The opportunity for visitors to make their own evaluation on a large scale is a development of the idea piloted at PALME India last year - on a much larger scale. As a result, PALME Asia's associate partner, UnUsUal Productions, will build the special infrastructure for the Event 360° segment of the show to support this in Hall 5 at Singapore Expo (which will now operate in parallel with the integrated exhibition in Halls 3 and 4).
"This is a major breakthrough for PALME Asia," said the show's sales manager, Hanslee Azhar. "We will be offering a maximum of 12 manufacturers the opportunity to participate - and the response has been overwhelming."
To date, DAS Audio, RCF, Meyer Sound, L'Acoustics, Nexo, TOA, Bosch/EVI, d&b audiotechnik and Master Audio have all confirmed direct participation, while others are expected to enter via local distributors.
Exhibition organisers IIR Exhibitions Entertainment & Installation Technology Group will provide mono loudspeaker control, and the necessary manpower to rig the systems. All the manufacturers need to do is arrive with their test CD, and for a maximum of five minutes put their loudspeaker hangs through their paces.
"The shoot-out will take place twice a day over the full three days of the show," confirms Mr. Azhar. "Each session will last around two hours." As there will only be a minimal participation fee to manufacturers to cover costs, this is being seen as a highly cost-effective way of evaluating systems on an even playing field.
(Jim Evans)
