Robe - LEADERBOARD - Feb 2025
PLASA Show 2025 - Banner - June-Aug 2025

Sound

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Dutch PA system manufacturer Sound Projects revealed that AED, one of Europe's largest dry hire rental companies, has ordered a further 64 of its SP-4 systems to add to the 100+ it already owns. Described by AED's Glenn Roggemans as "a hybrid form between ground stack and line array", the SP4 systems are, he says, in a world where most sound reinforcement is ground-stacked "one of our most rewarding investments in the last 10 years."

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Italian manufacturer Outline exhibited a number of new products. The H.A.R.D. 45 SP expands the company's series of stage monitors, and is the most compact in the range, but with the same original design seen in the 115 and 212 models. Also new, the Global Sub exploits Outline's internationally patented 'space-saving' philosophy, used for the first time with the Kanguro system which received an Award for Product Excellence at the 2001 PLASA Show. The Global Sub is a 15" sub, but is also a container (complete with a cover) able to hold three different Outline loudspeaker systems.

Outline's new-generation 2U rack-mounting amplifier, the D4-2K is the first in the company's new DHD digital range, offering four channels with 530W each in 4 Ohms (4 x 310W in 8 Ohms) which can, on request, have a 24dB/octave output filter.

Finally the COM.P.A.S.S. (COMpact Polar Adjustable Sound System

Doughty - Banner - from 6 June 2025

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Shure's new PGX Performance Gear Wireless Systems, targeted at working musicians and bands, combines wireless technology, automatic setup features and Shure microphones in eight pre-configured systems. The system scans the wireless landscape, identifies a clear channel and then automatically sync's the transmitter with the receiver frequency via an infrared link. PGX Wireless Systems also feature Shure's patented Audio Reference Companding, until now only available in the SLX and ULX wireless systems, eliminating artefacts normally associated with traditional wireless companding. Receivers feature attached quarter-wave antennas, 6.3mm (¼") and XLR audio outputs, frequency and power lockouts and an in-line power supply. Handheld transmitters are offered with PG58, SM58, SM86 and Beta 58A capsules. The body pack transmitter works with head-worn, lavalier and instrument microphones an

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UK - Suffolk-based Synergy Audio is the first UK sound company to take delivery of Proel's new Axiom line array system. The choice of Axiom followed a tough demo at Synergy's headquarters, on the old RAF Bentwaters airfield in Suffolk.

In the course of a dank afternoon, against a tearing crosswind, the system was tested with a variety of program material, ranging from classical through to heavy rock and spoken word and, says Synergy Audio's Rob Quin, "The results were quite staggering. Even in the strong winds, the system produced a very even sound field, across a large area, with very little noticeable drop in level or quality.

"It's extraordinarily good. The people behind the design have worked with some of the "big names" in line array, so it has a good design pedigree. We've been inside the boxes and the components are very good quality. The build of th

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Audient showed its new digital loudspeaker management system, called 'One'. Aimed at sound reinforcement and fixed installations alike, One is available with 4 or 6 outputs and offers fast, intuitive access to a host of features including 45 presets, delay times, eight bands of EQ and a broad selection of filter types including the Hardman filter, say the company.

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Mackie's TT24 console's V1.2 firmware is now available as a free download from www.mackie.com. The 10 new features of V1.2 include three built-in 31-band graphic EQs (for L-C-R channel outputs), eight dedicated mute groups, scrolling snapshots and a user-customizable fader bank. Mackie also showed two new TT24 expansion cards (the UFXII DSP card and the U100 console networking card) planned for delivery this spring, and previewed a new Digital Snake designed specifically for use with the TT24. Other TT24 news included the introduction of the new LP48 Lake Processor expansion card - a collaboration with Lake Technology which adds Lake's EQ and loudspeaker processor tools to the TT24's DSP portfolio.

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Even smaller than the XLine-C, the new XLine-D line array product from Electro-Voice increases competition in the ever-expanding small line array system market. At 21.3kg it's a little heavier than most, but then it packs 2 x8" with two 2" on the 'Hydra' wave generator, giving the now typical 120° coverage (10° vertical per box). Independent signalling control of the two 8" drivers, with significantly different cross-over points (0-100Hz on one, 100-1.5kHz on the other) is claimed to produce horizontal beam width control down as far as 250Hz. There is also a double 12" flown sub for extended low end; this unit uses a brand new transducer developed by EV, the DVX, and features forced air cooling technology for a claimed 20% reduction in distortion.

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From the sublime to the ridiculous, the newest item on the d&b audiotechnik stand was a banana, or rather a bunch of them; a typical d&b comedic allusion to line arrays in general, and their Q-Series launched last year in particular. "We have a tendency on these occasions to be completely bananas," said d&b's Simon Johnstone, "so it seemed appropriate as a theme for our stand."

Of perhaps greater import was the new Remote Network software for its D12 amplifier - the new software enables load monitoring and full system check features. Also for the D12, the latest ROPE C remote control software with R10 service software, which allows firmware updates for amplifiers over the d&b remote network, and has scene recallable type features for reading, saving and restoring amplifier configurations and for resetting such things as EQ and delay to default values.

To paraphras

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Purchasers of the new Midas Siena console were offered the chance to invest in Klark Teknik's Helix digital EQ at the price of a quality pro analogue graphic, allowing users to take advantage of the Midas and Klark Teknik Solo Tracking System (STS). This allows the solo'd outputs from the Siena to be shown on the Helix master unit, or as an option on a wireless tablet PC, giving users complete control of all the EQ functions for that output. STS has been developed to increase accessibility and reduce access time to critical functions, and is also compatible with the Legend and all Heritage series consoles.

Sales and marketing director David Cooper, said this was "an important step forward in integrating the Midas and Klark Teknik product ranges."

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The M16 from Cadac, the renowned theatre console maker, is a 16-channel remote controlled mic pre-amp. It sounds similar to the new D-Tube from DiGiCo, however it is quite a different beast. The unit is based on the J type and can be remote accessed from up to 500ft, and a maximum of 32 units can be linked off a single controller. Also shown for the first time the D16 'virtual' 16-channel mixer - a mixer that runs in software only and is intended for use as an extender for any existing Cadac desk offering compressor, gates, delay and four-band EQ on all channels, making it ideal for controlling peripheral speakers in a highly distributed theatre installation.

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EtherSound continues to implement new features and take advantage of the evolution of Ethernet. Philippe Delacroix, MD of Digigram, owner and supplier of EtherSound technology, revealed a development plan to be rolled out throughout 2005. Milestones include direct node-to-node data communication between any two devices in a network; the freedom to connect one or multiple control computers anywhere on the network, giving shorter cable runs and simplified system design; the potential to connect multiple control computers improving design flexibility and system reliability; and fault-tolerant ring topology where the 'last' device of a daisy chain is connected to the 'first'.

The system will automatically determine the new first device of the chain, maintaining the virtual bus and thereby the signal path integrity throughout the network. EtherSound is fully compliant with the IEEE's 802.3

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Funktion One reported a number of recent club installations of its loudspeaker systems around the world. These include, in the US: 'Masque' in Dayton, Ohio; 'Nocturnal' in Miami, Florida, and both 'Passion' and 'Pangea Griffin' at the new Hardrock Casino in Hollywood, Florida (installed by Dan Agne at Sound Investment, Chicago). In France, 'Churascaia', near Montpelier (installed by Clockhouse Concepts) and 'B Box', in Clemont Ferrand (installed by Colour Sonic). In the Netherlands, recent club projects include 'Club Revolution', Rotterdam and 'Opium' in Hilversum (both installed by P & B Audio). Other club installs have also been completed in Germany, Russia, Indonesia, Russia and Japan.

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DiGiCo's D-TuBe is a natural addition to the DiGiCo digital desk range. An eight channel stand-alone valve type mic pre-amp, the D-TuBe slots straight into the the DigiRack (occupying two slots) and gives all the perceived benefits of this type of technology directly at the stage end input. Developed in collaboration with leading valve pre-amp manufacturer, TLA, the D-TuBe uses the classic 12AX7 valve. The pre-amps are presently out on tour with Kylie, Destiny's Child and Mark Knopfler - to great acclaim so far.

Also on show, the DS00 expander console for the DiGiCo range, with full dynamic automation and a control surface that can be fired remotely from the D5: ideal for theatre shows where out front space is at a premium, but separate accessible monitor control is required on stage.

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KV2 Audio introduced its new VHD large-format active speaker system. Standing for 'Very High Definition', the VHD system consists of the VHD 2.0 mid/high enclosure, the VHD 4.18 (quad 18") subwoofer system, and the VHD 2.15 (double 15") subwoofer system. Its dedicated rack-mounted amplification and control units are the VHD 2000, which powers and controls the VHD 2.0 as well as providing two separate signal control paths for subwoofer systems, and the VHD 3200 - a 3.2kW two-channel subwoofer amplifier with two separate amplifier channels including power supplies. Also on show from KV2 was its new KX Series of active subwoofers.

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USA - Symetrix recently announced the appointment of M-PRO BeNeLux as exclusive distributor of Symetrix and SymNet products in Belgium and Luxembourg. Founded in August 2004 by Mario Clabots, M-PRO was set up to focus on the distribution of products for the fixed installation market, AV installations and pro audio applications.

Noted Jim Latimer, director of sales: "Symetrix is pleased to bring M-PRO on board. Mario Clabots brings a wealth of experience garnered while working with major AV distribution companies. His hands-on experience and knowledge of both the digital and analog world makes M-PRO a perfect match for us."

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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Camco has also added EtherSound connectivity to its entire product range, again in close collaboration with Auvitran, which is providing hardware modules and development services to the company. Reiner Sassmann, Camco MD, said: "EtherSound technologically is the leading standard for audio over Ethernet in the pro audio industry. It's the only technology on the market to offer a network latency low enough for live sound, that is also stable, and deterministic . . . It is very important to us that EtherSound is not a proprietary technology and that our products will be able to work with many exciting products from other industry leading manufacturers. Our close partner Nexo is just one such manufacturer."

It's now possible to upgrade existing amplifiers of the Vortex and Tecton series with the modules and thereby add EtherSound functionalities to a large part of Camco's install

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Martin Audio launched two new Line Array products. The new W8LD Downfill presently making its world debut with Capital Sound on Kylie Minogue's Show Girls Tour in a specially modified form, (L&SI will cover the tour in next month's magazine). Complementing the now hugely successful W8L, this 120°H x 20°V 'downfill' cabinet connects directly to the bottom of a W8L array. With a similar all-horn-loaded format to the W8L, the W8LD integrates with the output from the W8Ls above and continues the extension of the line array at low, mid and high frequencies.

In response to the demand from the install market Martin Audio recognized that the rigging hardware required for fixed installation could be considerably simplified. The W8LCI and W8LMI feature the same acoustic components and construction as the touring versions but with an integrated flying system, which allows up to 12 cabinets to b

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Kudo, the unusual new PA system from L-Acoustics is now well known, but continues to turn heads (and presumably ears). The hybrid point source/line array with its 'Adaptive Directivity' is gaining fans everywhere, not least its native Paris where a Kudos system has just been installed at the Docks Pullman, a club venue with a particularly difficult long narrow main room.

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Digigram announced its three multi-channel sound cards in the VX range are now available: the VX882HR (8/8 I/Os, analogue and digital), its sister model VX881HR (digital I/Os only), and the VX822v2 (2/8 I/Os, analogue and digital). Low-latency WDM DirectSound, Wave, and ASIO drivers make the trio compatible with a wide range of pro audio software. The VX882HR with four balanced analogue and AES/EBU stereo I/Os and the digital-only VX881HR are the first VX sound cards to benefit from the characteristics of Digigram's High Resolution series.

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Soundcraft's Urei range of DJ mixers (a badge bought by Soundcraft) attracted much attention. Launched at NAMM earlier this year, the 1620 is a faithful replica of the original and widely loved Urei mixer, while the 1601 and 1601S are new derivatives. The 'S' model contains an on-board sampler enabling sampling on the fly; both models are intended for pro use and feature component degradation software that automatically compensates for wear and tear on the physical controls (pots and faders). Another attractive facet of the Urei range is that 90% of the control surface is user replaceable. Expect additions to this range.

At a more conventional level, Soundcraft was promoting the GB4 (launched at PLASA last year) and it's new big brother the GB8 professional live mixing consoles. These are feature packed 'value' mixers, in the words of their spokesman, intended for use on small touring

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Nexo was also at great pains to promote EtherSound Networks, which are being fully implemented in its digitally controlled PA systems. "The great thing about this system is it's fast enough to be used in the live environment," said an enthusiastic spokesman. "Latency is very low, it's much faster than other existing comparable network systems. Currently, ours is the only system that can work under EtherSound, though we fully expect others to follow suit over the next year or two."

The big advantage here is eliminating as much analogue traffic in a system as possible. The Nexo/EtherSound system effectively restricts analogue to the length of wire between microphone and stage box, where it's converted into digital - not to re-emerge again until the signal finally reaches the amplifier - plus of course remote access to, and full control of, all parts of the system ther

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The DCC column-style steerable line array from Renkus-Heinz bears a striking resemblance to a Duran Audio Intellivox product and for obvious reasons uses similar - but uniquely different - processing and delay techniques to provide beam shaping in order to create very high vocal intelligibility in reverberant public spaces. DCC16 and DCC8 models, just 7" wide and 5.25" deep (heights vary) both deliver highly controlled pattern at 500Hz and above over extremely long distances (typically 100m) making them highly attractive to PA installers working in large audio unfriendly environments such as railway and bus terminals. The DCC product ships with a Windows-based control programme that allows real-time graphical control over beam-shaping.

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Tannoy showed updated active versions of the V Series, a range of networkable high definition sound reinforcement loudspeakers incorporating DSP and Class D amplification. with network control and diagnostics. There are four speaker models, the VNET 12, 12HP, 15 and 300 and three subwoofer models the VNET 15BP, 15HL and 18DR. Systems are supplied with VNET software for on-site network commissioning, an intuitive Windows interface controls all the critical install functions and the package also provides the interface for the ongoing monitoring of critical system status and performance data, all in real time.

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UK - Starlight Design, recently turned to VDC for a range of custom panels and Van Damme Black Series multicore cables for its new Front of House sound system. "The panels and cables we have chosen are being used to connect our equipment racks to each other and to the Front of House console," says Starlight's Charlie Jamieson, who is responsible for the company's sound department. "We've had an account with VDC for years. They have the biggest range, the sales guys are friendly and they understand exactly what we're trying to achieve. To be perfectly honest, there's no-one else we'd use."

Established 23 years ago, Starlight Design has a prestigious client list that includes royalty, the aristocracy and international celebrities. Much of its work is venue specific and over the next few months alone it will be ensuring the success of spectacular private parties

  1. D.A.S. Audio
  2. EAW
  3. Allen & Heath
  4. SurgeX unveils new technologies
  5. Outline Butterfly in Europe's largest square
  6. Sound Division goes Local in Fulham
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