Germany - At Prolight+Sound 2015, HK Audio unveiled the latest additions to its Linear 5 loudspeaker range, the L5 LTS A long-throw satellite and the L SUB 4000 A subwoofer.

An alternative to conventional compact line arrays in terms of both price and audio performance, the L5 LTS A is an efficient, easy-to-handle sound reinforcement tool for professional hire companies, and is sure to impress when installed in clubs, says the company.

The L5 LTS A pairs the concept of an integrated line array with the physical format of a classic compact point source, and the enclosure can be flown or deployed in ground stacks. Although a single satellite achieves the long-throw performance of a conventional compact array, the L5 LTS A's special audio characteristics also let you set up acoustically correct head stacks and horizontal clusters, and the two configurations may even be combined i

Belgium - The Apart PCR3000RMKIII is a professional multisource CD/USB/SD-card music player with integrated FM RDS and DAB+ tuner. In addition the unit now also has an internal Bluetooth receiver which can be connected to any music source, smartphone or computer equipped with a Bluetooth connection. Furthermore PCR3000RMKIII is equipped with multiple independent analogue outputs, coaxial and optical digital output for the CD/USB/SD player and a RS232-port for use with integrated control systems.

There is a USB and SD-card slot on the front and another USB-input on the back of the unit (to avoid people from taking the memory stick out). The unit has an operation mode switch at the back to choose between Auto Play and Cue. When the PCR3000RMKIII is in Auto Play mode, the unit will always start playing automatically when it's powered on. In Cue mode the unit will always wait for a

Germany - The Roland O.H.R.C.A M-5000 Console has won the award for Best Mixing System (Live) at the pipa/Prolight & Sound International Press Awards - voted into first place by the global press.

Representatives from Roland Japan and Roland Europe picked up their accolade at the mipa/pipa awards ceremony attended by more than 300 press, manufacturers and distributors from around the world.

Commenting on the success of the M-5000, Peter Heath, head of Roland ProAV in Europe said: "We are incredibly proud to win this award against tough and established competitors such as Midas and Soundcraft. Recognition at this level and in this category is a tremendous achievement."

This year was the second time that the pipa/Prolight & Sound International Press Awards have been presented during the awards ceremony of the mipa/Musikmesse International Press Awards which are now in

Germany - At the Prolight+Sound International Press Award, also known as the pipa award, SGM's Q-7 RGBW won the award for best lighting product.

Journalists from more than 100 dedicated special interest magazines from all over the world were called upon to nominate and vote for the best equipment in the marketplace, and they selected the Q-7.

"To be recognised for this ground-breaking LED fixture is amazing. It has quickly become an industry standard and I am proud to see it implemented in so many great designs," said SGM CEO Peter Johansen.

The Q-7 is a low-profile and compact RBGW flood, blind and strobe containing 2,000 powerful LEDs providing 28,000 lumens. It is also available in as a Q-7 W with a pure white light output offering 60,000 lumens.

(Jim Evans)

UK / Germany - Now that Prolight+Sound is over for another year, British console manufacturer DiGiCo would like to set the record straight and thank all those that visited their booth at the exhibition.

"With the S21, we wanted to re-write the rulebook. To test the conclusions we previewed at Prolight+Sound without publishing or unlocking the full software potential, or even the intended release specifications," says DiGiCo's managing director, James Gordon.

This different approach makes sense when you take on-board that the core of S21 is DiGiCo's Stealth Digital Processing. This FPGA based technology is the key that unlocks the flexibility that the R&D designers need to specify and deliver the ultimate console. This has been demonstrated to existing clients, as every console in the SD range has benefited from complimentary advancements in core processing and softwa

Germany - ETC is celebrating another successful Prolight&Sound show, in which they had their biggest stand space ever, spread across two areas.

On one of their stands, visitors were able to get an exclusive preview of the Eos console family software version 2.3, which is due for release in summer and adds a number of new options for controlling colour. Anne Valentino, ETC's Eos product manager, says, "Among the changes are multiple colour space options, which can be used for any type of mixing system and improved gel matching and new display options. Tinting tools - such as warmer and cooler - can also be used to adjust colour.

"Spectrum tools expose emitter settings for LED fixtures, and with ETC LED fixtures provide an adjustment at an emitter level that will maintain the white point. A number of colour fade path options are allowed, with a graphic to display the c

UK - Pearce Hire has confirmed their participation at the upcoming PLASA Focus trade show, taking place at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 May 2015. Pearce Hire has become a regular exhibitor at the show and will once more be promoting their production services and rental business.

"We recognise the significance of this regional event and it has now become an important date in the diary for us to network with industry colleagues and clients," observes Shaun Pearce, MD Pearce Hire. It will be the third year running that the Cambridgeshire based company has taken a stand at the sell-out show.

Pearce Hire operates nationally and internationally and their expertise covers all aspects of production management, production solutions and bespoke installations, in addition to an extensive inventory of rental equipment for dry-hire.

"This is

Germany - At Prolight+Sound 2015 in Frankfurt, d&b audiotechnik introduced the newest four channel, two rack unit (2RU) amplifier: the D20. The new amplifier features proven, intuitive user interfaces and offers fast, responsive remote control and monitoring via Ethernet through the Open Control Architecture (OCA) protocol

The D20 amplifier has four independent 1600 Watt channels, each with two 16-band equalizers which feature parametric, notch, shelving and asymmetric filters and up to 10 seconds of delay. The digital signal processing (DSP) power of the D20 means that external system processors are not required, reducing the equipment in the signal chain.

The amplifier's intuitive user interface has a colour touchscreen along with a rotary encoder. It is enabled with an integrated web interface for use with a browser and can be controlled using the d&b R1 Remote control soft

Germany - DiGiCo's new compact 2U Orange Box is a simple-to-use audio format converter with multiple options, allowing you to use DiGiCo Multichannel Interface (DMI) cards to create audio paths over a variety of interfaces.

With two PSUs for redundancy and two slots to accommodate any of the ten current interfaces available (DANTE, HYDRA2, BNC, CAT5, Optocore, Aviom, ADC, AES, DAC and SoundGrid), the 'anything in, anything out' Orange Box allows conversion of almost any audio format to another.

"The Orange Box is our first technology release borne of the pro audio group we have formed with Calrec and Allen&Heath," says DiGiCo managing director, James Gordon. "But we have opened it up to other selected third party manufacturers as well, making it an incredibly useful device."

If, for example, you wish to connect a product with MADI to one with a Hydra2 con

Germany - HK Audio has announced a series of Key Rack package solutions for rental, touring and professional musicians, as well as IPD passive speaker system solutions for audio installers.

Developed by HK Audio's application specialists, the Key Rack packages feature the latest generation of advanced controller amps made by market leaders Lab.gruppen - the IPD 2400 and IPD 1200. The amp racks can be easily configured to drive a variety of HK Audio speaker setups simply by selecting the appropriate filter set.

Two HK Audio Key Rack packages are currently available: the compact 2-RU Key Rack 1.12, which features an IPD 1200 (2 x 600W @ 4 ?) and can drive systems such as Premium PR:O, and the larger 3-RU Key Rack 2.24, which consists of two IPD 2400s (2 x 1200W @ 4 ?) and can drive Linear 5, ConTour, ConTour Array and other systems.

The Key Racks provide a unified amp rack for

Germany - PR Lighting enjoyed one of its most successful European outings ever at this year's Prolight+Sound Show in Frankfurt, where it presented seven new products.

The Chinese manufacturer also brought a team of 12 sales and marketing support staff from China, and with a dedicated lightshow booth running adjacent to that of their German distributor, Focon Showtechnic, they were able to demonstrate their 'magnificent seven' - the XLED 1061, XLED 3007, XLED 3019, XR130 (in Spot and Beam versions), XR330 Spot, XR1000 Framing and XRLED 700 Spot - as well as other popular catalogue items.

Visitors were able to engage directly with these, and control beam aperture, colour and gobo patterns, via the ChamSys touch panel interface on the fixtures - which proved extremely popular. A purpose-designed large white plinth was built under the overhead lighting truss so that the library of

Germany - GLP entered this year's Frankfurt Prolight+Sound Show on the crest of a wave and by integrating its evolving portfolio of products into a carefully thought out, fully pixel mapped presentation (incorporating sister company G-LEC), they clearly set out their intent.

Having firmly established their impression platform as a market leader in LED moving lights they have this year branched out into a versatile batten in the form of the X4 Bar 10 and double length X4 Bar 20 - which perform a myriad of functions from a conventional cyclorama to a wall washer and mid-air beam sweeper.

Aside from introducing the local market to these bar lights - which are already being highly specified on top tour riders - GLP also reports that the new impression X4 L was extremely well received by LDs who could immediately see the creative possibilities offered by the pixel-mapping function.

Germany - XI-Machines, the manufacturer of high-end workstations, has announced the availability of Rrecorder.1, a rack-mountable 1U audio recorder for up to 194 tracks simultaneously, after a 14-month development process.

Recorder.1 is designed to provide easy and reliable live recording within the most compact space possible. The world's first 19", 1U multitrack recorder delivers recording of up to 194 audio tracks simultaneously at 48kHz/24-bit, with a ready-for-operation time of less than a minute, says the company.

Recorsder.1 runs the Nuendo Live software, which is optimised for live recording tasks. Created by Steinberg Media Technologies, Nuendo Live offers a clearly structured user panel that displays all FOH-relevant menus, and features practical tools such as a 60-second pre-record buffer, automatic audio track naming, a notepad function as well as essential ed

UK - Sony unveiled new functions for its DWX series at Prolight+Sound. The digital wireless microphone platform for studio and ENG is now available with an extended frequency spectrum with four different channels, as well as new features in the free Wireless Studio 4.0 studio software. This will make wireless microphone use on stage or in TV transmission even more convenient.

The new version of the DWR-R02D digital wireless 19" rack-mount receiver has a bandwidth of 72MHz in the frequency spectrum from 470MHz to 542MHz. With the three other channel versions, the DWX series now covers a range from 470MHz to 788MHz. The digital microphone platform supports 35 out of 39 European TV channels and is at the forefront of frequency coverage in Europe.

The result is a high level of audio quality with exceptional stability and reliability. In the context of European legislation and

Germany - With the highly anticipated world launch of its CDD installation series Martin Audio was able to report its most positive Frankfurt Prolight+Sound experience in recent memory.

The international trade press thronged onto the stand on the opening morning to hear the presentation of this new dedicated installation loudspeaker range, confirming the company's commitment to significant R&D in the Contractor market in a similar vein to which it has brought to the touring market. Combining distinctive curved enclosures with unique Coaxial Differential Dispersion technology, it is designed to deliver ultimate coverage consistency to venues requiring cutting-edge technology from a stylish enclosure.

With the momentum building steadily, by the time Martin Audio took over the Kap Europa Conference Centre for a demo at the end of the opening day, more than 175 guests had register

UK - Artistic Licence has announced a significant upgrade to its popular free software application, DMX-Workshop.

Designed as a network management, analysis, configuration and diagnostics tool for Art-Net networks, DMX-Workshop now offers an improved user interface and sophisticated new functionality. This includes a 'ping radar' for instant node detection, data packet analysers for both Art-Net and RDM over Art-Net, and the ability to transmit sACN and KiNET data.

Not to be left out, the handy Bandwidth-Tester application has also undergone a major overhaul. Bandwidth-Tester is designed to allow stress testing of a network by transmitting multiple universes of lighting data. The new version allows the user to select unicast operation in Art-Net 3 mode or to broadcast data for worst case network analysis. In addition to Art-Net, the sACN and KiNET protocols are also now suppor

Germany - d&b audiotechnik previewed two new products and a significant software update at Prolight+Sound, Frankfurt. The update to the ArrayCalc simulation software includes a new feature called ArrayProcessing, to further elevate the performance of d&b line arrays. d&b also announced the introduction of the D20, the latest addition to the company's four-channel amplifier family, and the MAX2, a flexible 15" stage monitor.

Sabina Berloffa, director of marketing and product management at d&b, says: "The launch of ArrayProcessing is a testament to our commitment to advancing our technology and proves that any investment in d&b is a strategic one for the future."

Both the D20 amplifier and MAX2 stage monitor were on display at the stand. Visitors were also able to explore the d&b Workflow, comprising ArrayCalc simulation software, the d&b R1 Remote control softwar

Germany - UK wireless LED lighting manufacturer Core Lighting enjoyed a busy and successful Prolight+Sound 2015 - the first time the Core brand has exhibited directly under its own banner at this show but with the usual support of White Light as exclusive European distributor.

Core with White Light took advantage of the dynamic international mix of Prolight's visitor base to launch its new StripPoint LED batten fixture, as well as using the opportunity to meet potential new dealers from Europe and further afield.

Having just appointed Keylight as dealer in the Netherlands to supplement other dealers in other European countries, Core is keen to further expand its network worldwide.

They additionally showcased the tiny new PinPoint units and best-selling ColourPoint Mk2 range of wireless battery-powered up-lighters together with other innovative luminaires, all proudly 'Made i

Germany - Following the successful ISE launch of Liviau R, the new, all-in-one conference room control system from Apex, the company has unveiled the latest in the series, Liviau S. Based on the same sleek, yet robust hardware platform as Liviau R, S offers all the same audio functionality as R but with greatly enhanced video and lighting capabilities for bars, clubs, retail, houses of worship and corporate applications.

Seen for the very first time at ProLight & Sound 2015, Liviau S features a fully integrated DMX controller for powerful and sophisticated lighting control. As well as architectural lighting, up to sixteen intelligent lighting devices may be controlled. Moving heads, strobes, RGB devices, lasers, dimmers and more are all controllable via the DMX512 protocol.

In addition to the DMX controller, Liviau S also incorporates a programmable lighting mixer offering 24

China - With a lot to show and a lot to say, d&b audiotechnik (China) Ltd took care to focus their product displays at this year's PL+S Guangzhou and at InfoComm Beijing, placing the professional concert systems of J, V and Q-Series together in one area, with the more installation oriented systems from the xS and xA-Series placed discretely elsewhere.

"We chose to differentiate the systems in a clearly visual sense," said Freddie To, director, d&b China, "but with the emphasis firmly on how the many elements of the d&b product range can be integrated in any combination."

Highlights included elements from the xS-Series, the 4S, 5S, 8S and 12S loudspeakers, along with the dedicated 18S-SUB subwoofer. The 4S, 5S and 8S are light weight coaxial 2-way loudspeakers with a 100° conical dispersion, while the larger 12S is a biaxial bass reflex loudspeaker with

Belgium - The Apart VINCI Series has been expanded with a new VINCI4-16 bass reflex cabinet loudspeaker. VINCI4-16 has an impedance of 16 ohms, what allows the connection of up to 4 VINCI4-16 loudspeakers in parallel on a single amplifier channel, capable of handling a 4 ohm load.

The VINCI4-16 is a small yet true high-end speaker specifically designed for fixed install applications. VINCI4-16 loudspeakers are highly recommended for use in small to medium-sized projects where design and sound quality really matter. VINCI series loudspeakers are ideal for use in retail stores, high class restaurants, boardrooms or any other application where stylish design and a HiFi sound experience are expected.

The loudspeaker has a 4" coated paper cone woofer and a ¾" silk dome tweeter. VINCI4-16 is compact, audiophile, neutral but also captivating... with great dynamics and a cr

Germany - Bose Professional has drawn acclaim from end users and venue owners for its L1 portable array systems. At Prolight+Sound 2015, Bose expanded its portable P.A. offerings with the introduction of the F1 Model 812 flexible array loudspeaker and F1 subwoofer. Designed to serve an even broader set of applications than L1 systems, F1 Model 812 is the first powered portable loudspeaker that lets users optimise sound by creating up to four different vertical coverage patterns.

Offering exceptional power and clarity, the F1 system provides versatility for a wide range of applications and venues, easy setup, aesthetically pleasing design, and rugged durability.

The F1 system is an ideal choice for live music, DJ, corporate AV, house-of-worship, AV rental and general PA applications, says the company.

Craig Jackson, Bose Professional product line manager, portable products, s

Italy - Based on leading edge technology and customer demands, the 18XL1800 subwoofer from FaitalPRO is designed to recreate the very low natural audible frequencies of 20 to 30Hz, and give an intense acoustic performance.

It has a very high mechanical excursion, which is at least one and a half times greater than the other 18" woofers in the FaitalPRO catalog.

With a rated power of 1600 W and declared 3200 W maximum (according to AES standard), it maintains a good operating reserve allowing for optimum performance even in extreme conditions.

It offers 95dB sensitivity and is equipped with two demodulation rings to reduce any unwanted harmonic distortion and modulation of inductance.

Pro Audio division manager of Faital Flavio Naggi said, "Although the new 18XL1800 has an average efficiency of 95 dB and is not exactly suitable for pure horn applications (to empha

Germany - Alcons Audio is celebrating its most successful Prolight+Sound ever, with two new pro-ribbon line-array systems, the LR28 and LR16.2, taking centre stage.

"This was our most successful Prolight+Sound to date," says Alcons co-founder Tom Back. "The LR28 created an incredible buzz. During the show, Norwegian rental company Trondheim Lyd was happy to announce the purchase of the first system in the world - a complete package of 32 LR28s, plus BC543 triple 18" cardioid subs and Sentinel10 amplified loudspeaker controllers."

The LR28 larger-format line-array marks an important advance for the company within the concert touring and large-scale installation market. Based on LR24 line-array, which was presented at last year's show, the LR28 offers a substantial increase in HF and LF output over its predecessor, the LR24, the system we spent the past

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