Exhibitors Gear Up For PLASA Focus: Leeds 2014

As PLASA Focus: Leeds 2014 fast approaches, exhibitors are preparing to fill the show floor with the latest entertainment technology. Having grown its reputation over the last five years, the north of England edition of PLASA Focus has cemented its importance in the industry as a platform for building relationships and showcasing new products.

Chris Toulmin, director of PLASA Events, comments, "We're looking forward to welcoming exhibitors and visitors to both exhibition halls as well as to the extensive seminar program. The show is known for its vibrant atmosphere, and with such a strong lineup of exhibitors, showcasing so many innovative products, we're certain that legacy will continue. "

On Tuesday, April 29 and Wednesday April 30, The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, UK will come alive with the latest audio, lighting, video, and rigging technologies. With the show landing in the month after Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt, PLASA Focus: Leeds will see a host of UK debuts, product launches, and exclusives.

d&b audiotechnik will showcase the next generation of its system reality, including an update to the d&b ArrayCalc simulation software. Venue Editor allows users to create virtual venues with astonishing accuracy, the company says. The show will see the first public outing in the UK for the D80 amplifier, plus an addition to the d&b product range in the xC-Series column loudspeakers. Visitors can find d&b adjacent to the bar in The New Dock Hall. Oran Burns, from d&b Education and Application Support, will also attend the Bury Theatre on Tuesday and the Wellington Room on Wednesday to deliver Sound System Fundamentals seminars.

With a focus on newly launched products for live mixing, switching, recording, and web streaming, Roland Systems Group will exhibit the VR-3EX AV Mixer, the M-480 and M-200i Digital Mixing Consoles, the VR-50HD High Definition AV Mixer, V-800HD Live Video Switcher, and S-2416 Digital Snake. The product portfolio from Roland Systems Group includes digital consoles, personal mixers, multi-channel recorders, audio recorders, video switchers and mixers, video converters, and editors.

As Meyer Sound's official partner for the north of England, the centerpiece of the Pro Audio Systems' (PAS) stand will be the manufacturer's latest loudspeaker technology -- the new MJF-210 stage monitor. This will be the first public showing of the new product anywhere in the UK. PAS's rental division was the first in the UK to stock MJF-210s and the new modules have already completed their first hire jobs to great acclaim, the company says.

PLASA Focus: Leeds will see the UK and Ireland launch of the brand new and exclusive range of Infinity moving heads. There are seven products in the range -- five LED units and two lamped fixtures. All the new lights have a built-in gravity sensor, making it easy to use the menu in any position, as well as a built-in battery, meaning fixtures can be set up without mains power. The new products are fixed with Neutrik powerCON connectors, have three-pole and five-pole XLRs, and are equipped with quick-lock brackets, which can be mounted in any position.

Highlite UK will unveil a new era of products from DAP Audio. The CX range of amplifiers will add affordability and reliability to the company's catalog. They are available in five outputs varying from two 150W at 8 ohms to two 1250W at 8 ohms. The new and exclusive M Range of active bi-amped monitor wedge speakers offers compact, lightweight, and innovatively designed cabinets that combine with a powerful Class D amplifier. DAP Audio will also be showing the new XI-28B -- a compact and lightweight installation subwoofer -- plus the optional Xi-28B bracket that extends integration options.

Orbital Sound will showcase its portfolio of sound and communication systems. Among the firsts on show will be Flare Audio's new SM15 Stage Monitor and X5 Vertical Point Source Array system. As a long-standing d&b audiotechnik UK sales and installation partner, Orbital is spotlighting the new high-power D80 amplifier plus examples from the highly regarded Black & White Series, the company says. Other innovations on show include the extensive range of Clear-Com and HME communication solutions, including the HelixNet digital wired system, the HME DX210, and Tempest digital wireless systems. Completing the lineup will be TheatrePro's range of resilient, miniature, head-worn microphones.

RCF will introduce a number of new products to the UK market for the first time. For pro audio professionals unable to make it over to Frankfurt for last month's Prolight+Sound showcase, this will be the perfect opportunity to assess RCF's new suite, which features a number of mission critical solutions. It includes the compact HDL10-A as well as the new ART 745 -- an active two-way speaker. The EVOX 5 and EVOX 8 will be shown for the first time in the UK together with examples from the new L-PAD Series of compact mixers, plus the new Media Series subs.

MilTec (UK) Ltd will be showcasing a wide range of new products. In addition to the stand in the New Dock Hall, the company will have a live demo room in the Holiday Inn Hotel. Demos will run all day and will give visitors an opportunity to listen to the Blakite range of speakers and to see a selection of LED lighting products. The Blakite speakers were designed by MilTec and are built in the UK. Its success has inspired the company to expand its UK manufacturing to produce a new range of class-D amplifiers and LED Lighting products, including the Mini-Map LED module.

Total Solutions Group will have the OV Truss, which was launched at last year's show, on its stand. It has been greatly received -- TSG reports an extensive list of clients after its first year of production. Chris Higgs (rigging training manager, TSG) and Harry Box (UK igging) will hold the Riggers' Forum on Tuesday afternoon and will be joined by a panel representing venues and their clients and contractors.

The 5 Star Group will be showing a selection of its current products, including flight cases and other solutions for the safe and convenient transportation of all types of equipment. This year, 5 Star will showcase its recently introduced Pro-Tect bags and covers -- a range of standard and bespoke padded bags and covers, which are tough, hard-wearing, and practical, the company says. Its stand will also feature examples of custom-built flight cases, featuring the updated Industrial Rack range. 5 Star's Keith Sykes comments, "We're looking forward to PLASA Focus again. It is a great meeting point and networking opportunity for the industry."

Adastra will be exhibiting a selection of new products from its wide range of audio equipment. During the event, special introductory offers will be available to Adastra trade accounts opened at the show. "We look forward to meeting up with friends old and new," says a company spokesperson. "Visit Adastra on stand R-C05, leave your details to receive a free gift, and collect a catalog whilst you're there." Adastra is an AVSL Group Ltd brand that has been supplying public address systems for more than 60 years. Adastra offers the latest in 100V line, public address, and background music systems.

Liverpool-based Adlib Audio will exhibit at PLASA Focus: Leeds, fresh from being appointed as a UK distributor for Coda Audio's ViRAY and TiRAY product ranges. Its stand will be dedicated to ViRAY. The audio rental specialist and technical solutions provider has backed and invested heavily in the German loudspeaker manufacturer since its launch and was an early adopter of Coda's large and medium format line arrays for its rental stock.

PLASA Focus: Leeds 2014 is the perfect setting for nurturing new and established business relationships in a friendly and productive environment. To register for a free ticket and to discover more about what's on offer, including the Professional Development Program, with more than 15 free-to-attend seminars, presented by some of the most respected practitioners in the industry, visit: www.plasafocus.com/leeds.