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
Pioneer has released a silver version of its professional DJ mixer - the DJM-600. The new stylish DJM-600S, will satisfy consumer demand for a funky silver version of this superb mixer. The excellent product boasts many innovative DJ friendly features, giving DJs even more creative scope for the ultimate live performance!
Developed in conjunction with professional DJs, the DJM-600S takes sound mixing to the highest level. Its superb functional design will fit effortlessly into any club environment, and with creative features will reinforce Pioneer's leading position in the fast developing world of mixing. The DJM-600S offers all the high quality and reliability usually associated with the Pioneer product range, but takes product performance to a different dimension. With an impressive range of powerful effects, including auto filter, delay, echo, auto pan, auto transformer, flanger, pitch shifter, reverb and send and return for external effects, the system provides the DJ with all the tools for creating a wide spectrum of exciting and individual sounds.
Other new functions enable the DJ to record up to eight seconds of sound for sampling, and sampled music can be activated manually over any given track or can be seamlessly and continually looped. With easy to use sound effects with a special dial to allow complete control over the intensity, the DJM-600S is unbeatable. The DJM-600S offers DJs a total of four channels, four line inputs, 3 phono inputs and 2 mic inputs, setting it on course to become the centre-piece of sets incorporating live instrumentation and mixed-in
Electro-Voice has introduced new RACE software for the Electro-Voice Dx38 - one of the best-selling digital sound system controllers on the market. For this update (which can be downloaded free of charge from www.electro-voice.de) all the factory presets have been thoroughly revised, including both the 50 permanent factory presets in the Dx38 and the additional presets included with the RACE editing software which ships with the device. In addition to the 50 most common combinations of the current loudspeaker series FRi, Rx, Xi and X-Array, the folder named ‘Factory’ contains 25 additional presets, whilst the 50 ‘Old’ presets can be found in a separate folder. Most of the presets have been pre-programmed with the acoustic data of the relevant loudspeakers (phase and frequency response), so that each time the user modifies a parameter, he can see and hear at once the true acoustic response of the entire system, since RACE (Real-time Acoustic Cluster Editor) operates in real time. Also available is a Master Mute function, which mutes all the outputs instantaneously and is designed particularly for network applications (the control via RS-485 of up to 31 Dx38 units is possible).
(Lee Baldock)
Vari-Lite Inc has added another option to its award-winning VL1000 ERS luminaire, making the automated lighting fixture even more adaptable for a wider range of applications. By offering the VL1000A ERS with either a standard or long-life arc lamp, Vari-Lite has increased the versatility of the fixture while lowering the unit's operating costs.
Customers who order VL1000A fixtures can specify whether they prefer the standard or long-life arc lamps, and Vari-Lite will ship the units accordingly. Because the long-life arc lamp is electrically identical to the standard model, no modifications to the fixture are required. Customers who own VL1000A luminaires can order long-life lamps for fast and simple drop-in replacement. The long-life lamps provide 2,000 hours of operation, double that of the standard lamp. Customers can also order the VL1000 ERS with shutter or iris features, and at the time they place the order they can choose gobos that fit their specific needs. The VL1000 ERS is available in arc and tungsten versions.
(Ruth Rossington)
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
Le Mark has developed a new heat-resisting pressure-sensitive fixing tape for lighting filter, boasting exceptional properties and performance and suitable for both exterior and interior applications. GEL-Tak is an ultra-low profile clear polyester film, double coated with an exceptional high heat and UV light resistant adhesive layer on both surfaces. This innovative and unique combination allows GEL-Tak to be stuck one side to a window, the other to any make of lighting filter. Its special adhesive has been developed in such a way as to allow the actual filter itself to become re-positional.
GEL-Tak is extremely fast and easy to apply and also to remove, even weeks after application. Its low-profile polyester substrate and clear coating make it very difficult to see once it’s in place. Filter remains recoverable and reusable, it will not damage sensitive architectural glass, and is available in custom widths from 12mm to 1100mm. Its standard roll length of 12mm x 25m makes it ‘pocket’ convenient.
Le Mark can be found on stand D14.
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
After embarking on a successful new program of lighting fixtures over the past 12 months, Coemar have now turned their attention to developing a range of unique tools which could form a part of every lighting operator’s tool kit. The DR-1 is a remote device which virtually eliminates the need to gain access to fixtures when programming or servicing lighting equipment.
This diagnostic instrument allows the functions (and history) of a fixture to be monitored and interrogated from anywhere in a venue. Offering bi-directional communication with the fixtures (which ‘talk back’ to the device over a normal 3-core DMX cable),when inserted into the DMX 512A chain, the DR-1 will replicate all functions and information, which until now were accessed only via a fixture’s on-board display panel.
A single DR-1, for instance, will allow the operator to remote access as many as 250 fixtures, allowing him to alter the fixture’s DMX address, turn the lamp on (or off) or select master or slave operating modes of a number of Coemar fixtures) and record and monitor programs using PPF (on iSpot 150 and ProSpot 150). This negates the need for direct contact with the fixture’s display panel. The next stage of the product’s development will be to allow the operator to reset the parameters, modes and attributes of a fixture (as well as fault interrogate) over the telephone line. The DR-1 is now shipping and is available through the company’s worldwide distribution network.
(Lee Baldock)
PLASA 2002 will see the launch of the T4-250 amplifier from MC2 Audio. This is a 4 x 250W amplifier housed in a 2U case and the latest addition to the company’s T Series. Also new for PLASA 2002 is the first UK appearance of the T Line. This 100V / 70V / 50V chassis is capable of taking up to four 750W / 500W / 250W toroidal line transformers in any combination and is designed for use with the T4-250, T500, T1000 and T1500, increasing the flexibility of use of these highly successful amplifiers.
MC2 Audio reports that its products continue to enjoy buoyant worldwide sales, both in their own right and as OEM product and believes that these exciting new amps will bring the renowned MC2 sound quality and reliability to an even wider range of users. From the PLASA Show this year, the company’s existing five-year warranty will be extended to seven years.
MC2 Audio can be found on stand S28.
Pioneer has introduced its new HDJ-1000 headphones which, while primarily targeted towards the professional DJ market, will appeal to all serious music consumers, the company says. Pioneer has defined a new standard in distortion-free sound quality with the HDJ-1000 headphones, featuring 3,500 mW of maximum input allowing high sound volume with excellent clarity as the ear pad fully encompasses each ear, fulfilling the demands of those serious about their music. Frequency range is given as 5 to 30,000 Hz.
For comfort, both ear pads have a swivel mechanism allowing the HDJ-1000 to be manipulated to any desired position, while padding makes it possible for music professionals to wear the headphones for hours of listening pleasure. Durability has also been addresses, thanks to the compact folding design, ear pads made of a tear-resistant material and special screws that hold the cord in place, making it simple to replace the cord should the need arise. Additionally, a black vinyl-carrying pouch is supplied to keep the headphones looking like new. With all these features enhancing a product that both looks and sounds great, the HDJ-1000 is undoubtedly set to create a new standard in headphones.
(Lee Baldock)
High-end touring and installation manufacturer, Chameleon Audio, has developed a brand new touring amplifier which includes a built-in power supply for mLAN digital audio control. The 3700 DP/2 has been under development since last year, when the company unveiled its Digital Audio Control System (ChamDACS) at PLASA. The 3700 DP/2 allows optional D/A and control boards to be fitted, and offers stereo outputs of 2,000Wpc into 2 ohms, 1,400Wpc into 4 ohms and 700Wpc into 8 ohms at less than 0.05% THD.
The laser-cut, polished stainless steel front also features individual channel mute switches and blue LED indicators, while surface-mount PCBs for quick fit-and-forget servicing are standard. Other attributes include improved damping factor, and optional mLAN input and digital D/A connectors. Built to the highest standards in the UK, attributes of Chameleon amplifiers include Class A preamplifier stages, Flat Wire Transformer linear power supplies, five-way circuit protection and state-of-the-art electronic circuit boards.
(Lee Baldock)
This year’s PLASA 2002 at Earls Court will see the official launch of the revolutionary new 'i-ceilings’ product range from Armstrong. As part of the launch, exclusive UK representatives CIE-Audio have arranged a free session for the audio, architectural and design industries, as well as participating in.
A brand new concept in integrated acoustic ceiling systems, ‘i-ceilings’ is the latest development from the world’s leading manufacturer of ceiling products. i-ceilings utilize flat panel loudspeaker technology to provide a unique loudspeaker system which exactly matches Armstrong’s market-leading range of ceilings, to combine their existing aesthetic and sound absorption qualities with the acoustic benefits of NXT flat panel speaker technology. This allows for ‘invisible’ loudspeaker solutions which benefit from greatly increased sound dispersion, providing incredibly even levels of sound reproduction compared with the ‘hot and cold’ spots characteristic of traditional moving coil speaker technology.
Held throughout Monday 9 September, the second day of the four-day PLASA Show, the i-ceilings sessions will emphasize the many benefits of these incredible new loudspeaker products. Headlining the programme will be the Installation Europe Masterclass ‘An Introduction to Sound Masking’ (10.00 - 11.30am, Meeting Room 1, cost £30, or £20 when booking through CIE Audio), presented by Dr Ken Roy, senior principal research scientist for Armstrong World Industries and main developer of the i-ceilings proce
Stagetec - the leading lighting and sound sales and installation company and exclusive UK distributor for the Compulite and LSC lighting product ranges, will have a number of new developmenst on show at PLASA 2002.
Compulite will use PLASA 2002 as a preview for its new range of lighting consoles - the world's first consoles to provide what the company calls "a complete lighting workstation". Featuring an integrated CAD package and enhanced paperwork capabilities, the consoles and their software modules are designed to take you from concept to closing night with as little hassle as possible.
Its architecture is built around a unique multi-processor system to enhance stability, computing power, and expandability on the one hand, and provide a powerful user interface on the other. One processor calculates the real-time components of the system and runs on the robust VX-Works platform, while the second processor handles the user interface running on embedded Windows XP providing an immediately intuitive sense of console navigation and the ability to easily integrate future technologies.
Stagetec is highlighting Compulite's new Rave lighting console (previewed at PLASA last year). The Rave is a compact control option for clubs, DJs, Rental companies and venues wanting versatile, cost-effective lighting control. It's the only console in its price range to offer such a comprehensive set of features. It offers simple and quick set-up and operation, plus either manual or fully automated playback. Rave has one DMX output controlling up to 512 dimmers via 100 (c
PCM - specialists in the supply of lifting, flying and rigging equipment for all areas of the entertainment industry - show their new battery or electric drill driven, Pilewind winch at PLASA, along with a selection of other winches and Lodestar motors. PCM will also be highlighting its new Projects division, and its Lodestar Motor and Rigging training courses, which have become renowned throughout the industry.
The PCM Pilewind is designed for multipurpose theatrical applications, and alleviates the strain of winding units up and down by hand - saving time and physical effort! Available in 250kg or 500kg models, the Pilewind winch has been designed to allow for quick and easy raising and lowering of stage scenery and lighting bars. Fully contained within a protective housing, the Pilewind winch has a drum capacity of 10 metres and up to five suspension lines. An integral gear box maintains the applied load. Ever thoughtful of practical installation and maintenance elements, PCM's designers have formed a unit that can be totally stripped down, into three handle-able sections, by simply removing five bolts. In the event of a power failure, the Pilewind can also be raised and lowered by hand with a separate drive shaft and a 19mm socket.
PCM’s new Projects Division was formed in September 2001 to further build PCM's reputation of providing a full service to all clients. The projects division specialises in the supply and installation of mechanical and electrical equipment in theatres, schools, television studios, public buildings and performance spaces. The division
GAM has released the latest in its family of special effects products - the SX4. Designed to simply snap-on to existing ETC Source Four housings, the SX4 converts it into a high performance scenic projector capable of creating many special effects.
Built with the rugged demands of the theme park, retail and architectural markets in mind, the GAM SX4 gets an amazing 4,000 hours of loop life. The GAM SX4 allows you to slide the effects drawer in and out for quick changes of the more than 14 available FX/Reels (loops) effects with more on the way. Use the GAM SX4 with any Source IV 575W or 750W incandescent. You can also use 575 HMI for high output projections or the HID Series for long life architectural installations.
Control the speed of the GAM SX4 from any light board using a dimmer channel or just plug it into a wall and vary the speed with the built in controller. Also included is a direction switch and silent fan. Ideal for effects such as rolling clouds, raging fires, falling rain and snow, the GAM SX4 is the perfect compact projector for museums, theme parks and other permanent installations, say GAM.
(Lee Baldock)
Innova Son, a Digigram company, will unveil at PLASA 2002 the Compact Sy40, its new ‘live’ digital mixing console, which boasts 40 input channels and 27 mix buses. Housed in the same chassis as the Compact Live and Actor, the Compact Sy 40 offers far greater mixing capabilities and enhanced functionalities for the same number of faders: 32 (including eight stereo) for the 40 input channels, 12 for the mix buses, three for the LRM/C masters and one fader for automation control.
The Compact Sy40 has all the advantages of the modular architecture, which have been a cornerstone to the success of the Sensory range. The modular nature of the system allows the user to insert any of the electronic I/O modules, which are compatible with any console of the Innova SON range, and to choose, depending on the needs of each specific event, the precise physical I/O configuration.
Having 40 inputs and 16 out while stand-alone, the Compact Sy40, linked to the Stage Box, can handle up to 72 inputs and 48 out. With the Compact Sy 40, Innova Son has ensured that any owner of a Compact 32/12 (Live and Actor series) will be able to upgrade, painlessly, thanks to the Compact Sy 40 kit. By inserting the new DSP engine and the upgraded version of Sensoft software, even a vintage Compact be given the performance of the latest model.
Innova Son says that this demonstrates that investing in an Innova Son console is a profitable long-term investment: "The console can evolve at the speed of technology, leaving it, always, at the cutting edge. This is what we mean by the 'New Way to
The four new additions to the XTA family will make their PLASA debut in September. The C2 dual/stereo compressor, D2 stereo dynamic EQ, E2 stereo parametric EQ and G2 dual/stereo gate will be on show - along with the DP Series digital loudspeaker processors, DP324 SiDD Seriously Intelligent Digital Dynamics processor, GQ600 graphics equalizer and DS800 mic/line distribution system.
As with the XTA DP226 speaker management system and more recently the DP324/SiDD, the working practices and ideas of engineers have been transformed by XTA into powerful, innovative processing solutions which provide fresh audio possibilities to engineers, sound companies, broadcasters, installers and the like.
The C2 digital dual compressor provides two channels of the best compression and limiting, with comprehensive sidechain equalization and look-ahead attack times, coupled with a De-EQ mode for dynamic spectral control. The D2 digital stereo dynamic equalizer keeps troublesome parts of the sound under control without sacrificing quality. There are three bands of dynamic EQ and a full-range compressor to add the finishing touch. The E2 digital stereo parametric equalizer provides all the equalization needed to correct or create the EQ curve an engineer wants - four full-spectrum bands with additional high and low filters with good headroom and tracking accuracy. Finally, the G2 digital dual stereo gate features look-ahead attack times for clickless operation. There’s also an Expander mode for more subtle applications, with extensive sidechain equalization.
XTA’s Andrew Grayl
AVW will be showing an upgraded version of its award winning Impressario - the system voted Engineering Product of the Year at the recent ABTT trade show. In addition to a larger computer, improved software and the facility to run off Windows XP, Impressario II will be housed in a smooth silver finish metal casing, as opposed to the original textured black.
AVW Controls can be found on Stand N9
Avolites, manufacturers of cutting edge lighting control systems, is showing three exciting new products at PLASA 2002 - the ART2000i installation dimmer, the Pearl 2004 console and the Avolites Pearl simulator. In addition to these, Avolites will be showing its full range of lighting consoles - Azure, Sapphire, Pearl and Diamond 4 - which will all be demonstrated on the stand, along with the whole family of Avolites ART digital dimmers.
The latest release in Avolites' innovative ART 2000 digital series, the ART 2000i is aimed at theatrical, architectural, leisure and retail applications. The ART 2000i Installation dimmer is available in modules of 24 x 16 Amp units, 12 x 32 Amp, or a combination of these two modules. Main features include: quick and simple installation, proven design reliability, operation in all environments or climates, Hot Patch option, 100% duty cycle on all channels simultaneously, virtually silent operation, 240 mS Chokes, noise suppression to TV studio specifications, thermostatically-controlled fan in ducted force-cooling chamber, dual isolated DMX inputs with Merge and Full Soft Patch, flexible dimming, mains distribution or contactor modules, ultra quiet intelligent cooling system, smooth dimming of low voltage, low wattage or inductive loads, RCD protection as standard and selection of dimming curves.
Also launching at PLASA 2002 is the Avolites Pearl 2004, an updated and streamlined version of the Pearl 2000, which uses new technology and offers improvements including end cheeks in a stylish metal impregnated material, and Cue Roller in si
Hayden Laboratories, the UK distributor for Denon and Rane pro audio products, will feature a dynamic range of outstanding quality audio products on their stand at PLASA this year, launching five audio products for the professional DJ and installation markets and also showing many other recently-released products. PLASA 2002 sees the World launch of four new audio products: the Empath DJ mixer from Rane, plus the DNT625 and DNT645 cassette/CD deck, the DN780R twin-cassette deck and the DNC615 budget single CD player from Denon. In addition to this, the new Rane RPM 22 and 44 DSP multiprocessors and the DN-D9000 twin-CD player from Denon will be on show.
Hayden is also showing equipment for the fixed installation market, including Rane’s renowned ECS conferencing system products and their various CobraNET interfaces, a selection of Denon twin-CD players and music source machines, plus Rane club and processing products. Grandmaster Flash - himself instrumental in the development of the Empath mixer - is rumoured to be making an appearance on Stand G32 on the Sunday afternoon - watch this space for details!
The Rane Empath DJ mixer is the first 3-channel, 10" format mixer to offer big-board features and studio quality sound, say Hayden Labs. The Empath is feature-packed, while also being easy and intuitive to use. Rane consulted Grandmaster Flash from the early stages of the mixer’s development, and he is responsible for many of the machine’s principal features and control locations. The name Empath implies understanding, awareness and sensitivity to