Robe - LEADERBOARD - Feb 2025
Doughty - Banner - ABTT (27 May - 5 June)

Products

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Stardraw has introduced ‘Rubber-Banding’ as the September Feature of the Month. This much-anticipated upgrade has been under development for many months and represents a significant enhancement to their design and documentation applications.

This major new functionality means that the elements in schematic designs stay connected as you move them within the document. So, if you wish to change the look of your block schematic and move products, either by dragging the selected symbols to their new position, or by nudging them with the arrow keys, the connections follow automatically. Furthermore, Rubber-Banding operates independently of Modifiers (Snap to Grid, Snap to Object, etc.).

This is an extremely important development, says Stardraw’s marketing director, Rob Robinson: "Rubber-Banding has been at the top of our ‘Most Wanted’ list for some time,

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Following the successful launch of its new flagship line of 1200W Series 3000 automated luminaires, Vari-Lite has unveiled the latest additions to its award-winning Series 1000 inventory at the LDI exhibition in Las Vegas. The inclusion of an onboard dimmer option in the VL1000 tungsten units will provide lighting professionals greater flexibility, added convenience and more options to satisfy their specific lighting needs.

"The expansion of our Series 1000 product range immediately after the introduction of our new Series 3000 products, shows that Vari-Lite is committed to the development of new automated lighting products and enhancements to our existing product line," said Vari-Lite president and COO Clay Powers. "Whatever designers need, we've got an automated light for the job."

The VL1000 ERS with onboard dimming eliminates the need for an external dimmer. D

Doughty - Banner - ABTT (27 May - 5 June)

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Digigram, an innovator in digital audio network solutions, announces the release of Mac OS X drivers for its VXpocket v2, VXpocket 440 and VX222 sound cards. "The release of the Mac OS X drivers make it possible to achieve the best professional audio with the latest Apple OS," said Digigram managing director Philippe Delacroix. The drivers are fully compliant with both Mac OS X v10.1 and v10.2 (Jaguar). The VXpocket range enables serious audio production on laptops. The VX222 had earned popularity for Mac-based video and other applications through an effective pairing of reliability with professional analogue and digital interfaces.

(Lee Baldock)

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Simplifying the setup for turntablists worldwide, Shure recently announced the release of the M44-7-H Turntablist Cartridge pre-mounted on a Technics headshell. Scratch DJs can now virtually eliminate set-up time and install this model directly onto a turntable tone arm. Shure’s premium scratch needle, the M44-7 has earned a reputation because of its ability to deliver great sound without skipping. Along with ultra-high skip resistance, the M44-7 offers a high output and minimizes record wear, making it the battle needle of choice for champion scratch DJs worldwide, including the former Invisibl Skratch Piklz, X-ecutioners, and The World Famous Beat Junkies. The M44-7-H will debut in Shure's exclusive new line of DJ cartridge packaging. This exciting new clear-tube package is both reusable and recyclable.

(Lee Baldock)

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Renkus-Heinz Inc is now providing the professional sound reinforcement industry with a unique on-line tool for searching and configuring RH products - the Web Configurator, which replaces the previous, standalone Renkus-Heinz Configurator software package. Available free from RH, this is designed to help RH distributors and audio consultants in choosing available options for each type of loudspeaker and cluster, as well as amplifiers and loudspeaker controllers. With a wide range of options available for most Renkus-Heinz products, it makes pin-pointing the precise solution simple and efficient.

The Web Configurator’s on-line database stores complete standard specifications, available options and full performance data for every RH product, plus AutoCAD drawings for all products, along with polar plots, architects and engineers’ specs, downloadable product PDFs and full spec

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The acclaimed MH4 console now has an option for LED bargraph metering, Soundcraft has announced. The new meter bridge option has 16 LED meters that display all auxiliary/group outputs (particularly useful in a monitor situation to show all monitor send levels simultaneously) and can be switched to read matrix outputs. The mix left, right and centre outputs are shown on VU meters.

The MH4 has won many admirers for its easy-to-use multi-purpose functionality, which makes it simple to configure the console for use of FOH or monitor duties, or as a single desk fulfilling both tasks. Since its launch earlier this year, the Soundcraft MH4 has won many friends, including an appearance on two stages at the Montreux Jazz Festival, touring around Europe and on the recent series of Big Brother in the UK. The MH4 has also found favour in many large churches in the USA.

(Lee Baldock)

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Jands Electronics’ Event 4 range of lighting control consoles is now shipping with the latest version of its V5 operating system pre-installed. The Event 408 and 416 models, which comprise the Event 4 range, are compact, competitively priced hybrid consoles designed to control both conventional and automated lighting fixtures. Currently favoured for live event and conference applications, the Event 4 can now be used in professional theatrical and multi-purpose applications where the new V5 feature set now excels.

As part of Jands' continued development and improvement, the latest release contains many operational enhancements as well as bug fixes for the Event Operating System. New enhancements of particular merit include: an increased palette size of fixtures, positions, beams, and groups, from 20 to 60; a live palette function, offering 'real time' use over a present time perio

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Millbank Electronics has launched a new range of CM8 ceiling loudspeakers. The 8W 100V ceiling loudspeaker has a full power output of 103dB at one metre and a wide frequency response, which makes it ideal for PA/VA installations in shopping centres, offices and airports. Both standard and BS5839 pt.8 versions are fitted with three different mounting modes.

(Ruth Rossington)

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Denon has unveiled the latest addition to its range of CD players - the DNS5000. Among its many features are a Motor-Drive Active Platter offering scratch and search with the feel of an analogue turntable, 2 in 1 alpha track, hot starts, hot disc, mirror mix, user-replaceable drives and three-way scratch.

The most significant feature of the S-5000 is that the platter spins - the machine is a true CD turntable. To emulate a record deck as closely as possible, the turntable has a vinyl disc on with grooves cut into it, replicating the feel of a conventional record! The S-5000 offers the ability to manipulate the vinyl disc in the required stylistic manner, plus the added bonus of no stylus - and no jumping! The Forward/Back function is perfect for ‘cutting in’ samples without having to close the mixer fader - like having an extra hand! The platter can be assigned to scratch e

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i-vision has launched the I-Vex Flagstaff - an illuminated flagpole which embraces a broad spectrum of applications including the architectural, retail, corporate branding and events markets. The I-Vex is currently available in three different versions: as a wall-mounted pole, as a standard upright flagpole or as a mobile upright flagpole.

Variations in height can be achieved, but currently, the three standard lengths for the wall versions are 1.3, 2.3 and 3 metres. The uprights are available in three standard sizes - 4, 6 and 9 metres - and the mobiles come in 4 and 6 metre heights. The wall mounting poles are available in fixed, user-definable colours, which can be matched to any standard Lee or Rosco gel colour. The uprights are also available as fixed colours.

All three versions are available with CYM colour-changing mechanisms, complete with onboard programmer. The latter offers

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Hayden Laboratories, exclusive UK distributors for Rane pro audio products from the US, launches Rane’s new AC 24, stereo 4-way active crossover. The product is aimed at domestic, commercial or professional use, and for those wanting to optimize their audio systems. The AC 24 combines conventional analogue controls with digital signal processing. The result is a fully-featured, high performance product.

Digital technology links the analogue inputs with the analogue outputs (these are XLR balanced) with the analogue controls on the front panel allowing the AC24 to perform in a way not possible using analogue circuits. The analogue Linkwitz-Riley implementation guarantees, by definition in phase adjacent outputs, which allows the two signals to sum correctly. The use of digital processing allows the product to add appropriate phase compensation so that all outputs add properly when

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Stardraw has announced a unique symbol update as part of the monthly update process available to all current subscribers. By popular request, the company has made available the component elements used to create its high quality product symbols in the Block Schematic, Rack Layout and Pictorial Schematic environments of Stardraw Audio, Stardraw AV and Stardraw Radio.

The update includes more than 500 symbols of buttons, switches, knobs, connectors, logos, meters and much more. They have been created to meet all of the criteria currently used in the production of Stardraw libraries and conform to layer and drawing specifications.

According to marketing director, Rob Robinson, this is a significant enhancement. "By making the component symbols available, we are effectively giving our subscribers even greater scope to customize Stardraw to their own requirements. Although our library

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Nexo SA has published EASE and CATT data files for its PS and Alpha loudspeakers, along with the GEO S830, on its website. The data was measured by Nexo R&D under the direction of technical director François Deffarges and R&D manager Rémi Vaucher.

"With the growing use of EASE and CATT, not only by acoustical consultants, but by design/build contractors in many countries, we feel it’s important to make accurate data available in current formats," Deffarges commented. "We hope that this new data release will make it easier for sound system designers to compare the predicted performance of Nexo loudspeakers with similar products and to make the best choice for any given application."

The EASE and CATT data files are available as a 752kb Zip archive from the website below:

(Ruth Rossington)

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Australia-based Brown’s Precision Welding, manufacturers of high quality aluminium products, has announced a new product, Brown’s Multifunction Tower (BMT). At the heart of the BMT’s innovative design is an adaptive connection plate allowing any existing industry standard truss to be incorporated into the tower or ground support design. This cost-effective approach also results in the Multifunction Tower being one of the most versatile systems available in the world today.

Beau Southey, managing director of Brown’s Precision Welding and designer of the Multifunction Tower, says: "The BWT is designed to maximise the usability of every component and integrate effectively with which ever truss the end-user requires including any existing rental stocks. Even the sleeve block may be used independently as a truss corner block."

The tower itself comprises a

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Biamp Systems has announced the introduction of several new products and significant software enhancements that will serve to expand its digital audio platform. One such introduction includes a group of three remote panel controllers, as well as a Logic input/output box to control Audia.

The three remote control panels offer several new features: Volume 8 allows up to eight individual or group levels with Audia. The levels may include inputs, outputs, mixer levels, matrix cross-points or any number of volume controls. Select 8 provides the selection and control of up to eight actions from within Audia. This control can be used to establish presets, mutes, ducking and/or combining. Volume/Select 8 combines the functionality of the Volume 8 and Select 8 on one two-gang panel. According to Ralph Lockhart, president of Biamp Systems: "We wanted to give the end-user as much flexibility

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VDC has supplied Taunton-based rental company APR Audio with custom-built cable looms for its new Electro-Voice X-Line PA system, enabling the remote operation of its Electro-Voice P3000RL DSP amplifiers. This is the first application of its type in the UK, and the first in the world to be configured for a stadium-sized X-Line system.

Andy Reed of APR Audio has been a customer of VDC since he started out in the audio rental business, so it is no surprise that every length of cable for his new X-Line rig has been sourced from the London company. A variety of Van Damme products, including Black Series, Blue Series, Socapex-based speaker multicores and breakouts, and associated panel work, is in place, but the innovation lies in the custom link looms that combine armoured Cat 5 data cable with audio lines. These looms connect stage systems to the front-of-house control, and enable the amp

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Shure Inc has announced the shipment of its latest personal monitoring system, the affordable PSM 200. As the least expensive in-ear monitor system offering both Shure’s renowned quality and innovative new features, the PSM 200 makes the benefits of in-ear monitoring accessible to a wide array of cost-conscious musicians, houses of worship, and installations requiring assistive listening devices, say Shure. Aside from cost, the PSM 200 components boast new features including the built-in ability to upgrade the receiver from wired to wireless, a transmitter that is also a mixer, and a high fidelity earphone.

For those users that can’t initially afford wireless, the P2R Hybrid Receiver protects their investment by allowing them to upgrade at a later date. The hybrid receiver starts as a wired bodypack and with the addition of the TransMixer component, operates fully as a wire

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Artemis is the latest Luxeon product by ACDC Lighting Systems, designed as a versatile high output spotlight. Incorporating three high intensity LEDs, and IP67-rated, this compact fitting creates a cool crisp beam with outstanding effects.

Luxeon light sources, developed by Lumileds lighting, a world-class supplier of LEDs, are among the brightest LEDs in the world. At the forefront of high flux LED technology, they combine the practical advantages of conventional LEDs such as long life and low energy, while producing a light output which is second to none. Gareth Frankland, sales and marketing director at ACDC Lighting Systems, said: "The LED products have been developed in conjunction with some of the world’s top lighting designers, and through careful research and consultation, we have been able to create a range of products which satisfy the demands for projects both tod

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Multiform has announced the availability of the stylish new Globo 150 architectural colour changer from Italy. The Globo 150 is one of a range of luminaires for the architectural lighting market. It provides a source of continuously changing colour illumination in an ultra compact, IP55-rated, fully weatherproof aluminium and steel housing.

Utilizing the CMD-SA/T 150W metal halide 9000-hour lamp, and a coated elliptical reflector, the Globo 150 projects a bright 45 degree beam angle. Using the inbuilt vari-speed auto programmer or controllable via a single channel of DMX, the Globo produces eight selectable colours and white, plus blackout. It is ideal for a whole host of indoor and outdoor applications, say Multiform, and multiple units can be synchronized for an even more spectacular effect.

(Lee Baldock)

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ChainMaster of Eilenburg presented a new add-on console for the VarioLift at the Plasa Show in London. The Extension Board constitutes a useful complement to existing VarioLift controllers, offering in particular the ability to control manually different chain lifts at different speeds using two analogue joysticks. It is possible to cascade several Extension Boards. In addition, existing programs can run simultaneously, staggered in time.

Free group assignment is a further useful feature of the Extension Board, making the console suitable for live use. Any number of chain lifts and groups can be freely assigned to the two joysticks in a free configuration. The VarioLift Extension Board is robustly constructed and sufficiently durable to withstand all the rough treatment of day-to-day live use. It comes equipped with a 15" touch-screen integrated into the folding lid of the control

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Shure has announced the shipment of the Beta 52A and Beta 56A microphones, effectively replacing the Beta 52 and Beta 56 in the company's line of premium Beta products. Maintaining the sound quality of the original Beta 52 and Beta 56 microphone cartridges, the new models are outfitted with features designed to enhance both form and function, say Shure.

The Beta 52A kick drum microphone is optimized for low-frequency bass punch and high-power SPL handling, whilst the Beta 56A is a compact drum microphone engineered for close mic’ing of snare and toms. Both mics boast a supercardiod design providing maximum isolation from other onstage sounds. Among the changes incorporated within the design of both mics is the addition of a larger adjustment knob and more durable tightening mechanism, which facilitate easier positioning. Both articulating mics now also employ a wider mounting bas

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Coemar UK, the exclusive UK distributor for Antari smoke machine products, has announced that it is now able to supply and support the Antari range of smoke effect machines ex-stock. The company has at last taken delivery of a substantial amount of stock, and will be able to same-day dispatch on most items.

(Lee Baldock)

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Allen & Heath has announced the first release of iDR System Manager software for its iDR series, a new DSP audio system for installed and live sound. The software is available for free download from the Allen & Heath website (address below). iDR System Manager runs on a Windows PC and allows installers to create customized, integrated audio systems using iDR series hardware units. PC connection can be direct to an iDR-8 or remotely across a network or via a modem. Once a software configuration is complete it can be saved to an iDR-8 audio mix processor and the PC can be removed, leaving the iDR system to run as a standalone entity.

iDR-8 uses a fixed architecture, with full processing resources available to up to 16 inputs and 16 outputs (iDR-8 has 8 inputs and 8 outputs and can be expanded using iDR-in and iDR-out units), making it impossible to run out of DSP power. This rigid struct

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Midas has reported record console sales in the UK since the decision to bring UK distribution back to the factory. Since the announcement at the PLASA Show in September, Midas has delivered eight consoles in the UK: Birmingham sales and rental company SSE took an XL4 and two Heritage 3000s to add to their hire stock, Skan PA also took an XL4, while Adlib Audio and Tourtech both took a Heritage 3000. Cheshire-based Lighting and Sound Services are now the proud owners of a Legend 3000, as is Atomic Sound in Newark.

UK Midas sales manager Richard Ferriday is very pleased with the way the new sales strategy appears to be working. He told us: "While it's possible that it may be coincidence, it nevertheless proves two things. Firstly, that customers are very comfortable buying direct from the factory - Midas customers have always enjoyed extremely high standards of service, and now tha

  1. ShowCAD to offer ‘Artist Light’
  2. Art-Net in the Ether with RDM
  3. Liberty sprung floor panels from Harlequin
  4. Pathport earns certification from PowerDsine
  5. Soundcraft unveils new Spirit Range of mixers
  6. Socapex: new website for entertainment industry
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Astera - June 2025
GLP - MPU - Feb, Apr 2025

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