World - Within the past few months, numerous sound and AV rental company owners around the world have chosen the new Bose Professional ShowMatch compact line array system with DeltaQ variable-coverage technology as a go-to solution for their rental inventories. In the United States, Total Production Group (TPG) of Cerritos, California, is an example of a full-service AV rental company that has adopted ShowMatch. Owner/partner Steve McAllister said going with a ShowMatch system was a very easy decision: “I’ve heard many different systems over the years, and I was very impressed by the coverage and clarity of the Bose ShowMatch system. ShowMatch is a great system for our company because it allows us to scale the rig for anything from a small corporate gig all the way up to stadium-size shows – and do it with amazing quality. “It’s small and compact, and it's j
UAE - Sennheiser, Dolby, Neumann and Lawo conducted a workshop dedicated to 3D audio to educate regional specialists on capturing, processing and mixing techniques. Company representatives presented sessions on capturing sound in 3D, mixing, controlling and monitoring immersive sound formats, and establishing efficient encoding workflows for optimum results. Also included were listening sessions designed to expose attendees to audio content originally recorded in 3D as well as recordings up-mixed using Sennheiser's patented algorithm. Attendees were also introduced to 3D and object based audio formats – Ambeo by Sennheiser and Dolby Atmos respectively. Sessions that were particularly well received included one on Mixing immersive sound formats, conducted by Lucas Zwicker, technical product manager audio production of Lawo and the session by Dolby presented by
UK - Midas will supply full site power and distro to JSL Productions’ Battle Proms picnic concerts across five sites next summer. With LEDs slashing lighting rigs’ requirements and audio ever more energy efficient, Symphotech, which has looked after technical production since the event started at Battle Abbey 30 years ago, commissioned Midas to contemporise the power process. Symphotech director, Julian Spear, comments: “We work with Midas on a number of projects. It’s a proven main stage supplier at Jockey Club Live and Music Plus Sport, we know the quality of its kit, its people, its service, and the Midas touch will be a big benefit to Battle Proms 2018 and beyond.” Dave Noble, managing director at Midas, says: “July/August is peak season, obviously, so winning this contract is testament to our ongoing investment in highest quality ma
Europe - Yamaha has a strong focus on helping to train audio professionals of the future, whether via the company’s YCATS training programme or working with other companies and education providers. A new initiative with global education provider SAE Creative Media Institute has seen the company’s Nuage systems installed at SAE campuses in London, Milan, Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Hannover, with more to follow. Established in 1976, SAE is one of the world’s largest providers of audio education programmes. With more than 50 campuses in five regions, including six in Australia, the Institute offers government-accredited certificates, diplomas and bachelor programs across disciplines such as animation, film, design, games, business music and web/mobile. Nuage is Yamaha´s advanced post-production controller system for Steinberg Nuendo, the professional DAW used for
Russia - When Moscow’s original Luzhniki Stadium was demolished in 2013 to give way for the construction of a new stadium, it was with the 2018 FIFA World Cup in mind. At the end of 2015, a new tender document was drawn up on behalf of the principals, The Big Sport Arena Luzhniki, for the 81,000 seat stadium, with the technological requirements detailed by Moscow integration specialists S-Pro Systems, together with the German company Broadcast Solution. Selected by the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup bid as the venue for the Final, the Stadium will also be used as a heritage venue after the Championship. At the heart of the new network broadcast transmission are some 57 Optocore and BroaMan fibre interfaces, designed in a fibre ‘star’ out of the ring topology, and supplied by Moscow-based distributor Audio Solutions. After the bid was accepted they became involv
China - Zhi Yin Hao is a multi-dimensional live theatrical performance, created by the noted director and artist Mr. Fan Yue. The drift-style experience show is held on a steam ship that cruises the Yangtze River from its base in Wuhan City, China. A 1920s styled steam ship and two piers have been built to recreate Wuhan during an era when it was China's second largest city after Shanghai. Wuhan was often called ‘Eastern Chicago,’ due to its cosmopolitan atmosphere. EZpro International was responsible for the creative design, installation and commissioning of the audio and video systems, which deliver an immersive experience for the performers and the participating audience. The two-year, RMB 400m project was developed by the Wuhan Tourism Development Investment Group, together with Fan Yue. Determined to find the best audio system for the production, the d
China - China has been focusing on enriching its cultural landscape in recent years and the recently opened 50,000sq.ft Xiaguang Grand Theatre & Performing Arts Centre in Shijiazhuang is a shining example of this. The complex, put together at a total cost of RMB380m (48.5m euros), includes a 1,200-seat theatre, a more intimate 600-seat multipurpose hall, a rehearsal hall, teaching rooms and offices. The theme for the building’s design is “creating harmony through spirit and song”, and it instantly became a landmark in the Hebei provincial capital. Tasked with meeting the project’s desire for a world-class sound system, Beijing Pacific Budee and Shaanxi Lanyu Audio Video Technology teamed up to meet the demands. The choice was clear; Martin Audio’s line of products would be able to handle the rich repertoire of diverse performances. For the main t
USA - Harman Professional Solutions has opened the Harman Experience Centre in Los Angeles. The facility joins a worldwide network of Harman Professional Solutions Experience Centres in Singapore, China and soon in London, designed to demonstrate how Harman solutions address customer needs across multiple vertical markets. The new 15,000sq.ft. multi-functional facility showcases Hartman Professional Solutions product solutions in a variety of entertainment and enterprise market applications. The Experience Centre demonstrates the integration of brands including JBL Professional, AKG Acoustics, AMX, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx Professional, DigiTech, Lexicon Pro, Martin, Soundcraft and Studer. “With the opening of our flagship Experience Centre, we are bringing the Harman Professional Solution proposition to life while giving visitors a glimpse into the inves
Columbia - When Pope Francis visited South America in September, full service Colombian rental company, Línea Estrategica, provided the audio system for his visit to Colombia, where over a million faithful braved rain and fog for the pontiff’s outdoor mass, held on the Olaya Herrera Airport in the city of Medellin, the third stop on his five-day visit to the country. Ensuring even coverage across the site, which stretched to one kilometre in length and 200m in width, required meticulous planning and a vast L-Acoustics system that totalled over 300 cabinets. Linea Estrategica used L-Acoustics proprietary 3D sound system design programme, Soundvision, to devise a system of 24 distributed arrays along the runway, each comprising 12 K2 topped with a K1-SB sub, plus five arrays of 10 Kara. This relatively simple set-up required throws of no more than 80-90m which,
South Africa - In mid-October 2017, South African audiences enjoyed the return of the celebrated musical production of Evita – seen for the first time on South African stages since the 1980’s. After its premiere at the Montecasino Teatro in Johannesburg the production will be at Cape Town’s Artscape Theatre, before embarking on an Asian tour. The creative team has striven to create a faithful recreation of the original West End production in all aspects – from the direction, choreography and musical direction to the building and creation of set, wardrobe and props. But while remaining true to the original, there is a great deal that has been updated technically, to make the current production a spectacular theatrical experience. An extensive lighting rig, and state-of-the-art PA system recreate the imagery and feel of the original, coupled with projectio
South Africa - The industry has been paying its respects to Richard Blamire, the owner of Cape Staging who died tragically in a motorbike accident on 8 November. Richard, who lived in Bergvliet, Cape Town, was well-known in the South African events industry having previously worked at Gearhouse, Sound Harmonics and was a close collaborator with Dream Sets. For Sean Hoey of Dream Sets, Richard was one of his best friends. They shared a keen interest in all things mechanical and a love for their craft and family (and Border Collies). With an eye for detail and a creative flair, Richard was able to produce beautiful pieces for events, sometimes even furniture that you would only dream of having in your home. He was greatly loved by his two sons and his wife, Lynne Poulsen Blamire, a pianist, singer, music composer, songwriter, programmer and arranger. DWR Distribut
UK - Allen & Heath has announced the availability of the latest ProFactory channel libraries for its Qu series digital mixers. Following successful collaborations with Shure, Sennheiser and Audio Technica, the new presets cover a range of popular sE Electronics microphones, including the V3, V7, VR, 4400a and RNR1. ProFactory Mic Presets offer engineers of all abilities an ideal starting point to get the best possible sound quickly and easily. The team at Allen & Heath worked closely with sound engineer Frederik Brandt Jakobsen at sE Electronics who developed the optimal settings for each microphone and instrument combination. “Convenience is key. On-board effects and snapshots are mandatory characteristics of today’s digital consoles. Allen & Heath have taken this one step further with the addition of ProFactory Presets to their Qu series,” says Toni
Japan - Martin Audio Japan (MAJ) recently took part in the Inter BEE exhibition at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, launching their premier WPC line array, along with iKON iK42 4-channel power amp and SX218 dual driver subs. The expo, which started in 1960, has increased exhibitors and visitors year-on-year, and this year visitors numbered 40,000 in total, with 1,000 companies taking part. This time around, MAJ expanded on last year’s booth size, and presented WPC at the SR Line Array Speaker Demo, giving visitors first-hand experience. MAJ also welcomed from the UK Dom Harter, MD of Martin Audio, introducing him to the Japanese market at the same time. With a new collection that in addition to WPC and iKON amplifiers, also included WPM, along with XE500, XE300 and two of the LE wedge monitors, their booth was packed with visitors throughout the entire three days. A
UK - For the second year in succession, AvensysLive provided a Martin Audio MLA Compact PA for the Lingfield Park Resort Fireworks Display in Surrey, marking the beginning of a new three-year contract with the site. The company’s operations manager, Angus Galloway, confirmed that they had specified MLA Compact as best fit for purpose for the event, and will continue to deploy it at the site in future. Stating his reasons, he said, “It meant we could use the Display software to ensure audio levels outside the audience area were kept to a minimum. We also love the power, sound and clarity that MLA Compact provides.” The service company fielded 16 x MLA Compact elements and eight WS218X subwoofers, rigged in four stacks, each comprising four MLA Compact and a pair of WS218X. The stacks were placed on LiteDeck decking system at 1.2m in height, evenly spread along th
Austria - In late September, 145 audio professionals from throughout Europe headed for the Austrian Alps, as Yamaha hosted its sixth annual System Designers Conference in the stunning location of the Scalaria Conference Centre, St Wolfgang. Featuring workshops and lectures on a wide variety of topics, it was a truly international gathering, attracting audio professionals from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE and the UK. Participants could have been forgiven for being distracted by the stunning views from the conference centre, located on the shores of the picturesque Wolfgangsee. However all of the seminars hosted in the eight conference rooms were delivered to fully attentive
UK - Sennheiser will be heading to The Warehouse Sound Services in Glasgow on 6 December (Wednesday) for a seminar to explain the forthcoming changes to the UHF RF spectrum. Increasing pressure on UHF spectrum means that implementation of wireless system can be challenging. The seminar intends to help users address these issues, as well as providing information on acoustics, RF technology and components. During the seminar participants will work with Sennheiser experts to expand their knowledge of antenna technology, RF technology, in-ear monitoring and more. The event will also feature a demonstration of the Digital 6000 radio mic system. Designed for demanding live productions, Digital 6000 also addresses the challenges of the shrinking UHF spectrum: The system eliminates intermodulation, enabling more channels to operate in less spectrum space. The event is fr
UK - Sound Technology has been acquired by Midwich Group, becoming the latest wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group. The pro audio and lighting distributor will continue to operate as an independent company from its Letchworth Garden City base, with no changes to its board members, workforce or market approach. Sound Technology chairman, Robert Wilson MBE, comments: “After close to 40 years, Sound Technology has grown into a company operating on a large-scale in multiple market sectors. We continue to see exciting growth opportunities within all these markets, and the time is right for the company to enter its next phase in order to facilitate further expansion and success.” Stephen Fenby, Midwich’s Managing Director, says: “We have watched the success of Sound Technology over recent years and are delighted to have persuaded Bob, David and the
Canada - Adamson Systems Engineering has announced the appointment of audio industry veteran Marc Bertrand to the role of managing director for Adamson Americas. In his new role, Bertrand will lead sales growth and network expansion in both the touring and installation markets in North and South America. “The Adamson brand has delivered exceptionally strong growth in all aspects over recent years. Adamson has always been synonymous with premium quality sound and is already a leading brand in countries like France and the Netherlands. My mandate, in concert with the complete Americas team, is to build on this performance and create the same benchmark sales and brand presence throughout the Americas," comments Bertrand. "I’m also very excited to be able to draw on the support of this dynamic and entrepreneurial management team at headquarters as well as the experience of o
Spain - Amate Audio continues the rollout of its new NÍTID series of ultra-compact, high performance active speaker systems with the introduction of the N208 compact line array and matched N18W / N218W sub woofer systems. In common with all NÍTID systems, these employ the latest digital amplification and signal processing technologies, in symbiosis with advanced electroacoustic research and design, to achieve exceptional levels of performance and versatility from compact speaker systems. The N208 and N18W / N218W systems offer premium performance from a compact line array, together with new standards of operational versatility and ease of setup and use, that includes optimised ‘plug & play’ power and system control presets for virtually instantaneous operation, says the company. Economies of scale in developing the system on a well-proven acoustic design, mak
USA - Prompted by the welcome problem of a growing congregation, where it could build a 1,500-seat sanctuary. It is an older industrial park building, with characteristically low ceilings punctuated by numerous support columns. When its Winners Chapel in Lanham, Maryland recently moved to a new location initial DIY sound reinforcement system failed to deliver the kind of spirited, impactful audio that the church had hoped for, it called on Virginia-based A/V integration firm RTW Media. Playing to the challenges of the unique space, RTW Media engineered a solution based on Danley Sound Labs SBH-20 column form-factor loudspeakers, which deliver point-source fidelity, excellent pattern control, and a clean aesthetic. Danley TH-118 subwoofers contribute low-end. “They had big-name line array components in there, but they were misconfigured and not really in a line array,
Europe - Panasonic’s AV training academy has been accredited by AVIXA, allowing professional AV dealers and rental companies to gain renewal units inside the Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) programme. AVIXA, formerly known as InfoComm International, has administered the CTS programme for more than 30 years, with more than 11,000 CTS holders – 500 of which are in the UK. CTS holders are recognised as technology specialists within the industry, with part of the programme being a requirement for continuous learning. As a result, CTS holders must regularly attend training courses to maintain their accreditation. From November 2017, attending Panasonic visual training courses will allow them to gain credits inside the programme. “It’s a pleasure to welcome Panasonic as an RU Provider in Europe,” says Pamela Taggart, senior director of development
Finland - Scandinavian lighting creative MOBB Helsinki counted on a legion of Notch-loaded Hippotizer Media Servers to help deliver Finland’s biggest domestic arena production. Profeetat is the project of Cheek and Elastinen, Finland’s two biggest hip-hop artists. Formed in 2016, this year the duo marked their rapid rise by selling out three arena shows in their homeland. First filling the Turku’s Gatorade Centre and then maxing out two nights at Helsinki’s Hartwall Arena, Profeetat’s shows stacked up to be Finland’s biggest domestic indoor arena production, one to be designed by creative outfit Mobb Helsinki, headed-up by the Finish firm’s Ari Levelä. The gear and personnel required to run the nights mounted up, and the lighting tech armoury included two Hippotizer Boreal Media Servers and one Hippotizer Karst Media Server to run the main show, pl
Europe - DPA Microphones has acquired UK pro audio distributor Sound Network. The acquisition was confirmed following the decision of Sound Network founders Pete Wandless and Ralph Dunlop to retire from the business. The two companies have had a close relationship for more than 20 years, with Sound Network distributing DPA products in the UK broadcast, live sound and theatre markets. The UK company, which will be headed up by sales and marketing director Adam Pierce, will retain its name and staff structure and continue to observe its distribution arrangements with other manufacturers such as Sony Pro Audio, Meris, Bubblebee Industries, Quested Monitors, Smart Research and China Cones. DPA’s CEO Kalle Hvidt Nielsen, comments: “Sound Network has been a marvellous ambassador for DPA for many years and has invested heavily in the brand. By acquiring the busines
USA - The Global Connect 2017 conference, held in April at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida, was larger than ever this year, with over 3,000 attendees. For the third year in a row, Atlanta-based audio-visual rental company Technical Elements was hired to provide sound and lighting for the speeches and music in the 95,000-square-foot Gatlin Ballroom, as well as dozens of separate rooms throughout the facility. In order to elevate the event’s production values to their highest level yet, Technical Elements deployed a complete Harman solution consisting of JBL Professional speakers, Crown amplification and Martin lighting. “The Harman audio and lighting products helped us execute the production plan in a pristine manner,” said Winfrey Shields, owner of Technical Elements. “The clients were very pleased with the clarity of the audio system. We had some chal
