Rosco has a wealth of new, interesting and innovative products to be seen this year. The award winning ImageProGobo Slide Projector will be demonstrated on the stand allowing visitors to see how easy and effective it is to use. Also on stand will be catalogue of hundreds of images which have been specially selected for their value in theatre, opera, ballet, television and concerts. A CD containing the images is available from Rosco or available via the company’s website.

For traditional metal gobo users, Rosco has produced 60 new designs, including cloud images, break ups, windows and abstract graphics. Again, the entire range of over 900 other images can be seen on the Rosco website. Some or all of these new gobos can be used in the new Rosco Vortex 360 Single/Double Gobo Rotator. This new product offers excellent flexibility in a low cost package and can rotate one or two steel

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

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)

PROKIT is introducing the Lowel ‘baby’ Rifa-Lite. This small new addition to the Rifa-Lite family is a compact, self contained, 300W collapsible soft light that sets up in a minute or less. Almost any shot, from an interview to table top work, can be wrapped in a virtually fool-proof soft light. A permanently mounted lamp fixture is centred in silver aluminized high temperature Nomex cloth to which a woven glass fabric diffuser is attached. Its compact folded size - 53cm - allows it to fit into existing lighting kits or an additional small carry case. Accessories include fabric egg crates to control light spill, and higher output diffusers for sharper shadows. The Baby Rifa joins the rest of the family of four, with outputs ranging up to 1000W.

(Ruth Rossington)

The Spark Series of loudspeakers from Proel has been designed to offer high quality installation solutions. The serie sis composed of six two-way models: the Spark35P, Spark50P and Spark65P with constant impedance, and the Spark35T, Spark50T and Spark65T with constant voltage or impedance.

The Spark35P and 35T feature a 3.5" mid/high driver, the Spark50P and 50T are equipped with a 5" mid/high driver, and the Spark 65P and 65T use a 6.5" mid/high driver. The HF driver is electronically protected and includes a controlled directivity horn, which allows optimum diffusion of the mid/high frequencies, ensuring high vocal intelligibility. The speakers are housed in rugged anti-scratch cabinets and are available in anthracite grey and white finishes. All models are equipped with an adjustable metal bracket with wide settings for easy installation.

Proel can be found on st

Mach’s M-Flex series offers a new solution to high quality audio reproduction, whether for smaller musical productions, AV work, stage monitoring or spoken word performances. Comprehensive rigging and mounting options combine with intelligent digital bi-amplification technology in this flexible system. All loudspeakers in the M-Flex series feature digital bi-amplification technology and, with compact amplifiers allowing a very compact cabinet, but still with many advanced features such as microphone and line input options and switch-mode power supply. Key issues addressed include ultra-wide dispersion, linear frequency response, high quality speech intelligibility and ease of handling.

The range consists of the M-Flex 12 (12" unit + 1" compression driver with Mylar diaphragm), M-Flex 15 (15" unit + 1" compression driver mounted behind a 90° x 40° CD horn) -

Vestax Europe is making a number of new product launches at the PLASA Show this year. The new line-up includes the CDX-16 dual table-top CD player and mixer combo; the DSS-X1 table-top single MP3 player with loop facility; Handytrax portable turntable; the DA-X1000 Active Audio combined mixer and amp; PCV-002 2-channel mixer with three-band isolators; Faderboard DJ instrument with sampler/key scale and effects.

The Handytrax is the first portable turntable designed for the DJ's needs. It is both battery and mains powered and is able to play at 90°. The Faderboard is the first of it generation allowing the DJ to be a musician without musical training. The fader board allows the playing of notes via faders and not conventional keys like a keyboard. It also features a loop sampler, key scale and effects all storable on smart media cards.

Vestax can be found on stand F42.

Mackie Designs has announced that the latest software upgrade for its DX8 mixer/processor is now available for distribution in European markets. From October, all DX8s shipped will include Version 2.0 software featuring Mackie’s exclusive MIMIC auto-mixing technology. In addition, existing DX8 owners will be able to download the new software with MIMIC auto-mixing free from Mackie’s website.

Version 2.0 with MIMIC technology was first shown at the NSCA Expo in Denver, Colorado last April. MIMIC adds a number of key automation features to the signal processing capabilities of the DX8, including: dynamic gate threshold based on ambient noise; continuously variable off attenuation from 0 to 60dB; continuously variable automatic level control from 0 to 30dB on each input and output; selectable gate release times for each input; selectable maximum number of NOM inputs and input

Anytronics will be launching its new range of digitally-integrated colourwash systems at PLASA Show. The range comprises a variety of manual and programmable controllers with low energy indoor and outdoor light fittings. These provide precise static and dynamic colour-controlled lighting, which is suitable for use in large area illumination. The colour generation is based on conventional RGB colour mixing techniques.

The range of Anycolour control desks is designed to meet the requirements of a wide range of users, from those requiring precise hands-on control of their illumination, to installations requiring only push-button selection of preset effects. The controllers all feature precise RGB control of hue, with independent controls for colour saturation and overall lighting level to give complete control of static lighting. Further controls adjusting the speed, depth and shape of c

Wembley Loudspeaker is to launch a new installation cabinet, the HPi 8 - a highly compact range which, according to Wembley director Paul MacCallum, who designed them, will amaze people with their large sound.

The new cabinets are manufactured in the UK to Wembley’s high specifications, containing components unique to Wembley Loudspeaker. Measuring up at a mere 305mm wide x 260mm high (and 255 deep) the diminutive cabinets deliver a punchy sound more reminiscent of a high-grade studio monitor. "We have been working on an increasing number of installations over the past couple of years," said MacCallum. "We launched the maxi-cube about nine years ago, and there are still many of them running fine all this time later, but we have been always trying to improve on them - not being ones to rest on our laurels! Last year we tried a few ideas which have led to the new HPi

A little over a year since Allen & Heath gained its independence from the Harman group in a management buyout, the UK mixer manufacturer has announced plans to launch three major new products at PLASA 2002 (8-11 September, Earls Court, London). The new products include the iDR series of audio mixers and processors for installed and live sound systems, the PA series of 1kW powered consoles and the Xone:V6 audiophile rotary club mixer.

At the heart of the iDR series is the iDR-8 audio mix processor, an 8 input, 8 output digital mixer and processor in a 2U rack or desk mount chassis. Allen & Heath will also be showing the iDR-in and iDR-out expander options plus a range of remote control devices for building tailored iDR systems.

The new PA series will be introduced with the launch of the PA12-CP and PA20-CP 12 and 20-channel powered mixers. Both consoles include a unique Constant Powe

d&b audiotechnik’s development and support teams are conducting live tests and presentations across Europe of their long-throw extension to the renowned d&b C4 system. This is the final development stage of the C3 line array module.

The 2-way active C3 loudspeaker is an entirely horn-loaded design which, unlike other ‘line arrays’, can be arrayed not only vertically but also horizontally, and by employing the distinctive 30° angled rear side panels and rigging accessories of the C4 cabinet, it extends even further the scalability of the C4 system. Utilizing an identical horizontal dispersion of 35° (above 900Hz) and with a 5° vertical HF dispersion per cabinet, the total frequency range of the vertical curved coherent wavefront of a C3 column is naturally dependant on the overall length of the column. This enables the C3 to address distances above 30m in two differ

Royal Philips Electronics has launched the Plena All-in-One PA system with combined background music (BGM) and paging to meet the growing public address requirements of small to medium-sized businesses. With a 120W mixer amplifier, a professional quality CD player with MP3 capability for long play time and a digital FM/AM tuner all in one compact housing, it provides a 'one-box' solution for many applications - including public address in retail stores, supermarkets, car showrooms, garages, small factories, and schools.

Plena All-in-One is ideal for smaller PA applications requiring compact equipment to fit into limited space. It takes up less space and is more economical and easier to use than a separate amplifier and BGM music unit. The built-in amplifier is a 120W mixer-amplifier with three microphone inputs, including one with selectable priority status for use with a microphone wi

A new mid/high pack has been launched by professional audio systems specialist Shermann Pro-Audio. The company, based in Newtown, Wales, is delighted with early orders for the Shermann RS-5. Designed for use mainly with the successful Shermann R118 VLF system or with any Shermann LF unit, the RS-5 is a bi-amped, four driver mid/high pack featuring a 12" horn-loaded low-mid device, twin 6.5" mid-range and a 1" HF drive unit.

Weight saving within the RS-5 has been achieved through the use of highly efficient, British-built 12" low-mid and 1" HF drivers equipped with neodynium magnet assemblies. The mid and high units are front-loaded, mounted on an easily removable housing, which doubles as a phase plug for the 12" drive unit. In such a design, the external cabinet is effectively a sealed chamber which eliminates the need for removable access panels or doors

Crestron has extended its popular line of handheld, wireless RF touch panels with the arrival of the ST-1700C. This is the industry’s only active matrix display, producing stunning on-screen picture resolution from 64,000 colours. In addition, the ST-1700C provides five engravable push buttons down each side, for quick and easy ‘one-touch’ control. The ST-1700 features new fast-charging long-life NiMh batteries, and is compatible with the CNRFGWA RF gateway. A two-way version (STX-1700C) is also available to allow feedback from RS232 devices on the panel.

Crestron has also announced the addition of a ‘mini-tilt’, one-hand-control extension to its award-winning Isys high-resolution touch panels. The smallest of Crestron’s table-top versions, the TPS-3000 touch-panel provides the industry’s highest resolution (640 x 480) on a 6.4" active mat

ACDC Lighting Systems of Barrowford, Lancashire has introduced the new generation of Colorise Cold Cathode Lighting by completing a £40,000 installation of Colorise DMX at Crow Wood Farm, Lancashire. The DMX system has been designed specifically to fade smoothly between colours with fade times varying from seconds to days. The transition between colours is exceptionally smooth and can be activated at the push of a button or alternatively an automatic system can be used.

The driver technology at the heart of the unit is derived from ACDC’s low voltage Coldstar ll ballast and uses highly efficient electronics. Low energy consumption and long life make Colorise an attractive option, especially when installing in ‘hard to reach’ areas such as swimming pools and gyms. This increased flexibility has proven to be a great success in a variety of projects including Crow Wood

Logic System will exhibit at PLASA 2002 riding the crest of a wave having achieved the most successful six months yet. This years’ show sees an array of new product launches including the second generation of product for the IS Series and the addition of the IS10 enclosure. The evolution of the installation series has been achieved by working closely with customers and aims to build on the runaway success of the original boxes. The LS Series, aimed at theatre and A/V markets sees the addition of the LS8 to plug the gap between LS7 and LS12.

Recent jobs keeping the factory working to capacity include Yates venues in Leeds and Blackpool plus Jumpin’ Jaks, Blackburn for TTL and Toad in Chelmsford for Image Sound. Meanwhile, LMC identified the LS Series as the obvious solution for an installation at St Mary’s church in Paddington.

In the live arena, Glasgow-based hire c

Monacor plan to launch numerous new products at PLASA 2002. LE-510DMX is one of many new lighting effects available under the img StageLine brand, which includes a total of 10 new effects plus two new controllers. STA-162 - one of the range of nine new and re-designed amplifiers which will be available for the first time at PLASA. The range of stereo power amps starts at 60W per channel and goes up to 1000W per channel.

The DJP-400/SI is a new turntable in silver with all of the following features at a very competitive price: quartz controlled direct drive heavy diecast turntable quick start with brake adjust three-speed switchable pitch bend digital display for BPM and pitch backward function digital output analogue output switch line/phono remote start stylus illumination. PAB-515/SW - This new 300W ABS moulded plastic speaker enclosure contains a heavy du

Quentor introduced its System Q Cases in 1996. Strong, good looking, weight saving products designed specifically for the demanding environment of Formula One motor racing, their benefits have been readily embraced by other industries.

Now the company has introduced its Quentor Q-Fix flightcases, which feature a new level of accuracy of manufacture almost unknown in the flightcase industry. The cases utilize a new, patented construction system offering unique, high strength and quality assembly. Quentor Q-Fix Cases are available in standard sizes or custom-built in almost any size, style, and colour. They are ideal for many applications within the AV, broadcasting and entertainment industries. The range includes trunks and racks, together with more specialized cases for lighting, cameras, and other AV equipment. The cases are available ready-assembled or as a flat-pack system, making t

Switchcraft, the US manufacturer of connectors and patchbays for audio and broadcast professionals, has launched a range of 96-way TT patchbays in which the normals for each jack can be changed from the front of the panel simply by using a screwdriver. Named TT EZ Norm, the patchbays are supplied with 48 modules each containing two jacks manufactured using Switchcraft's industry-proven contacts and switches. At the front of each module is a small screw which can be used to change the normalling to any setting – full, half or non-normalled. The screws have a strong detent spring and are covered by a plastic strip to prevent unwanted changes.

Suitable for analogue or digital signals, the patchbays can be supplied wired or unwired and in three rack heights – 1U, 1.5U and 2U. Unwired patchbays have jacks with solder or wire-wrap terminals and are available with the choice of ti

Funktion One has always had a love of dance music. Tony Andrews' loudspeaker designs from the 1970s and 80s were mostly designed using funk music from the likes of James Brown, Sly Stone, and Parliament. In response to the combined reaction of the current dance world suggesting a ‘no holds barred’ design approach, the company has developed a sonically and visually imposing ‘stack’ of matched components.

Fundamentally, the dance stack is a four-way system with sub bass, bass/low-mid, mid-range and high frequency. It uses 24dB/octave crossover slopes and time alignment. Equalization, being an unnecessary evil, is not required, say the company. Funktion One’s David Bruml expands on the design background: "To make sure of the low end, we have a newly designed 2 x 18" infrabass - patent pending - dealing with the ‘weight’ part of the bass

The American National Standards Institute approved E1.16 as an American National Standard on 8 August 2002. The new standard, ANSI E1.16-2002, Entertainment Technology - Configuration Standard for Metal-Halide Ballast Power Cables, is available as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file at the ESTA website (address below).

ANSI E1.16 may be an inexpensive standard, but it's designed to eliminate expensive accidents. Manufacturers of ballasts for HMI-type lamps rated 6kW and above often use a common circular, three-pin connector for connecting the detachable power cable to the ballast. Most manufacturers use one particular pin of the three for the protective grounding connection, but until the publication of ANSI E1.16, there was no standard specifying which pin. Without such a standard, a manufacturer could easily decide to use a different pin for ground and the usual grounding pin for an ung

HW International UK sole distributors for Shure, QSC Audio, Phonic and PreSonus pro-audio equipment will be exhibiting the latest technology from each of the said manufacturers on stand E20. Shure will be previewing the latest in affordable personal monitoring with the PSM 200 Personal Monitor System, along with the most recent addition to the legendary SM range, the new SM86, a rugged vocal condenser microphone. Another development that will be on show is the ETVD/PG58, a wireless version of the acclaimed PG58 microphone.

A number of QSC products will also be on display including the DSP-4 signal processing module and the ISIS PCM 215 Subwoofer system, also new additions to the RMX and PowerLightÔ amplifier ranges. From Phonic a complete new range of DJ mixers, the MX Range, will bedebuted, as well as the new Phonic DB2 DI Box, plus new ES range of stage loudspeakers. Furthermore, f

E:Cue have announced the release of a new PC based lighting control software. Debuting at PLASA 2002, the system comprises free software which is capable of up to 4096 DMX channel operation. In an effort to bridge the gap between PC-only control and the flexibility and 'feel' of a traditional lighting desk, the manufacturers have a plug-in controller which allows programming via faders and encoder wheels, with the processing carried out in the PC. The software is comprehensive with the functionality of high-end desks easily accessible, such as LTP/HTP assignment, fade times and timecode/MIDI interaction, as well as having a number of sub-masters and extensive cue lists.

There are several plug-in hardware units available. The Nano, being the smallest, is about the size of a cigarette box and plugs into the USB port, giving the user up to 256 channels of control and once unplugged from

Latest Issue. . .