Hand Held Audio has recently developed a new strain of custom ear monitors. The company was approached by Craig Donaldson, sound engineer for the Super Furry Animals, to see if acrylic ear moulds could successfully be coupled to Sennheiser IE3 generic monitors. This made a lot of sense for the band who are Sennheiser endorsees.

Acrylic ear moulds were the original custom ear monitors developed by Garwood back in 1990 which remain ever-popular today. They were designed to couple with Sony Walkman-style drivers to produce a great-sounding and inexpensive ear monitor. The challenge in adapting the design for the Sennheiser drivers lay in their radically different shape, particularly the sound exit tube. A certain amount of head scratching is normal in such circumstances, and after due process it magically produced a couple of new engineering techniques. The drivers were in the moulds - no

Continuing with its commitment to integrated audio systems, Yamaha has introduced the PC Series power amplifiers, NHB32-C Cobranet Network Hub Bridge and ACU16-C Cobranet Amplifier Control Unit at the AES exhibition in Los Angeles. The PC4800N and PC9500N amplifiers are powerful, efficient and surprisingly quiet choices for any fixed or mobile application, say Yamaha. Both models have been engineered to reproduce power linearity and very low distortion - even when driven hard - resulting in an uncoloured, "three-dimensional" feel of the original sound source.

The PC4800N amplifier delivers two channels of 800W power (20Hz to 20kHz) into 4 ohms, and a bridged mono channel of 1600W. The PC9500N amplifier offers two channels of 1500-watt power at 4 ohms (20 Hz to 20 kHz), or a single channel of 3000W, bridged mono. Total Harmonic Distortion is 0.5%. Both PC Series models feature

Selecon and Rosco will be hosting a joint ‘Hands-On Day’ at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in Mallet Street, London, WC1 on 31 October 2002. The event, running from 11.00-15.30, will provide visitors with a chance to use and get to know the latest products from the two companies in a suitable theatre setting. These products include, from Selecon, the Pacific 80v, Pacific MSR with dowser, the Pacific range with Rosco’s ImagePro, the Arena Theatre fresnel and PC and the Finelite II image projector. From Rosco will be the ImagePro with a selection of iPro slides, the 1700 fog machine, the Vortex dual gobo rotator, a selection of the company’s 60 new gobo designs and, finally, Rosco Supergel and E-colour+ filters, including 24 additional colours.

Those interested in attending the event should register their interest with Selecon’s Mike Goldberg at the e-mai

Following the successful launch of its illuminated colour changing columns and cubes at the recent Retail Interiors & IDW2 exhibition, Rare Basics Ltd, in conjunction with AVR Colourmaster, is now to supply the hospitality, leisure and hotel industries. Manufactured in unbreakable, translucent polyethylene, the illuminated columns are extremely versatile, as each independently controlled stand-alone unit utilizes a single light source, which can be set at one colour or can morph through a sequence of colour changes. Alternatively, the cubes and columns can be capped with table tops in acrylic or metal.

(Ruth Rossington)

Flying Pig Systems announces the first ‘Release’ version of its v1.0 software for the Wholehog III control system after completing its final round of beta testing. This is the first version of software for the state-of-the-art control system that has been given the coveted "show-safe status" by Flying Pig Systems. To reach this point it has gone through extensive testing, both within the company and with the many users who are involved in beta testing the product.

"This is an important landmark for us," said Richard Mead, Flying Pig product manager. "Above all else our customers require their control system to be reliable, and so that has been our absolute priority. But this is really just the beginning. Now that we have established this stable foundation, we will be moving forward rapidly with new versions and new features."

The beta version

SCV London has announced the availability of a raft of new products from leading pro audio manufacturers including Mipro, who claim to have developed the world’s first ACT (Automatic Channel Targeting) system. This allows the user to automatically set the transmitter channel to the same operating frequency as the receiver, protecting from errors, mechanical breakdown and accidental changes which are all too common when relying on manual adjustment. The transmitters come in two forms, beltpack or microphone and there are three models in the microphone range: ACT707HS in a plastic casing, ACT707H in a durable plastic casing with a large easy to read LCD for display of groups, channels, error codes and battery condition, and the ACT707HM, which includes all the features of the H, but is housed in a professional metal casing with a balanced XLR connector.

Acid Pro 4.0 is the latest v

Swedish lighting CAD software makers, Capture, have released the latest version of their CAD and visualization software, 3.0.4. The latest developments to the package include improved moving light performance; the ability to export the fixture list to a text file; improved patching by drag and drop from simulator views (using the selection order for automatic sequence patching); support for the E:Cue lighting control system; refined color mixing and focusing of moving lights; shutter simulation in moving lights; new arch, blackbox and proscenium object wizards, and the inclusion of MAC 2000, HES Studio Beam and LSD truss to the library.

The latest release builds on Capture 3.0.3, which was released last month and introduced gobo and color wheels in moving lights, support for HogPC (as of build 164) and support for patch information from Pronto 3.0.

(Lee Baldock)

Crown International's focus at AES Los Angeles this year was the introduction of its redesigned IQ Network, previously known as the IQ System. The introduction of Crown's 'IQwic' software and three PIP modules - the IQ-PIP-Lite, IQ-PIP-USP3 and IQ-PIP-USP3/CN - bolstered the launch of this new platform. The IQ System was originally introduced in 1988 as a means of enabling professional audio equipment, particularly Crown amplifiers, to be controlled and monitored via a remote computer. Over the past 14 years, it has grown to become widely successful in both the touring and systems contracting markets.

Until now, IQ's system communication has been based on a proprietary two-wire bus. This new second generation, however, is based on cost-effective Ethernet. Communication now travels via 100Mb Ethernet between components utilizing Crown's new TCP/IQ protocol, which increases communicatio

In 1992, Audio-Technica introduced the award-winning AT4033 microphone. Now, a decade later, A-T has paid tribute to this classic transducer technology with the launch of the AT4033/CL cardioid condenser microphone.

The AT4033/CL offers exceptional transient response and clean output signal even under the most adverse conditions, say Audio-Technica. A specially contoured, vapour-deposited gold diaphragm provides accurate reproduction of even the subtlest sounds, especially high-frequency signals not easily reproduced by conventional large-diaphragm microphones. The AT4033/CL's symmetrical housing assembly surrounds the microphone capsule, creating an open acoustical environment ideally suited for studio work where natural reproduction of off-axis sound is paramount.

Denise Turner, Audio-Technica's marketing executive said: "The launch of the original AT4033 was a very significan

Mach Speakers is adding a dedicated top-box and bass reflex subwoofer to its T model line of touring speakers. Designed for high quality live sound reinforcement, the new M14T is a dedicated touring top-box designed to be used with the Mach M181T or new M218T subwoofer while the M218T is a dual 18" frontloaded bass reflex subwoofer specially designed to support the new M14T or M30T Touring Series speakers.

Designed as a dedicated top-box, M14T is an ultra-compact, lightweight speaker designed for high quality live sound reinforcement. It features a high output mid/bass driver with excellent output and clarity in the midrange as well as a 2" compression driver with a 3" diaphragm. The mid-bass driver has a 3" voice coil with windings on the inside and outside of the voice coil former. As a result the driver has a very balanced mass with excellent clarity and stabilit

An updated model of the popular Formula Sound zoner/mixer has been launched, combining improved remote control capabilities with a high degree of flexibility. The new ZMR-243 allows input selection as well as remote control of output volume, plus a number of other features requested by the installers who were consulted during development.

The ZMR-243 is easy to operate, designed for use in applications where precise control of different audio zones is required, such as theme parks, hotels, conference centers, pubs and entertainment venues. Housed in a 19” 1U casing, it allows full control via passive remote panels, and so can be located out of the way. It provides four stereo music inputs, two low impedance balanced microphone inputs and three stereo zone outputs balanced with preset HF and LF equalization. Any stereo zone output may be operated as two mono zones, each with remot

Lamba plc, exclusive UK distributor for KAM, has launched several new products under the KAM brand name. Heading the list is the KCD-800CDG - a karaoke version of the KCD-800. This twin CD mixing unit provides the option of being able to play CDG disks, enabling the DJ to integrate karaoke into CD DJ’ing. Sold individually, or as part of the KAM Karaoke Kit, this robust CD player is aimed at mobile discos, pubs, restaurants and theme bars. Its 19" rack-mount size makes it easy to install into either a KamKase or standard installation mounting. It contains industry-standard connections, with two separate phono outputs for the video signal.

Lamba has also announced the release of the KamKase Pro range of reinforced record boxes. Manufactured in 25/75 and 50/50 black, clear perspex or brush silver/aluminium extrusion, these professional road cases hold 80 pieces of vinyl. The l

James Thomas Engineering’s new Pixelrange series of LED lighting fixtures now qualifies as an energy-efficient approved product, qualifying for the government’s Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) Scheme. This will bring massive financial benefits to anyone investing in these specific LED products. The first three Pixelrange products were launched last month at PLASA 2002 - the Pixelpar 660, Pixelpar 87 and Pixeline 1044 batten - and all qualify under the ECA Scheme.

Under the Scheme, expenditure on approved technologies and products can qualify for 100%, up-front tax relief, delivering a significant cash-flow boost and shortening the payback period on the investment. In addition to this initial financial incentive, anyone buying products from the Pixelrange will enjoy the long-term benefits of the LED technology - with its long lamp life, low power consumption, low maintenanc

Danish pro audio manufacturer D-PAC is now offering its high power PWM/class D amplifier modules for the OEM market. The modules are capable of delivering a maximum of 50A 320V P/P depending on PSU size and construction, and have an extremely low idle power (9W) with no need for fans or heat-sinks, even during heavy use.

Anders Christensen, CEO of D-PAC Audio, explains: "We have recently bought a production facility in order to manufacture up to 25,000 modules each year, and as we only expect to use a few thousand on a yearly basis, we see the idea in obtaining extra volume by offering our outstanding modules as OEM."

"Several tests have proven our modules to be more powerful, more quiet and better sounding than everything else we have tried and heard," says Christensen. "In order to give potential customers a try, we have made an evaluation kit with well-des

Stardraw has introduced ‘Rubber-Banding’ as the September Feature of the Month. This much-anticipated upgrade has been under development for many months and represents a significant enhancement to their design and documentation applications.

This major new functionality means that the elements in schematic designs stay connected as you move them within the document. So, if you wish to change the look of your block schematic and move products, either by dragging the selected symbols to their new position, or by nudging them with the arrow keys, the connections follow automatically. Furthermore, Rubber-Banding operates independently of Modifiers (Snap to Grid, Snap to Object, etc.).

This is an extremely important development, says Stardraw’s marketing director, Rob Robinson: "Rubber-Banding has been at the top of our ‘Most Wanted’ list for some time,

Following the successful launch of its new flagship line of 1200W Series 3000 automated luminaires, Vari-Lite has unveiled the latest additions to its award-winning Series 1000 inventory at the LDI exhibition in Las Vegas. The inclusion of an onboard dimmer option in the VL1000 tungsten units will provide lighting professionals greater flexibility, added convenience and more options to satisfy their specific lighting needs.

"The expansion of our Series 1000 product range immediately after the introduction of our new Series 3000 products, shows that Vari-Lite is committed to the development of new automated lighting products and enhancements to our existing product line," said Vari-Lite president and COO Clay Powers. "Whatever designers need, we've got an automated light for the job."

The VL1000 ERS with onboard dimming eliminates the need for an external dimmer. D

Digigram, an innovator in digital audio network solutions, announces the release of Mac OS X drivers for its VXpocket v2, VXpocket 440 and VX222 sound cards. "The release of the Mac OS X drivers make it possible to achieve the best professional audio with the latest Apple OS," said Digigram managing director Philippe Delacroix. The drivers are fully compliant with both Mac OS X v10.1 and v10.2 (Jaguar). The VXpocket range enables serious audio production on laptops. The VX222 had earned popularity for Mac-based video and other applications through an effective pairing of reliability with professional analogue and digital interfaces.

(Lee Baldock)

Simplifying the setup for turntablists worldwide, Shure recently announced the release of the M44-7-H Turntablist Cartridge pre-mounted on a Technics headshell. Scratch DJs can now virtually eliminate set-up time and install this model directly onto a turntable tone arm. Shure’s premium scratch needle, the M44-7 has earned a reputation because of its ability to deliver great sound without skipping. Along with ultra-high skip resistance, the M44-7 offers a high output and minimizes record wear, making it the battle needle of choice for champion scratch DJs worldwide, including the former Invisibl Skratch Piklz, X-ecutioners, and The World Famous Beat Junkies. The M44-7-H will debut in Shure's exclusive new line of DJ cartridge packaging. This exciting new clear-tube package is both reusable and recyclable.

(Lee Baldock)

Renkus-Heinz Inc is now providing the professional sound reinforcement industry with a unique on-line tool for searching and configuring RH products - the Web Configurator, which replaces the previous, standalone Renkus-Heinz Configurator software package. Available free from RH, this is designed to help RH distributors and audio consultants in choosing available options for each type of loudspeaker and cluster, as well as amplifiers and loudspeaker controllers. With a wide range of options available for most Renkus-Heinz products, it makes pin-pointing the precise solution simple and efficient.

The Web Configurator’s on-line database stores complete standard specifications, available options and full performance data for every RH product, plus AutoCAD drawings for all products, along with polar plots, architects and engineers’ specs, downloadable product PDFs and full spec

The acclaimed MH4 console now has an option for LED bargraph metering, Soundcraft has announced. The new meter bridge option has 16 LED meters that display all auxiliary/group outputs (particularly useful in a monitor situation to show all monitor send levels simultaneously) and can be switched to read matrix outputs. The mix left, right and centre outputs are shown on VU meters.

The MH4 has won many admirers for its easy-to-use multi-purpose functionality, which makes it simple to configure the console for use of FOH or monitor duties, or as a single desk fulfilling both tasks. Since its launch earlier this year, the Soundcraft MH4 has won many friends, including an appearance on two stages at the Montreux Jazz Festival, touring around Europe and on the recent series of Big Brother in the UK. The MH4 has also found favour in many large churches in the USA.

(Lee Baldock)

Jands Electronics’ Event 4 range of lighting control consoles is now shipping with the latest version of its V5 operating system pre-installed. The Event 408 and 416 models, which comprise the Event 4 range, are compact, competitively priced hybrid consoles designed to control both conventional and automated lighting fixtures. Currently favoured for live event and conference applications, the Event 4 can now be used in professional theatrical and multi-purpose applications where the new V5 feature set now excels.

As part of Jands' continued development and improvement, the latest release contains many operational enhancements as well as bug fixes for the Event Operating System. New enhancements of particular merit include: an increased palette size of fixtures, positions, beams, and groups, from 20 to 60; a live palette function, offering 'real time' use over a present time perio

Millbank Electronics has launched a new range of CM8 ceiling loudspeakers. The 8W 100V ceiling loudspeaker has a full power output of 103dB at one metre and a wide frequency response, which makes it ideal for PA/VA installations in shopping centres, offices and airports. Both standard and BS5839 pt.8 versions are fitted with three different mounting modes.

(Ruth Rossington)

Denon has unveiled the latest addition to its range of CD players - the DNS5000. Among its many features are a Motor-Drive Active Platter offering scratch and search with the feel of an analogue turntable, 2 in 1 alpha track, hot starts, hot disc, mirror mix, user-replaceable drives and three-way scratch.

The most significant feature of the S-5000 is that the platter spins - the machine is a true CD turntable. To emulate a record deck as closely as possible, the turntable has a vinyl disc on with grooves cut into it, replicating the feel of a conventional record! The S-5000 offers the ability to manipulate the vinyl disc in the required stylistic manner, plus the added bonus of no stylus - and no jumping! The Forward/Back function is perfect for ‘cutting in’ samples without having to close the mixer fader - like having an extra hand! The platter can be assigned to scratch e

i-vision has launched the I-Vex Flagstaff - an illuminated flagpole which embraces a broad spectrum of applications including the architectural, retail, corporate branding and events markets. The I-Vex is currently available in three different versions: as a wall-mounted pole, as a standard upright flagpole or as a mobile upright flagpole.

Variations in height can be achieved, but currently, the three standard lengths for the wall versions are 1.3, 2.3 and 3 metres. The uprights are available in three standard sizes - 4, 6 and 9 metres - and the mobiles come in 4 and 6 metre heights. The wall mounting poles are available in fixed, user-definable colours, which can be matched to any standard Lee or Rosco gel colour. The uprights are also available as fixed colours.

All three versions are available with CYM colour-changing mechanisms, complete with onboard programmer. The latter offers

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