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USA - Kurt Doemelt recently joined Nautilus Entertainment Design as an associate lighting designer, AutoCAD specialist and project manager for both the live production and facility design divisions of the company. He is a graduate of the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts and was most recently assistant lighting director for The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, California.

Doemelt has a lot of experience having served as a lighting programmer for Princess Cruise Lines, a staff master electrician at The San Diego Repertory Theatre, a shipboard lighting technician and programmer for Carnival Cruise Lines, and a lighting designer for several San Diego theatres, including Asian American Repertory Theatre, New Village Arts, the Fritz Theatre, Euro Trash Productions, and McCaleb

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USA - Mackie Designs Inc and Emagic Software and Hardware GmbH have announced an agreement to merge their audio control surface technologies. Under the terms of the agreement, future Mackie engineered control surfaces will include both Logic Control and Mackie Control, as well as Mackie's HUI protocol.

"Logic users represent one of the largest, most affluent creative communities in audio recording," commented Chris Adam, managing director of Emagic GmbH. "By merging the Mackie and Emagic control surface technologies, we will be providing current and future Emagic customers with one of the most versatile and powerful control surface platforms in the world."

Beginning next month, Mackie and Emagic will also release an upgrade that will allow both Mackie Control and Logic Control owners to take full advantage of the combined functionality. "The Mackie Co

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UK - Chester-based Lighting and Sound Services (LSS) has specialized in providing full production services for themed entertainment in the private and corporate sectors for over 20 years. This can include anything from large, themed corporate parties with entertainment from some of the top stars in show business to celebrity weddings or private parties. The company has recently invested in a multi-purpose Midas Legend console to enhance their inventory of PA equipment.

LSS directors Phil Johnson and Ian Preston say they were drawn to the Legend by its versatility. "The kinds of productions we stage are often short on real estate," said Johnson. "It's rare, for example, that we have room for a separate monitor desk, but yet the same production is likely to be very hungry in terms of sends required for delays or feeds for radio mics or in-ear monitors. The Legend wa

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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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UK - At the Good Employers Awards ceremony in London on 29 July, Soundcraft Ltd from Hertfordshire was presented with the overall winner award, after being nominated by Councillor Harpinder Singh of the London Borough of Greenwich.

The Good Employers Award is organized by the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) and is promoted by individual local government councillors who nominate their own full-time employers in recognition of being flexible with working arrangements, thereby assisting their employees in carrying out their roles as councillors. Held at Local Government House, in Westminster and sponsored by the Guardian newspaper, the event saw entries from as-far-a-field as South Tyneside and the South Downs.

Speaking about the Good Employers Award, the Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, commented: "Councillors have a vital role to play in leadi

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UK - Creative sound and lighting installer CP Sound has installed four of its new colour-changing etched glass LED lighting panels into Bar Square, a trendy new social space in Camberley, Surrey. Bar Square's independent owners wanted 'something special' when it came to backlighting the bar of their contemporarily designed venue, and CP's new product was the ideal solution.

The company has developed the fixture specially for a diversity of day and night applications. It's a screen encased in a custom aluminium extrusion, supplied as a 10mm thick panel, and capable of unobtrusive integration into any environment. Made from laser etched acrylic or glass material, it's side-lit by DMX controllable LED strips that criss-cross the light across the screen surface. When the light is caught in the etchings, a prism effect directs it evenly across the panel fascia.

The panels in Bar Sq

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Germany - Behringer has announced the introduction of a Dolby 5.1 surround update for the Danalog DDX3216 digital console. The new surround update transforms the DDX3216 into a fully-fledged surround mixer with extensive control possibilities, say Behringer, and the software surround upgrade is available free of charge from the company's website.

The new software upgrade features include surround panning on the desired channel via a second PAN display page, live 'movements' of selected sound source (channels) through the surround space, storage of surround pan/automating via snapshot and dynamic automation and new MIDI control possibilities for expanded surround parameters on channels 1-32 and FX returns 1-8. The surround mix and conventional mix can be run simultaneously, while additional new update features such as 100 markers (previously 10) and an opportunity to activate the

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UK / Australia - Rory Dempster, the distinguished British lighting designer, has been diagnosed as having mesothelioma - a lung cancer disease associated with exposure to asbestos fibres. Since 1992 he has lived in Australia - a country which is leading the research into asbestos-related diseases - and his case is being investigated by the New South Wales Dust Diseases Board. The Board has confirmed that, since the disease takes an average of 30 years to produce symptoms, he is certain not to have contracted it in Australia.

The Board's enquiries suggest that the cause of his contracting mesothelioma was his close contact with asbestos curtains and borders - commonly used to provide heat separation between lanterns and scenery in British theatres during the fifties, sixties and early seventies. "As an assistant electrician in various London theatres at that time, I remember

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UK - Yamaha's 02R96 digital mixing desk was the choice of the production team for the BBC's popular children's TV serial, Byker Grove. "All the mixing for the show is done in-house," said freelance dubber/mixer, Paul Flitcroft, "and we wanted a desk that would work with Pro Tools v.6."

Consulting with pro-audio specialists Mediaspec of East Kilbride, the choice was between Yamaha's DM2000 or its 02R96. "In the end, the 02R96 won the day, principally because it suited the programme's needs precisely and was within budget," said Flitcroft. Used for remote and post-production mixing in conjunction with Pro Tools, the desk links together all three production rooms used on the programme.

Mediaspec carried out the installation, working with Steve Salem of independent film company Dean Films. Training and familiarization took place over two 'intensive' d

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UK - Max King and Jane Potts have joined the team at Leisuretec Distribution, in the newly created roles of accounts and administration managers. In addition to becoming the 'friendly faces' within the accounts department at the company, their roles will see them developing the administration processes to accommodate increasing levels of business growth - both in the short-term and in the future. Both King and Potts have over 30 years of accounts and customer service experience between them in various sectors, including logistics and manufacturing.

(Ruth Rossington)

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USA - Polar Focus has introduced the Rocker Zbeam - a new line array rigging system designed to simplify installation. Currently, with conventional rigging techniques, a two-motor rig is usually suspended from one dead hang point and a carefully bridled second point. The acoustic aim of the cluster and the coverage is dependent on the accuracy of the bridled rigging point, and in order to focus the system effectively, the bridled point may need to be adjusted several times. However, the Rocker Zbeam claims to solve this problem by using only two dead hang points. However, if bridles are used, then their accuracy is much less important. In either case, the cluster can be quickly rotated to achieve the desired horizontal angle.

The key component is a rocker beam that keeps the centre axis vertical at all times, even if the two supporting hoists are not running at the same speed o

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Australia - The long-awaited Federation Square, the new centre of cultural activity in Melbourne, is now officially open. Winning the tender to provide an audio infrastructure for the complex, contractor Rutledge Engineering selected BSS Soundweb as the DSP networking devices for several of the project areas. Rutledge senior project manager, Matt Edgcumbe, says Soundweb was preferred because of the ease with which it connects remote locations together.

A multimedia fibre and Cat 6 backbone provides the connectivity for a 9088iiMM and two 9088iiLL devices. The sound systems in the Plaza, and architecturally-challenging BMW Edge auditorium, are fed with audio from the scheduled multimedia system, which is then mixed with the local PA desk. Because the mixing desks are temporarily set up for events, the Soundweb also provides the ability for the client to connect several microphon

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UK - Mackie Designs Inc has recruited Dave Hartley to its sound reinforcement and installed sound division. He joins as Northern Area sales manager and will be based in the new UK office. Hartley began his career back in the late 1970s, working for Sound Advice Installations, pioneers at the time in the field of sound and lighting manufacture. He subsequently went on to work as a freelance engineer and installer for 10 years, and more recently has been working for Bose UK.

(Ruth Rossington)

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UK - E M Acoustics' new EMS-81 compact full range speakers were recently trialled in a production of Mozart's Don Giovanni, staged for the benefit of the UK charity, Hope and Homes for Children. The week-long production earlier this month was installed within a huge, thatched, tythe barn near Salisbury in Wiltshire.

The reflex loaded 8" and 1" compression driver cabinets were specified by sound designer Ian McDonald of Ivysound and flown unobtrusively from the building's massive oak beams to provide the smooth mid and top end response essential for realistic orchestral and choral reinforcement.

The sound design was complex in that unusually, the orchestra was located well behind the stage, and with a long thin 200-seat raked auditorium, the system needed careful dispersion control, multiple delays and brightening of the otherwise dead acoustic. This was achiev

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USA - Eastern Acoustic Works, a Mackie Designs Inc brand, has announced the introduction of a new web resource for members of its popular Acoustical Performance Partnership (APP) program.

Beginning immediately, the new APP web page makes it even easier for members to access valuable in-depth technical information and documentation including white papers, datasheets, user's guides, wizards, EASE data and software downloads.

While APP membership is not required to access the online materials, the free membership offers access to further technical information, and interaction with the EAW Application Support Group and Engineering departments.

(Ruth Rossington)

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UK - Summit Steel supplied six SmarTmasts to provide site-wide PA and lighting rigging points for the 2003 Henley Festival of Music & The Arts. The popular event, founded in 1983, is a complete entertainment experience across five evenings, immediately following the famous Henley Regatta, and sharing the same infrastructure and picturesque riverside location. Summit was hired by production manager Bob Caple, who needed an easy and elegant solution for placing lighting and sound equipment around site.

After utilizing three masts for the first time last year, Caple believes the SmarTmast trademarks of a neat footprint, robust construction and stylish appearance make them the best product of this genre on the market. He was also impressed with Summit's service and attention to detail. Set-up time was extremely limited, so SmarTmast was again the ideal choice. Another constructional

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UK - As part of Carlsbro's devotion to supporting musicians and helping in breaking new talent, Carlsbro Electronics will provide the backline for new Carlton Television series, Xposure. The programme will showcase new unsigned talent and will be broadcasted in September.

This show has grown from the success of the Midlands Finest Competition, a showcase for up-and-coming bands - held at the Hard Rock Café, Birmingham, in conjunction with DEP International, the home of UB40.The programme will be hosted by Lisa I'Anson and gives unsigned talent a platform to reach a much wider audience. Each show is to be opened and closed by an A-list artist who will also critique the unsigned bands on their performance.

Andrew Bishop, the new owner of Carlsbro Electronics, commented: "We need these new bands now, after the last few years of manufactured music everybody is ready for a su

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UK - An aggregate quarry and production plant might sound like a challenging venue for high-level corporate hospitality, but when Aggregate Industries wanted to entertain 300 VIP guests at the end of June, that was the location they suggested to event management consultancy Corporate Innovations.

The venue was Aggregate Industries' North End Farm Works site in the Cotswold Water Park, near Cirencester. As well as being a working production plant, the site incorporates a man-made lake, created from quarrying activities, which now forms a wildlife haven. Corporate Innovations, working with AV specialist Blitz, transformed the lake-side venue with a creative concept designed to raise awareness of Aggregate Industries' environmental activities, whilst also providing spectacular entertainment in a novel setting.

The guests were first taken on a tour of the working production plan

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Thailand - Bangkok-based Fuzion Far East Ltd has been appointed distributor for Allen & Heath in Thailand and Laos. Confirming the appointment, FFE managing director, Tony Oates, said: "I have known Bob Goleniowski [A&H sales and marketing director] for many years and have also previously worked with Bardy Hayes, who looks after the Far East for them. The company was looking to expand its business in Thailand - particularly in the light of their new and forthcoming contracting products. FFE had no mixer brand in its portfolio and is strong in the installation sector - so it was a great match."

Goleniowski added: "Fuzion displayed incisive knowledge of the audio market in their territory and a keen awareness of the Allen & Heath product range. We are confident that they can expose our portfolio to its full potential in the Far East's growing and dynamic market.&quo

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UK - Having supplied Lighthouse Technologies' latest LPV1650 16mm LED display to Endemol UK for the 10-week run of Big Brother at Elstree Film Studios, CT Screenco were then asked to provide a second Lighthouse display for the grand finale, which saw 32-year-old Orkney fish trader, Cameron Stout, emerge victorious. The announcement was made by presenter Davina McCall in an explosion of pyrotechnics, as crowds assembled outside the purpose-built house on the Elstree lot at Borehamwood, to witness the action on a 28sq.m (6x6) 16mm LED display.

The screen was used as the main backdrop to the outdoor stage for the finale, beaming live pictures of the housemates out to the awaiting audience. The structure was supplied by Elstree Light & Power. The show's production staff - and director Tony Gregory - commented that the screen delivered the best transmission they had experienced on an

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Following discussions with government body, Trade Partners UK, PLASA has been allocated funding for taking a UK Group to PALME in Dubai. All eligible UK companies planning to exhibit at PALME (17-19 February 2004) will receive a grant for 60% of costs, up to a limit of £2,300. The grant covers expenditure on such areas as exhibition space, stand construction costs, freight and display materials. For further information, contact Helen Willis on +44 (0)1323 410335 or e-mail

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Finland - FogScreen is a new system which offers an intriguing method for forming a high quality, physically penetrable dry fog display. The FogScreen, which has international patents pending, provides a highly unusual, 'floating' projection surface that people can walk through - and leaves no residue.

Dr Ismo Rakkolainen, co-inventor of the FogScreen, from Tampere University of Technology in Finland, says: "The fog is made of ordinary tap water with no chemicals or anything. Our patent does not comment on what particles are used, so any kinds of fog, smoke, or other particles can be used, but water is a safe, harmless, low-cost, and simple material to use. The device is suspended high above the audience, and it is also robustly built. The health and safety risks have been checked with many experts."

FogScreen Inc has been founded to develop, manufacture and market

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