SHOW REVIEW: PLASA 2012 Court adjourned


There was plenty to see and hear at PLASA’s final edition at Earls Court UNITED KINGDOM


WHEN PUBLICATIONS write about industry shows, they often get hung up on the events’ vital statistics. How many people attended? Were there more exhibitors or fewer than previous editions? It’s sometimes easy to forget that, regardless of such numerical concerns, PLASA is still a major draw in the live event and installation industry calendar. In fact, according to (unaudited) show figures, some 11,500 people came to Earls Court over the four days of the show. They came to network: the


central bar, which has come to symbolise the nature of the event as an industry meeting-place, was constantly busy. They came to learn something: the beefed-up Professional Development Programme, which took place at a corner of the exhibition space, proved highly popular, with many sessions attracting an above-capacity attendance. And they came to find out the latest offerings from the exhibitors. Here are some of the launches and recent products that caught the eyes of the Installationteam during the show.


AUDIO There was a noticeable shift in the balance of technologies on display in favour of lighting and displays and away from audio. However, there was still plenty to see – and hear – for those of a sonic persuasion. Allen & Heath introduced the ICE-16, a 16-in/16-out audio interface allowing performers and audio engineers to easily capture high-quality multi-track recordings direct to a USB drive or interface to a computer. Fitted into a compact 1U rack design, ICE-16 is capable of studio- quality interfacing, converting and bidirectional streaming of 16 channels over high-speed USB or FireWire at 24-bit, 96kHz resolution. Alternatively, 16 channels can be simultaneously recorded straight to a USB hard drive


www.installation-international.com Earls Court played host to the PLASA show for the final time last month


THE OUTLOOK FOR EXCEL


or memory stick at up to 24- bit 48kHz resolution WAV file. On the Harman stand,


AKG’s new product range included the Floorpad and Helical antennas. The Floorpad is placed on the floor, capable of being hidden under a stage, carpeting or podiums with a high-quality RF link to wireless audio devices. It is connected to microphone receivers or in-ear monitor transmitters via low-loss coaxial cable and


Connected to a microphone receiver or in-ear monitor transmitter via low-loss coax cable, the antenna achieves 9dB gain. Connecting with wireless microphones or in- ear monitoring systems, the Helical passive circular, polarised directional antenna operates in the UHF range, carrying a frequency between 470 and 740MHz. Mackie announced a new line of ultra-compact powered loudspeakers. Each


£6,200


Amount raised for Light Relief charity by auction of Olympic Torch, donated by Robe


placed in the area of operation. Having a short operating range, Floorpad reduces interference from sources in its vicinity, such as surrounding high-powered transmitters, other wireless devices or unknown devices surrounding the area. For FOH engineers working


from greater-than-normal distances from a stage, the Helical is lightweight, rapidly deployed and easily stored.


unit in the DLM Series features 2,000W of power, proprietary Mackie TruSource technology and a full- featured integrated digital mixer/processor. This technological combination not only allows for the small form factor of DLM (a third smaller than anything in their class, says the company), but also delivers an impressive level of performance and fidelity. The extremely


powerful DLM system includes two full-range models (DLM8, DLM12) along with a high-output compact subwoofer (DLM12S). “With DLM you are seeing


Mackie’s commitment to delivering groundbreaking technology,” commented John Boudreau, Mackie SVP. “It’s the unmatched power, processing and fidelity that really sets DLM apart from everything else on the market.” Now under the managing


directorship of John Oakley, formerly of Midas, Ohm announced the result of its biggest R&D project for many years: the all-new Total Clarity range. There are 11 new products, including seven full-range cabinets and four subwoofers. The full- range units offer two wide- dispersion models and three arrayable cabinets. The subwoofers cover 15in to dual 18in designs. The single 18in horn-loaded subwoofer reaches down to 34Hz in coupled cluster arrangements at body- shaking SPLs. Polar Audio unveiled a number of new brands with UK first availability at this year’s


Next year the show, renamed PLASA London, moves east to a new home at ExCeL in the capital’s docklands. “ExCeL is a cutting-edge, purpose-built exhibition venue with the infrastructure to attract international markets,” said PLASA CEO Matthew Griffiths when making the announcement. “Its world-class facilities are the perfect match for PLASA’s planned investment in content and growth, and an exciting prospect for our technology markets worldwide.” It’s certainly true that ExCeL is well placed for international visitors, being a five-minute taxi ride from London City Airport. It is also easily accessible by Underground and DLR trains, as well as riverboats from many of the capital’s major piers. One visitor we spoke to pointed out that its plentiful supply of parking spaces may lead to more people driving there than was the case at Earls Court. In addition, as a purpose-


built venue, it promises to offer a much easier get-in for exhibitors. Many exhibitors that we


talked to about the change of venue expressed concern about what they believed to be a lack of facilities in the area. To address these issues, representatives of ExCeL attended the show, armed with an array of facts and figures, including:  On site, there are 28 boulevard concessions and 13 campus restaurants (including hotel, restaurants and pubs);  Further afield, over 50 partner restaurants offer discounts or offers to ExCeL visitors and exhibitors;  There are 14,000 rooms in the six on-site hotels;  There are an additional 10,000 hotel rooms within a 20-minute radius. PLASA will be organising


fortnightly trips to ExCeL over the coming months to give exhibitors a chance to see what the venue and the surrounding area have to offer.


October 2012 15


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