Japan - TST Entertainment, a joint venture between Tokyo Corporation and Sony Entertainment, has taken four years to deliver a live music and club experience in the Kabukicho Tower, in Tokyo’s Kabukicho district, featuring Adamson loudspeakers across three levels. Zepp Shinjuku operates the venue for daytime live music events. At night the multi-floor venue operates as the nightclub Zerotokyo. The design called for a lighting and sound experience that was seamless between the floors, but still respected the various needs of a live music and club environment. Ryoichi Ishii, sales director for Adamson’s Japanese distributor Rewire, said: “It is no exaggeration to say that Zerotokyo is one of the largest nightclubs in Japan. The fact the venue services live music and a nightclub, there were many audio distribution challenges to solve.” Adamson’s IS7Px and
Cambodia - The Olympic Indoor Stadium in Phnom Penh, a multi-purpose indoor stadium located next to the main outdoor Olympic Stadium, has recently undergone an audio installation made up entirely of Proel brands. With a capacity of 50,000, the Indoor Stadium hosts primarily basketball and volleyball games. This year, for the South East Asian Games, also known as the S.E.A Games, the Indoor Stadium was made the official volleyball stadium for the event, which took place between last month. Local system integrator, Kilat Events, was chosen as the venue’s partner to fit out the stadium. It was managing director of Kilat Events, Osman Omar, who decided to fit out the stadium with Proel products. The main speakers are driven by the Axioms, alongside Proel amplifiers and Proel mixers. Eikon wireless mics, from the Aether series were used for the project. Cables, connectors
India - Driven by the sales success of Sun Infonet’s launch of the Panther large-format linear line array loudspeaker to the Indian market, Meyer Sound and Sun Infonet signed a new multi-year exclusive distribution agreement at InfoComm 2023. “Since the 2022 introduction of Panther, Sun Infonet has shown their commitment for selling and supporting Meyer Sound systems,” says international sales director Scott Gledhill. “Sun Infonet is the most respected distributor in the country and has well-established relationships with India’s most important and influential sound engineers, sound designers and consultants. I am thrilled with the passion that Sun Infonet has for bringing Meyer Sound systems to the most qualified rental production and system integration companies in India.” Sun Infonet and Meyer Sound are collaborating closely to host product demonstration
USA - To provide a wide range of events with a quality live sound mixing experience, Norwood Theatre recently collaborated with Pro Sound Service and Harman Professional Solutions to upgrade its front-of-house audio mixer with a Soundcraft Vi3000 digital live sound console. Built in 1927 and fully renovated in 2012, the Norwood Theatre is a performance venue that hosts concerts, plays, musicals, and comedy in Norwood, a southwestern suburb of Boston. As part of the 2012 renovation, Norwood Theatre turned to provider Pro Sound Services to install a complete HarmanProfessional live sound reinforcement solution, consisting of JBL VT4886 and VRX Series loudspeakers, Crown amplifiers, BSS signal processors and a Soundcraft Vi1 console at front-of-house. Norwood Theatre’s production staff were pleased with the workflow and sound quality of the Vi1, but they wanted t
Turkey - Home to the Metropol Istanbul Tower, Turkey’s highest skyscraper, the Ataşehir district on the Anatolian side of the city is a residential, business and trading centre which has developed a popular social scene. Its many busy eateries cater for a wide range of tastes, and Della Fame is the latest Italian restaurant to open in Ateşhir. Located in a section of the Metropol Shopping Mall, Della Fame is a stylish and spacious venue which offers indoor and alfresco dining courtesy of its street-facing aspect. Background music and DJ sets complement the guest experience at Della Fame, meaning that quality audio was an essential component of the restaurant’s ambience. The Della Fame team engaged Istanbul-based professional audio integrator, Pulsarpro, to supply and install a discreet, high quality system that would meet the needs of the venue’s different spac
UK - Polar, an established supplier to the install, MI retail and pro audio markets, has announced the creation of a dedicated pro audio division to provide a more focused service to its customers specialising in live sound and large venue audio systems. Headed up by sales manager Andy Plunkett, and supported by business development managers Nick Bellis and Stuart Russell, the establishment of the division reflects Polar’s expanded portfolio of brands in this sector, including Midas, Lab.Gruppen, Turbosound, Tannoy and Lake. According to Polar managing director, John Midgley, the creation of a specialised team in this area of business was essential: “Taking into account our expanded range of pro audio brands and setting them into context alongside our existing stable of live sound brands like beyerdynamic, Radial, HK Audio, MC2, XTA and Mackie, having a dedicated
Liechtenstein - Neutrik is launching a redesigned, new form-factored, improved and upgraded version of its silentPLUG instrument ¼ inch jack plug. The new design replaces the previous model and offers performance, ergonomic and aesthetic improvements over the original iteration of this product. The silentPLUG automatically mutes (shorts) an instrument (guitar) cable to avoid pops and squeals when changing the instrument (guitar) under load. The integrated (patent pending) silent switch is based on REED-technology and guarantees a lifetime beyond 1,000 mating cycles, says Neutrik. The new version - designated NP2XX-Silent - features a new two compound housing, with a new rugged metal shell enhanced with a rubberised overlay for improved shock protection and a better haptic experience when handling. Hermetically sealed switching contacts ensure a longer functioning life
UK - Named after the Celtic warrior queen, and located in the heart of London’s Battersea, recently-opened restaurant Boudica offers brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks. Transitioning through the day from a quiet chilled space to a lively cocktail bar with top DJs, Boudica is focused on delivering ‘classic comfort food with international and contemporary twists in an immersive, luxurious setting’. Music will play a key role in precisely establishing the right ambience for Boudica’s changing moods, and with audio reinforcement in mind, co-founder Ed Allingham sought advice from Mark Damon, director at installers Cosmic Electronics. Damon recommended an Optimal Audio solution for Boudica, having been impressed with its commercial audio offering since attending the company’s launch in 2021: “The Optimal Audio package caught my attention from the off - its
UK - Shure Wireless Workbench 7 (WWB7) is available for download on MAC OS and Windows. A free software for audio professionals, Wireless Workbench 7 delivers a full suite of RF spectrum management tools in one place, providing full command of compatible wireless devices. WWB7 is equipped with a number of enhancements to its previous generation, including the addition of the WWB Scan Library. The scan library provides users with an ever-growing, online database of RF scans contributed by professionals around the world. The integrated scan library portal allows users to view recently uploaded RF scans before upcoming productions to better facilitate pre-coordination. WWB7 features a user-interface refresh that includes an optimized dark mode to guarantee a more comfortable viewing experience in low-light environments. Additionally, those using Shure Axient Digital and U
Saudi Arabia - Terhal, the most recent creation by Dragone, is an original, immersive theatrical show that celebrates the rich culture of Saudi Arabia. This spectacle honours the country’s vibrant culture, exploring the vital role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's people and heritage in shaping the future. Terhal features acrobatics, stunts, aerial performance, and dazzling special effects alongside traditional Saudi art and dance. To accompany and enhance this awe-inspiring production, Dragone chose L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound technology by L-Acoustics to create an immersive sound experience to complement the enchanting visuals. While the show run is temporary, to ensure that each performance is memorable, the venue housing the show is purpose-built, designed explicitly for Terhal. Delivering the large-scale production in the purpose-built venue wi
Europe - K-array has announced the strengthening of its EMEA distribution channels through new partnerships with distributors Medialantic in Germany and Senia in Romania. These distribution partnerships will reinforce K-array's global reach, providing its range of installed and live solutions to customers in new markets. "We are excited to partner with K-array and bring their innovative audio solutions to the German market,” confirms Veit Wegmann-Kamecke, CEO at Medialantic. “K-array's commitment to quality and innovation aligns with our values at Medialantic, and we look forward to working together to provide our customers with the best audio products and support." Based in Romania, Senia is the largest distributor and retailer of equipment and instruments for the music industry at a national level. They are also the exclusive representative for several leading a
UK - Andrew Allen has been appointed product & marketing director, a new role at Audient. In addition to heading up the marketing department, he is now overseeing product for both Audient & EVO lines, with immediate effect. Audient owner, Simon Blackwood says: “Technological innovation is moving incredibly fast these days and we want to ensure we're perfectly positioned to capture emerging markets and technologies, as well as allow continued development of our world class products. So we’re extremely pleased to announce the restructuring of our director team to align product and marketing into one role under Andrew Allen's direction as Audient product and marketing director.” With over a decade of experience at Audient, Andrew has been solely responsible for the company’s global marketing strategy for much of that time. “Audient has an incredibly exc
USA - Headed by their flagship WPL line array, Martin Audio systems have been specified throughout the vast 250,000sq.ft Armory complex in St. Louis, MO. Originally constructed in 1938 as an armoury for the Missouri National Guard - part of the New Deal after the Great Recession - it later became a US tennis HQ before transforming into a concert venue in the 1960s and 1970s (featuring Ike & Tina Turner and the Grateful Dead, among others). More recently it has had a chequered life, before falling into disrepair. Several times it went back to the drawing board before Jake Miller and Chris Honstain of hospitality specialists Brick + Bev, an affiliate of local developers Green Street Real Estate Ventures, took it over. Honstain and Green Street’s Phil Hulse put their heads together and the project then went into overdrive. The operators’ principal focus was
UK - Paignton Zoo is an education and conservation charity with over 2,000 different animals set in naturalistic indoor and outdoor exhibits, based in Devon. Their mission is to conserve species and their habitats, helping to save endangered animals in both the UK and across the globe, whilst inspiring everyone to help in the fight to protect wildlife. Revenue is key to their conservation efforts, and so Paignton Zoo is constantly looking to diversify, create additional income streams and secure sponsorships. With this in mind, an opportunity was recognised to transform a multipurpose space that was being underutilised, into a high-profile conference centre, which could also be used internally to promote their educational activities and rented out to external parties for meetings and events. Paignton Zoo contacted audio visual integration experts, AV-Tec to assist wit
Mexico - DirectOut has announced its strategic partnership with Aeris Group and the appointment of Diego Cárdenas as business development manager for Latin America. This collaboration marks an important milestone in DirectOut's expansion plan and reinforces its commitment to delivering enhanced local support throughout the Central and Southern American regions. Aeris Group, renowned for its expertise in assisting brands in developing their sales networks in Latin America, joins hands with DirectOut to further drive growth and deliver solutions to customers in the region. Diego Cárdenas, an experienced pro audio and acoustics engineer with over 11 years in the industry and a co-founder of Aeris Group, comments: “This is a very exciting time in the professional audio and broadcast applications world. I truly believe DirectOut's groundbreaking technology and solution
UK - The recent opening of Bradford recording facility KAD Studios is the realisation of a long-time dream for owner Karl Dunnachie. Located in the centre of the city, KAD features two production rooms and an impressive DJ set-up, which Dunnachie aims to make available for both pro and aspiring producers, musicians and DJs. The studio’s three rooms all feature extensive sound treatment from Portuguese specialists Artnovion, turning the 200-year-old building into a highly usable, musical-sounding space. Previously used as a chiropodist’s practice and left vacant for several years, the building required a back-to-brick restoration and conversion, which allowed Dunnachie the opportunity to design the creative spaces from the ground up, as he describes: “I was in touch with Artnovion - through UK distributor Audio-Technica - throughout the build process and they were
The Netherlands - Partially funded by the municipality of Apeldoorn, Gigant is a versatile cultural centre in the heart of The Netherlands, featuring as of 1995 a cinema, a pop stage, a city stage, two theatres, a café with a terrace, and a course house hosting educational workshops in various art forms, including visual arts, circus, ensembles and orchestras, contemporary music and theatre amongst others. Since it was established in 1977 in an old school building, Gigant has focused on popular music and art-house performances, with international artists such as U2, Nirvana, Herman Brood, Golden Earring and UB40. Recently, the venue’s technical team has upgraded their console fleet by adding a DiGiCo SD12 and Quantum225 digital mixing consoles, supplied by Ampco Flashlight Sales to replace their existing console setup. Whilst Ampco recognises the SD12 as the ‘all-
South Africa - Jeremy Kusner, owner of JK Productions for the past 22 years has invested in a DiGiCo S31 digital mixing console. “We looked at various brands and models and eventually chose the DiGiCo S31 for many reasons,” says Jeremy. “First, for the great support and people at DWR Distribution. Over the years we’ve bought various other bits of gear from DWR, but this is our first major purchase and knowing that DWR has always got our back it became a very easy decision. We are super excited because it’s going to put us into a different league, enabling us to get those bigger gigs that we are looking to do, and the future looks exciting. “DiGiCo is an incredible brand with such pedigree and heritage, and it will be super exciting to see the console on our gigs and showcase it to our clients. We feel like grown-ups now that we own a DiGiCo desk. The desk i
South Korea - A recent production of Verdi’s La Traviata in Busan wowed audiences with enhanced acoustics and amplified sound and effects that tracked the performers as they moved around the stage. Staged at in the open air at the cultural complex and former wire factory F1963, Yamaha AFC was used to create the spatial feeling of a classic concert hall, while each performer wore a TTA Stagetracker location sensor along with a wireless microphone pack. The sound was reproduced in three dimensions by multiple speakers positioned around the venue including five Nexo P12s along the top of the stage and Nexo ID24s suspended on wires above the heads of the audience. Additional Nexo PS speakers filled in from the sides, with amplification and processing for all Nexo speakers coming from NXAMPMk2 powered controllers. Building on a successful earlier production o
Liechtenstein - Neutrik has expanded its speakON range with upgrades to its 2-pole and 4-pole audio cable connector portfolio in the form of the new NL2FXX and NL4FXX. These new models affirm Neutrik’s continuing commitment to the highest quality standards of engineering and performance and meeting the latest international standards and safety regulations. New features of the NL2FXX and NL4FXX include a locking bushing that protects against unintended opening, providing locking bushing and strain relief for cable diameters of 6 mm to 12 mm in the S variant connectors, and 10 to 16 mm in the L variant connector - and a unique two compound housing to improve the handling in daily operation. The new connectors are easier to assemble, as the strain relief chuck mechanically snaps to the insert and aligns with the housing, allowing for faster, smoother assembly of the c
USA - Harman Professional Solutions has announced the launch of two new JBL Professional COL slim column loudspeakers, the COL600 (24-inch 600 mm) and COL800 (32-inch 800 mm), that are designed for applications that include conference and meeting rooms, lecture halls, retail stores, concourses, transit spaces, fill applications and more. Offering wide horizontal and narrow vertical coverage with a built-in 10-degree down-tilt to the aim, both COL Series models are designed to deliver coverage for most listening areas while allowing the loudspeaker to be installed flat to the wall. Multi-tap transformers allow for use on either 70 or 100-volt distributed lines, while the loudspeaker is switchable for direct 8-ohm operation. Available in black or white, installation is accommodated by two included L-brackets, which can be installed on either the top or bottom panels. The
UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians’ Annual Awards took place on Wednesday evening, 7 June, after the first day of the 2023 ABTT Theatre Show at Alexandra Palace, London. This year, the awards were again generously supported by TAIT. Ted Moore, director of rental services, said of the Awards: “TAIT is really proud to be here once again to sponsor the ABTT Awards Presentation, one of the best globally in our industry. We wish all the nominees good luck and give congratulations to whoever the winners may be.” The five highly sought after Awards for Lighting Product, Sound Product, Engineering Product, ‘Widget’ and Stand of the Year, were complemented by the announcement of the recipients of the ABTT Technician of the Year and the ABTT Award for Emerging Excellence which recognise the achievements of individuals both starting out and well-establ
USA - At InfoComm 2023, Shure has announced a new partnership with Airtame, provider of solutions for hybrid conferencing, screen sharing, and digital signage. The partnership features seamless integration between Shure Stem Ecosystem devices and Airtame Hybrid Conferencing Solution to simplify collaboration for bring-your-own-device (BYOD) meeting rooms. While BYOD setups provide personalisation and ease of access, they can also be frustrating and time-consuming to facilitate without the right technology. With this new partnership, Shure and Airtame are providing users who rely on their own devices with streamlined and equitable meetings through technology that is easy to install. Using the Airtame App, users can start a conference call on the Airtame Hub with just a few clicks. Once connected, the high-performance Airtame Hub hosts the call for all attendees in a con
UK - Void Acoustics has announced a bumper presence at InfoComm in Orlando, USA, this week. The company will showcase five new products on the Exhibition Booth 5287 (Exhibit Hall, Level 2, Audio Pavilion), whilst highlighting these important new products alongside the existing Void Acoustics portfolio in the Void Acoustics Demonstration Room (Audio Demo Room W232B). The key new products which will be on display include the Air 15 IP-53 rated subwoofer, perfect for nightclubs and bars, restaurants and retail solutions. With its stylish, non-resonant fibreglass enclosure it can provide large-scale output in a variety of environments requiring comprehensive audio coverage. A new subwoofer has been added to the Cyclone Series - the Cyclone 208 - a compact, IP-55 rated reflex-loaded subwoofer. Paired with the Cyclone 4 or Cyclone 55 it offers a high-output, stylish sound
