Poland - Hucisko was the location for the most recent Dynacord academy in Poland, which ran from 3-5 April. The course was organised by Dynacord's Polish partner Tommex and conducted by Tobias Pirtsch (technical support manager Pro Audio EMEA) of Bosch Communications Systems. Twelve of Poland's most highly respected pro sound specialists and designers of audio installations took part.

The central focus of the three-day academy was the IRIS-Net software platform for remote systems from Dynacord. Subjects covered in the seminars included not only the fundamentals of the IRIS-Net soft- and hardware (such as the P 64 audio matrix, the DSP 600 digital sound system controller, and remote power amplifiers from the PowerH and DSA series) but also elementary network theory and a variety of practical applications. The participants were also introduced to the characteristics and range of a

Australia - Never Did Me Any Harm is a new dance theatre work by award-winning director and choreographer Kate Champion (Not in a Million Years, The Age I'm In), exploring the complexities of contemporary family life. It is a co-production between Sydney Theatre Company and Force Majeure.

Force Majeure is known for making work that transforms the familiar and domestic into the poetic.

Set and lighting designer Geoff Cobham collaborated with Chris Petridis, video designer and assistant lighting designer, on the project. A PC running Jands Vista v2 software with a Vista M1 wingboard was used to operate the show.

"Essentially I built the video system which included a Catalyst media server running ArtNet so that was an exciting factor in using the Vista for control," Petridis commented. "I find that the Vista is very compatible with ArtNet and

UK - Chinese X Factor winner Mary-Jess Leaverland had a double date at Wembley Stadium on FA Cup Final day ... and AKG mics supported her on both occasions.

First she performed at a private function to an audience of VIPs and celebrities including Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber in the Bobby Moore Room, prior to the match - belting out some of her own material via an AKG WMS 4500 analogue wireless mic.

Then she took to the pitch for the traditional singing of Abide With Me prior to kick off, using an AKG DMS 700 digital wireless system equipped with an AKG D5 vocal capsule.

Confirmed Mary-Jess' tour manager Cliff Whitehead, who supplied both the mics and the AKG IVM 4500 in-ear monitoring system, "She loved using the new digital system.

"In fact everybody I spoke to backstage commented on how clear she sounded in comparison to other artistes performing on t

UK - Atlas AV has completed a renovation of the extensive audiovisual exhibition surrounding The Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.

Explaining the technology installed, Alan Williams, operations manager at Atlas AV says, "The interpretation designs provided by Ralph Appelbaum Associates and interior fit-out by Beck Interiors are complemented by state of the art audiovisual technology.

"Projection is prominent within the exhibition and displays are all individually warped and blended using Delta Media Servers to fit the contours of the historic building with masks placed on the edges for a soft edge. Uncompressed content created by Center Screen Productions is controlled by 7thSense Design Delta central media servers, providing frame accurate synchronised projections with 32 channels of audio over CobraNet to provide gen locked audio in addition to gen locked video

Azerbaijan - With its motto Light Your Fire! the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest is set to captivate well over 100m viewers on 26 May. The 57th edition of the contest will also be an anniversary for Sennheiser - it will be the 25th Song Contest to use the audio specialist's wireless microphones and monitoring systems. Sennheiser technicians are on hand in Baku to assist the production team with their preparations.

The organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest, with host broadcaster Ictimai TV at the helm, have placed their trust in experience. So Brainpool TV GmbH, which worked with the German host broadcaster NDR to produce last year's Song Contest, will be producing and directing this year's event too. Similarly, as in Dusseldorf, Markus Müller of MM Communications will be supplying the wireless equipment. He will work with a team of six to look after the microphone and m

South Africa - Eurotruss has appointed Prosound as its exclusive dealer in South Africa and Sub-Sahara Africa.

"Prosound has over 30 years of experience in the entertainment market and will be a great asset to our Worldwide Dealer Network," says Martin Kuyper from Eurotruss.

Eurotruss has a wide range of aluminium truss systems. Next to the lightweight truss system called FD, Eurotruss carries ground support towers and bigger truss systems like XD, ST, FT and the pre rig truss like XT and TT. Over the last few years Eurotruss has also supplied many roof systems - from 80sq.m till 400sq.m. Eurotruss also manufactures and sells wind up stands, the Euro-Lift, and barriers.

(Claire Beeson)

Serbia - For Serbian TV's I've Got Talent! (Ja imam talenat!), lighting director Viktor Trifu's is employing an ETC Ion control desk. The show is similar to other Got Talent programmes across the globe, with its trademark wide stage and impressive lighting rig.

Says Trifu, "I decided to purchase an Ion control desk because of its compact footprint, allowing me to use it in any environment; and because it can be expand with up to six Universal Fader Wings. I purchased one fader wing for now, and am hoping to purchase another soon.

"Once I'd unpacked and started using the desk, I realised how easy it is to operate. The manual has plenty of detail, and I was able to get started very quickly. Ion is a very functional control desk - easy to learn and smooth to work on."

The desk was bought from ETC's Serbian dealer, Studio Berar Projekt. Marketing man

UK / USA - Loud Technologies, owner of Martin Audio, has announced that it has appointed Lincoln International "to conduct a strategic review of its UK-based division, Martin Audio, with a view to finding private equity backing to support Martin Audio into the next phase of its development plan".

The company says: "In sourcing the right investment partner, and forging a more independent path, it will further assist in the realisation of the growth strategy and objectives of the business."

Following the introduction of its award winning, and ground breaking MLA system in 2010, Martin Audio's sales of professional loudspeaker systems have grown over 40% in the past 12 months, driven by growing demand for its products in new markets - particularly in the Asia Pacific region - despite the current global economic position. Over 90% of Martin Audio's sales are ex

UK - Black Light has confirmed its schedule of summer training courses, which has two new additions. The programme will deliver Black Light's usual mix of 'hands-on training' and expert tuition and covers a wide range of equipment and techniques.

One of the new highlights is a series of courses on the award-winning Green Hippo range of Media Servers. The courses will provide an overview of the company's technology, which offers a powerful tool for anyone in the live entertainment sector who works with video and images.

"Media Servers, such as Green Hippo's Hippotizer, are where the industry is heading," says Claire Södergren, Black Light's customer relations manager who is organising the training courses. "It's the creative opportunities that this technology offers that made us set up our courses. We want more people to find out how this technology works and to

Germany - More than 25,000 clubbers attending the 15-hour Mayday techno party at Dortmund's Westfalenhalle were immersed in a lightning fast colour-change environment, created by 90 of SGM's new X-5 and XC-5 LED strobes. The 50 white lights and 40 RGB strobes, specified by LD Thomas Gerdon and supplied by production company, schoko pro, were in constant action throughout the marathon.

The LD had first used these strobes at a club event in Nuremburg. Two months later, at Prolight and Sound in Frankfurt, he was able to take a closer look and decided to use them for Mayday.

Although the festival is staged annually by major rave promoters I-Motion GmbH it was the first time Thomas Gerdon had been asked to design the lighting. He was brought in after working on another I-Motion event - the Nature One Festival, which is the largest rave festival in Germany.

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UK - Exeter-based sound, lighting, video & event production company Puxley Ltd have been engineering for the recent Show of Hands UK and German tours using a Midas PRO2C, purchased from LMC Audio. The band recently played the Royal Albert Hall, where Chris Puxley, MD of Puxley mixed FOH on a PRO2C and monitor engineer Rob Waite used a PRO2 for monitors.

Puxley comments, "The Midas PRO2C produces excellent audio quality and stability, and the interface is very user friendly. I've had very positive feedback from other engineers, who have shown immediate interest in and acceptance of the console, especially those who are familiar with Midas products or other consoles from the Midas Digital range."

JP Cavaco, sales manager at LMC London comments, "PRO2C represents the perfect choice for Puxley. Chris has a no compromise attitude, and with the PRO2C he doesn't need t

USA - Expendables and production equipment outfitters Wits End are the latest to join the Dirty Rigger retail & distribution team.

With 10,000sq.ft of distribution space spread across two NYC locations, Wits End offer an outstanding step forward in Dirty Rigger's expansion into the US market, says the company.

Wits End's CEO Keith Guliner says, "The products that we were finding here in the US for gloves and accessories were just not up to par. When we saw Dirty Rigger gloves, tool pouches and accessories for the first time....well...the products stood up and spoke on their own. The product is pure quality, and they are priced right. I believe that the Dirty Rigger brand will be a product line that we can count on as a quality product, and that Dirty Rigger as a company will stand behind its products."

Le Mark's export manager Matt Every says, "Wits End are a

Australia - Recently the Victorian Opera presented a new production of Cinderella, the traditional pantomime. Based on the fable, Cinderella's adventures were given a special treatment by Victorian Opera music director Richard Gill, who has written both the story and songs. This production saw pantomime return to the surrounds of Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne. Cinderella featured a stellar line-up of artists from Victorian Opera and the world of music theatre.

Lighting designer for the production was Richard Vabre with Resolution X supplying the equipment. This production gave Victorian Opera's head electrician and programmer Peter Darby an opportunity to spec a grandMA2 control package.

"The grandMA2 light is a fantastic console to program with", says Darby. "We got some fantastic support from Show Technology. I love the grandMA2 light as it's so flex

Sweden - LumenRadio's CRMX technology was recently part of one of the world's largest indoor equestrian sports events; the Gothenburg Horse Show.

The show draws competitors and spectators from all over the world and is held every year in the multi-functional Scandinavium arena. This vast facility has hosted World and European championships in sports as different as ice hockey and swimming. The venue is also a frequent stage for major international concert, entertainment, and broadcast productions like the Eurovision Song Contest.

The televised horse show is not without challenges when it comes to lighting. The horses, not unlike some people, are easily startled and can get out of control if blinded by the lights. Lighting positions must therefore be selected with the safety of the horses and riders in mind rather than ease of accessibility and cabling. DMX cabling on the groun

UK - Stage Crew, the Belfast based crewing company, have been kept exceptionally busy recently with a whole host of Titanic related events in Northern Ireland.

The Titanic Festival kicked off in early April with a spectacular light and pyrotechnic show, using the Titanic Building to project onto and illuminate. StageCrew worked alongside Seeper, Whitelight and Culture Creative to create a truly awesome display.

The next week was packed with events, culminating in the MTV Titanic Sounds concert. Back in November 2011 Stage Crew had worked closely with MTV production teams as a preferred supplier on the EMA events, so when it came to MTV's outdoor concert on the Titanic Slipways they were the obvious choice for the supply of all local crew. The gig was attended by over 16,000 people. Olly Murs headlined, with support from Katy B, Sean Paul, Rizzle Kicks and Pixie Lott.

Stage C

UK - Clay Paky's lighting fixtures are Dancing on Ice at Britain's biggest arenas this spring as the hit ITV show goes on tour. With skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean headlining, the sixth live UK tour of Dancing On Ice is a sell out.

Lighting designer Durham Marenghi has chosen to use Clay Paky Alpha Spot HPE and Profile 1500s, Alpha Spot HPE 300s and Alpha Beam 700s to create a dramatically dynamic light show for each skater while a single Sharpy lights the Winner's Trophy throughout.

"Dancing on Ice is always a demanding tour," explains Marenghi. "This year was no different. We have a tight 'get in' schedule and, on the request of technical manager Andy Gibbs, we've had to streamline the set up. One of the first things we did was dispense with the projection over the ice. Instead we now look to the lighting to provide the

USA - Three new sessions have been added to an already stellar line up of speakers due to take the stage at PLASA Focus: Nashville, a new style of regional event taking place, for the first time, at The Nashville Municipal Auditorium, on 11-12 July 2012.

Joining other exhibitors, such as Clay Paky, Barbizon Lighting, Robe, and Martin Professional, PLASA Focus: Nashville is proud to announce the recent additions of 4Wall, Drape Kings, The Light Source, Interspace, IATSE, SeaChanger, Techni-Lux, and ZFX, to its growing floor plan.

As well as the raft of exhibitors on show at PLASA Focus: Nashville 2012, visitors can also learn, first hand, about how those new products are best put into practice. Kicking-off the exhibitor demo sessions is Niclas Arvidsson, of Wireless Solutions with a unique introduction to the world of wireless lighting control, including Wireless DMX, RDM and m

UK - Prolyte Group has created a new website for its Litestructures brand as part of a new marketing initiative to increase awareness of the creative project work undertaken by the company.

In the two years since the merger with Prolyte Group, the Litestructures brand has evolved into a special projects division of the Group.

The website is focused on providing ways for new and existing clients to engage with the Litestructures brand and learn about the innovative solutions it offers. There is a facility to view and download case studies, and the opportunity to interact with the Litestructures team by registering to receive the newsletter, viewing the Twitter feed or signing up to the Facebook page. The site can be viewed at www.litestructures.com

Prolyte Group's website - www.prolyte.com - will continue to provide a wealth of information about the company's other brands - P

USA - Faced with audio issues ranging from sound quality to interference, Central Seventh Day Adventist Church in Albuquerque decided to switch from conventional wireless microphones to Line 6 XD-V digital wireless. As Pastor Don Gibson recalls, "Our systems were pretty old, and we started having issues, especially after the FCC rules changed. Then the Line 6 systems solved all our problems."

Tony McKenzie, a member of the congregation and an AV professional, helped research the change. "Having been an audio-visual technician for over 30 years, I support the church by helping them make proper decisions for their audio-visual needs," he says. "I was aware of the Line 6 product through my company, Action Audio Visual, so we set up a demo. The difference was so dramatic, it made the decision easy."

Initially, the church purchased four XD-V70 systems,

UK - In the far south-west of Cornwall, within a deep valley, lies a large white building and a small concrete hut - an incongruous setting for a site of historical national importance. Now forming the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum, this is the point from which Cable & Wireless Communications ran its undersea cables across the world, linking Britain with countries as far flung as Australia, China, Africa and South America.

The myriad mobile phone calls that occur globally, 24 hours a day, travel via slender, fibre optic threads. A new permanent exhibition, Mobile Magic, at Porthcurno Telegraph Museum, sponsored by Cable & Wireless Communications and curated by David Dawson, uses Artistic Licence Engineering technology to illustrate how this works.

The exhibition features an interactive table constructed from layers of plexi-glass, suspended from marine rigging and illuminated by

UK - Roland Systems Group (RSG) is joining with some of their biggest dealers to put on a series of one day training events across the UK - starting on 20 June at Wigwam Acoustics. The events, which are free to attend, give those present unlimited access to the RSG audio product range and the chance for some 'one to one' training with RSG experts.

The core functionality of the V-Mixing System will be the main focus of the training - with a spotlight on the M-480 and M-300 Digital Live Mixing Consoles, as well as the range of Digital Snakes. The day will also include an overview of the key features of each of the current RSG products and will cover using their use individually as well as in a modular set up or installation. Each event will provide a great 'hands on' training opportunity for all attendees and is packed with information, expert tips and real world advice.

The eve

UK - West London based lighting and visuals rental company Colour Sound Experiment (CSE) renewed its long standing and highly successful working relationship with one of the UK's best loved dance artists, Leftfield, who headlined a recent War Child benefit gig at London's Brixton Academy.

CSE has worked with the band on and off since they burst gloriously onto the house scene in the mid 1990s.

The War Child gig was the first Leftfield performance of 2012, and CSE was asked to supply lighting equipment by their live / touring production manager Chris Taplin.

The lighting was programmed and operated by Chris Steel, who has been with the band since the end of 2010. The design was based around three trusses - front, mid and back.

The upstage truss was used to hang three columns of Martin Professional EC 10 LED screen, with flexible ladders in between providing the rear lightin

Europe - Irish singer-songwriter Imelda May is just coming to the end of a run of British and European shows, before taking a well-earned break to have her first child. For her vocal microphone she uses a Sennheiser e 965.

Trevor Gilligan took over front of house mixing duties for Imelda and her band around 15 months ago and soon started the quest for a vocal mic that would really suit her voice.

"After a couple of shows, I realised that the dynamics in her incredible voice really needed a microphone that would make the best of them," he says. "We tried microphones from a range of other manufacturers, but none of them were quite right. She found most of them too clinical.

"As she likes to sing at a good distance from the mic, both when she's giving it some power and also when singing softly, I thought a condenser would suit her style as they have a better

UK - Scottish sound equipment hire company The Warehouse has become the first pro audio rental supplier in the UK to receive stock of the new Axient systems from Shure, the company's latest generation of wireless microphone products, and to be certified as a trained Axient dealer.

The Shure Axient Wireless Management System was announced in early 2011, and offers the latest in wireless microphone technology and a host of new-to-the-world features, including the ability to detect RF interference and automatically select another, interference-free operational frequency in the blink of an eye.

Axient systems began shipping around the world in early 2012; however, companies offering the system have to be trained in its use before they can offer it for hire or sale, and the first UK-based outlets have only obtained their Axient certification in recent weeks. Of these, Glasgow and E

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