USA - Broadway will celebrate its reopening in September with the 74th Tony Awards in New York. Two nominees for Best Musical, Jagged Little Pill and Moulin Rouge! The Musical, are powered by Meyer Sound systems, with the veteran sound designers for the two productions, Jonathan Deans and Peter Hylenski respectively, each nominated for Best Sound Design for a Musical. The two shows also received the highest total of Tony nominations, with 15 for Jagged Little Pill and 14 for Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Productions scheduled to return that principally rely on Meyer Sound, with respective sound designers, are David Byrne’s refreshed and relocated American Utopia (Pete Keppler), Dear Evan Hansen (Nevin Steinberg), Hadestown (Jessica Paz and Nevin Steinberg), Ain’t Too Proud (Steve Canyon Kennedy and Walter Trarbach), an
Canada - Over time, the Jack Singer Concert Hall (JSCH) in Calgary has undergone many upgrades to ensure it remains a leading performance venue, including a complete overhaul and replacement of its seating and house lighting in 2017. Most recently, that process required a comprehensive retooling of its audio infrastructure that included an upgrade to the hall’s existing DiGiCo console and the purchase of a new DiGiCo Quantum 338. While much has changed in recent years, the venue’s ongoing reliance on DiGiCo consoles at JSCH and throughout the Arts Commons complex’s other venues, has not. Jack Jamieson, head sound technician at JSCH explains, “I’ve been using DiGiCo since 2012. We started with a compact version of the DiGiCo SD8 in 2012 and we were so impressed with its reliability and flexibility that, in 2014, we upgraded from analogue consoles to DiGiCo digital
UK - The award-winning Leeds Playhouse is the largest regional repertory theatre in the UK outside London and Stratford and has earned an international reputation as one of Britain's most exciting producing theatres. The Playhouse has been welcoming audiences for over 50 years and most recently underwent a £16m transformation which includes improved access to and around the theatre, a new city-facing entrance and the addition of a new studio theatre, the Bramall Rock Void. The theatre’s continuing investment in its audio infrastructure has seen the recent purchase of 24 channels of Shure’s Axient Digital wireless systems from Autograph. Tom Cuthbertson, deputy head of sound at Leeds Playhouse, comments: “Our old RF systems were in need of replacement after many years of use. Unfortunately, we also lost the use of around half of them in the most recent Ofcom frequency
USA - PRG has incorporated L-Acoustics L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound Technology into its Los Angeles Virtual Production Studio. This advanced audio technology pairs with PRG’s extended reality setup to offer an array of tools for multi-sensory immersive experiences. In addition to the L-ISA technology permanently available in the Los Angeles studio, which includes an immersive loudspeaker configuration and processing hardware, the new L-ISA Studio software suite, launched in April, makes it easier for sound creators to design immersive audio with 3D control interface and audio processing, all available on a personal computer. Creators can use L-ISA Studio software from any computer, listen to and prepare their content in binaural sound using headphones, and then bring their creation to the PRG Los Angeles Virtual Production Studio where it will seamlessly translate to L
UK - Having given their new RCF HDL 30-A rig an auspicious debut at Rutland Water recently for the Frankie Valli tribute act, Frankie’s Guys, JPS Sound & Light were in action again at the Colesdale Farm festival site near Potters Bar for the now firmly established Zimfest Live - a colourful celebration of Zimbabwean music. Working alongside Gareth Wildman’s Stage Tec as they frequently do, John Southee’s Peterborough based company populated the 12 x 10m Alidome stage with two hangs of eight HDL 30-A active two-way line array modules. These were underpinned with two 18 RCF SUB 9006-AS on the ground in front of the stage, while across the stage lip were RCF’s NX 15-SMA reference monitors. Wildman, who has known John Southee for the past 20 years, has increasingly turned to the sound system specialist for his deployment of RCF’s control tool, RDNet. W
Italy - Sound engineers chose Point Source Audio's CO-8WL omnidirectional waterproof lavalier microphones for the immersive production of Puccini's Tosca, staged in the courtyard of Palazzo Farnese in Northern Italy's city of Piacenza. Due to the necessary social distancing of the audience and performers, this production called on many more technical elements than you would usually find in an opera. From the projection mapping around the facade of the courtyard used for the staging to the immersive audio environment created by the Outboard TiMax system, this was a performance where technology came to the forefront to transport the audience back to Napoleonic Rome. Creating the kind of audio environment where every nuance could be reproduced naturally and precisely required premium components at every stage of the signal chain. "Point Source Audio's CO-8WL
UK - Audient has announced a partnership with The VoiceOver Network. As part of the pairing, Audient is contributing to the voice over industry Buzz magazine, the associated podcast and the monthly Voiceover Hour webinars, as well as offering discounts to members. Started back in 2013 by Rachel Naylor, The VoiceOver Network provides a friendly and supportive hub for voice over professionals of all levels to share and develop their expertise in this booming industry. Audient’s marketing director, Andy Allen says, “We are proud to have partnered with The VoiceOver Network and look forward to working closely together in supporting the fast-growing VO community. With more content than ever being made, we are dedicated to ensuring all voice over artists have access to and understand the benefits of using professional grade audio products when recording.”
UK - Mainline Show Productions have invested in both Martin Audio’s Wavefront Precision WPS and WPM rigs. The Manchester-based event providers, described as a one-stop shop for most technical aspects of live production and dry hire, decided to extend their capacity rather than simply replace existing PA. “We saw WPS opening up more possibilities for us on small to medium festivals, so went for 16 boxes. WPM will give us flexibility on smaller gigs in its own right, or as fill for WPS-rigged stages, so we opted for eight enclosures,” states Director, Rob Lorton. He confirms that the company will also be pushing further into corporate and installation work as the industry emerges from lockdown. Carrying on the festival theme, he says, “We're confident the kit list should double our capability for a reasonably sized independent festival stage or major festival su
Austria - Austrian Audio is now shipping the new Hi-X15 closed-back headphones and the Hi-X25BT. They’re designed for ‘studio, stage, rehearsal room, on tour, or practising at home’. The folding design of the Hi-X15 makes them easy to store and carry. They are extremely robust, thanks to the durable all-metal hinge and bow. The closed construction and insulation of the Hi-X15 headphones open up many areas of application: in studio recording sessions, as a monitor on stage, and as a reliable companion in the rehearsal room, says Austrian. The Hi-X25BT gives ‘ultimate listening flexibility’. You no longer need to change headphones for different tasks or locations. If you’re wearing them in the studio, working on a record or a mix, you'll connect with analogue or digital audio. The Hi-X15 and the Hi-X25BT headphones use the award-winning drivers of the H
Germany - Neumann has introduced the KH 750 AES67 subwoofer, a product variant of the KH 750 DSP for AES67-based environments. Thanks to its DSP power provides access to Neumann's Automatic Monitor Alignment MA 1, thus allowing for room adaptive correction of the entire monitoring system, including even the connected analogue Neumann loudspeakers – in amplitude and phase. “The compact KH 750 AES67 is suitable for all areas in which audio over IP in existing AES67 infrastructure is to be routed all the way to the loudspeakers in a redundant and lossless manner. Its AES67 interface allows to address not only the subwoofer but the entire stereo system, including the speakers connected to the KH 750 AES67,” explains portfolio manager Markus Wolff. “Its dual AES67 audio network connections are fully compliant with broadcast standards such as ST 2110 and ST 2022-7 redundan
USA - Having worked with AV technology for most of his professional career, Mike Roberts, director of technology at Utica College, recognised the necessity for a first-rate microphone upgrade in the institution’s Donahue Auditorium lecture hall which would provide complete audio coverage for both instructors and students alike. Roberts turned to ClearOne for the solution that would meet his needs. Located in the heart of Central New York, Utica College is a comprehensive, independent, private institution that offers many of the advantages of a large university, such as undergraduate and graduate degree options, excellent academic programs, and outstanding faculty, but with an intimacy and a high degree of personal attention more closely associated with smaller private colleges. The Utica College Donahue Auditorium is primarily used for lectures and seminars, includin
USA - Meyer Sound will take over the 2,643-seat Linda W. Chapin Theatrein the Orange County Convention Centre at InfoComm 2021 in October for “real world” demonstrations of Spacemap Go. During that time, the theatre’s permanent Meyer Sound reinforcement system will be augmented with additional AVB Milan certified Galileo Galaxy Network Platforms and surround loudspeakers to support the demos and special guest presenters joining the Meyer Sound team. “This is our first major trade show since we introduced Spacemap Go, so we are going all-out to make these demo sessions an InfoComm highlight,” says Tim Boot, Meyer Sound’s director of global marketing. “Instead of the scaled-down demo room simulations others have shown, at InfoComm we will launch a full-blown experience of what Spacemap Go can do in immersive music concerts and sophisticated theatrical productions
The Netherlands - Following a year-long hiatus, the Eurovision Song Contest returned this year with a lavish production that met the immense expectations of dedicated Eurovision fans the world over. Ampco Flashlight was awarded the role of official technical supplier, with group member Purple Group supplying an extensive L-Acoustics loudspeaker system as part of the overall audio-visual requirements. Erwin Rintjema of Sightline Productions was leading the ESC-team as head of production. Jeroen ten Brinke was ESC head of live sound. Ten Brinke designed an audio system around L-Acoustics K and X Series, with a total of 300 L-Acoustics cabinets deployed. Commercial and operational director, Dennis van der Haagen, was overseeing the project on behalf of official technical supplier Ampco Flashlight. “Ampco Flashlight was awarded the contract for rigging, lighting an
UK - The live events sector is set to get a boost with a government-backed insurance scheme worth over £750m, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced yesterday (5 August). The news comes after many months of campaigning by the events sector and the wider music industry for the introduction of such a scheme. However, it comes too late for many, with over fifty per cent of scheduled festivals – both large and small – cancelled or postponed. The government has partnered with Lloyd’s to deliver the Live Events Reinsurance Scheme as part of the Plan for Jobs. The scheme will see the government act as a ‘reinsurer’ – stepping in with a guarantee to make sure insurers can offer the products events companies need. This scheme will support live events across the UK that are open to the general public - such as music festivals and business events. It will cover
USA - Powersoft has confirmed the appointment of Akira Mochimaru to serve as its new global marketing director, effective immediately. His duties in this role will be to connect dots between customers, technology, products, communication, and distribution through strategic business planning and guiding implementation. Based in the US, he will also coordinate with Powersoft’s operations in New Jersey to help growing the company’s presence in the install market through his knowledge and network of contacts. Mochimaru has made his move to Powersoft permanent after serving as a consultant for three months. He comes with a pedigree and track record extending over 38 years in the pro audio industry, including working as general manager for Bose Professional. “My personal mission is to connect customer experience and products through the use of advanced technolo
UK - Shure IntelliMix Room is the first software-based digital signal processing (DSP) for AV conferencing to achieve official certification for Microsoft Teams when installed on the Crestron UC-C100-T Flex Video Conference System Integrator Kit. Now users can deploy end-to-end certified solutions for Teams systems without the need for a separate DSP device. This is key because DSP is valuable in ensuring that meeting room audio sounds intelligible and natural for all meeting participants. Shure’s collaboration with Crestron helped enable IntelliMix Room software to achieve this certification. Crestron has been a Microsoft partner for more than 15 years and AV integrators rely on the UC-C100-T Crestron Flex Integrator Kit to bring Microsoft Teams Rooms into custom spaces. The Crestron Flex series provides users with the components needed to build a fully customised video c
UK - Pliant Technologies recently expanded its reach in the UK with new distributor, Sussex-based Nymrod Comms. Founded in 2015, Nymrod Comms was established to provide the U.K. and European markets with full-duplex communication systems. Adding to its product line-up, Nymrod now offers Pliant’s CrewCom and MicroCom wireless intercom systems. “We are honoured that Pliant Technologies has joined our portfolio of broadcast communication systems,” says Paul Rapley, co-founder at Nymrod Comms. “Our strength in providing the market with professional equipment and high-quality customer service has led Nymrod Comms to grow year-after-year over the past six years. With our customers requiring an advanced wireless system, we recognize Pliant’s wireless intercoms as leading solutions.” Nymrod’s primary client base includes industries that are traditionally limited
USA - When Miami’s Joia Beach Club and Rapture Festival hosted Independence Beach during the 4th July weekend, Eastern Acoustic Works’ (EAW) Anna ADAPTive loudspeaker system kept the party going at the beachside setting. Prior to the event, the venue’s management called upon Jorge Tapia from Mix3 Sound, a full-service production company based in south Florida, to design a PA system capable of producing higher SPL in the venue without disturbing the neighbours across the bay. Mix3 Sound provided eight EAW Anna loudspeakers, four EAW SBX218 powered subwoofers and two EAW RL12 speakers for the event. “We knew how amazing EAW’s Anna system was and how it could be a game changer for the Independence Beach event, so we presented it to them as an option,” says Tapia. “The folks at the venue were sceptical at first, but promoter Yusf from Rapture Festival believ
South Africa - Recently launched UK manufacturer Optimal Audio has announced the appointment of Audiosure as its sole distributor for Southern Africa. Optimal Audio, part of the Focusrite Group, manufactures a one-stop solution of control, amplification and loudspeakers for small to medium sized commercial installations, with a focus on supporting multi-zoned venues. Audiosure, part of the First Technology group of companies, has been a leading distributor in the South African market for more than 20 years, and represents a portfolio of top international audio, lighting and AV brands. The company is headquartered in Johannesburg, with branches in Cape Town, Durban and Bloemfontein which enable it to efficiently service the needs of its wide-ranging network of specialist dealers. Sales director of Audiosure, Greg Payne comments: “We are pleased and proud to have
USA - Facing lockdowns and shuttered theatres in the wake of the pandemic, composer Mark Grey, along with a creative team of visual artists, sought to create a travelling chamber opera that would bring back live theatre. While developing Birds in the Moon, Grey knew he would need a durable microphone with superior sound quality capable of handling the unique conditions of the production’s stage setup. He found the solution he was looking for with DPA Microphones’ 6061 Core Omnidirectional Subminiature and 4099 Instrument Microphones. Birds in the Moon is a travelling chamber opera built into a shipping container capable of bringing performing arts to locations where theatrical experiences are often sparse or unavailable. The container is designed as a multi-use performance space, suitable for showing films, presentations, visual exhibits, small theatrical works, concerts
USA - With summer in full swing and theme parks finally welcoming visitors in large numbers again, SeaWorld San Antonio is celebrating by offering guests its two-month Electric Ocean Concert Series as an extra ‘free’ perk to the park’s standard admission price on show days. Boasting a diverse roster of popular acts - Everclear, Little River Band, Josh Abbott, En Vogue, Newsboys, Chris Jansen, Vanilla Ice, Jesse McCartney, 38 Special, Matthew West, Shelly Lares, Air Supply, Blue Oyster Cult, and others - shows are staged at the 3,000-seat Nautilus Amphitheatre, which recently got a powerful sonic boost, just in time for the new concert series. LD Systems designed and installed a new L-Acoustics A Series-based loudspeaker system in record time that allows the concert pavilion to host more guests now that the sound finally covers every seat in the house. Acco
UK - Shure has announced details of its 2021 pro audio roadshow. The company previously committed to free training and continued education for the live performance, production, AV rental, film and location sound professionals, as the industry gets back on its feet. The pro audio roadshow is an extension of support to the industry after a challenging past 18 months. The team will be visiting several different locations across the country to offer some hands-on experience with Shure systems and face to face time with the Shure experts. The roadshow will offer refresher training on RF, answer any questions about equipment or wireless training and a general overview of the new product launches over the last 18 months, including new additions to the Axient Digital family and Wavetool software. Stuart Moots, director pro audio comments: “The team are all looking forward t
UK - The Roadie Cookbook: Toured There, Ate That is a new charity publication created by live music crew members with the mission of funding Mental Health First Aid training for every tour bus in the UK. Borne out of an idea by production manager Nick Gosling (Nile Rodgers & Chic) in April 2020, the project was curated with friends production coordinator Julie Cotton (Massive Attack), production assistant Athena Caramitsos and backline tech Rich House (Elbow). The team set out to help their peers re-engage in the much-missed mealtime connection of crew catering by sharing recipes over social media and Zoom. When the devastation of Covid-19 hit, live music stopped overnight, and tour buses stood still. While almost every venue in the world closed, home kitchens became the new catering hub for unemployed music workers. As stories of memorable meals and secre
UK - Vintage Martin Audio modular stacks have helped support an experimental work at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in central London. It is fitting that as the manufacturer celebrates its 50th year, Alex Czechowski of Ace Vintage Systems should be commissioned to provide a classic Martin Audio rig from yesteryear, exemplifying its formidable history. Created and performed by influential dance and performance artist, Samir Kennedy, it was show designer, Simon Vincenzi, who came up with the idea of using speakers to create a ‘portal’ or proscenium for The Misery Portal. Simon is a London-based theatre director, choreographer and designer who has created a huge body of work over the past 20 years. He searched far and wide on the internet and came across the Ace Vintage Systems website which provided him with inspiration for the show, together w
