UK - Leading entertainment lighting supplier White Light has introduced the new White Light Smart Touring Rack. A versatile new touring dimmer system, demonstrated at this year's PLASA show, the Smart Touring Rack is now available for both hire and sale.
Designed in response to the needs of touring productions which now freely mix conventional and automated lanterns and so need easy access to a mixture of dimmers and switchable hard power. Each Smart Touring Rack contains four 12-way modules; each module can either be a 12-way ETC SmartPack 10A dimmer pack or a 12-way 10A MCB power module. Each 12-way module is RCD protected, and each dimmer module has its own 'brain', so that if one brain does fail only those 12 dimmers are lost but the rest of the rack continues to function normally. Every rack also offers six ways of independent power, meaning that non-dimmed power is available even when the rack has 48 dimmers installed.
Power from the dimmer or power racks is routed through a mains patch bay to 16 multicore outlets, which can be Socapex or Lectriflex as required. Each rack has Powerlock in- and through-connectors, and each offers a 32A 3-phase CEE-form outlet. The rack also has space to be fitted with a DMX splitter, if required.
"The new Smart Touring Rack is the successor to our long-established White Light/Arri 48-way touring dimmer racks, which have been successfully running the lighting at shows and events for over 15 years," comments White Light's technical director, Dave Isherwood. "In designing the new rack, we talked to production e
UK - Bosch Security Systems has launched the Plena Loop Amplifier, an addition to its Plena Public Address and Voice Alarm System range introduced in response to increasing legislation with respect to disability, specifically for the hard of hearing. The Plena Loop Amplifier also follows the launch of another innovation - Bosch's Integrus infrared (IR) wireless language distribution system for hearing-aid assistance.
The EVAC-compliant Plena Loop Amplifier integrates inductive-loop hearing-aid facilities for the hard of hearing (T-mode) into the public address and voice alarm system allowing hearing-aid users to clearly hear announcements including emergency announcements, music or soundtracks within a selected area.
The Plena Voice Alarm System is EVAC-compliant and meets the requirements of the IEC60849 standard and its national equivalents for emergency messaging. EVAC compliance means the system is ideal for providing essential emergency voice alarm facilities to support emergency evacuation situations in public buildings and commercial premises.
A Plena system easily integrates into new or existing sound systems in public areas of up to 600sqm. The Loop Amplifier master slave configuration supports low-spillover and quadrature audio system design for high quality audio reproduction. It provides a single standard solution for multiple room applications and features uniform field strength over large areas. Furthermore, the loop amplifier includes important features such as Automatic Gain Control and Metal Loss Compensation as standard. The system operates fu
USA - ESTA has announced that a revised version of the existing ANSI E1.1-1999, Entertainment Technology - Construction and Use of Wire Rope Ladders is available for public review until 13 December 2005. The document is available on the ESTA website here. The revised version of E1.1 is being offered for public review because substantive changes were made to the SI measurements given in the last public review version. The SI and American customary dimensions were substantially different, so these have been modified to make them functionally the same.
Reviewers are asked to see if the document now gives adequate and accurate guidance on the construction and use of wire rope ladders, and are also asked to identify any protected intellectual property they might see in the draft document. ESTA does not intend to publish any standard that contains protected intellectual property unless that property is required for technical reasons and can be licensed by anyone on a non-discriminatory basis for a reasonable fee. ESTA does not warrant that its standards contain no protected intellectual property.
The revision of ANSI E1.1-1999, Entertainment Technology - Construction and Use of Wire Rope Ladders, is being done by the Rigging Working Group. Membership in the working group is open to all who are affected by the work of the group, but the working group is actively seeking members in the interest categories of dealer/rental companies and users, so that the working group may bette
USA - Lycian Stage Lighting introduces its newest followspot, the model 1292 3K-ST.The Lycian 1292 3K-ST Xenon goes on sale in mid-November.
The model name, Stubby, accurately describes one of its attributes, as the overall length of the unit is remarkably short for a Xenon followspot. Thanks to its short overall length the 1292 offers a remarkable to size to brightness ratio. As a short throw, optically the 1292 Stubby 3K-ST is designed for throws up to just beyond 100ft.
Within its recommended throw distance Stubby is capable of beam widths from head-shots to three person circles or greater. The 1292 incorporates features from the popular M2 line with the proven lamphouse and several components from the proven Lycian 1293 3K Long Throw. Controls are top mounted and include a six- color boomerang, two dichroic color changers, fader, nichrome iris, and separate horizontal and vertical chopping shutters. A single lever trombone intensifies the beam as the diameter is reduced.
The 1292 3K-ST comes complete with a three legged folding base. The 1292 should excel in those special applications where the ability to iris down to a tight shot may be required combined with the ability to generate a brilliant ultra wide beam, say the company.
"The 1292 3K-ST Stubby should find immediate acceptance in several applications due to the differential in beam width from minimum to maximum settings," said Steve Lerman, director of sales and marketing. "Along with a brilliant beam we've built in enough features to satisfy the most discriminating LD," says de
Italy - Italian lighting manufacturer DTS Illuminazione srl premiered its new products at the recent PLASA Show. The Delta R, the first model in a range of new-generation LED moving heads, won the interest of the professionals and the media alike, as it represents a radical evolution in comparison to conventional LED colour changers. Its compact and elegant housing incorporates the new LED RGB Full Colour technology, which, the company claims "gives a level of control over colour synthesis and colour temperature that until now was impossible". Other features inlcude motorized pan and tilt, and an IP65 protection level that makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.
DTS, which has celebrated its first 25 years in business, says it now plans an aggressive programme of growth. The company says: "We are confident we can achieve this through a series of new products which employ ground-breaking technologies . . . Our winning philosophy, from the very beginning, has been to create efficient, robust and reliable products, at accessible prices."
The company currently offers a range with 18 product lines and over 400 fixtures suitable for all uses, from concerts to clubs and from theatres to architectural installations.
(Lee Baldock)
Australia - New from the Australian Monitor Installation Series, the Rapid Fit 4 is a low cost, yet discreet ceiling speaker say the company.
The Rapid Fit 4 is designed for the evacuation market or anywhere a low cost and efficient four-inch speaker is required. It Features a low cost plastic grill and a four inch 100V speaker with five, 2.5, 1, 0.5 & 0.33W tapings. Australian Monitor say, the Rapid fit 4 offers a cost effective and architecturally pleasing ceiling speaker package and also saves on installation cost as it is extremely quick and simple to install via its two pre-tensioned spring clip mounting system.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
UK - Carlsbro Electronics' revolutionary new Liberty Wireless WP100 system scooped a prestigious Award for Innovation at this year's PLASA Show, securing the judges' vote to become one of eight winners - against competition from 65 other entries including products by other leading manufacturers such as Sony, Soundcraft, Tannoy, Sennheiser and JBL Professional.
The Award marks Carlsbro's ongoing development as a thriving enterprise with 30 staff based at its design and engineering HQ in Mansfield, Nottingham. The company, which has "a number of exciting joint ventures with Far Eastern companies" says the Liberty WP100 is attracting great interest from the export market.
Carlsbro designed the Liberty WP100 wireless technology system especially to work with speakers built for PA applications - concerts, events and performances (indoor and outdoor) plus in many other commercial audio environments. The Liberty WP100 does away with the need for traditional cabling, and can be employed in any situation from supporting cabaret performers in clubs through to larger-scale concert venues, say Carlsbro.
The product allows multiple, powered speaker configurations to be connected to a mixer, without the hassle of loads of cables and without any loss of quality. Thanks to a receiver system built around two antennae, the signal remains clear, strong and stable at all times. The independent judging panel praised this break-through product, hailing it as "a true, workable innovation that does exactly what it says on the box."
Commenting on the Award, Carlsb
UK - Theatre and special event audio specialists Out Board has introduced a powerful sound effects playback package in the all-new TiMax V2 software just released for the company's TiMax delay imaging DSP matrix processors. TiMax SoundTablet is aimed at anybody using a desktop, laptop or tablet PC in a live entertainment environment, with additional panning functions available for owners of TiMax delay matrix processors.
SoundTablet provides eight mono or stereo sample tracks per cue, all mixable onto eight PC sound card outputs. Any cue can be independently triggered manually or from MIDI, SMPTE, RS232 and internal Timeline, all managed from a Playlist which can effectively contain an indefinite number of cues.
Each Track within a cue can have independently edited Play Zones, Loop Zones and Track Slip positioning, as well as precise volume profiling and mixing. This helps reduce pre-preparation time for sound effects elements and allows greater flexibility on-the fly during rehearsals. Audio wav files can be browsed and auditioned in real time on a separate local monitor output fed from the PC's default onboard soundcard.
For TiMax delay matrix users, SoundTablet's unique waveform-based panning facility allows Image Definition panning localisations to be drag'n dropped onto the audio waveform, effectively using the waveform to define the timeline and law of the pan moves. TiMax SoundTablet is available for download as a 30-day free trial from www.outboard.co.uk.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - HSL's rigging team has designed a new strong and highly versatile tower capable of lifting loads up to 2 tonnes, complete with a small and neat footprint, say the company.
Developed with very speedy build times in mind, HSL say it is ideal for city centres, green field sites and any other location. With a mast height of 13m to fly point, it has a base size of 4.5 x 4.2m, a maximum payload of 2000kg in wind speeds of up to 44mph or 20m/s. Ballast weighs in at 2400kg and the average build time is around two-and-a-half hours when using a build crew comprising one HSL rigger and four local crew; de-rig is around an hour-and-a-half using the same crew, say the company. On-site machinery required is just one Telehandler for one hour on the in and out.
HSL Rigging supplies a full health and safety policy and structural report directly to the production or site manager. Once the tower is erect and the load is hung HSL will sign off the installation and present a hand over document to the production manager. The 2T-V tower is suitable for hanging all types of PA either from a one or two point pick up. Video screens can also be hung on a single point using spreader truss. The 2T-V Tower is also suitable to hang lighting equipment although weight and distribution is dependent on the main payload weight.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
UK - Surrey-based professional loudspeaker manufacturer EM Acoustics held a series of extremely successful demonstrations during the recent PLASA show in Earls Court, where its products were exhibited by Autograph Sales. Held a short distance from the show in a nightclub, the full EM Acoustics product range was on show, including several new products.
EM Acoustics sales director Chris Hinds said: "Holding a demo away from the show worked very well for us. We had product on display on the Autograph Sales stand, which gave people a point of contact within the show, and for those who wished to see and hear the products in operation as well as talk to the designers it gave them a local venue with a relaxed atmosphere to listen properly."
PLASA saw the official launch of three new products from EM Acoustics - the EMS-152 medium-Q full-range enclosure, the EMS-112 compact horn-loaded subwoofer and the diminutive i-2 compact full-range enclosure. Director of R&D Ed Kinsella explains: "We have been working throughout the year on completing a full product line. With the addition of these new products, a wide variety of touring and installation applications can be covered."
Two of the new products have already been supplied to end users - with the Revolution Vodka Bar in Reading having six of the new EMS-152 loudspeakers installed along with two Quake subwoofers by Leicester-based Pro Audio Solutions, and Latymer Upper School in West London recently taking delivery of a complete new audio system designed and supplied by Autograph Sales, including the
UK - Hand Held Audio, UK dealers for Ultimate Ears, have taken delivery of the first shipment of the new 'Super.fi' earphones range. The strength of the California-based manufacturer in the custom earpiece market has resulted in a burgeoning relationship with Hand Held, the UK in-ear monitoring specialist.
The Super.fi range has been developed to address the growing interest in high quality, universal fit earphones for pro audio and for the iPod / mobile listening market. The super.fi studio 3 are single armature, full-range earphones offering high-quality musical sound, with clear highs and a solid low end which will be hard to better in this type of driver, say Hand Held.
The super.fi 5 Pro is a dual armature driver earpiece with a punchy low end, transparent highs and a wide dynamic range which makes it an ideal choice for use with in-ear monitoring. The super.fi 5EB is a specialist earphone for people who like their sound seriously rich with loads of low end headroom. It's a dual driver hybrid earpiece with a conventional transducer for the low end and an armature driver for mids and highs.
All three products are available in either black or white, with the possibility of transparent versions to come. A universal fit-kit, consisting of foam sleeves, dual-flange silicon tips and single flange tips in three sizes is standard to each model, as is a neat carry case and a two-year guarantee.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - The Pharos Lighting Playback Controller (LPC) was awarded a prestigious Award for Innovation during PLASA 2005. The coveted Awards were judged by a panel of industry professionals, who were impressed by the Pharos product's "versatile operating system that is destined to set the benchmark for installation controllers". This success follows on from the Award for Best of Category (Controls and Controls Software) Pharos received at LightFair International in New York earlier this year.
Pharos is a solid state, fit-and-forget solution for control of colour mixing fixtures, dimmers, ballasts and moving lights using either DMX or DALI protocols, and the judges praised it as being "a beautifully engineered lighting controller". A comprehensive range of expansion modules allows it to connect with a host of other triggers and protocols, all in a compact DIN rail-mounted housing ideal for permanent installations.
Version 1.0 of the powerful and intuitive Designer software has also been officially released for the Windows platform and is free to download from http://www.pharoscontrols.com/software.html. It incorporates the features of a sophisticated entertainment lighting console and stunningly intuitive pixel mapping functionality to control LED arrays with both colour effects and imported video. This timeline-based software has full support for moving lights, and includes simulation toallow for programming and presentation offline.
The Pharos LPC is distributed by TMB and is currently being installed in a variety of exciting projects around the
UK - As well as having one of the most eye-catching stands at the event, Pulsar unveiled a number of new products at the recent PLASA Show. In addition to the existing ChromaBatten200 and ChromaFlood200, the range now includes a ChromaBatten100 (available in 600 and 1200mm widths) and the compact ChromaFlood100. All units are IP65-rated and are powered directly from 100-240V; they have full remote DMX control of RGB levels for colour mixing, and internal sequences provide operation without a separate control system.
Another addition to the ChromaBatten range is the ChromaBatten50 - a 300mm (1ft) wide, IP65-rated fixture. ChromaBatten50 is powered and controlled from the ChromaZone and up to a maximum of four pieces can be driven from a ChromaZone12.
Adding to the highly successful ChromaStrip2 is the new ChromaStripX3 High Power LED strip, offering three times the power of the existing ChromaStrip2. Finished in sleek extruded aluminium and available in 300, 600 and 900mm lengths, the ChromaStripX3 is IP65-rated and are powered for the established ChromaZone technology. ChromaStripX3 is available with either 1W or 5mm LEDs.
Pulsar also updated its ChromaBank with the latest ChromaBankIP model, described as "Sleek, compact, menu-driven" the unit is IP65-rated as standard. ChromaBankIP has 12 individually addressable and video DMX compatible edgeless LED segments, and is available in black and silver.
As the creative design applications for the ChromaRange continue to expand and diversify, Pulsar also confirmed that the ChromaStrip2 is now available in
Computer DJ was again at PLASA with an array of new products. Of particular interest for bars and clubs as well as light and sound installers was the new Q-Play digital music system, say the company.This touch screen unit will play the required style of music for up to 365 days a year. The system incorporates bio-metric (fingerprint) security, ensuring that only those authorized to do so can change the music (or its volume). The system can be managed by venue staff or programmed remotely via an optional secure internet link.
The other product to attract a stream of visitors was the newly developed Screenfly. This software programme can be used to generate immediate adverts and other live messages on the plasma screen. Within seconds the user can display special offers; introduce new products; show menu details; etc. Screenfly can also be used interactively or to entertain customers and it will accept short video clips; animation; and photos via Blue Tooth.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
UK - Software providers Stardraw.com unveiled Stardraw Control RC2 (Release Candidate 2) for the first time at the recent PLASA 2005. Billed as a software-based, unified framework that can control any remotely-controllable product from any manufacturer over any protocol, Stardraw Control RC2 is the final pre-release version of the application which is scheduled for final availability later this quarter.
Stardraw Control generates standalone, customized control programs. Like other Stardraw applications it is fast, powerful, flexible and easy to use; with a drag-drop interface and intuitive design environment, installers are able to configure systems and control them without having to write a single line of code. Utilization of Microsoft.net technology means that control programs are portable and can run on any Windows-enabled device, from PC to PDA.
Stardraw Control's open architecture means that manufacturers can offer software control without the overhead of developing exclusive (and limited) software applications for individual products, and since Stardraw Control communicates with any existing device-specific Application Programming Interface (API), manufacturers can add support of their products without changing existing code. For systems integrators this open, unified approach means that a single application can control many diverse products with as much or as little complexity as the end user needs.
Stardraw Control RC2 offers numerous fixes and improvements over the previous version which had already been honoured with two Innovation in Technology award
uk - dAFTdATA has had a hectic twelve months leading up to PLASA 2005, which saw the launch of its new mDMX product.
PLASA 05 saw the introduction of the 5.8 GHz frequency range to compliment the established 2.4 GHz frequencies that eDMX currently works at. eDMX is now the only system on the market which allows the user to send the signal wirelessly at both 2.4 and 5.8GHz - to ensure connectivity at all times.
PLASA 05 also saw the launch of the new mDMX system that will be available from Avolites in the New Year. mDMX currently allows for up to four universes of DMX to be modulated down the mains cable up to 400m. dAFTdATA expect to be able to increase the capacity in the new year in addition to supporting video over mains as well.
The partnership with Avolites to incorporate dAFTdATA's WENDI system into its eDMX product has seen eDMX used for wireless DMX data transfer worldwide - from Wellington New Zealand for the British Lions tour to corporate presentations in the Sinai Desert to car shows on ice rinks in Denmark.
eDMX was used successfully on "The Storr - Unfolding Landscapes" an ambitious environmental arts project on the Isle of Skye. It was used to create a wireless network covering the side of the Storr Mountain, working up to a height of 1,450 feet above sea level through the clouds. A temporary link was also established to the Isle of Raasay - 8 kilometres away - across the straight of Raasay.
The partnership with Essential Lighting to provide the industry with a large rental stock of bespoke eDMX systems has also proved very fruitful
UK - Hall Stage collected an Innovation Award from the PLASA exhibition in London for the second year running. Following last years' success with the DGS Counterweight Drive system, this years launch of the D8++ chain hoist represents Halls' first product in the sector and proves the depth of technical development coming out of the 100-year-old business in recent months, say the company.
Designed by ASM to meet the exacting requirements of the German BGV C1 safety categorisation, D8++ means a rig will not require a 'secondary' or safety suspension line, saving hours of valuable stage time and hundreds of pounds in kit.
D8++ is also virtually silent, so can be used in quiet stage conditions. On board electronics mean the unit can be controlled with a cheap power inversion system instead of an expensive compliant system required by the competitive hoists.
Charles Haines, Hall Stage MD, says the hoists were designed with show needs at the top of the list. "D8++ saves hours on a rig-in, is quiet enough to be used in show time, can be controlled with a £200 distro, its lighter - and up to £1,000 cheaper than the other compliant systems. We think that just about covers it!"
D8++ is shipping now and has been chosen for the ongoing rigging redevelopments at Bournemouth International Centre.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
Europe - Available throughout Europe since 2000, the IES Matrix dimming system was created to take advantage of a new generation of sine wave technology which allowed dimmers of different ratings and dimming techniques to be mixed in the same installation. Now, with just 44mm additional headroom, the new IES Matrix Mk II from ETC is one of the most flexible systems available, with the greatest choice of channel ratings and module options available, plus higher density and improved efficiency, say ETC.
The extra 44mm has enabled ETC to increase the density of the rack up to 180 dimmer channels. With space for up to six dimming channels per module, Matrix Mk II is customisable with up to 180 x 3kW or 90 x 5kW dimmers per rack. Sine wave modules are available as 4 x 3kW, 4 x 5kW and 1 x 10kW, with an even greater choice of channel ratings for SCR Basic and high filtering modules. With relay non-dim and HMI switch options also part of the "mix and match" selection of plug-in, hot-swap dimmer modules, Matrix Mk II is truly the most flexible system available, allowing the user to tailor their dimming precisely to their power control needs.
With Matrix Mk II, no matter what type of lamp is being used, or how many different types of lamp are being used in the same rig, all loads will dim with the same visual curve, thanks to dynamic load sensing which matches dimming curves for high and low wattage loads. Perfect for any theatre, concert, TV studio or opera house application, Matrix Mk II is also ideal for architectural installations which typically incorporate
UK - Navigator Systems' latest software release, HireTrack Eclipse v2.3 is also available in a new 'Try-it' download. Try-it has no time restrictions or missing features and when users are ready to buy, any data they have put into the 'Try-it' version can be easily transferred to the full version, say the company.
This new version of HireTrack Eclipse is the result of almost 18 months of work, including over six months spent in testing and stabilization. It is, by far, the most solid version released and includes hundreds of new and updated features, most of which came from requests by Navigator Systems' customers. The program also now includes an auto-updating feature, so users can be sure that they always have the latest version.
The 'Try-it' version is now available for download from the company's website, plus full details and manuals for the product.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
Spain / UK - Spanish pro audio manufacturer Vieta has added to its loudspeaker product portfolio with the introduction of a number of new products, shown for the first time at the recent PLASA exhibition, by UK distributor KV2. All of the new designs have been produced in response to input from Vieta's growing network of international distributors and customers.
The Vieta DO-80S is a new sub-bass design, added to the Vieta DO Line, which consists of high-performance passive speakers, specifically designed to ensure accurate sound reproduction in different types of acoustic spaces, such as auditoriums, theatres, pubs, discotheques, and shopping centres. The attractive and discrete design of the DO Line cabinets enables them to be easily integrated within differing styles of décor, and all models are both acoustically and mechanically resilient.
The DO-80S passive sub-bass is available in black and white (DO-80SW) cabinets, designed for use with the DO-2 and DO-5 cabinets as a full-range background music system, ideal for shops, restaurants and shopping centres. It offers a frequency response from 40-180Hz, with peak SPL output of 116dB. The 4-ohm unit weighs 8kg.
The RE-115 is a new sub-bass in Vieta's RE Line, which is designed to meet the requirements of a wide range of sound engineering applications, including music bars, night-clubs, theatres and live performances. The RE115 is a 15" sub for use with the RE-8, RE-12 and RE-15 bass-reflex 2-way passive loudspeaker systems in trapezoidal-shaped cabinets, which offer excellent horizontal and vertica
UK - At therecent PLASA Show, Sennheiser showed the MS-88 - the first bi-directional ready product to be introduced by NetCIRA. This unit will allow a mix of input and output devices to be used at any point in the network allowing a two-way flow of information around the network utilizing a single Cat 5 cable. The MS-88 also includes an RS 232 port for external PC or integration with third party products, and word clock on a BNC connector. Other features include automatic transmitter or receiver configuration, front or rear fittable interface cards, and an extensive range of input and output cards.
Also introduced at PLASA was the new MI-6C input card which allows mic/line operation configurable via your PC. Designed for PA, stage, logging and conference situations, features include: configurability on a per channel basis, mic/line input, 48 volt phantom power, PAD (mic/line), high pass filter, and channel mute/gain.
NetCIRA - Network Commercial, Industrial & Residential Audio - is a new brand from the Fostex Company of Japan. Offering practically packaged and easy to install products, NetCIRA brings network audio to a wide market and creates a new price/performance standard for the technology. Ideally suited for both live and installed sound distribution due to its 'real-time' behaviour, NetCIRA products are set to become a standard for audio distribution over Ethernet.
The Ethersound protocol offers up to 64 channels of simultaneous digital audio at a very low latency. Up to 63,000 devices can then be used on any Ethersound network to either add further input
UK - In a move to bring the cost of high-quality wireless systems substantially lower, Sennheiser launched its new freePORT range at the recent PLASA Show. The three versions - Vocal, Instrument and Presentation - all allow four switchable frequencies to be operated simultaneously, ensuring high transmission reliability and flexibility.
"FreePORT offers outstanding quality at a tremendously low price," said Michael Polten, industry team manager for the music industry at Sennheiser. "The systems can be operated without licensing and without a fee in many European countries."
All three have a Diversity receiver installed in a sturdy metal housing, ensuring optimum reception. Other features include a dynamics processor for a clear and natural sound, XLR and jack plug outputs, and an adjustable squelch to protect against interference. Low battery drain means that a 9V battery will operate continuously for more than 10 hours.
The Vocal system includes a hand-held transmitter with a dynamic capsule and a receiver. The transmitter is exceptionally comfortable to hold and provides a lively and assertive sound.Sturdiness, excellent sound and wide dynamics are the impressive features of the Instrument system. It consists of a bodypack transmitter with a jack plug cable and a receiver, and is ideally suited for electric guitars and all other instruments with a jack socket. The Presentation set ensures maximum speech comprehensibility during lectures, presentations and theatre performances. The system includes a bodypack transmitter, a receiver and an i
UK - QXi215, the eagerly awaited addition to Celestion's popular QXi Series is now in full production and shipping to customers worldwide. Designed for applications that demand a big bass sound from a single unit, QXi215 features some exciting new design developments, say the company.
Two 15" Celestion Truvox drivers - one direct radiating, the other mounted inside the ported, birch-ply cabinet at 90 degrees - form a modified band pass system. This ingenious driver loading arrangement results in pure, natural sounding audio with a solid, tight bottom end.
This full-range, quasi 3-way, sound reinforcement system also incorporates a 75W Celestion CDX1-1745 ceramic compression driver, delivering the optimum balance between performance, efficiency, weight and cost. Not only does the QXi215 easily out-perform other 2 x 15" cabinets at this price point, this forward-thinking design means the cabinet is far more compact, making handling much easier - a real benefit for mobile applications. What's more, the reduction in panel size provides greater resistance to the driver-induced vibration, which can occur in larger, less well-constructed cabinets, say Celestion.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - 5 Star Cases, the Cambridgeshire-based flightcase manufacturer, showcased its recent major investment into 3D modelling software at the recent PLASA Show. 'Solid Edge' from UGS, was demonstrated over the four-day event by 5 Star's Andy Stockdale, who has been implementing the system into the company's facilities over the past few months.
The main software capabilities were demonstrated including the fabrication of case fittings and hardware, case assemblies and photo-realistic rendering. Integration into other company facilities were also demonstrated, such as generation of production ready geometry for use with CNC machining systems. XpressReview, a free 'client-based' application was also shown.
Keith Sykes, 5 Star's works director, said: "The interest shown by both new clients and existing customers in this new software was fantastic. The company will be 'rolling out' to its clients in the next few weeks, having spent the last eight months developing the system from the ground up."
Cases on display at this year's show included a range of Robe Show Lighting moving head trunks, and a 'Special Projects' production console used for the Solid Edge demonstration. There was particular interest in the Lighthouse Technologies 80" LED Pop Vision, for which 5 Star produce the case and lifting system.
(Lee Baldock)