ProLight + Sound

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• Tim from Harmonic Design

• LSS team

• Demo on the Absen booth

• Pierluigi and Veronica of DTS

• LED BLADE stand

• John and Heather Penn of SSE

PROLIGHT+SOUND

FRANKFURT / 4-7 APRIL

Another year, another Prolight+Sound (PL+S) and all eyes were on the show this year as it continues to battle for the top spot. Having lost some significant brands in recent years, the pressure was on to ensure no more make the decision to pull out. Generally speaking, the lighting and video companies seemed happy with the show and the turnout, but not all audio companies felt the same. Organiser Messe Frankfurt, also announced there would be yet more hall changes for 2019, moving audio back into hall 8, but leaving lighting and video in halls 3 and 5. For us, keeping all elements of the show together, makes the most sense, and it would appear a lot of exhibitors agree. The decision to move Musikmesse back in line with PL+S though - instead of just overlapping by a couple of days - was welcomed, as it means companies that exhibit at both can be more cost effective

and efficient with staff. With split opinions, it appears the jury is still out on this one.

Highlights from the show floor this year: ADB organised a party with industry peer, Clay Paky and its common parent company, OSRAM, and above all, showcased its innovative booth with all the most significant products on display. Absen, presented its NXTGEN technology featuring the recently unveiled Polaris and Altair range for the rental market. Also on show was the company’s new COBALT platform featuring Absen Chip-on-Board (COB) encapsulation technology and NanoShield technology alongside its HBB (High Brightness Black) with Common Cathode LED driver technology solutions. The NXTGEN COBALT technology has been specifically developed to meet the demands

of NPP LED in live event rental applications. Absen has developed the Polaris Series with COBALT, providing exceptional product stability, as LEDs are surface bonded and solid-state. Low surface point temperatures and advanced heat dissipation technology delivers 50% lower pixel failure than traditional SMD LED. Adam Hall Group presented its comprehensive range of products from the pro audio, lighting, stands and stage equipment sectors. This included the LD Systems CURV 500 TS - compact touring array system with all-round capabilities. Equipped with four array satellites (two duplex satellites with twin-speaker configuration and two single satellites), the CURV 500 TS has a narrower vertical dispersion for projecting a suitably punchy and dynamic sound, even to the rear of the audience.

• The Eurotruss team

• The LDR booth duo

• The Void stand

www.mondodr.com

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• Mark Cooper of SES

• The Tasker men

• The Verlinde stand

• AOTO’s Michael Huang with Jamie of mondo*dr

• --

• ETC’s popular press call

• Fabio from Area Four Industries

Adamson Systems Engineering reinforced its focus on its global education strategy with the formal introduction of its Advanced Certification training programme at PL+S. The new training initiative builds on Adamson’s Applied Certification programme, which over the past eight months has been deployed in over 30 countries and attended by more than 1,000 technicians. The Advanced Certification course delves deeper into aspects of design and control as well as discussing electro-acoustic concepts and applications. ADJ once again made a serious impact at this year’s PL+ S with six0º new products. These included the Vizi CMY 16RX, the Entour Faze, PAR Z120. Also seeing its worldwide debut of a new range of weatherproof ADJ LED Par fixtures; the 7P HEX IP, 12P HEX IP and 18P HEX IP. All feature a distinctive metallic casing design with an IP65 rating, making them suitable for use both indoors and outdoors regardless of the weather conditions. Alcons Audio once again ventured to PL+S, deploying a LR28 larger format line array system for PRG’s demonstrations in Messe Frankfurt’s Festhalle. The system comprised 20 Alcons LR28/80, 4 LR28/110 wide dispersion

modules and 18 BC543 very high output cardioid subwoofers. The company also demonstrated the LR28 in Hall 3.1 as well as launching the VR5 ultra-compact versatile monitor also attracted a very positive response. Allen & Heath and Shure announced a new collaboration to enable native monitoring and control of Shure’s ULX-D and QLX-D wireless systems from Allen & Heath’s flagship dLive digital mixing systems. With the upcoming release of dLive V1.7 firmware, engineers can monitor supported Shure wireless systems without leaving the mix position. All essential wireless information, including mutes, signal level and battery bars, is visible from bank screens, allowing simultaneous monitoring of multiple channels. Amadeus, debuted a new hardware processor system, HOLOPHONIX, designed for live sound specialisation and immersive experiences. The HOLOPHONIX processor brings together several different specialisation techniques including wave field synthesis, high-order ambisonics, distancebased amplitude panning, and more, enabling intuitive placement and movement of sources in a 2D and/or 3D space. Analog Way showcased its range of premium media servers and high-end video processing

• Peter Peck of Wharfedale

• Nexo’s Gareth and Florian

• Mary Beth and colleage from L-Acoustics

• Core Lighting booth

www.mondodr.com

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• Haze Base booth

• Michael of Laser Animation

• DiGiCo launched Quantum 7 processing

• Data Strategy’s Iain Roche

• Steph and Amy of Sound Marketing with the Pioneer Pro Audio team

• The Portman Lighting team

• Full Fat Audio

solutions at PL+S. Throughout the show the company organised demos showing how Analog Way portfolio of video processors and media servers helps create mission critical highperformance presentations and large-scale digital signage projects. The stand highlights included several models from the Picturall Series, the high performance heavy-duty media servers and LiveCore series, its 4K multi-output seamless switchers and video wall processor. ArKaos revealed its innovative new An- Ki scheduling system. An-Ki is a new tool for scheduling and monitoring the ArKaos MediaMaster platform, enabling mapped video or LED installations to be maintained from anywhere in the world via the potential of the ArKaos cloud. Working over the internet, An-Ki enables digital content appearing as projections, or creative media on any LED mappable surfaces or devices to be updated, synched and tweaked in just a couple of clicks. In addition to showcasing its solutions at PL+S, Amptown Systems Company hosted a ‘women in technology’ event to celebrate ladies in the industry, gaining support from other companies such as VPLT and Schnick-Schnack-Systems. Astera showcased its AsteraApp, a unique application for professional entertainment lighting control and management. It provided professional-level control over Astera-based fixtures by connecting the phone/tablet to the AsteraBox via Bluetooth which then relayed the command to the battery operated fixtures via radio frequency. Astro Spatial Audio (ASA) brought its brand agnostic approach to true object-based immersive audio at this years show. Throughout the show

the company highlighted the deep integration between ASA’s SARA II Premium Rendering Engine and third-party systems including TTA’s Stagetracker II next-generation performer tracking, Alcons Audio loudspeakers, and QLab playback automation software. In addition, ASA debuted the new v4.0 software, incorporating substantial improvements in loudspeaker management, matrixing and show control. Audinate introduced Dante AVIO, a family of cost-effective endpoint adapters that enable audio professionals to easily connect legacy analogue and digital audio equipment to Dante networks. The Dante AVIO series features six new adapters including line-in and line-out analogue adapters, a bi-directional AES3/EBU adapter and a bidirectional stereo USB adapter. Each Dante AVIO adapter acts as a completely independent Dante network device, allowing legacy gear to enjoy the benefits of networked audio. Audio-Technica added the ATH-M60x on-ear professional monitor headphones to critically acclaimed M-Series Line at this year’s PL+S. Designed for studio, broadcast and mobile applications, the ATH-M60x is a low-profile, on-ear professional headphone model that utilises the same proprietary 45mm large-aperture drivers found in the ATH-M50x delivering exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range with accurate bass response. Aura Audio was delighted to introduce A28C, a continuum to the revolutionary A28 Subwoofer at PL+S 2018. Featuring two 18-inch drivers and patented Passive End Fire Technology in half the enclosure size this subwoofer sets a benchmark for compact cardioid subwoofers in the high power category.

• Adam Hall’s Nikke and Anna-Rose

• The Astera booth

• The Harlequin booth

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• Malte from Focon distributer of PR Lighting

• The Vectorworks team

• The Showtex team

• Bob and Jack of D.A.S. Audio

Avid was at this year’s PL+S to show off its latest live sound and studio solutions, including the VENUE S6L, the company’s modular and scalable live sound system that offers unprecedented processing capabilities - with over 300 processing channels. Also on show was Pro Tools S6 systems, as well as the Pro Tools MTRX interface. AV Stumpfl presented its new projection screen system leg, the T-32 Shift, alongside a broad lineup of innovative projection. The T-32 projection screen makes it possible for just one person to easily adjust a mobile projection screen’s height, without having to disassemble it first, taking less than five minutes to assemble and adjust an AV Stumpfl mobile projection screen system. The company also showcased several of its highperformance media servers such as the new Wings Vioso RX 2.2 as well as the Wings Engine STAGE media server and the Wings Engine RAW 8K. This year Avolites was pleased to announce its new compact media server, the Q3 along with its light and video integration feature set, Synergy. “The response from the international team was excellent,” said Sales Director, Koy Neminathan. Key features of the Synergy platform include the ability for users to connect and configure its Ai media server from the Titan interface. The Lightmap feature allows users to stream Ai video colour data through any fixture group to instantly integrate them into a larger video canvas. “The Avolites Academy was also an area of key importance as we are now rolling out certified Avolites training via our global distribution network,” added Koy. Ayrton premiered the Mistral TC and MiniBurst at PL+S. The 300W white LED Mistral TC spot fixture is the latest, much-anticipated new

development in Ayrton’s Automated Luminaires range, with the MiniBurst graphic strobe is the next luminaire to undergo the miniaturisation treatment of Ayrton’s highly successful Creative Solutions range. Beyma introduced several new products at this years PL+S, including new high performance subwoofers, woofers and small compression drivers. Joining the concept and design of its successful 18LEX1600Nd, this year two new high performance subwoofers were launched, the 21LEX1600Nd and 15LEX1600Nd. This year BroadWeigh debuted several new pieces of kit including TwistLink, updated Wind Speed Sensor and a new advanced handheld. The TwistLink, which will be available to customers in Quarter 2, is a smart piece of kit that allows a 4.75 tonne BroadWeigh shackle to be connected to a 3.25 tonne or 4.75 tonne shackle without having to mess around with the pin, nut and clip. Meanwhile the new Advanced Handheld (BW- HA) will bring additional functionality to the BroadWeigh system by expanding its standalone monitoring capabilities. Cadac celebrated its 50th anniversary with the launch of the latest model in its CDC digital console series. CDC offers a compact mix solution of unparalleled quality and power for small-tomedium sized production companies, freelance mix engineers and fixed installations. Also being shown was the CDC seven-s, the company’s new flagship CDC console. Also shown during the week was Cadac’s new medium format I/O stage box and the NetCOMMS programmable PC control software for the CDC MC Router. CAST BlackTrax announced Version 2.3 of its unique BlackTrax real-time tracking system that

• The Clear-Com booth

• Proel at PL+S

• Sebastian and Christian of MADRIX

• James and the Cadac team

• Elation’s Eric and Larry

• Green Hippo’s Matt, Anastasia and James

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• The Chroma Q booth.

• The Le Mark ladies

• The Roe team

• Chauvet Professional’s Michael, Albert and colleague

• A busy FBT stand

• James of Peavey

• Eric of Minuit Une

• Juan-Jose of Equipson

can help bring new levels of creativity to designers of impactful, complex and memorable events. “The new features bring even greater accuracy, flexibility, and reliability to a system that has been at the heart of over 8,000 shows around the world, and they allow designers to achieve even more spectacular outcomes,” said Marty Cochrane, BlackTrax Product Manager. Celestion has added two new additions to its CF range of cast-aluminium, ferrite-magnet drivers for tour sound and fixed install applications. The 500Wrms, 12-inch CF1230F has a nominal sensitivity of 98dB (1W, 1m). With a three-inch, copper-clad aluminium voice coil it is particularly suited to bass applications in two-way and three– way systems. During this year’s show ChamSys announced the new QuickQ console. The new consoles is designed to put more powerful lighting control in the hands of students, theatre/house of worship volunteers, and programmers, regardless of experience level or budget. Available in three models, QuickQ consoles feature an intuitive smart-phone-like interface, and a conveniently large 9.7-inch touchscreen. Helpful prompts and videos accelerate the learning process, making it easy even for inexperienced users to set up,

programme and operate the console. Among the console’s user-friendly features are easy-tounderstand buttons and faders, simple colour selection menu, readily accessible intensity control tools, and fingertip controlled zooming and scrolling. This year Chauvet Professional, gave visitors to its booth a first hand look at the new Maverick Storm 1 Wash, an IP65-rated LED moving fixture, the STRIKE P38, an IP65-rated compact warm white LED blinder/strobe and the COLORado Solo Batten, an IP65 RGBAW LED fixture that produces a seamless and unique edge-to-edge homogenised appearance without visible round ‘eyes’ or pixels. “The new fixtures allow us to offer more versatility in three very important series of products that designers have come to depend on,” said Albert Chauvet, CEO of Chauvet. Chain Master showcased the Jumbo lift, which is capable of lifting 12,000lbs. Also showcased were load monitoring, variable speed hoists, controllers and wireless control devices for operating hoists. The new Chroma-Q Studio Force II, a high intensity tuneable white wash light, made its European tradeshow debut at PL+S. The Chroma-Q stand also displayed award-winning products such as the Color Force II RGBA LED

• ADB products on display

• Valerie from PRG• -- • The Analog Way stand

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• Powersoft’s Sandro and colleague

• The ArKaos team

• The KV2 Audio team

• The AV Stumpfl team

• Ayrton demo in full force

• The ChamSys booth

• The PR Electronic booth

cyclorama, wash and effects light; the Inspire RGBW colour-mixing house lighting range; and the Space Force tuneable white LED soft light. Clair Brothers presented it’s 10SPOT - designed as an ultimate hybrid loudspeaker that combines Clair Brothers curved array technology together with their One Series coaxial horn technology. The result is a unique form factor loudspeaker that occupies little visual space while covering listening areas more coherently than your average conventional point sources. The Clay Paky booth concept was based on three theme showrooms. Demos were performed in each one by alternating lighting techniques with highly evocative visual effects, on show was the Zac-Eye, AXCOR 300 and the HEPIKOS. One of Clear-Com’s more current innovations being shown at PL+S is the LQ Series of IP Interfaces. By connecting the LQ interfaces to the HelixNet digital network partyline intercom system, these simple yet powerful connectivity devices can increase HelixNet’s existing 24 channels of input and output ports count by sixfold, creating a much higher density system for linking audio and intercom systems. Additionally, any user on the HelixNet system is now able to communicate with users on Clear-Com’s Agent-IC

mobile apps running on smart iOS or Android devices over Wi-Fi, as well as users on VoIP phones via SIP connection. CLF Lighting introduced four new products this year including the P1 DL, P2 Vw, LEDbar PRO and the Hera. P1 DL was especially designed for car shows and is equipped with 36 high performance LEDs. The P2 Vw, an LED par, features high output and a very precise white control between 2700K and 6500K. A CRI level of 90 and accurate dimming control make the Spectrum P2 VW very suitable for any high demanding application. Meanwhile the CLF LEDbar PRO is a multifunctional linear outdoor LED batten with the Hera, the LED PAR features high output and outstanding smooth RGBWAUV colour mixing. CODA Audio was delighted to announce the launch of three new multi-purpose subwoofers. These are U12 and U12i (a slimline wall-mounted version) and the U15 universal subwoofer. The new models have been developed to further enhance CODA’s range of subwoofers and offer compact, efficient and cost-effective solutions for almost any application. Each model is designed with new, long excursion, ultra-low distortion 4 W woofers, incorporating state-of-the-art carbon

• ENTTEC had a busy show • Audinate introduced Dante AVIO • The Dicolor stand • The HOF stand

116 EXPO

• Outdoor demo area

• Global Truss booth • Nick and Jas of Medialease • The Nicolaudie Group stand

fibre cones. This achieves maximum power and cost efficiency, used in combination with systems using LINUS5C DSP amplifiers. d&b audiotechnik revealed the next major step in audio technology evolution. The show was the official launchpad for the GSL System from the SL-Series, a new loudspeaker system sitting right at the top of the company’s product portfolio. Demos and interactive mixing session using the recently released d&b Soundscape also drew a great deal of attention throughout the show. The GSL System is a complete solution created specifically for the largest sound reinforcement applications in significantly sized arenas, stadiums and festivals, to accurately deliver any performance style or musical genre. D.A.S. Audio presented its Sound Force Series that is made up of 12 models and proved to be very popular throughout the show. Data Strategy’s Iain Roche and White Light’s Technical Director Dave Isherwood shook hands at PL+S on a deal for the first of a planned total of four to six QC-Check workstations, incorporating PAT4 and CAB5 PAT and Cable Test Processors from joint partners, Out Board. QC-Check’s test database and logging software will be fully integrated into WL’s InspHire asset management system, which will provide real-time tracked test results for the company’s entire hire inventory. Along with showcasing it’s WATCHOUT multidisplay system on the big screen, Dataton put the NDI (video-over-IP) feature in WATCHOUT through its paces demonstrating its smooth projection-mapping workflow. During the show visitors could preview the real-time motion tracking integration in WATCHOUT. The demo featured a camera-camera CAST BlackTrax

system, a complex object in motion and mapped content. At this year’s show DiGiCo unveiled its eagerly anticipated Quantum 7 processing. The company also revealed other exciting new developments to give visitors another chance to experience the new 4REA4 digital audio networking system. Quantum 7 has been developed with seventh generation FPGA devices that further expand audio processing power, and ultimately allows DiGiCo to provide its users with an unrivalled amount of flexibility. It expands an SD7 to over 600 channels of processing in 96kHz operation that can be connected in the outside world to approaching 3000 potential I/Os. “The DiGiCo team are constantly working to create new products where there is a need in the market and add value to our existing products, keeping our customers’ investment safe,” said DiGiCo Managing Director James Gordon. Digital Projection demonstrated the world’s first 8K laser projector, the INSIGHT Laser 8K. Set to be the world’s first commercially available DLP laser 8K projector, the INSIGHT Dual Laser 8K sits in a class of its own when it comes to performance and provides an ultra-high 8K resolution (7680 X 4320) of 33-million pixels through 25,000 ANSI lumens of solid-state laserphosphor illumination. This year disguise showcased the upcoming r15 software release, award winning gx range, the new HDMI 2.0 VFC card and latest server, the solo. The solo server features options for HDMI and SDI capture, Pro Audio and 10GB ethernet ports, two 4K outputs, fixed storage, 2TB SSD and full redundant backup capabilities. disguise Sales Director EMEA, Sarah Cox, explained: “The solo

• GLP win mondo*dr’s house of worship award

• The Fenix Stage team

• Funktion -One

• mondo*dr’s Jamie and Brian of ADJ

• K-array’s Stefano and Andrea

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• The AC-ET team • AVID’s Vanessa and Derk • The Astro Spatial Audio team • Philips Entertainment

can be used effectively as a powerful standalone server, or in conjunction with an understudy for smaller shows. The solo enables our customers to join our community at entry level, without having to sacrifice on power and performance.” Doughty’s Lightweight Lighting made its debut at this year PL+S. The product takes the principles of a Tank Trap but packages them into a neater, more aesthetically pleasing model. The Three Position Tank Trap also featured on this year’s stand. This piece of kit enables rigging to be built close to a wall, in the corner of a room or near to an obstruction. It has a detachable receiver suitable for 48mm barrel, which may be fitted to any of the three mounting points, which are located in the centre as per a standard tank trap, at the edge and in the corner. In addition the Tank Trap Trolley has received its Frankfurt debut. DTS introduced the SYNERGY 5 PROFILE; its new high-power, LED moving head.The fixture offers a range of features, including the Dynamove effects engine / virtual animation wheel, DMXselectable CRI: >90 OR >75, a rotating 4-blade framing system, advanced colour mixing, and total control and networking. Elation Professional’s stand - devised by lighting and stage designer Christian ‘Rocket Chris’ Glatthor - included the first European showing of its recently acquired M-Series range of entertainment lighting controllers, as well as the Artiste Picasso, Smarty Hybrid, Dartz 360, Proteus

Beam and three-in-one Proteus Hybrid. PL+S 2018 was a huge success for ENTTEC. Rob Browne, ENTTEC’s Business Development Manager explained: “We presented guests our full ‘end-to-end’ LED pixel solutions. Starting at one end with our award-winning ELM software, it moved from left to right to the smart Hyperion Gigabyte switch. Next our range of pixel controllers and pixel satellites including the new Pixelator Mini DIN, the Pixel Port (with built-in effects generator) and the new IP66 Plink Injector for outdoor use, and it culminated with our CV and Pixel strips.” Equipson’s WORK PRO AUDIO announced two product additions to its innovative LightShark range of lighting consoles: the LS-Wing console expander unit, which is designed to complement and extend the original LS-1 console, and the four-strong range of LS-Nodes, affordable hardware expanders for the LightShark system that add extra DMX and Ethernet connectivity without the user interface and physical controls of the LS-1 and LS-Wing units. Among the main attractions at the ETC stand were several brand new products - the Element 2 lighting control console from the award-winning Eos family, as well as thw ColorSource Pearl variable white-light LED fixtures, and the Irideon WLZ architectural wash light - all making their European debut. Eurotruss experienced one of its busiest

• mondo*dr’s Laura with Daniel of Stage Campus

• The Gloshine stand

• Pavel of Robe

• The Theatrixx team

• The Tech Team stand

• Patrick of Studiomaster and colleague

• Clay Paky showcasing some of its products

120 EXPO

• The Lawo team

• Nikita and Katy of disguise

tradeshows in recent years at PL+S, launching the upgraded Eurotruss Decks, which remain 100% compatible with the existing series. Besides the Stage Decks, Eurotruss presented an upgraded Lifters series and a brand new Eurotruss Merchandise line. PL+S saw the worldwide debut of EXE Technology’s new dynamic stack tracks rail and trolley system - the EXE-DST66 - which builds on the success of its popular DST52 system. The company said: “The response to this system at the EXE Technology stand during the exhibition was absolute proof that [we] hit the bullseye!” The FBT Horizon VHA series made its debut at this years PL+S, representing a step forward in flexible sound reinforcement technology with exceptional sound quality. Crafted in Italy with the no-compromises manufacturing excellence for which FBT is known, the HORIZON VHA series comprises the full range VHA406A, plus two options for low-end extension in the shape of the 12-inch VHA112SA and 18-inch VHA118SA. FENIX Stage chose PL+S to introduce its new Series of telescopic lifting towers, NEMESIS Series. It comprises three lifting towers: NEMESIS 80, NEMESIS 110 y NEMESIS PRO, which operate in harmony with the well-known ELV-100/31. These lifters are characterised by their lightweight structure, their affordable price and being easyto-carry. Full Fat Audio was delighted to debut the star of its show, the FFA-8004, an amplifier meticulously designed and has the highest audio performance specification of any pro audio amplifier of its type. Fohhn Audio AG demonstrated the latest developments in its new comprehensive concert sound system at the show, the Focus Venue, which can be supplemented in the low frequency range by the new Perform-Series subwoofers: the PS-800

and PS-850. As well as seeing and hearing the new system components on Fohhn’s stand, show visitors could also experience a live demonstration of the system in the open air demo area. Follow-Me used the show to announce a distribution agreement between the company and A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET), which demonstrated the remote follow spot control system on its stand. The range includes both Follow-Me, which is designed for touring and larger venues, as well as a more compact system - Follow-Me Lite - for smaller venues or corporate events. Funktion-One showcased a flown Vero array, F132 and BR132A 32-inch bass enclosures, a ground-stacked arrangement of the new F124 bass enclosures with Evo 6E speakers, a PSM318 DJ monitor, and an SB210A/F81 self-powered compact system. The company also reoccupied its home in the Live Sound Arena / Open Air Agora, where demos featuring an Evo configuration with a central position of six F124 bass enclosures took place. GDS was delighted to announce its Fade To Warm technology, now to be rolled out across the whole ArcSystem Pro range, seamless dimming and fade to warm we’re both possible in one fitting. Gerriets chose PL+S to display its INVISCREEN - a new, highly transparent and self-adhering projection screen in its Visual Effect series, as well as its CARGO heavy duty track system. Global Truss released its new 5 Chord truss designed for LED screen applications at this years PL+S. Utilising the existing F44P 400mm x 400mm truss design, the F45 features an additional chord along the central bottom face of the truss with ladder bracing allowing for LED screens to be easily mounted. This extra chord prevents having to balance the load by slings or

• Maciek Janiszewski from Optocore

• AED’s Glenn and Luxibel’s Nils

• The CLF Lighting crew

• Koy of Avolites

• Severine of Robert Juliat

• Alex of Audio Focus

• Amadeus launched HOLOPHONIX

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• Kling & Freitag’s Lars and Steve • Cassie of J&C Joel • Justin and colleague of RGBlink • Sabine from Hortus Audio

The Prolyte Group press call

• The Aura Audio guys

• The Kinesys stand

prevents having to balance the load by slings or braces across the two bottom chords that would be necessary on standard 4 chord truss. GLP gave the impression FR1 its European premiere at the show, as well as heralding a break from its traditional moving lights with the inclusion of its new Force 120 fan effect fixture. Designed to create stunning scenic effects or great air mover (or a combination of both), the Force 120 received its first outing on the recent Old Dominion tour, where 15 units created an impressive backdrop for the country rock band. The Green Hippo stand was equipped with the latest Hippotizer+ Media Servers, enabling guests to experience the world leading solutions for realtime media playback and 3D mapping. Another key feature was the opportunity for visitors to gain hands-on experience of Hippotizer’s seamless integration with Notch. GUIL presented its latest new products at the PL+S, among them its TMD-545/N rigging tower to fly sound systems stands out from the rest. Visitors to the show were not only impressed by the unique design of the tower, but also by the components that are included in the price: the complete truss structure with a double handled winch, a chain hoist for 2,000kg and a chain bag. Harmonic Design allowed the audience to experience its revolutionary HybridLineSource loudspeaker systems at the AGORA Live Sound Arena during the show. High End Systems offered hands-on demos of the Hog 4 family of lighting control consoles, including Hog 4, Full Boar 4 and Road Hog 4, as well as a chance to see the new Hog 4 v.3.8.0 software, featuring a new desktop colour scheme

called ‘stealth,’ Sola Series products, and added external monitor / touchscreen capability for HedgeHog 4 console models. The second day of the show also saw the latest instalment of Hog Factor, recognised as the world’s premier academic lighting programming competition. HK Audio undertook the largest product launch in its 35+ year history at the show, which included the COSMO integrative line array system family, and the company’s new point source flagship - CONTOUR X. J&C Joel launched several exciting new products on its stand, including four new velvets, the widest IFR Canvas on the market, a new addition to the wool serge range, a new 3D digital print fabric and an exciting new acoustic system. Andrew Walsh, J&C Joel’s Sourcing and Product Development Manager, said: “Empress is one of the nicest velvets I’ve seen in my 38 years in the industry and I am delighted that Joel’s are able to bring it exclusively to the worldwide market.” James Thomas Engineering presented its recently launched Conical Series truss for the EMEA region at PL+S. Also on display was the new Sleeve Block with a unique safety system, as well as their General Purpose truss and Super Truss. As well as its sleek line of gold-plated and standard black products, K-array’s stand featured the newly-launched, all-white Event line, and its slim line array microphone, Capture, featuring Pure Array Technology. UK based automation specialist and manufacturer Kinesys had an action-packed stand that included the latest Apex chain hoist system and an eyecatching motion controlled ‘art-tech’ centrepiece. Other popular Kinesys products like Elevation

• Audio-Technica’s Tim

• GDS showing off some of its products

• Niclas of W-DMX presenting an award Ralph-Joerg of Lightpower

• John of Celestion

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•The LightLink stand

• The Novastar stand

• The MOVECAT stand

1+, LibraCELL, DigiHoist and the Dimension Pendant controller were also highlighted. KLANG:technologies, together with Audio- Technica, Eich Amplification, Fischer Amps, Hearsafe, Hughes&Kettner, InEar, Kemper Amps & Vision Ears once again created the Silent Stage at this year’s Musikmesse. The demo gave an insight into how to achieve the perfect Silent Stage. Kling & Freitag showed off several new products including its new items: K&F SPECTRA 212 and SCENA 12. In addition its new loudspeaker series SPECTRA with the K&F SPECTRA 212 and patented VariQ technology combined point source and line source speaker into one - a ‘convertible array speaker’. KS AUDIO presented the new D MOD2 - a four-channel loudspeaker controller slot with digital signal processing for the amplifiers of the KS series CA4D and TA4D; the T Line B and T SUB B systems; and an extension for the TA 2D amplifier. The company also organised a free bus transfer (round trip) from the exhibition centre directly to the production and development site in Hettenleidelheim. KV2 Audio boasted a sizable stand in Hall 3.1, where the company displayed an assortment of its flagship products. As always, the company also presented one of its PA systems at the Live Sound Arena. L-Acoustics demonstrated its revolutionary L-ISA Immersive Sound Art technology, as well as its new hardware and software tools - including the P1 networked digital audio processor, which begins shipping in June - that will make it easy for L-Acoustics partners to quickly realise optimised

performance for its L-Acoustics systems. Lavoce Italiana presented a selection of its new low frequency drivers (including the MAN062.00, the WAF123.02, and the SAF214.50), as well as two new, small format compression drivers - the DN07.10LM and the DF10.101LM. The company also announced the appointment of Steinigke Showtechnic as its exclusive distributor for Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and Dinakord Elektronik as its exclusive distributor for Turkey. Lawo launched its mc²56 console, a console delivering performances that combine the proven quality of Lawo consoles with state-ofthe-art features, improved functions and clever innovations. LEDBLADE enjoyed a successful show and receiving a lot of interest regarding the new CRE:ON Hybrid Drive, which includes Kling-Net protocol next to SPI and ArtNet. The company’s mini-demo set at the show had just been returned in prime condition after a six month, 24/7 trial period successfully completed in desert conditions in and around Doha, Qatar. Le Maitre showed one of its latest flame machines, the Wireless Salamander Quad Pro. The company also has a lot of interest for its MVS Smart hazer, the G300 MART smoke machine and the Freezefog Pro low smoke system. On display at the Linea Research stand were its full range of four and eight channel networked DSP amplifiers - the portable and touring focussed M Series and the installation and contractor C Series. Link showcased its, PDlink, a family of hybrid power and signal distribution products uniquely designed to meet the evolving needs of audio,

• mondo*dr’s Hannah with Hugues and Lucia of S2CEB

• The Luminex stand

• The Dataton stand

• mondo*dr’s Laura with Solveig of Schnick Schnack Systems

• The Idea Pro Audio team

• The Acme stand

125 EXPO

• The Timax booth

• The NEXT-proaudio crew

• Alex of Chainmaster

video, and lighting production companies. Leveraging innovative Eurocable and LK Connectors capabilities, PDlink is the first platform to offer a unified cabling approach. LITEC showcased its new MyT Virtue truss line, part of the MyT family of truss. Offering a compact and strong line of truss designed to provide support for events that require increased load capacity, decreased deflection and longer spans. Also on display were the MaxiTower 52HD, MaxiTower 63 and large selection of its crowd barriers. Also on show was the company’s Hoist Box Truss. LSS had a number of demos on throughout the week to show off its product, particularly its new product, a new low profile hi performance stage monitor TSM24. Luxibel revealed two new lighting fixtures, the B P9 and B P9Z. These new RGBW LED wash fixtures were designed to bring a tidal wave of colour and output to any stage or building wall. They are completely IP65 rated, allowing them to be used both indoors and outdoors. The fixtures come with a rigging bracket, an super-easy design allowing the BP9’s to be placed in an array. The B P9Z zooms 7° to 58°, while the B P9’s zoom is fixed at 25°. Each line of nine 15W LEDs can be controlled individually to create special effects. At this year’s show, MA Lighting gave its first live presentation of the new grandMA3 series. Founded on the legacy of the previous grandMA consoles, the grandMA3 represents a radical re-think of what’s possible from a lighting control platform. The elegant new system-architecture incorporates new fixture, feature and effectshandling at its very heart. The system features ground-breaking concepts from top industry visionaries, presented within a refined user interface, and is designed to make practical tasks more intuitive. The physical design detail of the

grandMA3 range is extraordinary and focussed on delivering the best possible user experience, now and into the future. MADRIX used the show to introduce ORION; the next MADRIX hardware interface made in Germany. Another highlight was the next big update of the company’s software. MADRIX 5 will not only provide massive performance increases, but many new features and a new license system as well. It has been made available from May 2018. MBN and Powerlights Ausberg continued to support the show by showcasing a variety of its products including foam machines, canons and fluids. MDG exhibited with its exclusive - and longest serving - German distributor, cast C. Adolph & RST Distribution. The company also brought an exciting development to its Me Series of fog generators with the launch of Me1g, a glycolbased version of its highly successful Me1 fog generator. Sharing its size and form factor with its oil-based sibling, Me1g has a single nozzle and 0-100% DMX/RDM control for perfect, powerful output, but with the benefit of using any of MDG’s glycol-based fluids. Minuit Une welcomed over 4,000 visitors for its demo shows during PL+S, with its booth staying crowded from the first to the last hour. The company commented: “From all over the world, audiovisual professionals have experienced how IVL Lighting is a game-changer. A large thank you to those of you who have visited us - we hope you enjoyed the demo show and got all the answers to your questions.” MILOS displayed its new steel truss line, which takes the concept of heavy-duty truss to an entirely new dimension. Also on display were the high capacity and medium duty aluminium truss, as well as additional new products such as its flexible hinge, modular hinge, hanging plate and

• The Look Solutions booth

• The Link team with their block of cheese

• The LSC stand

• The ladies from GUIL

• The Spotlight stand

126 EXPO

• The guys at LAMP

• Michele Noselli of Outline

• The SRS lighting team

top ring. Mobiltechlifts showed its new MS2-4012 compact lift, which achieves higher safety factors inspired by the recently established German standard for windup lifts (DIN 56950-3). It does not need safety pins, is very light, is discrete due to its matte black finish, is very user-friendly, and is extremely easy to operate under load. Movecat brought a wealth of new products to this year’s PL+S, including the Movecat PROstage+ D8 Plus chain hoist, the EXPERT-T III I-Motion system controller, the DMX SMART WINCH, and the BSZ-DC Operating Hours Counter. Music & Lights debuted its RA3000PROFILE, the universal lighting fixture for large-scale events, the RUBYFCX, a bright and fast compact LED moving head beam with full colour mixing and the SOLAR27Q / ARCPOD27Q, an outdoor washlights feature with an outstanding output by high efficiency LED sources and optics. Neutrik showed off its True Outdoor Protection range. The new series includes the well-known powerCON TRUE1, etherCON and XLR products, which have been certified in accordance with IEC 61076-2-103, IEC 60320, UL 1977 and UL 498 and which also meet the requirements for outdoor use as laid out in UL50E. NEXO shared its booth-space with parent company, Yamaha, for the first time at Frankfurt, appropriate, as one of the featured NEXO products was a joint development - the new NXAMP4x2 MK2 and NXAMP4x1 MK2 amplifier models. NEXT-proaudio launched its new LAs418 Active at PL+S, a new two 18-inch active reflex subwoofer.

Nicolaudie introduced the STICK-CU4 - a brand new 512 channel DMX lighting controller, priced in the middle of the wall mounted STICK range. The controller is USB programmable from a PC or Mac using the ESA2 effect software. Optocore presented its new ‘Festival Box’ made by BroaMan, which reduced all copper and fiber cabling between stage and FOH to just one fiber - connect transparently multiple different consoles with their stageboxes. Outline showcased its new Superfly compact linesource enclosure, which the company hope will set new standards in performance for a loudspeaker of these dimensions. Superfly integrates perfectly within the existing Outline portfolio and can be readily paired with any of its subwoofer designs. Out Board introduced its new TiMax 500S software for TiMax Sound Hub, with enhanced programming and show control workflows for rendering and control of live, presentation and experiential spatial reinforcement and immersive audio, including new-look variable day/night skins optimised for outdoor, rehearsal and show conditions. Panasonic showcased its live events solutions portfolio at PL+S with an engaging holographic dance show and a striking dome projection that used 4K laser projection technology alongside a new wide-angle fisheye lens. In addition to a wide selection of laser projectors and 4K displays, Panasonic’s Broadcast and ProAV solutions were also on the stand, including a range of remote cameras and compact live switchers, perfect for live entertainment operations. Peavey, showcased its new ProTour Series power amplifiers, designed to meet the most demanding

• The Visual Productions stand

• Alcons celebrating 15 years in the industry

127 EXPO

• Bjoern of MA Lighting

• d&b audiotechnik launched the GSL

• The Lites crew

requirements of portable and fixed installation audio systems, the ProTour Series delivers high output power, efficient cooling, onboard DSP, dante network connectivity, and USB/ethernet connectivity for monitoring and control. Philips Entertainment Lighting showed off its new VL800, an LED effects luminaire offering unique, dynamic looks which appealed to lighting designers working in show environments of all kinds. It’s the first LED effect unit from the Philips Vari-Lite brand, it produced a distinctive, collimated, flat sheet of light in a 3.5° beam with advanced movement, colour control and pixelmapping capabilities. Pioneer DJ launched its flagship club sound system, drawing on Pioneer’s rich heritage in sound reproduction, deep understanding of the club industry, and close collaboration with Gary Stewart Audio (GSA) and Powersoft, this exciting arrival promised to make waves in Ibiza this season. Pioneer Pro Audio was also on hand to welcome visitors to the stand throughout the week, as well as hosting aftershow demos on the Wednesday and Thursday, which allowed guests to hear the company’s systems in action. Ella Bee demonstrated the XPRS and Lennert Wolfs demoed the XY-3B Series. This year also saw the addition of new hanging brackets for the XY Series speakers and the first appearance for the XY-2, meaning the stand was decked out from head to toe. Portman Lighting proudly presented its three new products, all hexagon shaped tungsten look fixtures, the look embodies the European ‘trend’ currently, a warm, attractive halogen look. These

are the P1 Retro Lamp, 37 P3 PIX3L and the 10 P2 Hexaline. Powersoft announced its new product, M-force 301P01, the unique and innovative transducer which has been updated with a series of additional features to simplify the workload of OEM partners. M-force is now available as the M-force 01 long throw linear motor for infra sub applications and the M-force 02 short throw linear motor for high acceleration applications. PR Lighting displayed all models in its new AQUA portfolio, many of them in the specially constructed water display boxes, where they continued to function perfectly. This included AQUA LED 600 Spot; AQUA 480 BWS (Beam, Wash, Spot); AQUA 480 Beam; AQUA 350 BWS; AQUA 350 Beam. Showing its capacity in the design and build of complex truss structures, Prolyte Group showcased its range of heavy duty truss systems and also a range of trusses specially designed for LED walls - as well as a number of new products across its range. RGBlink highlighed a range of products during the show including its T-TWO console with new streaming preview feature as well as its high end presentation switcher. The team at Riedel were proud to showcase its latest product, building upon the technology that powers Riedel’s SmartPanel App-driven user interfaces; the new 1200 Series RSP-1232HL multifunctional interface represented a quantum leap forward in workflow flexibility, power, and connectivity. Robe’s incredible new MegaPointe ‘all-in-one’ fixture took centre stage, bringing the whole

•Seeburg Acoustic

• Waring of XTA

• Beyma’s Espartaco

• TheLinea Research team

• CODA Audio

• Adamson’s Scott and Marc

• The Sixty82 stand

concept of multipurpose moving lights to new levels. Other highlights from Robe included the Tarantula, a hugely powerful LED beam, wash and effects luminaire; the latest developments in the RoboSpot range of remote follow spotting solutions; two new IP65 rated ParFect products. Robert Juliat made its latest Compact range followspots available at PL+S with its new, exclusive 600W LED models, Alice and Oz, first in line to ship. Most excitingly, Robert Juliat revealed a new, very powerful, front-of-house LED profile for the first time at the show- a new 600W source and optical efficiency product. ROE, introduced its Vanish 18, a transparent LED display panel for in- and outdoor use. With its smaller pitch and transparent looks, it’s ready to fulfil market demands. Together with the Vanish 25, the new Vanish 18 LED panel is part of the Vanish Series. A smaller pixel pitch solution, semi-transparent panels and lightweight design make it the perfect solution for projects or installations with a need for large-scale screens. Schnick Schnack Systems was back this year to reveal exciting new products - including a completely new LED series. The LED effect lighting manufacturer not only presented a new Profile System and a new generation of white LED products, it also presented its new RGBW Series for the first time. The ceiling of the ShowTex stand featured its brand new and extremely light FeatherSilk fabric, gracefully floating through the air. Visitors at the ShowTex stand at PL+S got an exclusive preview of the amazing HiSpeed Reveal, this ultra-fast roll-up system is all about spectacular revelations to surprise an audience and leave a lasting impression. Sixty82, made its debut appearance at PL+S this

year, pooling over 100 years of experience and expertise from three countries to engineer and manufacture next generation trussing and staging systems. Solid State Logic was pleased to announce the European premiere of the 32-fader version of the System T - S300 compact broadcast console, alongside all of the acclaimed SSL Live console range and a selection of SSL’s hybrid studio production technology that includes the AWS 948, Nucleus2 and the Sigma-Delta remote controlled analogue summing system. Spotlight chose PL+S to present its new projector, the first of a new series, Hyperion Fresnel LED 300W 6C. The new projector is a 300W to six colour fresnel LED with a new housing, rounder than the iconic squared shape that has always distinguished the Spotlight headlights, the projector will provide six colours. Along with its wide product range, SRS Group introduced its new Flexi PDU with modular system, Digital ADR cable remote as well as ANGS Art-Net node and Gigabit switch. The company’s stand remained busy over the four days, with Robert Sloboda Jr commenting: “PL+S 2018 indeed turned out to be an excellent show for SRS Group.” The Steinigke stand was always lively with DJ sets from the OMNITRONIC team, the individuals behind the company also threw a surprise birthday party for their company founder, Bernd Steinigke. Studio Due Light introduced the new STUDIO300 RDM IP20 RGBWA FLOOD LIGHT projector suitable for touring, TV studios, venues, theatres and generally for the entertainment market. TMB and Latvia’s Company NA once again partnered for PL+S. TMB proudly introduced

• Nicola Beretta of Allen & Heath

• Kevin of Lavoce

• Gaby and Bernhard of TW AUDiO

• Antari’s Joyce and colleague

• Le Maitre’s Rick and Elaine

• The Steinigke stand

• Matthias of MBN Productions

129 EXPO

• Birgit and Rena on the ASC booth

• Studio Due team

• Riedel introduced the 1200 Series RSP-1232HL

the ProPlex IQ Tester, the first Ethernet tester for entertainment production. Several new products could be seen, including the Flare Q+ Rayzr, the ProPlex DIN Rail FloppyDrives, and the latest addition to the Solaris Mozart range of ‘perfect pixels’. TOMCAT enacted its claws this year with its display of the innovative Nemesis pre-rig truss, a side-loading design that featured a leg stand option, which allowed one person to load fixtures into the truss during prep. TW AUDIO introduced three new i-series products. The first one was the B14i, its ‘undersofa subwoofer,’ which tops out at only 9.5-inches tall, yet delivers up to 6dB higher SPLs than a traditional two eight-inch sub. Ideal to use under stages or furniture, in ceilings and behind curtains, or to supplement arrays. Visual Productions showcased its full product line set up in different applications for its audience to see, including the new IoCore2, TimeCore, CueCore2 and Kiosc App. The CueCore2 and QuadCore hosted the latest firmware release that included the new TimeSpan feature. Void’s display of products included the Node series - Node 2, 2i, 4 and 4i - a range of passive and self-powered, multi-purpose loudspeakers; and the single and double 18-inch subwoofers, Arcline 118 and 218, to complete its popular Arcline 8 medium format array speaker system, which was released last year.

Wireless Solution celebrated its 15th anniversary, and of course, had its annual vodka and meatball party. In addition, released its new OEM product - the TiNY RDM Receiver - this new OEM module is 20mm wide by 60mm long, perfect for smallsized products that require a W-DMX connection. A year on on from the launch of its innovative and powerful Delta Series of digital processing amplifiers, both XTA and MC2 were delighted to be showing the 120 Amps at this year’s PL+S. The 120 Amps are available as Delta 120 and DNA120 models from MC2 and XTA respectively, and have 96kHz Dante inputs as an option. Yamaha’s launch of RIVAGE PM7, was one of its audio highlights at the ISE show in Amsterdam and the new system was again the focus at PL+S. Yamaha’s entire range of digital mixing consoles were on display, alongside other new products, including the updated R series Dante I/O racks, Version 2 firmware for RIVAGE PM1 and the updated DXSmkII subwoofers. Zero 88 displayed its new FLX S24 and FLX S48 consoles, the original FLX and ZerOS Wing was demonstrated on the stand, all running the latest version of console software - ZerOS 7.9.4.

Prolight+Sound will return to the Messe Frankfurt from 2-5 April 2019. More information go to: www. pls.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en.html

• The VMB stand

• Martin and Nicolas of MDG

• Jeroen of Music & Lights

• The LED Strip Studio crew