One of the UK’s leading sound installation companies, Northern Light, has just completed "the first of many" installs with Celestion professional loudspeakers. In Grangemouth, the Town Hall has commissioned a new sound reinforcement system, featuring the new Celestion CXi Series cabinets, for its 1000-capacity venue.

Stephen Stewart, installations engineer for Northern Light, has wall-mounted Celestion CXi 1221s left and right of the stage, with another pair of CXi1221s as a delay 30 metres up the hall. Celestion KR1s provide the balcony infill, whilst Celestion’s digital management system, the DMS2065, controls all the parametrics and delays.

"We’re hoping to establish a firm alliance between Northern Light and Celestion," explains Stewart. "Celestion is a name that our clients associate with, and this is going to be the first of many CXi i

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

The Elbow Room chain of pool bars has commissioned a second audio installation from Essex-based Xtreme AV, for its newest venue, recently opened in Bristol. This latest contract follows on from the success of Xtreme’s design for the Elbow Room in Swiss Cottage, London, which opened in June. The three-floor bar in central London features a highly flexible Celestion CXi sound system, providing six zones of audio to the main bar, the gallery bar on the first floor and the club bar in the basement. The system is controlled by BSS Soundweb which allows the Elbow Room to route any sound source to any area - for example the DJ in the basement bar to a private party in the gallery bar. Private VIP areas, scattered throughout the club, are equipped with their own televisions and speaker system, allowing guests to choose their own programming. Each area has its own EQ setting on Soundweb.

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

A new specialist sound, lighting and video design and installation company, Live Business International, has opened its doors in London. The company is headed by technical director Roland Hemming, the former head of sound at the Millennium Dome, and is backed by Live Business, the UK’s largest provider of live entertainment. Live Business International specializes in design, installation and maintenance of sound, video and lighting systems in entertainment venues, including cruise ships, hotels, theatres, clubs, stadia and conference venues.

Hemming’s background spans 15 years in the entertainment technology business, beginning at the sound department of Theatre Projects where he pioneered MIDI-based show control in the late 1980s, going on to work as a sound engineer, event production manager, audio consultant and installation designer. In recent years Hemming has been res

The Royal Opera House live relays are making a welcome return to the Covent Garden piazza following the success of their revival last summer, made possible by the generous sponsorship of BP. This three-year sponsorship scheme has already brought three operas and now the very first ballet live from the main stage of the ROH into the piazza. An estimated 5,000 people enjoyed the free performance of Tchaikovsky's timeless ballet, Swan Lake which was broadcast onto a huge screen supplied by Screenco. The complex audio requirements were provided by Dobson Sound who have worked with the Royal Opera House on several previous occasions during the period of its refurbishment.

The system that was put in place for the Swan Lake relay was the result of collaboration between Paul Dobson and Eric Presley, Head of Sound for the ROH. Presley mixed the sound in the ROH and sent the feeds out to the pia

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

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

Trafalgar Leisure, who already own several sites in Newcastle, including the impressive Powerhouse, have just celebrated the opening of their latest club, Sugar, in the heart of Newcastle’s city centre. Once again, Trafalgar turned to Sound Control's ‘Big Paul’ Yeats to specify all the audio equipment for this five-floor entertainment complex which includes bars, a cafe and a restaurant, as well as the club itself. As with Powerhouse, Paul opted for a full Electro-Voice/Dynacord audio solution to the venue's exacting demands.

The basement and fifth floors, which house the bathrooms and restaurant respectively, are the quietest parts of the building and both have been supplied with a 100V line system based around Dynacord DL70W ceiling speakers. The ground and first floors are home to the café and bar areas where Yeats has specified a system based around EV Sx80 cabin

Klotz Digital was recently awarded a contract to develop, design and install one of the most modern integrated PA installations at the new Munich Airport Terminal 2, scheduled to go in to operation in March 2003. In addition to providing flight information and other pertinent announcements to travelers, visitors and airport personnel, plus supplying background music, this system can either broadcast throughout the entire airport or can be localized, if necessary, to specific areas. Furthermore, the system allows personalized emergency bulletin broadcasts, with priority-driven repetition.

The PA system consists of 27 independently operating PA stations. All stations are connected to one another and to the central/main station via fibre optic cables. To ensure the necessary high safety standard, the entire system is fully redundant so that in case of an emergency or disaster, communicati

Bookings are now well underway for the seminar and workshop programme planned for the PLASA Show. This year the emphasis is very much on knowledge with those signing up gaining an insight into how new technology is creating new opportunities, how individuals have pulled together highly complex projects, why integration is so important and how they can achieve more by picking up tips and techniques from others.

In a programme of seminars sponsored by Installation Europe, audio installation and integration is the theme under which issues of networking, control and the benefits of converging technologies are explored. Tuesday sees a Theme and Leisure Masterclass, presented by Leisure Management, in association with the TEA and TiLE, which focuses on how the leisure industry exploits special effects, lighting and audio technology to create unique environments to enhance the visitor experie

Canegreen has underlined its position as a leading concert sound company - and one of the biggest Meyer Sound users - by specifying a 40-cabinet Meyer Sound Labs M3D Line Array system for this year’s Capital FM Party in the Park for the Prince’s Trust in London’s Hyde Park. The system was supplied by Meyer Sound Labs’ UK distributor, Autograph Sales Ltd. A total of 24 international acts, including Tom Jones, Ricky Martin, Gerri Halliwell, Jamiroquai, Usher and Wyclef Jean, entertained an estimated 100,000-strong crowd through a Canegreen-specified system that comprised 16 M3D cabinets per side on the main stage, with a further eight M3Ds and six M3D-Subwoofers behind the mix tower. This impressive rig was augmented with eight Meyer SB-1 parabolic soundbeam systems, six MSL-2, 36 x MSL-4, six MSL-6 and 24 x 650-P Subs, confirming that the new Meyer system is compl

UK distributor HW International has appointed Saffron Wynn-Jones to head its marketing department. Based at HW’s North London headquarters, Saffron will be responsible for all aspects of the marketing and work closely with world leading brands such as Shure, QSC, Phonic and PreSonus. Wynn Jones was formerly employed by pro audio reseller LMC Audio Systems as marketing manager.

The audio production for this summer’s Homelands England Dance Festival provided several opportunities for collaboration, reports Mike Mann.

Audio suppliers SSE Hire of Birmingham provided Nexo front-of-house and monitor systems for seven out of the nine stages at this year’s Homelands, which took place in Mattersley Bowl, near Winchester. However, the company sub-contracted the system design, supply and management of the Space Tent and VIP area to Sussex-based GPA Hire and Forefront Audio. GPA, which acts as the UK rental arm of speaker manufacturer Funktion One, provided the festival’s Space Tent and VIP enclosure with Resolution 5 systems, driven by QSC and processed using XTA controllers. "It’s been great working with SSE," enthused Forefront’s Jim Alexander, "Chris Beale knows our reputation in the dance scene and it’s nice not to

NXT, the developer of flat-panel loudspeaker technologies, has launched a new PA speaker system, featuring its SurfaceSound technology, in Europe and Asia. The system will be marketed in Europe by Carlsbro, a leading PA and music instrument amplification manufacturer based in the UK as the 'nlightn' and has been exhibited in prototype in Asia at PALA by Architectural Audio, part of the Singapore-based Swee Lee Group.

The new NXT-based PA speakers represent a departure from existing technology. Features of SurfaceSound include the fact that the dispersion characteristics from each of the PA speakers cover a 180° arc across all frequencies within their bandwidth so that there is no change in clarity, irrespective of the listening angle. Aside from the acoustic qualities of the flat panel speakers, NXT also offers a lightweight and compact design. Free of the heavy magnets of other speak

Marquee Audio has supplied one of London’s longest-established audio-visual companies with a full audio inventory based around Martin Audio sound reinforcement. Owned by Eric Bastin, Projection & Display Services are shortly to change their name to Avcom, to bring it into line with their other companies. And they will celebrate by being able to match the capability of their full motion picture and video size presentations, with a comparable sound spec. "Our sound inventory was in need of replacement so we decided to do something about it," stated account manager, Robert Morrison. With an eminent pedigree in concert touring in his native New Zealand, Morrison remembers picking up part of Delicate Productions’ Martin ‘Philishave’ system, when the legendary Supertramp tour in the 1970s ground to a halt in LA. Prior to that he had relocated to London for the

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