USA - Chauvet has unveiled Vue, billed as "a groundbreaking line of highly portable, DMX-controllable LED-fitted beam effects". Chauvet designers conceived a special Fresnel style lens that condenses the light from each LED in the array and then projects it in the form of individual light beams and spots, similarly to a standard moonflower but with more control.

The units are lightweight and feature wide beam angles so set up. All are DMX-controllable or will operate in stand-alone mode. The Vue I is the smallest and lightest in the series, weighing less than 4 lbs. It is fitted with 84 red, green and blue LEDs, each creating their own beam. It is a go-anywhere light. It can be linked with the Vue II, a bigger version, featuring more LEDs and a larger frontal lens.

The Vue III has seven individually controllable clusters of 67 LEDs, for a total of 469 LEDs, each proj

USA / Germany - Since its introduction two years ago, the Digidesign Venue live sound environment continues to gain momentum with 350 flagship D-Show systems sold worldwide. Venue has been used by engineers on major tours with artists such as Beck, The Good, The Bad And The Queen, The Cure, Snow Patrol, Paul McCartney, Radiohead, Bruce Springsteen, Barbara Streisand, Manic Street Preachers, U2, and many more.

Inline with market demand, Digidesign introduced a second Venue System last September and in just five months the Venue D-Show Profile has sold more than 100 units worldwide. With its more compact footprint, the D-Show Profile extends the benefits of Digidesign's unique solution into new live sound applications such as theatre installations and corporate AV.

Digidesign's European Live Sound sales manager, Mike Case, attributes Venue's rapid adoption to its unique feature

USA - American DJ has introduced two new compact high-performance scanners that "will goose up your gig, whether you are a DJ who uses DMX or not". The Dynasty Ray and Dynasty Scan DMX are both 150W fixtures that, the company says, rival much larger and more expensive 250W scanners in output because of their superior optics.

The Dynasty Scan offers DMX compatibility for fast and accurate user control on the fly. The Dynasty Ray is a sound-active plug-and-play unit that "grooves on its own to built-in programmes".

"We came out with two models of our new Dynasty series scanner - one for DMX users, and one for entertainers who prefer the ease of plug-and-play effects," said Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group of Companies. "We wanted to make this new high-tech, optically superior scanner accessible to all types of users."

UK / Germany - KV2 Audio will be exhibiting its full range of products at this year's Frankfurt Pro Light & Sound, including new arrivals in all its product ranges. There will also be a live outdoor demonstration of the VHD System.

The new EX6 will be launched at the show, complimenting the EX Series and completing this active driven range of high end powered enclosures. The EX6 is a compact speaker system producing a 2-way full-range solution which defies its size, says the company. It is promoted as being "perfect for discreet installations or audio visual presentations where sound quality is paramount but size still matters".

The EX 6 features state of the art components including the KV2 1" NVPD compression driver, Trans Coil 6" woofer and complete on board control with electronic crossovers, phase alignment, equalisation and speaker protection integrat

Germany - Danish manufacturer DPA Microphones will be co-exhibiting with its German distributor, Mega-Audio at ProLight&Sound 2007, Frankfurt.

Among the wide selection of DPA products on display will be the SMK4061 Stereo Microphone Kit, billed as a cost-effective and flexible stereo recording solution aimed at project studios and for discreet mic setup on stage. The kit packages two DPA 4061 high quality omnidirectional miniature microphones with a variety of mounting accessories.

Another recently introduced product is the BLM4060 Boundary Layer Microphone for use in boardrooms, conference facilities, courtrooms, teleconferencing and any application "requiring excellent vocal pickup". The BLM4060 is a transducer designed to work under optimum conditions when placed on a tabletop, and also performs well on any hard, flat surface that reflects sound.

Also on show at

Germany - Midas will be displaying a grand total of five XL8 live performance systems at Prolight + Sound 2007, Frankfurt. One of the systems can be found on the PADCO stand and another, a full flight cased touring system, on the Bosch Communications Systems, EVI Audio stand.

For those who want to hear a XL8 through a large PA system, two more will be performing front of house duties for all three stages at the Agora Tent, handling a range of live performances throughout the day and into the night, while the fifth XL8 will be installed in a private VIP room where Midas will host hands-on demos for the duration of the show.

XL8 is the first of a new generation of open-architecture, cross-platform, integrated audio control and distribution systems, which brings control of not only audio, but other aspects of live performance to a single, intuitive control centre. XL8 represents

Norway - Video projector manufacturer Projectiondesign is joining forces with Dataton at ProLight&Sound in Frankfurt this year, to demonstrate the scale and impact of multiple projected images in both rental and fixed-install applications.

On the Dataton stand, five DLP Projectiondesign projectors - one F20sx+, three F30 sx+ and one Cineo30 1080 - will be integrated with Dataton's Watchout software platform for edge-blending and large-screen presentations. All projectors utilise Texas Instruments new BrilliantColor technology for the reproduction of images.

First unveiled in 1999, Watchout is a PC-based platform that allows for the creation of automated, multi-display presentations at corporate events, trade shows and live theatre productions, and also in installed applications such as theme parks, corporate headquarters and shopping malls.

"For some time now we have be

UK - Dimension Audio, the specialist PA company within the publicly-listed Avesco Group, has purchased a new Electro-Voice XLC compact line-array system. Dimension will also become one of the first customers in the UK to take delivery of the new XLC127DVX cabinets, featuring all-new drive units. Dimension's order includes EV 215 and X-subs, and a number of the new Tour Grade Series amplifiers, launched a few months ago.

Dimension's head of audio Mark Boden comments: "As a PA provider, we wanted to expand our services to cater for larger events, particularly targeting the live music sector. The XLC system, whilst suiting our needs now, is easy to expand. XLC is priced competitively which allows us to be competitive as we build up our business in new areas as well as consolidating in the corporate events market."

Shuttlesound, the UK distributor of Electro-Voice produc

USA - Tapco has announced that brand group vice-president John Boudreau is now heading up the development and direction of Tapco products. "With Boudreau at the helm, Tapco is brought under the same leadership that drives the Mackie brand," the company says.

"I am really excited to work on the Tapco brand and to have the opportunity to reach young artists and music enthusiasts of all kinds," said Boudreau. "With Loud resources behind Tapco, we are able to offer entry-level audio products of unparalleled quality. We have great things in store for 2007, too, including three new products at NAMM which demonstrate commitment to delivering complete line sound and project studio solutions at exceptional value to our customers."

New in 2007 for Tapco are two sound reinforcement products - the Thump TH-15A active loudspeaker and the Series 69 passive loud

UK - Lifting and rigging sales specialist Lift-Turn-Move (LTM) will show a range of their standard products at ProLight&Sound, Frankfurt. LTM will also highlight its latest training initiatives, an element that key individuals in the company have pioneered and actively promoted in the industry for the last 12 years.

LTM offers an extensive range of lifting and rigging equipment including the Lodestar and Prostar electric chain hoists which will be promoted at the show. Also on show will be the compact CM Prostar hoists, with increased capacities and speeds. This higher speed version will lift at 6 or 10 m/min (increased from the industry standard 4m/min). A small, lightweight 250kg at 4m/min version is also available.

LTM started manufacturing hoist controllers a year ago and has constructed systems for both direct control and low voltage controlled hoists. The past twelve mon

Germany - For the third year in succession Visual Productions from the Netherlands will be exhibiting at Prolight&Sound in Frankfurt. Visual Productions is the company behind the lighting control software VisualDMX. This software is aimed primarily at light jockeys, live events, clubs and bars for both live and pre-programmed control for Intelligent and conventional fixtures. "The hardware interfaces that we produce make the software applicable for both freelancers and installation projects to consider," says a company spokesman.

"VisualDMX will be controlling the lights on our stand, using the latest software release, demonstrating new features and highlighting the intuitiveness of VisualTouch, our touch screen interface."

Alongside demonstrations of the latest version of its current software, Visual Productions will be launching a software lighting contro

UK - Seven years after its Frog series was originally introduced, Zero 88 has updated its popular console range with a much-anticipated new series - Leap Frog 48 and Leap Frog 96. Developed using feed back from operators of our current Frog consoles the new Leap Frog range maintains Zero 88's philosophy of providing "great value feature packed products", the company says.

Current Frog users will find a familiar ergonomic hardware platform but the hardware set has been expanded considerably: the new desks feature two DMX universes as standard, USB storage, external touch screen support, multiple onboard LCD displays, multifunctional keys and the desk supplied in a custom flightcase.

The key change however is in the software platform. Consistency of operation with the existing desks is maintained but the new software allows users to achieve more. Up to 200 fixtures can

Germany - Alcons Audio - exhibiting for the fifth time at ProLight&Sound - will be promoting the BF151 which is the latest addition to the B-series. A front-loaded bass system, it is designed for both permanent and portable applications. Featuring a single 15" long-excursion high-power woofer, in combination with Alcons' Signal Integrity Sensing pre-wiring, the BF151 promises to deliver "high quality, tight and accurate bass response".

Another highlight of the stand will be the Digital Drive Processor (DDP). The exchangeable processing device is complementary to the Alcons ALC controller-amplifiers and caters for improved ease-of-use in the handling and controlling of Alcons sound systems.

Joining the established LR14 line array system is the LR14/90, an ultra compact pro-ribbon line array with a 90° x 15° projection loaded with the Alcons RBN401 pro-rib

New Zealand - With the release of the third and final model in the 'standard setting' Selecon Performer series of followspots, the range is now complete. Attendees of the ProLight&Sound show in Frankfurt (28-31 March) will be amongst the first in the world to check out the long-throw Toru 4°-8° followspot during its official debut.

Toru (the Maori word for 'three') delivers the same lift in efficiency, performance and operator features that were first realised in the wider angle Rua (9°-16°) and Tahi (18°-24°) models which were launched last year.

Delivering 1000 lux at 90m - 4° and 1000 lux at 53m - 8°, Toru provides the output to cut through the brightest outdoor or large venue entertainment lighting rig, near the output of Xenon units yet costing much, much less and only requiring a domestic outlet to power the unit, says Selecon.

Four Perf

Liechtenstein - Following recent press reports highlighting the problem of counterfeit pro audio and MI equipment, Neutrik, the market-leading supplier of audio connectors, is warning that the problem of fake goods does not apply only to finished products. The component market is also being hit by far eastern counterfeiters, with Neutrik'sproprietary Speakon connectors a prime target.

The Speakon's quality of manufacture and reliability has made it a premium item, often used as a selling point in product brochures. That cachet is, naturally enough, reflected in the price, which represents an opportunity for unscrupulous producers to undercut Neutrik by passing off inferior connectors as Speakons.

"This isn't only about the commercial damage to Neutrik through loss of legitimate trade," says Neutrik's CEO, Werner Bachmann. "There is also damage to our reputation

UAE - UK audio and video distribution equipment company Smart-e Limited will be exhibiting at PALME Middle East for the first time.

The company, which is well known in Europe for its purple coloured AV distribution equipment, is looking to expand the availability of its product range by appointing distributors to cover the EMEA area. The company has an extensive range of multi-format HD compatible video matrix switches and equipment that combine high bandwidth video (400MHz) and high quality stereo audio switching with integral Cat 5/5e/6/7/8 and structured cabling distribution.

Smart-e will be demonstrating the new products within its SNX range of HD compatible multi-format video matrix switches, which start at the SNX-4x4 (offering 4 outputs/4 inputs) to the massive SNX-256x256 (providing a total of 256 outputs/256 inputs).

Also on show will be Smart-e's SLX range of exten

UK - Digidesign has released the new Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 and Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 Pro bundles of creative software and tools available free with all Digidesign Pro Tools|HD and Pro Tools LE systems.

"Our customers are going to be very pleased with the new Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 bundles, which are a dramatic step forward in terms of the variety as well as overall value," remarks Ed Gray, Digidesign's director of partnering programmes. "We worked diligently to compile the best software from some of the world's top audio companies. Whether virtual instruments or creative effects, top-of-the-line sound libraries or valuable artist promotion services, we believe that the Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 provides the best tools to allow our users to create the music that lives in their imagination."

Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 and the premium Pro Tools Ignit

USA - City Theatrical has released its new line of Stackers tapered top hats. Stackers are designed to stack without sticking and to save space on the shelf and in transport, while maintaining all of the benefits of standard top hats.

Stackers' patent pending design allows them to stack neatly on the shelf, but a ridge on the top hat prevents sticking, no matter how much pressure is applied, the company says. All Stackers feature black flocked interiors to reduced light bounce and round frames to allow rotation of half top hats to the most advantageous angle.

A full line of 20 different varieties of Stackers are available including 6.25", 7.5", 10", 12" and 14" diameters in full, half, short full, and short half styles to suit the needs of lighting designers.

Top hats are used in lighting design for two primary purposes: to reduce spill light from li

Germany - ETC's SmartFade ML (ML for moving lights) console will make its European debut at ProLight&Sound in Frankfurt later this month. The latest addition to ETC's Smart Solutions line of basic lighting gear - which includes portable control consoles, dimmers, luminaires and stands - the SmartFade ML is aimed at small touring acts, schools, product launches and corporate events.

SmartFade ML's professional features include palettes, parameter "fan" and built-in dynamic effects. Its direct access style of operation means that students, volunteers and non-technicalstaff can be lighting memorable shows in minutes, suggests ETC.

With a capacity for up to 24 moving lights and an additional 48 intensity channels (dimmers), plus the ability to patch to two complete universes of DMX512A (1,024 outputs), SmartFade ML provides a solid range of control for smaller lighting r

USA - Colorado-based lighting innovator Wybron reports that it is "picking up the pace of new product development and delivery". The company says it is committed to introducing one product per month up to the start of the professional lighting trade show season.

"Our customers have asked us to provide them with a more diverse product line," said Miles Dudgeon, director of marketing at Wybron. "This is just the beginning of our response to their demands."

"By giving our customers what they want and need, we can take advantage of market demand and increase the strategic value of our relationships," added Larry Turner, CEO of Wybron. "We are seeing rapid adoption of Wybron's products in certain markets and expect this pace to increase."

In addition to developing products for Wybron's sales channel, the company is working with ot

Germany - The well-known loudspeaker manufacturer is offering something a little different at ProLight&Sound this year, according to its pre-show publicity: "Scientists have always theorised that beyond the black emptiness of Dark Matter lay the keys to the universe," they say . . . "One such key resides inside d&b audiotechnik's enigmatic black box at ProLight&Sound, but you'll have to step inside to find it. Suspend your disbelief, prepare for projection and place product to one side while you contemplate the truth of audio in a multimedia world, touch it, see it, feel it and be enlightened."

(Jim Evans)

UK - The Soundcraft Vi Series of digital live sound consoles has been extended with the new Soundcraft Vi4 model, offering "all the functionality and facilities of the Soundcraft Vi6, but in a smaller, more compact footprint more suited for space-conscious applications such as Theatres, Houses of Worship and venues or clubs with space-limited mix positions".

In just under 1.5m, the Soundcraft Vi4 offers access to 48 inputs on 24 faders, with a total of 27 output busses available for use as masters, groups, auxes or matrices. All other features of the Soundcraft Vi6, such as the Vistonics touch-screen user interface, and FaderGlow fader function display are inherited by the Soundcraft Vi4.

Also available on the Soundcraft Vi4 is the new Processing Card option, which adds eight powerful assignable Lexicon Effects sections, together with 30-band BSS Audio graphic equali

Sweden / Germany - Wireless Solution Sweden will be displaying the new W-DMX Generation 3 product range at ProLight&Sound, in addition to the new W-DIM Standard, the latest OEM partner product from RC4 Wireless of Toronto.

Generation 3 includes new and improved features such as easy overview of signal strength and battery power, plus full implementation of DMX over Ethernet. W-DMX has the full support of RDM, is CE and ETSI certified in Europe and Asia, FCC certified in the Americas (awaiting UL), and is certified in Japan with ARIB STD-T66 radio standards.

The R-512 Pro Receiver and T-1 Transceiver will be shown as well, featuring a 'one button technology' toggle, allowing the unit to easily switch from receiver to transmitter. A complete new and updated outdoor range is also available.

PCBs are built into the new RC4 4-channel W-DIM series of wireless dimmers, delivering 1

Germany - SPL will be showing several new products at ProLight&Sound, headed by the SPL RackPack modular system that allows for free configuration of an analogue rack fully loaded with SPL kit.

From June 2007, the first available modules will be the two new preamps. The Preference Mic-Pre is a straightforward, transformerless IC preamp, while the Premium Mic-Pre offers a triple stage solid state design with a Lundahl input transformer and discrete transistor circuitry. Further modules will follow later in the year; tube modules are scheduled for 2008.

SPL's new Atmos Controller system is a complete surround miking system including the ASM5 microphone based upon VM1 capsules from Brauner. The Controller's concept now focuses on basic mic'ing features and can be complemented with further modules to meet individual demands, such as a remote control to adjust the ASM5 pattern char

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