The PLASA Show, London’s leading entertainment technology event, represents far more than just an arena from which to see the latest developments and innovations within the entertainment technology industry. It also offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about how to use this technology to best effect through its Masterclass Programme. This year, the Masterclass Programme, which runs from the Monday to the Wednesday, will focus on the fields of special effects, architectural installations and audio and corporate presentations and will include an impressive line-up of speakers, all of whom are experts in their specific fields.

Tuesday 11th September 2001, Theme and Leisure Day of the Masterclass Programme is a ‘must’ for visitors interested in learning how, through imaginative design and intelligent production techniques, special effects can be utilised in live

Telex EVI Germany has appointed Christian Greß to the position of export sales assistant. His responsibilities include sales and customer support for all the Telex brands in west and eastern Europe, African and the Middle East. Greß joins Telex EVI with a wealth of experience in the pro audio field having spent the last five years as a professional sound technician. His extensive product knowledge combined with the fact of being a musicianhimself, makes him a valuable resource for Telex EVI and their customers.

Pioneer GB Ltd will once again be exhibiting the Pro DJ range at this year’s PLASA 2001, Stand D40. As well as live appearances from top DJ’s including Roger Sanchez (Sunday 9 September), there will be competitions to win Pioneer Pro DJ equipment and signed copies of Roger Sanchez’ number 1 hit single ‘Another Chance’. There will also be the chance to try out Pioneer’s latest creation; the new CDJ-1000 Digital Deck, the world’s only CD turntable capable of True Vinyl Emulation. In addition to a celebrity DJ line up, with the chance to see and hear some of the best DJ talent around today, Pioneer will have some exciting news . . .

Pioneer can be found on Stand D40.

On the day I visited the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, the sun came out. It blazed all day, the perfect start for a night of hot Brazilian jazz.

Funny thing was, I was there to hear one of the classic voices of British r&b: from the early sixties with the Spencer Davis group, through Traffic and Blind Faith to a lengthy solo career, Stevie Winwood has never been less than a national treasure.

He’s not toured since the mid-90s, so this appearance was all the more welcome. How he came to be performing on stage with Brazilian guitar genius Jose Neto is a lengthy story, suffice to say good musicians attract one another like magnets, and I know from speaking to Jose (a friend, as well as a star) that he’d always wanted to re-arrange some of the Winwood canon, so this was to be a special evening in every sense.

For supporting this fledgling festival, mention must be made of Richa

Audace Ltd of Redruth, Cornwall, will be launching its new Intelliplate digital remote control system at this year’s PLASA Show. The company will be exhibiting at PLASA for the first time and will use the opportunity to reveal a package of new features, both hardware and software-wise, along with new multi-lingual literature to accompany the launch.

Intelliplate is closely based on the digital wall panel system that Audace has been shipping throughout the course of this year, but boasts significant enhancements to both the hardware and software specification. For the first time the system is capable of controlling DSP processors other than the Allen & Heath DR Series. At the time of going to press, both the BSS Soundweb and the Gentner PSR1212 were compatible, with plans afoot to include other processors on an on-going development cycle.

The software includes facilities for vol

Now celebrating 75 years at the forefront of audio technology, Tannoy is launching the multi-application, transportable T8 Dual Concentric and slimline i7 Contour reinforcement loudspeakers at PLASA 2001. Also on show are Tannoy's high power iQ10 PowerDual and a comprehensive range of sound reinforcement loudspeakers for foreground and background music, audio-visual and paging applications. A new range of high quality installation microphones and TA series amplifiers will also be on show, which further strengthens Tannoy's position as a total system supplier in the fixed installation, sound reinforcement market.

Tannoy's T8 is a compact, wedge profile version of its successful wide dispersion i8 Dual Concentric reinforcement loudspeaker. Unlike conventional two-way loudspeakers, the T8 can be used vertically and horizontally without any change to the sound quality and is ideal for low

Smart Sound Direct enter the battle of the ‘peaks’ with the wallet-friendly LEM CLX2 compressor/limiter/expander. Incorporating Intelligent Program Recognition, this cost-effective 1U dynamic processor combines features normally unavailable within this price range, say the company. Programmed attack and release times are deduced with the CLX2’s Auto Function, allowing maximum compression without side-effects, while manual overide allows optimum control over transient peaks, essential for the selective programming of individual signals. The CLX2’s onboard Dynamic Enhancer permits selected replacement of ‘high-end loss’, most common when using broad band compressors. With the Auto ‘tracking system’ monitoring the amount of compression used, enhancement is only added when compression is employed, hence the compressed signal still maintains its

Fuzion is displaying a number of newcomers to its product portfolio at PLASA 2001. The first is a range of high quality yet cost-effective loudspeakers and signal processors from WORK aimed specifically at the entertainment sector such as bars, pubs, leisure and retail complexes. Crown matches this with some new ranges of amplifiers for both installation and touring purposes and on the IQ side a new IQ-USP2/CN Cobranet DSP plug-in card for the MA-02 and Comtech Series amplifiers.

From Sabine comes the much-anticipated SWM-5000 2.4GHz digital spread spectrum radio mic system. This is a high quality system with some amazing features, and should not be missed. Symetrix also has some exciting new stuff on offer - the SymNet DSP Audio Matrix for the heart of your audio system, the 322 DSP engine for all-in-one outboard control and the 308 VCA Volume Control/Loudness EQ. There will also be n

Hayden Laboratories, the UK distributor for leading audio brands Denon from Japan and Rane from the USA, is launching four new products for professional DJ and installation markets at PLASA 2001. Also highlighted on the Hayden stand is equipment for the fixed installation market, including Rane’s renowned ECS conferencing system products and their various CobraNET interfaces.

The new Denon DN-X400 DJ mixer is aimed at pro DJs wanting high-spec, robust kit. It follows hot on the heels of Denon’s first DJ mixer, the Denon DN X-800, launched earlier in the year, which has already proved a massive success with cutting-edge DJs. The X400 mixer is aimed at mobile DJs, entry-level installations and bars, cafes, and retail environments featuring guest DJs. Features include improved tactile touch-rubber knobs and superior faders, and a Track Mark button on the front panel for the in

The first ever Cadac R-Type lightweight touring console to perform in the UK featured on the Picnic with Pavarotti concert, staged in Hyde Park, London, on 14th July. Sound Engineering Director for the event was John Pellowe, who handles all technical aspects of the Pavarotti and Three Tenors concerts, together with Alexander ‘Thorny’ Yuill-Thornton II, who handles the sound system design and system optimisation. Audio equipment for the concert was supplied by Sound Hire.

The R-Type uses Cadac's unique ‘plug-anywhere’ modules for fast installation. Contained within a easily re-configurable package, it provides comprehensive facilities for both FOH and monitor mixing, and features a new lightweight monocoque design and a slimmer module width. The desk continued its Hyde Park theme with Route of Kings which ran from 20-29th July, and featured Lord of the Dance, An

Philip Hart, president of Harman Pro Group International until December 31 last year, has joined Turbosound as non-executive chairman. He replaces Michael O’Flynn, who retired on July 17, but who retains his directorship and shareholding in the Sussex-based loudspeaker company.

Commenting on the new appointment, Turbosound's managing director, Alan Wick, told PLASA Media: "We are pleased to be able to fill the breach left by Michael’s departure with a man of Philip Hart’s stature, and experience in pro audio.This is a very well-timed move which will further expedite our growth and enable us to fulfil our potential in the competitive loudspeaker market. We had been working with 3i, our major investors, to find a suitable replacement and Philip’s name really stood out.

"Michael O’Flynn’s association with Turbosound extends back to 1984 and

The Citronic DJ Product Line continues to grow and has become one of the most extensive DJ brands in the World. At PLASA 2001, Citronic will be showing new and recently-released products. Also, Citronic will be announcing the winner of the ‘Design a mixer’ competition launched at last year’s PLASA and we will be previewing the winning design.

New mixer products include the CS3 mixer; the CDM10:4 DSP - the famous 10:4 with effects; a new silver panel version of the PRO 8; the latest addition to the company’s Mix Station range, the MSX-4; the SM450 Mk3 high end DJ install mixer and the VT3:2 - the hottest new product around. New CD Players incldue the CD3 Professional anti-shock with vari-speed and the CD4 high end 20 second anti-shock memory with Seamless Loop. Amplifiers products include the CPX Amplifier Range, the Ephos 6:2 mono PA head mixer with DSP and the

Leading UK distributor Lightfactor will be displaying the latest products from LDR, LightProcessor, SGM, High End (Lightwave Research), Apogee Sound and Zeck Audio.

New SGM products include the launch of the Giotto 400 spot and wash moving head luminaires. Producing a powerful 8000 lumens, these fixtures were designed and built specifically for large shows, theatres, TV studios and entertainment venues. The light output is produced by a combination of the Phillips MSR 400HR discharge lamp and a dichroic reflector that allows the heat to be dissipated on the rear of the fixture - ensuring maximum temperature reduction.

From Apogee Sound, of California, will be the recently-released range of powered loudspeakers - the APL Series. Modelled on the highly successful AE and F Series cabinets, Apogee’s powered versions emulate the performance, clarity and quality of the

Welsh audio company Sound Induction Systems Ltd has employed Audio-Technica's Freeway radio microphones and PRO44 boundary microphones in a new portable loop system, pioneered to aid the hard of hearing. The system, which packs neatly into a briefcase and provides loop amplification for an area of up to 120sq.m, is proving an overwhelming success, and is available for sale or hire from SISL for non fixed installations.

SISL has pioneered a number of new products for the market as a direct result of the Disability Discrimination Act, and has built Audio-Technica microphones into many of these innovations.

West London based Ampekko have recently won the sole UK distribution for American loudspeaker manufacturer SLS and will display a selection of their expansive range on stand no S4, at PLASA 2001 in London’s Earls Court. The range from SLS offers huge potential and complements Ampekko¹s existing portfolio comprised of WHD and Commax pro audio equipment. Since the early 1970s, SLS Industries has been designing and manufacturing some of the most innovative hand-crafted loudspeaker systems in the industry. Suitable for a variety of applications from studios, to installations and live productions, the range has been engineered to the highest level of sonic excellence. Pat Bradley, head of Ampekko’s product sales, explained: "The SLS range has enormous potential. Its outstanding clarity and quality designs are combined with its unique Ribbon Driver Technology to make this ran

PLASA’s Standards Office is appealing for help from the industry. The office is currently reviewing a number of standards-related issues and would value feedback and input from the industry in general, but PLASA Members in particular. Current topics under review include the Event Stewarding Standard - a new British Standard is to be written; EN 55103 - the EMC standard for audio, video and lighting control systems is under revision; EN 60598-2-17 - the electrical safety standard for stage and studio luminaries is to be revised. Also being reviewed at the moment is the Draft Revised EMC Directive - the European Commission's proposed revision and the ESTA Power Cabling Survey - which examines the usage of single conductor feeder cables. If you have an interest in any of these issues, please e-mail Tim Cox at the PLASA Standards Office on tim@p

GPA Hire's XTA SiDD processors demonstrated their versatility at a number of consecutive Brixton Academy shows serviced by the company during the summer. The shows incldued dance/DJ events, as well as live performances by Outcasts and Basement Jaxx. "We first used SiDD on the Leftfield tour last year," says GPA's Chris Hinds. "We had six units on those shows and have since added another six." The one-off Basement Jaxx show was the first time that the band's sound engineer Shan Hyra had used SiDD. "I believe you have to give new equipment a try, so I was very keen to get my hands on a SiDD unit," he says. "And I wasn't disappointed. As it was a one-off show, I didn't get chance to really 'get into' it, but I can see a lot of potential for it. I'd really like to take one on tour to properly get to the guts of it."

For the Academy shows, GPA ran the

Eminence Speaker Europe is using PLASA 2001 as the platform to introduce its new sub-bass and bass driver range, Eminence Magnum. Power ratings are expected to be in the region of 1kW. The Magnum is available in 15" and 18" sizes and uses a ‘bullet-shaped’ aluminium phaser at its centre to act as an acoustic device that minimises destructive phase conditions. The phaser doubles as a heatsink. Motor heat is drawn through the aluminium by the draught from cone movement (a principle employed by the company’s Kilomax series).Magnum possesses a number of other interesting developments including a copper shorting ring to reduce distortion; core periphery ventilation - a series of eight holes in the pole piece that enable a continuous exchange of hot air inside the motor and cooler air inside the enclosure; sinusoid suspensions; lower QT parameters for use in smaller

Formula Sound will be showing its latest modular mixer - the PM-100. This mixer replaces the award-winning PM-90 and is proving to be as popular. One important feature of the PM-100 is the single universal input module which can be configured to accept virtually any type of input source. Also featuring VCA controlled crossfade with punch; contour control and inserts at either end for connecting external signal processing equipment. With its many other facilities and its combination of sizes, layout etc. the PM-100 is the most versatile small production mixer around. The full range of products for mixing and noise control will also be on show.

Formula Sound can be found on stand E26.

Electro-Voice has a big presence on the Shuttlesound stand at PLASA this year, starting with EViD, an elegant new range of loudspeakers designed for the installation market, in particular bars, restaurants, retail and leisure complexes. Increasing in both size and power and suitable for both live and installation work is the successful new Rx Series, whilst the concert market has recently witnessed the debut of EV's new line-array system, X-Line. Shuttlesound will also be exhibiting the ultra-compact Venice console from Midas along with product from Dynacord and a comprehensive range of EV microphones including the new N-Dym wireless system.

Sennheiser Electronics Corporation (SEC) has promoted Jeff Alexander to director of distributed brands. In the newly created position, Alexander adds Neumann and True Systems to the Sennheiser brands he is already managing: DAS, Chevin, and Innova-Son. By picking up the former two brands, Alexander fills a void left by the recent promotion of Karl Winkler, who is now director of marketing communications.

Alexander began his career at SEC nearly 10 years ago as the product manager for Neumann. After five years in this position, he left the company to work as the touring sound sales manager and marketing manager for Crest Audio in New Jersey. Upon his return to Sennheiser, Alexander focused on DAS, Chevin, and Innova-Son, in an effort to pioneer these lines into the US. He now has the responsibility of developing a complete organizational structure that plays to the strengths of Sennheis

Music Factory Mastermix is celebrating 15 years of success at PLASA this year. Alongside its vast array of original artist mixes, boxed sets and DJ-friendly compilations, the company is also showing an additional range of hardware, merchandise and the revolutionary introduction of the CD+Graphics player. The launch of the Karaoke CD+Graphics player, say Music Factory Mastermix, is a major step in the DJ industry, meaning that DJ's can provide a Karaoke night without having to spend extra pounds on expensive hardware. With an increasing range of CD+Graphic DJ-friendly collections put together by the company’s Mastermix producers such as Party Animal Karaoke and Ultimate Karaoke, Music Factory Mastermix can provide for all Karaoke needs. To celebrate 15 successful years in the industry, Music Factory Mastermix has formed a selection of the very best mixes from the company’s inc

Celestion will be exhibiting a comprehensive selection of loudspeakers. Ranging from the high power CXi Series to the compact KR series for background sound, Celestion has a product to suit every venue. New products on display include the white Celestion CXi 521, ideal for modern architectural spaces, and the new CXi 822 horn loaded mid-hi loudspeaker. Also on display will be a selection from Celestion’s comprehensive component range, including a revolutionary new high power neodymium PA drive unit.

Celestion can be found on stand G34.

Allen & Heath will be introducing several new products on stand H30, including significant developments for the live sound, DJ and installation markets. Visitors will be able to get their hands on the new ML3000, a 15-buss live sound VCA console designed to make high quality VCA automation affordable for mid-range PA / AV rental and installation work. Allen & Heath will also be displaying Xone:02, its first dedicated DJ performance mixer. This console is the result of the company’s quest to marry broadcast quality audio and construction with the creative performance features and layout demanded by the serious turntablist. The company will also be inviting feedback on some important new software and hardware advances in the pipeline for its digital installation range.

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