Lamba plc have announced the UK release of the Stanton STR8-30 turntable - giving entry-level candidates access to the growing trend for straight tone arms. Stanton's latest direct-drive deck comes packaged with a Stanton 500 B cartridge, pre-mounted on a headshell, slip mat, dust cover and leads. And like the rest of the STR8 series models, the STR8-30 is fitted with the skip-resistant straight tone-arm. Other features include: +/- 10 % pitch control; strobe indicator; aluminium platter; aluminium tone arm; dust cover and slip mat.

(Ruth Rossington)

Klark Teknik will unveil the Helix DN9340 digital equalizer at the forthcoming PLASA show. Built to an all-new cutting edge design, the DN9340 combines the engineering experience of this world leaders in audio equalization with customer feedback resulting in a completely new concept in flexible audio equalization for every application.

Helix is a dual channel digital audio equalizer packaged in a 2U 19" rackmount format. Designed to be intuitive and simple to operate the unit offers five main functions: dual 31-band graphic EQ with no less than five selectable modes of operation; dual 12-filter fully parametric EQ; dynamic or ‘Threshold Dependent’ (T-DEQ) EQ; four configurable filters per channel; and configurable delay of up to 1 second per channel. Like all Klark Teknik DSP devices, Helix is equipped with more than enough processing power to allow all functions to be fully operative at all times.

The simultaneous availability of graphic and parametric EQ has many advantages. In particular it allows the engineer to separate out the different sections of equalization. For example, during set-up and any soundcheck, the parametric mode can be used to set a basic EQ for the venue with maximum flexibility. However, once the show starts the engineer can flip to graphic mode, which now starts from a ‘flat’ baseline. Thus any problems that need fast attention can be addressed using the speed of a graphic EQ without getting it confused with the original venue set-up. At any time, a quick glance at the home page on the large graphic display on the fr

AutoPatch, manufacturer of high performance and customizable audio, video and digital signal switching and routing equipment, has released its new Modula CAT5 Matrix Switchers and Point-to-Point transmitters/receivers. Users can now reduce the overall installed cost of a system by routing and distributing S-Video/Stereo or 2 x Composite/Stereo, point-to-point over 300m of unshielded twisted-pair (CAT5). In addition using the new AutoPatch Modula Matrix Switcher with CAT5 cards, users can achieve true Matrix configurations up to 32 x 32, 4 x 60 and 60 x 4 in a single 3U enclosure. RGBHV models will be released by the end of the year.

(Ruth Rossington)

EAW is launching the new JFX Series of 2-way multi-use loudspeaker systems at the PLASA Show. Designed for both portable and permanently installed applications, the JFX Series loudspeakers feature asymmetrical trapezoidal enclosures that allows them to work both as main channel systems or as stage monitors.

The JFX Series represents the first all-new line of general purpose, 2-way loudspeakers from EAW since the MK Series debuted in 1998. All transducers, crossovers and enclosures are newly designed. Four of the models in the line - JFX88, JFX100, JFX290 and JFX590 - will be available on stand.

The JFX88 is one of the smallest loudspeakers in the series, using an 8" LF cone driver and a 1 in exit/1.4" voice coil HF compression driver mounted on a Wave Guide Plate. The system includes an internal, passive crossover for full range powering without the use of an external processor. With a 10" LF cone driver and a 1" exit/1.75" voice coil HF compression driver with neodymium magnet mounted on a Wave Guide Plate, the JFX100 includes an internal, passive crossover for full range powering without the use of an external processor.

The JFX200 series models feature switchable full range/bi-amplified powering, as well as a variety of methods for mounting and suspending the loudspeaker. All models use a 12" LF cone driver and a 1.4" exit/3" voice coil HF compression driver with neodymium magnet mounted on either a Wave Guide Plate (JFX200) or a constant directivity horn (JFX260, JFX290).

For greater low-end authority, the JFX500 series

Hayden Laboratories, the exclusive UK distributor for Denon, has introduced the latest in AVR receiver and speaker technology for home theatres. The Denon AVR-1603 AV receiver with Dolby Pro Logic II and powerful output of 80W per channel is designed for home theatre entertainment of the future. In addition to Dolby Digital and DTS, the AVR-1603 enables the enjoyment of existing Dolby Surround programs and of conventional stereo sources, e.g. CD, in convincing 5.1 channel likeness. If there are only two speakers, one for each stereo channel, the AVR-1603's Virtual Surround mode gives the listener the sensation of being surrounded by a full ‘real’ theatre sound system.

The AVR-1603 provides a digital optical output terminal for connecting a CD recorder or other digital recording device to make high-quality digital recordings directly from the source. Two sets of speaker terminals are provided for the main speakers, allowing for the use of a second pair of stereo speakers in another room. A ‘Personal Memory Plus’ function automatically recalls the last surround mode used for each program source.

The Denon AVR-1803 is equipped with six equally-powered amplifiers, one for each channel, in a discrete configuration, giving total accuracy when reproducing sound from demanding DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Dolby Digital, DVD-Audio, and SACD sources. The Dolby Pro Logic II feature enables 2-channel stereo sources to be heard in realistic 5.1-channel surround sound, and for multi-room versatility, the Denon AVR-1803's Multi Source function allows audio to be enjoy

Consolidating its focus on the conference sound contracting markets, beyerdynamic will debut a range of new conference and microphone products including the MCW-D wireless conference system (including simultaneous translation and voting facilities which work over a secure digital wireless link), together with new gooseneck and sound contracting microphones.

The company will also feature several new products from its distribution partners. From ASL, will be the new Digital intercom system for integration into ASL or any other 2 or 4 wire intercom systems. Biamp will show its Audia digital signal processor, previewing its new Echo Cancelling and the addition of the Audace Intelliplate as a control option. From Cue, there will be a sophisticated range of Media Management products, including a new 15" touch screen. DB Technologies will be showing Lyric, a new range of active speakers, whilst Klein+Hummel are planning a new range of sound contracting speakers designed for outdoor installation. Finally, from XTA will be the company’s Series 2 signal processing range.

beyerdynamic can be found on stand F34

At PLASA this year, Mackie Designs Inc is introducing its new SWA1801 high-output 18-inch active subwoofer. The 900W SWA1801 is designed specifically for portable live sound applications, as well as fixed-installation in venues such as nightclubs, churches and corporate facilities.

"The SWA1801 fills a much needed niche in our growing family of sound reinforcement speakers - the subwoofer position between the SR1501 and Fussion subwoofers," explained Ivan Schwartz, corporate director, Global Sound Reinforcement Product and Market Development. "We pulled out all the stops with this one. From the RCF Precision transducer to a new port design, we are very proud of the new 1801."

The newly designed RCF Precision transducer features a unique 4-inch inside/outside wound voice coil with composite polyamide former construction that provides improved power handling capabilities. The magnetic assembly utilizes advancements in coil venting and structural cooling that offer lower temperature rise and substantially improved power compression characteristics. The system uses a proprietary high efficiency, high current amplifier module that provides high current at all levels of operation. It is rated at 900W RMS of continuous output and 1400W of peak output.

The SWA1801 also features a sophisticated on board control system. The input panel accepts line level input signal and has loop out connectors for signal routing to other devices. It also includes a high-pass out connection for routing signal to full range speakers or amplifiers powering passive full range

Hayden Laboratories, UK distributors for Rane, have announced that Grandmaster Flash - founder of modern Hip Hop - is launching the new Rane Empath mixer on their stand at PLASA 2002.

Rane and Flash have worked together to design the Empath. In addition to doing a number of sessions on the Hayden stand (Monday 9 September at 3.00pm; Tuesday 10 at midday and 5pm) Flash will also demo Empath at the Ministry of Sound on Tuesday 10 September, playing a set in the Bar, between 11.30pm and 1.30am.

The Empath joins an impressive line up of Rane mixers already in use at the Ministry. The Empath is the first 3-channel, 10" format mixer to offer big-board features and studio quality sound. The mixer is feature packed, while also being easy and intuitive to use. Rane consulted the Grandmaster from the early stages of the mixer’s development, and Flash is responsible for many of the machine’s principal features and control locations. The Empath offers a unique combination of performance, features, and quality and is designed for professional DJ’s and applications including clubs, broadcast, competitions, remixes, and live performances.

The Empath mixer has been nominated for a PLASA Award for Product Excellence. See www.plasa.org/show for details.

Hayden can be found on stand G32.

Australian-based lighting control system designer and manufacturer, LSC Lighting Systems, has announced the forthcoming release of the PaTPad Moving Light Module for their popular maXim range of consoles. Utilizing Resistive Touch Screen Technology, the PaTPad is capable of controlling up to 20 intelligent lighting fixtures at any one time. The PaTPad’s advanced features include programmable palettes, presets and groups, extensive filtering options, cloning of looks, multiple storage options and a comprehensive fixture library.

All features are seamlessly integrated through the PaTPad’s unique and easy-to-use interface. A touch screen and bright LED dot matrix display replaces the rotary wheels, buttons and poor viewing angle LCD displays that are found on conventional Moving Light Controllers. The touch screen can be moused or tapped to select looks and positions, while the display and multi-colour switch LEDs provide immediate feedback on the state of the selected fixtures.

The PaTPad allows for up to 24 parameters per fixture but no upper limit is placed on the number of control channels allocated to each fixture. Any six parameters may be displayed and controlled simultaneously while all 24 are only one key press away. Individual move and delay times can be stored with each parameter. Filtering and storing according to Colour, Beam or Focus type is of course de rigueur! Fixture templates are available from LSC’s website or new ones may be created on any PC.

LSC Lighting can be found on stand C4.

This year’s PLASA Show marks a celebration of the 40 Anniversary of Audio-Technica, and sees the company continue its long tradition of introducing significant new products at PLASA. With the ink having only recently dried on an exclusive UK distribution deal with US manufacturer Sabine, the range of digital signal processors and spread spectrum wireless equipment can be seen for the first time on an Audio-Technica stand at PLASA 2002.

Audio-Technica representatives will be on hand alongside their Sabine partners to talk visitors through the product range. Also shown for the first time in the UK will be three new additions to the Artiste Elite series of professional performance microphones, a range designed specifically to extend the capabilities of today's most sophisticated live sound systems. The new AE5100, AE3000 and AE2500 instrument mics complement the established AE performance vocal microphones in the series.

The new products will be displayed alongside the recently-revamped and upgraded Engineered Sound installation range, the industry standard AT40 series (including the recently-introduced AT4040) and the studio focused AT30 series.

Audio-Technica can be found on stand H16.

ARX Systems, well known for their large range of innovative signal processing solutions, has introduced the new MSX 32 active microphone/line splitter. Active microphone and line splitting has a number of benefits over passive splitters, primarily improved sound quality, noise figures comparable to the best microphone inputs, increased resistance to RFI, consistent microphone load and, where required, total signal Ground isolation between outputs.

The MSX 32 consists of eight channels of actively buffered ultra-low noise microphone/line splitter. Each of these channels has four electronically balanced splits, two on the rear panel, plus two more on the front panel. All four output splits have the option of transformer balancing if required.

A 'Link' switch links consecutive channels providing an ultimate maximum of 32 outputs from a single input, ideal for multiple press splits. Each channel has a 20dB pad switch and switchable input gain of 0dB, 10dB, 20dB, 30dB and 40dB increments, plus silently switchable 48V phantom power with indicator LED.

Signal monitoring is provided visually by an LED meter indicating Channel Level, and audibly by a headphone output selected by way of the Listen/PFL switch on each channel. The monitor circuitry can also be bussed with other MSX 32s in multi-unit splitter systems. Housed in a 2U chassis with integral power supply, the MSX 32 offers an ideal solution for high-quality multi-channel signal distribution.

(Lee Baldock)

Combining the ruggedness of Shure’s legendary SM line with the studio quality audio of a Shure condenser, the SM86 handheld vocal microphone will make its European debut at this year’s London PLASA Show on the stand of distributor HW International.

The SM86 has a cardioid polar pattern and a wide frequency response of 50Hz to 18kHz. The mic additionally delivers high gain-before-feedback and a tailored frequency response for a clear reproduction of vocals. Additionally the SM86 is equipped with an integral two-stage windscreen and pop filter and has a built-in, three-point shock mount, which virtually eliminates stand and handling noise. The microphone requires phantom power for operation and is housed in a rugged, silver-coloured, enamel-painted enclosure incorporating a steel-mesh grille.

Standard accessories offered with each unit include a microphone clip and vinyl storage pouch. With the arrival of the SM86, the entire SM family of components will begin appearing on dealer shelves in new, attractive packaging bearing detailed specifications and information on the complete product line.

Shure can be found on stand E20

Hayden Laboratories, exclusive UK distributor for Denon audio products, has introduced three new high-end DVD players for the professional market. The DVD-1600 combines Denon's expertise in the field of hi-fi and digital technology in a product that extracts the full potential of DVD-Audio at an affordable price. The DVD-1600 features RGB Output via the SCART and inbuilt Dolby Digital and DTS Decoders, making it an ideal upgrade for older pre-DTS Cinema systems. The 1600 features an Audio Only mode when playing DVD-Audio sources that ensures noise doesn't affect the purity of the audio signal. The machine's high sound quality is consistent and reliable due to it's well tried-and-tested audiophile parts! The DVD-1600's audio is capable of reproducing a dynamic range of 144dB, with an extended frequency response from 2Hz to nearly 100kHz. This is theoretically nearly 50 dB more than a CD, along with extended high frequency response - to nearly 100 kHz, compared to a CD's 20kHz high frequency limit. To faithfully reproduce such detail, the DVD-1600 features 24-bit D/A conversion, offering the ability to handle up to 192 kHz sampling frequency.

The DVD-2800 MK2 upgrades the current DVD-2800. The new Silicon Image DVDO PureProgressive SiI504 decoding engine yields even greater picture fidelity than the original. High-quality picture playback and optimum processing for film, video, graphics and mixed-mode content is ensured by a high-accuracy 12-bit, 108-MHz video D/A converter; the Denon Super Sub Alias Filter; Noise Shaped Video (NSV) circuits and other state-of-the-art video

Mark Conese and Dick Sequerra, the two principals behind Sequerra Audio Labs LLC, have dissolved the company to pursue other professional interests. Fortunately, for the many devotees of the company's recently-released 1070-A microphone pre-amplifier, Conese will continue to bring this award-winning product to the market through his new company Ambient Audio Labs, LLC.

Throughout his 22-year career in professional audio, Conese has gained widespread industry respect in an array of audio-related fields. An accomplished musician and audio equipment designer, in 1989 he designed and built his Stamford, Connecticut-based recording studio - Ambient Recording Company - which has become known for making audiophile recordings as well as beta testing cutting edge technologies. In 1999, Conese founded Ambient Records, a boutique record label. Both recording studio and label have earned critical accolades from engineers and artists alike.

Conese's commitment to innovative audio products is evident from his years designing custom pro audio electronics on a commission basis, to his decision to design the 1070-A in 2000/2001. The pre-amp, which won numerous awards at its American and European AES debuts last year, will be marketed and sold by Ambient Audio Labs LLC based in Connecticut. "The positive reaction I got from high-end users, as well as the press with the introduction of the 1070-A at AES New York and AES Munich convinced me that I just couldn't let this die as a product with the dissolution of Sequerra Audio Labs," Conese said. "The 1070-A is the first of se

UK distributor HW International has announced that the latest in personal monitoring, the Shure PSM 200 personal monitor system, will make its European debut at this year’s PLASA Show. The PSM 200 makes the benefits of in ear monitoring accessible to a wide array of cost-conscious musicians, houses of worship and installations requiring assistive listening devices. Beyond cost, the PSM 200 components deliver exciting new features including the built-in ability to upgrade the receiver from wired to wireless, a transmitter that is also a mixer and a high fidelity earphone.

For users who cannot initially afford wireless, the P2R Hybrid Receiver protects their investment by allowing them to upgrade at a later date. The hybrid receiver starts as a wired bodypack and, with the addition of the Transmixer component, operates fully as a wireless receiver. By combining frequency-agile wireless transmitter functionality and a two-channel mixer, the PSM 200 TransMixer offers the end user complete control of the in-ear mix right on the stage. The PSM 200 is being sold in complete system configurations, and as individual components to allow customers to build their own systems.

Shure can be found on stand E20