The Netherlands - One of Holland’s first installations of Nexo’s new Geo M10 mid-size line array has been completed in the Stadsgehoorzaal in Kampen, a classic 125-year old city theatre in the traditional Dutch style. The plush red auditorium of the Stadsgehoorzaal, which seats 480, has just been equipped with a Nexo line array system in a L/C/R configuration, with Nexo’s super-compact ID Series loudspeakers for fills. The design story starts with the theatre’s large central chandelier, which challenges most sound reinforcement system designs, obstructing sound from reaching the balcony. Bert Koenders, from Nexo distributor and installer Iemke Roos, worked closely with the theatre’s head of sound Larz Kemper and his installation team, coming up with a design which deployed small clusters of a pair of Nexo Geo M6 line array modules - these were ceiling-mounted
Canada - The PA Shop Productions recently bolstered its rental inventory with an investment in Adamson Systems Engineering’s E-Series and S-Series loudspeakers. The system saw plenty of action on major tours and music festivals in the latter half of 2017 and now, The PA Shop is ready for a jam-packed 2018, which includes the delivery of Adamson’s Applied Certification training at its headquarters from 26-27 February. “We’d been back-and-forth with Jeremiah Karni, application engineer with Adamson, examining our options and putting several products through their paces in real-world applications,” shares The PA Shop’s vice president and production manager, Kyle Schroeyens. “Needless to say, we were blown away by their performance, but also by the care and service we received from the team at Adamson. That made it even clearer that we’d made the right deci
UK - AV provider Anna Valley provided the video technology used at the VO5 NME Awards 2018 at London’s O2 Academy Brixton on 14 February. Central to the event design created by Reality was a backdrop comprising multiple LED screens that changed configuration for each artist and award. To support this year’s visual theme of The Glitch, which featured broken-up graphics and images, Anna Valley provided three on-stage video elements: the exploding banner - comprising three LED screens in staggered positions to display captions, logos and titles; the exploding main screen – made up of five LED screens that moved independently into different configurations to form the backdrop for the main acts; and the MiStrip Lattice Gateway - interlaced video poles used to create a gateway for artists and presenters to make their entrance. Both the exploding banner and mai
UK - Once an essential stop on any self-respecting band’s UK tour, the Preston Guild Hall & Charter Theatre complex was threatened with demolition as recently as 2014. However, thanks to new owners The Rigby Group, it is currently undergoing a major upgrade programme. This has included the installation of a distributed audio system based on Yamaha processors and control. The project covers the 2034-capacity Grand Hall, 780-capacity Charter Theatre and a range of restaurants and other facilities. In the most recent phase, Autograph Sales & Installations was asked to supply an unobtrusive but powerful multi-zone audio system for Level, a facility providing a wide range of entertainment and activities, including a multi-screen sports bar and nightclub. Autograph’s Ben Tredwell worked closely with the venue’s technical manager James Hubbard, who was clear fro
UK - Gorillaz, the virtual band formed by Blur singer Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, was founded 20 years ago. Since then, the project has continued to evolve, as has the size of the production - it is now all about the real players (and guest stars) rather than just the animation, and Albarn and co. are often more than 20-strong when they hit the road. With such a big show comes great sonic responsibility, all of which is in the hands of Matt Butcher at FOH and Dave Guerin at monitors, both of whom rely on DiGiCo for everything. “I started with Damon [Albarn] after Parklife came out, so we go back a long way,” Butcher says. “Right at the beginning of the year, for pre-production, we wanted to not compromise on any of the audio - and that’s the way to go: don’t mess around, do it right. Because I’ve known Damon for so long, I can get quite involved
Ireland - Avolites has appointed A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET) as its exclusive distributor in Ireland for its range of lighting control and dimming products. AC-ET will be running a series of Avolites product demonstrations, road shows and hands-on training sessions in Ireland. They will also hold stock of core Avolites products ready for immediate despatch from their UK warehouses. Aaron Cripps, AC-ET’s regional sales representative for Ireland, says: “Taking on the exclusive distribution of Avolites' lighting control & dimming solutions in this territory gives us the opportunity to focus further on providing first-class sales, service and support to what is a fantastic range of products. “We’ve recently supplied Avolites consoles to venues such as INEC Killarney and the Cork Opera house, where their versatility and ease of operation means
The Netherlands - At the recent ISE show Work Pro unveiled the first devices to allow extensive app-based control over Bluetooth: updated versions of the company’s PA 100 MX installation amplifier and MD 82 AX auto-mixer. The PA 100 MX is Work Pro’s half-rack, three-input 100W installation amplifier with two-line inputs and one mic input, a built-in feedback destroyer and a switchable low-impedance (4/8Ω) or 70/100V output. As well as adding Bluetooth control, the new PA 200 MX being showcased at ISE doubles the power output of the PA 100 MX to 200W while offering all of the features of the original. The MD 82 AX MkII also retains all the functions of the original auto-mixer (auto-mixing with a selectable Target level and switchable phantom power for up to eight mic channels with full bass, mid and treble EQ, a four-level automatic feedback destroyer function, and
Europe - Yamaha has announced the addition of MG10XUF and MG12XUK mixing consoles to the popular MG Series line-up. MG Series mixers are compact, easy-to-use solutions for small-to-medium scale event and live performance applications. Since being first introduced in 2003, they have become standard equipment at many venues, with refinements and upgrades continuing to expand their suitability for a wide spectrum of sound reinforcement situations. The sonic quality, design and reliability of the third-generation MG series (released in 2014) has enjoyed particular worldwide acclaim. The new MG10XUF and MG12XUK models add broader choice to the popular 10 and 12 channel categories within the third-generation MG Series line-up. While the adoption of linear faders in the MG10XUF offers fine level control and direct visual feedback, the MG12XUK employs rotary controls which mea
USA - RMB Audio recently installed a Wavefront Precision Compact array in the Edenton Street United Methodist Church complex in Raleigh, North Carolina, adding to Martin Audio systems that already exist including MLA Mini, CDD and Ceiling Series speakers. Working closely with Edenton’s technical consultant Dave Clemmer, Matt Johnson, Wayne Sowder, Rick Null and Tobias Cannady of RMB installed WPC enclosures and SX212 subs powered by iKON amplifiers in Kerr Hall, a new 500-seat worship area on the second floor of the block long structure in downtown Raleigh. As described by RMB president Cooper Cannady, “The system was designed for a site called The Gathering that measures 80ft. deep by 80ft. wide and holds a variety of events for the millennial audience, which required a very aggressive sound system for the electric ‘praise’ bands. “The church opted fo
USA - Robert Nelson, production manager and monitor engineer for Blondie, updated his decades-old Clair Brothers wedges with the purchase of a dozen Clair Brothers 1AM+ 12-inch point source monitors. Nelson, who’s got 40 years’ experience in live sound, explains his reasoning: “I do my best to stay on top of what they need and to try and make everything happen, within reason and the laws of physics. Compared to a lot of monitor engineers, I keep things simple. If I do any processing at all, it’s modest - there’s only so much that processing can achieve. The real weak link in most monitoring situations is the monitor wedges themselves, and all the crazy processing in the world can’t fix a lousy wedge.” Nelson owns more than 20 Clair Brothers 12AM wedges that have served, and continue to serve, him and his clients well for 20 years. “For Blondie, I want
South Korea - Gangneung Ice Arena was built for the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics as the venue for the figure skating and short track speed skating competitions. With a seating capacity is 12,000, the arena houses two 60m x 30m ice rinks for competition and training. South Korean distributor Soundus was tasked with providing an appropriate audio solution and the company designed a system of Python-KP52 line arrays, chosen for maximum clarity and definition and ability to provide continuous, even coverage. Equipped with Pure Array Technology (PAT), the Python has no crossover points in the voice range and no reflex ports. Only the closely-spaced, full-range 3" identical sound sources are responsible for the Python's true line array characteristics. It shows a perfect phase response both in the near and in the far fields making this compact column speaker the perfect
The Netherlands - For the fourth year, 4EVAC enjoyed a successful ISE with interest from across mainland Europe for its innovative systems: the COMPACT 500 and LoopDrive Fault Isolator Module (FIM). Both systems set a precedent in line with today’s modern demands for installation efficiency as cost effective solutions either as stand-alone units or as a complementary integrated solution. 4EVAC also previewed its new IMPACT system at ISE 2018. Set to bring 4EVAC’s COMPACT 500 technology into a 19” rack mountable solution, the IMPACT expands the capacity of 4EVAC’s commitment to de-mystify VACIE (voice alarm control and indicating equipment) cleverly combining the SW6 DIN-rail zone extender modules. The success of the COMPACT 500 lies in its compact footprint and modular design. It offers seamless integration as a ‘lean & mean’ solution that’s se
Australia - Professional Audio & Television (PAT) announced that they have delivered, configured and commissioned a Lawo Nova73 and a Lawo crystal console including compact engine for the Joan Sutherland Theatre in the Sydney Opera House via lead integrator The Downer Group. The Lawo Nova73 Core has been configured as an mc² Mix Engine. Used as the Central Audio Router for the Joan Sutherland Theatre, the Nova73 is combining MADI, RAVENNA and Dante signals, along with traditional analogue and AES by way of a Lawo DALLIS I/O Frame. Lawo’s powerful mxGUI is used as the primary control interface for the router, allowing users to load snapshots for different room configurations, while also offering user manual adjustments of signal flows and parameters. The system is completed with a VistoolMK2-equipped Lawo crystal console, to provide a simplified tactile, or custo
New Zealand - New Zealand distributor of professional audio products Jands has announced that the company will continue to support and distribute the Harman Professional Solutions brands in the New Zealand territory. The announcement follows some confusion in the region following the decision by Jands Australia to no longer represent Harman in the Australian territory. Bruce Gray, managing director for Jands NZ, says: “There has always been great synergy with the two companies - indeed, Jands New Zealand was created 30 years ago in partnership with Paul Mulholland of Jands (Pty) Ltd Australia, to sell audio products in the New Zealand market. However, that partnership was dissolved 28 years ago, whilst the Jands name was retained.” Since then Jands NZ has built a legacy in New Zealand, becoming specialists in sound system design, supplying leading audio bran
The Netherlands - Axiom Pro Audio introduced two new loudspeaker products in its AX series of line array products at the ISE show in Amsterdam. One year after launching the AX12C column array at ISE2017 the Italian-made professional loudspeaker brand has shown the AX6C, a new column array consisting of six 3.5” cone drivers housed in a rugged aluminium enclosure that is half the height of the larger AX12C. Designed for mobile and installed applications where high power and clarity are needed, the AX6C’s line array characteristics are enhanced by natural cardioid behaviour which reduces output behind the speaker. In a further evolution of the original AX12C design, Axiom presented for the first time at ISE the AX12LF low frequency loudspeaker housed in the same sized enclosure as the AX12C, making it the perfect low frequency extension complement in corpora
Canada - After over 30 years of service, two ageing consoles at Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology (OIART) were put out to pasture and replaced with two Audient ASP8024 Heritage Edition desks. As part of the facilities’ upgrade, they were chosen not only because they supported the curriculum, but also because they came in at the desired price point. Head of audio production curriculum, Dean Nelson was pleasantly surprised when he first heard the brand new British consoles. “The first thing that jumped out - and this was the cherry on top - was the tone. I’d read the specs, was aware of the Stereo Bus 990C Mix Amps with the switchable Retro Iron transformers and Dave Dearden’s design history, but hearing is believing. “The Heritages have a nice clarity and punch, but when you want you can drive the pre’s and it saturates quite nicely; the stere
UK - As the want of returning sound designers has become more adventurous by the visit, and sound designs and PA systems have grown in complexity, so Manchester’s Royal Exchange theatre has stepped up to match the requirement by expanding its existing TiMax SoundHub to provide an impressive 48 x 48 analogue and MADI inputs/outputs. The upgrade also included a new Digico SD10T main console and QLab over MADI. TiMax has been integral to the theatre’s sound control for just over two decades and the main productions appearing at the Royal Exchange have long benefitted from the advanced spatial programming that can be achieved effortlessly in TiMax. Head of sound, Sorcha Williams, who oversaw the last upgrade in 2014 to TiMax2 SoundHub, when the theatre’s original system came to its end of life after 16 years, notes that sound designers accompanying productions from elsewh
UK - With a prime site off London’s Leicester Square, Studio 88 has opened as a new concept in entertainment, billed as “a non-stop, audience requested, live music experience”. The brainchild of Alan Lorrimer, founder of The House of Song, the venue features a stage that has been equipped with a premium Martin Audio sound system by W1 Productions, using a variety of the company’s components and control. Every night, two piano vocalists and accompanying musicians form a six-piece band who play a non-stop repertoire of music through the Martin Audio system - decided only by the customers themselves who populate the 350-seat restaurant. Both W1 Productions MD, Stuart Turvill, and operations manager, Alan Beck, have wide experience in using Martin Audio systems in their various guises, the latter having first encountered the legendary Philishaves and split b
Nigeria - With an audience estimated at close to three quarters of a million people, The Experience is an inter-denominational gospel concert held annually in Lagos. Convened and hosted by Pastor Paul Adefarasin, the colossal event debuted in December 2006 and is now the largest musical concert in Africa, featuring guest artistes from numerous countries leading the crowd in worship and praise. Lagos-based CyTech World Communication provided the serious audio infrastructure necessary to deliver speech and music to the vast crowds. Such is the success CyTech have achieved at this unique event that 2017 is actually the fifth consecutive year in which they and their Outline loudspeaker systems have been entrusted with the technical responsibility for reaching every corner of the enormous audience area within the huge 280m × 200m Tafawa-Balewa Square. A long-standi
UK - Following the success of last year’s open day, Nitelites will again be hosting an RCF showcase at the Sage Gateshead on 27 March between 10am-5pm. The event will feature a full demonstration of four key new systems. The HDL30-A, NX32-A and NX45-A will be rigged and presented to sound professionals for the first time in the UK, while the smaller HDL6-A - shown in prototype last year - will now be fired up as a full working model. The latest HDL systems are part of RCF’s D-Line range of active composite line array enclosures, which have proved popular with rental companies and installers alike. The NX series of active speakers will demonstrate their versatility either as a stand-alone system, satellite-fills or stage monitor. “RCF product specialists will be on hand to advise and answer questions, and visitors will have the opportunity to inspect the pr
UK - When Nottingham-based Quadrant Events took the decision to freshen up their loudspeaker stock, they opted for KV2 Audio. Offering services ranging from AV hire and technical staging, to event management, communication strategy, video production and creative concepts Quadrant provides complete solutions with complete control of all aspects. Technical production manager Mark Oakland comments, “Here at Quadrant we took the decision to replace the speakers in our hire stock. These are the workhorses of our hire fleet, going in and out of venues on a daily basis. “Having looked at many manufacturers and models we turned to KV2 who visited us and showed us the ESD range. Our technicians put the speakers to the test and found the size, weight and - most importantly – the sound quality was just what we were looking for.” Products from the passive ESD r
USA - D.A.S. Audio of America, Inc., the North American division of parent company D.A.S. Audio, has announced the appointment of Leandro Jose Arguello to the position of retail sales manager - Latin America. Arguello’s appointment commenced in January 2018. He is based at the company’s U.S. headquarters in Miami. In his new position, Arguello will be responsible for driving retail sales for the MI marketplace by developing customized strategies for each Latin American country. Arguello will travel extensively throughout the Latin American territory to meet with current and potential new distributors—all with the goal of increasing D.A.S. Audio’s brand awareness throughout this important region. Prior to joining D.A.S. Audio, Arguello served in several capacities that have well-prepared him for his new position. Most recently, he was the principal and owner of
UK - In one of the company’s biggest ever projects in the UK, J&C Joel, helped keep sound in check by installing their acoustic solutions in the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s performance spaces. The £57m facility is an international music and drama academy, which is part of Birmingham City University. It has over 500 students on undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes, as well as a junior department of over 200 students. In 2015, renowned cellist and conductor Julian Lloyd Webber was named as Principal. The Conservatoire has moved to a new building adjacent to Millennium Point, where Birmingham City University already has a campus. The new building includes The Concert Hall – a 500-seat concert hall with a large stage, to accommodate a symphony orchestra. Other venues include The Recital Hall with retractable seating, The Lab, a cutting edge,
Spain - Clair Brothers new distribution partner in Spain, VTècnics, recently upgraded its touring P.A. to the new C12 system immediately following their decision to partner with the loudspeaker company. And they’ve wasted no time putting it to the test. For The Moto Grand Prix World Championship, VTècnics was called on for the first time to provide full production of the Spanish leg. Juan Carlos Álvarez, VTècnics stage systems engineer, explains: “We’re honoured to have been selected for the 2017 celebration of the winner of the Moto GP championship, rider Marc Marquez from our home country of Spain.” When the time came for the rider’s speech, a couple wireless microphones were used. The C12 system delivered a powerfully clean sound to the audience. VTècnics provided a successful event overall. Álvarez notes, “Events like this come with unique challen
