Germany - Mackie announced at ProLight+Sound a new range of gear designed to meet the global customer demand for passive systems. The new system is composed of three different series of products: S500 Series Passive Loudspeakers, FRS Series Power Amplifiers and the SP260 2x6 Speaker Processor.

"Our customers have asked for an expanded portable PA line that delivers professional performance at amazing prices," remarked Mackie's director of product management, Greg Young. "This new system does just that, with class-leading performance and unmatched affordability."

Mackie S500 Series passive loudspeakers deliver "professional results in rugged designs that are exceedingly affordable". Delivering a high-powered solution for Mackie's popular PPM Series of powered mixers, S500 passive loudspeakers utilise high-output transducers housed within rugged enc

Germany - Since being launched 18 months ago, Apex's Intelli-X² processors have become a fixture for a wide range of touring bands, musicals and festivals. Now the company has brought all the high end features of Intelli-X² to the installation market with the Intelli-Z², which is being launched at ProLight+Sound 2012.

Exhibiting in Hall 8.0, Stand C40, Apex recognises that processors for fixed installations, such as theatres and conference venues, are often located in amplifier or control racks which are not necessarily easy to access. Utilising the full power of Apex Intelli-Ware remote control software, the new Intelli-Z² system management processor is designed specifically with such installations in mind.

The Intelli-Z² features a four in / eight out configuration, integral mixer and selectable analogue or AES-3 I/O, but without the additional cost of unnecessary hardw

Germany - Studiomaster debuted several new product lines on the opening day of Prolight+Sound 2012. Included in the line up of new products are additions to current lines and completely new series.

New speaker products include active large format NXT professional sound reinforcement panels, a new ultra portable highly powerful active injection moulded PA series and high quality self powered tarpazoidal PA for sound touring and fixed installation apps.

On the mixer front, the company is showing the final production version of its new portable powered mixer - the Horizon 2012. An eye catching design, ergonomic form factor, 2000 watts of onboard Class-D amplification and a host of features add up to "the most powerful and best spec'd portable FOH PA package around"; and all transportable on a shoulder strap (included). Other new mixer lines are the ultra miniature C2 se

Germany - DPA Microphones announced at Prolight + Sound 2012 the launch of its handheld d:facto vocal microphone.

In the d:facto vocal mic, DPA has "pooled its years of expertise and resources to bring an eagerly awaited, high quality vocal condenser mic to the market". Bridging the gap between live performance and studio recording, d:facto offers extraordinarily natural sound, high separation and extreme SPL handling, says the company.

d:facto is equally at home in sound reinforcement and recording applications. In common with all DPA mics, d:facto features superior gain before feedback, while the inbuilt 3-step pop protection grid effectively removes unwanted noise.

"For many years the market has been requesting that the high sound quality of DPA's legendary 4011 mic be available for live performance," says DPA's CEO Christian Poulsen. "As a result

Germany - At ProLight+Sound Hall 8, Roland Systems Group (RSG) is featuring the Roland REAC Driver Kit for the V-Mixing System. The REAC Driver Kit enables recording of 40 simultaneous audio tracks into SONAR X1 Producer software via one Cat5e/6 cable from a REAC System to a PC Ethernet Port.

The REAC Driver Kit is sold separately from SONAR X1 Producer and is intended for use with the Roland V-Mixer Consoles M-480, M-380, M-400, and M-300. It is also compatible with Roland S-4000 and S-1608 Digital Snake Systems.

This integrated and cost effective solution is designed for recording live performances with the V-Mixing System components. Using the REAC Driver Kit with the mixing, mastering and delivery power of SONAR X1 Producer gives live audio professionals the ability to deliver a polished, quality recording, says the company.

(Jim Evans)

Germany - Lake is using Prolight+Sound 2012 as the preferred stage to unveil the new release of its Lake Controller software - version 6 - marking "a critical leap forward in the development of the ubiquitous live sound processing environment".

In addition to general enhancements, including optimization for Windows 7 and improved performance for large system networks, Version 6 will include support for the forthcoming Yamaha MY8-LAKE card, bringing Lake Processing to Yamaha's extensive line of digital audio mixing desks.

Perhaps more significantly for Lake's existing user base however, is the advent of new integration potential with real-time acoustical spectrum analysis software; with Version 6 supporting full integration with both Smaart 7 and WaveCapture's Live-Capture.

(Jim Evans)

Germany - 25 years after introducing its first digital mixing console, Yamaha has unveiled its latest generation of digital consoles with the launch of the three-model CL series at ProLight+Sound in Frankfurt on Wednesday.

Retaining essential features and functionality that have become standards over the past quarter of a century, Yamaha's new CL Series of digital mixing consoles offers "an evolved experience in accessible mixing", the company says. "Combined with sonic purity and advanced sound shaping capabilities, the CL Series gives the most imaginative artists and engineers unprecedented creative freedom".

Three models were launched - the CL1, CL3 and CL5, ranging in scale from 48 to 72 mono + eight stereo inputs. All feature 16 DCAs and 24 mix / eight matrix output busses.

Founded on the proven Centralogic interface, the advanced CL Series incorpora

Germany - Jands gave their new flagship Vista L5 media and lighting control console its first European tradeshow outing at Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt.

Jands CEO, Paul Mulholland, unveiled the Vista L5 while reflecting on the 10 year journey the company have taken with their Vista range. Explaining that while the original Vista concept was very well received, their work over the past few years has been to refine that concept to deliver a second generation software that is "the perfect integration of Jands's original concept and the industry's demands for it," encouraging those who may have dismissed it in the past to take another look, now it has truly reached its potential.

With the Vista L5 offering "the definitive work surface" for the Vista v2 software, he concluded that, just like outside of our industry, embracing new technologies and interfaces deliv

UK - Chauvet Europe will present the new Chauvet Professional luminaires to the European market at PLASA Focus 2012. Among the latest products on show will be the MVP 12 modular video panels, Legend 412 pixel-mapping moving yoke, Q-Wash 560Z-LED moving yoke, COLORado 2 Zoom Tour and COLORado 1-Quad Tour wash fixtures.

The MVP 12 is a lightweight, tri-colour SMD LED modular video panel suitable for high-resolution graphics and live action video. Featuring a semi-transparent design, MVP 12 allows lighting and elements to pass through while maintaining high resolution and clarity. MVP 12 video panels easily interlock for dramatic displays.

Legend 412 is an innovative, pixel-mapping moving yoke wash fixture featuring 12 quad-coloured RGBW LEDs controllable in quadrants. Nimble and ultra-compact, this multi-purpose unit is capable of an excellent wash and mesmerizing dynamic chases

Germany - At Prolight+Sound 2012, for the first time Neumann presented the capsule heads KK 204 (cardioid) and KK 205 (supercardioid) for the Sennheiser 2000 Series wireless system.

Wolfgang Fraissinet, president of Neumann, explains, "Neumann capsules have already been used in combination with the Sennheiser SKM 5200 handheld transmitter for the past 10 years on some of the largest stages of the world, where the highest demands are placed on a high-resolution sound and transmission reliability.

"With the development of the KK 204 and KK 205 capsule heads, the Neumann sound is now also available for the Sennheiser 2000 Series. The synergies between the key areas of expertise of Sennheiser handheld transmitters and Neumann capsule sound permit us to offer our customers a wireless system of absolutely uncompromisingly quality, even for the most demanding live applicati

Germany - At proLight+Sound last week, Solid State Logic introduced its Live-Recorder system.

The Live-Recorder system provides "an ultra-reliable, high-quality, low-cost solution for high-channel-count live, location or broadcast recording". Live-Recorder is designed for live music recording from FOH console systems, location film sound recording, TV broadcast production studios and broadcast production trucks.

The system connects via standard optical MADI, so it can connect directly to MADI-equipped digital mixing consoles, venue audio distribution infrastructure (Riedel, Optocore, etc.) or broadcast routers. The system presents significant cost-saving opportunities when compared to hard disk recorders or other DAW recorder systems, says the company. Each Live-Recorder system can record up to 128Ch@24bit/48kHz or 64Ch@24bit/96kHz.

Live-Recorder combines Soundscap

Germany - Among the new Clay Paky products making their international debut at ProLight+Sound were the new A.Lleda LED moving head range. The line consists of three models with wide fast pan and tilt movements: 100 W, 300 W and 600 W approx. The 100 W model has a fixed 6° aperture, whereas the two more powerful models have a 8°-40° (over 60° at 10%) electronic zoom, which makes them suitable for use in most professional environments.

This line is a valid alternative to discharge-lamp washlights of equal power, with all the benefits of LED lights: intense, highly vivid saturated-tone colours, light-weight, energy saving, longer light source life, and lower operating and maintenance costs, says ythe company.

All the models in the A.Leda line are fitted with advanced electronics, have a compact light-weight design, and can be easily adapted to all areas of applica

Germany - As ever, consistency remains a key word in the d&b audiotechnik almanac. However, this year, it was a multiplicity in size, colour, application and intelligent solutions that were centre stage at Frankfurt prolight+sound 2012.

Taking the lime light was the new V-Series, a formidable addition to the d&b stable of line array offerings within their Black product range. The latest cabinets to the E-Series ,the teenyweeny E4 and E5 were also on display alongside fresh options for installers contemplating the d&b White range.

Frankfurt was the choiceby d&b audiotechnik for their worldwide launch of the V-Series. This mid-sized line array system comprises the three-way passive V8 or V12 loudspeakers having 80 and 120 degrees horizontal dispersion respectively. These loudspeakers are supported by the dedicated V-SUB which incorporates the d&b patented passive cardioid techno

Germany - UK loudspeaker manufacturer EM Acoustics presented a range of self-powered products at ProLight+Sound 2012; a move that breaks new ground for the company. EM Acoustics self-powered solutions are amongst the most advanced in the industry and bring new levels of flexibility to product function and integration, especially into digital systems, says the company.

All new products are self-powered versions of existing products. They all utilise the same amplifier and DSP package, keeping use techniques consistent across the product range. Denoted by the suffix 'SP', so far they include: X3-SP, X3-DFSP down-fill, MSE-218SP, MSE-156SP and MSE-159SP. Further self-powered additions to the range are planned for the near future, retaining the same features and design philosophy.

So what sets an EM Acoustics self-powered solution apart from the crowd? According to operations dire

USA - Line 6 is now shipping the XD-V75 and XD-V35 series of digital wireless handheld, lavalier, headset and bodypack microphone systems.

Designed for professional vocalists and performers, the new flagship XD-V75 line includes handheld, lavalier, headset and bodypack digital wireless systems. The family offers pure, 24-bit sound with unparalleled reliability and a full complement of professional features including signal encryption, dynamic filters, gain control, channel scanning and more to handle the most complex applications, says the company.

Utilizing the same fourth generation digital wireless platform as the XD-V75, the compact and portable XD-V35 family includes handheld and lavalier systems.

"For performers who want wired mic audio performance and wireless freedom, the combination of Line 6 modeling and our class-leading digital wireless platform makes the la

UK - Rigging Services will be conducting live demonstrations of the features, benefits and changes to its online shop RSDirect from its stand RA-C14 at PLASA Focus.

Rigging Services was one of the first companies in the event industry to offer online services from the mid 1990s. Re-branded as RSDirect, the shop site does far more than just allow an online transaction.

"Offering the option to buy online is essential for an industry that is nomadic and working 24 hours a day 7 days a week," states Paul Fulcher, director of Rigging Services. "However we feel that the client needs far more than a simple shop site, which is why the re-launched site is packed with extra features".

A simple click from the home page www.riggingservices.co.uk takes a browser directly into the shop.

Working easily with either a PC, laptop or smart phone the site is very simple to

Germany - J&C Joel launched their Reefer String Curtain at Prolight+Sound 2012 in Frankfurt last week.

Manufactured from flame retardant treated polyester, Reefer String Curtains can be made to any size and are available in a wide range of colours, each with the option of interwoven lurex thread in either gold, silver, or bronze.

J&C Joel managing director, Andrew Walsh, said, "The release of the Reefer String Curtain shows J&C Joel's commitment to sourcing new products and providing our customers around the world with the very best in high quality flame retardant fabrics and draping.

"We're thrilled with the amount of interest our Reefer String Curtain attracted in its debut at Prolight & Sound; so much so that we're already planning where we can exhibit it next. This is only one of the many new products that we will be releasing into the market during 2012, which

UK - PLASA Focus Leeds will see Highlite International present the UK launch of a brand new range of Pipe & Drape products from Wentex. Highlite International have an exclusive distribution deal with Wentex for the whole of Europe.

The new system uses a "revolutionary" and patented 4-way connector with an auto-lock system. The system guarantees solid connections of the uprights and drape supports, while they can still be adjusted to every conceivable direction. The cloths attach with Velcro onto the cross bars, making for easy rigging and adjusting. Cloths are available in black and white.

Highlite International will also be showing the new DMT P10 SMD Tour Pixelscreen. Each panel is 640 x 740 x 90mm, and weighs 18kg, making it easy to rig. The panels are IP65-rated and have a luminance output of 5500 Nits.

Also on display will be the new range of Showtec Spectral

USA - Philips Vari-Lite has introduced the new VL3015, VL3015LT, and VL3515 Spot luminaires to provide lighting professionals worldwide with the increased output of a 1500W lamp in the successful line of Vari*Lite spot luminaires.

"With the release of our 1500W VL3500 Wash luminaire, we began to hear from designers and dealers requesting a similar 1500W platform in our range of spot luminaires," said Bob Schacherl, Philips Vari-Lite vice president of sales and marketing. "So building upon the product features that have made the VL3000 Spot and VL3500 Spot two of the most in-demand luminaires in the history of automated lighting, we are very excited about the introduction of the new VL3015, VL3015LT and VL3515 Spot luminaires."

All using the double-ended 1500W lamp that has been so effective and reliable in their large format wash luminaires, the VL3015 and

Germany - Innovason has reported a highly successful PL+S show 2012. The focus this year was the revelation of the latest box of tricks that has been integrated into Innovason's flagship Eclipse GT digital console: named for the 'all-gifted' figure of Greek mythology, Pandora is a new way of panning that provides audibly better results across the listening field than traditional stereo panning, says the company.

Tonmeister and renowned classical sound engineer, Carsten Kummel, explains, "The problem with traditional panning is the loss of signal on one side when you pan to the other. To resolve this, some people choose to mix in mono, but this isn't really a viable solution, especially for complex shows where you are dealing with anything from 80 to 100 channels. So, I started playing around with delay and seeing if I could achieve better results that way.

"I went aw

Germany - Midas picked up the MIPA (Musikmesse International Press Award) for Live Mixing Desk for the new PRO2/C live audio system at Prolight + Sound 2012. MIPAs are presented to the best products released during the previous year as voted for by more than 100 international audio and music magazines. The award was accepted by Midas brand development manager Richard Ferriday.

"We're delighted that the PR02 has received this recognition from the press," says MIDAS brand development manager, Richard Ferriday. Not only has the PR02's success redefined the compact digital console market, it has also changed the structure and shape of our business on a very fundamental level."

(Jim Evans)

Germany - No less than eight Audinate OEM partners announced a total of 13 Dante-enabled products at this year's Prolight+Sound.

"What is truly amazing is the wide range of different Dante products that were launched at the show", says Lee Ellison, Audinate CEO. "It seems that no matter what you are looking for, there is now a Dante enabled product on the market. The market is dictating what it wants, and Dante seems to be the answer,"

Yamaha Commercial Audio-Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. has announced the launch of the new CL Series of digital consoles. The Yamaha CL Series is a Dante network-based console featuring remote I/O for a faster, more responsive Yamaha system solution.

Symetrix announced the SymNet Edge, a significant update to its long line of DSP solutions packed with incredible new features. Symetrix designed Edge to meet the I/O ca

Germany - Interal T.C., the Dutch manufacturer of trusses for sale and dry hire, said the launch of its new heavy duty P100 Protruss at ProLight+Sound in Frankfurt has been a "great success".

Managing Director Jan Verheijen said the exhibition had been "our busiest ever, with a lot of enquiries about the P100 Protruss, as well as the rest of our product portfolio. We'll definitely be back next year and expect to be busier than ever."

Fellow director Frank Claessens noted that "visitor footfall was well up from last year and we spent a lot of time talking about our automated manufacturing, which basically benefits customers through extremely short lead times, even for complex custom-designed trussing projects."

P100 Protruss is a heavy duty truss for the most demanding applications. The P100 has undergone a battery of tests and stress analysis, i

Germany - Last week's ProLight+Sound show was the busiest ever for Doughty Engineering, reports sales director Julian Chiverton. "It was the first time we'd had our own, rather than a shared, stand and the response was tremendous. We were incredibly busy the whole exhibition, with visitors from as far afield as Japan and Russia, and a lot of new contacts to follow up."

Doughty also reports that a lot of interest was shown in its new Baby Quick Trigger clamp. Intended for use on smaller truss sizes, this clamp is adjustable to diameters from 25mm up to 38mm and will be on show for the first time in the UK at PLASA Focus Leeds.

(Jim Evans)

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