XTA Electronics exhibited its DP6i Audio Installation Controller, in association with Audio Export. Used to set up and control audio quality throughout any venue, the DP6i is designed specifically for the installation sound market. The unit features two-inputs and six-outputs, four front panel memories/configurations and XTA's control interface - AudioCore - which allows up to 32 DP6i units to be controlled from a single PC with the ability for further units to shadow those 32 providing an unlimited number of system outputs.

Audio-Technica introduced the new Midnight Blues line, consisting of four models - the MB1k and MB3k unidirectional dynamic vocal microphones; the MB2k unidirectional dynamic instrument microphone and the MB4k cardioid condenser microphone. All include a soft-touch finish for a secure grip and low mechanical noise, plus a protective pouch to store or transport the mic when not in use.

HK Audio introduced its D.E.A.CON, a new, fully-digital band audio system featuring new Digital Dynamics Optimization (DDO) technology. The algorithms in the DDO controller developed by HK compensate for differences in the D.E.A.CON components to create a dynamically homogeneous system, say the company. The mid/high cabinet uses a 12" speaker and a 2" HF driver, powered by the integrated 600W RMS digital power amplifier.

The Duo-Tilt pole-mount adapter, the D.E.A.CON Tilt Unit or M10 flying points allow for alignment flexibility. The satellite can also be switched to full-range mode and can thus be used as stand-alone cabinet for smaller events. Two 18" subwoofers deliver the bottom end. Sub A features a 1000W RMS digital power amp run by the DDO controller in the satellite, while the passive subwoofer, Sub B can be connected for full bass reproduction even at large even

d&b audiotechnik, not far from its base in Backnang, showed the D12 amplifier and the Q-Series loudspeakers, which are making their first appearance at a German trade show, having already achieved success overseas. These latest arrivals to d&b's product range were first seen and heard in Germany last summer during extensive field tests, followed by full production last autumn. At ProLight&Sound, the D12 amplifier, a new electronics platform integral to d&b's system concept, was also put through its paces alongside the new d&b ROPE C software for remote system control and monitoring.

TC Electronics launched a number of products including the V-Station|PowerCore by Novation, the TC-Helicon VoiceLive and new speakers from Dynaudio Acoustics. VoiceLive is a floor processor aimed at musicians who want complete control of their vocal sound on stage. It features EQ, compression, pitch correction, natural harmony and vocal effects.

German loudspeaker manufacturer Kling & Freitag introduced the new, powered Line 212-SP system, complete with an innovative, patented, 'Click & Fly' system. Also new is the SW 215E subwoofer, which features the company's 'Exponential Tunnel' design and is designed to be compatible with the Line 212.

The Line 212-SP is powered by two power amplifier blocks in Class-D technology with a total output power of 2kW. The 'Click & Fly' system, it's simple to mount and cluster. Thanks to some internal re-design, the active version of the Line 212 is not significantly heavier than the passive system.

The SW 215E features a multitude of stacking grooves, which when combined with one or more Line 212 cabinets, allow for simple and precise alignment and help to stabilize the entire stack. Its use of modern chassis, tunnel, and enclosure technology gives it more punch in full power operations than

Italian manufacturer Powersoft, specialist in PWM (pulse width modulation) amplification technology, introduced two new series. First is the K-10 Series - the first model of which is the Digam 10,000, with two channels producing 6,000W at 2 ohms and weighing just 12kg including DSP. The second was the S Series - starting with the S3400, featuring six channels, bridgeable, and producing 800W into 4 ohms on two unbalanced channels and 450W into 4 ohms on the remaining four channels.

Up to now PWM amplification technology has not been used in many audio applications, but Powersoft have taken advantage of new high-speed components and combined them with innovative design to develop high-power full bandwidth Class D professional amplifiers.

Millbank, acquired by Ampekko in 2003, was announcing at Frankfurt the appointment of Atlantic Audio as its distributor for Germany, as well as introducing some new products. These included the VxLINK - a low-cost digital audio distribution system, designed to relay multi-channel audio signals using a single pair of cables. The system comprises Instations (input units) and Outstations (output units) with two audio channels per unit.

A VxLINK offers up to four Instations (eight audio channels) which can be distributed to any number of Outstations. VxLINK then creates a network, with units up to 350m apart, that can be used to create a flexible public address system for any building from stadiums and airports, through to shopping and leisure centres. VxLINK is simple to install and can use existing structured cabling to link zones and save on speaker cabling. Millbank is posting a numbe

InnovaSON announced that following the successful collaboration between Digigram's EtherSound technology and its own digital consoles on the production of Carmen at the Stade de France in September 2003, the company has seen a steady rise in the number of system designers specifying systems which include the Sy80 or the Sy40 digital consoles linked to an EtherSound network via a DO-8XES card.

Each DO-8XES provides eight processed channel outputs supplying simultaneous AES digital and EtherSound outputs. Each output provides eight full-band parametric EQ, compressor, gate, output delay, mute and output gain. By using InnovaSON's Sensoft Patch-out screen, matrix, bus or direct outputs it can be patched to the DO-8XES modules located in the local Mix Box for distribution to amps, loudspeakers etc, located anywhere on an EtherSound network.

BiAmp introduced Nexia - a new family of digital audio products consisting of the Nexia PM (presentation mixer), Nexia CS (conference system) and Nexia SP (speaker processor). Designed with application specific I/O and with more power than analogue products it features intuitive software which allows easy computer configuration with set-up and control achieved through Ethernet ports. In addition, with NexLink, up to four units can be linked together to create entirely different combinations of functionality.

Swedish amplifier manufacturer Lab.Gruppen, had a large presence at Frankfurt to celebrate its 25th anniversary, and was promising to reveal new generations of product in the near future. These, they say, will give the user more flexibility with networking, while sound quality and reliability will be further enhanced by the latest refinements of technologies such as the legendary Class TD or MLS.

The Resource Corporation was showing the new Audibox range from Australia's own quirky audio company, ARX. Designed to provide professional quality audio tools, outside the conventional pro audio working environment, the range currently includes a DI box, a line level (AV) DI box, a gain balancer, an isolator, an isolated splitter, a mic preamp, and a headphone driver.

The form factor of these boxes is very compact, with several of the units available in either single- or dual-channel format. The dual-channel units actually have a second, identical unit, mounted in the otherwise unused back end of the box - very neat. Audiboxes have a lock-down security slot for use with computer security cables, and can be supplied either with a bracket to mount them under a bench, or a 1U rack-mount kit that holds four units.

Electro-Voice's new ZX5 family of speakers is notably the first EV product in the company's 75-year history ever to be launched outside of the USA. The six-model ZX5 series of 15", two-way speaker systems in polypropylene enclosures. The lightweight units are also robust, and incorporate new DVX-3150 (15") and ND2 (2" neodymium) drivers, which boast a maximum power handling of 2400W and can deliver up to 133dB SPL, according to EV. Frequency response is given as 52Hz to 16kHz (± 3dB), and power handling as 600W sustained / 2400W peak, with a maximum SPL of 132dB.

Seen for the first time was the DN370 equalizer from Klark Teknik. Billed as "an analogue graphic EQ for the 21st century", the 370 offers 45mm faders (with protective dust covers) for precise control of a new configuration of the KT's 'proportional Q' filter type. Aimed particularly at monitoring ap

Allen & Heath, celebrating an impressive 35 years in pro audio this year, introduced the latest generation of its popular MixWizard range of multi-purpose compact consoles - the WZ³12:2, WZ³14:4:2 and WZ³16:2 mixers. With a stylish new design, all models now have a new mic preamp design and advanced grounding scheme for improved sonic quality. The WZ³ models also feature individual phantom power switches, channel signal indicators, lamp sockets and backup supply capability. Internal configuration options for channel aux sends and direct output are now on pluggable jumpers for user convenience.

A&H also launched the LEDlamp, an 18" 4-pin XLR gooseneck console lamp containing a built-in thumbwheel dimmer - compatible with all ML series, PA series, GL4000 desks and the new MixWizard³ range.

Symetrix introduced SymNet Express, available in two hardware versions (due to be available this autumn) - Express and Express Cobra - which the company says will extend the use of the SymNet technology into new applications. All the Express units are driven by version 5.0 of the Windows-based SymNet Designer software, which allows for off-line creation and editing of Express processing systems, and real-time control once the hardware has been commissioned onsite.

Express is available in three models (12x4, 4x12 and 8x8 - all inputs mic- or line-selectable) targeted at stand-alone applications where a single DSP unit is sufficient to handle all of the processing between the source gear and the amplifiers.

Express Cobra is available in four models (12x4, 4x12, 8x8 and 4x4), each including an 8x8 CobraNet license, supporting the networked digital audio protocol. These units can couple

Martin Audio gave its first viewing of the H3H high power enclosure, aimed at the install market. The H3H builds on the popularity of the Blackline series and utilizes all the same horn-loaded components as the H3, but in a horizontal format. Consisting of a single 15" horn and a reflex-loaded LF transducer, a 10" horn-loaded mid with a phase-ball loading device and a 1" exit compression driver mounted on a constant directivity horn. The mid and HF sections are integrated by an internal 2kHz passive crossover network and the enclosure is constructed of a multi-laminate birch ply.

Just two years after its first appearance at ProLight&Sound, EtherSound has been adopted by some of the major players in the pro audio industry. To demonstrate this, Digigram, in association with all its current licensees, created a site-wide network to demonstrate the fast expansion of EtherSound technology in the pro audio industry.The network connected seven different stands in three separate halls and included EtherSound-compatible products from Digigram, NetCIRA by Fostex, Nexo (who also hosted Auvitran), Tyco-Bouyer and InnovaSon. Each Stand injected two audio signals into the EtherSound network for a total of 14 network channels that were available to each stand. More than 6km of cabling went to build the network's infrastructure.

Philippe Delacroix, Digigram managing director, said: "All these devices can share the same network and in combination provide powerful audio ne

Turbosound's new Aspect Series is billed as its "most efficient loudspeaker design to date". Easily scaleable to suit a range of requirements from small clubs to auditoriums and even stadiums, the Series consists of four modules: aimed primarily at the install market, and also for ground-stacked touring applications, are the TA-880H trapezoidal mid/high system and its corresponding TA-880L LF enclosure. These models use removable rigging swords that form a lightweight and easy-to-use flying system. For both large- and small-scale touring applications, the TA-890H mid/high unit and the identically-sized TA-890L LF enclosure are designed to be flown in point source arrays.

The Aspect design features a set of proprietary transducers, operating over four individual frequency bands and divided between the system's modular mid/high and LF enclosures. Key technical innovations inclu

Italy - Just 16 + 16 elements of the Outline Butterfly vertical line array system provided sufficient sound reinforcement for the largest square in Europe, recently - Padua's Prato della Valle. The event was a major celebration held annually by broadcaster Radio Italia Solo Musica Italiana and Video Italia, one of the world's most important and widely distributed satellite TV stations. The show - which included performances by 20 of Italy's top artists, including Marco Masini (winner of the 54th Festival of San Remo), Biagio Antonacci, Piero Pelù, Omar Pedrini and many more - was transmitted live by Radio Italia, Video Italia and Video Italia channel 712 (Sky), covering the whole of Italy and a good part of the rest of the world.

Outline's Butterfly Vertical Line Array covered this enormous area (approximately 90,000sq.m) evenly with high SPLs and high acoustic quality, without

Yamaha's new PM5D combines the features of DM2000 with the operating style of the PM1D and features a total of 130 input connections, simultaneous mixing of up to 64 inputs to stereo or LCR stereo and 24 mix buses, all with 500 scenes of total recall. There is the equivalent of several racks of processing gear onboard (56 Gates, 92 Comps, 97 Delays, 12 GEQs and 8 units of SPX2000 class multi effects) and in addition the PM5D features advanced digital patching capability, monitoring and surround panning from 3-1 to 6.1.

A Channel Name Display enables the user to identify channels at a quick glance - a widely used feature when switching between the console's two mix layers. The control surface houses a large colour display and 25 user-defined keys, which are available for assignable functions. Four 24-bit/96kHz mini-YGDAI expansion slots accept a range of I/O and effects plug-in cards i

World - Sennheiser endorsees, Lostprophets, continue their world tour with the company's evolution microphones. Following sell-out dates in Australia and Europe, Lostprophets front-of-house sound engineer 'Doof' had tried a number of microphones from various manufacturers and comments from their US tour: "We found the E935 wired vocal microphone to be excellent live, so we used another E935 capsule in our new Sennheiser evolution wireless G2 system to keep exactly the same sound."

In addition, the band's complement of microphones includes four more evolution wireless guitar systems, and evolution e604s and e609s used on drums and back line. The band will be returning for more gigs in the UK this summer and have already confirmed that Reading and Leeds festivals will be part of their busy outdoor schedule.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

New from Wharfedale was the SI (Systems Integration) Series, comprising six models - the SI-10, SI-12, SI-15, SI-28, SI-15B and SI-18B - aimed at various sound reinforcement applications, including theatres, houses of worship and meeting rooms. The SI-10 is a five-sided enclosure, making it configurable to multiple applications, including stage monitoring and low-profile ceiling or corner installation. The more powerful SI-12 and SI-15 give the option of a 12" or 15" LF driver. Complementing these three full-range options are two LF boxes: the SI-15B is a trapezoidal compact sub using a long-excursion 15" driver, while the SI-18B is a compact vented sub-bass to provide extended low frequency output via a high output 18" driver.

The SVP Series is a range of two-way speakers designed for live music. Seven models make up the range - five full-range models (including

Australian Monitor has had some ups and downs over the years, but since becoming part of Audio Telex, it has grown from a small local company, with three international distributors in 2001, to become a worldwide exporter of installation audio systems, with a network of 55 distributors.

Released for the Entech show was the Zone Mix 3, a simple but full-featured three-zone stereo matrix mixer, packed into one Unit of rackspace. Remote volume stations and paging mic are all connected via Cat 5 cable for simple installation.

At the same time as celebrating its 50th anniversary, Vieta - one of Spain's most established audio equipment manufacturers for consumer and in-car markets - made its debut in the pro audio world at Frankfurt this year, introducing a fully integrated portfolio with models for applications from live performance to permanent installation.

The range extends from ceiling speakers to 15" two-way enclosures - constructed from both plastic and plywood, a range of sub-bass units and the company's proprietary processor technology. Vieta launched three ranges of loudspeaker products. Firstly, the VT series - a three bass-reflex, two-way passive loudspeaker featuring a 1" HF driver with a neodymium driver and an LF driver in 8",12" and 15" formats. Secondly is the VI series, comprising five passive speakers designed for accurate sound reproduction in various types of acou

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