UK - The Amptown Cases SiP-Plasma Screen insert will make its UK debut at the PLASA Show this September. The insert represents the latest concept in professional flightcase technology for plasma screens. The name SiP represents an innovative development, produced in-house and only available from Amptown Cases.

Each plasma screen is held securely in an innovative moulded rubber insert. The combination of a durable rubber surface and a softer shock-absorbing foam kernel protects the delicate plasma screens during transportation, especially in the event of an unpredictable or extreme impact. Provision within the flightcase can be made for associated accessories such as stands, wall brackets and even speakers where practicable, making it a convenient way of moving these often awkward pieces of equipment around.

Amptown can be found on stand L52 at PLASA.

(Ruth Rossington)

UK - Turbosound Ltd, the British manufacturer of live performance and installed-sound loudspeakers, is launching two new models in its fast-selling TXD series of passive loudspeakers at PLASA. Also being shown is the first model in a new range of TSB sub-bass enclosures, as well as further developments in Turbosound's QLight series.

Introduced earlier this year, Turbosound's highly successful TXD series is aimed at the club, DJ and live performance markets, and has already proved to be one of the company's fastest-selling product lines. Being launched at PLASA is the ultra-compact TXD-081, a passive 8" two-way loudspeaker designed for club, bar and restaurants installs, plus the TXD-252 - a 2 x 15" + 2" trapezoidal combo, which looks set to become a firm favourite with pub bands and DJs. Both the new models share the same features that have made the TXD systems su

UK - LA Audio will be taking orders at this year's PLASA show for its new G400 four-channel frequency conscious noise gate, and GC400 two-channel auto compressor and frequency conscious noise gate, both of which complement the current range of signal processing products, which includes the C400 4-channel auto compressor.

The G400 features four identical gate channels that can be operated as four separate processors or linked as two independent stereo pairs. Each channel has fully variable controls for filter frequency, threshold and release. The range is switchable to provide either full muting (-80dBu) or a more subtle level of signal attenuation (-20dBu). Two attack modes are available - fast or slow, and release is manually adjustable. In-built side chain 'auto-level-sensing' and hold circuitry ensure that false triggering and chatter are kept to a minimum.

The GC400 combin

UK - Two years ago, entertainment industry veteran Paul Edwards saw an opportunity to solve a long-term problem. Over the years, he had been frustrated trying to find a vendor to build the quality power distribution and motor control equipment he wanted. And he knew that others in the production world had felt the same way. So he decided to do it himself - and Quantum Energy Devices LLC (QED) was born.

Power distribution represents a major investment that no one wants to think too much about after they purchase it. Quantum Energy Devices' aim is to design and manufacture power distribution products which are well-engineered and well-constructed enough to work reliably and safely day after day in the often adverse environment of the entertainment industry, with a minimum of service. All QED products are fully ETL listed (not just using ETL approved components) and each product is

UK - Pro audio manufacturer Audient will show one of the first production units of its brand new eight channel mic pre-amp, the ASP008, at this year's PLASA Show. The ASP008 is a compact, 1U rack-mount unit, featuring eight high quality mic preamplifiers, developed from the mic-pre design used in the company's ASP8024 recording console and the Aztec Live Performance console.

All channels include XLR input, 48V phantom power, switchable input impedance, 25 - 250Hz hi pass filter, phase reverse, as well as line input selection. Channels one and two also feature a -20dB attenuator and high impedance Instrument/DI input, on a jack on the front panel. LEDs provide indication of signal present and overload. A digital output option is available in addition to the standard balanced analogue outputs, making the ASP008 an ideal front end to any DAW or Pro Tools system.

This is the first

Spain - Valencia-based pro audio manufacturer D.A.S. Audio is to show its new Dynamics series at PLASA 2003, with the presentation of the DS-115 passive and DS-115A powered systems. The Dynamics series provides users with loudspeaker systems that are easy to carry, simple to set up and offer high quality sound, say D.A.S.

The DS-115 is a versatile two-way system designed to be used as a full-range stand-alone unit. Low frequency reproduction is handled by a 400Wrms 15" loudspeaker with 3" voice coil. High frequencies are reproduced by the new M-5N neodymium compression driver. This 1" exit driver incorporates a 2" titanium diaphragm and EFW (edge-wound-flat-wire) voice coil. The unique enclosure design has three ergonomic handles for easy carrying, will accept a standard 35mm mounting stand and includes a floor monitor position for added flexibility. Nine M8

Germany - German pro audio manufacturer HK Audio will present its own answer to the line array at PLASA 2003. Concert sound sales manager Christian Stumpp explains. "When line arrays were introduced to the touring market, we regarded the concept as having a great deal of potential, but we had no interest in being a me-too manufacturer and rushing to market with a half-baked solution. Our approach has been to survey the situation rather intensively for several years, carefully analyze the advantages and disadvantages of current solutions, and pay special attention to those areas in need of improvement. Once we were satisfied that we had a comprehensive list of requirements, and were confident that we would be attacking the problem areas with a fresh approach, our specialists Jörg Knieschewski and Thomas Adt began the R&D in earnest to create a new type of line array."

UK - British Harlequin's Activity Sprung Floor with its revolutionary 'triple' sandwich construction has proved a popular choice for many companies, performing arts centres and schools requiring a permanent sprung floor. Activity Floor has typically been installed in conjunction with a non-slip vinyl surface from one of Harlequin's established range of dance surfaces. Now, due to customer demand, Harlequin have developed a choice of three standard hardwood finishes - oak, beech and maple - ideal for venues requiring a more conventional look.

In traditional wooden sprung floors, there has always been an inconsistency of flex over the floor area due to the necessity to use bearers in construction. This problem has now been eliminated by combining an engineered wooden surface with Harlequin Activity Floor, a unique fully floating construction of semi flexible panels supported on a

UK - Adam Hall, world-renowned manufacturer and distributor of hardware components to the pro-audio, music and allied industries will be launching many new exciting product lines at PLASA this year. One of the many new lines they will introduce this year is the complete range of US made 'SKB' cases and 19" racks, including their innovative range of DJ workstations, turntable and record/CD cases and their unique light-weight range of Roto-moulded 'Gig-Rig' all-in-one 19" mixer/rack cases.

As usual Adam Hall will be adding many new innovative items to their extensive range of hardware components including their new 'Easycase' system, giving case manufacturers a new quick and easy way to build strong light-weight cases. Also they will be launching their new 'TrussStacker' system, which tackles the age-old problem of safely transporting aluminium lighting trussing, both it

UK - A new range of Audio Lighting has been developed from leading-edge aerospace technology. The Light Wand Audio range of console and desk lights will be formally launched by Black Cat Music at PLASA 2003.

Evolving from the latest Aerospace LED technologies, the Light Wand Audio range provides even, glare-free light, with a hint of blue, aids concentration and highlights the screen-printing on even the most tired of desks, according to UK distributor, Black Cat Music. The quality of light is achieved by utilizing the patented Beadlight diffusion system, which scatters the light with little attenuation.

The lights, on goosenecks of 6", 12", and18", are available with a choice of connectors. The unique lamp head rotates through 360° which, when combined with the suppleness of the gooseneck, provides a flexibility not seen before in similar products. The units f

UK - UK distributor Miltec is offering a line-up of new products from Ecler, Fal and Pearl River at PLASA 2003. Ecler will be showing two new speakers - the Philos 10" and Philos 15" - as well as the new APA, MPA and PAM range of amplifiers. Also on stand will be the company's complete range of mixers and the Ecler 100 volt line system - Enviro. On display from Italian lighting manufacturer Fal will be a new range of architectural outdoor IP65-rated lighting effects, along with a number of theatre lighting products including followspots and profiles.

Chinese lighting manufacturer Pearl River will be showing its full range of Pilot moving heads, plus architectural lighting for outdoor use, DJ lighting effects for mobile and bar/club use and a new range of LED lighting fixtures.

Miltec can be found on stand C103, and Pearl River on stand D110.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - Tannoy has added three versatile subwoofers to complement its recently launched V Series range of Point Source, Dual Concentric sound reinforcement loudspeaker systems. The V series, currently comprising V8, V12, V15, and V300 dual-wedge shaped, high-performance loudspeakers, introduced last year at PLASA, now benefit from enhanced bass performance with the addition of the new sub woofers. All three models are capable of delivering high SPLs with low distortion and power compression while maintaining a uniform frequency response throughout the dynamic range.

The VS18 DR is a direct radiating subwoofer which extends the frequency response of V Series systems down to 27Hz, making it ideal for effects in club, theatre, and live concert applications. The VS18 DR utilizes a high-efficiency 457mm (18") drive unit with a 76mm (4") voice coil. Although primarily intended

USA - Mackie Designs Inc and Emagic Software and Hardware GmbH have announced an agreement to merge their audio control surface technologies. Under the terms of the agreement, future Mackie engineered control surfaces will include both Logic Control and Mackie Control, as well as Mackie's HUI protocol.

"Logic users represent one of the largest, most affluent creative communities in audio recording," commented Chris Adam, managing director of Emagic GmbH. "By merging the Mackie and Emagic control surface technologies, we will be providing current and future Emagic customers with one of the most versatile and powerful control surface platforms in the world."

Beginning next month, Mackie and Emagic will also release an upgrade that will allow both Mackie Control and Logic Control owners to take full advantage of the combined functionality. "The Mackie Co

Germany - Behringer has announced the introduction of a Dolby 5.1 surround update for the Danalog DDX3216 digital console. The new surround update transforms the DDX3216 into a fully-fledged surround mixer with extensive control possibilities, say Behringer, and the software surround upgrade is available free of charge from the company's website.

The new software upgrade features include surround panning on the desired channel via a second PAN display page, live 'movements' of selected sound source (channels) through the surround space, storage of surround pan/automating via snapshot and dynamic automation and new MIDI control possibilities for expanded surround parameters on channels 1-32 and FX returns 1-8. The surround mix and conventional mix can be run simultaneously, while additional new update features such as 100 markers (previously 10) and an opportunity to activate the

USA - Polar Focus has introduced the Rocker Zbeam - a new line array rigging system designed to simplify installation. Currently, with conventional rigging techniques, a two-motor rig is usually suspended from one dead hang point and a carefully bridled second point. The acoustic aim of the cluster and the coverage is dependent on the accuracy of the bridled rigging point, and in order to focus the system effectively, the bridled point may need to be adjusted several times. However, the Rocker Zbeam claims to solve this problem by using only two dead hang points. However, if bridles are used, then their accuracy is much less important. In either case, the cluster can be quickly rotated to achieve the desired horizontal angle.

The key component is a rocker beam that keeps the centre axis vertical at all times, even if the two supporting hoists are not running at the same speed o

USA - Eastern Acoustic Works, a Mackie Designs Inc brand, has announced the introduction of a new web resource for members of its popular Acoustical Performance Partnership (APP) program.

Beginning immediately, the new APP web page makes it even easier for members to access valuable in-depth technical information and documentation including white papers, datasheets, user's guides, wizards, EASE data and software downloads.

While APP membership is not required to access the online materials, the free membership offers access to further technical information, and interaction with the EAW Application Support Group and Engineering departments.

(Ruth Rossington)

Finland - FogScreen is a new system which offers an intriguing method for forming a high quality, physically penetrable dry fog display. The FogScreen, which has international patents pending, provides a highly unusual, 'floating' projection surface that people can walk through - and leaves no residue.

Dr Ismo Rakkolainen, co-inventor of the FogScreen, from Tampere University of Technology in Finland, says: "The fog is made of ordinary tap water with no chemicals or anything. Our patent does not comment on what particles are used, so any kinds of fog, smoke, or other particles can be used, but water is a safe, harmless, low-cost, and simple material to use. The device is suspended high above the audience, and it is also robustly built. The health and safety risks have been checked with many experts."

FogScreen Inc has been founded to develop, manufacture and market

UK - DiGiCo has released software Version 2 for the D5 Live digital mixing system, bringing together a host of user interface improvements and extra features introduced since the system's launch last autumn. The new software, available as a free upgrade to existing D5 Live owners, introduces important facilities including four-console networking, new security modes, more processing options, enhanced snapshots, improved bank layouts and extra monitoring facilities.

With the four-console networking facility, FOH and monitor consoles can share inputs with optional gain-tracking, and can each connect via ethernet to a second redundant 'mirror' console. Used like this, the 'mirror' desks copy all live show control, allowing failsafe recovery with no audio loss. The D5's new security modes prevent accidental changes during a live show, with full up-to-date fail-safe recovery from non-

Australia - Pro audio manufacturer ARX Systems has released the new EQ 215 dual channel 2/3rd octave graphic equalizer. Following in the steps of the company's EQ 15, the EQ 215 is suitable for all sound reinforcement, installation and broadcast applications where 1/3rd octave equalization is not required.

Each channel on the satin grey front panel features 15 of ARX's new Extended Resolution long-throw, centre grounding sliders, switchable to either ±15dB or ±6dB, for the ideal combination of high fader resolution and maximum cut and boost. Also, each channel features a Gain Level control with up to +10dB of gain; a Clip LED to indicate circuit overload; a sweepable 20 - 200Hz High Pass Filter, and an In/Out hardwire bypass switch with optional transformer output.

With its state-of-the-art circuitry and ultra-low noise design, the EQ 215 boasts a signal-to-noise of 95dB un

USA - Chauvet has introduced the SF-4005 channel timer, a multi-tasking 2 or 4-channel timer/chaser designed to keep your lighting effects from exceeding their recommended duty cycle. Chase or sound-activated modes are also ideal for pin spots, Par cans and any other chase-able lights. A three-position switch controls timer, chase and sound-activation functions, while another switch lets you select two or four channels for timed control of up to four lighting effects.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - Slough-based lighting and sound sales company Stagetec, the UK distributor for Compulite and LSC lighting products will have a number of new products lined up for the PLASA Show this year, including the company's showpiece new product - Compulite's Vector family of lighting consoles. The Compulite Rave is also highlighted, as well as the Spark Top.

New from LSC is the Minim lighting desk, a budget-priced 12/24-channel memory desk, shown alongside their MaXim series of fader-based lighting consoles. Dimmers will include Compulite's powerful CompuRACK digital dimmer racks and their CompuDIM and MobileDIM modular racks. Dmmers from LSC include the iPRO installation dimmer range, the e1220 and the ePAK and ePRO ranges, plus their Delta power distribution units.

Stagetec can be found on stand E40.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - Yamaha has increased its PA speaker line-up with the introduction of six models in the completely new Yamaha E (European) series. Built specifically for the demanding European market, the new E series speakers will be positioned to replace the familiar SE series of American speakers. With their proven rugged carpet finish, high quality Yamaha build standards, steel carry handles and lightweight design, the SE series have become a popular model for the price conscious market. The new E series builds on this success, but now offer Speakon connections and a greater frequency response within the top end.

Peter Peck, marketing manager for music production at Yamaha-Kemble, said: "Ideally matched with our new Yamaha P series power amps or EMX powered mixers, the E series is ideal for applications where high quality sound, yet competitive pricing, are required. The Yamaha Pro

UK - Advanced systems solutions provider, beyerdynamic GB, is set to present its diverse, yet complementary range of manufactured and distributed products at PLASA. The focus will be towards showcasing integrated application-led solutions for the installation and contracting markets.

In addition to its extensive range of headphones and microphones, beyerdynamic will present a new range of Opus wireless radio microphones - the 300, 500MKII and 800 systems. The new Opus range benefits from an advanced Auto Scan/ACT function, exceptionally wide frequency response and up to 16 channels, which can be operated simultaneously.

As a new addition to beyerdynamic's distribution range, Bittner amplifiers will be showcased from Slovakian manufacturer, Bittner Audio. An expansive range of high specification amplification products which complement beyerdynamic's range of speakers and DSP ba

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