PRODUCT NEWS

Product Focus: Moving Lights

VL3500 Wash

Vari-Lite

The VL3500 Wash luminaire has an output that exceeds 50,000 lumens. Features include internal zoomable beam optics with an interchangeable front lens system and an aperture wheel. The beam may also be controlled via one of three interchangeable front lenses: plano convex-clear, plano convex-stipple, and Fresnel, all included. A buxom lens is available as an optional accessory. All front lens assemblies have mounting points for attachment of aftermarket accessory hardware. The fixture provides CYM color mixing, variable CTO color temperature correction, dual five-position color wheels, a separate dimmer, and an independent dual-blade strobe mechanism. In conjunction with its zoomable optics system, the Vari-Brite mode offers a tight column of light from any zoom position. With a setting adjustment — via either a control channel setting or a lamp menu option — the fixture runs its short arc lamp at either 1,200W or 1,500W without any detrimental effects on the lamp. An upper enclosure houses the control electronics as well the lamp's power supply. The arc power supply is power factor corrected. The head, yoke, and enclosure housings are constructed of aluminum alloy. Low-noise fans provide forced-air cooling for internal components. The rear cap is hinged, providing access to the lamp for replacement. A single AC input cable along with two 5-pin DMX compatible connectors (in and through) are provided. Each unit is equipped with an onboard processor providing diagnostic and self-calibration functions as well as internal test routines and software update capabilities. The unit contains two independent three-phase stepper motors for a pan of 540° and tilt of 270°. Pan and tilt are belt-driven, providing positional resolution and repeatability of 0.3° on either axis. The unit will be ETL/ETLc certified and CE-marked.
www.vari-lite.com

Osiris MR Line

Grace Corporation

Grace Corporation introduces three luminaires in spot and wash versions. Models Seth MR 250 wash and spot, Thot MR 600 Zoom spot and wash, and Cronos MR 1200 Zoom spot and wash include a more efficient optical system with new crystal reflector; color-correction system; new ballasts and igniters; new linear zoom combined with focusing; wash system with linear zoom; indexable and replaceable rotating dichroic gobos; replaceable metal gobo wheel; replaceable dichroic filters; CMY color-mixing system; highly saturated hues; strobe, prism, and frost effects; iris; dimmer; digital display; and Philips lamps.
www.osiris-proline.com

ColorSpot 700E AT

Robe

The ColorSpot 700E AT is a moving head luminaire featuring the MSR GOLD 700 FastFit lamp, 700W electronic ballast, and zoom range of 15° to 45°. Pan is 530°, and tilt is 280°, with 16-bit pan/tilt resolution. Features include CMY and CTO color mixing; color wheel with seven replaceable dichroic filters; two gobo wheels (one static with nine gobos and one rotating with seven gobos); replaceable animation wheel; separate frost; rotating 3-facet prism; full-range dimming; and electronic strobe effect. Operation is via DMX (RDM-ready) or stand-alone, and three editable programs are included, each up to 99 steps.
www.robe.cz

Merlin-C

TopLite/Inner Circle Distribution

Putting out 1,800 lumens at 6,000°K with almost silent operation, the new TopLite Merlin-C is suitable for interior, display, and retail applications. Available in more than 1,000 colors (including metallics and pastels), the fixture features baked-on, scratch-resistant, soft-matte finish; seven fully programmable DMX channels; pan of 520° and tilt of 245°; gobo wheel with seven gobos, plus open; color wheel with eight colors, plus open; eight split-color capability; and full dimming, strobe, and blackout. The unit can operate via sound-activation, standalone, master/slave, or DMX. Additional features include remote home/reset and lamp shutdown or re-strike capability via DMX; and factory-programmed self-test functions.
www.icd-usa.com

The Wave

American DJ

The Wave is a high-output 800W mood effect that sends out 60 unique S-shaped beams in blue and aqua tones. At slow speeds, it creates water-like imagery. The unit comes with built-in programs at both slow and fast speeds and features plug-and-play in sound active mode. Features include two DMX channels; high-velocity fan and daisy-chain capability via XLR cables in master/slave mode; and an access door for lamp replacements. A hanging bracket and 800W LL-JS800 lamp are included.
www.americandj.com

Q-Wash LED

Chauvet

The Q-Wash LED is a DMX-programmable moving yoke with 18 1W LEDs and full RGB mixing capability. The unit includes remote reset, vector speed control, full dimming, and automatic pan and tilt correction. Users can program and store up to 100 steps for later recall without needing a controller. Standard lenses create a 30° beam angle, while optional lenses are available to create a wider, 45° beam angle. Movement is within a range of 540° of pan by 270° of tilt, both reversible. Built-in automated and sound-activated programs are accessible via master/slave or DMX mode. Internal switching allows the unit to draw from either a 120V or 230V power source.
www.chauvetlighting.com

Alpha Profile 1200

Clay Paky

Alpha Profile 1200 combines the technology of the Alpha fixtures with a framing system designed and patented by Clay Paky. Features include a color temperature ranging from 6,000°K to 7,500°K; electronic linear zoom range of 10° to 30°; and CMY color mixing and linear CTO. The framing system features four blades that move separately for smooth movements at variable speed, “total curtain” effect, framed moving images effect, and small and large dynamic profiles. Other effects are possible via one rotating gobo wheel with six bi-directional, indexable, interchangeable gobos; selectable gobo shake function and morphing effect; another wheel with eight fixed interchangeable gobos; an animation effect; a rotating prism; two frost filters; high-speed mechanical iris; 0 to 100% dimmer; and stop/strobe effect.
www.claypaky.it

Mania EFX800

Martin Professional

The Mania EFX800 is a 150W discharge effect light — a broad sweeping flower effect punched through a rotating glass color paddle. The light output has a 170° spread, wider than any flower effect light in its class, according to Martin Professional. The unit houses a separate gobo wheel with 12 gobos, rotating parabolic mirror dish, mechanical dimmer, separate shutter for fast strobe effect, and 12 pre-programmed macros.
www.martin.com

PaintSpot

Elektralite

PaintSpot is color-changing spot fixture with a GLA or GLC 3,200°K lamp, 24° beam angle, and six color wheel (plus white). Features include two gobo wheels — one rotating and indexable, the other fixed — both with interchangeable gobos; electronic focusing; an iris and strobe facility; built in 0 to 100% dimmer; three fan settings; DMX input and output via standard 5-pin connectors; and standalone operation. The fixture is available in black or white finish.
www.myelektralite.com

SeaChanger Wash

Ocean Optics

The SeaChanger Wash color engine is a CYMG hexachromic color changer that turns ETC Source Four Ellipsoidals into dichroic wash lights. It comprises the four-filter CYMG color engine and a Fresnel lens barrel that attaches to the reflector housing of any Source Four Ellipsoidal. Its manual zoom allows users to adjust the field of view from 20° to 70°. Color transitions from 0 to 100% saturation in less than one second are possible. Users can also match SeaChanger spot and wash colors in a single installation. Each color changer is a self-contained unit with internal power supply, controlled via 4-channel DMX, an RDM device, or its front panel membrane keypad with three digital LEDs. It is compatible with 575W or 750W HPL and HID lamps, accommodates a variety of stage lighting accessories, and uses patented dichroic filter technology to create a virtually endless palette of stable, reproducible colors that do not shift or fade with time or temperature. The dichroic filters provide higher transmission efficiency than gels and other filter materials, and their resistance to temperature and humidity eliminates the need for fans. The xG “Extreme Green” filter combines with the CYM color wheels to produce hexachromic colors, expanding the available gamut to include deeper reds, blues, and greens.
www.SeaChangerOnline.com

Wireless DMX Toolkit

RC4 Wireless

An economically priced bundle of products from the new RC4-Magic product line-up, the Wireless DMX Toolkit provides a DMX transmitter, a DMX receiver, two 2-channel wireless dimmers, and — as part of a limited-time introductory offer — a Metageek Wi-Spy RF Spectrum Analyzer. According to the company, this is the smallest wireless DMX technology currently available. The unit does not require external antennas. A full universe of DMX is supported, both in and out, and the radio technology handles channels and frequencies by itself. The system is the first 2.4GHz product from RC4 Wireless. Components are also available separately and can be added to any system at any time. DMX inputs and outputs meet USITT DMX512/1990 with an RDM-ready hardware design. Future firmware updates will provide RDM functionality, including comprehensive remote setup of RC4-Magic remote dimmers. The DMX output rate is a full 44 frames per second with 512 channels and works reliably to 200' non-line-of-sight in typical indoor theatres and entertainment facilities. Each dimmer provides two independent 10A DC outputs with selectable linear or inverse-square-law curve, assignable to any DMX channel. There is no limit to the number of wireless dimmers that can be used in any RC4-Magic system. Every system sold is encoded with a unique ID number, ensuring that multiple systems can operate in the same space without cross-talk. When a transmitter powers up, it scans through all available frequencies in the 2.4GHz band and establishes a presence where there is the least radio congestion and activity. When a receiver powers up, it scans for data encoded with its system ID. In an uncluttered RF environment, 10 or more separate systems can coexist without interference.
www.theatrewireless.com

SoftPlot 9

Stage Research

SoftPlot 9 lighting design and paperwork software is an update with new DXF/DWG import/export, integrated symbol editor, improved drawing item attribute editing, the Field Template SoftSymbols standard fixture library, and more drawing pages. The new SoftSymbols V2 provides the array of Field Template lighting fixture symbols. The integrated symbol editor adds a Quick Symbol feature to create new symbols by simple selection of line items in a drawing. Plan, Cross Section, and Elevation views help users ensure correct sightlines and focuses. Designs with up to 250 layers on up to 20 drawing pages are possible within the same file. The application can import and export DXF files and import other formats such as bitmap and JPEG to use as an underlay of the set. SoftPlot files can output to any Windows-supported printer or plotter.
www.stageresearch.com

8700 Series Consoles

Leviton

The 8700 Series of digital lighting consoles offers control of both conventional and automated fixtures, with Capture 3-D CAD lighting visualization and design software included. Each model includes 20,000 cues, each with up to nine parts supporting jumps, loops, follows, split fade times, and other common parameters. The consoles also include 2,000 groups, 2,000 pages, 2,000 macros, and 2,000 effects. The catalog of 99 libraries can be customized to the user's own attribute palettes. The GX, GS, and GL models comprise the series, each model with 24 submasters and a touring version. In addition, GX and GS models are available with 48 submasters, and the GX offers an integrated touchscreen. All feature definable buttons and encoders. Automated device position is controlled via trackball and attributes via touchscreen (GX series) or encoders (all models). An effects generator allows for rapid creation of chases, patterns, and shapes in various operating modes. Assignable response curves offer custom tailoring to channel-to-level response based on preferences. A series of multimedia ports allows integration of slide projectors, video reproductions, audio, keyboards, and more.
www.leviton.com

AR-12 Wall Mount

Acclaim

Acclaim launches a complete line of control solutions for DMX systems and LEDs, starting with the AR-12 Wall-Mount DMX recorder/controller. Designed for permanent architectural installations, the AR-12 is a trim unit that mounts on the wall and can play back programs and scenes downloaded into it from any standard DMX controller. It is compatible with any standard LED system, DMX dimmer pack, or automated lighting fixture, allowing users to run simple playback control of an entire DMX universe from one controller. Featuring the ability to record and play back in real time, the unit allows programming of complex fades and cues from any DMX console directly into the device. It can store 12 editable programs with a maximum of 99 scenes, recalled at the push of an assignable button. Scenes can also be triggered automatically using the built-in date/time clock. A master dimmer function allows manual adjustment of the dimmer-level global output from the controller. The controller also includes a password-protection feature, which locks out unauthorized users. The entire system comprises one AR-12C wall-mount playback/control station and one AR-12P DMX I/O power supply driver. For multi-room/zone control, up to eight AR-12C units can be linked via RJ45 cable and powered off via one AR-12P power box.
www.acclaimlighting.com

Ellipsoidals

Lightronics

Lightronics now offers ellipsoidals in 10°, 19°, 26°, 36°, and 50° beam spreads, using HPL575W or 750W lamps. The units include gel frames, and the housing is made from die-cast aluminum, with insulated handles. All ellipsoidals are available in a black or white finish and are covered by a two-year warranty.
www.lightronics.com

Video/Projection

Maya 8.5 Software

Autodesk

Autodesk® Maya® 8.5 is the latest version of its Maya 3D animation, modeling, and rendering software. The new version supports the Python scripting open-source programming language and is available for both Intel-based and PowerPC-based Macintosh computers, as well as on the Microsoft Windows and Linux platforms. The Maya Nucleus features a unified simulation framework that allows artists to create elements that interact in a 3D animation with other dynamic objects such as fluids, cloth, and rigid bodies. The application includes Maya nCloth, through which artists can direct and control a range of simulations, including cloth, plastic, metal, and other materials. An air-pressure model enables artists to use any geometry to create an inflatable object with internal and external pressure. Python scripting provides an alternative to Maya software's native scripting language, Maya Embedded Language (MEL), and has been integrated into the software at the same level as MEL.
www.autodesk.com/maya
www.boxxtech.com

Roadie HD+30K

Christie

Generating 30,000 ANSI lumens of brightness at 2K-resolution (2048×1080), the Roadie HD+30K projector features a split-body design, a scooped hood for improved airflow, built-in rigging points, and body handles or optional stacking/rigging frame. User-replaceable lamps can be automatically aligned at the push of the button. The projector displays both 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios, with HD 4:4:4 capabilities and Digital Black Level control that can be used with the built-in edge-blending feature. It also includes 10-bit image processing, seamless switching, Picture-in-Picture, Christie LiteLOC — which enables constant screen brightness — and the Christie ILS (Intelligent Lens System) for zoom and focus. A built-in RJ45 networking port uses the ChristieNET networking solution for remote monitoring and control of projectors.
www.christiedigital.com

C2-2000 Series

TV One

The 10 new units that comprise the new C2-2000 Series — four down-converters, four video switcher/scalers, and two universal switcher/scalers — feature DVI and analog inputs and outputs, while five of the models are equipped with SDI. All have an LCD display on the front for setup and can handle a maximum input PC resolution of 2048×2048 and all HDTV resolutions up to 1080p. Variable zoom can go up to 10x, allowing enlargement of any part of the computer screen while variable shrink can go down to 10%. Position controls allow movement around any desired area. The up-converters feature motion compensation and a 3:2 pull-down. The 4:4:4 sampling provides full-bandwidth chroma for accurate replication of high-resolution colors and precise chroma keying. All 10 units are controlled by front panel push buttons, infrared, RS-232, or IP connection. A Windows control panel is provided, and most third-party control systems interface directly with the entire range. All units offer seamless switching of the input signals. The number of inputs may be increased by choosing the appropriate S2 input expansion switcher, which links to the main unit via an options interconnect cable. The routing of these additional inputs is controlled directly from any of the C2-2000 Series control systems. All models are housed in a compact desktop case; a single/dual-rackmount kit is available as an option.
www.tvone.com

Sound

S-Digital Console

Cadac

The S-Digital is designed from the ground up specifically for theatre sound applications. The console is conceived to reflect the surface architecture of Cadac's J-Type analog console, combining the audio quality, tools, and features with the operational and creative benefits of audio manipulation and control in the digital domain. In its basic configuration, it offers a minimum specification of 72 input channels, 66 mix buses, and three stereo listen buses. Key features include single or multi-operator control with multiple listen systems provided as standard; extra console surfaces; ability to configure multiple control surfaces within a single mixing system, allowing control over all console parameters from multiple locations (such as control room and FOH pit, or FOH and monitor); and proprietary high-speed communications protocol linking the core elements (control surface, multiple audio I/O racks, and processor rack). All input and output modules are hot-swappable. In addition, the onboard Central Control Module (CCM) computer is only used in system configuration and Sound Manager Automation (SAM) operation. An optional CCM backup computer can be used to mirror the onboard unit for added redundancy. A control surface comprises three components: input frame, output frame, and a CCM. A single input frame has the capability to control 144 input channels, while a single output frame has control over all 72 output and listen buses. Additional frames can be used to give physical control of every channel input and bus output, mirroring a multiple-frame J-Type console.
www.cadac-sound.com

Vi6 Update

Soundcraft

The release of the new processing card for the Soundcraft Vi6 brings Lexicon effects and BSS Audio equalization to the digital console. The card uses eight custom Lexicon DSP engines to provide eight mono or stereo effects units, which may be patched to aux bus outputs and then back into a channel input, or inserted into input or output channels. Users can control these effects via the Vistonics II screens. The Lexicon devices offer a choice of 14 types of reverb, including various plates, halls, and spring types; seven delay settings (including ping-pong and tape delays); and eight other effects, such as chorus, flanger, tremolo, and pitch shift. Once selected, the parameter controls appear on the rotary encoders on the screen. The new card also provides a 30-band graphic EQ on every output (35 outputs), controlled by the first 30 channel faders once the output graphic EQ icon is pressed. The FaderGlow system now changes the faders to red (the same color as the channel EQ on Vistonics II), and each fader controls one of the 30 frequencies, which are shown in the channel label display. A composite EQ curve is generated and displayed on the screen for that output.
www.soundcraftdigital.com

CDi 4000

Crown

The CDi Series of professional power amplifiers has been expanded with the highest-powered CDi 4000, offering a broader range of available power, extending to 1,200W per channel into 4 ohms and 1,000W per channel for 70V distributed systems. The amplifier can run low-impedance 2-, 4-, and 8-ohm loads, as well as 70V and 140V outputs. A front panel LCD enables quick tailoring of system parameters for onboard loudspeaker processing (including crossovers, EQ, limiting, compression, and delay), while 20 user-defined DSP presets ensure that those settings can be recalled at the touch of a button. A rear panel USB connector further permits the amplifier to be configured and controlled via a PC running Harman Pro's HiQnet System Architect software. Equipped with Crown's universal switch-mode power supply, each model weighs 19lbs, is housed in a steel 2U chassis, and can run off of a standard 15A outlet. Advanced protection circuitry guards against shorted outputs, open circuits, DC, mismatched loads, general overheating, high-frequency overloads, and internal faults. Quiet proportional-speed fans keep the amplifiers cool, and a number of front panel LEDs (signal, -10, -20, ready, clip, temp/fault, and power) provide an immediate visual of current amplifier status and performance. Rear panel connectivity includes detachable Phoenix-style input connectors, barrier strip output connectors, and a NEMA 5-15P inlet for AC mains. Power output ratings on the CDi 4000 are 1,600W per channel at 2 ohms; 1,200W per channel at 4 ohms; 650W per channel at 8 ohms; 1,000W per channel at 70V; 3,200W in bridge-mono mode at 4 ohms; and 2,000W in bridge-mono mode at 140V.
www.crownaudio.com

Iso Optimizer

ARX

The Iso Optimizer is part of the Audibox Series of products. It is a transformer-isolated precision level optimizer, allowing users to attenuate the level from one piece of equipment to the next to provide the exact level required and reduce the risk of overloading sensitive inputs. Transformer ground isolation provides low-noise operation suitable for professional audio-to-consumer interfacing or for level and impedance matching for digitizing audio. Features include input/output impedance of 10K ohms (balanced jack and unbalanced RCA); user-variable input attenuation from 0dB to infinity (off); and frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, ±0.5dB. The unit is a passive device with no power requirements. Security features include Kensington®-type computer lock slot and optional bracket kit.
www.arx.com.au

IFB800 Timecode/IFB Transmitter

Zaxcom

The IFB800 is a patent-pending device that transmits timecode, IFB audio, and remote-control commands to the Zaxcom TRX/ZFR product lines already in use by theatres, tours, presentation, broadcast sound crews, and other audio professionals. The unit transmits timecode to synchronize the internal recording of a wireless TRX/ZFR unit to match the camera or other recording device. Once the unit receives the timecode transmission, the system's built-in timecode generator jams to the external signal. The transmitter also can be used as a remote control to make adjustments to the TRX/ZFR without interfering with the body pack.
www.zaxcom.com

SH-25

Danley Sound Labs

A sibling of Danley's SH-50, the new SH-25 delivers 10dB more output with a 25°×25° beam width. According to the manufacturer, this is the world's first high output loudspeaker that is seamlessly arrayable both horizontally and vertically. Users can hard-pack multiple SH-25s in any direction to create a perfect multi-cell horn. Composed of a single 1" tweeter, four 4" mids, and eight 6½" woofers, a single SH-25 covers the frequency spectrum evenly from 80Hz to 18kHz and sounds transparent without equalization. When four of the 28"×28"×42" units are packed together, the low-end drops smoothly to 50Hz. Sensitivity is rated at 104dB, and maximum output reaches 140 dB.
www.danleysoundlabs.com