Robe enjoyed PLASA 2024 where four new products were launched by the Czechia-based manufacturer the iFORTE Fresnel, the PAINTE Fresnel, the SVOPATT and the SVB1 WashBeam moving light.
Robe also premiered its new live exhibition performance, “The Fifth Dimension” complete with three live performers including aerial acrobat and dancer Oskar Skrypko.
All of Robe’s businesses, Avolites, LSC, Anolis and Artistic Licence, occupying areas surrounding the main Robe stand. The iBOLT also won a PLASA Award for Innovation.
The show featured dance moves and acrobatic stunts and a visual show containing all the newly launched lighting products together with several others that have been launched throughout 2024. All elements of the 9-minute hi-action show were produced by Robe’s in-house creative team led by Nathan Wan and Andy Webb. A combination of trampoline and Chinese Pole acrobatics were used in The Fifth Dimension to enthral crowds every 90 minutes of the show day. Over 200 lighting fixtures, 44 DMX universes and 920 pixels, nearly 1000 cues were executed in the 9-minute show which was programmed on an Avolites Diamond D9-215 console that ran to timecode.
An Avolites AI Q3PRO server was utilised to run the video, and five LED screens were prominent on the stand and incorporated into the show for scenic information. They were positioned around Oscar’s main central jump perch, which was recessed into the back wall, from where he launched himself at serious velocity to the custom trampoline installed below in the upstage area.
The newly launched SVOPATT fixtures brought looks to The Fifth Dimension from their prominent mid truss positioning. These were joined by 16 new SVB1 fixtures, comprising a single SVOPATT cell on a moving head base. Robe’s T32Cyc units showed flexibility in tight and challenging-to-access spaces with shallow throw distances, mounted above the printed side panels to the stage, used for key lighting these in close proximity.
Wan wanted a TetraX feature as part of the show, and this show was built from 28 TetraXs upstage which silhouetted the performers. They were contrasted with 14 Tetra2 LED moving battens positioned in the set ‘windows’ sweeping curtains of light across the stage.
10 iBOLTS were central on the main rig. Wan wanted to illustrate how these fixtures can be integrated into indoor shows, as well as being searchlights when outside. 35 Robe PAINTES in the rig shaped ‘big-rock show’ moments, with SpiiderX wash beams providing stage and set wash coverage, filling the area.
Several of Robe’s T15 PCs and fresnel luminaires rigged over the stage augmented the top wash positions, together with the just-launched FORTE Fresnel, with more T15 PCs and fresnels on side booms.
Additional floor-based key lighting came from FOOTSIE Slim units deployed along the front of the stage, and LEDBeam 350s were above the trampoline in a U-shape to light Oscar’s bounces, dives and flying leaps, while four SpiiderXs either side of the trampoline provided cross lighting and pixel eye-candy.
Six MegaPointes were positioned in front of the LEDBeam 350s also above the trampoline – a nod to vintage Robe. Every available centimetre of space on the booth was utilised, ensuring that Robe a busy stand at PLASA London.
The Avolites booth was stage right in relation to Robe and launched itsD7 console.
“This year was probably the best show in recent years for Avolites,” Avolites MD Paul Wong commented. “We presented a strong product line-up on our stand, especially with the new D7 console that showcased the depth, detail and flexibility of our commitment to visual – video & lighting – control. Of course, it was a great opportunity to catch up with all our loyal supporters and meet lots of new ones! We were delighted to see such a very busy stand and be part of the Robe Family of Businesses – which is a testament to how much we’ve progressed in the last 12 months.”
“PLASA was a really positive experience,” said LSC’s Founder and Managing Director, Gary Pritchard. “Being in two high-profile locations allowed us to get the full benefit of the show’s top quality visitor base. The level of interest in our products, and the awareness of their advantages, was very satisfying.”
The UNITY range of power distribution and dimming systems was successful and is a consideration for consultants and specifiers of which many visited LSC throughout the show days. Also shown was LSC’s new NEXEN range of Ethernet/DMX converters, offering conversion of the entertainment industry’s most-used protocols, including Art-Net, sACN, DMX512-A, RDM and ArtRDM.
Other highlights included the latest software update to the Mantra lite control software: Mantra V4 sees the addition of colour mixing options for 7+ colour LED systems and full support for multi-intensity fixtures among other new features for this powerful entry-level lighting control console.
Being part of the Robe family increased the level of interest in the LSC product range both from their own customer base and worldwide dealer / distribution network. “It has opened the door to many new opportunities internationally, and all at LSC are very excited to be part of this new and fast-paced adventure!” concluded Pritchard.
Anolis showcased its new Agame colour changing ‘window reveal’ light together with a selection of fixtures from the Ambiane, Eminere and Calumma families.
“The show has been great. It’s always good when the Robe team gets together. We have seen many friends and made lots of new ones,” Anolis’s Ashley Popple, commented. “Hits for us at the show have been the new inground Lyrae fixtures with NFC tilt control and our Agame niche light.”
“It’s been fantastic to meet customers and industry colleagues new and old, as well as connect them to the other brands in the Robe family,” Artistic Licence’s Product Application Specialist Tim Smith, commented. “We had a great time discussing how best to apply and specify the Artistic Licence products as well as unpacking some of their more innovative features and capabilities. Of particular interest to visitors this year, the sunDial and candlePower LED dimmers with their customisable dimming curves, in addition to our artLynx gateways and DMX wall controllers for whole venue or auditorium control.”
Robe product specialist Dave Whitehouse collected Robe’s innovation award, he echoed others in saying that PLASA 2024 was “even more special this year with the entire Robe Group around our stand.”
His show highlights included the launch of the SVOPATT, the SVB1 WashBeam, and the compact PAINTE Fresnel which is packed with advanced beam control features that lighting designers love.
“It is fantastic to see this outstanding product celebrated not only for its cutting-edge effects package but also for its industry-leading safety features. Winning the Award is a remarkable achievement for the entire Robe team!” Whitehouse concluded.
