Japan - Expected to welcome more than 20,000 visitors daily until mid-October, World Expo 2025 opened in Osaka in April, with 160 countries showcasing their cultures, crafts, technologies and visions of the future in a series of exhibits.

In addition to more than 250 of its speakers installed in a spectacular visitor experience at the France Pavilion, Geo M10 and P12 systems from Nexo are also installed at Ashita Hiroba in the Osaka-based Yoshimoto Kogyo Holdings Co’s Yoshimoto waraii myraii pavilion, one of 13 exhibits by private companies and organisations at the Expo.

Comprising the smiling sphere Tamar and the event space Ashita Hiroba, the pavilion hosts a variety of laughter-themed events daily with immersive sound central to the visitor experience.

“The main speakers are Nexo Geo M10 with 2/4 facing speak

Germany - d&b audiotechnik has announced Jocelyne Bückner as vice-president of marketing, starting from 1 July. In her new role, Bückner will lead the company’s global marketing strategy, driving brand growth and market expansion. She will focus on developing and executing a comprehensive marketing roadmap, ensuring alignment across all territories and supporting d&b’s continued growth and innovation.

Having worked at d&b audiotechnik from 2016 to 2023, she has a deep understanding of the company’s culture, values, and spirit. Bückner has successfully mentored and developed teams in the past. Most recently, she led Holoplot’s global marketing team.

“There’s a renewed energy and sense of direction at d&b that really resonates with me. Rejoining now feels like a natural step toward making a meaningful impact. Innovation a

USA - LEA Professional has announced its partnership with Audio Visual Associates (AVA), a manufacturer’s representative based in Missouri. This partnership promises to bring LEA’s technology catalogue to Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Southern Illinois customers.

This partnership will bring LEA Professional’s Network Connect series of professional amplifiers and companion Dante Connect series featuring Dante and AES67 connectivity to AVA’s customers. These series allow integrators to utilise cloud-based remote control, monitoring, notifications, and more from any internet-enabled device, allowing them to stay connected anywhere in the world.

“We’re excited to bring LEA Professional’s intelligent amplifier technology to our customers throughout the Midwest,” said Ben Shipman, president, AVA Reps. “Our team focuses on represen

Italy - On 13-14 June, the Italian beach resort of Fano became the location for a one-of-a-kind audiovisual extravaganza as the Adriatic Sound Festival brought a celebration of techno music and underground spirit to the city’s historic airfield.

Designed by Stufish, the Hangar Stage paid tribute to Fano’s aviation legacy and the power of electronic music, reimagining Fano’s historic airfield as an open-air techno cathedral, framed by three iconic hangars.

Sound for the stage was supplied by local event production and technology specialists Backstage, who deployed an all-Nexo system comprising main left and right hangs of 15 x STM M46 Main modules flown alongside the same number of STM B112 Bass Extension modules, with another hang of STM M46/B112 providing an out-fill.

A total of 60 x STM S118 subs ground stacked across the front of the

Spain - Motorworld Mallorca, which opened in April, combines automotive passion with lifestyle, gastronomy and event culture. On the site of the former Festival Park in Marratxí near Palma, an interactive experience has been created, complete with freely accessible exhibition areas for classic cars, super sports cars and motorbikes, catering concepts, shops and versatile event spaces.

The iLUX Veranstaltungstechnik team from Germany was responsible for the media technology equipment in the recently opened catering areas at the heart of the complex – complete with a customised audio and sound system from LD Systems.

The order for iLUX is based on a long-standing collaboration with the catering company responsible for the Motorworld Group. “We have been working with Rauschenberger for several years now,” explains Enrico Rocca from iLUX. “After

USA - “How can we mic two nude opera singers?” was the provocative challenge posed to Soundmirror, a renowned Massachusetts-based classical music recording and production company, in the live recording of the Houston Grand Opera’s (HGO) production of Missy Mazzoli's opera, Breaking the Waves.

Undaunted by the production’s staging, Soundmirror and HGO successfully navigated the challenge through creative placement of Lectrosonics ultra-compact SSM digital hybrid wireless micro transmitter, and Breaking the Waves was performed and recorded with nary a microphone in sight. 

The recording of Breaking the Waves, an operatic treatment of the Lars von Trier film, presented specific and considerable difficulties during the pivotal scene where two of the main characters, Bess and Jan, were staged to be "almost completely nu

UK - 12th Knot, the rooftop bar at London’s Sea Containers hotel, is already known for its views, striking design, and vibrant atmosphere. Now, it sounds as good as it looks. Working with 1 Sound’s UK distributor CUK Group, London-based integrator Tateside brought in a full 1 Sound audio system to enhance the venue’s energy - from relaxed afternoon lounging to busy weekend DJ nights.

The motivation for 12th Knot was that the audio system was no longer meeting the evolving needs of the space. Over time, audio coverage and speaker placement had become inconsistent. The goal for this project was to update the system with an evenly distributed audio design and respect the interior’s sleek aesthetic while upgrading the system’s performance. “It was time for a proper upgrade, and 1 Sound stood out as an ideal solution,” explained Jack Cornish, techni

Hungary - The terrace stage at Budapest’s iA38 has had an audio refresh with HK Audio now powering the party. The 300-person performance space which focuses on electronic music is now covered by a Contour X solution, supplied by local partner, Eurhythmics.

Permanently moored on the banks of the Danube, A38 is a former stone carrying barge that has been completely gutted and reimagined by a team of architects, ship engineers, acoustic designers and electricians into a three-stage live performance venue. Over more than two decades since its renovation, A38 has hosted countless performances from international artists in every genre, as well as being the location for numerous live recordings and TV broadcasts.

Today, its three stages see multiple performances every week throughout the summer season, making A38 one of the most popular venues in Budapest

Europe - Clear-Com has announced that Movicom, provider of specialty camera systems for international live events, has selected Arcadia Central Station to support its growing intercom service offerings.

The system was supplied and integrated by Clear-Com partner Video Progetti. Through this collaboration, Movicom now offers clients two rental options: a standalone system for teams with in-house intercom expertise, or a fully supported package that includes system configuration and on-site production assistance, ensuring reliable, professional communications for productions of any size.

Movicom is known for its innovative camera solutions like the Robycam cable-suspended system, and has supported major productions including the Rugby World Cup, Rome Masters Tennis Tournament, and Coppa Italia Final. As client demand for reliable, professional communic

UK - TiMax Spatial Studios, based in London’s Tileyard, is the new HQ and studio space for TiMax. As the company celebrates the opening of its audio hub, TiMax can also announce its collaboration with Sonosphere. Together the two companies will provide a flexible, multi-purpose, immersive audio London hub to demonstrate, educate, promote and deliver immersive audio systems, workflow and content.

The suite offers a 26.4.6 TiMax mixing studio, featuring TiMax SoundHub and its powerful spatial audio and show control capabilities. TiMax Tracker D4 is installed with an eight-sensor system, and the studio also offers opportunities to work with TiMax panLab, as well as being configured as a 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos studio, which will be certified by Dolby in due course.

Completing the equipment roster are solutions from the wider Focusrite Group sister brands, i

Central Asia - Avail Distribution, an international distributor of professional AV technology, has added Martin Audio to its portfolio of AV brands, after reaching an agreement to handle the brand in key Central Asian territories. Initially this will include Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, with a later review further down the line.

Headquartered in Dubai, with offices in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, this strategic partnership reinforces Avail’s commitment to expanding its portfolio. Martin Audio’s systems - including portable, touring, and installed solutions - will now be available to dealers, system integrators, and rental companies across Central Asia countries through Avail’s regional expertise.

Pavel Shemiakin, business development manager at Avail Distribution, said: “We are proud to be a member of the Martin Audio family and bring

UK/USA - Teddy Swims has blended country, pop, and R&B into a global success story, accompanied this year by his biggest live shows to date, including a sold-out arena run in the UK and setting a new attendance record at Manchester's Co-op Live venue. The tour is now in the US before the team returns to Australia this autumn followed by Asia and the Middle East.

Supporting the crew as they navigate larger spaces in all corners of the world on the I've Tried Everything but Therapy tour, Clair Global account executive, Justin Weaver comments: "I can't say enough about the brilliant individuals who strive day-in & day-out to give their absolute best; it shows in every live performance and at every venue."

FOH mixer Drew Thornton (Billie Eilish, Maggie Rogers) is the man charged with taking Teddy's radio friendly Number 1 hits and turnin

UK - With less than a month to go, the Fete stalls, Manor House and karting teams are all sold out, and Backup Tech’s Fabulous Village Fete is shaping up to truly live up to its name.

The Parish Council judges (LSi’s Claire Beeson, Stewart Hume from TPi, Chris Barratt from AAA, ABTT’s Elysia Moore and PLASA’s Peter Heath) are sharpening their pencils and refining their taste buds to pick the Best Fete Stall, Best Dressed Fete’r, Best Fete Stall Game, the Cake Off and Veg Off, plus winners will be declared for the Catching Flies (fly fishing) and Pheasant Shooting competitions.

There’s also the chance to enter the DJ Off, which is being held in memory of DJ Adam Fabulous and will be judged by DJ Asad, who will also be taking to the decks to entertain Fete-goers throughout the afternoon. Taking us into the early evening will be Fab Cab’s

USA - The Tykeson Rehearsal Hall at the University of Oregon’s School of Music and Dance is a place where tradition and innovation converge. Built for the Oregon Bach Festival, the hall was designed with meticulous attention to its acoustics, making it ideal for early chamber music performances.

Since 2017 the hall’s analogue AV system served its purpose of capturing student performances and showcasing the work of world-class musicians. But as the school’s reputation grew and its audience expanded far beyond the physical walls of Tykeson Hall, its analogue infrastructure, tied to a single control room, could no longer keep up.

“We were really happy with the quality that we got from all of our analogue equipment," says Walton. "But we weren’t thrilled with the fact that we were tied down to just one place, or that it was a big hassl

USA - Paramount Recording Studios, one of the most storied recording facilities in the music industry, has chosen the AKG K371 as its standard headphone across all rooms, citing the model’s exceptional accuracy, comfort, and reliability in high-demand studio environments.

Located in the heart of Hollywood, Paramount Recording Studios has served as a creative hub for the world’s top recording artists since 1969. Serving major labels, independent artists, and film/TV productions, the studio is known for its cutting-edge creative work and relentless pursuit of sonic excellence.

“There hasn’t really been a standard headphone across studios in our tenure in the industry,” said Eli Smith, general manager of Paramount Recording Studios. “The K371s are a breath of fresh air.”

With a closed-back design and neutral frequency response, the

USA - Fulcrum Acoustic has announced the launch of the CC Series, a constant curvature subcardioid array system designed for exceptional clarity, coverage, and easy deployment.

The CC Series includes two full-range loudspeakers, the CC215 and CC230, which offer 100° horizontal coverage with 15° and 30° vertical dispersion. A companion CCS118 subwoofer completes the system. Built with Fulcrum’s signature Passive Cardioid Technology, the system reduces low-frequency energy behind the loudspeakers using a single amplifier channel and no additional DSP or drivers.

The CC Series also features the new Medusa Waveformer, which enables all loudspeakers in the array to function as a single source. This ensures smooth, consistent response across the entire coverage area. Lightweight construction, fixed angles, and multiple rigging options support fast, ef

Poland - The rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar has received an innovative adaptation in Poland. The Kujawsko-Pomorski Music Theatre in Toruń has reimagined the production by moving it into an unconventional space, the Od Nowa music club, and staging it as the country’s first-ever silent disco musical.

At the heart of the production was KLANG and DiGiCo’s Quantum 225 Pulse. Together they formed the backbone of an immersive sound experience that gave musicians complete control over their monitoring environment.

Known for its avant-garde productions, the Musical Theatre in Toruń took on the ambitious task of presenting Jesus Christ Superstar in a format never before seen on Polish stages, blurring the lines between performance art, concert, and immersive installation. The decision to stage the piece in a club stemmed from the cre

Spain - Opened in 1985, La Sala Galileo Galilei in Madrid is one of the city’s flagship cultural spaces. The venue is housed in the old Galileo Cinema and features Hellenic-style decor, making for a distinctive environment for patrons to enjoy a varied programme of live music, comedy and magic.

La Sala recently underwent a significant refurbishment carried out by Inercia Tecnología Audiovisual and Syncronía Instalaciones, both based in Madrid, with the aim of improving performance and ensuring versatility and flexibility when using the space.

The project included the selection, design and supply of a variety of solutions for sound, video, lighting and staging, all of which needed to respect the original essence of the hall and the aesthetics that had characterised the space for 40 years. Another of the main challenges of the project was the short

USA - DPA Microphones’ US team, a partner of Wisycom SRL, is hosting a free webinar focused on Wisycom’s innovative RF distribution technology for wireless audio, and its integration with professional microphone systems.

The sessions will take place on Tuesday, 1 July 2025 at 9 a.m. EDT (3:00 p.m. CEST) and 3:00 p.m. EDT (9:00 p.m. CEST), and are open to all audio professionals and enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding of next-generation RF performance.

Hosted by DPA Microphones’ Geoff Baynard, the brand’s US-based business development manager, wireless, this online event will provide insight into the flexible, high-performance solutions that Wisycom has developed for today’s most demanding broadcast, corporate, live sound, theatre and sports event applications. Designed to educate and empower audio engineers, system designers and

USA - For the owners of Milwaukee live venue The Rave – Joe Balestrieri and Leslie West – the installation of a pair of dBTechnologies VIO rigs is just one of many improvements made to the historic venue.

Since purchasing the property in 1991, restoring the former Eagles Club to its original glory has been a labour of love. “Many cities have iconic venues built in the 20s – Radio City, the Chicago Theatre, the Lyric Opera House, and Fox Theatres. In Wisconsin, this is the largest example of classic 20s architecture," Balestrieri says, adding that restoring the building to create an architecturally spectacular, state-of-the-art venue “was just the right thing to do. And we're still not done . . . with the new system, the sound in The Rave Hall and Eagles Ballroom is spectacular; equal to anybody's.”

“There are always improvements happeni

Switzerland - Building on the success of Pyramix 15, Merging Technologies is launching an update to its flagship media server and sequencer with Ovation 11. Ovation has been widely adopted across professional and commercial installation markets, and Merging’s new updates help transform the user experience for a range of AV applications.

With a new design and streamlined usability, Ovation 11 introduces a refined dark-mode interface and intuitive navigation that puts powerful show control and audio playback at your fingertips. The redesigned integrated mixer, panner, and renderer are now fully customisable – giving users complete flexibility to tailor buses, strips, and aux channels to their workflow, whether for straightforward stereo playback, multizone or complex immersive formats. Support for VS3 plugins with up to 32 audio channels ensures Ovation 11

Canada - Vertus Group, a division of Jonas Software, has acquired CAST Group of Companies.

CAST is an Emmy award-winning developer of software and hardware solutions for the entertainment, special events, and meetings industries. Its flagship products include the industry-leading WYSIWYG lighting design and pre-visualisation suite, and the real-time tracking platform, BlackTrax. These tools have earned the trust of top professionals around the world to design and execute complex productions with precision and impact.

“After more than 30 years of building, growing, inventing, and leading CAST, it was time to pass on the torch,” said Gilray Densham, founder of CAST. “We found the perfect home in Vertus Group. They will continue our legacy and drive the company forward through innovation, the very thing that makes CAST an industry leader.”

UK - Crystal Palace Park became the epicentre of ‘a sonic revolution’ as Polygon Live LDN delivered the UK's largest outdoor 360° immersive sound festival from 2-4 May 2025. The three-day event brought together artistry and spatial audio innovation, with artists such as Jon Hopkins, Max Cooper, Cosmo Sheldrake, and Halina Rice performing specially crafted sets within Polygon's signature hemispherical dome – a space where sound ‘moves beyond traditional stereo boundaries to surround listeners from every direction’.

For CEO Nico Elliott, the Crystal Palace event represents the culmination of nearly a decade spent reimagining how audiences connect with music. "We're creating audio environments where every element can move through three-dimensional space with purpose," Elliott explains. Since first integrating L-ISA technology at Thailand's <

UK - The ABTT Theatre Show 2025 attracted increased visitor numbers, record-breaking engagement and international draw.

There were over 3,200 people on the show floor this year, making the ABTT Theatre Show at Alexandra Palace busier than ever. With a 15.6% increase in unique attendees, a 16% increase in revisits on Day 2, this year’s event confirmed its growing importance as a central hub for live performance professionals.

The show welcomed over 200 global brands, featured a vigorous seminar programme, and hosted hands-on workshops led by renowned industry figures – all aimed at advancing careers, showcasing innovation and facilitating powerful new connections. 

ABTT CEO Liz Sillett commented: “My first ABTT Theatre Show as CEO was a whirlwind of excitement and brilliance. The buzz was incredible, coming from such a talented and insp

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