What happens when you mix industry-leading gear, groundbreaking tech demos, and some of the brightest minds in live event production? You get Plasa 2011 at Earls Court — and for our team at Durham Events, it was a game-changer.
We didn’t go just to browse. After wrapping up a successful summer season, including the unforgettable Crastonbury 2011, we knew it was time to take things up a notch. That meant seriously rethinking our PA systems, monitoring setup, wireless tech, and lighting design.
Plasa offered exactly what we needed: hands-on experience with the latest gear, direct conversations with top manufacturers, and a space to dream big about what we could offer next.
Big Sound, Bigger Ideas
Few things matched the thrill of speaking with Tony Andrews, the legendary founder of Funktion One. His commitment to pure, unprocessed sound struck a chord with us (literally). We’ve always admired Funktion One, but after seeing their Resolution 2 tops and F218 bass bins in action, they moved to the top of our investment list. Paired with Lab Gruppen amplifiers, it was clear this combo could future-proof our touring-grade sound systems.
We also reconnected with APG Audio, a hidden gem in the speaker world. Their latest systems showed major acoustic improvements — the kind that make mid-sized gigs sound like full-blown arenas. For premium indoor events, they’re on our radar again.
Lighting That Tells a Story
Two brands that turned heads? Chauvet and Clay Paky. Chauvet’s pro-level fixtures offered impressive flexibility — great for both clubs and touring applications. Clay Paky, on the other hand, pushed the boundary of what's technically possible. We might not be adding their flagship models to our stock just yet, but they’ve definitely set the benchmark for what’s next in intelligent lighting.
Speaker Tech Worth Shouting About
We evaluated loudspeaker systems from EAW, RCF, Ohm, JBL, Tannoy, and QSC — and one system stood out: EAW’s dual 10” coaxial rig. With 140dB peak performance and a compact footprint, it’s the kind of speaker that transforms outdoor stages and larger venues. You get raw power without the back-breaking setup.
Mixers, Wireless Gear, and Game-Changing Tools
As longtime fans of Allen & Heath, we were excited to get hands-on with the GSR24 hybrid console. Analog warmth meets digital precision, complete with dual valve circuits and intuitive layout — perfect for the hybrid world we now live in.
One wildcard? The Tri Wi system, capable of sending two channels of HD audio and DMX lighting control up to two kilometers away — with just 11ms latency. This opens the door for fully wireless festival setups, especially where long cable runs are impossible or unsafe.
The Takeaway: Why Plasa 2011 Mattered
Attending Plasa wasn’t about chasing trends. It was about making smarter choices for our clients and the future of Durham Events. This trip gave us:
- A clear direction for sound and lighting investment
- Stronger ties with global brands like Funktion One, Lab Gruppen, and Allen & Heath
- Deeper technical knowledge to serve more ambitious productions
- Fresh creative inspiration to offer better AV solutions in both private and public settings
Looking Ahead
We returned from London re-energized. Some of the gear we saw at Plasa is already influencing our event setups, and there’s more to come. From live music to corporate functions, our clients can expect the best in sound, light, and production support — backed by real field research and a passion for pushing boundaries.
Durham Events isn’t just keeping up — we’re setting the pace.
