Portugal - Grupo Renascença Multimedia is among the largest players in Portuguese radio. The firm operates three major stations: Rádio Renascença - known colloquially as 'RR' - Mega Hits, and RFM - which constantly rates as the highest listened-to station in the country. Across its entire portfolio, Grupo Renascença Multimedia provides everything from news, sports, music and other entertainment. The stations also include a bit of religious programming as the primary owner of the radio group is the Catholic Church. “We actually have a chapel in the building,” said José Loureiro, assistant manager at the Radio Innovation & Technical Unit for the stations. “And even the chapel is connected to our audio system, because once in a while, we do use it for broadcasting religious events. But really, as unique as that is, it’s not that crazy or difficult to include it
Canada - 7thSense’s Medialon Showmaster LE show control solution has been installed by Production Resource Group (PRG) at the at heart of the new Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit in Toronto. The five-storey immersive show brings the Dutch master's paintings to life using light, sound and movement. The Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit has become the world’s first immersive drive-in art experience after producers adapted the digital art show for the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Before its public launch in July, the exhibition’s artistic director, Massimiliano Siccardi debuted his plans to make the experience COVID-friendly by designing space for up to 40 cars to visit the exhibit at any one time, as well as welcoming visitors on foot with social distancing circles in place once lockdown restrictions had been eased. The experience features a 35-minute show that showcases 40 pie
Germany - Martin Audio's German rental partner, Kotsch-Showtechnik from Nessetal near Gotha, recently supplied a sound reinforcement solution for the faithful reproduction of classical music at the Schlosshofkonzert 2020. In order to meet the COVID-19 requirements, the Gotha Thuringia Philharmonic Orchestra moved for three evenings into the courtyard of the baroque Friedenstein Castle in the City. Here, taking into account the rules of distance, a baroque evening, an operetta gala and a concert with violin and grand piano were able to take place in front of an audience of 400. Torsten Kotsch, owner of Kotsch Showtechnik, implemented the sound and lighting design with his team and explained the special features required of classical music reinforcement: "The dynamic range of a classical concert is far greater than at many rock concerts,” he said. “Since the concert
Finland - Nestled between two lakes, Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi, Tampere is listed on MoveHub’s world’s most popular hipster spots and, with the most saunas in one city, is considered the sauna capital of the world. The city is also home to the Tampereen Työväen Teatteri (Tampere Workers’ Theatre), fondly referred to by locals as the TTT-Theatre. This is one of the county’s main theatres and its recently updated sound system features L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound technology, chosen both with audio excellence and the future in mind, as well as to address historic localisation issues caused by the venue’s extremely wide stage. Originally, a standard L-C-R system had been specified for the theatre’s major audio overhaul, until Pauli Molnár, sales manager at L-Acoustics certified provider distributor, Audico Systems Oy, introduced them to the concept of L
UK - Creative Technology (CT) worked closely with the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) to help deliver its third annual conference from Riverside Studios Hammersmith. The virtual event was livestreamed to a global audience on 6-7 October. The initial challenge faced by Rob Day (senior project manager) and Emma Rössl, (project manager), was to find a suitable venue that could guarantee the right internet bandwidth, which is key in establishing a high quality connection and vital in delivering a successful online event. All spaces at CT’s Crawley facility were fully booked so Riverside Studios provided Studio 2 for the two-day event. CT supplied a curved LED screen, relay / comfort monitors, PPU, video switching, cameras and comms for the studio set up. Full lighting and rigging were also provided along with scenic and furniture to create a professional
Norway - In common with many other countries, the live event industry in Norway has been hit hard by the global COVID-19 pandemic. With all concert and cultural events either postponed or cancelled, Norwegian artists who had performances booked were left to wait until live shows could resume. But folk/rock band Violet Road came up with an imaginative solution to the problem, bringing their music to 18 coastal communities from the foredeck of a 60 year old ship. An Alcons Audio pro-ribbon audio system was a vital part of the solution. Violet Road had over 60 shows lined up for the 2020 festival season, all of which were cancelled. When the band put their heads together, bassist Hogne Rundberg came up with the idea of buying a boat. “We thought it would be the perfect tour combination - a stage, food, lodging and transport all rolled into one,” he says. The b
USA - A Hippotizer Tierra+ Media Server from Green Hippo is driving the videowall content at the WVU Football facility at West Virginia University’s new Puskar Centre, in Morgantown, WV. Providing spaces for players, coaches, staff and visitors, the WVU Puskar Centre development is, with the help of Hippotizer, transforming the home of WVU Football, putting its facilities very visibly ahead of the competition. The video playback solution was designed by BrightTree Studios and installed by its parent company, Synergy Media Group, preferred technology suppliers to WVU. It encompasses five large screens in the spacious, luxuriously modern locker room, including a main video wall and four ‘end-cap’ screens located at the ends of the locker rows. The Tierra+ Media Server will also handle content feeds and mapping duties for screens in other areas in future phases of t
USA - Along with retro tech like vinyl turntables and instant film cameras, which have enjoyed a popularity resurgence in recent years, the drive-in movie theatres of old are also experiencing a revival in 2020. But that boom hasn’t always been sparked by patrons flocking to catch the latest Hollywood blockbuster. Sully Erna and Aaron Lewis, frontmen for the hard rock bands Godsmack and Staind, recently wrapped up The American Drive-In Tour, a 13-date, coast-to-coast run of ‘unplugged’ concerts, many of which were staged in classic ’50s-era outdoor cinemas. To best reinforce every acoustic musical nuance and every word of intimate banter between these ‘old friends’ of 25 years, Denver-based concert sound company Brown Note Productions (BNP) chose to carry an L-Acoustics K2 system for the tour. Produced by Danny Wimmer Presents (DWP), the promoter behind pop
UK - Audiologic has announced a new partnership with background music service provider Perfect Octave. The agreement “capitalises on a module available within QSC’s widely acclaimed Q-SYS software-based ecosystem and recognises the move to fully digital distributed audio is gaining pace” says Audiologic. The solution allows for multiple zones of curated, fully licensed music for businesses to be run directly from the audio processor. Advance scheduling, importing music from third party platforms and custom mixes are now fully under control without the need to install multiple third-party boxes. Peter Sheppard of Perfect Octave comments: “This market is always evolving. There has been rapid change in how people discover and experience music and that shows no sign of slowing. The way people are listening to new music has shifted from radio play to streaming
Canada - Bluesound Professional has announced the launch of the BSW150 network active subwoofer. The BSW150 adds powerful, deep bass to any wired or wireless Bluesound Professional system and features the convenience of precision BluOS app control. The BSW150 will be available in late November in both black or white finishes. The Bluesound Professional BSW150 is a network active subwoofer with streaming capability designed specifically for use in commercial installations. Designed to fit neatly in boardrooms or small commercial establishments, this compact subwoofer digs deeper and plays louder than its bulkier rivals. With several clever installation options, the BSW150 can be easily positioned to fit perfectly into the location of choice. The BSW150 is based on the established BluOS platform and can be network paired with other Bluesound Professional speakers or str
USA - Located at the Oconto Falls High School in Wisconsin, an ageing sound system in the Falls Area Performing Arts Centre (PAC) has been replaced with Martin Audio’s new scalable resolution Wavefront Precision Mini (WPM) line array. Part of a complete AV upgrade to the technical infrastructure, the work was carried out by Camera Corner Connecting Point in Green Bay, Wisconsin, following a competitive bidding process. According to their project designer, Steve Littlepage, the contract was broken into two phases: a complete video upgrade, followed by the installation of the PA and system processing, as well as supply (and relocation) of a new digital mixing console. The function of the PA was to provide an even coverage for a seated audience of up to 700, and be sufficiently versatile to serve not only a range of school events, but incoming productions hosted through
South Africa - MJ Event Gear has created an outdoor music concert environment at The Local Bar and Kitchen in Kyalami, no. 66 on the R55 Main Road, for those who want to enjoy good music in a space that strictly complies to the COVID-19 safety regulations. MJ has also set up a venue incorporating sound and lighting at the Bryanston Country Club. The Local has JOC approval and has been given the green light by the SAPS and the fire marshal. The venue has various seating options available and includes paramedics on-site in case of an emergency, while all tables and chairs are sprayed and sanitized by Gary Love and the Viral Shield team. Patrons entering the venue will walk through a humidifier tunnel (not spray) and endure the usual hand sanitization and a temperature check, while face masks are sold on site. Mike Jones, the owner of Johannesburg technical supply company
The Netherlands - The newly built Terra Emmen school offers a varied and practical curriculum – including cooking, ‘green subjects’, and sports, alongside more traditional subjects – and, as such, required an audio system that could be as versatile as it was discrete. After assessing the options available to them, the school’s administrators decided that MM Concept Audio Solutions was the right company to assist them in creating an audio infrastructure that could fit into Terra Emmen’s sustainable, forward-thinking ethos. “The initial brief from Terra Emmen was rather a simple one,” said Mark Molema, CEO of MM Concept Audio Solutions. “At that point, they weren’t being supported by an AV system advisor, which was a huge benefit for us. As far as they were concerned, the functionality and ease-of-use of the system was key, which is a welcome change f
USA - Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) has unveiled the MKD1200 Series, the newest additions to the MKD Series of full range loudspeakers created for installation applications. The MKD1294 and MKD1264 are three-way designs engineered to produce high output levels and outstanding fidelity while maintaining broadband pattern control for use in applications ranging from stadiums to small music venues. Both models incorporate dual 12-inch low-frequency transducers with 3-inch vented voice coils, and coaxial 3.5-inch voice coil midrange and 1.75-inch voice coil high-frequency compression drivers. Nominal beamwidth of the MKD1294 is 90º horizontal x 45º vertical, while that of the MKD1264 is 60º horizontal x 45º vertical. The large-format horn utilised in the MKD1294 and MKD1264 may be rotated for increased versatility in pattern control, providing sound system integrators with a
Canada - BroaMan has appointed Contact Distribution as its exclusive Canadian distributor. Contact was first introduced to BroaMan’s sister company Optocore in 2005. Since then both companies have enjoyed a successful working relationship and participated together on many large projects ranging from installations in performing art centres such as Massey Hall, Roy Thomson Hall and the National Arts Centre; sports venues including Rogers Arena, The Scotiabank Centre and Place Bell; and both special events and installations for Broadcast including the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. “When we started with Optocore, many in the industry hadn’t taken those first steps into digital networking,” says Bill Coons, director of Contact Distribution. “We are now at a point where not only system designers and operators are more accepting of fibre solutions but fibre is a
Australia - An Audient mixing desk was chosen to be at the heart of the SAE Audient ASP4816 Simulator launched this month. The brainchild of Dr Mark Bassett, director of academic quality assurance for licensed territories at SAE Creative Media Institute, this digital tool provides students with remote access to a fully-functional, audio capable, photo-realistic simulation of the small format Audient ASP4816 console - and is publicly and freely available. “I designed the software as a teaching tool to allow students to learn the signal flow of the ASP4816 and practice using the console while off-campus,” explains Mark, highlighting the advantage of giving students the chance to download the software at home and really get to know the desk before they tackle it in a school setting. “The simulator was created by taking a high-resolution photo of the console and prog
USA - Although Miami’s annual VOUS Conference has been taking place for more than a decade, VOUS Church officially launched five years ago out of a weekly young adult gathering known as The Rendezvous, started by Trinity Church in Miami Gardens. Since then, VOUS Church has grown rapidly, expanding into two worship spaces - a 1,500-seat auditorium at iTech, Miami’s mega technology magnet high school, and a 500-seat hall at Jose De Diego middle school, just two miles to the south. But the real audience explosion has taken place virtually, especially during the pandemic, with the church now having an average of 40,000 viewers streaming services online each week. VOUS Church production coordinator Jon Wygant oversees all church sound, both live and studio, as well as personnel and inventory for the production department. He served on the church’s launch team in 2015
USA - Danley Sound Labs has introduced the SM90, the latest addition to its SM Series of full-range loudspeakers. Like other members of the series, the SM90 uses the patented, Synergy Horn technology from acoustician Tom Danley to deliver musicality, intelligibility and impact. The SM90 delivers a 90° conical coverage pattern and accommodates multiple mounting options from wall-mount, to ceiling or suspension mounting to pan/tilt via threaded inserts, on the rear of the cabinet, when using the Adaptive Technologies MM-060 bracket. It delivers flat output from 63Hz to 24kHz (-3dB) and a frequency range of 40Hz to 30kHz (-10dB) with a coaxial twelve-inch and one-inch driver allowing it to deliver 120dB continuous and 126dB peak output while handling 300W continuous and 1,200W peak. Another Danley feature is the built-in Sentinel high-frequency protection circuitry.
The Netherlands - The CRMS-SRIW/120 has been developed as an ultra-compact reference main / screen system - or compact surround system in immersive sound-for-picture applications. It can also be used as full-range sound system in any installed audio application, where a very high quality sound reproduction with inconspicuous in-wall or on-wall mounting is required. As such, typical applications include sound system for auditoria, performing arts theaters, screening rooms, post-production facilities and dubbing stages, premium home cinemas and quality-conscious cinemas. The CRMSC-SRIW/120 is part of the CRMSC system series. By utilising identical MHF components, a voicing matching between screen- and surround system is realised, resulting in a wide and uniform sound stage throughout the entire listening area. Featuring the patented Alcons pro-ribbon transducer tec
UK - Britannia Row Productions Training (BRPT) has been awarded £152,000 as part of the UK government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) announced by the Culture Secretary to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future. Britannia Row Productions Training is one of 2,049 cultural and creative organisations across the country to have been awarded £409m of urgently needed support (up to 24 October 2020). The Culture Recovery Fund grants programme is being administered by the Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks. BRPT was founded in 2012 to provide holistic trainin
USA - JAM Industries has acquired Connecticut-based The Music People (TMP), parent company of the On-Stage and TMP-Pro divisions. Founded in 1979 by Jim Hennessey, TMP will operate as a division of JAM, managed by TMP’s co-presidents John and Sharon Hennessey, who now report directly to JAM Industries president & CEO Martin Szpiro. “Since being acquired by DCC Technology in September 2018, JAM has the resources to operate as an acquisition engine,” Szpiro says. “While the purchase of TMP is our first acquisition since being acquired by DCC, it is by no means the last. We are aggressively pursuing MI and pro audio companies that compliment and extend our current portfolio of offerings. “Over the last 48 years, JAM has grown organically and through acquisition into a $400m company comprised of eight divisions that serve a broad range of musical inst
USA - When Richmond, VA-based Soundworks took delivery of their Martin Audio WPS and WPC line array systems in February this year, they little knew that the world was within one month of lockdown. “The pandemic shut down all of our bookings from mid-March forward,” recalls CEO, Steve Payne. The company had to wait until the end of summer for the maiden voyage for both systems - in the shape of two socially-distanced outdoor concerts by the Richmond Symphony Orchestra. Soundworks have been contracted to provide sound reinforcement for all Richmond Symphony Orchestra’s community outreach concerts since 2015. “Each season the RSO will incorporate the performance of a popular local or regional artist into one of their ‘Big Tent’ gigs,” he explains. “The arranger will write scores for orchestral accompaniment to six or so of the guest artist’s songs. Past musi
Europe - Shure is strengthening its focus on software solutions by announcing a strategic investment in Finnish software company Ab Wavemark Oy. Known for its software solutions for theatre, broadcast, and content streaming applications such as Wavetool and WTAutomixer, Wavemark has recently expanded its software portfolio into streaming applications. It now offers WTAutomixer, a plug-in enabling seemless auto-mixing for uses like podcasting, remote learning, and house of worship services. WTAutomixer automatically controls the gains of multiple microphones and is ideal for live streams, discussion panels, talk shows, religious services, and for any application that requires the use of multiple microphones. Wavemark software has been used in conjunction with several high-profile theatre applications using Shure Axient Digital Wireless Systems. Shure’s software
UK - At the beginning of this year, singer/songwriter Niall Horan had to take the decision to cancel his Nice To Meet Ya world tour. But earlier this month, he announced a special, one-off live streamed show from London’s Royal Albert Hall and promoted by livestreaming company, Driift. Audio equipment for the show, which achieved a massive 150,000 ticket sales, is supplied by Wigwam Acoustics with Ant Carr, Niall’s long-term head of touring and production, at the helm and regular crew members Matthew Kettle and Joe Campbell handling broadcast and monitor positions respectively, both deploying DiGiCo SD5s. Featuring songs from his two hit albums Flicker (No1. in the USA) and Heartbreak Weather (No.1 in the UK), the show streamed on 7 November and gave loyal fans a chance to be part of what they are so sorely missing. It is also providing much ne
