Sound

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23 April 2024

Austria - Tim Ferns from Swiss sound design collective, audiopool, recently specified a 64-channel TiMax SoundHub as the foundation of their design for Rock Me Amadeus, Vereinigte Bühne Wien (VBW)’s latest in-house production, playing at Vienna’s Ronacher theatre.

Called on by VBW as trusted audio design partners to create an immersive and intimate audio environment to engage the audience closely with the lavish and complex production, audiopool’s Tim Ferns asserts, “There was no other choice but to implement this with TiMax.”

Rock Me Amadeus chronicles the tumultuous life and 23-year career of the Austrian pop star and showman Johann ‘Hans’ Hölzl, better known by his stage name Falco. The fast-paced and complex production incorporated a diversity of musical numbers ranging from 80’s synth pop to power ballads, choral parts

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23 April 2024

UK - Within 15 minutes of completing victory over Preston North End on Easter Monday, Birmingham City’s St. Andrews stadium had been transformed into a rock concert venue.

The production team behind the staging - enabling local heroes UB40 to kick off their world tour and announce their new UB45 album release - was Martin Audio partner, 22live.

At the same time the football club was able to reveal its new branding. Henceforth known as St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, the stadium provided an appropriate setting for this post match entertainment. But first 22live, led by Paul Timmins, had many challenges to overcome - not least where to site the 15 ground stacks of Martin Audio WPC and WPS line array, as well as the speed of deployment to get the show underway immediately after the final whistle.

“I always wanted to do this really

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23 April 2024

USA - 1 Sound is releasing its new 3D audio design prediction software, Auralis, this June. Auralis is a free downloadable 3D software application that is a multipurpose sound design tool. It enables precise, high-resolution, full-colour audio predictions of your loudspeaker design in a three-dimensional space.

With Auralis, you can import various types of files including CAD and SketchUp 3D files, or easily create your own three-dimensional space with its intuitive interface. Auralis’ user experience is designed with easy organization and grouping tools. Auralis is streamlined and straightforward with clear direction to build/import your space, adjust system mechanical information with 1 Sound rigging, 3D acoustical mapping, SPL predictions, and phase coherency.

Auralis is an accurate measurement tool that utilises information that was collected f

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23 April 2024

Canada - PK Sound has welcomed Calgary-based live production house Unlimited Video Staging (UVS) to its growing partner network following the company’s investment in a T8 robotic line source system. UVS has already taken advantage of T8’s Multi-Axis Robotics to mitigate noise pollution while still delivering high-impact live entertainment in densely populated urban areas.

“UVS has a longstanding reputation as a national leader in video production technologies and services, so when we decided to expand our offerings into live audio, we sought cutting-edge solutions that would elevate the experiences we deliver for our clients and partners,” says Aaron Buchanan, founder and CEO of UVS. “PK Sound’s robotic line arrays sound incredible and offer an unprecedented degree of control in shaping acoustic coverage to the contours of any venue or environmen

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22 April 2024

USA – EAW has introduced its new UXA4416 Amplifiers along with a companion update to its Resolution software. UXA4416 represents a new generation of EAW four-channel DSP amplifiers, offering high-power class D amplification, innovative processing and analogue/digital audio management.

Pairing seamlessly with the brand’s KF and SB Series products, these new amps ensure stability and continuity for KF passive line source systems deployed at stadiums, arenas, houses of worship, amphitheatres, outdoor festivals and more. 

“Through the creation of our own line of amplifiers, we are unifying all EAW system packages,” says TJ Smith, president of EAW. “Our ongoing strategy makes cross rental more predictable and reliable by deploying products that are optimised by EAW engineering.”

This generation of amplifiers provides clean, robust pow

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22 April 2024

USA - Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Centre, a multipurpose indoor arena and events centre at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, has replaced its ageing audio system with an all-new high-end set-up powered by Powersoft’s cloud-based Unica amplifier platform.

Home to the Lamar Cardinals and Lamar Lady Cardinals basketball teams, both of which compete in the top-flight NCAA Division I, the 10,746-seat Neches Arena also hosts volleyball, gymnastics, wrestling, boxing and martial arts events, as well as concerts and other live entertainment. Lamar University, the venue’s owner/operator, additionally hires out the arena floor (which can be expanded to 19,965sq ft/1,855m²) for graduation ceremonies, proms, dances, banquets and conferences.

Kendall Bowman, acoustic engineer for Anthony James Partners (AJP), which designed and speci

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22 April 2024

Sweden - Örebro University has unveiled the latest addition to its USÖ (Örebro University Hospital) campus, a modernised, technology-connected centre for medical training and clinical research. The centrepiece of the renovated and expanded complex, designed by architect KLARA arkitekter, is an auditorium equipped with a Constellation acoustic system by Meyer Sound.

AV systems for the auditorium and related spaces were designed, engineered, and installed by Danish consultant and integrator Stouenborg ApS, which also provided acoustician services.

The project began in 2019, when Örebro University, embarking on the final stage of its USÖ Campus expansion, approached Stouenborg with a strategy inspired by the firm’s work on Copenhagen’s landmark Maersk Tower, home to the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. “

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19 April 2024

UK - De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill, East Sussex, is a venue with a strong sense of community. Training is at the heart of everything they do and Mat McQuade, technical stage manager, knew this meant they needed a DiGiCo console at the heart of their venue. Sited on the beachfront, De La Warr Pavilion boasts an impressive variety of music, comedy, and theatrical performances each year.

De La Warr Pavilion also supplies various early career programmes with work experience, creative careers sessions and apprenticeships all available to young people throughout the year. Training is just one part of what they do here, but it was a strong influence on the desk they chose, as McQuade explains.

“Visiting engineers expect a DiGiCo, and it became the norm for us to hire in SD12 consoles because they’re the standard that everyone’s looking for,” he say

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19 April 2024

Lithuania - Situated in the heart of Vilnius, the newly reconstructed concert hall of the Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra (LVSO), formerly known as the Vilnius Congress and Concert Hall VCCH, opened its doors to visitors in March this year. Equipped to the latest standards and featuring exceptional acoustics, especially adapted to symphonic music, the venue is poised to become one of the most attractive concert spaces not only in Lithuania but across all the Baltic countries.

The project, conceived in 2018, involved designer Marius Mateika and the services of Lithuanian architectural and building acoustic company Akustika Plius, collaborating with ADA Acoustics & Media Consultants (a WSDG company), along with the construction company INFES. Their joint efforts were instrumental in bringing the old hall up to world-class acoustical standards suitable

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19 April 2024

UK - Record label Warp Records has added two Funktion-One systems to its London headquarters, bringing new levels of monitoring to its studio and album playback spaces. The label, known for its roster of artists like Aphex Twin, Mount Kimbie and Flying Lotus, has been a subversive creative force in the music industry since it was founded in Sheffield in 1989.

The introduction of the Funktion-One monitor systems was instigated by head of A&R/creative director Dominic Flannigan, who was intent on improving the office listening experience.

“The main reason we want amazing monitors in the meeting room is to give a really impressive first listen to our team,” explains Flannigan. “The people from the marketing team, the licensing team, from retail, you want to blow their socks off the first time they hear a record. You want to hear it at its best

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18 April 2024

China - Holoplot has announced Prime Connections International (PCI Group) as its official distributor for China, Hong Kong and Macau, as part of its continuing push to bring its Matrix Array systems to the Asian audio market.

The distribution partnership will see both companies enjoy significant expansion in not only the experiential and live entertainment industries but also fuel growth in speech-based applications, within the education and business sectors, says a joint statement.

“Holoplot is a perfect fit for a multitude of applications we serve,” says Jason Huang, PCI Group’s general manager. “As a Holoplot distributor, we can provide customers with transformative audio experiences that set them apart from the crowd. Holoplot’s approach allows for unprecedented control over the direction and focus of sound resulting in exceptional aud

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18 April 2024

Italy – Optimal Audio has appointed Audiosales as its distributor for Italy. Part of the Focusrite Group, Optimal Audio manufactures a multi-award winning one-stop solution of controllers, amplifiers and loudspeakers for small to medium sized commercial installations, with a focus on supporting multi-zoned venues.

Based near Parma, Audiosales has been in business for more than 25 years, distributing leading brands to the live and install markets in Italy, and providing system design and consultancy for the widest possible range of applications.

Stefano Rocchi, CEO/managing director at Audiosales, comments: “From the outset, it was clear to us that the Optimal Audio ecosystem offered a fresh approach to commercial audio. Although technologically advanced and delivering high quality audio, the products are very competitively-priced and, crucially,

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18 April 2024

China - Inaugurated in December last year, the Beijing Performing Arts Centre (BPAC), an extension of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) nestled alongside the Grand Canal, reflects the area’s history through a striking design inspired from the area’s ancient granaries and transport ships. The centre’s innovative architecture encompasses indoor theatres and an outdoor amphitheatre. The venue will host 300 performances and an equal number of art-related activities each year with the mission of attracting younger audiences to contemporary performances.

Three of BPAC’s performance spaces boast permanently installed L-ISA configurations using L-Acoustics A Series loudspeakers: the 1,760-seat Opera House, the 500-seat Multi-Function Theatre and the extensive Outdoor Theatre, while the indoor Concert Hall features a stereo L-Acoustics profes

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18 April 2024

UK - Based within striking distance of London’s Tower Bridge, AV integrator Tateside recently announced the launch of its new showroom space, in collaboration with US manufacturer, 1 Sound and UK distributor, CUK Group.

The space, home to a full 1 Sound system, follows Tateside’s recent appointment as the first official 1 Sound UK partner and will drive opportunities for the integrator to share its solutions with clients first-hand.  

“We met 1 Sound at ISE 2023,” recalls Jack Cornish, technical director at Tateside. “The natural finish of the wooden loudspeakers caught our eye, and we began talking to Louis Mannarino, who explained the brand values with enthusiasm; we were sold on the products and felt they offered something different to traditional loudspeakers; these solutions fit well in our hospitality projects, where space can be a

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18 April 2024

UK - Mitch Rowland found fame as Harry Styles’ guitarist and co-writer, and the pair toured the world together for two years during Love on Tour, which saw Britannia Row Productions supply audio for all 169 shows. When the time came for Mitch to take the spotlight in his own right, the American multi-instrumentalist turned to Britannia Row for live audio services on a much smaller scale.

Forming a close-knit bond after Love on Tour, audio engineer Christian Zuniga was welcomed back into the fold as Mitch’s monitor mixer and production manager. He comments: “Mitch is not an up-and-coming artist, he’s been touring arenas and stadiums for years, so he’s used to high-level touring. However, when he presented this new project, he wanted to play in small theatres instead of opening for a big tour. Every place has been special as each venue carri

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17 April 2024

Europe - Two years ago, Shure announced aggressive goals to increase recyclable and/or renewable packaging for new products. The company has now revealed that it has achieved its goal to convert to 75% by 2023 and is on track to grow to 90% by 2025 and 100% by 2030 for new packaging. The goal for existing product packaging in 2025 is 75% recyclable and/or renewable.

As part of its continuous environmental improvement efforts, Shure is a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. With more than 1,500 different packaging pieces for a variety of different products, converting to sustainable packaging is a significant undertaking, especially for high-performance electronic equipment which is shipped to various locations globally to reach customers all over the world.

Key sustainable packaging initiatives include: Replacing thermoform trays with more

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17 April 2024

Cambodia - The latest addition to Phnom Penh’s nightlife comes in the shape of the recently opened Ai Pub. As well as offering a rich variety of food and drink, the 700-capacity venue, located in the Boeung Kak district of the Cambodian capital, stages a wide range of live entertainment and has become an instant feature of the party scene.

Live bands, DJ sets and promotional nights cater for birthday and works parties, corporate entertaining and casual get-togethers with friends, in this 875m² open space, complete with sliding roof and giant air-cooling fan.

Given the emphasis placed on non-stop music and dancing, as well as the high-profile artists, DJs and brands on show, the team at Ai paid careful attention to the selection of an audio system that could comfortably meet the requirements of a very busy and vibrant environment. The venue’s foc

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17 April 2024

Germany - In August 2023, Dyn Media launched as a new broadcaster in European sports, aimed at giving sports beyond football exposure and viewership. The broadcaster is taking new approaches in the production of its content. NEP Germany was contracted as the production service provider to develop a remote production infrastructure. The technical concept, signal workflows, and process operations were also created in collaboration with Dyn. Broadcast Solutions served as the system integrator responsible for implementation.

The core of the entire infrastructure's audio workflow is a comprehensive system solution from DirectOut Technologies, featuring several of its multifunctional rodigy.MP, .MC, and .MX units. With a total of one Prodigy.MX, 20 Prodigy.MP, and 12 Prodigy.MC, this project represents the largest Prodigy installation for DirectOut to date.

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16 April 2024

UK - RCF dealer HD Pro Audio has carried out a sound reinforcement installation at the Whitechapel Gallery in East London, using the Italian manufacturer’s flexible NXL 44-A active column speaker.

The team from HD Pro Audio had been discussing a substantial speaker upgrade with the gallery for several years, proposing various options. “We had originally been referred to the client by industry colleagues as being well placed to put a suitable PA package together,” states HD Pro Audio MD Andy Huffer, who managed the project.

The NXL 44-A - the centrepiece of a package which also includes floor monitors and mixing console - features three 10” neodymium woofers and is driven by a powerful onboard Class-D (2,100W peak) amplifier.

The pre-existing PA “wasn’t up to the task of modern event requirements” and the gallery was seeking the

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16 April 2024

USA - Originally established over 200 years ago in Raleigh, North Carolina, Edenton Street United Methodist Church (ESUMC) is reputed for its for its famous pipe organ, its alluring chandelier and its majestic stained-glass windows that dominate the sanctuary. To that, can now be added Martin Audio’s O-Line optimised micro line array, which blends discreetly into the 27” thick sandstone walls. This aesthetic, slimline, columnar solution was recommended and installed by local production house, RMB Audio.

The installation team were as fastidious in removing the old public address system, which had served the church so dutifully over an astonishing seven decades, as they were in installing the new rig, comprising two hangs of 16 O-Line modules.

The former system had originally been integrated within the chandelier during a rebuild of the church foll

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16 April 2024

Italy - British manufacturer of professional audio products and solutions, Wharfedale Pro, has just concluded another successful attendance of Music Inside Rimini (MIR). Following on from last year's success, Wharfedale Pro’s appearance at this year’s show included a full schedule of product demonstrations.

“Last year’s immersive and line array demos were so well received that we wanted to build on these successes in 2024,” says Peter Peck, marketing manager at Wharfedale Pro. “This year we planned a total of four unique audio experiences: our WLA-210XP and WLA-1A line array systems, immersive demos with our DP-N amplifiers and GPL series loudspeakers and column array demos with our ISOLINE-AX, showcasing the great versatility and range of Wharfedale Pro products.”

The WLA-210XP line array demos drew particular attention. This dual 10

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16 April 2024

UK - Optimal Audio has launched new accessories for its Up range of ceiling loudspeakers, with the addition of bezel-less grilles and pendant housings.

Grille 1 and Grille 2, available in black or white finishes, have been designed to enable all Up ceiling loudspeakers to achieve a bezel-less appearance. The inclusion of an installation ring with an intuitive twist-to-fit steel grille design, enclosing the original Up loudspeaker, provides installers with complete flexibility and allows for easy adaptation to any design brief.

Pendant 1 and Pendant 2 are designed custom housings which accommodate selected Up ceiling speakers, enabling them to be suspended as stylish pendants. Manufactured from UL94 V-0 rated materials and finished in UV-resistant black or white paint, the Pendants feature the same twist-to-fit grille bezel-less finish as the Grille a

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16 April 2024

Italy - Version 2.7 of Powersoft’s ArmoníaPlus software, which adds support for its Verso gateway device, is now available to download from the Powersoft website. With ArmoníaPlus 2.7 users can take advantage of Verso, which allows T and X Series, Mezzo, Duecanali and Quattrocanali amplifiers to be connected to Powersoft’s MyUniverso cloud platform.

Verso gateway device is designed to enable users take full advantage of MyUniverso cloud platform, allowing monitoring and centralised remote firmware updates for the entire current Powersoft amplifier portfolio, as well as Powersoft’s Dynamic Music Distribution (DMD) solution. Its robust logging and data storage capabilities ensure local continuity or service even during internet outages.

The update also provides users with improved alarms and status handling for all MyUniverso supported devices,

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15 April 2024

USA - DPA Microphones will introduce its new AIR1 Universal Miniature Fur Windscreen at NAB 2024 (Booth C7307). Intended for quick mounting on round, omnidirectional headset or lavalier microphones between 0.1-0.23 inches (2.5-5.8mm), the AIR1 excels in the challenging environments of broadcast and professional content creation applications.

The patent-pending design provides efficient and consistent wind protection with acoustic transparency that solves all wind-related challenges of filming outdoors.   

The effective and uniform wind protection of the AIR1 is achieved through the fixed size of the air cavity surrounding the microphone capsule. This provides complete and consistent acoustical transparency that enables it to capture the voice with perfect intelligibility. Additionally, the sturdy handles at the windscreen opening ensure swift and