UK - Grammy Award winning US producer/engineers and founding members of the METAlliance, Chuck Ainlay and George Massenburg, are to jointly host two recording masterclass seminars in London, directly after the forthcoming AES convention. The two-day sessions, to be held at British Grove Studios in West London on 26-29 May will cover aspects of the entire recording process: preproduction session planning, studio set-up for tracking, mic placement, overdubs, mixing, delivery, and archiving. They will also cover effective use of tools: microphones, analogue & digital equipment, outboard effects and plug-ins, in-the-box as well as analogue console mixing, plus detailed stereo & multichannel mixing techniques.

A live band will be present on the first day of each session. The plan is to

Israel - Waves Audio is now shipping the WSG-Y16 mini-YGDAI SoundGrid I/O card for Yamaha mixing consoles. The card widens the sonic capabilities of a Yamaha console, giving live engineers the opportunity to more accurately duplicate the sounds of hit studio recordings, the company says. Also, it gives front-of-house engineers the ability to select from a wide palette of vintage outboard signal processing without having to haul racks of fragile classic gear. Together with Waves SoundGrid Server (SGS), a Control PC, a network switch and an authorised iLok with SoundGrid-compatible Waves plug-ins, the WSG-Y16 enables Yamaha consoles to process 16 channels of audio with Waves plug-ins. The WSG-Y16 also supports MIDI input, for remote plug-in control directly from the console or external control surface.

"We are delighted to add the Waves WSG-Y16 SoundGrid MY-card to the ever-g

USA - One of the main elements of any live performance is the mixing console, but Memphis Train Revue, a 10-piece R&B/soul band based in Austin, Texas, and their engineer James Duvall have been successful with a new paradigm. The band's sound system is designed around Allen & Heath's iDR-32 MixRack connected to a laptop, eliminating the mixing console completely.

Memphis Train Revue is a high-energy show band that plays a lot of private events. "One of the things we specialize in is making things efficient and seamless for our clients. Everything we do can happen within the boundaries of the stage itself. Eliminating the mixing console frees up a significant amount of floor space, and that can be the difference in getting the gig, whether it's a club, theatre or ballroom," says James Duvall of Creative Engineering & Solutions in Austin, who does both the house and moni

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LD Systems ICOA PRO series – high-performance coaxial PA speakers for professional demands

The popular ICOA PA systems have been further developed to include two active full-range coaxial speakers – ICOA PRO 12 A and ICOA PRO 15 A – as well as the active 21″ bass-reflex PA subwoofer ICOA PRO SUB 21 A. With its professional features and high output power, the ICOA PRO series is aimed at ambitious bands, musicians and DJs as well as hire companies and commercial customers looking for a compact, robust and powerful PA sound system. The ICOA PRO series is rounded off with modern connection and control options via Bluetooth 5.1 and the specially developed ICOA PRO app, for use on smartphones and tablets.

ld-systems.com/icoapro

Thailand - A large Milos ground support system was utilised by Thailand based audio designers and manufacturers, P. Audio, for the high profile launch of the new Red Ant restaurant, a popular new eatery located near Bangkok's busy Suvarnabhumi airport.

The large 20 x 35m (internal stage size) structure was built from Milos's MR3 roofing product which was specially purchased by P. Audio for this occasion.

The total height of the completed structure was 15m, giving an impressive 12.5m of headroom, and a weight loading capacity of 17 tonnes for the hanging of lighting, sound and video production equipment. A full programme of entertainment took place on the stage to celebrate the opening night of Red Ant for the enjoyment of an invited audience.

All four sides of the structure can be covered by flame-proof side nets if desired, and the intention is that P. Audio will in the fut

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ETC Halcyon Silent

High End Systems Halcyon Silent builds on ETC’s legacy of fanless automated fixtures by incorporating features from the highly sought-after Halcyon family. Halcyon Silent perfectly balances silent operation with brilliant output of 18,400 lumens and high-impact features. 

For more information visit us at www.etcconnect.com

Global Music Sales - Sales of music slid by 7% around the world in 2009, new figures have revealed. But the music market in 13 countries, including the UK, grew during the past year, according to data released by recording industry body the IFPI. It added that global digital sales registered a strong increase across many markets in 2009. Susan Boyle's debut album was confirmed as the world's biggest seller of the year, shifting 8.3m copies. The Scottish star's performance was substantially up on 2008's world number one, Coldplay's Viva La Vida, which sold 6.8m. The Black Eyed Peas and Michael Jackson's This Is It followed Boyle in the rundown.

The IFPI also reported that countries which have the least stringent protection from music piracy, such as Spain and Canada, registered the most serious falls in official music sales. Improvements in anti-piracy measures in countrie

USA - A new Avolites Pearl Expert is the lighting control console on the long awaited North American tour of Public Image Ltd. (PiL). Theatrical Media Services (TMS) of Omaha is supplying the Pearl Expert for the six-week tour, which kicked off in Los Angeles this month.

TMS has specialized in complete event production and state-of-the-art lighting for over 20 years. The company's principal partners have worked in entertainment production since the early Eighties. "The new Avo Pearl Expert is small with plenty of balls," says TMS vice-president, Mark Huber. "The new Titan software represents a real leap forward for Avo. PiL needed a desk with plenty of horsepower yet compact and reliable. The Pearl Expert fits the bill perfectly.

"Our new Pearl came from TMB, a supplier of ours since the early days," adds Huber. "Now TMB are the exclusive distribu

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Create new traditions – Cameo P6 - High Output Full-Spectrum Ellipsoidal

Cameo's P6 is a future-proof LED profiler with a powerful 600 W RGBACL engine and 16,000 lumens. It’s an energy-efficient replacement for 2.5 kW halogen profile lights in theatres and venues. With excellent light quality and natural colour rendering, it fits perfectly in theatres, musicals, TV studios, congresses, and live events.

With an LED life of 50,000 hours and low power use, the P6 cuts energy costs and supports the EU’s ‘Green Deal’ goals for climate neutrality by 2050. It also meets updated eco-design rules for lighting.

www.cameolight.com/p6profile

UK - PLASA and L&SI magazine have joined forces with the technical team at The Centaur in Cheltenham to stage a three-day loudspeaker demonstration on Tuesday 18th, Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th May. The event, which PLASA and L&SI plan to be the first of many such product-led industry gatherings, will allow visitors to hear and compare a range of the world's leading professional PA systems designed for shows and events with up to 5000 audience capacity.

Over the course of three days, 12 leading manufacturers will gather at the 4000-capacity multi-purpose venue to demo' their systems. The Participants will include DAS Audio, EAW, Funktion-One, JBL, K-Array, KV2 Audio, Martin Audio, Meyer Sound, RCF, Renkus-Heinz and Tannoy.

Audio consultant Steve Jones of SJA has designed the demo format in consultation with the manufacturers involved, and will be on hand to ensure an even

UK - PLASA Events confirms that PLASA Focus: Leeds 2010 has broken all records over the two days at the Royal Armouries in Leeds. Visitor attendance topped 1800 - an increase of nearly 30% on last year's launch event. Thirty-three first-time exhibitors at PLASA Focus meant the show was brimming with key industry players, bringing the total to over 130 exhibitors, with both halls sold out weeks in advance of the show.

A lengthy list of new products were on show, many representing their first UK appearance following international launches, including 15 new products by Martin Professional; the SADiE 6 LiVE system; the UK debut of RCF's VSA 2050 Digital Steerable Column; Audio-Technica's updated 2000, 3000, 4000 & 5000 wireless systems; Clay Paky's first LED screen product - the Mirage LED curtain display; Trantec's Channel 38-ready S6 wireless system; GDS's latest additions

UAE - ETC's Selador range of LED fixtures has scooped another award, this time for Best Intelligent Lighting Fixture at the PALME Middle East Awards 2010.

Selador was entered for the award by ETC's Dubai based distributor, Oasis Enterprises. David Gray, architainment division manager, says, "Quality of light output is an important feature in an energy efficient fixture, and the PALME award recognises this. It is always a challenge to convince professionals that one Selador Vivid Ice fixture can replace 16 Source Four PARs in Congo Blue; or that the same fixture then also be used to generate Sky Blue which would have required eight PARs. But by setting up demonstrations and shoot-outs, we can prove this amazing technology to end users first hand.

"The TV market has been fastest to recognise the benefits of Selador in producing warm whites - we have supplied many Lustr

UK - Housed within an old brewery bottling plant building on one of the oldest streets in Norwich, The Waterfront is a popular 700-capacity venue hosting over 100 live music events every year since it opened in 1993. The venue is owned by the University of East Anglia student union, but is run as an independent business open to the general public, and open four or five nights per week.

The venue has always offered something of an in-house PA system for touring acts, but recently secured funds to upgrade or replace its existing outdated system. It was at this point that production manager Nic Morris and the venue's in-house engineer, Lavar Bullard, discovered Tannoy's new VQ Live system through an encounter with Paul Nicholson of Red Square Audio, who made the recommendation to arrange a demonstration.

The VQ Live system surpassed all expectations with clarity, headroom and sep

USA - Audio-Technica provided wireless solutions for the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards, taped live on Wednesday 21 April, at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry House, and broadcast on GMC, Sunday 25 April 2010.

Several featured performers used Audio-Technica's Artist Elite 5000 Series UHF Wireless System, paired with the AEW-T5400 Cardioid Condenser Handheld Transmitter, during the course of the show, including co-host Bart Millard of MercyMe; Amy Grant; Francesca Battistelli; Jars of Clay; Tenth Avenue North; Red; Donald Lawrence; Phillips, Craig & Dean; Kari Jobe; and Michael W. Smith, who led a moving finale performance of the Haiti benefit Come Together Now, accompanied by the rest of the night's artists. A-T's 5000 Series wireless was also used as part of the mic setup for a gospel medley performance, and additionally the house band used a selection of A-T hardwired microphone

Canada - Wireless Solution Sweden helped Electric Aura take a carbon-friendly footstep during the 2010 Olympic Games at one of the installations found above Robson Square in Vancouver. Every night from 12-28 February, the skies overhead exploded with lights, pyrotechnics, lasers, projections and flying performers.

The project, aptly named Ignite the Dream was the creation of Partrick Roberge to be the signature show celebrating the end of each day of the Olympic competition. Lighting designer Robert Sondergaard of Electric Aura explains, "Patrick's vision was that this show had to be one of the top 10 things to see during the Olympics." The lighting, as well as all of the special effects, were designed to create a stunning 360-degree experience that would showcase British Columbia at its best.

The show was produced by Partrick Roberge Productions, with lightin

UK - A syndicate of professional entertainment technology companies, including Fibre Optic Systems, AC Technologies Robe and HSL, are sponsors of Team Pyro in 2010's Elf Renault Clio Cup. The syndicate is looking for more companies to join them.

Leicestershire-based Team Pyro is already champion of the 2008 and 2009 seasons of the Elf Renault Clio Cup and for 2010 has joined forces with driver Jack Goff, reported as being one of the Motorsport News Fast 50 - one of the top 50 drivers to watch in the season.

The Clio Cup is run as part of the British Touring Car Championship programme and benefits from the huge popularity of the BTCC. It offers various avenues of media coverage including live television coverage as well as specific Renault race meetings, including the World Series by Renault.

(Jim Evans)

USA - For many types of entertainment, the Paradise Theatre is one of greater New York's leading destinations and now features a new D.A.S. Audio based sound system.

Engineer Fernando Garcia of the AVS Production Group, the Bronx, NY-based production company contracted to handle sound at the Paradise Theatre, was instrumental in both specifying and erecting the massive sound system that consists of 20 D.A.S. Audio Aero 50 large format, three-way line array modules plus another four Aero 12A 2-way, compact, mid-high line array elements.

"Prior to the theatre's new management," Garcia explained, "I worked this theatre with another sound system. We constantly had problems with inconsistent sound coverage and poor speech intelligibility. The upper balcony and the rear area of the main floor, in particular, had spotty sound. The only means of even marginally addressi

Germany - Pro Audio Technik, German distributor of Out Board's TiMax range of audio delay matrix and tracking products, made the company's first sale to a German rental company when it supplied a TiMax2 SoundHub and TiMax Tracker system to Sugar Veranstaltungstechnik, PA contractors of Sinzing, Germany.

The system was specified by award-winning sound designer, Thomas Strebel of audiopool, Switzerland, for inclusion on the bizarre tour of musical comedy, Die Patienten by leading Swiss comic, Marco Rima. Strebel is well versed in producing clear and source oriented sound reinforcement for performances of vast proportions and also in the round, so he and his team were perfectly at home amongst the tour madness.

Die Patienten is the story of the members of a mental care institution who form a rock band but need to escape their current closed environment to fulfil the

UK - All exhibitions claim to get bigger every year but in the case of this year's ABTT (Association of British Theatre Technicians) Theatre Show such a declaration is justified, say the organisers. Demand for space at the exhibition, which takes place at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London from 16 to 17 June, has been so high that the organisers are having to use all available space to accommodate both new and established exhibitors.

The list of companies taking stands at ABTT 2010 covers the spectrum of products and services for the theatre production and staging market, with a strong showing from the engineering sector. This is partly due to the biennial International Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference (ITEAC) running in parallel with the Theatre Show but in general the increased exhibitor attendance demonstrates that this event has become the key industry sh

USA - With the growing success from each of the previous Control Protocols Plugfests, the event has now become a regular part of the ESTA Technical Standards Programme meeting schedule and will return for another run in July. The ESTA Control Protocols Plugfest will be held at the Dallas/Ft. Worth Marriott Solana hotel in Westlake, Texas. The Plugfest will run three days: Friday, 23 July 2010 from 16:00 to 22:00; Saturday 24 July from 09:00 to 22:00; and Sunday 25 July from 09:00 to 14:00.

"An official ESTA event, the Plugfest is an incredible free-form open source laboratory where the goal is to improve and progress control and feedback protocols including DMX, ACN, RDM and more," explains Jule Lauve of Theatre Projects Consultants. "Colleagues and competitors convene to discuss and present prototypes and production models, to plug different manufacturers' gear i

China - SONO, a company specializing in event engineering projects, has chosen Barco to be its visualization partner for the Spanish Pavilion during the Shanghai World Expo 2010. The Spanish Pavilion extends over three rooms, each one directed by a leading Spanish filmmaker. A total of 47 Barco projectors help the design team to give visitors an impression about Spanish history, modern life and future dreams.

Inspired by the general theme of the Expo, Better City - Better Life, Spain asked their leading directors to work out the themes inside the Spanish Pavilion. The area is organised in three rooms. SONO was asked for the technical project design and implementation. They decided to use Barco's series of CLM projectors to project filmic images on the various screens. The CLM projectors are compact single-chip DLP projectors with 10,000 or 8,000 lumens light output that d

France - Electronic pop duo, Air, recently completed an extensive tour of Europe and America to promote their new album, Love2, carrying a combined FOH and monitor iLive digital system from Allen & Heath.

"I've been using an iLive-112 system ever since I toured with Florence & the Machine in 2008," says AIR's FOH engineer. Dave McDonald. "iLive's two greatest attributes are the way it's laid out and the way it sounds. When I glance down everything's in place telling me what's going on and it's very easy to understand, whereas with some of the other digital boards there's a lot of scrolling and you end up becoming a mechanic, which kills the artistic side of mixing."

The Air iLive system comprises an iDR10 MixRack digitally split to an iDR0 minirack positioned on stage, with iLive-112 Control Surfaces at FOH and monitors.

"The FX are amazing to

UK - For 10 years the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) has famously staged one of the biggest music extravaganzas on the UK calendar, and this year's 10th anniversary event was no exception.

A star-studded and eclectic line up took over the Royal Albert Hall for the duration of the 10-day event, including Suede, Noel Gallagher, JLS, The Specials, Arctic Monkeys, The Who and Them Crooked Vultures, to name but a few in an exceptional line up.

Throughout this anniversary series of gigs, Shure was to the fore with their newly launched PSM900 wireless Personal Monitoring System. London-based Entec Sound and Light provided the PA for the event, as they have done since the very first TCT event back in 2001.

"We'd already heard demonstrations of Shure's PSM900, and it was immediately obvious from the sound quality that we had to showcase them at the Teenage Cancer Trust shows,"

Norway - Since its opening in mid 2009, up to 900 guests daily have been making their way to the fashionable Club Gossip in Trondheim. The managers of the new dance temple offer a variety of events and genres on the club's three different levels, ranging from house, rock 'n' roll, soul and R&B playback to live concerts - a bandwidth that demands considerable versatility from the sound reinforcement system.

After carefully comparing the offerings of three other suppliers, Gossip's managers opted for a sound reinforcement system from Electro-Voice, designed by Norwegian installation engineers and audio consultants avon a|s.

The nerve centre and heart of the system is found in the air-conditioned equipment room on the first floor of the club, where 10 of Electro-Voice's CPS series amplifiers deliver the power, while a NetMax N8000 signal processor with IRIS-Net v.2.0 software sup

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