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UK - Restaurant Sophie’s Steakhouse and its companion speakeasy lounge bar Jack Solomon recently opened in Soho, with Nexo’s compact point-source ID Series loudspeakers installed in three areas of the venues.
System control was also provided by Nexo’s DTD digital controllers and powered by DTD amplifiers.
AV design company Diamond AV specified and installed the system, which extends across three levels, including the double-height main restaurant. More than 30x ID24i cabinets have been used, carrying the same look/feel throughout the different parts of the venue. The tiny yet versatile double 4” cabinets handle a background music programme in the restaurant, jazz and club tracks in the lounge, and guest DJ mixes in a small VIP salon.
Guy Ayres is the techni

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Norway - AudioLight AS has made a major investment in Martin Audio’s new products, purchasing a package that includes 32-box WPC PA, 12 x SXH218 subwoofers and 16 x XE 300 monitors, all powered by the manufacturer’s iKON iK42 amplifiers.
The order was placed with Martin Audio distributors Atendi AS on the opening day of the ISE Show in Amsterdam, and fulfilled by head of sound Øystein Wierli.
After fulfilling last year’s festival season, the company required a bigger PA and approached Atendi. “First we talked about buying more W8LC but decided we wanted a bigger system that we could split in two smaller set-ups,” says Thomas Nordvik Olsen, co-founder of AudioLight. “So we started to look at what the market could offer, and after getting offers from all the major PA manufacturers we decided that Martin Audio still had the best system for our needs.”

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Norway - Peavey Commercial Audio (PCA) has appointed Audiens Norge AS as its exclusive Norwegian distributor with immediate effect.
Audiens, based 16 miles northeast of Oslo, will be responsible for all PCA brands, supplying MediaMatrix, Crest Audio and Peavey PA products.
James Kennedy, PCA operations manager, comments: “Audiens are clearly very well-established in all the markets that relate directly to our products. They go out of their way to provide end-to-end solutions where possible, accompanying and supporting their clients throughout the duration of the project. They have an extensive network of trusted consultants, architects and installers with whom they work very closely - in short, their approach closely mirrors our own and their portfolio is complementary, so I’m convinced that this is an excellent decision for both companies.”
Audiens CEO Tho
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Indochine X PixMob Fan Immersion

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's - 40 thousand LED pixels on a ceiling!!! Indochine's whirlwind tour transports fans to another level of the live experience - immersing them from floor to ceiling with PixMob's X4 wristbands, and an LED ceiling made entirely of its NOVA Minis! With the vision of Indochine's creative team, PixMob used its LED fan-technology to turn attendees and venues into an ocean of effects, and a starry sky of LED magic. Très très cool!

Read more about the Indochine tour in the latest issue of LSi

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West End Live - Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Strictly Ballroom and Chicago are among the new shows announced in the line-up for this year’s West End Live. The free event, which is organised by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre, will take place in London’s Trafalgar Square on 16-17 June.
Other shows to take part this year include Eugenius!, Brief Encounter, Little Shop Of Horrors, Heathers the Musical, Knights Of the Rose, Six, Circolombia, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure, and Kiss Me, Kate.
Julian Bird, chief executive of SOLT and UK Theatre, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with the City of Westminster to bring the casts of London’s great shows to Trafalgar Square, giving theatre fans the chance to see exclusive perfo

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UK - The International Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference has confirmed its final keynote speakers.
Joining the array of confirmed speakers from around the world is founding partner of Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R), Elizabeth Diller, whose New York-based design studio practice spans the fields of architecture, urban design, installation art, multi-media performance, digital media, and print.
Her appearance on Monday, 4 June 2018 will be complemented by co-founder of the Bridge Theatre and former National Theatre executive director, Nick Starr CBE, on Tuesday, 5 June 2018.
(Jim Evans)

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USA - At last year’s annual InfoComm show, delegates in Orlando were treated to the US debut of the Astro Spatial Audio: Alcons Pro-Ribbon Immersive Experience. This year, the ‘Live Entertainment Capital of the World’ is the latest stop on its international tour.
In the acoustically-optimised room N106, the Astro Spatial Audio: Alcons Pro-Ribbon Immersive Experience will showcase the remarkable possibilities of high quality, object-based immersive audio from 3D live sound specialist Astro Spatial Audio (ASA). Hourly demonstrations will take place each day, featuring the company’s 3U rack-mountable SARA II Premium Rendering Engine, used in combination with Alcons CRMS / CRMSC SR Cinema Reference Monitor systems and the new VR5 ultra-compact versatile monitor. The demonstration will deliver the ultimate in clarity and coverage, which is ideal for any immersive applica

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USA - d&b audiotechnik is returning to InfoComm on 5-8 June, with its stand #C982 “brimming with all the latest audio solutions for seamless installation and interoperability”.
For the first time, visitors will be able to explore the full extent of what tailor-made means at d&b, with the new d&b Custom solutions programme consolidating the company’s long-term appreciation for individuality and character. No matter the project size, the rigging, colour and weatherisation of any d&b system can be ideally matched to even the most challenging interior and outdoor spaces. A Yi Special Version Stadium system will be rigged on the booth for its US show debut showcasing examples of what’s available.
Following the global launch in April this year the new top of the range GSL System from the SL Series will also be making its US show debut. The GSL Syste

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USA - Powersoft is launching several new products targeted at the fixed installation and OEM markets at this year’s InfoComm exhibition. New products include a significant extension of its successful two-channel amplifier platform, Duecanali, as well as its renowned M-Force transducer, which brings power and integration possibilities to an increasing number of OEM partners.
The Duecanali 804 and 4804 - which are now launching in the U.S. market - are the latest additions in the Duecanali platform, which is suited for retail, leisure and hospitality fixed installations that require both pristine and reliable sound. The Duecanali 804 offers 2 x 400W and represents a lower total power solution for installations in retail, as well as bars and restaurants where a single two-channel amplifier is required - without the need for additional channels or power. The range is complet

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USA - Elation Professional will be showcasing the latest lighting at InfoComm 2018 in Las Vegas.
At the Las Vegas Convention Centre, Elation will be showing the latest luminaires in the award-winning Artiste series of creative, full-featured moving heads, the Artiste Picasso and Artiste Dali.
The theatrical-grade Artiste Picasso is one of the brightest (22,000 lumens) and most feature-rich profile LED lighting fixtures on the market. Feature-packed (zoom, framing, CMY, CTO, gobo wheels, animation, prisms, frost and more), it houses a high-power 600W Cool White LED engine. The Artiste Dali, a PLASA and LDI award winner, is a full-featured moving head with a unique hybrid light engine that combines a 300-watt LED source and 100-watt Laser Phosphor source for greater spot and beam capabilities from one fixture.
Elation will also be showing the new Smarty Hybrid, a f

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USA - Sensaphonics has scored a 29dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) for its soft silicone custom earpieces - the highest ever earned by a custom in-ear monitor.
This scientific measure of broadband isolation was the result of independent testing by independent testing lab Michael & Associates and applies to all Sensaphonics custom IEMs: 3D AARO, 3MAX, 2MAX, 2X-S, and the new D2.
“Our custom products solve real-world problems for musicians and sound engineers, and this 29 dB NRR is proof,” says Sensaphonics president, Dr. Michael Santucci. “That means maximum isolation, which promotes safer monitor levels. But beyond that, soft silicone is far more comfortable and retains its seals for full bass response, allowing performers to focus on their music, not their equipment. So Sensaphonics promotes both hearing health and better performances.”
Michael &

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Denmark - dnp denmark has announced the next generation Supernova XL screen.
Available in sizes up to 230” in 16:9 format, it’s marketed as a cost-effective solution for large venues and an affordable alternative to dnp’s Supernova Infinity Screen.
The new Supernova XL is designed to be transported rolled up in boxes of only 900mm x 900mm (length determined by screen height), which significantly reduces transport and handling costs. Two people can then assemble the screen on site in just a couple of hours, saving time and labour costs.
“We’ve eliminated the overlap of the screen materials to ensure an image without any visible seams, which is the key to the best viewing experience,” says dnp VP global sales & marketing, Soeren Kraemmergaard. “Our true optical lens technology delivers crisp high-contrast images without users having to dim the li

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Europe - ArKaos has launched GrandVJ 2.5, a new version of its GrandVJ software designed for control of video sources by VJs.
The new version will help optimise functionality of the host of pixel-based LED fixtures and media products as well as for ‘conventional’ video surfaces such as LED and projection screens.
The launch follows 'intensive research and development' and the new release has been 'comprehensively' tested by the user base.
ArKaos’ managing director, Agnes Wojewoda, comments: “We have listened extensively to what our VJ and video operator community has been requesting and taken that valuable feedback and their wish-lists on-board in developing this version of GrandVJ.”
There is also improved support for DPI display scaling and for international characters, as well as faster movie playback for ProRes on Mac and Windows and more rapi

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UK - Aurora Lighting Hire supported lighting director Gurdip Mahal on a major installation for Revolution, one of the largest entertainment sets on UK television.
SKY One took over the vast space at Cardington Studios for extreme sports show Revolution. Hosted by Jackass star Steve-O and Maya Jama, Revolution is an extravaganza of high speed action featuring BMX riders, skates and boarders going head to head across a spectacular custom designed course.
Working with award winning lighting director Gurdip Mahal for the eight-episode run, Aurora provided a vast array of lighting, control and rigging equipment to light up the large-scale production.
To achieve the intense colour applied throughout the show, a mix of over 200 Robe 1200, VariLite VL3500 and Martin Quantum Wash fixtures were installed to provide a highly controllable, vibrant

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Portugal - 17 Robe RoboSpot Base Stations controlling tracking Robe BMFL fixtures provided a remote followspotting solution for production lighting designer Jerry Appelt at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest.
The RoboSpot system was specified onto the show by Jerry and his gaffer Matthias Rau, and used extensively throughout the event’s final and two live semi-finals, which were beamed and streamed live via host broadcaster Rádio e Televisão de Portugal (RTP), reaching a final worldwide audience of around 200 million.
The RoboSpot system was supplied by main lighting contractor Flashlight from the Netherlands, who worked in conjunction with Pixelight from Portugal.
The RoboSpots, each with individual MotionCameras, were all from Robe’s powerful BMFL series of moving lights – a mix of BMFL Blades and BMFL WashBeams. Having these on the rig for key lighting

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UK - Conor Cosimini, producer and studio co-owner got a call earlier last year asking him to join English singer/songwriter Dodie’s touring team as monitor engineer.
Catapulted into the role not long after graduating from London College of Music (LCM), Conor arrived loaded with zeal, ambition and an Audient iD14, all set for her You tour in October where the audio interface was invaluable in a live setup. “The iD14 has come on both tours - and every other show I've done since - and I couldn't be happier with it,” confirms Conor in the afterglow of Dodie’s most recent Spring Tour which ended in April.
Conor admits that he was already a fan of Audient. "I use iD22 in my writing and location recording rigs all the time," he says, making the decision the to choose iD14 for Dodie’s live setup even easier. "When I’m on the road, I like to have an in

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South Africa - Quest Engineering distributor DWR Distribution is hosting three Quest open days across its three offices.
Taking place in Johannesburg (18 June), Durban (20 June) and Cape Town (22 June), the events will enable attendees to meet Quest’s Frank Andrewartha and view the range of the company's loudspeakers and amplifiers.
Robert Izzett from DWR comments: “We will have the bulk of the Quest range on display for our customers to view. A 40ft container has arrived and demo kits will be delivered to each DWR branch in time for the Quest open day.”
Izzett adds: “Quest is an excellent solution for smaller events and conferences in the rental market, when a large line-array is not required. It really is the perfect product, backed up with fantastic service from the Quest team.”
The Quest Open Day, which runs from 9am to 5pm local time, will

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USA - Country music singer, songwriter and rising star Kane Brown is on the road opening for Chris Young’s Losing Sleep tour, and lighting designer Andrew James wanted a practical and spectacular specials rig to give the young artist’s set full impact.
He turned to Robe moving lights - 18 x Pointes and five Spikies - supplied to the tour as a specials package by 4Wall Nashville.
James’ starting point for this design was that he and production manager Tyler Oplinger wanted something different for Kane’s set which needed to look fabulous and be set up onstage and de-rigged quickly and efficiently during the changeover.
He had already started to think along cart-based ideas for movability, and he also happened to have Atari’s Q*bert in his head! This inspired the basic shape of the set which he realized would also make a great base for lamp placeme

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UK - While the 2014 Disney film production of Into the Woods garnered huge amounts of attention, thanks in part to its all-star Hollywood cast including the likes of Meryl Streep and Johnny Depp, a recent UCL theatre production has succeeded in stripping down the Stephen Sondheim classic to its thematic core - exposing the eternal battle between darkness and light.
Instrumental in this exploration of desire, ambition and relationships through classic Brothers Grimm characters such as Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and Rapunzel was a combination of Chauvet Professional Maverick MK1 Spot and MK3 Wash fixtures, specified by LD Alex Forey.
With the general concept for the lighting based around the need to support the director’s post-apocalyptic vision, the cutting and powerful effects of the Maverick combination were called upon to create the atmospherics.

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Portugal - Lighting designer Jerry Appelt chose more than 700 Ayrton fixtures for his design at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Appelt chose not to incorporate a video element in the show, instead returning to a lighting-based design in which Ayrton fixtures were a key creative feature, adding depth, architecture and variety to the visuals.
“The exemplary cooperation with Ayrton was vital for the success of the show and the almost 800 fixtures from Ayrton gave Jerry an important addition to his toolbox, enabling him to create a magnificent, multi-layered design that was absolutely needed to master this beast without having LED screens or any other video canvas in our set up,” says ESC head of production, Ola Melzig. “And guess what, we did not miss video for a second of the whole eight hours of spectacular broadcasts we created in the wonderful city of Lisbon.

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USA - Long considered one of the main acoustic music festivals in North America, Wilkesboro’s MerleFest recently celebrated its 31st annual event, which was held over four days in late April.
Featuring the best in country, bluegrass and Americana, this year’s festival hosted performances by the Steep Canyon Rangers and Friends with special guest Steve Martin, Buddy Miller and the North Mississippi All-stars, Kris Kristofferson, Jamey Johnson, The Mavericks, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn, Rodney Crowell, Paul Thorn & Band, The Blind Boys of Alabama & The McCrary Sisters, and many more roots acts.
And as has been the case for a number of years, DiGiCo consoles mixed and processed nearly all of the music emanating from the festival’s stages, helping to cement MerleFest’s reputation as a highly celebrated perennial American music event.
MerleFest wa

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Canada - Trends Electronics International has been appointed as the exclusive distributor for Apart Audio products for Canada.
“Apart is the perfect addition to our commercial offering. It offers a complete range of electronics, speakers and processors,” says Grant Daoust, CEO of Trends Electronics. “Our integrators will love the quality, value and profitability of this brand.”
“We believe that the Canadian market offers great growth opportunities for Apart Audio,” says Kris Vermuyten, sales & marketing director of Apart Audio. “With Trends we are convinced that we have a long-term partner that is extremely well respected in the Canadian market. They have a proven track record on how to position a brand in the market and build it from there in a sustainable way.”
(Jim Evans)
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