UK - Bel Digital has released a firmware update (v1.31) for its BM-A1-64DANTE, which now includes the facility to automatically display channel names via Dante Controller. Suitable for commercial installation, broadcast, live sound, houses of worship, theatre and production applications the BM-A1-64DANTE is an Audio-over-IP audio monitoring solution that allows confidence monitoring of any channel present on a Dante network. AES67 compliance also means the BM-A1-64DANTE can operate in any other compatible AoIP network. The BM-A1-64DANTE can be configured to monitor up to 64 channels with two monitoring modes available to the user. With the new firmware, Dante Receiver Channel names are now automatically displayed, which makes configuration and operation even faster and completely intuitive. “With up to 64 channels routed to the front panel, it’s possible to a
Dominican Republic - Over the past 30 years, FOH Engineer Jose Amable Frómeta has worked with some of Latin America’s most popular recording artists. With a résumé that includes Juan Luis Guerra, Marc Anthony, Juanes and Ricky Martin, Frómeta recently added DPA Microphones’ d:vote 4099 Instrument Microphones to his arsenal of equipment. Frómeta has been using DPA microphones for about a year now. “In a private engagement in Chile with artist Juan Luis Guerra, the local audio company provided us with DPA d:vote 4099s as replacements for the ones specified on our input list,” says Frómeta. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, having never used them before. I used them on saxophones and was so amazed with the sound that I purchased three the following week. The mics are simply great.” One of Frómeta’s previous audio challenges has been solved with the use
Canada - Located within an old church building in Little Italy, Revival Bar has become a live performance hangout for the Toronto music community and fans since opening in 2000. While its designation as a Toronto historic building requires preservation of the building’s frontage, there is nothing to prevent modernization inside. That is why general manager Mathew Saturnino recently decided to upgrade the 400-capacity venue’s sound system with the Electro-Voice X1 system from the X-Line Advance line-array loudspeaker family. "There’s a lot of competition in live entertainment, and quality of the sound system is one thing that sets one venue apart from another," notes Revival Bar general manager Mathew Saturnino. "We wanted a system that would sound great, with really good, tight sound output within the room. We did a lot of research, and the X1 from Electro-Voice seeme
Russia - An Allen & Heath dLive C Class digital mixing system was recently purchased by Russian PA company, Stage Art Sound, to add to its hire stock, which already includes the Qu-24, Qu-16 and Qu-Pac from Allen & Heath’s compact digital mixing range. Based in Saratov in the Volga region, the company’s new dLive C Class system comprises a С2500 Surface and CDM48 MixRack. “Engineers will definitely appreciate C Class’s rich functionality and compact format. I was impressed by its capability, including the Touchscreen, preamp emulations, and multiband compressors. In fact, there are so many new and interesting features I could carry on this list forever,” comments Pavel Barsukov, head of Stage Art Sound. Stage Art Sound used their new dLive system for the first time at the opening of Nashe Radio station’s Saratov office. dLive was employed as
Germany - Four years after their last live appearance, German tour promoter Karsten Jahnke has brought lmusician, producer and engineer Alan Parsons and his band back to Germany, playing 13 dates throughout the country in May. A Yamaha Rivage PM10 console has taken care of the intricate Front of House mixes for these much-anticipated performances. Playing a mixture of indoor and outdoor shows, the nine-piece Alan Parsons Live Project is being mixed by Emmy-nominated FoH engineer and production manager Ross Pallone. The Rivage PM10 console has been supplied by Lüneburg-based audio production/installation company PM das Systemhaus für Medien- & Veranstaltungstechnik (Profi Musik), with these shows being the first time that regular Yamaha user Ross has got up close and personal with the new flagship console. “For us, the most important thing is that the sou
Thailand - K-array has confirmed its partnership with Vision One. The Bangkok-based distributor is well-known in the region for professional system design and quality equipment from its qualified designers, installers and maintenance personnel whose mission is to put client before sales. “With obtaining the K-array distribution for Thailand, we will be able to better position ourselves to cover more applications and be more competitive than ever before,” says Vision One manager, Tanapat Mongkolkosol. “Thailand’s economy is re-emerging from the global economic recession and therefore, we expect a rising demand for high quality professional sound equipment in the near future,” says Mongkolkosol. “With a broad portfolio for both the rental and install markets alike and an excellent reputation, K-array will dominate the Thai market for years to come! We are loo
Europe - Samsystems’ Integral IM10 - IM12 is billed as an alternative concept to conventional close-cabinet miking methods and received positive reviews at Musikmesse in Frankfurt. For over 60 years, guitar players and sound technicians have struggled with the whole perception of miking up a guitar cab or guitar combo, and are all too familiar with the related pitfalls that occur, both live and in the studio. These include time to set up awkward weighty mike stands, far too long spent with sound engineers at sound checks to find the sweet spot, the drooping mike stand and more recently, installing sound-deflecting screens to eradicate overspill from other instruments Installed in minutes as a ‘fit and forget’ concept, the Integral IM10 and IM12 (10 and 12 denotes the speaker size) feature a circular constructed rigid frame mounted internally between the cab
UK - Big things have been happening over at The Prolight Concepts Group HQ during the last 18 months and the release their new 2017/18 catalogue, showcasing their full product offering, was the next step in the company’s global plan. This bumper edition features over 1800 products for the professional event, rental, installation, architectural and entertainment markets, hence it’s nickname ‘The Big One’. Prolight celebrated their 20-year milestone in 2016 with a new e-catalogue, fully integrated ERP system and dynamic website that automatically adjusts to any screen size for use with multiple devices. All of which improve efficiency, promotion and communication. This progressive approach has given Prolight a steadily increasing customer base and an ever-expanding market share. Their 21st birthday saw the publication of their first comprehensive printed catalogu
USA - Bose Professional has announced that, effective immediately, it has expanded its sales channel to include Stampede Presentation Products Inc. as a distributor for the U.S. and Canada. The announcement was made by Morten Jorgensen, director global sales, Bose Professional, as part of ongoing efforts to broaden the reach of the Bose Professional product line to integrators and dealers alike. Jorgensen, states, “Bose has added Stampede Presentation Products to expand our reach to our customer and dealer base, to give them full access to our range of products. They have a proven track record in the industry, and they are aligned with our values at Bose. We welcome them aboard as part of our sales channel.” (Jim Evans)
South Africa - Festival Sound, one of the largest DiGiCo console owners in the South African rental market, has increased its investment in the manufacturer’s products by adding an SD11 and a further SD9 to its inventory. The young and vibrant company bought its first SD9 with two fully populated D-Rack and Little Red Boxes in 2012. Since then, its range of DiGiCo products has grown with an SD11 and another SD9 added at the end of 2016. “The addition of the second SD9 made it possible for Festival Sound to supply two 96 channels consoles for FOH and monitor land,” says Jaco Beaukes from DiGiCo’s South African distributor DWR Distribution, which supplied the consoles. “This was a big step forward with serious benefits for them as they often supply gear for shows that demand high channel count consoles.” April 2017 marked another big move forward with
India - Mumbai-based system integrators Zoodio, have carried out a new sound system upgrade at a Roman Catholic church in the Mumbai township of Vashi. Built in 1993, Sacred Heart Church has taken delivery of the first Martin Audio BlacklineX system in the country. Zoodio, who have been specifying Martin Audio solutions for around a decade, had been recommended to the project by the priest of nearby St John The Baptist Church, following the installation of a Martin Audio O-Line as part of a major renovation project. However, this time Zoodio turned to the new BlacklineX range for the first time. BlacklineX is described as “a classic suite of passive loudspeakers for the modern era” which builds on the heritage of the original, and extremely popular Blackline installation and portable series. Zoodio project manager and co-ordinator, Dylan Hilton, describ
Norway - Pro audio specialists, Scandec Systemer, has been appointed by Optocore as the manufacturer’s new exclusive territorial distributor. Scandec set up as a distribution company back in 1984 and today has 37 employees representing a number of premium brands. The market segments in which they specialize include touring and concert sound, broadcast AV and permanent installation. To develop the broadcast market further in Norway they have also taken on a dealership for Optocore partner company, BroaMan, with Andreas Bergum charged with overseeing this market. Scandec sales manager for pro audio and MI, Frode Øygard sees other primary markets for Optocore fibre solutions as being large concert halls and theatres, concert and touring sound - and the company is already working on touring systems combined with DiGiCo SD consoles. In fact, although the new
Italy - Outline has released their first product launch video - produced in-house at Flero - which discusses the underlying concepts, development and final design realisation of their extraordinary new flagship system processor, Newton. Presented by Outline’s Vincent ‘Vinnie’ Perreux and Giulio Gandini, this accessible and fun short film takes just eight and half minutes to give the viewer an overview of Newton, its capabilities, intended applications and topology. A follow-up video will be posted soon in which the many operational possibilities of Newton will be explored in depth. The link to the video is www.outline.it/outline-products/processors/newton (Jim Evans)
Europe - Austrian microphone designers Lewitt has introduced three new products to their growing stable of high-end performance microphones. The Interviewer features an omnidirectional polar pattern, with a fully rubber mounted capsule. Due to its coating technology, all handling noise is reduced to a minimum while offering safe and comfortable grip. The LCT 440 Pure represents the distilled essence of their top-of-the-line technology packed into a sturdy, stylish and compact housing, whilst the capsule delivers an impressive level of detail and very low self-noise. Complete with an LCT 40 SH shock mount, an LCT 40 Wx windscreen, a DTP 40 Lb cushioned leatherette bag and stylish LCT 50 PSx magnetic pop filter, the LCT 440 PURE is fully packed and ready to go. Finally, focusing on the essentials is the tag-line for the LCT 240 Pro - a versatile cardioid condense
UK - Visitors will find a selection of theatrically-oriented audio products on the Autograph stand (C33) at ABTT 2017. At ABTT Autograph is working exclusively with Shure UK to showcase the new Axient Digital Wireless microphone system. Axient Digital builds on the superior benefits of Shure UHF-R, ULX-D, and Axient wireless systems to create a new, highly scalable system featuring a universal receiver that works across two transmitter ranges (AD and ADX series) to effectively replace UHF-R and Axient. Designed from the ground up, the new system proudly features the world’s first micro-bodypack with an internal, self-tuning antenna. As Meyer Sound’s longest-standing partner in the UK, Autograph will show the latest members of the Leo Family: the LINA ‘Very Compact Line Array’ module along with the 750-LFC Low Frequency Control Element. From DiGiCo
The Netherlands - Hockeycomplex ‘Oosterplas’, Hertogenbosch, the field hockey club which is also known as HC Den Bosch, recently underwent a complete new sound system installation, turning to RCF for the solution. RCF’s weatherproof IP55-rated P-series is no stranger to stadia and arenas throughout the world and has frequently been the architectural choice both for indoor installations in tough environments as well as outdoor applications such as stadiums and arenas. With three sides of the field open, all 20 of the P 3115-T, run 100V line, are distributed evenly along the roof of the single tribune, which also includes a central cluster. The full range, wide-dispersion, coaxial two-way loudspeaker system provides substantial power and efficiency. The HF section is a constant directivity CMD horn loaded to a 1” RCF Precision compression driver with a 1.5
UK - A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET) will be hosting certified training at their dedicated training facilities in High Wycombe and Leeds on 20 and 22 June respectively. The courses will be run by experienced trainers from Audio-Technica, Allen & Heath’s representatives in the UK, who have extensive knowledge of dLive and its applications. The all-day course is designed specifically for existing dLive users, touring engineers and those looking to upgrade to dLive. It is built around an immersive combination of presentation and hands-on training, designed to showcase the dLive’s power and flexibility across multiple applications. Attendees will receive ‘certified engineer’ status on completion of the course and a selection of Allen & Heath and AC-ET swag! dLive, Allen and Heath’s premium console range, is designed with a range of features
Switzerland - In recent months, a number of high profile musicians and engineers have been exploring the live potential of Schertler’s Arthur modular mixer on stages in various parts of the world. The mixer, which can be configured and built by the user, is created from a choice of Class-A input and output modules. These can be combined in any order and quantity to form both compact and large-scale mixer configurations for live and studio use. Celebrated jazz/fusion pianist, keyboardist and composer Chick Corea is currently on tour with a specially configured Arthur mixer that enables him to directly manage his own on-stage sound. Corea’s configuration includes one of the new Arthur Sub group modules through which all his keyboards run to front of house. Seven further channels accommodate other band instruments, enabling Corea to create his own monitor mixes. "This
Switzerland - A compact Allen & Heath dLive S Class system has been installed in Teatro Sociale in Bellinzona, Switzerland, following an upgrade to its audio equipment. Supplied by Battaglia Light Services, the system consists of a S3000 Surface equipped with a Dante network card, and a DM32 MixRack. Built in 1846, Teatro Sociale is one of Switzerland’s most historic theatres, which was refurbished 20 years ago following a period of neglect. The venue hosts theatrical productions, and also a variety of concerts, from classical to rock. “We selected dLive because it has a simple workflow, which is easy to learn for guest engineers, and has a quick setup time, so you can configure the desk in seconds. Another major factor for choosing dLive is that the sound quality is first class, and the system has the best FX, compressors and dynamics, thanks to the DEEP proce
UK - Attracting over 5,500 attendees, Europe’s largest digital marketing conference, the Adobe Summit EMEA 2017 returned once again to ICC ExCeL London. Creative technical event production expert, Hawthorn was once again chosen by Taylor Bennett Partners to deliver the full technical design and production for the two-day event. Focused on the future of digital marketing, delegates from Europe, the Middle East and Africa gathered to soak up tips and insights from the Adobe Marketing Cloud and its partners. Led by group creative director Pete Harding, Hawthorn was tasked to bring Taylor Bennett’s impressive vision to life, delivering the technical production for the main conference plenary, exhibition space, break-out rooms and the muchly-anticipated Summit Celebration. In the Community Pavilion, a six-metre long, five-metre wide and three-metre high tunnel construc
Russia - Funktion-One’s distributor for Russia, Edelweiss Audio, has completed the sound installation at Krasnodar Stadium. The project led to the loudspeaker manufacturer breaking new ground with a specially designed Evo enclosure. Edelweiss Audio was initially invited to take part in a listening test alongside companies representing most of the pro audio manufacturers active in arena and stadium sound. This was the beginning of a detailed specification process. Having impressed the owners, Edelweiss and Funktion-One were shortlisted and invited back for a second round of listening tests. “A number of factors, not least the geometry of the stands, meant that a horn-loaded solution would work best,” explains Edelweiss Audio’s technical director Andrei Kremenchugskiy. “We were looking at up to 90-degree coverage, which is very hard to achieve effectively usin
USA - DPA Microphones will debut its new d:vice MMA-A Digital Audio Interface and DSM6000 Microphone Base at InfoComm 2017 (Booth 6169). The MMA-A features flexibility and a small form factor that allows the user to pull out the d:vice for any unexpected situation that might arise during their day. The intelligible sound and ease of installation provided by the new microphone base, in combination with the d:screet SC4098 Podium Microphone, caters to the different industry needs and wants of architects, AV consultants, system integrators and installing electricians. DPA's new d:vice MMA-A Digital Audio Interface is a high-quality, two-channel microphone preamp and A/D converter offering mono, dual and stereo capabilities. The d:vice comes with interchangeable lightning and USB cables for connectivity. Its MicroDot inputs allow the d:vice to be connected to all DPA minia
UK - Allen & Heath has released V1.50 firmware for its flagship dLive S Class and dLive C Class ranges. This latest update includes multiple improvements and additions to the scene system to meet the needs of theatre, festival and other complex show applications. The Scene Update system has many enhancements including an improved Manual mode and new Auto-Tracking mode, both of which can apply changes in Absolute or Relative modes. Additionally, an enhanced GUI offering increased scope and granularity of parameter control has been implemented for Recall Filters and Global Safes. Festival-friendly tools to allow scenes to be imported from USB have also been added. Allen & Heath’s Pro Live product manager, Ben Morgan commented: “This release is well timed, with dLive appearing at many summer festivals these improvements to the scene system will provide an even
USA - Serving the greater Washington DC area since 1971, RCI Systems is a full-service event production house and systems integrator that has built its success on two “greats” - great people and great gear. In the house of worship community, that has often taken the form of partnering with Jonathan Lesane and SYXA Services, most recently on a pair of installs featuring L-Acoustics ARCS WiFo (Wide and Focus) systems at Spirit of Faith Christian Centre and Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries. Lesane works with a large number of churches in the DC and Baltimore areas, but he’s not a “typical” systems integrator. His approach of providing rental systems, as well as arranging permanent installs and personnel to run both, is a reaction to the issues many churches face with volunteer audio staffs. “I have had many discussions with worship leaders where I point ou
