USA/Europe - Musician, Derek Brown recently tested out an Austrian Audio OC818 microphone, using it to capture his style of saxophone playing – dubbed ‘BEATBoX SAX’. Previously the director of jazz studies at Abilene Christian University for six years, Brown received his BM in Music Performance (Classical and Jazz) from Hope College in 2006, and his MM in Jazz Studies at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music in 2008. Crossing genres from jazz, to classical, to funk (and without using any looping or electronic effects), Brown’s unique playing style was born out of a love of blending musical genres. “I grew up with a very normal way of playing the saxophone,” he said. “I studied classical music and I started liking jazz. I went to university and I studied all the techniques and different ways of improvising. I was always feeling
Finland - Genelec is now offering customers the option of a special RAW aluminium colour finish, available on a selection of the most popular models in its Studio, AV and Home Audio ranges. All the models feature the Minimum Diffraction Enclosure (MDE) design, developed by Genelec in close collaboration with industrial designer Harri Koskinen, and fashioned from recycled aluminium. The RAW versions require no painting and less finishing material than standard painted models - creating an even more environmentally friendly loudspeaker that allows the natural beauty of the enclosure’s raw aluminium to shine through, and gives each individual loudspeaker a unique look and feel. The models available are all two-way designs, and include the 8020, 8030 and 8040 nearfield studio monitors, the 4020, 4030 and 4040 installation loudspeakers, the new 4420 and 4430 S
Europe - Pioneer DJ is extending the free trial period for its DJ mix recording app - DJM-REC - from 30 days up to 90 days to help DJs looking to raise their profiles by connecting and sharing mixes with audiences online. The DJM-REC app simplifies the recording and sharing of music by allowing DJs to quickly and easily connect their DJM to an iPhone or iPad via a USB cable to create high-quality digital format mixes. These mixes can then be directly uploaded from the app to multiple online streaming platforms, removing the complications of analogue conversion or level adjustment. To support as many DJs and producers as possible, Pioneer DJ is also offering the 90 day offer beyond new users to also include anyone who has previously accessed the free trial. The extended DJM-REC trial period will run from 7 April until 6 May 2020.
Europe - Madrix 5 software has always been available as a demo version for everyone to try out the pixel mapper at the convenience of their own work machines. Madrix 5.1 launched the additional 'pre-programmer' software license to facilitate show and project preparation without the need for a full output licence. A new way to fully test Madrix 5 is now being introduced as an additional resource to support the current workflow needs of operators, lighting designers, VJs, and project companies around the world. Madrix 5 professional is an extensive software licence, which is available free of charge as a time-limited license that works until 1 June 2020. It is fully functioning within this time frame. The only requirement is to make a small, one-time purchase for a Madrix Key from a local dealer. This USB dongle then remains universally usable for the range of Ma
USA - ClearOne has announced the availability of its first release of Convergence AV Network Manager, a unified AV network management platform to monitor, control, and audit ClearOne Pro Audio and Video products and services. A beta version was available to AV practitioners for their evaluation prior to this release. The new AV management system provides remote real-time system access for at-a-glance and all-inclusive dashboard views in any browser from desktop to mobile. Its unlimited scalability supports organizations of any size and can be configured for one of 12 languages. The new release provides efficient batch firmware updates on multiple audio and video devices at once. The release adds the ability to download, back up, or restore project files simultaneously for multiple Converge Pro 2 and Converge Huddle systems. The release provides the ability to provision
UK - Avolites will launch its full range of Q Series media servers, along with the Ai v12.1 release. Designed as the ideal hardware to complement the Ai software, the Q Series line-up includes the Q3, Q3pro, Q4 and Qgen. “Seeing the projects and shows Ai has been used on made us realise we needed to provide servers powerful enough to meet the creative vision of our users,” explains Ciaran Abrams, Avolites, Ai lead developer. The Q3 Pro is a portable server for the more demanding shows, with two 4K outputs and one HD along with EDID managed HDMI outputs. The Q4 offers the power to deliver even more detail thanks to four 4K outputs and flexible input modules, so users can spec a server to meet the most demanding needs. With the rise in use of interactive realtime generative content providers like Notch, the Qgen is designed to deliver stunning gr
Europe - Genelec has unveiled the 1235A Smart Active Monitor, which fuses the sound and heritage of the 1035 main monitor with 96kHz processing and the ability to adapt to any space through its tight integration with Genelec’s GLM calibration software. The 1235A is designed as a main monitor for large music, film and post-production studios that demand high SPL and neutral, stable imaging that can be optimised for the room’s unique acoustic environment. Launched in 1989, the original 1035 became an industry standard throughout the world, fulfilling the need for a wall-mountable full-range monitor that could deliver true reference performance at high SPLs and over long listening distances. Legendary studio designer Sam Toyoshima was an early evangelist for the 1035, and as a result it was quickly adopted by many of the world’s finest studios, including Metropolis
UK - Calibre UK has announced that its HQPro1000 switcher/scaler now benefits from a number of enhancements. Many of the new features found in HQPro1000 make it now even more suitable for remote interaction applications, a market that Calibre sees as growing rapidly as businesses and organisations look to minimise travel and face-to-face contact. “Distance learning, cloud meetings and medical display are typical of the remote applications that have become increasingly popular as organisations look to reduce cost, increase productivity and minimise their carbon footprint,” said Willy Tsai, managing director, Calibre UK. “Now, they have another reason to evaluate the solutions available from Calibre to facilitate video streaming and remote interaction - and the new functionalities we’re introducing for the HQPro1000 further enhance its ability to deliver th
USA - As a way of helping to enhance microphone hygiene in these challenging times, Point Source Audio has added extra windshields into every microphone it sells. Standard mic packages that had typically included one windshield have been upgraded to six at no additional charge to address stricter hygiene measures brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic with respect to shared equipment. “While it is always important to keep your microphones clean, this is particularly important now,” reasons Yvonne Ho, VP of sales and marketing at Point Source Audio. “We hope that supplying these extra windshields will be a reminder to users on proper mic cleaning and etiquette now and into the future.” Point Source Audio has also created a new video dedicated to cleaning microphone systems. The video demonstrates the techniques needed to clean a microphone system using al
USA - Interactive Technologies has announced the release of its latest software version for all models of its CueServer 2 platform. CueServer version 4.0 includes over 70 new features and bug fixes and introduces the concept of CueServer plugins, designed to add a new level of customisation to every CueServer. Additionally, CueServer now speaks Javascript, enabling users to mix and match Javascript code with the traditional CueScript language. CueServer’s multi-lingual feature gives users the ability to create more complicated logic or write a custom plugin. “With CueServer's new capabilities, we're enabling a next-generation of lighting control projects,” says Rob Johnston, founder and president of Interactive Technologies. “These next-gen projects reach far beyond just DMX. They react to changes in the weather, integrate with multiple media types, and
UK - A new improved version of DMX-Workshop, the free software application for lighting network management, analysis, configuration and diagnostics, is now available for download. The latest update includes numerous improvements based on work done at February's PLASA PlugFest in Lille. The software offers functionality across many protocols, including Art-Net, sACN, DMX512, RDM, VLC and DALI. Key improvements include the curve editor for Artistic Licence's PLASA Gold Award-winning trailing edge dimmer, sunDial. Using DMX-Workshop, users can now define whether they want sunDial to generate a linear or log response. The latter results in a very smooth low end curve - a major benefit for dimmable replacement LED bulbs, which often perform poorly in this range. In addition, Artistic Licence has put in significant R&D effort into developing custom cu
Europe - Yamaha Unified Communications has announced that its CS-700 Video Sound Bar is certified for use with Zoom Video Communications, Inc., Zoom Rooms. The all-in-one video conferencing system passed Zoom's extensive testing process for the audio system, camera and USB interface to ensure it seamlessly integrates with the video conferencing software. The certification verifies that the CS-700 is interoperable with Zoom, making it even easier for users to connect and control the Video Sound Bar while benefitting from the highest quality audio and video. Designed for huddle rooms, the CS-700 video sound collaboration system delivers the highest quality audio, video and collaboration capabilities in a simple, smart wall-mounted unit that is easy to install and deploy. It features an adaptive beam-forming microphone array, four Yamaha speaker elements and a wide-angle
USA/Europe - Elation Professional has several new lighting products launching this spring. The weatherproof Proteus range welcomes the Proteus Lucius, a compact and powerful LED profile with IP65 rating that features a 580W hotspot LED engine and over 30,000 delivered lumens to cut through in any environment. Feature-packed and outfitted with framing shutters, 20 gobos on 3 wheels, animation and CMY + variable CTO colour mixing, Proteus Lucius offers outstanding projection qualities and is the latest step in Elation’s quest to provide “the widest range of IP65 moving heads on the market”. Elation is introducing two additions to its multi-award-winning Artiste LED moving head series, the Artiste Rembrandt and Artiste Mondrian. The Rembrandt and Mondrian partner alongside the Artiste Monet and feature the same seven-flag SpectraColor colour mixing system (CMYRGB+CT
USA - VNS Inc has introduced a 10-bit HDR-10-ready processor solution designed for large display installations. The GeoBox G901 processes 4K, 60Hz inputs/outputs for LCD or LED video walls, or projection edge-blending systems. The G901 video processor places and controls secondary PIP or POP imagery (any digital input source in any format) onto projection-blended or video wall installations, without the need for a separate PC. It can switch video sources, convert formats, scale up and down in 10-bits, precisely crop and flip/rotate images, and supports non-VESA standard input timings and editable output timing. The G901 boasts five inputs (three HDMI 2.0b and two DisplayPort 1.4) with switcher functionality outputted via one HDMI 2.0, and allows switchable dual-source content selection (maximum two images displayed at a time) with flexible, programmable output resolut
USA - Global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks has released Vectorworks 2020 Service Pack 3 (SP3) with quality and performance improvements as the central theme of this update. As part of the SP3 release, Vectorworks is introducing additional partner integrations with Enscape and NBS Chorus, as well as providing key updates for users of its BIM, landscape and entertainment design product line. “Our release of the Vectorworks 2020 Service Pack 3 is the perfect example of our focus and drive to improve software quality and performance and to further enable Vectorworks to be a design hub for many workflows,” said Steve Johnson, vice president of product development at Vectorworks. “By continuing to develop connections to the latest technologies and partner solutions, we’re delivering a design ecosystem that is helping designers around the world to ideate, dis
Canada - Xilica has announced the release of Xilica Designer 4.0 software, a flexible, universal, drag-and-drop platform that simplifies the design, configuration and integration of Xilica DSPs and third-party AV systems. As with previous generations, Xilica Designer 4.0 software offers integrators a single, centralised platform for project design and management. Xilica Designer software provides optimised configuration of Xilica Solaro DSPs, as well as Xilica’s XWP networked wall controls, XTouch screens, and I/O expansion devices. It also handles configuration and management of any networked Dante device, and delivers comprehensive third-party control integration. Xilica Designer 4.0 offers AV integrators more freedom to customise designs through Lua programming, a fast and powerful scripting language embedded within the software. “With Lua scripting, users can
USA - ADJ’s MDF (Magnetic Dance Floor) System is a new portable illuminated dancefloor aimed at event production and mobile entertainment companies. Featuring vibrant LED illumination, a robust yet lightweight design, a magnetic connection system for easy setup and individual control of each panel via DMX, it is designed to create impact and atmosphere at a wide range of corporate and private parties and events. Each panel (MDF2) is illuminated by an array of 3-in-1 RGB LEDs that cause its opaque surface to glow intensely. Full colour mixing (red, green and blue) allows the creation of an almost limitless selection of vibrant colours, while each panel in a larger dancefloor system can be controlled individually. This provides unlimited creative potential for the design of static patterns and animated chase effects using DMX control, while the system also offers a variety o
USA - Lectrosonics has introduced a new miniature IFB (Interruptible Foldback) Receiver pack, the IFBR1B, as well as the companion CHSIFBR1B Dock Charging System. The receiver unit is nearly half the size and weight of the industry-standard IFBR1A receiver that it is replacing and uses a slim 3.7V LB-50 rechargeable lithium ion battery instead of the archaic 9V type. The IFBR1B is fully compatible with the existing line of IFBT4 transmitters, so that adding the convenience and new features of the IFBR1B receivers to existing Lectrosonics IFB systems is quick and easy. With a backlit LCD and membrane buttons, the new receiver is easy to set up and use, offering 10 presets which are easily programmable from the front panel. Five tuning ranges are available for the new IFBR1B receiver: the VHF version (red knob) covers 174-216 MHz, the A1 (470-537 MHz), B1 (537-614 MHz) a
UK - Martin Audio has announced the release of two new compact, high performance cardioid subwoofers, the SXCF118 and the SXC115, suitable for both live sound reinforcement and fixed installations. The SXCF118 is a flyable version of the SXC118 released last year and has been purpose designed to accompany the WPS optimised line array system, while the ground stack SXC115 is set to partner WPM. The SXCF118 combines maximum low frequency output with exceptional pattern control. It features an 18” (460mm) forward facing driver and a 14” (356mm) rear facing driver, each driven independently by separate amplifier channels and DSP. Each driver has its own chamber with optimised bass reflex porting. This arrangement produces a cardioid dispersion pattern which maximises the front radiation, while reducing unwanted radiation behind the subwoofer. The recommended iK
Spain - Following the initial introduction of its all-new LMS series loudspeaker management processor in Q4 2019, with the LMS206 dual input / six output device, Amate Audio has launched the more extensive and powerful LMS608. A completely new and robust loudspeaker management processor platform employing a 64-bit DSP architecture, LMS provides continuous ‘round the clock’ operation and uncompromising performance in the most adverse application environments. Fully configurable, each input is assignable to any output; with two crossovers - with selectable Butterworth, Linkwitz-Riley and Bessel filtering – and independent compressor/ limiter settings available on each output. With four analogue inputs, a two channel AES/EBU digital input, and eight analogue outputs, all on balanced XLRs, the 1U 19” rackmount LMS608 offers advanced system configuration capabiliti
Europe - Following the launch of the company late last year, punQtum B.V. has unveiled its first product - the Q110 Beltpack is the first element of a larger networked intercom system that offers up to 32 party lines via standard IP networks and infrastructures. Designed for easy, plug’n’play use on a digital platform that is as easy to use as analogue intercom, the Q110 provides ‘all the features you need to help crews communicate better’. All functionality is designed to be instantly accessible thanks to ergonomically designed buttons and an easy-to-read colour display. In a stand-alone capacity the Q110 offers instant access to two channels of party line intercom, and besides being powered via standard PoE switches, the Q110 Beltpack offers the option to daisy-chain up to eight units on a single wire. The feature set also allows for any missed comms to be replaye
UK - MBSi has introduced the VFX Wall 20:40, a modular inflatable VFX backdrop and the latest addition to their growing portfolio of creative production solutions. Having already proved itself on a number of major productions, the VFX Wall 20:40 is the first in a new range of modular, inflatable visual effects backdrop designed specifically for use within the film and television industry. Exclusively available through, and fully supported by the team at Pinewood MBS Lighting, VFX Wall 20:40 is supplied in a choice of VFX Wall Green or VFX Wall Blue VFX, depending on the requirement. Flexible and adaptable, the system is designed for creating expansive visual effects walls across backlot sets or for creating privacy screens to protect from prying eyes. Simple to operate and easy to maintain and adapted for studio or location based work, the system requires almost
China - Roe Visual introduced a new processing platform at this years’ ISE exhibition. Showcasing its new Ruby LED panel on the Helios processing platform, the large display screen showed content in full 4K HDR. The Helios processing platform is the result of a close cooperation between Roe Visual and Megapixel VR. Combining their forces and in-depth knowledge of LED- and processing technology the result is a future-ready processing platform that reimagines processing to support large-format LED displays for use in demanding pro AV, broadcast and installation applications. The Helios processor will be exclusively available for Roe Visual LED screens. Designed as a flexible growth-system, the platform offers a versatile solution with modular slots. The inputs and outputs of the Helios LED processing platform utilize SFP+ ports, a compact hot-pluggable network interfac
USA - ADJ has introduced the Vision Series of LED video panels. The new range offers a versatile modular system, with features including front serviceability, magnet-aided rigging, and fold-out corner protectors. The ‘VS’ Vision Series of LED video panels offers a versatile modular solution that has been developed to make life easier for video professionals installing LED walls on either a temporary or permanent basis. Each panel in the range features four individual modules, which are front serviceable, making it ideal for temporary hanging as well as permanent installation. Across the range, the modules are all mounted to the same frame, allowing panels of different resolutions to be used together and meaning that the same rigging bar and other accessories can be used for all VS models. The VS5 offers a 5.95mm pixel pitch (84 x 84 pixel density), the VS3 ha
