UK - Digital media server and content specialist Projected Image Digital has announced two new products from D-Tek Industries for which it has exclusive distribution rights - the D-Switch and the D-Switch Pro. Both products are designed to aid the growing creative convergence between visual production mediums such as lighting and video, and both were previewed at PLASA.

Projected Image Digital's David March comments: "We're excited to be working with D-Tek Industries and products that are at the forefront of visual production and creativity. The industry is currently moving very fast, and these are the first of a whole series of related products."

The D-Switch, a DMX-controlled 4:1 video switch unit, is the first in a series of new products from D-Tek, developed to give lighting designers the power and flexibility to control the video elements of their show. The D-Sw

USA - American DJ has introduced a series of affordable Par Can Combo Kits, featuring complete Par can set-ups and available in three models - Par 46 Combo, Par 56 Combo and Par 64 Combo. Each Par Can combo kit contains a Par can, lamp, gel frame, four colour gels (red, blue, green, yellow), a clamp and a safety cable. The kits are ideal for bands, mobile entertainers, theatrical and stage productions, recital halls and places of worship, say American DJ.

"Our new Par Can Combo Kits offer the ultimate ease and convenience for stage lighting users," says Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group of companies. "Each one comes as a ready-to-use turnkey package - all you have to do is plug it in."

(Lee Baldock)

Switzerland - At the forthcoming Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) exhibition in Geneva (3-5 February), AV systems specialist Electrosonic is showcasing new processing and media networks display solutions for use in command and control, and corporate communications applications.

The company's 'Visionetwork' is a new range of command and control technologies already in use in IT, utility and process control applications. The first product to be introduced is VN-2400, a network display processor that combines RGB, video and network application sources onto a videowall at low cost. Also being demonstrated will be VN-Commander, an easy-to-use graphical user interface; and the newly launched VN-Glimpse hardware agent, which is an RGB streaming encoder via ethernet.

Electrosonic Director advances the state of play of AV/IT integration by integrating audio, RGB, video, touch-panel cont

Denmark - Martin Architectural has introduced a 'long barrel' version of its popular outdoor CMY colour changer, providing more flexibility as a response to market requests for narrower beam options.

The Exterior 200 Long Barrel's greater length allows for narrower beam options for longer light throw, while maintaining a high intensity beam, say Martin. Two different options are available: 22° field angle (using Fresnel lens) and a 12° field angle (using the PC lens, which replaces the front glass). It is also possible to mount a beam-shaper glass to the underside of the PC lens, which provides an asymmetric beam shape of 14° x 69°. The new options mean that field angle possibilities for the Exterior 200 now range from 12° to 70° flood, with six different steps to choose from.

The Long Barrel's narrow angle options are also useful for illuminating columns and other narro

USA - Pro audio manufacturer Audient's ASP231 has come out on top in a "GEQ Shootout". Hardened audio enthusiasts gathered together towards the end of last year to determine which was the best 1/3rd octave equalizer for use with monitor wedges, and a day of gruelling tests ensued . . .

A total of 32 graphic EQs were put through their paces but the ASP231 captured the attention of the entire panel, which described it as "very smooth and clean" and rated it as a top contender in a 'most gain before feedback with minimal EQ' test, performed with a mic and a wedge monitor.

The competition was the brainchild of Michael 'Bink' Knowles and Michael Allen, who were instrumental in coordinating the day, which drew the attention of the entire community of sound engineers and technicians that regularly visit the Live Audio Board (LAB) on the popular www.live-audio.com

Germany - Pro lighting manufacturer GLP, based in Karlsbad, will be presenting its latest range of products at the forthcoming international trade fairs in Rimini and Frankfurt this spring.

At the SIB exhibition in Rimini, Italy (13-16 March) GLP will be exhibiting on stand 075-086 in Hall A1, where the new Startube 4 will be having its world premiere. This will be followed by its introduction to the German market at the ProLight+Sound exhibition in Frankfurt 31 March - 3 April) where the company can be found on stand B16A in Hall 9.0.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - MTR's PS-4 passive 4-way splitter has receives an upgrade in the form of the PS-4V, which sees two volume controls added, operating on channels one and four. The PS-4 will be familiar to many hundreds of school pupils in the music keyboard classroom and the computer classroom, as well as in home and project studios for headphone monitoring, and this improvement means they no longer have to listen at their neighbour's volume. MTR say the PS-4V is available now, and the regular PS-4 continues in production.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - Rycote's new Modular Windshield brings some subtle developments to the classic, proven zeppelin shape and cavity structure of the microphone windshield. The redesigned bayonet cap is not only easy and quick to locate but also reassuringly tactile in locking, say Rycote, while in addition to the usual rear-cap loading, users can also twist off the front cap, either for access to the microphone or to add an extension section for longer shotguns. Everything rotates into position with perfect alignment and noise or ringing is avoided with the use of diamond netting and resilient Hytrel mouldings.

Rycote's wide range of Modular Suspensions fit onto a new asymmetric filler strip and these - or the Sennheiser MZS-20/1, which is also compatible - glide smoothly over strong self-aligning structural joints and onto locating rails that accurately position the microphone. The Modular W

USA - QSC Audio's new AcousticDesign AD-S52 is a full-range, surface-mount loudspeaker with contemporary styling aimed at applications including hotels, restaurants, convention facilities and multimedia environments. The AD-S52's low frequency driver is magnetically shielded, making allowing for use near video monitors. Available in black or white, the weather-resistant enclosures can also be painted to match any specific decor.

The AD-S52 is a high output, 2-way design incorporating a 5.25" weatherproof LF transducer and a 1" neodymium tweeter, and has the added benefit of built-in dynamic power protection - ensuring system reliability in the event of overload conditions. The AD-S52T models are equipped with a 70V/100V matching transformer for distributed audio systems. There is a transformer tap switch on the rear panel for setting the power level of the loudspeaker:

UK - MEDC Ltd, the manufacturer of the Next Two range of loudspeakers for voice alarm and background music applications, will be launching a new BS5839 part 8 compliant range of loudspeakers at Firex South 2004. The SUB 200 and 500 range of music quality cabinet loudspeakers now have an option that makes them BS5839 part 8 compliant. This range has proved popular with installers and specifiers due to the easy-fit slide and swivel bracket and the quality of sound reproduction.

This range complements and further strengthens the Next Two range of BS5839, part 8 compliant loudspeakers which have been widely adopted for a number of prestigious projects worldwide including airports, hotels, commercial complexes and retail centres.

The Next Two range will be on show at Firex South 2004, Sandown Exhibition Centre, 23 - 24 March 2004 on Stand F10.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

UK - Smart Sound Direct has announced the availability of Galaxy Audio's new trio of Check Mate meters, ideal for monitoring SPLs and to ensure that, wherever possible, they're not exceeded. The CM-130 has a dynamic range of 30dB and frequency range of 125Hz-8KHz, while those of the CM-140 and CM-150 are 50dB and 31.5Hz-8KHz respectively. All are fitted with an electret condenser microphone and are battery operated.

The top-of-the-line CM-150 also comes with an AC adaptor and RS-232 interface. The latter feature allows current SPL readings to be monitored, plus logging of SPL events over a period of time, with the information stored on a computer for future reference. The meters are ideal for councils, sound engineers, bands, DJs, club owners, theatres, schools and houses of worship, say the company.

(Lee Baldock)

Germany - The Ultragraph Pro - a 31-band stereo graphic equalizer with patent pending FBQ Feedback Detection System, is now available. Its powerful set of features makes it a perfect choice for studio use. The FBQ feedback detection system instantly reveals critical frequencies and can also be used as an audio analyzer.

Its dedicated mono subwoofer output with adjustable crossover frequency is a feature rarely found in this segment, say Behringer. Additional sweepable high and low cut filters for each channel remove unwanted frequencies such as floor rumble and tape hiss, while an accurate 12-digit LED output metering and input gain control provide for easy level setting. Ultra low-noise audio operational amplifiers are used throughout, offering outstanding sound performance. A relay-controlled hard-bypass with an auto-bypass function saves the day in the event of a power failu

Denmark - Martin Professional has introduced the new Wireless DMX-512 and Wireless DMX-512 Pro Diversity which, it says, are the easiest way to connect remote fixtures to your DMX system within line of sight. Both devices offer a fast and easy way of connecting and setting up a lighting system, especially where remote or hard to reach fixtures are involved, as no cables or expensive downtime is required. The Wireless DMX-512 and Wireless DMX-512 Pro Diversity mean that fixtures need only sit within range of the transmitter box.

The Wireless DMX-512 is designed for architectural, installation and smaller event applications. It has a range of up to 200m (650ft), can be set up via a PC and PC-based controllers such as the Martin LightJockey and can be configured as either a transmitter or receiver.

The Wireless DMX-512 Pro Diversity is a 19" rack-mount version aimed at stage

UK - Strict environmental health regulations are placing increasing pressure on all entertainment venues to limit the amount of noise that escapes from their premises. With music being the prime source of this nuisance noise, leading audio equipment manufacturer Formula Sound has launched a simple and effective solution which removes the risk of the music being cut off and the entertainment interrupted.

The company's new AT-1 intelligent controller has been specially developed to work with the company's existing Sentry Mk2 noise control unit and provide a complete, integrated solution. Used on its own, the Sentry Mk2 creates an effective method of shutting down an audio system by isolating the mains supply when the volume exceeds a preset threshold. The AT-1 links between an audio system's mixer and amplifier, and monitors SPL readings from the Sentry Mk2. As the volume approac

The Netherlands / Germany - Sound Projects will introduce its new line-array concept LineX at the Frankfurt ProLight&Sound show (31 March - 4 April). Building on the company's Sigma series of symmetrical true line-arrays, LineX features an eight-driver, horn-loaded design into a compact and lightweight cabinet. According to the manufacturer, the LineX's three-way configuration provides one of the highest full-range output to size ratio physically possible.

Use of specialized carbon-fibre composites together with calculated bracing and inner reinforcement structures, results in higher stiffness and yet a 30% lighter enclosure than a conventional wooden cabinet, say Sound Projects, adding that no less than 12 handles can be integrated within the housing, improving the handling of the system.

Sound Projects has developed the patented HF Wave-shape-transformer - a device which pro

Germany - IMG Stage Line has extended its successful series of STA amplifiers for stage and entertainment applications. This spring, the company reports that its new STA-121 amplifier, offering a powerful 300W from a 1U box and weighing 7.2kg, will come onto the market.

The STA-121 operates silently, say the company, due to its fanless cooling design. In addition to a power of 2 x 110W rms at 4 Ohms, the amplifier presents two level controls and four switchable line inputs which also recommend this amplifier for studio applications! Two unbalanced 6.3mm outputs, a speaker terminal L/R, LEDs for overload and protect and of course protective circuits against short circuit and overheating complete the concept.

(Lee Baldock)

UK/France - Artistic Licence will be exhibiting with French distributor ESL at SIEL 2004 in Paris (1-4 February) on Stand L74 in Hall 5 of the Paris Expo centre. Artistic will be launching the Pixi Range of luminaires and accessories, showing two new products from the range: Pixi-Led is a self-contained LED luminaire aimed primarily at the architectural lighting market and Pixi-Power is a stand alone power supply designed specifically for the Pixi-Led products.

The concept behind Pixi-Led is the ability to create a fusion of lighting and video allowing designers to achieve an almost limitless combination of effects. The fixtures use new "point-source" RGB colour mixing which creates both an exceptionally bright white light output and, with their consistent colour mixing ability, provides an enhanced colour palette with a superior range of pastel colours and tints.

To

USA - BBE announced the launch of a number of new products at the NAMM exhibition in Anaheim, California this month. The Max-X2 professional stereo 2-way crossover is designed for road use and is also suitable for DJs. The Max-X2 features a built-in Sonic Maximizer circuit, which adds the improved clarity, definition and punch the Maximizer is renowned for, say the company. Furthermore, the Max-X2 incorporates the company's fourth generation BBE Sonic Maximizer process, the same system utilised in the BBE 482i and 882i Sonic Maximizer processors. Other features are a phase reversal switch for each output, plus 30Hz high pass (low cut) filters on both channels.

The BBE Max-X3 professional stereo 2-way crossover, which also functions as a mono 3-way crossover, is designed for road use, and like the Max-X2, also features the Sonic Maximizer circuit. Utilizing 24dB per octave state-

UK - Allen & Heath has announced the start of production of the rotary fader version of the Xone:92 professional DJ/club mixer. Identical in design and features to the 'linear' Xone:92, the one difference between the models is the Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA) faders, which are rotary as opposed to linear.

"The design philosophy behind the Xone:92 was to make it as flexible and feature packed as possible. Many DJs prefer rotary faders to the standard linear configuration so it made sense to launch two versions of the mixer," comments Xone designer, Andy Rigby-Jones.

Launched in December with the help of DJs Richie Hawtin, C1, IQ and Sander Kleinenberg, the Xone:92 is Allen & Heath's fastest-selling Xone model. Allen & Heath says the rotary version will be available from February.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - Birmingham based glowshop.com announced the launch of their brand new range of 'invisible paints' - white in colour, translucent when dry, they are invisible until exposed to UV blacklight, when they will glow brightly in vibrant colours of blue, yellow, red, green and orange. (The artist paints under UV blacklight).

These innovative photo luminescent materials enable the production of UV special effects artwork including trompe-l'oeil and 3D. Dual Images can be created like day to night scenes created using a combination of conventional and invisible/UV revealing paints. Under normal light the viewer sees the day scene, the nighttime equivalent appearing when the image is exposed to UV blacklight. Applications range from the obvious to the not so obvious some including special effects, scenic effects and promotion and advertising.

The paint is a quick drying, matt finish

The Netherlands - Alcons Audio's VR12 is a 2-way compact multi-purpose loudspeaker, for both portable and permanent applications. Featuring the Alcons RBN601 ribbon driver (multiple patents pending) the VR12 is aimed at applications where high output, high fidelity sound reinforcement is needed. Its specifications exceed Hi Fi standards, say Alcons.

The VR12 features a 6" pro-ribbon driver with 'Real-90' horizontal dispersion for MF/HF and a 12" mid/bass driver for LF. The frequency response is 60Hz up to 20kHz (+/-3dB), with a peak power output of 134dB. Maximum flexibility was the main design goal, according to Alcons; the asymmetrical enclosure and the 90° resolvable wave-guide make the VR12 suitable for a compact FOH system, an in-fill cabinet or a (high-power) floor monitor. In installations, this also offers flexible (ceiling/wall) mounting. The cabinet is equip

New Zealand - The new Pacific Followspot from Selecon delivers the same cool beam and incorporates all the other operational advantages of Selecon's Pacific heat management technology. Ideal for smaller theatres, schools, churches and clubs, one of the many benefits of the compact followspot is the ability to choose from a wide variety of light sources to meet differing throw requirements.

For example, the Pacific Followspot is efficient in the smallest school drama room or rehearsal space using the regular 600W tungsten halogen lamp (1000 lux at 18.5m) as it is in a medium-sized theatre, using the 80V Power System (1000 lux at 23m). It can also deliver the output necessary for a church or auditorium using the MSR hot restrike 575W lamp (1000 lux at 39m) with its flicker-free operation. Other lamp choices are the 800W tungsten halogen (1000 lux at 20m) and the 1000W tungsten hal

UK - The new Roll Storage Cart from British Harlequin is designed to ease the problems of safe storage and easy handling of rolls of vinyl flooring for dance and performance spaces. With Harlequin's popular dance flooring widely used for temporary applications, where the floor is rolled out to provide a suitable performance surface, then stored away or transported to a new venue, the new Roll Storage Cart will both speed up the process and provide a compact and safe storage facility.

The newly designed cart holds up to 10 rolls of Harlequin Studio flooring each 1.5m long and carts have already supplied to The Oslo National College of Arts and to Tanztendenz, a choreographic centre in Munich. Elsewhere, three larger Storage Carts, each suitable for storing 2m long Harlequin Cascade rolls, have been delivered to the Centre National de la Danse in Pantin, Paris.

(Lee Baldock)

UK / Germany - Baldwin Boxall Communications will be displaying its latest Voice Alarm (VA) products at Firex South, Sandown Park, and also at ProLight & Sound, Frankfurt. Products on display will include the new BV050Q Quad 50W VA amplifier, which completes Baldwin Boxall's Class D range. Other amplifiers in the D Class range include the 440W, the 220W and the dual 120W modules, along with a Switch Mode Power supply. Also on show will be the Quad 50W amplifier, offering considerable saving in rackspace and suitable for use where low wattage zones are required.

The amplifiers are greater than 80% efficient (compared to typical 'AB Class' amplifiers of 60%), drawing less current and, therefore, reducing unwanted heat. One of the additional benefits of the new Class D amplifiers is that smaller batteries are required for standby power. The Switch Mode Power Supply offers greater e

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