Austria - Back in 2016, Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) with its chief sound engineer Athanasios Rovakis, started investigating the possibility of moving the venue’s audio and video distribution to fibre. At first, the opera house modernised its audio system, purchasing a network fibre solution based around Optocore X6R-FX analogue devices and M8 MADI switch to bring together additional signal sources from distant places in the house, and to share signals for broadcasting. Looking to expand their communications outreach, by the following year they were considering further options provided by Optocore’s partner company BroaMan. This resulted in them purchasing a point-to-point set of Mux22 multi-signal transmission devices, with the new FrameSync8 board. Offering a superior upgrade to traditional frame sync technologies it allowed sync distribution together with e
South Africa - Nexo has provided P12s, LS18s and a NXAMP4X4 MK2 sound system to the South African Roadies Association (SARA). The gear will be used to bolster the technical production skills training of South African youth. “The sound system equipment received will greatly enhance SARA’s training programmes and equipment; sustain training, skills development and SARA’s on-the-Job training programme in the event, technical and production skills sector for years to come, and also have an indelible impact on the lives, careers ambitions and dreams of young South Africans,” explains SARA’s president Freddie Nyathela. “SARA extends its profound appreciation and gratitude for the support and vision of Nexo.” (Jim Evans)
UK - Adlib supplied full audio production to the Glasgow and Manchester gigs on the recent UK leg of Snarky Puppy’s Immigrance world tour, plus a control package - comprising two Yamaha CL5 consoles for FOH and monitors, a line system and all the associated cable and distribution infrastructure for the other UK and European dates. These included one night at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Grammy award-winning, Brooklyn New York-based multi-genre ‘jam’ band Snarky Puppy embraces a lively mix of jazz, pop, rock and world music. The Immigrance album dropped in the Spring of 2019 and this was part of a seven-month world tour to support the work. Adlib was asked onboard by the Band’s production manager Rosanna Freedman who has enjoyed a long, strong and very positive working relationship with the Liverpool-based company. Rosanna first met Adlib in
UK - Bristol punk band IDLES enjoyed a heavy 2019 global touring schedule, and this continued into the UK up to the end of the year. It was the band’s first full production tour in support of the A Beautiful Thing: IDLES Live at Le Bataclan CD recorded a year ago. The band’s long-serving FOH sound engineer Chris Fullard requested Martin Audio’s MLA loudspeaker, supplied by Capital Sound. This was rigged at the 1,900-capacity Barrowlands in Glasgow, but more notably at Alexandra Palace’s 10,250-capacity Great Hall. Capital project manager David Preston, a self-confessed IDLES fan, had first met Chris Fullard when he was house engineer at the Scala in London, and was aware of his love for MLA. “MLA had sounded really good at the festivals I had done,” confirms Fullard, “and so I called David at Capital. I had a choice of two PA’s but I
China - New Year’s Eve presents a broadcaster battleground in China as the main networks compete for the most-viewers crown. Satellite channel Hunan TV rose to the challenge, commissioning a countdown-to-2020 live show featuring big-name artists backed by party-enhancing lasers, lighting effects and video content. Shanghai-based Honest AV was brought in to deliver a video solution for the ambitious programme, specifying 10 Hippotizer media servers to drive visuals for more than 50 acts and events during the evening. The content was a mixture of live feed to IMAG screens and pre-made content by Ndimensions. “Two Boreal+ and four Boreal DVDL Media Servers were used to play the video material, three as the main output and three as hot backup,” explains Fei Zheng from Honest AV. “A further three Boreal+ machines were used on the VJ elements of the show.” T
USA - dBTechnologies launched VIO C, a “complete series of two-way active line-source speakers for the widest range of venues and applications”, at NAMM 2020. Designed to create horizontal or vertical line-source arrays and featuring a simple yet rapid rigging system, VIO C offers flexible coverage options as well as powerful acoustic performance. The series encompasses three enclosures housing premium neodymium components. The whole series is equipped with latest generation 1600 W RMS Class D Amp module Digipro G4 driving a powerful DSP and allowing each system to deliver impressive SPL (139 dB for VIO C12, 140 dB for VIO C15, and 141 dB for VIO C212). As a default, VIO C are equipped with dBTechnologies RDNet card for real time monitoring and remote control via Aurora Net software. The preamplifier is ready for future upgrades with Audinate Dante card.
South Africa - DWR Distribution is inviting companies and individuals based in Johannesburg to attend an L-Acoustics demo to be held at Pirates Club in Greenside on 5 February. This will be an open day, and visitors are welcome to visit any time between 11:00 and 15:00, where demonstrations will be held on the hour, every hour. The focus will be on the L-Acoustics Kiva II.
USA - German audio technology and solution company d&b audiotechnik has opened a new office and training centre in Signal Hill, California. The facility is the second in the country for d&b, which is headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina. With the two bases, the company can address both coasts with dedicated teams and resources. “Accessibility to our growing base of customers and partners in the US is critical,” comments Amnon Harman, CEO of d&b audiotechnik. “In the audio business relationships are paramount and this new facility demonstrates our desire to build strong, long-term partnerships with both the audio technology and broader entertainment community.” The facility’s training centre enables the d&b US team to deliver comprehensive Soundscape demonstrations and education seminars and will be available for existing and poten
USA - At NAMM 2020, Adamson Systems Engineering announced a suite of training and education initiatives to take place throughout 2020. These include a US roadshow; increased delivery of the company’s Applied and Advanced Certification training programmes; and the Winding Roads education series, designed to introduce secondary- and post-secondary school students to the potential career opportunities in pro AV and live production. The Winding Roads Education Event Series, in partnership with the AVIXA Foundation, will provide students in Toronto, Canada, and the surrounding area with insight into live production, performance, and the music industry. Through the initiative, hundreds of individuals will have the opportunity to see professional AV installations and touring systems, get hands-on with state-of-the-art equipment donated by industry leaders lik
USA - At the 2020 NAMM Show, professional power amplifier manufacturer Powersoft announced a major update to its ArmoníaPlus audio system management software. The latest update, available now, features a redesigned monitoring environment, Health+ (pronounced ‘Health Plus’), which replaces the ‘Events tab and offers sound engineers a complete suite of realtime system diagnostic controls. The tool is useful for live touring applications or fixed installations. In addition to input monitoring for power amplifiers, speakers, and other connected devices, the system is also capable of measuring system health indicators such as headroom, temperature, voltage, and impedance to ensure optimal performances of all elements and will automatically alert users in case of malfunctions or element failures. Engineers can also now utilise the Event History function to track uploa
USA In Anaheim this week, Yamaha is launching new white models of its flagship DZR/CZR series and DXS XLF/CXS XLF loudspeakers / subwoofers. All DZR/CZR and DXS XLF/CXS XLF models will be available in the new white finish, providing more options for a greater variety of uses, such as hotel banquets, houses of worship and auditoriums, where a high quality audio system needs to blend into the design of the space. The DZR range comprises eight full-range models and four DXS XLF subwoofers, including ‘D’ versions that feature onboard Dante IN/OUT capability. Featuring best-in-class SPL performance, sophisticated 96kHz DSP processing and unrivalled low-frequency sound reproduction, DZR loudspeakers deliver professional quality sound with greater power than their compact, lightweight design might suggest. The DXS XLF subwoofers can reach an extended low frequency of 30Hz
USA - Audio-Technica has announced the expansion of its 3000 Series frequency-agile true diversity UHF wireless systems with the addition of a network port. The ATW-R3210N receiver, which receives its NAMM debut this year, now allows network control and monitoring along with the same easy setup, versatile operation and rock-solid, richly detailed high-fidelity sound as standard 3000 Series components. Expanding on the functionality of the standard 3000 Series Wireless System, the new network control and monitoring option is unique for a wireless system in this price category, as it allows the 3000 Series to be compatible with Audio-Technica’s proprietary Wireless Manager software. The software package offers a broad range of control and management functions of networked receivers, grouped into three tabs: Device List, which auto-discovers connected compatible Audio-
USA - DMI-KLANGDiGiCo has announced the new DMI-KLANG, an immersive in-ear mixing expansion that can be mounted directly into DiGiCo consoles, equipped with DMI slots. KLANG’s immersive in-ear mixing systems make spatial and transparent in-ear monitoring possible. With lower listening levels - on average up to 6dB less - it eliminates the feeling of isolation associated with a normal in-ear stereo mix and offers less fatigue. Its applications range from personal mixing for touring monitor engineers to spatial mixing for recording studio sessions. The DMI-KLANG follows in the footsteps of the KLANG:fabrik. "This is the first hardware product since KLANG and DiGiCo joined forces,” says DiGiCo’s general manager, Austin Freshwater “We took KLANG:fabrik’s immersive in-ear mixing core and rebuilt it with today’s latest FPGA technology. With one device, we can n
USA - DiGiCo has reveaedl the latest in Quantum console range. Like Quantum7 and Quantum5, Quantum338 represents “a dramatic leap forward in power and connectivity”. It includes new design features and enhancements that offer “ultimate flexibility, all with the same speed of operation that Quantum users have come to rely on, in a smaller format console”. “With Quantum338, we have ensured that we are providing a next generation console that works in synergy with our Quantum Engine,” says Michael Aitchison, DiGiCo’s senior electronics engineer. “We focused our R&D team on user experience, learning from the last 20 years, with our continuing main objective of merging new with familiar.” Quantum338 is based on seventh generation FPGAs and includes 128 input channels with 64 busses and a 24 x 24 matrix, all with full channel processing. There is a ne
USA - L-Acoustics has announced the new Kara II modular line source. The addition of Panflex gives Kara four-in-one directivity: one box handily covers any audience geometry. Kara II morphs to fit any design, offering consistent coverage and SPL distribution with precise focus in four different directivity patterns: 70° or 110° symmetrical and 90° asymmetrical, steering to either the left or right, says the company. In a nod to the wide audience of Kara owners around the globe, L-Acoustics will make available a kit to upgrade existing Kara with Panflex. Florent Bernard, executive director of application design at L-Acoustics explains, “Kara has been a perpetual best-seller for a reason. Its lightweight, diminutive form factor and strong, consistent SPL make it the perfect tool for a plethora of events or permanent installs. When we introduced Panflex to the indus
USA - d&b audiotechnik has announced the introduction of a new addition to the company's exceptional SL-Series line array family. The KSL-SUB, available in both flown and ground stack (G) versions makes its debut at the 2020 Winter NAMM show in California this week. The new KSL-SUB provides a small, lightweight format that extends the frequency response of a KSL System down to 36Hz with “exceptional dispersion control, impressive low frequency headroom and unmatched performance for its size”. This directivity-controlled, smaller format sub enclosure allows venues of all size to experience very accurate, smooth and punchy bass response, says the company. The KSL-SUB and KSL-GSUB subwoofers operate with two forward-facing 15” drivers and a single, rear-facing 15” driver which, driven with two-way active amplification, provide uncompromised cardioid directivi
USA - Newly-launched pro audio company ASI Audio x Sensaphonics has introduced 3DME in-ear monitoring system. The 3D Music Enhancement system combines all-new universal-fit Active Ambient IEMs with a sub-compact bodypack mixer and smartphone app with EQ and limiter, allowing musicians to create “a truly personalized monitoring experience”. 3DME makes its NAMM this week. 3DME stands for ‘three-dimensional music enhancement’, a new approach to in-ears. It starts with ASI’s all-new universal-fit Active Ambient earphones with an embedded binaural microphone system to capture room sound while keeping the ears isolated. The IEMs connect to the sub-compact 3DME mixer, where the ambient audio is added to the monitor mix. But the real key to Music Enhancement is the intuitive ASI Audio app, which is used to set both the limiter and equalization of the audio to the user’s
USA - Coda Audio has confirmed the sale of a range of systems, including its flagship AiRAY, to two leading production companies in the USA. Eastern Stage Productions (ESP) of New York and Technical Entertainment Services (TES) based in Florida, have both made significant investments in Coda’s technology. The two companies enjoy a close relationship, often working together on major productions and combined to provide a Coda system for the Stereo Bloom Stage at the recent EDC Orlando. Bill Danilesyk of ESP comments: “The high fidelity of the sound is amazing with the real game-changer being the DDP driver. You get the same amazing fidelity from the Coda system as you would from the highest quality hi-fi systems - getting that at much higher outputs blew my mind right away. You listen to music you’ve heard one thousand times and all of a sudden you hear new things.
Finland - In the wake of the success of G Livelab Helsinki, the Finnish Musicians’ Union has opened a new - and bigger - venue in the city of Tampere, some 200km north of the Finnish capital. The same team was deployed to realise the Tampere project, which is built according to the same ‘music first’ philosophy as Helsinki. The result is an extraordinary live music experience based on quality programming, modern design, and Genelec audio systems including the new 4430 Smart IP loudspeaker. Housed in a striking red brick building which was formerly the boiler house of the Frenckell paper mill in the heart of the city, the venue hosts up to 250 people and offers a varied programme including jazz, folk, world music, pop/rock, chamber music, electronic music and more. Akukon Oy designed the acoustics, electroacoustics, lighting, sound, video, communication sys
The Netherlands - Visual design studio Tenfeet’s longstanding relationship with Dutch rockers BLØF resulted in some dazzling effects as the much-loved band played two sell-out gigs at Rotterdam’s 16,000-capacity AHOY Arena. Tenfeet video programmer Pim Elberse specified and supplied two Hippotizer Boreal+ Media Servers - one main and the second as a full live backup machine - to handle pre-made content mixed with multiple effects and live feed blend. The content ranged from sweeping landscapes to computer-graphics, lyrics and pictures. “We needed a system that could cope with various live feeds and feed a variety of content that was mixed with live, as well as control an SDI-matrix with 10 cameras on stage surrounding the band,” explains Elberse. “The Boreal+ provided total flexibility in combination with our Hog4 lighting console.” Despite the large
Belgium - Het Kunstuur (the Art Hour) is a new ‘interactive’ gallery concept developed by art collectors and entrepreneurs Hans & Joost Bourlon, presented in the former Holy Ghost Chapel in the historical heart of Mechelen, Belgium. Thirty-two Belgian paintings from the 19th century are displayed in three gallery spaces where their stories are told by a series of well-known Belgian personalities. Creative lighting design and media specialist Painting with Light (PWL) was asked to manage and co-ordinate and design the technical systems and control for lighting, video, audio and humidity control for this intricate and unique project. Visitors wear headsets and listen to an audio track as they move around the spaces, prompted to stop / move on cue to designated areas by the audio track, where they watch and listen as the AV effects play out. The walkthrough
UK - When they set out to replace their flagship PA system, West Country-based Nub Sound underwent an exhaustive process of research into all the premier league contenders, with a view to making a decision in time for the 2020 Festival season. “We have been evaluating systems for six or seven months,” explained Nub Sound system tech Josh Small. “We needed to step up to a bigger, eco-system that is also rider friendly and offers ease of rigging. It has to be sufficiently flexible to work in a number of ways, be tourable, perfect for festival use and above all, it has to be a complete system.” When Martin Audio’s Wavefront Precision Compact (WPC) was fired up recently for a Sam Fender gig at Plymouth Pavilion, a venue he describes as “a nightmare” and “notoriously challenging”, the system ticked every box. The company, run by directors Adrian Sund
Europe - Progressive rock act Haken, a multinational six-piece, recently returned from a European tour mixed on a Yamaha Rivage PM7 digital mixing system. Haken’s most recent album, Vector, took the band into harder-edged ‘progressive metal’ territory. Getting the heaviness of the music across, while ensuring audiences also hear the intricate musical phrasing, needs an audio system that puts equal emphasis on audio quality and high-end features. FOH engineer Adam Bonner has used Yamaha digital mixing consoles for 15 years, mixing the band’s last three tours in Europe and the US on a CL5. “I really wanted to see what we could achieve with the FOH mix when using Yamaha’s flagship system, effectively removing any processing limitations. I knew that Rivage PM7 was the perfect fit for this tour,” he says. Bonner contacted Steve Davies at L
Canada - Solotech has officially announced the launch of its e-commerce platform. Directly accessible in Canada and via the home page of the company’s website, the Solotech Online Store is a resource for individuals and shops looking for professional audiovisual and entertainment technologies deliverable at home. Currently offering used professional audio, video and lighting equipment available for shipment everywhere within Canada, the platform will support, in a second phase, purchases made in the United States. Previously used by Solotech during the tours of international artists, all products displayed on the online store are tested by the company’s teams of specialists before being offered for sale and guaranteed 90 days. “This is the outcome of several months of tireless work to deliver a dynamic platform with a selection of both high-quality and affordab
![[L-R] AVIXA Foundation executive director Heidi Voorhees; Adamson CEO Marc Bertrand; Adamson head of education & applications Jeremiah Karni; AVIXA Foundation programme director Joseph Valerio introducing the Winding Roads Education Series](/images/119022/adamson-namm-tn.jpg "[L-R] AVIXA Foundation executive director Heidi Voorhees; Adamson CEO Marc Bertrand; Adamson head of education & applications Jeremiah Karni; AVIXA Foundation programme director Joseph Valerio introducing the Winding Roads Education Series")
