USA - Xytech, provider of facility management software for the broadcast and media industries, has been purchased by San Francisco-based Banneker Partners, a software-focused private equity firm. Xytech says customers can expect a seamless transition and the company will update its customers and partner in the coming days. Xytech CEO Richard Gallagher comments: “When I created Xytech, my primary goal was to bring facility management into the next generation to help media facilities - both large and small - be more efficient and productive. For more than three decades, this has been Xytech’s focus, and we are proud of what we have accomplished. Banneker, with its investment focus on software solutions aimed at specific verticals and willingness to invest to scale operational delivery, product innovation and sales and marketing, is the perfect partner for Xytech’s
USA - Orchestra Hall, home to the Minnesota Orchestra, is a landmark both without and within. Its modernist architectural design and expansive glass façade are intended to symbolically present classical music as more widely accessible. Inside, it’s an acoustical dreamworld: 114 large cubes, forming a symmetrical “falling rock” pattern on the auditorium’s ceiling and the stage’s back wall, act, along with the three balconies above and along the sides of the main floor, as a massive diffusion system. The result is an aural experience for the 2,089 patrons seated inside. That experience has been enhanced with the installation over last August and September of a suite of DiGiCo systems, creating a renewed audio infrastructure for the venue and its ensemble, who were named the Gramophone Classical Music Awards 2021 Orchestra of the Year. This includes a Quantum338 as t
Greece - A 360° d&b Soundscape system was deployed at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus amphitheatre in Greece for the first-ever, joint live performance of producer and artist, Brian Eno and his brother, pianist and composer Roger Eno. Brian Eno’s reputation as a musician, and producer for the likes of David Bowie, U2 and Talking Heads, precedes him as well as his long career as a pioneering solo artist, especially in the field of ambient music. He recently collaborated with his brother, Roger Eno, a solo recording artist and film and TV music composer and released their first ever joint album Mixing Colours, a project that spawned this live show. Their first live performance as a duo took place in open-air performance space, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a renovated stone amphitheatre originally constructed in the year 161 AD. “Due to the age and s
Europe - Neumann.Berlin has announced their first product range designed especially for close miking instruments. To create their new Miniature Clip Mic System, the engineers in Berlin ‘elevated electret technology and its production process to a whole new level’. The new KK 14 capsule system’s modular construction has been designed to ensure stability and long service life for live and stage performances. The system includes nine mounting solutions that make it possible to find the optimum positioning for acoustics while simultaneously protecting the instrument. The Miniature Clip Mic System will be available in spring 2022. The system can already be pre-ordered by dealers and major clients. Portfolio manager Stephan Mauer says, “We had been dissatisfied with the sound delivered by electret solutions for quite some time. Technicians and artists alike want grea
USA - When East Carolina University stadium experienced debilitating audio issues right in the middle of football season, they turned to PC Sound and LEA Professional to rescue the season and restore the fan experience. Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium is the on-campus football facility at East Carolina University for the East Carolina Pirates in Greenville, North Carolina. The stadium has a capacity of 50,000, making it the second largest college stadium in North Carolina. James Braddy, certified technology specialist (CTS) at PC Sound, a local specialist in pro audio, video and lighting installations, got a call on a Monday in September from the associate athletics director at ECU, Greg Pierce who explained that the previous weekend’s home game had been overshadowed by a series of audio issues. “At the time, half the sound system didn't sound like it was working,” s
Turkey - A 48-channel Audient ASP8024-HE was the console selected for ISF Studios, one of the largest animation and production studios in the Turkish capital of Ankara. ISF Studios is responsible for Rafadan Tayfa, the country’s most popular children’s animated series with an audience of 3.5m, as well as the original 2017 cinema film, Rafadan Tayfa: Dehliz Macerası which boasted 1.8m admissions in the first weeks. Mustafa Tarkan Ergün, the producer/mixing and mastering engineer at ISF Studios explains their decision to go for the British console: “It was our first choice in terms of the warm, analogue sound, the numerous functional possibilities as well as its affordability - which doesn’t sacrifice quality.” Other projects include live recording of the national anthem in the and ISF Studios was also instrumental in the renewal of the national
USA - Bose Professional has announced the introduction of Better Connected, a video podcast series addressing the challenges of communicating effectively and developing deeper human connections in an increasingly virtual world. With hybrid working set to define the future of professional communication, understanding how to establish connections with dispersed teams - and the role of technology in achieving this - will be integral to business success. The Better Connected series has been curated to celebrate what is possible through the power of remote collaboration. During conversations with high-profile contributors, viewers will have the opportunity to hear about and be inspired by their experiences as we adapt to a new era of hybrid work. Over three episodes, host Justin O’Connor welcomes household-name guests to explore how to foster authentic inter
UK - Solotech has announced the appointment of Bryce Jewell as managing director for the UK. He will drive the overall business strategy for Solotech and its two divisions, Live Productions and Sales and Systems Integration. Jewell has over 20 years of experience within the technology sector spanning the UK, US, Norway, and Australia. He has led the turnaround of the UK and US enterprise businesses as MD at Global Cloud Xchange, which operates the world’s largest privately-owned subsea cable system. Prior to Global Cloud Xchange, Jewell served as director, sales Europe at Pacnet. “This appointment is the symbol of a new major milestone for Solotech’s expansion in the UK and Europe, and a true testimonial of our intention to continue investing in our people, our technology, our operational structure and our brand,” comments Martin Tremblay, president and CEO of
UK - Sonosphere has welcomed the new year by remembering a busy 2021. Most significantly, the company was involved in the 5G Festival (5GF) project, central to the continuing advancements in using 5G technology in a new way for the entertainment industry. In addition, the Sonosphere management team completed a buyout of the company, with Duncan Bell joining as commercial director; this was swiftly followed by the team supplying immersive audio for the public launch of Ed Sheeran’s new album. 2022 is set to be as busy, with multiple projects in the pipeline including a major interactive multimedia exhibition that will open in Germany in the New Year, spatialising the work of a Saudi Arabian producer and composer, and an immersive audio installation into a major London venue. “The November 5GF trials were a seminal moment for the entire consortium of companies invol
UK - The Brudenell Social Club can legitimately claim cult status within the Leeds music scene, having hosted a broad mix of international acts including the Kaiser Chiefs, Franz Ferdinand, Tom Jones and The Smiths in addition to a steady stream of local talent. It started life as a working mans’ club in 1913 and still holds those beginnings close to its heart - in addition to its two large concert rooms it also offers a lounge and games room and hosts local photography, film and origami groups on regular occasions. It now boasts two DiGiCo Quantum 225s as part of its audio arsenal. With an endless procession of engineers passing through its doors each year, its faithful console of 10 years had seen its share of wear and tear and owner Nathan Clark knew it was time to secure a replacement. He turned to SSE Audio, whose Ryan Thomas takes up the story: “The Bru
Russia - Art and culture are central to Russia’s heritage, and the country’s cultural institutions play an integral role in its citizens’ lives. Two such institutions are the multifunctional Palace of Culture ‘Kapotnya’ in Moscow and the Polyarnye Zori Palace of Culture in the far north city of Polyarnye Zori. Both were opened in the 1970s, and both organise leisure activities, introduce residents to creativity and art, and work to preserve national and cultural traditions that support the development of social initiatives of their respective local populations. L-Acoustics certified provider distributor for Russia, Sonoruss, recently installed L-Acoustics A Series in both cultural centres. “All Palace of Culture venues are by nature multifunctional, therefore the systems that we propose need to accommodate anything from theatre shows, festivals and music co
USA - Solotech has acquired XR Studios, a full-service agency specialising in extended reality, including augmented reality technology for live broadcast and virtual productions. Located in Los Angeles, XR Studios serves high-end clients in multiple segments such as TV, music, Fortune 500 companies, and live events. XR Studios pioneered innovative performances such as Katy Perry’s American Idol finale and MTV’s 2020 Video Music Awards. Other notable clients include Billie Eilish, Leon Bridges, Amazon, Verizon, Twitch, and many more. Going forward, the company will continue to operate as a separate entity and brand. Through the acquisition, Solotech's Media and Entertainment Technology division will make a significant step towards realising its vision of developing new technological solutions that are at the crossroads of three markets: fans and artists, con
UK - With government advice putting the decision-making onto the shoulders of the public and consumer confidence eroding as a consequence, the live events sector is stressed to the limit, says industry organisation #WeMakeEvents (WME). Despite a devastating 2020 and a challenging 2021, businesses in the industry have worked hard to exceed revenues last recorded in November 2019 by the same month in 2021. But, says WME, the current climate has already eroded this by 80% during December 2021 and is forecast to continue through January. From the UK’s first lockdown in Spring 2020 until summer 2021, companies in this sector only received around 12% of the Cultural Recovery Fund (CRF) awards whilst many of the freelance technical specialists who work in the industry are still catching-up on their finances, having had no work for over a year. WME says in a statement:
USA - It took a while for the Philadelphia Orchestra to get a home of its own. In fact, it was almost 100 years, as plans first begun in 1908 were disrupted by bureaucratic delays, a Great Depression, a couple of World Wars, and other speed bumps. Eventually, the Kimmel Cenre for the Performing Arts opened in December of 2001. Its vaulted glass ceiling encloses the entire structure, providing a large common lobby for all the facilities, including the centrepiece of the venue, the 2,500-seat Verizon Hall. To coincide, a new and comprehensive DiGiCo digital-audio ecosystem for Verizon Hall comprising a Quantum338 console, two SD-Racks, and a 4REA4 Processor with multiple controllers was installed. These were sold by Horsham, Pennsylvania-based Bauder Audio, which also consulted with the Kimmel Cultural Campus technical team during their own in-house installation of the g
Russia - The Bazar, located inside the Krasnaya Polyana resort in Sochi, combines a restaurant, nightclub, and karaoke bar. The nightclub is known for its programme of pop, R'n'B, and deep house music as well as jazz performances, stand-up comedy, and more. RCF’s Russian distributor Aris developed the audio solution for Bazar. The task included isolation from external noises, between the bar and karaoke areas, and adjacent buildings. Despite the tight deadline, both sound insulation and system installation were deployed on time. Evgeny Shuev, head of Aris’s Bureau of Acoustic Researches and responsible for system design and acoustic simulation with ARIS Acoustician Vasily Aleshkin, responsible for sound insulation (measurements and calculation), carried out the system design and simulation in accordance with the requirements of the international standard ISO
UK - Newly-crowned MOBO Awards Best Male Act Ghetts performed an energetic, crowd-pleaser gig at London’s Roundhouse in November backed by hi-res Desay LED screens from Production AV. The audience didn’t miss a beat as the Production AV team filmed the London rapper’s high octane show, using manned cameras positioned at FOH and in the pit. These were complemented by Production AV’s Agile remote cameras placed at the end of the stage catwalk and below the audience balcony. Overseeing the visuals for Ghetts and his tour manager, Neicee Oakley, was Production AV’s project manager Nathan Dunbar, whose concert touring experience and expertise spans large scale productions such as Glastonbury and the MTV World Stage, as well as artists including Little Simz. Dunbar says: “Ghetts’ touring team approached Production AV to deliver a complete visuals solution
Spain - ISE has announced details of its 2022 programme of conferences, education offerings from AVIXA and CEDIA, and show floor stages and networking lounges. Seven conferences will target key vertical markets served by the pro AV industry. Topics that will be covered include creating safe, sustainable, smart buildings; re-shaping the workplace; the new agenda in digital signage and exploring the strategies, learning models and trends that are driving the deployment of digital learning technologies in universities, schools, corporate bodies and training facilities. Presented in Spanish, the AV Experience Zone produced by AVIXA will showcase AV projects and present customer testimonials from experienced professionals in the sector. The showcase will be of interest to end-users from major vertical markets, professional technicians, and includes sessions for students acr
Sweden - Property company Vasakronan has a commercial property portfolio comprising 170 properties with a total area of 2.3m sq.m. Arena Sergel in the heart of Stockholm is the company’s most recent project and combines the Vasakronan HQ with one of Sweden’s most modern and innovative co-working locations. To ensure wellbeing at every level, Efterklang - experts in sound design, acoustics and vibration control - were called in to design an efficient and attractive sound environment, which was implemented thanks to a comprehensive Genelec Smart IP solution supported by 4000 Series installation loudspeakers. Efterklang was asked to design a sound environment that would support the different needs, functions and flows in Arena Sergel. Margareta Andersson, sound architect and section manager at Efterklang, explains: “The key is a well-balanced interplay between acous
Mexico - The most important civic ceremony in Mexico is the Grito de Independencia (Mexican Independence Day) which is commemorated annually on 15 September with a national holiday. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions, the 211st anniversary went ahead this year with excellent results, thanks to the efforts of many people, led by More Music production company and Martin Audio sound systems, which were used exclusively. Among the aspects that stood out were the spectacular fireworks show and video mapping projection of the pyramid, located in the Zócalo square of the Mexican capital. Other highlights were sets by Mexican singer Lila Downs performing the song Latinoamérica, composed by the Puerto Rican urban music duo Calle 13. To optimise all these showcases a professional sound design that would adapt to the ‘new normal’ was vital, since although there
UAE - Following its expansion in Israel, USA, Europe and some regions in APAC, Pixellot has announced it is now operating in the UAE. The company has partnered with CAM Plus Sport, a Dubai-based sports system integrator, to enable amateur sports clubs and schools across the United Arab Emirates to create broadcast quality live streams and on-demand recordings of sports matches. Eleven permanent systems have already been installed within months of the start of the partnership. CAM Plus Sport launched during the pandemic as local sports began to open up again after a period of lockdown. While attending a Second Division football match, the company’s founder Ismail Al Mazmi noticed that spectator numbers were limited, and there were no cameras recording the matches for those who could not attend. Additionally, many parents were unable to watch their children playing spo
China - Powersoft has appointed Abby Hu to the newly-created role of chief representative officer in China, where her main responsibilities will be supporting and growing brand awareness throughout the Chinese market. Hu brings over 10 years of experience in the AV industry to the role, having previously worked for a systems integration company specialising in conference, broadcasting and theatre. Hu is no stranger to Powersoft, as she previously worked alongside Ezpro, Powersoft’s Chinese distributor, in conjunction with a project for Universal Studios. Hu states: “At its very foundation, Powersoft is a great brand. I believe my participation can really enhance the influence of Powersoft and its potential to flourish in new markets.” "We are very excited to welcome Abby to our team at Powersoft,” comments Luca Giorgi at Powersoft. “Her regional experti
France - Dushow recently helped deliver the world’s biggest concert, Global Citizen Live, as lead technical partner for the Global Citizen Live event in Paris. Serving as the main official service provider for the broadcast event which featured Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Black Eyed Peas, Christine and the Queens, Doja Cat and Måneskin, as well as special guest performances by Angélique Kidjo, Charlie Puth and Fatma Said, and raised more than US$1bn to fight climate change, famine and vaccine inequity. Dushow partnered with its video-specialist subsidiary, Alabama, and sister company Magnum to deliver a complete technical solution encompassing audio, LED, lighting, video, cabling and power. This tour de force was made possible thanks to the wider Novelty Magnum Dushow group offering organisers a single point of contact for the complex 20,000-person show. T
UK - Louisville’s 22,000-plus-seat KFC Yum! Centre is the largest arena in the United States by seating capacity designed primarily for basketball. Since the multi-purpose venue first opened in 2010, it’s been home to the University of Louisville Cardinals men’s and women’s basketball teams, did a brief stint as the primary gridiron for the Indoor Football League’s Louisville Xtreme, and hosted countless concerts from artists as varied as Metallica, Alan Jackson, and Celine Dion. A DiGiCo S31 console has recently been installed as the venue’s new FOH console, and an S21 desk that acts as the router for a newly expanded video production facility used to support the venue’s sporting and other events. In addition, the new console installation includes a DMI-Dante interface card in each console, part of the venue’s extensive Dante infrastructure, and three
Spain - Sala Apolo is one of Barcelona’s most emblematic venues, a vibrantly-evolving world of live performance, art and entertainment. More than 75 years since it first opened as a dance hall, it has adapted to the city and its times to become a noted reference hub for music of all kinds. A concert and nightclub hotspot, Sala Apolo has earned itself the title “club of clubs” and with that, a following that extends throughout Barcelona and beyond. As for many venues, quality of sound here is considered fundamental. For Sala it’s not just a question of listening quality but maximising its programming potential, to be as prepared as possible for all events. Now, with a Soundscape-ready KSL line array system newly installed using d&b’s latest commercial tool - Subscription-Series - Sala Apolo has confidently put itself ahead of the game. Subscription-Series
