Germany - K.M.E. will present Versio, a new portable series, at Frankfurt, and will complete Pano with the QLM 115.

The new Versio design has a black comb grid with acoustic foam behind to protect the speakers from dust and dirt. Inside the speakers work high resilient drivers developed to the latest technologies, which also contribute to a weight reduction due to neodymium magnets.Each top unit is equipped with a 1" high-frequency driver.

Versio includes the passive top parts VL 8 (8"), VL 12 (12") and VL 15 (15") as well as the active top unit VL 250 (12"). Subwoofers are available in the passive versions VB 15 t and VB 15 w as well as VB 18 and VB 18 w. The 't' describes the subwoofer variant with twin coil and the 'w' describes the integrated passive crossover. Active subwoofer models will follow this year. Each top unit can be used multifunctional

UK - Recolight chief executive Eddie Taylor has today announced receipt of its Compliance Scheme Operator approval from the Environment Agency. "We are very pleased that the Environment Agency has approved the Recolight compliance scheme," says Taylor, "we can now focus on the implementation phase of our proposals, starting with the formal registration of our members."

Recolight is a not-for-profit company set up by the lamps industry to operate a scheme designed to meet the specific and in some respects, unique requirements of Gas Discharge Lamps under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations. The Scheme already has over 20 producers who have made firm commitments by pre-registering and this is now expected to grow quickly following the formal approval of the Scheme. The deadline for producers to register via a Scheme is 15 March 2007

Germany - GLP (German Light Products) GmbH of Karlsbad, will be showing several products new products at Frankfurt's ProLight+Sound exhibition. The Creation lighting console from GLP is now shipping and will be presented on Stand D79, Hall 9.0.

The console is armed with a 533 MHz CPU and runs under an embedded Linux operating system developed by GLP. The new desk is capable of controlling up to 2,048 DMX channels, and these can be divided freely between moving and conventional lights with each function in 16-bit resolution.

For the programming and execution of a light show, ten fader units, a master fader, 64 multi-function keys, four encoder wheels and four LCD displays are among the control elements available. The keys are equipped with a blue LED backlight. All important data is displayed on the integrated 6" touch screen.

A powerful effect generator makes programmin

UK / Germany - Pro Light+Sound 2007 (28-31 March, Frankfurt) will see leading induction loop manufacturer Ampetronic launch its new Field Strength Meter, which the company says is a cost-effective and simple solution for measuring, setting up and commissioning an induction loop system to the requirements of IEC60118-4.

"IEC60118-4 is the reference to which every induction loop installation should be tested," explains Julian Pieters, Ampetronic's managing director. "This has recently been revised and is currently being published around the world. The new revision places more stringent and specific requirements on installers, as well as on facilities managers, etc to set up, commission and maintain their loop systems. Many installers are tempted to cut corners and not do this testing properly, largely due to a lack of knowledge and the cost and the complexity of tes

UK - Lighting will come sharply into focus during May's PALME Middle East Show, with two giants of the architectural and entertainment sectors consolidating their presence, the organisers say. Both Martin Professional Middle East and Avolites Middle East will have their heavy artillery on display. The former will unveil a host of new products for the first time in the Middle East, among them the MAC TW1 - a tungsten wash light with an even, soft-edged beam, a motorised zoom, CMY colour mixing and both internal and external electronic dimming.

Lining up alongside are the company's new LC series - a semi-transparent, modular system of LED panels, suitable for displaying film, digital images and graphics; the RGB Laser 1.6 - a compact and lightweight Class 4 laser with deep saturated colours and true whites; LED Stagebar - a light yet robust fixture featuring RGB, amber and 'true'

UK - Entertainment Technology has announced the release of software version 3.3 for the complete line of Marquee Lighting Control Consoles. Marquee software version 3.3 is now available for download from the website address below.

"It is exciting to watch as the Marquee software continues to grow and expand," says Alan Keen, Entertainment Technology product manager. "During the past year, we have seen a significant rise in number of Marquee consoles on the market. The feedback we are receiving from our end-users has been fantastic, and we are pleased to be working with Horizon Control Inc. to support our customers' ever-developing desires."

Designed by Horizon Control Inc., Marquee software version 3.3 introduces two distinct advancements, says the company. The first is the ability to network up to five Marquee consoles working together as one, known as Rem

The Netherlands / Germany - The range of Twisted Pair products from Dutch manufacturer RDL send, receive and distribute a variety of signal types using twisted pair cables (Cat 5, Cat 6, etc). The products were designed together as a coordinated system of functional modules that are easy to understand, the company says: "Drawing from decades of design and manufacturing experience, RDL twisted pair modules are engineered to deliver signal integrity equal or superior to installations using traditional shielded cables. The variety of styles combined with the mounting modularity of Decora-style and European 45mm designs make RDL's twisted pair products ideal for any architectural requirements. Segregating the twisted-pair cables by format type keeps the design, installation and maintenance simple and straightforward."

The new product line will be on show at the ProLight&So

Australia - ARX's popular MIXX 1U 4-input mic/line mixer has recently had a complete update and redesign, the company reports. The Australia-based pro audio manufacturer's managing director Colin Park told us: "The Mixx has been very popular with installers and AV users around the world and the time had come for an upgrade to meet users changing demands and expectations."

The MIXX now features four balanced low-noise microphone inputs (which can be switched to line inputs if required) with input gain controls, 3-way EQ and pan controls. Switchable phantompower is also available on all four mic inputs, and each channel also has a balanced direct output, the company says.

(Lee Baldock)

USA - High End Systems has introduced a new software feature, Spherical Mapping, for its DL.2 Digital Light and Axon media server. The v1.3.2 software advances the edge-blending Collage Generator software of the two products, and is available now for download on the HES website, the company says.

"With the release of Collage Generator and Curved Surface Support features for DL.2, there's been a huge demand for the ability to fully blend and correct content for spherical type surfaces," says Scott Blair, HES director of digital lighting development. "Spherical Mapping allows us to answer that need to blend content across a hemisphere or a full sphere type surface."

Within the software are additional new effects and software enhancements, say High End. The Global Matte Effect allows the user to superimpose up to 20 different pre-defined Mattes for layering im

Germany - Beyma will be presenting a complete new family of loudspeakers, at Frankfurt's ProLight+Sound exhibition, 28 - 31 March. The new P1000ND is based on its larger siblings, 18 and 15 P1200ND, but with a more adjusted magnetic circuit and a power handling of 1000W AES. The new P1000ND family will be composed of three new models of 18", 15" and 12".

Another brand new family is the MW/ND. This new model incorporates a greatly improved dissipation heat system, which allows it to withstand an unexpected power handling from smaller voice coil sizes. This allows for an improved transducer at a lower cost. Apart from this, the models have a sensitivity and efficiency rarely found in this type of speaker. The family will be composed of a 10", a 12" and a 15" speaker.

Beyma will introduce a new type of component. This type of high frequency transduce

Germany - At ProLight + Sound in Frankfurt, Kling & Freitag will present a selection from its current product range which now includes the option 'Installation' for the models CA 1201, CA1215, CA1515 and Line 212.

The speakers have been optimised for unobtrusive operation, and with numerous M10 mounting points, they allow for variable, simple and safe mounting in fixed installations.

The mounting brackets CA 1201 / CA 1215 and the mounting bracket CA 1515 are also new to the range. They enable the horizontal and vertical mounting of the same-named systems with the option 'Installation'. With this, all passive systems of the CA-Series are now suitable for horizontal and vertical mounting, says the company.

Kling & Freitag will also present the digital system controllers CD 24 and CD 44, both available for delivery since the beginning of the year and offering "a unique co

UK - January saw the launch in California of the 2007 product ranges from the Harman Group of pro-audio brands, and British distributor Harman Pro UK will be giving the London public their first chance to see much of the new gear at Sounds Expo 2007, running from March 1st for three days at Kensington Olympia.

Under the banner 'Harman Pro UK In The Studio', featured products include studio recording mics from AKG, new additions to the MX range of Lexicon processors, and studio monitors from JBL.

AKG has several new products to show in this, its 60th anniversary year, including the new "affordable" D5 handheld dynamic and C5 condenser mics, the Micromic range of miniaturised vocal and instrument mics, and the eye catching anniversary-edition C414 condenser microphone, production of which is limited to just 2007 mics worldwide.

Lexicon's new MX500 reverb processor, l

Germany - Sennheiser has added Mobile Transmitter to its Guideport wireless multi-lingual visitor information system for exhibitions, museums, theme parks, zoos, botanical gardens, and historic sites. The belt-worn Mobile Transmitter and headset gives tour guides speaking to a group with pre-assigned Guideport headphones the flexibility to mix their live guided tour with pre-recorded audio at the press of a button, says Sennheiser.

The Mobile Transmitter Guideport system monitors the location of the tour group so that when the guide switches to pre-recorded audio, visitors hear content that is context appropriate - it matches the exhibit to which the tour guide has directed them. This frees the guide from the distracting and easily bungled task of triggering the appropriate audio clips.

"No other system on the market has the flexibility of our Sennheiser Guideport technol

UK - The new Digidesign 003 family, which includes 003, Factory and 003 Rack, promises professional-grade I/O, high-definition audio resolution, the compatibility and performance of Pro Tools software, and a bundle of up to 80 professional instrument and effects plug-ins, compatible applications, and sound libraries, including the new Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 software collection.

"Since the launch of the Digi 001 nearly seven years ago, more and more users are realising the advantages that come from having seamless integration between the home and professional studio, as well as the benefits of having access to our extensive library of effects and virtual instrument plug-ins," explained Dusty DiMercurio, marketing manager for Digidesign's personal studio products. We have met this demand by continuing to introduce innovative Pro Tools -based products for the personal

Germany - Pioneer Pro DJ will present "an exhilarating and educational snapshot into digital DVJing" during ProLight&Sound 2007 (Frankfurt, 28-31 March 2007). Pioneer's stand will feature all its latest Pro DJ equipment. This includes digital DJ mixers like the DJM-800 and DJM-400, as well as the new range of CDJ CD decks: the CDJ-1000MK3s and CDJ-800MK2s.

More established items, such as the DJM-1000 mixer, EFX-1000 effects unit, and Pioneer's plasma screens, will also feature, but the "true star" of the show, the company says, this year will be the DVJ-1000 - successor to the groundbreaking DVJ-X1 hybrid DVD/CD deck. Like the DVJ-X1s, the DVJ-1000s combine the capabilities of the industry standard CDJ-1000 series with the ability to perform multimedia sets.

DVJ'ing is seen by many DJs as an evolution of their audio art form, and it is now universally accep

Germany - Loudspeaker manufacturer HK Audio will be showing additions to its ConTour Series at ProLight&Sound (Frankfurt, 28-31 March 2007) CN 112 is a compact passive full-range cabinet with high assertiveness and precise directivity. CN 115 is a passive cabinet for full-range applications with increased low-mid/bass performance and high speech and syllable intelligibility. The bi-functional housings can be used as symmetric L/R versions and allow for a microphone-adjusted monitoring at almost no acoustic feedback.

Both the CN 112 and CN 115 are equipped with modern neodymium speakers with passive crossovers which can be switched off for bi-amp mode. HK's DuoTilt pole mount with 3° and 7° tilt angles allows for easy adjustment of the cabinets towards the audience without additional accessories.

Designed for speech or music applications, as FOH cabinet for a club PA or

Italy - Link has announced the latest enhancements to its eurocable line of ultra-flexible speaker multicore cable, specifically designed for the connection of multi-amplified portable systems. The new LK48N40AD2 48 conductor hybrid multicore continues the eurocable tradition of providing strength and flexibility for portable applications while maintaining exceptional electrical properties, the company says. "We had numerous requests from our existing 16N40 customers to introduce a 48 x 4sq.mm version of the cable with two additional AES pairs. The first production run has shipped to a major concert tour in the United States this week and we are extremely pleased with the flexibility and the electrical properties", stated company president Marco Piromalli.

For this particular application, Link was also asked to design a compatible 54-pin hybrid LK connector capable of

UK - Drapes and scenic specialists J&C Joel has launched its line of 'Brusan', described as "a revolutionary new innovation for the entertainment industry" and made by LDC International. Custom-designed with set builders in mind, Brusan is produced by laminating aluminium and textile together to form a flexible, distortable fabric - with no elastic return.

J&C Joel's Fiona Blackett states, "We chose Brusan to complement the diverse range of theatrical fabrics that we already offer. It's unique and also highly practical for our industry, allowing set pieces to be made quickly and easily. It is also reusable which is perfect for touring companies or those with limited storage space for sets from past productions".

Brusan's flexibility enables endless possibilities in terms of the quick and easy creation textures, three-dimensional shapes and special effects,

USA - Chauvet has unveiled Vue, billed as "a groundbreaking line of highly portable, DMX-controllable LED-fitted beam effects". Chauvet designers conceived a special Fresnel style lens that condenses the light from each LED in the array and then projects it in the form of individual light beams and spots, similarly to a standard moonflower but with more control.

The units are lightweight and feature wide beam angles so set up. All are DMX-controllable or will operate in stand-alone mode. The Vue I is the smallest and lightest in the series, weighing less than 4 lbs. It is fitted with 84 red, green and blue LEDs, each creating their own beam. It is a go-anywhere light. It can be linked with the Vue II, a bigger version, featuring more LEDs and a larger frontal lens.

The Vue III has seven individually controllable clusters of 67 LEDs, for a total of 469 LEDs, each proj

USA / Germany - Since its introduction two years ago, the Digidesign Venue live sound environment continues to gain momentum with 350 flagship D-Show systems sold worldwide. Venue has been used by engineers on major tours with artists such as Beck, The Good, The Bad And The Queen, The Cure, Snow Patrol, Paul McCartney, Radiohead, Bruce Springsteen, Barbara Streisand, Manic Street Preachers, U2, and many more.

Inline with market demand, Digidesign introduced a second Venue System last September and in just five months the Venue D-Show Profile has sold more than 100 units worldwide. With its more compact footprint, the D-Show Profile extends the benefits of Digidesign's unique solution into new live sound applications such as theatre installations and corporate AV.

Digidesign's European Live Sound sales manager, Mike Case, attributes Venue's rapid adoption to its unique feature

USA - American DJ has introduced two new compact high-performance scanners that "will goose up your gig, whether you are a DJ who uses DMX or not". The Dynasty Ray and Dynasty Scan DMX are both 150W fixtures that, the company says, rival much larger and more expensive 250W scanners in output because of their superior optics.

The Dynasty Scan offers DMX compatibility for fast and accurate user control on the fly. The Dynasty Ray is a sound-active plug-and-play unit that "grooves on its own to built-in programmes".

"We came out with two models of our new Dynasty series scanner - one for DMX users, and one for entertainers who prefer the ease of plug-and-play effects," said Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group of Companies. "We wanted to make this new high-tech, optically superior scanner accessible to all types of users."

UK / Germany - KV2 Audio will be exhibiting its full range of products at this year's Frankfurt Pro Light & Sound, including new arrivals in all its product ranges. There will also be a live outdoor demonstration of the VHD System.

The new EX6 will be launched at the show, complimenting the EX Series and completing this active driven range of high end powered enclosures. The EX6 is a compact speaker system producing a 2-way full-range solution which defies its size, says the company. It is promoted as being "perfect for discreet installations or audio visual presentations where sound quality is paramount but size still matters".

The EX 6 features state of the art components including the KV2 1" NVPD compression driver, Trans Coil 6" woofer and complete on board control with electronic crossovers, phase alignment, equalisation and speaker protection integrat

Germany - Danish manufacturer DPA Microphones will be co-exhibiting with its German distributor, Mega-Audio at ProLight&Sound 2007, Frankfurt.

Among the wide selection of DPA products on display will be the SMK4061 Stereo Microphone Kit, billed as a cost-effective and flexible stereo recording solution aimed at project studios and for discreet mic setup on stage. The kit packages two DPA 4061 high quality omnidirectional miniature microphones with a variety of mounting accessories.

Another recently introduced product is the BLM4060 Boundary Layer Microphone for use in boardrooms, conference facilities, courtrooms, teleconferencing and any application "requiring excellent vocal pickup". The BLM4060 is a transducer designed to work under optimum conditions when placed on a tabletop, and also performs well on any hard, flat surface that reflects sound.

Also on show at

Germany - Midas will be displaying a grand total of five XL8 live performance systems at Prolight + Sound 2007, Frankfurt. One of the systems can be found on the PADCO stand and another, a full flight cased touring system, on the Bosch Communications Systems, EVI Audio stand.

For those who want to hear a XL8 through a large PA system, two more will be performing front of house duties for all three stages at the Agora Tent, handling a range of live performances throughout the day and into the night, while the fifth XL8 will be installed in a private VIP room where Midas will host hands-on demos for the duration of the show.

XL8 is the first of a new generation of open-architecture, cross-platform, integrated audio control and distribution systems, which brings control of not only audio, but other aspects of live performance to a single, intuitive control centre. XL8 represents

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