Vietnam - Ba Sao Investment recently installed a complete audio system by Harman Professional Solutions at the Central Circus Theatre, the oldest circus in Vietnam. In order to enhance the facility’s sound quality and provide a more immersive performances experience for audiences, the theatre hired Ba Sao Investment to update the facility’s aging audio system with a cutting-edge integrated audio solution. Ba Sao Investment selected a Harman audio solution made up of JBL speakers, Crown amps, dbx signal processors and Soundcraft digital mixing consoles. “One key requirement of the audio system was that it needed to be powerful enough to cover our theatre’s needs, and portable enough to suit our touring needs,” said Mr.Lê Quang Tuyến, vice president of Central Circus Theatre. “Ba Sao Investment worked closely with Harman to provide us with a customised so
UK - Paul Hatt’s sound hire and production company CS Audio has been supporting the Icelandic singer Björk, using KLANG:technologies’ 3D personal monitor mixing system for the string section at the headline festival shows in Mexico City, Los Angeles and Japan. The KLANG:technologies system was specified by Hatt after he’d used it with Massive Attack in Hyde Park for the same purpose, but it also caught the eye of the production manager who also worked on both shows. He asked Hatt about the system’s availability, having been suitably impressed the first time it was used. Hatt explained the set-up, “This time the KLANG was connected via the MADI on the DiGiCo SD8 console, quick and easy to set up, we were up and running in no time without any issues. I sent groups of each string section, playback mixes, click, vocal and of course themselves to allow each music
UK - Autograph Sound designer Nick Lidster specified Martin Audio MLA Mini for the 2017 summer season of Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Having used a Martin Audio MLA Compact PA rig for the 2016 production, Lidster decided to change the system while auditioning the MLA Mini at a Leo Sayer concert. “After last season finished, I looked at what I needed to do by way of streamlining, and after hearing MLA Mini I knew it would be perfect for the centre cluster,” he said. Supported by Martin Audio’s Nigel Meddemmen, six elements of the MLA Mini were centrally deployed and at the same time Nick Lidster chose to fly the main line array higher than previously. “I wanted to focus the sound down - to ensure we got all the energy into the bowl-shaped auditorium, and at the same time minimise the spill over the back and into the Pa
UK - DJ Willrich (DJW) and its client The British Music Experience chose Bose Professional to take audiences on an immersive musical experience at the Cunard Building in Liverpool. Specified for the exhibition that celebrates over 70 years of British music, the system had to 'transport' audiences on a seamless musical journey through eight eras housed within the Grade II listed building. The eras stand adjacent to each other in zones in an area featuring hard surfaces, which required the best possible solution for sound bleed. It was agreed that carpets and sound absorbing ceiling rafts would be fitted to allow installation of 32 FreeSpace DS 16F loud speakers, which deliver an uncompromised coverage of targeted sounds across each of the eight zones. The Bose system is driven by PowerMatch amplifiers which offer concert quality, scalable sound. Configured with Po
UK - A Yamaha audio system has been specified for St George’s Cathedral in London. Built in 1848, the cathedral’s architecture features high, vaulted ceilings, pillars, large leaded windows and expanses of smooth stonework, which all present challenges to effective sound reinforcement. Cunnings Recording Associates were appointed to carry out a two-stage upgrade to the sound quality in the cathedral. Daniel Cunnings of Cunnings Recording Associates says: “The cathedral had an ageing sound reinforcement system, but it had never been properly commissioned. No delays or EQ had been set up for any of the loudspeakers and there weren’t enough outputs available for the number of speakers. “As well as services, the cathedral also hosts a range of other events, so there are microphone points throughout the building. The existing system was not easy to ope
The Netherlands - Although Alcons Audio’s pro-ribbon systems have steadily established themselves as solutions for cinema, home theatre and medium-sized live events, there have been doubts in the pro audio industry that the technology would be suitable for larger events and festivals. But the company’s latest LR28 and LR18 systems have won many fans, including major event production company Jurlights. "The promoters were so impressed with the LR28/LR18 system at the early soundchecks, they booked it for 2018 on the spot," says Jurlights founder Jurjen ‘Jur’ Hesseling. This is some compliment for a system that was making one of its first live outings - on the Main Stage of Dance Valley (aka the ‘Woodstock of Dance’) at Spaarnwoude in the Netherlands. A major presence in the European event market, the passion that Jurlights puts into its productions is matche
USA - The iHeartRadio Theatre New York City is the ultimate ticket you can’t get. The Manhattan venue, the East Coast counterpart to the company’s flagship Los Angeles venue, regularly hosts a steady stream of A-list music artists, from Mary J Blige and Ed Sheeran to Muse and Blink-182. When it was deemed that the theatre’s sound system was not up to par with the best touring systems used by top-notch artists, the decision was made to install a new L-Acoustics house loudspeaker system in the intimate, 200-seat space. With tickets to shows reserved for iHeart’s own subscribers, the bands’ fan clubs and other exclusive channels, what those fortunate ticketholders experience is a close-up interaction with some of the best musicians in the world, standing on a stage that’s barely a foot off the floor, and sharing the show with millions who'll watch it streamed
UK - The Minack open-air theatre in Cornwall has recently upgraded to a Soundcraft Si Impact digital console supplied by reseller Stage Electrics. The theatre is carved into the cliff face above the Atlantic Ocean. Located in Porthcurno and built in the 1930s to stage local performances, the venue is one of the most famous outdoor theatres today with a yearly audience of 80,000 and over 150,000 visitors attracted by its history. For the 2017 season, theatre manager Phil Jackson and technical manager Simon Hutchings decided it was time to make the switch from analogue to digital for the in-house audio console. Hutchings says: “We had been considering it for a while but at first but the costs seemed excessive for our needs and we were concerned about the longevity of a desk working in our challenging environment.” But all that changed when they reviewed
China - Proel has partnered with Sanecore Limited for distribution of its Axiom professional loudspeaker brand in China. The appointment was marked by a two-day seminar and product demonstration presented by Axiom sales engineer Daniele Massaccesi with about 60 guest companies able to experience the features and performance of AX2010A powered line arrays, AX800A compact powered line arrays, and the new AX12C column array. Axiom export area manager Gabriella Di Giminiani commented: "We feel very grateful and confident about this new cooperation with such an important and well recognised company. China is a strategic and relevant market and we are sure that thanks to our new partners the Axiom brand is gaining the appreciation and success it deserves.” Founded in Hong Kong in 1987, Sanecore was one of the first members of IAG Group, the region's largest produce
Europe - Pioneer DJ’s flagship products – the CDJ-TOUR1, CDJ-2000NXS2, DJM-TOUR1, and DJM-900NXS2 – are used by DJs at festivals and events around the world, often in conjunction with visual effects such as lighting, video displays and pyrotechnics. To bring DJ performances alive with visual effects, Pioneer DJ has collaborated with TC Supply – a company with extensive expertise in using visual control equipment at music events – to co-develop a network system that uses rekordboxTM1 information to coordinate sound and visuals. The new network system will enable DJs, event producers, lighting designers, LJs2, video creators, and VJs3 to make the synergy of sound and visuals more effective, enhancing the overall quality of performances and creating a more engaging show for audiences. For example, the timing of lights, lasers and videos can be matched with parti
Brazil - Held in Barra Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro, the recent Rock in Rio festival saw Gabisom Audio Equipment from Brazil deploy Martin Audio’s premier MLA rig on the Palco Mundo main stage. Martin Audio’s MLA was first used on the second stages at Rock in Rio’s US event in Las Vegas in 2015 and at the event’s 30th birthday in Brazil the same year. Gabisom chief engineer, Peter Racy, confirmed the impact created by MLA, stating, “For me personally it was a pleasure to hear the pristine sound quality of MLA, and in my opinion it was MLA that made the difference. In fact I heard nothing but rave reviews from users of the MLA in Rio.” At Rock in Rio in Lisbon 2016, that MLA was taken onto the main World Stage, becoming the largest deployment of MLA systems on a single stage, eclipsing both Glastonbury and Hyde Park main stages
Mexico - Rental house Loto Audio has added a Vero system to their rental stock. Loto Audio founder Ramon Salaza, explains: “From the first moment we heard Vero, we wanted it. It will blow a lot of people’s minds, especially compared to what they are used to hearing. It’s always a good time to invest in any Funktion-One product, but adding Vero to our rental stock means we can reach big festivals and hit the rock/touring market. “A lot of Mexican production companies are already very familiar with the traditional Funktion-One loudspeakers. Now that we have Vero, I’m sure they’ll be keen to use it on their bigger events.” As a complete, large format touring sound system – featuring loudspeakers, amplification, rigging and software – Vero combines sonic performance with the ease of use of a line-array system. By returning to first principles, aud
New Zealand - Jands, the Harman Professional audio distributors in New Zealand, recently launched JBL’s new medium to large format line array at the ASB Theatre in Auckland. The JBL VTX A12 is a dual 12" three-way line array element purpose-built for mid to large-size touring applications and high-end fixed installations. “We wanted our guests to understand the philosophy behind the technology of the VTX A12 and then to experience first-hand the innovative new features such as the ease of set up due to the redesigned rigging system,” says Jands tour sound manager Tim Robertson. “We then gave each person the opportunity to conduct their own listening tests on the system.” The listening tests had some varying responses from guests. “I've never tested anything so uniformly flat both on and off axis in the HF range, and they have heaps of detail there,”
Thailand - Adamson Systems Engineering has named Sonos Libra as its new Thai distributor. Sonos Libra was founded by managing partners Alfonso Martin and Vanessa Chompoo, who have helped to establish several pro audio brands in the Southeast Asian market in previous roles. James Ritter, Adamson’s sales manager for the Asia-Pacific, says: “We’re very happy to have Sonos Libra join the Adamson Network as our new distributor for Thailand. Vanessa and Alfonso are highly respected in the pro audio community in Southeast Asia and we look forward to supporting them and their customers as we continue to develop this important and growing market.” Martin adds: “When we founded our own company, we thought very carefully about which brands to represent and found a very special partner in Adamson. These products have a truly pristine sonic signature that I
USA - FWF (F*ck Yeah Fest), a major summer music festival in Los Angeles, California, recently used an Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) Anya system to reinforce the lawn stage. Camarillo, California-based Rat Sound Systems provided sound reinforcement for five of the six stages at FYF. Ivan Ortiz, Rat Sound’s crew chief for the festival, specified the EAW Anya system for the lawn stage which is located next to the Natural History Museum on the Memorial Coliseum grounds. “One of the many reasons we decided to use our Anya system was the location of the lawn stage,” explains Ortiz. “With the museum to the left of the stage, we needed to avoid sound slapping against the building’s walls and bouncing back over the audience.” The lawn stage system was two single column arrays, each made up of nine Anya enclosures, hung to the left and right of the 80ft
UK - Bringing together an array of Bollywood’s biggest stars including megastar Salman Khan, Da-Bangg The Tour visited the Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham and The O2 arena, London; hosted by Lyca and brought to the UK by Farhath Hussain and Think Events. Managed, scripted and directed by Sohail Khan Entertainment and JA Events LLP, the shows brought the music, dance and show-stopping entertainment of Bollywood movies to the live stage. Working with lighting and video designer Elton D’Souza, PRG XL Video supplied a complex moving lighting rig and multi-section moving LED screen, creating a vibrant set for the high-energy performances. PRG director of music video, Stefaan Michels supplied a full package of live video technology including LED screens, media servers, camera and IMAG projection system, and experienced crew. Over 300 tiles of ROE Visual MC-7
UK - Houses of worship can be tricky spaces to install sound reinforcement systems, especially in historic structures. But in Reading, UK, a different challenge presented itself when Lifespring Church wanted to add an extra space to its home in a converted cinema, but one which could also be combined with the main space on demand. A Yamaha MTX3 matrix processor has provided an elegant solution. Built in the 1920s, The Pavilion was originally Reading’s first public cinema. Later converted into a snooker hall, Lifespring Church restored it in 2013, with a layout close to the original. It is now Lifespring’s permanent home, hosting weekly worship services, youth events, meetings and other activities. For the first three years of the building’s new life, Lifespring used the former auditorium as its main space, But last year it added an extension on the balcony to pro
USA - FOH engineer Dani Munoz is using the new SSL Live L300 console during Ricardo Arjona’s latest stadium and arena tour across North and South America. Arjona, one of the most successful Latin American artists of all time, is known for large-scale, theatrical live shows, taking in a new theme each time he goes out. The current tour is based around the new album Circo Soledad (Solitude Circus), and comes with aerial dance, clowns, and lots of circus scenery, and huge video and lighting rig. From the stage the show runs to around 64 live inputs though SSL ML 32.32 SuperAnalogue stageboxes via an SSL BL II.D Blacklight II concentrator. The band consists of drums, percussion, bass, two guitars, and three multi-instrumentalists on strings, saxophone, and synthesisers. "It's a challenge in the sense that there are a lot of acoustic instruments," says Munoz
USA - Roger Waters' Us + Them tour has utilised a DiGiCo SD7 console. Monitor engineer Matt Napier started working with Waters last year for his shows in Mexico and Desert Trip following the passing of Waters’ previous engineer Ian Newton few years ago. “I felt a lot of responsibility to do Ian’s memory justice, and make the gig work as smoothly as possible,” Napier says. “We didn’t have a lot of rehearsal time, so it was intense, but the shows went really well. You just have to do this music justice.” The production for Us + Them is down to a strong emphasis on the synergy between the music and the aural/visual experience. “The surround system installed in each venue makes the aural experience very immersive for the audience, and the visuals are absolutely stunning,” Napier explains. “Roger really is the captain of the sh
UK - Allen & Heath has added the 16 channel ME-500 personal mixer to its ME personal mixing system. ME-500 is designed as an accessible personal monitoring solution for houses of worship, rental companies and orchestras, allowing musicians to quickly and independently build and control their own monitor mixes from 16 stereo or mono sources. The new mixer inherits the same compact format as its sibling, the 40 channel ME-1, but with simplified setup and controls. The ME system is plug ‘n’ play compatible with Allen & Heath’s digital mixer range and can be used with third party digital consoles via the ME-U hub. ME-500 features a crisp, dimmable display, 16 backlit select keys, mute and solo buttons, master level with limiter and EQ, plus a single rotary encoder for all main navigation and control. Each ME-500 can store and recall eight user presets for dif
Keeping Music Live - Campaigners fighting to preserve Cardiff’s live music scene have heralded a breakthrough after plans to develop flats in the heart of the city’s entertainment district were withdrawn. A campaign to protect the city's grassroots music scene has been underway since the start of this year, with campaigners fighting in particular to preserve the entertainment venues on Womanby Street, which is home to several live music venues but has seen a string of closures in recent times. The campaign attracted thousands of signatures, and calls on Cardiff Council to protect the area as a cultural hub. Venue owners and music fans also condemned a planning application to create a hotel to be built above a Wetherspoon’s pub on Womanby Street. Plans for a residential housing development comprising six flats had been submitted for the street, however these
UK - Penton UK is introducing an extensive range of electronics covering Public Address / Voice Alarm (PA/VA) and Audio over IP products to complement their range of PA/VA Loudspeakers. The addition of these products will allow Penton UK to offer a fully integrated service across PA/VA and Audio over IP. The flexibility of products will also give Penton clients a greater opportunity to obtain both product and systems from one source. Penton’s management team said: “We are delighted to bring this range of ATEΪS and Terracom products under our UK wing. The products have shown to be of very high quality and allow us the flexibility to now offer an all in one solution for our customers.” The new range is available now and will be stocked and serviced from the UK, ensuring shorter lead times, better availability and technical support. Notable site referen
UK - Bose Professional is now shipping its EdgeMax in-ceiling premium loudspeakers. The loudspeakers feature proprietary Bose PhaseGuide technology, which provides ‘room-filling coverage’ while improving overall sound quality compared to the performance of conventional ceiling loudspeakers. Designed for mounting near wall boundaries, EdgeMax loudspeakers project high-frequency sound throughout rooms up to 65ft (20 m) wide using only perimeter mounting locations, and can effectively cover an area that would require up to four conventional conical-coverage models. EdgeMax loudspeakers can eliminate the need for conventional ceiling speakers mounted in the centre of rooms, or surface-mount loudspeakers mounted on walls. Their design and consistent coverage pattern reduces the total number of in-ceiling loudspeakers required, enabling installers to move efficien
UK - HD Pro Audio is staging a one-day technology showcase event, featuring a selection of its premium brands and products. Taking place from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Thursday 19 October at John Henry's Studio 3, London N7, the event will include the SSL Live L200 console with Dante stagebox system, L'Acoustics Syva loudspeakers, KLANG:technologies 3D binaural IEM mixing system and Green Go digital intercom, including wireless. Manufacturers' representatives will be on hand to give a detailed overview of each technology, as well as hands-on demonstrations. Numbers are limited, so anyone wishing to attend should call HD Pro Audio on 01784 433687 or email info@hdproaudio.co.uk as soon as possible. Bookings can also be made on-line at https://goo.gl/R2uoei (Jim Evans)
