This year’s Philip Morris Jazz Weekend took place in the Dutch city of Bergen Op Zoom in late May. During the five-day show, national and international stars of the jazz scene performed in four different venues. Among these were Phil Mason’s New Orleans All Stars with Christine Tyrell, Arie Kuit Quartet, Trio Johan Clement featuring Madeleine Bell, Miss Lulu White’s Red Hot Creole Jazz band and many more.

The main stage was the 1,000-capacity jazz tent, which was equipped with four stacks of HK Audio R-Series plus DFC amp racks, supplied by Triple A. For monitors, a total of seven HK Audio SM 112 II, two VT 115 Xs and an SM 212 for drum fill were used. Toon Dekkers, owner of Triple A, commented: "We have been working with HK Audio material for several years and we are again and again enthusiastic about the versatility of R-Series. Some people consider R-Series as

When David Bowie’s production manager, Nick Belshaw, turned his attention towards Europe and the summer season he thought of his old colleague, Dick Hayes at Entec in London. "When Nick first called he explained that the show Bowie is taking to the festivals of Europe was quite complex," explained Hayes, "so his sound engineer Pablo Wheeler had asked Belshaw to secure him a Yamaha PM1D."

Such is the size and scope of Bowie’s repertoire, that Wheeler was looking at 56 mic lines and a further 24 line inputs. "This show controller required the ability to follow an artist with a huge song list, and a penchant for chopping and changing his set list at the drop of a hat. At first, I thought I’d rent a PM1D for him," Hayes explained, "but then on reflection I realised this is a desk being spec’d more and more."

Hayes had harbou

Mike Charman has joined the Autograph Sales team as Clear-Com product specialist. Charman brings to the company a wide range of engineering skills, matched with familiarity within the field of broadcast and communication sales. His experience includes 15 years of working with innovative products such as AVS standard converters and Tekniche and Leitch broadcast systems.

Mike’s arrival coincides with an exciting period for Clear-Com, with a vast range of new wireless communications products soon to be available in the UK. The imminent licensing of the Q700 range, a programmable frequency agile UHF wireless intercom system, will be welcomed by communications users. The system has already attracted interest from across the UK, andenquiries have been coming in from broadcast users, as far a field as Aberdeen, to regional theatres, as well as numerous lighting and sound rental companie

Now here’s a thing: the ‘It’ girl Sophie Ellis Bextor, diva of the dancefloor with her Julie Andrews voice and lounge lush livery, sidles off stage at the end of song six and we’re treated to a guitar solo.

And not just any solo, this was raunchy, rocky, postured and powerful. Frankly, this caught the crowd completely unawares, even though there had been a clue it was coming: the opening number Sparkle was similarly endowed with a power pop melody and a thickly textured rhythm section, more Sweet’s Suicide than Siren of Style. What to think?

The audience didn’t seem to mind: here we had a mixture of sub-teens, mainly self-conscious girls still wearing LED flashing antenna from the S Club gig a fortnight earlier (these disappeared very quickly once the grown up audience arrived and they realised how uncool this made them look); a fair contingency o

Sennheiser UK is marking the 25th PLASA Show with the UK launch of several new products and ranges. The Sennheiser SKM 5000N Neumann-capsuled wireless microphone, the MKE Platinum ‘invisible’ miniature lavalier mic and the evolution eW550 touring twin wireless receiver are among major attractions for the live sound industry. The company will also be showing the Lab.gruppen range of power amplification for the first time, including the latest Iron Power and Ferrite Power ranges. Alongside all of which there will be the full range of Sennheiser and Neumann live and studio microphones, Sennheiser headsets, including the new HD280 pro DJ headphone, and D.A.S Audio sound reinforcement products and Mindprint signal processors. Sennheiser will also be unveiling an entire new innovative audio installation brand and new Sennheiser conferencing products at the show.

To accommodate th

Glenn Beckley's sound design for the touring production of Seven Brides For Seven Brothers features no less than five types of JF Series loudspeakers from EAW, supplied by Stage Electrics of Bristol, UK. In line with current practice, Beckley has split the distributed system so that different enclosures handle the band and vocals, and he selected the JF590 to give a rounded sound to the show's small orchestra.

"It's a nice speaker for listening to music," he commented, "and its fairly wide horizontal dispersion is ideal for a system that doesn't contain huge arrays." The four JF590s are configured as two stereo pairs and are supplemented by the same number of SB330 single 18" subwoofers, feeding the stalls and balcony areas respectively. The cabinets are flown or ground-stacked as required, displaying the versatility of the JF Series. The JF260z is a rec

Hayden Laboratories, the exclusive UK distributor for Denon products, has announced a special edition of chrome fascias for two of its most popular Denon DJ products - the DN-X400 mixer and the DN-1800 twin-CD player. 100 chrome fascias versions of each product are now available. The idea behind the move is to satisfy the current trend for chrome equipment for these entry-level professional products, in the fashion-conscious environment of the professional DJ.

The stylish chrome fascias are constructed from a laser-cut panel that retains the engineering quality, aesthetic integrity and rugged build for which Denon is known.

(Lee Baldock)

Belgian rental company DEE Sound & Light has increased its stock of Midas consoles with the addition of a 48-input Heritage 3000, supplied by Ampco Belgium. This latest purchase brings DEE's Midas inventory up to seven consoles, making it the company's principal console brand.

DEE's André Schneider explained that the reasons for investing in Midas were manifold, although one of the principal motivations was compatibility with other key suppliers. "We work very closely with Ampco Holland so it was important that we invest in the same equipment. We are both part of the Synco Network with Renkus Heinz, and it made sense to carry that through with the consoles as well. Plus of course Midas is a fantastic product. Our very first Midas console was a custom-built XL2, followed by a 24-channel XL200, both of which are still going strong. In fact, the XL2 is currently out on a world tour

In the Pantheon of award shows, the Classical Brits is a relative newcomer. That said, it’s a worthy show, recognising as it does young talent, the new, the great, and the good in the firmament of Classical music. Like its popular music forebear the Brit Awards, Classical Brits is also a highly challenging environment for live sound, composed as it is of a multiplicity of musical style and dynamics, it’s a rare day when you¹ll hear the light froth of the Opera Babes juxtaposed with the heavy artillery of a Russell Watson vocal broadside.

Strange then that Richard Sharratt, the man charged with delivering this unlikely mix to the listeners should try out a new console on the very singular recommendation of a colleague. This is after all, a one-off live show, not a heavily rehearsed concert season, as Sharratt explained: "Yes, it was my first time using the PM1D but I&r

The Guardian Hay literature and arts festival was last year described by Bill Clinton as "the Woodstock of the mind". In early June, this year’s Hay Festival returned to Hay on Wye, a tiny market town in the Black Mountains of the Welsh Marches - a town with 1,300 people but no less than 39 bookshops. XTA Electronics’ digital processing was deep at the heart of a sound system that presented readings and lectures by day and live bands by night.

Leading figures from the worlds of literature, music and the arts attract 50,000 visitors from all over the UK, Europe and America for 10 days a year, to join in what festival director Peter Florence calls ‘a market of ideas’. The music programme included Macy Gray, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Afro Celt Sound System and Bob Geldof, while new ideas and writing were presented by Maya Angelou, Paolo Coelho, Ian McEwan,

Lars Brogaard and David Bryson, production manager and wireless guru respectively, have asked wireless specialists Hand Held Audio to organize the licensing of their extensive radio systems for the current Rod Stewart UK tour. The tour requires 27 clear frequencies for each show, split between 13 in-ear systems, six backline systems for guitars and eight radio mics for vocals and brass.

Fortunately, the AKG IVM in-ear systems and radio mics and the Samson guitar systems all have frequency agility. Without that capability it would be impossible to get the same equipment onto clear channels in venues as diverse as Hyde Park, The Manchester Evening News Arena, Glastonbury Festival and Stormont Castle in Belfast. In order to have the widest possible selection of frequencies the production also has a total of three sets of AKG antennaverters for the vocal and brass systems. This rare beast

Tascam is exhibiting in force at the PLASA Show, demonstrating its rapidly expanding range of DJ products, including new ranges of high quality scratch and install mixers, alongside the company’s market leading X-9 digital performance DJ mixer.

Live and studio production products will include the SX-1 digital audio production environment, the full range of GigaStudio PC sample software, the DM-24 digital recording console and MX-2424 24-track HD recorder/ editor - featuring a new ‘Theatre Play’ mode. Also on the stand will be the new Tannoy Ellipse 8 monitoring system, as well as the full 5.1 surround sound configuration of the highly successful Reveal monitor. Guest appearances from top UK garage DJs DreemTeem among others are lined up.

PLASA sees the European trade launch of the Tascam DJ ‘Super Analog Series’ XS-3, XS-4, and XS-8 scratch mixers; progr

Cadac is focusing on the importance of sound economics at this year's PLASA. On show will be the latest version of Cadac's advanced Sound Automation Manager (SAM) for Windows, and a brand new compact addition to Cadac's line-up - the S-Type Live Show Console, details of which won’t be revealed until 8 September.

Cadac is also celebrating the tenth anniversary of its successful J-Type Live Production Console - regarded as the industry benchmark for major musical productions and tours. On show will be the latest J-Type module developments, reflecting the console's continuing evolution over the past decade, keeping it at the forefront of sound reinforcement functionality.

During the show, the company will be running a series of high profile ‘teach-ins’ across a variety of live sound topics. These will include guest presentations from leading industry experts on audio t

Wharfedale has launched three new product series to add to its comprehensive loudspeaker portfolio.

Wharfedale have launched a range of trapezoidal enclosures designed to meet the requirements of high output, near field reproduction. The two-way ported, compact Programme 50, 52 and 60 foreground/background systems provide a wide frequency range, coupled with high power handling in an attractive, acoustically-efficient enclosure. The series offers four different versions, with black or white paint finish options (and with 70V/100V line transformer versions depending on markets).

The Programme 50 features a 5.5" woofer and 3/4" titanium driver, the Programme 52 features a pair of woofers and 3/4" titanium driver while the Programme 60 features two 6.5" woofers and a 1" titanium compression driver/horn, with 60° x 60° coverage. The HF horn/driver combination g

As part of a short two-date tour of the UK, SRD Group of Tonbridge supplied a GAE Director sound system to Randy Crawford for her performances at the 2000-seat Fairfield Halls in Croydon, London, produced by Backbeat Music Promotions.

When asked about the choice of system, Stuart Roberts of SRD commented that the GAE Director system was chosen for its exceptional clarity and tight dispersion. Eight stacks of Director, driven by QSC Powerlight amplifiers, were used to provide even coverage throughout the stalls area, the circle being in-filled by the venue’s existing Meyer system. Other equipment provided included five ways of Shure PSM-700 in-ear monitoring, two channels of Shure Premier Beta 87 radio mics, a Midas XL3 front of house desk and a Soundcraft SM-24 for the monitors. Wedge monitors were GAE 152M.

(Ruth Rossington)

Smart Sound Direct has announced the availability of the PS802 amplifier from SoundTech. Despite being the smallest in the three-model PS line, the 1U PS802 digital amp is by far the most popular. Weighing in at just 7kg the PS802 employs highly efficient on-board PowerSource SwitchMode power supplies (thereby eliminating the need for bulky mains transformers) and Class-H output circuits, resulting in an amp that’s 20% more energy-efficient.

Despite its diminutive dimensions, with outputs of 800W bridged mono into 8 ohms and 400W per channel into 4 ohms (at 0.05% total harmonic distortion), the PS802 still retains plenty of punch and power, resulting in exceptional performance for an amp of its size and weight. With a unique speaker protection system to guard against DC faults, on/off transient peaks and under/over voltage situations, plus dual Vari-Speed cooling fans, XLRs and 1

Wembley-based recording facility Phoenix Sound has installed an AMS Neve VR60 console in its main Phoenix One control room. The desk complements an AMS Neve Capricorn digital console, featuring fully automated mixing and reset facilities, which has now been operating in the Capricorn Room since February 2002.

The VR60, purchased in June 2002 in collaboration with Mark Derksen of Markant Recording Studios in Holland, has provided Phoenix Sound with the framework to offer traditional recording and mixing facilities in Phoenix One. A further collaboration with Andrew Walton of K&A Productions means that the studio now has a comprehensive microphone collection. Phoenix Sound’s managing director, Peter Fielder, says: "Ever since we opened, back in October 2001, it very quickly became clear that Phoenix One being operational was what the punters wanted. Having achieved the first s

A 40-channel Allen & Heath ML4000 VCA live console was used for front-of-house mixing at the recent 'An Audience with Michael Jackson' fundraising event at Exeter City football club (UK). The Bristol branch of Stage Electrics supplied the sound reinforcement system for the event, including the ML4000, a Soundcraft K3 on monitors, an EAW KF760 line array, XTA DP-series processing and Lab Gruppen amplifiers. The Exeter branch of the company provided the technical production for the event which also included lighting, staging and trucking.

Michael Jackson's seemingly improbable appearance at the event can be attributed to his friendship with Exeter City's non-executive chairman, Uri Geller. Jackson travelled to Exeter on a specially chartered train and although his fans were not treated to any songs, he did make a short speech to a packed stadium before being presented with a special team

Mackie Designs has announced the launch of Mackie Control, a new nine-fader master control surface with nine touch-sensitive Penny & Giles motorized faders. Mackie Control supports software integration for a growing family of DAWs which currently includes Soundscape 32 by Mackie Broadcast Professional, Nuendo and CubaseSX by Steinberg, and Digital Performer by MOTU. Support is coming soon for CoolEdit Pro by Syntrillium Software, Sonar 2 by Cakewalk and many others. In addition, Mackie Control has been pre-mapped to enable power-user functions by many of the supported DAWs, and is the first to offer DAW-specific Lexan overlays allowing users to take advantage of these functions.

Each of Mackie Control’s eight channel strips includes a 100mm optical, touch-sensitive motorized fader, mute, solo, and record arming buttons, signal LED, a channel select button and a V-Pot that can be

Leading technical design consultancy LDPS has opened an office in New Zealand, to service clients in Australasia, the Pacific Rim and the Far East. The move follows four years of LDPS operation in Ireland and the UK, which will continue to be directed from the Cork office. LDPS’s Grant Collie told us: "I’ve had incredibly positive feedback on the New Zealand office and on the business we will be doing in these territories. I’m already working on several projects."

LDPS NZ will concentrate on the company’s core business as a performance venue technical consultancy. The team specialises in all aspects of design including sound, lighting, multi and mixed media facilities, audio-visual and stage technology. Working in the Southern Hemisphere will also give LDPS the opportunity to expand it's service to sports facilities, in particular the design of public

Germany’s capital city of Berlin has been enriched by another cultural attraction: ‘Tepee - The Tent’ is a permanent four-mast tent created especially for cultural events. Jazz, cabaret, theatre, classical music - Tepee (in German ‘Tipi’) offers a broad range of high-quality cultural events.

The company responsible for the sound and light installation, as well as for technical operation during the shows, is Berlin-based RentEvent, who turned to HK Audio for sound reinforcement. Company owner Stefan Schultze says: "We have been working very closely with HK Audio for years now, and we are very happy users of their equipment ourselves. The requirements for the Tepee tent were that the equipment had to be compact and unobtrusive, but capable of delivering very punchy, powerful sound at the same time. Furthermore, the system we put in had to be extremely v

A Welsh professional audio systems specialist is playing a key role in a live historical spectacular, which is being performed in the dramatic setting of Chepstow Castle. A new loudspeaker designed and manufactured at Shermann Pro-Audio's base in Newtown is being pressed into action at the son et lumière, the highlight of every Chepstow Festival. This year's completely new son et lumière creation, ‘1648, The Tides of War’, tells the story of Cromwell's siege of the castle and the national and local events that led up to it, revealing the dramatic consequences for the people of Chepstow. Unique in the UK, this huge community production combines spectacular lighting, specially-composed music, over 100 actors, state of the art projections and pyrotechnics into a stunning show, which ends a three-week run this weekend.

20 Shermann Pro-Audio loudspeakers are being used by Car

PLASA exhibitor Kling & Freitag Sound Systems has appointed a new distributor in the UK - Cheshire-based VME Voice Music & Effects. Owned by brothers Dion and Andre Davie, VME is well known in the North West for its work on various sporting events and, more recently, festivals and dance parties. It has an impressive client list which includes the BBC, ITV and Sky Sports, Old Trafford Cricket Club and The Ministry of Sound.

The company hopes to establish Kling & Freitag in the UK market, as Dion Davie outlines: "The UK is one of the most competitive markets in the world for loudspeakers, with many UK and US brands being established standards. However, after our visit to the factory in Hannover, we were totally won over by the sound, build quality and value of the K&F range. We are convinced that K&F have a major part to play in UK touring, corporate events and fixed installations.&

Music Marketing Services have completed their sixth - and most ambitious Tiger Tiger for Chorion plc, with the recent extension of the successful roll-out into Croydon. The company has largely standardized on Martin Audio sound reinforcement - and has been using the EM series extensively in Tiger Tiger since converting from another proprietary brand early on in the development.

MMS account manager Paul Woodward explained: "We have been on board with Chorion since the Tiger Tiger brand was inaugurated in London’s Haymarket. Croydon is immaculate and shows just how far the brand has evolved since the London site - every aspect of the installation has changed."

Chorion switched to Martin Audio after opening their other multi-bar unit, On Anon - just 400m away from Tiger Tiger in London’s Piccadilly - two years ago. "They were seeking a higher quality, crisper

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