UK - High End Systems has introduced StudioPix, a hybrid wide-angle moving yoke LEDwash light with programmable graphic imaging. This second product in HES' new line of Pixelation Luminaires makes its global at PLASA 08 in London.

HES, a new member of the Belgium-based Barco group, unveiled StudioPix at theBarco/High End Systems stand J30 at Earls Court yesterday.

Smaller than its predecessor Showpix, StudioPix features a circular array of 61homogenous 3-watt LEDs on a 13.5-inch diameter head with an output of 11,500RGB lumens. The pixels offer unlimited possibilities by projecting not just colour, but also displaying images and effects that transform the fixture head into a display device.

"We are excited about the addition of StudioPix to the LED family of luminaires,"stated Bill Morris, HES executive VP worldwide sales."We believe that the future of lightin

UK - Making its official UK debut on Resolution Distribution's stand H47 at PLASA 08, the new ProDesk-4 small format console is available in five different input formats.

Available in 16, 24, 32, 40 and 48 mono mic/line input channels, ProDesk-4 includes four stereo line only input channels, each selectable from two different input sources and controlled from 100mm faders with stereo EQ and access to all aux buses. All mono input channels also include internally illuminated Mute and PFL switches, six segment channel metering, 48 Volt Phantom Power switch with LED, mic/line, Pad and Polarity Reverse switches.

The ProDesk-4 input channels are similar to those used on ProRack mixers, while the cosmetics are identical to Spectra consoles. The side panels, armrest, and bridge assembly are modeled on Spectra. ProDesk's internal electronics and components are derived directly from th

UK - Following positive feedback from the prototypes presented at PLASA 07, Goboland has launched its range of black steel gobos which have also been nominated for the PLASA 2008 Innovation Awards.

The introduction of black non-reflective coating on the surface of the Black Steel Gobo cuts down on internal reflection to produce a crisper image when projected and eliminating unwanted halo effects, says the company.

The black coating will not burn or peel off under extreme heat and reduces the risk of image distortion caused by heat damage. The full range of Goboland Steel Collection is available in black steel, plus all custom steel gobos are manufactured from Black Steel with immediate effect.

Goboland Black Steel Gobos can be seen on the Goboland Stand F 31.

(Jim Evans)

USA - The Digidesign D-Show Profile Mix Rack System, the newest addition to Digidesign's Venue family of live sound systems, has opened Venue technology to a vast new user base around the globe, says the company.

Developed specifically for small- and mid-sized performance venues, houses of worship, touring, and fixed installations, or as a drop-in upgrade for existing analogue systems, the D-Show Profile Mix Rack System combines a D-Show Profile console with the new Mix Rack, a compact 11-space rack enclosure that incorporates all audio I/O (stage and local) and DSP into a single chassis.

The resulting system combination offers a compact, portable, and cost-effective way to take advantage of the power and flexibility of Venue, including native control of an extensive library of TDM plug-ins and tight integration with Pro Tools software for live multitrack recording and playbac

UK - FogScreen is exhibiting at PLASA08 on stand D72 a seamless 3 x One projection screen installation. The FogScreen One (one meter) and Inia (two meter) both utilise patented technology to create a thin layer of fog that is dry to the touch and environmentally safe. The one-meter-wide screen provides the option of seamlessly linking with additional FogScreen One projection devices to create a fog-canvas as large as the imagination desires.

For integrators FogScreen One is especially interesting since it enables the creation of large-scale installations, says the company.

FogScreen's AV Integrator Programme for the European market is being launched at PLASA08. This programme has been designed to support AV Integrators with conceptual and technical development, to help with presentations of the screen and to provide integrators with an opportunity to purchase affordable demons

UK - Harman Professional today gave System Architect Version 1.8 its European debut at PLASA 08 yesterday. New advances include the ability to copy HiQnet parameter strings directly to the Windows clipboard for pasting into third-party control interface applications enabling system-wide control from control interfaces such as those manufactured by AMX and Crestron.

System-wide events can now also be triggered from device-specific error conditions, such as recalling a preset for a zone based on the conditions of individual amplifiers. A user-definable selection of controls can be automatically readdressed to different devices/parameters on a Custom Control Panel in a few simple steps, and advanced zonal control is now possible. A Fast Meter control has been added for improved meter response and device synchronization has been simplified and improved.

"With System Architect

UK - The advent of extremely wide angle profile lenses from such manufacturers as ETC and Selecon has allowed gobos to be used to project across much wider areas than was previously possible. This is ideal when using break up designs like foliage and textured patterns.

However, projection of specific images such as windows and logos has been impossible due to the pincushion distortion inherent in these wide angle lenses.

With Goboland's mastery of keystoning and predistortion of images, it is now possible to use these extremely wide angle profiles to project precise, 'corrected' images on a much larger scale and from much shorter throw distances, says the company.

Goboland has developed a system of pre-distorting gobo images to compensate for the pincushion effect, regardless of which manufacturer's lantern is used.

Each manufacturer's unit has its own unique distortion fa

UK - AKG Acoustics is displaying the D7 vocal microphone at PLASA08. Similarly to its predecessor, the D5, AKG's D7 is billed as a dynamic microphone that delivers clear sound for lead and backing vocals for live sound applications. The D7 additionally features an improved capsule design that contains a humbucking coil and a high-pass filter along with a sleek redesigned look, says the company.

"PLASA is a great opportunity for us to showcase the D7 along with all of its advantages and upgrades. Since the release at InfoComm, the D7 has been featured by famous recording artists and utilised in popular," states Alfred Reinprecht, vice president of marketing for AKG.

"The D7 microphone is one of the greatest microphones in the industry for vocals, and we are very pleased with the amount of positive attention that it is receiving. We are dedicated to providing an

UK - Allen & Heath has released v1.3 software for the iLive digital console range, adding new features for monitor engineering, as well as providing a platform for the iLive Editor software for online and offline show configuration.

New features in v1.3 include engineers' fader strips for wedge and in-ears, which allow separate fader control and dedicated outputs to the operator's listen wedge and IEM personal system. Optional processing and aux monitor mixes can be assigned to wedge or IEM strips, automatically appearing in the desired monitor when auditioned.

Another key feature is the addition of Real Time Analyzer (RTA) to enable the engineer to quickly identify feedback, tune room acoustics, and tailor the onstage monitor wedges. Accessed via the PAFL system, the frequency content of any input or mix, and the spectrum of the main mix, can be viewed on screen and on meters

UK - Vari-Lite unveiled the new VL3500 Wash FX luminaire at PLASA08 in London this week. The unit, exceeding an output of 50,000 lumens, is a wash luminaire that is also capable of acting like a spot luminaire. In its colour bulkhead, the VL3500 Wash FX contains one FX pattern wheel with four spring-loadable rotatable and indexable 50mm glass patterns along with one open position. The dual-wattage unit runs at either 1200W or 1500W and runs 900W in standby. The luminaire projects polished images with the ultra-clear front lens which ships with the unit.

When asked to describe the market readiness for the VL3500 Wash FX luminaire, Bob Schacherl, vice-president of sales for Vari-Lite said: "Lighting designers and customers have increasingly expected feature-rich products that can be adapted or configured to meet the widest possible range of applications. We pride ourselves on

UK - At the PLASA08 exhibition in London this week, Stage One launched Qtrack - a brand new theatrical fly track suitable for performer flying across the entertainment industry, from small theatres to one-off large scale arena shows, as well as for wire work and special effects in the film and TV industries. Put simply, this unique product provides an automated recording of a manual flying sequence.

Currently, even the most sophisticated automation systems struggle to match the superior dexterity and subtlety offered by a manual flying system. However, as the use of manual flying systems is not practical, theatrical flying tends to be managed by large arrays of automated systems, costing Producers and Directors dearly in terms not only of programming and rehearsal time, but also in terms of artistry. Qtrack provides the answer, say Stage One.

Providing complete freedom of move

Germany - axxent has introduced a new power mixer in a 19" steel case, with a height of 2 RU (88 mm) - that may also be used without rack ears as a table top power mixer.

The new power mixer features two microphone inputs with 48 V phantom voltage, plus two phone jacks, while the left one is a stereo input for easy connection to appliances such as MP3 players.

The GPX2500 power mixer delivers four times 100W r.m.s. into a four ohm load. Two of the amplifiers are used for the stereo output and one each for the two monaural zones.

A very special feature for the entertainment industry is the built-in multi band limiter made by THAT Corp, that allows reduction of all output levels up to 30 dB.

(Jim Evans)

UK - One of the hidden highlights of this year's PLASA Show was the presence of Martin Audio's new ASX floor-mounted active installation subwoofer, facing out into the aisles at the astonished passers-by.

Aside from the sheer size of a cabinet designed to house a 21" (530mm) transducer, Class D amplifier and full DSP, the ASX subwoofer "revolutionises ultra-efficient, low frequency sound reproduction -- achieving the highest ever SPL from a single low frequency enclosure housing a single drive unit".

The combination of transducer, amplifier and DSP provide double the output capability of a conventionally driven loudspeaker driver of the same size. When incorporated into a Martin Audio Hybrid horn design, the complete system can deliver a 152dB peak output (measured) from a single enclosure.

This is typically greater than can be achieved by two 2 x 18" (46

Denmark - The Extube Series from Martin Professional is a modular system of IP65 rated linear LED luminaires designed for illumination of outdoor architecture and more. With RGB+W colour mixing, a choice of opaque lenses and an easy means of installation, Extube is suitable for a variety of illumination needs including floodlighting, wall-grazing, cove lighting or creating continuous lines of decorative color, inside or out, says the company.

Extube is available in two lengths; 30cm (1ft, 12 LEDs) and 120cm (4ft, 48 LEDs). It is weatherproof rated at IP65 for the outdoor illumination of facades, structures, bridges, cruise ships and more. Made of extruded aluminum, the Extube's slim aesthetics allows the luminaire to blend iinto existing architecture. It is also suitable as a lighting effect for clubs and lounges and will fit into TV, theatre and touring shows.

The Extube come

USA - Elation Professional has combined its Tri-Color LED Technology with its compact-profile Opti stage par can, introducing the new Opti Tri Par. A trim, DMX-controllable high-output RGB theatrical light with 18 x 3W LEDs, the Opti Tri Par is designed for use in theatres, churches, concerts, productions, displays, runways - anywhere colour-changing stage lighting is needed.

"We are very pleased to offer our popular Opti stage light with new, advanced Tri-Color LED Technology," said Eric Loader, director of sales for Elation Professional. "This technology is a vast improvement over single-colour LED RGB fixtures, where if you were mixing, say, the colour magenta, only the red and blue lamps would be on and the green lamps would be turned off. By contrast, if you were creating magenta with the Opti Tri Par, all 18 lamps would remain on and only the green LED withi

USA - Audio professionals from across the US flew in to Minneapolis, Minnesota on 10 September to attend the two-day US launch of the Midas PRO6 digital console. This was the latest in a world-wide programme of global launch events for the console.

The introduction of the PRO6 brings Midas digital technology to a more compact size and price point. The PRO6 has been introduced as "digital, with Heritage", invoking the legacy of its analogue predecessor the Heritage 3000 while taking Midas deeper into the digital realm.

The launch took place at the MYTH concert venue, where three PRO6 consoles were demo'd through the club's Electro-Voice X-Line sound system in a 5.1 listening environment. Guests had plenty of hands-on time with the PRO6 and the response to the system's feature set, work surface, and sound quality was uniformly enthusiastic, say the organisers.

The Eu

UK - Highlite International (UK) Ltd, the exclusive distributor of Antari Smoke and effects machines completed the first sales of the new HZ-500 Pro Hazer, prior to its launch in the UK at the 2008 PLASA show. Knight International of Chelmsford, Essex, UK, took the first HZ-500 Pro Hazers into its hire fleet, to replace the older Antari HZ-400s.

Phil Knight, MD of Knight International, commented: "Our Antari Hz-400s have done some good years service for us and when I saw the prototype model of the new HZ-500 at the Frankfurt show back in March this year, I knew this was the machine I needed to replace them with. It is ideal as it is already flightcased, which is so important in pro rental markets these days! The machine has an incredible low noise which is also important on pro production and TV work, and it also produces a dry haze. I am very pleased with the new HZ-500s a

UK - The AES convention in San Francisco will see TL Audio launching a new version of the M1 Tube tracker console. The new M1-F features the same tube preamps EQ as the original but has some additions too.

The master section has been improved and now features a mono button for use when mixing and also balanced insert points for mixdown, summing and mastering.

It has the ability to be fitted with TL Audio's latest, newly designed, digital interface - the DO-F card. The addition of the DO-F card will enable all channel inputs and outputs and main outs to be accessed via a single Firewire cable connected to a computer without the need for an additional interface or soundcard.

(Jim Evans)

Germany - axxent has introduced a new call light for wired party line intercommunication systems, featuring four jumbo size LEDs for call alert.

The large LEDs indicate incoming calls even from great distances, the company says. The call light may be inserted in the intercom signal chain via standard three-pin XLR connectors, and is therefore compatible with most so-called party line intercom systems. A recessed potentiometer allows variable reduction of the LEDs' brightness.

(Jim Evans)

UK - The Sennheiser MKE 1 professional clip-on microphone is now available following comprehensive field tests, the company reports. Particular care was taken to ensure the microphone capsule was fully protected from moisture, enabling the MKE 1 to operate in harsh live conditions longer than many other clip-on microphones, says the company.

"Despite its tiny size, the microphone measures just 3.3mm across, the MKE 1 offers outstanding sound quality; plenty of lower midrange and excellent presence with good speech intelligibility," says Astrid Vettin, product manager for Sennheiser Professional Systems. "It has a user-friendly omni-directional pick-up pattern and the microphone picks up predominantly direct sound with relatively little ambient noise; which is a real advantage for many applications, from broadcasting to theatre and musicals."

Moisture is the

UK - Sound Technology is now offering free BSS Soundweb training at its Letchworth Garden City head office. The courses are designed for installers interested in integrating Soundweb audio networking solutions into their projects.

Two courses are available, one for each of the two BSS Soundweb series - Soundweb Original and Soundweb London. Both are one-day courses and each runs once a month. Full details are available at www.soundtech.co.uk.

Sound Technology plc announced the acquisition of Harman Professional Group's distribution business in the UK and Ireland from Harman International Industries Inc in May this year.

(Jim Evans)

UK - In response to a customer's brief to provide a waterproof cover for his EX12s at a marathon running event, KV2 Audio has launched a new range of weatherproof covers for its entire range of EX Series of active, powered speakers. The covers include the use of Saatfil Acoustex fabric for the front covering of the cabinet.

SaatiFil Acoustex fabrics are designed for acoustical applications requiring consistent performance and excellent sound pressure levels. They are precisely woven with polyester monofilament fibres to create uniform mesh openings and are used in applications such as microphone pop filters, speakers and headphones, and also combine a Hyphobe treatment that provides moisture-repelling characteristics.

Initially the covers have been made for the most popular EX12 cabinets as shown in the photograph and include rain hoods for the two cable inlets. All stitching

UK - During a successful PLASA show, Prolyte launched the completely restyled, updated and rewritten Black Book, in an English version. The so-called Black Book was formerly known as a resource for technical matters in a white brochure.

A special German version was released in 2007, focusing on the special regulations and rules for the German market. Based on this version, the newly released English translation is again fullyupdated with new developments, such as the European CWA 25 workshop agreement.

"We are aware that numerous technicians carry our brochure around, just to have all the detailed and practical information on truss and rigging topics at hand, which is one of the reasons why we have published the Black Book in a handy A5 format. Developments on international regulations are progressing strongly and Prolyte is always keen to inform its customers of the late

USA - Renkus-Heinz, worldwide distributor of EASE, EASE JR and EASERA, and Ahnert Feistel Media Group (AFMG), the developer of these and other programmes for sound system designers and manufacturers, will demonstrate the latest enhancements to the programmes at the AES convention in San Francisco next month. The new versions will be released later in the fourth quarter of 2008.

"We are continually working to maintain EASE and EASE JR on the leading edge of speed, compatibility and functionality," says Stefan Feistel of AFMG. "Version 4.3 includes significant enhancements to drawing import functions, mapping and room acoustics. With our lifetime licensing policy, current users will be able to download and install the upgrade at no charge."

(Jim Evans)

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