Canada - “We are pleased to announce that 2022 was a record-breaking international festival and music season for Solotech, representing an increase of over 20% in AV activities provided by our Live Productions teams”, says Martin Tremblay, president and CEO, Solotech. As the world emerges from the Covid cocoon, or learns to work around it, festivals everywhere made a spirited comeback this year. Solotech’s Live Productions Division increase surpasses even pre-pandemic levels, a clear sign of organisers, artists and festival devotees’ eagerness for the return of this summer staple. Chances are if you attended a popular festival this summer, Solotech was also there. These included headliner Harry Styles’ epic shows at Coachella, the International Montreal Jazz Festival, the 15th anniversary of Osheaga, the Festival d’été de Québec and the multi-disciplinary arti
Europe - QSC EMEA has announced the opening of a new Benelux office in Nieuwegein, near Utrecht. Slated to open 20 September 2022, this modern office space will serve as the business development and Q-SYS training hub, as well house an experience centre where customers and end users can see the Q-SYS Platform and Ecosystem in real world installations. In addition, this office will include the EMEA service centre, now based under the same roof, with significantly more room to continually support both Q-SYS and QSC Pro Audio divisions. “Since opening the first regional business development office in 2020, the team has expanded four times, and this new modern office and high-end training facility is the next obvious step to support the growing regional footprint,” says Willem van Zuilekom, managing director of QSC Benelux. “In addition, this space will act as a hub
USA - To provide artists and audiences at Summerfest with immersive and impactful live sound, Clearwing once again enlisted JBL Professional VTX Series speakers for the job. A long-time staple of the music festival season, Summerfest is a multi-week event that brings a wide variety of artists and fans to Henry Maier Festival Park in Milwaukee every year. With hundreds of performances taking place across 12 stages, Summerfest is historically one of the most-attended festivals in the world and earned the title of ‘World's Largest Music Festival’ by Guinness World Records in 1999. After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Summerfest returned for three consecutive weekends in June and July rather than 11 straight days like previous years, and featured Modest Mouse, 2 Chainz, Charli XCX, Dustin Lynch, among many others. Despite this year’s schedule
UK - At PLASA Show 2022, APT-GB launched the most most advanced series of its globally successful >Teleprompter.video SMV stage-monitor form factored teleprompters. These teleprompter designs are intended for use in performance, production and presentation applications, by a wide range of users – from singers to pastors. Amongst a list of innovations, the new SMV2 series encompasses a range the most common and newest video formats with input and output conversion of NDI, SDI and HDMI all in a single platform, making it a much more accessible technology. A complement of Neutrik connectors includes dual etherCON with Halo connectors supporting onboard video networking, with SMV2 series models receiving, converting and outputting multiple signal formats (NDI, RTSP and many more) via the I/Os and the Halo continuously indicating power and connection speed status.
UK - The Stage Bus, a Birmingham-based events production company that provides solar-powered staging solutions, has released the latest version of its newest stage, The Stage Box. A concept that’s been designed and constructed at the company’s Halesowen HQ, The Stage Box is built into a converted 20ft shipping container. It provides a stage platform which can operate from the back of a truck, or as a detachable unit which can self-dismount using hydraulic legs. The entire stage is solar-powered, and can run for up to eight hours on a full charge. The latest version of The Stage Box expands its power capacity with a modular solar battery system, allowing its running length to be extended past the eight hour mark. Combined with its nature as a self-contained unit which can be locked up and safely left at any event site overnight, this makes it the ideal choice for sm
UK - Currently playing an extended run in London’s Garrick Theatre, The Drifters Girl tells the story of Faye Treadwell, the long-time manager of The Drifters, by interweaving her personal narrative with 20 concert-level performances of the seminal R&B/pop group’s chart-topping hits. To maintain the full impact of both the dramatic and musical elements, sound designer Tom Marshall deployed a strategically placed and balanced system of Meyer Sound point source loudspeakers and compact subwoofers. The intimate Garrick Theatre is an acoustically and architecturally challenging venue that was built in 1889 and now seats 712 patrons on three levels. “The Garrick has interesting challenges when it comes to putting a ‘pop’ musical in the space,” relates Marshall. “Loudspeaker positioning is tricky due to the nature of the proscenium opening and the fi
UK - If there is a single festival that defines the English summer, it has to be Henley, which this year celebrated its 40th anniversary with a mix of music, comedy, art and grade A fun. Production managed by John Harris, Henley’s main stage is placed in the River Thames, backed by a fleet of boats of all shapes and sizes. The site features a variety of other venues ranging from intimate comedy to cabaret and dance bands. RG Jones has been providing audio at Henley since 1983 - most of it based around Martin Audio PA - and in a relationship surviving that long, the level of trust and commitment is obviously at its highest. Over the years, the style of the event has changed somewhat from the original, fully classical programme to what is now a much more commercial line-up, but with no less determination to deliver an unforgettable experience. This year’s arti
The Netherlands - RME and DirectOut have introduced Digiface Ravenna. The mobile audio interface is based on the proven Digiface Dante and features a Ravenna module developed by DirectOut. The device allows the transmission of a total of 128 audio channels coming from Ravenna and optionally MADI via a single USB 3.0 connection. RME thus expands its Digiface series with a powerful Ravenna model for USB and standalone operation. "We have known and admired RME for many years as a provider of professional computer interface technology and are very happy about this cooperation.” says Claudio Becker-Foss, CEO/CTO of DirectOut. “The combination of RME’s experience in programming computer interfaces with DirectOut’s Ravenna expertise will create a great new asset for the Audio-over-IP market. Both companies are committed to leading edge development and maintaining their prod
France - A tailor-made sound system was developed and installed by Amadeus within the Théâtre de l'Archevêché at Aix-en-Provence International Music Festival to subtly modify the acoustic characteristics of the theatre space using 35 microphones processed through Holophonix and more than 50 speakers to play the innovative mix of a live orchestra, choir, and stage performers for a performance of Mozart’s Idomeneo. Musical director and conductor of the Pygmalion Orchestra and Choir, Raphaël Pichon, made a special request to Amadeus to design and implement an audio technology system combining active acoustics and sound spatialization to maximize the audience’s experience of the opera. “The work carried out in collaboration with Amadeus’ teams could be compared with some kind of ‘sound restoration’. The Théâtre de l'Archevêché is a unique place
Europe - Shure is teaming up with Netgear to deliver faster and more reliable integration when installing Shure Microflex Ecosystem products with the Netgear AV Line M4250 switches. The combination of Shure’s legacy in AV, along with Netgear’s commitment to AV over IP will help integrators with limited networking skills save time configuring rooms. Built from the ground up for 1G AV over IP, the Netgear AV Line M4250 switches combine years of networking experience with best practices from leading AV professionals to simplify and elevate the installation process. A new AV-centric browser-based user interface enables key AV network settings, selectable profiles for popular AV devices, and a sleek front panel with various mounting options. Now, M4250 switches come pre-installed with two Shure profiles to optimise switch settings and customise VLANs for control and audio whe
UK - PLASA Show, London’s international event for entertainment technology, will once again open its doors at Olympia London from 4-6 September. Thousands of professionals from across the live sector are expected to attend the show, coming together to celebrate the industry’s strength and innovation following the pandemic. Tickets are still available for £15, which will increase to £20 on the door. 200+ global brands will sit side by side in Olympia’s Grand Hall, representing the very best of pro audio, lighting, audio-visual, rigging and staging technologies. These include the show’s headline sponsor Robe, as well as fellow lighting brands Chauvet Professional, Claypaky, Ayrton, Avolites, ETC, Elation, GLP, Vari-Lite, Martin, TMB, plus many more. The pro audio sector is well covered, with brands such as d&b audiotechnik, Sennheiser, Yamaha, DiGiCo, Shure, RCF
The Netherlands - Pliant Technologies debuts its CCU-08 CrewCom Control Unit at IBC 2022 (Stand 10.C53). 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 utilized. 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. “The CCU-08 is an important addition to the CrewCom lineup,” says Gary Rosen, vice president of global sales for Pliant Technologies. “The CCU-08 adds the abil
UK - Le Mark Group will be exhibiting its extensive product range at this year’s PLASA show. Two new Dirty Rigger products will take centre stage; the V3 edition of the heavy-duty backpack and four-way stretch ladies’ work trousers will both be showcased on Stand E20. Additionally, Paper-Tak– a paper-based alternative to generic PVC tape will make its debut. Visitors will also be able to see a selection of Le Mark’s best-selling tapes, labels, flooring and crew wear, with a knowledgeable team on hand to answer any queries. Speaking ahead of the show, Stuart Gibbons OBE, managing director, Le Mark Group said: “We’re delighted to be returning to the show again this year and we’re really excited to see what people think of the new products we will have on the stand. The Dirty Rigger backpack has been built around industry feedback. It’s comfortable to wear
UK - Production Futures exists to create opportunities for young people to learn, train, network and develop real careers in production across every area of the live event, music, touring, theatre, TV, broadcast and film industries. As part of the promotion for its forthcoming Production Futures On Tour autumn events, the organisation will host a seminar at this year’s PLASA Show on the subject of Creating an Inclusive Workforce - How Can the Industry Attract Young Talent?. Chaired by CEO Hannah Eakins, the panel, which includes Jas Parekh (Production Futures), Koy Neminathan (Sales Director at Avolites), Amy Kerr (field sales support manager at Robe) and Ollie Jeffrey (head of production and technical at Royal Albert Hall), will discuss solutions to the skills shortage in the live sector. Hannah Eakins explains: “Since the pandemic, live events
Indonesia - Located on the perimeter of the Podomoro Golf Complex in a leafy suburb of Jakarta, At-Thohir Mosque was built by the extended family of automotive magnate, the late Teddy Thohir. The pearlescent house of worship features 29 domes meant to signify family. The building, which can welcome up to 1,900 worshippers, is a gift from a government minister, one of Mr. Thohir’s sons, to the local community and was inaugurated this spring by Indonesia’s president. Wishing to maintain the grandeur of the building - its clean white interior, adorned with gold calligraphy representing the 99 meanings of Allah - the mosque’s technical committee required a powerful and pristine sound system that would discreetly fit into the building’s aesthetic. With recent government guidelines putting a cap on sound volumes at 100 decibels and limiting amplified audio to inside build
USA - EAW has announced that Steve Badham will be returning to the company covering technical sales throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Badham has a long history in the professional audio industry and in particular with EAW. “We are excited to welcome Steve back to the EAW family,” says TJ Smith, president, Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW). “Steve’s experience, product knowledge and technical savvy make him a great addition back to our team. With Steve’s contributions and hard work, we look forward to continuing to grow the EAW brand in the EMEA territories.” Badham’s association with EAW began about two decades ago where he held the position of European technical sales engineer. During his time at EAW, Badham spearheaded several high-profile projects in the region including the Barcelona Football Club’s Camp Nou Stadium and EAW's first UK multip
USA - Fulcrum Acoustic has announced the introduction of two new additions to the company’s CCX range of compact coaxial passive cardioid loudspeakers: the 8in CCX8 series and the 15in CCX15 series. The CCX 8in coaxial system is offered in two horn patterns: CCX896 (90° x 60°) and CCX826 (120° x 60°). Like the CCX 12in models, the CCX15 15in coaxial system is offered in a full range of five patterns: CCX1595 (90° x 45°), CCX1565 (60° x 45°), CCX1577 (75° x 75°), CCX1500 (100° x 100°), and CCX1526 (120° x 60°).suited to high-fidelity, foreground distributed systems, as well as for systems requiring targeted pattern control. Their trapezoidal shaped enclosures allow for mounting very close to ceilings with minimal effect on sight lines, which facilitates acceptance by interior designers and architects. They are suitable for houses of worship, theatr
Estonia – A host of Green-GO’s digital intercom products have been installed at Tallinn City Theatre’s temporary home at the nearby Salme Kultuurikeskus (Salme Cultural Centre) while the main theatre is renovated. The relocation gave Green-GO distributor and Tallinn-based theatre smart control experts Focuspoint OÜ the opportunity to specify Green-GO solutions to the theatre, which is looking to the future with the rebuild and technical upgrade. The existing communications system at the Salme Kultuurikeskus (Salme Cultural Centre) was, according to Focuspoint, extremely old, consisting of a one-way announcing mic at the stage manager’s desk and 100V loudspeakers positioned in four wardrobes. “The team at City Theatre were looking to upgrade their communications system to a full digital, flexible system almost as a try out while they operate in their te
UK - Prolight Concepts Group has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Flightcase Juice. The addition of this brand ‘enhances the current umbrella of brands, and enables Prolight to continue to stock, supply and develop this popular consumable’. This label cleaner and permanent market remover is developed and manufactured in the UK and is currently available in 0.75 litre spray bottle. A 5-litre version is also available which is suitable for refills or larger usage requirements. Mini sample bottles of Flightcase Juice will be given away at the upcoming PLASA Show in London. Managing director Andrew Jeffrey comments, “I am pleased to welcome Flightcase Juice in our group. We will be looking at further expanding the range with the same dedication and passion that we have applied to our other brands over the years.”
UK - A new pro audio distributor, AUX Import, has officially launched, offering brands such as CatCore, UNiKA and NEXT Audiocom. Following a career in pro audio, founder and sales director, Mike Newman explains his drive to start the company. “Having worked over 20 years in live events I felt that experience could lead me to better understand what installers, integrators and rental companies were looking for; both in terms of products and service. Having worked around the world for audio manufacturers for many years I had become aware of several unrepresented brands who I felt could succeed in the UK market. AUX Import has been founded on a culmination of these two things, which is already proving to be a winning formula.” AUX Import currently offers exclusive products from the German ‘XLR over Cat’ manufacturer CatCore as well as UNiKA Pro Audio, the man
USA - The Grammy Award-wining Tedeschi Trucks Band is known for its relentless touring, but plans for the group’s sixth Wheels of Soul Tour, originally slated for 2020, obviously had to put on the brakes for a couple of years. Now the band is finally back out doing what it does best, rolling through its North American tour accompanied by opening acts Los Lobos and Gabe Dixon as well as an L-Acoustics K2 loudspeaker system supplied by PRG. The current tour leg comes on the heels of a three-week break from Wheel of Soul’s initial return to the road, which kicked off on June 24 in Jacksonville, Florida, hometown of vocalist/guitarist Susan Tedeschi and guitarist Derek Trucks, the band’s two married principals who front a 12-piece band often augmented by guest artists. Recently picking back up at San Diego’s Cal Coast Credit Union Amphitheater on August 18, the Wes
China - Located in the Songjiang District of Shanghai, the Yun Hall Cultural Art Centre is a major community and economic project of the district party committee and district government. Its aim is to build a comprehensive, high-quality cultural landmark, providing one-stop public cultural services such as art exhibitions, cultural performances, group activities and reading for all. A pair of a pair of DiGiCo Quantum 338 consoles form part of its high-end technical infrastructure, designed and installed by DiGiCo distributor, Rightway Audio Consultants (Racpro). Designed by Xing Tonghe, chief architect at Shanghai Xian Dai Architecture, whose works encompasses an organic combination of the spirit of the times and national tradition, modern technology, and history and culture, the Yun Hall Culture and Art Centre communicates a strong sense of innovation and highlights t
UK - Highlite’s UK sales representative Dave Hartley will be enjoying his well-deserved retirement from 15 September. Jeff Davenport will follow in his footsteps and be the new contact for Highlite-related matters and products in the North of the UK region. Jeff Davenport will be taking over the UK sales representative position at Highlite from Dave Hartley. Jeff will start on 1 September. During the overlap period, Dave will bring Jeff up to speed on the current state of affairs. Jeff will dive right in at the upcoming PLASA Show at the Olympia London (4-6 September), where he will join the team on stand (B23) to introduce himself to the market and clients. Jeff is already familiar with the market, as he has previously worked for several businesses that are active in the industry. From his hometown of Burton upon Trent, he can be contacted at Jeff.Davenport@highlite
USA - Audinate has announced the immediate availability of Dante Domain Manager v1.4 with support for Dante-enabled video products such as PTZ cameras, HDMI encoders and decoders, and the Dante Studio suite of video tools. With Dante Domain Manager, AV-over-IP systems get IT-level monitoring, security and control. Dante Domain Manager secures Dante networks by enforcing user authentication and roles to ensure that only trusted people can make changes to the system. It provides organizational tools that allow Dante devices to be split into functionally independent groups (domains) that correspond to rooms, spaces, buildings and more for easier routing and security. Dante Domain Manager coordinates clocking across the entire network, enabling routing of audio and video across IP subnet boundaries for large systems that must span large buildings, multiple studios, or camp
