A brand new line of digital accessories - the 'DigiBox' range - has been unveiled by LA Audio. The new range, which includes versatile digital toolboxes, housed in compact aluminium cases, comprises an AES channel divider, AES/SPDIF converter, AES three-way splitter, SPDIF four-way splitter, word clock/super clock generator, word clock/super clock converter and four-way word clock distributor. LA Audio also has its new G400 four-channel frequency-conscious noise gate on display, and the GC400 - a two-channel auto compressor and frequency-conscious noise gate.

Audient is displaying one of the first production units of its brand new eight-channel mic pre-amp, the ASP008. This compact, 1U rack-mount unit features eight 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

DiGiCo has introduced the DiGiTRACS at PLASA 2003. This is a dedicated 56-track hard disk multitrack recorder that allows a soundcheck or live performance to be recorded and recalled. It also provides the benefit of an extremely compact show or tour recorder. At the heart of DiGiTRACS is Merging Technologies' Pyramix software and its powerful Mykerinos DSP card.

Designed with simplicity in mind, the DiGiTRACS is built into a rugged 4U 19" rackmount casing with internal cooling, and connects to the FOH D5 Live using two BNC MADI cables. The unit is rackmounted on rails, with a lockable front panel, and slides out for easy access.

400Gb of media storage is provided by a high reliability RAID multiple hard disk array for maximum data security. It also features an 80Gb removable 'caddy' drive for archiving, back-up and post-production data exchange. The front panel provides USBII

To celebrate the world launch of Meyer Sound's long-awaited UPJ-1P - the compact and cost-effective sister to the world-famous UPA - Autograph Sales has announced a very special PLASA show offer for the first 100 units purchased in the UK.

The UPJ-1P is the first Meyer Sound self-powered loudspeaker system to incorporate VariO technology - a unique system that allows the 80x50 HF horn to be rotated through 90° without compromising the loudspeaker's awesome performance. This allows the UPJ to be a true workhorse - equally suited to main FOH duty, as a front fill, under balconies or even as a monitor wedge.

The UPJ-1P represents a major milestone for Meyer Sound's UK customers; based on the concepts that have made the UPA-1P the most successful self-powered loudspeaker ever, the new addition to the family opens up a world of audio possibilities for rental companies in every market.

Power Gems, known for its ballast products in the motion picture field, will introduce a high-frequency sine wave 575W ballast with integrated hot re-strike ignitor. The new ballast has fewer parts and generates less heat than conventional systems, even with an active unity power factor correction stage. The new ballast doesn't require fan cooling in usual applications, is lightweight and cheaper to manufacture than its conventional counterparts.

Power Gems conducted a series of tests at Philips in Belgium, which demonstrated that lamps which had operated for 1,000 hours on high frequency sine wave displayed considerably reduced de-vitrification, and appeared almost new. Power Gems see this development as revolutionizing the way we consider discharge luminaires in the future, not only for the moving light industry but for theatre, venue and film applications also, where the ballast now

Visitors to the High End stand can see the company's High End shows latest Catalyst development, the Catalyst DL1. The original Catalyst combines a media server and moving mirror light with an off-the-shelf video projector: Catalyst DL1 significantly enhances the technology by housing a digital engine in a ruggedized package which has the look and feel of a moving light, yet the versatility of a moving projector. Users are able to take images from DVDs, videos and other types of media and display them with complete control over image size and shape.

To help bridge the video and traditional lighting worlds, Catalyst DL1 incorporates the communications standards of both: VGA, RGBHV and S Video inputs for incorporating movie, film or graphics content, and DMX programming - a lighting communications standard that allows the DL1 to be remotely pointed or focused from any DMX-based control u

Total Fabrications' 'new wave' is a striking new alternative to traditional aluminium truss and differs dramatically in several exciting ways. Firstly, innovative construction methods allow the use of new materials, including carbon fibre and acrylic. The carbon fibre, in addition to its high strength, can be printed prior to the tube construction, allowing textures, such as wood grain or corporate logos to be integral to the truss members. The acrylic version captures light and can provide dramatic lighting effects.

Secondly, as the structural web is formed from an extrusion, it can be cut into elaborate shapes. new wave comes with the patented OMNI connection system, a fully rotating unisex fork connector, allowing a wide array of reconfigurable two and three-dimensional structures. These can be assembled without the need for expensive custom fabrication. OMNI connectors also behave

Kinesys's Elevation 1+ variable speed controller has proved its worth on the recent Robbie Williams' tour. Existing hoists can be used with the system after a straightforward conversion, and can then be returned to a working inventory as standard fixed-speed hoists running from a traditional motor controller. The addition of an Elevation 1+ controller, however, allows them to become full variable-speed hoists with millimetre positional accuracy. Using CM Lodestar hoists, speeds from 0.5m to 21m per minute are possible, and a variety of other manufacturers' hoists can also be controlled. Lodestar conversions can range from a basic electrical conversion to the inclusion of dual silent brakes and multiple limit switches.

Kinesys - Stand R71

German manufacturer HK Audio has launched its new Cohedra line array system at PLASA. The development phase for Cohedra alone has taken more than two years, during which the focus has been on phase linearity, ease of use and above all, natural dynamics, hence the name Cohedra - Coherent Dynamic Response Array. In terms of unit size and weight, Cohedra falls into the category of compact line array systems, so will offer significant handling advantages. The company has chosen not to integrate bass speakers into the flown array, instead going with a new external bass solution (although no specific details on this were available at time of going to press). Since March, prototype systems have been used at several major music festivals and events, including recent testing in concert with Deep Purple and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

HK Audio - Stand G110

The Czech manufacturer of moving lights has unveiled a number of new products at PLASA. The ColorSpot 1200 is the latest addition to Robe's AT (Advanced Technology) family of moving head fixtures. Designed as a creative tool, it uses a Philips 1200 SA discharge lamp, with output further boosted by an efficient optical system. Features include a versatile CMY colour mixing system, variable CTO, plus an additional colour wheel, 12 rotating indexable and replaceable dichroic glass gobos on two wheels, iris, four rotating prisms and effects, a flexible 13-42° linear zoom, remote focus, dimmer and shutter.

Also new from Robe is the ColorSpot 250 AT which improves on the company's successful ColorSpot 250 XT, with a streamlined new design that follows the style of the ColorSpot 1200 AT. Updated features include a new rotating gobo wheel with seven replaceable 'slot and lock' dichroic glass

Martin Audio, newly-independent since the management buyout last month, has introduced the three-way, active/passive W8LM mini line array here at Earls Court - and was also able to annouce a substantial commitment to the new system from the Synco Network. The W8LM has been designed for multiple applications in areas where the line array principle is demanded but space is at a premium. Although highly compact, the W8LM is a full-bandwidth, 2 x 8" and 2 x 1" system and can be used in many areas without additional sub-bass.

Using proven array principles from its larger siblings, and an evolution of the Hybrid loading technique, a low/mid output with a sensitivity greater than 100dB is easily achieved, rising to 106dB for the HF. By using innovative mid-horn geometry and a toroidal wave guide, a constant directivity, horizontal pattern control of over 120° (700Hz-18kHz) is maint

Ben-Ri Electronica's Hydra Plus is a professional lighting control system offering 2048 moving head attributes configurable from an extensive fixture library, 1000 conventional channels and 100 scroller channels. It provides two video outputs for up to two VGA monitors and is also TFT compatible. For direct playback there are 48 Masters (24 for compact) with time (2 fade times and 3 wait times) and link function. Various modes include normal, inhibit and absolute. Its editors provide palettes, figures and libraries for position, colour, gobo and beam. The console has 999 Macros banking onto 10 direct access keys. Each memory supports six time-parts. There are also two independent editors - stage and blind, an off-line editor for windows (OLE), audio input and SMPTE input.

Ben-Ri Electronica - Stand D69

The showpiece product from Compulite at PLASA this year is its Vector lighting console. This features an integrated CAD package and enhanced paperwork capabilities - designed to take the operator from concept to closing night in one user-friendly workstation. Vector's architecture is built around an innovative multi-processor system. One system handles the user-interface, and is optimized for comfort utilizing a familiar Windows XP front-end that's user friendly and simple to upgrade, whilst the second, calculating the real-time components of the systems, runs on the robust VX platform, bringing speed, stability and seamlessly running in the background. We have a report next issue on the Vector's early trials on the Australian Logies awards.

Compulite/Stagetec - E40

Le Mark has won a number of PLASA Awards for Product Excellence in the past, and the company is in the running again this year with the launch of Gaf-Fire, a product designed and engineered to reflect the needs of an industry which has become fully aware of its responsibilities concerning safety and the environment.

Gaf-Fire is the world's first ever matt black self-adhesive tape which is both self-extinguishing and flame retardant to the rigorous standards of BS 5867 part 2 1980 type B. Designed for use in both horizontal and vertical situations, it provides the 'missing link' in the industry's flame retardant armoury. It can be used for many types of applications within the entertainment industry since it provides a non-burn surface for stage, film, TV and concert productions.

On Sunday 7 September at 12 noon, Le Mark will welcome lighting designer Andrew Bridge to the stand to l

For Logic System Pro Audio, the launch of a second generation CM Series of loudspeakers at PLASA completes a product development cycle for company, whose first generation products were launched at PLASA 1998. The new CM boxes benefit from cosmetic changes - to bring them in line with the rest of the product range - and from upgraded cone and compression drivers. The product mix for the range, which is principally intended for stage monitoring, will remain the same with co-axial 12" + 1", 15" + 1" and 15" + 2" variants. This new range will give Logic an 'in' to the touring market, and the company has said it will launch a follow-up product next summer - which may change a few perceptions.

Logic System Pro Audio - K70

MA Lighting introduced the latest member of the grandMA family of lighting control products to the industry yesterday at PLASA 2003, emphasizing the complete network systems capability of its now extensive product range.

Among the new additions is the grandMA micro, the smallest control interface in the range. The Micro uses a new hardware platform for maximum reliability and offers control of 1,024 individual parameters for both conventional dimmers and moving lights. MA Lighting also showed the new range of high quality dimming systems - naturally named 'dimMA' - and showed advancements to its 3D Visualizer software.

MA Lighting - stand K40

Building on the success of the recently-launched iDR and PA product lines, Allen & Heath has used PLASA as the launchpad for new products from both lines, as well as additional options to enhance the coveted Xone:V6 audiophile club mixer.

Based on the same technology as the iDR-8, iDR-4 is a 4-input, 4-output digital processor with additional 2-input, 2-output dual-function monitor channels, ideal for smaller installations, which also makes full use of the iDR accessories for expansion.

Following the launch of the PA20 and PA28 live stereo consoles, the series now includes the new PA12 mixer. Rack-mountable or stand-alone, the PA12 has 8 mono and 2 stereo channels and is aimed at smaller bands and performers, as well as other applications. The company has also recently launched a valve option card for its Xone:V6 rotary mixer and now two additional modules have been developed - the E

Stage automation specialist Stage Technologies has shown its new Saxis system for the first time here at PLASA. This is a complete single-axis automation control system and the latest addition to the company's range of control systems.

Compact in size, it can be plugged directly into a three-phase mains power supply and incorporates all the advantages of servo-motor control, being small, with precise and near-silent operation. With on-screen diagnostics, absolute position feedback, position readout, programmable speed and accelerations and speed override during cue run, the hand-held interface gives the operator complete control. Six preset positions and a Dead Man's handle also ensure that a production's automation requirements are executed seamlessly, accurately and safely.

Stage Technologies - Stand H20

Panphonics' Audio Element, making its first appearance at the PLASA Show, is an innovative type of electrostatic panel transducer technology. Based on technology patented by the Finnish company, the elements are thin, flat and very light, as they include no metal structures or magnets. According to the company, the sound field produced by the element is even and the frequency response is excellent with low distortion. The elements also produce an evenly propagating sound front, so the speakers are directive.

The Element has a range of innovative application possibilities: it's ideal from an architectural point of view - the slim, light structure can be integrated as part of a product or surface material and therefore be virtually invisible. It can be made in custom sizes and shapes, and can be covered or painted with any material which allows air to pass through. With Audio Element, u

Prolyte will be previewing ProTrac, an upgraded fly-bar system, designed for situations where a simple bar or ladder beam no longer meets requirements. For instance, if the uniformly distributed load needs to be upgraded from 300kg to 500kg and the point load from 40kg to 150/200kg, the normal fly-bar does not have the required strength. Therefore, the single round tube is often replaced with ladder beams, usually made from steel. ProTrac offers a better alternative than the steel ladder beams, thanks to its combination of an aluminium extruded square profile, underneath which a round tube of 60mm or 48.3mm is attached. Suspension points slide into the square profile and can be locked at any position, and flexibility comes from the fact that several lengths can be easily connected.

Prolyte - Stand F30

One of the high profile audio product launches at this year's show is Shure's brand new ConferenceONE Discussion Systems - its new product line targeted for use in small to mid-size conferences and meetings. Designed specifically for rental companies and sound contractors, ConferenceONE systems feature Shure's industry standard Microflex gooseneck mics and patented IntelliMix automatic mixing technology to deliver high quality audio automatically - in any environment. Attractively designed, ConferenceONE also features an innovative, telescoping, fold-out microphone arm, making the system simple to set-up, use and store.

ConferenceONE systems include one chairman unit, an expandable base of up to 60 delegate units, and a power supply. All units are equipped with a push-to-talk button, an individual loudspeaker and an adjustable earphone jack and are connected via detachable cables outfi

James Thomas Engineering's PixelDrive is a pioneering new way to control solid-state lighting fixtures in a familiar way - through DMX control. IRAD, the team behind the RADlite digital media server, has worked closely with James Thomas Engineering's Pixel R&D team to develop PixelDrive, a new way of controlling and expanding JTE's Pixel range of high brightness LED fixtures.

The RADlite video manipulation package (which utilizes DMX control and is already established as a visual live production tool) is the engine behind PixelDrive, giving DMX control of visual images via a familiar set of attributes - similar to programming a moving light.

The system successfully integrates lighting designers with video and graphics departments, with all mediums now controllable from the lighting console. PixelDrive quickly and easily mimics how the LED fixtures are performing in real-time via a

TC Electronic has launched the EQ Station-8, EQ Station-4, EQ Station-2 and the MotoFader-64 here at Earls Court. Together with a PC/Mac editor, these products form a high-end equalizer system designed for use in demanding touring monitor and FOH applications, as well as fixed installations in theatres and concert halls. The EQ Station range sets a new standard for live sound equalization.

Coming in 2-, 4- and 8-channel configurations, the EQ Stations are all 2U units featuring the best TC quality AD/DA conversion and the most powerful DSP processing. Each channel includes simultaneously: 6-band Parametric EQ, 29-band Graphic EQ, 3-band Dynamic EQ, Brickwall Limiter and Delay. Internally, EQ Station uses 48-bit processing for wide headroom, analog EQ modelling and no compromise processing. Based on state-of-the-art TC technology, the introduction of the EQ Station range provides a new

The Spice 1210 is the latest rack-mounting dimmer from Zero 88. Designed for ease of use, the units have taken the intuitive user interface from the Chilli installation range and combined it with a range of features, including 12 channels, 12 memories and three chases. The unit also has dimmer curves (normal, linear, switch or square); channel voltage compensation calculated for each phase; dimmer lock-out function; voltage and frequency displays; supply frequency (45 to 70Hz auto-sensing and auto-tracking). The units are also RDM hardware ready.

Zero 88 - Stand G68/G69

Digigram will introduce the EtherSound ES8in/8out. These are Ethernet audio bridges which offer an easy, affordable way to install and distribute up to 64 channels of audio using the company's EtherSound technology. The set-up of an EtherSound network is as simple as plugging an Ethernet cable into a socket. EtherSound ES8in transforms up to eight analogue audio signals into as many EtherSound channels and distributes them via a standard Ethernet network, while EtherSound ES8out extracts up to eight digital audio channels from the network and transforms them into analogue audio signals for playback.

Straightforward management software allows the user to route signals, creating a level of flexibility that analogue audio installations often can't match. A single Cat 5 Ethernet cable can replace dozens of traditional audio cables and numerous patch panels and routing matrices.

Digigra

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