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UK - Autograph Sales has sold the UK's first Symphotec OMS orchestral microphone system to classical music reinforcement specialist Sound By Design, which has purchased a touring system comprising 26 mics, 5-way and 1-way routers, stands, cables and self-contained flightcase.

Before purchasing the system, Sound By Design used it on a wide range of classical events including the Mountbatten Festival of Music featuring military bands, a UK tour by opera diva Lesley Garrett, Classic FM Live and Louis Hoover's Salute to Sinatra. As Symphotec OMS - introduced to the UK last October - has become more and more established, it is being increasingly specified by the classical sector, and looks likely to become a new standard for orchestral rental companies.

"When amplifying orchestr

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UK - Allen & Heath has launched version 3.1 of iDR System Manager, the Windows PC software which configures iDR hardware components into an integrated audio distribution system. Version 3.1 supports the forthcoming PL-7 (remote LCD) and PL-8 (4 in 4 GPIO) units from the PL series of remote control devices which supplement the iDR system, scheduled for release at the PLASA Show this September.

The new software has the additional features of 'draggable' curves for EQ and dynamics processing sections, cross over slopes in the output PEQ and a new cut and paste system whereby information appears on the toolbar, there is an undo paste feature and cut and paste functionality for PL devices.

New features also include password protection for the Ethernet and RS232 connections, centred windows, new front panel diagnostic options and a ‘plug and play’ ability if PL units ar

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USA - The First United Methodist Church of Troy in Michigan has upgraded its front of house console to a 24 input, 12 buss Allen & Heath GL2200. The new console, chosen for its capabilities and competitive price, was supplied by Audio East in Dracut, Massachusetts.

Head of sound for the church, Jacob Lozier, installed the Allen & Heath live sound console as part of an upgrade that also saw the addition of Tascam CD recording and playback capabilities to the existing sound system, which features EAW speakers and Mackie amplifiers. The GL2200 offers dual-mode switching between FOH and monitor functionality, four subgroups, six auxiliary sends, and a four-band EQ section with switchable high pass filter.

Services at First Methodist range from the traditional, simply involving a pulpit microphone, to contemporary services with a full band, including drums and guitars. The console

featured content

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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UK - Ampekko Ltd has completed acquisition of the Millbank Voice Evacuation Systems business from Federal Signal Ltd, a subsidiary of Federal Signal Corporation, the US-based, NYSE-listed company, with turnover in excess of US$1 billion, in a move which will form the largest UK-based voice evacuation products manufacturer and one of the fastest growing global players specialized in voice evacuation technology.

The two ranges of equipment are highly complementary, with Millbank’s Class D amplifiers and parallel banking solutions contrasting against Ampekko’s VxLAN control network and digitally controlled MAX series matrices. Ampekko’s Neil Voce commented: "There are so many strong Millbank products and some of them deserve to reach a wider audience - we are extremely keen to re-establish these products’ leading position and satisfy increased market de

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Worldwide - In the June issue of Lighting&Sound International, the Technical Focus section will be looking at Wireless Microphones.

The ever-increasing level of technology available has resulted in the increase in complexity of wireless systems. Simple VHF systems are being replaced with their, sometimes digital, microwave counterparts offering far superior audio and functionality. This article will go some way to giving the reader an insight into this new technology, explaining the methods and terminology. It will be followed by a brief profile of the main manufacturers and coverage of their key products.

If you would like your product to be featured in this report, please e-mail L&SI’s technical editor James Eade before Tuesday 27 May.

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UK - With the significant changes taking place at this year’s PLASA Show - from the new floorplan layout to new features at the show and some creative new marketing initiatives - the show organizers are hosting and Exhibitor Open Day on Thursday 22 May to keep exhibitors up-to-date with developments and provide every opportunity to maximise their participation at the show.

The day is designed to highlight the marketing and PR for the PLASA Show and advise exhibitors on how they can dovetail their own promotional activity with the Show’s - including advertising placement and keeping the show’s PR company and trade press appraised of new product information. With this in mind, the format of the Open Day will be more marketing-focused than in previous years.

PLASA Show director Nicola Rowland comments: "This will be an opportunity for us to expand on our pl

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Denmark - The new Xciter from Martin Professional is a hands-on lighting control tool for DJs and lighting operators, allowing fast manipulation of lightshows via easy-to-use buttons and faders and aimed at clubs, small touring applications, or even larger mobile DJs. Functions such as strobe, smoke and more can be assigned to each of four programmable customizable buttons for personalized control. The user can assign effects, scenes or dimmer to any of six faders and flash buttons and access them live during playback. Show speed can be increased or decreased by up to five times using the pitch fader.

The Xciter can control up to 20 fixtures, each up to 48 channels - max of 512 channels (soon to control up to 40 fixtures with a software upgrade). Up to 160 cues containing four sequences can run simultaneously. Sequences can be triggered via an internal clock, manually or via aud

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UK - Scene Change, the new company that creates video content for the entertainment industry, has teamed up with The Foundation Design, one of the UK’s leading graphic and animation design companies. The Foundation Design specializes in the creation of digital content for the retail and leisure industries. Its client list includes Yates’s, Lloyds No1 Bar in Birmingham, The Gate (Land Securities’ £70million leisure development in Newcastle - see major feature in the June issue of L&SI) and many drinks brands.

The new creative alliance aims to build on the strengths of both companies in lighting design, video-effects generation and video editing for the performing arts and entertainment industry. The Foundation Design has already created a selection of royalty-free abstract video clips which can be previewed and bought from the Scene Change website.

"We a

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Ireland - Dublin-based CAVS (Corporate Audio Visual Services) have debuted their L-Acoustics dV-DOSC system outdoors for the first time. The event was the inaugural Medieval Festival at Slane Castle, which ran from the 9-11 May. CAVS provided 24 flown dV-DOSC cabinets, with eight dV-SUB, and eight 115FM monitors on the main stage for, amongst others, The Mediaeval Babes. All the cabinets were powered by L-Acoustics LA48a and LA24a amplifiers with processing by XTA and L-Acoustics LLCa controllers. CAVS also provided four L-Acoustics 115XT for the main jousting arena, and 4 MTD108a for the banqueting marquee, again both fully packaged systems.

Despite the usual problems with the elements, from the technical perspective the show was a great success allowing CAVS the opportunity to demonstrate how they can provide different audio solutions quickly and easily under the most demandin

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UK - Following last year’s success, the A.C. Lighting North Tradeshow will be returning this year to the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, on 15 and 16 July. The event will provide a one-stop-shop of industry-leading lighting, audio and associated entertainment technology companies for buyers in the midlands and the north of England.

Visitors to this year’s show will be able to catch up on the latest product innovations, receive hands-on demonstrations and gain expert advice from over 50 of the industry’s leading equipment manufacturers. Running alongside the main exhibition will be a range of free product training workshops and seminars from guest speakers on key industry topics. Visitors will also be able to take advantage of some exclusive ‘show-only’ exhibitor prices on the day for selected product lines.

Jonathan Walters, A.C. Lighting’

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UK - Atmospheric, the supplier of AV and entertainment solutions to the leisure industry, has appointed Peter L Davies as sales director. Formerly sales director at PowerSport, founder and managing director of Life Fitness' Operations in Europe and international vice-president at Tectrix, Davies has recently been working as a self-employed management consultant with leading fitness equipment suppliers such as Star Trac UK and Gym 80. He comes to this new role with over 25 years of experience within the health and fitness industry.

Davies commented: "I was attracted to Atmospheric by their innovative and high quality range of products, by the excellent morale of their team and, most importantly, by the high standard of business ethics instilled by the managing director, Simon Spragg. This role is also a new challenge for me, as, despite my many years of experience in the fit

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UK - Autograph Sound Recording's busy hire department has undergone a major reshuffle, with Barry Channer joining as hire support engineer, Lee Dennison promoted to production sound engineer and Scott Arnold taking Dennison's place as hire department manager. Meanwhile David ffitch has moved out of the hire department to become Autograph's IT administrator.

Channer has been a familiar face at Autograph for some time, having worked as a freelance operator on many of Autograph's West End productions. His experience will prove invaluable. Dennison's new role will allow him the freedom to occasionally leave his day-to-day involvement in the every-busy hire operation to work on smaller engineering projects. Autograph has recently expanded its portfolio of West End plays and this new appointment is a timely response. Dennison has already overseen installations on My Brilliant Divor

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USA - Biamp Systems has recently opened the doors to its new Learning Centre located at its headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. The 1300sq.ftspace has been specifically designed to provide each visitor with an in-depth experience of working with Biamp equipment.

"We knew that the Learning Center needed to serve a variety of audiences," said Ned Ludlum, technical training manager. "Our representatives, distributors, systems integrators and contractors - even our sales staff - require periodic updating of our product lines. This is particularly true with a product line as powerful as Audia, which requires certification. We find that people who have been using Audia since its introduction are still surprised at some of the capabilities built into the product. And we continue to enhance the software with added functionality. This Centre serves an important role in ke

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UK - According to UK distributor A.C. Lighting, MA Lighting’s grandMA range of lighting console desks is continuing to build strong UK sales and gain notable industry support, with recent acquisitions by several high-profile performance entertainment companies.

UK concert lighting company Neg Earth chose the award-winning grandMA when they needed a fully equipped lighting console to cope with some demanding concert productions. To date, their grandMA has been used for extensive European tours by Avril Lavigne and Sum 41. Similarly, leisure entertainment group Butlins has purchased three consoles from the range, while the multi-purpose Royal Spa Centre in Royal Lemington Spa has purchased a grandMA for its main auditorium.

Vortex Lighting, a lighting specialist in the northern UK rental market, also purchased a grandMA as it was considered the best all-round solution for

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USA - The Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) has announced that the draft American National Standard BSR E1.7, Entertainment Technology - Recommended Practice for the Design and Use of Manual Systems for Flying Performers, is available for public review until 29 July 2003.

The draft standard describes recommended practices for lifting and transporting performers to create the illusion of flying or levitation in theatrical performances. Anyone that has an interest in flying effects with live performers is invited to review it and offer comments. Public review and comment is being sought so that the draft standard may reflect the consensus of informed opinion in the industry.

The standard is a project of the Rigging Working Group, part of the ANSI-accredited standards committee E1, Safety and Compatibility of Entertainment Technical Equipment and Practices.

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USA - Pixeon Inc, the Austin-based LED effects company, was the recipient of two major awards at this year's Lightfair show in New York. At the New Product Showcase and Awards Presentation, Color Stream was presented with the distinguished Roeder Award. This special award is made at the judges' discretion for products that "truly meet and exceed the current challenges of the twenty-first century." Pixeon accepted the award beneath a specially designed Color Stream sculpture, by lighting designer Marsha Stern. Last September Color Stream - an innovation from WWG, the British-based lighting design partnership - also received an award for product innovation at the PLASA show in London. Later, Pixeon was given an award by the judges for best booth design.

Dutch company Xilver saw its Droplet LED fixture awarded best new theatrical and entertainment lighting product. The j

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UK - Studio design company Munro Associates has announced its consolidation to a Limited company, to allow for expansion and diversification into various acoustic fields, and will now operate under the new name of Munro Acoustics Ltd.

To mark the changes, Munro Acoustics Ltd has launched System Z, a completely integrated solution for audio facilities looking to maximize budgets while still adhering to all the international standards of acoustic performance. This new approach to studio building allows rooms to be designed specifically to meet the client’s requirements and to a guaranteed price. The modular concept allows both flexibility and efficiency of manufacture to exacting standards of finish and performance, while also ensuring minimum delivery and installation times.

(Ruth Rossington)

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UK - It's been billed as an opera which has to be seen to be believed, and when you become aware of the plot, you'll understand why. Based on America's most lurid talk show, which brought worldwide television audiences programmes entitled 'Pregnant by a Transexual', 'Here Come the Hookers' and 'I Refuse to Wear Clothes', it is packed with swear words, tap-dancing Ku-Klux Klan members, a gay black Jesus and a God who resembles Elvis - the critics are having a field-day.

Also noteworthy, though attracting less press attention, is the fact that this is the first new opera for both creator/composer Richard Thomas and the National Theatre, chosen by incoming National Theatre director, Nicholas Hytner, to premiere as his first production in the Lyttelton Theatre.

Lighting designer Rick Fisher was first involved with the show when it premiered at Edinburgh last year. The production h

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Italian cable and connector manufacturer Link was making its AES debut, sharing stand space with others from Dutch dealer Audio Pro's leading lines.

Established in 1987, Audio Pro's market-stall approach to exhibiting laid out Yamaha's PM1D, Audient's Aztec, Optocore, d&b audiotechnik's E-Series and TC Electronic's EQ Station - a good haul of sound reinforcement gear by any standards. Founder Rolf Dijkstra explained that the company specialized in theatre installation. "We've been working with d&b since '93 and that has enabled us to attract the attention of touring and corporate-event production companies too. We've broadened our horizons.

"But you have to bear in mind that Holland is a very small market, so you have to take on specific things to do specific jobs. We've added each line as required, and each addition has attracted others." Dijkstra added that over the

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Alcons Audio was another AES debutant following the sweeping changes at Stage Accompany, adding to the good local support for the exhibition. Having ported much of SA's ribbon transducer expertise into the new company, Alcons launched the RBN 601 6" model claiming peak power handling of 1,000W and patent-applied 90° horizontal coverage.

With line array to the fore at most other exhibitions, this was a technological statement of intent from the new stable, emphasizing the wide dispersion, the natural cylindrical wave pattern and 103dB efficiency.

As you'll also see from the news pages in this issue, Alcons has founded Alcons Audio Deutschland GmbH. Carsten Albrecht will act as sales and technical support manager of the new operation.

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Rohde & Schwarz's FS300 Spectrum Analyzer brought the rarefied technology of measurement instruments into a price bracket that reflects the growing spread of wireless communication technology. With a frequency range of 1kHz to 6GHz, it can be used to check RF emissions almost anywhere and is just a half-rack width, while 3U high. As wireless connection takes root in entertainment installations of every kind, this type of product will become more and more useful to contractors as well as broadcasters.
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