Products

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UK - For the second consecutive year, the Shure SM58 has won the MI Pro Retail Survey 'Best Live Microphone' award. With 45 percent of the votes cast by leading UK retailers, the Shure SM58 and the Shure PG58 beat several competitors to take first and second place, respectively, for the Best Live Microphone.

The survey was conducted through a series of interviews with 100 retailers, which included all major UK chains and leading independents.

Andy Barrett of MI Pro comments, "Shure has not only held onto its top slot for live microphones, but it has seen the PG microphone advance in the rankings to the second slot, giving it nearly 60 percent of the combined vote - which is quite staggering."

Paul Crognale of Shure Distribution UK commented, "We're really pleased with the survey results in MI Pro. It's vital for us to know what our retaile

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UK - Hoist UK's award-winning ChainRunner product is now available to purchase online from the company's website. They have recently added the ability to have your ChainRunners in any annodised colour and also personalised with your company logo.

The Award Winning ChainRunner has been designed to provide a safe, off-the-shelf solution to the cable management problems faced every day within the touring event industry. The ChainRunner is used to manage power, control, audio and data cables associated with moving truss applications and thus eliminating the necessity for very expensive spring driven cable reels and eradicating the home-made gizmos that abound in the industry, say Hoist UK.

The ChainRunner range is available to fit the Verlinde, CM and Liftket chain hoists used in the entertainment industry. It is simple to fix, with no need to remove the chain or hook from the hoi

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Italy - ETC's Ion lighting control desk was seen for the first time at a southern Europe trade fair, at SIB in Rimini this week.

Also on show at SIB was ETC's SmartSoft, a new software application that runs on a PC and can be used to get to know the ETC SmartFade ML lighting control console, using its on-screen virtual console face panel.

ETC controls product manager Sarah Clausen says: "SmartFade ML show files can be employed with SmartSoft as an offline editor and the file can then be saved to computer's hard disk. And, by connecting the PC to a SmartFade ML desk using USB, users can access direct data editing tools as well as display the show."

There was also a sneak-preview of ETC's new Congo v5.0 - the new software version for ETC's Congo and Congo jr lighting control systems, which includes a new effects engine.

(Jim Evans)

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Germany - Sommer Cable's multipair SC Transfer Highflex was especially developed to be suitable for tough outdoor applications, but is also suitable for use on stage and in permanent installations.

Its special notch-free 'Master Blend' jacket (a PUR jacket with the flexibility of PVC, the company says) is resistant to soiling and easy to clean and is also resistant to cold temperatures down to -40°C, warm temperatures up to +80°C). A thin paired wire insulation made of 'Special-TPE-Hytrel', plus the tight stranding of the 18 x 0.1mm copper litz wires guarantee outstanding audio transmission properties, say Sommer, while the use of oxygen-free or low-oxygen copper also ensures high bending cycles and consistent performance. The paired copper spiral shielding, in conjunction with the tightly-braided overall shielding made of tin-plated copper braiding, also help to prevent

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Italy - FBT's best-selling MaxX series has been popular in the portable PA market for almost a decade. Now the company has expanded the new HiMaxX series, which it describes as "the most advanced professional powered polypropylene moulded speaker systems", adding to the HiMaxX 40a (12"/2-way biamp configuration), the new HiMaxX 60a (15"/2-way biamp configuration) and the HiMaxX 100Sa (18" Band-Pass active dedicated subwoofer).

Features of the new products include bigger neodymium magnet woofers (designed by FBT, made by B&C) for improved efficiency; A ventilation circuit granting 2dB reduction of power compression; An extra-rigid cone for better suspension linearity and less distortion; Shorting copper cap for extended and clear HF response (B&C compression drivers); Switch mode power supply for lighter weight and faster current delivery; and PWM technol

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Germany - The new Dynacord Variline range delivers state of the art acoustic performance and multi-functional hardware accessories for permanent install and mobile applications, say the company. The VL 62 full range cabinet (150W RMS & 122 dB max SPL) features a neodymium 6.5" woofer and a 1" compression driver mounted to a CAD-optimised 90x40 rotatable horn for high SPL applications where minimal footprint is a maximum concern.

VL 62's unique 16Ohm operation allows up to eight cabinets to be connected in parallel to any Dynacord amplifier, allowing large-distributed systems for high-end retail and entertainment environments to be realized efficiently. Coupled with Dynacord Power-H remote control DSP amplifiers, FIR presets optimize performance, resulting in linear-phase and equal magnitude response over the operating bandwidth of 90Hz-20kHz.

(Claire Beeson)

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USA - Budget-conscious schools, churches and other facilities often require high quality sound systems for speeches, ceremonies, shows and audio-visual presentations. These frequently take place before large audiences in multi-room facilities, where a separate sound system is required for each location. For example, an outdoor amphitheatre might require one sound system, while an auditorium may seek further sound reinforcement and the gym a third PA requirement still.

While classrooms and conference rooms have ever-increasing demands for sound equipment, permanent, installed sound systems for each of these locations would be cost prohibitive in most instances; however, one or two shared portable systems could provide a solution at an affordable price.

In recent years, portable sound system technology has evolved to provide a serious alternative to installed sound systems. In m

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UK - Allen & Heath will be exhibiting a cross section of its new digital and analogue mixers at the forthcoming ABTT show in London this June.

New to the show is the iDR0 2U rack processing unit, which provides all the processing features of the company's iLive digital mixing system for networked audio. It is billed as a cost effective and compact solution for users who wish to mix common sources for different applications such as FOH and Monitor, or need an additional mix for broadcast or recording that allows full processing and mix capability with the source material.

The unit will be shown as part of a comprehensive iLive system, comprising an iDR10 mixrack and iLive-112 control surface. Also on show will be an iDR DSP system for installed audio distribution.

Allen & Heath will also be demonstrating the 4 bus ZED-428 from the new ZED range of compact USB-equipped mixers

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Germany - Sennheiser's new studio microphone, the MKH 800 Twin, is based on the MKH 800 RF condenser microphone, and opens up completely new dimensions for sound engineers in broadcasting, studio recording and film scoring, suggests the company. The MKH 800 Twin is a dual-capsule microphone that provides two separate sound signals at the microphone output. This means that the pick-up pattern does not have to be set at the microphone before the recording but can be remotely fine-tuned and corrected at the mixing console under monitoring conditions, and even during post-production.

"The infinitely variable pick-up pattern enables sound engineers and recordists to try out new settings with minimum effort and to optimise the sound at the mixing console," explains Sebastian Schmitz, Sennheiser's product manager for microphones. "Any intermediate stage between the indiv

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UK - Christie premiered the LW600 digital projector at the recent National Association of Broadcasters Conference (NAB) in Las Vegas.

The Christie LW600 complements the company's family of widescreen format projectors with a cost effective, high brightness 3LCD solution that can be twin stacked to double the brightness. This Wide-XGA projector shines brightly at 6,000 ANSI lumens and 2000:1 contrast ratio, and boasts a suite of 12 optional lenses. It also features high quality 10-bit image processing and compatibility with most computer and video sources including HD formats up to 1080p.

"The Christie LW600 is ideal for today's market of WXGA laptops and PC's that now encompass not only standard data presentations, but widescreen HD formats. With the growing trend toward Wide-XGA format, the need to display this native resolution is becoming more important for today's app

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USA - As a distributor of Countryman products, Shure Incorporated has expanded its lineup of Countryman Earset and Micro-Lavalier microphones to include new models and colour options suited for use with its new UR1M Micro-Bodypack. In addition, Countryman's Type 85 Direct Box will now be available from Shure.

The latest Countryman products being distributed by Shure are sold in configurations offering multiple coverage patterns, skin tone colors, and feature two types of connectors.

Designed for wireless applications in which concealment is a priority, the WCE6 and WCE6i Earset microphones are the smallest and lightest in their class. Nearly impossible to detect against a wide variety of skin tones, the microphones are outfitted with a rugged, bendable boom that ensures a custom fit for every user, says the company.

The Countryman WCB6 Micro-Lavalier microphone is smaller th

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USA - Elation Professional's Event Panel System is a RGB LED colour changing panel that comes with its own battery pack, so it can "power on" wherever you take it, even in places where there's no electricity available, says the company.

Equipped with 288 high-output 10mm LEDs (48 red, 120 green, 120 blue), the Event Panel System is designed for adding colour to special events and banquets, as well as tricky indoor spaces where electrical outlets are scarce, such as hallways, entry ways and moving scenery, the company says. The panel can be controlled remotely from up to 30ft away, using Elation's ELAR WR Wireless Infrared Controller, which comes included with the Event Panel System. The ELAR WR Remote gives operators control over the built-in programmes, strobing, blackout and RGB mixing, and the IR receiver on the panel itself can be placed by the user into the proper

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USA - The LED revolution has come to American DJ's Accu Series. Two LED-powered moving heads have been added to this series of professional club effects: the Accu Spot 250 Hybrid and the Accu LED MH.

The Accu Spot 250 Hybrid is based on ADJ's top-selling Accu Spot 250 DMX moving head, combining the fixture's conventional 250W discharge lamp with nine 1W LEDs. The Accu LED MH is an all-new unit that marries ADJ's stepper-motor moving-yoke technology with the advantages of LEDs, along with other innovative features like an editing programme that allows you to edit and save scenes in the unit's memory from its control panel.

"American DJ is incorporating LED technology into our Accu Series in innovative ways to bring customers some truly groundbreaking effects," said Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group of Companies. "We have added LED lamps to th

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Canada - Adamson Systems Engineering's line array modeling and configuration software has received another upgrade. Adamson Shooter offers 2D vertical and horizontal views with 3D SPL calculation, making it fast and easy to edit venue geometries and add multiple levels to a design, the company says.

Version 2.7.0 introduces the Metrix Series to the Shooter programme. Adamson's European R&D department's software Pascal Guillaume implemented the Metrix (M8-N), Metrix W (M8-W) and Metrix Sub (M SUB) into the new version of the programme.

The new version also adds support for two-motor rigging from both sides of the rigging frame, instead of front and back option only. The mechanical plot now includes more detailed information, showing the box angles in side view from the top of the very first enclosure to the bottom of the last enclosure, thus demonstrating the total vertical cov

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Australia - After the successful release of the 2U Redback dimmer late last year, Australian control systems manufacturer LSC Lighting Systems has announced the release of a 4U version of the Redback specifically targeted at markets that use UK outlets. The new six-channel dimmer provides 12 x 15A UK outlets all located on one side of the front panel ensuring that the controls can still be accessed when using a cord patch. The rotatable side panels also allow the dimmer to be wall mounted, rack-mounted or to free stand.

The new package inherits all the features of the Redback family, including a full 512-channel DMX softpatch; Min & Max levels and a choice of individual fade curves per channel. With the built- in memories, individual fade times and chases, Redback can even run in stand-alone mode making it suitable for museums, presentation and retail environments, says the comp

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UK - Allen & Heath has announced that the new ZED 4-Bus range of small format, USB-equipped mixers for live performance, recording, and production is now shipping and available in stores. Following the launch of the ZED-14 and ZED-24, Allen & Heath has announced the ZED-420 (16 mono + 2 dual stereo channels), ZED-428 (24 mono + 2 stereo) and ZED-436 (32 channel + 2 stereo) mixers.

Similar to the smaller ZED-14, the 4- bus series features the same DuoPre TM padless preamp. It uses a two- stage design with carefully controlled amounts of gain in each stage, offering high headroom and a low noise, clean signal path.

"The four-band, two-sweep EQ, along with the low noise summing amps, is borrowed from the GL2400, while the bus architecture is a simplified, but equally comprehensive, version of that employed in the successful GL series," comments R&D manager, Mike Griffin

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UK - JBL Professional has introduced eight new compact AE Series loudspeaker models. The AE Compact loudspeaker series provides more options for system designers and integrators in a variety of applications, says the company.

"The demand for loudspeaker systems that provide added flexibility and even greater sonic clarity continues to grow with the evolution of the systems integration industry," says Jon Sager, director of market development, installed sound, JBL Professional. "The new AE Compact loudspeaker series addresses these demands, enabling sound designers and installers to best meet the needs of any given environment, including performing arts venues, houses of worship, sports facilities, corporate board rooms, and dance clubs."

The AE Compact loudspeaker family consists of eight high-output, 2-way loudspeaker models incorporating either single or

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USA - Allen & Heath's Xone DJ mixers were prevalent during the recent Winter Music Conference (WMC) in Miami this March. Now in its 23rd year, WMC is regarded as the singular networking event in the dance music industry, attracting professionals from over 62 countries.

Xone mixers were used at a various clubs, boat parties, beach parties, mansions, hotel lobbies, poolside and rooftop events, as well as at the daily Beatport mash-ups, live on BBC Radio One and at Ultrafest. The 2008 Ultrafest hosted 40,000+ revellers over the two-day festival. One of the highlights was Paul van Dyk, who made full use of his preferred Xone:3D mixer/MIDI controller, and featured a live artist complement for the first time.

On WMC's opening night, Allen & Heath received the DJ Mixer of the Year award for the Xone:S2, as voted for by readers of Club World magazine

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UK - The provision of induction loop systems is a legal requirement in many public spaces, yet the electrical and A/V contractors who are frequently called upon to install such systems often find that lack of both space and specialised knowledge are major obstacles to providing the most effective loop systems.

Ampetronic's ultra-compact CLS2, which measures just 200mm x 200mm x 44mm, is designed for discreet installation in virtually any environment, says the manufacturer. It is designed to be quick and simple to install, yet features three independently controlled feeds, with two priority alarm overrides, and can drive an induction loop covering an area of over 400sq.m.

Between them, the three audio feeds can accommodate balanced or unbalanced line inputs, microphones and 100V line sources, with the priority alarm inputs suitable for connection to emergency alert systems, doo

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USA - The Chauvet DMX D-Fi 2.0 upgrades the company's wireless DMX technology that has been in use for just over a year. Using two DMX D-Fi units will allow programmers to eliminate long cable runs over distances as far as 120m, the company says.

Version 2.0 of the D-Fi features more assignable frequencies, allowing users to run up to six separate universes inside one venue, and allowing for additional options when experiencing difficulties in transmission due to signal interference. Multiple units can also be assigned to a single frequency in order to split a signal or cross a vast expanse that would otherwise require long cable runs, the company says.

The D-Fi features LED indicators for operating mode (transmitter or receiver), frequency, and DMX signal transmission, key-hole slots for discrete wall mounting, and frequency indicator lights, say Chauvet.

(Lee Baldock)

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USA - Technomad Associates, LLC will introduce new mounting yokes to address challenging outdoor loudspeaker installations for audio contractors and installers at the upcoming Infocomm 2008 convention (18-20 June, Las Vegas). The yokes will initially be available as accessories with Technomad Berlin and Noho C loudspeakers, two of the company's more popular loudspeakers for outdoor PA systems in stadiums, theme parks, and other open air venues.

The new mounting yokes are essentially "U" shaped arms that give the contractor more flexibility for outdoor loudspeaker installations. The mounting yokes improve loudspeaker support on round surfaces such as outdoor poles and columns to provide a more secure installation than traditional mounting brackets, says the company. Flexibility is further enhanced when the yokes are used with Allen Products PoleStar all-weather pole and

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Denmark - Martin Professional's Magnum 2500 Hz is a plug-and-play hazer for DJs or when a simple haze solution is needed in smaller venues, clubs, and bars. Its large fluid container and optional DMX also make it suitable for a large variety of installations, says the company.

The compact Magnum 2500 Hz uses a 900W heat exchanger to punch out a full 2500 cubic meters per minute of uniform haze for mid-air projection or atmosphere enhancement.

This portable hazer heats up fast and is continuously operational for a trouble-free 'set it and forget it' effect. Its large 3.8 litre fluid capacity (1 US gallon) provides for extremely long runs when needed.

Haze output and on/off timing are controllable via a handy remote control that can be conveniently stored in its own compartment. Like all Magnum products the Magnum 2500 incorporates advanced Jem technology including new electro

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Germany - Klein+Hummel has introduced the KPA series, audio power amplifiers designed and built to drive the largest and most demanding sound reinforcement applications.

Power factor corrected and operating at levels as high as 6000W into 2Ohms down to models providing 1100W into 8Ohms, the KPA series covers the full range of reinforcement needs, says the company. The amplifiers can be daisy chained together using a single Cat 5 cable for both digital audio distribution and remote control and monitoring of all amplifier functions, including load monitoring. The head end of the K8 digital audio distribution system may be fed with an expanding selection of inputs including the choice of Ether Sound, AES3 digital or analogue.

Klein+Hummel's installed sound product manager Dave Theis points out the advantage of this system: "K8 only requires a single control connection to Eth

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UK - Inter-M has launched the PX8000 8x8 Audio Matrix - a simple to operate multi-zone audio distribution system for installations such as hotels, leisure complexes, retail outlets and multi-room applications.

Featuring clear LED indicators, illuminated buttons and fader-type level controls per output channel, the PX8000 Matrix is simple to set up, providing full choice and control of up to eight separate mic./line input signals over eight separate zones.

The unit also features in-built monitor loudspeaker to review the selected input sources, microphone input for zoned paging, as well as an internal digital message store facility to record and broadcast emergency messages to be activated by dry contact closure such as opening/closing doors, fire/burglar alarm, etc. Where no message is recorded, this facility can be used as an emergency mute.

Integrating into any standard 10

  1. Polatis enters professional AV market
  2. Back to school with Soundfield
  3. RCF debuts mini line array at ABTT
  4. Latest ZED models now shipping
  5. London hosts launch of Giotto Digital 1500
  6. Cloud launches MPA Series at InfoComm
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