The celebrated Liseberg Amusement Park in Gothenburg is the largest in Sweden, and has become a primary live performance venue, welcoming top international performers such as the Rolling Stones, as well as leading Swedish artists. Its huge outdoor concert stage has recently revamped its sound system, ordering one of the largest Soundcraft front-of-house desks in the country.

Liseberg was founded in 1923, a Disney-style amusement park which includes a 1400m-long roller coaster. It has a number of live performance areas, the largest of which has the capacity for audiences of up to 10,000 people, and it is here that the Soundcraft Series FIVE console has been installed in a permanent FOH control room. It is not the first Soundcraft for Liseberg; the first shows at the venue were mixed on a

French loudspeaker manufacturer Nexo SA has made its debut on the Paris Stock Exchange. A minority percentage of Nexo’s equity was sold, the majority by placement, and 10% by public offering. Both parts of the issue were in heavy demand, the public offering oversubscribed by six times.

Nexo is one of only a handful of European pro-audio companies to be taken public, a reflection on two decades of growth and solid international sales achievement. Micky Johnson, one of the founding partners of the company, detailed the strategic rationale behind the flotation. "Primarily, the objective was to gain access to the capital markets to finance any large projects which may arise, as well as broadening the base of shareholders in the company. It is important to stress that there will be no change in the day-to-day running of the organisation, and that the board of directors will remai

Having recently purchased the licensed explosives site they have been leasing for the past four years, Skyhigh Stage FX is now setting about doubling its production capacity. "Sales are going through the roof," Skyhigh’s product manager Tom Owen explained. "Our success is down to our new range of PDS firing systems; we have discovered there is a real need for a firing system that is safer than has been previously available on the market. This in turn is leading to greater demand for our pyro products."

The Skyhigh site was originally a World War II gun site. There are five old gun emplacements each surrounded by its own blast walls. Seventy five metres away from the emplacements is the main magazine where the Ack Ack shells were stored. Each emplacement has its own sub magazine, which supplied each individual gun. The arrangement is ideal for Skyhigh’s p

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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

A documentary team are planning to do a report on what they believe is Europe’s oldest working lightbulb. The star subject has reportedly been working perfectly well in the garage of a family based in Cetinje, Yugoslavia, since it was first installed in 1910.

However, the Yugoslavian bulb has some way to go before it catches up with a feisty old lightbulb still serving duty in a fire station in the US city of Livermore. The 4W bulb recently celebrated its centenary.

During our time at the recent TiLE show at the Business Design Centre in Islington, we took time out to call in on Lighting Technology’s newly established office on the second levelof the Design Centre.

Dave Cartwright and Richard Reed, both on temporary secondment from the Group’s Park Royal HQ, were more than happy to show us round. The new base, which features both a sales office and showroom area, is championing the promotion of Lighting Technology Projects’ specialist architectural lighting products portfolio, which incorporates product lines from manufacturers around the world, including Color Kinetics, ETC Irideon, TIR LightPipe, Astralux, Derksen and Phoenix - as well as numerous other architectural lighting and control products. Graham White, recently recruited from Absolute Action, heads up the new office with Clive Tallent and Sarah Davis joining him from P

PLASA 2001 sees Avolites also launch the Art2000-US 20 Amp digital dimmer, specifically designed for America.

The Full Mains Patching, virtually silent operation and 100% duty cycle, 20 Amp channels will satisfy America’s sharply growing demand for portable, high density touring dimming systems.The Avolites Art-2000 dimmer is an established and proven design, and the American system utilises the flexible Dimming or Mains Distribution modular design that has made the Avolites Art dimmer popular around the world.

The system features a Mains Patch with four sockets per dimmer channel (total 192) to 162 Patch Cords connected to 25 Socapex and 12 Stagepin outlets. All patch cords are numbered, colour coded and utilise the 32 Amp rated ‘Multi-lam’ contacts. Mains connection is via 5 wire Camloc inputs complete with Camloc loop outlets. The Rack system is supplied with Vol

InnovaSon has announced the availability of V6.6, the latest version of its Sensoft software and is available for free download at the www.innovason.com download section. Sensoft 6.5 is still available for download. Sensoft is the software used to run a Sensory Live Console and can be installed also on a stand-alone PC or a laptop. The show can be set up anywhere, without the console, and transferred to the console via floppy disk.

Crest Audio Professional series amplifiers, supplied by The Sound Department, will be used to power the sound on a series of school discos with a difference. Provided by Tarsin Entertainments for promoter Bobby Sanchez, matched with ASS scoop bins and JBL Venue series mid-tops, the combination is deemed to deliver the perfect 1970s sound Sanchez is looking to achieve for his risqué nights at Hammersmith Palais and other venues, where his clientèle come dressed in school uniforms. In Hammersmith, the sound is complemented at balcony level by the flown in-house system. "Since he plays 1970s music, he wants to achieve a sound reminiscent of the era," says Tarsin’s Peter Dyer. "The event takes place once a week at Hammersmith and it’s a fabulous night out."

The mobile rig’s bottom end is driven by four Crest 8001s, the mid-section by four 6001s and t

Just two years ago the PRG group of lighting companies added Midnight Design and the Spot Co to their UK operation. At the time PRG's stated aim was consolidation of the two companies with the recently-established UK branch of Production Arts, and at the same time to forge a working relationship with LSD in Birmingham. Indeed, well known lighting industry executive Alan Thomson was appointed specifically for that task, "and", he was happy to announce last week, "it's a task we've just completed. The final shipment of equipment from the inventory of Production Arts has already been unloaded into our facility here in Croydon."

The integration of these three well-regarded companies into one cohesive unit has produced many changes besides the amalgamation of resources and inventory. The combination of experience and know-how has allowed expansion into new markets, not l

The heart of downtown Montreal is racing with excitement since the May 2001 opening of NewTown, a spectacular four-storey complex which includes a bar, restaurant, lounge, and terrace, and is owned by Quebec-born F1 driver Jacques Villeneuve and associates. NewTown is dream project which has taken several years to plan and build. From a huge demolition process to an outstanding rebirth, NewTown has become a modern structure while preserving its rich historical and architectural roots. The club on the bottom floor is where much of the action takes place, beneath 24 Titanium MiniMac profiles from Martin Professional, supplied by Canadian dealer Solotech. Lighting designer for the venue was Francois Roupignant, product specialist was Paul Pelletier

Tremayne Crossley (system design co-ordinator) and Richard Sice (marketing manager) from voice alarm system specialist SigNET AC Ltd, recently abseiled from the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle in order to help raise money for a local charity, Disability North. Tremayne says "the thrill and experience of standing on top of the Tyne bridge with nothing but space below was exhilarating." He added: "I descended quickly and the 90ft drop to terra firma took no time at all. I was keen to go again but there was already a queue for the next group of abseilers."

Approximately 150 people took part in the initative to raise money for Disability North, a Charity dedicated to helping the disabled, young and old, to better integrate into society. Janet Schofield, marketing manager of Disability North says: "SigNET have been incredibly supportive" in addition to fund raising Si

Tannoy has launched two new in-wall speakers, and the new i7 Contour full range installation loudspeaker.

The in-wall products integrate the company’s highly-regarded cabinet-based speaker technology into a flush-mountable format. Designed to provide value for money, ease of installation and high performance, the new speakers are suitable for music and film playback, multimedia and teleconferencing applications in boardrooms, themed visitor attractions, shops and residential installations. The powerful m2iw is a two-way system with a 165mm (6.5") long-throw mid/bass driver, 25mm (1") soft dome HF unit and onboard crossover. The design offers the assurance of long-term reliability combined with excellent sound quality.

The high-performance S8iw features a Tannoy 200mm (8") Dual Concentric constant directivity driver with an integral crossover network to provide su

James Thomas Engineering, Inc has announced the construction of a new purpose-built facility for the Knoxville, Tennessee manufacturing company. Phase One of the 60,000sq.ft complex on a 6.28 acre site is underway, specifically designed to house the US manufacturing, administrative, sales, design and production offices. James Thomas’s Mike Garl explained that the move follows a steady increase in business in recent years, and is intended to consolidate, rationalize and further increase the efficiency of their business to their diverse client base.

James Thomas Engineering is a leading manufacturer of structural aluminum trussing, support systems and lighting fixtures for the entertainment industry, and distributes via a world-wide dealer network from its production facilities in Knoxville, Tennessee and Worcester in the UK. The Knoxville operation was founded in 1984 - initially

London-based pro audio supplier FX Rentals recently rewarded its 100,000th rental customer with a couple of bottles of champagne, presented by FX Group marketing director, Tony Andrews. The lucky order - for a Mackie 1202 mixer and four Shure microphones for an event at Kensington Roof Gardens - was placed on Tuesday 29 May by Jeremy Millins of Sevenoaks-based Pure Productions. Millins said: "We don’t usually hire in gear, but when we do, we use FX. They’re a great life-saver."

Tony Andrews comented: "We couldn’t let such an occasion pass by without some small celebration and we hope that Pure Productions enjoy a drink on us."

The 2001-2 Learning On Screen Annual Production Awards were again a huge success, with a record 165 people attending the presentation dinner, promoted by the charity, The Society for Screen-Based Learning. Strand Lighting sponsored the Best Lighting Award - which this year went to Supernova for their training video, e.asywriter. The video is set inside a PC, and Supernova’s Vincent Thompson describes e.asywriter as encouraging the effective use of e-mail. According to Thompson: "Everyone needs to know how to use e-mail properly - just as they need telephone and business writing skills. We wanted to create a fun story that would make practical points about using email effectively. We came up with the idea of inventing an email control room - a mix of high-tech and old-fashioned post room, using Chromakey to show the user ‘looking in’. The lighting was instrumental i

From July 7th until July 22nd 2001, the MJF (Montreux Jazz Festival) in Switzerland is playing host to some of the best-known names in the world of music, such as Bob Dylan, Jimmy Page & Robert Plant, Gary Moore and BB King, as well as Roger Sanchez & Basement Jaxx. But one of the highlights will certainly be the Dance Night of July 21st, supported by Stanton, and featuring world-renowned DJs Roger Sanchez, Basement Jaxx, DJ Antoine and Etienne de Crécy. Animatec SA, one of Switzerland’s major distribution companies, based in Villeneuve close to Montreux, is one of the official partners of the MJF, and supplies all the mixers and cartridges for the DJ events taking place every day across three major stages of the festival, as well as demos and workshops andthe Salsa Boat on Lake Geneva!

Animatec SA is the exclusive distributor in Switzerland for Ecler, Stanton, DAS Audio and MA

DHA Lighting is continuing its international expansion with the announcement of the appointment of Clearlight Shows Pty Ltd as its new Australian dealer for the DHA range of moving effects and image projectors. Clearlight Shows is one of the longest-established theatrical lighting hire companies in Australia, and its lighting equipment range includes everything from profiles, moving light systems and colour scrollers to smoke machines, special effects, disco lighting effects and drapes. The company has developed an excellent reputation in the Australian marketplace and is relied upon by corporations, major theatres, television stations and schools throughout the country. The appointment follows a meeting between the two companies at PLASA 2000, and together the two companies will be concentrating on the architectural market.

Golden Princess, the newest member of the P&O Cruises fleet, left Southampton on May 16th to spend th summer cruising the Mediterranean, before heading off to the Caribbean for the winter. The ship features three separate show lounges, each of which incorporates Blackout Triple E engineering and equipment. Because traditional fittings are often unsuitable, contractor HMS Italia enlisted Blackout Triple E to develop systems for the particular environment of the cruise ship, including its Austrian curtain mechanisms and Unirail and Unitrack systems for installation in the principal and cabaret theatres. Though the tracks are mainly for curtains, the Vista Lounge uses Chaintrack to carry two 300kg rotating scenic panels, and the main lounge features Unibeam tracks to carry lighting ladders on each side of the stage. Blackout Triple E also provided the control for the safety curtain in the m

Hacousto International plans to unveil its new fully digital speaker array at PLASA.

"If our predictions regarding the industry’s response to this new digital speaker array prove as successful as our attempts to keep the design and specification under wraps until its launch at PLASA, we will have met our launch objectives," commented Hacousto’s Albert van der Hout. "Our evaluation of market needs has already been proven with a vote of confidence from one of the World Cup Stadiums. Following successful trials The Stadium has already committed to installing the new speakers," he continued. "We are sufficiently confident to invite the industry gurus to take up our challenge with a bench test. But only after the show," Albert concluded.Hacousto - Stand B24

The UK’s first ever grouping of crowd management companies, the UK Crowd Management Association (UKCMA), has marked its first four months with the announcement of official recognition from two major bodies. The UKCMA was launched in March at the International Live Music Conference in London. Its principle aims are to raise standards within the entertainment event industry and promote awareness of crowd safety issues among legislative bodies in the UK, as well as to foster co-ordination of training and operational standards. The UKCMA, representing the major players in crowd management, aims to achieve this through a continuing educational and networking programme and open forums, targeting all decision makers involved within the crowd management sphere. In the short space of four months, the association has gained recognition from such organisations as the British Standards Institu

Los Angeles-based DJ equipment supplier American DJ recently completed a major expansion at its newly-acquired distribution centre in Miami, Florida. Encompassing nearly 20,000sq.ft of warehouse space, the enlarged Florida facility will now service all ADJ dealers located east of the Mississippi, as well as the company's growing customer base in Central and South America.

Establishing a base in Miami will allow American DJ to provide Eastern dealers with faster turnaround on orders, while keeping shipping costs down, explained ADJ general manager Scott Davies. "Our company's success has been built on providing dealers with unsurpassed service and the most affordable prices on lighting and audio gear, and we want to be able to continue to deliver these things, even as our business grows," Davies commented.

Among the improvements made at the Florida facility was the installat

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