Plasa Preview
Published: MEA
WORLD: With a raft of new product launches, can Plasa 2010 reflect a growing buoyancy in the audio manufacturing sector and regain its position as a titan of the events calendar?
The show, which gets underway at London’s Earls Court on Sunday, has certainly been boosted by the return of some big name brands, such as Bose – back after a decade away – and will see a number of companies debut their new products.
A variety of new loudspeakers will be on show across the exhibition floor with EAW, Flare Audio, Mackie, Martin Audio, RCF, Renkus-Heinz and TOA all displaying new additions. EAW will be showing its new QX Series installed system cabinets. Developed from its AX Series, the passive speakers have been designed for medium-to large-sized spaces. Also on the EAW booth will be new KF Series models – the KF364 and KF394.
Flare Audio is being launched at Plasa, bringing with it the Stealth Array enclosures. The company claims its new Stealth Array X4 system ‘combines the technologies of point source and line array into compact and high-quality enclosures’.
Mackie is taking the opportunity to show several new additions to its HD Series, including the HDA High Definition Arrayable powered loudspeaker. The manufacturer is also introducing the 24-channel 2404-VLZ3 and 32-channel 3204-VLZ3 mid-format analogue consoles.
Martin Audio will use the show to give a UK debut to its MLA touring system which uses unique optimisation software combined with a cellular array design. The Multi-cellular format has six individual cells in each enclosure, each with its own DSP and power onboard. The company will also be showing its MLX powered flyable sub and MLD downfill.
Italian manufacturer RCF is showing new products from its Commercial Audio and Installed Sound range. On display will be the VSA 2050 multi-amplified vertical steerable array, and P8015-S weatherproof sub designed to reinforce sub bass frequencies in P Series systems.
On the Renkus-Heinz booth, the manufacturer will be displaying its new IC2 crossover array and CF/CFX modular point source array. The company claims IC2 combines the flexibility of digitally steerable technology with the power and focus of a point source speaker.
The highlight on the TOA stand will be the Type H line array loudspeaker, but it will also exhibit its D-2000 modular audio-mixing system and a range of PA/VA products.
Away from loudspeakers, Ateïs is using the show as the first major public showcase of its IDA8 public address and voice alarm system. The system combines digital audio signal processing, matrix control, message play-out and microphone capability. Console manufacturer Allen & Heath will introduce the GS-R24 studio recording mixer as well as the latest additions to its iLive family. Inter-M and Baldwin Boxall are both using Plasa to introduce new amps with the MA Series from Inter-M and BV225 and BV125D from Baldwin Boxall, whereas Line 6 will display its new XD-V digital wireless mic system. JoeCo is taking the opportunity to preview its new Blackbox Player. Based on the Blackbox Recorder, the new unit is a 1U multi-channel device specifically designed for replaying backing tracks for live shows.
One manufacturer that is guaranteed a strong presence at Plasa is Audinate. Many of the company’s OEM partners such as Yamaha, Allen & Heath, Peavey, XTA, Lab.gruppen, EV, Link, Midas, ASL and Outboard will be showcasing products that incorporate its Dante media networking technology.
When you add in the educational programme with sessions covering the most important aspects of the A/V market, and awards that are running alongside this year’s event, it is easy to see why there is much anticipation ahead of the show.