UK - The Speedfogger is an innovative new smoke machine from Le Maitre. The new system offers users speedy set-ups, an integral spill-proof 5-litre fluid tank, high thermal power, and status indicators, and fast fogging with high, controllable, continuous output. The unit is also easy to service and has simple and low cost replacement routines for all serviceable parts.
The Speedfogger features Le Maitre's Rapid Change Technology (RCT). As those who have used them will know, the biggest service issue of a fog machine is a plugged heating block often as a result of normal wear and tear. The Speedfogger uses an innovative heat exchanger design allowing the block to be changed quickly and easily on site. All Speedfoggers come with Rapid Change Technology and integral fluid tank, but the rest is up to you. If you just want a simple on/off variflow remote control, then why pay for anything more' You can upgrade whenever you want.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
Germany / UK - Sennheiser has added to its well-known miniature lavalier microphone series with the Sennheiser HS 2, a lightweight and rugged headset microphone specifically designed for professional theatre, stage, TV and broadcast applications.
The HS 2 features the audio pedigree of Sennheiser's MKE 2 Gold lavalier omni-directional microphone, combined with a durable and flexible gooseneck that enables discrete, accurate positioning. Suitable for use with the comprehensive range of Sennheiser wireless bodypack transmitters, the HS 2 is equipped with a 3-pin connector, compatible with Sennheiser 3000 and 5000 series products.
The assembly is available in anthracite or beige and audio performance matches that of the Sennheiser MKE 2 Gold, including low self-noise and a special Umbrella Diaphragm which protects the MKE 2 Gold against sweat and moisture. Sonic performance has been enhanced to compensate for close miking and the extremely thin (0.000014") low mass diaphragm has good transient response. Two optional sound inlet caps are also supplied to tailor the high frequency response as required.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
The Netherlands - One of the first products launched by newly-founded manufacturer Alcons Audio is the TS Series of compact loudspeakers. Intended applications include full-range speech and music reinforcement, as well as fill or under balcony systems. Alcons says that all models in the series boast exceptional sound quality for this speaker category - the result of detailed tuning of cabinet construction, port design, component selection/modification and crossover network.
The Alcons TS series currently consist of two models, the TS 3 and TS 7. The TS 3 features one 6.5" mid-bass driver with 1" soft-dome tweeter on optimized wave-guide. Peak-power is 400W with an efficiency of 89dB (1W/1m) and a frequency response of 66Hz - 20kHz.
The TS 7 features double 6.5" mid-bass driver with identical 1" soft-dome tweeter. Peak-power is 800W with an efficiency of 92dB (1W/1m) and a frequency response of 66Hz - 20kHz. An audiophile grade crossover network matches the speaker components.
Special attention has been paid to prevent baffle-reflection, which creates frequency instability in the on-axis response and is caused by diffraction from the edges of the speaker components and reflection from the cabinet walls. By flush-mounting the speaker components and perforating the sides of the grille, obstruction and reflection is reduced, further smoothing the on-axis response. Because of the frequency response characteristic and sonic transparency, they provide a good match for Alcons' ribbon-based sound systems, say the company.
The TS3 and TS 7 have a hi
USA - American Audio has introduced the WM-UHF16, a single wireless microphone system with 16 selectable UHF frequencies. Just by adjusting knobs on the mic and receiver, the user can select any one of 16 different UHF frequencies to transmit on.
With the WM-UHF16 there's no problem if someone nearby is using a wireless mic on the same frequency. Users simply take the small channel selector tool that's included with the system, and turn the mic and receiver knobs to change to another frequency.
Ideal for a number of applications, the WM-UHF16 is a complete microphone-receiver system with a wireless range of up to 150ft. It features XLR balanced and quarter-inch unbalanced outputs. The system also includes On/Off/Mute controls on the mic, and On and Low Battery LED indicators. Signal to noise ratio is more than 95dB whilst frequency channels range from 471.000-481.650MHz, and a 12V DC power supply is included.
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - E.M. Acoustics, the manufacturing division of Instigate Media Ltd, has launched the first model in the new multi-purpose EMS series - a range designed primarily for installation, but equally suited to audio professionals, DJs or musicians.
The EMS-81 is a two-way passive full-range enclosure designed for a wide variety of uses, including small FOH, club infills, cafes/bars, and low profile floor monitoring. The quasi-trapezoid enclosure is constructed from CNC-machined, multi-laminate Finnish birch ply and contains a reflex loaded 8" (203mm) LF driver and a 1" (25mm) exit HF compression driver on a 90H x 60V horn. The enclosure requires no external processing, has a frequency response from 75Hz - 20kHz and produces a maximum continuous SPL of 120dB. Final touches are achieved with a textured black paint finish (colours optional) and an acoustic foam/expanded steel mesh grille. The powerful enclosure weighs in at 13kg.
In keeping with the multi-purpose design of the enclosure, the EMS-81 has a comprehensive range of mounting options. A 35mm pole mount is fitted to the underside of the enclosure, and 10 M10 rigging points allow suspension either from forged shoulder eyebolts or from the FC-81 flying cradle. Input and loop connections are provided on Neutrik Speakon NL4 connectors. Further enclosures in the series are to be announced later in 2003, including larger full-range enclosures and subwoofer support.
(Lee Baldock)
USA - In response to market demand for reliable installed sound speakers at a competitive price point, JBL Professional has introduced the SoundFactor Install (SFi) range of speakers - installation versions of its SoundFactor product line.
The SF12Mi and SF15i are similar to their ground-bound counterparts, but have features dedicated to installation: three M10, threaded suspension points have been added to each model, and the speakers are supplied with three forged, shouldered eyebolts. Both models have two suspension points on top and the SF15i has a pullback point on the lower rear panel, while the shape of the SF12Mi sees its pullback point moved to the bottom panel. The handles, pole-mount socket and feet have been removed to give a clean, uncluttered appearance. Available this month, the SFi range is particularly suited to clubs, houses of worship and educational institutions.
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - Winlite - Pulsar's software-based memory lighting desk which runs under Microsoft Windows is now available for free download. The system, which is ideal for use in small theatres, schools and amateur dramatics, is based around a simple 2-preset layout making it straightforward to use. Winlite is also an ideal educational tool, even without being connected to a lighting system. Detailed information on Winlite and access to the download page can be found at the website below.
(Ruth Rossington)
USA - Renkus-Heinz has launched the CobraNet Breakout Box. Currently the only product of its kind, it allows users to connect non-Cobranet products to a Cobranet network, giving an installer the benefits of CobraNet technology without having to purchase special amplification, or to retrofit existing systems with CobraNet technology.
The Breakout Box provides six fully-balanced analogue output channels on miniature Phoenix output connectors, and all outputs are muted on power On/Off to prevent system thumps. As well as adding CobraNet connectivity to Renkus-Heinz PN Series powered speakers, Renkus-Heinz rack amplifiers or even another manufacturer's amplification, the Breakout Box also provides an output for the Renkus-Heinz R-Control system, permitting full remote control of R-Control enabled Renkus-Heinz amplification products.
The standard pair of RJ-45 ethernet connectors allows for redundant signal transmission, and two balanced line level analogue inputs are included. One of these can be used as a test input to the system driving output one directly, the other being used to return a single signal back to the head end or any other location on the CobraNet network desired by the installer. The 1U tall unit has mounting flanges allowing it to be mounted to a cluster of powered speakers, and an optional 19" rack adapter allows mounting in an equipment rack.
Renkus-Heinz's Karl Brunvoll says: "Renkus-Heinz is firmly committed to the potential of CobraNet technology and our new Breakout Box brings this versatile connectivity within the reach of an even
UK - Autograph Sales, UK distributor for ATM Flyware overhead structural products, has announced the launch of the SB Series Swivel Beams, an economical solution to suspending a loudspeaker from two fixed structural attachment points. The Swivel Beam can be suspended well below the structural attachment and will allow the adjustment of pan and tilt.
The SB Series is ideally suited for individual loudspeakers suspended in a left and right configuration where the building structure is not in alignment with the proper pan of the loudspeaker. The top section of the SB Series can be attached to a joist in the building, and the lower section can be rotated to align the dispersion of the loudspeaker. There are additionalattachment points on the lower section that accept pull-back straps for adjusting the down-tilt of the loudspeaker.
There are four Swivel Beams in the SB Series: SB-14, which enables the attachment of a loudspeaker with primary suspension points 14" (356mm) apart; SB-18 for 18" (458mm) points; SB-20 for 20" (509mm) points and SB-24 for 24" (610mm) points. Custom sizes are also available. The SB Series has already found its way into venues such as houses of worship, stadiums, multi-purpose halls, gymnasiums, performing arts theatres, and dance clubs. The series is a simple and cost effective way to eliminate a common challenge when suspending a loudspeaker from a structure.
"We are very pleased to see the arrival of the ATM range of Swivel Beams," says Autograph Sales director Graham Paddon. "This now gives us a very c
Germany - F.A.S.T is versatile new system from HK Audio. With separately adjustable microphone and line inputs, it provides a quick and simple solution to most sound reinforcement challenges, from a solo gig in a small pub to a multimedia presentation. F.A.S.T's multi-functional housing makes it a top-flight stage monitor. The integrated DuoTilt speaker stand collar offers two angles of tilt, letting you zero in on the audience and make the most efficient use of sonic energy.
Featuring integrated OFR technology, the F.A.S.T's power amplifier offers 300W RMS, with enough reserves for larger events. The matched combination of 1" driver with 60° x 40° CD horn and 12" woofer provides a lush, crisp sonic image, remaining feedback-proof even at the highest levels. The use of the DynaClip limiter ensures the bass impulses are rendered clearly. "With F.A.S.T, getting a good sound is neither an art nor a science," says product manager Bernd Jung. "It's a piece of cake. All components you need - a power amp, crossover, limiters, and a full-fledged equalizer - are built into F.A.S.T and need no further tweaking. Simply plug in the signal source, power up, turn it up. That's all it takes to get a sweet-sounding sonic image that is both big and crisp!"
(Lee Baldock)
Germany - Camco is pleased to announce the launch of EtherCai, a software and hardware solution to amplifier networking and remote control which can be run from any PC with Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP, using an Ethernet Network-Card. Camco has been at the forefront of amplifier remote operation since 1993, when the company launched its proprietary control protocol, CAI (Camco AudioInterface) and network software WinCai, based on the industrial RS-485 Bus. The release of EtherCai takes advantage of the faster speeds and improved reliability of 21st century computers and operating systems, and combines the benefit of RS-485 and the Ethernet network.
WinCai software communicates with the new EtherCai-Server, each of which can support connections for up to 32 amplifiers. The current version of WinCai can support up to 100 EtherCai-Servers.Connection to the amplifiers is made via the proven CAI-protocol and hardware over the RS-485 Bus, which works reliably for distances up to 1300m. This type of daisy-chain network is easy to wire, and can make use of existing microphone or multicore cables. The system is fully compatible with all CAI-equipped amplifiers on the market. In a typical application, EtherCai can be connected via a short cable to a notebook computer at FOH-Position. The RS-485 Port is connected via multicore to all the amps on stage using bus wiring. The current version of WinCai has been optimized for use with EtherCai, but the software is being redesigned.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Following numerous requests from customers, Galaxy Audio has produced an install version of its top-selling Hot Spot vocal monitor, the Chameleon PMCB. Incorporating the basic concept of the Hot Spot, the main difference of the install version is the replacement of 1/4in jacks with push-pin equivalents, cloth-covered grille and an optional wall- or stand-mounted yoke bracket.
Ideal for for permanent installation in live music venues, studios, conference rooms and houses of worship, the PMCB is fitted with a pair of 5in speakers, pumps out 200W, has a frequency response of 150Hz-15kHz and weighs only 8lb. Thanks to dimensions of just 7" x 11" x 5.25", they’re also relatively inconspicuous. Available in 70V or 100V versions and a choice of white or black (or grey primer for customized spraying). The Chameleon PMCB is available in the UK from Smart Sound Direct.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - ETC's Source Four Zoom has become more affordable than ever before as a result of economies of scale in manufacturing which ETC is passing on to the end user.
The Source Four Zoom with its one-handed zoom adjustment, provides a bright, efficient, even field and cool beam, making it the ideal luminaire for today's most discerning lighting professionals. It's available in two field angle ranges - 15° to 30° and 25° to 50°, providing a beam size perfect for all applications. Rated up to 750W, the Source Four Zoom has all the benefits of the ellipsoidal Source Four with the added zoom function. Current photometric tests show that the Zoom still has remarkably higher lumen output than its competitors.
ETC Europe's product manager Erik Larsen said: "The Source Four Zoom is one of the best zooms on the market and the quantities we're making and shipping is testimony to that. The more we produce, the lower the manufacturing costs - we're saving money and we're happy to pass that saving onto the end-user."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
Germany - The Major One is Lightpower's new single-channel dimmer, dedicated to be used directly with the luminaire. It provides an ideal solution when using single units positioned remotely or over long distances with decentralized dimming and control systems. This makes the dimmer mainly suitable for exhibitions and fairs. With its address, limit, switch and level function the operation of the Major One is straightforward: the light intensity can be adjusted on the dimmer itself without an external control, and in case of a circuit break, all data will remain available.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
Germany - German manufacturer KME's CA 6 active sound system features two top elements (CSA 400 D) and four subwoofers (CBA 600 D), providing a total output of 3kW RMS - transparent and powerful through the entire frequency range, say KME. The top elements have a continuous sound level of 129dB and the subwoofers a powerful 142dB. Weight is kept low by the use of innovative digital amplifiers and neodymium speakers. The rear dual transport cover provides protection for the amplifier module - and the entire 3kW system can be transported in an estate car.
UK - 1 May saw the launch of LSD/Fourth Phase’s eagerly-awaited M Box. The skies stayed clear, the evening warmed, and as the barbecue was lit and corks pulled, the great and good of creative lighting began to arrive.
What drew them was the appearance of a new video control system which can be accessed live, in real-time, from a lighting desk. So what’s new? "What we’ve done is approach this as a light, not video," explained Mark Hunt who is responsible for all the M Box software. "That’s a crucial difference: to me video is just a secondary thing. Videos, especially movie clips, want to be scaled, rotated, colorized - and yes, you can do all those things, but M Box is not designed just to present video. For a start there’s a huge library of stock images on board - over 2,000. With M Box you’ve also got total video control, and an in-built editing suite, all run from your lighting desk."
Listening to Hunt were such lighting luminaries as Willie Williams of U2 and REM fame. With some five productions of We Will Rock You, the Queen stage musical now running in various cities around the globe, William’s interest is intriguing: "Video is now a line item on a certain scale of tour, so this makes sense. What I want is something that can produce and control multiple images," and he didn’t mean the same image on multiple screens.
Answering Williams’ request directly, software tester Jonathan Holt explained exactly what M-Box could already do. "In a single M Box there are multiple
UK / USA - Following its launch at this year’s Frankfurt Musik Messe, Mackie Designs Inc is now shipping its new Tapco 6306, six-channel mixer. This is the first product in the new Tapco family, and its features include low-noise mic preamps and exceptional durability, both Mackie hallmarks.
According to Ken Berger, senior vice-president of marketing at Mackie Designs Inc, the company is committed to redefining the entry-level space by growing the Tapco family of products: "Tapco by Mackie will allow us to significantly grow our customer base by introducing Mackie technology to the entry-level market that, up to now, has had to sacrifice quality for affordability."
The Tapco 6306 features two low-noise mic preamps, two instrument inputs, a stereo aux return to monitor, two aux sends, 8-segment LED metering as well as separate phones and control room level controls.
(Ruth Rossington)
UK- Architectural and feature lighting specialist i-Vision has launched the first in its MYLED - Moving Yoke LED - range of products, the MYLED T36.
i-Vision’s R&D team initially developed the product for specific architectural and retail projects, but have since decided to go into full production. The MYLED T36 is an RGB moving yoke LED fixture, which simulates a conventional 250 sized wash or fresnel fitting, but is, according to the company, substantially brighter, lighter and less power-hungry. It’s ideal for all types of installation applications in clubs, bars, restaurants and theatres, as well as for live music venues and touring.
The T36 lightsource consists of 36 high-brightness Luxeon LEDs, and the unit comes with full dimming and colour mix control, and four lens options at 6, 10, 25 or 90 degrees. Advantages include up to 4300 lumens with a current consumption - for the light source - of only 40W, a rise time of less than 100nS and over 50,000 hours of lamp life.
The MYLED T36 uses 3 channels of DMX for colour-changing and two for pan and tilt. At 11kgs it is very light, portable and easily manageable. It contains no fans, and is perfect for theatrical and conference environments where low noise is a crucial issue. The first I-Vision MYLED installation is into a large entertainment complex in Cardiff, due to open later this summer. Following this, the fixtures will be in full production and available for public consumption.
(Ruth Rossington)
UK - James Thomas Engineering is launching Pixeldrive at this week’s ABTT Show. Pixeldrive is an innovative new video software-based control system for the company’s Pixel fixtures - further fuelling the control integration between varying visual media.
For this development, James Thomas’ R&D department has collaborated with IRAD, developers of the RADlite digital media server. The RADlite system fuses digital media with DMX-driven lighting consoles - for example, Avolites and WholeHog - giving DMX control of visual images via a familiar set of attributes - similar to programming a moving light. The collaboration between the IRAD and JTE teams has resulted in Pixeldrive - the RADlite control system being applied to JTE’s revolutionary Pixel Range of LED fixtures.
The new control system allows the synchronization of digital media to JTE’s high brightness Pixelline 1044 battens and other pixelrange products. When running, this will enable visual sequences to be run across both lighting and video media, encompassing the full onstage visual spectrum. Pixeldrive reduces the pre-production process that would normally consume hundreds of hours of complex, high-concentration programming time, to minutes. For example, to programme a water ripple effect across a bank of Pixellines would take about 30 seconds of programming.
The method imports digital media - the same media that is being projected by the RADlite system - into the Pixelline and other Pixelrange fixtures, which then act like another projection surface. The patterns created by t
France - EASE users can now design and simulate curved vertical Tangent Arrays based on Nexo’s GEO S Series array modules within EASE 4.0. A new Dynamic Link Library (DLL), developed by Stefan Feistel of SDA - Software Design Ahnert GmbH, Berlin, Germany, and François Deffarges of NEXO, allows EASE users access to the same algorithms used in Nexo’s GEOSoft, a compiled MatLab application.
A new feature of EASE 4.0, EASE DLLs operate in a protected environment, allowing secure storage and safe access to the GEOSoft algorithms. The Graphical User Interface of both programs is very similar, and direct field predictions are identical (GEOSoft’s direct field predictions have been verified in field tests).
“We’re very pleased that EASE users can now design and simulate both vertical and horizontal GEO S Series Tangent Arrays," said François Deffarges, technical director for NEXO. "This new software makes it very, shall we say, ‘EASE-y’ to calculate and display the improvements in coverage and intelligibility that GEO Technology makes possible."
The GEOSoft S Series DLL is part of Nexo’s EASE 4.0 loudspeaker data package, which also includes the following models: PS8, PS10, PS15, PS15 Bass, Alpha M3, Alpha M8, Alpha EM, Alpha E-F, Alpha B1-15, AlphaE B1-18, GEO S805 (GEOSoft.dll), CD12. The new data and software are available for download from the web address below or directly through the EASE 4.0 Updater Software.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Building on the worldwide success of the CDJ-1000 digital deck, Pioneer has launched the CDJ-1000MK2. Since its introduction two years ago, the CDJ-1000 has achieved industry standard status in clubs, bars and studios all around the world. It is also carried by some of the world's best-known DJs, including Roger Sanchez, who says: "With the CDJ-1000, I get the same precision of mixing as I did with vinyl, plus features like looping, Master Tempo and Hot Cues. I'd tell any DJ using vinyl to try the CDJ-1000. It's revolutionized the way I play."
With the same design and layout as the CDJ-1000, the sleek and polished looks of the CDJ-1000Mk2 are made unique by the addition of a subtle silver rim on the Jog Dial. The latest Jog Dial is fine-tuned to increase sensitivity, creativity and control for DJs, so that cueing, scratching and stretching a track in Vinyl or CDJ mode feels smoother than ever before. Recognizing the importance of manual Pitch bending, Pioneer has also made finer adjustments to the unit's tempo control function to increase its accuracy. The CDJ-1000MK2 boasts a high-quality internal memory feature, allowing DJs to store Cue and Loop points as well as Pioneer's innovative graphical wave data. All of this information can also be saved to a removable Multimedia Card (MMC) - which now comes free with every unit. DJs can also now use the improved Hot Cue function, which instantly memorizes and plays back up to three points per CD (via the A, B or C buttons) and can be used as a mini-sampler for vocals, stabs or breaks.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - CP Sound, the Staines-based sound and lighting installation specialist, has designed and fitted its latest installation with the first of an innovative new concept in LED lighting technology, which has been under development for the last few months.
The fixture is a screen encased in a custom aluminium extrusion, supplied as a 10mm thick panel, capable of unobtrusive integration into any environment. It’s made from laser-etched acrylic material and side-lit by DMX controllable LED strips that criss-cross the light across the screen surface. When the light is caught in the etchings, a prism effect directs it evenly across the panel fascia.
The first installation of this new technology has just been completed by CP Sound in the chill-out area of the exclusive Eclipse wine bar and bistro in Brompton Road, London. CP Sound was approached by entrepreneur Mike Filpy, owner of the stylish Eclipse chain, after several recommendations. Filpy wanted a colour-changing lighting concept for the VIP area in the Kensington nightspot. The VIP room is totally white, complete with high backed curved seating and low tables. A single 1500 x 1000mm screen was sufficient to produce a rich, comfortable colour saturation throughout the room. CP complemented the screen output with the addition of Pulsar’s ChromaDome colour-changing LED fixtures for wall up-lighting and for flooding the ceiling. These are situated behind the curved seating backs, and the screen and the Pulsar luminaires are linked by DMX and colour-change in tandem.
Other advantages of the new LED syste
UK - Visitors to next week’s ABTT Theatre Show in London (18/19 June), will have the opportunity to try for themselves Harlequin’s new Liberty floor panels. The British Harlequin plc stand (No. 93) will be using ‘touring’ panel versions of Liberty sprung dance floors as the main floor covering. Permanent versions of Harlequin’s Liberty floors have recently been installed at Laban, London’s new purpose-built (and Europe’s largest) contemporary dance facility, as well as a growing number of centres throughout the Continent. In addition, a new storage cart will also be introduced to facilitate easy transportation and storage of Liberty panels.
Also premiering at the show is a new version of Harlequin’s Activity Floor, but now with a choice of three standard hardwood finishes - oak, beech and maple - ideal for dance studios and halls, function suites, entertainment and multi-purpose dance venues requiring a more conventional look. As part of a continuing programme of communication with those involved in specifying flooring for the performing arts, Harlequin is also launching its own news magazine - Harlequinade. Copies of this new eight-page publication will be available at the show and anyone interested in receiving a regular copy can sign up on stand 93.
(Ruth Rossington)
USA - MediaSonic has launched the MS9400 High-Definition (HD) Video Player, the HD extension of MediaSonic’s FrEND (Far End Network Device) concept. This innovative HD-player network appliance, the compact MS9400, allows HD playback to be installed in almost any location, moving the intelligence and control out of the central equipment room and closer to the actual video display.
"The new HD FrEND can be mounted conveniently within a kiosk or installed behind plasma displays used prominently in a variety of AV and presentation applications," said Anthony Magliocco, manager of business development at MediaSonic. "The MS9400 is a flexible platform that will provide a critical foundation for new HD product development alongside our iMediate media networking applications. The compact size of our HD FrEND enables placement of player systems in areas that previously were open only to standard definition playback systems."
MediaSonic's MS9400 HD FrEND is an MPEG-based HD player that outputs 1920 x 1080i as well as 1280 x 720P. It provides an ideal solution for digital signage, training, education, and other applications in which high-performance 16 x 9 video is required.
(Ruth Rossington)