In one of the most defining moments in pro audio history, the world's leading line array manufacturers are being invited to go head-to-head in a shoot-out at this year's PALME Asia show, (previously known as PALA) in Singapore, July 12-14, Singapore Expo.

The opportunity for visitors to make their own evaluation on a large scale is a development of the idea piloted at PALME India last year - on a much larger scale. As a result, PALME Asia's associate partner, UnUsUal Productions, will build the special infrastructure for the Event 360° segment of the show to support this in Hall 5 at Singapore Expo (which will now operate in parallel with the integrated exhibition in Halls 3 and 4).

"This is a major breakthrough for PALME Asia," said the show's sales manager, Hanslee Azhar. "We will be offering a maximum of 12 manufacturers the opportunity to participate ­- and the response has been overwhelming."

To date world-renowned manufacturers such as DAS Audio, RCF, Meyer Sound, L'Acoustics, NEXO, TOA, Bosch/EVI, d&b audiotechnik and Master Audio have all confirmed direct participation, while others are expected to enter via local distributors.

Exhibition organisers IIR Exhibitions Entertainment & Installation Technology Group will provide mono loudspeaker control, and the necessary manpower to rig the systems. All the manufacturers need to do is arrive with their test CD, and for a maximum of five minutes put their loudspeaker hangs through their paces.

"The shoot-out will take place twice a day over the full three days of the show," confirms Mr. Azhar. "Each session will last around two hours." As there will only be a minimal participation fee to manufacturers to cover costs, this is being seen as a highly cost-effective way of evaluating systems on an even playing field.

Mr. Azhar adds that this innovation is indicative of the surge of interest that has accompanied the rebranding of the former PALA Show, which operated under that banner for the past 18 years.

"The introduction of PALME Asia has given everyone a fresh outlook. Aside from the additional space now taken up in Hall 5 for these special features, the fact is that we have already welcomed more first-time exhibitors this year than at any show in the past."