UK - ShowCAD will launch Artist 2005 at the forthcoming PLASA Show at Earls Court (11-14 September). The system incorporates many advances over the original Artist show control system, say the company, with features including video to DMX mapping as well as matrixing and macro features which are "extremely useful for LED programming". The system has been extended and can now control up to 32,000+ DMX channels. DMX In is also featured in the new version and MIDI, RS 232, Digital and Analogue input/output protocols are all employed. SMPTE and all types of timecode files from CD, DVD, avi, mp3 and mgp files can be read and synchronized to Artist cues and events. The system features setup wizards, powerful automatic scene generation functions, multi-media interfacing, WYSIWYG options and more, say ShowCAD.

Avalon New York City, Avalon Hollywood, Guru Valencia, Fabric Londo

USA - CITC has introduced a new haze machine - the Starhazer II DMX. The award-winning company, which has recently celebrated its 15th year, is best known for its unique special effects equipment, including the Little Blizzard snow machine. The Starhazer II, the company says, has double the output of the previous StarHazer - plus DMX on-board, superior insulation for whisper-quiet operation, cycle/direct/ remote operation, a seven-filter system, and a dual opening for wide coverage.

The DMX 512 allows control from a lighting desk, using just one channel. It also has a convenient 5-pin XLR 'In' and 'Send' feature for setting up other units on the same DMX line. Also included is the remote control featuring buttons which allow either manual 'on' and 'off' operation, or 'timed' operation of 0-60 seconds 'on' or 0-4 minutes 'off'. StarHazer II DMX also comes with a control switch th

UK - Cadac Electronics plc is emphasizing its quality pedigree at PLASA 2005, showing its analogue console range alongside the M16 Remote Controlled Microphone Amplifier and the D16 Digital Mix Matrix. The M16 is gaining widespread recognition as a top quality, highly versatile remote mic amp, capable of operating seamlessly with all types and marques of console. Cadac's M16 is featuring on the Broadway musical Sweet Charity, with sound designer Peter Hylenski citing its "unbelievable sound in a small, remotely controllable box".

In the Far East, a number of M16s are earning their credits at the Yonsei Baptist Church in Korea, after selection for their "clearly superior audio performance." Cadac also reports a growing user base for its D16, with applications ranging from use as a standalone digital console, to providing extra inputs alongside J-Types o

UK - Audio-Technica has uprated its 3000 Series UHF True Diversity Wireless Systems with the addition of Automatic Frequency Scanning functionality, as found on its flagship 4000 and 5000 Series systems.

The new 3000A 200 frequency agile, UHF wireless system, represents a high performance, professionally spec'd, mid-budget wireless solution, for AV rental, sound touring, theatre sound, sound installation, and broadcast production applications, say the company. The inclusion of A-T's Automatic Frequency Scanning technology greatly enhances operation, automatically searching and setting the best available frequency in the spectrum, avoiding interference and intermodulation problems.

In particular, when operating multi-channel systems, the function provides for interference free frequency configuration of each receiver at the touch of a button. Up to 16 simultaneous systems per f

UK - The new Plena Voice Alarm system from Bosch Security Systems meets all requirements of IEC60849, the European standard for voice alarm systems which apply to factories, offices, hotels, shopping malls, supermarkets, schools, and sports facilities, say the company. According to Bosch, the new Plena voice alarm system makes a significant contribution to public safety at lower cost, allowing emergency evacuation facilities to be installed in areas where it was previously too expensive to install.

The system includes all essential EVAC functions and elements, such as system supervision, spare amplifier switching, loudspeaker line supervision, digital message management, and an interface for a fireman's panel. The six-zone Plena voice alarm system controller contains a 240W booster amplifier and a supervised digital message manager for up to 255 pre-recorded announcements or chi

USA - Digidesign has announced the release of Digidesign Venue D-Show 1.1 software. A free update for registered D-Show console owners; D-Show 1.1 adds new software features and support for a variety of hardware options that significantly increase the power and flexibility of the Venue live sound environment, say the company.

D-Show 1.1 introduces variable groups mode, which allows Venue operators to configure 24 discrete mix buses in addition to the main left/right and centre/mono buses, dramatically improving overall routing flexibility and usability for monitor mixing and FOH applications. Buses can be mono or stereo linked in any combination for a maximum of 12 stereo mixes. All 24 buses are easily accessible from the D-Show console or the software interface, and no hardware changes to the console are required.

D-Show 1.1 includes a host of additional new features that imp

Australia - The Australian Monitor Pro Series SM12 and SM16 mixing consoles are a compact design and provide ultra-low noise operation. With a mixture of mono channels featuring balanced XLR or TRS inputs and switchable 48V phantom power, and stereo channels all boasting three-stage EQ and pre and post fader auxiliary sends the SM series mixers are as versatile as they are cost effective.

The SM series mixers feature peak LED indication and low cut filters on all mono channels, high quality 60mm faders and sealed potentiometers, 19" rack mount kit and accurate 10-segment bar graph meters for the stereo output bus. The Pro Series SM12 and SM16 give the audio professional a sonically superior mixing console, say the company, offering a feature set and versatility usually found in mixing consoles many times their price. SM12 features four mono channels and four stereo channels

USA - Chauvet at PLASA will launch a series of high power 40mW to 80mW lasers with the introduction of the Scorpion Scan 40 and the Scorpion Scan 80 green lasers, plus the Scorpion 55RG-64 red and green laser. Presented in distinctive metallic red casings, these three high-efficiency lasers respond to DMX-512 control via seven channels. They also operate on stand-alone mode via DMX and in master/slave mode. Each yields more than 200 laser effects achieved through controlled variations in the speed of scanning, the speed of 40 preset dynamic patterns and adjustments in the size of 40 pre-set static patterns and X and Y positioning.

They use scanning mirrors for pattern projection and positioning, creating the broad range of effects. Scorpion Scan 40 and Scorpion 80 are outfitted with a 40mW laser diode and an 80mW diode, respectively, yielding highly intense beams. Scorpion 55RG-

USA - TL Audio will be staging the US launch of the new M4 Tube Console at the 119th AES convention in New York in October.

The M4 has been designed to maximize today's production techniques, say the company. Available in 16, 24, and 32 channel configurations, the M4 Tube Console combines that classic valve sound with modern functionality. With excellent valve processing, and digital output options, it makes the ideal front end solution for digital recording set ups.

TL Audio can be found on stand 446 at AES, Jacob K. Javits Convention Centre, New York, 7 October - 10 October 2005.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

UK - Among the many new products being shown by Audio-Technica at this year's PLASA exhibition, is the completely re-engineered UniPoint Series. The original full-line miniaturized, condenser range of installation sound microphones, UniPoint has been wholly upgraded utilizing breakthrough audio and mechanical design improvements, to set new standards for signal quality, reliability, and ease of installation.

UniPoint comprises over 30 gooseneck mounted, boundary and suspension models, designed for the widest range of applications, in sound reinforcement, theatre sound, broadcast production and recording. New features for the Series include UniGuard RFI-shielding innovations, new interchangeable condenser elements (cardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional and UniLine line cardioid), superior off-axis rejection for improved gain before feedback, 80 Hz UniSteep filter, and two-stag

UK - As the creative design applications for the ChromaRange continue to expand and diversify, Pulsar has announced that the ChromaStrip2 is now available in custom colour LED configurations including the option of white.

With the Single Population option, a single LED colour is provided at the same intensity as when using a single channel of the standard RGB ChromaStrip2. This option is highly cost-effective when single-colour applications are required at light levels produced by the existing strip. Power and single-channel dimmable control is provided by the ChromaZone, up to 3.6m can be driven from each ChromaZone output.

With the Triple Population option, a single LED colour is provided at three times the intensity of using a single channel of the standard RGB ChromaStrip2. This option is cost-effective where single colour applications are required at three times the light

Liechtenstein - Neutrik, specialist in the development and manufacture of professional audio and video connectors, has introduced its latest connector product - OpticalCon - a solid and dust-protected fibre optic connector system with a robust metal housing, push-pull locking mechanism, automatic sealing covers and excellent cable retention.

Responding to the increasing digitalization of the pro audio and entertainment industry in recent years, Neutrik has developed the optical connector system to meet the high demands of reliability and durability in the pro audio market. The system is based on a standardized optical LC-Duplex connector, and the rugged metal housing protects the unit under rough conditions. The approved push-pull mechanism enables simple and quick locking and unlocking and guarantees a secure connection even after a large number of mating cycles, say the compan

UK - Infinium Technologies has announced that Rodec has selected its digital, contact-free fader for its new Scratchbox DJ mixer. Infinium specializes in the development and distribution of digital contact-free controls which boast long life, high-level precision and fully adjustable 'feel' characteristics.

Marc Coupillie, sales director at Rodec, commented: "Working together with an experienced partner in digital technologies has allowed us to overcome the flaws and limitations most other scratch products are confronted with, hence offering us a progressive product which will hopefully set a new standard in the DJ/scratch scene for the years to come."

DJs are invited to try out the new faders for themselves at the Infinium Technologies stand at the PLASA show (11-14 September 2005) - stand FF6.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - Building on the company's worldwide success in sound reinforcement since the introduction of V-Series in 2003, Tannoy is now offering a fully active version called VNET. By integrating its renowned Dual Concentric point source, constant directivity drive unit with digital signal processing (DSP), network control and class D amplifier technologies into these high definition sound reinforcement (HDSR) loudspeakers, Tannoy is providing a fully monitored active speaker system; a turn key solution for the most demanding sound reinforcement applications.

All VNET models are supplied with the active speaker system fully optimized, requiring onlyroom equalization to finalize the set up, say Tannoy. Room EQ is simplified via user accessible SHARC DSP-based processing that can be used in place of an upstream speaker management system. Using free network topology, which does not suffe

Italy - The RCF 4PRO 7001 is designed to perform in both concert sound applications as well as in professional sound systems situations, such as large clubs and theatres, say the company. 4PRO 7001 is an arrayable, medium throw system that integrates high power "full neodymium" RCF low distortion transducers. The new 15" inch neodymium, 4" voice coil mid-bass is the result of the latest developments of RCF experience in speaker design and manufacture, resulting in an accurate and a tight bass response.

RCF's 10" Precision Series sealed basket midrange is optimized to work with the 4PRO-7001 60x40 midrange horn. A massive neodymium magnet and a "Compression Driver level" assembly design has been dedicated to reach low distortion and dynamic properties for this transducer.

The compression driver uses a new 3" titanium dome in front of a lo

USA - Innovate Show Controls (ISC) has released its latest version of the BlueLite X1's downloadable software. Version 1.2 now supports up to 16 DMX universes (8,192 channels) and includes full compatibility with LewLight's Capture 3.0, one of the world's premier CAD and visualization programs for lighting designers. Existing BlueLite X1 users may add additional universes to their standard four universe (2,048 channel) systems in four-universe increments. As with the original X1, there are no restrictions on channel usage or fixture counts.

Version 1.2's support for Capture 3.0 is via LewLight's CITP protocol. This allows Capture to be run on the same Windows 2000/XP machine as the BlueLite X1, or on two separate machines connected via a LAN. In addition to basic DMX data exchange, version 1.2 supports more advanced CITP options. This allows features like Capture's auto focus of

UK - Earlier this year, XTA Electronics unveiled what it calls "the most advanced and powerful audio management system available" - the DP428. The new digital signal processor provides everything needed for digitally interfacing and managing even the largest system, say the company.

Providing powerful control options, the DP428 offers 4x8 matrix capability, 48dB crossover slopes, and a host of EQ solutions for addressing virtually any audio problem. There are four inputs, each offering gain control, a 28-band graphic EQ, eight filters, and a delay. Eight outputs each have gain control, polarity switching, delay, high/low pass filtering, and up to nine filters. Any input can be routed to any combination of outputs, plus all ins and outs can be phase-adjusted in 2-degree steps. The crossover offers a choice of two types, and 6, 12, 18, 24, or 48dB per octave roll-off. Tw

UK - Community will show the four latest models in its iBOX series of installation loudspeaker systems, which offers a wide variety of pattern control and array options from same-dimensioned full-range and sub-bass enclosures. The new iBOX iHP3500 series are high performance three-way systems, based on a third enclosure dimension which is slightly larger than the existing 1200 and 1500 series.

The iHP3564 and iHP3594 are large format, full-range systems. The driver complement in both consists of a 15" (380mm) high power LF driver, an 8" (205mm) mid-range driver and a 1.4" (36mm) exit / 2.87" (72.2 mm) edge-wound voice coil compression driver. High order crossovers minimize band overlap and the large format horn flare delivers well controlled dispersion, 60 x 40° for the iHP3564 and 90 x 40° for the iHP3594. The well-controlled off-axis response enhances sys

UK - At 11am on Monday 12 September, there will be a showdown at the PLASA Show at Earls Court, London. James Bond 007 (alias Pierce Brosnan, alias Douglas James) will confront one of the world's top DJs - John '00' Fleming. If Fleming's fingerprints match those on the box, James Bond will hand over a rather special gadget - one that would make Q proud. "The 00DJ is the toughest, cleverest, coolest piece of DJ kit this millennium," say Computer DJ.

Computer DJ will be exhibiting at PLASA on stand C56

(Lee Baldock)

UK - Logic System Pro Audio, the UK's largest loudspeaker manufacturer in Gainsborough, will be exhibiting at this year's PLASA show on stand number K44 and will be previewing the first products in the new and highly innovative ML Series.

Designed as a truly multifunctional range of loudspeaker enclosures the ML Series has applications in many areas including Live Sound, Theatre, AV, Leisure and Sports Venues etc. Incorporating an intuitive flying system the ML Series lends itself to becoming popular with rental companies and installers alike. With a full range of options for flying available from one system, the ML Series is set to become another winner in the Logic System range. Models available will be ML15, ML12, ML8, ML802, and ML702. All models will have rotatable horn flares and will be available with different dispersion characteristics dependant on application. Pictured

UK - Artistic Licence will be launching Rail-Patch at PLASA this year.

The product is a simple connection device for DIN Rail installations. It is available with either male or female five pin XLR connectors and is used to provide cable entry into the installation equipment without the need to make up special cables.

The product has an XLR mounted on one edge and a three pin screw terminal on the other. Custom variants can also be produced. The product line is available throughout the world via a growing number of progressive dealers, a list of which is available from Artistic Licences web site, where visitors can also order on-line and download technical data and user guides.

Jump-Start can be seen at PLASA 2005 on Stand G12.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

UK - Computer DJ is showing the '00DJ' - designed for the mobile DJ and endorsed by John '00' Fleming. This, say the company, is the only dedicated mobile device which has touch screen technology, huge storage capacity and illuminated keyboard, all housed within a tough but stylish silver briefcase.

Also on show, are Q-Play digital music systems - designed with total security using biometric fingerprint scanners allowing user access only. These units can be installed into shops, pubs, and clubs or anywhere music is played. Computer DJ is also launching the Q-Play information/Music Kiosk. Product brochures are available in French, German, Italian and Spanish.

Computer DJ can be found on stand C56.

(Lee Baldock)

Italy / UK - Clay Paky will show a number of new products at this year's PLASA Show, including the Alpha Spot HPE 1200, the Alpha Spot 700, the Alpha Wash TH and the CP Color 400 SH.

Alpha Spot HPE 1200 is the flagship luminaire of the company's Alpha range and boasts a high performance optical unit and features a 1200W discharge lamp. With a large, newly designed effects section, colour mixing CMY and linear zoom from 10°- 40°, Alpha Spot HPE 1200 is the most silent luminaire in the range, say the company. Other features include linear CTO, seven-color wheel, a graphic system with 20 gobos plus animation disc, two rotating gobo wheels - each with six bi-directional, indexable and easily interchangeable decorative glass and dichroic gobos, selectable 'Gobo shake' function and morphing effect.

The Alpha Spot 700 is a 700 W effects projector featuring linear zoom from 15° - 4

USA - Based on the award-winning Eclipse 208, Clear-Com has developed the Eclipse Median to suit systems where space is restricted, such as OB vans. It will be shown at the forthcoming IBC exhibition in Amsterdam. Clear-Com has designed this matrix to incorporate eight interface slots and still provide 112 ports in a small 6RU frame.

The Median differs from the E208 by including eight interface slots to make the Median more suited to facilities where space is at a premium. The eight slots use existing Clear-Com interfaces.

Chris Exelby, managing director for Clear-Com says, "The development of the Eclipse Median shows our commitment to mid-sized applications, which account for a large and very important portion of the broadcast market. The Eclipse Median further demonstrates the flexibility of the easily scalable Eclipse range, allowing us to meet the needs of our custome

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