UK - Fireworks displays require high-powered audio and Wharfedale Pro provided the right gear to supplement a recent pyrotechnic event at Huntingdon Racecourse. The integration team at Sound Junkies deployed a Wharfedale Pro WLA-28A Active Line Array system to support one of the largest fireworks displays in the region, organised by Komodo Events in support of the Magpas Air Ambulance. Due to the large-scale nature of the event, the WLA-28A system was deployed in three ground stacks along the 100m field of view. The main left and right stacks comprised four WLA-28A elements and two WLA-28SUBA active subwoofers, while the central stack used four WLA-28A alongside four WLA-218BA Dual 18” active subs. This configuration overcame the challenge of delivering extreme coverage across a wide outdoor space. Furthermore, all elements in the active system used their own internal DSP
Mexico - 15 September marks the commemoration of the Grito de Independencia (Mexican Independence Day) - the most important ceremony in the country. This year it was able to resume again in front of an audience at the Zócalo in the centre of Mexico City after two years of being held remotely due to the COVID pandemic. According to official calculations more than 160,000 people celebrated the national holiday out on the streets again. The vastly experienced Norteño group, Los Tigres del Norte - famed throughout the Latam countries - headlined the event with a show that lasted more than three hours. The production work was carried out by the company KW, and for the third consecutive year Martin Audio systems were used as the main PA for the ceremony. They provided audio coverage for a site measuring 46,800 sq.m. For the presidential protocol, four clusters of MLA
USA - To provide modern and impactful live sound for rock veterans REO Speedwagon, Styx and Loverboy on their Live and Unzoomed Tour, San Diego-based and longtime JBL partner Sound Image enlisted a selection of JBL Professional and Crown audio solutions. Styx and REO Speedwagon joined forces along with hard rockers Loverboy for a massive summer co-headlining tour on the Live and Unzoomed Tour, a celebration of high-octane arena rock following the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour required an audio rig that emulated a classic rock show while also incorporating the dynamics and impact of modern live sound. To meet these requests, Sound Image deployed JBL VTX Series speakers with Crown I-Tech amplifiers for immersive sound and wide coverage. “The main goal was simple - to provide a fun and exciting experience for the audience that makes them want to come back to our shows ag
France - Parc de la Villette is both a park - the third largest in Paris - and a focal point for art, music, and culture, housing the city’s largest concentration of cultural venues, including the Philharmonie de Paris and Cité de la Musique. It’s also home to the physically and psychologically imposing Grand Halle de la Villette. A stunning example of 19th century cast iron and glass architecture, designed famous French architect Victor Baltard, the venue was originally an abattoir and was transformed into a multi-use space in 1985. The Grand Halle hosts diverse events including exhibitions, concerts, theatre shows and festivals. The annual Jazz à La Villette festival, hosted here, attracts more than 30,000 jazz enthusiasts every September. The Grande Halle, which includes the 5,000 capacity Grand Halle, the Salle Charlie Parker and the Nave, was one of the firs
UAE - The UAEFA President’s Cup took place at the Al Ain’s Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on 21 October 2022. Creative Technology delivered a spectacular projection which was mapped across the football pitch for the opening ceremony and distributed sitewide show communication for the annual tournament. One of the key highlights from the evening was the projection show that covered a 1200 sqm area. CT supplied four double-stacked Panasonic PT-RQ50K projectors, to achieve 600 lux projection, installed in a bespoke purpose-built structure that was fully enclosed and temperature-controlled. Projection was integrated on a fully redundant network ring controlled from FOH and utilised CT’s new 1G and 10G fibre networking solutions. Playback was powered by Disguise VX4 Suite and full 4k signal distribution. Carlos Aguilar, deputy head of video commented, “It's always a
UK - Coyote Ugly, the successful nightlife franchise that started in New York City’s East Village, has come to the UK, opening a new location in Camden, London. In order to emulate the well-known culture of the Coyote Ugly brand and energize the eager crowds, the venue turned to Renkus-Heinz for the sound solution to match the high energy of the bar known for its bartop dancing. For nearly 30 years, Coyote Ugly has been a source of entertainment in person and on screen. From the original New York Saloon to the cult classic of the same name, Coyote Ugly serves a wide following. Cardiff-based AV integrator Spartan AV and UK-based AV distributor CUK Group worked to specify and install a complete sound system. "Coyote Ugly's brand and its guest experience are both founded on music. Fans remember the songs that helped to make Coyote Ugly an iconic name," said James Lawfor
Ukraine - Emily Resort is a premium multifunctional complex offering a wide choice of recreational facilities, including a 166-room hotel, a wellness and spa area, and a medical centre and all-season pistes for skiing. Close to the historic centre of Lviv with picturesque views of the Vynnykivs’ke Lake, the flagship of the venue’s extensive list of offerings is the Emily Event Hall. It’s the largest concert hall in Western Ukraine, featuring the country’s most complex permanent 3D mapping projection weaved into the venue’s undulating indoor mesh wall, as well as the country’s first L-Acoustics K3 audio system, installed by L-Acoustics official distributor for Ukraine and Moldova, RealMusic. The 1,500m² event space has everything necessary to host world-class events, including a large stage with high-quality sound and lighting equipment, a well-organised ba
UK - The Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) has hired Royal Albert Hall executive Ollie Jeffery as director of event operations and technology. Jeffery spent over 18 years with the Royal Albert Hall, most recently as head of production and technical. Jeffery’s experience at the Royal Albert Hall included developing the venue’s lighting and audio services, establishing an apprentice scheme, and supporting the delivery of around 400 events a year. EICC CEO Marshall Dallas comments: “As we aim to further establish the EICC as a globally-recognised conference venue, getting someone of Ollie’s international experience and know-how on board is a major coup and signposts our ambitions for the years ahead. We look forward to Ollie helping to drive continuing success during our next phase of growth.” Jeffery adds: “I am extremely pleased to be j
Creative Careers - The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has launched a £950,000 careers programme aimed at giving young people from under-represented backgrounds opportunities in the creative industries. The Creative Careers Programme, which will include theatres, is being led by ScreenSkills, and will target 53 priority areas across the country, including Barking and Dagenham, Wolverhampton, Rotherham, Slough and Swindon, the DCMS said. Delivery partners include Get Into Theatre, One Dance UK, UK Music, UK Theatre and the Society of London Theatre. The programme aims to help young people from under-represented backgrounds "break into the creative industries" and will offer guidance on careers, help pay for lesson plans, establish a dedicated careers website and provide training for careers advisers. ScreenSkills chief executive Seetha Kumar said: “I
UK - Rean has launched the Power X Series ‘ruggedized’ power connector harsh environment power connector series. Molded from V0 raw materials and rated to UL 94V-0, the IP65 certified Power X Series provides high levels of fire retardant, dust and moisture resistant protection. A CBC connector – a connector with breaking capacity – Power X Series components are certified according to EN/UL 60320-1, with the cable connectors accepted as a component for cord sets according to IEC 60799, ensuring true mains breaking capability. Power X Series is also certified as fully compatible with Neutrik powerCON True1 products. Rean product manager Tommy Huang says. “As a world-leading provider of connectors to the entertainment production industry, Rean’s Power X Series offers an amazing feature set at an unrivalled cost-performance point, providing for smart effi
USA - Harman Professional Solutions has introduced AMX Jetpack, a 3x1 switching, transport, and control solution that’s ‘highly affordable for K12 classrooms and meeting spaces’. The kit features simple to operate room controls, multiple 4K60 video inputs, and enables voice lift for clear communication with everyone in the space. Jetpack combines 4K60 4:2:0 HDMI and USB-C video switching and distance transport, room control, wallplate accessibility, and audio amplification in a kit that requires zero programming and provides security and reliability. The kit is fully loaded to support a wide range of classroom and meeting space applications and can be controlled through panel buttons, IR, RS-232, TCP/IP, a REST API, a Web GUI, and the Jetpack Management PC tool. “We are really excited to finally be able to bring Jetpack to the market,” said Jeff Burch, Harma
UK - HH Electronics has announced the launch of its TNA active line array system, designed for small to medium sized applications, including live sound reinforcement, bars, clubs, houses of worship, education settings, conferencing, and corporate events. At the heart of the system are the TNA-2120SA, a multi-channel active subwoofer with integrated Class D amplifier which features two high power 12” low frequency woofers with high output, and the TNA-1800SA, a powerful single 18” active low frequency subwoofer. As well as three channels of amplification, the TNA-2120SA unit houses six built-in DSP pre-sets and as part of a modular system, is capable of powering up to six satellite TNA-2051 passive two-way compact line array loudspeakers, offering an installation solution without the extra expense of rack amplifiers and processors. The TNA-2051 features dual
UK – The summer season at Warwick Castle presented back-to-back challenges for Full Production, called upon by event producer Pixel Artworks to provide lighting, crew and expertise for the historic venue’s two big visitor attractions – Dragon Slayer and Sundown Spectacular. Warwick Castle, owned by Merlin Entertainments, hosted the two family-fun attractions in the spacious castle courtyard, just a few days apart in August. Pixel Artworks brought in Full Production having worked with them on a number of previous projects. Full Production’s director of live events and touring, Marc Thornton, served as lighting designer and led the company’s team under the guidance of Pixel Artworks’ production manager, Joe Kelly. The first show, Dragon Slayer, had two acts: the first - a live action extravaganza complete with knights on horseback battlin
USA - Martin Audio partner Soundworks of Virginia equipped the five main stages of the long-running Richmond Folk Festival, an annual celebration of American culture and roots music, with the manufacturer’s optimisable Wavefront Precision line array speakers. Promoted by Venture Richmond, a non-profit organization, this three-day free festival, with which Soundworks have been involved for more than a decade, is held annually in the city’s downtown Riverfront Plaza area - spanning an area of almost 20 acres. An offshoot of the National Folk Festival, it is one of the largest events in Virginia, drawing around 200,000 visitors from across the country and featuring more than 30 global artists. Some 130 Martin Audio components were specified across the site, and Soundworks’ founder and CEO, Steve Payne, notes that this exhausted all 124 available channels of their 31
The Netherlands – Event and broadcast comms specialist Green-GO is celebrating sales of its Wireless Belt-Pack X (WBPX) reaching the golden number of 10,000 – just as its wired counterpart, the BPX, had already done. To mark this milestone, the manufacturer, ELC, kept aside the WBPX unit with serial number 10000 – had it gold-plated, just as it had done with the 10,000th BPX - and presented it to ELC founder and Green-GO inventor, Joost van Eenbergen. The WBPX units with serial numbers either side of 10000 were dispatched as usual to Green-GO’s global customer network. As chance would have it, the shipment went about as far as it could go, to Green-GO’s distributor for Australia & New Zealand, Sydney-based Event Communications Australia. Opening the package was sales and marketing manager Rod McKinnon. “With that particular shipment,” he recalls, “
UK - Two new Audient consoles have been installed at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) just in time for the new term. They are the third pair of large format Audient desks at LIPA - and the first ASP8024 Heritage Editions. This purchase is part of phase one of a refresh of the studios, with the desks settling in very well from the get-go. “Obviously returning students feel right at home, with nothing significantly different to learn, just some great new features to explore,” says LIPA’s head of sound technology, Jon Thornton. The ASP8024-HE was designed to produce the same, smooth clean sound as the original Audient console design from 1997, with a few key improvements. Upgrades include Vintage Mix Bus processing, John Hardy Op Amps on the mix bus output, powerful new additions to the Mix Bus Compressor - and more. Jon specified Audient d
Portugal - Rock In Rio is a long-established part of the international festival circuit and one of the world’s largest, hosting around 100,000 fans each day across the 16 performance spaces at the city’s Cidade do Rock (City of Rock), originally built for the first Rock In Rio in 1985. The Brazilian version is the festival’s flagship event, a sister production staged periodically in Lisbon, Portugal. This year’s event was held over the first two weekends in September and featured a typically diverse range of headliners from heavy metal to pop and dance. Sao Paulo-based Gabisom Audio Equipment continued their long association with the event in 2022 and once again deployed part of their Outline Newton inventory to manage their sound systems. Freelance sound engineer / system technician Ewerton Leandro Manca was working with the Newtons throughout the event and c
UK - Owned by the True North Brew Co, The Old Grindstone in Crookes is a popular Sheffield pub which recently underwent an extensive programme of refurbishment. Essential to the overall refurbishment, particularly in the light of the pub’s commitment to a wide programme of events, was to install a high-quality, versatile and flexible zonal audio system that could fulfil a wide range of demands. The pub needed to be able to separately control audio for four music zones, five TV screens, meeting room, and two recently installed upstairs karaoke pods. Any solution needed to be powerful enough to meet all the requirements whilst being simultaneously easy to operate for the venue staff. Sheffield-based Audio Engineering Services was engaged to install the new system. Audio Engineering Services’ Andy Fisher consulted with Polar’s Integrated Solutions team about a pote
Austria – Guitar player Nita Strauss has played and toured with Alice Cooper for years and is currently with Demi Lovato. Earlier this year, Strauss became the first female rock solo artist in 32 years to hit number one on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart with her song Dead Inside. She’s also had a successful solo career, including her album Controlled Chaos. She is believed to be a descendant of Austrian composer Johann Strauss on her father’s side and keeping in concert with her Austrian connection, Strauss has been using Austrian Audio microphones on stage. "Austrian Audio checks all the boxes for a working musician - pristine, clear sound in a stylish package,” says Strauss. “We have been using them on our recent tour with Black Label Society." The band, completed a 17-stop US tour earlier this year, putting the microphones to the test -
Morocco - The Mix restaurant and club located in the city of Marrakech features a DJ booth in the centre of the restaurant delivering music via a Nexo P+ Series system. With a vision for a restaurant with music in its DNA, owners of the venue approached Casablanca-based sound, light and video technology specialists Smart AV to design and install a sound system that could shift gears seamlessly from background music to powerful, floor-filling sound when the DJs take over. Working in collaboration with Nexo’s Engineering Support Team, a Nexo P+ Series point source system was configured using Nexo NS-1 software to predict coverage in the venue. Four P12 loudspeakers and four L15 subs are installed in the main room, with amplification from Nexo NXAMP4X1MK2 powered controllers. The centrally located bar is equipped with two Nexo P8s. “P12 is the perfect system for
USA - Pliant Technologies will showcase its CCU-08 CrewCom Control Unit at LDI 2022 (Booth 406). The CCU-08 is the latest addition to the CrewCom system and gives users the ability to use up to eight 4-Wire ports while retaining all the same features of the current companion CCU-22 and CCU-44 products. Like the current Control Units, the CCU-08 Control Unit contains no radio and is frequency agnostic and can therefore control and monitor any device across CrewNet regardless of radio frequency bands being utilised. With the combination of CrewCom Radio Transceivers, the new CCU-08 supports up to 82 Radio Packs, 18 in Normal mode and 64 in the recently released High Density mode, across all RF bands. Up to four CCU Control Units can be used in one system for larger user counts. “The new CCU-08 is designed for applications that need additional I/O but do not require 2-w
UK - Beabadoobee, the first full band show at Electric Group’s NX Newcastle, and similarly sold-out turns by localist Andrew Cushin, Liverpool hitmakers the Wombats and London post-punkers Black Midi, amplify the new venue’s accessibility, standard-setting sightlines, sound and provision. Up the stairs into the main room, via Instagrammable city colours décor and the NX logo, ticketholders are met with a full, unmitigated view of the stage. The sound system features Encore’s d&b J Series PA, driven by Allen & Heath desks. John Tinline, managing director at Encore Sounds, says: “We spec’d the PA by committee, working with Electric Group and the architect, developing the original want for a ‘facsimile of the system in Electric Brixton’, which works so well, to accommodate the tiers at NX. It’s a great sounding room.” The 1,550 str
USA - Thunder Audio recently powered Pitbull’s Can’t Stop Us Now tour with JBL Professional VTX line array systems and Crown amplifiers in stadiums and amphitheatres across North America. Following the success of his I Feel Good Tour in 2021, Pitbull’s Can’t Stop Us Now 2022 Tour is presented by Live Nation and features performances by Iggy Azalea and Sirius XM’s Globalization DJs in addition to the Cuban-American superstar himself. The 50+ date North American tour began in Raleigh, North Carolina in July and concluded in Hollywood, Florida on 19 October. Pitbull’s veteran front-of-house engineer Will Madera and production manager Victor Martinez hired Thunder Audio to supply a complete stadium-ready JBL VTX system for the three-month tour. With the help of system engineer Nick Turner, the audio team selected and designed a touring sound solu
Hungary - The long-standing relationship between Capital Sound (part of the Solotech UK Group) and the major week-long Hungarian Sziget Festival, resumed this year after the two-year hiatus. This six-day event on the Danube - situated on the remote Hajógyári Island (Óbudai-sziget), north of Budapest - draws between 500,000-600,000 visitors, and always pulls a major list of global superstars across its stages. This year was no exception, with Dua Lipa, Arctic Monkeys, Stromae, Kings of Leon, Lewis Capaldi, Tame Impala, Nina Kravitz and Sam Fender among the many familiar faces. The technical infrastructure included Martin Audio’s MLA loudspeaker array, which has been a regular and reassuring sight for audiences and visiting sound crews alike on main stage since 2015. According to Robin Conway, Solotech senior technical advisor, the main stage sound design cont
