The cost of living may be going up, but the cost of digital audio is going down. So says the Roland Systems Group (RSG), which is to host a series of Open Afternoons to introduce the new M-400 Digital Mixer and ‘the Digital Snake', the latest technologies from ‘RSS by Roland'. With full digital audio control available from under £6,000, these products shatter previous price-points for professional live applications.

RSG is recruiting specialist support from allied companies to provide a fully rounded programme for a day rich in hands-on opportunities.

• The V-Mixing System from RSS, comprising the M-400 48-channel digital console and 40-channel digital snake, will be offered up for test drives.

• Sister company Edirol will be presenting professional video technology and addressing topical issues such as audio-video integration.

• Sound reinforcement system manufacturer RCF will be demonstrating its new line array and power amplifier designs.

• Sennheiser will offer a selection of wired and wireless microphones to be tried out in a real live environment, with real live musicians.

RSG's Open Afternoons will be staged in three cities. On 4 June, the event will take place at the Sage Centre in Gateshead. On 5 June, they will be in The Pure Rooms in Manchester, and on 6 June, at the Walsall College in Walsall. Visitors will have ample opportunity to get hands-on with all the products on display, and a special 2-hour show starting each day at 2pm will deliver a clear overview of how they can be used for live performance, accompanied by practical demonstration using live musicians.

The RSG events will appeal to a wide range of industry professionals from the fields of event production and theatre, as well as sound engineers and performing musicians. The RSG team also welcomes non-audio specialists from the fields of education and corporate events who want to gain a broad-brush understanding of the latest digital technology.

Attendance is by ticket only, which can be booked via the RSG website www.rolandsg.co.uk.