MTFX has added a range of 'silk flame' effects to its hire and sales stock. The effects are available in flame sizes ranging from just 25cm in height, up to the flightcased 5m high effect recently seen on tour with both Boyzone and Steps, and provide a realistic flame effect without the use of combustible materials.

Audio Design Services has introduced a Solid State Language Laboratory system that will provide great benefits for teaching, particularly in the field of language learning. After two years of close liaison with schools and colleges, the company has developed an enhanced memory Personal Computer System that enables hundreds of hours of lessons to be stored on the hard disk at the start of term. Any lesson can then be 'dragged' down to any student's workstation by using the mouse, and the student then has all the facilities offered by traditional audio cassettes. As lessons are downloaded individually, a single class can provide as many lessons as there are students, with each having the facility to record answers directly onto the hard disk for the teacher to download at the end of the lesson. The system, which is supplied with headphones and microphones and can be either fixed or portable, considerably reduces the time taken to prepare individual lessons.

Multiform Technology Group has taken on the exclusive UK distribution of three new lighting controllers from US-based Meteor Lighting. The DMX512-compatible PM-4 offers simple real-time beam positioning and followspot control for up to four Meteor Elipscans, Flexiscans or Parscans. Up to 32 fixtures can be controlled via four group selections, configurable at the touch of a button, whilst still enabling each unit's beam position to be preset and held individually. The PMD-6 DMX512 controller also allows independent beam-positioning and followspot control of six fixtures, or 32 grouped units of Meteor 'scans. It features dual analogue joysticks, to which individual fixtures (or groups) can be assigned on-the-fly, enabling simultaneous control. Finally, the USC-4 universal DMX strobe controller gives independent control of four strobes or groups of strobes set for two-channel operation. The unit features a built-in analogue joystick to control the rate and intensity settings, the axes for which can be swapped according to preference of the user.

beyerdynamic has launched a new range of headphones designed for use in high-noise environments. The DT300 range combines full circumnaural noise excluding ear shells developed originally for avionics applications with beyerdynamic's legendary DT150 ear-drivers resulting in a high quality-monitoring headphone with an ambient noise exclusion of almost 30dB. The DT300 has a frequency response from 5 to 30kHz and excludes surrounding ambient noise by up to 30dB making it a natural candidate for use in live performance situations giving sound engineers the possibility of accurate monitoring at much lower and safer audio levels.

XTA are set to release a powerful new software revision for their Speaker Management System product group including the DP200; DP202; DP226 and the recently introduced DP224. The new software is the result of an engineering collaboration between XTA and SIA, the designers of SMAART audio analysis software. This will enable control of the XTA devices from within the SMAART programme itself, greatly simplifying the set up of sound systems when utilising SMAART as a room analysis tools and allowing total software control considerably reducing set-up time and allowing settings to be saved for use when a venue is revisited.

White Light has released a new, safe and fully rated solution to a standard lighting problem: rigging sidelighting on a lighting ladder. Until now, adjustable lighting ladders have generally been adjustable frameworks constructed from scaffolding. However, the advent of the new Lifting Of Loads and Equipment Regulations (LOLER), which came into force during 1998, means that this solution is no longer acceptable. Under the guidance of Richard Wilson, the company has designed a new adjustable ladder system, christened the LOLER Ladder. It consists of 2m vertical tube sections with spigots to accept cross-pieces at spacings suitable for commonly used conventional and moving lights. Cross pieces are fitted onto and then bolted to these spigots to form ladders with the desired rung spacing and, since standard diameter pipe is used throughout, lanterns can then be hung on the ladder using their standard hook clamps. The uprights are fitted with rated hanging points, allowing the ladder to be flown safely.

Tannoy's new B225 15" direct-radiating bass speaker is aimed at installations where live sound reinforcement requires extended bass response from a compact cabinet. Making an ideal companion to Tannoy's successful i/T series speakers, the B225's power handling is rated at 400-800W/8 ohms, and integrated M8 flying points make for easy installation.

HW International has announced additions to the Phonic Powerpod range of mixer-amplifiers for small to medium PA applications - the Powerpod 1860 and 1060. The 1860 features eight input channels and insert points for out board processing devices. The built-in two-channel power amp can be configured to any of three different modes: 2 x 300W stereo (FOH), 2 x 300W stereo (FOH/monitors) and 600W bridged mono. Other features include a built-in digital effects device offering 255 effects programs, and two seven-band graphics – one per amp module. The 1060 meanwhile offers eight mic and 10 line inputs, a tape-in and out, a built-in digital effects package and three power amp modules offering a choice of two modes: 2 x 200W stereo FOH plus 200W monitors, or 400W mono (FOH) bridged plus 200W monitors.

Tannoy has introduced the first Active Ceiling Mounted Subwoofer, engineered to render extended, low frequency reinforcement and impact from a concealed position in installations such as retail outlets, theme pubs and clubs. The CMS110B has been designed to fit unobtrusively into a 2ft x 2ft ceiling tile opening and utilises standard air-conditioning covers in place of speaker grilles for additional concealment.Featuring an adjustable low and high frequency filter and EQ boost, the CMS110B also possesses phase and earth lift switching, in addition to gain control. Furthermore, the speaker's long excursion 10" bass transducer is powered by a 110W amplifier with compressor limiting overload protection and fully balanced dual inputs and outputs.

Triflite Cases, a division of Trifibre Containers International Ltd, has introduced new lightweight shock mounted 19" rack flight cases to its range. The cases incorporate a new lightweight aluminium floating frame suspended by eight rubber suspension mounts. Vertical rack mounting strips on the front and rear of the units allow standard 19" rackmounted equipment to be fixed in any position.

Sensorcom has launched a range of in-ear products including Micro-Monitors, incorporating new Sony drivers, and Pico Monitors, which fit into the ear canal when a discreet acoustic device is required. Sensorcom has also introduced a new mould for use with bud style ear drivers - the Sqidgy Range. Made from and ultra-soft Platinum-cured silicon, the Sqidgy moulds combine ultimate comfort with durability and are available in a wide range of colours.

Sennheiser is showing a number of new products at AES Paris. The Digital 1090 is a fully digital wireless microphone system which claims crystal clear audio transmission, due to its FSK modulated digital audio signals at 900MHz and the absence of a compander system. The Digital 1090 is particularly suited to complex instruments such as guitars, where extra LF response and HF transients are produced. Sennheiser is also showing the MKH 800 studio condenser microphone, which offers 50kHz HF recording capability - unique in a switchable polar pattern condenser microphone, say Sennheiser.

Cliff Electronic Components has developed a new range of jack sockets with innovative features. The S1 mini Stack jack receives both mono and stereo quarter-inch jacks, with patented Nickel-Silver alloy self-cleaning contacts for superior performance. The narrow body of dual stacked versions offers high board packing densities (2:1). The S1V (vertical mount) sockets also offer optional chassis grounding versions, grounding chassis to plug and PCB. Life expectancy is a minimum of 10,000+ operations.

Spirit by Soundcraft will be launching the new 324 Live digital console at the LIVE! Show at Alexandra Palace, London, on 9-10 February. The 324 Live is a fully-featured digital desk in a characteristically compact frame.

Yamaha has announced the availability of the D24 digital multi-track recorder and the CDR1000 professional CD recorder. The D24 is a 24-bit, 96kHz professional system aimed at recording, editing, mastering and post production applications for television and film. Based on 3.5" magneto-optical disks, the D24 offers 16-bit, 20-bit and 24-bit eight-track simultaneous record and play capability at 48kHz and four-track record and play at 96kHz.The CDR1000 CD recorder is a 2U rack-mount audio recorder providing both record and re-write, sample rate converter and word clock input, aimed at studio / pro recording markets.

New units and accessories have been added to the Scanner range of budget radio microphone systems, distributed in the UK by John Hornby Skewes & Co. The Scanner S3 non-diversity single-channel VHF radio microphone system features quartz-locked, fixed-frequency operation (160 - 250MHz), with a compact half-rack receiver unit. Dynamic range is rated at >100dB.Also new to the range, the Scanner S4-AD plug-in system converts any wired microphone with an XLR connector, dynamic or electret format, to full wireless operation, providing around 15 hours of operation time from a single 9v battery.

Turbosound's latest loudspeaker management system, the LMS-D6, is now shipping. Based on the XTA DP226, it is a compact and powerful DSP-based programmable crossover, supplied with factory-loaded programmes for use with Turbosound Flashlight, Floodlight, QLight, and HiLight series loudspeaker enclosures, and TFM series floor monitors.One of the first large purchases was by AVAB-CAC in Norway, which has 12 LMS-D6 units in daily use with Flashlight and Floodlight on events and tours. Asle Nilsen, AVAB-CAC's managing director commented: "The sound quality is fantastic - the LMS-D6 has made Floodlight sound like a new system."

Audient plc has released three new variants of its ASP8024 console, along with news of a number of additional options. Frames to accommodate 24-, 48- and 60-input channels have been added to the original 36-channel frame size. An integral patchbay has also become an option and has been fitted with Neutrik bantam jack sockets and a D-Sub based studio systems interface. 144 tie lines are included as standard. A producer's table for applications requiring a dedicated script space can also be specified. The first 48-channel consoles shipped to UK and Dutch studios in December and a pair of 24-channel consoles will be delivered in early February, for use in mobile classical recording.

Yamaha's famous PM series mixing consoles have now entered the digital domain, with the introduction of the company's new PM1D digital mixing console, designed specifically for live and installed sound applications. The CS1D control surface operates the DSP1D digital audio processor, which can either be located with the interface, or at a remote position. The PM1D can be configured in 48- or 96-channel versions, with 48 mix busses, 24 matrices and 12 DCAs. Conversion is 28-bit A/D and 27-bit D/A, and internal processing is 32-bit. Dual inputs are available on all channels. Other features of the lightweight, compact system include an ethernet-based comms system. All console-to-stage control signals are transmitted via one 68-pin cable per 32 channels and three ethernet cables.

Stanton has completed its new range of DJ mixer products, instituted with the takeover of the company by Gerard Cohen's Tracoman. Announced at the 1999 PLASA Show, four models are now in production, and available through UK distributors, Lamba plc. The SK ONE is a slim, two-channel unit, offering two line and two phono inputs, with gain, two-band EQ (+9/-26dB) and pan control on each channel. The SK TWO is another two-channel unit, offering two line and two phono inputs, with gain, three-band EQ (+9/-26dB) and pan control on each channel. The RM THREE is a three-channel professional DJ mixer, offering six line, three phono and two mic inputs, with gain, three-band EQ (+9/-26dB) and pan control on each channel, whilst the SK FIVE is a two-channel DJ mixer aimed at the budget-conscious customer.

Strand Lighting has introduced the ParkNet lighting management and control system. A veteran of theme park lighting tasks with projects recently completed for Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Florida, several Cruise ships and a host of themed attractions, Strand has developed a sophisticated central control system that offers simple point and click access for the control of a wide range of facilities. The new ParkNet system incorporates control for up to 18,000 DMX devices whilst the systems graphic user interface accommodates scheduling of events and includes an astronomical time clock that precisely calculates sunrise and sunset, and can execute events related to those times.

The BBC's Tomorrow's World programme last night featured a new development which, according to its designer, is capable of transmitting sound in a straight line Sound Beam is a new device which sends sound in a straight line - working on much the same principles as a spotlight. Designed by Joe Pompei, a researcher at MIT media lab in Boston, it can be used to relay audio to just one person in a crowd. Pompei's design is based upon high frequency ultrasound waves which are beyond our hearing which act like a 'carrier' for audible sound. His design combines music with ultrasound; this then recreates the complex wave patterns of the music at a much higher frequency that can't be heard. A specially designed speaker is then used to send out this high frequency ultrasound beam. Physical properties in the air then distort the beam producing a range of frequencies, including audible sound. The sound quality isn't high enough yet to cover very long distances, but when it is, the potential applications for the product in public places such as airports, stations and cinemas are mind-boggling.

DPA Microphones is highlighting its new omnidirectional microphone at the Paris AES. The Type 3541 is a complete microphone kit for all kinds of high-quality solo recordings such as vocal performances, strings and wind instruments. The new 3541 is based on the same large-diaphragm capsule technology as the established gold model Type 4040 Hybrid Microphone. Supplied as a complete kit with suspension mount, windscreen and pop-filter, as well as the state-of-the-art Microphone Amplifier Type HMA4000 and a special microphone cable, the 3541 also introduces a completely new versatile modular capsule and preamplifier system. The capsule can be separated from the microphone preamp and the preamp exchanged, giving the engineer a choice between musical colouration of the Type MMP4000-T tube preamp, or the transparency of the solid state preamplifier Type MMP4000-S. Both are included in the microphone kit Type 3541.

Multiform Electronics has added the DMX 424 - a 24-channel DMX decoder - to its range of control products. The mains-powered decoder is designed to provide the 10V DC analogue control signals essential for dimmer packs, colour-changers, effects lighting, smoke machines and special effects in systems using the DMX 512 control protocol. The 24 output channels can be set to provide control signals of 0 to +10 volts, or from 0 to -10 volts DC.The unit will decode a block of consecutively numbered channels and the BCD switches select the number of the first DMX channel. Other features include Watchdog and Rx data monitors, test programme and user back-up memory.