UK - Shure Distribution UK, the exclusive distributor of Shure, QSC Audio, Phonic and Sound Devices, showed new products from each of its represented manufacturers at the PLASA Show. Shure showed its new SLX Wireless Systems, ideally suited to installed sound applications and working bands, delivering superior audio quality in an easy-to-use and quickly configurable package. Offering Shure's patented Audio Reference Companding technology, along with an innovative set-up featuring automatic synchronization, SLX supports up to 12 compatible systems per frequency band (country dependent), say the company.
From Phonic was the new MU range of compact mixers, fully-featured and competitively priced, and ideal for a variety of applications. Also on show, the new RoadGear range from Phonic, which is a fully integrated mobile sound solution. Housed in a stylish, durable, moulded case th
UK - Voice alarm loudspeaker specialist Penton, exhibiting at the PLASA Show's Architectural Audio & Visual on the Upper Deck for the first time, showed off three new products.The PMC4/T and PMC4/TC are high impact ABS plastic enclosures, treated with UV inhibitors and sealed against water ingress. Inside are an 80mm diameter mid-range treated coned loudspeaker and a 4W / 100V line transformer. The speaker has wide-angle dispersion of 180° and a frequency response of 220Hz-12kHz.
The Sentry6 / RTC is a vandal-proof loudspeaker in a cast aluminium cabinet, containing a 140mm diameter dual coned loudspeaker and a 6W / 100V line transformer. Further protection is afforded by a steel front chassis and epoxy powder-coated grille. Specifications include wide-angle dispersion of 140° at 1kHz, extended frequency response of 200Hz-18kHz and 92dB at1m sensitivity.
UK - Last week's PLASA 2004 event was the platform for Belgian manufacturer Apex to launch Intelli-X - a new digital speaker-management processor which complements the successful Apex Intelli-Q Real-time System Optimizer. The Intelli-X features four analogue and digital inputs and eight analogue outputs, and houses a large amount of DSP power. Every input has a user-settable delay, a 30-band graphic EQ, a 10-band full parametric EQ and two shelving EQs. The 4x8 matrix has no routing limitations and so can be freely configured to suit all professional needs, say the company. Every output has a user-settable delay, high- and low- pass filters including Butterworth, Bessel and Linkwitz-riley types at all available slopes, two shelving EQs, an 8-band full parametric EQ, a fully-adjustable limiter and phase reversal. All these processes are simultaneously available all the time, there
UK - Mackie is used this year's PLASA show to preview its new family of live sound consoles - the Onyx 80 Series. Like the successful Mackie Onyx small-format analog mixers introduced earlier this year, the Onyx 80 Series consoles feature all-new analog circuitry, a full compliment of Mackie's flagship Onyx microphone preamps, and the renowned "British Voiced" four-band Perkins EQ.
The Onyx 80 Series consoles will be offered in four sizes: the 24-channel Onyx 2480, 32-channel Onyx 3280, 40-channel Onyx 4080, and 48-channel Onyx 4880. All four models incorporate features that any hardcore live engineer will appreciate including eight aux sends with stereo link function for up to four IEM mixes; an aux/group flip function; an 10x2 matrix; four mute groups; eight stereo aux inputs; and an optional rack-mountable redundant power supply. The master section and channel stri
UK - Dutch manufacturer Prolyte has just completed one of its busiest PLASA shows ever, where it launched its latest product, the Prolyft hoist. The launch of a new product always brings a feeling of nervous anticipation but, the company reports, it can now look back on the PLASA Show as being a successful introduction for the new hoist.
Not only did Prolyte add six new Prolyft Service points to its existing network of 10, but the company says it received many positive reactions on the new hoist and the whole service program. In addition to the Prolyft hoist, the Soft steel was greeted with enthusiasm by many technicians, who could see the advantage of not having to attach a secondary steel if normal round slings are used.
Contributing to an already bustling stand was the presentation of the Crowd Barrier demo. This aluminium, lightweight crowd control barrier also received
UK - The PLASA Show was the launchpad for the latest offering from French company InnovaSON, the compact and lightweight Sy48. "The Sy48 has been tailored to meet the needs of those looking for a mid-priced digital live mixing console without wishing to compromise on power or flexibility," commented Nick Cook, sales and marketing director at InnovaSON. "It also has the benefit of being designed by a company with 10 years' experience of producing digital live boards, and over 400 consoles on the road around the world. We've combined functions and features from our large format Sy80 with new ones added in response to user feedback and packaged them in a compact and lightweight surface to create what we believe is the digital live mixing console the mid market has been waiting for."
The Sy48 incorporates major features from the large-format Sy80 digital mixing
UK - High-end amplifier manufacturer MC2 Audio has reported having an extremely successful PLASA Show last week, with interest in its new E45 lightweight, switchmode amplifier surpassing expectations. "There's been a lot of interest in our E Series range of amplifiers since their launch last year," comments MC2's Ian McCarthy. "The demand for a high quality amplifier suitable for the touring market was something we were confident we could fulfil. We've had an astonishing uptake on the E Series and the only thing we need to do now is keep making them as fast as we can!"
The E45 (2250W/channel into 4 ohms) features 2250W/channel into 4 ohms; Mono bridged mode - 6400W/channel into 4 ohms; Proprietary designed, progressive switching rail output; All-new low distortion limiters with adjustable threshold points for extra speaker protection; Sophisticated power con
UK - d&b audiotechnik has just released information about the latest addition to its Q-Series, the Q10 loudspeaker. The Q-Series applications stretch from single loudspeakers right through to large multiple cabinet line arrays all sharing the same fundamental requirements; precise control of directivity maintained to the lowest possible frequency. A single Q10 loudspeaker, with its wide horizontal dispersion pattern, is ideally suited for use in the near field. It may also be used for this application in larger Q-Series loudspeaker systems.
The Q-Series now consists of four loudspeaker types; the Q1, Q7 and Q-SUB launched last autumn and the new Q10 loudspeaker. The Q10, along with the Q1 and Q7, are passively crossed over two-way loudspeakers sharing the same physical size, shape, weight and driver compliment (a 1.3" exit HF and two 10" LF drivers), whilst the Q-SUB i
USA - Elation Professional has unveiled the Octopod 80, an LED pod lighting system manufactured by Chinese-based Alkalite and distributed exclusively by Elation in North America.
Consisting of a network of eight large lighting pods and a proprietary controller, the Octopod 80 utilizes LED technology to produce a virtually infinite range of colours. Each of the pods is equipped with 90 LEDs - 30 red, 30 green and 30 blue - which, through RGB colour-mixing technology, can create any colour imaginable. When all 90 LEDs are turned on, the Octopod 80 will generate extremely bright, 100% pure white light, with smooth transitions from one colour to the next.
Because the Octopod 80's LED system produces no infrared and ultra-violet light, heat production is kept to a minimum. This means the lights can shine directly on an object or surface at close range, with no risk of discoloration
Europe - The Kisslite 3200K white LED ringlight is the first available low CCT and high CRI, warm white solid-state onboard light source. Lightweight and portable, the ringlight system opens the door significantly for use of solid-state illumination in commercial, drama, and documentary shooting.
The Kisslite ringlight unit clamps onto the barrel of most popular fixed barrel lenses and also features an adaptor clamp for standard Arri 19mm bars and Panavision PV bars. Step down rings are available for most lenses from 112.8mm down to 80mm. The ringlight is powered by a small, lightweight, dedicated power supply unit that accepts power from any 12Vor 24V film or video battery utilizing standard configuration 4-pin XLR. The control box provides flicker-free power and allows individual switching of four-quarter sub-sets - top, bottom, left and right - and dimming from 100% down to
USA - Road Ready Cases, a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty cases, announced the availability of the new RRMPC4000 case, created to protect the Akia MPC4000 digital recording studio.
Developed with the professional in mind, the RRMPC4000 features smart, Road Ready features like a no pressure design removable latchable cover, two access doors, and a unique low-profile base that allows easy access to the system's digital media disks.
"We pride ourselves on having the largest variety of cases in stock by staying on top of the hottest new releases from the biggest names in the industry," explains Agatha Gerutto, Road Ready's director of marketing.
USA - Wybron's new Nexera dichroic colour changing fixtures are now shipping with the UL and C-UL mark. Effective from 10 September 2004, Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. has authorized all four versions of Nexera - Profile, Profile CDM, Wash and Wash CDM to ship with UL and/or C-UL labels.
This certification marks the next step on Wybron's journey toward the development of a strong product line featuring fixtures built on Wybron's legendary standards. After 25 years of excellence in service, Wybron continues to design and manufacture valuable products for the lighting industry. From accessories to fixtures, Wybron is the one professionals use and use and use.
Belgium - For the entertainment lighting industry Philips has developed double-ended lamps with "golden" lamp caps, called MSR Gold. The new MSR lamps put pure colors on stage, based on pure white light. Next to that, the latest HID lamp filling technology creates a color consistency for the whole MSR range (double-ended as well as single ended lamps). The MSR Gold lamps are the latest solution for demanding stage performances.
The double-ended lamps are now equipped with gold-plated lamp caps allowing higher cap temperatures (up to 400°C) reducing lamp (holder) damage. The golden lamps also feature the patented Philips P3 pinch protection allowing pinch temperatures up to 500°C. The MSR SA/DE GOLD range is already available in 400W and 1200W, to be followed soon by the 700W.
UK - Due for launch at Electronica 2004 is Bulgin's latest waterproof connector, an SMB RF connector. Designed to the same style as Bulgin's 400 Series Buccaneer, the new SMB connector has an overall diameter of just 19mm with a panel fixing hole of 16mm diameter. Rated at IP68, to provide complete protection from harsh environments, the connector uses industry standard SMB plugs and jacks together with RG-174 cable.
The 50 system has a frequency response up to 4GHz utilizing gold-plated bodies and contacts to ensure system performance and reliability is maintained. Tough UL-94V0 rated moulding materials provide complete protection for the SMB interface.
The Flex connector, with an SMB plug, is available in two styles; a re-wireable version, PX0415, that allows the product to be terminated in situ and an pre-wired over moulded construction, PX0416, with three standard lengths
Germany - d&b audiotechnik's ROPE C is a PC-based graphical drag-and-drop user interface enabling total control of d&b systems through a screen-based virtual surface. d&b has introduced the latest release of Rope C Version 1 that allows the D12 and E-PAC amplifiers to be controlled and monitored via their CAN-Bus interfaces. ROPE C Version 1 allows systems to be remotely configured and gives central access to the user definable EQ and delay functions. Operating elements for all the D12 and E-PAC loudspeaker specific configurations can easily be incorporated into an application from the internal library.
The d&b Remote network is intended for use in any application, either mobile or installed, in which d&b loudspeakers are used. ROPE C is equally at home when used in a jazz club with a small number of amplifiers as it is in an arena touring system, a stadium sound installation,
USA - Soundelux is now shipping the E250 cardioid tube condenser microphone, designed to address the inherent problems with the modern practice of close-miking loud vocals. Classic tube condenser microphones were never meant to be placed within six-inches of loud vocalists, yet producers and engineers love the presence, size and low-frequency boost this adds to their artist's sound. However, the proximity effect's low-frequency build up and the upper mid-range/treble tilt of many popular old classic cardioid microphones can also work counter-productively, causing problems requiring extensive outboard signal processing.
Designer David Bock remarks: "I started out designing a more affordable and mellow version of the ELUX 251 while still retaining all the 251's meat and sound. Something you can't get from a 47 or any of the other vintage mics. The E250 is not as bright as the
Hong Kong - Lighthouse Technologies made its debut at London's PLASA with screens in three separate areas of the show: the Prize Stage alongside the PLASA After Show Bar, the Picture Works stand and the DiGiCo stand. One of the show's major talking points, the Prize Stage, boasted a Lighthouse LED video screen of 6mm pixel pitch rental panels. The screen was displaying a show reel created by Lighthouse to promote the brands of the nine companies involved in sponsorship of the area: Avolites, DiGiCo, Lab.gruppen, Lighthouse, Meyer Sound, Mobil-Tech, Sennheiser, Stardraw and XTA Electronics.
The 6mm screen's high resolution has made it a firm favourite for motor shows, where great quality is essential and it was most recently seen at the Casa Azzuri, home to the Italian football team, during Euro 2004.
Screen rental company The Picture Works created a stunning display using Ligh
UK - Ethos made its UK debut at PLASA recently and judging from the positive feedback and initial sales it is proving to be a resounding success, manufacturer Logic System reports. Pro Audio product distributors from around the globe inundated the company's staff with both enquiries and orders, to such an extent that a planned increase to production and a proposed move to larger manufacturing facilities has had to be brought forward to cope with demand.
Technical director Chris Scott stated after the show: "We knew we had developed something special, but not to this extent. It's as if the whole industry has been waiting for Ethos to arrive - now it's here, the sky's the limit. Larger premises, more jobs but more importantly being seen as one of the major pro audio companies, something we have been building towards for a long time, seems now with Ethos to be becoming a real
UK - Launched to much acclaim in January of this year, the GigRac family of powered mixers for gigging bands and presentation systems has been joined by the most powerful version yet - the stereo GigRac 1000st, which delivers 1000W output power (500W per channel into 4 ohms).
Dubbed 'The Box that Rocks', the new family member has the same styling of the GigRac 300 and 600, but is a more powerful full stereo version, featuring expanded 3-band EQ on the inputs, two 7-band graphic equalizers and 10 high-quality preset digital effects. The 1000st is slightly higher than its brothers at 5U (8.75 inches/223mm) but still this tiny package delivers awesome power and performance, with the ability to be slung over your shoulder.
As with the GigRac 300 and 600 models, there are two output signal paths, one for the main front-of-house output and one for stage monitors. In normal stereo us
UK - The latest in what seems a never-ending stream of new products from Soundcraft this year is the GB4 console, which carries the GB30 Mic pre-amps and EQ, designed by Graham Blyth for the company's 30th anniversary last year. The new desks offer the familiar Soundcraft engineering and design standards, say the company. Careful attention has been given to the mechanical construction, to ensure reliability under strenuous conditions, with all input modules being constructed with individual, vertically-mounted PCBs, fitted to the steel chassis front panel with individually-nutted potentiometers. The GB Series also shares the stylish looks of the MH4, MH3 and LX7ii consoles.
Available in frame sizes from 12 to 40 channels, the GB4 is designed for installations such as churches and performance venues, or for small touring sound systems. The dual-mode topology implemented successf
Denmark - Martin ShowDesigner (MSD), Martin Professional's lighting and set design software package, now comes in two versions. An all inclusive MSD Gold version contains new features such as Live Video inputs and Fast Net-Render, while a streamlined Silver version is customized for those who do not need the full package of options yet still want to take advantage of the latest in lighting design software.
MSD is Martin's unique and user-friendly lighting and set design software package, useful in developing realistic 3-D lighting simulations. Brilliant as a high quality production or sales presentation tool, MSD allows you to create realistic set and lighting design renderings using reflection, transparency, lighting, shadow and smoke.
Working closely with an array of lighting professionals from both the architectural and entertainment industry, feedback revealed a market n
UK - BSS Audio has introduced its new programmable DSP/Matrix system, with the launch of the Soundweb London range. Building on the success of the original Soundweb system it is easy to install, easy to design, easy to control and easy to integrate.
London provides more flexible and enhanced I/O configuration, dual-redundant CobraNetTM audio networking with greater network capacity and matrix sizes, more efficient DSP using Analog Devices SHARC processors that provide double the DSP of the Soundweb 9088ii processor, a new core system design package written completely from the ground up, plus integration of control, monitoring and error reporting of the Crown Audio CTs series of amplifiers using TCP/IQ PIP cards.
Control of the system is via an Ethernet topology, which can be integrated across an existing LAN (system design dependent). Ethernet integration has been made as sim
UK - The recent PLASA show saw the preview of two high-power ChromaRange product additions, the ChromaBatten200 and ChromaFlood200; both are 200W LED fixtures! The ChromaBatten200 is a 4ft/1.2m batten whilst the ChromaFlood200 is a compact flood fixture. Both units are IP65 rated and are powered directly from 100-240 Volts and have full remote DMX control of RGB levels to allow endless colour mixing. Internal sequences provide operation without a separate control system.
These amazing fixtures have to be seen and are sure to open up new possibilities for LED entertainment and architectural lighting!
UK - ChamSys celebrated the launch of its new MagicQ consoles at PLASA 04 with an innovative demonstration of its powerful distributed client / server architecture. Media clips were selected from thumbnails displayed on the MagicQ touch screen. The MagicQ 100 console controlled a Hippotizer media server with live retrieval of the media thumbnails onto the console. Being able to select media clips from thumbnails on the touch-screen of your lighting console has to be the way forward.
MagicQ is ideally suited to controlling media servers and all the associated control parameters through the eight separate encoder wheels. And with full Cue Stack capability on every playback fader it becomes easy to control highly cued shows. The distributed design will allow future systems to control an almost unlimited number of channels. ChamSys expect to be in a leading position to support the n