Denmark - Martin Professional's Magnum line of fog effects is now complete with the introduction of the mid-range Magnum 850.

This replacement for Martin's popular Magnum 800 fogger, upgraded with new electronics and a new design to match the rest of the Magnum family, is Martin's latest fog solution for small clubs, mobile DJs, bars, bands or any venue where a mid-air projection canopy or atmosphere enhancing effect is needed, says the company.

The compact Magnum 850 uses a 750W heat exchanger together with a piston pump to punch out a full 200m3/min of dense fog. The delivery of a continuous and even level of fog and the incorporation of soft-start electronics means that the Magnum 850 operates at a very low noise level.

"This new series of Magnum fog machines has been created with the ambition to capture new technology and solid performance in a new design," sta

Germany - At the recent ProLight & Sound in Frankfurt, RCF unveiled a raft of new products for 2008. Standing out among these is the new ART 7 Series the latest addition to its ART amplified speaker range.

The ART catalogue has been expanded with the 7 Series, representing "a series of speakers that combine the results of a major functional and acoustic study with a new design".

The new ART has a cabinet specifically designed for use by musicians in live performances. Its structure is designed to dampen vibrations and the reflex tubes have been resized for improved efficiency.The handles are in fully rubber-coated aluminium for a more ergonomic grip.

All the loudspeaker models are equipped with a new generation of powerful, cutting-edge 750W digital amplifiers - 250 for the compression driver and 500 for the woofer. Each amplifier presents both XLR/jack (Combo) bal

UAE - Lifting and rigging sales specialists Lift-Turn-Move (LTM) - will show a range of its standard products at PALME 2008.

LTM offers an extensive range of lifting and rigging equipment including the Lodestar and Prostar electric chain hoists which are being highlighted at the show.

Also showing will be the compact CM Prostar hoists, with capacities up to 500 kg and speeds up to 10m/min. This higher speed version will lift at 6 or 10 m/min (increased from the industry standard of 4m a minute).

LTM started manufacturing hoist controllers in 2005 and has constructed systems for both direct and low voltage controlled hoists. The past 12 months has seen the range expand from standard units to more bespoke control systems to fit clients' exact and specific requirements.

To highlight this they will be demonstrating their latest custom products - a variable speed controller whi

Germany - The new EASERA SysTune software based measurement system, first exhibited at AES in New York and launched in Europe at Prolight & Sound this month, is now available on the ADA-Foundation's Educational Discount Programme.

The powerful EASERA SysTune programme measures time-domain and frequency-domain simultaneously using live programme material while an audience is present. The non-profit ADA-Foundation gGmbH offers educational discounts on software from AFMG Ahnert Feistel Media Group.

All verified university or college instructors who teach courses in the design, installation or analysis of acoustical treatment, noise isolation/remediation and sound reinforcement systems are eligible for substantial savings on EASERA SysTune real-time analysis software as well as on EASE, simulation and design programme, and on EASERA (Electronic and Acoustic System Evaluation and R

UK - Goboland chose EvenTech, Scotland as the springboard from which to launch its Gobo Tweaker.

Previewed at PLASA 07 where it received much positive response, this little gadget incorporates any design from the Goboland Premier Steel Collection into an all-in-one tool, complete with orientation handle, for easy alignment of images within the gate of a profile lantern.

The Gobo Tweaker is designed to fit into a standard gobo holder with the handle protruding out of the gobo gate. This allows the gobo to be turned within the lantern into the exact position required and without the use of any additional tools. The heat dispersing holes in the handle ensure this manipulation can be made without burning the fingers whilst a clip holds the Gobo Tweaker in place to secure it from being knocked out of position.

Gobo Tweakers are made of the same non-reflective, black coated steel

Germany - Launched at ProLight & Sound, Anchor Audio's MiniVox public address system is capable of delivering 108dB of intelligible speech from one small, self-contained portable sound system.

The MiniVox offers a 16-channel UHF wireless receiver and the ability to connect an external audio source such as an iPod, CD or MP3 player. The wireless microphone has a range of 250ft from the receiver and for hands-free use, Anchor offers headband, collar, lapel and handheld microphones.

Also new from Anchor is the Explorer Pro portable sound system. "Even in areas where AC power is not an option, the Explorer's built-in battery continues to perform. One wireless mic, two wireless mics - it's up to you. And remember, even when the power goes off the unit stays on," says the company.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Bandit Lites' UK operations has recently added Vari*Lite products to their rental inventory in order to better supply European clients. The purchased products include VL2500 Spots, VL3000 Spots and VL3500 Washes.

CBeebies Live! was the first show to take the newly stocked Vari*Lite products on tour by using VL3000 and VL 2500 Spots for their five week tour over the festive season. Since then, the VL3000 Spots have been out on Paul Potts, R.E.M., and are currently out on Mark Knopfler's 13-week European tour.

"It is our objective to offer clients the best possible products and we feel that Vari*lites are an exciting addition to our rental inventory," commented Bandit UK general manager, James Harden. "Vari*lite products continue to be a favourite with designers and we look forward to growing our relationship with the vender in the future."

(Jim

Dubai - Green Hippo, creators of the Hippotizer Media Servers, will be spreading the HippoWord to the Middle East at PALME in Dubai later this month (27-29 April).

Exhibiting as guests of VenueTech, Green Hippo's training manager, Simon Harris, will be taking the Hippotizer V3 through its paces to demonstrate its full capability to this growing market.

"The increasing number of music tours and rock and roll shows which proliferate in this region make it an area of great potential for the Hippotizer," says Harris. "Many tours are already using Hippotizer and we have found the demand for it across the Middle East is expanding. The theatre and club scene are still small but developing and some our latest technology, due for release later this year, is aimed specifically at the architectural market."

Green Hippo's newest family member, the HippoPortumus, will

Germany - Building on the success of its iCANsoft architectural lighting control software, iLight is launching iCANview at the Light and Building 2008 exhibition in Frankfurt this April. Designed to meet the demand for more detailed visual monitoring of larger systems, iCANview is an enhancement to the existing software package. Any existing iCANsoft system may be upgraded with the addition of the iCANview software package.

The iCANview software enables users to import a large site floor plan and then view the site information on a PC showing individual fixtures and their position within the building(s). Users can move around the floor plan with ease and zoom into areas to view current light level, adjust levels and recall scenes."The iCANview graphic floor plan will simplify large lighting projects where hundreds or thousands of fittings are used," said iLight's Europ

Germany - From outdoor façade lighting for architectural enhancement to indoor store and shop window attraction to branding and promotional projection, Martin comes to this year's Light and Building trade fair in Frankfurt (6-11 April) with a spread of new colour changing luminaires and control systems.

The Exterior 200 LED is a long-life programmable luminaire offering full RGB, amber and white colour mixing. Weatherproofed for the dynamic illumination of outdoor architecture, it features a comprehensive colour range from 44 high power LEDs and choice of optional spread angles. It is designed for applications where projection distance is limited.

The Exterior 1200 Wash features a full range CMY colour mixing system and additional four-colour wheel. It is designed for dynamic illumination of tall structures, high-rises or any high-visibility architecture. Intensity control is

Germany - Prolyte Products Group reports that it enjoyed a successful Prolight & Sound in Frankfurt, with no less than five new products on show, including the Rotating Stage and the Mammoth truss.

"The show was very well attended. As well as meeting with our existing distributors, we also experienced much interest from new contacts. The movement of the Rotating Stage proved to be a real show stopper," comments Marina Prak, communications and marketing manager from Prolyte. "Presenting new products is always a challenge, but it is very rewarding to see and hear the response."

The launch of new products has had an immediate effect on sales, says the company. The Rotating Stage has already been sold to several customers including Kimix from Belarus and Prolyte distributor in Russia, JSA, who have both ordered a complete 6m rotating stage.

(Jim Evans)

USA - High End Systems has announced the release of Flying Pig Systems software version 2.4.0 for Wholehog control systems including the Wholehog 3, Road Hog Full Boar, Hog iPC, Road Hog and Hog 3PC.

Version 2.4.0 introduces network file sharing; a new feature that allows users to transfer show files from networked consoles to networked computers.

"This is another highly requested feature that we are pleased to be able to offer our customers," says Brad Schiller, HES director of control systems development. Several other features, an updated user manual and bug fixes are also included within this release.

(Jim Evans)

Denmark - Martin Professional's popular Maxxyz lighting console is now available in a Compact version that offers full Maxxyz functionality in a modular mid-sized design. Built of a heavy-duty, long lasting aluminium construction and thoroughly market tested, Maxxyz Compact has been designed with the touring and rental market in mind, says the company.

This latest addition to the Maxxyz range features four modules requiring only USB and power connections. The modules - Cerebrum, Programmer, Motorized Playback and Master - make the system's functionality more flexible and intuitive.

The Cerebrum module is a powerful touch-screen computer, running the software on Windows XP Embedded that controls Maxxyz Compact. It can control up to 32 DMX Universes. The Maxxyz Cerebrum can also be used stand-alone for controlling installations, for example in hotels or on cruise ships. The Prog

USA - The new EAW SB1002 is a large-format dual-18-inch-loaded subwoofer that can be groundstacked or easily flown via an integral rigging system, making it suitable for a wide range of high-output live and installed sound applications.

Following in the footsteps of the EAW SB1000z subwoofer, the SB1002 offers a direct radiating design, with driver mounting that maximizes cone area and minimizes frontal area. The result is acoustical performance and physical configuration well suited for creating large subwoofer arrays.

The two 18" drivers - designed specifically for the SB1002 - offer very large (4.5") voice coils as well as powerful neodymium magnet structures that also reduce weight. The operating range of the SB1002 is 27Hz - 161Hz (+/-3 dB), while maximum sound pressure levels are 129dB (average) and 135dB (peak).

The SB1002 rigging system, similar to that of

USA - Sennheiser's new evolution wireless SR 350 IEM G2 twin transmitter makes its debut at the 2008 NAB Show and expands Sennheiser's most successful monitoring system.

"The output power of the SR 350 IEM G2 can be switched between 15mW and 100mW - offering an optimal fit for stages of all sizes," explains Robb Blumenreder, industry team manager for Sennheiser Electronic Corporation's music industry division. "The menu control is as user-friendly as ever, thanks to the backlit graphics display which lights up red during peak warnings."

The twin transmitter with HDX compander can be used with the EK 300 IEM G2 and EK 3253 monitor receivers. In total there are 1,440 UHF frequencies available for interference-free transmission. For a direct choice of channel, every transmitter has eight channel banks, each of which has twelve pre-sets, as well as a bank with

Germany - Sommer Cable has introduced the Sideguider. Developed by Harry Ruf, a German inventor from Baden-Württemberg, it can be installed on a Schill cable drum GT310 simply and quickly. It automatically lets the cable wander from left to right during winding, thus distributing it evenly across the cable drum. So, the cable no longer needs to be guided manually.

The user can walk up to plugged in cable ends with the drum in one hand and simultaneously wind the cable onto the drum with Sideguider. This is practical and saves time, says the company. The Sideguider can be used for cables up to a diameter of 18mm.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Cirrus Research has introduced the CR:260A series of sound level meters. Suitable for a wide range of applications, from noise at work assessments to vehicle noise testing and environmental noise measurements, Cirrus' CR:260A sound level meters are easy to use, yet capable of meeting sophisticated modern noise measurement guidelines, says the company.

There are eight meters in the new series, all of which are operated with single function buttons. Each is capable of taking A and C weighted measurements for HML applications and machinery noise testing. Available in Class 1 or Class 2 accuracy Cirrus' CR:260A sound level meters comply with the latest IEC 61672 measurement standard as well as IEC 60651 and IEC 60804.

They include the option of data download to a PC via a USB connection, and the ability to take measurements which will help to identify the most appropriate hea

UK - For the second consecutive year, the Shure SM58 has won the MI Pro Retail Survey 'Best Live Microphone' award. With 45 percent of the votes cast by leading UK retailers, the Shure SM58 and the Shure PG58 beat several competitors to take first and second place, respectively, for the Best Live Microphone.

The survey was conducted through a series of interviews with 100 retailers, which included all major UK chains and leading independents.

Andy Barrett of MI Pro comments, "Shure has not only held onto its top slot for live microphones, but it has seen the PG microphone advance in the rankings to the second slot, giving it nearly 60 percent of the combined vote - which is quite staggering."

Paul Crognale of Shure Distribution UK commented, "We're really pleased with the survey results in MI Pro. It's vital for us to know what our retaile

UK - Hoist UK's award-winning ChainRunner product is now available to purchase online from the company's website. They have recently added the ability to have your ChainRunners in any annodised colour and also personalised with your company logo.

The Award Winning ChainRunner has been designed to provide a safe, off-the-shelf solution to the cable management problems faced every day within the touring event industry. The ChainRunner is used to manage power, control, audio and data cables associated with moving truss applications and thus eliminating the necessity for very expensive spring driven cable reels and eradicating the home-made gizmos that abound in the industry, say Hoist UK.

The ChainRunner range is available to fit the Verlinde, CM and Liftket chain hoists used in the entertainment industry. It is simple to fix, with no need to remove the chain or hook from the hoi

Italy - ETC's Ion lighting control desk was seen for the first time at a southern Europe trade fair, at SIB in Rimini this week.

Also on show at SIB was ETC's SmartSoft, a new software application that runs on a PC and can be used to get to know the ETC SmartFade ML lighting control console, using its on-screen virtual console face panel.

ETC controls product manager Sarah Clausen says: "SmartFade ML show files can be employed with SmartSoft as an offline editor and the file can then be saved to computer's hard disk. And, by connecting the PC to a SmartFade ML desk using USB, users can access direct data editing tools as well as display the show."

There was also a sneak-preview of ETC's new Congo v5.0 - the new software version for ETC's Congo and Congo jr lighting control systems, which includes a new effects engine.

(Jim Evans)

Germany - Sommer Cable's multipair SC Transfer Highflex was especially developed to be suitable for tough outdoor applications, but is also suitable for use on stage and in permanent installations.

Its special notch-free 'Master Blend' jacket (a PUR jacket with the flexibility of PVC, the company says) is resistant to soiling and easy to clean and is also resistant to cold temperatures down to -40°C, warm temperatures up to +80°C). A thin paired wire insulation made of 'Special-TPE-Hytrel', plus the tight stranding of the 18 x 0.1mm copper litz wires guarantee outstanding audio transmission properties, say Sommer, while the use of oxygen-free or low-oxygen copper also ensures high bending cycles and consistent performance. The paired copper spiral shielding, in conjunction with the tightly-braided overall shielding made of tin-plated copper braiding, also help to prevent

Italy - FBT's best-selling MaxX series has been popular in the portable PA market for almost a decade. Now the company has expanded the new HiMaxX series, which it describes as "the most advanced professional powered polypropylene moulded speaker systems", adding to the HiMaxX 40a (12"/2-way biamp configuration), the new HiMaxX 60a (15"/2-way biamp configuration) and the HiMaxX 100Sa (18" Band-Pass active dedicated subwoofer).

Features of the new products include bigger neodymium magnet woofers (designed by FBT, made by B&C) for improved efficiency; A ventilation circuit granting 2dB reduction of power compression; An extra-rigid cone for better suspension linearity and less distortion; Shorting copper cap for extended and clear HF response (B&C compression drivers); Switch mode power supply for lighter weight and faster current delivery; and PWM technol

Germany - The new Dynacord Variline range delivers state of the art acoustic performance and multi-functional hardware accessories for permanent install and mobile applications, say the company. The VL 62 full range cabinet (150W RMS & 122 dB max SPL) features a neodymium 6.5" woofer and a 1" compression driver mounted to a CAD-optimised 90x40 rotatable horn for high SPL applications where minimal footprint is a maximum concern.

VL 62's unique 16Ohm operation allows up to eight cabinets to be connected in parallel to any Dynacord amplifier, allowing large-distributed systems for high-end retail and entertainment environments to be realized efficiently. Coupled with Dynacord Power-H remote control DSP amplifiers, FIR presets optimize performance, resulting in linear-phase and equal magnitude response over the operating bandwidth of 90Hz-20kHz.

(Claire Beeson)

USA - Budget-conscious schools, churches and other facilities often require high quality sound systems for speeches, ceremonies, shows and audio-visual presentations. These frequently take place before large audiences in multi-room facilities, where a separate sound system is required for each location. For example, an outdoor amphitheatre might require one sound system, while an auditorium may seek further sound reinforcement and the gym a third PA requirement still.

While classrooms and conference rooms have ever-increasing demands for sound equipment, permanent, installed sound systems for each of these locations would be cost prohibitive in most instances; however, one or two shared portable systems could provide a solution at an affordable price.

In recent years, portable sound system technology has evolved to provide a serious alternative to installed sound systems. In m

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