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USA - The inaugural Montreux Jazz Festival Miami made waves this March, marking the festival’s first venture onto US shores in decades. The event presented diverse musical performances against a backdrop of waterfront vistas, with sound from the Montreux Jazz Festival Miami’s official sound partner, Meyer Sound.
The intimate 1,500-person festival held March 1–3 at The Hangar at Regatta Harbour, showcased a lineup led by headliners Jon Batiste, Daniela Mercury, and Daryl Hall, topped off each night with the Montreux Jam Sessions.
The Hangar - built in 1918 as the first continental naval air station in the United States - is a cavernous 20,000sq.ft space, with thin corrugated metal walls and vast expanses of windows, that presents significant acoustic challenges.

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USA - “I don't know that there's another desk that we could really do it all with,” says Chad Olech, front-of-house mix engineer for Fall Out Boy, talking about managing the band’s complex comms infrastructure that sees three separate talkback lines coming into his DiGiCo Quantum5 console, as well as mixing a great show for fans.
“I don't think there's another manufacturer that makes something that would do what we need it to do in this situation. I'm sure we could work our way around it, but it wouldn't be as seamless and as easy.”
Rob Smuder is one of those comms sources, as he mixes the band’s monitors from a DiGiCo Quantum7 console, along with the stage manager and backline crew lines. “The main reason that I use the Q7 out here, honestly, is the matrixes,” says Smuder, who has worked with the band since 2018. “We have a ton of talkback mics tha

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UK - Voyage Audio, the San Diego-based creators of Spatial Mic have appointed Emerging as their exclusive distributor for UK and Ireland.
The original Spatial Mic product employed USB/ADAT connectivity and this has been joined more recently by a Dante version. Both microphones have eight-capsule arrays that support 2nd Order Ambisonics. The body of the mics contain high-quality A/D conversion using a high-resolution Skyworks clocking scheme and built-in 32-bit XMOS processor.
The applications for the Spatial Mic are as diverse as its specifications. It is equally at home in studio, broadcast, field and live concert recordings where the remote control of the capsules and the output are obviously valuable, says Voyage.
Emerging’s MD, Paul Mortimer comments, “We already have an impressive range of products to manage immersive audio for mixing and mastering, a
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ETC Ministar

ETC introduces the High End Systems Ministar, a game-changer in our automated lighting product line. Ministar brings exceptional versatility and performance at an affordable price point; with a compact footprint, punchy output, and a professional feature set, Ministar fits the spec and budget for small to medium-sized venues.

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Germany - Under the motto ‘Claypaky: leading through innovation. And Beyond’, Claypaky celebrated its participation in the 2024 edition of Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt.
The primary focus was on the latest addition to the ‘Multispectral family’ – Rhapsodya. Claypaky hosted a pre-recorded product presentation, including a short light show lasting about 12 minutes, which ran every hour. Following the demo, the Buddylight automated followspot was showcased in action during a special performance on stage, featuring singer Nevio Passaro.
Claypaky presented some innovative lighting solutions including:
Volero Cube is a compact IP66 fixture that seamlessly merges beam, wash, and strobe effects. This new, multi-function, multi-effect moving head is a real “4-in-1 fusion fixture” boasting 4 powerful 60W RGBW LEDs and plus-shaped cool white LED strips for str

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UK - In early March, sound designer Simon Honywill used TiMax SoundHub with TiMax TrackerD4 performer stagetracking to spatially enhance an already incredible – and quite unique – immersive performance by the Paraorchestra musical ensemble. The Nature of Why, composed by Will Gregory and choreographed by Caroline Bowditch under the artistic direction of award-winning conductor, Charles Hazelwood, was performed within a 14m circular space on the Lyric Stage at Theatre Royal Plymouth, with 100-120 audience members mingling amongst the players and dancers for each performance.
Though it wasn’t the first performance of The Nature of Why– an interpretation of the famous interview with physicist Richard Feynman which asks in empirical terms why certain physical properties occur, such as magnetic attraction and slippery ice - it was the first time the immersiv

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On The Campaign Trail - Leading arts organisations including the Royal Shakespeare Company and Bristol Old Vic are joining together for a UK-wide campaign aimed at creating a “powerful sector voice” that will advocate for the industry and lobby for additional public funding to help struggling venues and companies.
Culture Makes...will run from May this year and throughout 2024, creating what its organisers have called "a bold new vision for the value and impact of culture and heritage in society and as a human right which urgently needs investment" in the run up to the next general election.
It has been developed by the Cultural Philanthropy Foundation, with others that have already committed to being part of the campaign including 20 Stories High, An Tobar and Mull Theatre, Cardboard Citizens, Edinburgh International Festival, Javaad Alipoor Company, Lyric Theatre

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UK - Jones AV, provider of advanced integrated theatre and medical training facilities in Europe has launched a new technology to turbocharge the environmental sustainability of integrated operating rooms.
As part of the development of the new ‘Integrated Operating Theatre of Things’ (ITOT), Jones AV looked to revolutionise operating room AV set-ups to overcome audio limitations, harness smart power management, reduce the number of devices via a fully digital signal chain, and scale down travel with full remote control aiming to meet Net Zero 2045 targets within the NHS.
The company installed the first ITOT system at the Cambridge Surgical Training Centre in September 2023, unveiling its solution after 18 months of intensive research and development incorporating a demo operating theatre. The system is optimised to deliver superior technological performance while
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Strictly FX Highlights

Strictly FX was founded in 1996 by industry veterans Mark Grega and Ted Maccabee. Our expertise and knowledge of the world’s leading pyrotechnic, laser, and flame manufacturers allows us to curate astonishing live events. With over 500+ shows performed a year, there’s good chance you’ve seen some of our work!

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Hungary - After working with leading Hungarian artiste, Magdolna ‘Magdi’ Rúzsa for more than a decade, Martin Audio’s Hungarian partner, BG Event, is accustomed to rising to different challenges.
When it comes to the creative element, they strive to scale new heights with every collaboration. Two recent shows at the 12,500-cap László Papp Budapest Sports Arena proved no exception.
Rúzsa requested a 50m-long catwalk thrust, linking to a 6m x 6m ‘B’ stage. While her standard five-piece rock band would occupy main stage, there was a very different set up awaiting on the small ‘in-the-round’ secondary stage, where a 10-piece orchestra would perform. To achieve the end-result required some clever positioning and time alignment of nearly 200 Martin Audio speakers deployed by the service provider.
BG Event project manager Gábor ‘Mazsi’ Bácskay

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Europe - Throughout February 2024, German rap artist Luciano worked his way across Germany, Switzerland and Austria on his Seductive tour. One of the first German-speaking rappers in the UK drill style, Luciano was Germany’s most streamed artist on Spotify in 2022. For this year’s tour, 80 Ayrton Cobra fixtures were supplied by TDA Clair GmbH.
Cobra is Ayrton’s first IP65 laser-sourced fixture. Designed for rendering a D65 white point that allows perfect colour reproduction, Cobra has an output of 386,000 lux at 20m, a 38x zoom ratio and zoom range of 0.6° to 23°. It also sports a highly innovative colour section, graphics capability and continuous pan and tilt.
The Cobra fixtures were specified by Stop Making Sense’s Timo Martens who created the lighting design for the tour with support and cooperation from Bertil Mark (also from Stop Making Sense), and Raph

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Morocco - When Theatro Marrakech opened its doors in 2003, it was the very first nightclub in Morocco, and today, the 2,000-capacity is thriving. Before becoming a nightlife hotspot, Theatro was Africa’s first music hall, inaugurated over 60 years ago, and from this past, the club has kept both its décor – a mix of dramatic theatrical and dynamic Moroccan themes - and an immoderate taste for show.
Theatro Marrakech recently upgraded to a premium L-Acoustics K2 sound system to attract leading international artists who know and appreciate the brand. Inspired by a visit to Omnia Las Vegas and its L-Acoustics professional sound system, Theatro management worked with Paris-based nightclub consultant Timothée Renard of the Fox Agency and L-Acoustics certified provider integrator Potar Hurlant for the upgrade. "Our main objective was to integrate a rider-ready sound system t

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UK - Sterling Events Group recently added to its professional audio offering through a substantial investment in EM Acoustics loudspeakers. Since adding to its portfolio, Sterling has deployed EM Acoustics systems on multiple high-profile projects.
The investment, comprised of 24 R8 Reference Series loudspeakers, complemented by 12 S215 subwoofers, has granted Sterling Events Group access to a powerful audio arsenal, enabling them to offer high-quality sound solutions to an expanding client base.
"EM’s R8s have proven to be a game-changer for us. We recognised the need for a an accessible, yet still high-quality option to meet diverse demands of some of our client base,” commented Tom Wright, assistant head of audio at Sterling Events Group. “The Reference Series fits the bill, offering remarkable musicality and great value when compared to other brands. Couple

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Singapore - Wild Rice @ Funan is part of a modern performing arts complex sitting at the heart of Singapore’s lively civic and cultural district. Built in 2019, the main Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre space offers an intimate 358-capacity space with Singapore’s only thrust stage, which was inspired by the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in the UK.
In 2022, the theatre took delivery of a new Robe moving light package – 10 x T1 Profiles and 16 x ParFect 150s – which joined the original lighting rig that was specified by theatre design consultants Charcoalblue when the venue opened. More recently, the theatre invested in Robe again, purchasing Tetra2 moving LED battens and LEDBeam 350 wash beams to boost the general lighting rig.
The fixtures were delivered via Robe’s Asia Pacific office, and these lighting investments were overseen

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UK - Event technology and production services company Encore has named Stefica Divkovic as managing director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
Divkovic has extensive experience driving business growth, managing operations, and transforming corporate cultures in highly competitive environments. Additionally, she has a strong focus on delivering excellent customer experiences. She previously served as the senior vice president of the EMEA region at Everbridge Inc., focusing on scaling customer and partner relationships across the region. Prior to that, she led Verizon's DACH and EMEA businesses and held senior leadership positions at other large global organisations, such as T-Systems.
“Stefica exhibits the best leadership characteristics for the managing director role in EMEA,” said Dustin Worley, SVP of international at Encore. “Her experience acros

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Europe - Absen has announced the retirement of Ross Burling, its European industry development director OOH & sports and the appointment of James Cook as industry development director, Europe
Having worked for Absen Europe for a number of years, Ross has headed up the OOH & sports division, growing its team and securing a range of projects throughout Europe. He has devoted over 34 years to the AV industry, working for a range of leading AV manufacturers, specialising specifically in DOOH and sports for the last 25 years.
“I would like to thank all of the great friends, colleagues, and mentors who have guided and supported me during my time in the industry, and made it such a fantastic, educational, enjoyable and fun filled experience. I’m delighted that James Cook is replacing me at Absen to further strengthen and grow the Absen relationships and presence

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UK - Robert Juliat reports positive response to its latest new products at Prolight + Sound, Frankfurt where it exhibited alongside its long-term German distributor, Lightpower.
Robert Juliat previewed its new LED, cool white 6000K Tristan followspot for the first time in Germany. Tristan is an 800W LED high output followspot with a 7°-14° zoom range and an output to rival the 1800W Victor MSR followspot.
Unique to Tristan is a totally new feature, a motorised iris, which enables the creation of iris presets. More features include electronic dimming, local and DMX control, integrated power supply and silent operation, along with a remote display and accessories for the operator. Tristan is compatible with DMX/RDM/Ethernet/ArtNet and sACN protocols.
Equally at ease in front-of-hour, truss and backlight positions, Tristan is set to become the LED replacement for

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South Africa - Audio-Technica has announced the appointment of Alpha Technologies as the distributor for its commercial product line in South Africa.
This strategic partnership aims to enhance the availability and accessibility of Audio-Technica's professional audio solutions, catering to the growing installed audio-visual equipment in the South African market. Alpha Technologies, with its proven track record in delivering technology solutions, is well-positioned to strengthen Audio-Technica's presence and provide support to customers across various industries.
John Dodson, business development manager at Audio-Technica, Middle East and Africa comments, "We are delighted to join forces with Alpha Technologies as our official distributor in South Africa. This partnership aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional audio experiences to a broader audience. Alpha

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USA - The 2024 edition of Premio Lo Nuestro dazzled on many levels, not the least of which were what critics called the “historic collaborations” that were performed throughout the three-hour programme.
The Univision TV special featured reggaeton performer Don Omar doing a rendition of Danza Kuduro with pop-punk rocker Machine Gun Kelly. Then there was Mexican music sensation Carin León joining forces with country music star Kane Brown in the world premiere of their song The One (Pero No Como Yo). Camilo and Evaluna also broke new ground at Miami’s Kaseya Centre by performing their song PLIS for the first time on television.
The spirit of collaboration also drove the creative juices behind the vibrant production that supported the iconic awards show according to lighting designer Tom Kenny, who described the process this way: “Production

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UK - Confetti, a learning institute offering specialist vocational education and training, has announced the launch of the Steve Lillywhite Scholarship. This award is named after the six-time Grammy-winning record producer Steve Lillywhite and aims to ‘provide exceptional opportunities for driven and motivated UK students pursuing a career in music production’.
Steve Lillywhite is celebrated globally for his contributions to modern music, having worked with iconic artists such as Talking Heads, The Rolling Stones, U2, and The Killers.
Now, in partnership with Confetti, he seeks to mentor and guide the next generation of musical talent. Lillywhite said: "I’m deeply committed to nurturing the future of music production, and I’m excited about the prospect of working closely with a deserving student at Confetti, helping them take significant strides in their career

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Italy - In 2015, in an extraordinary display of unity, 1,000 musicians and hundreds of volunteers including producers, videographers, sound engineers and more, converged in Cesena, Italy to perform Foo Fighters' Learn to Fly live in order to realise a video.
This video was a viral musical plea to Dave Grohl, asking him to play in their city, and marked the inception of Rockin'1000, now cited as the world's largest rock band. Since its viral debut, Rockin'1000 has evolved into a global phenomenon, orchestrating annual events across Europe and Brazil.
Rockin'1000 selected L-Acoustics for its global reach and the versatility of K Series, both crucial for their travelling shows. The debut use of this system occurred at the Stade de France in 2019, installed by the France-based L-Acoustics certified provider Dushow.
Luca Stefani, sound engineer at Rockin’10

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Argentina - Tale of Us, the Italian DJ duo based in Berlin, made their fourth stop on the Latin American leg of their Afterlife world tour when they recently played Buenos Aires.
Claypaky lighting took centre stage at the Mandarine Park & Tent at Punto Carrasco on 8-9 March for the two shows.
The duo is known for curating shows that transport audiences to another dimension with artistic activations, visually impactful installations and unique soundscapes, created by themselves and a variety of extraordinary supporting artists. They launched Afterlife in 2016, a show billed as an odyssey through the realm of consciousness, an immersive experience that transcends the limits of reality.
Lighting designer Pascal Bach was involved in the design of Afterlife. For the Buenos Aires show, BALS (Buenos Aires Live Show) provided a large complement of Claypaky fixtures

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USA - AtlasIED is celebrating 90 years in business. Atlas Sound and Innovative Electronic Designs (IED), which merged as one organisation as AtlasIED in 2015, have been providing audio and communication solutions to the world since 1934.
“We couldn’t be more proud of our AtlasIED family for reaching 90 years as a global leader in our audio and communications technology,” said John Ivey, president and CEO at AtlasIED. “Arriving at this milestone reinforces our commitment to never-ending growth and service to our customers.”
Initially gaining recognition for its PA loudspeakers and microphone stands, Atlas Sound catapulted itself into a manufacturer of technologies that has played a lead role in the commercial AV industry. In 2015, Atlas Sound and IED combined their sales, marketing, and support teams to better serve their customers and market segments. For the
  1. Strong support for Prolight + Sound 2024
  2. Elation Proteus illuminates art in Riyadh
  3. Walk the Plank and Bluman launch GPS project
  4. Yasmine Riechers named Georg Neumann CEO
  5. Chauvet supports creative spirit of Les Trans
  6. Positive response to LEaT con 2024
  7. Blacktrax enhances NBA’s All Star events
  8. Ayrton and grandMA3 light LIV Las Vegas
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