UK - With Jerry Hall cast in the starring role as the Wicked Queen, the recent production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Richmond Theatre had nearly all the ingredients needed for a good run.

Sound designer Rick Clarke, veteran of over 40 West End musicals, added in an important new element - the first deployment of a Flare Audio X2/X0 Compact Vertical Point Source Array system in theatre. The system featured X2 cabinets, flown in groups of two per side, with X0s used as front-fills and delays, together with the award-winning SB21 Flat Panel Directional Touring Sub Bass units. Out front was a Yamaha CL5 front of house digital mixing console feeding the Flare system directly via the Dante network.

Pantomime has been a regular feature in Rick's calendar, dating back to when his children were younger, with the Richmond Theatre an extremely familiar venue. The ex

USA - Ashly Audio has announced that industry veteran Scott Leslie will join the company as executive vice-president. Ashly and its parent company, JAM Industries, are committed to a new growth strategy and they are drawing on Leslie's vision, experience, and leadership to help execute it. In the newly-created position, Leslie reports to Ashly CEO and president Mark Wentling and oversees the R&D, marketing, and the North American sales divisions.

Leslie's roots are deep in the audio industry; his father invented the famed Leslie rotating speaker that has long been an essential component of electric organs. The younger Leslie earned his master's degree in acoustics from Georgia Tech and, after interning at Fender, took a position as a loudspeaker engineer at Altec Lansing.

From there, he pivoted to the computer and software industry with positions at Tektronix, Sun Microsystems

Turkey - As one of the most popular singers in Turkey, Tarkan has been nicknamed the country's 'Prince of Pop' by the Turkish media, regularly selling out shows at the country's major venues. September saw him play nine consecutive shows at the 4000-capacity Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre, with a DiGiCo SD5 specially purchased by production company Staras.

The open air amphitheatre is one of Istanbul's most popular venues, especially in summer, when it hosts a variety of live shows by both national and international artists, as well as a number of cultural festivals.

Staras Technical Production handled the lighting, sound and staging for the shows and willingly acceded to the request by Tarkan's production team for a DiGiCo SD5 console for the monitor mix.

"Although Staras has been in business for 30 years, they had not previously used DiGiCo consoles," says Gorkem

USA - John Fogerty continues to entertain fans around the world with regular touring throughout North America and overseas. His most recent tour marked a complete departure from his regular audio system of many years - this time going on the road with the new Adamson Energia PA provided by Atomic Pro Audio.

"I've been working with Atomic for almost 20 years," explains Tim Schad, production manager working with John Fogerty since 2006. "I was sold on Adamson the first time I used it and have started working in different pieces of their gear with John over the last 6 years, but this was the first time we went out with 100% Adamson PA and monitor rig. The new Adamson Energia PA was "way better sounding" than any PA available out there at any cost."

Atomic Pro Audio, located in Rutland, Vermont, has been a supporter of Adamson since 2002. Most recentl

Europe - After the appointment of AED Distribution as distributor for QSC Pro Audio in Germany and UK in addition to its BeNeLux distribution, and the expansion into the European continent for High End Systems products, the Belgium-based company is also expanding its team.

AED Distribution, with offices in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, France & Belgium, has hired several people to support its future growth into these new markets. Hans Vanderheijden, managing director at AED Distribution HQ, comments, "Over the last couple of years we have build a clear strategy to strengthen and focus on a European Master Distribution model, which enabled us to develop our distribution network in Europe. Some markets were approached directly through our own setup, in others we went to market through selected partners. As a result of our expansion into these new markets, we felt the need

USA - At Winter NAMM 2015, British professional loudspeaker manufacturer Turbosound introduced the Company's first modular column loudspeakers and subwoofers. The INSPIRE Series features Klark Teknik SST Spatial Sound Technology, an onboard remote controllable digital mixer, plus Bluetooth stereo audio streaming - all controllable via iPhone / iPad.

Designed for commanding performance, the iNSPIRE Series consists of three full-range powered column loudspeakers, the 800-Watt iP500, 1,000-Watt iP1000 and 1,000 Watt iP2000 - plus two 1,000-Watt powered subwoofers, the 12" iP12B and 15" iP15B with integrated dual-channel 200-Watt amplifiers for satellite speakers. All models exhibit the powerful, high-quality sound and optimised dispersion of Turbosound's award-winning line array products in a surprisingly lightweight, easy to use, all-in-one vertical form factor.

Equipp

USA - Launching at NAMM 2015, the EKX series is the newest member of the Electro-Voice portable loudspeaker family, and combines EV sound quality and reliability with the latest technology - all in a lightweight, compact package suitable for a wide range of sound reinforcement scenarios, including musicians, DJs, and live/club/installed sound applications.

The EKX series features eight models (four powered and four passive), including 12" and 15" two-way models and 15" and 18" subwoofers. EKX is positioned above the ZLX and ELX series and below the ETX series.

Innovative, EV-exclusive features ensure EKX provides best-in-class performance and versatility, including EV-engineered speaker and amplifier components for superior sound quality and reliability, and on-board signal processing with user-friendly single-knob control and application presets for easy s

USA - Allen & Heath has extended its successful Qu range with the launch at NAMM of Qu-Pac, an ultra-compact digital mixer with both a built-in touchscreen and iPad control app.

Designed for live music and installed sound, Qu-Pac is a freestanding or rack mount mixer, providing a flexible solution for bands and in multi-purpose environments such as schools, hotels and bars. Qu-Pac connectivity offers 16 mono inputs, three stereo inputs and 12 mix outputs on the rear panel, but that can be expanded up to 38 in / 28 out by connecting to Allen & Heath's family of remote AudioRacks over Cat 5.

The mixer offers total recall of settings and preamps, multi-track recording to USB via Qu-Drive, a choice of personal monitoring solutions, channel ducking, multi-channel USB streaming and the renowned iLive FX Library to deliver outstanding audio quality, making it the most fully featured

USA - Midas announced at NAMM the addition of the M32R and M32C digital consoles, and the DL32 32 x 16 stage box to the company's well received M32 platform.

Both the M32R and M32C are 40-input / 25-bus digital mixers with a host of connectivity options sure to appeal to audio professionals in need of advanced live sound and recording solutions. The M32R features the same award-winning Midas Microphone Preamplifiers and '1-million cycle' motorised faders as the PRO Series consoles. The mixers also feature ULTRANET connectivity for "Acoustic Integration" with the new Turbosound active loudspeakers and P-16 personal monitoring systems.

Expanding on the functionality and connectivity of the highly successful DL16, the DL32 stage box doubles the I/O in a rugged 3U rackmount chassis with 32 Midas PRO Series microphone preamps, 16 XLR outputs, two AES50 ports, AES/EBU ster

USA - At NAMM, Sennheiser has launched evolution wireless D1, a range of digital wireless microphone systems that lets bands go wireless the easy way.

With systems for vocals or for instruments, a band's life is made simpler: transmitters and receivers automatically pair and select suitable transmission frequencies, while multiple D1 systems can automatically coordinate themselves. ew D1 operates in the 2.4 GHz range, which is license-free worldwide. "D1 instantly readies you for making music - and takes the complexity out of wireless," summarizes Martin Fischer, product manager at Sennheiser.

Bands can now just forget about frequency setting, matching transmitters and receivers, and getting the gain right - evolution wireless D1 offers true ease of use by doing all these time-consuming and sometimes error-prone chores for them. "Basically, all that is needed is

The Netherlands - At this year's ISE in Amsterdam, Fohhn Audio will present its technologies which demonstrate beam steering, 3D sound and the intelligent active and the fully digital audio network AIREA.

AIREA is a network-based active solution developed specifically for high-quality, flexible and future-oriented sound reinforcement applications. "The system is based on the most up-to-date speaker technology with integrated DSP technology and 2-channel class D amplifiers which guarantee excellent sound quality, maximum dynamic range, linear frequency response and absolute protection," says Fohhn. "The integrated signal processors also include features such as fully parametric equaliser, delay, dynamics and crossover; each speaker can also be customized and adjusted individually. The AIREA master modules come with AES/EBU inputs and outputs. All AIREA system compo

Germany - The Ten Tenors are one of the hardest-working acts on the classical-rock scene, reportedly performing an average of 250 shows per year. For this Australian ensemble, currently on tour in Germany, the Netherlands, Holland and Austria, the big news has been a Nexo STM modular line array featuring the STM M28 compact main cabinets.

This is the first significant international tour for Nexo's new M28 compact module. Rental provider Sound Linear was one of the early-adopting PA companies, embracing the STM Scale Through Modularity concept and engineering when it was first introduced by Nexo in 2013, and owner Kalle Hogrefe was at the front of the queue to snap up the recently-added M28 omnipurpose module to add to his inventory.

With the arrival of the compact lightweight STM M28 cabinet, Nexo's Series of STM modular line array modules is complete. M28 greatly enhances the

USA - After a recent summer tour throughout Europe, Stevie Wonder's audio team has something new to sing about; the addition of DPA microphones to his touring rig. On recommendation from jazz singer Dee Alexander, Wonder's front of house engineer tested the DPA Microphones d:facto Vocal and d:vote 4099P Instrument piano microphones while on the road. Now a permanent fixture for all of Wonder's performances, the mics provide the right blend of tone and detail that is necessary for the musician's wide range of styles.

As Wonder's FOH engineer for more than 20 years, Danny Leake has had plenty of time deciphering what audio tools are best suited to the musician. Having used DPA's original 4006 recording mics for Wonder's percussion section for years, the decision to switch the performer himself to DPA mics was an easy one.

"I still use my original DPA 4006s for the percussio

USA - At Winter NAMM, audio specialist Sennheiser and Apogee Electronics, industry leader in digital audio conversion technology, announced their collaboration.

Apogee's Betty Bennett and Sennheiser's Peter Claussen have jointly announced the cooperation of their companies. Peter Claussen, COO of Sennheiser, said that "Apogee and Sennheiser are a perfect fit. We both operate in the demanding premium sector, serving professional and semi-professional audio customers across the globe. Our product portfolios perfectly complement each other, and I am looking forward to collaborate with a company that has truly pushed the boundaries of digital audio."

Betty Bennett, co-founder and CEO of Apogee, commented: "This is an exciting collaboration for us. Sennheiser is a highly respected brand with an incredible product portfolio and an extensive global reach. Our reputatio

Kuwait - Nicolas Kyvernitis Electronics Enterprises (NMK) has been hosting the NMK Roadshow across the Middle East region since November last year and completed the series with the last seminar in Kuwait on 12 January 2015.

After the success in Oman and especially Qatar, the distributor of several high quality brands, which were also presented during the roadshow, was pleasantly surprised with the turnout of the attendees in Bahrain and Kuwait. The attendees were interactive and eager to learn about new products and technologies while getting to know the distributor that is covering their region.

The roadshow mostly attracted the AV professionals from broadcast, rental and installation companies. Shure Axient Wireless System, Neutrik Xirium wireless audio system together with Clear-Com, Roland AV and HK Audio products were the most discussed topics during the event.

"NM

USA - DPA Microphones and the Villalobos Brothers, the contemporary Mexican ensemble known for their debut album Aliens of Extraordinary Ability, teamed up for the closing performance of the 2015 NAMM Show.

Playing the GoPro Stage at the Grand Plaza of the Anaheim Convention Centre on Sunday, 25 January, the Villalobos Brothers performed a blend of songs that celebrate the richness of Mexican folk music, with the intricate harmonies of jazz and classical music, which lends to the natural reproduction of the DPA d:facto Vocal and d:vote 4099 Instrument Microphones.

The Villalobos Brothers, comprised of siblings Luis, Ernesto and Alberto Villalobos, are a trio of renowned vocalists and violin players. The group is supported by band members Humberto Flores on guitar, Rosa Avila on drums and Leo Sherman on bass. Having recently acquired the DPA mics for use in both the stud

UK - When tasked to create the ambience in a special setting for award winning singer, writer and guitarist Anna Calvi's performance with the Heritage Orchestra at St John's Church, Hackney, east London, lighting designer Tom Campbell combined imagination with a Robe moving light rig and some novel ideas ... to unfold a richly layered piece of lighting sculpture.

Factors galvanizing the production were no flying facilities and only a single phase 63A power supply to run all the technicals - sound, lighting and a full camera shoot. This was split into two single phases to run the production.

In addition to the Heritage Orchestra, with whom Calvi had performed a Giorgio Moroda tribute earlier in the year at Sydney Opera House, the evening saw many exclusive collaborations with a series of special guests.

Tom lit a festival tour earlier in the year for Calvi, including her ince

USA - At NAMM 2015, Sensaphonics showcased two advanced IEM systems designed specifically for hearing-impaired musicians. 3D-ME is a Music Enhancement method for those with significant hearing loss, while the 3D-CROS addresses the more profound issue of unilateral deafness. These game-changing systems are specifically designed to keep musicians on stage and employed despite mild-to-severe hearing issues, and both are based on the patented Sensaphonics 3D Active Ambient technology platform.

"These new systems demonstrate the power of Active Ambient technology," says Sensaphonics president, Dr. Michael Santucci. "Our focus has always been on musician hearing health, something that few if any other in-ear manufacturers can claim. We deliver amazing audio, and we do it safely. The goal is to provide longer careers and better quality of life for musicians and sound eng

USA - ATC, the UK loudspeaker manufacturer led by Billy Woodman and renowned for building reference monitors that are "unflinchingly truthful", introduced the ATC SCM45A at NAMM 2015.

The SCM45A is a completely new design but shares many features with the highly-successful SCM25A. It fills a gap in ATC's product range for a mid-size three-way that can be used in near- or mid-field positions, has high output and extended low frequency for its size but without compromising the overall balance for which ATC is so well known.

Like the SCM25A, the new SCM45A is an active three-way with an unprecedented linear response across the critical mid-range, as well as across the rest of the audible range. In contrast to the SCM25A, the SCM45A a second woofer for deeper bass response and increased SPL capability, as well as ATC's new proprietary dual-suspension tweeter for increase

Denmark - BroaMan's Danish distributor Danmon has been providing broadcast solutions to the country's public service broadcaster TV 2 for nearly two decades.

Last year, when they decided to upgrade one of their SNG trucks (DNK-47) from SD to HD, the Odense based facility moved its commentator intercom onto a Clear-Com platform and added a BroaMan Mux22 transmission device for signal routing.

This has enabled them to transport multiple data and video signals down a single fibre in the SNG truck, including HD-SDI, RS422, Sync and Ethernet network, using Dante as their audio platform.

TV 2 project manager, Kim Hansen, explains, "For years, the truck has been a key component in our technical setup for major sporting events (such as Tour de France, Handball World Cup etc.) where it acted not only as SNG, but as a small OB truck."

This latest upgrade involved stripping

USA - As it approached its hundred-year anniversary as a congregation, Highland Park Baptist Church in Columbia, Tennessee sought to revamp its four hundred-seat sanctuary. It hired Church Interiors of High Point, North Carolina to help design and organize the work, which included structural and aesthetic improvements, as well as a new Sharp/Extron video system based around three huge LED screens and a cutting-edge sound reinforcement system.

Now, Danley Sound Labs horn-loaded loudspeakers and subwoofers deliver musical and highly intelligible sound, with power and processing supplied by rock-solid Ashly Audio amplifiers and digital signal processors. The sound system is zero compromise, exceeding Highland Park's hopes for fidelity and quality while still meeting their budgetary requirements.

"Highland Park's old sound system had an undersized sixteen-channel board and fr

UK - XL Video supplied one of its new bespoke mini-cam packages and LED screens for the latest UK and European tour by talented singer / songwriter and Brit winner Ben Howard, working with lighting and visuals designer Andy Rowe.

The tour - Howard's most comprehensive to date in terms of video production - was project managed by XL's Paul 'Macca' McCauley who commented, "We are thrilled to be involved with this fast rising star and an imaginative production design with an interesting and different slant on video."

Andy, Macca, production manager Chris Pollard and tour manager George Sewell met before the start of the tour to discuss video requirements and practicalities, and XL proposed their Pixled F-25 LED screen as a lightweight medium resolution solution that met the creative brief, together with the four mini-cams, which needed to be discreet, tourable and cost-

Romania - The glittering new Club NOA (Nest of Angels) has opened in the Romanian city of Cluj-Napoca following a major renovation of a well-known clubbing site on the Strada Republicii.

Oozing fashion and luxury, the club has a potent Martin Audio system based around the W8VDQ, at the heart of an advanced sound and lighting infrastructure costing €500,000 to put together, and boasting 65kW of sound.

The Sound and lighting systems were specified by Romanian installation specialists Simo Sound SRL (Disco Zone), with support from Martin Audio's Product Support Group. The 18 W8VDQ enclosures specified dominate the main room, combining line array and differential dispersion technologies to provide an advanced hybrid solution to the requirement of even coverage over wide angles and throw distances..

The owners, Kàlmàn Jozsef, Horvàth Julieta and Kàlmàn Ladislau had already

UK - It is estimated that by 2017 visitors from China to the UK will spend £1bn a year; currently there are approximately 150,000 Chinese tourists who choose to visit London each year. There won't be many who don't take the opportunity to visit Trafalgar Square, feed the pigeons, gaze up at Nelson on his Column and pop into the National Gallery before exiting through Admiralty Arch to walk down towards Buckingham Palace. These iconic images of London are at the top of the 'must see' list for every visitor.

So it comes as not real surprise that Weli Media, the London-based Chinese media organisation that specialises in cross cultural events between the UK and China, chose Trafalgar Square as the setting for a Chinese TV advert. The project required recording facilities for a large group of performers singing as well as foldback to provide tracks for them to dance to. Sound

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