As always, there was a plethora of products released and showcased at Prolight + Sound Frankfurt 2014.
ETC showed visitors the latest updates to the Source Four LED™ family – the Source Four LED Series 2™ Lustr®, which adds lime green emitters to the x7 Colour System™, ensuring the best spectral range and about twice the output of the Source Four LED Series 1.
They also demoed the new Source Four Mini LED™, which allows small-scale installations to benefit from the powerful Source Four® optics, while also saving energy. A Gallery option with a high CRI value ensures that the best possible colour reproduction can be achieved, meeting environmental and aesthetic targets.
ETC also showed visitors the new Cobalt 10™ desk, along with Eos Ti™ and Gio® consoles. Cobalt 10 fits the power of the Cobalt 20 desk into a 20% smaller footprint, making it ideal for when space is restricted. The Cobalt family provides enviable hands-on control of complex lighting rigs, with direct-access tools that eliminate the barrier between the programmer and the light.
Distributed by Prosound: www.prosound.co.za
Clay Paky had multiple new products on show – the B-EYE, the SuperSharpy and the Stormy.
The B-EYE is a high-performance wash light, a beam light, and a generator of completely new spectacular visual effects. Clay Paky presented a complete family of B-EYE lights, including the B-EYE K20, B-EYE K10, B-EYE K10 Easy and B-EYE K10 CC versions.
The SUPERSHARPY is about four times as powerful as the Sharpy, although the indoor fair surroundings did not allow its power to be fully appreciated.
The STORMY, a new LED strobe is reminiscent of the effect of a classic strobe, but provides the versatility typical of LED technology.
Distributed by DWR Distribution: www.dwrdistribution.co.za
Robe showcased a raft of innovative new products including:
LEDBeam 1000TM. This is a brand new strong and powerful fixture was launched at the show. It utilises the latest LED technology and can be used as a beam or a wash light. With flexibility to the fore, it features a unique proprietary optical system enabling a zoom of 4 to 60 degrees with full beam control.
CycFX 4TM. The highly versatile CycFX 4 takes all the flexible parameters of the CycFX 8 and presents it in a smaller, half size package. Truss or floor-mountable and offering four individually controllable LEDs, an 8 to 67 degree zoom and lightning-quick movement – it is a unique fixture ideal for creating spectacular sweeps and curtains of light and colour across a stage or area.
PARFect 100TM. The first LED PAR of its kind, Robe’s PARFect is based on the LEDBeam 100 technology, with the same optical system and light engine in a static housing. The PARFect uses 12 x 15W RGBW LEDs and has a 7-degree beam angle with the option of additional diffusers to achieve 10, 20 and 45 degrees.
Distributed by DWR Distribution: www.dwrdistribution.co.za
Ayrton launched several major new products: NandoBeam™S6 and its new range of lighting fixtures, the Radical Series (R Series).
Twice as powerful as its little brother NandoBeam S3, NandoBeam S6 is a very compact, ultra-fast moving head. Equipped with 37 RGBW LED emitters, NandoBeam S6 shares the S3’s lightweight optical system and ultra fast 5:1 zoom.
Ayrton’s new Radical Series takes its name and inspiration from the world of high-performance vehicles, the Radical range exhibits a streamlined appearance, a very narrow and intense beam, state-of-the-art thermal management and an incredible output which increases its scope to suit all arenas and stadiums from small to large.
The major power comes from the new 67mm optics in association with ultra efficient RGBW multi-chip LED sources. This creates an intensive 4.5° beam with a massive output and a centre beam luminous intensity of over 100 candela per lumen.
Distributed by Sound Harmonics: www.soundharmonics.net
Avolites Media showcase the new S-Series Media Servers, along with the latest generation in the Infinity line, the Ai Infinity EX series.
The Ai S2, S4 and S6 media server are the latest server systems from Avolites and offer two, four and six Display Port / DVI outputs respectively. They feature third generation PCI Express motherboards, graphics cards and RAID SSD drives along with 4K Ultra HD capability in the S4, S6 and S8 servers.
The Ai Infinity server, offers eight unique full HD DVI outputs, and has also been upgraded to the Infinity EX. Like the S-Series, the Infinity EX now boasts third generation PCI Express motherboards and graphics cards.
Avolites also previewed the Titan V8 software and the Tiger Touch Wing.
Distributed by DWR Distribution: www.dwrdistribution.co.za
LumenRadio debuted the smallest wireless DMX solution ever seen, CRMXchip. Available exclusively from LumenRadio, the patent protected CRMXchip is the world’s first wireless DMX ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) solution. By using the latest in chip technologies, LumenRadio has managed to reduce the size of a wireless DMX receiver to that of less than a fingernail. With the 6x6mm CRMXchip, manufacturers can for the first time fully integrate a multi-functional wireless DMX receiver into high volume products where cost and size are prioritised without compromising quality or performance. Built on the award-winning CRMX technology, the patent protected CRMXchip is fully compatible with all existing LumenRadio products.
Distributed by DWR Distribution: www.dwrdistribution.co.za
Philips Entertainment’s four premier brands – Selecon, Showline, Strand Lighting and Vari-Lite – debuted exciting new products at Prolight + Sound.
Philips Vari-Lite debuted the much anticipated feature rich VL4000 Spot luminaire. The VL4000 Spot represents the first in a new generation of Vari-Lite luminaires designed to provide designers, rental companies, venues and productions with luminaries that offer even more creative possibilities without compromise on quality. The VL4000 Spot includes all the tools required to create dynamic, artistic lighting for any application. Featuring low ambient noise, high lumen output, precision optics and a full feature set.
Among a plethora of new LED products from Showline was the much anticipated SL NITRO 510C, which follows hot on the heels of the SL NITRO 510 LED, launched at last year’s PL+S. The SL NITRO 510C LED strobe adds full RGBW capabilities into the same compact size luminaire while maintaining similar massive output, multiple zone control and continuous-on abilities.
Also debuting from Showline was the SL WASH 350, a compact moving washlight with three independent zones of homogenized RGBW control. In addition budget minded projects will appreciate the new SL ePAR 180 and SL eSTROBE 130. These two luminaires offer high output and innovative features in a compact size.
Philips Selecon premiered the LED RAMA Fresnel, which provides an adjustable cone of light, a soft edge, and is easily blended with adjacent beams for even illumination.
Distributed by DWR Distribution: www.dwrdistribution.co.za
PR Lighting provided a strong product line-up, products such as the new XR230 Spot, with its linear zoom from 3.8°-42°, and the compact XR330 which delivers outstanding brightness, were among the highlights. PR Lighting also presented the new XR 1000 moving head, which will exist in Spot and Beam versions.
The new XLED 2007 Beam was also a major highlight. This mini unit, weighing just 4.36kg, has all the advantages of the XLED 336 but in addition can rotate endlessly (as well as operate in sound to light mode). The fixture contains seven of the Osram Ostar light sources, rated at 15W each, with 4 in 1 LED colour mixing.
Distributed by Prosound: www.prosound.co.za
Robert Juliat chose to refocus attention on its followspot range. This proved an excellent choice as the models on show – the Cyrano 2500W HMI, Lancelot 4000W HTI and Victor 1800W MSR – proved a great hit with visitors to the show.
Robert Juliat also presented, for the first time in mainland Europe, its new motorised yoke accessory designed specifically for Robert Juliat Fresnel fixtures. The yoke was put through its paces on the 2 500W tungsten RJ Cin’k 325LF which drew much attention.
Robert Juliat’s LED solutions, in the form of the LED Zep range, alongside the compact “mix and match’ Tibo profiles and Fresnels completed the line up on show.
Distributed by DWR Distribution: www.dwrdistribution.co.za
Le Maitre previewed the Salamander Quad Pro, the latest flame unit from Le Maitre. The Salamander Quad Pro is a larger, more versatile system than the Salamander. A four canister system, it can be operated with each canister being fired independently and the option of multiple colours being loaded to provide a truly stunning visual display from a single machine. Firing the canisters sequentially can also be used to increase the duration of the effect, with up to 120 hits in total and each flame reaching around 4m in height. Alternatively, all four canisters can be fired at the same time to produce a much bigger single flame reaching up to seven to eight metres!
Distributed by DWR Distribution: www.dwrdistribution.co.za
DiGiCo revealed a new version of Optocore for all optically enabled DiGiCo consoles. This new format will provide connectivity to X6R, DD2FR and DD4MR units, allowing Optocore devices to live on DiGiCo’s optical loop.
DiGiCo announced other software upgrades on the stand, among them were:
Expansion of Waves Multi-rack. The development teams at DiGiCo and Waves have further increased the Waves flexibility across its entire range of SD consoles, with the number of Stereo Waves racks doubled from 16 to an impressive 32. This gives the ability to have up to 256 insertable plugin instances on every Waves-enabled console in the range.
Currently, the SD9 offers the largest amount of bussing in its market position. With this new release, DiGiCo takes its lead even further, increasing the user assignable bussing from 16 Flexi Busses to 24 Flexi busses, bringing the total buss count to 63 busses across the console. This 50% increase in Flexi bussing will be released on all new SD9 consoles and provided as a free of charge upgrade to all existing customers.
Like the SD9, the SD11 has seen a number of upgrades to its Stealth Digital Processing. This latest software upgrade sees its channel processing increased from 32 Flexi Channels to 40 Flexi Channels, with no impact on processing allocation; these additional channels come with no compromise to any other processing resource and no additional hardware is required. Just like the SD9 upgrade, the new SD11i and B software will be released on all new consoles and provided as a free of charge upgrade to all existing customers.
Distributed by Tadco: www.tadco.co.za
Electro-Voice launched the new ETX Powered Loudspeaker family. A versatile high-end choice for live entertainment venues, rental companies, pro musicians and DJs, and installed sound, the ETX Powered Loudspeaker family offers technologies from EV concert/touring systems. Three two-way models (10-inch, 12-inch and 15-inch, all with a precision HF titanium compression driver), a three-way model (15-inch with a 6.5-inch MF driver and a precision HF titanium compression driver) and two subs (15-inch and 18-inch drivers) are available.
Distributed by Prosound: www.prosound.co.za
L’Acoustics showed the new K2 Variable curvature line source. K2 offers the K1 Wavefront Sculpture Technology® performance in a rescaled package. K2 can perform as a standalone system, with K1-SB/SB28 subwoofers or can be deployed as a complement to K1 – all with a record-breaking performance/weight ratio and fast on-site deployment.
Distributed by Sound Harmonics: www.soundharmonics.net
Alcons launched two new compact loudspeakers, as additions to the V-series and B-series. Featuring the all-new RBN202 2′ pro-ribbon driver for the first time, the V-series is extended with a versatile micro monitor for use in a wide variety of applications, where non-compromise fidelity is required. Another series extension is shown, now being the smallest of Alcons B-series subwoofers; a long-excursion 12′ custom-designed woofer in a reflex-loaded configuration, as the perfect low-frequency extension for the smaller V-series monitors.
Alcons also showed the new R-series RR12 modular point-source array. Featuring a passive two-way 6′ pro-ribbon driver and 12′ high-output woofer, the system is designed as a “building block’ to create flown or stacked tight packed arrays for controlled sound coverage. The asymmetric 30°x 60° MorphMax™ waveguide provides increased throw to the rear to distribute sound evenly front-to-back.
Coda Audio launched the LINUS10 two channel DSP amplifier. LINUS10 is a stand-alone unit and also the key component of the LINUS RACK20 and LINUS RACK40, which provide complete system management solutions including amplification, DSP, network, comparator and power distribution for various Coda Audio systems.
Also on show were Coda Audio’s TiRAY, a brand new, ultra-compact line array module designed for small venues where high fidelity sound and outstanding intelligibility are required.
Coda also launched the TiLOW bass extension for increased low frequency response, providing audio companies with an extremely flexible system for a wide range of applications.
Distributed by Tadco: www.tadco.co.za
Martin Audio officially launched the new multi-purpose DD12 loudspeaker which combines onboard networking, DSP and Class D amplification with state-of-the-art transducers and Differential Dispersion™ horn technology to achieve best-in-class performance in terms of fidelity, output capability and coverage consistency across the audience.
Martin Audio also previewed the self-powered subwoofer PSX.The PSX is a companion self-powered subwoofer for the DD6, XD12 and XD15 full-range loudspeaker systems. Featuring a powerful 15′ (380mm) /4′ (100mm) voice coil, long-excursion driver in a very compact reflex-ported enclosure, it houses two channels of Class D amplification – one channel for itself and one channel to power an XD12, an XD15, or up to three DD6s.
Distributed by Audiosure: www.audiosure.co.za
Yamaha launched the QL series of digital audio consoles at Prolight+Sound. The QL Series is said to deliver all of the audio quality, processing power and flexibility of the CL series, but in a size and with local I/O facilities aimed at smaller-scale installations and productions.
The new QL series comprises two models, the QL1 and QL5. The QL1 features 16 inputs and eight outputs in a 468mm wide chassis, with the QL5 32 ins/16 outs, measuring 828.4mm wide. The QL1 has 32 mono and eight stereo input channels, with the QL5 64 mono and eight stereo.
QL consoles are suited to small-to-medium sized productions on their own; however, onboard Dante networking allows them to be integrated into bigger systems with Yamaha’s R-series I/O units and CL series consoles. Up to eight R-series units can be simultaneously controlled by a QL console, offering as many as 256 input sources.
HARMAN’s JBL Professional announced the latest addition to its legendary EON portable loudspeakers with the new EON600 Series. A complete departure from traditional approaches to affordable, self-contained and portable PA systems, the EON600 Series was purposely designed and built from the ground up using JBL’s advanced waveguide technology and proprietary transducers. The EON600 Series brings the extraordinary quality of high-end studio monitors to a highly flexible, easy-to-use PA system.
The first model in the EON600 Series is the EON615 15-inch 2-way loudspeaker. It features built-in, 1000-watt power amplification, custom JBL high- and low-frequency transducers delivering massive sound pressure levels with lower distortion throughout the frequency range.
JBL Professional also introduced the new LSR310S powered studio subwoofer optimised for use with the highly successful JBL 3 Series studio monitors. The first studio monitors to incorporate JBL’s patent-pending Image Control Waveguide; the recently introduced 3-Series models provide an unprecedented level of accuracy, with exceptional imaging and detail at most affordable price points. Rounding out the 3-Series line, the new LSR310S subwoofer extends the low-frequency response of the system into the 20Hz range while including an innovative feature that will make the sub attractive to dance music producers.
Distributed by Wild and Marr: www.wildandmarr.co.za
HARMAN’s Soundcraft introduced its brand new Vi3000 ’all-in-one’ digital live sound console, offering a host of state-of-the-art features including the groundbreaking internal DSP Soundcraft® SpiderCore, a new industrial design, 96 channels to mix, onboard Dante compatibility and much more in a very compact footprint. The Vi3000 utilises the new internal DSP SpiderCore with Soundcraft’s Vi Version 4.8 operating software, offering the new 3D Vistonics user interface while adding a fourth 24-channel fader layer to improve access to the console’s 96 input channels.Distributed by Wild and Marr: www.wildandmarr.co.za
HARMAN’s AKG showed the DMSTetrad digital wireless microphone system. Ideal for a variety of applications this license-free wireless system offers uncompressed audio transmission, superior RF performance and 128-bit AES standard encryption. The AKG DMSTetrad digital wireless microphone system features an integrated four-channel mixer, and an antenna front mount kit. With 24bit, 48kHz audio coding, it provides uncompressed studio-quality transmission and a linear frequency response, for uncompromising vocal and instrumental performances.
Audio-Technica showed its new range of updated M-Series professional monitor headphones as well as the BP894. Alongside these were existing Audio-Technica wireless and installation products from its widely-used Unipoint and Engineered Sound lines.
Taking cues from the sound and proprietary design of the company’s acclaimed ATH-M50 professional monitor headphones, the new ATH-M20x, ATH-M30x and ATH-M40x deliver accurate audio and outstanding comfort, perfect for long listening sessions. The ATH-M20x, ATH-M30x and ATH-M40x all feature 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminium voice coils, as well as a circumaural design that contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments. The ATH-M50x (featuring 45mm drivers) has the exact same sonic signature as the original ATH-M50 and adds refined earpads and three detachable cables.
The BP894 features a rotating capsule housing with talk-side indicator for use on either ear and has perfect polar pattern placement. The MicroSet BP894 takes headworn microphones to the next level, by allowing the cardioid capsule to be aimed directly at the sound source. The uniform pickup pattern provides excellent rejection of outside noise, with exceptional gain-before-feedback when used with live sound systems and stage monitors.
Distributed by Prosound: www.prosound.co.za
Christie showed the award-winning D4K2560, a high-end 3-chip DLP projector that has native 4K (4096 x 2160) resolution offering ultra-realistic images and smoother video.
In addition, the PIPA award particularly highlights the achievement of the unique Christie TruLife electronics, a breakthrough in high frame rate and high-resolution video projection. Christie TruLife enables 4K DLP at 120Hz performance through its support of a video-processing pipeline of up to 1.2 Gigapixels per second – 10 times faster than full high-definition bandwidth – which not only benefits the Christie D4K25 and D4K35, but also permits the Christie Mirage 4K25 and Christie Mirage 4K35 to support various 3D interconnectivity formats.
Distributed by Stage Audio Works: www.stageaudioworks.co.za
Absen showed A3 Pro. A3 Pro is a small-spacing indoor rental product released by Absen at the end of 2013. It uses the world leading second generation of spot-by-spot correction, therefore all correction data can be simultaneously loaded to the receiving card and the module, avoiding re-correction when changing the module or the receiving card. Reserving characteristics such as lightweight, thinness, seamless stitching and front maintenance, A3 Pro focuses on the optimisation of module maintenance and a modularised power supply board.
Distributed by Shenzhen Absen Optoelectronic Co. Ltd: www.absen.com
Clear-Com® announced the launch of ProGrid™ at Prolight + Sound this year, a fibre-based infrastructure system that will enable users to transport and distribute audio, intercom, video and control data. The introduction of these new products means that, in addition to world class communications systems, Clear-Com now provides end-to-end solutions for many types of installations requiring signal distribution.
Clear-Com also showed the BroaMan MUX-22 video distribution device, which further broadens the company’s distribution capabilities to include up to eight 3G/HD-SDI video signals. The MUX-22 can operate with the ProGrid systems or as a standalone solution.
Distributed by Tadco: www.tadco.co.za
EAW presented Anya. Anya is a complete, self-contained, high-power sound reinforcement system that adapts all performance parameters electronically, allowing it to be used in virtually any application. Columns of Anya modules hang straight, without any vertical splay and Resolution 2 software adapts total system performance to produce asymmetrical output that delivers coherent, full-frequency range response across the entire coverage area as defined by the user. It is extremely powerful and immensely scalable, making it suitable for anything from small venues to the largest stadiums.
Distributed bySurgeSound: www.surgesound.co.za
Chauvet Professional launched a new series of moving heads, the Rogue series; a rugged line of moving head fixtures that offer a host of high-performance features like multi prism rotation, zoomable prism, variable speed scrolling, LED gobo morphing and a massive light output for their price range. The four new fixtures include the R1 Spot, R2 Spot, R1 Beam and the R2 Beam. The R1 Beam uses an Osram Sirius 132W HRI light source. The R2 Beam uses the 230W version of the same lamp. The R1 and R2 Spot fixtures use an LED source – 140W and 240W, respectively.
Distributed by Audiosure: www.audiosure.co.za
HARMAN’s Martin Professional revealed the MAC Quantum Profile™, the latest addition to its new MAC Quantum line. The profile features innovative LED technology and Martin’s proprietary optical designs to deliver super-bright light output. Martin also introduced an expanded family of its proprietary VC-Grids™ and VC-Strips™ family to include 15, 25, 30 and 60mm pixel pitch fit for architectural installations, stage design and TV set design.
Martin Professional also introduced two new RUSH (by Martin) LED fixtures—the RUSH MH 5 Profile™ and RUSH DC 1 Aqua™. The RUSH MH 5 features two colour wheels, two gobo wheels and a rotating three-facet prism, in a compact yet super bright LED profile moving head. The RUSH DC 1 Aqua is a compact and bright LED fixture featuring full electronic dimming, variable manual focus, and five selectable colours to deliver aquatic decoration effects for shows, clubs and other entertainment venues.
Distributed byElectrosonic: www.electrosonic.co.za
