Brazil - API has announced the addition of a new distributor in Brazil, Just Pro Audio. Distributing professional audio brands for Latin America, Just Pro Audio’s extensive product line will now include analogue sound of API. Just Pro Audio focuses on musical production, broadcast, radio, and live audio, and offers a wide variety of services including consulting, systems design, integration, installation, training and technical support. “API is honoured to have Just Pro Audio on board to help us expand our sales into the very vibrant and growing Brazilian market,” noted API’s managing director Gordon Smart. “Just Pro’s level of professionalism and expertise is an excellent match for the API brand, and their timing is perfect with the arrival of three new API consoles over the past 24 months.” (Jim Evans)
UK - The first UK installation of Adamson Systems IS7 line array loudspeaker systems has been completed at Howden Park Centre in Livingston by Adamson Certified re-seller Live Systems Ltd. West Lothian's premier centre for arts performances and events Howden Park Centre was transformed in 2009 by architects Nicoll Russell Studios. The Centre was awarded the accolade of Building of the Year from the Edinburgh Architectural Association. Stephen Oakes and Cliff Carrie who form the core technical team at Howden Park commented: "Our existing sound system was failing and we managed to secure finance through West Lothian Leisure for a replacement. We demoed three major loudspeaker brands including Adamson, unanimously we decided that we liked Adamson the best. “The system was clean, controlled and dynamic, it delivered constant sonic impact from low levels of sound al
Europe - ISE 2019 saw the launch of the third system in the EM Acoustics’ HALO line array family, HALO-B. The move follows the introduction in early 2018 of the British company’s large format HALO-A arena system. As its name suggests, HALO-B sits between HALO-A and HALO-C in both physical size and overall system output, and as such is perhaps the most versatile system in the family. Built on the same ‘maximum headroom’ design principles as HALO-A to ensure consistent performance across all SPL levels and consistent horizontal dispersion pattern across the operating frequency band, HALO-B is a two-way reflex-loaded line array element featuring dual 8” LF drivers and four 1” HF drive units. Festivals, stadia, sports arenas, concert halls, theatres, houses of worship and corporate AV events are all candidates for HALO-B which is designed to be equally comfort
UK - Henley Town Hall, an imposing Grade II listed building, sits in the centre of the Oxfordshire market town and is administered by Henley-on-Thames Town Council. Whilst in regular use for council business, its principal spaces are also used for a variety of functions, from weddings, civil ceremonies and concerts to meetings, classes and trade fairs. The venue’s arch-roofed, second-floor main hall is a highly reverberant space - in fact even by heritage listed building standards, the acoustics are challenging. Existing acoustic panelling in the hall had been supplemented with additional provision but its beneficial effects were still rather limited. The audio system in situ was not only outdated and inadequate but constituted something of a black box eyesore amongst such opulent surroundings. Whilst it was of fundamental importance that the audio in the room was va
USA - When preparing for international stadium tours for two of the world’s top pop artists, touring company Eighth Day Sound worked with Wisycom to develop a solution for its wireless RF challenges. Eighth Day Sound’s two most recent high-profile global tours turned to Wisycom’s MAT288 Matrix Combiner and MFL RF-Over-Fibre Antenna System to give sound engineers the tools necessary to cover the extensive wireless needs for these large projects. For Eighth Day project manager Jordan Kolenc, creating an RF design that would provide maximum coverage for one such major stadium tour left him with a long list of concerns, and a need to pre-emptively find solutions. After much trial and error, Kolenc contacted Jim Dugan, president of Wisycom USA, who visited Eighth Day’s shop to demonstrate how Wisycom’s MAT288 combiner, along with its MFL antenna system, could pro
Australia - It isn’t often that an artist introduces a sound engineer to a new piece of audio equipment - usually it is the other way around. However, this is what happened when British-born singer/songwriter Leo Sayer discovered the benefits of DPA’s d:facto vocal microphone. As a result of his good experience, he introduced the kit to his long-term sound engineer and production manager Damien Young. Now based in Australia, where he has lived since 2005, Leo Sayer began using d:facto vocal microphones during his last UK and European tour when they formed part of the audio itinerary supplied by Cliff Brothers. He was so impressed with their sound that on his return to Australia he asked Damien Young to source wireless d:facto mics for his forthcoming Australia and New Zealand tour dates. DPA’s local distributor Amber Technology was delighted to help and after demoing
Spain - French loudspeaker manufacturer APG has appointed Andalusian audio specialist Zero Dbs to support and promote its brand and products in Spain. Zero Dbs has organised demo days on 13-14 February in collaboration with the APG team, taking place at the Priego de Cordoba Victoria Theatre, which was equipped with a Uniline Compact system at the end of 2018. Juan Antonio Cuevas, technical director and owner of Zero Dbs, comments: “I have favoured the APG brand for a long time thanks to its sound and manufacturing quality, as well as its versatility. Their products offer features that I have not found with any other brands in the industry.” He adds: “The Spanish market might not know the APG brand well yet, but I’m convinced regional companies and customers will soon be aware of its qualities. Whenever we have provided APG in the past, customers have b
UK - Live event production educational facility Backstage Academy has announced the continuing support of long-term partner d&b audiotechnik. The news was announced by d&b director Stephen Hogg and Miles Marsden, Backstage Academy’s industry partnerships director, who instigated the original agreement. Marsden comments: “d&b has a long-term commitment to training; the company took the opportunity of being an early adopter here and is now one of a number of companies reaping a return on investment.” Headline partners enable the Backstage team to work with current technology and equipment, in return gaining access to the Academy’s facilities, both for their commercial needs and as a part of the institution’s educational syllabus. These facilities range from immersive opportunities in Production Park, studio space and hot-desking. “Everyone
UK - Video solutions specialist Production AV will be on Stand I2E at the Event Production Show at London Olympia on 26 and 27 February to showcase the Agile Arc Lite PTZ camera integration solution from leading media server company disguise. Based in Cheltenham, Production AV has been at the forefront of AV innovation for 14 years. It is inviting visitors to get hands-on with the new disguise and Agile kit at the show. In February, disguise launched the latest version of its award-winning software, used to design, sequence and control live shows and experiences. Version r15.2 now includes integrations with Agile Remote Cameras’ range of PTZ cameras, enabling live video feeds from the discreet PTZ cameras to be used as part of the visuals on impressive live events. “We’re thrilled to demo just what disguise’s new Agile integration protocol can do in
USA - Atlona has appointed Craig Childs as regional sales manager, TOLA, for the residential and commercial markets. A certified technology specialist in professional AV technology, Childs will also manage relationships with regional partners that sell and install Atlona solutions. He will be based in Dallas and report to Bruce Moses, director of sales, western region. “I look forward to capitalising on the success that Atlona has had in the TOLA region by developing new residential and commercial accounts, and providing excellent customer service to established customers,” says Childs. “I will leverage my extensive commercial AV sales experience to drive my ambitious sales goals, as well as the strong relationships I have built with corporations, universities, systems integrators, consultants, and others throughout the region. The common denominator is that thes
UK - Martin Audio reports that its recently announced series of Adorn on-wall loudspeakers is now shipping. Adorn was launched at the recent Martin Audio Open Days, where global distributors noted the many application opportunities it offers, from retail to corporate. Designed for distributed sound applications that require high performance from visually discreet enclosures, the Adorn series also provides a seamless sonic transition within a multi-zoned complex using larger Martin Audio systems such as CDD or BlacklineX. Dom Harter, managing director, comments: “The commercial install market for loudspeakers is significant and growing, and the Adorn series is targeted to win over specifiers, system integrators and installers by offering stunning sound quality in a diminutive, attractive and competitively priced package.” The newly-announced SX110 subw
Pakistan - KYAF Corporation recently outfitted DHA Sports Club with a new complete Harman Professional Solutions sound system to provide an immersive audio experience on the field and in the stands. Located in the heart of Karachi, DHA Sports Club is managed by renowned Pakistani cricketer Moin Khan. As part of the facility’s mission to provide a place for young Pakistani athletes to develop their talents in a supportive environment, DHA Sports Club hired KYAF Corporation to upgrade their sound system with modern audio solutions. After careful consideration, KYAF Corporation and DHA Sports Club selected a sound reinforcement system comprised of JBL Professional speakers, Crown amplifiers and AKG microphones. “DHA Sports Club asked us to provide a high-quality audio system that would complement their beautiful sports facility and provide great coverage,” says Ahme
UK - East of England Arena Events Centre (EEAEC) has announced a collaboration with Pearce Hire. The EEAEC is one of the UK’s top event venues, hosting over 300 events, conferences and meetings a year. The multi-purpose events complex sboasts over 9,000sq.m of indoor space and over 250 acres of outside space. With significant and ongoing investment in the venue and its infrastructure, the venue has appointed Pearce Hire as a preferred contractor working throughout the complex. “With our HQ based in Peterborough we are ideally placed geographically to offer an outstanding level of service and support to the venue, to the organisers putting on events at the venue, and to the exhibitors at all the major trade and consumer exhibitions which take place here throughout the year,” observes Shaun Pearce, managing director, Pearce Hire. “Having provided services for man
China - Sound Space Vision (SSV) was part of the design team for the Xiqu Centre, the first finished building in Hong Kong’s new West Kowloon Cultural District. The Xiqu Centre serves as the gateway to the district and is dedicated to the performance of Chinese opera (Xiqu) and as the centre for preservation and development of the variety of Chinese opera art forms. SSV was responsible for the acoustics and audio systems in all the centre’s spaces, including both amplified and un-amplified performances in the 1073-seat Grand Theatre, and the 150-200-seat Tea House; a well-equipped Seminar Hall; large and small rehearsal facilities; a recording/broadcast suite; and all the retail, food and beverage areas connected to the Centre’s public ground-level Atrium. “We were well-prepared for this particular form of opera house having spent many years visiting Hong Kong
UK - Alexandra Palace opened in 1873 as a grand Victorian public gesture - ‘the people's Palace’. Since then, the complex story of the London venue - affectionately known as Ally Pally - has been marked by fires, restoration, substantial war-time damage, charitable rescue and many political sagas. In December, after 80 years of slumber and two years of careful restoration, Alexandra Palace Theatre re-opened. As part of the process, a complete technical infrastructure had to be installed, including a substantial L-Acoustics Kara PA system. The Alexandra Palace Theatre itself is part of the building's East Wing. It had an original capacity of 3,000 and the stage was a marvel of Victorian engineering, incorporating a variety of innovative stage machinery. The BBC leased the Palace in 1935 and the theatre went unused until performances started again in 2004, in a lim
USA - Community Professional Loudspeakers has appointed Richard Dean Associates as its rep firm for the New England and Upstate New York. Established in 1975, Richard Dean Associates’ line card includes Shure, QSC, Allen & Heath, BARCO, Patton Electronics, Denon/Marantz Pro, Rane, IDK Corp. and Listen Technologies. Dick Bazirgan, principal of Richard Dean Associates, comments: “We pride ourselves on representing the premier brands in every category, and Community is certainly in that group. It is a great complement to our other brands, with outdoor and installation products covering voids we couldn’t previously fill. The endorsement of many of our rep colleagues also played a big part in our decision. To a firm, they talked about what a great company Community is to work with.” Bazirgan adds: “We have a large number of outdoor opportunities with all of th
USA - The Super Bowl, one of the most wireless-intensive live events with thousands of devices vying for clear spectrum, deployed Shure wireless systems for game day, including the flagship Axient Digital wireless system and PSM 1000 in-ear monitors. All RF usage was planned and managed by NFL lead frequency coordinator Karl Voss. Primary audio supplier ATK Audiotek again brought in experts from Orlando-based Professional Wireless Systems (PWS) to meet the challenge of delivering pristine audio for the on-field entertainment. PWS handled Gladys Knight’s rendition of the US national anthem among other pre-game festivities, plus the Maroon 5 half time show and the referee’s critical microphone. Professional Wireless Systems RF engineer, Gary Trenda, chose Shure wireless again. He explains: “It’s our second straight year using Axient Digital as our preferred syst
China - The Zhengzhou Art Palace has upgraded its main PA with Aero-20A systems from DAS Audio. The Zhengzhou Art Palace, which houses a 1,338 and 186-seat theatres, had recently undergone a major renovation to convert the venue into a multi-purpose facility with a stage lift, a project that included a revamp of the Art Palace’s audio system. DAS Audio China were contracted to set up an audio system for the Zhengzhou Art Palace that was powerful yet adaptable enough to meet the venue’s unique sound needs, which range from ballets and dance performances to opera and symphonies by first-class national and international groups. A total of two clusters of six Aero-20A line arrays were installed as the main PA using the integrated DASaim optimisation tool, combined with two LX-118A subwoofers, which were flown in a left/right configuration on either side of the st
Swaziland - Ten Concepts, a Swaziland based hire company for audio, visual and lighting equipment, has invested in a DiGiCo S21 with D2 rack, purchased from South African distributor, DWR Distribution. “When I saw the DiGiCo S21 on the internet I was sold,” says company founder, Thabani Ngcamphalala. “I love the touchscreen and being able to move files from one screen to the other without a problem. It’s so user friendly.” He will be using the console for corporate events and shows, and is particularly looking forward to making use of the DiGiCo platform for live events. (Jim Evans)
UK - On-Stage, supplier of musical accessories and pro-audio equipment, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2019. After years of encountering the varied needs of musicians first-hand, Jim Hennessey set about designing the innovative solutions he felt were lacking in the marketplace. Utilising knowledge acquired during a career in aviation, as well as his experience of the music industry from his time at Ovation guitars, Hennessey designed the TRI Triple Guitar Stand, an industry first which became On-Stage's debut product. “I've always been a creator and designer, so when I saw a need in the industry, I filled it,” said Jim Hennessey. “I'm so proud of where we are as a company today; we have all of the musicians that have used our products throughout the years to thank. It has been a pleasure serving you for the last four decades.” Distributed in UK, ROI a
USA - In the hands of Beckie Campbell, an Allen & Heath dLive S7000 mixing system is more than a console, it’s a base from which students can start their careers in professional audio. As the owner of B4 Media Production, a live event production company based in Vero Beach, Florida, Campbell’s business model serves a wide-ranging client base while empowering the next generation of audio engineers. “I want to give young people work,” Campbell says, “as well as a leg up that I didn’t have when I started out so they can embark on a solid career path. I hire a lot of freelancers who are just out of college or give students a chance to earn credit hours for internships or complete program requirements. It’s challenging sometimes, but ultimately quite rewarding.” B4 has a presence around the country at conferences, festivals, faith-based entertainment ev
USA - Southcrest Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas, holds five weekly services, three of which involve a full choir and orchestra. The church also offers seven weekly television broadcast programmes that reach a local and worldwide audience. Along with its weekly services, the church hosts an Internet live stream three times a week. Rusty Trowbridge, technical director/lead audio technician at Southcrest Baptist Church, wanted to improve the overall sound quality for the prominent Northwest Texas church’s weekly services and broadcasts. After testing various options, Trowbridge found that a selection of DPA Microphones produced the best sound and were able to handle the church’s high-production demands. The upgraded microphone package Trowbridge employed consisted of DPA d:vote 4099 Instrument Microphones for most of the orchestra, including all of the stringed ins
USA - At the recent NAMM show, Westview Productions presented a cheque for $5,162.32 to Behind the Scenes as their first donation to the charity as a new Pledge-a-Service Partner. Westview is an entertainment, energy, and immersive technology solutions firm headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Their project process encompasses all aspects of design that integrates with all construction trades to ensure a cohesive and seamless project experience. Westview has global experience in lighting, motion control, audio and AV systems, media, and architectural systems allowing them to provide comprehensive services as a sole solutions organisation. On presentation of the cheque, Eric Bloom, president, states: “I feel so strongly about the Behind the Scenes Foundation’s efforts, that it’s a great pleasure to be able to support the foundation this way. Helping to support our c
Italy - A sound system from Clair Brothers was deployed for the 25th anniversary celebration of Italian nightclub Odissea Fun City Dance Club. The club’s owners decided their previous system had served its purpose well but that the time had come to upgrade. Prase Media Technologies, Clair Brothers Italian distributor, was asked to suggest speakers for the upgrade. Emanuele ‘Lele’ Luongo, product manager at Prase, along with Ivan Omiciuolo and Matteo Barbaro, whom supported the project throughout, recommended the new Clair Brothers PA. “The main challenge in this room,” explains Luongo, “was to achieve homogeneity in the distribution of low frequencies while also minimizing the reflections, within the entire audio range, caused by metal sets and mirrors on the side walls of the dance floor. We also worked to curb the incidence of medium-high range in
