live

Gaffer Tape: the original BLACK 357, and now some NEON

We all know that gaffer tape holds the world together. Where do you use gaff? Taping down leads on stage at gigs, a little bit on the snare and tom skins, fixing a microphone clip that has broken at precisely the wrong time. Some of us have used it to fix bits of our cars that have broken, temporary window repairs, even as a makeshift guitar strap if the wheels have really fallen off your mojo.

Back in October 2009 (seems like a while ago now), we explained the origins of gaffer tape for our industry, while at the same time getting a little carried away and building our 'Great Tower of Gaffa'. Not much has changed with the original - and easily still the best - Nashua 357 since then. We however have changed.

Now we make sure that not only do we still keep truckloads of BLACK 357 and WHITE 357, but we've recently added SILVER Nashua357S, and for those who demand non-reflective we've got a good supply of NASHUA GAFFA510 matte black now in stock. Bear in mind that the 510 is 48mm (2") like the rest of the NASHUA Gaffer Tape series we keep, but a shorter length at 27.5m. The Nashua 357 variations are all 40m.

For those who like to stand out, we've also seriously upped our stock holding of all things bright and sticky. Still plenty of the traditional coth HAZARD tape, and you'll now find some TUNNEL HAZARD tape. The extra-wide (150mm) tape has a non-stick channel down the centre, so you avoid the sticky mess on your cables at the end of a gig. And for the NEON lovers, we've got both 1" and 2" versions of PINK, YELLOW, ORANGE and GREEN.

Even more? By special request, we have also been getting some other interesting colours in stock. Whatever your tape requirements are - colourful, safety, or the stock standard genuine Nashua357 style gaffer's tape, we have definitely got it covered. Of course, there is no question that it's always going to be at a great price.

GX Series Amps by QSC

QSC Amplifiers have been up amongst the favourites at Factory Sound since 'the mid 90s' and still they keep coming up with the goods. The latest range - GX series - is designed for middle-of-the-road power requirements, delivering it nicely at an entry-level price.

There are three models in the range, something for everyone requiring 'a good amount' of power for their speaker system. They're all happy to run at either 2 x 8ohm loads, or 2 x 4ohm loads.

When we first got a bunch of these amps into stock, we imagined that they would be most suited to portable sound systems - the travelling PA for DJs and bands with passive speakers who simply want consistent and reliable sound with a nice punch. However, the GX series has quickly proven to be a winner for installers needing to source amplifiers for their project / venue.

Snapshot of the three models...

GX3: 2 x 300w @ 8 ohm / 2 x 425w @ 4 ohm / 12.1 kg
GX5: 2 x 500w @ 8ohm / 2 x 700w @ 4ohm / 12.6 kg
GX7: 2 x 725w @ 8ohm / 2 x 1000w @ 4ohm / 7.5 kg

They're all nice and compact at just 257mm depth, and the front panel LED indicators show power, input and clipping, plus you've got a couple of gain control knobs also on the front (21 detented steps). On the back is your switch of fullrange / crossover (set at 100Hz), plus all the inputs and outputs you'd ever need.

AND there's loads of on-board protection to make sure you cook neither your shiny new GX series amplifier, nor the speakers you're hooking up to. GX is setting a new standard for affordable amplifiers. Nice work QSC - as we expect.