H H T R S - 1 5 0 0 & T R S - 1 8 0 0 : TRS-1500 £: TRS-1800 £. I have been a DJ for 40 years (I’m also the Treasurer of the South Eastern Discotheque Association (SEDA)) and during my career have been fortunate to have owned, used, or heard many of the top-brand speakers used by both mobile DJs and bands. 74 777444 74 sponsored by I started out with Fal (Futuristic Aids Ltd) Speakers, but quickly moved on to better, though I have to admit that I have never owned any HH speakers for some strange reason.

Perhaps it was the weight of the older systems that put me off! HH is a British manufacturer, founded in 1968 by Mike Harrison, Graham Lowes and Malcolm Green in Cambridge. They started out by making and designing solid-state, studio-quality amplifiers that were used in many recording studios, even the BBC. During the 70s the range of equipment was extended to the design and manufacture of speaker cabinets and combo systems.

In order to match the quality of the speakers to the amplifiers, Ed Forme, an acoustic specialist, designed their speakers with cast magnesium alloy frames and cabinets. The results were legendary and some of them are still in use today. In the 1990s HH were bought out by Laney Amplification and moved to the West Midlands. Around this time it seems that they went off the radar for a bit.

Though they carried on, and several of the original staff moved to the new home of HH, with the last of those only retiring a few months ago. So, how about these newest subs? The build quality of both the TRS-1500 and TRS-1800 is excellent. With an acoustically damped all-wood construction finished with a rugged spatter-paint finish, they feel like they can withstand many years of service on the road.

They are also visually appealing with full black front grill and a light-up red HH logo on the front. On all of the tests I did, I was using a Formula sound mixer that was running totally flat. I did not allow the mixer to go into clipping, so the signal in was very clean. TRS-1500 For a 15-inch speaker the cabinet is surprisingly compact, measuring just 465 x 500 x 556mm (18.3 x 19.7 x 21.9 inches) and weighing only 28kg (61.7lbs).

It is very comfortable to carry, thanks to the large recessed carry handles, and, to be honest, did not feel that heavy – or perhaps I had an extra Weetabix that morning! The top of the speaker has a standard 35mm distance pole socket for adding your chosen tops. Within the cabinet there is a high-grade class D amplifier combined with a long-throw 15-inch woofer, delivering low-end performance. All of 2 4 X K R M - HH TRS PIONEER - this is enclosed in a solid, lightweight enclosure with optimal bass porting.

Stereo input and highpass output connections provide optimal crossover separation between full-range and sub frequencies. Need more bass? No problem. The shape preset boosts sub harmonic frequencies delivering a deeper bass response.

The power is rated at 700W continuous and 1400W peak, with frequency response of 37-250HZ (variable 60-200HZ) and a max SPL of 128dB at 1m. At the rear of the cabinet there are two balanced XLR inputs, two balanced link outputs, two balanced XLR fixed hi-pass outputs, a volume control, shape switch, ground lift switch, a phase switch, the power switch, a clip indicator light, and finally, a variable crossover frequency control (60-200hz). For my test, I ran the subs with two HH Tensor TRE-1201s, and the sound reproduction was exceptional.

I find that a good test for speakers is reggae music, which always shows speakers at their full potential, and these handled this genre with ease. Another great track to play is Dire Straits’ ‘Sultans of Swing’, and I was not disappointed here either. The bass delivery and reproduction something to be heard. For the size of the cabinet and price, you certainly get a lot for your money.

Combined with a five-year warranty and dedicated UK aftermarket support, I can see these cabinets being very popular the years to come. Indeed, I am very tempted to own set in the near future! TRS-1800 As with the TRS-1500, the TRS-1800 cabinet surprisingly compact and I had serious doubts they could possibly perform to the standard you’d expect of STAYING HH TRS - MOBILE 1500 & TRS - an 18-inch sub. Measuring just 540 x 580 x 592mm (21.3 x 22.8 x 23.3 inches) and weighing only 31kg (68.3lbs), again, they were easy to lift and carry, which is down to the clever positioning of the recessed handles.

Like the TRS-1500, the top of the speaker has a standard 35mm distance pole socket for adding your chosen tops. Enclosed is the same high-grade class D amplifier but with an 18-inch long-throw woofer, delivering power of 700W continuous, and 1400W max, peak frequency response at 35-250HZ (variable 60-200HZ) and maximum SPL of 130dB at 1m. The rear of the speaker has the same inputs, outputs and adjustments as the TRS-1500, which will make life a lot easier if you’re using different systems.

I tested the TRS-1800 using two HH Tensor TRE-1501s and played the same tracks through the system. Again, I was very impressed with how good the reproduction is at both high and low volume with the tracks I played. The bass was very deep and you could really feel the extra SPL. My reggae tracks were handled with sublime ease, making them sound awesome! is These new speakers from HH are excellent value for the money and perform far better than expected for their price band.

The TRS-1500 and TRS-1800 in will happily work with the Tensor TRE series in any a combination, and the stereo inputs on the rear of the subs mean that one sub could be used with two tops for smaller gigs. In my opinion, my tests prove that HH are back to is doing what they do best. You really need to give these a listen when you are in need of well-manufactured, high-performance speakers, at a great price. : KML301 MSRP: £ Laser lighting is a Marmite subject for many DJs, some love it whilst others loath it.

Traditionally, haze or fog have been key to an effective laser light show, but with restrictions on using atmospherics in so many venues now, the impact of these effects is lessened. Thankfully, the technology has progressed a lot, and the clever people who design and develop lasers are now producing effects that work just as well without a haze or fog machine in sight. 76 76 sponsored by Established in 1987, Kam is a well-known brand in the DJ market, having forged a reputation for producing affordable, good-quality live entertainment equipment that caters well to mobile DJs and touring bands.

The Kam iLink is part of a trio of laser effects, which as the name suggests, can be linked together to perform expanded and therefore, more impressive light shows. The unit is well built, comprising a tough metal chassis combined with sturdy polycarbonate, a tough adjustable hanging bracket, and four rubber feet. I love how neat and compact it is – perfect for mobile use, especially as it comes with a remote control for ensuring a quick and easy setup.

The back panel is well laid out for such a compact unit, housing mains input with integrated fuse holder, 3-pin DMX input and output, key switch (laser on/off ), remote jack socket, built-in microphone for sound mode, safety chain loop and a decent-sized LED display with control interface panel buttons. Kam has kept the front neat and tidy with laser output aperture and the infrared remote receiver. Additionally, there are two pleasantly surprising features: a main power indicator light and a sound mode indicator that flashes in synchronisation with the music when sound mode is enabled – nice.

The light offers five functions: auto shows, sound active, DMX control, slave mode, and IR remote mode. There are modifications on each of the modes that you can adjust via the control panel. KAM ILINK 500RGB Auto mode has seven auto shows, 100mw/445nm, including beam, 3D, bursting and power output grating effects. Along with the guarantees 10-channel DMX control, you consumption have master/slave mode and full drain on power control of X, Y, Z rolling, zooming lasers can be. and 32 shapes in a pattern library at only 1.6kg to play with.

There is also a ‘test’ is amazing, function that displays a cross being just 170(w) effect, which can be used to help mm (excluding position and centre the laser (the lasers can sometimes shift slightly The million-dollar in transit). The cross is also useful does it perform for safety reasons, as the crosshair haze? In my indicates the outer reaches of the that points at laser’s capabilities, helping you more impressive establish where best to position atmosphere. the effect. that TV use haze all The IR remote is extremely handy, used subtly, especially when you need to set lift the effects.) up quickly and throw in some laser haze or fog, magic without worrying about flat spaces like DMX enhancement.

Entering IR – even a marquee mode is simple: just hold down the great canvas. on/off button for two seconds. I beams and love this feature – no reaching to create superb adjust buttons on the back of the whilst doubling unit. The IR remote is a typical the dancefloor. credit card-sized unit, and the functions are minimal but more After testing than flexible enough to put on a confirm that good show. All seven auto shows RGB is banging can be selected by repeatedly point.

What pressing the auto button; you for under £200? can also activate sound mode and striking, and adjust sound sensitivity. If you light for a party prefer to colour coordinate your 250 people. effects, colours can be selected have a host of via the remote, as can your to create stunning favourite shapes from the pattern shows, all with library. There is even a ‘repeat enough to sit play’ option where the current and last pattern will switch back Delivering a and forth automatically. roadworthy plentiful auto Let ’s get tec hnical for a adjustable moment – the effect is a laser, loads of punch, after all – because safety is a laser light paramount when using any portable, laser effect.

The laser power to last. With rating is Red 150mW/650nm, date technology, Green 50mW/532nm, and Blue full DMX SKTAAMY IINLIGN KM O50B0ILREGB kam ilink 500rgb while the typical RGB delivers high visibility, longis 500mW and Kam throw beam effects that look 300mW. The power stunning alone or mixed with fog is 12W, so not the or haze. This is one of the few that we know some effects I would definitely keep The unit weighs in in the van; perfect for when you and the foot space need a little extra punch in your with the dimensions setup. x 145(d) x 80(h) the bracket).

I’ll have Marmite on my toast, thanks – I love it. question is how with and without opinion, any lighting a dancefloor looks with some added (It’s no accident entertainment shows the time; even when it can dramatically If you don’t use the trick is to use walls and ceilings roof creates a The patterns, bright colourways can help lighting atmosphere up as lighting for it with haze, I can the Kam iLink 500 for this price more could you want The shows are it throws plenty of space of around Thanks to DMX, you controls and options and imaginative a unit that’s small in your cable case. compact, lightweight, laser effect with and manual options, hanging bracket and Kam has created that is extremely adaptable and feels built clever use of up-towhilst including control, the iLink