Equipment News

Elation has announced the launch of the Rebel Dartz, a compact, high-energy beam FX moving head that channels the unapologetic Rebel spirit into a highly versatile, creative tool for designers who prioritize hard-hitting visuals.

An evolution of Elation’s popular Dartz 360, the Rebel Dartz delivers four times the brightness of the original, enhanced optics, an expanded FX toolkit and full IP65 all-weather protection. It is now shipping and available across Elation’s global partner network.

With an ultra-narrow 1.5° beam, the Rebel Dartz carves through the air with intensity, delivering an impressive 125,475 lux at five metres. Whether slicing through atmospherics or creating tightly focused aerials, its dense, piercing beam serves as a defining feature of any design.

Built for concerts, festivals, DJ and EDM productions, corporate and special events, and any application where visual impact, energy and atmosphere matter, the Rebel Dartz cuts through and gets noticed.

At the heart of the fixture is a 150W RBL LED engine producing rich, saturated colours with exceptional punch. A dedicated true green filter enhances green output for richer tones.

Designers can fine-tune colour temperature from 3200K to 16,000K to better match LED walls, optimise white balance and keep aerials looking clean, crisp and cutting. A virtual gel library offers an extended palette of colour options.

The Rebel Dartz equips designers with a robust effects package in a deceptively small footprint:

Dual gobo wheels (ten interchangeable rotating/indexing and 16 static stamped)
Stackable prisms (six-facet linear and eight-facet circular)
Heavy frost for beam shaping and wash expansion
Smooth 16-bit dimming curves
Variable strobe for added impact

Together, these advanced features combine to deliver exceptional design versatility. Add in high-speed 360° continuous pan and tilt for full-throttle motion and the Rebel Dartz unleashes an intense level of energy to any size show.

Engineered for durability, the Rebel Dartz features full IP65 protection, so it handles dust, dirt and moisture with ease. It rigs fast and travels light with a compact, rugged design that is all about long-term reliability and low maintenance.

Comprehensive connectivity ensures easy integration into any control environment, with support for DMX, Art-Net, sACN and RDM, plus NFC configuration and Aria X2 wireless DMX for fast set up and reliable wireless operation.

Built to inject every moment with the unmistakable Rebel spirit, the Rebel Dartz hits harder, moves faster and raises the bar for compact beam fixtures. Designed for rental houses that deliver premium gear at unbeatable value and lighting designers who blaze their own path, Rebel brings long-lasting value without the premium price, redefining what professionals should expect from their lighting.

The Rebel Dartz is now available through Elation’s global network of authorised dealers and distributors.

14th May 2026

Leyard Europe Introduces Mantis – A New Family of High-Performance, Versatile Rental LED Video Walls

Leyard Europe, a leading manufacturer of professional digital displays, video walls and visualisation solutions across Europe, has announced the launch of the Planar Mantis Series, a new line of indoor LED video walls purpose-built for rental and staging environments where speed, reliability and ease of use are critical. Designed for toolless, one-handed set up and teardown, the Mantis Series enables crews of all experience levels to quickly deploy and redeploy LED video walls. The product is available to order in Europe from June via Leyard Europe and will be debuted at InfoComm 2026 on the Planar Booth #C7258.

As a purpose-built rental and staging LED video wall solution, the Mantis Series introduces the most focused LED product for rental and staging use. Designed for live event and on-camera professionals with a product design architected from direct customer input, the new solution is built to align with real-world rental and production workflows. Engineered to reduce installation time and simplify deployment, the newest addition to Leyard Europe’s LED portfolio strengthens support for an array of rental and staging applications while helping rental providers maximise utilisation and return on investment.

“Planar Mantis Series reinforces our reputation for delivering industry-leading LED display solutions that maximise visual impact, while facilitating hassle-free installation, teardown and maintenance,” said Sidney Rittenberg, chief executive officer at Planar. “This line of high-performance LED video walls was developed with a wide range of rental and staging venues and professionals in mind, incorporating customer feedback to introduce a solution that can be installed or dismantled without tools and with minimal training or LED experience.”

Leyard Europe’s continued investment in the rental and staging market is backed by a dedicated team in the US through Planar, contributing decades of deep, real-world rental and staging experience to the design of Mantis Series and resulting in a strategically engineered solution for live event and on-camera professionals.

With models in 1.5, 1.9 and 2.6mm pixel pitches, the series supports a range of viewing distances and production requirements, with specifications including up to 1,500 nits of brightness, refresh rates up to 7,680Hz, a 4,000:1 contrast ratio and scan rates down to 1:8.

The series also features a lightweight magnesium alloy design with rigidity, helping minimise flexing or warping to maintain image alignment and consistent visual performance during operation. This makes the Mantis Series ideal for concerts, live events and on-camera environments, including broadcast and virtual production, where dependable camera-ready image quality is essential.

Balancing reduced weight with structural rigidity, the Mantis Series’ lightweight magnesium alloy chassis also enables rapid, single-handed installation and dismantling. The lightweight design supports easier handling and more efficient installation across venues. The series offers 500x500 cabinets as well as a 500x1000 cabinet size in the 2.6mm pixel pitch. In addition to supporting quick assembly and teardown, the series is designed to simplify service and repair. Quarter-turn locks and quick-lock mechanisms allow modules and electronics to be quickly replaced in the field, while cabinets can be attached or adjusted without tools.

Additional Mantis Series models designed to support outdoor, right-angle and curved applications will soon be introduced, underscoring Leyard Europe and Planar’s dedication to supporting rental and staging customers’ diverse and evolving needs.

14th May 2026

Chauvet Professional COLORado PXL Curve 5 Adds Extra New Dimension to Design

“Remember, light and shadow never stand still,” the famed British-American painter Benjamin West advised. That was over 200-years ago, but the words ring as true today as ever. Witness the bold original concepts that have been reshaping lighting design of late. Chauvet Professional’s internationally celebrated COLORado PXL series of motorised battens has been at the forefront of this revolution, opening the door to dynamic new multi-layered designs.

Now, the company has taken another major step as it leads the way in reshaping design with the introduction of the COLORado PXL Curve 5. The latest addition to the PXL Curve system, the new fixture features five individually controllable 120W LED heads in arced housing for unique, flowing arrays of sweeping light on an impressively massive scale.

Compatible with other fixtures in the PXL series, the new IP65-rated all-weather motorised batten provides designers with a fully scalable visual vocabulary, allowing them to move from architectural structures, to dynamic, multi-layered lighting that immerses on a deeper level than ever.

The COLORado PXL Curve 5 features motorised 200-degree pan and 60-degree tilt, plus a wide 5.7 to 36.3-degree zoom range. It maintains seamless pixel pitch even when multiple fixtures are used together. And a series of colour-metrically matched RGBW LEDs ensures excellent colour blending within the fixture, as well as with other COLORado PXL products.

Opening the way to even more creative possibilities, the COLORado PXL Curve 5 features warm white and cool white LED heads along with its three RGBW heads. There are eight sections of control for the warm white and cool white strobe cells. All cells are fully pixel-mappable and are easily controlled via DMX, sACN and Art-Net. They are RDM supported as well.

From creating pixel mapped runway effects, to sending sweeping waves of colour across arena and festival stages, to breaking up designs with stunning linear looks, to adding immersive layers to any design, the COLORado PXL Curve 5 is ready to expand creative horizons. So indeed, light and shadow never stand still and neither does Chauvet Professional as the company explores new ways to help designer take their vision to the next level.

13th May 2026

DirectOut Introduces ACE – A Portable Smart Audio Platform That Fits in Your Backpack

DirectOut announces ACE, the latest addition to its suite of Smart Audio Platforms. In a compact form factor designed to adapt seamlessly to a wide range of professional workflows, from playback and drive rack applications to fully custom processing rigs, ACE combines high‑end performance, intelligent redundancy and comprehensive connectivity in a portable, travel‑ready format.

“ACE brings the power and reliability of our flagship PRODIGY Series into a device small enough to fit in your backpack,” says Luca Giaroli, CEO of DirectOut. “It’s designed to adapt instantly to different workflows while delivering the performance professionals expect from DirectOut.”

This highly portable audio solution benefits from the intelligence of PRODIGY and MAVEN with functionality that can extend with every application. At the heart of ACE are dedicated ACE Modes: globcon interfaces purpose‑built for professional audio workflows, spanning from vertically optimised configurations for common applications to a fully open environment for custom signal path design. Three modes are available:

Playback Mode – Quick configuration of primary and backup computers, vocal processing inserts and streamlined output routing, with built‑in support for EARS (Enhanced Automatic Redundancy Switching).
PA Mode – A complete drive rack solution providing immediate access to EQ, dynamics, delays and native Smaart integration, with pre‑configured signal flows and redundant input management for live sound and system tuning scenarios.
PRODIGY Mode – Full access to the same globcon interface as the PRODIGY and MAVEN Series, offering complete freedom to design bespoke signal paths using advanced routing, mixing, summing, snapshot and redundancy features.

Users select their preferred ACE Mode at activation and can freely switch between modes as requirements evolve, extending functionality through additional perpetual licences.

“By combining the same FPGA core as our PRODIGY Series with purpose‑built ACE Modes, we give engineers instant access to optimised workflows for their specific application, while preserving the option to build fully custom signal paths when required,” adds Claudio Becker Foss, CTO of DirectOut. “ACE is compact by design, but uncompromising in capability.”

ACE supports MADI, Audio over IP (Dante or Milan native versions), AES3 and high‑quality analogue I/O. To simplify configuration and system design, ACE users have access to Ask.DirectOut, the AI‑based DirectOut proprietary assistance service available 24/7.

13th May 2026

Laserworld Club Series focuses on two main products, with an emphasis on affordability

The Laserworld Club Series has been on the market for more than 15 years and it seems to have been the most well-known of Laserworld’s product lines. The new Laserworld CS-3000 micro and Laserworld CS-6000 micro take over the range, focusing on affordability with a feature set for the masses: DJs, entertainers, bars, nightclubs, even concerts use Laserworld Club Series products and the CS-3000 micro and CS-6000 micro follow the general trend in the laser show industry: more power, more affordability.

The Club Series micro devices come with all the features that are needed for basic and semi-professional use: automatic operation, sound-to-light mode as well as DMX, are implemented through the versatile mainboard. Besides that, the CS-units are equipped with ILDA connectors so they can be controlled by laser software in a professional way. Most people who decide to go for professional computer control with the Club Series units bundle a Laserworld ShowNET interface with their laser, which opens the whole feature set and controllability options of the ShowNET environment.

With their graphics-capable scanners, the new Club Series devices are suitable for a variety of use cases, including basic graphics or logo display. The analogue colour modulation allows for displaying thousands of different colours.

The Laserworld CS-3000 micro is specified with a guaranteed power at aperture of 2.5W, whereas the Laserworld CS-6000 micro has a guaranteed power of 5.8W at aperture.

12th May 2026

NEXT Audiogroup introduces AD3000

Portuguese manufacturer, NEXT Audiogroup, announces the launch of the new NEXT Audiocom AD3000, a smart full-matrix DSP Class D amplifier engineered for professional installed audio applications requiring flexible system configuration, advanced processing and simplified remote control.

Delivering four 750W in a compact 2U rack format, the AD3000 is designed to drive both conventional low impedance loudspeakers from 2Ω to 16Ω and high impedance 70V / 100V distributed loudspeaker systems, including mixed impedance configurations within the same installation. Its software-selectable multi-mode operation supports Normal Low-Z, Bridge Low-Z and Bridge Hi-Z configurations, offering extensive flexibility for integrators working across multi-zone commercial audio environments.

At the core of the AD3000 is a state-of-the-art full matrix DSP engine designed to eliminate the need for additional external processing equipment. The integrated processing platform allows users to manage multiple input sources, configure up to four independent audio zones, apply room correction, and optimise loudspeaker outputs directly within the amplifier. The close integration between DSP processing and amplification enables more accurate and responsive dynamics control compared with conventional separated-component architectures.

Remote configuration and monitoring are central to the AD3000 platform. The amplifier can be accessed through Ethernet connectivity or via its integrated Wireless Access Point (WAP), enabling fast system set up and control from virtually any location. Its integrated web-based interface provides full access to DSP functions, routing, monitoring and amplifier management directly from any PC, tablet or smartphone, regardless of operating system, without requiring additional software installation.

For digital system expansion and integration, the AD3000 includes SPDIF digital I/O connectivity, allowing integration with compatible digital audio equipment or digital bridging between multiple AD3000 amplifiers to expand system capacity. The amplifier also features five programmable GPIO ports, supporting external control functions including remote zone volume adjustment, power on/off, standby and mute control.

The AD3000 incorporates an active PFC (Power Factor Correction) power supply, supporting universal AC mains operation while maintaining stable and regulated performance across international power standards. The amplifier is engineered for a broad range of professional installed sound applications including retail environments, hotel lobbies, conference rooms, bars and restaurants, museums, theatres, fitness centres, houses of worship, auditoriums, trade show exhibits and multi-zone commercial venues.

With the launch of the AD3000, NEXT Audiogroup continues to expand its integrated audio solutions portfolio, combining advanced DSP technologies, flexible amplification architectures and network-based system control into scalable professional audio platforms for modern installation applications.

8th May 2026

HIVE unveils major v1.3 software release

HIVE has announced the release of HIVE v1.3, a major software update that significantly expands the creative and technical capabilities of its media server platform, opening the door to more demanding applications across live events and fixed installations.

The release introduces a series of enhancements designed to increase flexibility, improve interoperability with third-party systems and support deployment in more complex environments.

At the core of the update is a major upgrade to layers and mixes, enabling more sophisticated real-time compositions. Users can now combine multiple layers and mixes simultaneously – with support for up to eight layers and four concurrent mixes (dependant on model) – allowing content, live inputs and overlays to be managed dynamically across different screens and scenarios.

This expanded capability strengthens HIVE’s position in demanding immersive experiences, themed attractions, live events and commercial spaces, where flexibility, real-time control and the ability to manage multiple content sources are critical.

Alongside this, the introduction of MPCDI integration enables seamless compatibility with industry-standard projection mapping and auto-calibration tools. By supporting this widely adopted standard, HIVE can now integrate more easily into existing workflows, giving users the freedom to work with their preferred third-party systems.

The release also includes important security and deployment improvements, including the move to SSH key-based authentication. This makes HIVE devices more secure and better suited for deployment across corporate and public networks, helping to unlock larger and more complex projects.

Additional updates include enhancements to pixel mapping, improved synchronisation and timing accuracy, expanded NDI workflows and support for high-bandwidth 10Gb ST 2110 environments, alongside continued improvements to playback stability and overall system performance.

“Version 1.3 significantly expands what users can do with the platform,” said Dave Green, CTO at HIVE. “It’s a continuation of our ecosystem evolution bringing more flexibility, broader compatibility and ultimately more value to customers across a wider range of applications.”

With v1.3, HIVE continues to strengthen its position as a flexible, software-led media server platform giving users more control, more creative freedom and greater compatibility across a wide range of applications.

Full release notes for HIVE v1.3 are available on the Hive Software Updates page on the HIVE website.

7th May 2026

AntennaWare’s BodyWave almost trebles the range for Raycom’s Pebble UHF radio mic accessory.

AntennaWare, a specialist in antennae for difficult platforms, including on-body and on-metal applications, has announced the use of BodyWave antennae for radio mics working in the UHF 590-630MHz frequency. Primarily used for wireless microphones, in-ear monitors (PMSE) and television broadcasting, UHF BodyWave improves non-line-of-sight from 50m to 120m. Antennaware is supplying the Bodywave antenna to Raycom who incorporates the part into its Pebble accessory.

The UHF BodyWave antenna is designed to address the highly detrimental effects of body-blocking which is particularly relevant for live production when trying to avoid audio dropouts and audible glitches. The BodyWave antennae are based on patented technology and improve link margins from 6 to 12dB which result in a material increase in range and/or a significant reduction in power, for example, double the distance, half the power.

The Pebble will be offered as an after-market accessory to sound recording engineers to address regular situations where the existing radio mic placed on actor/talent suffers dropouts. With an industry standard SMA connector, the Pebble can be easily used to replace the existing (and sub-optimal) monopole antenna. The Pebble is being launched at NAB 2026 in Las Vegas and worldwide distribution will be through Viviana.

AntennaWare’s CTO and co-founder Dr Matthew Magill comments: “AntennaWare with our patented BodyWave antennas have proven the market needs in DECT, Bluetooth and UWB. By adding UHF widens the scope for both longer range and more precise location while offering a doubling of the distance, halving the power. Working with Raycom has helped deliver a real and material benefit of BodyWave,”

Pyers Easton, CEO of Raycom, added: “We met with the AntennaWare team at IBC and quickly realised the BodyWave could offer the step change in radio mic behaviour and help to avoid the cardinal sin of audio in live production, i.e. audible glitches.”

30th April 2026

Low Profile, Big Impact: The New Chauvet Professional COLORado Solo Edge Series Designed for the Touring Stage

The real value of the new COLORado Sole Edge series footlights isn’t always obvious and Chauvet Professional wouldn’t have it any other way! The company has purposely designed this fixture to remain out of sight while it delivers a smooth even field of light.

Developed specifically for the touring market, the new series, which consists of two models (the Solo Edge 1 and Solo Edge 3) has a very low 6.4cm profile, so it’s unnoticeable on the concert and touring stage. And, the IP65 rated fixture’s rugged construction makes it very well-suited to handle the rigours of the road

The COLORado Solo Edge is a RGBwWL LED footlight featuring a single source lens engineered to output theatrically-even and uniquely smooth light, ranging from beautiful, crisp whites through to rich deep colours. Also setting this fixture is its built-in RGB marker lights so no more using tape for cues and safety. Mounting options for floor, set pieces and risers are also included.

Easy to install, the 0.5-metre COLORado Solo Edge 1 and one-metre long COLORado Solo Edge 3 link together cleanly, so they can extend over a full stage with no gaps, awkward spacing or messy cabling. The fixtures are also ideal for lighting runways and catwalks. They also sit harmoniously alongside the popular COLORado Solo Bars and they come with a stealth filter, enabling them to disappear and remain out of sight when not in use.

Colour rendering is another area where the Solo Edge series distinguishes itself. The Chauvet Professional product developers put in time to perfect this feature. These powerful footlights excel at getting skin tones on camera just right. They also made sure colours are dialled in not just for saturated looks, but also for more natural whites and realistic colour mixing.

Unlike bulky theatre footlights that have been modified for the road, the new purpose-built COLORado Edge stays out of the way, adding more versatility and creative options for designers, while making life easier for installers on tour. These fixtures may not be readily seen, but their many advantages will be hard to miss.

29th April 2026

TiMax Extends its Pioneering Spatial Audio Capabilities, adding Native SpatAI v2 Integration

TiMax, spatial audio technology pioneer, has announced a new native integration for TiMax SoundHub, which builds on the September 2025 overhaul of the TiMax OSC implementation, designed to enable rapid, native third-party development of this kind. The latest comes from sonicLAB, whose newly released SpatAI v2 now addresses TiMax SoundHub directly over OSC, bringing AI-driven, prompt-based object motion into the TiMax workflow.

SpatAI uses Large Language Models to translate natural-language descriptions of sound movement into real-time 3D motion data. Users describe motion in plain text, such as, “distribute objects randomly in space and move each around the elevation axis in circles”. SpatAI converts the text into the mathematical equations driving each object’s position.

Following the launch of SpatAI v1 in early 2026, sonicLAB founder Sinan Bokesoy met Robin Whittaker of TiMax at Tileyard Studios to review the application. The conversation informed a focused set of updates now shipping in v2.

At the heart of the update is native TiMax OSC integration. SpatAI implements the TiMax-specific OSC protocol directly, so TiMax SoundHub appears as a selectable output target with no intermediary layer. External network targeting has been added too, with general IP configuration enabling SpatAI to communicate across machines for larger set-ups.

Alongside the TiMax-focused work, v2 introduces support for local LLMs hosted via Ollama or LM Studio, alongside the existing cloud-based option. This action removed concerns around token consumption, latency or data privacy.

Sinan Bokesoy, founder of sonicLAB, commented: “SpatAI lets sound designers describe motion the way they actually think about it. Meeting Robin at Tileyard was a turning point and his feedback shaped the whole v2 update. SpatAI users can now go straight into a TiMax system without any workarounds.”

Robin Whittaker of TiMax added: “The addition of SpatAI as a new native integration is a super interesting glimpse into the future of AI in object-based workflows. The use of LLMs to interpret human descriptors to realise an outcome demonstrates the future of enhanced creativity and gives and increased accessibility to sound creators. Enabling this kind of rapid, native integration was precisely the intention behind the September 2025 OSC overhaul.”

Dan Higgott, product and software manager at TiMax, concluded: “When we overhauled the OSC framework, the intent was to make TiMax SoundHub the easiest spatial platform to integrate with, whether from a large-format console like SSL, a show control platform like Atlas, a DAW plug-in like Grapes 3D, or a genuinely new creative tool like SpatAI. Sinan’s work is exactly the kind of forward-looking integration we hoped would follow.”

SpatAI v2 is available now for macOS and Windows as VST3, VST2, AU and stand-alone at www.sonic-lab.com/spatai.html.

TiMax SoundHub OSC support is included in v6.11 and above, available from timaxspatial.com.

29th April 2026

HIVE Releases a New Q-SYS Verified Beeblade Plug-in

HIVE, a specialist provider of compact media servers, has announced its new Q-SYS verified plugiin for HIVE Beeblade media players. As a contributor to the Q-SYS Ecosystem, HIVE collaborated with Q-SYS to create a market-ready control solution that integrates HIVE media playback, monitoring and control directly within the Q-SYS Full Stack AV Platform, giving system integrators seamless access to player functionality within their existing AV control environments.

The plug-in enables HIVE media players to be fully controlled and monitored within Q-SYS Designer, the software used by integrators to configure and deploy Q-SYS control systems. Through the integration, users can access real-time status data, manage playback and monitor outputs from HIVE media players directly within the Q-SYS environment.

HIVE worked closely with Q-SYS to develop the integration, which has been awarded the Q-SYS Verified badge, confirming that it has been tested and validated to operate reliably within the Q-SYS Ecosystem.

The HIVE Beeblade plug-in for Q-SYS Designer provides a comprehensive set of control and monitoring features, including:

Direct control of HIVE media playback and system parameters
Real-time monitoring of player status and media outputs
Video preview and operational diagnostics within Q-SYS interfaces
Integration via exposed control pins, enabling interaction with other AV system components
Customisable control interfaces using Q-SYS’s drag-and-drop UI tools

This functionality allows system designers to combine HIVE’s media playback capabilities with Q-SYS’s automation and control platform. Integrators can build sophisticated workflows that link media playback with other AV elements such as audio systems, lighting, sensors or projectors, all managed from a single interface.

In practice, this means that a single command within Q-SYS could trigger multiple actions, such as powering displays, launching media playback and adjusting audio levels simultaneously. This level of integration is particularly valuable in large installations where multiple AV technologies must operate together reliably.

The plug-in is designed primarily for system integrators working on fixed installations, including museums, visitor attractions, corporate environments and public venues where centralised monitoring and control is essential.

By exposing detailed status and control data from HIVE media players, the plug-in allows operators to build monitoring dashboards that provide real-time visibility of playback status, system health and media outputs across multiple players.

The plug-in supports the full range of HIVE Beeblade media players, making it compatible with deployments across HIVE’s modular ecosystem including Beebox, Nucleus and Beehive enclosures.

Nigel Sadler, chief pollinator at HIVE, says: “Having the flexibility and power of the HIVE media player available inside one of the most advanced control and monitoring platforms in the AV market is an incredibly powerful combination. By bringing the two together, integrators can combine the strengths of both platforms to create highly flexible and intelligent AV systems.”

“We are proud of our collaboration with HIVE to publish a Q-SYS Verified plug-in for the HIVE Beeblade in Q-SYS Library that will enable elevated experiences for the Q-SYS Full Stack AV Platform across our shared customers,” says Geno Zaharie, senior director, Alliances & Ecosystem, Q-SYS.

The HIVE Beeblade plug-in is available to check out in Q-SYS Library.

28th April 2026

Outline Newton welcomes Firmware Update

Newton, the original, patented, FPGA-based signal processing powerhouse by Outline, the Italian premier manufacturer of professional audio solutions, is being promoted to address new and significant workflow improvements via the just-released firmware update.

In response to a steady request by its loyal users’ base, firmware update 98 implements a most significant workflow addendum that allows users to seamlessly save and recall whole-platform snapshots of all its functional parameters and settings right on its very board – onboard!

The possibility of saving and recalling a complete Newton operational status, a snapshot turns in handy for addressing different usage scenarios in multi-purpose rooms and venues, whereby different portions of sound system need to be activated (and/or optimised) at specific configurations of walls and floor partitioning for example, or when specific event types in the same venue rely on different suppliers of technical services, each with their own production set-ups, to minimise set up times and avoid any mismatch in routing, clocking, sub-systems balance and tuning.

Concert-wise, as well as in festival settings, of course, snapshots allow users to precisely manage guests’ and main artists’ injection set-ups, each of them starting off a perfectly clean slate at soundcheck, for saving the achieved operational balance at the end of rehearsal, just to load it back again by exact running order at showtime, regardless of whichever host is actually hooked to the system (as snapshots reside right within the very Newton machine).

Moreover, as firmware update 98 allows Newton users to choose which specific elements of its logic blocks get to be saved in each snapshot instance (and then be recalled at will), system engineers tasked with the alignment and optimisation of (even the most) complex PAs, will now be able to run checkup and troubleshooting test routines in full compliance to previous service status.

For total signal dependability and peace of mind at operation, implemented in firmware update 98 are provided safe areas to protect output groups (which can’t be overridden by snapshot recall), as well as user-defined safety switch for whichever type of control function that can be locked to its current status as ‘recall safe’.

Add to this the inherent backward compatibility of firmware update 98 to all generations of Newton hardware, after which no Outline Newton’s too old to enjoy the new snapshot functionality, plus the fact that this significant improvement comes as a no-cost update, part of Outline’s policy in matters of lifecycle commitment and you’ll probably now want to try it out pronto!

If Outline has succeeded in raising your interest, feel free to download the most recent version of Isaac, the multi-platform control application of Newton, available for both Windows and macOS architectures, from https://outline.it/software-app/ – because even downloading the new firmware update 98 prior to installing it onto your Newton device falls within Isaac’s many functions.

27th April 2026

Leyard Europe announces Planar Next-Generation LED Video Wall Calculator debut

Leyard Europe has announced the introduction of the new Planar LED Video Wall Calculator designed to simplify LED video wall planning, selection and configuration. The new tool delivers a modern, intuitive experience with expanded capabilities across Planar and Leyard Europe’s full portfolio of LED video wall solutions.

Building on the company’s leadership in video wall design tools, the calculator introduces a guided workflow that takes users through product selection, comparison and detailed configuration. Users can define their environment, explore recommended solutions, compare product specifications and refine parameters with real-time updates to specifications and visualisations.

The platform expands support across Planar and Leyard Europe’s LED video wall portfolio, enabling more accurate planning across a wide range of applications, environments and performance requirements. Users can evaluate solutions with greater precision, helping accelerate planning and decision-making from concept through specification. The advanced LED Video Wall Calculator is built on a scalable platform designed to evolve alongside both brands LED portfolio, ensuring continued innovation and support for future product offerings, making it an important resource for the European market.

“As a pioneer in video wall design tools, we continue to evolve how customers design and specify display solutions,” said Robert Detwiler, senior director of product management at Planar. “This enhanced calculator delivers a more intuitive and powerful experience that moves from concept to configuration with greater speed, accuracy and confidence.”

Planar pioneered video wall design tools more than a decade ago, setting a standard for how professionals design and specify video wall environments. The company’s original Video Wall Calculator will continue as a design tool for LCD video wall designs, supporting Planar’s Clarity Matrix G3 LCD Video Wall System product line with proven planning and configuration capabilities before making a purchase.

To access the new LED Video Wall Calculator, visit https://www.planar.com/design-tools/

24th April 2026

GLP Expands impression X5 Series with Ultra-Compact impression X5 Dot Wash

GLP has added a significant new member to its impression X5 series: the impression X5 Dot Wash. This is the most compact fixture in the line to date and it brings the colour quality, consistency and system logic of the X5 platform to an ultra-compact form factor barely larger than a classic MR16 birdie. And it does so in complete colour harmony with the wider series.

The X5 Dot Wash has been designed for applications where powerful, high-quality light is required in the tightest of spaces. Whether deployed as a footlight in theatre productions, within scenery and props, in television studio set-ups or in architectural detail lighting, the fixture fills a gap for which no truly convincing LED solution has previously existed. An IP65 rating extends its suitability from conventional indoor environments to temporary or permanent outdoor use.

At its core is a 40W RGBL LED engine drawn from the X5 family, operating at up to 20 watts and delivering a light output of up to 550 lumens at 6,500 Kelvin. Weighing approximately 580 grams and fanless, the fixture is both remarkably light and completely silent in operation. A supply voltage of 24–48V DC is sufficient. No dedicated external drivers or additional hardware are required. Control is available via DMX/RDM or wirelessly through GLP iQ.Mesh.

The X5 Dot Wash excels in the areas where small fixtures have historically forced compromise. The combination of the RGBL LED engine and GLP’s iQ.Gamut colour algorithm delivers precise colour mixing, consistent white points and finely graded pastel tones. Sixteen-bit colour control enables smooth transitions and clean dimming curves, which is a feature of particular importance in theatre applications where any stepping or irregularity in a fade is immediately visible.

One technically noteworthy feature with genuine practical value is the integrated twist-zoom mechanism. By rotating the front lens, the beam angle can be adjusted manually from 16° to 68° without altering the physical dimensions of the unit. That’s a real advantage in tight installation scenarios within scenery, props or architectural applications. Luminous flux remains largely stable across the entire zoom range, avoiding the output losses typical of conventional mini-optics.

The Colour Boost function provides additional output when producing deep, saturated colours, allowing the X5 Dot Wash to achieve high intensity in bold hues that are well-suited for accent lighting, atmospheric looks or pointed close-range effects.

The fixture has been designed with the practicalities of real-world deployment in mind. Integrated ¼” and ⅜” threaded sockets, an adjustable foot and a bracket for hanging installation provide maximum mounting flexibility. An optional adapter allows the use of classic birdie accessories such as barndoors.

With the impression X5 Dot Wash, GLP is opening the X5 platform in an entirely new direction. For the first time, the colour quality and consistency of the X5 family are available in the form of a static fixture, meaning colours, white points and overall appearance remain consistent across the full series. The X5 Dot Wash works equally well as a stand-alone unit or as a discreet building block within a larger lighting system.

www.glp.de

22nd April 2026

HK Audio presets now available in Lab.gruppen’s latest Lake Load Library

The latest presets for HK Audio loudspeakers have been added to Lake Load Library 5.13, included as part of Lab.gruppen’s Lake Controller version 8.1.7. Following the new release, users can now benefit from even more efficient system configuration and seamless integration of HK Audio loudspeaker systems into Lake-based set-ups.

The new loudspeaker presets have been specifically developed for use with Lake processor platforms and offer optimised settings for various HK Audio systems. These include precise filter and limiter parameters that ensure consistent sound quality, high operational reliability and rapid commissioning.

Lake Load Library 5.13 includes the latest presets for HK Audio’s COSMO, C-SUB, CONTOUR X, the passive models of the LINEAR and LINEAR SUB series, CADIS, SI SERIES, FINEO, VORTIS and VORTIS 2 amongst others.

The new filters bring a number of key benefits, including expanded beam steering options, a reduced yet optimised number of subwoofer filters, additional headroom – particularly for COSMO systems – and a phase response that is harmonised and consistent across all of HK Audio’s Concert Sound products. Alongside the new presets, users retain full flexibility in system design, as set-ups can still be created manually on an individual basis to suit specific requirements.

The integration of HK Audio presets into Lake Load Library is aimed at professional users in the touring, installation and event technology sectors who rely on proven workflows and maximum performance.

The HK Audio presets are available now in the latest version of the Lake Load Library.

22nd April 2026

Clear-Com Unveils FreeSpeak Cell: A Breakthrough Cellular Intercom System

Clear-Com has announced FreeSpeak Cell, a cellular-based wireless intercom system that uses LTE and 5G infrastructure to support large-scale production communications.

FreeSpeak Cell is designed to operate over public and private LTE and 5G networks, enabling full-duplex wireless intercom across wide geographic areas without relying on traditional radio frequency co-ordination. FreeSpeak Cell directly addresses increasing congestion in UHF, DECT and Wi-Fi bands, particularly in large venues and high-density live event environments.

Unlike traditional wireless intercom systems constrained by local spectrum and physical coverage boundaries, FreeSpeak Cell leverages cellular networks to support communications across much larger areas with fewer on‑site components. “FreeSpeak Cell represents a shift in how productions approach wireless intercom,” said Bob Boster, president of Clear-Com. “We are applying carrier-grade cellular infrastructure to professional communications, expanding both scale and coverage.”

FreeSpeak Cell is intended for large‑scale and distributed environments where conventional wireless systems can face channel limits, coverage constraints or spectrum co-ordination challenges.

The system supports deployments of 100 or more beltpacks and can scale to hundreds of users depending on network configuration. Because it operates over LTE and 5G, coverage can extend beyond a single building or compound, enabling communications across large properties or distributed production areas.

FreeSpeak Cell supports:

Operation over LTE and 5G networks
CBRS private LTE (Band 48) in the United States
Dual SIM capability, including physical SIM and eSIM
Global radio support across 700 - 900MHz and 1700 - 4200MHz bands

The dual SIM design allows users to configure access to private cellular networks, public carrier networks or a combination of both, depending on operational needs.

FreeSpeak Cell complements Clear‑Com’s existing FreeSpeak wireless intercom portfolio, extending communications beyond the physical limits of traditional RF‑based systems. While FreeSpeak II is optimised for contained venues and localised productions, FreeSpeak Cell is designed for large, distributed environments that require wide‑area coverage, high user density and seamless communication across campuses, venues or geographically dispersed production zones.

Unlike traditional DECT- or UHF-based systems that require local transceivers positioned throughout a venue, FreeSpeak Cell leverages existing cellular infrastructure. In venues with private LTE or 5G networks, the system can operate over that infrastructure. In other environments, it can utilise public carrier networks where coverage and policies permit.

This approach can reduce the amount of on-site RF infrastructure required for large-scale deployments and simplify coordination in spectrum-constrained markets.

The system is designed to support multi-channel, full-duplex voice communications alongside other workflows running on the same network, including data applications and video transport, subject to network configuration and bandwidth availability.

By relying on cellular infrastructure rather than venue‑specific RF transceivers, FreeSpeak Cell can significantly reduce the amount of temporary equipment, cabling and frequency co-ordination typically required for large productions. This model allows teams to deploy communications more quickly, scale systems more easily, and adapt to changing production layouts without reconfiguring RF infrastructure.

There are several key industry factors contributing to the move toward cellular-based communications. These include increasing congestion in traditional wireless intercom bands, government-led spectrum reallocations that have reduced available UHF spectrum in some regions and extensive investment in private LTE and 5G infrastructure at venues in the United States and Europe.

CBRS private cellular spectrum in the United States, in particular, has enabled enterprises and venue operators to deploy private LTE networks for operational systems, including communications, point-of-sale, access control and video replay.

FreeSpeak Cell is designed to integrate with those deployments while maintaining compatibility with Clear-Com’s broader intercom ecosystem.

Currently, FreeSpeak Cell works with the Eclipse HX digital matrix platform. Integration with Arcadia Central Station is expected a few months after initial release and support for Gen-IC , Clear-Com’s cloud-based intercom platform, is planned for later this year.

FreeSpeak Cell will begin shipping in spring 2026 in the United States. Additional regulatory certifications for other regions are expected throughout the year.

20th April 2026

Chauvet Professional COLORado PXL Curve 1 is Far More Than “Just Another One”

As the old, familiar song goes, perhaps one is the loneliest number… but in the case of the new IP65 rated COLORado PXL Curve 1, it is also a number that promises unlimited design possibilities, achieving a state where “precision meets passion and a new dance begins.”

Featuring the superb performance features that have made its COLORado PXL Curve 12 stablemate so popular around the world, the new compact fixture takes things even a step further with dual linear warm white and cool white LED strobe cells (160 SMD LEDs in CW/WW) with eight zones of control that frame its single massive pod, a juicy RGBW LED beam-wash rectangular light source that outputs bold bright colours.

COLORado by name and COLORado by nature, the new fixture excels under all weather conditions and is easy to scale to any size with other fixtures in the COLORado series. Its programming language matches that of the PXL Curve 12, so there is no mystery, the fixture can be scaled to current workflows. A slotted omega bracket makes it easy to hang the fixture on truss.

The PXL Curve 1 delivers breathtakingly fast 60° pan movement and 200° of tilt, along with its wide zoom range. It stands tall in the output department too, delivering up to 14,000 lux at five metres. Flexible DMX, sACN and Art-Net control along with RDM and NFC support make it easy to incorporate this versatile fixture into any rig.

With built-in effects and flexible programming options, the PXL Curve 1 can be used to create anything from subtle fades to high-impact bursts, as well as clean linear chases, paparazzi-style hits and layered rhythmic looks. Also, its adjustable speed and delays make the fixture ideal for trailing effects and custom sequences that fit the mood of any show.

Add it all together and the COLORado PXL Curve 1 is not just “another one” when it comes to design tools, for many it promises to be the one!

17th April 2026

Nostalgic Authenticity with the Launch of Pacific Lighting (HK) Limited’s new Strand Electric Pattern 123M

In a labour of love from its Director, Hugh Chinnick, Pacific Lighting (HK) Ltd has launched the Strand Electric Pattern 123M Fresnel lantern, a meticulously created, 1/3 scale replica of the original Patt 123 designed by Morgan McLeod and sibling of the now iconic Patt 23M profile launched by Pacific Lighting in 2021.

The fully working model has a 3W 3000K LED source and is available with a choice of telescopic stand, swivel arm wall bracket or ceiling/floor plate. Like its sibling, it is cast in zinc for a superb finish and excellent thermal/heat sink properties and will patina over time for added authenticity.

The lantern can be connected to a USB phone power supply or computer and comes boxed in reproduction Strand packaging complete with wood shavings and a British Rail Certificate of Compliance for Conveyance stamped on the top.

Reflecting the unique design of the full size fixture which was, for many, the first experience of theatre lighting as they entered their careers in lighting, the Patt 123M Fresnel is a work of art with phenomenal detail in its construction and as much detail inside as out.

Features include rotating barndoors, a chrome reflector, an internal lighting baffle, a glass Fresnel lens with the same number of rings as the full size fixture and even the clips holding the lens in place are recreated with the same attention to detail. Focus is attained by moving the ‘lamp’ carrier back and forth and the catch mechanism is a precise, functioning replica of the original.

“We didn’t think it possible to recreate the catch in such detail but Scott Ingham and Susan Lo and the team at Ingham Design once again worked their magic preparing meticulous drawings which enabled us to achieve that incredible level of detail,” says Chinnick.

Responses from those early birds who already have the new Patt 123M in their possession have been very encouraging with many commenting that the level of detail surpasses even that of the Patt 23M:

· “Every detail of the original has been lovingly reproduced.” Bruce Williams, lighting designer.

· “Both the superb Patt 23M and 123M remind me of days long gone but with such fond memories,” Paul Pyant, lighting designer.

· “Richard [Pilbrow] would have taken great delight in the Patt 123M, he was one of the first designers to use the original so effectively,” Bob Bryan, lighting designer.

· “It’s absolutely perfect!” Roger Hennigan, technical manager, Southbank Centre.

The new Patt 123M Fresnel is perfect not just as a desk light or decoration, but in combination with the Patt 23M profile, as full working models for model theatres and puppet theatres, possessing as they do very similar light output and colour temperature, ensuring they continue to be the perfect pairing, in miniature.

“I never intended to do anything more than fulfil my dream of recreating a scale replica of the Patt 23, but increasing peer pressure from so many industry colleagues (you know who you are) proclaiming that I couldn’t make a Patt 23M without its partner, the Patt 123M, made me reconsider my intentions,” states Chinnick.

“It made sense to have a Fresnel companion to the beloved profile, which have always been regarded as a perfect pairing. The feasibility study looked positive and my 11 years at Glyndebourne instilled me with its ethos of ‘if you’re going to spend all that money, for God’s sake do the thing properly…’. So here it is, the perfect combination of nostalgic authenticity to complete the set. However, now I can categorically say I am done!”

To purchase your own Strand Electric Pattern 123M direct from Pacific Lighting (HK) Ltd visit www.pacificlighting.myshopify.com

14th April 2026

Yamaha Launches Upgraded DXR/DXS mk3 and CXR/CXS mk3 Series

A single, pivotal moment can change the entire trajectory of a band, brand or business. Yamaha’s new DXR mk3 powered loudspeakers and DXS mk3 powered subwoofers – along with their CXR/CXS mk3 unpowered counterparts – are designed to ensure audiences experience the full range of expression and passion of performance, giving users the confidence they need for those crucial moments when high quality sound makes all the difference.

Designed for live music, DJ sets, speeches, corporate events and more, the new DXR/DXS mk3 and CXR/CXS mk3 series represent a significant upgrade of the acoustic performance, functionality and power established by one of Yamaha’s most celebrated loudspeaker ranges. From premium components to intelligent, high-performance DSP, every aspect of the Mk3’s design delivers a level of excellence that professionals rely on for their most important performances and projects.

The DXR mk3 range is available in three models, the DXR15, DXR12 and DXR10. Respectively featuring high durability 15”, 12” and 10” low frequency drivers with 1.75” high frequency units, all models are housed in a lightweight, injection-moulded enclosure. As well as weight reduction, this attenuates cabinet resonance, with optimised port positions to reduce standing wave effects.

Offering output between up to 132 and 134dB SPL, the two-way, bi-amped design features a new, high efficiency 2000W Class D amplifier and switched power supply for smooth, stable operation.

Onboard 96kHz DSP includes Yamaha’s proprietary Advanced FIR-X Tuning technology for exceptionally smooth phase characteristics and clear, distortion-free sound, alongside a range of DSP modes. These include FoH/main and monitor settings, as well as optimised factory presets and up to eight user presets for a range of applications. An internal accelerometer detects speaker orientation, with a switchable automatic mode setting for streamlined set up.

There are also modes to dynamically suppress handheld microphone feedback and/or detection and setting of feedback-prone points for fixed microphones. The Drive Motion Calibration feature uses a proprietary DSP algorithm to ensures the speaker’s behaviour accurately follows the input signal, delivering clear low frequencies which surpass conventional limitations.

A rear-mounted, high visibility LCD panel and encoder offers straightforward mode selection and precise control of parametric EQ adjustments, delay and routing, as well as recall of user and factory presets.

The new DXS mk3 subwoofers share the same powerful 96kHz DSP, power supply and rear LCD panel design, with a newly-developed, high efficiency 2500W Class D amplifier and long-excursion 18”, 15” or 12” bass cones, plus four inch (DXS18 mk3) or three inch voice coil.

The DXS18, DXS15 and DXS12 are housed in durable, acoustically-optimised plywood cabinets with a scratch-resistant Polyurea coating. All feature switchable D-XSUB processing for extended low-frequency reproduction down to between 38Hz and 32Hz.

Offering matching output of up to 132 and 134dB SPL, flexible crossover settings and cardioid mode for bass management on stage, the DXS mk3 series really shines when paired with the DXR mk3 series to deliver a seamlessly integrated sound system.

The dedicated D-Remote remote control app for iOS/Android devices enables wireless control of all parameters for DXR mk3 and DXS mk3 systems, as well as monitoring speaker limiting, temperature and displaying error alerts. Up to ten devices can be connected simultaneously, with grouping for unified level and mute control.

The CXR mk3 and CXS mk3 series are unpowered versions of the DXR/DXS range, primarily intended for installation, fixed system and corporate event applications, such as situations where nearby power sources may be limited. Available in a parallel line-up of non-powered models, CXR mk3 series speakers similarly deliver powerful sound with exceptional clarity and precision. When used with Yamaha PX and PC-D Series amplifiers or other compatible signal processors, the CXR mk3 series speakers can take full advantage of dedicated speaker processor tuning settings.

All DXR/CXR mk3 series models feature rubber coated handles, rigging points compatible with commercial eyebolts and pole mount sockets with horizontal and seven-degree down tilt, enabling focused coverage for clearer sound delivery. Options include U-brackets for fixed installations, supporting both vertical and horizontal mounting, and speaker covers to protect units from scratches, dust and dirt during transport and storage, as well as from unexpected weather during outdoor performances.

All DXS/CXS mk3 series subwoofers include two-way handles and dual M20/35 mm pole sockets. Optional speaker wheels and covers are available.

“The DXR/DXS mk3 and CXR/CXS mk3 series have been designed to set a new benchmark in sound quality, power and versatility for today’s professional sound reinforcement applications,” says Thomas Hemery, deputy senior general manager, professional solutions division.

“From live music venues, DJs and touring systems through to corporate events, installations and fixed systems, the expanded line-up of powered and unpowered loudspeakers and subwoofers, combined with advanced DSP, robust enclosures and flexible mounting options, allows users to configure an exceptionally reliable, high-performance sound system tailored to a wide variety of environments and applications.”

13th April 2026

K-array expands its Thunder range with new cardioid subwoofer shipping now

K-array, a leading manufacturer of innovative audio technologies, has announced that its Thunder-KSCARDIO412P passive cardioid subwoofer is now shipping. First previewed at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) in Barcelona earlier this year, the KSCARDIO412P is a compact, single-cabinet solution designed to give professional audio engineers precise low-frequency control without the complexity traditionally associated with cardioid subwoofer systems.

Cardioid subwoofer configurations have long been valued for their ability to reduce unwanted rear sound radiation. This offers a significant advantage in live event and fixed installation environments where stage spill and monitor feedback can compromise audio quality. Achieving this effect has traditionally required carefully configured multi-cabinet arraying, external DSP processing and the application of delays. The Thunder-KSCARDIO412P is designed to take away that complexity, delivering true plug-and-play cardioid performance from a single enclosure with no additional signal processing or time alignment required in standard configurations.

At the heart of the cabinet are four 12-inch neodymium magnet woofers, providing low-frequency response down to 35Hz and a maximum output of 138dB SPL. The KSCARDIO412P weighs only 61.7kg, a compact footprint for the power on offer, making it practical for both touring rigs and permanent installs. The enclosure is constructed from birch plywood with a polyurea coating, built to withstand intensive use and regular transport and is available in black or custom RAL finishes.

The system supports both mono-amp and bi-amp operating modes, offering flexibility for engineers working with different amplifier configurations. In bi-amp mode, rear attenuation of up to 20dB is achievable, allowing for highly controlled low-frequency directivity. Critically, the cardioid pattern remains stable whether the cabinet is deployed horizontally or vertically and in single or side-by-side configurations. This addresses an important practical consideration for system designers working across varied venue layouts.

The KSCARDIO412P is well-suited to a broad range of professional applications, including live touring, theatres, clubs, DJ venues, beach bars, rooftops and broadcast environments. It is compatible with K-array's K-Framework3 software for system design and configuration.

“Achieving true cardioid performance has historically meant complex set-ups, multiple cabinets and a significant investment of time on site. With the KSCARDIO412P, we wanted to change that, giving engineers a single cabinet that delivers powerful, predictable low-end with genuine rear rejection, straight out of the box. The response we received at ISE confirmed that this is exactly the kind of solution the market has been asking for, and we’re delighted to now be putting it into the hands of AV professionals worldwide,” said Lorenzo De Poi, brand manager at K-array.

photo: K-Array

13th April 2026

AbsenLive Introduces the SA1.5, the latest the evolution of its Saturn Series

Absen has announced the launch of the SA1.5, the latest addition in its proven live event display platform, the Saturn Series. Long a cornerstone of the rental market, the Series is valued for its reliability and ease of use and designed to master the most demanding indoor environments. The new SA1.5 has a pixel pitch of just 1.56mm, a marked reduction from the standard 1.9mm and 2.6mm currently delivered by comparative products.

By offering this ultra-fine resolution alongside the robust mechanical design of the existing Saturn range, Absen is providing its partners with a versatile, high-performance solution that sets a new benchmark for indoor rental displays.

At the heart of the SA1.5 is Absen’s full flip-chip COB (chip on board) technology, which redefines what is possible for a rental panel. Unlike traditional designs, the SA1.5 features a monolithic panel structure that offers superior protection and significantly enhanced stability. The technology doesn’t just improve the lifespan of the product, it drives a smarter return on investment. With 30% lower power consumption and 40% greater stability than conventional products, the SA1.5 provides a competitive edge in both performance and operational cost. Furthermore, because it is fully backward compatible with the SA series’ accessory ecosystem, transitioning to a finer pitch no longer requires a total overhaul of current inventory.

“With the launch of the SA1.5, we are providing our partners with the visual technology required for high-end corporate events, broadcast studios and other premium live shows,” commented Emma Liu, EU regional president. “By integrating next-generation COB technology into a proven mechanical framework, we have created a truly versatile solution that protects our customers’ investment while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the rental market.”

Visual excellence is further refined through an advanced anti-reflection design. By utilising a deep black coating and an anti-glare (AG) film, the SA1.5 achieves a remarkable anti-reflectance difference. This ensures perfect black uniformity and eliminates the distracting glare often found in broadcast environments, to achieve optimal on-camera performance. This visual depth is protected by the company’s 6-Star Shield, a comprehensive protection suite that guards against moisture, dust and physical damage.

Mechanical precision remains a hallmark of the Saturn Series. The SA1.5 utilises a dual-layer cabinet crafted from die-casting magnesium, featuring symmetrical triangular structures that achieve exceptional flatness and resist warping over time. To ensure smooth installation, the fast-locking king pin system provides clear visual confirmation of security, while the automatic edge protection shields the LEDs during the build process.

The SA1.5 features a 500 x 500mm cabinet weighing just 7.2kg. It delivers a high-brightness output of 1200 nits and an 8000:1 contrast ratio, supported by an ultra-high 7680Hz refresh rate. This combination of flip-chip COB reliability and high-definition visual performance makes it the definitive choice for the next generation of premium indoor rental.

13th April 2026

Innosonix Launches µMA04/M: Compact DSP Amplifier with Flexible AoIP Integration

Innosonix has officially expanded its Micro Maxx line-up with the introduction of the µMA04/M, a compact yet powerful four-channel amplifier designed for modern audio installations that demand flexibility, performance and efficiency.

Positioned as a mains-powered counterpart to the PoE-based µMA04/POE, the µMA04/M brings the company’s renowned DSP platform into a more traditional deployment model, without sacrificing capability or control.

Despite its small footprint, the µMA04/M delivers 120W per channel at both 4Ω and 8Ω, with the ability to bridge channels for 240W at 8Ω.

This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from stand-alone installations to scalable multi-channel systems.

Its physical design also prioritises installation efficiency. Using an optional rack-mount kit, integrators can install up to three units in a single 1U rack space, enabling up to 12 channels of amplification in just 1U.

At the core of the µMA04/M is Innosonix’s established DSP engine, bringing the full feature set of the Maxx Series into a compact device.

Key capabilities include:

32-point EQ
FIR filtering per output
Independent limiting
Auto standby mode
Built-in analyser tools

These features allow precise control over audio performance while reducing the need for external processing hardware.

One of the standout innovations in the Micro Maxx series is Flexible Audio over IP (AoIP).

Rather than locking users into a single protocol, the µMA04/M allows integrators to select their preferred AoIP solution. The unit supports Dante by default, with alternative protocols available on request.

This approach simplifies system design and ensures compatibility across a wide range of networked audio environments.

Unlike its PoE sibling, the µMA04/M uses a mains-powered architecture, offering several practical advantages:

No need for PoE switches or power budgeting
Consistent output without network limitations
Easier integration into existing AV racks and electrical systems
Simplified troubleshooting by separating power and network infrastructure

This makes it particularly appealing for integrators working within conventional AV workflows or upgrading legacy systems.

The amplifier integrates seamlessly with Innosonix’s Maxx Remote platform, enabling:

Real-time system monitoring
Remote configuration and troubleshooting
Centralised control across multiple devices

Additional diagnostic tools such as speaker detection, impedance measurement and phase analysis help streamline installation and maintenance, especially in large-scale deployments.

The µMA04/M is engineered for 24/7 operation, making it suitable for mission-critical environments where stability is essential. Its design emphasises consistent power delivery, long-term reliability, and reduced downtime through proactive system monitoring.

With the µMA04/M, Innosonix bridges the gap between traditional AV infrastructure and modern, networked audio systems. By combining a familiar mains-powered design with advanced DSP and flexible AoIP capabilities, the company delivers a solution that is both accessible and future-ready.

As part of the evolving Micro Maxx family, the µMA04/M demonstrates that high-performance audio no longer requires large, complex hardware, just smarter design.

For customers in the UK, 2B Heard is the exclusive distributor for Innosonix products, including the µMA04/M.

With in-depth product knowledge and direct access to the full Innosonix range, 2B Heard provides expert guidance on system design, product selection and integration support for projects of all sizes.

Whether you’re specifying a new installation or upgrading an existing system, the team at 2B Heard can help you get the most out of Innosonix technology.

13th April 2026

Alcons Audio Ships The CRMS-LFE18sl mkII Reference Subwoofer

Alcons Audio announces it is shipping the CRMS-LFE18sl mkII, a slim-profile reference subwoofer system engineered for the most demanding critical listening environments, following its preview at the ISE show in February.

Designed to deliver exceptionally accurate bass and subsonic reproduction, the system combines extended low-frequency response with outstanding transient accuracy for a truly immersive listening experience.

Developed with a focus on linearity across its operating bandwidth, the CRMS-LFE18sl maintains precise control over ultra-low frequency transients. At its core is a custom-designed 18” woofer featuring a large motor structure with dual 3” voice coils, enabling extreme excursion capability: up to 10dB greater than conventional professional 18” transducers

The direct-radiating driver is housed in an internally stiffened, sealed enclosure, delivering an in-room response of below 10Hz. This configuration ensures an exceptional impulse response, perfectly matching the ultra-fast transient characteristics of Alcons’ proprietary pro-ribbon systems.

Due to the newly-designed form-factor the CRMS-LFE18sl offers unmatched installation flexibility. With its ultra-slim cabinet depth of only 33cm combined with integrated M10 mounting points, stacking, flying, wall- or ceiling-mounting is supported, even in space-restricted environments.

For optimal performance, the system is exclusively powered and controlled by an Alcons ALC amplified loudspeaker controller. Factory presets and VHIR processing ensure precise phase alignment with Alcons pro-ribbon systems, while the 4-ohm impedance maximises amplifier efficiency.

Incorporating Signal Integrity Sensing (SIS) pre-wiring, the CRMS-LFE18sl compensates for cable and connector influence between the subwoofer and SIS featured amplified loudspeaker controller. This results in significantly improved response accuracy and minimised distortion, regardless of cable length or system impedance.

Philip ‘Dr. Phil’ de Haan, head of Alcons Audio R&D: “the CRMS-LFE18 has always been the tactile foundation of our studio and residential solutions. We specifically designed the 18” woofer for maximum excursion capability, enabling to reproduce even the lowest octaves.

This significantly widens the frequency response of our pro-ribbon systems, from below 10Hz to above 20kHz. Now with the new sl form-factor, this outstanding fundamental performance can be achieved in more space-conscious applications.”

The CRMS-LFE18sl is ideally suited for use as an LFE system in high-end post-production facilities, mastering suites, premium screening rooms, recording studios and reference-grade home cinemas where full bandwidth with absolute accuracy and realism in low-frequency reproduction are essential.

13th April 2026

Allen & Heath Reimagines Avantis with Major V2.0 Update and Channel/FX Expansion

Allen & Heath has announced Avantis firmware V2.0, dramatically expanding the capabilities of Avantis and Avantis Solo. Avantis V2.0 introduces comprehensive improvements for dPack-enabled systems, including a boost to channel and bus count, next-generation effects processing via the new RackUltra FX module and expanded wireless integration and workflow possibilities.

For dPack owners, V2.0 represents a transformative upgrade to Avantis’ core capabilities. The update increases input channels from 64 to 96, expands configurable mix busses from 42 to 56 and pushes simultaneous Dyn8 processing instances from 16 to 24. These enhancements position Avantis as a versatile solution for demanding touring and festival applications where channel count and flexibility are critical.

Also joining dPack in V2.0 is CompStortion, the long-awaited DEEP emulation of the definitive hardware compressor. With a wide range of attack and release times, distortion modes and Smash and Brit modes, CompStortion is perfect for everything from vocals and guitars to drums and mix bus compression.

The update also adds support for the new RackUltra FX module, which combines FPGA and ARM processing to bring dLive’s cutting-edge effects architecture to dPack-enabled Avantis mixers. Available as a factory-fitted option in new units, or as a service centre upgrade for existing owners, the module adds eight RackUltra FX engines, providing access to a suite of premium effects including reverbs, vocal processors, distortion, saturation and harmonisers that rival high-end plug-ins and hardware.

Outside of dPack, Avantis’ RF Integration has been expanded to include the Shure SLX-D wireless microphone system, which joins existing support for multiple Shure and Sennheiser systems.

Additional workflow enhancements include Smart Rotaries for quick, contextual control of processing units including preamps, effects, Dyn8s and PEQs which can be enabled via SoftKey, while existing rotary control options have also been expanded. Channel Libraries now support additional parameters and mix contributions, Dyn8 units are now gangable and channels and busses can now be unmuted from mute groups or DCAs.

“This update lifts Avantis to new heights” says Christopher Melendy, pro live product manager at Allen & Heath. “I’m extremely pleased we can offer more channels, buses and Dyn8s to dPack, while bringing dLive-class effects processing to the platform; an astounding engineering accomplishment. Plus, V2 positions Solo as the most powerful self-contained compact mixer on the market.”

Avantis firmware V2.0 will be available for download soon from the Allen & Heath website. dPack is available from the Allen & Heath shop. Contact a local distributor for information about the RackUltra FX upgrade.

13th April 2026

Van Damme supports LED walls with new Cat 6A Tourcat Hybrid Multicore

Van Damme is meeting the needs of applications that require Cat 6A data with an integrated power feed, such as LED walls, with the latest addition to its Cat 6A Tourcat Hybrid Multicore family. The new Van Damme Tourcat Hybrid 1 x Cat 6A / 1 x 3x2.5mm power and data multicore combines a Cat 6A foil-screened data element with a 2.5mm² jacketed power cable in a single, flexible multicore.

The new solution has been designed as an elegant, single-cable solution for integrated data and power distribution. It has been built to tour grade specifications and eliminates the need to run separate power and data cables, making it ideal for LED walls and any application where Cat 6A bandwidth is required alongside a power feed.

Van Damme has listened to the needs of industry professionals and put particular focus on making the Tourcat Hybrid 1 x Cat 6A / 1 x 3x2.5mm power and data multicore thin and flexible. This has ensured a low overall diameter of just 17.2mm to provide the small form factor that professionals need. The cable also offers an overall bend radius of 15 times the overall diameter to ensure the practicality to meet real-world requirements.

The new cable features a Cat 6A foil-screened element and a 3x2.5mm² HO5VV-F compliant power cable. The Cat 6A element delivers rapid, high-bandwidth data transfer via ultra-pure oxygen free copper conductors with skin-foam-skin polyethylene dielectric and aluminium/polyester foil screen at greater than 115% coverage. The power element is rated at 20A and is compliant with the HO5VV-F harmonised standard.

“We have designed the Van Damme Tourcat Hybrid 1 x Cat 6A / 1 x 3x2.5mm power and data multicore to be a real problem-solver,” said Jim Bulbeck, technical manager at Van Damme. “This is a tour ready solution that will make engineers’ lives easier and benefits from Van Damme’s guaranteed road-ready quality. It delivers the rapid data transfer that professionals require, combined with power in a single cable solution that will mean fewer cable runs and faster set up times. It is the perfect cabling solution for LED wall installations everywhere.”

The Van Damme Tourcat Hybrid 1 x Cat 6A / 1 x 3x2.5mm Power and Data Multicore is available now.