USA / Italy - Rational Acoustics LLC has appointed ModsArt as the exclusive distributors for all Rational Acoustics and Smaart branded products for Italy.

Founded by brothers Davide and Luigi Lombardi, ModsArt provides Italian distribution for a select group of lighting and equipment including Jands lighting consoles and Outline loudspeakers. They also provide training classes for audio professionals including Outline's Certified System Engineer course and, in the future, Rational Acoustics Smaart Training Classes.

Davide Lombardi comes from a successful career as a sound engineer and system technician, having worked extensively with UK-based Britannia Row over the past 8 years on such tours at Oasis, Amy Winehouse and James Taylor. He is currently on tour with opera star Andrea Bocelli. Luigi Lombardi comes from an equally successful career in lighting design.

"We are

UK - Systems integrator IVC Media, has confirmed the completion of the final stage in its project to bring content alive with augmented reality at the Natural History Museum's Darwin Centre. The public audience can now view a new interactive film which shows enhanced and individualised content through the medium of bespoke hand held touch-screen devices, designed by IVC.

"The film, entitled Who do you think you really are? features a film making technology allowing Sir David Attenborough to take the audience on a virtual journey back through our evolutionary past, to where extinct creatures will appear to roam around in the studio," says John Smith, managing director, IVC Media. "By simply moving the interactive hand held touch screen, individuals in the Attenborough Studio auditorium can effectively interact with the environment from their perspective. The

Spain - Hosted by Desperate Housewife movie star Eva Longoria, the 2010 MTV EMAs were broadcast live from Madrid's Caja Magica and Plaza de la Independcia in the historic Puerta de Alcalá on 7 November. For the eighth year running Sennheiser supported the star-studded occasion, which featured live performances from some of today's most popular artists.

Sennheiser UK's team of Mark Saunders, Andy Lillywhite and new addition Tim Sherrattt once again worked closely with audio provider Britannia Row and the event's sound designer Derrick Zieba to ensure the smooth execution of this technically challenging production. Magnetron, Sennheiser's presence in Spain, also provided valuable local support.

Equipment supplied included a significant number of SKM 5200 Mk I and II microphones, with extra 'bling' by Crystalroc for Eva Longoria's handset, plus ew 300 in ear monitors for

In The White House - Acts including No Doubt and Dave Grohl played Beatles songs at a US gala on Sunday to celebrate Sir Paul McCartney and other winners of a cultural award. Sir Paul had earlier received a Kennedy Centre honour along with Oprah Winfrey, choreographer Bill T Jones, composer Jerry Herman and singer Merle Haggard.

Receiving his medallion at a White House dinner on Saturday, Sir Paul said "great things just come in bundles." The ex-Beatle was at the US President's home in June to receive another award. "I am a big fan of this president, and I think he's a great man who's got some difficulties," Sir Paul said at Saturday's event, hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Sunday night's concert, held at Washington arts venue the Kennedy Centre, was filmed by US network CBS for broadcast later this month.

In The Money - Susan Philipsz

UK - Llanelli-based Vaughan Sound Installations (VSI) in conjunction with loudspeaker manufacturer Community UK and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has recently completed a major refurbishment of the audio system at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

The new system vastly improves the audio quality, intelligibility and coverage and integrates with the stadium's life safety systems in the eventuality of an emergency evacuation.

VSI has completed a number of stadium audio installations. Specifically in Wales, audio systems have been installed at Llanelli RFC's Parc y Scarlets stadium and the Cardiff SWALEC stadium.

Along with the new audio system, the Millennium Stadium has undergone major technological improvements over the summer carried out by the technology services company CAE. This includes the installation of two 90sq.m LED big screens for each end of the pitch and over 400 h

Switzerland - SpinetiX has announced that it is now shipping its Fusion content management software and HMP200 Hyper Media Player.

Fusion is SpinetiX's new digital signage software application designed to dramatically simplify the implementation of small-scale signage projects. Now installed within every SpinetiX HMP Hyper Media Player, Fusion allows content to be managed via a web browser interface and can therefore be accessed either locally or remotely using a PC, Mac, Linux or iPad platform or indeed any combination of these. Once connection to the Player has been achieved, content can be uploaded, edited and published with minimal technical skill and in record time.

"In the world of digital signage, small-scale and single-location rollouts are very different from one another," says Serge Konter, marketing manager, SpinetiX. "Our objective with Fusion was to

Japan - Audio-Technica has opened the doors on a new facility, Technica Fukui. Located in Echizen City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Technica Fukui integrates the three pre-existing A-T Fukuoka branches into one location, consolidating and streamlining design efforts with increased collaboration among A-T's global design teams, says the company.

The new facility is equipped with a dedicated acoustic lab and an advanced-design anechoic chamber specially designed for audio testing. An emphasis has been placed on further advancing wireless technologies with research and product development.

Technica Fukui is designed to streamline Audio-Technica's product development process with emphasis on innovation, accuracy and efficiency. Investments in the latest wireless communication measurement tools will allow A-T to create wireless products for both professional and consumer markets that will

France - The recent JTSE show in Paris was the occasion for loudspeaker manufacturer APG to introduce their concept of what has been termed the 'Uniline Solution'. The Uniline compact line array system is the flagship product of APG's new generation product range which also includes the SMX15 monitor speaker and the new DX Series compact, low profile multipurpose loudspeakers.

APG's managing director, Gregory Dapsanse comments, "The Uniline Solution is a comprehensive, multi-layered network that we have put in place to optimise the exploitation of Uniline in the marketplace."

At the first level, it comprises rental companies who already own a Unline system and who are APG-certified Uniline users. The second level is rental companies who don't own a system themselves, but are nevertheless certified Uniline users who can sub-hire a Uniline system whenever necessary. T

USA - At the NAMM Show in Anaheim in January, Sennheiser is presenting the new MK 4, a large-diaphragm true condenser microphone. This cardioid microphone, which is manufactured in Germany, is Sennheiser's first large-diaphragm side-address microphone and focuses on giving the best possible sound quality rather than technical extravagance, says the company.

The MK 4 with its nickel-coloured finish was developed for professional users in project studios, but is equally well suited for other recording environments and is tough enough for use on stage, adds the company.

"In the development of the MK 4, we invested every euro in getting the best possible sound," says product manager Sebastian Schmitz, "and we focused on the key elements of a good studio microphone to ensure that we can offer the MK 4 to our customers at an attractive price."

The MK 4 has a la

Switzerland - TiMax Tracker and TiMax2 SoundHub audio showcontrol systems from UK developer, Out Board, have been in constant demand for the outdoor theatrical events becoming ever more popular across Europe. Two such events in the 2010 season were Anna's Carnifex - the story of Switzerland's last witchhunt of Anna Goldi the witch by Carnifex the witchhunter - and Dallebach Kari, a musical of the classic film which signalled the beginning of German-speaking new Swiss cinema.

Tom Strebel and his Basel-based sound design and consulting company audiopool were behind both events.

The Dallebach Kari opus was staged at Thunersee, where every year a large stage is built upon the beautiful lake of this, one of Switzerland's largest cities. Strebel employed the TiMax SoundHub not only to apply its delay-matrix localisation capabilities to the radio mics, but also f

UK - Currently on an extensive tour to promote her debut, eponymously-titled album, Eliza Doolittle is playing a range of territories including Europe, the USA and Australia. A recent UK headline tour, followed by a prestigious support slot to Paloma Faith, has also helped to raise her profile in her home country.

Tour manager and Front of House engineer Jim Carmichael is a long-term Sennheiser user and a self-confessed fan of the 900 series. Currently, Eliza is using an e965 wireless microphone and G3 IEMs, with her band using wired e935 mics.

Touring takes its toll on equipment, especially when you're on a tight budget. "As well as providing good audio quality and signal strength, the Sennheiser equipment is extremely rugged and reliable," says Carmichael. "The company's backup is also excellent - I've never had a single problem that hasn't been solved with a

Europe - As Deep Purple continue their tour through Germany and France, their long-serving FOH engineer Gert Sanner has transferred his show mix from his Soundcraft Vi6 digital console to the smaller footprint of the new Vi1.

An early adopter of the Vi6 (since when he has regularly provided technical support to sales and rental company, SSE Group), Sanner was keen to move his show files to the Vi1 and prove the process in a real-world environment.

"The purpose was to create show files that would work on any Vi console," he stated, with the end goal of purchasing a Vi1 for the band.

Having now completed his rigorous trials, the FOH engineer declares that he has been able to tick every box. "It was important to be sure that the Vi1 would work on the road and to discover whether there were any compatibility issues or areas for improvement. I did this by demoing i

USA - Meyer Sound has announced that it will exhibit at the forthcoming NAMM Show in Anaheim, scheduled for 13 -16 January 2011. This will mark the company's first formal participation at NAMM in more than 14 years.

Rachel Archibald, director of marketing at Meyer Sound comments, "Our presence underscores Meyer Sound's commitment to serving not only touring sound companies but also rehearsal facilities, music venues, musicians, and beyond."

"We are excited to have a company of Meyer Sound's calibre participate at the NAMM Show this year," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. "Both of our organisations share the desire to honour the best and brightest in the pro audio field through the TEC Foundation."

Meyer Sound will also become a Platinum Sponsor of the TEC Awards, to be held in conjunction with the NAMM Show on Friday 14 January.. Meye

UK - Ateis UK has appointed York-based Tukans as sole distributor to handle its ECS-Teleconference range.

ECS (Echo Cancellation System) was launched at the beginning of 2010 and is designed to produce clear audio for teleconference work, with no delays or doubletalk. The product is based on a digital signal processor using Dynamic Automatic Echo Cancellation, which uses a wideband acoustic echo cancelling algorithm developed by Ateis engineers.

While ECS is aimed at the conference market in general Ateis is also looking to move into the boardroom and specialised commerce sectors. The ECS range has a modular configuration and comprehensive signal processing replacing the function of many ancillary products, making it cost effective and easy to maintain.

Tukans director Yvonne Womersley comments: "The financial sector has embraced conferencing technology and we are sure

UK - LMC Audio has sold the very first Midas PRO3 live audio system to Rambert Dance Company. Rambert's front of house engineer, Tomás O'Connor, who made the decision to purchase the desk alongside sound designer David Tinson, was keen to invest in a desk that "combines quality and flexibility".

O'Connor comments: "Rambert wanted to spend wisely on a desk that could fulfil the demands of the company's increasingly complex show pieces. Our main goal was to find a desk that had all the flexibility and features of a digital desk, but with the usability and great sound quality of an analogue desk. After a lot of research, the Midas Pro series was the only desk that met our requirements."

JP Cavaco, sales manager at LMC London, made the sale to Rambert.

O'Connor notes: "When I joined Rambert, I was aware of a long history between the sound department her

Germany - The new EAW KF740 Three-Way Full-Range Line Array module recently made its German debut at a historic concert in Berlin that featured one of the best-known oratory works by Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis. Berlin-based Hacksound Veranstaltungstechnik provided the multi-zone PA system, comprising all EAW speakers powered by Lab.gruppen amplification, for the performance of Canto General at the Max Schmeling Hall.

Hacksound supplied a main left/right flown system composed of nine KF740 speakers plus two KF730 Compact Line Array Modules, for down-fill, per side. A dozen additional KF730 speakers, in two hangs of six, provided out-fill to the audience on either side of the stage. Five more KF730s were positioned to provide front-fill. Three hangs each of six KF730 speakers, plus a pair of SB730 Compact Line Array Subwoofers, were employed for left, centre and right

The Netherlands - DiGiCo is returning to ISE alongside the brand's Dutch distributor TM Audio. This year, as well as its flagship SD7 and mid-sized SD8 desks, the entry level SD9 and the new SDRack, launched at PLASA2010, the company will "demonstrate DiGiCo's commitment to the install market".

The newest addition to DiGiCo's SD Series of consoles is the SD9. This complete, integrated system includes the mixing surface, a D-Rack digital stage interface and Cat 5E digital multicore. As with all DiGiCo consoles, it has the additional ability to simultaneously record 56 channels direct to your favourite multitrack software or DAW.

Also on show will be the new 192KHz SD Rack. This is the first I/O rack for any mixing console that offers multiple format sample rate conversion and allows up to an amazing 448 I/O, in any combi

Lebanon - Beirut-based Pro-Audio company AMAC has been appointed as Electro-Voice's distributor as of 1 November 2010.

AMAC director Abdul Razzak Assafiri comments, "AMAC's policy is to keep on pushing towards a better future and leadership in the A/V market. Electro-Voice is of great significance for us."

Assafiri continues, " We offer services and solutions. That is to say - distribution, consultancy, design and simulations, system integration and after-sales services. We are also skilled in installations and solutions such as professional sound for theatres, house of worship, conferences, hotels, pubs and clubs. And last but not least we offer DJ equipment as well as automation and control for both residential and commercial venues."

AMAC has two offices and two showrooms, one located in North of Lebanon and the other in the centre of Beirut.

(Jim Ev

Czech Republic - The 12th Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space, the largest scenography / performance design event in the world, held once every four years, returns to Prague, Czech Republic, in June 2011. Coming to Prague will allow visitors to discover a unique outdoor performing exhibition, Intersection: Intimacy & Spectacle, presenting 30 internationally acclaimed artists within an architectural environment/installation specially designed for this occasion.

Additionally, a large number of projects will be on display in outdoor public spaces throughout the city - a unique occasion to discover Prague through the eyes of the world's contemporary artists. Visitors will also be able to explore various disciplines essential to the performing arts thanks to special projects focused on lighting and sound design, architect

UK - Soundcraft Studer has recruited Garry Blackmore, previously programmes manager at Xerox, to spearhead a wave of new product developments as part of its rapid growth strategy.

Blackmore has a background in research and development, having worked on developing Xerox's multifunction systems, and has a BSc in computer science.

"Garry joins us at a time when we are turning a performance corner, said head of Harman's mixer business Andy Trott. "We have delivered the first two phases of our growth strategy and now aim to accelerate projects even faster. With Garry's skills and experience I am confident we'll continue taking market share and providing our customers with even more irresistible products."

BIackmore adds: "I hope to use my experience to help develop a project management methodology that helps us release even more products to our quality, cost a

UK - John Hornby Skewes & Co, UK and Eire trade distributors of HK Audio products and Lab.gruppen products, reports that Feeder is using HK Audio and Lab.gruppen products on live dates around the world. The year 2010 marked the release of the band's seventhth album, Renegades, and saw the band embark on a sell-out international tour.

At the Leeds Metropolitan University show, the band used a pair of HK Audio CT115 Contour Series monitors which had been bi-amped off two channels of a Lab.gruppen FP+10000Q and Channel 1 of an HK Audio DSM2060 speaker management processor.

Taking the drum seat for the tour is acclaimed session drummer Karl Brazil who used HK Audio monitors from the Contour Series (a pair of CT118 subs and a pair of CT115 speakers).

"Karl is a very musical and dynamic player," says Dan Trowhill, Feeder's monitor engineer. "It has been diffi

USA - First Baptist Church Cleveland (FBC) in Cleveland, Tennessee set out to build a new facility whose technical capabilities would support and enhance a variety of worship styles, including contemporary services with a strong sound and media component. To provide sound reinforcement in the new campus' 1700-seat worship center, FBC Cleveland chose an Electro-Voice PA system.

Phase One of construction was recently completed at the new 38-acre site, which features nearly 95,000sq.ft of worship, education, and commons/fellowship space. Development, design, and construction were handled by Myrick Gurosky & Associates of Birmingham, Alabama. Walthall & Associates managed the acoustical and AV portions of the project, working with in-house Electro-Voice applications engineer Stu Schatz to design the loudspeaker configuration. The PA was installed by Cleveland's GravelRoad Entertainm

UK - Pro Audio Systems were a technical partner of the recent 24th Leeds International Film Festival. This event is the largest regional film festival in the UK with over 300 screenings of films from all over the world, including previously-unseen works as well as classics of cinema.

The 2010 event took place in the magnificent surroundings of Leeds Town Hall, which for the duration of the festival was turned into a huge multi-media location with an enormous screen and a sophisticated immersive audio infrastructure.

Pro Audio Systems designed, installed and operated a bespoke sound system for the event comprising mainly Meyer Sound equipment. Providing seamless coverage of the large auditorium required the creation of 11 separate audio zones, programmed and independently controlled using Meyer Sound's SIM audio analyser system and Galileo processors.

An Extron SSP-7.1 surrou

Taiwan - DPA's Taiwanese distributor IX Technology, part of the Linfair Group, has supplied more than 130 DPA microphones to Public Television Service (PTS), a division of the Taiwan Broadcasting System (TBS). The order includes large quantities of 4006-TL omnis, 4011-TL cardioids, 4015-TL wide cardioids and 4017 shotgun mics, as well as seven 5006 surround microphone kits (five matched 4006-TLs and accessories) with seven S5c surround mounts.

The new mics will be deployed across PTS' new HDTV facilities in Taipei, including four new TV studios, two new HDTV OB trucks and an audio recording truck dedicated to mastering in surround. A major part of their use will be for recording classical music and opera performances at live venues such as the National Theatre and Concert Hall.

PTS' supervising audio engineer Julius Wang comments: "I'm extremely happy with PTS' additions

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