A new face on the international trade show circuit is Le Mark's Rebecca Lace. She has joined the company as project manager with the task of expanding sales and the product profile of Le Mark’s reusable PAL Roadcase Label and accessory range within the US. One of Rebecca’s first outings came at the recent NAMM show held at the Anaheim (Los Angeles) Convention Centre in January, where Le Mark shared a stand with Penn Fabrication.

Penn has developed a unique range of steel dishes for Le Mark's label range. The dish can be specified by clients and can be built in as original equipment for all new roadcases. It is available on a worldwide basis through Penn and its extensive Dealer network.

(Ruth Rossington)

Just a few days remain before the Institute of Sound & Communication Engineers (ISCE) ISCEx 2002 - an event designed to address those who work in the installed sound sector. The event, which takes place at the Alexander Stadium, Perry Barr, Birmingham this Wednesday (27th February), will combine a one-day seminar programme and a small exhibition. It will also feature the first ever Warren-Barnett Memorial Lecture given by Peter Mapp.

In addition to the Memorial Lecture, the main seminar programme will feature presentations on Audio for Video Conferencing by Jon Raper; Getting the Measure of Intelligibility by Peter Mapp and Helen Goddard; The Future of the VA Standards by Phil Pratt and Teaching an Old Bear Tricks by Helen Goddard and Robert Thornton.

Exhibitors at the event include AMS-Mapp Acoustics, Baldwin Boxall Communications Ltd, CIE Group Ltd, Communication Technology Ltd, D

Central Theatre Supplies in Birmingham were the hosts of a Lighting & Sound Workshop held at Solihull Arts Complex in Solihull on 2 February. Almost 250 people from amateur theatres, drama groups and schools attended the day and were given a full insight into stage lighting and sound. Exhibitors including Zero 88, Selecon, Audio Technica, Strand Lighting, Celestion, HW International, Doughty Engineering, Stonewood Audio and Prolyte were in attendance to demonstrate their latest products and services.

The first session of the day - entitled ‘Lighting from Scratch’ - was led by Jason Larcombe of the White Light Group. This was later followed by a demonstration of effects by Ian Knight, hire manager for Central Theatre Supplies. This offered those in attendance an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the recommended practices when working with pyro. Ian also demonstrated

North London-based Powerhouse Audio were the first production company in Europe to stock the new EAW SM84 wedge monitors. Powerhouse, who handle a great deal of the high profile corporate production work in and around London, count some of the capital’s major names among their clients. These include companies such as Virgin Records, Channel 4 Television, BBC Radio 2, The BAFTAs and The Financial Times - to name just few.

Nigel Winer explains: "We worked on a TV dance programme, 'Flava' for Channel 4. We were responsible for the production of the studio sound for guest live acts. TV producers try to keep wedge monitors out of shot where possible. One of the advantages of the SM84s is the fact that they are so low profile. We had one in shot and the rest at the other end of the studio. The beauty of the EAW wedges is that the sound is there when you need it. Hence none of the

Marantz Professional Europe has announced a distribution deal with acclaimed UK manufacturer Mordaunt-Short for loudspeaker products suitable for use in professional surround sound and installation applications. Following careful evaluation of the newly-acquired Mordaunt-Short (MS) range, the Marantz team has introduced the Declaration THX Select System, Premiere System 300 and MS302 2-way cabinet to its professional collection.

Mark Perrins, European general manager, states: "The market is changing and we needed a high quality and visually stunning speaker range to complement our existing AV control and installation products for the boardroom, presentation and SI sectors. The MS systems sound great but they also offer a more relaxed choice of finishes to get away from the normal rugged standard."

Both pre-configured surround sound systems and the MS302 cabinet offer stylis

Stagetec is supplying a custom-built show relay and paging system for the prestigious new state-of-the-art Laban contemporary dance centre on Deptford Creek. The £22 million project is due for completion in autumn this year, and will be the largest purpose-built contemporary dance centre in the world. The huge 7,800sq.m building, designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron, includes 12 dance studios and a 300-seat theatre. There’s also a community studio/meeting room for local schools and community groups - a media information resource centre, 100-seat lecture theatre, café and public gardens.

The project specification was put together by theatre consultants Carr & Angier, with whom Stagetec have worked on numerous other projects around the country. For Stagetec, the Laban project involves the supply and installation of the equipment, plus the design of the system and project man

John ‘Brad’ Bradshaw, formerly of Triflite Cases (Trifibre Containers), has started a new Flightcase business called Dragon Cases based in Cwmbran, South Wales. Brad - a well-known face in the industry - started his career in flightcases at Autopia some 15 years ago. After being made redundant after five years from Trifibre in December of last year, he returned to Autopia (then renamed as Encaseit) for a couple of weeks until again being made redundant after the receivers were called in on 16 January.

Brad will be working in partnership with Nomad Cases, a manufacturer of custom-built flightcases, polypropylene cases and padded bags, based in Market Harborough, Leicestershire.

(Lee Baldock)

Sony Broadcast and Professional UK has announced a significant enhancement to the triple award-winning DMX-R100 digital console, with the introduction of its DMBK-R109 MADI (Multichannel Audio Digital Interface) card. The interface expands to 108 the number of audio inputs that can be configured in a single DMX-R100 and supports the dual console cascade mode, providing an integrated 168-input, 112-channel, 48 fader digital mix system. Uniquely, the internal 32-bit fixed point Bus resolution is maintained between cascaded consoles, ensuring no compromise to the DMX-R100’s sound quality.

The powerful new DMBK-R109 utilizes the established AES 10 24-bit MADI I/O ‘bit-slip’ free standard and provides 48-channel digital I/O expansion compatible with other MADI devices such as the Sony PCM-3348HR DASH recorder. Compatibility with the expanding array of MADI stageboxes, audi

Carlsbro has launched what it claims to be one of the first efficient mobile or static monster speaker systems available in Europe. Following extensive trials in venues across the UK, at a recent rave in London, a sound check revealed that the system delivered a record 165db with no audible distortion. A pneumatic drill delivers 110db. This prompted one of the driver manufacturers to fly two engineers over from America to determine how this was achieved. Radio one DJ Dave Pearce listened to the system last week and is quoted as saying: "It is the best speaker system I have ever heard. It makes the Dance music I play come to life and the bass thump is wicked."

Meanwhile, a group of gospel singers from America flew into West Yorkshire to sing at Huddersfield Christian Fellowship where a multiple system delivered 22,000W of music to the 1,000 strong congregation. The choir, whic

UK PA company Big Sound was recently involved in the production of The Trench, a BBC documentary series following the 10th Battalion of the East Yorkshire regiment and the role they played in the First World War.

Filming began in October 2001 and involved 24 volunteers from Hull and East Yorkshire, all of whom were of similar ages to the original soldiers. The volunteers spent two weeks in an authentically constructed trench system in Northern France. Big Sound, based in Wales, was asked to provide speaker and 5.1 surround systems that would deliver the sound effects in the most realistic form. Another requirement Big Sound had to consider was the need for the systems to deliver high-end sound effects while remaining as far away from the actual set as possible so that they didn't interfere with camera sight. Big Sound opted for a mixture of powered speakers and mini stacks of powered c

Edwards is a newly opened bar in Cardiff - part of a major roll out from Six Continents. The audio installation was carried out by Orritt Electronics and owes much to the award-winning sound system installed at Loaf in Manchester.

Dave Orritt explains: "The spark of Edwards originally came from Loaf in Manchester. We were able to take the best of the Loaf design features and incorporate them into this venue. The difficult issue at Edwards was the venue’s acoustics. A hotel is situated above the venue so we had to pass NR 45 in order to get planning consent. What we have in Edwards is basically a box within a box within a box. To get the sound pressure levels with the quality of dispersion needed, we used multiple clusters of Mackie Monitors 5s and MSW8 subs, which were flown from the ceiling."

Edwards has a harsh industrial quality to it - with cable trays exposed aro

Rolec has launched its new PHD-1 Music Store. The product is ideal for pubs, bars and cafes looking for a dynamic choice of music and a quick, simple and fuss-free device from which to play it. The unit can store up to 2500 tracks and the latest chart hits can be added thanks to a monthly update CD supplied by Rolec. Pre-programmed timed announcements, adverts, tag lines and promotional offers can also be stored. The machine’s internal clock is date-sensitive, offering the facility to recognize specific seasons and programme appropriate music up to a year in advance. It can also play standard audio CDs.

The Music Store offers all the flexibility of a computer-based system, operated through just four buttons on the front, but because it’s a dedicated player, it doesn’t hang up, like computer-based music systems can do, when the power is switched on and off. For playbac

A new sound installation at the famous Globe Arena in Stockholm, scene of the 2000 European Song Contest, will feature clusters of Martin Audio Wavefront 8 Compacts. The audio rental and contractor company DM Audio AB - Martin Audio’s Swedish distributor - has finalized the design to update and expand the installation which they undertook 12 years ago - when the arena was originally built.

"The reason for the expansion," explained DM Audio’s Lars Wern,"is that when the arena has hosted touring artists their sound engineers have often received complaints from the audience seated in the highest seats. Most tours do not bring enough equipment, or simply could not tilt the speakers upwards enough (the catwalk is situated 36 metres above the floor). To help the visiting sound engineers, it was decided to install a delay speaker system that could be added to the ma

The Institute of Sound and Communications Engineers’ first combined seminar/exhibition event exceeded all expectations when it took place on Wednesday 27 February at Birmingham's recently upgraded Alexandra Stadium.

The full day's seminar programme covered a wide variety of subjects including Video Conferencing, Audio Measurements, VA Standards and a 'behind the scenes' look at the acoustic problems of Paddington station. There was also a sneak preview and demonstration of the World's first disposal loudspeaker! But the undoubted highlight of the day was the inaugural Warren-Barnett Memorial Lecture in memory of two respected figures in the industry which was delivered by Peter Mapp.

Twelve specialist PA/VA manufacturers supported the event with stylish 'table top' displays, and all reported a high level of interest from the nearly 100 ISCE members and others who braved a squal

Stardraw.com has appointed Prevost SA as the exclusive premier partner for Belgium and Luxembourg. With over 50 years experience in the professional sound industry and exclusive distribution of 14 of the top lines in the pro audio and AV market, Prevost is well placed to make the maximum impact with Stardraw. According to Stardraw sales director David Morrison: "Prevost numbers among the top pro audio distributors in northern Europe, and is definitely the right choice for us as a premier partner. Indeed, Stardraw complements Prevost's existing portfolio very nicely as we already have relationships with most of the other manufacturers they represent, so I am looking forward to a mutually beneficial relationship."

(Ruth Rossington)

Philips CSI has appointed Reg Nicholls as general manager to head up its growing UK operation. He takes over from Kevin Diss who has just been appointed general manager of Philips Lighting in the UK.

Previously general manager of Philips Analytical in Cambridge and responsible for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Nicholls has a wealth of experience in general management and sales. In his new role at Philips CSI, he will be responsible for expanding Philips’ already strong market presence in the CCTV, PA, congress and communications markets.

Philips CSI has recently invested heavily in major new products including new generation REO digital observation systems, new AutoDome and NetCam cameras, new digital CCTV products, new digital congress systems, plus complete new ranges of PA systems including PLENA and FlexiLine and the advanced Praesideo - the world’s first fully dig

Kellys nightclub complex at Port Rush is one of the province’s busiest venues. The complex includes the ultra modern LUSH with its even cooler Chill Out room and the now totally refurbished Wild, with its traditional stone and wood interiors.

WILD is split across two floors with separate sound systems: on the top floor the venue retains its existing RCF Event system, whilst on the ground floor a new EAW system has been spec’d. Local installation company, Light and Sound FX were involved in the original installation and won the contract to handle the system revamp. Darren Gardener of Light and Sound FX explains: "Our brief was to reconfigure the Event system upstairs and put a new sound system in on the ground floor. We decided to talk to Andy Austin Brown at Mackie, as he'd been involved in the original spec, and since we had no flying options, he recommended the EAW s

MC2 Audio has announced the first sale of its amplifiers in the Sultanate of Oman. Bright Lights of Muscat made their first approach to MC2 Audio at the PLASA 2001 exhibition in London and their order for amplifiers from both the MC range and T Series followed in early February 2002. MC2 Audio’s Ian McCarthy commented: "We look forward to future collaboration with Bright Lights and wish them every success with our products."

(Lee Baldock)

For the third consecutive year, UK distributor HW International ensured that the Mean Fiddler-owned London Astoria was furnished with a plethora of Shure microphones for the NME Carling Awards. The shows ran for a week-and-a-half during February and included bands such as the Pet Shop Boys, Aphex Twin, Ash and Starsailor. One of the most anticipated gigs was The Charlatans who performed to an enthralled capacity crowd. The Charlatans were supported by Reading's Cooper Temple Clause, the bill was completed by ex-Ultrasound star Matt Jones' new band Minuteman and promising Northern rockers Moco.

Matt West, London Astoria's in-house sound engineer, commented: "Shure were able to supply us with a generic mic set-up which would suit most guitar-based bands. Their mics are robust and reliable and used the world over, so I was more than happy to have them to offer to the bands and their

Autograph Sound Recording, the sound design and rental specialist, is taking opera to the masses this season, with two electrifying events scheduled back to back. Bizet's tragic masterpiece Carmen, plays for 16 performances at the Royal Albert Hall, while Beethoven's opera of love and liberation, Fidelio will be screened live next month, on the all new BBC Four.

The annual Raymond Gubbay opera in the round opened at the Royal Albert Hall on 21st February, with a brand new production of Carmen. Autograph has supplied sound and communications for the past four Gubbay opera productions at the Royal Albert Hall. This year's opera is using a large Meyer Sound loudspeaker system, comprising of over 60 UM-1s for vocals and two arrays of MSL-4 and PSW-4, for the orchestra mix, while D&B E3 loudspeakers are located in and under the stage as front fill positions.

Early Mar

London's new musical - The Full Monty - opening on 12th March 2002 at The Prince of Wales Theatre - features sound design by Mike Walker and includes two Cadac consoles in the audio cast. At the heart of the sound system, supplied by Blitz Sound, is an 83-input Cadac J-Type Live Production Console, situated FOH, complete with a full output section comprising 15 DC VCA masters and 32 outputs, including two programmable matrix outputs. A 39-input F-Type Live Production Console, located underneath the stage, is also featuring as the monitor/sub-mixer for the show's 12-piece rock band.

The Full Monty is essentially a wholly musical "book show", with Walker's sound design for the production focusing on complementing the strong rock'n'roll score. Over the past seven years, Walker has designed some 30 shows - touring particularly in Singapore and the Asia Pacific region. The Full Mo

The largest hotel chain in Italy, the Jolly Hotels, tested Biamp’s Audia Digital Audio Platform and decided that they liked what they heard. In October 2001, an Audia system was installed in a five-room conference section within the Jolly Hotel Conference Center complex on the outskirts of Milan, Italy. This system was to serve as a beta test for Audia and was installed by Professional Show SRL and Prase Engineering, one of Biamp’s top export distributors worldwide. Biamp’s Engineering staff assisted in the installation as well.

The Jolly Hotel pilot consists of seven Biamp VRAM automatic mixers with five additional radio mics feeding the inputs of two CobraNet Audia units, each with 8 inputs and 8 outputs (8X8 CM). In each of the five conference rooms there is an output as well as five recording outputs and a monitor output. Audio control is through a PC via Ethern

Australian Concert Productions Pty Ltd based in Brisbane is now one of the largest audio rental companies in Australia with an impressive inventory including a recently purchased X-Line system from Electro-Voice. ACP is currently handling the Australian leg of Rod Stewart's world tour with his latest album, Human. The Melbourne date also proved to be something of an X-Line User symposium with four of the biggest names in the industry there to support the event.

Bob Doyle from the Klark Teknik Group was in attendance along with another recent X-Line purchaser, Bryan Grant from Britannia Row, plus ACP's managing director, Mick Pritivera and Rod Stewart's FOH engineer and X-Line user, Lars Brogaard. Bob Doyle cited the event as evidence of the worldwide network that X-Line has developed since its launch just 12 months ago. "In fact, one of the reasons Mick decided to invest in an X-L

QSC Audio Products Inc. introduces the 215PCM self-contained active subwoofer system with dual 15-inch drivers. The core module of QSC’s ISIS (Integrated, Self-Powered, Self-Processed Industrial Systems) speaker line, the 215PCM provides power amplification not only for itself, but also two channels for driving full-range or bi-amp ‘top box’ speakers. Thus, it serves as the core module for portable live sound reinforcement systems and is ideal for corporate and industrial events. Its optimum frequency response is 35-115 Hz at the -3dB down points. A second model, the 215SB, is the identical enclosure minus the amplification and DSP.

The power and processing electronics of the 215PCM are contained in a backpack mounted on the rear of the subwoofer enclosure. Powering the 215PCM is an integral 3000W amplifier (equivalent to a bridged-mono QSC PowerLight 230) for the sub

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