Mexico - Martin Audio has appointed Pro Active Latin America as the company’s sales representative for Latin America and the Caribbean. Based in Mexico City and guided by owner/director Berenice Gutierrez, Pro Active LATAM has already represents Allen & Heath, Ashly Audio and UDG in addition to Martin Audio. With 20 years of experience and success in live sound, commercial installation and music products, Berenice has developed a well-earned reputation for her knowledge and insights about building brands and sales in Latin America. Asked about the appointment, she said: “Of course, I’ve known about Martin Audio for many years because it’s a well-known brand with a reputation for quality and excellence. It’s an honour for me and our team to work with an important company that has such huge potential in Latin America, both for the live sound and integration marke
USA - MGM Resorts International’s Park Theater is the newest jewel on the Las Vegas Strip as well as the city’s largest and most technologically advanced venue to address the latest trend in theatrical design - immersiveness. Hosting an audience of 5,200 in its standard configuration, the $90m theatre, which is located adjacent to the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, can flexibly be expanded to accommodate 5,800 and even up to 6,300 people at peak capacity. However, regardless of the configuration, every seat feels like it’s “fifth row centre” thanks, in large part, to an L-Acoustics K2 loudspeaker system specified by Montréal-based Scéno Plus and integrated by Solotech’s Las Vegas division. Although the 150,000sq.ft performance space is roughly four times the size of the Lance Burton Theatre, which previously occupied the site, the Park Theatre feels remar
UK - Colour Sound Experiment delivered equipment for a recent UK tour by pioneering d‘n’b music producer Wilkinson, a much anticipated series of sold-out gigs ahead of the release of his new Hypnotic album in April - working with lighting designer Sam Tozer. Playing a variety of venues, this was an opportunity for the company’s new pre-rigged trussing - a Litec product specially modified for them - to provide a flexible and practical solution. Features include an expedient four-wide-two-high stacking truck pack combined with super-fast deployment onstage. The regional dates were primarily at academy venues, culminating in a high profile high pressure performance at London's Roundhouse. The look and design developed for the tour was a total change from any previous Wilkinson live shows, and a big part of the aesthetic goal was to produce something new and e
Germany - When Jazz legend Al Di Meola played a sell-out gig at Darmstadt’s 1000-capacity Straatstheatre, Tonwerk’s Jan Weimann deployed a Uniline FOH system from APG. For Weimann, using the Uniline with this artist was the only possible choice. “Al Di Meola is quite specific about loud stage environments. The Uniline system has such a great directivity that there's so little sound spill to the stage from the PA system. We also shielded the drums with acrylic glass at his request.” The system was configured to provide high-clarity coverage for every seat with minimal backward spill. Comprised of left and right hangs of eight UL210 three-way line array modules per side, with bass support from three stacked UL115B subs, the system was driven by APG controllers. For Weimann, APG’s Uniline is his preferred system because, he says, it implements a “large stereo
Italy - Allen & Heath’s dLive, GLD and ME systems were employed to manage broadcast performances at the recent Sanremo Music Festival in Italy, an annual week-long event based around a popular TV singing competition. Allen & Heath managed FOH, monitors and broadcast duties at the Fort Santa Tecla venue, which staged artist performances and DJ sets to be broadcast live during the festival on the national TV channel, Rai. The venue also hosted VIP festival guests. Italian pro audio specialist, Exhibo, supplied two Dante-enabled dLive S Class mixing systems, with a S5000 Surface and DM48 MixRack managing FOH and monitors, and a S3000 and DM48 for broadcast and recording. A ME personal monitoring system was also supplied for rehearsals and the drum-fill mix, and a Dante-enabled Chrome Edition GLD-80 digital mixer was provided for the DJ sets, where the GLD Remote
UK - inspHire has introduced its new global website. Cementing inspHire’s position as a leading promoter of hire software globally, with offices in UK, USA, Netherlands and Australia, the user-friendly site provides a hub of information about the hire management software provider; from innovative products and customer case studies to company news and values. The new website features customer case studies, as well as inspHire’s latest software updates and product developments. Over 2200 hire companies are already utilising inspHire software, the company says.
Germany - JoeCo has announced Starpoint Distribution as its new exclusive sales representative in Germany and Austria. The agreement, expected to significantly raise the company’s profile in both territories, will have its first public outing at the forthcoming Prolight+Sound exhibition in Frankfurt, when JoeCo will take pride of place on the Starpoint booth (located in Hall 3.1, booth H82). Headquartered in Hamburg with more than 20 years’ experience of bringing premium brands into Europe’s German speaking markets, Starpoint is one of the largest distribution specialists in Germany. Widely considered a leader in its field, the company spans a wide variety of markets, from AV installs to broadcast and live sound. Also included in its portfolio of brands are Midas and Klark Teknik. JoeCo is the award-winning British manufacturer behind the renowned BLACKBOX range
South Korea / USA - Samsung Electronics has announced the completion of acquisition of Harman International Industries Inc. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Harman stockholders will receive $112.00 per share in cash. The completion follows the satisfaction of all conditions to the closing of the transaction, including approval of the transaction by Harman stockholders and receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals in the United States and certain foreign jurisdictions, the company says. (LSiOnline)
UK - Hundreds of aspiring young engineers and roboticists took part in an exciting science and technology challenge at the University of the West of England in Bristol. The finals of the FIRST Lego League Challenge: Animal Allies were held in the university’s Exhibition and Conference Centre on Sunday 26 February. Evans Audio Visual Staging teamed up with Utopium to supply sound and lighting to the event, which was part of a global Lego-based robotics contest, and featured tens of thousands of young people. For the sound installation, working with the in-house PA system Evans supported that by installing two Yamaha QL1’s with two channels of Shure ULXD radios on a Dante network. The Evans team connected the main competition space with the studio to allow the Institute of Engineering and Technology to stream the event live on YouTube. Helping add to the interactive
China - With the opening of the Yu Bar in Shunde, near Guangzhou, the entertainment scene in China sees a return of the mega club after many years. It features the debut installation in China of a Nexo STM Series modular line array system, chosen to position the Yu Bar at the top of the market. The sheer size of the new venue is breathtaking, with a 15m ceiling height that allows its technical specifications to be fully achieved. “Too often in China, sound proofing is overlooked but not here,” says Michael Chow, marketing manager for Top Plot Int’l Ltd, Nexo’s distributor for China. “At Yu Bar, the ample height of the structure means that the PA system can be installed at the optimal height and position, without the usual compromises.” In an installation designed and contracted by Nexo’s Guangzhou dealer Hertz Audio with Hong Zing Audio Equipment, aided b
Turkey - Audio-Technica has confirmed the appointment of Ertekin Elektronik as its new distributor for professional audio products in Turkey. Established in 1967, the company is based in Istanbul and has operated as a distributor for international brands in the pro-audio, lighting, hi-fi and consumer electronics industries since 1990. Ertekin Electronik currently distributes more than 50 brands including Yamaha, Panasonic, Celestion and Denon in the territory. Yurder Ertekin, sales and marketing manager for Ertekin Elecktronik said, “We are proud to have signed a distribution agreement with Audio-Technica to bring its high quality, technically innovative products to our domestic market. We look forward to developing a strong co-operative relationship with the brand and strengthening Audio-Technica’s profile in Turkey.” Matthias Exner, Audio-Technica directo
APAC - Allen & Heath has strengthened its team in the Asia Pacific region with the appointment of technical marketing director, Chris Pyne. Born in Australia, Pyne has three decades of experience in the pro touring and event industry as sound engineer for artists including Kylie Minogue, Jennifer Lopez, IL Divo, Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Westlife, and the Asian artists Jacky Chueng and Chueng Hui-Mei. Pyne also has extensive live and studio recording experience. Most recently, Pyne has worked in a technical training and support role at Martin Audio. Pyne will be providing technical expertise and training via Allen & Heath’s partner network, as well as supporting the growing community of touring engineers and rental companies in the region who have adopted Allen & Heath digital systems. “With our digital mixing systems gaining great momentum in Asia
UK - Audiologic has announced the appointment of Diogo Scutti to the position of technical support engineer. Diogo will be working alongside existing engineer Yavor 'Max' Yanakiev to strengthen the team in response to rising demand for in-house and on-site support from its growing customer base. He trained at Brazil's top institute of Audio and Video (IAV) and joins Audiologic having gained wide experience in every aspect of project management, co-ordinating AV system installations in a wide variety of settings. Familiar with all the major professional audio brands, Diogo is a specialist in digital processing systems, with an extensive knowledge of audio over IP, including the development of projects with multiple digital audio protocols. In his 13 years as a professional, Diogo has worked on the front line of AV support from large fixed installations to events such as The O
China - A festival to mark the G20 Summit was held in the Chinese city of Hangzhou with an Allen & Heath dLive S Class mixing system managing the live performances. Staged on the city’s vast West Lake, the event featured a symphony concert and gala designed by Chinese director, Zhang Yimou, who blended traditional Chinese music with Western classics. The stage was immersed just below the surface of the lake to give the illusion that the performers are floating on water. The stage was divided into three main performance zones, and more than 500 performers were involved in the show. The main mixing system comprised of a S7000 Surface with DM64 MixRack. Tao Zhang, audio system designer for the show, commented, “dLive is perfectly designed for live shows. For a high profile performance like this, we can’t afford to have any problems. dLive is reliable and i
Poland - As the city of Wrocław in Poland prepared for The World Games in July 2017, the Wroclaw Investment Company settled the tender for the reconstruction and development of the swimming pools located at Wejherowska Street in the Northwest of the city. Selected as one of the main aquatic venues for The World Games, the Wejherowska Street Pool will benefit the residents of Wroclaw after the Games, with its refurbishment of the existing outdoor swimming pool and the building of a brand new indoor venue. It has been described by the City of Wrocław as “probably the investment connected to The World Games 2017 that Wroclaw citizens are most looking forward to.” Tommex Żebrowscy Sp. J. was commissioned to design and install the sound system for both the indoor and outdoor pools, together with the main hall, fitness club and gymnasium which are combined in the comp
Singapore - Singapore's 51st National Day Parade took place in August 2016 at the 55,000 seater Singapore Sports Hub, a venue notorious for its challenging acoustics as much as it is famous for its huge domed roof - the world's largest. Well publicised sound issues have plagued concerts held at the venue and whilst the National Day Parade was not simply a gig, its magnificent spectacle leaned heavily on audio, lighting and video technology. On such an auspicious occasion, there was no room for sub-standard delivery. Highly experienced independent audio consultant Shah Tahir had overseen the design of the sound system for each of the previous eight Parades but this was the first at the relatively new Sports Hub. Overseen by the military, under whose auspices the event takes place, Tahir settled on CODA Audio's AiRAY system to deliver the necessary precision. Arena-speci
USA - Located in the Gardenwalk shopping and entertainment district adjacent to the Disneyland Resort, the Rumba Room Live is one of the area’s newest nightclubs. Featuring two full bars, a coat check, a dance floor, several VIP sections, a stage for live bands, a DJ booth, and a smoking patio to name just a few of the amenities, the Rumba Room Live can host a variety of events with a capacity of 900 patrons. To ensure the best possible audio for this vibrant and upscale venue, a sizeable assortment of loudspeakers drawn from the Event, Artec, and Action Series catalogues of Valencia, Spain-based D.A.S. Audio were deployed. Props AV, LLC of Beaumont, CA, an AV design / build firm that also has a live events production division, was contracted to design and install the Rumba Room Live’s new sound reinforcement system. Using a sizeable assortment of line arrays, sub
South Africa - Collective Works is a new creative visual design practice launched by three experienced live event production industry professionals – Christopher Bolton, Joshua Cutts and Bradley Hilton. All are well known for their work in South Africa and across the African continent. Bringing all the energy and vibrancy of the region to an international marketplace, the trio specialise in the disciplines of lighting, video and set / scenic design and digital content production. “There is a great chemistry and fluidity of ideas and thoughts between all of us,” says Chris, explaining that while Collective Works is a really natural synergy between the three of them, their totally different personality attributes and characters add yet more to the dynamics of the team. Immediate work confirmed in the months ahead includes Afrikaans is Groot and Sta
Slovenia - PA company, ABC Professional Sound & Light, has invested in Allen & Heath’s S Class dLive digital mixing system, adding a S7000 Surface with DM48 MixRack to its hire stock. ABC’s new system has already been used on a variety of events, such as the Triskel festival in Italy, Idrija Lace festival, concerts for Pinko Tomažič choir and the Komen wind orchestra, and tour dates with well-known Slovenian bands including Big Foot Mama, Vlado Kreslin and Kingston. “dLive has a simple interface, and is equipped with Allen & Heath sound and build quality,” comments ABC’s owner, Bojan Dolgan. “The preamps sound natural, and the FX section is simply great with fabulous reverb, delays and compressors. We are planning to buy the smaller S3000 system for the other events. We love it!” (Jim Evans)
World - Star Events designed and built two completely new stages to accommodate Adele’s 2017 fully in the round stadium shows and the impeccable sound required by the tour, which is currently wowing critics and audiences across Australia. Initial audio planning required eight hangs of V-Dosc K1 and K2, some 10m high, arranged facing outwards around the stage and a substantial sub-bass hang dead centre of the stage. However, for optimum results, the speakers had to be suspended 25m up. With Adele wanting to be closely surrounded by audience in a genuine 3600 lay-out, there was no available real estate for all the usual control equipment. Tour production manager Richard Young conceived the idea of building the racks into two shipping containers that form the heart of a production area suspended high above the stage. Required to suspend over 40 tons at 25m before
China - German production company La Belle Musical saw in 2017 with a truly international production of Mozart! for Chinese fans of musical theatre at the Shanghai Culture Square, PRC. The production, which combines high-tech contemporary scenography with period costumes, addresses the life and works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and features an advanced spatial sound design by award winning Swiss designer, Tom Strebel of audiopool. The sound system was supplied entirely from Germany by Feedback Show Systems, who purchased a TiMax SoundHub audio delay-matrix processor to meet Strebel’s exacting spatial amplification system spec. For Strebel, the inclusion of TiMax to sympathetically amplify a full company of radio-mic’d actors across a multi-channel distributed speaker system was a given. He explains that, “it is simply not satisfying without. I have u
India - Mumbai-based Sound.com, one of India’s foremost rental companies, recently added a DiGiCo SD5 digital mixing console to its inventory, purchased through DiGiCo’s authorized India partner, Hi-Tech Audio Systems, New Delhi. Since its inception, Sound.com has evolved from being just a sound rental company to re-defining the idea of delivering an experience of ‘great sound’. The team at Sound.com is committed to enhancing the sound experience by helping the audience build a palette for efficient sound and enabling an artist to amplify their vision in a concert. Warren D’souza, managing director of Sound.com, explains why he opted for the SD5 and how it will help the company to continue to meet these goals. “For me it was a simple decision and there wasn’t any other console on my purchase radar,” he says. “It is the most rider acceptable co
UK - RCF UK has recruited the experienced Chris Fearn as its new regional sales manager, responsible for the Midlands and South. Fearn has a long and distinguished career in audio, dealing with HiFi, MI and pro products. After 12 years in the HiFi industry he joined CIE Group, selling commercial audio products, before spending 13 years with Wharfedale Pro supplying retail products to the MI/DJ markets, as well as servicing the installation sector. More recently he spent two years with Adam Hall Group looking after the whole of the UK and Ireland with their audio, lighting and stage equipment ranges. Speaking of his latest move, Chris Fearn said, “Throughout my career selling audio products there has always been a brand which seemed to excel in the markets that it has focused on. “In the case of RCF products, these are designed and engineered in Italy by a g
World - Dutch DJ/producer, Armin van Buuren, selected Allen & Heath’s flagship DJ mixer, the Xone:DB4, as his mixer for the worldwide Armin Only Embrace tour. The tour has been operating for the past nine months, with dates in the Netherlands, Spain, Bulgaria, China, Turkey, Mexico, Taiwan, Brazil, Australia and USA. “I'm really impressed with the sound of the DB4. I love the separate FX per channel and their overall sound,” says Armin van Buuren. “The mixer is really flexible with routing of inputs, filters, EQ's and FX and that makes it possible to be extra creative. The D/A conversion is superb and it really gives my set some truly noticeable extra depth and dynamics. I was able to test the mixer in several big rooms with big PA systems and the difference with other mixers is just stunning.” (Jim Evans)
