USA - Blues System's North American debut at USITT, Phoenix was a great success, according to the company. The product range, manufactured in the UK by Global Design Solutions and specifically designed for backstage lighting applications in the working theatre, won the PLASA 2006 Innovations Award at its European launch last year and Blues System has already been installed at various venues in Europe.
TMB has been appointed the exclusive distributor for Blues System in the Americas, Asia and the Middle East. Said Chris Curran, TMB's architectural sales director: "Blues System is truly one of those 'why didn't I think of that?' new products. It solves many backstage lighting problems as well as offering options that were previously impractical. We were almost overwhelmed by the positive response at USITT and also by the various possible new applications that arose during conversation with the many visitors to our booth."
The flexible system consists of two dimmable fixtures, plus optional controllers and accessories. BlueDome is a wide-angle, dimmable LED fitting for low-level applications such as stairwells, lobbies, wings, and seating areas. BlueBeam is a narrow-angle dimmable LED fitting for high-level installations including loading galleries, upstage crossovers, scene docks and under fly floors. Blue Beams are available in 5, 10, or 20 degree beam angles and are effective from 1 to 50ft.
Both Dome and Beam are available in non-dimmable versions for emergency lighting and other applications. Available accessories include various baffles and louvres
France - The new 8XT and 12XT from L-Acoustics represents "the next generation of single-point-source coaxial loudspeakers" according to the manufacturer. Drawing on two decades of leading edge experience dating back to the MTD coaxial concept in 1987, the new XT systems promise to deliver "the ultimate sonic performance in a compact and versatile multi-tasking package".
Featuring a compact and lightweight design, the 8XT cabinet is the most compact model of the L-Acoustics coaxial range. Operating on a frequency bandwidth of 65Hz to 20kHz, this response can be lowered to 32Hz with the addition of the SB118 subwoofer.
The 8XT contains a 1.5" diaphragm compression driver, coaxially loaded by an 8" low-frequency transducer in a bass-reflex tune enclosure. The internal passive crossover network uses proprietary third-order filters with built-in phase compensation. The linearization and protection of the transducers is defined by the drive parameters contained in the LA4 amplified controller.
Housed in a slightly larger enclosure, the 12XT combined active/passive cabinet is the mid-sized model and features an operating frequency bandwidth of 55Hz to 20kHz and, like the 8XT, this response can be lowered to 32Hz via the use of the SB118 subwoofer.
Due to their flexible design criteria, the XT coaxial loudspeakers meet the highest demands from both the fixed installation and rental production markets, allowing them to be used for front-of-house, fill, or monitor applications, says the company. The 8XT and 12XT coaxial system, as well as
USA - Aviom debuted its AV-M8 Mic Input Module at NSCA 2007. Promoted as "ideal for distributing audio in boardrooms and conference rooms", the Aviom AV-M8 Mic Input Module saves contractors time, money, and labour, says the company.
The AV-M8 converts 8 analogue audio channels to a digital stream and provides eight mic-level inputs. It offers plug-and-play simplicity that runs over an easy-to-install Cat 5e cable, requiring no drilling of conduit.
Two channels include a 30dB switchable pad, allowing line-level signals to be connected. Eight channels of digital audio may also be input via ADAT, from a second AV-M8 module. Analogue audio is input via eight latching 5.0mm Euroblock connectors. Each analogue input channel features a set of configuration DIP switches for individually selectable gain settings, +48V phantom power, and low cut filter.
Analogue input channels are routed to Channels 1-8 in the A-Net stream, while channels input via ADAT become channels 9-16. Stereo linking for all eight A-Net channel pairs is supported through an eight-position rear-panel DIP switch. A-Net connections include A-Net Out and A-Net Expansion, and the A-Net Expansion jack allows up to 32 channels to be carried on a single Cat 5e cable, in either 32x0 or 16x16 configurations .
Larger systems (up to 64 channels on a cable) can be built using Aviom's AN-16SBR System Bridges. The Pro16 version of A-Net supports Cat 5e cable runs up to 500ft/150m. For installations requiring longer runs, single- or multimode fibre optics may be utilised, using certain standard third-
Australia / Germany - This year's ProLight&Sound exhibition in Frankfurt promises to be LSC's biggest and best, the company says. What they have in store for the show is "top secret", with the only clues a teaser advertisement campaign in the run-up to the show.
All they'll say about the new product release is: "It has legs, it's powerful, it's built well, and more importantly it's want you've been asking for."
Alongside the new product release will be the full LSC catalogue including: the maXim control consoles with built in Capture Visualisation Software allowing the user to fully integrate with their programming, and the complete range of dimming and power distribution products.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - FeONIC is to unveil its latest generation of loudspeaker driver systems, which it says can turn any resonant panel or surface into a loudspeaker. The sounders can be placed onto the hidden side, say the company, so no wiring, speaker grilles or boxes are visible.
Currently aimed at domestic applications, but also likely to attract attention from designers of retail and leisure spaces, FeONIC technology can be used with any audio system with sufficient power rating, replacing conventional speakers in 2.1, 5.1, 7.1 and even 9.1 systems, the company says.
FeONIC says its audio systems can be created from standard plasterboard, MDF, plywood or blockboard, and hardwood floorings, creating a truly integrated, hidden sound system. It also offers the benefits of an even dispersion, rather than the 'sweet spots' associated with conventional loudspeaker technology.
(Lee Baldock)
USA / Germany - Following the success of the SRM450 and SRM350 Active PA speakers, Mackie will unveil at ProLight&Sound the newest member of the SRM family, the SRM150. This compact active PA System is designed for a variety of sound reinforcement needs. With 150w of ultra-efficient Class D amplification and the 5.25" EAW-designed, full-range neodymium driver, the SRM150 delivers high sound pressure levels.
"The SRM150 integrates the proven technology from the SRM series, along with an easy-to-use onboard mixer in a compact package," said Mackie Brand group vice president John Boudreau. "It makes the SRM150 the perfect choice for a wide range of applications such as boardroom and classroom A/V, and live music performance in venues such as coffee houses, piano bars, and rehearsal rooms. Plus, the SRM150 outperforms everything in its class by delivering higher output and wider frequency response."
The built-in 3-channel mixer features two combo XLR/line inputs (with 48V phantom power and a hi-Z instrument input), a stereo channel for CD/MP3 players, and Mackie's musical 3-band active EQ. The SRM150 can even be mounted on a mic stand and used as a personal monitor.
• Also new at Frankfurt will be the Mackie Control Pro control surface series, the next generation of the Mackie Control Universal line of controllers. Comprising Mackie Control Universal Pro, Mackie Control Extender Pro and Mackie Control C4 Pro, the series provides "the most complete feature set and software compatibility of any control surfaces available today"
Czech Republic - Robe Show Lighting will showcase its latest moving light and digital lighting products at Prolight & Sound in Frankfurt. These will include the ColorWash 2500E AT, the new 700 Series, Robe's StageQube 324 and the DigitalSpot 5000 DT, complete with new functions. Robe will also highlight the new StageFaze 1500AT and its powerful, expediently sized Club Series of moving lights.
The ColorWash 2500E AT is the most powerful wash light currently available in the Robe range. Using the MSR Gold 1200 SA/SE FastFit lamp and a 1400W electronic ballast, the fixture offers a smooth linear motorised zoom, full CMY + CTO colour mixing system, two colour wheels with six easily replaceable slots and combined dimmer/shutter unit.
Also highlighted will be Robe's newly released 700 Series of moving heads, featuring the ColorSpot 700E AT, ColorWash 700E AT and the ColorWash 750AT Tungsten. These are designed for all professional applications and installations.
The ColorSpot 700E AT utilises an MSR Gold 700 FastFit lamp and full CMY and CTO colour mixing systems. There's also a colour wheel with seven replaceable dichroic filters; a static gobo wheel with nine replaceable gobos and a rotating gobo wheel with seven replaceable gobos, a replaceable animation wheel and a rotating 3-facet prism.
Robe's StageQube 324 is a new-generation of LED panel designed for 'plug & play' applications, that don't require any external power supply or control boxes. The complete electronics are located in the IP54 housing, and an integrated rigging system means that very large system
Germany - eJamming AUDiiO is being promoted as "the first and only software application and online service that enables musicians to find, network and play music with one another over the Internet in real time and in perfect synchrony, facilitating music education, social networking and collaboration".
eJamming AUDiiO provides a virtual practice and recording studio for musicians and singers worldwide. With eJamming AUDiiO, musicians can write, rehearse, record, learn and play with each other over the Internet, in real time and more importantly, in synchrony. All they need is access to a computer, broadband connection, audio interface device and microphone, says the company.
The eJamming AUDiiO portal includes such social networking features as searchable musician profiles including music samples, an automated calendar for scheduling sessions, forums, celebrity blogs and resources for musicians and educators.
(Jim Evans)
Germany - The L-Acoustics will be promoting its KIVA PA system at ProLight&Sound. Packaged in a sleek, fully integrated, ultra-compact design, KIVA is intended to "meet the highest demands of audio professionals and deliver the ultimate performance level in its category".
KIVA also fulfills the five WST (Wavefront Sculpture Technology) criteria in line with the scientific concepts introduced by L-Acoustics in 1992 and shared by the benchmark WST lineage of V-Dosc, dV-Dosc, and Kudo.
The system is "highly appropriate" for both the fixed installation and rental production markets. The main system components consist of KIVA, full-range element operating from 80 Hz to 20 kHz bandwidth; KILO, complimentary low frequency extension element operating from 50 Hz to 100 Hz bandwidth, and the LA4 amplified controller.
"KIVA delivers a considerable number of improvements over the traditional sound reinforcement approach particularly with regard to the intelligibility and overall clarity of vocal material. Utilising WST technology, KIVA allows for even coverage of extremely large acoustic environments where the number of elements (height of the array) constitutes the main factor in establishing the system throw, coverage pattern, and directivity control parameters," says the company.
The V-shaped coplanar transducer configuration of KIVA generates a fixed horizontal directivity of 100 degrees with symmetric pattern control across the projection axis, without any conflicts over the entire frequency range. The combination of coplanar symmetry a
USA - ETC has posted free source code for the upcoming DMX over ACN standard (also referred to as streaming ACN) to its website, "to help the industry gain experience with this upcoming protocol and offer meaningful user input to the ESTA standardisation process".
A link to this C++ source code may be found at www.etcconnect.com/product.downloads.asp?ID=20339.
ETC is also offering optional source code that adds features to streaming ACN and provides a flexibility and power similar to ETCNet2 protocol.
ETC has long supported the development of ESTA standards for lighting control, such as the new ACN suite of protocols (Architecture for Controls Networks, E1.17). With ACN now an ANSI standard (as of October 2006), ETC is involved in the addition of a new protocol for the ACN suite. The new protocol, commonly called streaming ACN, details DMX-style control over TCP/IP networks. It provides a fast and efficient mechanism to transport the well-understood DMX protocol over Ethernet in an open, industry-standard way. Streaming ACN is now in public review and is referred to by the ESTA Controls Protocol group officially as BSR E1.31 - 200x, Entertainment Technology - DSP - DMX512-A Streaming Protocol ( www.esta.org/tsp/documents/public_review_docs.php).
ETC's network products development manager Dan Antonuk, who is also chairman of the ACN Task Group, describes the new protocol: "Essen
USA - Middle Atlantic Products introduced its new Vertical Lacer Strips, along with a number of new cable management accessories, at NSCA Expo 2007.
The Vertical Lacer Strips provide AV integrators with a large number of cable tie points for organising and arranging cable runs of any size within a fully integrated enclosure system. The Strips accept Velcro cable ties and are available in two widths as well as a variety of heights to fit any Middle Atlantic Products enclosure.
"The result of a field-level research and development initiative, our new Vertical Lacer Strips completely change the way integrators have traditionally mounted cable runs," said Jay Franetovich, application engineer, Middle Atlantic Products. "Now securing cables is as simple as binding them with Velcro and looping the Velcro on the most convenient hook."
The new TSW-15 Cable Tie Saddles are rugged hooks that attach to Middle Atlantic Products' racks, Vertical Lacer Strips or any flat surface and afford integrators additional facilities for attaching cables or cable runs. TSW-15 Cable Tie Saddles accommodate cable ties and hook & loop straps up to 3/4" wide, providing cleaner organisation within an enclosure and eliminating chafing and/or cable strain, says the company.
The new IEC Power Cords allow AV integrators to choose a specific cord length when connecting components to a power strip, effectively shortening cable runs within an enclosure, eliminating excess cable slack, unnecessary cable loops and the possibility of damaging cable kinks. They can replace s
UK / Germany - With worldwide sales of live sound products doubling over the last two years, Logic System's presence at ProLight&Sound will "unashamedly be all about its Ethos range of products that targets this market", the company says.
This attention will centre on the Ethos CA system, which was previewed at PLASA '06 and is now in full production. CA is an ultra-compact fixed angle array box, which comes with a complementary bass cabinet, the Ethos B300. The system can be flown, ground-stacked or even pole-mounted. The standard enclosure offers coverage of 90° x 20° and Frankfurt will see the release of an additional version the Ethos CA10 with optional 90° x 10° directivity.
The stand will also feature the Ethos VA array system, LM series stage monitors and the ML range of multifunction cabinets.
Logic adds that ProLight&Sound will also see the first fruits of its extensive R&D into self-powered cabinets. The new XP powered range is targeted towards professional working musicians and is initially composed of two cabinets - the XP15 full-range enclosure, which combines a 15" neodymium cone driver with a 1.4" compression driver, and the XP180 18" sub bass cabinet. Both products feature the 'X Cell' power module, which combines two amplifier channels with onboard DSP to optimise loudspeaker performance.
The company adds that over the next 12 months there will be a stream of additional powered products targeted at a variety of applications and including networkable options.
The install business will not be forgotten
USA - At the USITT exhibition in Phoenix, d&b featured the newly expanded d&b Remote network. Comprising the new R60 USB to CAN interface, the recently released ROPE C Version 2.0.7 remote software for PC platforms and the d&b D12 and E-PAC amplifiers.
The R60 USB to CAN interface is the latest addition to the d&b Remote network. It is designed to connect d&b's amplifiers to a PC and comes with drivers for WindowsR operating systems. The ROPE C Version 2.0.7 permits the use of up to five R60 interfaces with one computer enabling a maximum of 500 and three amplifiers into one system design.
This latest software version of ROPE C also offers the ability to control and monitor d&b loudspeaker systems in much greater detail at the amplifier level, via its graphical drag and drop interface.
Colin Beveridge who heads up d&b's US office commented, "We see ever more complex systems implemented by touring engineers in order to achieve uniform quality audio coverage. Audiences deserve that attention to detail, but system set up times can prove prohibitive. The d&b software means it doesn't have to be that way. In Europe recently, a large arena show used over 100 d&b J-Series loudspeakers,grouped and controlled using the d&b Remote network. Set up took just thirty minutes."
(Jim Evans)
USA - Biamp reports that all of its products are fully compliant with the China RoHS directive. As of 1 March, 2007, all of Biamp's products are shipping with marking and manual verbiage that comply with all of China's new RoHS laws. Biamp customers will notice all packaging includes the mandatory EPUP logo. This ensures that product will not release any defined hazardous substances, including lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, or brominated fire retardants, says the company.
"We are very proud to announce that we are fully compliant with the new China RoHS directive, ahead of the deadline," said Chuck Gollnick, lead engineer at Biamp. "Our products have not contained many of these harmful substances for a number of years now. With a concentrated effort, we have taken the extra steps needed to ensure all of our products are fully compliant without interrupting service and without imposing additional costs or taxes on our distributors in this region."
Under the China RoHS directive, Biamp will also include a 'Table of Hazardous Substances', printed in Chinese, that identifies where any hazardous substances reside and to what degree. As part of its rigourous testing process, Biamp says it has determined its products will not release any prohibited substances for at least 10 years, if at all.
(Jim Evans)
Germany - SPL will be showing several new products at ProLight&Sound, headed by the SPL RackPack modular system that allows for free configuration of an analogue rack fully loaded with SPL kit.
From June 2007, the first available modules will be the two new preamps. The Preference Mic-Pre is a straightforward, transformerless IC preamp, while the Premium Mic-Pre offers a triple stage solid state design with a Lundahl input transformer and discrete transistor circuitry. Further modules will follow later in the year; tube modules are scheduled for 2008.
SPL's new Atmos Controller system is a complete surround miking system including the ASM5 microphone based upon VM1 capsules from Brauner. The Controller's concept now focuses on basic mic'ing features and can be complemented with further modules to meet individual demands, such as a remote control to adjust the ASM5 pattern characteristics. According to SPL this reduces costs dramatically for a pure, high definition miking setup. Availability is expected for June 2007.
In a cooperative developmental effort with the guitar amp specialist Tonehunter, SPL will present a new 2U, 19" format guitar speaker and microphone stand-in called Transducer. This is connected and operated exactly like any guitar speaker box so that a guitar amp's distortion can also be integrated into the sound design. The Transducer concept grants greater sonic flexibility in comparison to fixed box/microphone gear, independence from room acoustics in recordings and eliminates phasing problems with track doubling thanks to latency free des
Sweden / Germany - Wireless Solution Sweden will be displaying the new W-DMX Generation 3 product range at ProLight&Sound, in addition to the new W-DIM Standard, the latest OEM partner product from RC4 Wireless of Toronto.
Generation 3 includes new and improved features such as easy overview of signal strength and battery power, plus full implementation of DMX over Ethernet. W-DMX has the full support of RDM, is CE and ETSI certified in Europe and Asia, FCC certified in the Americas (awaiting UL), and is certified in Japan with ARIB STD-T66 radio standards.
The R-512 Pro Receiver and T-1 Transceiver will be shown as well, featuring a 'one button technology' toggle, allowing the unit to easily switch from receiver to transmitter. A complete new and updated outdoor range is also available.
PCBs are built into the new RC4 4-channel W-DIM series of wireless dimmers, delivering 150W per channel, 600W total, at voltages from 6 to 30VDC. W-DIM dimmers are designed to work with all existing W-DMX systems, including transmitters, transceivers or DMX controllers with W-DMX transmission built-in. With this recent agreement, RC4 Wireless joins the growing group of W-DMX OEM partners including SGM, DTS, Clay Paky, Antari, and LSC Lighting, among others.
In 2006, over 6,000 units of W-DMX products were shipped worldwide and the company expects that number to more than double in 2007. Wireless Solution is expanding its distributor network in key markets worldwide, including White Light in the UK and Lightpower in Germany.
(Jim Evans)
UK - The Soundcraft Vi Series of digital live sound consoles has been extended with the new Soundcraft Vi4 model, offering "all the functionality and facilities of the Soundcraft Vi6, but in a smaller, more compact footprint more suited for space-conscious applications such as Theatres, Houses of Worship and venues or clubs with space-limited mix positions".
In just under 1.5m, the Soundcraft Vi4 offers access to 48 inputs on 24 faders, with a total of 27 output busses available for use as masters, groups, auxes or matrices. All other features of the Soundcraft Vi6, such as the Vistonics touch-screen user interface, and FaderGlow fader function display are inherited by the Soundcraft Vi4.
Also available on the Soundcraft Vi4 is the new Processing Card option, which adds eight powerful assignable Lexicon Effects sections, together with 30-band BSS Audio graphic equalisers available on every output.
Since its launch last year, the Soundcraft Vi6 has been used on major tours such as the Scissor Sisters and Illegal Eagles, and installed in venues like the Esplanade Theatre in Singapore and the Mean Fiddler in London.
(Jim Evans)
Germany - The well-known loudspeaker manufacturer is offering something a little different at ProLight&Sound this year, according to its pre-show publicity: "Scientists have always theorised that beyond the black emptiness of Dark Matter lay the keys to the universe," they say . . . "One such key resides inside d&b audiotechnik's enigmatic black box at ProLight&Sound, but you'll have to step inside to find it. Suspend your disbelief, prepare for projection and place product to one side while you contemplate the truth of audio in a multimedia world, touch it, see it, feel it and be enlightened."
(Jim Evans)
USA - Colorado-based lighting innovator Wybron reports that it is "picking up the pace of new product development and delivery". The company says it is committed to introducing one product per month up to the start of the professional lighting trade show season.
"Our customers have asked us to provide them with a more diverse product line," said Miles Dudgeon, director of marketing at Wybron. "This is just the beginning of our response to their demands."
"By giving our customers what they want and need, we can take advantage of market demand and increase the strategic value of our relationships," added Larry Turner, CEO of Wybron. "We are seeing rapid adoption of Wybron's products in certain markets and expect this pace to increase."
In addition to developing products for Wybron's sales channel, the company is working with other manufacturers in the industry to provide engineering and product innovation support.
(Jim Evans)
Germany - ETC's SmartFade ML (ML for moving lights) console will make its European debut at ProLight&Sound in Frankfurt later this month. The latest addition to ETC's Smart Solutions line of basic lighting gear - which includes portable control consoles, dimmers, luminaires and stands - the SmartFade ML is aimed at small touring acts, schools, product launches and corporate events.
SmartFade ML's professional features include palettes, parameter "fan" and built-in dynamic effects. Its direct access style of operation means that students, volunteers and non-technicalstaff can be lighting memorable shows in minutes, suggests ETC.
With a capacity for up to 24 moving lights and an additional 48 intensity channels (dimmers), plus the ability to patch to two complete universes of DMX512A (1,024 outputs), SmartFade ML provides a solid range of control for smaller lighting rigs.
ETC engineered the SmartFade ML with colour-coded backlit keys to make it easy to operate in the dark without requiring additional worklights. The keys and built-in LCD displays also provide status feedback for the rig without the need for an external monitor.
ETC Controls product manager Sarah Clausen says: "We designed this to be a take-it-out-of-the-box and plug-it-in device - handling lights in minutes. We wanted moving-light control to be accessible to any user."
(Jim Evans)
USA - City Theatrical has released its new line of Stackers tapered top hats. Stackers are designed to stack without sticking and to save space on the shelf and in transport, while maintaining all of the benefits of standard top hats.
Stackers' patent pending design allows them to stack neatly on the shelf, but a ridge on the top hat prevents sticking, no matter how much pressure is applied, the company says. All Stackers feature black flocked interiors to reduced light bounce and round frames to allow rotation of half top hats to the most advantageous angle.
A full line of 20 different varieties of Stackers are available including 6.25", 7.5", 10", 12" and 14" diameters in full, half, short full, and short half styles to suit the needs of lighting designers.
Top hats are used in lighting design for two primary purposes: to reduce spill light from lighting fixtures, and to prevent the eye or camera from seeing a bright light source. Professional designers in venues such as Broadway theatres often use hundreds of full and half top hats on a production.
City Theatrical's Gary Fails commented: "Stackers are a wonderful idea that was brought to us by lighting designer Mike Baldassari several years ago. Mike found that standard top hats took up a lot of valuable truck space on his tours and he suggested stacking them like traffic cones to save space. We figured out how to make them stack without sticking and Stackers were born."
Stackers are available through City Theatrical dealers worldwide.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Digidesign has released the new Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 and Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 Pro bundles of creative software and tools available free with all Digidesign Pro Tools|HD and Pro Tools LE systems.
"Our customers are going to be very pleased with the new Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 bundles, which are a dramatic step forward in terms of the variety as well as overall value," remarks Ed Gray, Digidesign's director of partnering programmes. "We worked diligently to compile the best software from some of the world's top audio companies. Whether virtual instruments or creative effects, top-of-the-line sound libraries or valuable artist promotion services, we believe that the Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 provides the best tools to allow our users to create the music that lives in their imagination."
Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 and the premium Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 Pro offer "an unprecedented collection" of professional effects and signal processing plug-ins, virtual instruments, high-quality sounds, and creative applications - all fully compatible with Pro Tools. Both packs also include the Pro Tools Method One> instructional DVD for getting up to speed quickly.
(Jim Evans)
UAE - UK audio and video distribution equipment company Smart-e Limited will be exhibiting at PALME Middle East for the first time.
The company, which is well known in Europe for its purple coloured AV distribution equipment, is looking to expand the availability of its product range by appointing distributors to cover the EMEA area. The company has an extensive range of multi-format HD compatible video matrix switches and equipment that combine high bandwidth video (400MHz) and high quality stereo audio switching with integral Cat 5/5e/6/7/8 and structured cabling distribution.
Smart-e will be demonstrating the new products within its SNX range of HD compatible multi-format video matrix switches, which start at the SNX-4x4 (offering 4 outputs/4 inputs) to the massive SNX-256x256 (providing a total of 256 outputs/256 inputs).
Also on show will be Smart-e's SLX range of extenders, including the new SCX-TX600, an HD compatible digital signage transmitter designed to link a single source such as a PC, to six multiple displays.
• PALME Middle East takes place at Dubai International Exhibition Centre, from 20-22 May.
(Jim Evans)
Liechtenstein - Following recent press reports highlighting the problem of counterfeit pro audio and MI equipment, Neutrik, the market-leading supplier of audio connectors, is warning that the problem of fake goods does not apply only to finished products. The component market is also being hit by far eastern counterfeiters, with Neutrik'sproprietary Speakon connectors a prime target.
The Speakon's quality of manufacture and reliability has made it a premium item, often used as a selling point in product brochures. That cachet is, naturally enough, reflected in the price, which represents an opportunity for unscrupulous producers to undercut Neutrik by passing off inferior connectors as Speakons.
"This isn't only about the commercial damage to Neutrik through loss of legitimate trade," says Neutrik's CEO, Werner Bachmann. "There is also damage to our reputation when users find inferior performance from what purports to be a premium product." Bachmann explains that because the fake components are made of lower grade materials and often to incorrect manufacturing tolerances, connections may not be secure, leading to loss of audio quality and, over time, breakdowns. But there's a further aspect to the danger which also affects the reputation of other manufacturers.
"While manufacturers generally take care to use premium componentry with their top-of-the-range products, when it comes to their budget ranges they are often tempted to use a cheaper, unbranded source for cables and the like," explains Bachmann. "If they haven't satisf