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I NEW PRODUCTS I AWARDS I SPECIAL FEATURES
WWW.AUDIOPROINTERNATIONAL.COM
PLASA EXHIBITOR GUIDE EXHIBITOR DETAILS GOTTELIER AWARD SUPPLY2.GOV.UK LOUNGE PLASA CONNECT
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PLASA EVENT PREVIEW<
September 13th-16th London
London is Pro Audio
Earls Court is set to host the annual PLASA trade show for pro lighting and sound professionals from September 13th to 16th. Now in its third decade, PLASA remains one of the key European events for its respective audiences. Andrew Low gives a glimpse of what will be on show... he UK is the arguably the leading market for innovation in the professional audio business. With everyone from boutique manufacturers to big-name brands living between John O’Groats and Lands End, the UK sets the pace for many areas of the business. While some companies have dropped out and others opt not to exhibit and hold cheeky after-hours events, there is no denying that PLASA is a major show for the UK and Europe’s pro lighting and sound professionals, one which said companies wouldn’t dare miss. In their place at this year’s show are 40 newcomers taking their place. Further evidence of its continued relevance was last year’s digital console frenzy as half a dozen manufacturers debuted their latest mixing technology. There is a great sense of pride associated with PLASA as the UK community shows up every year in full force to put their new ideas forward to the scrutinising eyes of the show’s visitors and exhibitors. Coupled with seminars, special events, an awards ceremony and swanky after-hours parties at exclusive London venues, PLASA serves as a springboard for opinions, ideas, innovations and networking opprotunities that few other shows can provide.
ALCONS AUDIO - J18 Alcons Audio’s main focus will be on the LR7 and LR7B, the latest additions to the L-series pro-ribbon line arrays. The LR7 is a micro pro-ribbon linearray system designed for use in stacked or flown configuration, for both portable and permanent installations. The new LR7B is the low frequency extension of the LR7 system. Sized at a width and height of three CDs, a single 12-inch in a dual-tuned, concentric bandpass configuration caters for clean low-mid and broad-band bass response from a micro-sized and weight efficient package. As an annual Alcons feature, it will exhibit a new design study, called “MSRA, Modular Stacked Ribbon Array”- a concept for a scalable highpower line-source monitor system, based on vertically stacked modules.
T
> plasashow.com www.audioprointernational.com
> alconsaudio.com
VMB’s Rainbow is new for the show
VMB ESPAÑOLA, S.A - F7 VMB will show Rainbow, its electroacoustical prediction software for the company’s speaker systems, boasting horizontal and vertical modelling. Windows-based, Rainbow allows simulation of complete systems, such as a main large format array complemented by a smaller delayed array and front-fills. Thus, its library of loudspeaker systems includes not only
the company’s self-powered line array modules with built-in inclinometer (LX-V8 and LX-F6 with accordionfolded ribbon HF driver), but also models from its Phase or ADP lines. High resolution (24 point per octave) speaker polar data provided by Rainbow with magnitude and phase information allows accurate modelling down to 30Hz, enabling user-designed subwoofer arrays. > vmb.es
OHM UK LTD - J10 PLASA will mark Ohm’s third decade of producing sound equipment in the UK. To honour this anniversary the company has brought back, with newly designed OHM drivers, the SS-3 Smack Stack bass bins, a dance stack delivering optimised bass. Coupling this to the new Ersa Major line array will provide adequate coverage for venues ranging from larger dance clubs to concert audiences. The Ersa Major comprises two teninch horn loaded Ohm drivers with a coaxial two-inch and one-inch compression driver mounted on a proprietary waveguide. This system runs in three way active mode. Also featured on Ohm’s stand will be the Ersa Minor compact line array with the lightweight DSP-A3 amplifiers. > ohm.co.uk
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PLASA EVENT PREVIEW<
FUNKTION-ONE - F36 Funktion-One will be launching three new products, including the F101 loudspeaker enclosure comprising one ten-inch bass/mid driver and a oneinch high frequency device, which makes it a larger version of the F81. Also new for the show is the Resolution 3, an all-in-one three-way enclosure comprising a special hornloaded, 18-inch bass loudspeaker with five-inch voice coil, a new Axhead loaded ten-inch loudspeaker for midrange and a one-inch compression driver for high frequencies. The ASPC1 audio system polarity checker will also be launched as an invaluable tool for live sound and installation engineers to ensure the optimisation of high performance audio systems. It is light, compact and supplied with a belt pouch. > funktion-one.com
INNOVASON - L39 The French console manufacturer will exhibit its Eclipse digital console with the unique onboard multi-track recording via Innovason’s MARS Multitrack Audio Recording System. A high power console with a small footprint, Eclipse’s DSP engine enables users to mix up to 104 inputs simultaneously into 48 mix busses, with the capacity to manage up to 320 inputs on the console using up to five
remote audio racks. The control surface is furnished with SmartPanel, which provides 48 faders and 48 fully configurable rotary knobs (spread over four layers) providing 96 ‘faders’. Available in a variety of formats, the standard Eclipse package offers 80 inputs and 40 outputs, of which 24 are fully processed including 31-band graphic eq. It also comes with two Innovason FM-8VB eight-in/eight-out plugin effects cards and a stage box, all fully flight-cased and complete with the brand new NOVA software. > innovason.com
YAMAHA - G31 Yamaha Commercial Audio will promote the theme of connectivity with a stand split into five areas connected together using a variety of audio formats and network protocols, including Dante, CobraNet, EtherSound, MADI and AES/EBU. The stand’s design will demonstrate different audio and control networks in real time, with Yamaha’s European staff
on hand throughout the show to provide hands-on demonstrations. The company will also make the UK debut of Audinate Dante-MY16AUD interface card (distributed exclusively by Yamaha); the IMX644 digital rack-mount mixer; IPA 8200 power amplifier; DME Version 3.5 and the recently announced updated M7CL V2 mixing console. The SB168ES scaleable digital stage box solution will also be on show. Complementing these will be all of Yamaha Commercial Audio’s current ranges, including the PM5D, DSP5D and LS9 mixing consoles, a full range of touring and installation amplifiers, Installation Series loudspeakers and its range of interface solutions. > yamahacommercialaudio.com
RCF AUDIO - D24 RCF, dB Technologies and SGM Technology for Lighting will be exhibiting for the first time together as the RCF Group this year. This follows the Group’s announcement in April of the acquisition of the leading Italian lighting company, SGM. With the addition of SGM Technology for Lighting, the RCF Group strengthens its presence at this year’s PLASA, showing the products in audio and lighting fields. RCF Group now covers all aspects of the sound and lighting industry and, whilst RCF and dB continue to
develop new products in a wide range of audio fields, with the addition of SGM, various synergies across the audio and lighting sides of the Group are being developed. > rcf.it
RED SQUARE AUDIO - L39 Red Square Audio will have a large booth representing its renowned brands, including Lab.gruppen, Tannoy, RSG, Feonic, Innovason, and newly added Apex. The stand will feature Innovason’s new Eclipse digital recording console, Tannoy’s VQ series of loudspeakers, including the VQ Live series and six new additions to the VQ Series line. Lab.gruppen’s latest amplifiers, with recently acquired Lake Controller software and firmware technology, will be on show as will RSG’s M-400 digital mixing system. The company will also debut two new namesake products. The Red Square M1 nearfield monitors will be demonstrated with the Eclipse console. It will also show a multitracking PC created for capturing live recordings. Available in tower or rack models, the PC recorder is compatible with programs such as Sonar, Cakewalk and Pro Tools. > redsquareaudio.co.uk
JHS - E51 JHS will present the new horn-loaded
M-380
Stand H40
48-Channels of Rackmountable REAC Power The powerful new M-380 V-Mixer packs all the flexibility of widely-accepted REAC based V-Mixing systems into a 19” rack. It also offers a total 24-bit audio solution, including, 48 channels of mixing with classic onboard FX, GEQ, Matrix, DCA, LCR plus a choice of Digital Snakes as well as personal mixing and multi-channel recording via Cakewalk Sonar. Better still, the M-380 delivers this market-leading power and flexibility at a price that will surprise you.www.rolandsg.co.uk or call 01792 702701
M-400 V-Mixer
M-48 Personal Monitor
S-0816 / Cat5E / S-1608
S-4000 Digital Snake
REAC : Capture, Distribute, Mix and Record pristine 24-bit Multi-channel Audio over Cat5e and Fibre
www.audioprointernational.com
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active system Icon LTS from HK Audio. Icon LTS (Long-Throw System) is a digitally controlled, horn-loaded, active PA. The primary design brief of the Icon LTS was aimed at use in groundstacked configurations at events where conditions or budget constraints prevent flying a PA. The new product is a self-contained active system featuring horn-driven 12inch/1.4-inch IC 112 LA mid-/high unit with 60-degree x 40-degree CD horn design and optimised directivity and onboard digital controller that serves as the stack’s control center. Two 18-inch band-pass subwoofers provide the low-end kick for the full stack. State-of-the-art Class-D power amp technology delivers the reach and range to throw these signals across great distances at remarkable sound pressure levels. > jhs.co.uk
TRANTEC SYSTEMS - J34 The spotlight of Trantec’s booth will be on the S-D7000, which features 24-bit audio resolution, network monitoring for over 60 channels and over 20 user channels in an 8MHz TV band. Trantec will also be previewing its brand new S6 wireless system, which builds on the S6000 range by taking the 19-inch, eight-way concept a step further. Trantec has now incorporated a comprehensive user interface on the front panel, allowing the user to configure and monitor all channels, with or without an external PC. The internal circuitry of the S6 beltpack and handheld transmitter has been redesigned and upgraded, extending
the frequency capability to 72MHz. The company will also exhibit the 16-channel S5.3 system, the 24channel S5.5 system and the 16channel S4. It will also show the S4.4, which features the unique option of four licence-free channels. > trantec.co.uk
POLAR AUDIO - F4 Polar Audio will exhibit a number of new products, including a range from the latest addition to the Polar family, Australian Monitor. Visitors can participate in live demonstrations of the latest in digital networked audio from across its product portfolio, with highlights from Aviom, MC2, XTA, Biamp and many other manufacturers. New products being showcased include, from beyerdynamic, the Opus 600 system and additions to the Revoluto conference system range, from Biamp, the RED-1 Remote Ethernet Device, Dynacord’s Promax 8000 system, ASL’s Digital Intercom system and a host of new products from XTA and MC2 Audio, including XTA’s DC1048 and Network Audio gear. > polaraudio.co.uk
ALLEN & HEATH- E9 PLASA marks Allen & Heath’s 40th year designing and manufacturing innovative pro audio products for the
live, recording and DJ spheres. The British mixer manufacturer will commemorate this by displaying a cross section of its current digital, analogue and DJ mixers on the stand. These include the flagship iLive digital systems, award-winning ZED analog range and Xone DJ series. The iLive digital family will be central to its booth. Following the recent launch of RAB2, iLive’s latest remote audio card, it is now possible to mix n’ match the flagship modular iLive hardware with the iLive-T fixed I/O MixRacks and Control Surfaces, increasing hire inventory flexibility and system integration. > allen-heath.com
SENNHEISER UK - F10 Sennheiser UK will focus on several new products that were recently added to its product portfolio. The new G3 Evolution wireless microphones will be on show to display its variety of sets and accessories for secure wireless sound transmission. The G3 line includes the new 100, 300 and 500 G3 series, as well as the 300 IEM G3 wireless monitoring system and ENG sets designed for reporters and filmmakers. Alongside G3 will be the new standalone Wicos Wireless Conference System and the 2000 Series wireless
microphone system designed for broadcast audio. It will also have products from its distributed lines of pro audio brands, including DAS, K Array, Klein and Hummel and Rane, among others. > sennheiser.co.uk
XTA - F4 XTA Electronics will debut two new products at the show, including its first installation product, the DC1048 integrated audio management system. Featuring full matrix mixing and eq functions typical of XTA, the DC1048 can be completely configured under the new iCore software package. Twenty-four bit high-end converters coupled with a 96k sample rate ensure a bandwidth in excess of 30kHz and a dynamic range of over 112dB. The company will also launch its first generation of Network Audio products, the NXBoB8 and NXBoB16, which respectively provide eight and 16 channels of analog audio from Dante networks. Careful attention to output drivers and 24-bit DACs ensure professional performance with a dynamic range of 111dB un-weighted and 96kHz sample rate compatibility (network dependent). > xta.co.uk
SADIE/PRISM SOUND - D10 Prism Sound will debut a series of renowned Sadie products now available as software-only versions. With the new Sadie packages, users can access its gear on any computer running Microsoft Windows with ASIO compatible audio hardware, as well as with the existing Sadie5
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Several new digital consoles were released last year, while 09’s focus is green technology
hardware platforms. The new products are application based and focused on the core Sadie expertise of radio production, TV/film post, mastering, archiving and restoration and high-level Sound Design. With no dedicated hardware requirements, the product range was designed to be cost effective, thereby taking Sadie into new markets. The move to software aims to extend Sadie’s compatibility and reinforce its global appeal in these markets.
purpose loudspeakers, as well VA4 and VA8 line-array systems. Subwoofers including a single 15-inch, dual 15inch and dual 18-inch complement the loudspeaker line up, while a dedicated digital management processor is also available for the series. The whole range features specially manufactured high quality components exclusive to LD Premium and was codeveloped by experienced audioresearchers and FOH engineers. > adamhall.com/uk
> sadie.com
ADAMSON - G36 The Canadian loudspeaker manufacturer will focus on its new Point Series loudspeaker range, created for the installation market and designed to provide a complete solution where point source loudspeakers are preferable over line source arrays. To ensure the Point Series low frequency drivers can maintain a high level of low frequency energy when used as a single source (or a small two or three box array), Adamson uses Advanced Cone Architecture with Kevlar cone geometry and Neodymium driver technologies integrated to provide maximum SPL with zero cone fatigue, while providing minimal axial modes in the passband. It will also exhibit The Adamson M Series of high-powered stage monitors. The M12 is the most compact and newest addition to the family, while the M15 has already seen use as a lightweight, high horsepower monitor. > adamsonproaudio.com
ADAM HALL - K20 Newcomer to the show Adam Hall will focus on the new LD Systems Premium series of line array PA speakers and pieces from its pro audio hardware line. In addition, product experts for LD Systems, Defender, Eminence and its hardware line will also be on hand to provide information and support for each brand. LD Premium comprises eight-inch, ten-inch, 12-inch and 15-inch multi8
audioPRO
September 2009
CROWN - E21 At this year’s show, Crown will introduce the PIP-USP4 Processor for CTs series amplifiers, which is the fourth generation of the DSP-based PIP (programmable input processor) module for its CTs Series two-channel amplifiers. The USP4 is a Harman HiQnet series component and connects to the audio control/monitor network using 100MB Ethernet hardware. The single plug solution contains audio distribution, control and monitoring. The USP4’s OmnidriveHD processor provides processing featuring 24-bit, 192 kHz Cirrus Logic SHARC A/D and D/A converters and true 96kHz processing. LevelMax peak, RMS and transducer thermal voltage limiters combine for accurate response, better sound and higher usable SPL. Also available are proprietary FIR and IIR filters to provide users with added clarity and enhanced detail. The USP4 is capable of connecting to an Ethernet network, which allows it to be remotely controlled and configured via the latest version of HiQnet System Architect. Additionally, the USP4 allows the transport of real-time digital audio via CobraNet or Ethernet AVB. > crownaudio.com
VOID ACOUSTICS - C12 UK boutique loudspeaker manufacturer Void will be present in its space age igloo booth with new loudspeaker products, including the Stasys Prime wide-band arrayable point-source system, designed to offer optimised efficiency, the Stasys 5 Mk2 low-frequency system, with pressure plate to enhance transient response and the Arcline 12 medium-format line-array enclosure. Also on its stand will be two new models in Void’s UK-built Infinite X amplifier range, the Infinite X7 and Infinite X8 twochannel power amplifiers. The head of Void’s new US Division, Ken DeLoria, will also be on the show floor. Deloria is a well-respected industry veteran who was the founder and former CEO of Apogee Sound. > voidaudio.com
AVID - G33 The newly rebranded Avid will show its diverse line of digital mixing consoles and associated products, including plugins, expansion cards, headphones and microphones. A major highlight for the company will be its new medium format SC48 console. Venue SC48 provides I/O, digital signal processing and tactile control, with the same sound quality and clarity of the Venue line in a compact footprint. The new console’s spec includes: 48 analog mic/line XLR inputs, 16 analog line outputs (expandable to 32), 16 Aux Sends, eight Groups, plus eight mono matrixes (linkable as up to four stereo matrixes), 26 touch-sensitive, motorized faders: 16 input, eight output master, one Flex Channel, and one Mains and extra I/O, including talkback, analog and digital two-track, GPI, MIDI and Word Clock.
D-Show, D-Show Profile and Mix Rack systems will also be on site for eager knob twiddlers to get their kicks. > avid.com
NEUTRIK - H18 Neutrik will display several new products at the show, including the Tiny XLR, the XL2 Analyzer and HDMI connectors and cables. The Tiny XLR is billed as an easy-toassemble three and four pole-shielded system that provides high noise immunity. The XL2 Analyzer was designed for acoustic measurement applications. It generates 48 VDC phantom power and offers automated microphone identification. It will also show HDMI connectors and cables for digital connections of audio and video devices with HDMI interfaces. Cables in the line are preassembled with two HDMI connectors (male) with gold contacts, foil and braided shield, nylon sheath, black, outer diameter 7.2mm, including protective cap. > neutrik.com
KV2 AUDIO - G35 KV2 Audio will unveil two new product lines at the show and provide one of its flagship VHD systems for use in the show’s central bar area. Along with the EX, ES and VHD lines, KV2 Audio will debut the new ESD Series, which allows utilisation of third party amplification for the first time with KV2 products. Featuring proprietary delay line technology in place of a conventional crossover, the series features two-way, six-inch ESD6 and two-way 12-inch ESD12. The new ESP4000, a rack mountable fourchannel 4X1000W amp will also be debuted at the show. It will also display The LD Series, a selection of four DI-style boxes, featuring its VHD line drivers on each output. The LD Series comprises the LDP Passive Line Driver, The LDD Direct Line Driver, The LDA Acoustic Instrument Line Driver and the LDM Mix Line Driver. > kv2audio.com www.audioprointernational.com
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PLASA LOUNGE Earls Court 2 will feature the new PLASA Lounge, where visitors can learn more about a range of industrywide initiatives including qualifications, technical developments and sustainability.
The Si2 is the sister of Soundcraft’s Si3 console, which was released at PLASA08
SEMINARS AND PROGRAMMES The PLASA09 Education & Learning Programme will feature two Masterclasses – a presentation by John Stadius of Soundtracs/Digico on the ideas and technologies behind mixing console design, and a debate for DJs hosted by Funktion-One’s Tony Andrews on the importance of audio quality. Additional classes ranging from special interest sessions, exhibitor driven sessions and intensive product training workshops will be held throughout the duration of the show. ROLAND SYSTEMS GROUP- H40 Roland Systems Group (RSG) will unveil its new M-380 V-Mixer at PLASA. The company is boasting that the M-380 packs all the flexibility of the REAC based V-Mixing systems into a 19-inch rack. It is a 24-bit audio mixing system featuring 48 channels with onboard FX, GEQ, Matrix, DCA, LCR. The new console includes the option of cordination with RSG Digital Snakes and multi-channel recording via Cakewalk Sonar. RSG will also have its V-Mixing System and new M-48 personal mixer. The V-Mixing systems includes the M400 V-Mixer live digital console (48 channels, 16 AUX buses plus Main L/R outputs and eight matrices) and digital snakes with high quality preamps featuring its REAC technology. > rolandsystemsgroup.com
DIGICO - G9 Digico, a UK manufacturer of digital mixing consoles for live, theatre, broadcast and post production applications, will be exhibiting its entire range of SD Series consoles, namely, SD7, SD8 and the new SD7T – featuring Stealth Digital Processing, together with the CS-D5 console from its D-Series range of consoles. It will also be making two major announcements at its press conference, which is taking place on the first day of the show. > digico.biz
SOUNDCRAFT - E21 Soundcraft will be sharing part of Harman International’s booth. Representatives from the company will be on hand to discuss the latest in its range of digital mixers for live and theatre sound, including the new Si2 and Si3 consoles. The company has hinted that it will release a new product during the Harman press launch, held on show’s opening day.
SHURE DISTRIBUTION UK - F19 Shure Distribution UK will be exhibiting numerous new products from Shure, QSC, Radial and other manufacturers within its portfolio. These include a selection of Shure USB and ribbon microphones, an XLRto-USB adapter suitable for converting any make of microphone to USB and a range of professional studio monitoring and reference headphones, plus the new K Series 1000W loudspeakers from QSC. Demonstrations of all new products are available on the stand. > shuredistribution.co.uk
SOUND TECHNOLOGY - E21 As the UK distributor for Harman International’s Professional Division, Sound Technology will be represented on Harman’s PLASA booth. Representatives from the company will be on hand to discuss the many Harman brands it handles, including the latest products from AKG, BSS Audio, Crown, dbx, JBL, Lexicon, Soundcraft and Studer, as well as Harman’s HiQnet system.
files for either an XL8 or a PRO6. All the audio for the systems will be provided by Klark Teknik’s DN9696 Hi Resolution Audio Recorder. > midasconsoles.com
PLASA CONNECT Developed in conjunction with RH Consulting and sponsored by L&SI magazine, PLASA Connect aims to provide service-based operators, including consultants, installers and rental companies, with an opportunity to find new potential clients from a wide range of vertical markets in the pro audio and lighting sectors. The target markets of PLASA Connect include hotel groups, building services companies, houses of worship, council chambers, theatres and arts centres, performing arts schools, IT service companies and environmental health officers.
THE GOTTELIER AWARD The Gottelier Award is named in honour of the late designer, developer and commentator Tony Gottelier. The award was created to “recognise the product developers who have made a significant contribution to the development of the equipment and tools that enable our entertainment technology practitioners to continually push the boundaries of event production, presentation and installation”. This year’s winner will be announced during the show. SUPPLY2.GOV.UK LOUNGE Another new addition to the show is the Supply2.gov.uk Lounge, a central feature area giving exhibitors and visitors the chance to get advice from Supply2.gov.uk – the portal which helps SMEs gain access to public sector contract opportunities. > plasashow.com
> soundtech.co.uk
MIDAS/KLARK TEKNIK – G29 In addition to the Pro6 console, launched at PLASA08, Midas and Klark Teknik will show the XL8 Live Performance system, DL431 mic splitter and the modular I/O units, and the DL351 and DL451, with all the available card options. The Midas offline editor will be available for visitors to create, edit and view show
> soundcraft.com 10
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