UK - Digidesign today unveiled its first foray into the live sound mixing market with the launch of the Venue digital console. Major features include high sound quality with 48-bit internal processing, a versatile and expandable digital mix engine and the ability to add to the console's standard feature set with plug-ins - a legacy of the manufacturer's long relationship with musicians via the Pro Tools recording studio series.

The standard package includes a 48-channel D-Show console, a full snapshot-based automation system which can store all console channel and parameter settings, channel facilities that include two dynamics processors, 4-band parametric EQ and delay and hand-calibrated microphone preamps.

Digidesign's expandable DSP mix engine architecture provides almost literally unlimited scope for adding effects and dynamics processors with plug-ins. The same effects

UK - In a PLASA showcase, loudspeaker innovators Funtion-One are using the PLASA Show to launch the Resolution 1, a standard sized loudspeaker aimed at the generic 2-way box market. The new product represents a radical departure from the norm in this market and the company claims it will "revolutionise the 2-way small box loudspeaker market."

The key component is a completely new 5 inch mid/high driver that eliminates the need for a compression driver, and lowers the LF crossover point to just 600Hz below which a ported 12 inch LF driver takes over. The 5 inch device, developed in-house at Function-One's Surrey, UK base, is mounted on a miniaturized, dedicated Axehead-loaded waveguide and the promise of the complete package is a combination of high efficiency and excellent projection and imaging.

The enclosure shape has been optimized to recess a wall bracket for n

UK - The much-vaunted InMotion 3D / CyberHoist motion control system was unveiled at PLASA at the start of four days of demonstrations in the Warwick Hall at Earls Court. The complete system offers a unique combination of precision movement and user-friendly programming and its creators, Holland's XLNT Advanced Technologies, claims it is the most advanced motion control system available for the entertainment industry. It was first seen at the EBU Eurovision Song Contest 2004 and is now on its début world tour with Phil Collins in the USA through PRG Europe.

A complete InMotion 3D / CyberHoist system consists of InMotion 3D object-oriented software, an unlimited number of 1/2-tonne Verlinde CyberHoist motors, an Ethernet network (DataMotion), a dedicated power distribution system (PowerMotion) and the human element - a programmer/operator.

It is designed specifically for mov

UK - Formula Sound is launching the FF-6000 DJ mixer at PLASA, the product of a unique collaboration between the manufacturer and loudspeaker specialists (and dance market aficionados) Funktion-One. The mixer's features and layout were determined during the collaboration and extensively checked along the way with professional DJs.

A large-scale DJ mixer 'shoot-out', conducted by Funktion-One some 18 months ago that involved an informal panel of interested listeners from around the industry, revealed differences in both sound quality and control interface. "We tested mixers from all the major manufacturers," explains Funktion-One's Tony Andrews. "There were only two mixers that everyone agreed delivered acceptable sound quality, and one of those was Formula Sound's PM100. We then worked with Formula Sound to refine the layout with features that working DJs really

UK - Heralding it as "the world's most versatile amplifier", MTi Danmark announced its first product developed especially for international markets with the arrival of the MPA 82000 8-channel DSP amplifier and the DSM 88 Digital Speaker Manager.

The MPA 82000, which MTi says will replace a typical 12-16 unit amplifier rack, offers 8 x 500W or 8 x 1000W power amplifier modules, in any combination, in a 3U rackmount unit that weighs in at 58lb (26 kg). It's aimed at both the installation and touring / rental markets. The amplifier features the unique ICEpower power conversion technology, made under licence from Bang & Olufsen ICEpower A/S.

A built-in 8-channel DSP controller provides a full 8x8 matrix, EQ, crossover, delay, limiter and volume, with global delay of up to 8 seconds. Settings can be stored in 16 user presets. Via an RS485 interface, up to 16 MPA 82000s

UK - The D1 Live, a compact version of the D5 Live digital mixing system at what DiGiCo calls an "Access All Areas price", made its debut at PLASA 2004, heralding what the company confidently predicts will be its biggest selling product to date.

Aimed at the midrange rental company and installation markets, a brand new MADI card is largely responsible for the dramatic price reduction, by providing a fully digital link from stage to FOH for up to 100m of coax cable, where previously 50m was the maximum run -dispensing with the need for expensive optical fibre.

The worksurface has the D5's instantly familiar and distinctive look - although there is slightly less of it, as the new console provides two (rather than three) input fader sections, each with eight faders, and offers a maximum of 224 inputs and 224 outputs. It shares the D5's built-in dynamics, EQ, matrix, eff

UK - Two video innovations are on display on stand D97, where German digital imaging specialists Coolux are displaying the Pandora's Box media server, and Schnick-Schnack Systems show a new LED matrix backlighter aimed at the décor and effects market.

Pandora's Box is a powerful media server, joining the new generation of digital lighting / video convergence technologies. Using multi-layer technology, its 3D rendering process allows one image layer to be used as a background while layering or fading other images on top. 3D rotation allows keystone correction even at extreme projection angles. Up to 9 separate layers can be created with soft crossfading of layers, variable tilting and zooming of images, RGB colour mixing, an extensive 3D effects library, 3D point-of-view shifting, perspective or orthogonal view selection, and firewire or optional capturecard input.

The LED-Kac

UK - PLASA 2004 opened its doors on Sunday 12th September to enthusiastic crowds, with a full show, hundreds of exciting products and a real buzz across the show floor. Both visitors and exhibitors are commenting that the excitement is back and the industry future looks bright.

The Product Excellence Awards at the PLASA show have been a popular feature of the event for many years, highlighting the significance of the show as a focus for new developments for the industry. To reinforce this role, the awards have undergone an important change for 2004 with the focus being much more on genuine innovation and have been relaunched as the PLASA Awards for Innovation. The previous assessment criteria, which segmented the nominations into sectors, has been removed so that products were not judged within category lines, but on the grounds of their innovation alone. The judges looked for

UK - Projected Image Digital announced a raft of new products and developments, beginning with a Beta version of the MYRAD package which provides a reduced feature set version of the RADlite image server plus a hardware DMX interface - at a much reduced price compared to the original, full featured version. The new software will run on a standard PC, although for optimum performance a dual processor machine is recommended.

Two prominent products in the visual stakes on the stand are the VersaTILE LED modules, for which PID is Element Labs' preferred UK partner, and the large screen D-TFT40W LCD display from D-TEK Industries. Projected Image Digital is also showing its Beacon, EpOk and Amorphous royalty free digital content libraries.

Highlighting the company's growth in the audio/video convergence market, the new D-Mix Series, according to PID, "breaks new ground in the c

UK - Among TC Electronics' products on show is the EQ Station system, its latest offering aimed specifically at the live sound market.

At the heart of the system is the EQ Station itself, with a user interface rich in intuitive controls and a full-colour backlit QVGA TFT graphic display designed for visibility even in direct sunlight. Accompanying it are the MotoFader Remote which provides a familiar graphic EQ-style EQ fader panel for instant, hands-on remote control of the EQ Station's digital bands, and the PC/Mac Editor that runs on industry standard networks including the latest low-cost wireless systems - making it possible to EQ a house or monitor system from anywhere in the venue, including on stage.

Under the hood are separate display views for graphic, parametric and dynamic EQ; individual frequency, bandwidth and gain encoders; store / recall of settings with 250 us

UK - Appropriately for a product designed to reduce the unwanted effects of noise pollution from installed audio systems, the new Basscreator from XLNT Advanced Technologies made a suitably quiet international debut on MTi Danmark's stand (F67) at PLASA. MTi announced at the show that it is to become a distributor for Basscreator and displayed the unit at short notice.

The product, which can also be used to enhance bass output from small loudspeakers, is the creation of XLNT Advanced Technologies, the Dutch DSP research and development company that was also responsible for one of PLASA 2004's biggest hits, the Innovation Award-winning CyberHoist / InMotion 3D Motion Control System.

Basscreator is a 1U rackmount noise control device based on the principle of the missing fundamental. It gives acousticians and other audio experts a tool for situations where noise emission from mu

UK - At the PLASA Show, Pulsar's ChromaRange has been expanded to include a total of 17 MR16-sized LED fittings to provide a high level of design flexibility. Up to 60 MR16 ChromaRange units can be driven from a single ChromaZone. The new ChromaMR16 Heart further increases the flexibility of the ChromaRange, as it allows for the use of MR16-type low-cost standard fixtures. This new ChromaMR16 Heart features 18 high-power LEDs and is supplied with 3m of lightweight ChromaFlex cable.

17 different enclosures available to provide an unbelievable level of design flexibility. Up to five MR16 Hearts can be used on each output of the ChromaZone, allowing the use of up to 60 units from a single ChromaZone! An optional five-way splitter available, as is an an optional pin mounting kit available for enclosures that use the GU5.3 pins to support the MR16 module.

(Lee Baldock)

Denmark - DPA Microphones has introduced the HMA5000 two-channel high-voltage microphone amplifier, which builds on the strengths of the well-established HMA4000. One of the main advantages of using a high-voltage mic amplifier rather than a 48V phantom powered version, is that it provides an extended dynamic headroom - by 10dB - say DPA. Another benefit is that the signal path in the HMA5000 is transformerless, allowing a frequency range from 10Hz to 100kHz (-1dB).

The DPA HMA5000 can be used to power DPA's high-voltage microphones including the 4003 and 4004 omnidirectional mics, the 4012 cardioid and 4016 wide cardioid, and the 4041-S omnidirectional solid state and 4041-T omnidirectional tube mics. By using the HTP4000 adaptor, the HMA5000 can also be used with ordinary 48V phantom powered microphones. "Together with one of our high-voltage microphones, the HMA5000 pro

UK - Chauvet's new Legend 250 Zoom is a sophisticated, 16-channel moving light that effectively projects patterns, logos, glass gobo images, morphing gobos and even soft light. Multiple gobos, colors, prism and effects can be layered. Features include: linear motorized zoom (15° to 22°), variable iris, variable strobe, motorized focus, mechanical dimming, 8-bit or 6-bit resolution, automatic pan and tilt correction, independent frost, micro-stepping motors, coated optics, two colour wheels, one effect wheel and two gobo wheels.

Movement range is 540° of pan by 280° of tilt. Optical encoders at the base of the head automatically correct the fixture's position as necessary. Each colour wheels features five colours plus white. The effect wheel has two colours, two CT filters, two glass effects, a UV filter and one open position. One gobo wheel features nine interchangeable gob

UK - Digigram, owner and supplier of the patented EtherSound technology, announced at PLASA 2004 that it has released an extended EtherSound specification along with its first implementation to all EtherSound licensees. In addition the company discussed the addition of a new 'entry level agreement' and 'authorized EtherSound implementor' partner program to the EtherSound licensing scheme.

This extension to the EtherSound specification enables bi-directional audio distribution over the same cable, as well as higher sample rate conversions at 88.2, 96, or 192kHz. The EtherSound licensees, which currently include NetCira by Fostex, Nexo, Bouyer, InnovaSON, and Auvitran, will autonomously determine their individual product plan to implement the new features into their products. Many existing EtherSound products are compliant with the new technology and can be upgraded in the field b

UK - At the PLASA Show (12-15 September), Strand introduced its new OneLight Par and OneLight Fresnel - both of which are 575W MSR daylight luminaires featuring an integrated fan free electronic ballast and ignitor, making them ideal for quick set-up applications. The units are powerful and lightweight, say Strand, and maintenance is also quick and easy. The OneLight Par and Fresnel join the company's 150W and 250W CDM fresnels, which also have integrated ballasts. All of these products are ideal for a wide range of film, television and special event lighting, say the company.

Strand also displayed its new 2.8.5 console software for the 300 and 500 series control desks, boasting a number of enhancements. Key new features include extended luminaire attributes to support Catalyst luminaires, a new TrackBack command and a host of other new features. New software for Strand's wirel

UK - KV2 Audio introduced the new EX 12 active full-range speaker system at the recent PLASA show in London. In development for the last two years, KV2's goal was to create a speaker that would "redefine the 12" two-way category", as the company's Marcelo Vercelli explains: "The EX 12 is a high precision, high performance speaker aimed at installed sound contractors, rental companies, churches, and the AV industry, who need a product that will deliver absolute clarity and resolution along with throw and wide coverage."

The components have been especially developed - for the bass/low-mid a 12" Transcoil design where the use of a secondary coil on the speaker's magnetic pole piece eliminates voice coil inductance, resulting in a much improved transient response, increased dynamic range and significantly lower distortion, say the company.

The compr

UK - ETC showed its newly-acquired IES iSine dimming brand at PLASA: iSine, a groundbreaking core dimming engine, developed by Dutch dimming innovator IES, is believed to be the world's most advanced, proven sine wave technology, according to ETC. Brought under the ETC banner in June of 2004, IES now has the backing of ETC's global research, marketing and service resources.

ETC's passionate investment is an indication of the importance of the technology and is providing huge momentum to the acceptance of sine wave across the entertainment lighting market. ETC Chief Executive Officer Fred Foster said: "IES was the pioneer behind sine wave dimming technology in Europe. At the same ETC has been developing sine wave products in the US. With the acquisition of IES, we've had the unprecedented opportunity to unite the best people and ideas in the field and create sine wave solut

UK - The latest extension to Bulgin's Buccaneer range of waterproof Ethernet connectors is an 'overmoulded' version of the pre-wired patchcords. Bulgin's Ethernet Buccaneer provides environmental sealing to IP68. Combining industry standard RJ45 connectors with the proven Buccaneer characteristics, this connector system provides a secure, reliable and practical solution to harsh industrial environments.

The body of the new 'overmoulded' patchcords is moulded directly over the pre-wired connector onto the cable. This type of construction can offer distinct advantages; the body forms a seal around the cable so no separate cable gland is needed, the cable is secured so no retaining cage is required and, as the termination is sealed, the connector is completely tamper proof.

A Polyurethane (PUR) cable jacket has been chosen for the cable. This presents very good mechanical propert

UK - Element Labs launched the latest generation of its multiple award-winning LED based products at PLASA - VersaTILE and VersaTUBE. VersaTILE, the innovative edge-lit translucent panel, now has factory-set colour calibration as part of the product's upgrade to a fourth generation. Designed to overcome the variability in LED colour, a technique, often used in the manufacture of high-end LED video screens, analyses the colour profile of each individual LED and calibrates each pixel to ensure a uniform colour output across the entire device. This close control over colour accuracy also allows faithful reproduction of more difficult colours such as grey, brown, fleshtones and pure white.

VersaTUBE, the colour-changing light tube, has also been enhanced with improved colour rendition and other features. Among this year's most prominent dates for the product have been the German pr

UK - The star of TMB's PLASA Show was the ColourPix Pro-V4 fixtures - the latest addition to TMB's ColourPix Video Fixture system. The hexagonal 4" RGB LED fixtures mechanically interlock together to form arrays of any imaginable shape (or groups of shapes) - rows, rectangles or random honeycomb designs. V-LED video graphics software is used to patch and matrix the fixtures within the array. The system functions as a low resolution video display, accepting video input of any kind via the V-LED controller. Up to 4,000 fixtures can be run from one controller and numerous controllers can be connected for almost infinite system size. Control wiring is a simple daisy chain, using standard 5-pin cables. There is no addressing necessary; the units patch themselves via the signal from the V-LED controller.

Features include control any number of fixtures, in any shape, from any vid

USA - Doug Fleenor Design has announced a line-up of new products will be shown at the forthcoming ETS-LDI exhibition in Las Vegas (20-22 October).

The DMX to iPlayer 2 interface allows DMX512 control of the iPlayer2 and Light System Engine controllers from Color Kinetics Inc. The interface uses DMX512 data to set controller parameters via the controller's RS-232 input. The interface uses three (or optionally five) consecutive DMX512 channels to select trigger mode, show number, and intensity. Shows may also be triggered manually using the interface's three-digit thumb wheel switch.

The Remote Addressing Device (RAD) is used to set the DMX address of compatible products. Designed to draft version 2.0 of the RDM specification, RAD will be upgraded to comply with the released standard at no charge.

The CK300 power supply is intended to power Color Kinetics' LED fixtures in p

UK - A slew of news was on offer from French digital audio networking specialists Digigram. EtherSound, its patented real-time Ethernet-based audio networking technology, now provides bi-directional capability over a single cable as well as adding higher sample rate conversions at 88.2, 96 or 192 kHz. The EtherSound licensees, which currently include NetCira by Fostex, Nexo, Bouyer, InnovaSON and Auvitran, will announce their plans to implement the new features independently, says Digigram.

The company has added an Entry Level Agreement to its EtherSound licensing scheme; the move is aimed at enabling pro audio manufacturers to bring EtherSound-compliant products quickly to market with minimal development investment. Meanwhile, Auvitran has been appointed as the first Authorised EtherSound Implementor.

New product includes the ES220 and ES220-L Ethernet Audio bridges, joining

UK - Projected Image Digital announced a raft of new products and developments at the PLASA Show, beginning with a Beta version of the MYRAD package which provides a reduced feature set version of the RADlite image server plus a hardware DMX interface - at a much reduced price compared to the original, full featured version. The new software will run on a standard PC, although for optimum performance a dual processor machine is recommended.

Two prominent products in the visual stakes on the stand were the VersaTILE LED modules, for which PID is Element Labs' preferred UK partner, and the large screen D-TFT40W LCD display from D-TEK Industries. Projected Image Digital also showed its Beacon, EpOk and Amorphous royalty-free digital content libraries.

Highlighting the company's growth in the audio/video convergence market, the new D-Mix Series, according to PID, "breaks ne

Latest Issue. . .

Save
Cookies user preferences
We use cookies to ensure you to get the best experience on our website. If you decline the use of cookies, this website may not function as expected.
Accept all
Decline all
Analytics
Tools used to analyze the data to measure the effectiveness of a website and to understand how it works.
Google Analytics
Accept
Decline
Advertisement
If you accept, the ads on the page will be adapted to your preferences.
Google Ad
Accept
Decline