USA - Sensaphonics has announced the hiring of Dr. Jenna Paley to promote hearing wellness and business development. Paley received her doctorate in audiology from Indiana University, and is founder of Project Decibel, an organization dedicated to educating musicians and others on how to protect their hearing health while still enjoying loud sound on stage, in the audience, or anywhere in their lives.

"Hearing wellness is something I'm very passionate about, which is a perfect match with Sensaphonics," she says. "When we spoke about the best ways to work together on our common goals, it was clear that joining forces was the solution. Working with a company that shares my commitment to hearing health is a dream come true for me."

At Sensaphonics, Paley will bring her own perspective and expertise to the company's ongoing mission to help musicians maintain their hearing well

The Netherlands - Analog Way has announced that Perspective Layers feature will be natively available for any Ascender 32 - 4K early 2017. Showcased at ISE 2017 at booth #3-C95, this functionality allows the user to provide top-notch presentations through creation and animation of layers with virtual viewing perspective in real-time.

Already available for the Ascender 48 - 4K - PL and the LiveCore Output Expander 48 - 4K - PL, the Ascender 32 - 4K - PL will be natively equipped with this functionality as well. Developed by Analog Way, the exclusive Perspective Layers mode enables the manipulation of layers in a 3D space in order to give depth to any presentation.

More than a simple keystone effect, operators have the ability to change the layer position in the three dimensions of X, Y and Z, and also rotate them according to the three axes. When the Perspective Layers feat

China - DPA Microphones has strengthened its presence in China by launching a dedicated website that delivers product information, Microphone University articles, company news and content of specific relevance to the Chinese market in Chinese.

With a population of over 1.3bn and a growing demand for high end products to satisfy its burgeoning broadcast and pro audio industries, China is a key target for many manufacturers and DPA is no exception.

Ken Kimura, managing director of DPA's APAC Office, says, "China is a very important market for us, but its sheer size does make it challenging. To be successful in this market you need more than just great products - you also need to get closer to your customers by providing them with relevant information in their own language.

"Our new website will help us achieve this by making it easy for Chinese audio professionals to ide

Denmark - Pascal A/S has announced a buyout of its minority shareholder Camco, by its Danish founding team. The buyout has been executed through a joint holding company, which is now sole owner of the company.

The buyout follows the acquisition of Camco by L-Group, the holding company for L-Acoustics. Pascal CEO and co-owner Lars Fenger explains, "The buyout of our minority shareholder allows us to continue as a fully independent OEM provider of amplifier solutions to the pro audio industry. As far as we are aware, we are the only OEM amplifier module provider solely focusing on the pro audio market, fully autonomous of potentially conflicting house branded product.

"We are thankful for the more than 10 years of collaboration with Camco, who today use our patented technology and designs in all of their Class-D based amplifiers," he adds.

Regarding the company's future

UK - John Young, former head of technical services at Ambassador Theatre Group, has partnered with Gallowglass Training to produce a 'Top 20' suite of training courses for on-site operational staff.

Taking up the role of head of training at Gallowglass Training, Young has compiled a suite of both statutory and technical skills training courses covering all levels of responsibility - from basic Manual Handling to the flagship IOSH Managing Safely four-day course for managers and supervisors.

A specialist trainer in venue and production management, Young has been leading the advisory group working towards the Creative Venue Technician Trailblazer apprenticeship framework, designed for budding technicians in the live performance and screen industries.

"There's been a surge in demand for training from companies wanting to upskill their people and ensure a safe working envi

USA - This year's NAMM Show offers musicians and engineers an opportunity to meet Arthur - Schertler's new modular mixer, which has its official North American premiere in Anaheim.

Designed for both live and studio use, Arthur is created from a choice of different Class-A input and output modules - Mic Input, Mic Input Ultra Low Noise and Mic Input x4 units, Yellow instrument input unit, Stereo Input unit, L/R Master, Aux Master and external Power-In units. These can be specified and assembled by the user (in any order and quantity) to form both compact and large-scale mixer configurations. Modules can be added, removed or re-ordered at any time to meet changing requirements.

The Schertler booth (#1282) will feature sample mixer configurations including a compact three-channel live set-up for solo vocals and guitar (with microphone/instrument inputs and L/R output). Used i

The Netherlands - WyreStorm has leveraged its switching expertise in the design of its first HDBaseT 4K UltraHD matrix switchers to include dedicated audio matrix switching. Both 16x16 (MX-1616-HDBT-H2X) and 10x10 (MX-1010-HDBT-H2X) models will be launched at ISE 2017.

The H2X Series of 4K Ultra HD matrix switchers was developed specifically for large, high-end residential and commercial applications requiring multi-source video distribution of the latest 4K HDR content as well as multi-source audio matrix switching to multiple zones.

Addressing the increase in mixed 4K/2K installations, WyreStorm's SmartEDID feature dynamically detects and reacts to display and source capabilities to output the highest possible resolution for each individual source. 4K-2K scaling and frameless switching is also available using the WyreStorm RX-70-4K-SCL HDBaseT scaling receiver also launc

Europe - Audio-Technica has extended the functionality of its ATUC-50 digital discussion system with the launch of the ATUC-50INT simultaneous interpretation unit. Designed for ease of use in situations where up to three languages are involved, the ATUC-50INT places control in the hands of interpreters thanks to the system's intuitive web remote-based conference management software application.

The unit's straightforward control panel allows easy selection of headphone volume level as well as the choice of floor or relayed language - and two ATUC-50INTs may be linked to deliver each language for hardware redundancy

Discussion participants can select between the three interpretation channels on their ATUC-50DU discussion units, or the languages can be transferred to an existing wireless language distribution system via the ATUC-50CU control unit. Multi-language discussion r

USA - Founded way back in 1865 as the First Baptist Church of Watertown, Wildwood Church predates the city it resides in - East Moline, Illinois - by nearly 40 years. Its deep history includes several different names and buildings, but that all settled down by 1980, when Wildwood moved into its current 600-seat sanctuary.

Although not original to the building, the church's most recent sound system was nevertheless very old and regularly imperilled services with the threat of feedback, complaints of unintelligibility, and uneven coverage (the front rows got their "hair ripped off" while the back rows asked for more volume!).

That's all changed with the installation of Danley Sound Labs loudspeakers and subwoofers, spurred by the realization that Danley was responsible for the sound quality at nearby Kinnick Stadium and confirmed by a direct A/B comparison of the old system

Thailand - The new Hard Rock Cafe in Chiangmai, Thailand, recently opened its doors featuring an audio system designed and installed by One Systems Global. The company specified the Qu-16 digital rackmount mixer from Allen & Heath to manage all its audio requirements.

The mixer is installed in an AV rack along with the amp and Hard Rock audio server, located in a control room. The mixer controls playback audio sources and any live artists who will perform at the venue. The Qu is accompanied by a d&b audiotechnik PA system.

"Qu-16 is the ideal mixer for this type of venue, as it has enough capacity to manage a live music performance yet compact to store away, with flexible control options so that the user can connect to a wireless router and use the iPad app to mix from anywhere in the venue," explains One Systems Global's Mac.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Grand Canyon University, located in Phoenix, Arizona, is on a mission to build 10 new sports venues in the next two years. They kicked off their 10-in-2 initiative with GCU Stadium, a state-of-the-art soccer stadium that boasts a new EAW QX sound reinforcement system designed and installed by Sound Image's Tempe, Arizona-based office.

"The president of the university really likes using audio to generate energy for the fans," explains Ben Davis, project manager, Sound Image. "He wants all of their sporting events to be high energy - the EAW QX system hit all of their check marks for what they wanted for the stadium."

After reviewing the University's public bid, Davis put together a design based on EAW QX loudspeakers that fit their criteria. He also included an EAW SB2001 subwoofer option for consideration now or in the future. The school was so impressed, they decide

Australia - Eighth Day Sound, an early and influential member of Adamson Systems Engineering's global network, has further expanded its inventory with a substantial investment in Adamson E-Series and S-Series products for their Australian base in Sydney.

Headquartered in Highland Heights, Ohio, with offices in Los Angeles, London, and Sydney, Eighth Day provides sound reinforcement for top tours and festivals around the world. Subsequently, the company has invested heavily in Adamson products in recent years to keep up with the global demand for high-performance audio systems.

"Having Adamson available globally has been a part of our strategy since day one," says Jack Boessneck, executive VP with Eighth Day Sound. "With the acclaim it is garnering around the world, we have to be prepared to meet the growing demand."

Members of Eighth Day's Australian team travelled to

UK - Robert Simpson, co-founder of Electrosonic, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the New Year's 2017 Honours list for services to the audio-visual industry. The award was made in recognition of Robert's unwavering commitment to the audio and video industry over the past 52 years.

Over the last five decades Robert has helped to define what we now know as the audio and video industry. In his early years, working alongside co-founders Denis Naisbitt and Michael Ray, Electrosonic developed products associated with slide projection and 'multi-image' presentation. Often working from a blank page, on electronic designs that had never been done before, often in countries far from home, they created invention after invention for one-of-a-kind experiences and attractions in museums, theme parks and cultural landmarks.

Right from the start Elect

Spain - D.A.S. Audio has announced the Event Line Array Systems Performance Simulator. This intuitive new tool enables semi-professionals, enthusiasts, and retailers to quickly and easily calculate how many Event 208A or Event 210A systems are required to properly cover a given audience, or a determined audience area.

The Event Line Array Systems Performance Simulator is a unique tool that is available online via the D.A.S. website. It enables aspiring professionals, church sound volunteers, and similar groups of people to answer in just a few clicks, the eternal question of "How many systems do I need for 3,000 people?"

Similarly, the question may be, "How many systems do I need for an area about 65 feet wide and 94 feet deep?" Anyone working with sound reinforcement products has undoubtedly heard these questions a million times. Now, D.A.S. Audio puts, at one's disposal,

UK - RCF UK will present a suite of their latest state-of-the-art control and sound reinforcement products at PLASA Focus Glasgow (Glasgow SECC,18-19 January).

These will include the UK debut of the TT45-CXA (from the Touring & Theatre series) - a high performance, full range, symmetrical monitor for medium and large stages. This will line up alongside the RCF TT25-CXA - a 15" self-powered high definition coaxial floor monitor.

At booth #D4 RCF UK's technical sales manager, Mick Butler, will also be presenting the new M18 tablet-controlled digital mixer, with 18 input channels, 19 simultaneous studio grade effects, stereo main and six aux outputs. This has already won wide acclaim since its launch at Frankfurt PL+S.

Finally, there is certain to be a lot of interest in the new TTL6-A, self-powered, full range, three-way li

USA - Grasshopper Off the Green is a lively Irish pub in Morristown, New Jersey. It manages a cozy feel despite its size: Grasshopper spans three stories that patrons regularly fill to capacity.

The dark wooden décor suggests a much older establishment, but Grasshopper Off the Green came into being only t12 years ago. Its current sound system, built around Renkus-Heinz loudspeakers and subwoofers is even younger than that, with an update in 2011. But the amps that went in with the loudspeakers couldn't keep up with the pub's near-constant use, so local A/V integrator Starview Satellite replaced them with reliable, cost-effective, high-fidelity KLR-3200 and nX 3.02 amplifiers from U.S. amplifier manufacturer Ashly Audio.

"They've got a ton of stuff going on at Grasshopper," said Rich Trombitas, regional sales & product manager with A/V manufacturers rep firm Cardone,

UK - Tascam UK has announced that with immediate effect, it has taken over the UK distribution of ART pro audio products. ART (Applied Research and Technology) has over 30 years' experience of designing and manufacturing signal processing equipment for the pro audio and music industry.

Used extensively from the studio through to live performances, the ART product portfolio includes vacuum tube preamplifiers and compressors, innovative graphic equalizers, a wide-range of microphones and headphone amplifiers and a full complement of useful tools designed for stage and studio use.

Speaking of the new distribution agreement, Neil Wells, general manager of Tascam UK, said, "We are delighted to be distributing the excellent range of ART pro audio products. Not only does the range offer outstanding value for money but also the quality level very much suited to the professional st

The Netherlands - ASL is exhibiting at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE 2017), showcasing a host of new products including Integra, an all-in-one public address/voice alarm system, Vipedia Rack, a rack based EN54 solution, WMC01, a touch sensitive audio controller and Vipedia Control Protocol (VCP), a new text-based control interface.

ASL - Applications Solutions (Safety and Security) Ltd, is a UK-based systems manufacturer of high-end public address, voice alarm, commercial audio and control system products internationally renowned across transport industries for reliable and complex long-line solutions. ASL's new product ranges cater for a wide range of industries including transport, retail, stadia, nuclear, roads, tunnels and oil & gas industries. Established in 1989 and operating from its UK headquarters in Lewes, East Sussex, ASL also operates from offices in Abu Dhabi and

Canada - Canada's MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta has recently purchased a 32 channel Legacy Plus console for their upcoming studio space.

"As an educational facility, MacEwan wanted to choose a brand that fits with their philosophy of how audio engineering should be taught," says David Kotch, studio designer and owner of Criterion Acoustics. Kotch is serving as the principal architect for MacEwan's studio.

"The school strongly believes in API's brand, and in the analogue console market, we fully believe API is the best out there."

Construction on the studio is underway, and is expected to be completed Spring of 2017, with hopes of students utilizing the Legacy Plus console in the Fall 2017 semester.

(Jim Evans)

UK - POLARaudio has created a new division within the POLAR group to complement its Integrated Solutions and MI/Retail divisions. The Professional Audio division will "better serve new and existing clients in the hire, events, broadcast and rental sectors". The company has secured the services of experienced industry professional, Nick Turner, who joins the company as the new division's UK sales manager.

With more than 10 years' experience at Adlib Audio's sales and installations departments, Nick brings extensive knowledge and detailed understanding of the requirements of the audio industry. During this period, he worked closely with the installations team on projects including theatres, live music settings and education establishments, gaining valuable insights and forging close relationships with many technical managers at high-profile venues.

Nick Turner looks forward

The Netherlands - Cloud Electronics will show two new models of the MA40 Mini Amplifier series at ISE 2017, shipping immediately post exhibition. Originally shown as development prototypes for the first time at ISE 2016 the new Cloud MA40F and MA40T Mini Amplifiers are squarely aimed at de-centralised solutions and where requirements exist for adding additional audio zones to legacy in-stallations.

The new MA40F Mini Amplifier features a mono 40W output (4?), two stereo line inputs with individual input gain, an additional 70V/100V line input, a paging microphone input with independent EQ, music EQ, music mute (for simple fire alarm connection) and a facility port allow-ing Cloud's LM-2 wall input module and Cloud's new BT-1F Bluetooth wireless audio module to be connected easily.

The MA40T offers identical features to the MA40 but provides 100V output (25V/70V/100V) in pl

UK - Klark Teknik has announced the shipping of its DM8000 advanced digital audio processor for installation applications featuring configurable DSP, audio networking and acoustic echo cancellation.

As a solution for modern meetings and telephone/video conferencing, the DM8000 is designed for installation in boardrooms, council chambers, courtrooms and more. It delivers seamless integration with computer based conferencing systems, audio networking via USB, and the 1U rack mount chassis can also be remote controlled using built-in Ethernet and RS232 ports.

The DM8000 provides a massive audio toolkit, empowering users to create the ideal custom configuration for any application. With free DSP Designer software containing a comprehensive library of processing modules, the entire signal and processing structure can be compiled on a PC and then run into the DM8000's robust DSP

Switzerland - At the upcoming ISE 2017 in Amsterdam, Audio over IP pioneer Barix will update its Audio Signage platform with free firmware to deliver multiple audio tracks to single- or multi-screen digital signage installations. Barix will exhibit at Stand 8-N270 in the RAI Exhibition and Conference Centre.

The Barix Audio Signage platform helps businesses and visitor attractions deliver audio associated with digital signage to mobile phones over a local Wi-Fi connection. The firmware update will run on a standard Barix Exstreamer Store & Play unit as opposed to an expensive PC-based system that is complicated to manage. The firmware is available for download at www.barix.com/downloads.

The updated Barix Audio Signage solution works for any location where digital signage needs the additional boost of streamed audio to effectively deliver its message. Though previously sim

Latest Issue. . .