Sound

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Pioneer was as busy as ever throughout the show and highlighted three important new products - the DVJ X1 DVD video/CD player, the DJM 1000 pro mixer and the EFX 1000 effecter. Also launched was the SFL1 flat panel speakers. Pioneer illustrated its full range of DJ products across the stand, and its renowned on-stand performances proved as popular as ever with guests like James Zabiela, Addictive TV, Tom Middleton, Phil Kay, Eclectic Method and the Drunken All Stars.

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"May the point source be with you" - KV2's dramatic introduction to its new VHD PA system was reinforced by the presence of light sabres at the stand. The company say the VHD is going forward to where no PA has gone before. A strong statement: however, even if only half of what the company says is true, then this system should give conventional line array systems a run for their money and will possibly be the first real challenger to effectively compete at all levels.

The VHD concept is that it presents the closest thing to a true point source currently on the market. KV2 claim that with maximum requirement of one or two HF elements per side plus fill, the PA will cover an audience of 15,000 people, thus minimizing space used and manpower and rigging requirements. Bold statements, which L&SI will look at in more detail in a future issue.

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Infinium Technologies introduced the contact-free digital fader for DJ mixers and professional lighting and sound consoles. The faders use a combination of infrared light focused by parabolic reflectors onto phototransistors to create a modified Grey Code. The resistance of the fader can also be adjusted by way of a screw on the fader, however increasing the resistance does not create any physical wear, as magnets create the effect. The faders are available in 45, 60 and 100mm versions.

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The Loud Technologies group is an ever-expanding entity, as is its product range. At this year's PLASA, both EAW and Mackie had new toys to demonstrate.

From EAW comes the new NT range of powered loudspeakers, modestly described as 'The world's best sounding powered PA speakers'. The cabinets feature revolutionary DSP processing developed by EAW's director of research and development, Dave Gunness. The result is 'Gunness Focusing' - DSP algorithms designed to correct 'correctable' loudspeaker anomalies (i.e. ones that are linear and do not vary with time or axial position), which can then, theoretically, be applied to any loudspeaker system.

EAW Commercial showed the new AX Series of installation loudspeakers, which incorporate 'CSA' technology to counter 'Apparent Apex Error' - in order to deliver off-axis response that is symmetrical in all planes, say the company.

Mackie introdu

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It has been 25 years since Formula Sound launched its iconic PM80 DJ mixer and so it seemed like a good reason to launch a limited edition of the desk - the PM80R at this year's PLASA.

It was the PM80 and the 'Formula Sound sound' that has also led the company to produce the FF-6000 Dual Format DJ mixer in collaboration with Funktion One, the leaders in purple loudspeaker manufacture. Funktion One talked to many international DJs on their requirements for the ideal desk, which was in turn developed into the FF-6000 by Formula Sound and manufactured, of course, in purple.

Yet Formula Sound are not just about DJs, as Tony Cockell was keen to point out, introducing the CX-10 Priority Interface for audio evacuation systems, which was essentially developed for the new Wembley Stadium, where around 1,000 channels of CX-10 have been installed.

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UK - Adlib Audio supplied sound, lighting and staging for ten live venues at the three-day 2005 In The City Live & Unsigned event, part of the ITC international music convention and showcase held in Manchester last weekend. ITC was founded in 1992 by Yvette Livesey and Factory guru Anthony Wilson. Bands who've appeared first at ITC include Oasis, Coldplay and the Stereophonics. At this year's event, over 160 bands played in multiple venues across the city.

"The best thing about using Adlib Audio," says event organizer Phil Saxe, "is that they removed any anxieties from the pre-production right through to the events themselves, which ran like clockwork. We knew there would be absolutely no worries! "

Adlib's production management and logistics were handled by Mark Roberts, who is also the company's general manager. He worked closely with Adlib Lightin

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German pro audio manufacturer KME introduced several new products, including the fully redeveloped Remote Control Module, CA 4 and CA 8 active loudspeaker systems and its much-awaited line array. The Remote Control Module, or RCM V2.0, is an optional accessory for the company's QSA 200 and QSA 500 D self-powered loudspeaker systems. The TCP/IP-based controller offers an automatic speaker impedance control system, which completes the existing remote diagnostics facilities, integrated three-port Ethernet switch together and new firmware features such as integrated KME-Control protocol.

Adding to the company's popular Cluster Series were two new self-powered ranges in the form of the CA 4 and CA 8. The CA 4, aimed at mobile DJs and smaller bands, features an 18" sub in the form of a CBA 800 D and two CSA 400 D mid/high cabinets. The larger CA 8, consisting of two CSA 600 D mid/highs

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Sennheiser UK launched several new products, the first of which is the SKM 5200 handheld wireless transmitter. The transmitter can be fitted with a choice of six Sennheiser and two Neumann interchangeable heads, depending on requirements. The Sennheiser heads include five condensers and one dynamic with a wide variety of polar patterns, while the Neumann heads are super-cardioid and cardioid. The 5200 offers two channel banks, one fixed and one variable. The fixed bank can be ordered with 20 pre-sets while the variable can be selected in 5kHz steps. The transmitter is also available in black, nickel and steel blue finishes.

Sticking with wireless systems, Sennheiser has attempted to lower the cost of high quality products with the introduction of the new freePORT range. The systems are integrated solutions coming in three varieties - Vocal, Instrument and Presentation - all of which al

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Sweden - Long-time DPA user the GöteborgsOperan (Gothenburg Opera House) in Sweden, has purchased a further eight DPA 4011 cardioid microphones, taking their inventory of this product to a total of thirty. All have been supplied through DPA's Swedish distributor Arva. The 4011s are mainly being used for orchestras, and according to the venue's technical supervisor Lars Olsen, are proving to be equally suitable for woodwind, brass and even timpani.

"We are somewhat different to most traditional opera houses as we produce not only operas but also ballets, operettas and full-scale musicals," says Olsen. "We have found all DPA mics to be of outstanding quality as well as being flexible enough meet our different needs. The versatility of the mics means that our technicians can work with one kind of equipment regardless of the type of music, and this makes their job ea

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The ACT-51 from Mipro is the first wireless diversity UHF receiver to feature a colour VFD front panel providing a wide viewing angle. The receiver also boasts full UHF frequency agility, PC controllable functionality and 10 preset groups with eight preset non-interference frequencies. The ACT-51 is expected to be available through the UK's exclusive distributor, Tannoy, before the end of the fourth quarter.

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For Cirrus Logic, it was one of its third party developers that gave the company something to present this year. Attero Tech provide a new Cobranet interface, using RS232 for control, with RCA and Mini Jack in/outs powered by a low voltage 'wall-wart' PSU. Cirrus did show a prototype the CS4961xx with on board 32-bit DSP for use in digital audio networking applications; production is expected to begin in October with the software tools to follow shortly thereafter.

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After an absence of four years, UK-based Ohm returned to PLASA with a remodelled product range including an active subwoofer, a new amplifier range and digital loudspeaker controllers. The new AS-B Active Sub is loaded with two 10" drivers and an additional two amps available to drive satellite cabinets such as Ohm's BR-8s. The AS-B can work as the heart of a small system, or can be integrated into a larger system by daisy chaining. The control section of the AS-B includes variable input sensitivity, phase reverse, bass gain, crossover frequency, mid/high gain, auto power off and earth lift.

Directly integrating with the company's Planet Suite, BR and TRS loudspeaker enclosures is the new CRED Mk2 loudspeaker management system. The 96kHz 1U controller is available in two models, the CRED 2-4 with two inputs and four outs and the 2-6 with six outs. Access and setup is via the Dynam

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The Camco UCA Network module from UK distributor Fuzion gives full DSP function to any speaker system you wish to input. Only German specification sheets were available on stand, but we can confirm this is a two-channel unit - visit www.camcoaudio.com for more.

From Australian Monitor, the new QF5A ceiling speaker, a quality 5" unit with multi-tap transformer is an upgrade of the QF5 which it replaces, and is designed for fast-fit installation.

A full-range system for bars and theme venues, the FG Series from T&M comprises five models with a choice of three subs. The new RMW-1152 MicroWedge from Radian is a line of ultra-compact stage monitors for live sound applications. Finally, from Work comes the Studio Series install speaker for bars and clubs using a small horn tweeter. With a 100V/70V line option - the Studio series is designed for hi-fi background music.

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As ever, a host of new products was on show from the members of Harman Pro Group. JBL showed a new range of studio monitors; the LSR4300 is self-powered speaker to use for a computer-based project studio, and comes with software, mic clip and calibration microphone. Designed to run on Harman HiQnet, the software allows volume control over multiple speakers (e.g. 5:1) and includes a hand-held remote control giving control of all LSR features. Place mic at the mix position, engage room analyser, and the LSR gives automatic room mode correction. Aggressively priced.

Control 322C and 328C are ceiling speakers from JBL, 12" and 8" respectively and with 90° and 100° conical dispersion, high end coming from a compression driver mounted behind and on-axis of the cone speaker. Also on show were new Drive Packs for the Vertech 88 and 82 cabinets. All take three different inputs; one

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Duran Audio recently released an update to its Axys Intellivox digitally steerable arrays. Now, with six channels of DSP, the arrays are even more steerable with more definition and throw. Also on the stand was an unusual-looking item, the Axys Intellidisk - a 90cm diameter disk with a total of 41 4" drivers in a grid giving exceptional steerability and directivity in both planes.

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With 22 new products on show, beyerdynamic had most audio bases were covered. The company presented the Opus 86 flexible gooseneck microphone, a lightweight mic with high gain before feedback, designed for easy mounting for a variety of applications, including any type of instrument from sax to accordion. Powered by a 9V battery, the unit can mix three mic inputs and route the output to a pocket transmitter or wired power supply unit. The Opus 89 vocal microphone made its debut: the hypercardioid handheld is built to withstand the rigours of the road.

The MCW-D 50 wireless conference system isa digital system, broadcasting on 2.4GHz DSSS transmission technology, featuring 128-bit data encryption and the ability to operate a total of 4,096 mic units on up to nine bi-directional data channels: flexible and expandable.

Among its third-party lines, beyerdynamic showed the Viper Digital P

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USA - While readying the sound system for the Wynn Las Vegas' brand new Aqua Theatre, theatrical audio specialist Pascal Van Strydonck, head of audio for the venue and also the show's sound designer, was presented with a significant problem. The 2,087-seat, in-the-round home of Franco Dragone's Le Reve - The Show was suddenly not the same venue acoustically as originally designed. Fronted by a Yamaha DM2000 digital console, the house PA, a 5.1 surround, 360-degree, six-zone system by Meyer Sound, was already ordered and installed, yet architectural and rigging changes significantly affected its performance.

As a result, Van Strydonck decided that comprehensive acoustic measurement and tuning were in order for the theatre. "The quality of the PA is impeccable," says Van Strydonck. "But unfortunately the cabinet types were chosen for a specific design and it

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Autograph Sales' Mike Mann detailed the company's new direction: "Autograph Sales is a revitalized company, we have come of age and entered a new phase," he said. The company has tracked down several smaller independent audio manufacturers - one being EM Acoustics, a young British loudspeaker manufacturing company based in Surrey. With Autograph Sound Recording using many DiGiCo D5Ts on high profile theatre shows, Autograph Sales has recently also taken on the D1. On the software front, acoustic analysis programme Room Tools from German company Ascendo was being demonstrated. Working in conjunction with a USB audio box with software can provide RTA, FFT, waterfall plots of frequency decay, amongst other things, in real time.

Finally, Mann was excited to show us the new GR2 Analogue Zone Mixer from Allen & Heath: the model with serial number 1, in fact.

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Penton UK manufactures and sells loudspeakers for voice evacuation and background music systems. At PLASA this year, the company was exhibiting the latest addition to its range, the RCS3/T miniature ceiling loudspeaker. Rated at 6W, the 100 volt line, 8 ohm metal fitting only requires a cut-out of 78mm, a similar size to downlighters, making them less conspicuous in a ceiling. The RCS3/Ts, like all Penton products, are BS5839 Part 8 compliant.

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ADS Worldwide's project manager, Keith Prescott, describes the company as the one-stop-shop for public address systems. The ADS stand was full of a selection of the company's wide range of products including background music systems, induction loop amplifiers, loudspeakers and accessories.

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From Finland, EKS was capitalizing on the massive success of its XP10 scratchable MP3 audio pad. Weighing just 370g, it can replace a 5kg CD player, say the company. This year, the XP10 was running with Bison v0.9, the latest version of its proprietary software, which brings two important new features to the mix - perfect vinyl emulation and time stretch. Time stretch maintains the pitch while you change the speed to faster or slower.

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Forward-looking Digidesign presented several new augmentations for its digital desk, the Venue. D-Show 1.1 is a free update, giving a new Variable Group mode that permits operators to configure 24 discrete mix busses, in addition to main LCR bus. Drawmer TourBuss gives live sound engineers four plug-ins for the desk, noise gate, expander, comp/limiter and a bracketing filter. D-Show Script Tray is a simple flat transparent tray designed to fit above the console surface and roll across it without disturbing any controls, while supporting notes, cue sheets - even a Laptop, anything reasonable the operator needs to hand. Personal Q Monitoring software and hardware allows for remote mixes from the main desk transmitted over a four-pin XLR to PQ wired controllers.

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The company launched a number of new products including the new Monitor Q ceiling speaker, MQ50C, a compact designed, limited depth, lightweight ceiling speaker. RCF says this is ideal for use in any PA system, or background/foreground music system, where high quality sound reproduction is required. The unit offers quick and easy installation.

Also new, the ART 110-Ti is a two-way high efficiency compact speaker system, offering high intelligibility, say RCF, and an ideal solution for fixed installation thanks to M10 inserts and optional accessories. The ART 110-Ti is recommended for permanent installations with constant voltage or low impedance speaker connections, sound reinforcement systems in small spaces or with distributed speakers and AV playback.

RCF also showed the latest additions to the 4PRO speaker range, the 4PRO 7001 passive loudspeaker system and the 7001-A (active) to

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Lamba distributes Stanton, KAM, Cerwin Vega (see elsewhere) and KRK in the UK. KAM's section on the Lamba stand featured over new 130 products including three new speaker ranges - the 2 Series, KSF and IMS Mk II. Also new was a wireless microphone range - the KWM - offering a complete range of systems from entry level to 96-channel UHF dual mic systems with IR.
  1. Stirling Audio
  2. MC2 Audio
  3. Community UK
  4. Fuzion
  5. Outboard
  6. MEDC
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