PLASA
EVENT REVIEW
dazzling spotlights, perfectly assembled booths, belching smoke machines and towering line arrays that have become synonymous with the event – and this year’s show was no different. Although the majority of the
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Despite its pro audio priorities, there was still plenty of MI related gems to be found in the brightly lit (but not noisy) labyrinth that was this 2010’s PLASA show. Adam Savage breathes smoke and dodges lasers to deliver his report…
hose accustomed to the annual audio and lighting spectacle that is PLASA will be familiar with the
from a gig at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, an example of their durability. The range is split in terms of each
attractions listed above would leave most of the MI community in a state of bewilderment, there are more than a few reasons why MI Pro feels it is worthwhile sifting through the corridors of cables, lasers and recorders, to find something more suitable. Shure Distribution had scaled down from its two-storey boothof previous years, but still had a selection of new products on show to turn MI heads. The PSM 900 in-ear monitoring system
was given priority, with its precise front- end RF filtering and digital stereo encoder, which provides excellent audio clarity. Optimised for channel 38 in time for the 2012 digital switch over, the PSM 900 is made up of a transmitter with removable antenna and a bodypack transmitter. QSC might be known for its high end audio lines, but its new K series speakers were another prominent MI feature, back
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speaker’s conical waveguide (the angle in which the sound is dispersed) instead of output power and consists of eight-inch, ten-inch and 12-inch versions, as well as a portable subwoofer, the KSub. Line 6 was attracting a real buzz. Product specialist Simon Jones felt this was proof of how far the brand has come in recent years. “Lots of people have been coming to see us,” said Jones. “When you achieve certain growth, you start making new products for existing customers, then new products
for new customers and that’s why we’re here.” The XD-V digital wireless
systems on show have been praised for their simplicity, protection against interference and their superior range and sound. The XD-V70’s rack mount function was displayed to the masses, showing the easy set up and operation first hand. Portable PA systems don’t get much
more portable than the new Elements range from HK Audio. This series features components that slot together with remarkable ease to create a variety of set- up possibilities for different situations and
caught the eye of many passers-by who were originally looking for high-end gear. “We’ve had a good number of
conversations already so there’s already been a great deal of interest,” said Alan Smith, executive director of sales and marketing for JHS, distributor for HK. “We’re hoping to have more throughout the week and we’ve been convincing people coming to the stand to have a look at the Elements and they’ve been very impressed with what they’ve seen.” Samson returned to PLASA this year
and was also pulling in the crowds, eager to sample what the brand had to offer. The 510i was another portable PA system that featured an ingenious transportation idea – both speakers can slide together to form one unit, encasing the accompanying mixer and leads within. The 401W-17 was another new addition with its VHF wireless microphone system, built-in iPod dock and battery operation making it perfect for outside performers and pubs wanting a simple, but effective system for karaoke nights and similar and other scenarios. Robert Castle, managing director of
Korg UK, the distributor of Samson said: “It’s been really good so far. It’s our first year here and we’ve had a great deal of interest from people, with many coming up to us saying they never knew we did all these types of products.” Another returning star for the PLASA
faithful was Mackie. Situated on the same booth as Loud Technologies’ brands,
Martin Audio and EAW, Mackie was back with a bang, releasing the HD loudspeaker and subwoofer series, the 24-channel VLZ3 mixer and two new interfaces – the Onyx Blackbird and Blackjack. Adam Hall seemed to be having a good week as well, with the cunningly placed Dave G2 series portable PA from LD Systems in a great position to pull the punters further in to its area, which was adorned with loads of MI gear. “Last year we had a really small booth,
which made it pretty quiet, but this year has been a lot better,” said Adam Hall’s general manager, Andrew Richardson. On the stand was the Eminence Flux Density Modulation speaker technology, which allows guitarists to control the output level, distortion and tonal balance through a dial on the back of the speaker. This general feeling of satisfaction from
those who took part is an indication that PLASA will remain very firmly on the MI calendar for the foreseeable future.
FACT FILE:
EVENT: PLASA DATE: September 12th-15th 2010 VENUE: Earls Court, London EXHIBITORS: Over 300 VISITORS: Over 12,000 VERDICT: The exhibitors certainly found this year’s show worthwhile and the punters will have been happy too, with so much to see.
miPRO OCTOBER 2010 15
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