USA - Renkus-Heinz has launched the CobraNet Breakout Box. Currently the only product of its kind, it allows users to connect non-Cobranet products to a Cobranet network, giving an installer the benefits of CobraNet technology without having to purchase special amplification, or to retrofit existing systems with CobraNet technology.

The Breakout Box provides six fully-balanced analogue output channels on miniature Phoenix output connectors, and all outputs are muted on power On/Off to prevent system thumps. As well as adding CobraNet connectivity to Renkus-Heinz PN Series powered speakers, Renkus-Heinz rack amplifiers or even another manufacturer's amplification, the Breakout Box also provides an output for the Renkus-Heinz R-Control system, permitting full remote control of R-Control enabled Renkus-Heinz amplification products.

The standard pair of RJ-45 ethernet connectors a

UK - Winlite - Pulsar's software-based memory lighting desk which runs under Microsoft Windows is now available for free download. The system, which is ideal for use in small theatres, schools and amateur dramatics, is based around a simple 2-preset layout making it straightforward to use. Winlite is also an ideal educational tool, even without being connected to a lighting system. Detailed information on Winlite and access to the download page can be found at the website below.

(Ruth Rossington)

USA - In response to market demand for reliable installed sound speakers at a competitive price point, JBL Professional has introduced the SoundFactor Install (SFi) range of speakers - installation versions of its SoundFactor product line.

The SF12Mi and SF15i are similar to their ground-bound counterparts, but have features dedicated to installation: three M10, threaded suspension points have been added to each model, and the speakers are supplied with three forged, shouldered eyebolts. Both models have two suspension points on top and the SF15i has a pullback point on the lower rear panel, while the shape of the SF12Mi sees its pullback point moved to the bottom panel. The handles, pole-mount socket and feet have been removed to give a clean, uncluttered appearance. Available this month, the SFi range is particularly suited to clubs, houses of worship and educational institu

UK - E.M. Acoustics, the manufacturing division of Instigate Media Ltd, has launched the first model in the new multi-purpose EMS series - a range designed primarily for installation, but equally suited to audio professionals, DJs or musicians.

The EMS-81 is a two-way passive full-range enclosure designed for a wide variety of uses, including small FOH, club infills, cafes/bars, and low profile floor monitoring. The quasi-trapezoid enclosure is constructed from CNC-machined, multi-laminate Finnish birch ply and contains a reflex loaded 8" (203mm) LF driver and a 1" (25mm) exit HF compression driver on a 90H x 60V horn. The enclosure requires no external processing, has a frequency response from 75Hz - 20kHz and produces a maximum continuous SPL of 120dB. Final touches are achieved with a textured black paint finish (colours optional) and an acoustic foam/expanded steel

USA - American Audio has introduced the WM-UHF16, a single wireless microphone system with 16 selectable UHF frequencies. Just by adjusting knobs on the mic and receiver, the user can select any one of 16 different UHF frequencies to transmit on.

With the WM-UHF16 there's no problem if someone nearby is using a wireless mic on the same frequency. Users simply take the small channel selector tool that's included with the system, and turn the mic and receiver knobs to change to another frequency.

Ideal for a number of applications, the WM-UHF16 is a complete microphone-receiver system with a wireless range of up to 150ft. It features XLR balanced and quarter-inch unbalanced outputs. The system also includes On/Off/Mute controls on the mic, and On and Low Battery LED indicators. Signal to noise ratio is more than 95dB whilst frequency channels range from 471.000-481.650MHz, and

The Netherlands - One of the first products launched by newly-founded manufacturer Alcons Audio is the TS Series of compact loudspeakers. Intended applications include full-range speech and music reinforcement, as well as fill or under balcony systems. Alcons says that all models in the series boast exceptional sound quality for this speaker category - the result of detailed tuning of cabinet construction, port design, component selection/modification and crossover network.

The Alcons TS series currently consist of two models, the TS 3 and TS 7. The TS 3 features one 6.5" mid-bass driver with 1" soft-dome tweeter on optimized wave-guide. Peak-power is 400W with an efficiency of 89dB (1W/1m) and a frequency response of 66Hz - 20kHz.

The TS 7 features double 6.5" mid-bass driver with identical 1" soft-dome tweeter. Peak-power is 800W with an efficiency of 92d

Germany / UK - Sennheiser has added to its well-known miniature lavalier microphone series with the Sennheiser HS 2, a lightweight and rugged headset microphone specifically designed for professional theatre, stage, TV and broadcast applications.

The HS 2 features the audio pedigree of Sennheiser's MKE 2 Gold lavalier omni-directional microphone, combined with a durable and flexible gooseneck that enables discrete, accurate positioning. Suitable for use with the comprehensive range of Sennheiser wireless bodypack transmitters, the HS 2 is equipped with a 3-pin connector, compatible with Sennheiser 3000 and 5000 series products.

The assembly is available in anthracite or beige and audio performance matches that of the Sennheiser MKE 2 Gold, including low self-noise and a special Umbrella Diaphragm which protects the MKE 2 Gold against sweat and moisture. Sonic performance has b

UK - The Speedfogger is an innovative new smoke machine from Le Maitre. The new system offers users speedy set-ups, an integral spill-proof 5-litre fluid tank, high thermal power, and status indicators, and fast fogging with high, controllable, continuous output. The unit is also easy to service and has simple and low cost replacement routines for all serviceable parts.

The Speedfogger features Le Maitre's Rapid Change Technology (RCT). As those who have used them will know, the biggest service issue of a fog machine is a plugged heating block often as a result of normal wear and tear. The Speedfogger uses an innovative heat exchanger design allowing the block to be changed quickly and easily on site. All Speedfoggers come with Rapid Change Technology and integral fluid tank, but the rest is up to you. If you just want a simple on/off variflow remote control, then why pay for an

UK / Austria - In the past there has been demand for a version of AKG's C 444 L - designed for wireless use only - to act as a wired microphone as well. AKG has now responded by offering the C 444 PP as a wired solution with an integrated phantom power adaptor.

The C444 head-worn microphone from AKG is rugged and extremely easy to use. Resting securely and comfortably on the head, it is the ideal microphone for any hands-free application. New cheek pads ensure the C444 always stays in place, even if you turn your head abruptly, and a capsule shock mount reduces handling noise to a minimum. A frequency response rise at 10kHz and roll-off below 800Hz ensure optimum audio and intelligibility, even in noisy environments. The new moisture shield prevents any perspiration from penetrating into the transducer.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

China - In an announcement timed to coincide with the launch of a dedicated website, Intelliway has revealed an ambitious product development programme for its new Alkalite range of LED products.

"Solid-state fixtures already account for the major part of our production, and now we're looking to Alkalite to accelerate product and information flow," explained Jason Echols, director of Alkalite sales and marketing at Intelliway. "Selling through a distribution network will allow our distributors to get onboard and share their market insights with the confidence that an exclusive commercial arrangement brings."

In addition to three new LED series aimed at architectural LED applications, integrated LED club systems and compact sound-active LED effects, Alkalite will also be offering a range of metal halide source intelligent lighting, DMX controllers and fog

USA - Total Structures has been honoured with another award for new wave truss to add to the Buyers Choice Award for Innovation it collected at the Exhibitor 2003 trade show and the 'Debuting Product of the Year' award it won at LDI 2002. This time the judges at the recent Rental and Staging Systems Awards held during the InfoComm 2003 in Orlando, Florida awarded new wave the accolade of 'Best Truss Product'.

(Ruth Rossington)

UK - Brown Box AV has now launched its ZR8 Professional - a 6x8 audio routing processor. Otherwise known as 'Total Control', the unit is a development of the company's already successful system developed in 1995. It features up to eight stereo source inputs with six mono balanced zone outputs (although there is a stereo out version available), mute input for alarm interfacing, fire alarm failsafe option and RS422 data interface for remote control hardware, such as control panels.

It also has the ability to accept various modules to increase flexibility and suit different applications. The ZP6 paging module gives a broad range of paging permutations with two mic inputs and volume restoration; the DZ6 module gives the option to have 'local to zone' stereo line-level inputs, ideal for allowing TVs or juke boxes to be broadcast on the main sound system, and the VC6 gain control modu

UK - Further expanding its product range, Trantec has introduced a new concept in sound reinforcement with the addition of the S10 Soundfield System. This has been designed at Trantec's South London HQ by its in-house R&D teams specifically to augment the potential of audio in educational establishments. It helps to alleviate the problems caused by inherently poor acoustic conditions in Schools, Colleges and Universities, which can lead to prohibitive learning conditions - particularly for students who suffer from a slight loss of hearing or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

Trantec's S10 minimizes teachers' stress levels by delivering evenly distributed sound across the classroom and enables them to be heard loud and clear over most ambient background noises, without the need to strain their voices. The system has also been designed to promote the creative use of audio as a powe

UK - Scene Change, the video projection specialist, has brought theatre video projection a step closer, Until now, the cost of 'theatrical'-style video projectors - DMX-controlled and with automated positioning - has been prohibitive.

Now Scene Change has introduced BeaMover, a more affordable DMX-controlled video projector which takes a bright (3,000, 4,000 or 5,000 lumen units available with a contrast ratio of up to 800:1) video projector from Sanyo and fits it into an automated yoke, which has positional feedback to ensure accuracy. Five lenses are available for the projector, giving a choice of beam angles. Edge focus and zoom are remotely controllable via DMX.

The BeaMover also offers DMX control of horizontal and vertical keystoning, image flip, projection blackout, unit reset and signal source selection.

BeaMover can simultaneously accept three input signals, with an

France - Digigram, innovator in digital audio network solutions, continues its effort to make its sound cards compliant with the next generation of PCI bus with the shipment of four updated cards operating at the 3.3V standard. The new sound cards, available only through Digigram OEM partners, include the PCX822v2, PCX442, LCM440v2 and VX822. The updated cards will replace the following existing cards: PCX822np, PCX440np, LCM440 and VX820, all of which will be discontinued as of 1 September 2003.

"All Digigram multi-channel sound cards have been updated with a Universal PCI interface, making them compatible with 3.3 V, 5 V, and mixed 3.3/5 V environments," said Digigram managing director Philippe Delacroix. "The updated cards offer equivalent, and in some cases, better performance than the previous cards. Every effort has been made to ensure compatibility with exi

UK - Stardraw.com has announced a new productivity enhancement as part of their Feature per Month update service. Using a current design as a source document, Convert Environment automatically creates new layouts in other environments within Stardraw's design and documentation packages.

Stardraw marketing director Rob Robinson explains: "Stardraw has always used different environments to allow you to present your system documentation in the most appropriate format. For example, engineering layouts are best produced in the Block Schematic environment, while sales presentations benefit from the Pictorial Schematic and Rack Layout environments.

Stardraw has long had a 'Convert to Rack' function which analyzes all the data in your Block Schematic, selects those elements that are rack-mountable and then puts that information into the Rack Layout environment. July's feature, t

UK - Brown Box AV wholesaler has just announced the launch of Audeon, the first fully legal, wireless entertainment system for health clubs and gyms. Wireless entertainment systems for use by gym users has long been on the wish list of operators. The benefits of not having to build platforms for music system ducting in cardiovascular areas and the user friendly build of the product make Audeon one of the most innovative systems for music within clubs.

Audeon is the only product currently on the UK and European markets that can transmit sixteen audio and music stations within the narrow, legal transmission bands of 863-865 MHZ, on a wireless system to a very high quality, offering operators something for every members. Audeon also features a revolutionary headphone system. Where current systems have headphone wires that can be time consuming and need tools to replace, Audeon offe

UK - Clear-Com's UK distributor Autograph Sales has introduced Eclipse, a new matrix system encompassing the latest developments in intercom technology. Eclipse combines Clear-Com's suite of Matrix Plus features and ease of programming with a powerful new digital matrix intercom platform. It has been designed to solve all the problems associated with using and interfacing to intercoms.

Autograph's product specialist Mike Charman said: "With features including intelligent linking (up to 832 non-blocking ports over four frames), 24 bit audio resolution, powerful visual intuitive system software, seamless connection to other systems and devices via sophisticated modular interfaces, and configuration PC to Eclipse frame connection using RS232 serial or Ethernet allowing multiple PCs and frames to be networked and remote access via the internet, Eclipse is ideally suited to the

UK - Building on the success of the recently-launched iDR and PA product lines, Allen & Heath will be launching new products from both series at PLASA this September, as well as additional options to enhance the coveted Xone:V6 audiophile rotary club mixer. Allen & Heath will be introducing iDR-4 to the digital audio processing range for installed and live sound systems to complement the iDR family. Based on the same technology as the iDR-8, iDR-4 is a 4-input, 4-output digital processor with additional 2-input, 2-output dual-function monitor channels, ideal for smaller installations which makes full use of the iDR accessories for expansion.

There will also be three new products in the accompanying series of PL remote controller panels. PL-7 is a stand-alone or surface mounted LCD panel, which, using the PL-Anet interface on CAT-5 cable and connectors, enables remote display of

UK - A.C. Lighting has expanded its Chroma-Q lighting range to include DMX management and power supply accessories specifically designed to simplify customized front-of-house racks in the touring market.

The new Magic Box enclosure houses a range of accessories and can be easily configured in pairs for rack mounting with optional rack-ear kit, or truss mounted via the captive M12 fixing. Currently three product variants are available in the Magic Box enclosure. The 8-way DMX Buffer box is a fault tolerant, self-healing device designed to fully isolate each output from another. Supplied with 4x5 pin and 4x3 pin XLR connectors, each output of DMX is separately generated, therefore boosted from the original DMX signal. The unit also features a through connector and termination switch.

The 8>4 DMX A/B Switch box uses a simple manually operated switch to change the DMX source betwe

UK - Sennheiser has expanded the price competitive end of its evolution range of vocal microphones, with three new 800 series models. These build on the common evolution design precepts, including metal construction and all German manufacture.

The e815S, e816S and e817 provide a range of cost/performance options for vocal microphone applications in the general musician, small PA and sound contractor markets. All three models feature shock-mounted capsules, for low sensitivity to impact and handling noise, hum compensating coils and precise cardioid polar pick-up patterns and high output neodynium ferrous magnets with boron for electronic stability in extreme environmental conditions. The e815S and e816S additionally feature a silent magnetic reed - lockable - on/off switch.

The e815S is a high quality speech and vocal performance microphone. The e816S exhibits similarly qual

UK - Power Gems has launched a new range of high frequency electronic ballasts for HMI, MSR and UV lamps. This patented technology offers many advantages over conventional square-wave ballasts, including fewer parts, an integrated ignitor and lower costs.

The 300kHz sine wave lamp drive system is particularly suitable for OEM build-in/build-on applications and provides a 'full power solution in one box', so users don't have to add-on special cooling, ignitors (cold and hot re-strike options) and line filtering to meet relevant standards. Convection-cooling can also often be used depending upon the application, thus eliminating noisy fans.

(Ruth Rossington)

Germany - Behringer has released the latest addition to its line of DJ products - the 5-channel stereo ultra low-noise Pro Mixer DJX700. Features include kill EQ, adjustable XPQ stereo surround effect, intelligent dual auto-BPM counters dual-rail Ultraglide and a VCA-controlled crossfader for reliability and clean audio performance. The DJX700 is available in August 2003.

The Pro Mixer DJX700 features state of-the-art phono preamps and is a step up from the recently introduced DJX400, say Behringer. It is designed from the ground up as tough club mixer with intelligent dual auto-BPM counters with time and beat sync display and 3-band kill EQ including precise level meters with peak hold function for each channel. Additionally, this mixer comes equipped with a seamlessly adjustable crossfader curve for all mixing styles, added by 3-way kill switches for each crossfader side; a mo

UK - The quantity and breadth of products available from Yamaha at this year's PLASA promises to be the biggest yet, according to the company.

Yamaha will be showing over 100 products at the show, including many new models, and will also be announcing a series of major software upgrades for some current products. The company will have on stand the full range of digital mixing consoles, ranging from the PM1D desk and the award-winning DM and 0 series consoles, through to new series power amplifiers and speakers. A new range of interfaces and plug-ins are also expected to be announced, plus significant software updates are anticipated for the DM2000 and 02R96 products.

This year also sees Yamaha marking a remarkable double - 30 years of analogue mixer production and 15 years of digital console innovation and manufacture. The company is currently finalizing plans to celebrate thi

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