Australia - Entec has released the Compact Flash module for its DMXStreamer. This module is an add-on to the DMXStreamer that enables the use of standard Compact Flash cards of up to 2Gbytes to store shows and playlist information. As an indication, 2Gbytes guarantees a minimum of 30 hours of continuous recording of 512 channels of DMX at the maximum frame rate of 44 frames per second.
The data is stored in standard PC format and can be easily transferred for backup or onto other units. The module is supplied with a 64MB card and must be ordered at the same time as the DMXStreamer.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Audiolight has announced the launch of the Aurora, a DPSS white light laser which runs off a normal 13-amp mains socket, and projects sharp, high quality images and text messages at 1200mW output. The full spectrum of colours produced from the Aurora makes it suitable for corporate advertising, as well light shows for nightclubs, bars and outdoor events.
The system comes ready to use, with PC, Zion 3D software, laser and all necessary cables. The Zion 3D laser show software is a powerful package which provides an easy-to-use interface, enabling quick rendering of 2D, 3D and text based graphics, auto-tracing and animations, and also includes a number of pre-programmed shows. The compact Aurora can be quickly and easily set-up, and because it does not require three-phase or water, it can be rigged in virtually any location, plugged in, and running within 10 minutes. The Aurora itself comes in a compact, sturdy case, powder-coated in an attractive black finish, and is also available for hire.
(Lee Baldock)
Israel - Kramer has introduced the VA-256 audio delay which, the company says, is designed to solve one of the biggest problems in the presentation market - matching audio to video with no delay. With today's fixed resolution monitors and projectors based on technologies such as plasma and LCD, there is a lot of scaling going on to match incoming signal resolutions to those of the displays. That processing can slow down the throughput of the video signal and lead to audio and video sync problems.
The Kramer VA-256 audio delay, from the Kramer Tools product line, complements the company's line of ProScale digital scaler/switchers. It provides a user programmable delay ranging from 10 milliseconds to 2.5 seconds in increments of 10 milliseconds. High quality anti-aliasing and output smoothing filters are employed, and the unit digitizes to 24-bit resolution at 48kHz to achieve high quality audio.
Kramer will be showing the VA-256 audio delay at the NAB exhibition in Las Vegas, from 17-22 April, on stand SL5810.
(Lee Baldock)
USA - Loud Technologies has announced that its new Tapco by Mackie brand will use this year's NAB convention in Las Vegas (17-22 April) to show its new family of affordable, high-performance studio monitors, which have been conceived and engineered by the same design team behind the award-winning line of Mackie HR series studio monitors.
The 8-inch Tapco S8 and 5.25" Tapco S5 are both two-way, bi-amplified monitors with dual high-precision internal amplifiers that deliver a total of 120W RMS (60W for the woofer and 60W for the tweeter). Both models benefit from the same 1" waveguide-loaded silk-dome tweeter that provides smooth, non-fatiguing high end, say Tapco manufacturer, Loud Technologies.
Rear panel controls on the S5 and S8 allow for acoustic tailoring with low-frequency boost and high frequency cut/boost switches. Inputs include 0.25" TRS/XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced. All rear-panel controls and connections are recessed into a high-quality, stylish amplifier panel that's unique in the Tapco price range. The front panel includes separate power and clipping LEDs.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Edirol Europe today released a new 4-channel video mixer/live switcher - the LVS-400, offering a professional solution for corporate and worship installations with live events using up to four video sources.
The LVS-400 offers four S-Video/Composite (BNC) inputs, MIDI I/O (V-Link), S-Video output and 2 composite (BNC) outputs - switchable to NTSC or PAL. It offers a basic set of transitions, four picture-in-picture locations as well as black, white and chroma-keying functions. The LVS-400 features two separate frame synchronizers that enable stable, smooth and noiseless video cuts and transitions. The illuminated button pads make it easy to use, even in dark locations. The LVS-400 is also equipped with a preview monitoring section allowing the user to check video source content before switching to it live.
(Lee Baldock)
Australia / Germany - This year, Australian manufacturer ARX Systems celebrates 21 years designing and manufacturing innovative pro audio products with the release of several new additions to their product ranges, which will be on show at Frankfurt's ProLight&Sound exhibition (31 March-3 April). ARX managing director Colin Park says the company is particularly excited about the release of the new Audiobox Series of precision tools for audio professionals.
The Audiobox Series offers a complete range of precision tools designed to perform essential professional audio functions in compact, flexible packages. Initial models being released are microphone pre-amps, three types of direct box/interface unit, a headphone amplifier, transformer splitter and isolation units, and a -10 / +4dB level adapter and balancer.
Also on show for the first time is the new Afterburner II Dual mode compressor/limiter and the Compo dual-channel compressor/limiter. Both units feature ARX's new analogue Computer-based program dependent attack and release time constant circuits.
The newly revised and updated ARX V 7.0 product CD-ROM, detailing all the company's products will also be available at the Booth, as well as the usual Australian hospitality.
ARX can be found in Hall 4.1 on stand A70.
(Lee Baldock)
USA - American DJ has introduced four revolutionary new laser DMX effects: the Tri Image, Tri Beam, Tri Star and Tri Fecta. Each model is capable of generating three different colours, as each includes two 4.9mW laser diodes, one red and one green, which when combined create a yellow beam.
These affordable units can be operated from any universal DMX controller, and can also be plugged in and left to run on their own using their many built-in programs or via a sound-activation mode. For an amplified overall effect, DJs can link multiple units together in master-slave configurations. Each of the new lasers has its own distinct feature set.
The Tri Image produces red, green and yellow effects all at the same time. All effects are created using a 4.9mW red laser diode, a 4.9mW green laser diode and a reflector mirror that rotates 360°. The Tri Image is programmed with 50 pre-set geometric patterns and 800 effects, plus a 3D effect that adds significant depth to each image. Portable and compact, the unit measures 6.5 inches long by 4.5" wide by 6.5" high and weighs only 4.5lbs.
The Tri Beam uses its three-colour laser and eight spinning mirrors to produce eight flat, solid beams of red, green or yellow light. It includes two hanging brackets that allow for a choice of vertical or horizontal light dispersion.
Capable of covering a very wide area, the Tri Star is suitable for larger venues. It produces red, green and yellow beams which bounce off of six mirrors that rotate 360°, and is programmed with 50 pre-set geometric patterns and 800 effects.
UK - Avolites is highlighting new technology with its just-launched eDMX wireless control solution, making its European trade show debut this spring. The eDMX system transfers DMX data across a Wi-Fi radio link - completely removing the need for DMX data cables.
eDMX units are easily addressed and user configured, either as transmitters or receivers, allowing the fast set up of Point-to-Point, Point-to-Multipoint or Multipoint-to-Multipoint DMX data transmission systems. Each transmit/receive pair of eDMX units relays data for one DMX universe at full speed, with ranges of up to 1km.
eDMX units can be used as a free-standing device to receive data from front-of-house consoles, thus feeding all the data into an existing wired splitter, or it can be attached directly to an intelligent lighting fixture or a chain of fixtures. The deployment of eDMX is totally user definable - one per light, one per pipe or truss, or just one to overcome the front of house data leap. eDMX is compact enough to be housed within a moving light fixture, removing the necessity for any data cable. Once an 802.11 (Wi-Fi) network is set up, eDMX will automatically locate its data.
eDMX works across multiple networks - each eDMX contains its own unique addressing protocol and each unit can be set to receive data from a different universe for multiple universe situations. Each eDMX unit can act as a pre-patch unit, saving users from having to re-address the moving light in situ. eDMX also has a complete inbuilt Web Server that can be used to view its signal-to-noise ratio, or to provide m
UK / Germany - Leading British PA/VA manufacturer Millbank will exhibit its extensive range of cutting-edge CENELEC and BS5839 pt8 compliant products at Frankfurt ProLight&Sound 2004. Since Millbank was acquired by Ampekko Ltd in 2003, further investment has expanded the company's product portfolio, and it will showcase a range of new products designed specifically for PA applications.
In particular, a sophisticated new digital voice store will be displayed. As a compact and easy-to-install unit, the DVS increases the flexibility and potential of the legendary Millbank VA range. The new VxLINK also making its international debut is designed to enhance any complex systems' design. As another simple to install product from Millbank, it effectively augments the potential of the Millbank PA range.
In addition, Millbank's other products will be showcased, including VeriFIRE and JustiFIRE - VA systems. A host of Ampekko products, which were amalgamated to the Millbank stable last year, will further underline Millbank's leading position. Millbank can be found on stand H15 in Hall 8.
(Lee Baldock)
Germany / Italy - GLP of Karlsbad, Grmany, has introduced the 'startube 4' additive colour-changing system, which features four T8 36W fluorescent tubes. Each system contains a red, a green, a blue and a white fluorescent tube along with integrated high-resolution control electronics that make it possible to dim smoothly across the entire range from 0-100%. As each tube can be controlled individually via DMX 512, the new system is able to combine homogeneous colour mixing with high luminous efficiency and low thermal loading. Thanks to the rapid response of the tubes, chase and strobe-like effects can also be generated.
GLP's startube 4 is suitable for both architectural lighting and use on stages and in TV studios. Since the tubes can be installed lengthways and sideways without leaving any gaps, it is also possible to create continuous planes of light. On the RGB principle, the white fluorescent tube is not strictly necessary for the creation of colours - it serves rather to increase the luminosity - so it can be exchanged individually for another colour if preferred. Integrated M10 threaded bushing for hooks, a Camlock quick-release fastener, the ability to attach a safety chain and the provision of removable feet make the startube 4 simple and safe to use on tour and other mobile applications.
Among the other merits of the new system are its lockable single-plug connection system and low power consumption, achieved through careful compensation. It is also possible to connect up to 15 startube 4 units in series on one 16A phase using a startube 4 splitter. The
UK - Allen & Heath has announced a change in the production of its Xone:02 pro scratch mixer. In place of the custom-made VCA faders that have been used since the mixer's launch in November 2001, Penny & Giles faders will now be fitted as standard as opposed to an optional extra.
"Allen & Heath is renowned worldwide for its top-end Xone series of DJ and club mixers and our design philosophy is always focussed on providing the best quality products on the market," commented sales director, Bob Goleniowski. "The fader is the most important part of a scratch mixer and Penny & Giles' impressive reputation in this field has made their fader very popular with our customers."
Although it looks like a two channel mixer, the Xone:02's pair of dual stereo channels and dual mic channel allow up to four stereo and two mono sources to be mixed simultaneously with independent gain. There is also a specially designed three-band EQ section and a set of effect loop on/off controls, with silent FET (field effect transistor) switching to seamlessly cut external FX into the mix with no clicks. Stereo channels also have VCA pan controls on sliders and special rotating transform switches which work up/down or left/right to match the DJ's style.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Following the successful introduction of the new WHISEworks-NTM filter in the Omnidrive Compact Plus - used with great success on the recent David Bowie tour by Adlib Audio - BSS has announced a firmware upgrade for its Minidrive FDS-334 and FDS-336 units, which includes the new filters.
The new firmware, available as a free download via the BSS website, includes the new 36dB and 52dB slope filters, which use a notching design to provide a faster roll-off than equivalent order Linkwitz-Riley designs, allowing speaker drivers to be powered to their optimum bandwidth. Jerry Wing of top UK sound company Britannia Row Productions, is calling the new filter "the biggest step forward in digital crossover technology since Linkwitz-Riley."
The new firmware also includes updates to allow Minidrive to be included in the new release of the SB2 control suite, which is available simultaneously from the BSS website. SB2 allows users to control multiple Minidrive or Omnidrive units simultaneously as a group, down to groups of band gains for array control. Custom panels can be created to allow instant visibility of numerous parameters. SB2 was also used on the David Bowie tour by Adlib Audio, in conjunction with a wireless PC tablet operating on a wireless LAN to control a number of FDS-366Ts.
(Lee Baldock)
Australia - ARX Systems has announced the release of the new ARX Afterburner II multi-mode compressor/limiter, designed for use in the most demanding professional audio dynamics control applications. The Afterburner II can be used in three different modes of operation: In two-channel mode, it performs as two independent compressor/limiters, with 'industry standard' variable Threshold, Ratio and Output gain; In stereo mode, ARX's new Adaptive Stereo Link circuitry provides increased stereo imaging accuracy when linking both channels as a stereo pair; A single front panel switch puts the Afterburner into its alternative Mono mode - setting it up as a single-channel, dual band compressor/limiter, with separate dynamics control of both low and high frequencies, opening up a whole new range of gain control techniques.
In any mode, the Afterburner II also features true analogue computer-based program dependant attach and release time constants and switchable 'Enhance' function, which provides frequency restoration to preserve the spectral balance of the audio signal, compensating for the sagging low and high frequency response of compressed program material operating as a 'smart' loudness control.
The Afterburner II also features: above/below threshold LEDs for at-a-glance compression confirmation, wwitchable hard or soft knee compression option, 12-segment ' wide scale ' LED Output Level and separate Gain Reduction metering, comprehensive LED indication of all operating functions and status in all modes and electronically balanced XLR and quarter inch Jack inputs and
UK / Germany - Trantec will showcase its entire range of advanced radio products at this year's Frankfurt ProLight&Sound exhibition. Making its European debut is the Trantec S6001 which, the company says, carries on where the award-winning S5000 left off. It features many of the benefits of the internationally acclaimed S6000 rack system, but in a compact, single-channel unit.
Using the same receiver technology currently employed in the S6000, the S6001 can operate from 798MHz to 865MHz. It can operate from user defined frequency sets programmed via a USB port, or custom programmed to individual frequencies via the data wheel on the front panel. The unit displays all the standard information through a latest generation vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), giving high visual clarity in all environments.
Trantec will also be showcasing its new 4.16 - a low cost radio mic system.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Audace Ltd, manufacturers of the Intelliplate control system for fixed installations of audio-visual equipment has upgraded its flagship SuperHub controller. The first enhancement comes with the advent of a new revision of its firmware - now standing at V2.03. This latest release includes two powerful new features for programmers. A new 'checksum' facility enables both the processing and the generation of checksums on data strings.
In addition, the automation capability of the SuperHub has been enhanced with the advent of a 'relative' time stamp to complement the existing 'absolute' time events that were previously available. Both features are in direct response to requests from established customers. SuperHub's hardware has also been updated, with the release of its issue two main board. The product now utilizes the latest revision of its eight-bit processor, which, according to the manufacturer, out-performs many 16-bit processors. SuperHub has been bolstered with the addition of a further two optional opto-isolated logic outputs - taking the total available to eight. All these enhancements to the features and performance of the product have been achieved without affecting the price. SuperHub is a programmable AV Controller with automation capability, sophisticated networking functionality and connectivity to the Intelliplate range of inexpensive wall panels. Further information is available from the dedicated web site.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
UK - GLP of Karlsbad has announced that the new Ypoc 575 moving head, first shown at the PLASA Show in London last year, is now available for delivery. Among the most obvious advantages of the new device is its compact size and weight, equivalent to a 250-class moving head, thanks to the the quality of its componentry and its state-of-the-art microprocessor technology. A HTI 575W discharge lamp combines with annealed optics to ensure an efficient output of light, say the company.
The Ypoc 575 is equipped with a colour wheel with 11 dichroic and two separate gobo wheels. A further onboard effect is the 4.5mW laser diode, controlled for greater convenience by a separate DMX channel. Controlled via DMX 512, the fixture features a four-character alphanumeric display to facilitate the programming of the DMX address as well as a counter indicating the number of hours the lamp has been in use. For mobile applications, GLP has made it possible to mount the product using Omega clamps with Camlock quick-release fasteners.
GLP will be presenting the Ypoc 575 at the SIB in Rimini from 13-16 March (Booth 075-086, Hall A1) and the ProLight&Sound exhibition in Frankfurt from 31-3 April (Booth 9.0 B61A).
Sarah Rushton-Read)
UK - Symetrix is introducing the new AirTools 6200 voice processor, and showing upgrades to the Studio Matrix signal processing system at the forthcoming NAB 2004 exhibition in in Las Vegas. All units are now shipping, say the company.
The AirTools 6200 is a dual-channel, DSP-driven voice processor, with all the necessary functions to handle complete signal processing of microphone or line-level signals, in dual-mono or stereo. Processing blocks are editable from the front panel or from a Windows-based GUI accessed via USB or Ethernet ports, and changes are stored in any of the 1024 onboard preset locations. Processes include filtering, parametric equalization, compression, de-essing, gating, room simulation and more. The 6200 also supports HomerLink, an interconnect protocol that makes it compatible with the Studio Matrix system.
The Studio Matrix system is now shipping and supporting software version 1.1. This modular system for routing, mixing, and processing of broadcast audio is starting to open eyes around the industry, according to the manufacturer. Systems consist of dedicated input and output 1U DSP modules that network together using the proprietary SymLink bus. Studio Matrix Designer software for Windows provides system configuration and real-time control of audio functions via serial or Ethernet connection. A full complement of processing functions including filtering, equalization, dynamics, mix-minus, AGC, and more, are supported in the software, and available in every DSP device.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Cambridge-based Screen Technology, innovators of large screen technology, has announced the completion of its ITrans production prototype, the first ever high brightness, 68" diagonal SVGA display made from 16 tiles, with an 85" diagonal XGA display to be built in March. The display has a luminance of greater than 2000Cd/sq.m and excellent contrast at all angles of view, say Screen Technology, and can deliver the performance required for use in large, well-lit venues which until now, have suffered from poor quality video display images.
The company is expecting a huge demand for this new technology from an identified market for large screen displays used in high ambient light areas, including theme parks, museums, trade shows and exhibitions. Independent research carried out by SRI has estimated the professional market for large display screens using existing technology to be valued at in excess of $5bn by the year 2007. The new market area unlocked by ITrans alone could have a value of in excess of $1bn by 2007.
The patented ITrans technology provides a continuous, seamless, high-resolution image with excellent viewability from all angles, at a wide range of distances. ITrans achieves this through the use of a novel non-imaging optical magnifier designed to allow unlimited seamless tiling whilst ensuring excellent viewing characteristics. Tony Kellett, CEO at Screen Technology, comments: "To date, plasma technologies have been available for smaller screens, typically up to about 60". LED video screens have been used for very large scre
USA - Symetrix has introduced the Express Series of DSP devices to the SymNet family. Available in two different versions, Express hardware is aimed at stand-alone applications with three new models, and CobraNet-capable applications with four more.
Standard Express hardware is intended for use in stand-alone applications where a single DSP will suffice. Models include a 12x4 for multiple microphones or sources, a 4x12 for paging or speaker processing, and an 8x8 for more complex input and output routing. All Express Cobra models include an eight-channel CobraNet license, and are otherwise identical to the standard Express hardware. Express Cobra provides interconnectivity with compatible hardware from Symetrix and other vendors. I/O configurations in the Express Cobra series include 12x4, 4x12, 8x8, and 4x4.
Each Express unit is individually-addressable over Ethernet. The onboard SHARC processors support the same set of functions and processes as found on the SymNet Audio Matrix Series.
(Lee Baldock)
Germany - Shure Europe and Shure Distribution Germany have announced that the highlight of this year's ProLight & Sound exhibition will be the European introduction of the brand-new SLX Wireless Systems for professional installations. Suited to installed sound applications and working bands, the new SLX Wireless Systems feature Shure's patented Audio Reference Companding technology. As well as an innovative setup, complete with automatic synchronization, SLX supports up to 12 compatible systems per frequency band (country dependent).
SLX easily integrates with other Shure products like in-ear monitoring systems, automatic mixers, audio processors and the new ConferenceONE discussion systems to provide flexible and powerful audio solutions for virtually any application, say Shure.
(Lee Baldock)
Germany - ChainMaster Bühnentechnik is set to significantly heighten its profile at trade shows both inside and outside Germany in order to improve communication with contractors and others interested in its products, the company reports.
As well as attending a greater number of trade shows, the company will also increase its stand size at the ProLight & Sound (Hall 8.0 Booth F74) in Frankfurt by 40%. As Frank Hartung, ChainMaster's managing director, explained: "We want to be able to show our chain hoists and chain hoist controllers in action, whilst at the same time retaining enough room to conduct an unhurried dialogue with our customers in comfort. This was not possible with the booth design we had before."
This year, ChainMaster is presenting a new-look catalogue at ProLight&Sound, and will be demonstrating not only the highly successful BGV C1 chain hoists, VarioLifts and VarioTrolleys but also its latest software solutions for the control of stage equipment.
(Lee Baldock)
Germany - Camco will launch three key products at the ProLight & Sound show in Frankfurt (31 March - 3 April), including a new top-of-the-range model in their acclaimed Vortex Series of power amplifiers.
The Vortex 200V is Camco's new flagship, the latest addition to the company's line of pioneering digital amplifier products. Specified at more than 3kW per channel RMS at 4 Ohms, the Vortex 200V delivers voltage at the output of 200V per channel. It shares the standard features of the Vortex Series, such as on-board Remote Control; power transistor control with emergency shutdown in case of extreme malfunctions; reliable over-voltage protection; thermal protective circuitry for the transistors, and hum-free operation in case of extreme under-voltage (instead of sound-deteriorating limiters).
Camco's Tecton Series, launched last year, is a range of power amps featuring the latest developments in the company's High-Efficient-SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supply). The latest addition to the line is the Tecton 36:2, which produces 2 x 1800W at 2 Ohms at full duty cycle. Targeted at the sound contractor and rental company market, the Tecton Series delivers the same standards of high-level performance, low dynamic distortion and superior sound quality that characterise the Vortex range, but in a more accessible price bracket, say Camco. With seven models, from 2 x 420W/4 Ohms, the range is optimized for use with either higher or lower impedances, and all models offer three operational modes: parallel mono, bridged mono and stereo. All Tecton amplifiers are compact and light
UK - Turbosound, the British-based manufacturer of live performance and installed sound loudspeakers, is releasing its innovative new sound reinforcement system at Frankfurt ProLight & Sound 2004 (Hall 8.0, Stand J52). Turbosound's most efficient loudspeaker design to date, the new system is easily scaleable to suit specific acoustic and venue requirements ranging from small clubs and auditoria, to the largest arenas and stadia.
The new system comprises a set of proprietary transducers, which operate over four individual frequency bands, and are divided between two identically-sized modular enclosures. It incorporates many patented designs, with the key element being the deployment of equal-path-length multi-cellular horns, or 'polyhorns', to create a phase-coherent wavefront. The system permits individual wavefronts to coincide seamlessly with the physical curvature of an array, to eliminate comb filtering effects, and due to the design's focused directivity, the system is intuitively adaptable to a huge range of room size and audience coverage requirements.
High stability neodymium magnet structures are used throughout, offering greater efficiency, better thermal stability and reduction in overall weight. Enclosure dimensions are exactly divisible into both US and European truck sizes, while the integral flying hardware enables the boxes - with their rotatable mid-high section - to rig horizontally or vertically, and allows cabinets to be pre-assembled on wheel dollies for easier load-ins.
Also being launched at Frankfurt is a new range of digitally powered Q
UK - Carlsbro re-issue the '50 Top', an all-valve, point to point, hand-wired, British made valve guitar amplifier. Fondly remembered as the workhorse of gigging musicians in the 70s, this simple, single-channel valve head is being re-issued exactly as it was 30 years ago.
Featuring original 1970s specification with military specification hand-wiring, chassis-mounted porcelain valve bases and a heavy gauge welded steel chassis, the amp is supplied in the original black vinyl with yellow panel cosmetics. Following a surge of initial orders, stock will be available in April.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)