UK - Stylus Productions recently provided Martin Audio’s MLA loudspeaker array as the preferred sound reinforcement for American rock band Good Charlotte on their UK tour. The service company already owned the control/stage packages for the band and for the PA they turned to Martin Audio partners, RG Jones Sound Engineering and Capital Sound, working closely with Simon Honywill in system development and optimisation. They also supplied infrastructure and production management service for the tour. MLA rigs went into Glasgow Barrowlands, Southampton Guildhall and Brixton Academy, and the PA appeared in various configurations, and with different optimisations to suit the venue - but included MLA/MLX plus MLA Compact and MLA Minis, with DD12s for fills. Stylus Productions MD, Sam Thomas, confirmed that the decision to spec MLA was collaborative, but had not bee
USA - Optocore has been providing professional digital transport systems for high channel counts of audio, video and data for more the 25 years. The Digico SD series of consoles have been using the Optocore fibre network as their digital fibre transport system since their release because of the redundant and reliable performance of the network. The Optocore platform is easily programmed and connected using redundant fibre connections and allows for near instantaneous transmission of audio, control and data without any loss or electrical interference. This makes Optocore enabled consoles an appealing choice for audio technicians that need to transport a large amount of audio, maintain great quality audio and not worry about IT integration or IP addresses. An additional benefit to using the Optocore fibre network with SD consoles is the ability of using any Optocore R-
USA - Garth Brooks celebrated a new ticket sales record after three years touring North America with his wife, Trisha Yearwood, and his trusted sound system designed by Clair Brothers. The exacting standards by which Garth works and his genuine thoughtfulness, from his song-writing and studio recording, to the level of planning, production quality, gear and pros he takes out on the road with him, set the stage for success. Preparation for this tour began in 2014 when Garth commissioned a custom-made sound system design from Clair Brothers. Six months of research and system development engineering were required to meet the vision conceptualized by Brooks and his production team. This vision garnered Garth and his team a 2018 TEC Award nomination for Outstanding Creative Achievement for Tour/Event Sound Production. His main touring PA consists of a combination of
Sweden - With music and the spoken word at the heart of the modern worship service, any renovation of a church sanctuary calls for a critical appraisal of the performance of the fixed audio system. In the Bethlehem Church in Gothenburg, Sweden, just such a renovation resulted in the installation of a new Nexo Geo M6 compact line array, after careful analysis of the church room’s acoustics and a shoot-out between manufacturers’ solutions. Tech 4 Event AB has specialised in church installations over recent years and was called in to assess the needs of the Bethlehem church, and its 800-strong congregation. Björn Carlsson, the CEO of Tech 4 Events, and his colleagues looked at a number of different sound reinforcement systems for the installation, considering the aesthetic appearance of the audio solution as well as its sonic performance. The church called for a dem
New Zealand - Jands NZ recently installed a networked audio system by Harman Professional Solutions at the Australian High Commission facility in Wellington. The Australian High Commission (AHC) acts as the Australian government’s official agency in New Zealand. In addition to providing a range of diplomatic services to the public, including passport, immigration, citizenship and cultural relations, the AHC also represents Australia’s interests to government and business organizations in New Zealand. A dedicated event space in the facility allows the AHC to host numerous events and meetings throughout the year. The AHC event space consists of four individual rooms that can accommodate multiple events simultaneously or be combined for large events. In order to ensure maximum intelligibility, versatility and ease-of-use during a wide range of events, the AHC hired
France - The artistic adventure of the Grand T in Nantes began in 1983 with the inauguration of the Espace 44, an 879-seat theatre designed by architect Claude Jeffroy and scenographer Igor Hilbert. The venue gained a strong reputation under the aegis of Jean-Luc Tardieu, the Grand T artistic director from 1985 to 1998, who directed many shows starring iconic actors such as Jean Marais, Edwige Feuillère and Anouk Aimé. Catherine Blondeau is the director of the theatre since 2011. Designed on the principle of an insulated staging area, Le Grand T stands out due to the short distance between the stage and the last row, creating an intimate feeling between the actors and the audience. To enhance this proximity, Le Grand T recently decided to upgrade the entire front-fill sound system. French integrator, Sonowest, trusted loudspeaker manufacturer APG and its new Uniline Compa
Italy/USA - Marani Pro Audio's recently-launched US office has partnered with Peavey Electronics Corporation to market and distribute Marani USA’s line of digital audio processing products. The complete range of Marani Pro Audio loudspeaker management and audio processors will be available through Peavey Commercial Audio sales representatives and distributors worldwide. A selection of Marani products will also be featured on the Peavey Commercial Audio stand 7-M210 at ISE 2018. “This is a very strong match for us,” explained Michele Marani, founder and managing director of Marani USA and Marani Proaudio. “Peavey has long enjoyed a reputation for pioneering excellence in sound reinforcement and pro audio products. Marani USA will augment Peavey’s considerable portfolio of brands with our unique high-performance digital audio processing products.” “
USA - Broadcast live on 28 January, the 60th Annual Grammy Awards delivered all the excitement and drama audiences have come to expect from the music industry’s marquee event. Several of the biggest artists in the industry, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year winner Bruno Mars, made use of 20 channels of Sennheiser’s digital wireless technology and four channels of its analogue wireless technology. Kendrick Lamar kicked off the show with a powerful performance of his song XXX from his Album of the Year nominated record DAMN. Lamar used a Sennheiser Digital 6000 wireless system featuring an SKM 9000 transmitter and MD 9235 capsule for transmission of his riveting rhymes. He would take home five Grammy Awards on the evening. Lady Gaga took the stage next, performing sensitive, piano-focused renditions of both the title track from
Spain - Madrid-based AV distributor Video Cine Import S.A. (VCI) has been announced as Avolites' new distributor for Spain. VCI was founded in 1999 and was originally dedicated to the film and TV markets before expanding into TV studio lighting installation in 2011 and the events sector. The company is now a major provider of lighting consoles and media servers, with offices in Madrid and Barcelona, and a subsidiary in Portugal. "We're thrilled to be able to offer all products from a respected brand such as Avolites for the Spanish market," says Pilu Baselga, marketing assistant at VCI. "We feel that it is hugely beneficial for us as a company to carry Avolites' full range of lighting controllers, from the Titan One to the Arena console, and from dimmers to their Ai line of industry-leading media servers, to cover all market needs. We're sure they will perfectly comp
The Netherlands - At ISE 2018, DPA Microphones will launch d:sign, the latest product group to join its d: branding that already encompasses d:facto, d:vote; d:screet; d:mension and d:dicate. Microphones and accessories within the new d:sign Installation Solutions Series are specifically targeted at the installation and conference markets and will be on show at Booth 7-P240 where DPA is exhibiting in conjunction with its Netherlands distributor Amptec. The d:sign Installation Solution Series is a flexible range of mics that “perfectly blends elegant design and amazing audio quality” From the boundary layer mount to an assortment of gooseneck mics for tabletop, podium or ceiling placement, you can “find the perfect solution for your space”. “When it comes to delivering a successful event or conference what you really need is clear, intelligible sound,
The Netherlands - Absen will introduce its NXTGEN technologies and products on stand 12C50, at this year’s ISE. The company will introduce its new COBALT (Chip-on-Board Advanced Light Technology) platform featuring Absen Chip-on-Board and NanoShield technologies alongside its HBB (High Brightness Black) with Common Cathode solutions. Absen’s innovations underpin the product ranges unveiled this year. NXTGEN presentations will run three times daily on the stand, adding an extra knowledge layer to support the newly-unveiled Polaris Series, featuring a range of high performance products with innovative technologies for indoor and outdoor events; Altair Series, a lightweight rental system featuring advanced carbon fibre materials and the world’s lightest touring frame solution; and the Cassette Series, designed to support a direct-into-housing upgrade of existing paper ba
Europe - KLANG:technologies has announced the release of KOS 3, a major upgrade to its operating system. KOS 3 introduces many new features that provide user benefits and an improved workflow when working with the KLANG 3D in-ear mixing system, says the company. A key feature of KOS 3 is the introduction of parametric EQ, providing the equalization of each input signal when no dedicated monitor console is available. Known for its user-friendly operation, KLANG provides a comprehensive range of easily understood pre-sets as well as graphically clear fine tuning with root intensity. This allows users to gradually blend in the tone signature of the EQ, and even invert it. With just one touch of a finger the pitch of the tonal characteristic can also be adjusted. KOS 3 additionally provides an output mix EQ with pre-sets and output phase invert. KOS 3 also adds an improve
The Netherlands - Live sound engineer Ash Hannis will be running a series of live demos on the Crest Audio Tactus digital mixing system on the Peavey Commercial Audio booth 7-M210 at ISE 2018. Well known for his stints with Nizlopi and Kasabian as well as regular FOH engineering responsibilities on some of the biggest stages on the festival circuit (including Summer Sonic Festival, O2 Wireless, and Glastonbury), Hannis is currently using Tactus on tour with Showaddywaddy. Demos will be taking place on the stand every day at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Built in partnership with Waves, the comprehensive Tactus modular mixing system combines front-of-house and stage input/output boxes with a compact control console and state-of-the-art software options. A simple, customisable touch-screen operating interface puts all of the audio routing, processing and mixing tools within easy
The Netherlands - ISE 2018 will see the official introduction of the latest d&b technology: the d&b Soundscape. Operating on the DS100 signal engine matrix and dynamically integrating engineering and artistry, the d&b Soundscape allows for a completely new auditory experience; no longer defined by physics alone, but by the unlimited power of the imagination. The methodology processes signals, accurately places sources and recreates acoustic environments, building the level of detail needed to craft an authentic, enveloping experience. The driving force of Soundscape, Ralf Zuleeg from Sales Services & Application Engineering and Marcus Bäumler from Product Management, will provide in depth explanations and demonstrations in the d&b demo room E106. It won’t just be the new DS100 available to explore, attendees will also have the chance to join othe
USA - Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Conquest, which cruises to the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, recently upgraded its sound reinforcement capabilities for its poolside LED screen. After carefully considering options from several well-known loudspeaker manufacturers, the company ultimately selected loudspeakers from the WR Series catalogue of D.A.S. Audio. North Miami, FL headquartered Control AV, an AV system design / build firm that specialises in entertainment technology projects for cruise ships and other specialist applications, was contracted to design and deploy the new sound reinforcement setup for the ship’s outdoor theatre. Ultimately, the firm installed 16 D.A.S. WR-320FXW installation line arrays and four WR-S218FXW subwoofers. Amir El Yordi, President of Control AV LLC, discussed the job and his reasons for selecting D.A.S. Audio equipment.
France - Sound engineer and designer Alain Roy, head of rental company Espace Concept, is one of the most respected names on France’s professional audio scene. A recent classical concert in eastern France gave him the opportunity to examine the Nexo STM Series modular line array as part of his new conceptual approach to immersive sound. The event, staged at the Axone Arena in Montebeliard near the Swiss border, featured 80 musicians of the Orchestre Victor Hugo Franche Comté, who were joined by a blues band for the second half of the concert. For the main PA, the Besançon-based rental team of Espace Concept set up a L/R system with (per side) 12x M28 main and six B112 bass modules from Nexo’s modular STM Series. In this application, Roy’s system design exploited the sound quality of the 12” drivers in the B112s, rather than increasing the number of double 8
Italy - Outline has announced the appointment of Fernando Rey Mendez to the newly-created position of Newton product specialist. Launched in 2017, Newton is a full-featured, FPGA-based ‘Multi Media Nucleus’ which includes comprehensive loudspeaker system control facilities, media conversion, audio distribution with networking capability, freely-assignable analogue, AES, MADI optical, MADI coaxial and Dante inputs and outputs, simultaneous multiple-clock synchronisation and independent dual-redundant power inlets. Born in Buenos Aires, Mendez he is a musician, while his professional experience includes sound system engineering and system commissioning, but for much of the last decade he has focused on audio DSP programming and design. He commented, "Becoming part of the Outline family as their Newton product specialist and taking care of this unique project
USA - At the end of December 2017, Global Dance, AEG Presents and Live Nation Concerts helped transform the the Exhibit Hall at the Colorado Convention Centre in Denver into Decadence: City Beyond Tomorrow, billed with simultaneous events in Arizona and Utah as America’s Largest NYE Dance Celebration. Attracting approximately 18,000 electronic music fans on both 30 and 31 December, Decadence hosted performances from some of the biggest names in EDM, including Armin Van Buuren, Bassnectar, Big Gigantic, Diplo, Galantis, Gramatik, Justice, ODESZA, Porter Robinson, Zedd and nearly 20 other top acts of the genre. For sound reinforcement, the event’s three promoters turned to local L-Acoustics certified provider Brown Note Productions, Inc., which, with the support of K Systems Engineer (KSE) Dan Bowers, supplied identical K1/K2/Kara systems for the
Singapore - Digital Aid recently deployed a large-scale JBL by Harman VTX Series audio system at ZoukOut 2017, one of Asia’s largest dance music festivals. Now in its 17th year, ZoukOut is an annual electronic music festival that brings top DJs and producers for a weekend filled with dusk-to-dawn EDM performances. Held on 8 December 2017, the latest ZoukOut festival attracted 40,000 dance music fans to Siloso Beach for dusk-to-dawn sets by Flume, Marshmello, R3hab, Axwell / Ingrosso, Amelie Lens and more. To ensure audio quality for crowds and artists at the Star Stage, festival organizer Zouk hired sound provider Digital Aid to deploy a complete JBL VTX sound system. The VTX system’s transparent sound quality enabled Digital Aid to accommodate the diverse line-up of artists with minimal sound interference from the nearby Moon Stage. “When we put
UK - London-based technology industry expert Paul Wong has been appointed managing director of Avolites. Born and raised in sunny Southport, Paul is an experienced business-to-business managing director with a track record of strong growth in multiple industries with a focus on industry-leading technological innovation. He joins Avolites with a wealth of experience, most recently as MD at Bosch Security Systems Ltd and MD of Record UK Ltd. Paul brings a Master of Business Administration (MBA) focused in Strategy & Finance from Cass Business School and a degree in Electronic Engineering, Software and Communications from The Manchester Metropolitan University. Paul is welcomed to Avolites as an addition to existing senior management - Steve Warren, director of business development and Ric Salzedo, chairman. "I'm thrilled to be joining Avolites
Europe - Effective immediately, German manufacturer DirectOut has extended the warranty on all audio connectivity products, networking and bridging systems for broadcast, studio live sound and installed sound applications to 36 months. The announcement follows the company's philosophy of using only high-quality components in its products - without exception. All devices are manufactured in Germany and pass a comprehensive test and quality assurance routine before delivery. This ensures that DirectOut products run reliably under critical operating conditions, says the company. Supporting their innate reliability, many DirectOut products are also equipped with technologies such as SNMP or GPO, enabling remote monitoring of their operating parameters. DirectOut managing director Jan Ehrlich explains: "For almost 10 years, the DirectOut Technologies brand has been sy
The Netherlands - As Community Professional Loudspeakers celebrates 50 years of offering innovative loudspeaker solutions, it’s what hasn’t changed over all those years that really sets the company apart. Founded by Bruce Howze in 1968 to develop concert-worthy loudspeakers that were both powerful and lightweight, Community is now a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of professional loudspeakers for installed applications. As the company evolved its market focus from tour sound to MI and now to install, Howze’s technical leadership has been the one constant throughout. About those early days, Howze recalls, “Everyone was making horns from wood, sheet metal or cast iron. We thought fiberglass would be an ideal material for small runs. It was lightweight, strong, portable and relatively easy to mold to shape. We could make horns that were far more acc
UK - Symphotech has collaborated with Blue Multimedia to provide concerts with two innovative and cost-effective signing solutions to aid the deaf and hearing impaired, in a bid to ensure both inclusivity and compliance with disability access legislation. Event health and safety company, Symphotech, is offering two forms of assistive technologies to ensure events are compliant with the equalities Act 2010. The first method involves using an Autocue operator and a downstream keyer to overlay live text onto the IMAG screens for the song lyrics. The second method uses a live signing presenter, who is situated off-stage in front of a green screen and their live signing is ‘floated’ over the live show and placed into the corner of the IMAG video screens. This option provides the presenter with a live feed of the performance and lyrics sheets to enable them to be reactiv
UK - The latest Haz Restaurant - on Mincing Lane just off Fenchurch Street in London - is a fine example of a modern venue deserving of a high-quality sound system to enhance and complement the stylish interior. Located on the ground floor of the Plantation Place building, the restaurant’s long glass frontage creates a light and airy space, perfect for enjoying the excellent cuisine. Bose pro partner, AV Systems, worked closely with the restaurant’s design team, I-AM, to ensure that the chosen speakers not only sounded good, but fitted discreetly into the mix of crystal chandeliers and unique wooden slatted ceilings. A fully concealed Bose FreeSpace 3 system consisting of 24 satellite cube speakers and six sub bass units was installed inside the composite ceiling finish, above the line of sight. It is driven from a dedicated AV rack containing a Bose PowerMatch 85
