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PLASA, London, Earl's Court, September 10th - 13th, 2006

Established over 16 years ago, Plasa 2006 continued with the tradition of Plasa Awards for Innovation announced during a ceremony attended by special guest Sir George Martin. Eight awards were presented in recognition of the impressive design and development work going on across the industry. The awarded products are desciribed at the bottom of this page. Some of the products have been around for a while already, some also have predecessors made by other companies.
Products introduced at PLASA 2006:
- First digital live sound console by Cadac - DiGiCo introduces major hardware and software upgrade - Introduction of plug-in effects by Innovason - Allen & Heath to launch dedicated live monitor mixer - TA-500 full-range speaker by Turbosound - Meyer Sound's MJF-212 stage monitor - Digital processing and compact ribbon speaker by Alcons - Introduction of the Dolby Lake Processor - New Artist Series by Audio-Technica - beyerdynamic launches Opus 900 wireless system - European debut for AKG's Perception 400 condenser mic - New range of Tannoy Install Design loudspeakers - Audica brand launches with CUK Audio - D.A.S. introduces powered Variant array system - VLA line array by JBL for permanent installations - 35 years of Martin Audio - DPA Microphones' debut at Plasa - Headzone for portable surround monitoring	- Martin Professional at Plasa - Consoles, dimmers and nodes by Compulite - Clay Paky expands its Alpha line - Roscolux is first new filter range in 14 years - Innovative Ribbonlift at LightFactor booth - MAlighting launches passive nodes - G-Lec introduces the Tube and fast data transfer - Le Maitre adds MVS to its range of hazers
Plasa Awards 2006:
Avolites mDMX system is the latest in the Avolites’ line of data transmission products: it sends multiple 512 channel DMX universes over mains cable at normal data transfer speed with no need for a separate DMX cable. Fixtures can either have mDMX receivers built in or use an mDMX receiver to distribute DMX in the usual way. The Dolby Lake Processor provides advanced control and flexibility of complex speaker systems for live events, fixed installations and studio settings. Easy to integrate into any audio system, the processor’s software interface is intuitive, and thanks to innovative four front-panel portals and a wireless tablet, engineers can monitor a system easily, making adjustments in real-time. Global Design Solutions' Blues System represents a new approach to performance working lights: it is intended to replace bulkheads, fluorescents and theatre profiles currently used for performance blues. Manufactured from UV-stable polycarbonate, the lights have a sleek, compact and robust design and being sealed to IP67, installation is possible in most environments. The Vieta is a range of uniquely-styled speakers and accessories which use Garwood-specified wireless technology and state-of-the-art battery power to provide clear, controllable sound in situations where conventional speaker systems cannot. The range is built around the So Cube, an omnidirectional speaker design that is completely wireless. Pharos Architectural Controls' Audio Visual Controller allows to control audio, lighting and video with a single system which combines the functionality of two DVD players and a vision mixer using solid-state electronics. In addition to playing back video, it also manages dissolves, wipes, video effects and accepts a live video input. All functions are programmed using timelines with Pharos Designer software. TiMax Track The Actors system comprises a TiMax Audio Imaging delay matrix driven by a Track The Actors (TTA) system. A Cordis Radio Eye mounted above the stage receives signals from radio tags worn by each actor, which are fed via Ethernet to the TTA software. MIDI messages are then sent to the TiMax software which sends level/delay instructions in the TiMax matrix to place the actors’ audio images in the appropriate position on stage. This all takes place automatically and in real-time. Volex Power Products' V-Lock range of connectors is based on IEC 63320 -1 offering a cost-effective solution designed to eliminate the problem of accidental power disconnection during the challenges of ‘on the road’ trucking or live performance. It has a locking feature with release button to secure the connector with its mating inlet and is available in various IEC standard configurations. The Wybron InfoTrace system uses RDM for the control and management of DMX-controlled lighting devices. Consisting of InfoGate software, the system works on a combination of the following: ‘IT’ products from Wybron or RDM compatible equipment from any manufacturer; Non-RDM compatible devices equipped with an InfoChip (manufactured by Wybron); and an InfoStore web-based information aggregator. ‘IT’ products are equipped with sensors to detect light, temperature, voltage, current, fan speed and gelstring information. An entire rig can therefore be identified, addressed and tested from a laptop or PDA. In addition to the main award winners, commendations were also given to Adam Hall for its adjustable top-hat and Sennheiser for both its A5000 Antenna and its Tourguide 2020D. No Environmental Award was presented this year. The money raised from the entry fees was presented to five charities that have a direct link to the industry – Dance4Life, a worldwide project to fight back HIV and AIDS; the Elizabeth Foundation, a voluntary organisation for supporting deaf children and their parents; Vocaleyes, a charity providing audio description for blind and partially sighted people to help them gain access to the arts; Light Relief, which supports lighting professionals in times of need and the George Martin Foundation, which is currently supporting the development of a new cultural and community centre in Montserrat.