Germany - Following a successful launch of new fixtures at this year's Prolight + Sound, ETC has introduced another new control desk - Congo Kid.

Designed to offer Congo software to small and budget conscious venues with conventionals, LEDs, moving lights and media servers, Congo Kid provides the same controls as a Congo jr, while also supporting up to two external displays.

However, where it differs from Congo jr is that it has a maximum count of 512 control channels, and up to 1,024 outputs on two universes of DMX. It also doesn't allow the connection of external fader wings or modules.

As with any other Congo system, the 40 built-in Master Playback faders can be used for control of channels, groups, presets, sequences, effects, palettes, channel layouts, console key functions and parameter controls. And as with any other Congo system, Congo Kid supports 999 master pages,

Germany - Wireless Solution Sweden was hard to miss at Prolight + Sound 2011 in Frankfurt. Besides a prominent stand as part of Lightpower Village, W-DMX could be found at a plethora of OEM partners displaying products offering W-DMX as either standard or option.

One of the newest OEM partners displaying W-DMX enabled products was Philips Vari*Lite, which offers optional W-DMX on the VL440, VL770, VL880, VL400 and the VLX3. The fixtures offer various lighting options with flexibility and "green" options in these new wireless products.

In addition, Antari was showing its W-Series of W-515, W-530 and X310 Pro Series professional fog machines. Laserworld showed its SwissLas, Purelight, Purelight Blue Beam, Moving Head and Revolution product series, which offer W-DMX as standard.

Other OEM partners exhibiting included A & O, Chroma-Q, DTS, JB Lighting, Pulsar, PR Light

USA - The digital and networked audio specialist, Digigram, has announced that their Aqonda EtherSound stageboxes are now remotely controllable via Soundcraft and Studer digital consoles, as well as Innovason and Yamaha.

Building on the success of Digigram's original EtherSound audio bridges, these 'latest generation' devices are capable of converting up to 16 analogue signals into as many EtherSound channels and vice versa (extracting EtherSound channel to analogue outputs). Furthermore, both Aqonda units (8-in/8-out or 16-in/16-out) offer high end switchable mic/line inputs, Neutrik connectors and state-of-the-art preamps for uncompromised Digigram audio quality throughout.

In addition to their remote control capabilities, Aqonda devices are the first in the world to be ES-Giga ready (EtherSound 2 x 256 channel count plus additional network and control capabilities). Time an

Germany - Palmer has introduced Grand Audition billed as "an innovative and unprecedented unit for comparing different active and passive speakers and subwoofers at the push of a button".

One unit allows you to switch between 10 pairs of speakers and four subwoofers, and has the ability to mix active and passive speakers. The units can be cascaded to enable switching between up to 40 pairs of speakers and 16 subwoofers.

The remote control offers a switchable low pass filter for the subwoofers as well as dim and mute functions. All outputs are galvanically isolated and balanced and each output level can be adjusted by ± 12dB. In addition the unit provides connectors on the rear for optional display LEDs which can be placed on top of or next to the speakers to indicate which one is selected. All inputs and outputs are equipped with XLR connectors, the passive speaker

USA - Mojo Barriers launched two new crowd safety innovations into the American live events market at Live Event Expo on 12 April 2011.

Gatekeeper and Barrier Load Monitoring System (BLMS) have been created by Mojo Barriers to address the changing needs of the live event industry and ensure the safest event for both the audience and artists.

Gatekeeper is a temporary event turnstile system which allows people to be counted in and out of an event space with numbers recorded in real time. Equipped with proprietary software and designed to improve crowd safety at events, the Gatekeeper works by monitoring the amount of people passing through entrance and exit Gatekeeper systems, which have been manufactured to be compatible with Mojo Barriers aluminium crowd barriers.

Barrier Load Monitoring System (BLMS) measures the pressure exerted on barriers by an audience using innovative

UK - TOA Europe is showing a host of mixing and audio product innovations for the first time in the UK at PLASA Focus: Leesds 2011.

"Fresh from exhibiting at ProLight+Sound, Plasa Focus: Leeds 2011 is the type of event that audio technicians and specialists attend to find out more about the latest audio innovations for current and upcoming projects. TOA is be there in force to answer their every need or question related to audio-mixing," says Brett Downing, sales and marketing director at TOA Europe.

First in line is TOA's M-633D digital mixer, which is designed for handling demanding acoustic commercial spaces producing clear, intelligible and distortion-free audio. It's simple to use even by the most unskilled operator, says the company.

It has an Automatic Resonance Control function that identifies room mode frequencies and applies an inverse response curve to t

UK - Putting the focus squarely on the past, present and future of radio microphone frequency wavebands, Trantec comes to PLASA Focus: Leeds 2011 this week with their new Channel 38 dedicated UHF radio product range.

This includes the new and more affordable S5 series which is packed with a powerful feature-set allowing up to 24-channels to operate simultaneously. The S4.16 will also be demonstrated as an entry level 8-channel system.

"Trantec has been manufacturing wireless systems for over 20 years and we were the first UK company to have a Channel 38 product available on the market. It's only natural that we show our latest innovation at PLASA Focus: 2011," says Mark Parkhouse, head of sales and marketing at Trantec. "These products underline Trantec's commitment to ensuring customers have a future-proof solution once Ofcom phases out Channel 69 for wireless

UK At PLASA Focus Leeds, John Hornby Skewes & Co (S-C12) is showing the new HK Audio Soundcaddy One, billed as "the world's fastest PA system". With integrated handles, built in wheels, and edge guards for fast, safe transport, Soundcaddy One is easy to move from home to the venue, and setup is even simpler: just extend the mid-/high-unit pneumatically, connect the signal sources to the integrated four-channel mixing console, and the system is ready to go, says the company.

Featuring six custom broad band speakers in vertical array, Soundcaddy One offers "all the superior benefits of a line array". Its 70° horizontal coverage pattern spreads sound evenly throughout the audience area.

The on-board subwoofer is loaded with three 6" woofers that provide the underpinning for the lower frequency range. And with all that, Soundcaddy One renders speech an

Australia - LSC has announced the release of the QX1 USB-DMX Decoder designed specifically for use with its Clarity lighting and media control software. The QX1 falls into the same family as its bigger brothers the QX2 and QX4 and is aimed at smaller shows or venues where only a single universe of DMX512 is required or where cost is the major consideration.

Engineered to fit into a five-pin XLR style DMX inline connector, the QX1 provides a 450mm cable with a USB style A connector at the opposite end. The QX1 connects directly to a standard computer or laptop (PC or Mac) via a USB port where it will be automatically detected by the LSC Clarity software and appear as a possible output device on Clarity's Patch Window.

The QX1 provide a single DMX512-A and RDM compliant output and where other manufacturers often charge more for RDM compatible devices, RDM capability is built dir

UK/Sweden - Cooper Controls has partnered with Sweden's LumenRadio and the collaboration got off to a flying start with CRMX wireless technology being integrated into Zero 88's latest generation of ZeroWire product range.

CRMX offers functionality such as Automated Cognitive Coexistence, error correction and data fidelity, 5 ms synchronized latency, encryption, 500-1000m line-of-sight range as well as RDM (Remote Device Management). Zero 88 users are already used to bi-directional RDM communication within the extensive product range and Cooper Controls state that their RDM rollout is almost complete. Full remote configuration and monitoring of RDM-enabled devices including dimmers and lighting fixtures can now be performed using ZeroWire.

"Partnering with LumenRadio was an obvious decision for Cooper Controls. We wanted the most reliable and advanced wireless functionalit

France - Innovason has unveiled the latest incarnation of its successful Eclipse digital mixing console, Eclipse GT. Sporting a new look and an optimized feature set for exactly the same price as its predecessor, Eclipse GT sets a new standard for engineers in terms of what they can expect from - and achieve with - a compact mixing console, says the company.

The look of the Eclipse GT has changed considerably with the integration of a few practical features like a side rail to facilitate moving and carrying, as well as some sophisticated aesthetic touches like the red LEDs in the side-cheeks (which may be switched off if necessary) and the signature Innovason red trackball reflecting the new company image that was first revealed at PL+S last year.

Another major change is the 'feel' of the console from an operator's point of view. All of the knobs and faders have been especiall

Germany - At t Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt, Coemar highlighted Reflection Ledko, the new series of LED profilers.

Reflection Ledko is available in three models, Full Spectrum, Reflection Ledko VariWhite 3000/7000 K, White Reflection Ledko 3200 K, with Soft Profile and Profile lenses.

Reflection Ledko is promoted as "the classic expression of Italian genius applied to the profilers world, a creativity that can improve the life of the product and simplify that of the users".

(Jim Evans)

UK - HK Audio's Elements system provided the PA for the Education and Learning programme sessions at PLASA Focus 2011 in Leeds.

Elements' compact size and surprising power means that only one E110SA active sub and two E435 tops were required per side of the stage in order to provide top quality sound for the numerous speeches and presentations.

Neville Raine, JHS's pro audio sales manager (North), said, "Elements has been working great - it has consistently provided a very clear, intelligible sound for all the sessions. The PLASA show has been massive for us. It's certainly been busier than last year, with a steady stream of people coming and enjoying the JHS stand."

(Jim Evans)

Germany - Think Abele reports a positive reaction to from its at this year's Prolight+Sound trade fair in Frankfurt.

Thomas Abele, who together with his brother, Andrew Abele, founded the company that counts among its top-selling products the kinetic solutions from Movecat, comments, "The year has got off to a tremendous start for Think Abele, bringing us among other things the biggest single order for Movecat equipment since the company was founded.

"The rigging company Stage Kinetik is using our kinetic systems for the Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf. Also at the Prolight + Sound 2011 we sensed a strong demand for our equipment and were able set in motion some very profitable transactions. The foundation for these was primarily the sophisticated functionality and BGV C1 and SIL3 safety features of the kinetic equipment from Movecat.

"The fact in parti

Australia - ARX has announced the release of their new BSX 16 1 or 2 in, 16 out transformer isolated active broadcast splitter.

ARX managing director Colin Park says, "ARX consulted a wide range of our existing broadcast users when developing the new BSX16 broadcast splitter.

"ARX's design team concluded the BSX 16 would be an ultra low noise 16 output active press/broadcast splitter with full transformer isolation to eliminate the introduction of extraneous noise and ground loops. Suitable for Radio, Condenser & Dynamic Microphones the BSX 16 also features Dual inputs with individual Gain and Level controls and Dual Loop Outputs and switchable 48V phantom power.

"Differing output signal level requirements for the variety of media recording devices now being used are catered for by channels 9 - 16 featuring switchable mic or line levels, allowing the BSX 16 to

USA - Luxeon A, introduced this week is the latest illumination grade LED from Philips Lumileds that reduces the engineering effort required for new solutions and delivers Freedom From Binning. Luxeon A shares the Luxeon Rebel ES platform and footprint and incorporates a 2sq.mm thin film flip chip and Lumiramic phosphor technology to deliver the highest quality of light at 2700K and 3000K with very high efficacy and light output, says the company.

All Luxeon A LEDs are hot-tested and specified at a junction temperature of 85°C that represents real-world operating conditions. Lumileds' unique chip and phosphor technology allows colour targeting that ensures all

Luxeon A emitters fall within a single three-step MacAdam ellipse on the black body curve. The quality, uniformity, and consistency of the light from LED to LED relieves luminaire manufacturers and lighting designers

Germany - MA Lighting has published its new main catalogue which can be downloaded from the MA Lighting website.

MA has styled the catalogue into a complete new design. It contains a lot of background information about the MA system, offering a comprehensive overview of all its parts and showing solutions for setting it up.

(Jim Evans)

UK - The LD Systems LRX215 is a passive bass reflex multifunctional loudspeaker equipped with 2 x 15" speaker chassis, and a 1" compression driver.

It has been designed for demanding, high power live applications, and can be used as a standalone unit or in combination with a subwoofer. Boasting a whopping power of 600 W, the LRX215 produces a high sound pressure level of 128 dB max with a deep bass foundation and precise & punchy mids, says the company.

It features an integrated tweeter protection circuit, heavy duty steel handles, black carpet covering and an overall rugged construction. The integrated castors allow for easy transportation of this speaker. It is the perfect PA solution for bands, mobile discos or fixed installations in mid-sized clubs and public facilities.

Andrew Richardson, managing director of Adam Hall UK says, "The new LRX215 is a great

Denmark - Martin Professional has introduced two new economical DMX splitters for proper data transmission and protection of DMX controllers and devices. The DMX 5.3 splitter and RDM 5.5 splitter are useful in maintaining proper data over long runs or several runs of DMX signal with the RDM 5.5 Splitter also capable of handling RDM data, says the company.

The Martin Splitters help to rectify disruptions in the DMX signal caused by bad cables or bad connections by splitting the DMX or DMX/RDM data link into five separate branches while boosting the weak DMX signal to its original output level before it becomes too low to be read by DMX devices.

Through fully individual isolated input and five outputs, the Martin Splitters will protect any DMX controller and DMX fixture against voltage surge on the data line. Ground loops are common in complex lighting setups and such problems c

UAE - Renkus-Heinz is hosting the Middle East launch of the IC2 (IC Squared) at PALME in Dubai this week. The system is billed as the world's first high powered, medium format digitally steerable loudspeaker system.

Renkus-Heinz is also showing the expanding IC Live family of digitally steerable array loudspeakers, and the new CF/CFX101-LA Modular Point Source Array, a potent solution for today's small and mid-sized venues, including auditoria, night clubs, theatres and houses of worship.

IC² combines the control and flexibility of Iconyx digitally steerable technology with the power and focus of a point source loudspeaker, creating the world's first 'hybrid array' with the full benefits of both technologies, says the company.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Flare Audio has announced the launch of their new professional speaker system Triwave i10. Its design has been focused on a true reference quality loudspeaker with exceptional sonic performance and flexibility, says the company.

The Triwave i10's interchangeable aluminium HF plate allows the system to be a truly multi format solution. The HF plates provide controlled dispersion to suit Line Source, Line Array and Point Source applications.

Incorporating interchangeable HF plates allows the i10 to integrate coherently. Eliminating any compromise of audio processing and phase alignment software, this produces a pure and accurate audio reproduction that every sound engineer strives to create.

Whether using Triwave i10 as a DJ monitor or for a flown arena system, its flexibility and quality will provide a compact solution for the most demanding of applications and artist ri

USA - Cree has introduced the Screen Master CLX6A-FKB which "delivers industry-leading intensity and far-field pattern matching for high-resolution full-colour displays in a small water resistant package".

Optimised for outdoor use with both IPX6 and IPX8 ratings, this PLCC6-type LED eliminates the need for a protective cover, reducing overall systems cost and delivering higher brightness, says the company. It is billed as the industry's first water resistant, tall LED package, designed with dimensions that provide superior thermal performance and make it easier for customers to assemble.

The Screen Master CLVBA-FKA is Cree's first black-body RGB surface-mount LED, optimised to provide the highest contrast ratio for indoor video screens. It has matched red-green-blue far-field patterns, delivering "a consistent viewing experience across a wide range of viewing p

UK - Since its inception KV2 Audio says it has fought against the increasing acceptance of poor quality audio technology being used for convenience over results and has always built its products around the best technology, rather than simply following the latest technology.

The Super Live Audio name derives from KV2 Audio's opinion that live music is "the ultimate source and features three distinct disciplines, Super Digital, Super Analogue and Super Acoustic... The three disciplines are the culmination of KV2 Audio's innovations and technologies".

Where digital processing is required, KV2 Audio listened to the industry standard 48kHz and 96kHz delay lines and found that they badly distorted the sound, offering reduced intelligibility, especially over distance. Refusing to accept this KV2 created Super Digital technology featuring 20MHz High Resolution Sigma Delta A-

UK / Germany - UK audio brand Studiomaster has reported success on all fronts at this year's Prolight+Sound exhibition in Frankfurt, as new products and proprietary technologies debuted on its stand generated a record increase in trade visitors and potential distribution opportunities in more than 40 new territories and market sectors. The company also announced the strengthening of its sales operation with the appointment of a global sales manager.

Major attractions included the company's first digital mixer, the DIGILIVE 24. A proprietary development, complete with moving faders and optional Firewire interface, it provides a unique expandable mix platform at an entry level price point; rackmount expander modules provide 40 channel and 56 channels systems. Also debuted in production prototype form was the Horizon 2012 powered mixer, offering unrivalled power and performance in

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