Spain - Pacha’s Destino Resort in Ibiza revamped its entire outdoor DJ stage and club for the 2018 season, installing a complete d&b GSL system to increase sound quality and volume inside the resort while reducing noise pollution for nearby neighbours. Perched on a clifftop at Cap Martinet above the resort of Talamanca, Pacha-owned Destino resort offers stunning views over Ibiza Old Town. For summer season 2018, the resort launched with a new, wooden arched stage and half-dome covering, revamped VIP and outdoor dancefloor spaces, and a d&b GSL System. A customised DJ booth takes centre stage, flanked by six GSL tops each side, consisting of four GSL8 and four GSL12, and 10 SL-GSUBs stacked directly beneath in a distributed sub array for a total control of the LF dispersion beam. For monitoring, the DJs are hearing four V-GSUBs and a pair of V7Ps. Fres
UK - The fast-developing Farmer J health food concept opened its second operation recently in the City of London in a strategic new development opposite Monument Station, at the entrance to London Bridge. An all-day operation, it serves breakfasts and lunches on fieldtrays, with all food cooked on site using fresh ingredients. As it moves into the evening session for cocktails and dinner the atmosphere changes again. To keep the mood constantly evolving during the different trading patterns, owner Jonathan Recanati wanted a subtle, but high-quality sound system. Evolve Install had already undertaken some work at the original Farmer J in Leadenhall, boosting the original sound system there with some JBL Control 25-1. “And that primarily won us the contract for the full fit-out here,” explains director Elliot Patterson. Working alongside music providers and cu
South Africa - Selby’s Productions has been servicing the events and conferencing world since 1980 and most recently, the company upraded its offering with the addition of an L-Acoustics Kara system. The purchase of the long-throw Kara modular line source loudspeaker system is part of a larger plan for Selby’s to move fully to L-Acoustics as their choice of loudspeaker. This choice was two years in the making, according to the Durban branch manager Wayde Sparks. “Richard Smith from DWR Distribution and I had been talking about the Kara for a while, and when it came time for us to upgrade our PA system it was my first option. I have been to the demos for most of the big players in this field, and the truth is, nothing else really compares for me.” As a company Selby’s focus a lot on the conferencing world, and this involves spaces of varying size. “The versa
UK - AV and event production company Blitz has installed loudspeaker equipment from EM Acoustics to ExCeL London’s ICC auditorium. The equipment forms part of the auditorium’s in-house equipment so any clients using the space will be able to benefit from this installation as part of their tenancy. The kit list from supplier EM Acoustics includes equipment from the company’s new Halo Arena line. Jeremy Rees, CEO at ExCeL London, comments: “At ExCeL, we recognise the importance of delivering innovative events that provide a truly immersive, memorable experience. Increasingly technology is at the core of that approach. We are delighted that Blitz has chosen ExCeL to install this high-spec system, enabling us to deliver an enhanced experience, within our Auditorium, to our varied portfolio of clients including agencies, corporates, associations and exhibiti
The Netherlands - Professional live events equipment supplier Ampco Flashlight has added Outline’s FPGA-based Newton processing platform to its portfolio, to address the growing popularity of multi-send PA systems and multiple-source audio set-ups. Ampco Flashlight Sales is now distributor for Outline Newton in Benelux. The Utrecht-based rental and sales company supplies a range of events, including festivals, theatre, touring and broadcast productions and corporate events. Its portfolio features products from DiGiCo, Martin Audio, Allen & Heath, Clear-Com, ETC and Ayrton among many others. “Being the answer for demanding install and touring applications where top-quality matrixing and processing is required, we are very happy that we can now offer Outline Newton to our clients in the Benelux,” comments Ampco Flashlight sales specialist, Martin van Kou
Europe - Featuring a new design concept and significant improvements in audio performance, usability and portability, Yamaha's new Stagepas 1K “redefines the standard for portable PA systems”. The new system features modified versions of the 1.5 inch (3.75 cm) drivers with high end neodymium magnets that have made Yamaha’s VXL series line array loudspeakers a great success in the professional sound installation market, receiving widespread praise for their audio quality, 170º horizontal coverage and slimline appearance. Bringing all of those qualities to the streamlined, reduced weight Stagepas 1K system, an array of 10 of the 1.5 inch drivers work seamlessly with a 12” subwoofer to deliver uniform, high quality sound with clear highs and punchy lows. The subwoofer features Yamaha's Twisted Flare Port technology, which effectively reduces wind noise in the bas
South Africa - MagiCo SA, an audio and lighting rental company based in Vereeniging, has invested in two new DiGiCo consoles - the S21 and the S31. The consoles and training were supplied by DWR Distribution. MagiCo SA is technical supplier of lighting, AV and staging, but audio has always been the driving force to success behind MagiCo SA’s founder, Ruan Vermaak. As the company has grown to cater for a number of festivals around the country, it seemed the right time to invest in new consoles that would keep up with the pace. “We do small to medium sized events, so we needed something easy to transport and something that could handle the curveballs thrown our way,” says Ruan of the two compact and versatile DiGiCo consoles. The console training that was presented by Jaco Beukes from DWR Distribution was part of the package and Jaco says, “They are all ve
UK - Production AV hotfooted it to Wembley in May to provide the camera, projection and IMAG screens for Jack Savoretti’s flagship show. “We had just a seven-day turnaround to design and deliver the camera and screens package to Savoretti’s tour team, managed by production manager Neil Anderson,” explains Pete McCrea, Production AV MD. “As this was the big one - Wembley - they wanted to ramp up the production and include video to enhance the audience experience. David McIntyre had created a real visual spectacular with the lighting, and they wanted to enhance this by relaying live on-stage footage as well as pre-recorded content to two large IMAG screens.” Production AV supplied a pair of 11ft x 20ft (3.35m x 6m) portrait screens for IMAG, with 20,000 lumen Barco projectors. Switching was achieved using their Blackmagic ATEM 4k PPU, with a pair of Sony HDC1
USA - One of the industry’s longest serving lighting designers, Michael Ledesma, has been lighting one of music’s most enduring artists, Carlos Santana, for the last six years on the guitarist’s House of Blues residency in Las Vegas. For the latest run of House of Blues dates in May, Ledesma supplemented the house lighting system with a multitude of gear that included Elation Professional SEVEN Batten colour-changing LED battens, Arena Par Zoom LED Par lights, and Protron Eclypse hybrid LED luminaires, along with upstage LED video screens made up of Elation EVHD panels. Innovative Concert Lighting supplies the gear for Santana’s shows at the House of Blues. An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live plays at the House of Blues in Vegas for eight weeks each year and is booked through 2020. Ledesma, who has been lighting shows for over 40 years
Sweden - With over 45,000 audience members per night, over three consecutive dates, the Scandinavian dance trio returned to live performing - following a six-year hiatus - with a major production at Sweden’s Tele2 Arena (as reported in LSi June). Production managed by Mattie Evans and mixed at FOH by sound engineer Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Sargeant, the SHM team chose to use Britannia Row for the highly-anticipated gigs. Rabbit, whose connection with Brit Row spans two decades, noted that the company is great to work with as all of the team “get fully involved in the design of the system; it’s always good to have the best people onboard”. Britannia Row’s Josh Lloyd was the production’s sound sy
UK - Orbital Sound is partnering with the Edinburgh Fringe venue The Pleasance to stage a two-day training event in advance of this year’s Festival. The course addresses the specific requirements of audio for the dynamic environment of fringe theatre, providing venue crews and technicians of all skill levels with the essential ingredients needed to develop their audio knowledge. Led by Orbital Sound’s head of education Mike Thacker, Fringe Fundamentals for Sound runs from 24-25 July in Edinburgh, with a total of 35 places available. With a 20-year track record for professional theatre audio training, Orbital Sound’s dedicated education centre in London hosts a regular series of specialist courses. Managing director Chris Headlam expands: “We hav
UK - Prolight Concepts Group has been appointed exclusive UK distributor for Lynx Pro Audio’s sound reinforcement product offering. All Lynx Pro-Audio products are designed in-house by their team of engineers and manufactured in their headquarters in Valencia, Spain. Lynx Pro Audio’s Ben Sinclair comments: “Prolight Concepts have grown very quickly, establishing them as one of the UKs premium distributors. I had the chance to welcome them during a recent visit to our factory and have no doubt that they are the perfect partner for us. They are committed to service and quality and we are very excited to have them as our exclusive UK distributor.” Chris Beesley, product sourcing manager at Prolight Concepts Group adds, “The addition of Lynx Pro-Audio to our distribution portfolio is a logical step forward enabling Prolight Concepts Group to offer an addit
The Netherlands - Located in Amsterdam’s Nieuw-West district, where a major programme of urban renewal has been carried out in recent years, De Meervaart is a multi-purpose venue which includes two theatres, three foyers, two studios and 10 further meeting rooms of different sizes. Between them they can host a diverse range events for between two and 2,000 people. With many international artists performing at the venue, alongside the needs of extreme flexibility and portability, De Meervaart technical head Martin Keereweer has relied on Yamaha digital mixing consoles. “About 13 years ago we invested in Yamaha M7CL-32 and LS9-16 consoles, which still work flawlessly,” he says. ”But with the busy schedule of events here, there was a constant demand for more equipment. We will continue to use the M7CL and LS9, so it made sense to invest in Yamaha again.”
USA/Europe - Ohio-based hardcore act Beartooth, are currently touring around the world, taking on festival season with two dLive Wings set-ups. Danny Harvey (FOH engineer) reports, “The size of the C1500 is ideal for travelling, being able to fly with it is amazing and having that much power in two fly cases is perfect for international acts, making their sound consistent all over the world. “I love the way dLive sounds and how easy it is to customise everything. At the bigger festivals I always manage to get positioned front middle on the FOH tent due to the C1500’s small footprint.” Supplied by V2 Productions for their US dates and Captured Live for shows in Europe, the band’s set up consists of two dLive C1500 surfaces, paired with two DM48 MixRacks, covering both FOH and monitors. Additionally, the FOH console is equipped with a Waves card, used for
UK - BishopSound is making its debut at the Glastonbury Festival 2019. BishopSound speakers are to be used exclusively on a new stage being run by the long-established Glastonbury suppliers, Bristol based A1 Entertainments. For the stage, which will be used to host up and coming DJs, BishopSound has supplied four Beta BB118 enclosures and four Beta BB215s. The BB118 is a passive sub-woofer particularly popular with DJs for its tight, well-defined bass frequency response. Each speaker will handle 1,000 Watts RMS from 35-100Hz with 107dB sensitivity. The BishopSound Beta Twin 15 BB215 is a passive, upright full range speaker fitted with 'Easy Move' wheels. Like the BB118 it will also handle 1,000 Watts RMS, offers 101dB sensitivity and a frequency response from 56Hz-20kHz. Andrew Bishop says: “We're thrilled and delighted to be bringing a British sound back to G
USA - The Cult have been making their way across America celebrating 30 years of their 1989 album, Sonic Temple. They're touring light: just a bus and a trailer in tow to transport the band, consoles, backline, control package, and touring team, which is just two engineers. At FOH position, Stephen McGuire is working from an SSL L300. McGuire has been mixing The Cult for four years and used an L500 console for FOH duties on their previous outing. “It's literally just me and the monitor guy on this tour; I needed to get a desk that is powerful, phenomenally quick to set up, sonically geared for The Cult and can fit in the trailer. The SSL L300 was the perfect choice.” McGuire says he loves mixing The Cult, and describes them as a good old school rock and roll band: no tracks, no click, everything is in the moment, and they give him license to mix. “
USA - At InfoComm 2019, Martin Audio held the world premiere of both the latest Wavefront Precision optimised line array, WPS, as well the integration of BlackTrax real time tracking for its immersive audio experience, 3-D Sound Adventures. In addition, it also marked the US launch of the company’s latest powered point source range, BlacklineX Powered. Up first in the demo room was the debut integration between Martin Audio’s immersive Sound Adventures and the renowned BlackTrax real-time tracking technology. Based on a ground-breaking new algorithm, which converts Real-Time Tracking Protocol (RTTrP) signals to Open Sound Control (OSC) commands, the BlackTrax integration showcased how performers could be tracked seamlessly with both lighting and localised audio for a truer, more impactful AV experience. This was followed by the US premiere of the latest powered poi
Singapore - Kheong Sen Lim has joined d&b audiotechnik as business development manager for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, based in the company’s Singapore office. Kheong has spent the last 30 years working in various capacities in the audio and performing arts industry. He has hands-on experience in sound system design, distribution sales, system integration and project management. Fluent in English, Malay and Chinese, Kheong will travel across the APAC region, predominantly focusing on enhancing reach and awareness of the latest developments from d&b, including the SL-Series and the Soundscape system. Most recently, Kheong was a senior consultant for Marshall Day Entertech, based in Melbourne, providing theatre and sound system design advice to a variety of clients in Australia, New Zealand and globally. He has a degree in Recording Arts, with diploma
Europe - Pro audio manufacturer Audac has introduced a series of online seminars aimed at professional audio engineers, systems integrators and technicians. ‘With these first online seminars we have taken a new look at what educational tools we have to offer to the installers of our innovative audio solutions.” said Tom Van de Sande, CEO at Audac. ‘We noticed that we are getting a lot more momentum all over the world, which is why we had to adapt our educational offer so that we can easily reach these new users as well.” These videos are the start of a complete database of online training videos that will highlight all functionalities of Audac products. Audac will work with two different levels: Level 1 is an introduction to the Audac range and will be available to everyone. Level 2 will be a hands-on training of our different products and functionalities and
The Netherlands - The Panama nightclub in Amsterdam has been at the forefront of the Dutch music scene for more than 16 years, presenting a wide variety of styles and featuring a balanced mix of global and local DJs. The venue has a capacity of over a thousand and as well as its essential nightclub function, acts as a multi-purpose events space that puts on a diverse programme of events. The production team at Panama has progressively improved the sound system at the club over the years. Although happy that its existing system was good and met most of its needs, the club’s management wished to take the club’s audio provision forward and introduce even greater clarity, power and detail, to further enhance every aspect of its offer. Seeking a more immersive solution, Panama choose Pioneer Pro Audio XY Series loudspeakers and appointed AVL Rent under the leadership of
USA - Belgian pro audio manufacturer, Apex Audio, has reinforced its US operations with the appointment of experienced industry professional, Ineke Priepot. Based in Nashville, TN, Priepot’s role is sales and business development with the aim of setting up and running a dealer/rep network across the US. Priepot will be handling the full range of Apex DSP audio products including the Intelli-Series system processors, with particular emphasis on the newly launched Class D SMA-1 amplifier module. “Ineke is a highly experienced sales professional who knows this business inside out,” says Apex managing director, Paul Van Hees. “She is also a respected sound engineer with a strong technical background and has a solid network of contacts in the US, so we’re confident that she’ll be able to help us establish the Apex brand in the US.” (Jim Evans)
Germany - Wireless audio system engineer Victor Lang recently helped The Voice of Germany improve its wireless in-ear monitoring coverage with new Wisycom solutions. With a reliable RF signal that extends from the stage all the way to the back of the audience and backstage into the green room, Lang turned to the Wisycom’s MTK952 Wideband Dual transmitter, MPR50-IEM Wideband Receiver and MAT288 Matrix Combiner. For The Voice of Germany, Lang employed the Wisycom IEM system – the MPR50-IEM and MTK952 – along with 40 channels of Shure Digital Axient for all the wireless mics through the MAT288 to create multiple antenna coverage/zones. “One of the big reasons the producers wanted to try out the Wisycom IEM system was because of the difficulty they had in the past in getting full coverage in each of the key zones,” he says. “I was confident that
USA - Orlando-headquartered Professional Wireless Systems has expanded their rental programme with the addition of Lucas Lewis, national rental manager. The announcement was made by Jim Van Winkle, general manager. “Our organisation continues to expand,” explains Van Winkle. “We have always had a national rental presence but have lacked a specific point person - Lucas is now that person. This will allow us to provide our products and services to a broader base of customers. We are very excited to have him on board.” Based in Orlando, Lewis is charged with not only working with production companies, but also reaching out to establish a presence with houses of worship, schools, and corporate AV. Prior to joining Professional Wireless, Lewis worked with PRG as an audio asset manager where he oversaw the flow of assets internally moving between different lo
Spain - Alfonso Luria Carrió has been appointed sales manager for d&b audiotechnik Spain. Carrió, who has worked in the pro audio industry since he was 16, joins the team from SoundLight Spain. He will focus on coordinating the activity of all d&b partner organisations and consolidating growth in the fixed install market. Carrió’s appointment follows the announcement of Christian Orcin as the new managing director of d&b audiotechnik Spain in March. “I am happy to join the d&b team, and very excited to be able to offer complete support for our customers across Spain along with a clear strategy and vision,” says Carrió. “d&b is very well known for the high quality of its products and the excellent education and support our technical te
