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UK The Cadogan Hall in Chelsea, south west London, home to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, has taken delivery of a Renkus-Heinz Iconyx digitally steerable array loudspeaker system for its popular crush bar where up to 500 concert-goers enjoy their interval drinks.

Formerly a church, Cadogan Hall was transformed into a modern concert venue in June 2004 and boasts an airy 900-seat auditorium with excellent acoustics and unimpeded sightlines.

One area that was due for an upgrade was the hall's crush bar, an approximately square, low-ceilinged and highly reflective room where the buzz of the interval drinks crowd made voice announcements calling people back to their seats inaudible in many areas. The room is also let out for other functions such as book launches, where again the requirement is largely for speech reinforcement.

Acoustic consultants and system engineers COMS had

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USA - Symetrix is now shipping version 2.0 of the Integrator Series Zone Mix 760 paging and music management system. Hot on the heels of the InfoComm-released version 1.2, the new 2.0 was designed in response to user feedback.

Version 2.0 adds and refines a number of feature enhancements to the 760, a zone mixer that is designed to deliver the optimal feature set and I/O count needed for restaurants, hotels, sports bars and nightclubs "at a ground-breaking price".

New features include full support for the analogue control inputs, each of which can accept up to two switches/control voltages or one potentiometer. And as the 760 is used in heavily trafficked, public areas, Symetrix has added an emergency system integration feature that accepts a logic input from an emergency system to mute all outputs, or route input 3 to specified outputs at specified volumes in case o

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UK - To celebrate the scout movement's 100th anniversary, 5,000 members of the UK South Coast Movement, recently came together in Hampshire in the south of England. The programme of the open-air event at the New Forest Showground in Hampshire featured speeches, presentations, theatre performances and a performance by the Gosport Gang Show, supported by a 5-piece live band.

These diverse demands presented a challenge for Guy Morris of MLS, the local rental company. For this event, he required a sound system that could do a top job of reproducing speech, prerecorded music, and live music equally well over a large area. He chose the HK Audio Cohedra Compact line array and set up eight CDR 108s and four CDR 210 subwoofers on each side of the stage, and powered them with three matching PR8 amp racks with digital field controllers.

Due to the width of the stage, two ConTour Series C

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International - The first digital edition of Lighting&Sound International magazine goes live today, on the eve of the 2007 PLASA Show.

Timed to coincide with both the PLASA 07 and the re-launch of the popular LSI Online website, L&SI's digital edition will offer an easily navigable and fully searchable on-screen version of the familiar magazine, accessible for subscribers anywhere there is Internet access, as soon as the magazine is published.

The digital edition will allow PLASA Media to significantly increase the global circulation of Lighting&Sound International magazine.

Available free to industry professionals worldwide, the digital edition will boost readership, particularly in developing markets where the cost of subscriptions has previously been an obstacle, and equally in far-flung territories where

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Italy / UK - The DGlink digital audio distribution system manufactured by Rome-based Link s.r.l, is a true modular touring grade distribution system for live sound applications, the company says. DGLink offers a system that can substitute, or integrate with, traditional audio distribution (analogue and digital) during live applications, utilizing one, or potentially multiple, digital standards over Cat 5 or 6 cables.

DGlink's flexible control scheme supports multiple industry standard digital transport protocols, maintains a modular system (with respect to inputs/outputs, digital/analog 19" panels), and may be mounted in custom stage boxes and installation panels.

Link says the current model offers up to 64 mic/line level inputs (microphone, phantom, polarity and gain setting) and up to 64 line outputs (foldback), supports 48 kHz/24-bit audio, offers remote control of all

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UK - Sensoft is the operating system at the heart of all InnovaSON digital mixing consoles. The latest version, released at the end of June 2007, is Sensoft 11.1, which will be shown in public for the first time at PLASA 2007.

The release of Sensoft 11.1 coincides with the launch of InnovaSON's new universal output module, the UM-8PO which combines analogue and digital outputs, all boasting their own 31-band graphic EQs, parametric EQ, compressor/limiter, gate/expander.

Sensoft 11.1, which is delivered with the UM8-PO, enables full management of the 31-band graphics in addition to the management of up to four DioCores (InnovaSON's EtherSound-enabled stage box) enabling the dispatch of I/O resources over five remote audio racks (four DioCores plus a Stage Box). Another key feature of Sensoft 11.1 is that the firmware allows you to connect a DioAV interface to the console, provi

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USA - As many music fans, historians and Baby Boomers celebrated the 40th anniversary of 'The Summer of Love', high-profile concert events across America made 2007 'The Summer of Aviom', suggests the company. Aviom's personal monitor mixing system and digital snakes have found a niche among musicians and live sound professionals working the summer's biggest music events the world over.

Trevor Lawrence, Jr. used his custom Aviom monitor rig on stage while playing drums with Alicia Keys at the Live Earth concert in New Jersey. Meanwhile, in the cradle of American independence, Philadelphia, hometown heroes Hall & Oates treated the rain-soaked 4th of July crowd with an outstanding 90-minute performance of their greatest hits. Broadcast live on ABC television, the whole band used Aviom personal mixers for their monitors.

Summer concerts in the park are becoming more popular throug

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UK - The last 12 months have been a busy and prolific period for French digital mixing console manufacturer Innovason. Several products have made their debut this year, all of which bring new functionality to the Innovason digital mixing experience.

The most important development is the FM-8VB 8-in/8-out plug-in effects module offering 32 effects engines. Compatible with all Innovason audio racks, the new module will ship in December. For more information, please see separate press release.

Further processing capability comes in the form of the UM-8PO universal output module. Replacing all previous output modules from Innovason, the UM-8PO combines analogue and digital processed outputs for the first time ever in any digital mixing console. Equipped with eight XLR outputs that are configurable (in pairs) as analogue, AES or even ADAT, each output benefits from a powerful and c

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UK - The appointment of Beyer UK as exclusive UK distributor for MC2 Audio products has been announced at PLASA07. This major change to UK distribution has come about as part of MC2's ongoing appraisal of business performance and aligns MC2 Audio distribution with that of sister company, XTA Electronics.

Beyer UK has a long history in the pro audio industry and counts many brands that are considered to be 'industry standards' within its product portfolio. The company mission is to supply audio and video equipment, sourced from some of the world's leading manufactures, to the live, installation, recording and broadcast segments of the market as well as specialist products for the conference sector.

A combination of system design expertise, depth of product knowledge provided by their specialist product managers and full technical support, all adds up to Beyer UK being well qual

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UK - Lab.gruppen outlined at PLASA07, the benefits of its new association with Dolby Laboratories Inc.

The new product - the first fruit of the technology collaboration between the two companies that was announced last October - is a sound engineering tool which offers "far more than the sum of its parts", in the words of Lab.gruppen's Tim Chapman. A potent mix of existing and new technologies, it also supports a new audio networking standard which promises extreme low-latency Ethernet distribution.

The product is the PLM10000Q - the first in a series of Powered Loudspeaker Management systems - which combines the functions of crossover, delay, equalization, limiting and power amplification in one box, along with a host of new features.

The Dolby Lake Processor, the first live sound tool released by Dolby, was launched at PLASA last year, where it collected a PLASA

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UK Behringer and Infinium Technologies have confirmed the signing of a deal to use Infinium's patented contact-free fader technology in future Behringer DJ products.

Infinium and Behringer have been co-developing a new 45mm optical and contact-free fader which meets "the highest demands in terms of quality, feel and especially longevity". The new fader will be used in a series of Behringer DJ mixers scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2008.

Uli Behringer, chairman and R&D director commented, "We are very excited to cooperate with Infinium, as we believe we have found the perfect technology to match our new high-end DJ mixers. A 'wear and tear-free' fader is crucial for DJs and adds tremendous value to our products."

René Moolenaar, business development director of Infinium Technologies noted, "This partnership is another important mi

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UK - Sennheiser UK confirmed at a press conference at PLASA07 that it is now the sole UK distributor for Italian high-end pro audio amplifier manufacturer Powersoft.

"We're delighted to add Powersoft to our portfolio of brands," explained Sennheiser UK general manager, Philip Massey. "Having spoken to many end-users over the past few months, Powersoft's reputation for versatility, sonic excellence and reliability is well deserved. This is an important partnership for us and we're very much looking forward to increasing the brand's profile over the coming years. Naturally, this is a great time for live music in the UK, but we're also assessing the potential for the brand in the Middle East."

"We are extremely proud to have signed this agreement," confirms Powersoft's commercial director Luciano Ciappi. "We think that Sennheiser UK can help us

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UK - Allen & Heath chose PLASA07 to launch a new range of small format, USB-equipped mixers for live performance, recording, and production. The first mixer to appear in the range is the ZED-14 stereo mixer, which provides 13 independent sources to the mix; 10 independent outputs; 2 pre-fade and 2 post-fade aux sends; a USB send and return for PC or Mac recording, playback and effects; a unique dual stereo input capability; and advanced monitoring facilities.

The ZED-14 has 6 mono channels with a responsive 3-band, swept mid-channel EQ, and 4 stereo channels with a 2-band EQ, in 100mm faders. In addition to the twin TRS jack inputs, flexible dual input options include Stereo RTN on RCA, 2TRK on RCA, and USB interface are provided to enable the engineer to control and route any source.

The ZED-14 features a high performance preamp designed by R&D manager, Mike Griffin. The Duo

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UK - The festival season continued apace for Adlib Audio, who supplied JBL VerTec and Nexo Alpha sound systems plus 18 crew to the NME/Radio 1 stage and the Radio 1 Lock Up stage/Dance Arena at both Reading and Leeds sites of the 2007 Carling Weekend event. This follows hot on the heels from their successful supply of sound and lights to the Virgin Mobile Sessions Stage at the V Festival two weeks previously.

Adlib was asked onboard for Reading/Leeds by Chris Beale of CBA who provided an audio brief and a list of specs for all the different bands. Adlib ensured they specified kit to meet everyone's requirements, and repeated the formula that worked so well at the V Festival of supplying identical systems for both stages at both sites.

One of the biggest challenges of the event was the short changeover times on the high profile NME/Radio 1 stage - most had to be completed in j

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UK - Meyer Sound has announced the new self-powered MM-4XP miniature loudspeaker - a tiny product, just four inches square, which is certain to garner a very big response from sound professionals who deal with jobs involving space limitations. The MM-4XP miniature loudspeaker is the long-awaited self-powered version of the MM-4 miniature wide-range loudspeaker, another Meyer Sound innovation that has become one of its most popular products.

The MM-4XP contains all amplification and corrective processing onboard, and receives 48V DC from an external power supply on a five-pin EN3 connector that also carries balanced audio. The Switchcraft EN3 connector has been successfully used on the weather-protected version of the MM-4 for years, and offers the dual advantages of small size and excellent protection against adverse environmental conditions, facilitating use of the MM-4XP in ou

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UK - The new look PLASA07 opened for business this morning, 9 September, following a rush of last-minute registrations and confirmation of a substantial number of major product launches scheduled over the four days of the exhibition.

This year's show features a new layout, new features, over 50 new exhibitors, plus an expanded educational programme with many sessions free to visitors. These include special interest sessions from BEIRG, InfoComm International and the Theatres Trust, plus specialist sessions from Cirque Du Soleil, Duran Audio and Wireless Solutions. Additionally, the organizers have invested a range of visitor facilities including wi-fi lounges and meeting rooms.

The PLASA Awards for Innovation will be announced at 6pm this evening in the Central Bar area, located between Earls Court 1 and 2.

(Jim Evans)

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UK / France - Following the development of the Studer EtherSound interface card, Soundcraft and EtherSound network developer Digigram have announced a similar interface card for the Soundcraft Vi4 and Soundcraft Vi6 digital live sound consoles.

Designed with versions to fit into either the Vi Series' Local Rack or Stagebox, the card will allow up to 128 channels of audio (64 inputs/64 outputs) to be connected to the rack via a single CAT5 connection. A second Cat 5 connection allows daisychain or redundant ring topologies, the latter allowing for the network to remain uninterrupted should a cable be broken. One of the advantages of EtherSound in the live sound domain is its extremely low latency.

Inputs and outputs can be patched internally within the console on the console's own routing screens.Digigram's own control software can be used to route signals between different Eth

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UKYamaha has announced that it will further extend its line-up of power amplifiers with the introduction at PLASA 2007 of the new flagship TXn series amplifiers which consists of three models, TX6n, TX5n and TX4n.

The TX4n at 2,200W, the TX5n at 2,500W, and the TX6n at 3,000W per channel into 2 ohms, offer sophisticated onboard DSP. All three TXn models incorporate a 24-bit 96-kHz DSP engine that delivers "an extraordinary range of control and processing capabilities".

In addition to basic amplifier control and status monitoring, there is enough DSP power built in to provide extensive speaker processing capabilities that will make external equalisers, delays and speaker processors unnecessary in most applications, says the company.

All models feature both analogue and direct digital inputs, with automatic failsafe redundancy switching between digital and analogue i

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UK - Following discussions between PLASA Events and A.C. Lighting, an agreement has been reached that will see A.C. Lighting sell its A.C. Lighting North Trade Show to PLASA Events.

The agreement reflects the intention of both organisations to work together to ensure the entertainment, event and production industries in the north have a single industry-led event that serves their needs.

A.C. Lighting, a long-standing member of PLASA, started their event in 1999 and quickly established it in the industry calendar, developing it further in recent years to provide a strong focus for the region.

A.C. North 2008 will be the last trade show organised under that name by A.C. Lighting. Immediately after its close, PLASA Events will take over the management and ownership of the event and will look to build on the regional platform established by A.C.

The move fits the strategic aim

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UK - Today at the PLASA Show, Roland Systems Group announced and demonstrated what it is calling a breakthrough live digital sound solution. The RSS V-Mixing System incorporates the new RSS M-400 V-Mixer live digital console, configurable digital snakes with high quality remotely controlled mic preamps, and a multi-track recording option.

This new fully-digital system eliminates the bulk and noise susceptibility typically associated with analogue snakes and replaces it with Cat 5e (Ethernet/LAN) cable. It's easy to use and sets up in minutes by plugging in one lightweight Cat 5e cable from a Digital Snake stage unit to the M-400 V-Mixer, says RSG. The company says: "The system generates superior sound quality by converting analogue inputs to 24-bit digital streams at the stage, via high-quality mic preamps located near the source. The V-Mixing System then secures the qualit

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UK - At PLASA07, Outline is presenting a number of new products, including the :Kanguro System. Launched in 2000 and winner of the 2001 PLASA Award for Product Excellence, the Kanguro system - "the speaker within a speaker" - has been upgraded, achieving an even better performance:price ratio, says the company.

The acoustic and mechanical designs haven't undergone any important changes, so the 130-plus dB SPL with hi-fi quality is still ensured, as is the clear sensation of "big" sound and easy adjustment. The two-channel 1000-Watt PWM amplifier module + DSP and top class components (a 15", a 12" and a 1" driver) ensure astonishingly high headroom for a cabinet with such dimensions, adds Outline.

The Kanguro 2008's DSP can be controlled in such a way as to exploit its capacity to the utmost. Thanks to an RJ 485 connector mounted on the sub's

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UK - Allen & Heath has introduced the Xone:2D, the combination of a 9 stereo channel USB2 soundcard and MIDI controller, which DJ's can connect to their existing analogue mixer to integrate leading DJ software such as Ableton Live and Traktor DJ Studio, and create a complete digital DJ mixing system.

The 96kHz 24 bit USB2 soundcard can send four stereo channels to the PC and receive 5 stereo channels from the PC. A large array of connectors is provided for easy interfacing into any DJ setup, and the 2D can also be directly connected to turntables, CD players or linked to an external mixer. Digital inputs and outputs (optical and coax) are also provided. Any combination of the soundcard outputs can be monitored using the headphone system.

The Xone:3D BPM counter with LED display is included, which is capable of detecting a beat in music presented on any of the three analogue so

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UK - M-Audio walked away with four prizes at last nights (Sunday) twelfth annual DJ Magazine Tech Awards held at the Ministry Of Sound .

The company swept up the awards with Ableton Live 6 being named as Best Software, Torq Xponent DJ Controller winning Best DJ Controller, Trigger Finger USB MIDI Controller took Best Studio Controller while the MicroTrack 24/96 Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Recorder walked away with the Best Portable Recorder prize.

M-Audio, who are also featuring a wide range of other DJ products as well as their new EX-66 Studio Monitors, can be found on Stand N39.

(Rob Speight)

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UK - The 2007 PLASA Awards for Innovation, announced last night in a special presentation ceremony at the PLASA Show, reflect the ever-more dynamic, diverse and creative health of the global entertainment and installation technology industries.

65 products from 10 different countries were entered this year, and covered a broad range of lighting, audio, rigging and staging, AV, effects, software and accessories - amply reflecting the industry's diversity and global nature.

"The energy, ideas and innovation that feature at PLASA start from the imaginative minds that make up the industry," said PLASA CEO Matthew Griffiths. "The talent in this business is formidable, and it's that talent that we're celebrating."

During the ceremony, attended by special guests from across the industry, eight awards were presented.These went to:

beyerdynamic (GB) Ltd - Hea

  1. Crest Audio rolls out CV 20 production model
  2. DiGiCo unveils SD7 "concept console"
  3. QSC moves to Shure Distribution in Germany
  4. Tony Andrews wins inaugural Gottelier Award at PLASA 07
  5. Martin Audio introduces OmniLine at PLASA 07
  6. Meyer Sound announces Scholarship in Spain
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