Italian manufacturer 18 Sound had 11 new products on display, with a significant emphasis on neodymium transducers - the secret ingredient behind the push towards ever more lightweight enclosures across the industry. A new family of compression drivers begins with the ND1460A, featuring an aluminium dome and polyethylene suspension; titanium is available too, with a patented new coating treatment.

"These lines are available for distribution as 18 Sound," said the company's Giacomo Previ, "but the main focus of the company is OEMs - they give us the specifications and we deliver. We do see a trend towards high quality neodymium transducers with very high power at an acceptable price and low in weight, so to meet that demand we've developed a new magnet structure. Portability is more and more important, and you can save 7k-8k on an 18" with these drivers - 16k less fo

Doughty and Prolyte were adjacent exhibitors that amalgamated into one luxurious stand complete with plush red velvet drapes and solid wooden bar. Doughty has a new version of their quick trigger clamp in the pipeline that can clamp 48mm - 75mm tube. Prolyte's show proved less than stress-free after exhibited copy-cat products on the show-floor sparked legal action. New products included the Prolyft load cell system, the Prolyft Mark II hoist, and the ST Roof system XL.

Community Professional Loudspeakers showed the complete range of its iBOX large format systems, the first models of which were introduced at Frankfurt last year. Complementing iBOX was the new iLF218, a high-efficiency, dual 18" subwoofer, and the M-Class M12 stage monitor system. Community's R-Series and WET Series loudspeakers were also on display.

RSS by Roland introduced the S-4000 Digital Snake series, which offers a world free of the inherent signal degradation, hums and buzzes of analogue cabling. Using Roland's proprietary Ethernet Audio Communication system (REAC), the S-4000 system is based on 100Base-TX, and transfers via Cat-5e cable. Up to 40 channels of 24bit/96kHz audio plus MIDI and remote control data can be transferred in one cable. The S-4000 system includes a 40-input modular rack (the S-4000S-3208) to accept both mic and line level inputs onstage, with XR-1 pre-amps provided for each input channel and 24bit/96kHz AD/DA conversion. The S-4000H front-of-house unit again offers 24bit/96kHz conversion and has 32 analogue outputs for the desk, and eight inputs. Optional extras include the S-420P external power supply unit and the S-4000-HUB, a dedicated REAC switching hub.

RSS also had two solid-state audio recordin

Bosch extended its EVAC horn loudspeaker range with a new 50W, high-SPL model. The LBC 3484/00, is designed for use in public address and voice alarm applications that require a high level of sound pressure, such as industrial sites and sports grounds. A new TÜV-approved version of Praesideo PA, Bosch's digital public address and emergency sound system, was also launched.

Bosch also showcased its Wireless Discussion System, which employs advanced wireless technology and complements Bosch's Digital Congress Network (DCN) Next Generation system. It comprises two main elements - a Wireless Access Point (WAP) unit and three types of wireless Discussion Units.

Projection specialists Stark had a strong presence at SIB with an ever-changing stand of rolling artwork and morphing images; a large demonstration area; and a further artistic installation in the ambient design hall by multivision designer Paolo Buroni.

The company was exhibiting the new Stark Pro series, which includes the first moving head image projector for maxi-projections - the Stark Revolution Pro, which is DMX-controllable.

The soothing purple tones and warmth of welcome at Funktion One proved a calm oasis amidst the chaos of the show. The sound system demonstration was equally reviving. After four years of collaboration with XTA Electronics, Funktion One had something to shout about with the launch of their self-powered enclosures. The Resolution 2 bi-amplified 3-way fully horn-loaded enclosure will house the new A4 2-channel amplifier, whilst the more powerful A6 will power the company's F218 and Infrabass enclosures. The self-powered enclosures will also power a slave unit. Two new stage monitors were also launched at the show, the M12 and M15.

Highlight International's Pascal Van Sloun was conversely finding their show "a little slow", and had "expected more people". Ambient noise was proving a problem, so much so he said that if the remainder of the show proved such, then they planned to reconsider their options for next year.

The T-Light, a new product from Hungaroflash, is a fully rain-proof fixture and a whopping 85,000W. Also on display was the first colour mixing strobe, which combines three of Hungaroflash's Quasars equipped with special glass filters. The EuroDMX strobe forms part of Hungaroflash's pro line with new DMX displays.

French manufacturer Ayrton - represented by the inimitable Italian 'Cockney' Ivano Burato - was exhibiting with its Italian distributor, Evolight. Alongside its established LED luminaires (including the Easycolor2 moving head) the company's central focus was on the stunning DreamPanel, which was first seen at PLASA last year. In the debate about a rival show springing up in Milan, Burato was emphatically in the Rimini camp: no Rimini, no show.

XTA, who achieved record sales figures in 2005, unveiled the DP4 Series, its flexible new offerings for speaker system control. The DP446, DP444, DP424 and the renamed DP448 offer sound companies either 2 or 4 inputs, with either 4, 6 or 8 outputs. "It does not matter if it is an LCR system, a two-way monitor rack, four-way front-of-house system or four-channel EQ front-end," says XTA's Guy Lewis, "Anyone can fit the processing to their way of working, without committing to unwanted ins or outs."

The company's versatile filter set, built into all units, has been a major success for XTA. "Having a vast choice of filter types helps shape sound beyond most of the problems encountered in difficult environments and venues," says Lewis.

The Ampetronic booth had new products on display including the new CD1 Compact Loop Driver for small areas and one-to-one communications. The ILD1000G proudly claims to be the benchmark for high performance induction loop drivers.

d&b audiotechnik unveiled the latest addition to its stage monitor range, the M4, along with the large-scale J-Series range, and the latest software additions to the d&b Remote network. The M4 is a 2-way high performance stage monitor with an integrated 15"/1.3" exit coaxial driver with a CD horn and passive crossover network. In its standard 50° x 70° dispersion configuration it provides a defined coverage area and, when used upright, serves as a powerful PA system. The M4 can be operated in 2-way active mode by changing the d&b D12 amplifier's configuration without any modifications to the loudspeaker.

The new J-Series is designed for large-scale applications, and as was ably demonstrated, is very quick to rig. The J8 and J12 produce a dispersion pattern of 80° and 120° respectively, using the same driver complement, vertical directivity, size, weight and ri

Robe Show Lighting had a spectacular double-decker stand, awash with over 400 Robe fixtures. The main attraction, however, was the new ColorSpot 2500AT: the most powerful moving light fixture in the range, this uses the MSR GOLD 1200 SA/SE lamp and a 1400W electronic ballast to produce an "extremely powerful" light output. Other features include a zoom range of 10-30° and a smooth mechanical dimmer/shutter system, CMY colour-mixing and and all the gobos and other effects you would expect to find in a luminaire in this market. Naturally, it's designed for the 'bigger' applications - in large venues or outdoors.

Also on show was the ColorWash 575AT Zoom, which boasts a smooth, linear zoom from 8 to 50°; the DigitalSpot 5000DT fixture; the ColorSpot 575 AT and ColorWash 575 AT; and Robe's LED lighting fixtures, including the LEDWash 136LT and the LEDBlinder 196LT. SIB al

LDR, the Italian manufacturer of theatrical luminaires, followspots and accessories, was another company to report a strong show with good international presence. Fabiano Besio expressed himself "completely satisfied" adding that the show had exceeded his expectations.

As to the mootedMilan / Rimini rivalry, Besio was another exhibitor strongly in the Rimini camp.Product-wise, LDR introduced pole-operated versions of its architectural and theatrical fresnel products, the PO versions being complete new units with their own part number. The 230V version of the new Canto MK2 was officially introduced in Europe: there are various new features, including the side-handle, a drop-down lamp holder and new reference markings for the manual dimmer.

Also new was Colour commander - a dedicated remote control for controlling the Xpress colour scroller. A touch panel offers immediate col

ProLight & Sound Frankfurt introduced a new business initiative from the closely allied loudspeaker brands of EM Acoustics and G9 which culminated in the launch of the highly cost effective of G Series range. Martin Capp from Global 9 was on-hand to offer the first showing of the new G9 G series products which include four full-range loudspeaker cabinets and two subwoofers, as well as a range of plastic corner fitting cabinets with supporting subs. The G9-Mask corner speakers operate a clever mounting system where the brackets incorporate the audio connections. The brackets can be preassembled with all wiring prior to mounting which limits the risk of damage during installation of multiple speaker clusters.

ETC's Bill Gallinghouse reported a busy show, with a lot of visitors from Eastern Europe, and Russia. "This is always a good show for us," he says. It was clear to see the advantages of the new Enhanced Definition Lens Tube, with a comparison to a standard tube projected above the stand. The EDLT provides even crisper projections with greater acuity and higher contrast, making graphics look even better, the beam edge even sharper, and with no loss in field lumens. The EDLT is available in 19°, 26° and 36° field angles with the 50° field angle to follow.

With the tubes now shipping, Gallinghouse says: "When White Light's Bryan Raven saw these at PLASA he said, 'Oh no, you are going to make me spend money!'.

Le Maitre was with German distributor LMP Lichtechnik, showing a wide range of products. The Stadium Hazer uses a patented conversion technique to provide the high outputs required by large venues, although its electronic output control also suit it to smaller areas where rapid atmosphere fills are required. The Fake Flame, designed by Back Stage Technologies Europe (BSTE) and built exclusively by Le Maitre, is designed for use in theatres and theme parks, as well as on concerts and in nightclubs. It's suitable for any application where a gas flame is undesirable, and is cost-effective to run (2.5 litres of fluid gives over 100 hours of continuous operation).Finally, coming soon from Le Maitre is the MVS or Multi Venue System Hazer, featuring variable high output haze (whisper to >80cc/hr); twin variable high output haze projection fans; and 90° electronically variable haze output di

With so many product lines represented, Italian distributor One 4 All was a hub of activity. Sales and marketing director Luisa Valenti reported having a "great show". One 4 All is the Italian distributor for Tryka, Xilver, Alpha One, Lycian, Le Maitre, Actor-Mate (lasers), and also produce their own architectural luminaires. Lycian had news of the new CE marked Midget II Quartz followspot. TMB - which distributes the Alpha One range in the UK and USA - was also on stand lending its support to the company, and showing off the ProTester DMX tool and other gadgets. Tryka had several new designs including the MR16 Module 6 and Module 36 and the new IDS-12 Intelligent Drive System. www.tmb.com www.tryka.co.uk

Spanish manufacturer Guil was a first-time exhibitor at the show, where it was hoping to find a new market for its wide range of stands, towers, trussing and clamps.

As well as announcing the appointment of their new marketing communications manager, Remi Oudinot, Digigram showcased their new EtherSound product range which included the EtherSound-enabled sound card, which can transmit and receive up to 64 EtherSound channels, and therefore connect computer based audio applications to the EtherSound network.

Other news from EtherSound was that Richmond Sound Design has become an EtherSound licensee, and will incorporate EtherSound technologies in future products. German manufacturer Klein+Hummel has also acquired a license and will work towards enabling its studio monitor systems, PA systems, and installed sound products to network via EtherSound.

EtherSound mounted its 'Proof of Performance Gigabit Demonstration', featuring multiple control programs running on ES-Giga's dedicated 100Mbps data channel, as well as multi-channel digital audio transp

Coemar's stunning stand was probably the largest at SIB, and certainly the most eye-catching. The company has been working to strengthen its brand image, and featured a number of new products at SIB. These included, for the 'archi-entertainment' market, Panorama Led, PCB Led and Panorama Power MK2 fixtures; for TV/rental applications, the iSpot S, iSpot Extreme, iWash Halo, ParLite Led, Power Stick, SuperCyc MK2 and MiniCyc EB; and for disco/club/install and projects, the PCB Led, ParLite Led, RigaLed, Led illumination system and MiniCyc MB. The iWash Halo, iSpot S, PCB Led, Parlite Led and Led illumination system are also aimed at theatre.

Innovations on the Neutrik stand included the EMC-XLR cable connector, a 3-pole male/female XLR cable connector with capacitive cable shield - shell connection to avoid RF-interference and LF-noise. A hands-on experiment with a mobile phone was proof of the pudding enough. The new OpticalCon, a hybrid fibre optic connector system will be shipping in six months. The OpticalCon is a solid and dust-protected fibre optic connector system with a robust metal housing, push-pull locking mechanism, and automatic sealing covers.

Nicolaudie/Sunlite showed its range of software products on the stand of official Italian distributor, Teclumen srl - as well as on several other stands belonging to its worldwide partners. The company reported a successful show, with visitors showing interest in all of its products, but particularly the new Sunlite 2006 software.

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