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SGM P-5 W for Volvo Design Centre

Details: 14 March 2016

Sweden - When car manufacturer Volvo needed perfect illumination for their Design Centre in Gothenburg, they turned to full production company Primetec. Known for delivering turnkey solutions, and with a track record within temporary events and installations for Volvo, Primetec felt confident to solve this task.

With full focus on the object being designer cars, lighting designer and project manager Mattias Oslak from Primetec chose the SGM P-5 W as his tool for this fixed installation. The P-5 W is a high performance luminaire with 44 x 10W cool white LEDs offering a stunningly bright output of 33,100 lumens with a 43? lens.

Mattias Oslak explains, "We step into an environment where the ceiling is white, and we need equipment that is compact and able to blend in the best

Web Summit 2015 is a huge and rapidly expanding conference for business and digital entrepreneurs

Nexo STM reinforces Dublin Web Summit

Details: 14 March 2016

Ireland - When Ireland's Sound Design was called in to provide audio systems for "the best technology conference on the planet", Nexo line array and point-source systems were at the heart of its design solution. STM Series, Geo Series, PS Series and RaySub Series cabinets were on hand to provide the range and scale of sound reinforcement required for the nine-stage talk-fest that featured over 1,000 speakers addressing 42,000 delegates, at Ireland's premier conference venue.

Web Summit 2015 is a huge and rapidly expanding conference for business and digital entrepreneurs. Its subject matter is centred on internet technology, and its attendees range from Fortune 500 companies to the world's most exciting tech companies and start-ups, such as Amazon, Pixar, Google, Facebook and Uber. The 2015 event was hosted at the Royal Dublin Society, for 30 years the leading venue f

Metallica used an in-the-round Meyer Sound Leo Family loudspeaker system in a TM Array configuration

Metallica and Leo in the round in Quebec

Details: 14 March 2016

Canada - Metallica's longtime FOH engineer Big Mick Hughes is not one to shy from innovation, and continues to achieve firsts more than 30 years into his career with the band. For the first time, Metallica used an in-the-round Meyer Sound Leo Family loudspeaker system with 1100-LFC low frequency control elements in a TM Array configuration when the band inaugurated the 20,000-capacity Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada.

"Never before have I heard that amount of low end - with such tightness - when we played in the round," reports Hughes. "The TM Array works fantastically well. The 1100-LFCs just have an ungodly amount of power.

"Working in the round, you have to get a grip on what you're doing - fortunately, Leo is very controlled at all frequencies," continues Hughes. "You're in the near field of one part of the PA, but you can have proble

Case Study: Hans Zimmer Live

When award winning film composer Hans Zimmer brought his smash-hit tour Hans Zimmer Live to North America fall 2024, the show's audio team sought out to bring infrafrequency bass to the show to add new depth to the show's audio experience. The team chose Danley Sound Labs.

Dolby and Ministry of Sound collaborate

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Dolby Laboratories and Ministry of Sound have confirmed a collaboration to bring Dolby Atmos sound technology to dance music.

The Dolby Atmos residency at the Ministry of Sound nightclub in London will launch on 23 January, 2016 with Hospital Records, the first in a series of special events with a lineup of top electronic artists who will "transform their music into a multidimensional, immersive sound experience with Dolby Atmos".

To support these events, Dolby will outfit the venue with its exclusive Dolby Atmos sound system, which combines Dolby Atmos audio processing technology with a network of additional speakers designed to complement the club's existing setup.

With more than 60 speakers, 22 channels, and a bespoke lighting environment that takes advantage of complementary synchronized lighting cues generated from music mixed in Dolby Atmos. Ministry

Andrej Koleznik and Bostjan Kos, both from Ljubljana City Theatre's lighting department

Ljubljana City Theatre likes LEDWash 800s

Details: 14 March 2016

Slovenia - Theatre and performance is right at the heart of Slovenian culture and entertainment, and Robe has made some serious inroads in this sector thanks to a good selection of products and the enthusiasm and hard work of its Slovenian distributor, MK Light Sound, based in the picturesque capital, Ljubljana.

Founded in 1949, Ljubljana City Theatre (Mestno gledalisce ljubljansko - MGL - also known as Ljubljana Municipal Theatre) is the second largest drama theatre in Slovenia and located right in the centre of the charismatic old town. It has recently invested in Robe's LEDWash range with the purchase of four LEDWash 600s and 9 x LEDWash 800s ready for the new season.

Andrej Koleznik and his colleagues Bostjan Kos, Aljosa Vizlar and Bogdan Pirjevec make up the four strong lighting department. All were involved, together with technical director Joze Logar in the collective

Lighting was designed by Liverpool Empire with fixtures placed on the ground and on top of a selection of key buildings (photo courtesy Liverpool ONE)

Adlib helps Liverpool ONE get switched on

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - As cities across the UK jostle for the unofficial crown of 'Christmas Capital', city centre retail experience Liverpool ONE's spectacular 'Switch On' event pulled one of the biggest crowds, with an estimated 45,000 people rocking up to enjoy the festive vibes and a special lighting and sound show - with a little help from Adlib.

Adlib provided lighting and sound for the 12-minute specially composed soundtrack show produced by Liverpool Empire Theatre that preceded the illumination of a giant 30m tall Christmas tree, made up of 280 illuminated LED hearts, located at the end of Paradise Street.

Both lighting and audio systems were designed to ensure that the buoyant crowds could fully enjoy the occasion. "We were delighted to be asked back to work on it this year," commented Ian Rubert, who co-ordinated the lighting installation on site.

Lighting was designed

The annual Truida Kestell Choir Festival

Chauvet helps create memories at choir festival

Details: 14 March 2016

South Africa - Everyone has special childhood experiences that they treasure for the rest of their lives. For the young students in the Truida Kestell's Primary School gospel choir, such an event took place recently when they performed before family, friends and community at the annual Truida Kestell Choir Festival.

Adding to the specialness of the occasion was a stunning stage lighting kit, the sort normally reserved for a full theatrical production rather than a school choir performance. Lighting designer Fanie vd Walt, owner of Fanjan Productions, was able to create this impressive stage package without overshooting the festival's budget by using a collection of value-driven fixtures from Chauvet, acquired from South African importer Audiosure.

To give the stage the punch one would normally expect from a larger production, the LD called upon two Chauvet Professional Rogue

BikeFest Spain 2025 - Join the ride!

BikeFest Spain is set to return for its fourth consecutive year, inviting cyclists from across the industry to join the 360km ride towards ISE in Barcelona. From 31 January to 2 February 2025, riders will again rally in Valencia, cycling along the Mediterranean coast in support of industry causes.
For more information and to sign up, visit: www.joinbikefest.com

Johnny Hallyday is arguably France's most iconic music star (photo: Louise Stickland)

Robe BMFLs come alive for Johnny Hallyday

Details: 14 March 2016

France - The first live concerts to be staged in Paris after the 13 November terror attacks were three emotionally charged shows at the AccorHotels Arena by French singer, musician, Johnny Hallyday.

The Paris dates were part of the current Rester Vivant (Staying Alive) tour, to which top French lighting designer Dimitri Vassiliu has brought his huge experience, fertile imagination and talent for lateral thinking to create a vibrant and powerful 'big rock show'.

The design features 36 x Robe BMFL Spot moving lights on the rig which are integral to the show, and are being supplied by lighting contractor Dushow which has invested heavily in Robe this year. For the AccorHotels Arena performances, an additional 20 x BMFL Spots were added to the rig to light the audience.

With nearly 200 tours, 18 platinum albums, worldwide record sales of over £80m and a formidabl

Art installation Unique is a self-described giant “graphic novel” brought to life with light and shadow

Tupac Martir gets unique with Avolites Tiger Touch II

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Light is central to the art of multimedia artist Tupac Martir, who's been called a "light magician" and "creative visionary" for illuminating concerts for Elton John, Sting and Beyoncé, major festivals like Coachella, and London Fashion Week shows for designers Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood and the late Alexander McQueen.

Graduating in 2000 from Omaha, Nebraska's Creighton University with a bachelor's degree of fine arts, Martir tapped Avolites' Tiger Touch II lighting control console when he returned to his alma mater this fall to present a special art installation called Unique, a self-described giant "graphic novel" brought to life with light and shadow.

"Using new and old etching techniques, the story is told through twelve chapters, with eight drawings per chapter," Martir describes. "The 96 drawings are th

The Wombats play Ally Pally (photo: Dan Hill)

Ambersphere brands in control at Ally Pally

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Alexandra Palace in North London was the venue for the Wombats' largest production during their current tour, which has encompassed the UK, Europe and Australia since the beginning of 2015.

LD Dan Hill reports, "This was essentially a larger, more intense version of the lighting rig we've had out lately. In London earlier this year, The Wombats played Brixton Academy and the show at Alexandra Palace really grew from that - nothing crazy, but extensions of what was already there to cater for both the larger crowd and the bigger, wider stage that Ally Pally provides. I wanted to keep things as dynamic and as fun for the band on stage and for people in the crowd as it was back in Brixton."

Hill's rig is heavy with fixtures from the Ambersphere Solutions family of brands with Clay Paky and Ayrton units making up over half of the total design and with a grandMA2 Li

The event hosted at Edinburgh Napier University last month focused on Front of House sound

The Warehouse and BBC inspire new generation

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - A special event hosted by the Audio Engineering Society Scottish Group has been hailed one of the most successful to date. The event hosted at Edinburgh Napier University last month focused on Front of House sound. Leading staff from BBC Scotland and pro-audio company The Warehouse Sound Services presented to over 100 students in audio related education and industry professionals.

The AES Scottish Group is headed up by Dr David Moore of Glasgow Caledonian University and Jim Hunter, senior sound supervisor for BBC Scotland. Hunter has been a television sound supervisor for 25 years. He continues to deliver both live and recorded shows, in studios and on outside broadcasts. Dr Moore is a lecturer in audio technology and leader of the BSc Audio Technology degree programme at Glasgow Caledonian University.

The event kicked off with Andrew Britton, operations resource manage

The dynamic multi-layered set and lighting was designed by Dimitri Vassiliu (photo: Louise Stickland)

WIcreations moves it for Johnny Hallyday

Details: 14 March 2016

Europe - Engineering and automation specialist WIcreations is supplying multiple automation elements and control to the massive Rester Vivant tour by French megastar Johnny Hallyday, who is known for impressive and spectacular live shows and a great rapport with fans which has spanned a remarkable career stretching back over six decades.

Belgium-based WI was approached to produce an automation solution for three distinctive digital and scenic set elements - a huge skull, six moving video screens and five moving lighting pods - by Hallyday's production director Roger Abriol. WIcreations has enjoyed a long and productive working relationship with Roger who has looked after Hallyday's tours since the start of his career. WI is one of his go-to companies for automation, creative engineering and thinking 'out-of-the-box'.

WI's project manager is Koen Peeters. Chris Das is

Fugard Theatre executive director Daniel Galloway with technical manager Benjamin Du Plessis at the theatre's new ETC Eos Ti control desk

ETC helps Cape Town theatre invest for the future

Details: 14 March 2016

South Africa - Following their recent appointment as an ETC reseller by local ETC preferred dealer Prosound, Electrosonic SA has negotiated the sale of ETC Eos Ti and Giocontrol desks to Cape Town's Fugard Theatre. Technical manager Benjamin Du Plessis took delivery of the consoles for the opening of the second season of David Kramer's new musical Orpheus In Africa in August.

Robbi Nassi, Electrosonic's technical sales & support manager, explains, "ETC's Regional Manager for Southern Africa, Jeremy Roberts visited and demonstrated the consoles' outstanding new colour mixing system. This proved to be enough for them to decide on an Eos Ti for their Main Theatre, and a Gio for their Studio Theatre, which is currently being used as a back-up console for Orpheus on an ETC network. DMX Gateways and all the necessary channel assignments were purchased as part of a complet

Mig Cardamone, director of sales and marketing at Sennheiser Middle East

Sennheiser partners with Advanced Solutions in Jordan

Details: 14 March 2016

Jordan - Sennheiser has announced that it has entered into a partnership agreement with Jordan-based Advanced Solutions. As an authorized partner, the reseller and systems integrator will now offer products from Sennheiser's System Solutions range which includes conference and translation, tour guide, and a wide range of wired and wireless microphone systems.

According to Sami Janho, general manager at Advanced Solutions, the timing is now right for the aggressive expansion of Sennheiser's market share in Jordan. He said, "A reasonable portion of the market now demands reputable and reliable products accompanied by a high level of service. Organizations are keen to explore best-in-class solutions which provide a clear long-term roadmap and grow with their business needs. We see this as the opportunity for Advanced Solutions to extend its conversations with existing clients

Bandit Lites provided VL 2500 Spots and VL 3000 Spots in the main room at the Renaissance Hotel

Bandit sponsors Nashville's annual NEXT Awards

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Bandit Lites once again sponsored and donated lighting and services for the fifth annual NEXT Awards, a celebration of companies and individuals whose hard work and entrepreneurial spirit are making a difference in Nashville's economy.

Created by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Nashville Entrepreneur Centre, the NEXT Awards honours several industries, including startups, those that show growth, and 'market movers' in addition to individual awards for Entrepreneurial Partner of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year.

This year's winners included The Nashville Ballet, Thistle Farms, Overdog, Advance Financial, Launch Tennessee, EVAmore, and Sherry Deutschmann as Entrepreneur of the Year.

Bandit Lites provided VL 2500 Spots and VL 3000 Spots in the main room at the Renaissance Hotel. Lighting technicians Carter Harris and S

Rock Solid Technologies teams up with FIBERFOX

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Rock Solid Technologies, one of the leading manufacturers of peripheral devices for Show Critical Equipment, now uses FIBERFOX EBC1502 connectors for its redundant fibreglass network switch "RockLink".

Jens Hillenkötter, CEO of Rock Solid Technologies comments: "With FIBERFOX we gained a new partner, who brings decades of experience in the field of fibreglass technology, is established in the market and who fully complies with our high expectations. Therefore, it was a logical decision for us to offer another RockLink version, which also withstands extreme conditions in the area of fibreglass."

The future collaboration is also viewed positively by Günter Bergmann, CEO of FIBERFOX: "We are delighted about the partnership with ROCK SOLID Technologies, a world-renown manufacturer of highly reliable equipment. That it was possible to convince Rock

The Science Museum's Cosmonauts: Birth of the Space Age exhibit opened in September to rave reviews

One small step for Unusual Rigging

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Crowds have flocked to see the Science Museum's Cosmonauts: Birth of the Space Age exhibit since it opened in September to rave reviews. How did 12 huge Russian spacecraft make their way to the first floor of the Science Museum in central London?

Suzanne Boothby, Cosmonauts Exhibition delivery manager said, "We brought Unusual Rigging on board at an early stage as the spacecraft and equipment on display are unique. We wanted the reassurance that Unusual bring with their understanding of both our objects and the limitations of the museum."

Unusual's Robin Elias flew out to Moscow to advise on the safest way to ensure the exhibits made their way to London unscathed. "Remember, these are huge spacecraft that play a massive part in space history. We can't just load them into the back of a lorry and hope for the best. We also had to consider just how we

The second edition of PLASA Focus Glasgow 2016 will see 50% more exhibitors than the inaugural show in 2014

50% more exhibitors at PLASA Focus Glasgow

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The second edition of PLASA Focus Glasgow 2016 held at the SECC will see 50% more exhibitors than the inaugural show in 2014. With new exhibitors recently announced including Bose, Hawthorn, Adlib and UK Rigging, PLASA Focus Glasgow promises to deliver innovative solutions to the Scottish market.

Visitor highlights include the chance to discover new and exciting products from over 60 brands in professional audio, AV, lighting, staging and rigging not to mention two days of free seminars and live demos. Industry leaders exhibiting at the show will include both manufacturers and distributors including big names such as Robe, RCF, Chauvet, Elation, Avolites, ETC, TMB and many more.

The recent announcement from VisitScotland shows intent to grow the events market in Scotland. The investment in a new ten-year 'collaborative strategy' to develop Scotland's 3.5 billion events

The new ZEDi models combine a compact mixer with a 24bit 96kHz 4x4 USB interfac

Allen & Heath extends ZEDi mixer series

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Following the recent launch of the ZEDi-8 hybrid mixer / interface, Allen & Heath has released two more ZEDi models, the ZEDi-10 and ZEDi-10FX, from its acclaimed ZED analogue console range.

Designed for recording/gigging artists and AV rental and installation companies, the new ZEDi models combine a compact mixer with a 24bit 96kHz 4x4 USB interface, which enables multitrack recording and playback to a Mac or PC or to an iOS device (using a Camera Connection Kit).

The units also have flexible source routing options to adapt to different workflows, and are bundled with Cubase LE music production software and the Cubasis LE mobile music production app.

The ZEDi-10 and ZEDi-10FX feature four mono channels with separate XLR and TRS jack sockets, one stereo channel and a second stereo input for reverb returns or playback. The mono channels include DI high impedance circu

Visitors are encouraged to tweet the name of any colour to @himidlight and the installation will change colour (photo: Paul Painter)

Interactive installations in Birmingham city centre

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - A stunning field of fibre optic lights will pop up at two Birmingham city centre sites in the approach to Christmas. Residents, city-centre workers, Christmas shoppers and visitors to the city will be able to view and control a unique and interactive art installation.

Commissioned and presented by Birmingham Hippodrome Creative, British-Chinese artist Aowen Jin's new outdoor artwork Midlight invites people to create their own light displays. Through cutting-edge digital technology and social media interaction, the colours can be changed both with sound (music, singing, clapping etc) and via Twitter.

Midlight features thousands of LED lights with 90,000 colour variations which adjust so that no two experiences with the artwork are ever the same. The project is the first of its kind to include the participation of Birmingham's local Chinese community who liv

FOH engineer Manu Guiot at the Rouen concert (photo: Thomas Delory)

Roland M-5000 tours with Autour de la Guitare

Details: 14 March 2016

France - The Roland M-5000 Digital Mixing Console has been out on tour recently- mixing FOH on the 23 date Autour de la Guitare which brought together famous guitarists creating one 'super band' to perform at Zénith Arenas across France and Belgium. Led by French guitarist JF Lalanne, the Autour de la Guitare also included Robben Ford, Larry Carlton, Christopher Cross, Johnny Clegg, Ron Thal, John Jorgenson, Axel Bauer, Paul Personne, Dan Ar Braz, Michael Jones, JM Ecay and Nono Krief.

Chosen as the FOH console by tour production company Silence!, the M-5000 was specified because of the console's intuitive workflow, flexible architecture and sound quality - plus the fact that so many features came in such a compact footprint.

FOH engineer, Manu Guiot (designer of the Notre Dame de Paris musical amongst other high profile projects) was at the helm