Belgium - The 150-year-old Koningklijke Stadschouwburg (Royal City Theatre) is the largest and most prestigious of five venues managed by Cultuur Centrum Brugge (CC Brugge) in the historic Belgian city. In late 2019 the organisation invested heavily in new Yamaha digital mixing systems for all venues, with eight CL and QL series digital mixing consoles, associated I/O racks and Ethernet switches installed on new Dante networks. Opened in 1869, the 700-seat Koninklijke Stadschouwburg was originally designed as an elite temple of culture. Nowadays, together with the Magdalenazaal, De Biekorf, Daverlo and De Dijk theatres, it welcomes a diverse audience to a variety of modern theatre, live music, dance, seminars, movies, presentations and much more. Philip Van Loo of PVL Sound & Light BV is a long-time supplier, consultant and project manager for CC Brugge. He i
USA - American Audio’s APX12 GO BT is a self-contained portable audio system designed for playing music and making announcements ‘absolutely anywhere’. Combining a 12” speaker cabinet, class D amplifier, internal battery, on board media player with Bluetooth and wireless mic receiver, it offers ‘a complete audio system in one easy to transport package’. With a sleek moulded plastic design and matte black finish, the speaker enclosure is fitted with a tough protective metal grille on its front. It features a 12” woofer with a 1.5” voice coil paired with a 1” high frequency driver. An internal Class D module provides 65 Watts RMS of amplification for a peak power output of 200 Watts. The system has a frequency response of 40Hz-18KHz and a sensitivity of 93 +/- 2 dB. The APX12 GO BT’s internal 700mA 12V battery allows up to eight hours of use from a si
Italy - Powersoft has released new plug-ins supporting Mezzo Series and its non-DSP install dedicated amplifier platforms ranges for the Q-SYS and Crestron control ecosystems. These free-to-download plug-ins allow for user friendly network-based control of amplifier functionality via third-party systems. They feature ‘a refined, modern-looking interface, extended functionality, and a high level of user customisability, compared to legacy plug-ins for the format’. In addition, a new Q-SYS plug-in supporting DSP+D versions of Duecanali, Quattrocanali, Ottocanali, X and T series is slated for release this summer with brand new functionality. “Powersoft enables wide-ranging control and configuration of our amplifiers through our own ArmoníaPlus software, but we are also committed to ensuring interoperability with other popular control ecosystems,” says Micha
The Netherlands - punQtum B.V., specialist providers of digital communication tools for the live event and professional audio industry, has announced a series of webinars in order to communicate more effectively with potential customers as face-to-face contact continues to remain restricted for the immediate future. Starting with an introductory session on 3 June at 11:00 CEST, followed by a session on 8 June at 11:00 CEST that explains the punQtum Expert concept and how to become one, the full schedule plus registration details can be found on the punQtum website. The first webinar, punQtum Digital Intercom, is designed as a company overview as well as a demo of punQtum’s first product, the Q110 Beltpack. The Q110 is the first element of a larger networked intercom system that offers up to 32 party lines via standard IP networks and infrastructures. Providing
The Netherlands - 013 is one of the largest and most frequented pop music venues in the southern Netherlands, hosting a slew of international touring acts and popular festivals every year. Now, it features venue-wide live audio systems from Adamson Systems Engineering. Located in the city of Tilburg in the southern province of North Brabant, 013 Poppodium is comprised of the 3,000-capacity Main Stage and 700-capacity NEXT Stage. Following a substantial overhaul in 2015, both spaces boasted custom audio reinforcement solutions from Adamson Systems Engineering, sourced via the company’s exclusive Dutch distributor, Audio Acoustics. More recently, however, 013 augmented its Main Hall system with new components from Adamson’s flagship E-Series and sub-compact S-Series for a more consistent and impactful performance to benefit patrons and visiting productions alike.
Malta - Powerhouse, a Malta-based integrator specialising in lighting, sound, projection and custom-built staging, began working with AV Stumpfl in 2009. For the past year, Powerhouse has been using Vario64 projector screens throughout its projects and recommending them to clients. Currently, Powerhouse has seven different Vario64 screens in total, including: an 8.3m x 3.7m model, a 12m x 4m model, and a 5.2m x 2.8m model. “What is unique about the Vario series is its robust and durable frame and surface, without compromising on ease of set up or mobility,” says Justin Portelli, Powerhouse’s operations manager. “It’s a design that has considered not only the visual aspects of projection screens, but also the practical build aspect. It takes half the time and workforce to set up compared to what we used previously.” When AV Stumpfl entered the rental and sta
Denmark - DPA Microphones has introduced the latest addition to its microphone line-up, the 4097 Core Micro Shotgun Microphone. Featuring the same sonic qualities as the brand’s supercardioid Choir Microphone, the 4097 Core Micro Shotgun has been optimised to pick up speech from a distance. Incorporated into the company’s new 4097 Core Interview Kit, the mic has been designed for use with a lightweight boom and windjammer. This kit is particularly useful for journalists in today’s socially distanced world as it allows users to conduct interviews from up to two meters (6.5 feet) away. It is a plug and play solution that allows users to get started quickly and employ their existing workflows, says the company. The kit features one each of DPA’s new 4099 Cold Shoe Mount, which incorporates a one-quarter-inch thread; DPA MicroDot cable; transmitter plate; lightwei
Thailand - The newly opened Rosewood Bangkok Hotel features a building-wide networked AV system featuring Harman Professional Solutions components. Completed and opened in 2019, the Rosewood Bangkok features a striking modern architectural design that evokes the image of two palms pressed together in the traditional wai greeting. The 30-story tower in the heart of downtown Bangkok contains 159 guest rooms, each with a private terrace and plunge pool. The complex also features two spaces for events and functions: the 3,400sq.ft Pavilion, which can accommodate up to 300 guests or be divided into two separate spaces, and the 1000sq.ft Ploenchit Boardroom. Throughout, The Rosewood Bangkok deployed a range of JBL Professional loudspeakers, Crown amplifiers, BSS signal processors, AMX AV and control systems and Martin Professional lighting solutions. “A venue such as
USA - For more than half a century, Atlanta’s Mount Paran Church has been celebrated by the evangelical world as a beacon of effective ministry and engaged, growing membership, evidenced by its 13,000-plus-member congregation. Mount Paran is forward-thinking when it comes to the technology it uses to communicate its message, a point that was clearly underscored by its recent distinction as the first house of worship to install a sanctuary loudspeaker system built upon L-ISA Hyperreal Sound technology. “Good sound is one of the most essential elements in today’s churches, and achieving consistent, engaging audio throughout an entire worship space is mission-critical so that the congregation has a shared community experience,” says Tim Corder, strategic accounts director - house of worship for Diversified, the technology solutions provider that delivered the project.
UK - The Salute the NHS campaign (www.salutethenhs.org) was launched by businessmen Ron Dennis and food and catering expert Nigel Harris, owner of Absolute Taste and former owner of Fresh Direct. It is a not-for-profit initiative that aims to deliver a million free meals to NHS frontline workers over three months. Delivering the initiative has brought together an army of experts and partners from leading food, logistics, packaging and other specialists. These include Dennis’s DreamChasing charity, and three FTSE 100 companies - Tesco, Unilever and DS Smith. As well as Absolute Taste, Yodel, Team Rubicon, Hunter Design and Domestic & General, amongst others. The operation is housed in a former WW2 RAF hanger at the Bicester Heritage site in Oxfordshire. However, it became apparent that the vast space felt daunting for the volunteers from the Bicester community, w
USA - Visix has released version 1.32 of their AxisTV Signage Suite digital signage software with a new Voice Recogniser Widget that turns any screen into a hands-free interactive sign. AxisTV Signage Suite users can drag and drop the new Voice Recognizer Widget (VRW) onto any layout, then set custom parameters that instruct the sign what to listen for and how to respond to requests. It can be used on single displays, banks of screens and video walls in any environment. “Clients no longer have to depend on touchscreens for interactivity, which is especially important in this time of concern about germ transmission,” says Jill Perardi, creative services manager for Visix. “Just as people got used to using touchscreens because of smartphones, they’re now starting to expect a voice user interface like they use with their virtual assistants at home. Now anyone with
The Netherlands - Rental company MHB developed a digital audience platform for MediaLane, based on a curved LED display consisting of ROE Visual Diamond LED panels, to enable a TV show continue under COVID-19 restrictions. With the help of the facilities provided by, MHB, broadcast station BNNVARA was able to continue the popular television programme Even Tot Hier in a corona-proof adaptation. MHB set out to develop a digital audience platform, enabling live interaction between the studio and an audience of 100 people. Using lots of conference connections, the audience is able to participate and intervene live during the show, just like a normal live audience in the studio would be able to. The curved display, measuring 17mx3m, makes the interaction “up close and very natural”. Supported from a custom-made truss construction, neatly following th
UK - Manchester-based Sterling Event Group has opened the doors to the newly-created Sterling Studio. As the events and AV industries face increasing uncertainty as to when ‘business as usual’ will resume and live events can take place again, Sterling Event Group has announced the launch of the Sterling Studio Space. This comes at an instrumental time for the industry as Sterling works to reassure their clients that there are a multitude of alternatives to the traditional live event, says the company. “At this current time whilst live events are on hold, we wanted to offer our clients a solution to continue communicating, engaging, educating and entertaining. The studio allows clients to present their virtual events at the same high standard and production values they would expect from a live event.” comments Richard Bowden, founder and MD. As a company
Mongolia - To elevate its venue quality sound and provide guests a memorable clubbing experience, Eon Clublex Ulaanbaatar recently upgraded to a new Harman Professional audio solution. Eon Clublex Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia’s biggest nightclub and features modern facilities. It consists of the main hall, a VIP lounge and a first-floor lounge. To further enhance the guest experience, the club entrusted ITC Solutions to deliver a premium audio system that provides exceptional sound performance. “The venue needed a robust audio system that delivers even sound coverage and produces a high-end clubbing atmosphere,” said a spokesperson at ITC Solutions. “We wanted a partner that could set up an ideal audio solution and extend reliable customer service post-installation - that’s why we chose Harman.” Meeting the club’s audio expectations, ITC Solutions deplo
USA - Tupelo Music Hall in Derry, New Hampshire, transformed its business operations and parking lot into the Tupelo Drive-In Experience to produce some of the first live concerts in the United States with the new social distancing requirements. The music venue’s debut shows in mid-May were powered by a Leopard system provided by Meyer Sound rental partner UltraSound, showcasing one of the early innovations that explores new ways to deliver performances to a safely-distanced live audience. UltraSound’s Scott Tkachuk has been working alongside Tupelo Music Hall’s owner Scott Hayward and production manager Paul Higgins since the conception of the drive-in shows in March. “About a week or two after the shelter-in-place order was issued, we began brainstorming. When the first phase of re-opening New Hampshire included drive-in theatres, we thought why not concerts?
The Netherlands - punQtum B.V., specialist providers of digital communication tools for the live event and professional audio industry, has today become the latest company to form part of the Ravenna community. The move underlines punQtum’s commitment to supporting open technology standards and embracing the ongoing transition to digital IP solutions in pro audio applications. Established in 2019, punQtum recently launched its first product: the Q110 Beltpack is the first element of a larger networked intercom system that offers up to 32 partylines via standard IP networks and infrastructures. Providing ultimate scalability, the Q110 suits systems of any size, ranging from small events requiring just two beltpacks to as many are required for large, complex systems. Using AES67 as a solid technology cornerstone, the punQtum Intercom system integrates seamless
The Netherlands - Highlite International has introduced a new addition to the DAP family: the Edge wireless microphones. DAP's Edge-series wireless microphones feature a handheld system and a beltpack system. The UHF True Diversity receiver is equipped with a clear full colour LCD-screen which makes operating the system very easy. The main feature of the Edge-Series is the Scan-feature. With this attribute the Edge receiver shows exactly which frequencies are not occupied, giving the user the possibility to choose the right frequency without having to worry about any interference. The system operates between 606MHz and 668MHz frequencies and is therefore very well suited for use across many parts of Europe. The handheld unit holds a cardioid condenser microphone and both the handheld and the beltpack are equipped with an OLED-display Communication between t
USA - DP Design of Milwaukee recently designed a sound system based on a Martin Audio Wavefront Precision Mini (WPM) line array system for the Celebration Church in Lakeville. Describing the project, DP’s David Price explains: “The church was built in the early 90s and they’ve been slowly upgrading for the first time since then. Now they’ve added a new PA, console and wireless, which is a big first step for them.” According to Price, “Celebration is a very contemporary church with a large area including a stage built to be more of a theatrical performance venue that holds about 850 people. The basic shape is square that eventually curves out into a fan-shaped auditorium space. “They wanted concert-level sound so we installed Martin Audio WPM based on its minimal impact on sightlines and its exceptional audio performance for mid-sized concerts, somet
South Korea - Jeonju-Paul Church, South Korea’s largest Evangelical Holiness Church, had its main loudspeaker system replaced on time for the inauguration service of the church’s new pastor. Outline’s Seoul-based distributor Hebsiba Multimedia opted to deploy a main rig with a L-C-R set-up. The left and right hangs each comprise 12 Outline Eidos 265 line array elements for mid-high frequency reproduction and a FlySub 15 enclosure to add bottom end punch. Four more Eidos 265s were deployed for the centre channel. Outline’s Eidos 265 was designed for applications ranging from live events to permanent installations. With its low weight (just 21 kg) and size:performance ratio, it houses two 6.5” mid/low-frequency transducers and a high-frequency compression driver with a 2.5” diaphragm and 1.41” throat, loaded with a 100° (horizontal dispersion) waveguide.
Switzerland - As an audio professional with experience stretching from the Paleo festival in the 1970s, through working with many of the world’s highest profile artists, to his current role of designing high-end audio installations for events and venues, Pierre-André Aebischer knows a thing or two about sound. He chose Yamaha’s Stagepas 1K all-in-one portable PA systems to demonstrate the advantages of multi-channel, immersive live audio. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, Pierre-André has recently started using eight Yamaha Stagepas 1K systems under the banner of Superdiff.com for a range of immersive audio projects. These have included the Stokata.io ‘invisible orchestra’ project, a one-off show Les Grands Espaces, as well as a regular experimental multi-channel event Immersive, demonstrating how immersive sound can improve the live experience.
Saudi Arabia - Commissioned by the Qiddiya Investment Company (Q.I.C.) and with phase one planned to open in 2023, the ambitious Qiddiya project is destined to be the upcoming capital for arts, entertainment and sports in Saudi Arabia. The 334sq.km site will be built from a focus on the tourism and recreation industries, as highlighted in the Saudi Vision 2030 expansion plan. The destination includes plans for expansive water and theme parks as well as a community of 5,000 residents, all within a 40-minute journey of the Riyadh capital. The destination, currently an expansive, vast land with hundreds of miles of potential, will be surrounded by 200m cliffs. Phase one of the project will feature Six Flags Qiddiya as a family attraction, providing visitors with entertainment and attractions to explore which take into consideration the cultural and natural aspects of th
Germany - The Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus theatre has extended its long relationship with Optocore, in order to keep pace with evolving technology. In the case of such a formidable, multi-space complex as this, an agile digital infrastructure, with multiple routing options and interconnectivity, is essential. To maintain this, the theatre has upgraded the original Optocore analogue network, installed in 2011, to an advanced and future-proof system. The latest integration, undertaken by Amptown System Company (ASC), was overseen by the theatre’s tonmeister (and deputy head of sound) Torben Kärst, who designed the audio system, working alongside head of department Peer Seuken, and video specialist Tim Deckers. This has seen the installation of Optocore M-series MADI boxes in both the 800-seat main theatre and 350-seat studio theatre, with an Optocore AutoRouter instal
Canada - Digital signal processing specialist Xilica has appointed Techni+Contact Canada as its sole distribution partner for the Canadian market. Headquartered in Montreal with multiple Canadian offices, Techni+Contact has served Canada’s professional AV business community for more than 40 years. Xilica joins a range of Techni+Contact-represented brands, including AMX, Ecler, Utelogy, Spinetix and WolfVision. “Xilica is the first professional DSP manufacturer in the Techni-Contact portfolio, and fills an important gap in our product line,” said Julie Legault, president of Techni+Contact. “Xilica is aligned with our core verticals, and will help us propose and configure fully integrated solutions that are more competitive and on target with what our customers seek. Their clever, compact, and modular designs are an especially strong fit for the AV over IP
UK - The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden is one of the world’s leading opera houses. The recent Open Up refurbishment created a series of new spaces within the building offering a more welcoming visitor experience. Built in 1858, the Royal Opera House is home to The Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera, as well the Linbury Theatre and various restaurants and a gift shop. The Open Up project was a £62m major refurbishment to create a welcoming visitor-friendly experience, improve crowd flow, welcome daytime activity of events for all ages relating to the art of dance and music and refurbish the Linbury Theatre into a world-class venue for intimate performances for ballet and opera. Martin Adams, technical manager, Open Up Project, Royal Opera House, and Tom Thompson, technical manager, Linbury Theatre, were tasked with creating an audio network to meet the theatre's c
