UK & Ireland - Snow Patrol has performed four gigs in 48 hours across four different cities: Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh and London. A Midas PRO6 Live Audio System for monitoring travelled with them for the first three shows, with an XL8 Live Performance System used for the final gig in London. Both systems were provided by Britannia Row, with Heritage 3000s sourced locally for front of house.

The epic undertaking started at 01.00 on Sunday 26 October, when Irish rental company Litton Lane loaded their Midas Heritage 3000 and speakers into the Gate Theatre, Dublin. Meanwhile the PRO6 was loaded with new software and set up. Monitor engineer Tristan Farrow had transferred the show files from the XL8 during production rehearsals in London and the band sound-checked at 10.30 for the midday show.

The show finished at 14.00 and half an hour later the crew hightailed it up to Belfas

Argentina - The 13th edition of the Atahualpa Festival opened at the Club Central Córdoba, Argentina, earlier this year. This folk music marathon lasted over eight hours and was a colourful gathering of the leading Argentinean folk music stars. The festival was held in conjunction with a regional gastronomy fair. The esplanade that hosted the event was packed with over 30,000 people. D.A.S. Audio Aero line array systems provided sound reinforcement for this major event.

Martí Audio, under the direction of Ariel Martí was in charge of the installation and handling of the PA, comprised of 18 Aero 48 systems. The impressive low frequency reproduction was achieved by using 16 units of the new LX-218 for bass reinforcement. As front-fill, two Aero 28 systems were installed to provide coverage for the first rows.

Given the large audience, Marti also set up eight array syst

USA - Denon Professional is now shipping the DN-C620 CD player. Housed in a compact one-rackspace enclosure, the DN-C620 offers contractors and system integrators "a versatile CD player at an extremely cost-effective price point".

The DN-C620 is compatible with standard audio data file formats including CDDA (.cda) and MPEG-1/2 Layer III (.mp3) and WAVE (.wav), allowing for up to 20 hours of MP3 or similar audio playback from a single CD, CD-R or CD-RW, making it suited to serve as a continuous audio playback device for houses of worship, health clubs, restaurants, and various broadcast applications.

The DN-C620 features intuitive front panel control, which allows customisable programme playlists and output of ID3 or CD-TEXT Title, Artist, and Album information via RS-232C. Additionally, standard 25-pin Contact Closure (GPIO) and 9-pin RS-232C Control connections ar

USA - A high powered Renkus-Heinz ceiling loudspeaker system is at the heart of an acoustical solution for a large, multi-purpose dividable lecture room at the Great Hall of the Centre for Continuous Learning at Mount Royal College in Calgary, Alberta.

The Great Hall is a 'L.E.A.D.S.' energy efficient design with exposed concrete surfaces that warm up and then release the stored energy back into the building. The room, being walled in concrete with tall glass windows, posed a tough challenge for consultant Fred Gilpin and local contractor Apex Audio Visual.

The room can be used either as a single large space or can be reconfigured as two or three smaller seminar rooms by giant brushed stainless steel room dividers. Either way the space presents a battery of hard, reflective surfaces. A single audio system was required to serve the needs of both configurations and, the design b

UK - Sennheiser UK has confirmed that it is now the exclusive distributor of K-Array products in the UK. At PLASA08 Sennheiser UK introduced K-Array to a select group of individuals. Designed and manufactured in Florence, Italy, K-Array loudspeakers and amplifiers are designed for a range of applications.

For medium to large-scale live performance applications, the K-Array range includes the KH4, a self-powered two-way line array speaker with impressive power reserves.

The KH4 has been designed to be easily integrated with other K-array products, including the KS4 self-powered dipole high performance subwoofer, which itself is only 16cm in depth, while weighing just 37Kg. In terms of dispersion, the KH4 offers a variable vertical coverage pattern of between seven and 37 degrees, and a broad 120-degree horizontal coverage pattern. Both the KH4 and KS4 have been designed for fas

The Netherlands - Dutch rental company Triple Showtechniek is one of the first companies worldwide to pair the new Midas PRO6 Live Audio System with the Midas XL8. Triple Showtechniek is using its PRO6 for monitors on the current Jan Smit tour, which also features an XL8 at front of house.

With FOH engineer Marc Pardon having already used the Midas XL8 earlier in the tour, monitor engineer Donovan Kemper insisted on starting this leg with the PRO, and Midas Consoles Holland was able to supply Triple Show techniek with the second system off the production line.

"Based on my experience of using both the Midas Heritage 3000 and XL8, I didn't want to work with another brand of digital console, so I had to wait until PRO6 was available," says Kemper. "And it was worth waiting for. Having used the H3000 in the past, I wasn't prepared to accept a reduction in sound qua

USA - In an ambitious project to provide the optimal audio system, 4X Audio has looked to BSS Audio to provide control and ease of use for its recently developed sound system at the new TRE Nightclub, in Sacramento California. TRE is a new upscale nightclub that also includes a full restaurant and lounge.

For the project, 4X Audio utilised both BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU-80 processors and sw9012 remote source/preset selectors. "We utilise the BLU-80s constantly because of their input and output flexibility, as well as their reliable functionality, programming and rock solid networked audio," stated 4X Audio sound integrator Doug Pumphrey. "The client wanted to create something larger and of higher quality than anything that had ever been installed in a Northern California nightclub."

Additionally, JBL speakers were used throughout the restaurant, bar and

USA - Peace Apostolic Church in Carson, California has installed an Allen & Heath iLive-112 Digital Mixing System in the 900 seat main worship hall and a GL2800 in the adjacent 300 seat Fellowship hall. Handling multiple services each week in addition to rehearsals, bible studies, and other events, the iLive system is configured with 40 inputs and 32 outputs in the Mix Rack with an additional eight inputs and eight outputs on the Control Surface.

"We are running a full band," says Andre Lamb, Peace Apostolic's music director, "with acoustic drums, guitar, stereo keys, mono, keys, stereo piano mics, MPC click, six praise team mics, six choir mics, minister wireless, and pastor wireless. We've also integrated a full Aviom system in addition to overhead and floor monitors for the podium and Choir area.

"The pre-amps are what really stood out for me - such a wa

USA - The number one selling artists on Billboard's Christian/Gospel charts at the end of last year, the band Casting Crowns has secured a fan base spanning continents. Slated to return from Europe later this month just in time for the launch of the holiday season in the US, the contemporary Christian rockers will begin their Christmas Celebration Tour in Southeast Texas at the Berry Centre on 28 November.

The 14-city Christmas Celebration will travel with a 20-piece orchestra throughout the latter half of November and first half of December. Guest artists on the bill will include Natalie Grant, Denver & the Mile High Orchestra, Avalon, Michael English, and pureNRG.

Shure microphone products will occupy a prime place in the show as well, having been chosen by Casting Crowns FOH engineer Carter Hassebroek to fulfill wide duties onstage.

With UHF-R wireles

UK - The Fellow, a new dining room and cocktail bar in the Kings Cross area of London, opened this autumn with an array of APart and DAS speakers supplied by the British distributors of both companies products, Sennheiser UK.

After spending almost a year refurbishing the building, The Fellow's owners wanted all three of its floors to sound as good as they look. Which is why they got in touch with audio installation company Paris London. Their solution was nine black APart Mask 6 speakers on the ground floor dining area, four DAS DR8 speakers in the corners of the cocktail lounge on the first floor, and another pair of APart Mask 6 on the top floor's exclusive private dining room.

"The DAS DR8s sound good and are punchy enough to provide a proper party atmosphere," says Andy Noble of Paris London. "On top of that, the DR8s are the lightest unit of its power ratin

UK - For 22 years, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom Of The Opera has been wowing audiences at London's Her Majesty's Theatre. Sound technology has seen many advances in that time and May 2008 saw a technical refit of the show featuring an all-new audio system, with a Yamaha PM1D digital console at front of house.

Chris Jordan, head of audio at Blitz Sound and Vision, was instrumental in the supply and installation of Phantom of the Opera's original Cadac analogue console, back in 1986. He was also key in supplying its 21st century replacement.

"The PM1D was the choice of Mick Potter, who designed the new sound system for Phantom," says Jordan. "He has a long history with Yamaha consoles, as we do at Blitz, so we were pleased to continue our association with both the production and Yamaha by supplying the new console."

Phantom Of The Opera's tec

Czech Republic - Hlinsko-based sound company Polanski Sound has invested in an Adamson system. The substantial set-up was bought through Adamson Czech distributors MediaTech.

Hlinsko, an 11th century Czech Republic town is located in the Pardubice Region. Polanski Sound counts various indoor and outdoor concerts of all sizes being their primary market, though they also do installation consultancy and design work across the region. Owners, Ji?í Polanský and technical director Jan Žampa a have been in the music business for 20 years and now have six full-time employees.

As the Adamson shipment arrived in the Polanski shop, Czech Republic's second largest festival, Sázavafest was about to take place about 60 km outside of Prague in Kácov, and would become the first opportunity to engage their new acquisition. The fast-growing festival has gone from the original a one-

UK - Adlib Audio's busy autumn continues with the supply of sound for the UK leg of Hot Chip's Made In the Dark world tour, for which they took the opportunity to debut their new Lab.gruppen PLM 10000Q Powered Loudspeaker Management systems, utilised to drive 12 Adlib MP3 low profile monitor wedges.

Adlib's Richy Nicholson (FOH) and Marc Peers (monitors) are working closely with band engineers Steve Revitte and Mary Alafetich.

The main PA consists of JBL VerTec 4889 elements spec'd by Revitte. They are carrying 20 in total, which are fitted as appropriate into each venue depending on weight loadings and available space, utilising assorted methods - flown, ground stacked and combinations of the two. For in-fills, out-fills and foot-fills, they're using a combination of Adlib FD2 and AA122 cabinets.

The main system is primarily powered by Camco Vortex 6 amps, with Crown

UK - RTS Telex reports that its RTS ADAM (Advanced Digital Audio Matrix) intercom system is playing a key role in the presentation areas at BBC Wales. The 80-port system, with seven KP32 key panels, allows operators and producers to communicate with each other in the new play-out facility at Broadcasting House in Cardiff, as well around the complex's control room, television presentation studio and gallery.

The RTS system was chosen to replace the previous talkback system. It has to work with an existing four-wire router (not RTS), accepting inputs from that device and sending back inputs, in addition to connecting to the RTS intercom panels, in addition to third-party audio monitoring boxes and headphone points.

The RTS intercom was specified and installed by a BBC Wales team headed by broadcast engineer David Carnaby, as a separate 'mini-project' running alongside the main p

USA - Celebrating 10 years as one of the nation's premier venues for live symphonic music, Seattle's Benaroya Hall sound engineers chose to upgrade their sound reinforcement system with three Soundcraft Vi Series digital mixing consoles - two Vi6's and a Vi4 - for the 550-seat Recital Hall.

Audio director for the Benaroya Hall, Tom Akoury, states: "Installing the Vi6 was an unbelievable upgrade in sound quality and the sound engineers immediately commented on the intuitiveness and versatility of the Vi6. We were able to install the console without any difficulties and within 15 minutes we were very comfortable mixing on the board."

(Jim Evans)

USA - BarlowGirl's Million Voices fall tour sees the sisters - Alyssa, Rebecca, and Lauren Barlow - using Shure UHF-R wireless systems. "Before Shure we used to be plugged-in," says guitarist Rebecca. Now we can go anywhere."

The trio has also reduced its stage volume and plugged into better monitoring practices with the aid of PSM 700 personal in-ear monitor systems.

Says Rebecca: "When we first got started everything was wedges, and as the rooms got louder, you had to turn them up. Every show we cried because we couldn't hear; I couldn't hear the drums. But now, everything is so clear."

(Jim Evans)

Ireland Dublin performance venue Vicar Street recently picked up Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO)'s awards for the Best National Live Music Venue of the Year, Best Dublin Live Music Venue of the Year, as well as the Hot Press Readers Award for Best Live Music Venue in Ireland. The awards acknowledge the country's top concert halls assessed on general ambience, staging, lighting, and sound. Vicar Street took the spotlight at the IMRO ceremony, which took place a year after the venue upgraded to a Meyer Sound M'elodie line array loudspeaker system.

Featuring a wide, shallow design, Vicar Street can hold up to 1,300 spectators, with no seat over 44ft from the stage. In talking about the creation of the sound system, designer Paul Aungier of Dublin-based Mikam Sound admits that the choice of the compact M'elodie loudspeaker was made after careful consideration.

"

Australia - TL Audio, manufacturers a range of professional valve audio products, has appointed Major Music Wholesale as exclusive distributor for Australia and New Zealand.

"Major Music couldn't be happier to welcome TL Audio into out product catalogue." Says managing director, Greg Cato. "TL Audio adds an award winning prestige range of valve audio processing solutions to our already comprehensive range of audio solutions. The TL Audio range work hand in hand with many of our existing digital recording products, offering the warmth, presence and smoothness that only high quality valve technology can give."

Sarah Yule, sales director at TL Audio adds: "We are very pleased to be working with such a respected and professional company like Major Music for our distribution in Australia. Their energy and vision will help us to enjoy a successful and exciti

Germany - Klotz Digital has strengthened its sales team. Thomas Klotz has appointed Trevor Spielmann to the position of sales manager for Europe.

"I am pleased that Trevor has joined our sales team for which he will be a valuable asset, as he possesses the ideal combination of expertise and strong knowledge in the field of broadcast, post-production and presentation business", says Thomas Klotz. "In all ways possible, Trevor is committed to top customer service, being the lead contact person for all our European sales and service partners. His hiring strengthens our operations and arms us to better service our existing partnerships."

(Jim Evans)

Ireland - The world premiere of Magick Macabre, an alternative "magic and horror" spectacular - staged by Moya Doherty and John McColgan's Riverdream Productions was staged at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin recently. OutBoard's TiMax Audio Imaging matrix dreated the appropriate soundscape.

Kevin McGing, production sound engineer for the show, called on Dublin-based MOSCO to supply and install the multi-channel sound system - including the TiMax audio imaging system - specified by Dublin-based composer, Denis Clohessy, to handle multiple on-stage and surround-sound effects localisation.

The music and effects montage, comprised of several hundred cues, was created by Denis Clohessy. The dialogue free production was entirely dependent on the soundtrack to provide the backdrop for master illusionist, Daemon Cordell, to carry out his macabre people-chopping, drilling

USA Valerio Maioli SPA was contracted to provide the lighting, CCTV, trusses and public address for the inaugural Formula One SingTel Singapore Grand Prix. The race was the first to be held at night in F1 history, with the timing of the night event enabling live broadcasts at a time convenient for European TV audiences. Over 110,000 tickets were made available for this first street race held in Asia, and a full sell-out was achieved.

For specialized audio functions in the pit building which served drivers, factory teams, race management and the global media, Electronics & Engineering Pte of Singapore worked under Valerio Maioli SPA for the supply, installation and operation of the audio systems in four main areas of the pit building, including the Media Centre, Paddock Club Suites, Press Conference Room and the Podium area.

In the main grandstand podium area, which in additio

USA - LOUD Technologies has announced the sale of its SLM Marketplace catalogue and accessories distribution business and proprietary St. Louis Stage Gear brand, along with the Austin guitar and Knilling Instruments brands ('SLM Marketplace') to St. Louis-based U.S. Band & Orchestra Supplies. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

"The SLM Marketplace sale, a non-core business unit and product lines, will enable LOUD to dedicate its resources and solidify its leadership positions in the musical instruments and professional audio markets. Moreover, U.S. Band & Orchestra Supplies is the ideal new owner for SLM Marketplace, Austin and Knilling, since they will ensure that our dealer network for these products will continue to receive the highest levels of service and support," commented Rodney Olson, president and CEO, LOUD Technologies.

"We are all looking forward

USA - Ace Audio provided the sound reinforcement system for the Guitar Under The Stars event, an outdoor concert held at the Riverfront Recapture in Harford, Connecticut.

Crown I-Tech 4000's and 8000's were utilised for front of house and monitors while XTi 4000s amplifiers powered the fill speakers. "Three years ago we switched to Crown I-Tech amplifiers, and it's been a major plus for our company," stated Mike Goodreau, president of Ace Audio. "The reduced size and weight of the amps allows us to use smaller trucks and the low current draw of I-Tech helps us in smaller venues with inadequate AC power."

The Riverfront Recapture presents multiple issues as a live concert venue. "The highway runs overhead to one side and there is boat noise from the river behind the stage. Additionally, there is very limited access for trucks to unload equipment

UK - Since setting up A1 Ents in Bristol 14 years ago, Paul Wiltshire has built a growing reputation among tour promoters for providing sound reinforcement in the West Country.

Such has been the growing demand for his services that he has added a JBL VRX line array system to his inventory.

"The acquisition was driven by the fact that I was getting stretched and starting to cross hire," he says. "I knew my clients would be happy with JBL."

Wiltshire has had a long acquaintance with Gareth Collyer - who handles JBL sales for JBL's UK distributor Sound Technology - and he initially arranged a demo system.

"We launched this at the Frome Festival and received great feedback," Wiltshire reports. This was followed by the Harbourside Festival in Bristol and bands including Dr. John, The Twang, The Commitments and Scouting for Girls.

A1 Ents now has

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