Multitone Electronics has launched the On-Q theatre subtitling system which allows individual audience members to view translations of opera librettos or synopses, or the hard of hearing to follow scripts of plays. On-Q was originally developed for the prestigious Euskalduna Palace theatre in Bilbao, Spain, where it has been seen as a factor in the growth in audiences for opera and foreign language productions. The On-Q system is a real-time, wireless-based mobile text subtitling system specifically aimed at the theatre and opera market. It consists of small text terminals which receive data from a central PC. On-Q offers synchronised subtitling in a range of languages simultaneously, allowing audiences and the hard of hearing to enjoy productions which may not be in their native language. The terminals are small, silent and lightweight and require minimal interaction by users to select

At PLASA 2001, Clay Paky is presenting a series of new product lines, as well as expanding existing ones. This wide range includes the ‘Silent Version’ (SV) models, designed to guarantee maximum operating silence and the ‘Golden’ models, which ensure high performances at a low expense.

With Stage Profile 1200 SV, Stage Color 1200 SV and Stage Zoom 1200 SV, Clay Paky have developed three projectors that are over 50% quieter than normal. This is due to an innovative cooling system designed by Clay Paky’s R&D department. The Stage Profile 1200 SV combines the quality of a professional beam shaper with the versatility of a moving body projector. This innovative and creative tool - ideal for use in theatre, television and concert applications - allows beam-shaping evenly in quadrilaterals and triangles of any shape or size. The effect utilizes four beam-shaping

Visual Act is a system of remote-controlled wagons for creating movement on and off the stage. Movements are limited only by the imagination, giving both artists and technicians total freedom in design. Visual Act combines the elements of computer control, battery-operated servos, high-speed radio communication and laser-based navigation to obtain a high level of flexibility and dependability. All components are modular and easily installed in the wagon framework. They can therefore be reused in wagons of almost any shape and size.

See Visual Act at PLASA at stand R62.

This year Turbosound will be hosting an air-conditioned demonstration room on the Top Deck of PLASA. At various intervals throughout the day, there will be demonstrations of products from the Floodlight and QLight series. There will also be a multimedia demonstration in Dolby 6.1 surround sound using the TCS-35s and TCS-108s. On the main stand, a range of new products including the TQ-115, the TCS-108P and the TFM-450 will be on display, amongst other products from their QLight, Floodlight and TCS series.

The TFM-450 is a floor monitor and is based around a custom designed neodymium 15" low frequency driver which uses a 4" voice coil for maximum efficiency, and a 2" exit neodymium high frequency driver on a 60° x 40° horn. The TQ-115 is a low frequency enclosure comprising a custom designed 15" x 3" voice coil loudspeaker. It is intended for use as a low freq

Martin Audio - a world leader in the manufacture of professional loudspeaker systems - will this year display examples of all their product ranges, including Wavefront, EM, Cinema, Architectural, Blackline and accompanying dedicated control electronics. The company will also be launching additional Blackline cabinets - the F8, F10 and S12 - as well as a new line of lower cost professional power amplifiers, the MA900, MA1400 and MA4200.

The F8 and F10 Blackline cabinets are multi-angled enclosures featuring a 1" (25mm) compression driver on a 90° x 50° user rotatable horn with a long-excursion 8" (200mm) low frequency driver and a powerful 10" (250mm) low frequency driver respectively. The S12 is an extremely powerful and compact sub-bass cabinet which when used in conjunction with either the F8 or F10 will extend the response of the complete system to below 50Hz. The M

Mackie Designs has launched a new 24-bit/24-track non-linear hard disk recorder. Available in September 2001, the new low-priced MDR24/96 makes Mackie’s hard disk recording technology available to a much broader audience. Fully compatible with Mackie’s HDR24/96, the new MDR24/96 includes an internal 20-gigabyte Ultra-DMA hard disk that delivers over 100 minutes of 24-track recording at 48kHz and a built-in drive bay for Mackie Media M-90 recording drives and Mackie Media Project backup drives. The MDR24/96 ships with three 24-bit, 48kHz analogue I/O cards as standard. Optional digital I/O cards are available. Sync and clock capabilities include MIDI MMC and MTC, SMPTE, video blackburst and Word Clock. A standard 100BaseT Ethernet port for connection to PCs and networks is also included.

The MDR24/96 is also fully compatible with Mackie’s new Remote 48 Pro remote contr

Aura Sound Design, a leading specialist in sound design for theatre and themed exhibitions, have fulfilled a long-held ambition: the release of the first volumes of the Aura Sound Effects Collection. With a long-term plan to make all of the sound effects from Aura's extensive collection available on CD, the first release consists of four CDs: Volume 1A Steam Trains, Volume 1B Steam Trains, Volume 2 Subway including New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and Hamburg, and Volume 3 Sea and Water. Most of the sound effects featured on the CDs are original, digital recordings made by Aura's team on HHB and Sony Pro DAT recorders using the best quality microphones, and the CD's include comprehensive descriptions of each track with any particular nuances identified.

The effects have long been used in shows by Aura's team of sound designers, including John A Leonard and Fergus O'Hare, whose recent sho

A special 'ready-to-tour' deal has been announced for Allen & Heath's flagship ML5000 27-buss live sound VCA console. In addition to the mixer, each ML5000 Pro Touring Package includes a high quality Amptown touring console flightcase, a pair of rugged MPS14 power supplies with autoswitching in a wheeled 7U Amptown flightcase with 3U lockable drawer, a console dustcover and four Littlites.

Allen & Heath and Amptown have gone to great lengths to devise the ideal case for the ML5000. Among the features created to meet the needs of the touring industry is a specially designed cable compartment with a hinged lid that can be easily slotted in and out to allow full access for patching. The console is protected by rubber shock absorbing, enabling the ML5000 to safely travel upright on six heavy-duty castors. Up to 20 handles are provided, and the inside of the case is fully foam lined and st

Lamba plc will host its most expansive presentation of new products ever at the PLASA Show this year. In addition to showcasing new mixer and limited edition cartridges from Stanton - on the back of having signed up new endorsement agreements with London’s top dance venues - the company will also be presiding over a number of other major events. The full range of newly-launched Nady microphone and processing products, aimed at four distinct market sectors, will have the additional impetus of a visit from company founder John Nady, who will give an address to dealers and press in the Kensington Room on the Monday of the Show.

Lamba will also introduce their newly-acquired high-end amplification range from PSS in France, having recently been appointed exclusive UK distributors. This series will be seen for the first time in the UK. Also radically different will be a new range of pu

Martin Professional, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of automated lighting, will head to this year’s PLASA Show with a number of new products and product upgrades. These include the MAC 2000 Forma - a new version of Martin’s successful 1200W MAC 2000 profile spot which features an internal framing device for precise stage lighting and new sub-gobo rotation wheel, useful for theatrical fire and water effects. Also launched is MAC 600 NT - a new version of the popular MAC 600 featuring improved colour mixing, a CTC system and noiseless operation, perfect for noise-sensitive markets such as theatre and TV.

Also new is Wizard - a one-of-a-kind DMX-controllable ‘full-house’ effects light featuring what Martin claim is an extraordinary, magical effect never before seen in the effects lighting industry. The Wizard, which uses a high-output 250W discharge

Adam Hall Ltd, a leading manufacturer of cabinet and case hardware and audio products, will be launching several hot new products at this year's PLASA Show including 'Racklight' - an innovative way of illuminating 19" racks. Racklight will never get hot or burn out as it doesn't use conventional bulbs and comes in seven cool light source colours! Also on show this year will be many new additions to the company’s extensive range of hardware components for case, 19" rack and cabinet building, Palmer Audiotools and devices for PA, studios and installation, Adam Hall's very own brand of Bulk and Premade cables for sound and lighting, stands, the Defender II cable crossover system and Amphenol connectors, including the new 'A' type XLR for OEMs and manufacturers.

Adam Hall can be found on Stand E32.

BSS Audio will be showing the Soundweb 9088ii at PLASA this year. Its DSP engine builds on the highly successful Soundweb platform, and brings a higher performance to the audio path. The latest generation 24-bit converters are used to give a dynamic range of better than 107dB, plus a new AES/EBU digital input card extends the applications and source options for the Soundweb system. Also on show will be the Minidrive loudspeaker management systems, comprising the FDS-334 (2 inputs 4 outputs) and the FDS-336 (2 inputs 6 outputs), together with the FDS 366 Omnidrive Compact Plus.

BSS Audio can be found on Stand S30.

Audio-Technica will be unveiling a number of new products during this year's PLASA exhibition. Taking centre stage will be the second generation of the popular Engineered Sound series of microphones, which has been expanded to include boundary, gooseneck, suspension, lavalier and handheld models. The ES series now also features new capsules, practical switches and redesigned mounting arrangements, making it the perfect solution for all high quality audio installations. Also displayed for the first time will be a limited edition T4033 anniversary model. This commemorative version of the company's flagship microphone is launched as part of the celebrations of the 40th Anniversary of the Audio-Technica Corporation.

Finally, PLASA sees the AT3031 (cardioid) and the AT3032 (omni-directional) microphones added to the 30 Series range for home and project studios. Both microphones are end-fire

At PLASA this year, Sound Department will be demonstrating products from Crest Audio, Community Professional Loudspeakers and Level Control Systems - featuring a live demonstration of the VRAS reverberation system and Sound Advance Systems flat panel loudspeakers. Product launches will includethe new ST Series amplifiers and X-Rack Series mixers from Crest Audio, and new additions to the CPL Installation Series from Community.

Crest’s ST series amplifier is the flagship in a family of ‘elevated efficiency’ amplification. The ST amplifier represents a new benchmark in switching amplification - providing the expected advantages of low-weight and reduced heat, while preserving the sonic integrity for which Crest Audio is known. With the latest in switching technology onboard, this feature-rich product has the contemporary look, feel and sound of a touring class amplifier

This year Marquee Audio will be offering a relaxed atmosphere with a room for conversation over coffee, along with the traditional tempting assortment of audio delicacies. There will be the opportunity to view the latest developments within Marquee and the manufacturers the company works with, including the recent appointment of Marquee as a main UK dealer for Sony. Products demonstrated will include the Optocore LX4 fibre-optic multicore system, latest developments of BSS Soundweb software and hardware, Crestron control systems integrated with other audio processing devices, Yamaha PM1D digital console (latest software release) and the Sony digital console, radio mics and playback equipment.

Tascam is showing its expanding digital DJ product range on the Tannoy Professional stand. On show are a brand new digitally powered DJ mixer and the very latest update of the company’s top flight DJ CD decks. Guest spots from top UK DJs on the stand are also being lined up. The Tascam X-9 is a uniquely powerful and appointed professional 4-channel DJ mixer which utilizes high resolution digital processing to offer a range of features including on-board sampling, recallable sweepable EQ and internal effects. 24 bit A-D convertors provide for the highest possible signal resolution from vinyl, with four sets of phono stage or stereo line level connections. Digital inputs enable CD decks and external devices, like MiniDisc players, to be directly connected without loss of quality.

Balanced and unbalanced Master outputs feature attenuation control. Pre-Master booth monitor (with inde

At this year’s PLASA Exhibition Prolyte is introducing new product including a brand new delay tower system, available in 550 kg, 1100 kg, 1600 kg and 2100 kg versions. The large version is being displayed on the stand of Lightfactor - one of Prolyte’s UK distributors. The smaller version can be seen on the stand of another prolyte distributor in the UK, Unusual Rigging. Also new is a completely restyled and updated version of the MPT tower system, to bring the product in line with future demands and regulations.

The updated version of the Prolyte catalogue is also available, featuring over 100 pages of product information and background knowledge from the world of truss. Furthermore the company invites visitors to the cosy surroundings of their stand to enjoy some fun and business gossip at the famous ‘Prolyte Bar’ or to meet Prolyte’s distributor represe

Today Trantec is the largest manufacturer of DTI-approved radio microphones in Europe. Established approximately 10 years ago, Trantec originally only supplied to the music industry. However, the company’s marketplace has now increased to include broadcast companies, theatres, film producers, council chambers and others. This year, Trantec is bringing its products and expertise to PLASA, along with its latest updates to the S5000 beltpack. Features of the S5000 beltpack include: Power via single AA battery, giving approximately eight hours of use; programming capabilities for gain, frequency and user name via Infra Red sources such as Palm Pilot and compatibility with existing S5000 receivers.

Trantec can be found on stand D14.

PLASA 2001 will be the first viewing of XTA’s remote control software for the company’s Seriously Intelligent Digital Dynamics unit - SiDD. Designed for ease-of-use and downloadable from the XTA website (www.xta.co.uk), the software will permit full control of up to 32 units (64 SiDD channels) for all EQ, compression, noise gate/expansion, limiting and dynamic EQ functions of SiDD. Having all these on a single screen gives any engineer fast access to all parameters and instant visual response. Remote interface via MIDI, RS232 (cable runs up to 25m) or RS485 (up to 1km) allows connection and control from any PC running Microsoft Windows 95 or later. Innovative ‘bouncing ball’ metering enables instant set-up, and can be toggled with traditional VU meter mode for clear indication of dynamics/gain control and comprehensive 'Showtime' monitoring. The latest version of

Visitors to PLASA 2001 will witness the debut of the ‘brand new’ as well as the ‘relatively new’ in the High End Systems and Flying Pig Systems product family. Shown only at a sneak preview at Lightfair this year, High End is introducing C-16, the first in its Atmospheres series of interior architectural luminaires. C-16 is a compact, affordable, colour-changing spotlight that lets you change your environment, space, atmosphere or mood with utter simplicity. An MR16 lamp gives the fixture long life. It weighs in at a lightweight six pounds but packs a powerful colour punch, offering pastel highlights to deep saturates.

The modular construction of the x.Spot automated luminaire allows for new feature modules to be introduced as they become available. Debuting at PLASA are two new modules: Lithomotion wheels and the framing shutter system. The Lithomotion wheels o

Canford has announced it will be launching its Multipower at PLASA. The unit is a means of replacing up to 14 PSUs in a single 1U device. Also the EZ-PC pro-interface will get its UK launch at the show. The MIDI distribution amplifier and the MIDI mains switcher will be seen in their full production form for the first time after their recent launches.

The Multipower replaces up to 14 ‘wall warts’ and provides a neat solution freeing up mains sockets for other uses. The unit can supply devices of 6volts, +12 volts, -12 volts or 24 volts making it at the same time compact, versatile and cost effective. The EZ-PC pro-interface converts PC sound cards from unbalanced to balanced inputs and outputs and fits neatly into a standard PC card slot alongside the PC’s existing soundcard and negates the need for an external pro-interface. Canford is also presenting the full range

In conjunction with its UK distributor Raper & Wayman, Australian manufacturer ARX is showing for the first time in the UK the ZA series of 4-channel, 6-channel, 8-channel and 5.1 multi-channel amplifiers, all in a 2U chassis. New additions to the SPL range including the SPL 20 powered arrayable trapezoidal sub woofer, the SPL 8 powered compact full range loudspeaker and the SPL 28 powered compact sub woofer to complement the SPL 8. The 8 Pre, 8-channel microphone preamp, featuring variable gain, 20dB pad, phase reverse and phantom power is ideal for use as a console extender, ADAT/hard disk recording and acoustical analysis. The BarMix zone mixer, ideal for all applications requiring switchable multiple-input selection and multiple outputs, featuring remote level control and mic override in a compact 1U package.

ARX can be found on Stand H36.

MC2 Audio is launching the latest addition to its T Series - the T1500 (750W per channel). This model joins the highly successful T1000 (500W per channel) and T500 (250W per channel), which were launched at PLASA last year and have been enjoying buoyant worldwide sales throughout 2001. As with all other amplifiers in both the MC range and T Series, the T1500 will be covered by a full five-year warranty. It is anticipated that it will be available for shipping from the end of September.

MC2 can be found on stand S28.

The Mach brand has experienced increasing success worldwide over the past years. In order to meet increasing demands from customers, engineers working with professional sound reinforcement today, even more products have been added to the comprehensive line of Mach loudspeaker systems. At PLASA 2001 Mach will present no less than four new products. The M20.06 digital loudspeaker management system, the Ballista subwoofer for demanding long-throw touring applications, a new line of nearly invisible Mach ceiling speakers for the architectural segment and a complete range of white products for versatile installation purposes will all be launched at the Show.

Also new is the Mach M20.06 - a one unit, state-of-the-art, loudspeaker management system capable of operating all speakers in the Mach product range. This digital circuitry is based on BSS Omnidrive DSP technology and comes equipped w

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