96kHz equalizers, combined with a patent pending FBQ Feedback Detection System that instantly reveals critical frequencies and can also be used as an audio analyzer. Super, rugged construction ensures long life even under the hardest of users.

For DJs, the new professional VMX1000 is a 7-channel, 19" ultra low-noise DJ mixer w

UK - Specialist Pro-audio product distribution company, LAX, launched a new range of Rodec amplifiers at last week's PLASA Show. The three new models are the PA 800, PA 1600 and PA 2400, which are being manufactured in the USA to Rodec's own specifications and they join the range of Rodec DJ and club mixers, aimed at the installation, professional and semi-professional DJ markets. Progressing the companies' philosophy that high quality equipment is vital to the DJ market, the amplifiers have been through a rigorous design and testing process during 2003 before going into manufacture.

The inclusion of good components, high build quality and effective protection and cooling circuitry ensure the new amplifiers will follow in the Rodec tradition of good sound and reliability, say the company. For this reason all Rodec equipment comes with a limited two-year warranty.

The amps have

Australia - The new PMX 12 from Australian pro audio manufacturer ARX Systems is a flexible, multi-profile speaker cabinet suitable for main or monitor applications, which according to ARX, raises the concept of processor-controlled speaker systems to a new level. It is, they say, suitable for any professional loudspeaker application requiring high quality audio in a compact, powerful and flexible package.

The PMX 12 is a two-way speaker system, featuring an ARX Pro Series 12" (305mm) bass driver, plus 1" (25mm) ARX extended range, large diaphragm compression driver, coupled to a 90°H x 40°V horn flare. Frequency management is provided by an ultra-efficient 24dB per octave internal crossover mounted on a fibre glass circuit board, using audiophile quality hand-crafted components.

Equally at home when used as a stage monitor. Its low profile design maximizes sightli

UK - Following unprecedented interest during PLASA 2003 in Kinesys' Elevation 1+ variable speed chain hoist control system, and its special commendation at the PLASA Awards, Kinesys is delighted to announce that Lodestar conversion kits are now available for both the large body and small body sizes of CM Lodestar.

These conversion kits allow standard CM Lodestars to be run as full variable speed hoists while still allowing the hoists to be controlled, fixed speed, from a standard motor controller. The conversion kit upgrades all the wiring within the Lodestar and includes a new 24V transformer and a high-resolution encoder. A circuit board accommodates all the contactor and brake switching components; provision for circuitry to control silent DC brakes is also included ensuring a simple and cost-effective upgrade path. The conversion kit leaves the hoist fitted with a multi-way

UK / USA - The new management team at Cerwin-Vega used the PLASA Show to unveil the results of the company's new development philosophy, in conjunction with UK distributor Lamba plc. President, David Rice, and marketing manager, Jesse Walsh, presented three new product ranges making their world debuts.

The Vision Series, flagship of the company's Professional Audio division, features five new designs specifically aimed at live sound reinforcement and non-engineered sound applications. The Vision line includes two, three-way, full-range (bi-ampable) trapezoidal enclosures with ATM-equipped fly points, along with two subwoofer units and a single 12" coaxial enclosure that doubles as a floor monitor and flyable install speaker. The series includes the VIS-153 (a single 15" three-way system); the VIS-253 (a dual 15" three-way system), the VIS-122 (a single 12" co

USA - The new Show Designer professional DMX controllers from Light Stream Controls (LSC) offers a less expensive alternative for controlling DMX fixtures to all types of professional lighting users - from disc jockeys and smaller clubs, to larger entertainment venues and rental firms. The range consists of the Show Designer 1, Show Designer 2 and Show Designer 2D controllers, along with a Show Designer Disc Drive for storing data to a 3.5" floppy disk, which is linkable to the Show Designer 1 and 2 (the Show Designer 2D comes with its own built-in disk drive).

All of the controllers can operate a wide range of DMX intelligent lighting products, and come pre-programmed with a large library of built-in fixture settings for many different lighting brands. The systems are easily upgraded with continuous software updates, downloadable via the internet. Show Designer controllers

UK - Trantec has introduced the TS22 and TS212 miniature mics. The TS22 has been manufactured to the highest specifications and combine a minute microphone with an ultra light and comfortable headband. Designed to be hidden discreetly in a wig or hair, it is ideal for theatre and broadcast applications.

The headband is engineered from a hard-wearing nylon composite, which has been selected to withstand the most rigorous and demanding applications. The nylon composite can be easily moulded to custom fit any users' head and ear shape. The TS 22's microphone is mounted on a tiny boom, which bends into shape to allow optimum sound quality.

The potential of the TS22' microphone is augmented by virtue of a tiny membrane, which houses the microphone capsule, protecting it from moisture, make-up and everyday dirt. The membrane is simple and cost effective to replace.

Trantec's TS212

USA - American DJ is building on the success of its intelligent scanner, the DJ Scan, with the unveiling of the next generation DJ Scan 250. Like its predecessor, the DJ Scan 250 is an affordable, easy-to-use 4-channel DMX scanner, loaded with on-board colours and gobos, that puts an intelligent light show within reach of virtually any mobile or club DJ.

The DJ Scan 250 has a number of improved features: it has a brighter 250W lamp, which makes its seven dichroic colours much more brilliant and intense. Along with its added brightness, DJ Scan 250 features 10 all-new gobo patterns created by the company's graphic designers. "The gobos are our own exclusive proprietary patterns, which no other manufacturer has," said Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ group of companies.

Another improved feature on the DJ Scan 250 is an electronic transformer, which ma

USA - Nexera is Wybron's new family of affordable dichroic CMY colour mixing luminaires expressly designed to complement existing equipment. Nexera washlights and ellipsoidals operate just like the conventional theatrical fixtures already in use, but with the addition of Wybron CMY dichroic colour mixing.

Nexera fixtures are offered with a commonly available 575W compact tungsten source (the preferred source for theatre and television) and provide igh quality light output and beam uniformity. All Nexera fixtures are convection cooled and servo-driven, utilizing no fans for silent operation. The patent-pending Wybron CMY colour mixing module produces a wide colour palette, featuring an exceptional range of control over the most subtle theatrical colours like bastard amber, light pink and no-colour blue, all with seamless transitions between colours. Each unit requires three DMX c

UK - VXCO Lighting Systems Switzerland took its own stand once again at the recent PLASA Show in London. Attracting a great deal of interest on the stand was the company's DMXCreator computer lighting controller, with the latest interface in the range, the DMXCreator 512 Basic, the centre of attention. This product, which was also nominated for a PLASA Award for Product Excellence, has all its electronics built into the XLR connector plug, making it possibly the world's smallest USB-DMX-interface, according to the company. "People were very interested in this new interface," said VXCO's Oleg Kaufmann.

The system is suitable for a wide range of applications, including clubs, discos, concert, touring, rental, exhibitions, theme parks, multimedia and retail display. More information and the full software is available for free at the website below.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - The UK launch of the new E Series at PLASA 2003 was a resounding success for MC2 Audio. Interest in these switchmode amplifiers was extremely high from both existing customers and also from potential new customers from the touring/DJ markets, who know the brand well and have been eagerly awaiting the addition of a lightweight series to the MC2 portfolio of products. The first production run of the E Series was pre-sold before the exhibition and a number of new orders were taken during the show.

Ian McCarthy, managing director of MC2 Audio, told us: "This year's PLASA was one of the busiest yet and gave us the opportunity to showcase the E Series to our overseas and UK visitors. I was very happy with the way the exhibition went and particularly with the highly positive response we had from everyone to the new amps. I had a tight schedule of meetings with customers and n

UK - Cambridge-based Pulsar launched a range of new LED-based products at the recent PLASA Show. One of the key new products was the company's ChromaDeck system - a joint development between Pulsar and Litestructures, which is a hybrid of the industry-standard Litedeck staging system and the innovative LED ChromaPanel. Now in full production, this new product can be used in either fixed installations or as part of a temporary or touring stage and TV set.

A new software upgrade for the ChromaZone and ChromaBank was also announced. Version 2.0 is available free of charge and enhances the existing software by adding many new functions including the running of two simultaneous chases, a smoothing disable switch (for use with video/graphic systems), master dimmer for the 36 RGB individual channels, progressive smoothing with faster response, even smoother built-in chases, the possib

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