Prolight + Sound

With this in mind, here’s a run down of some of the highlights:
The 2009 Frankfurt Pro Light + Sound show marked the launch of Adamson’s Point Series that includes five new models complete with EASE Data; the Point 8, Point 12 and Point 15 two-way enclosures, with companion single and double 15” subwoofers; the Point115 Sub and Point 215 Sub. A new 4 x 8 DSP, the Point Control, is also available for optimal speaker management.
The main eye-catcher on the Alcons Audio stand was the MSRA design study, which has become an annual stand feature. Also on show was the LR7 micro pro-ribbon line-array, the latest and smallest member of Alcons’ successful pro-ribbon line-arrays and the LR7B, bass extension of the LR7 micro pro-ribbon line-array.
Allen & Heath, for the first time in 15 years, have designed a broadcast console, the XB-14 Compact Radio Broadcast which was introduced from the ZED range of small-format USB mixers, Mixer. They also presented new additions to the iLive-T range in the form of iLive-T Audio Interface Option Cards. As well as ST’ Installation products and the new Xone:22 2-channel analogue DJ mixer was on show for the first time in Europe.
The B&C Speakers team widened their product range with the addition of the BG series rubber surround, deep bass subwoofers and also new to the B&C range is the DE120 neodymium high frequency driver.
Beyma introduced the 18SW1600Nd 18” subwoofer with Helicex® patented technology. This is the first product they have developed using their exclusive Helicex technology.
The Bosch Group had a large presence at the show. They announced that although the first quarter of the year has been a little slower than normal it has been better than they expected in the current economic climate and they also have plenty of ammunition for the next part of the year which they hope will help push things even further in the right direction. Midas and Klark Teknik announced they have a new German distributor, Mega Audio while the sales for the PRO6 console by Midas, which was launched at PLASA, have gone through the roof. EV were showing the EVI Series as well as the EVH and EVF, and introducing the EVA line array. All four of the Bosch brands (Midas, Klark Teknik, EV and Dynacord) secured the services of a global star - guitar legend Steve Lukather to perform at the live concerts in the Agora Marquee.
The Camco Q-Power Series has a new addition, the Q-Power 4, news of which the amp manufacturer announced at the show, along with a brand new range, the D-Power Series that includes three models: the D-Power D2 1000W per channel; the D3 1500W per channel; and the D4 2000W per channel.
International Sales Manager for Chauvet Gerry Zigman said that trade show visitors were thrilled by their LED products. “There was a lot of excitement and our booth had a constant flow of traffic.” The excitement was due to the European unveiling of the Legend 4500, the Legend 6500 and other professional fixtures. Other products on show included the COLORado 2, and the Q-Spot 150 LED.
Another world première came in the form of Clay Paky’s new Alpha 700 range of fixtures, which includes the Spot HPE, Wash and Beam versions. Thanks to their light weight, the Alpha 700s are agile, extremely fast, easy to install and they provide valuable savings in transport, energy consumption and maintenance. Also on show were the Alpha Beam 1500 and the Alpha Wash 1500 LT (standing for Long Throw).
Clear-Com® Communication Systems exhibited the latest intercom solutions for helping live performance industry professionals expand their communications capabilities. New at this year’s Prolight + Sound were Clear-Com’s Concert Version 2.0 and the FreeSpeak® Version 2.0 and Tempest2400® digital wireless systems. “A major focus for us this year is accessibility,” said Jake Dodson, Vice President of Product Management, Clear-Com Communication Systems.
The Miriam is the latest addition to the CLS LED range of IP 65 outdoor colour changers while the DMX-1000 is the first high-powered LED driver which can vary the forward current independently across three channels of LEDs between 350 - 1,000mA in precisely 50mA steps, both received positive feedback at the show.
An entire set of brand new moving heads made their European debut in Frankfurt, Coemar’s Infinity S Series: Spot, Wash, and ACL. But Coemar’s selection of new products did not stop there, they were also showing the 1500W Infinity Spot XL; the StageLite Led Fx; the C4 as well as new additions to the LiteLed range and a new architectural LED range.
coolux presented a preview of Software Version 4.5, the new Widget Designer PRO and the new PB AirScan module that turns standard screens and displays into interactive displays. They also announced their new rental partnership with publitec, as Europe’s largest Pandoras Box dry-hire provider, all system providers will now have access to a competent partner with a tried and tested logistics system and an extended range of services.
Crest Audio presented the second generation of the highly acclaimed X Series rack mixers, introducing four new models. The X18R and X20R consoles have six configurable aux buses, four group buses, and three main buses providing plenty of FOH mixing configurations, while the X18RM and X20RM have up to twelve mono or six stereo mix buses for floor or in-ear monitoring, while the integral monitor and tape-level outputs provide additional flexibility.
For the first time the curveLED GmbH was at the show as an independent exhibitor, sharing a booth with its distributor LMP. The interest of the visitors at the curveLED® booth increased day by day most probably due to the curveLED® globe with a diameter of 9.5m and a pixel pitch of 20mm.
The extremes of the new products presented came in the form of d&b’s T-Series that offers two different loudspeaker technologies in one tiny package: it is d&b’s smallest line array as well as effortlessly transforming into a stand-alone point source system. Also on show were the highly colourful E-Series installation loudspeakers and the recently launched cardioid J-INFRA subwoofer.
D.A.S. Audio presented a number of new products, such as the new generation of Aero, the Aero Series 2. This includes the new Aero 50, a large-format system following up from the highly successful Aero 48, and the Aero 12A, a compact line array system with the latest in Class D amplification, digital signal processing and optimised D.A.S. components. The world debut of the Avant series portable sound systems, offering best-in-class performance and unprecedented power - and all this with surprising ease of use - was another key feature at D.A.S Audio’s stand.
e:cue organised workshops for all software and hardware products during Prolight + Sound providing the perfect opportunity for all beginners and advanced users to take a closer look at the new and existing software and hardware products. They also announced the availability of the new product book, which includes the new dmx2pwm LED dimmer series.
ETC’s range of lighting, dimming and controls were demonstrated on a number of different stands at the show, with one so busy that visitors overflowed into the walkways on several occasions. Top of people’s ‘must-see’ list was the Eos and Ion control desks and the new Paradigm architectural control system.
The unveiling of FaitalPRO’s new 18XL1500 subwoofer took place the PL+S this year. It allows for versatile designs and applications and comes fully equipped with all the essentials for a great low frequency performance.
FBT proudly presented an amazing line-up of outstanding products, each one bearing the company’s quality mark with a careful for meeting the acceptance of the markets. The new MITUS sound reinforcement series is the true result of their experience and passion for excellence. A comprehensive range of line array systems, speakers, subwoofers and monitor systems, which are available in active or passive designs, were all available on the stand for visitors to enjoy. Chinese manufacturer Fine Art presented some great products this year including: FINE8000; FINE4000; FINE1500 Spot & Wash; FINE2000 Spot & Wash; FINE700 Spot & Wash; Fine390DG/348DG a newly developed LED product, all of which drew a lot of attention from the visitors. A particularly exciting visitor for them was Mr Sha, chief designer of 2008 Olympic Games, where hundreds of Fine Art products were used.
Funktion One launched the Resolution 1.5TT (twin twelve), a 2-way enclosure specifically designed for mid-sized venues, with low ceiling heights. It can be neatly installed tight against a ceiling, providing good coverage due to the built-in downward angle of the devices.The RM15 wedge, seen previously at PLASA had its official launch here at PL+S, and there have also been upgrades to the AX88, F88 and the R2.
Genelec introduced the 8260A 3-way DSP active monitor, the 8020B 2-way Active Monitor, and 1038CF 3-way Active Monitor in Frankfurt and they are hopeful they will prove popular in the market.
Harman Professional were demonstrating Harman HiQnet products streaming Ethernet AV in a technology preview. The company showcased several new Ethernet AV products including a dbx SC 32 Digital Matrix Processor, and a Crown CTs amplifier all connected with an Ethernet AV switch. An Ethernet AV architectural wall plate from BSS Audio was also on display.
The VERSIO Series was extended by K.M.E. with the VERSIO VSS 18, a digital system unit with integrated, direct-radiating 18“ subwoofer and three class D amplifiers with prefixed 24Bit/48kHz digital signal processor. They also introduced the first release for a new series of rackmount amplifiers, the DA428, a 4-channel unit with 700W each.
The public unveiling of four new products was the main focus for Lab.gruppen. The first of these was the Lake LM 26 stand-alone digital loudspeaker processor, next the powerful new flagship addition to the PLM Series of Powered Loudspeaker Management systems, the PLM 14000. Also new at Frankfurt, Lab.gruppen announced the addition of three new models to the legendary FP+ Series, including a new flagship amplifier, the FP 14000. The other two models are the FP 9000 and the FP 4000, bringing the FP+ range up to seven models in total.
As the first manufacturer to introduce printed circuit board based modular snakes and stage boxes over a decade ago, it seems fitting that Link introduces the first hybrid multi-protocol enabled modular digital snake system, DGlink, which was exhibited at the show.
Incorporating several key elements from touring stage sets, the Litestructures stand provided a spectacular showcase for all of the company’s products and services, including AstraLite, the first multipurpose trussing system alongside the industry leading LiteDeck, LiteMast and LiteBarrier product ranges.
The LTM LoadGuardTM electric chain hoists were presented at the show. Plus in response to client demands to buy from a single source, LTM became a stocking agent for the Litestructures range of Lite Pro 290, 390 and 520 Professional Range of Truss on the 1st January 2009. Examples of the range were available for demonstration at the booth.
The big news at the Martin Audio stand was three new appointments. As David Bissett-Powell moves to a part-time consultancy role within the company, Anthony Taylor takes up the job of MD, while Simon Bull becomes Director of Sales and Jason Baird, the R&D Director.
Martin Professional had an arrays of products displayed on their stand including: the LC Plus Series, a modular system of semi-transparent LED video panels with new generation technology that closely integrates light, video and set design for all new possibilities in indoor and outdoor staging; the EvenLEDTM; the MAC III ProfileTM; ColorFox, the first lighting controller specifically designed for architectural use with dynamic colour changing fixtures; and the MaxxyzTM Modules which allow users to design their own console.
Meyer Sound is celebrating 30 years in the business this year. The stand highlights included the newly launched Cinema Experience line of loudspeaker products, several new small-footprint loudspeakers and subwoofers rounding out the company’s installation product offerings and the cutting-edge D-Mitri digital audio platform.
The new Montarbo Spot, Wide and Full lines represent a revolutionary new concept in acoustic and electronic design. Each system incorporates power amplifiers with digital technology controlled by a dedicated Montarbo DSP with the processing power of the PalcoPlus Line-Array processor.
On the stand of their international distributor Adelto, Multiform Lighting released nine new additions to their expanding range of professional LED lighting products, including the MultiSpot Eco, MultiBeam HP and the MultiSpot HP.
Another one celebrating their 30th anniversary this year is Nexo. They showcased a wide range of their products including the flagship high-output GEO T system, the new scalable compact GEO S12 Series, comprising the four tangent array propositions – GEO T, GEO D, GEO S12 and GEO S8 – NEXO also displayed its successful gradient CD, GEO and RAY SUB Series of subs, which were premiered at last year’s PL+S.  The new NXAMP, the powered TD Controllers generated by the collaboration with Yamaha completed the line-up.
With Lok-it! Osram provides a system for entertainment lighting that enables lamps to be replaced easily without tools thanks to their special bayonet base and holders. With the 4ArXS HSD 300W/80/P28 the Lok-it! product range now includes a lamp with a small PGJX28 base as well. Also new to Osram is the Luxim lamp, an electro lamp system, which provides a longer life compared to other lamps and higher colouring. This new innovation has already been integrated into new Robe product, Robin 3 Plasma Spot.
The new TiMax2 SoundHub and TiMax Tracker were on display at the Outboard stand, in conjunction with Pro Audio Technik, the recently appointed TiMax distributor for Germany. Out Board’s Thomas Strebel also won Prolight + Sound’s Opus award.
QSC launched their new K Series of loudspeakers, there is four in the range, K8, K10, K12 and K sub, all four share a number of specifications including: 1000W, Class D power amplification, and 1.75 HF, but each have different dispersion patterns. This series has been described as the ‘new standard’ – going forward in a new way.
News from Proel was the formation of a new brand Acronn - distributed by Eurosell. They also introduced the Active Edge systems. There were four models launched: two medium-sized speaker systems (C12A and C15A) and two stage monitors (12CXA and 15CXA), all equipped with built-in amplification, processing circuitry and excursion control, implemented through analogue technology. They feature a PWM switching amplifier (Class D), which can supply over 2000 W of continuous power.
Arguably the biggest announcement at the show was SGM joining the RCF Group. Both parties seem pleased with the partnership and believe a number of opportunities will arise as a consequence. RCF introduced the re-invented Mythos range. Not many people know but in the ‘70s/’80s RCF manufactured a lot of hi-fi products and studio monitors. Mythos is a way of bringing this back with a fresh, new, innovate look. RCF also announced the creation of a new company named Digipro to cater for the professional sound market by offering the most efficient digital amplifier modules.
Robe lighting launched its amazing new Robin (Robe Innovative Concept) range of moving light products. The first fixtures in the revolutionary Robin series are the Robin 3 Plasma Spot, the Robin 300E Spot & the Robin 300E Wash.
As well as the news of joining the RCF Group, SGM also had a number of their eye catching fixtures on display including: Giotto Beam 1500; Giotto Spot 700; Stilo LED; full colour versions of Palco 5; full colour versions of Genio; the latest (2.18) release of the Regia 2048 console; the latest (1.3) release of the Pilot 3000 console; and the Dotto LED range, specifically dedicated to architectural applications.
Sound Corporation recently created a new commercial strategy to better serve their international customers with Tomàs Bonaut now managing the commercial division in the Asian & South American market and Simone Fontana helping those directly managed by Sound Corporation headquarters in Reggio Emilia.  Product-wise the DEFLECTOR Line was among the products promoted.
Stark presented a model of the 3rd Touchless generation Stark Interactive Wall and Floor, as well as the brand new Stark IP 44 projector for external installation, which performs with the same hyper high luminosity, compact size and high performance as all other Stark products.
Sunlight introduced two new products. First was the SLESA-U7 (easy stand alone – USB SD version) intended for architectural lighting control, stand-alone USB-DMX interface using the STICK technology. Also new was the SUITE2-FC, intended for live applications with a computer, allows control of three DMX universes (1536 channels) and can be used with their entire range of software.
Tannoy introduced the latest additions to VQ Series; including three new horn formats, new down-firing enclosures and a new 15” direct radiating subwoofer enclosure. Red Square Audio’s Paul Nicholson was also on the stand to present Tannoy’s new VQ LIVE touring system (and conducting demonstrations), also on show to the public for the first time.
Teclumen had a busy time at PL+S and have received an abundance of interest in their new LED products including the new Fusion Color and Par Color. They also met some new clients who are investing, which they took to be a very positive sign.
German distributor Mega Audio GmbH showed a range of Turbosound’s market leading loudspeakers on its stand, having just been appointed as the company’s new German distributor.
The Vari-Lite stand was scattered with their best moving heads. Bob Schacherl, Vice President of Worldwide Sales said: “At the beginning of the year we made a decision to go with LED and energy efficient products rather than big, expensive, high spec products and it has worked out very well for us.”
The Yamaha stand was divided up into three areas: True Networking For The Live Industry; True Networking For The Broadcast Industry; and High Quality Audio Processing and Distribution. And with a comprehensive EtherSound network built into the stand, Yamaha staff demonstrated how flexible and powerful audio networks can easily be created to include digital mixing consoles, stage boxes, amplifiers and the powerful and versatile DME digital mix engine.
Zero 88, part of Cooper Controls Ltd, entered a new era of development with the launch of their stunning new theatrical lighting console ORB. The Orb has been selling well with the first three months of production already sold out.  Also new for ProLight + Sound 2009 is the Jester TLXtra. The Jester TLXtra negates the need for an external ‘wing’ by providing 10 integrated submaster faders (20 pages of 10).
So despite the initial reservations, we’ve tucked another successful Frankfurt under our belts, and next year’s show is already scheduled in for 24-27 March 2010.