Robe - LEADERBOARD - Feb 2025
PLASA Show 2025 - Banner - June-Aug 2025

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UK - Front of house engineer Robbie McGrath used a Midas PRO6 live audio system for Kasabian's Royal Albert Hall performance in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust. The concert, plus three warm up shows, was recorded onto a Klark Teknik DN9696 hard disk recorder. Support band The Hours was also mixed on a PRO6, with a third on stage for monitors. All equipment was provided by Entec Sound and Light.

This was the first time McGrath has used Midas digital, and to reassure himself it could provide all the familiar characteristics of the company's analogue boards, he carried out some A/B testing prior to spec'ing the PRO6.

"I wanted to find out how much of the Midas analogue sound had been captured and transferred into their digital domain, and I was extremely happy to discover that

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USA - Recently designated as an official New York City landmark, Webster Hall has served as one of Manhattan's premier live music venues for well over 120 years. In 2005, the nightclub made a leap forward in terms of production values by installing a full L-Acoustics dV-Dosc loudspeaker system in its 1,400-capacity Grand Ballroom located on the second floor. Based on that system's success, Webster Hall has once again turned to L-Acoustics, this time to outfit its intimate 300-capacity basement venue known as The Studio @ Webster Hall.

Kevin Mignone of Island Park-based KM Productions was brought in to design and install The Studio's system, which now benefits from three ARCS per side flown in a horizontal array and powered by two LA4 amplified controllers. Four SB28 subwoofers, driven by a single LA8, are positioned end-to-end behind a sturdy steel grille under the front lip of

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Germany - Marie Antoinette is the latest stage musical by Germany's popular and successful writing team Sylvester Levay and Michael Kunze. The show's spring European premiere at the Musical Theatre Bremen featured a "source-oriented reinforcement" approach by sound designer Athanasios Rovakis', controlled by an automatic actor tracking and panning system: TiMax Tracker and the TiMax delay matrix from Outboard UK.

16 actors wore miniature radar-frequency UWB transmitter TT Tags which were tracked by six TT Sensors installed around the stage and the auditorium. The TiMax Tracker software used an automatic calibration routine to instantaneously map the stage area in three dimensions based on some simple measured Sensors location data. Thereafter the system followed the actors' movements around stage and sent this information via MIDI to the TiMax showcontrol softwa

Doughty - Banner - from 4 July 2025

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Norway - projectiondesign has supplied three of its DLP projectors to Japanese artist Ryoji Ikeda for use in the major retrospective of his work.

Best-known as Japan's leading composer of electronic music, Ikeda uses both sound and visual imagery to produce intensely physical experiences for his audience. His new retrospective is being hosted by Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, which opened on 2 April and will continue to 21 June 2009, is titled '+/- [the infinite between 0 and 1]', and includes new commissions, sound works and large-scale audio visual projections.

Three F32 series will be used to power 'data.tron [3 SXGA+ version]', an expanded edition of Ikeda's floor-to-ceiling screen of art, which seeks to physically overwhelm visitors with a staggering array of binary data such as the numbers 0 and 1.

Ken Sampei, director of Mix Wave, comments: "In today's

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Czech Republic - The twelfth edition of the Prague Quadrennial (PQ) will take place in June 2011. The PQ 2011 organisers hope to attract a large number of performance disciplines from theatre and visual arts. In 2007 almost 30.000 visitors and 5.000 active participants visited the PQ 07.

After more than 40 years of existence, the Prague Quadrennial International Exhibition of Scenography and Theatre Architecture is changing its name to the Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space, with the goal of breaking down the often imaginary differences between the performance fields. "In the next edition we want to include a wider range of disciplines and genres connected to performance design and to observe current trends in contemporary performance," explains Sodja Lotker, artistic director of the PQ. This is also the reason for widening the international team of cur

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UK - Paul Weller rocked the O2 Arena in London last week with a set encompassing tracks from his new album, 22 Dreams as well as classics from his extensive back catalogue.

The show's video design was the work of creative director Justine Catterall, who also produced custom content for 12 songs of the set. All the hardware - including MiTrix LED screen, Catalyst control, 2 camera systems, projection and PPU - plus crew were supplied by XL Video, project managed by Des Fallon. Matt Askem directed the live IMAG mix and Stuart Heaney crew chiefed. The playback content was programmed onto two high spec Catalyst digital media servers, operated by Richard Stembridge.

Catterall's design brought a quirky and fragmented look to the stage using 36 panels of MiTrix LED screen arranged at jaunty angles, suspended on three overstage trusses, providing additional depth and dimension

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Sweden - The annual EAU (European Association of Urology) congress was held this year in Stockholm, Sweden. As a curtain raiser to the event, the EAU has a history of providing its visitors with a high class classical concert which forms the spectacular opening ceremony. Last year part of the La Scala Theatre Company produced the concert in Milan, and so the 24th Congress in the Swedish capital had a lot to live up to.

Although the venue at the Stockholm International Fair is not ideally suited for a classical event of this nature, with some subtle amplification and careful design of the QSC WideLine-10 line array configuration by sound production and design company, DM Audio (part of EM Nordic AB), the concert was a big success.

Held in the A-1 hall, the 3,500 seats are spread wide across the auditorium, and thus WideLine-10, with its 140° horizontal dispersion characteri

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USA - Production designer Daunte Kenner, recently created an explosive show for Lil Wayne's I Am Music World Tour, a collaboration between Kenner and production manager Maceo Price - the brief was to achieve a concept never seen before in hip-hop.

Kenner explains: "We discussed conventional set styles but we agreed none were edgy enough. I proposed the idea of flying the entire five piece band - I thought a completely empty stage prior to Wayne's appearance - would make for a dramatic intro. Maceo loved it, but still wanted to include a complementary basic static set."

The finished product was five 8'x8' risers with clear plexi bottoms flown by a computer controlled system with a stationary ground set to match. The dramatic moving design fabricated by BRS Rigging, incorporated intense flame effects that demanded an entirely grated stage - a rolling 60' wide x

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USA - It's been 20 years since Mackie introduced the CR-1604. The company is now marking its 20 years of production by asking Mackoids to submit their Mackie stories and photos or Mackie video.

"We want to hear about your beer-drenched VLZ Pro that still works; the time you dropped your SRM450 off a building by accident and it powered up for your gig the same night; your original CR-1604 you still use religiously; your world-record for the largest collection of Mackie vintage swag; your Running Man tattoo that you had to get to show your devotion for Mackie," said Shaunna Thompson, Mackie media and pr manager.

"Whatever your story, funny or heartfelt, long or short, old school or new school... we want to hear it. Send in a photo too. If you really want to wow us, create a video on You Tube."

The entrant with the best Mackie story, based on creativity, ori

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UK - Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons - the Michelin-starred restaurant and hotel, nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside - has completed an overhaul of its meeting and private dining room, the newly-renamed La Belle Epoque. The AV design and installation project was entrusted to Chris Gunton of CGA Integration Limited and was based around Cloud Electronics' new digital amplifier and eight-channel output zoner, DCM-1, with a pair of CDR-1 digital wall controllers for end user ease of use.

CGA Integration has worked with Le Manoir for a number of years, developing a relationship originally through audio-visual maintenance within the 32-room, listed hotel. Chris Gunton's company is now the chosen contractor for new works. The meeting room installation follows a contract to provide a new IP television network throughout the hotel bedrooms as well as complete suite automation including DD

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UK - London's Westway A40 flyover has been illuminated and the area made safer by a joint venture between Light Projects, arts organisation Urban Eye and TFL. The result is a transformation of the dark and dangerous areas under the flyover near the communities of Ladbroke Grove and Portobello Road.

This major structure, which was previously underlit and one of the two main police crime 'hotspots' in the Borough, has been completely transformed into a pleasurable scene of activity between North and South Kensington. The new work includes striking artwork on some of the walls designed by Miles Watson, and a colourful lighting scheme by a creative partnership of Miles Watson and Lightscape Projects, part of the Light Projects Group. The innovative combination of art and lighting has transformed the oppressive and uninviting area into a safer, warm and visually-appealing street scen

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UK - Vaughan Sound Installations (VSI), in conjunction with Whitehead Building Services, completed the supply and installation of a full public address and voice evacuation system at the new and recently opened home of Llanelli RFC, Parc y Scarlets.

The high-tech stadium is located at Pemberton, Llanelli, UK, with close links to the M4 and surrounding areas.

VSI's long and established partnership with Whitehead BS includes work on numerous projects together. Whitehead were the electrical sub contractor to main contractor Andrew Scott on this, for end client Llanelli RFC and Scarlets Region. The project was a partnership between the Scarlets and Carmarthenshire County Council.

VSI's history with the club also dates back, including the installation of a public address system at the famous Stradey Park ground in 1999, for the Rugby World Cup.

VSI opted for the Community range

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UK - A Stage Technologies automation system has set the scene for the European première of the musical Spring Awakening. The rock-and-roll, coming-of-age show (winner of 8 Tony awards including 'Best Musical 2007') has taken London audiences by storm, playing to packed houses when opening at the Lyric Hammersmith. The UK production involved the original Broadway creative team; further tours are planned worldwide and a major film version is also in development.

Stage Technologies was on site at the Lyric for installation, commissioning, show programming during technical rehearsals, operator training and the press performance. The equipment installed consisted of an Illusionist console, a Maxis PTS control system, eight BigTow Classic winches, four counterweight assist winches (used to propel in-house flying bars), two point hoists installed in the grid (used for a platform eleva

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UK - Nestling against the dramatic backdrop of the Cornish coast, almost at Britain's most southerly point, lies the Minack Theatre - a gloriously visual outdoor performance venue. Northern Light has recently completed the upgrade of the venue's house lighting, which included cabling infrastructure, fixture renewal and DMX distribution.

Chris Watts, who had overall responsibility for project management on behalf of Northern Light, said: "It truly has been a joy to work on such an exceptional venue. An open air theatre presents its own unique challenges, particularly in terms of Mother Nature. The bulk of the installation took place in January during extremely inclement weather, but we stood up to the wind and rain and finished the job on time and on budget. The only other real issue was the distraction provided by the beautiful scenery."

New Blues System LED fittings

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UK - Over three months of Saturday night television saw primetime UK talent show The X Factor crown its latest winner in time to get the coveted Christmas Number 1 chart slot. February and March 2009 gave many of the finalists and their newly found fans a chance to get up close and personal as the X Factor Live tour played multiple shows at the UK and Ireland's main arenas.

With a live backing band and the various different performers singing individually before all coming together for the finale, it is a complex show to mix. But with sales and rental company Wigwam Acoustics supplying a DiGiCo SD7 and D5 on monitors and at Front of House respectively, the show is able to maintain its pace.

On stage, monitor engineer Sean Horsman has a combination of in-ears, wedges and sidefills, with 56 input channels and 12 mono and 12 stereo outputs on his SD7.

"As eac

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UK - The Lighting Hospital is a unique new concept developed by production industry technical maverick Dik Welland to take care of, treat, offer TLC, counselling and repair of specialist lighting equipment elements - with a fast, efficient, cost-effective and personal service, says the company.

The primary products repaired and serviced are electronic switch mode lamp power supplies up to 7Kw. Welland comments: "There was a definite gap in the market for the quick and efficient repair of these, especially when out of warranty, and that's initially why I have set up the company".

Additionally, The Lighting Hospital also caters for a far wider range of products, including low voltage switch mode power supplies and control boards covering a whole gamut of moving light brands including Vari*Lite, High End, Martin Professional, Robe lighting and others.

Xenon 7Kw and 5K

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UK - The hit revival of Oliver!, starring Rowan Atkinson, has opened in London's West End using ETC lighting and controls. And not only has the show received acclaim from the critics, but the Eos lighting desk has also received acclaim from lighting designer Paule Constable.

"We looked at other desks to use on this show," explains Constable, "but the Eos is definitely the most theatre based, with the best support available. I was really impressed. Eos is establishing itself in the lighting world as the best board for the theatre."

Programmer Nick Simmons says: "Paule and I first experienced the Eos two years ago, when we worked together at the National Theatre on War Horse, and the desk has come a long way since then. We worked with the Eos product design team and provided feedback which resulted in changes to the way some features work w

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South Africa - Robe DigitalSpots took their share of the limelight at a special concert staged in the Big Top Arena, Carnival City Johannesburg, ZA, to celebrate 10 years at the top for leading South African singer/songwriter, Juanita du Plessis.

Lighting for the event - also recorded for DVD and enjoyed by a live audience of 3000 - was designed by Francois van der Merwe from MJ Event Gear, the company contracted to supply all the lighting and AV equipment.

The over-stage lighting rig was based on three trusses - front, mid and back - and the four DigitalSpot 5000DTs were placed on an additional V shaped truss, positioned centre stage front. Video footage ran for every song, so it was a vital component of the look and feel of the show.

Images from the DigitalSpots - 60% of which was supplied by du Plessis herself who took a very active interest in the overall show design - w

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Fewer Freebies - About 200 fewer free tickets will be handed out to people living near Worthy Farm in Somerset, the home of Glastonbury Festival. A spokesman for the festival told the BBC a change had been made to the area in which people have to live to receive a free festival pass. He said despite that, more than 3,000 would still be given away. Those finding themselves just outside the boundary will be given a free pass for Sunday's performances. They will also be able to claim £60 off the price of a ticket for the festival.

Traditionally festival organiser Michael Eavis has given free tickets away to people living in the villages of Pilton, Pylle and Sticklynch. The idea behind the give-away is to make up for disruption to roads when about 200,000 people arrive for the event at the end of June. The spokesman said: "No other major festival looks after people who li

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USA - The Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) and the Production Equipment Rental Association (PERA) have announced an agreement to merge, subject to final ratification.

Under the agreement, PERA will become the PERA Council within ESTA, retaining its focus on the production of film, television and commercials. The Council's mission is to focus on development and implementation of programs and services for production rental businesses.

The move will provide PERA members with immediate access to a wide array of benefits and services as well as the support of a professional staff, while allowing the PERA leadership to focus on their core mission. By adding a key sector, ESTA strengthens its voice on behalf of the entertainment technology industry and brings an important new dimension to many of its programs.

ESTA President Bill Groener commented: "In

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UK - Christie has introduced the world's first LED-based SXGA+ and WUXGA resolution projection display system, purpose built for control room and videowall applications.

The new Christie Entero LED is a LED-illuminated, 1-chip DLP product line that features a "zero maintenance" design. The LEDs are rated at more than 50,000 hours- over five years of dependable operation. With no consumable components such as lamps, filters or colour wheels to replace, the Christie Entero LED delivers the ultimate in uninterrupted, 24/7 performance for exceptional reliability and low cost of ownership, says the company.

"The new Christie Entero line of LED-based rear projection modules has no equal in the industry for long life and dependability. They are as close to 'worry free' as you can get in a videowall display solution," remarked Jim Gavloski, director of product mana

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