R&W Sound Engineering has recently installed a complete audio system into the new London lounge bar, Mono. As customers would be unlikely to benefit from the advantages of a stereo image R&W specified a mono sound system, designed to be operated by staff with basic technical experience, is used for background music, DJ sets and live music sessions.Involved in the project from the outset, R&W's recommendation of a mono audio system, led to the name and theme of the members-only bar. The audio system's main source is a Marantz CC38/Pro 5-disc CD player, which feeds the system via a Cloud SX133 two-zone mixer and ARX EQ30 graphic equaliser. A separate Mackie 1402-VLz Pro mixer, connected via a recessed wall socket to the main system is used for live events. An ARX Microdrive three-channel amplifier drives four ARX Micromax loudspeakers and a hidden ARX sub-woofer.
To address the growing fitness market, Cloud has developed a new multi-source audio distribution system. At its heart lies the Cloud Pump Station 16, which has the capacity to connect up to 16 remotely controlled stereo headphone outlets with a choice of up to eight stereo line level music sources or programmes, plus voice-over, alarm or microphone override. For larger venues the system is expandable, using the Sub Station 8. The Pump Station 16's powerful headphone amplifiers provide a selection of high quality musical programmes to individual locations via a small, personal control unit - the RH-8. This can be easily mounted to almost any exercise equipment and allows the user to select from a choice of up to eight programme sources and to set a preferred volume level. The audio is delivered via a pair of customised, lightweight stereo headphones, made for Cloud by Sennheiser.
Sibelius Hall, the new concert hall in Lahti, Finland, opened its doors in March. Designed as the permanent home for the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, the Hall consists of three elements - the concert/congress hall, the Forest Hall and a renovated former carpentry factory. Artec Consultants of New York provided the theatre planning, acoustics consulting services and sound and communication system design for the venue. The concert/congress hall design includes a moving acoustic canopy, acoustic control curtains and acoustic banners. We will carry more on this in a future issue of L&SI.
QSC has launched the RMX series of power amplifiers. Three models range in power from 430W to 1200W per channel @ 2 ohms, all in a compact chassis, two rack spaces high and less than 16" deep. All RMX amps boast comprehensive features including XLR and ¼" balanced inputs, Speakon and binding post outputs - which allow users a choice of connectors, user-defeatable clip limiters and user-selectable low-frequency filters - optimising the performance for any audio system.
The Dome in Whiteley Bay has recently installed a new DAS Sound System. The installation was carried out by freelance sound engineer Mickey Ware, in conjunction with Colin Rowell from Arcadia Leisure with equipment supplied by London-based Sensible Music. The main truss featured four RF212s running in conjunction with a pair of Sub18s on the floor, complemented by six RF115 monitors. As a listed building the Dome presented specific problems as Ware explains: "We had to be careful how things were flown, and the shape also posed problems when it came to the acoustics. In order to achieve a real surround feel to the system we used DAS Factor 5 compact monitors around the periphery of the building to act as in-fills. Finally, we used factor 8s in the bar area for playback music and also on the trussing and spot-fills for some dead spots off to the side of the stage."
Audio Motion, a computer generated graphics (CGI) and motion capture specialist, recently used Sennheiser UHF radio microphone systems to record vocals for a new television commercial featuring cult heroine Lara Croft. Produced for Sega in several different languages, the advert was handled by studio manager Des Tong, who was also responsible for the original music composition and sound effect creation. Tong explains: "We added a CG Lara to live footage using both full-body and facial motion capture. I recorded the voice-overs with the Sennheiser MKE-2 attached to a pair of HD25 headphones to enable the special Vicon cameras to see the 63 small reflective markers attached to the actresses face. Using the SK3063 UHF transmitter and an EM3031 receiver, the audio can be recorded in sync with the facial movements giving a realistic performance."
Oklahoma-based RSI has supplied a Turbosound system for the newly-built South Hill Christian Center in Washington. Representatives of the new church were insistent that the sound reinforcement system should be of high calibre and work with the acoustics of the new building. Dennis Cummins, co-pastor at South Hill, was reportedly shocked that a system of such intelligibility and warmth would be affordable to the coffers of his church. The installation consists of six Turbosound TCS-56 full-range two-way enclosures, three TCS-30 cabinets, two Turbosound TCS-115 and two TCS-118 subwoofers and four TCS-20s. The TCS-56s, designed primarily for speech and music, formed the main thrust of the system, configured three wide and two deep at the front of the church. Positioned below, one of the TCS-30 cabinets, distributing wide horizontal coverage, provides the front fill, a further two provide fr
TOA voice alarm equipment features prominently in a rolling development programme at London's Natural History Museum which is currently being carried out by Static Systems Group plc. Presently the installation utilises three TOA equipment racks, plugged with V series amplification and processing. Each fire alarm fully communicates with the voice alarm, which sends out a common PA message. Destinations can be selected and the system will link the fireman's mic and broadcast to any PA zone via a touch-screen and Static Systems' proprietary TDM (Time Division Multiplex). The AMX front-end touch screens were supplied by TOA, to provide a visual switching and a map of the museum for paging and message broadcast purpose (messages are pre-recorded and stored using TOA's EV digital message machines). While much of the system is connected to standard loudspeakers, TOA F-777s are found in the main
Sennheiser UK has appointed Paul Nunnington as DAS product manager. He joins the company from Sound Technology, where he was southern area sales manager and will be responsible for the continuing expansion of the sales of DAS products into both MI and professional audio markets. Nunnington has considerable experience in the PA and musical instrument markets, with companies like Project Music, Shuttlesound and Sound Technology. The company has also appointed Dave Hawker as special projects manager. Hawker has almost 25 years’ experience in the broadcast industry, including operational experience at Carlton Television. His new role will include the design, management and installation of large systems in the music, broadcast and leisure markets.
Pioneer Europe has launched a website resource aimed at DJs of all levels of experience - at www.djsounds.com. The site's 'Interactive' section allows visitors to sample the Pioneer range of mixers for themselves, selecting tunes from a variety of genres including Techno, Drum 'n' Bass and House. The 'Music' section offers 20 tracks of the latest releases from progressive record labels. Other features of the site include video interviews with the world's biggest DJs and details of the hottest upcoming events around Europe, as well as a text and chat forum covering a wide range of topics pertaining to dance music and DJ technology.
Tannoy Ltd has appointed Henny Groenendijk as managing director, replacing Alex Munro, who has left the company to pursue other interests. Groenendijk, who was previously managing director of another TGI Group subsidiary, Tannoy Nederland, takes up his position at Tannoy’s headquarters in Scotland immediately. His long-term relationship with Tannoy dates back to 1985 when he started working for Tannoy’s Dutch distributor, having previously worked in retail since1976. A year after joining the Dutch distributor, he bought them out and formed a new company, Tannoy Nederland. Subsequently, in 1992, Tannoy Nederland joined the TGI group.Tannoy Nederland has been an outstandingly successful component part of the TGIgroup, and is currently Tannoy’s fourth largest distributor.
The Konigswinter Conference held its 50th annual meeting of German and British leaders in politics, business, banking, finance, and media at the Randolph Hotel and Keble College in Oxford on the 23rd-25th March this year. Ascott Conference Communications provided the complex and comprehensive sound facilities required for the event, in conjunction with conference organiser, Maxine Vlieland of Specialist Conferences . This is the seventeenth successive year that the two experienced British companies have worked together on the project. Ascott provided the full staging, lighting, sound and simultaneous interpretation services for presenters and the media from both countries.
Turbosound has appointed Apogeu as its exclusive Portuguese distributor. Apogeu also distributes Lab Gruppen, Yamaha, Clay Paky MA Lighting and Prolyte in Portugal, and is highly regarded for its commitment to the brands in its stable. With showrooms in Lisbon and Oporto, the company is well equipped to showcase the complete Turbosound range, and has already made a significant initial commitment to Turbosound, by investing over 120,000 Escudos (approx. £40,000) in Turbosound Floodlight systems, as well as QLight, HiLight, TFM and TCS series speakers.
At the Frankfurt Musik Messe next week, Fred Heuves and Karel de Piere of Synco Europe will announce the latest international signing to the Synco Europe Rental Network - with a brand new company which expands the Synco network into fresh territory for this relatively new concept in live sound PA rentals, first unveiled at Frankfurt a year ago. All Synco network members use the Renkus-Heinz Synco Touring System (RH-STS) PA system. Full story shortly.
Amersham-based Auditel has secured a US$4.5 million contract from the Government of Iran. The order is for a complete voting and sound and communications system for the Ministry of Housing of the Government of Iran and has been won in conjunction with Sony Corp of Dubai who will supply the TV broadcast equipment. Auditel is responsible for the project management and already has a team in place in Tehran. The installation covers sound reinforcement, voting systems, audio and TV and the entire system will be computer-controlled.
Following our news story last month about the proposed deal, Mackie has now completed its purchase of Eastern Acoustic Works Inc (EAW). "We are excited about the opportunities afforded us by this acquisition," stated Greg Mackie, founder and chairman of Mackie Designs. "EAW is a leading brand in the professional audio industry and is recognised as a world class developer and manufacturer of high-end professional audio equipment." Jamie Engen, Mackie's chief operating officer added: "There are significant synergies which will come from the combination of Mackie, EAW, and RCF, our Italian subsidiary. Our brands, our engineering, our manufacturing capabilities, our distribution channels, our target markets and especially our people, all complement one another."
The small Yorkshire town of Pocklington is the location for the latest independent cinema, The Oak House, to open in the UK. The complex features a multi-use 200-seat cinema/theatre auditorium with a full-size Cinemascope screen - which rolls up into the ceiling for live theatre performance. The Dolby-accredited system uses Tannoy T300 SuperDual speakers for the LCR channels, with an additional six Tannoy i8 loudspeakers being used for the surround channel. Low frequency effects are boosted with a Tannoy B475 18" sub-woofer, whilst QSC amplifiers drive the system and two Tannoy TX3 controllers are used for maximum controllability.
James Bowes has taken over from Alan Bond in the role of sales director at Tannoy Audix Systems Ltd. Bowes has carried out the role of director of engineering for the past two years and during his eight years with Tannoy Audix has operated across both the commercial and technical areas of the company.
Citronic has introduced three new mixer products. The entry-level CS-3 uses VCA Pro-Crossfade and industrial grade 'long life' Alps input faders for durability and smooth action; the VCA crossfader characteristics are also variable from Crab-Mix to Cross-Mix for maximum performance customisation. The CDM5:2k is an enhanced version of the successful CDM5:2, with the addition of three-band switched kills, while the high-end Station 9 has been designed to allow DJs increased use of outboard processing. Its PA mixer-style layout has a variable effect send that can be used pre- or post-fade on both microphone and music signal input channels. Unusually, it has five music-input channels as well as dedicated microphone that can be configured to provide up to three mics, nine CD/Line and two phono inputs.
Northern Stage Services, based in Lancashire, has recently added a further six systems of Sony's Freedom UHF wireless microphones to its stock, having purchased the systems from Sony distributor Total Audio Solutions. Murphy points out that even smaller clients are no longer prepared to accept the lower quality of VHF transmission, and that reliability and ease of setup were also prime considerations. The system supplied by TAS includes a MB-806 six-way 1U receiver and six WRT-805HR beltpack transmitters. Murphy has incorporated the system into custom flightcases for rapid turn-around between jobs.
Tannoy's Dual Concentric loudspeakers have been installed at the popular Cheers bar and restaurant in London's West End, by Twickenham-based installer ADC & Company. The new system was required after the venue changed hands and acquired a 3am licence, as the existing system did not have the power and flexibility to deal with day and night-time use. Four Tannoy i15 speakers cover the main bar area, while the newly-created dance floor is served by four Tannoy i12 and two T40 sub-bass speakers. All amplification is from QSC. A smaller dance area uses four i8 Dual Concentrics, with two portable T12s in the entrance cafe-bar. All zones are controlled by Tannoy's TX controllers.
Australian company Jands Production Services is purchasing a complete V-Dosc loudspeaker system from Paris-based manufacturer L-Acoustics, for use in its sound rental operation. In doing so, Jands becomes the network partner for all V-Dosc rentals in Australia and New Zealand. Peter Ratcliffe, part-owner of Jands and head of sound operations, commented: "We were attracted to the compact size of the cabinets along with the V-Dosc system's remarkable power, pattern control and near-field response over distance. We wanted a system that would be suitable for touring, corporate and special events. V-Dosc offers a quantifiable improvement in sound quality in all these applications."
Fleetwood Mobiles has recently completed a three-night stint with Macy Gray, recording concerts at Wembley Arena and Brixton Academy for a US documentary. Toby Allington, of Audio Logistics, was responsible for mixing Gray's vocals at the recent Brit Awards ceremony. He commissioned the project after witnessing Fleetwood in action at the Brits, where the truck handled mixing for three of the four live bands for television broadcast the following night.Allington, in conjunction with the US documentary crew, called on Fleetwood to record Macy Gray's London concerts and provide synchronisation between the audio source and the pictures, which were shot on film using nine 16mm cameras.
Tannoy has launched its new i7 Contour infinite baffle installation loudspeaker, designed for high quality music and speech in applications where wide yet controlled coverage is required and discrete matching to the architectural environment is important. The i7 features four 4" bass drivers and a single HF driver housed in a slim cabinet for fixed installation applications, and exhibits dispersion characteristics of 70 degrees (v) and 110 degrees (h). In addition, the i7 is available in both charcoal grey and white finishes with colour co-ordinated grilles as standard and options include a stainless steel grille and the MB7 yoke bracket for easy mounting.
