USA - One year ago, Focusrite officially launched the Focusrite Pro Podcast. In the nearly 25 episodes that have been posted since the series’ inception, show host and producer Daniel Hughley (Focusrite marketing manager) has guided discussions offering insights into the technology behind current audio trends. Topics have included Dolby Atmos and Audio-over-IP, podcasting basics, the future of the Audio Engineering Society, the production of Live from Darryl’s House, advice on evolving one’s career in audio and much more. On the occasion of the one-year anniversary, Hughley is taking the opportunity to reflect on the show’s journey over the last 12 months. He notes: “The evolution of the Focusrite Pro Podcast is very close to my heart. We started with just a crazy idea
UK - When Amate Audio’s UK distributor Stage Concepts was commissioned by Ice Tech to design, supply and install custom trussing with PA and lighting for its new build Cambridge Ice Arena, it turned to the power and performance of the new Nítid N15 active point source system. The brief for the €6.3m leisure facility specified a striking appearance and the capability to easily add more lighting, and offer natural positioning for the PA. Working together closely, Stage Concepts and Amate Audio designed a system offering the minimum of complexity while providing highly consistent sound pressure levels throughout the whole arena. Six Amate Audio Nítid N15 active point source systems were flown in each of two double layer hex design trusses positioned above the ice. Precise positioning of the N15s, to achieve optimum coverage, was determined using Amate Audio’
Norway - When multiple Norwegian Grammy-winner Emilie Nicolas played two shows in one day at the Oslo Opera House in late 2019, an Alcons Audio pro-ribbon solution was specified. Emilie’s pop anthems and atmospheric ballads have a very wide dynamic range, from the quietest, nuanced vocal to the power of her up-tempo songs. Making sure that every detail was enjoyed by the sold-out audiences, front of house engineer Stian Sagholen only had one PA system in mind. “Stian contacted us after a show at Nidarosdomen (Nidaros Cathedral), Trondheim in May and said there was no other option than an Alcons system for the Oslo Opera House shows,” says Arnstein Fossvik of audio production company Trondheim Lyd. Trondheim Lyd supplied an Alcons LR18 compact line array system comprising 36 LR18, four VR12 mid-size versatile monitors and four LR7 micro line arrays for fills
China - Shanghai ACE, a branch of ACE (International) Co, recently installed an end-to-end Harman Professional Solutions networked audio system at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre complex. At 15.8m sq.ft, the NECC in Shanghai is the largest convention facility of its kind in the world. The massive complex has a four-leaf-clover shape, with four main exhibit halls branching off from a central plaza. In preparation for the inaugural China International Import Expo, an international trade fair proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the facility underwent extensive renovations. The NECC hired Harman distributor Shanghai ACE to upgrade the facility with a complete Harman networked audio solution including JBL loudspeakers, Crown amplifiers, dbx and BSS signal processors and Soundcraft mixers. “Due to the rigid security of state leader conferences, t
USA - Audio-Technica U.S. has announced two appointments to its product management team. Kurt Van Scoy has been appointed to the position of executive director of product management for ATUS. In this position, Van Scoy will be responsible for directing the product development/management efforts at ATUS. In addition, Kurt will oversee the A-T as global product manager, based in Japan. In addition, Gary Dixon has been promoted to the position of product manager for ATUS. In his previous position as sales engineer, installed sound, Dixon served as a technical resource for the Audio-Technica sales channel in the broad contractor market, where he helped ensure the proper and successful implementation of A-T products and technology in the marketplace while determining the application needs of customers.
Europe - Sennheiser has announced a major update of its Sennheiser Control Cockpit, a software tool that makes daily work routines in controlling and monitoring large microphone set-ups easier. Besides design and usability enhancements, the latest version 4.0.0 now adds the ability to monitor the new SpeechLine Multi-Channel Receiver and the EM 6000 receiver from Sennheiser’s Digital 6000 series, in addition to evolution wireless G3 and G4, SpeechLine and the TeamConnect Ceiling 2 microphone. This makes the software a universal tool for corporations and education facilities. Version 4.0.0 can be downloaded here and experienced at the virtual InfoComm Connected from June 16 to 18. Sennheiser Control Cockpit now features a ‘location-based Mute’ functionality: All devices in a room can be grouped and their mute switches synchronized, so that all devices can be muted
USA - Adamson Systems Engineering is officially launching its CS-Series as part of InfoComm Connected this week. The CS-Series brings the performance of Adamson’s sub-compact S-Series loudspeakers into the networked future with onboard amplification and DSP, plus Milan-ready AVB connectivity. Rounding out the series are a suite of CS rack-mounted systems and a dedicated CS software solution. The CS-Series loudspeaker offerings are available as standalone products or as an upgrade to existing S-Series enclosures. Their Milan-ready AVB architecture offers a seamless transition into the future of network integration and boasts built-in network redundancy contained in a single cable to relay audio and control signal, as well as assurance of long-term viability as part of an IEEE standard. “The CS-Series is the product of years of engineering and innovation, and we’re
The Netherlands - Production company Spectrum AV has created a blank canvas studio in its warehouse that it is renting out to promotors who wish to host virtual dance festivals during the coronavirus lockdown. Featuring an impressive lighting rig, comprised of 68 ADJ fixtures, it allows the atmosphere of a high-energy DJ set to be captured and live-streamed for fans to watch in the safety of their own homes. Established for over 15 years, Spectrum AV is a full-service lighting, video, audio and effects rental and production company based in the village of Udenhout, which is located between Tilburg and ‘s-Hertogenbosch in The Netherlands. Although the company supplies a wide range of clients spanning across the entertainment and business worlds, it has developed a particular niche in the EDM festival market. With a business model designed to make life as easy as possi
Germany - Lawo has started organising weekly Lawo Lounge (Wednesdays) and How-To (Thursdays) sessions to stay connected with its customers and future Lawo users. The first sessions were streamed on Wednesday, 10 June and Thursday, 11 June to a large audience. The aim of these sessions is to present entertaining and informative, short-form programmes about the media and entertainment industry’s transition to IP-based content production and delivery. Brought live from Lawo’s headquarters in Rastatt, Germany, the sessions offer product tips, application insights, new product introductions, customer interviews, interactive Q&A and more. All Lawo Lounge instalments can either be watched live at 14:00 hours (CEST) on Wednesdays, with a replay at 20:00 hours (CEST), or on demand by clicking the relevant link in the Past Webinars section on the pag
USA - Harman Professional Solutions has announced the addition of 10 free live workshops available for registration through the Learning Sessions programme in conjunction with Harman Professional University. Available workshops, scheduled through the remainder of June, feature lighting or audio experts who have extensive industry knowledge and experience working with various artists including Akon, Aretha Franklin, Imagine Dragons, John Legend, Josh Groban, Logic, OneRepublic, Patti LaBelle, Red Hot Chili Peppers and many others.
The workshops now open for registration include: Improvised Lighting on Tour with Juan Trevino (17 June) The Followspot Operator: An Essential Resource with A.J. Pen (18 June) Lighting Director Skillset: From Clubs to Arenas and Beyond with Sarah Parker (19 June) Pros and Cons in an Educational Lighting Design Sy
USA - Meyer Sound’s Ultra-X40 point source loudspeaker has earned widespread acceptance across the full spectrum of demanding portable and installed sound applications. Featured at InfoComm Connected 2020, the ULTRA-X40 - which has earned numerous industry awards since its launch in 2019 - is already providing solutions across a range of applications. One of the first ULTRA-X40 house of worship installations is at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. TC Furlong Inc. of nearby Lake Forest supplied five ULTRA-X40 loudspeakers for overflow and special event support, with calibration by owner TC Furlong. “The phase looked like a flat line from 125 Hertz to 20 kilohertz,” comments Furlong. The same new technology was supplied to City Church in Bartlesville, Oklahoma by Fort Collins, Colorado-based Octane Audio. The new point-source loudspeakers
Finland - Åbo Svenska Teater, a Swedish-speaking theatre in the heart of Turku, is the oldest still functioning theatre in Finland. Exuding 19th century glamour, the venue is known for hosting plays and musicals such as Les Misérables, Hair, and The Rocky Horror Show. This April, the theatre’s audio system was brought up-to-date with the installation of L-Acoustics Syva, which has solved the theatre’s complex acoustical challenges. The system was delivered in March and originally scheduled for installation in May. However, when the theatre was shut and all performances cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was decided to use the hiatus to install the system ahead of time, made possible by the theatre’s team performing the installation themselves. Pauli Molnár of L-Acoustics certified provider distributor, Audico, has a long history w
UK - DiGiCo’s popular Ask Us Anything webinar series takes a seat at the theatre to answer your question about mixing theatre sound. Hosted by DiGiCo’s Dan Page and A2D’s Zac Duax, it will feature special guests Nevin Steinberg, Julie M Sloan and Jason Crystal, who between them have an incredible list of theatre credits. Steinberg’s recent projects include Hamilton on Broadway, in London, Los Angeles, San Francisco and on the US Tour; Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway, in London and on the US Tour; Tina: The Tina Turner Musical in the West End, Hamburg, Utrecht and on Broadway; Hadestown (Tony Award) on Broadway; Freestyle Love Supreme on Broadway; Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s Bright Star on Broadway; and Rodgers+ Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Tony nomination). He has designed over 30 Broadway productions with Ac
USA - DAS Audio of America, Inc., the North American subsidiary of Spain’s DAS Audio, has announced the appointment of Carlito Cobos to the newly created position of national sales director, retail. Key responsibilities of the position involve strengthening the company’s focus on retail sales and E-commerce. Cobos started with DAS Audio in May 2020 and is based out of the company’s national headquarters in Miami, Florida. Bilingual in English and Spanish, he is well positioned to address the diverse range of professionals that constitutes the North American pro audio market. Cobos has over 20 years’ experience in pro audio and the music industry. Prior to joining DAS Audio, he served as the pro audio business development manager for Gibson brands. In this capacity, he oversaw 12 international distribution firms and managed distribution development strategies o
Italy - Powersoft has extended two of its most popular fixed install ranges with the introduction of the two-channel Duecanali 6404 DSP+D and the four-channel Quattrocanali 8804 DSP+D. Both products feature Dante digital audio networking architecture and on-board, high-end signal processing, as well as being able to deliver 175 Vpeak, making them ideal for applications where high SPL is required, such as clubs, performance venues and stadiums. As with the other models in their respective ranges, the new Duecanali 6404 DSP+D and Quattrocanali 8804 DSP+D amplifier platforms are able to deliver this high level of performance at a competitive price point and with the same low operational cost and carbon footprint as any other Powersoft product, says the company. With this new extension, the new Duecanali 6404 DSP+D and Quattrocanali 8804 DSP+D series now sits coheren
Europe - Following the recent expansion of Yamaha’s flagship digital console series with the new Rivage PM3 and PM5, the latest firmware for the entire range, V4.0, is now available as a free download, providing even more powerful tools for mix engineers. Yamaha’s commitment to listening to customers, providing more flexible systems and improved mixing environments has resulted in a number of important user interface and function updates in Rivage PM firmware version 4.0. These include Eventide’s SP2016 premium reverb plug-in which, in addition to a large selection of top-quality presets, allows detailed editing for engineers who want to customize their sound. The new firmware improves the mixing capacity of the Rivage PM7, expanding the number of input channels from 120 to 144 and increasing matrix outputs from 24 to 36, allowing the construction of even larger
USA - Audinate, developer of the Dante AV networking technology, is adding two new models to Dante AVIO line of audio adapters, offering USB-C and Bluetooth connectivity for use with Dante networks. The Dante AVIO family of adapters allow users to easily use non-networked audio equipment on a Dante audio network. Cost effective, compact and rugged, Dante AVIO is available in 1- or 2-channel analogue input or output configurations as well as AES3/EBU, USB and now Bluetooth versions. The Dante AVIO USB-C adapter allows devices with USB-C ports to deliver and receive 2 channels of audio with a Dante audio network. It is a class-compliant USB audio device that requires no additional drivers and works with any application, making it ideal for rapid setup of conference rooms, background music and more. The Dante AVIO USB-C adapter may be powered by the connected device or vi
UK - The Royal Society of Chemistry has upgraded its audio-visual systems at its Burlington House headquarters with the addition of a K-array loudspeaker system supplied by 2B Heard and installed by the Torpedo Factory Group, enabling the Society to offer better quality sound and vision as a leading central London venue for its many rental clients. Key to the library’s attraction as a venue - prized by users for seminars, conferences, lectures, award ceremonies, fine dining and private functions – is its integrated audio-visual facilities and, taking an opportunity to benefit from the latest technological advancements, the RSC decided this year to upgrade its audio systems in order to provide better coverage and improved intelligibility to meet the growing requirements of its corporate clients. In consultation with the Torpedo Factory Group (TFG) and following an o
France - As Culturespaces opens the world’s largest digital art centre, the cultural operator continues its successful collaboration with Modulo Pi. Opened on June 10, 2020, the Bassins de Lumières (The Ponds of Lights) in Bordeaux relies on 30 Modulo Kinetic media servers to provide an outstanding immersive art experience. Culturespaces Digital turned to Modulo Pi and chose the Modulo Kinetic media server solution in 2018, when it created the first digital art centre in Paris, the Atelier des Lumières. Opened in April 2018, the Atelier des Lumières already welcomed more than 2m visitors eager to experience a new immersive approach to the work of famous artists such as Klimt, Van Gogh, Monet, and more. Since the opening of the Atelier des Lumières, Modulo Kinetic has become the exclusive media server for each existing or new digital art centre by Culturespaces
UK - Martin Audio’s virtual tradeshow has been “a resounding success” according to the company, which reported the number of registrations for its web event had come close to the numbers of visitors the British pro audio manufacturer would typically expect to meet at traditional large tradeshows. The company held its event on 20 May taking the form of three 90-minute webinars matched to different time zones. “We achieved over 800 registrations for the event,” reveals James King, Martin Audio’s director of marketing. “To put that in context, this is the amount of people we would engage with at ISE or InfoComm in our demo room in a given week, and probably four times the amount we get to our UK Open Day events. So, this was a very efficient exercise.” The virtual trade show gave Martin Audio the opportunity to speak in detail about its overall por
Italy - Italian loudspeaker manufacturer Outline will hold a free webinar in English on OpenArray, the 3D acoustic prediction, modelling and simulation software written in the Brescia company’s laboratories and now at its second release. From CAD to OpenArray will take place on 18 June and comprise two sessions, starting at 9am and 6pm CET respectively. Users will be guided step by step through the preparation of the designs to be imported into OpenArray, starting from CAD programmes. Giulio Gandini, who will host both sessions with the support of Paolo Calza, states: “I’m pleased to have the opportunity of explaining in depth what in my opinion is one of the software’s most interesting features: how to import designs into OpenArray directly from DXF files. We’ll begin with a recap of the key characteristics of the simulator and the audience section, f
France - Public address systems specialist Active Audio and manufacturer of professional loudspeakers APG have formed the Arbane Groupe. This completes their strategic alliance initiated in 2016. Régis Cazin, CEO of Arbane Groupe, comments: “For the past four years, APG and Active Audio have been able to leverage a number of technological and organisational synergies, supported by strategic recruitment and exceptional results. We've seen many successful innovations come directly from our strategic alliance, including APG's Uniline Compact and Active Audio's Ray On.” He adds: “The creation of Arbane Groupe is the natural outcome of our strategy of bringing together and perpetuating the two brands.” Arbane is the name of a grape variety used in the production of champagne, which shares many similarities with the two French manufacturers, as Cazin e
India - Immersive audio specialist Out Board has appointed Alphatec as its new exclusive distributor in India for TiMax SoundHub spatial audio processing and TiMax TrackerD4 precision stagetracking systems. Devasis Barkataki, Alphatec managing director, comments: “We are very happy to welcome the TiMax products into our distribution range for the Indian market. TiMax fits well with our other high quality brands and suits perfectly our core activities in premium system solutions and integration.“ Out Board director Dave Haydon, adds: “We’ve been fortunate previously for TiMax to be involved in some great projects with premier local event producers and venue integrators, and now is the right time to partner with a nationally established full-service distribution, design and turnkey operation such as Alphatec. “We have now undertaken online TiMax intro an
Russia - A recent upgrade of AV systems in the central conference hall at the Moscow head offices of the Mosenergosbyt AO energy company – the largest wholesale energy company in the Russian Federation – saw the installation of an Amate Audio Xcellence X208 line array, providing the complete audio reinforcement for the 180 seat auditorium. Charged with bringing the company’s principal conference facility into the 21st century, system integrator Atanor group – an Amate Audio authorised distributor in the Russian Federation – opted to ensure even distribution of high intelligibility audio signals throughout the auditorium by means of a line array. The X208 was chosen as providing a highly efficient, effective and compact solution by virtue of its novel coupling of X208A active and X208P passive array elements, where power and DSP loudspeaker system management i
