UK - LA Audio will be taking orders at this year's PLASA show for its new G400 four-channel frequency conscious noise gate, and GC400 two-channel auto compressor and frequency conscious noise gate, both of which complement the current range of signal processing products, which includes the C400 4-channel auto compressor.

The G400 features four identical gate channels that can be operated as four separate processors or linked as two independent stereo pairs. Each channel has fully variable controls for filter frequency, threshold and release. The range is switchable to provide either full muting (-80dBu) or a more subtle level of signal attenuation (-20dBu). Two attack modes are available - fast or slow, and release is manually adjustable. In-built side chain 'auto-level-sensing' a

UK - Two years ago, entertainment industry veteran Paul Edwards saw an opportunity to solve a long-term problem. Over the years, he had been frustrated trying to find a vendor to build the quality power distribution and motor control equipment he wanted. And he knew that others in the production world had felt the same way. So he decided to do it himself - and Quantum Energy Devices LLC (QED) was born.

Power distribution represents a major investment that no one wants to think too much about after they purchase it. Quantum Energy Devices' aim is to design and manufacture power distribution products which are well-engineered and well-constructed enough to work reliably and safely day after day in the often adverse environment of the entertainment industry, with a minimum of service. All QED products are fully ETL listed (not just using ETL approved components) and each product is

UK - This year's A.C. Lighting North Tradeshow in Leeds on 15 and 16 July was deemed to be a success by both sponsors and visitors alike, with more than 400 people attending over the two days of the show.

Key highlights of this year's event included the much welcomed addition of new industry seminars, which were well attended and are likely to become a permanent feature of future shows. Also of note was the increased presence and space devoted at this year's show to a host of key audio manufacturers, emphasizing A.C. Lighting's increasing role as a distributor of audio, as well as lighting, brands. Much interest was also aroused by the first industry unveiling of the new Tourspot and Tourwash moving lights and SpectraLite Combi Case products, all available exclusively from the company.

A.C. Lighting's Northern sales manager Jonathan Walters told PLASA Media: "I am please

USA - Six Wybron CXI Mariner colour changers will spend the summer in the great outdoors at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Designed for outdoor use, the Mariner offers the widest array of colors available from a single water-resistant colour changer, say Wybron. Lighting designer Rick Martin chose the CXI Mariner for the repertory light plot because of the live color fades and the array of colours available to the various designers that will use the equipment this summer. Rick Martin has used CXIs on other shows such as Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant at the Henry Miller's Theater and To Kill a Mockingbird at the Ford's Theatre in Washington DC. He says: "The reason I bought the CXIs in the first place, and especially for the Festival, is because of the live colour fades. If I want it a little pinker, I just adjust the scrolls. Designers don't have to have an ex

UK - Pro audio manufacturer Audient will show one of the first production units of its brand new eight channel mic pre-amp, the ASP008, at this year's PLASA Show. The ASP008 is a compact, 1U rack-mount unit, featuring eight high quality mic preamplifiers, developed from the mic-pre design used in the company's ASP8024 recording console and the Aztec Live Performance console.

All channels include XLR input, 48V phantom power, switchable input impedance, 25 - 250Hz hi pass filter, phase reverse, as well as line input selection. Channels one and two also feature a -20dB attenuator and high impedance Instrument/DI input, on a jack on the front panel. LEDs provide indication of signal present and overload. A digital output option is available in addition to the standard balanced analogue outputs, making the ASP008 an ideal front end to any DAW or Pro Tools system.

This is the first

Italy - Rimini Fiera's biennial SIB exhibition of entertainment and event technology will be held next year from the 13 to 16 March, 2004. The event, promoted by APIAS and sponsored by SILB, features a wide range of exhibitors specializing in lighting, audio, lasers and design for the entertainment and night sectors. The 2004 event will see an expansion of the successful SIB Theatre section: in addition to addressing stage professionals, this will also now embrace all those who work in the film, TV and cinema markets, with a particular emphasis on set design and stage equipment.

(Ruth Rossington)

UK - Sennheiser UK has announced that BBC TV Glasgow has purchased a significant amount of replacement Sennheiser wireless microphone equipment for use on the station's studio and outside broadcasts.

Consisting of four Sennheiser SK 3063 UHF 16-channel pocket transmitters, two SK 3072 handheld UHF 32 channel microphones, two EM 3032 twin UHF diversity receivers, two EM 3031 single-channel diversity receivers, a ProSplit 600 active filtered 2x1:8 antenna distribution system and two SK 5012 16-channel miniature pocket transmitters, the order was supplied by long-established Edinburgh and Glasgow sales and rental operation, Warehouse Sound Services Ltd.

(Ruth Rossington)

Korea - When the LG Arts Center in Seoul, Korea ordered its new Liberty panels from dance floor specialist British Harlequin plc, they also specified a new-style storage cart to offer ease of handling and to protect the floor panels when not in use. Since then, Harlequin has received orders from other companies that have recognized the benefits of this newly-designed storage cart.

With each cart having a loading capacity of up to the equivalent of 20 full-size Liberty dance floor panels, six swivel wheels provide for complete manoeuvrability, while the chassis incorporates pockets to facilitate use with fork lift trucks. The cart's robust steel construction has a black powder-coated scratch resistant paint finish, and comprises a removable front gate and hinged sides to allow loading access from three sides.

Panels are stacked in sets of five, with additional support bars int

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Italy - Spanish loudspeaker manufacturer D.A.S. Audio systems has been fundamental in providing a clear message at the Vinovo Hippodrome in Italy. D.A.S. distributor Kennell was responsible for the design and installation of the sound reinforcement systems.

Starting with clear requisites for the performance of the system, Kennel designed the system to provide precise coverage for the different messages to be communicated which include the race start signal, speaker commentary and background music. Sound is provided for three specific areas, the bleacher and parterre areas surrounding the course; the bar, restaurant and VIP areas and finally, a projection theatre located within the facilities of the racecourse.

28 Bi-Drivers were flown from the roof structure of the bleachers in order to obtain precisely defined coverage areas. The Bi-Driver is a high-power, mid-high coaxial de

UK - Described as a 21st century pentecostal church, New Wine Church in Woolwich has carried out a major upgrade to its sound and vision infrastructure. Leicestershire-based Hawthorn Theatrical was awarded the contract, after having impressed with the PA support they provided for the Church's New Year's Eve celebrations.

Divided into three spaces, the three-year-old church includes a small downstairs chapel and community area, including crèche and catering. However, it was the 1,500-seat main room - set within the shell of the Odeonesque art deco church - that Martin Hawthorn's company was asked to upgrade, in order to provide additional functionality.

For sound reinforcement, they selected exclusively Martin Audio components - and provided a cabling infrastructure for future expansion, as well as over 100 ways of audio patching, a 72-channel Allen & Heath ML500) desk, fully-

UK - 600 vessels and ships anchored in Leith Harbour, Edinburgh, in May this year, in preparation for the International Festival of the Sea. Amongst them were magnificent tall ships, working fishing boats, a Viking longship, traditional yachts and high-tech sailing boats.

On land, 12-hours of daily entertainment involving bands, musicians, street performers and storytellers was staged as part of the festival, with each day culminating in a spectacular finale, with an impressive display of music, sound and colour echoing around the Harbour.

Edinburgh-based black light designed, installed and operated the lighting for three of the performance stages, the Scottish Executive building and the nightly finale. The company also installed all the general on-site lighting. Alan Jackson, the company's project manager for the event, told L&SI that to address the wide variety of performers

USA - Nearly four decades after Gladys Knight and the Pips performed their first-ever main showroom gig at the famous Flamingo Las Vegas, Knight has once again returned to the resort to headline her own extended run of dates. Five nights a week, the revered R&B/soul singer now performs a musical retrospective in the cosy 720-seat Flamingo Showroom, accompanied by a seven-piece band and four backing vocalists, including brother and former-Pip, Merald.

What initially started out as a single-year performance contract was recently extended an additional three years prompting Knight's monitor tech, John Wrote, to specify an improved monitor system for the diva. As a result, Wrote, who also serves as concert touring operations foreman for ProMix Electrotec's Las Vegas office, spearheaded the early-June installation of a new loudspeaker set-up comprising half a dozen L Acoustics ARCS

UK - Thunder Ridge utilized state-of-the-art digital audio tools for the One World stage at the recent Glastonbury Festival, opting for Powersoft digital amplifiers, supplied by Arbiter Pro Audio, to power their X2000 system, placing the whole FOH system and the major monitor fills under digital power. At the same time, they employed the latest processing tool from Klark Teknik - the Helix digital EQ system - to control every component of the FOH and monitor systems.

Compared to the conventional amplifier, Powersoft DIGAM technology offers very high efficiency and delivers more power to the loudspeakers with much reduced heat dissipation. The output stages of the amplifiers typically run at 95% efficiency, dissipating only 5% of the input energy as heat. These compact (1U), lightweight (10kg) amplifiers can generate up to 3,500W per channel into 2 Ohms.

The advantages of such

UK - Osborne Creative Services has designed and produced a new website for UK pro audio specialist distributor, Pure Distribution. The site enables visitors to obtain information on all product lines distributed by Pure, including Aphex, Audient, ETA, Lexicon, Miller & Kreisel and Sanken, as well as Pure's own XIX range of microphones and accessories. Visitors can also locate their nearest dealer and download a retail price list.

Previously marketing manager at Tannoy Ltd, Peter Osborne founded the company in 1985, and provides a comprehensive design and production service for both new and old media applications within the pro audio industry. Osborne Creative Services has recently created websites for Audient plc www.audient.co.uk and Stirling Syco www.stirlingsyco.com. Other pa

Spain - Valencia-based pro audio manufacturer D.A.S. Audio is to show its new Dynamics series at PLASA 2003, with the presentation of the DS-115 passive and DS-115A powered systems. The Dynamics series provides users with loudspeaker systems that are easy to carry, simple to set up and offer high quality sound, say D.A.S.

The DS-115 is a versatile two-way system designed to be used as a full-range stand-alone unit. Low frequency reproduction is handled by a 400Wrms 15" loudspeaker with 3" voice coil. High frequencies are reproduced by the new M-5N neodymium compression driver. This 1" exit driver incorporates a 2" titanium diaphragm and EFW (edge-wound-flat-wire) voice coil. The unique enclosure design has three ergonomic handles for easy carrying, will accept a standard 35mm mounting stand and includes a floor monitor position for added flexibility. Nine M8

UK - Nagra has announced the death of Derek Jones, aged 66, who died peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family on Monday 14 July 2003.

Derek enjoyed a long and successful career in audio sales - his extensive product knowledge was paralleled by an enduring personal interest in computing and a garage full of everything you would ever need to fix anything. His years in audio included positions with beyerdynamic, Hayden Labs, ASC (with his famous Skoda company car) and Alice (Soundtech). In 1998, he joined Nagra (GB), where he approached the role of sales and marketing manager with typical self-effacing humour - often adding that he had only himself to manage, which was quite enough!

As a long-standing and active member of the Institute of Broadcast Sound, Derek accepted honorary membership in December 2002 'in recognition of his contribution to broadcast sound over many y

UK - Apple Sound, experts in the design and installation of sophisticated systems for the Ecclesiastical market collaborated with pro audio distributor beyerdynamic to provide an audio control system to Beverley Minister in East Yorkshire. As part of a substantial audio system upgrade, beyerdynamic provided an intuitive control system, which centered on Audia from Biamp and the Cue management/media management system.

Working closely with its sister acoustic consultancy Apple Dynamic, headed by Dr Paul Darlington, Apple Sound designed a system that would counter the massive acoustic challenges (and satisfy the installation restrictions) presented by the cathedral-like, Grade 1 listed Minster. The system had to be visually diminutive and very easy to operate.

Following an in-depth RASTI acoustic analysis, it was apparent that intelligibility was the key factor as the enormous va

UK - Sennheiser UK has announced it is sponsoring a double bill of free festival entertainment this year at Ashton Gate Park, Bristol. The first Sennheiser Sounds of Summer Festival will be on Friday 8 August and the live finals of the third annual Sennheiser Unsigned Artist Contest the following evening.

The events take place as part of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2003, sponsored by Vodaphone Live! The Friday night free festival features legendary Scottish songsmiths Hue and Cry, supported by the Cosmic Rough Riders, plus performances from Tippi, The Hazey Janes, Jo Stevens, Tony Moore and DJ Miss Behavin'.

The Saturday Unsigned Artist Contest final kicks off at 2 pm, with live appearances by all the finalists - Hooper, Nowhere Near the Garden, The Adventures of B Violet, The Climb, Demon Summer and Range#Eleven. Saturday's show also features the tabla and guitar

Canada - Olympic skating champions Jamie Sale and David Pelletier christened Princess Cruises' newest passenger super liner Island Princess earlier this week, in a ceremony which also marked the operator's third decade of sailing from the Canadian Port. Island Princess and her sister ship Coral Princess, which joined the fleet in January, will be sailing seven-day Gulf of Alaska cruises from Vancouver and Seward.

The entertainment facilities onboard are second to none, featuring three show lounges including the state-of-the-art Universe lounge. Split over two decks, the Universe lounge was designed to facilitate a diverse range of entertainment options from Princess production shows to movie screenings.

Stage Technologies, perhaps most widely recognized for their work on land-based theatres such as the Royal Opera House and the stage production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Germany - German pro audio manufacturer HK Audio will present its own answer to the line array at PLASA 2003. Concert sound sales manager Christian Stumpp explains. "When line arrays were introduced to the touring market, we regarded the concept as having a great deal of potential, but we had no interest in being a me-too manufacturer and rushing to market with a half-baked solution. Our approach has been to survey the situation rather intensively for several years, carefully analyze the advantages and disadvantages of current solutions, and pay special attention to those areas in need of improvement. Once we were satisfied that we had a comprehensive list of requirements, and were confident that we would be attacking the problem areas with a fresh approach, our specialists Jörg Knieschewski and Thomas Adt began the R&D in earnest to create a new type of line array."

UK - British Harlequin's Activity Sprung Floor with its revolutionary 'triple' sandwich construction has proved a popular choice for many companies, performing arts centres and schools requiring a permanent sprung floor. Activity Floor has typically been installed in conjunction with a non-slip vinyl surface from one of Harlequin's established range of dance surfaces. Now, due to customer demand, Harlequin have developed a choice of three standard hardwood finishes - oak, beech and maple - ideal for venues requiring a more conventional look.

In traditional wooden sprung floors, there has always been an inconsistency of flex over the floor area due to the necessity to use bearers in construction. This problem has now been eliminated by combining an engineered wooden surface with Harlequin Activity Floor, a unique fully floating construction of semi flexible panels supported on a

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