UK - Building on the success of the recently-launched iDR and PA product lines, Allen & Heath will be launching new products from both series at PLASA this September, as well as additional options to enhance the coveted Xone:V6 audiophile rotary club mixer. Allen & Heath will be introducing iDR-4 to the digital audio processing range for installed and live sound systems to complement the iDR family. Based on the same technology as the iDR-8, iDR-4 is a 4-input, 4-output digital processor with additional 2-input, 2-output dual-function monitor channels, ideal for smaller installations which makes full use of the iDR accessories for expansion.
There will also be three new products in the accompanying series of PL remote controller panels. PL-7 is a stand-alone or surface mounted LCD panel, which, using the PL-Anet interface on CAT-5 cable and connectors, enables remote display of
UK - A.C. Lighting has expanded its Chroma-Q lighting range to include DMX management and power supply accessories specifically designed to simplify customized front-of-house racks in the touring market.
The new Magic Box enclosure houses a range of accessories and can be easily configured in pairs for rack mounting with optional rack-ear kit, or truss mounted via the captive M12 fixing. Currently three product variants are available in the Magic Box enclosure. The 8-way DMX Buffer box is a fault tolerant, self-healing device designed to fully isolate each output from another. Supplied with 4x5 pin and 4x3 pin XLR connectors, each output of DMX is separately generated, therefore boosted from the original DMX signal. The unit also features a through connector and termination switch.
The 8>4 DMX A/B Switch box uses a simple manually operated switch to change the DMX source betwe
UK - Sennheiser has expanded the price competitive end of its evolution range of vocal microphones, with three new 800 series models. These build on the common evolution design precepts, including metal construction and all German manufacture.
The e815S, e816S and e817 provide a range of cost/performance options for vocal microphone applications in the general musician, small PA and sound contractor markets. All three models feature shock-mounted capsules, for low sensitivity to impact and handling noise, hum compensating coils and precise cardioid polar pick-up patterns and high output neodynium ferrous magnets with boron for electronic stability in extreme environmental conditions. The e815S and e816S additionally feature a silent magnetic reed - lockable - on/off switch.
The e815S is a high quality speech and vocal performance microphone. The e816S exhibits similarly qual
UK - Power Gems has launched a new range of high frequency electronic ballasts for HMI, MSR and UV lamps. This patented technology offers many advantages over conventional square-wave ballasts, including fewer parts, an integrated ignitor and lower costs.
The 300kHz sine wave lamp drive system is particularly suitable for OEM build-in/build-on applications and provides a 'full power solution in one box', so users don't have to add-on special cooling, ignitors (cold and hot re-strike options) and line filtering to meet relevant standards. Convection-cooling can also often be used depending upon the application, thus eliminating noisy fans.
Germany - Behringer has released the latest addition to its line of DJ products - the 5-channel stereo ultra low-noise Pro Mixer DJX700. Features include kill EQ, adjustable XPQ stereo surround effect, intelligent dual auto-BPM counters dual-rail Ultraglide and a VCA-controlled crossfader for reliability and clean audio performance. The DJX700 is available in August 2003.
The Pro Mixer DJX700 features state of-the-art phono preamps and is a step up from the recently introduced DJX400, say Behringer. It is designed from the ground up as tough club mixer with intelligent dual auto-BPM counters with time and beat sync display and 3-band kill EQ including precise level meters with peak hold function for each channel. Additionally, this mixer comes equipped with a seamlessly adjustable crossfader curve for all mixing styles, added by 3-way kill switches for each crossfader side; a mo
UK - The quantity and breadth of products available from Yamaha at this year's PLASA promises to be the biggest yet, according to the company.
Yamaha will be showing over 100 products at the show, including many new models, and will also be announcing a series of major software upgrades for some current products. The company will have on stand the full range of digital mixing consoles, ranging from the PM1D desk and the award-winning DM and 0 series consoles, through to new series power amplifiers and speakers. A new range of interfaces and plug-ins are also expected to be announced, plus significant software updates are anticipated for the DM2000 and 02R96 products.
This year also sees Yamaha marking a remarkable double - 30 years of analogue mixer production and 15 years of digital console innovation and manufacture. The company is currently finalizing plans to celebrate thi
UK - Cadac's S-Type will be on show at PLASA. The S-Type is proving a popular choice with the corporate events sector, with the first production consoles being supplied to European conference venues. Cadac also reports extensive interest in both the UK and US repertory theatre market, as well as in the industrials sector and recording applications.
As with all standard Cadac console designs, users can mix and match the S-Type's modules, moving them in the frame to suit a given requirement. Other standard facilities include full-size 100m Penny & Giles faders, plus the same high quality mic input as featured on the J-Type Live Production Console (providing 60dB of gain and a 20dB pad for line level inputs, phase reversal and 48V Phantom power), as well as the J-Type's full 4-band parametric EQ.
The S-Type is available as 17, 25 or 33-way frames, and can be expanded via optional
UK - The architecture of SymNet, Symetrix's DSP audio matrix system has been increased with the addition of the Control I/O. This expands SymNet's ability to control, or be controlled from, external media devices. In addition to expanding control input and output capacity, Control I/O will also provide a MIDI gateway to SymNet.
It will line up on the Fuzion plc stand at PLASA 2003 with the DigiIO 12 x 12 DSP audio interface for the SymNet system. This is a core signal processing and input/output device which supports up to 12 channels of simultaneous digital input and output, all at 24-bit 48kHz sampling rate.
The DigIO 12 x 12 DSP is the first member of the SymNet family to use Symetrix's HomerLink technology. A HomerLink port transmits and receives four channels of 48kHz 24-bit digital audio, plus control data over standard CAT5 cable, of distances up to 100 metres. The Home
UK - Libra Systems is a new UK-based manufacturer founded by pro-audio and home installation specialists Martin Noar and Richard Barman to provide simple and cost-effective components for multi-zone AV systems. The first product, already in stock and ready for shipping, is the AL-1 remote level control, with other products already in the development pipe-line.
"The AL-1 system is a 'problem-solver' for installers," comments Richard Barman. "It's a stereo audio level controller that can either be used in conjunction with our wall-plate, which also has complete Infrared (IR) pass-through back to the main unit, or directly with control systems such as AMX and Crestron."
The system consists of the AL-1 level controller, the WP-1 wall-plate, and an IR remote control. It is targeted at dealers and installers who need to add extra zones to an existing audio system
UK - Summit Steel launched its new SmarTmast2 mast system at the recent Leeds Castle open air concert week, a series of sold-out events and classical concerts attracting 16,000 people per day.The SmarTmast2 is a development of the original SmarTmast, launched by Summit in 1998 to provide robust, compact mast for outdoor PAs, specifically line array systems. However, it has also been utilized to create lighting positions, and two SmarTmasts combined make an ideal support for external video screens, as recently demonstrated by Summit's Ken Nock for a BT event at Alton Towers.
Since its launch, the original SmarTmast has been enormously successful, and has been used for a myriad of events from the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations to the Henley Arts Festival, the Kenwood House summer season and many more. The SmarTmast2, constructed from robust 30cm square aluminium trussing, has
Australia - When museums in Australia and New Zealand needed lighting animation effects it was to the other side of the world and DHA that they turned. For the new Puke Ariki Museum in New Zealand, a combined library and museum, DHA has supplied 15 Indexing Gobo Rotators, along with 15 power supplies, allowing the museum to create dynamic lighting effects. MJF Lighting in New Zealand supplied the Indexing Rotators.
Another of DHA's products, the Digital Light Curtain (DLC), has been used in Australia regularly, most recently on productions of Mamma Mia and Oliver. The DLC will soon make another appearance in Australia, as part of the new Melbourne production of the hit musical We Will Rock You.
Spain - Soundart has announced that the Chromasonic Version 1.1 multi-effects processing application or 'soundskin' for the Chameleon platform is now available. With Chromasonic loaded, the Chameleon becomes a powerful workhorse multi-effects processor for use at the heart of the studio or live rig, say Soundart, boasting flexible routing, crisp, clean reverbs and a host of industry standard features and effects.
Chromasonic's features include three simultaneous audio effects, comprising two-tap Delay, 5-band parametric equaliser, compressor, limiter, noise gate, tremolo, chorus, flanger, phaser, reverb, autopanner, wah-wah (manual, envelope, LFO with tempo sync) and 4-voice pitch shifter. Additional features include the Tempo Sync (external MIDI or internal with auto detect) for all time-based effects, with tap-tempo control an enhanced saving and storing mechanism with reset/
Australia - Pro audio manufacturer ARX Systems has released the new AFW 30 Anti Feedback Workstation. The AFW 30 is ideal for all equalization requirements for sound reinforcement, installation and broadcast applications where control and automatic elimination of feedback is critical, says the company.
The AFW 30's features include a 30-band constant Q graphic equalizer, VCA-based peak limiter and genuine Sabine FBX DSP feedback exterminator circuitry, licensed by ARX. ARX's new contoured satin grey front panel workspace features 30 of its new extended resolution 45mm long throw, centre grounding sliders, offering 10dB of cut and boost for the ideal combination of high fader resolution and usability. Finally, there is a Gain Level control with up to +6dB of gain and an In/Out hardwire bypass switch with optional transformer output.
Canada - Toronto-based VFGadgets Inc has announced that the QT-256 mini voice transmitter (see news March 2003) - which it claims is the world's smallest wireless broadcast quality voice transmitter - will be launched and showcased at the VFGadgets booth (#8.539 - Audio Hall) at IBC in Amsterdam this year. This mini transmitter debuted at NAB earlier this year and won the prestigious 2003 Mario Award for Best New Technology.
The QT-256 was jointly developed by Quantum5X Systems Inc in Canada and by CP Communications in the US. This sophisticated transmitter technology has been under development for two years and is a patent-pending Wireless RF technology that enhances the quality and enjoyment of broadcast sports, entertainment events, reality TV productions and motion pictures. Live demonstrations and successful field testing of this new technology were televised in the US by E
UK - Pulsar's popular LED-based lighting fixture ChromaBank is now 30% brighter than before and the company is offering customers the opportunity to upgrade existing models free of charge.
ChromaBank is a linear light source containing 12 ChromaHearts packaged together. They feature a total of 960 LEDs, with a built in ChromaZone to power and control the unit. The fixture offers numerous internal effects and chases that can operate in stand-alone mode or with an external DMX/PMX controller. The fixtures use very little power and generate minimal heat.
ChromaBanks are ideal for TV, Theatre and Stage applications providing considerable illumination and flexibility. The colour wash effect is flawless on sets and cycs, and particularly effective when installed beneath glass floors or walls. The units are also impressive when hung from trusses and can produce numerous strobing and
UK - At the PLASA Show this year, Fuzion plc is introducing extensions to all the core Australian Monitor ranges, in particular amplifiers, mixers and paging matrixes. The AMIS multi-channel and mixer amps, aimed at the commercial audio market, include the AMIS 60 (4-input 60W mixer amp, with remote master VCA, VOX relay and insert point); AMIS 120 (120W version), AMIS 120XL (8-input, 120W mixer amplifier, with insert point, VCA control and three-band EQ); AMIS 250 (6-input 250W amp, with remote master, VCA, VOX relay, insert point and mid EQ) - along with power amplifier versions of some of the AMIS models (120P, 250P, 1202P, 604P). Fuzion will also show the AMIS 26 (2-in/6-out) distribution amplifier.
TX Series mixers from Australian Monitor include the TX-6000M (6-channel mono mixer, with remote master and VCA); TX-8000M (8-channel version) and TX-8201M (8-channel stereo mixe
USA - After five years in development, Spectrum Manufacturing has launched the Spectralite Combi Case, the first in a range of injection-moulded cases using a custom-blended thermoplastic resin. In extensive testing over the past two years, the Combi Case has stood up to cold Canadian winters and hot Florida summers.
Although often lighter than conventional flight cases, Spectralite cases are designed to withstand harsh touring environments, but if damage does occur, they are easily repaired. One of their main advantages is the innovative ribbing system, allowing the case to be reconfigured easily by repositioning simple inserts, giving the customer total flexibility. Other advantages of the case are that it is water resistant and because the materials used are recyclable, it is environmentally friendly.
The case is also available to OEMs and case manufacturers around the wo
USA - High End Systems (HES) has introduced ColorCommand, a colour-changing Par/washlight which, the company claims, is unique to the industry. ColorCommand uses a patented colour mixing system that incorporates automated (remote) changing of colour and beam angle control in a fixture that is comparable in cost to a Par can and scroller - but just a fraction of the cost of moving lights.
Positioned as an alternative to Par can or fresnel lighting systems, ColorCommand eliminates the need to manually change lenses or lamps to control beam size or to add gels to change colour. The colour media used in ColorCommand is dichroic borosilicate glass, which won't fade or change colour as a result of use. The ColorCommand dichroic colour mixing system uses a patented design, which incorporates two lenses and three colour wheels. The first lens splits the light into 25 separate beams, whi
Germany - Iridas, a leading innovator of high-performance digital playback solutions for the film, broadcast and digital content creation industries, today announced the release of SequencePublisher, a powerful application which converts frame sequences to any industry standard format, including video formats. It supplies a crucial missing link in the postproduction workflow by automating file conversions and other frame sequence functions while maintaining a high degree of user control.
The command line interface allows for scripted batch processing, which simplifies key tasks such as automating the collection of frame sequences from render farms and generating low-resolution proxy files for distribution. SequencePublisher reads and writes all standard industry formats.
"We wanted to make life easier for our customers," said Iridas CEO Lin Kayser. "It was just
USA - ETA Systems introduces the newest model of its high performance line of conditioned power distribution units. The PD11LVSIEC-CE is CE compliant and offers the most complete features package of any PD Series unit. In addition to ETA's unique sequential power distribution system of four power up/down stages of distributed power, other features of the PD11LVSIEC-CE include spike and surge protection; EMI/RFI filtering; IEC 320; power inlet and outlet connectors; rack mountable; digital voltmeter readout; swivel rack illuminator; activated from front panel high/low switch
Circuit breaker overload protection and conditioned and protected power outlet are located on the front panel. Rear panel IEC power inlet and ten outlet connectors are sequentially powered up and off in four stages. The PD11LVSIEC-CE has a total electrical capacity of 2.3kW and 10 amps, from a 230V, 50Hz, sin
USA - American DJ's new DMX Penta Beam features five lasers, each of which produces a different geometric pattern. An intelligent 4.9mW red laser effect, the Penta Beam will send stars, ellipses, circles and other geometric shapes across a club's walls, floor and surfaces. Its five laser beams project out over a wide area, making it a great effect for even large-size venues.
"The Penta Beam is a unique effect, because it incorporates five separate lasers into one compact unit," says Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group of companies. "Plus, it's an intelligent laser, so you can do a lot of creative things with it. With its DMX programmability, five separate lasers and wide beam spread, it's a really great effect for clubs that want the excitement of a multi-pattern laser light show, yet also want the ease and economy of a single affordable fixture
UK - US manufacturer Littlite is taking advantage of the boom in LED technology to produce their coolest product yet, the Littlite LED Gooseneck Light - which can be seen for the first time on the Fuzion plc stand at PLASA 2003. 21st century LED technology gives a new impetus to this evergreen product, with advantages including long life, shock and vibration resistance, and cool operation. The LED-based Gooseneck offers even illumination over a wide area (including consoles and control panels); good quality colour rendering (with the addition of red LEDs to the usual white LED sources); switchable red only output (for unobtrusive use), plus long-life and low power consumption.
UK - The Xs Series of power amplifiers from Crown represents a new era in affordable, quality power amplification, according to UK distributor, Fuzion. Based on tried and trusted design principles, the line consists of four models, in a uniform, rugged 2U chassis - and all receive their British debut on the Fuzion stand at the PLASA Show in London this September.
Xs 500 is rated at 500W per channel into 4 ohms; Xs 700 is rated at 750W per channel/4 ohms; Xs 900 delivers 900W per channel/4 ohms, and the Xs 4300 is a Crown multi-channel amplifier (producing 4 x 300W/4 ohms).
UK - LA Audio, the pro audio technology developer and manufacturer, will use this year's PLASA exhibition as a platform to announce the official UK launch of its brand new line of digital accessories, grouped under the umbrella title of the 'DigiBox' range.
The new range, which will include versatile digital toolboxes, housed in compact aluminium cases, will comprise an AES channel divider, AES/SPDIF converter, AES three-way splitter, SPDIF four-way splitter, word clock/super clock generator, word clock/super clock converter and four-way word clock distributor. Technical manager for the LA Audio brand, Steve Buchanan, told PLASA Media: "Currently these types of products are only to be found in expensive 19" packages, often unnecessarily taking up valuable rack space. The DigiBox range delivers compact, high quality designs at affordable prices, making them accessible t