UK/France - Artistic Licence will be exhibiting with French distributor ESL at SIEL 2004 in Paris (1-4 February) on Stand L74 in Hall 5 of the Paris Expo centre. Artistic will be launching the Pixi Range of luminaires and accessories, showing two new products from the range: Pixi-Led is a self-contained LED luminaire aimed primarily at the architectural lighting market and Pixi-Power is a stand alone power supply designed specifically for the Pixi-Led products.

The concept behind Pixi-Led is the ability to create a fusion of lighting and video allowing designers to achieve an almost limitless combination of effects. The fixtures use new "point-source" RGB colour mixing which creates both an exceptionally bright white light output and, with their consistent colour mixing ability, provides an enhanced colour palette with a superior range of pastel colours and tints.

To

USA - BBE announced the launch of a number of new products at the NAMM exhibition in Anaheim, California this month. The Max-X2 professional stereo 2-way crossover is designed for road use and is also suitable for DJs. The Max-X2 features a built-in Sonic Maximizer circuit, which adds the improved clarity, definition and punch the Maximizer is renowned for, say the company. Furthermore, the Max-X2 incorporates the company's fourth generation BBE Sonic Maximizer process, the same system utilised in the BBE 482i and 882i Sonic Maximizer processors. Other features are a phase reversal switch for each output, plus 30Hz high pass (low cut) filters on both channels.

The BBE Max-X3 professional stereo 2-way crossover, which also functions as a mono 3-way crossover, is designed for road use, and like the Max-X2, also features the Sonic Maximizer circuit. Utilizing 24dB per octave state-

UK - Allen & Heath has announced the start of production of the rotary fader version of the Xone:92 professional DJ/club mixer. Identical in design and features to the 'linear' Xone:92, the one difference between the models is the Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA) faders, which are rotary as opposed to linear.

"The design philosophy behind the Xone:92 was to make it as flexible and feature packed as possible. Many DJs prefer rotary faders to the standard linear configuration so it made sense to launch two versions of the mixer," comments Xone designer, Andy Rigby-Jones.

Launched in December with the help of DJs Richie Hawtin, C1, IQ and Sander Kleinenberg, the Xone:92 is Allen & Heath's fastest-selling Xone model. Allen & Heath says the rotary version will be available from February.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - Birmingham based glowshop.com announced the launch of their brand new range of 'invisible paints' - white in colour, translucent when dry, they are invisible until exposed to UV blacklight, when they will glow brightly in vibrant colours of blue, yellow, red, green and orange. (The artist paints under UV blacklight).

These innovative photo luminescent materials enable the production of UV special effects artwork including trompe-l'oeil and 3D. Dual Images can be created like day to night scenes created using a combination of conventional and invisible/UV revealing paints. Under normal light the viewer sees the day scene, the nighttime equivalent appearing when the image is exposed to UV blacklight. Applications range from the obvious to the not so obvious some including special effects, scenic effects and promotion and advertising.

The paint is a quick drying, matt finish

The Netherlands - Alcons Audio's VR12 is a 2-way compact multi-purpose loudspeaker, for both portable and permanent applications. Featuring the Alcons RBN601 ribbon driver (multiple patents pending) the VR12 is aimed at applications where high output, high fidelity sound reinforcement is needed. Its specifications exceed Hi Fi standards, say Alcons.

The VR12 features a 6" pro-ribbon driver with 'Real-90' horizontal dispersion for MF/HF and a 12" mid/bass driver for LF. The frequency response is 60Hz up to 20kHz (+/-3dB), with a peak power output of 134dB. Maximum flexibility was the main design goal, according to Alcons; the asymmetrical enclosure and the 90° resolvable wave-guide make the VR12 suitable for a compact FOH system, an in-fill cabinet or a (high-power) floor monitor. In installations, this also offers flexible (ceiling/wall) mounting. The cabinet is equip

New Zealand - The new Pacific Followspot from Selecon delivers the same cool beam and incorporates all the other operational advantages of Selecon's Pacific heat management technology. Ideal for smaller theatres, schools, churches and clubs, one of the many benefits of the compact followspot is the ability to choose from a wide variety of light sources to meet differing throw requirements.

For example, the Pacific Followspot is efficient in the smallest school drama room or rehearsal space using the regular 600W tungsten halogen lamp (1000 lux at 18.5m) as it is in a medium-sized theatre, using the 80V Power System (1000 lux at 23m). It can also deliver the output necessary for a church or auditorium using the MSR hot restrike 575W lamp (1000 lux at 39m) with its flicker-free operation. Other lamp choices are the 800W tungsten halogen (1000 lux at 20m) and the 1000W tungsten hal

UK - The new Roll Storage Cart from British Harlequin is designed to ease the problems of safe storage and easy handling of rolls of vinyl flooring for dance and performance spaces. With Harlequin's popular dance flooring widely used for temporary applications, where the floor is rolled out to provide a suitable performance surface, then stored away or transported to a new venue, the new Roll Storage Cart will both speed up the process and provide a compact and safe storage facility.

The newly designed cart holds up to 10 rolls of Harlequin Studio flooring each 1.5m long and carts have already supplied to The Oslo National College of Arts and to Tanztendenz, a choreographic centre in Munich. Elsewhere, three larger Storage Carts, each suitable for storing 2m long Harlequin Cascade rolls, have been delivered to the Centre National de la Danse in Pantin, Paris.

(Lee Baldock)

UK / Germany - Baldwin Boxall Communications will be displaying its latest Voice Alarm (VA) products at Firex South, Sandown Park, and also at ProLight & Sound, Frankfurt. Products on display will include the new BV050Q Quad 50W VA amplifier, which completes Baldwin Boxall's Class D range. Other amplifiers in the D Class range include the 440W, the 220W and the dual 120W modules, along with a Switch Mode Power supply. Also on show will be the Quad 50W amplifier, offering considerable saving in rackspace and suitable for use where low wattage zones are required.

The amplifiers are greater than 80% efficient (compared to typical 'AB Class' amplifiers of 60%), drawing less current and, therefore, reducing unwanted heat. One of the additional benefits of the new Class D amplifiers is that smaller batteries are required for standby power. The Switch Mode Power Supply offers greater e

UK - There are numerous ways that inverted (reversed) polarity can occur causing significant deterioration of sound during a performance - and the more complex the set-up, the greater the risk that problems will arise. While the entire sound isn't lost, overall it does deteriorate. Galaxy Audio's Cricket Polarity/Continuity Test Set (CPTS) comprises a Send Pulse Generator and Receive Pulse Detector for checking the continuity and polarity of audio components spanning mixers, amps, effects and wireless mics, to speakers, patchbays and cables of up to 2,000ft in length.

A useful problem-solving aid for sound engineers, theatres and concert halls, install and PA rental companies, DJs and bands who handle their own sound, these battery-powered palm-sized units come in a moulded vinyl carrying case.

(Lee Baldock)

Australia - ARX has added the new M Sub subwoofer to its MicroMedia Series of passive loudspeakers. The M Sub features a single ARX 15" (380mm) sub bass driver in a compact, efficient reflex ported cabinet design. With a frequency response of 45Hz-100 Hz, the M Sub is an ideal match for the ARX MicroMedia MM-1, Ambience and Climate loudspeaker ranges, say ARX, with its targetted applications including AV installations and special effects for museums, attractions and entertainment venues.

The M Sub features an impedance of 8 ohms allowing two or more M Subs to be efficiently powered from most professional power amplifiers for applications requiring maximum sub bass output. Specifications include long term power handling of 300W, a minimum suggested amplifier power of 200W @ 8 ohms, sensitivity of 98dB (1W, 1m) and a maximum SPL of 127 dB.

Finished in multiple coats of char

Italy - Italian pro audio manufacturer Outline has introduced the Micra Powered - a new, compact, self-powered loudspeaker enclosure whose features are based on the Micra Plus, an enclosure with a strong reputation for its use in TV studios and on some of Italy's top tours (including Claudio Baglioni).

The Micra Powered has a built-in (250W continuous power) digital amplifier and is fitted with two sophisticated 5" woofers and twin neodymium magnetic circuit, say Outline. A 1" compression driver handles the top end. The power available allows two additional passive (slave) units to be safely connected to the powered enclosure. Micra Powered has a universal input with adjustable sensitivity, and is able to handle various types of signals and levels, including mic or line signals. It is fitted with a limiter able to operate efficiently without causing distortion in the e

UK - Software provider Stardraw.com has announced the availability of downloadable demos from its website, a move that coincides with the launch of their newest application, Stardraw A/V Lite.

The demos work exactly like the full version software for 30 days from installation, but rather than having to wait for and install from a CD, you can download the application of your choice from the website in just a few minutes. According to Stardraw marketing director Rob Robinson explains: "This is a logical step that offers clear advantages, the age of software distribution by physical media is coming to an end. For applications like ours that see almost daily updates, CDs are effectively obsolete as soon as they roll off the production line. With Internet distribution, our customers can get the software they want immediately, rather than having to wait for a CD to turn up in th

UK - Soundcraft's flagship multipurpose live performance desk, the MH4, has become even more versatile thanks to the introduction of a new version of its mono input module. The new input expands the use of the aux buses by adding true mono/stereo configurations to take maximum advantage of the desk's 16 auxiliary buses, giving configurations of 16 mono, 12 mono/2 stereo or 8 mono/4 stereo mixes.

The MH4 has become widely adopted because of its ability to handle even the most demanding live sound mixing, and for its capacity to operate as a fully-featured FOH or monitor desk, or as a combination of both. This new aux function makes the multi-mode desk even more flexible than previously thought possible. The updated module now ships as standard in MH4s, and existing consoles may be upgraded through the purchase of new modules.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Soundcra

USA - Mackie will use this year's NSCA show as a platform to introduce the commercial audio market to exciting new products including the new TT24 digital live console - a powerful 24-mic input digital mixer developed specifically for live sound applications such as clubs, theatres, houses of worship, rental companies, sound production companies and regional touring acts.

The TT24 is a 56 x 45, 24-bit, 96kHz capable console with 100mm touch-sensitive faders, on-board analogue and digital I/O, full channel metering, digital recall, EQ, dynamics, and effects. A unique control section combines a 5" touch screen, eight function buttons, and 12-parameter rotary encoders that work together to provide easy access to key live functions such as: Fat Channel overview, EQ, Dynamics, Group/Aux assignments, Aux masters, Snapshots, FX control, and Matrix. Absolutely nothing is out of im

UK - Marquee Audio has set up a new division to focus specifically on product marketing - and the first own brand product to come out, under the new 'Molto' name, is a hard disk system.

Having watched the development of hard disk delivery and other media streaming systems - aimed specifically at 'chameleon' licensed venues operating over an all-day trading pattern - Marquee Audio has waited for the market to mature and new-generation technology to kick in before making their move, according to MD Spencer Brooks: "As an essential part of our installation work we were increasingly being requested to supply a product which exceeds the performance of other proprietary hard disk systems on the market, and after putting Molto through a number of prototype stages we now believe we have a product that fulfils that."Molto will offer storage capacity for 600 albums' worth of mat

The Netherlands - - ELC Lighting will launch two new products and one significant upgrade at the forthcoming SIB (Rimini, Italy 13-16 March) and ProLight&Sound (Frankfurt, Germany 31 March - 3 April) exhibitions. dmXLAN Node 1 is an ethernet node allowing the conversion to ethernet (ArtNet protocol) of one DMX universe, input or output.

For fixed installations, such as theatres or conference centres, the cabinet will be mounted on the wall, with the display in front and the DMX connector beneath, avoiding connectors and cables getting in the way. The ethernet is connected internally through hardwire connection. In the truss-mount version, an Ethercon connector from Neutrik is placed beside the DMX socket. The cabinet is fitted with a built-in M10 nut on the bottom for a truss clamp and a hole is provided for the safety hook. In both cases, the 5-pin XLR connector can be set

UK - Following the successful launch of its E Series lightweight, switchmode amplifiers at last year's show, MC2 Audio will use the ProLight&Sound 2004 exhibition in Frankfurt for the debut of its long awaited E45 (2000+W/channel into 4 ohms). The first two models, E25 (1250W/channel into 4 ohms) and E15 (750W/channel into 4 ohms) are now in full production, and the company says demand is high, with buoyant sales around the world.

Designed specifically for the touring market, the E Series has all the sonic qualities and reliability of the company's MC and T Series amplifiers, without the physical weight, and will bring the well-renowned MC2 sound quality and reliability to an even wider range of users.

MC2 Audio can be found in Hall 8.0, on stand F26.

(Lee Baldock)

- The EASE acoustic simulation program, distributed world-wide by Renkus-Heinz, contains a massive amount of detailed technical data for every loudspeaker in its database. This data, which is used by the program to create accurate EASE simulations, has previously only been available to purchasers of the program. Now, the Renkus-Heinz Loudspeaker Data Reader gives everyone access to detailed loudspeaker data on line - even non-owners of the EASE program.

The R-H Loudspeaker Data Reader accesses the EASE database and displays a large number of important speaker parameters graphically in detail. A pop-up window also provides access to necessary information like dimensional data in the form of 2D PDF and 2D/3D AutoCad drawings, architects' and engineers'' specs, PDF data sheets, and high-resolution product photos. The Loudspeaker Data Reader can be accessed at the website below.

UK - Telex has introduced the new A2, B4 and C6 frequency combinations to expand the performance range of the BTR-800 system, with a range of new combination options. Telex's BTR-800 dual-channel UHF wireless intercom system was specially designed for applications in TV and radio broadcasting, theatres and musicals as well as high-end rental companies.

The updates of the BTR-800 are CE-approved, meaning that their use is authorized in most European countries. The BTR-800 employs a fully UHF-supported synthesizer technology as well as the ClearScan function, which automatically selects the frequency set with the highest transmission and reception quality, and is equally suitable for stage announcements, wireless talk-arounds (where the audio signal of the transmitting wireless user is only received by participants of the same wireless group), TV broadcasting and high-end rental a

Germany - Electro-Voice has introduced the new SxA360 compact powered sound reinforcement loudspeaker. Building on the renowned Sx300 passive loudspeaker, the EV SxA360 sets a new standard for powered loudspeakers. The SxA360 design provides the user a simple-to-use system with plenty of power in a very compact package, and at only 36lbs, is the most lightweight powered 12" loudspeaker on the market, claim EV.

The SxA360 is a full-range loudspeaker ideal for most applications requiring high-quality sound. The SxA360 offers a unique combination of high SPL, natural frequency response, and dynamic headroom in an extremely lightweight package. Its linear response provides excellent feedback-free sound without additional equalization. Built-in suspension points and pole mount make it easy to position for your application without expensive accessories.

The high-frequency secti

UK - Carlsbro re-issue the '50 Top', an all-valve, point to point, hand-wired, British made valve guitar amplifier. Fondly remembered as the workhorse of gigging musicians in the 70s, this simple, single-channel valve head is being re-issued exactly as it was 30 years ago.

Featuring original 1970s specification with military specification hand-wiring, chassis-mounted porcelain valve bases and a heavy gauge welded steel chassis, the amp is supplied in the original black vinyl with yellow panel cosmetics. Following a surge of initial orders, stock will be available in April.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

UK - Turbosound, the British-based manufacturer of live performance and installed sound loudspeakers, is releasing its innovative new sound reinforcement system at Frankfurt ProLight & Sound 2004 (Hall 8.0, Stand J52). Turbosound's most efficient loudspeaker design to date, the new system is easily scaleable to suit specific acoustic and venue requirements ranging from small clubs and auditoria, to the largest arenas and stadia.

The new system comprises a set of proprietary transducers, which operate over four individual frequency bands, and are divided between two identically-sized modular enclosures. It incorporates many patented designs, with the key element being the deployment of equal-path-length multi-cellular horns, or 'polyhorns', to create a phase-coherent wavefront. The system permits individual wavefronts to coincide seamlessly with the physical curvature of an array

Germany - Camco will launch three key products at the ProLight & Sound show in Frankfurt (31 March - 3 April), including a new top-of-the-range model in their acclaimed Vortex Series of power amplifiers.

The Vortex 200V is Camco's new flagship, the latest addition to the company's line of pioneering digital amplifier products. Specified at more than 3kW per channel RMS at 4 Ohms, the Vortex 200V delivers voltage at the output of 200V per channel. It shares the standard features of the Vortex Series, such as on-board Remote Control; power transistor control with emergency shutdown in case of extreme malfunctions; reliable over-voltage protection; thermal protective circuitry for the transistors, and hum-free operation in case of extreme under-voltage (instead of sound-deteriorating limiters).

Camco's Tecton Series, launched last year, is a range of power amps featuring the lat

Germany - ChainMaster Bühnentechnik is set to significantly heighten its profile at trade shows both inside and outside Germany in order to improve communication with contractors and others interested in its products, the company reports.

As well as attending a greater number of trade shows, the company will also increase its stand size at the ProLight & Sound (Hall 8.0 Booth F74) in Frankfurt by 40%. As Frank Hartung, ChainMaster's managing director, explained: "We want to be able to show our chain hoists and chain hoist controllers in action, whilst at the same time retaining enough room to conduct an unhurried dialogue with our customers in comfort. This was not possible with the booth design we had before."

This year, ChainMaster is presenting a new-look catalogue at ProLight&Sound, and will be demonstrating not only the highly successful BGV C1 chain hoists, V

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