USA - Mainline Marketing, an independent manufacturer rep firm, will represent the QSC systems and live sound business in Florida and Puerto Rico, effective 25 May. The change comes after Mainline acquired former QSC representative Meyer Marketing earlier this month. “We would like to thank the entire Meyer Marketing team for their hard work and dedication representing QSC over the years,” comments Frank West, senior director of sales for QSC Systems. “We look forward to working with Mainline Marketing in the southeast region and leverage their vast experience and connections in the AV industry, specifically in corporate AV, theme parks, production and retail. “Our companies share a dedication to integrator and end user training, and as Mainline prepares to open their newest training centre next month, they will help support regional trainings for the Q-
Europe - Yamaha has launched new additions to its range of professional audio products, the Rivage PM5 and Rivage PM3 digital mixing systems. The launch of two new control surfaces and two new DSP engines gives sound engineers greater choice and flexibility to deliver optimum sound in a much wider range of applications, says the company. The core components of the new PM5 and PM3 are the CS-R5 and CS-R3 control surfaces. Both feature the same fader configuration as the rest of the Rivage PM series, with three bays of 12 faders each. The combination of touch screens and selected channel controls offers functionality and intuitive operation familiar to Rivage PM series users, while also offering easy entry for users of Yamaha’s CL and QL series consoles. The commonality of fader configuration also means the same layout can be maintained when using different control sur
Singapore - Singapore’s Bicentennial Experience was conceived to illustrate milestones in the island’s history. It employed a rich mix of immersive audio-visual solutions, from the large-scale to the intimate. Originally aiming for 300,000 visitors, by the time of its close at the end of 2019, its creative storytelling had attracted 760,000. Behind that success was show design specialist Ctrl Fre@k, whose Wee Cheng Low used the power and versatility of Hippotizer to realise the multitude of solutions. A founding partner of Ctrl Fre@k along with Jeffrey Yue, Wee is one of Singapore’s leading experts in video and lighting control solutions, a long-time Hippotizer user and a member of Green Hippos’s Key User Support Programme (KUSP). Wee’s career path had its beginnings in 2002, when he worked for a time as a theatre technician for a local theatre company. “I
Germany - The VLink communication solution for RTS intercom matrix systems has become a key tool for broadcasters during the COVID-19 pandemic. The software-based virtual intercom platform has been a common part of the broadcast comms workflow for many years. However, it has become even more relevant in recent months as it has allowed broadcasters all over the world to work remotely during the international crisis, maintaining vital public information services while observing social distancing protocols. RTS VLink enables remote users to interface with their RTS intercom matrices via the Internet using a simple application, allowing a new degree of control and flexibility from anywhere in the world - including from home. “In the current pandemic, remote production is the new normal for broadcasters everywhere,” says Denis Castanet, director product management at RT
USA - Sound engineer Eugene ‘Geno’ Mulcahy uses Waves SuperRack, Waves Axis Proton computer and Waves plugins for broadcast at the Vox Church based out of New Haven, Connecticut. “Due to Covid-19,” Mulcahy says, “many churches, ours included, are now challenged with creating a high-quality web-stream/broadcast presentation for their parish. To achieve a smooth-running stream, we went along with a setup that includes a DiGiCo S21 with a DMI Waves SoundGrid interface and a Waves Axis Proton computer running the Waves SuperRack plugin host and all plugin processing handled by the Waves Proton Server. “We are streaming live, so I create a mix by using Waves plugins so I can manage all levels once I set them in. Waves plugins directly address the input level at the video deck, and I am able to set and get the most consistent output level to video. We also recor
Croatia - House music pioneer David Morales continues to produce and to play to packed clubs all over the world and his current rider specifies a KV2 Audio ES System as his preferred monitoring setup. Morales has also been using a KV2 setup at home for a while - he currently has two EX10s and two EX2.2 subs which he loves - but hadn’t used a KV2 system on a gig until his show at the Boogaloo club in Zagreb, Croatia on St Valentine’s Day this year. He tried out a full ES System comprising an ES1.0 high power active mid/hi loudspeaker stacked on a pair of ES1.8 high output subs per side, powered by two EPAK2500R control and amplification units (one per side). “These speakers sound amazing!” he enthused, “and I’m in a big room – this is not a small intimate club!” Indeed, Boogaloo has been a cult club in Zagreb since the mid-80’s and with a capacity of 1
Japan - Alcons Audio has announced the appointment of Osaka-based E’Spec Inc. as its Japanese distributor. Established in 1990, E’Spec has offices in Osaka, Tokyo and Nagoya. Initial talks between the companies had started at ISE 2019 when E’Spec approached Alcons with an interest to become its distributor for Japan. “For the past 20 years, there have been very few systems which feature truly innovative technology,”comments E’Spec’s Yoshiaki ‘Yoshi’ Yamaguchi. “Currently there is almost no difference in the system quality from different manufacturers. Equipment choice is based on slight differences in sound quality, cost performance and usability. “The beautiful high frequency range at high SPLs and minimal listener fatigue produced by Alcons pro-ribbon systems are powerful advantages, which we know will interest many Japanese live sound e
Portugal - Located on the bustling boulevard of the Avenida de República in the Saldanha district of the Portuguese capital, Mercantina Bistro 37 is the third Mercantina restaurant to open in Lisbon. The elegant building was formerly home to Café Cubana, the favourite watering hole of a coterie of Portugal’s famed surrealist artists. Seven decades later, the interior with its striking murals and rich colours designed by architect Tiago Silva Dias, offers echoes of the building’s surrealist past. Distribution and AV integration specialists, Garrett Audiovisuais, designed and installed a zoned audio and control system across all areas of the bar and restaurant, based on Genelec 4000 Series installation loudspeakers. According to Garrett’s Alain Pierre who managed the project, Mercantina’s owners were frequent clients at JncQUOI - a Lisbon restaurant already eq
Denmark - The annual music competition to find Denmark’s Eurovision entry reached its finale in March at Copenhagen’s 16,000-capacity Royal Arena. Known as the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, hopefuls battled it out against a striking stage design made up of 450sq.m of LED screen, shaped into ever-expanding triangular shapes. These were fed visuals by a chorus of Green Hippo Hippotizer Karst+ Media Servers. Hippotizer aficionado 4K Projects, which is based in Copenhagen, was commissioned by Danish national broadcaster Danmarks Radio to project manage the video and lighting aspects of the show. The company’s Mikkel Samuelsen and Balder Thorrud have been involved with Dansk Melodi Grand Prix for a decade, and are well-versed in creating memorable visual feasts. The 2020 heats were held without an audience, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite this, TV viewers at home wer
South Korea - TechDataPS recently equipped Incheon Seongsan Methodist Church with a Harman Professional networked AV and control solution. Previously named Hwajeong Church, the house of worship took its current name in 1968 and consist of three separate buildings: the chapel, training centre and parking structure. Previously using an audio system that was equipped for small events and speeches, the church contracted TechDataPS to install a world-class audio solution that can accommodate bigger productions. “Seongsan Methodist Church asked us to deliver a modern audio system that enhances the main chapel with high-quality sound and is suitable for hosting large-scale events,” said a spokesperson at TechDataPS. “The previous system consisted of an ageing JBL SR 4733 main speaker as well as ceiling speakers that matched the color of the walls and complimented the ch
Italy - K-Aarray has teamed up with Simai SpA, a Milan-based electric tractors and flatbed transporters manufacturer, to develop an electric vehicle with a professional audio speaker system. Named Cricket PE30, the vehicle will be marketed with short and long-term rental solutions by Toyota Material Handling Italia and is launching in July. Massimiliano Bariola, managing director of Simai SpA comments: “We immediately accepted a role in this innovative project proposed by K-array, as it will allow the Simai brand to position itself within the niche of live entertainment and musical events in general. “In K-array, we have found a partner with our same enthusiasm and spirit of adaptation to difficulty despite the current situation. And this special project - precisely within the context of social distancing and proximity to urban areas which are the most diffic
Spain/Italy - Prolights has announced the appointment of Seesound as its new distributor in Spain with immediate effect. Nacho Alberdi, CEO of SeeSound, comments: “To me, working in this kind of industry means to carry on my family legacy, as in 1880 my grandfather started manufacturing pipes for church organs. That’s why we aim to continue doing what we do with passion and in the most professional way, taking care of the quality of the work done by our team. This should allow us to offer the best solutions to our customers and partners. “When I first approached Prolights, I was fascinated by the ambition and dedication I could see throughout the headquarters, from the R&D department, production, logistics right to the sales and managements departments. Prolights boasts a broad portfolio and a one-of-a-kind product design, which will grant us to provide innov
USA - Audio and AV integration specialists North American Theatrix (NAT) services a wide range of distinguished clients on a host of installations across theatre, cinema, conference, education, stadium and house of worship applications. Some of its recent installations in the education sector featured the deployment of systems from Coda Audio. Set in a 50-acre campus and founded in 1925 by the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs, Albertus Magnus College is a Catholic private liberal arts college in New Haven, Connecticut, that offers education to around 1,200 undergraduate students. Last year the college renovated and refurbished its Hubert Campus Center - NAT was appointed to supply and install audio for the project. Contained within the Center, the Behan Community room is a large, multi-function space used for a variety of college and external functions. Thi
USA - Point Source Audio’s CM-i family of lightweight in-ear intercom headsets has received a design upgrade. The new design - brought to market earlier than initially planned in light of the current health crisis - adds factors such as detachable earbuds for improved hygiene and accessibility to more easily customize with a user’s custom in-ear monitors. The upgraded design now features a connector common among in-ear monitor manufacturers that will allow for a much quicker change over should the user choose to personalize their headset with in-ear monitors from brands such as 64 Audio or Ultimate Ears. A further benefit of this important feature is for rental companies and venues that supply headsets for their techs. The comfort and noise-isolation of in-ear headsets are a no-brainer, but no one is comfortable sharing in-earphones no matter how well they may be c
USA - Avante Audio has expanded its Imperio Series by launching a collection of pre-configured systems designed to make the lives of audio professionals easier. Devised around specific applications and methods of deployment, each of the systems include everything necessary to get an Avante Audio Imperio PA up and running, including array modules, subs and rigging hardware. Imperio is a ‘mini array’ system that offers ‘a powerful, flexible and scalable active audio system that is ideal for installation in mid-size venues as well as for use by production companies working on one-off events or touring productions’. At the heart of the series is the versatile Imperio mid/top module, which offers a 90-degree x 15-degree dispersion angle and an integrated rigging system allowing multiple units to be connected together with splay angles of 0, 4, 8 or 12-degrees. The c
UAE - Digital signal processing specialist Xilica has appointed Venuetech as its new distributor for the GCC. Based in Dubai with an experience centre in Riyadh and staff in Kuwait and Egypt, Venuetech will work closely with Xilica to raise brand awareness with AV consultants, systems integrators and IT engineers that specify, install and manage AV systems. Venuetech’s represented brands include Atlona, Barco, Sennheiser and Televic. “We continue to see rapidly evolving business opportunities in MENA across most AV verticals, and almost every project requires a professional DSP,” said Ismat Assafiri, audio specialist, Venuetech. “Xilica separates itself from other DSP manufacturers with truly modular, plug-and-play designs that can support projects of any size, and they deliver the future-thinking technology that will become integral as our industry moves towards gre
Azerbaijan - When Paul Azerbaijan embarked on their latest restaurant projects in Baku, they again approached PROAV, the Martin Audio distributors for their audio requirements. The management of the global brand, which specialises in French cuisine, has opted for Martin Audio’s CDD series for its latest two projects: Paul Azerbaijan Cinema and Paul Caspian. PROAV managing partner Elshan Aliyev says, “The client was looking for high quality background music, and we specified CDD series speakers because of the amazing sound quality for this purpose. CDD series speakers have a very specific sound and are our number one choice for background music applications.” As a result they installed 14 of the ultra-compact but powerful CDD5 and four SX110 (1 x 10”) discreet subwoofers, as well as 10 C6.8T 6.5” flush-mount ceiling speakers. The CDD5 is a two-way
UK - Shure UK’s Pro Audio team has been striving to maintain business continuity and increase industry support amid the coronavirus crisis whilst protecting the health and safety of all their associates. The company has been responding and adapting to help support its industry, freelancers and fans. The Shure Audio Institute is providing workshops for Shure customers including system integrators, consultants, music industry retailers, engineers, and musicians. In order to continue delivering education to the audio community, Shure has adapted its usual face-to-face workshops to online virtual masterclasses which are broken down in to one-hour sessions hosted by David Phillips, senior sales manager, Shure UK. The virtual sessions, which started earlier last month, are designed to deliver the essential elements of the usual full day workshops over the course of a coup
Belgium - In the heart of Brussels, an award-winning AV solution combining TiMax SoundHub and control, realised from concept by integrator, FACE Projects, creates a vintage atmosphere and jazzy vibe to private members' bar, Impérial. The vision of Carl de Moncharline, owner and manager of several successful Brussels venues was for an “immersive environment creating spherical sound experiences”, as well as a stylish lighting system in keeping with the historical façade and vintage ambience of the venue, that was versatile enough for live jazz concerts, a DJ clubbing experience, or even as a cocktail bar. The challenge to create this in a low-ceiling and small, 300sq.m space fell to FACE Projects, working in conjunction with refurbishment project manager, Laurent Grietens, of Wisely Ltd. Simplicity was key to the specification for the venue. Dramatically different
USA - Medialon has launched a new micro embedded solution for museum audio-visual (AV) control applications – Showmaster Mini. Showmaster Mini is suited to simple AV control applications and installation types. Its ruggedised and fanless small form factor makes it easy to mount where AV racks aren’t suitable, says the company. The ultra-compact design solution is available, as standard, with a reduced-feature version of Medialon Manager show control software which makes it a low-cost solution. Created for less demanding installations, Showmaster Mini can control up to 20 devices in its standard configuration, and is expandable in batches of ten devices, up to a maximum of 50 devices. Each Showmaster Mini unit measures 158 mm × 114 mm × 53.5 mm and weighs 1.2 kg. “For some installations, the requirement is for a control solution that simply needs to
UK - On 19 May, the Sennheiser SoundAcademy will be discussing one of the hot topics of the day - immersive audio. Sennheiser hosts David Missall and Brian Walker have invited Leslie Ann Jones, Michael Romanowski, Steve Genewick, Jim Anderson and Ulrike Anderson to speak about this subject. The five industry experts will discuss their approach to recording, mixing and mastering the immersive sound experience, and share their views on how immersive audio can help open up new creative possibilities and connect listeners more intimately with music. Please note the new changed timing for this webinar: It will take place at 19:30 CEST (13:30 EST). Registrations are now open at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kiCShCe4SX2EjaClcVz-Sg. In addition to round tables, Sennheiser’s SoundAcademy provides a host of other popular pro audio training webinars and in-dep
UK - White Light managing director Bryan Raven has written an open letter asking for support for the supply chain to the live events industry. The London-based supplier, in conjunction with a number of industry colleagues, has outlined a 10 point plan for help needed from the UK Government. “The live events industry - which includes music, theatre, corporate events, festivals and live broadcasts - was amongst the first to be closed down by the COVID-19 pandemic and will be the last to return to normality,” writes Raven. “This is global issue and I would ask you to take the time to watch this video from the Live Events Coalition in the US which graphically represents the issue for the whole world.” He continues: “Both the producers of live events but also the suppliers to live events need help. It is critical to consider the entire ecology of the live events s
USA - Extending the spirit of the CARES Act enacted last month by Congress, Stampede has announced the pro AV industry-specific Stampede XtraCare Programme to “provide employees with much-needed extra protection and resellers with business relief and facilitation tools, as well as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to enable them to complete projects in a safe and secure way”. Complete information about the programme can be found at www.stampedeglobal.com/xtracare. “Commercial AV is an essential infrastructure industry, as defined by the federal government, but the industry is being challenged on every front to remain viable in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Stampede president and CEO Kevin Kelly. “Supported by the strength of our corporate resources, Stampede is making available to employees, resellers and manufacturer partners a comprehens
Poland - Founded in 2012, Media Service is one of the most dynamically developing companies in Poland’s event technology market. Whilst still relatively young, the company has been able to solidify its strong position in the industry and earn the trust of its customers thanks to a skilled team and first-class product portfolio, which includes Syva loudspeaker system among other sound products from L-Acoustics. Bartosz Kordas, the founder and CEO at Media Service, explains how the company has managed to achieve such impressive results. “Our story began with the purchase of an L-Acoustics sound system back in 2012,” says Kordas. “I have always had a passion for collecting high quality AV equipment, and this has steadily translated into acquiring lighting, multimedia and, most recently, stage decoration solutions. As is usually the case, the first steps were difficult a
