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Denmark - Because rainwater can leak into the base of a lighting fixture and damage electrical circuitry causing all types of problems, Martin has developed the new RainMAC, a simple and effective way to ensure that the show goes on by keeping rain off your MAC fixture.

The RainMAC was designed with input from rental companies who are often in a situation where full protection domes are impractical to install, yet where rain is likely during the course of an event. Its development is an example of Martin's policy of supporting users by bringing customer initiated solutions to the marketplace.

A vital tool in the struggle against the unpredictability of the weather, the robust and UV resistant RainMAC is ideal for outdoor events. Easy to install, the molded compound plastic guard

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USA / Romania - Loud Technologies Inc. announced the appointment of Bucharest-based Stage Expert as the exclusive EAW distributor in Romania. In addition to being one of Romania's premier professional audio and lighting distribution operations, Stage Expert is also a leading production house offering staging, video and event management services as well as PA and lighting rental.

According to Stage Expert partner/production manager Alexandru Calin, EAW offers a high quality complement to his existing portfolio of brands. "EAW remains one of the biggest names in concert touring and has a well-earned reputation for being world leaders in technical audio advancement and creative loudspeaker design. We are very proud to represent EAW in Romania and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship."

EAW's Sean Martin is equally pleased with the appointment: "In addi

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UK - Hawthorn has announced that here are still some places left for its 'Hawthorn @ Home' event next Friday, 29 July. Hawthorn's Hire and Sales team will host the events, which will kick off with lunch and an informal get-together, followed by the hands-on session / demo of the equipment.

The 29 July event will be an introduction to Hawthorn - people, products, projects and tours of newly extended office and warehouse complex, with hands-on demos of LED for hire, lighting, sound and AV equipment. The second event, on 2 September will cover 'Generic Lighting' products with representation from Selecon, ETC, Thomas, ADB and Strand. The third event, on 7 October, is titled 'Flash, Bang and Feedback' a demonstration of pyrotechnics by Le Maitre and radio mics by Sennheiser, Sony and Trantec.

(Lee Baldock)

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 - A.C. Lighting's Audio division has sold a Funktion One Resolution 4 loudspeaker system to Dave Nutbrown at Starsound Systems. Nutbrown was already using Funktion One's award winning touring speakers and had been getting an excellent reaction to them from his customers - particularly the quality of audio and powerful output for such compact cabinets, he says.

As a result, Nutbrown wanted to expand the company's hire stock, so he approached audio sales manager Peter Butler at UK dealer A.C. Lighting to supply four Resolution 4 touring enclosures and two F-218 bass enclosures.

The Resolution 4 touring enclosures feature a revolutionary flying system shared by all Resolution touring enclosures, which makes for fast and easy set up due to all the inter-cabinet flying hardware being built into the enclosures.

The F-218 double 18" bass enclosures utilize Funktion One's re

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UK - The 6,000 jobs recently lost at the UK-based MG Rover Group are symptomatic of a wider trend across Europe that has seen manufacturing production decrease. Britain alone has shed a million manufacturing jobs in the last 10 years - a reflection of the general economic shift from manufacturing to service industries.

Part of the reason for this decline is that manufacturers worldwide are dealing with numerous issues - increasingly prescriptive legislation, customer migration to Asia and the challenges of building a successful infrastructure to sustain and improve manufacturing. In recognition of these issues, PLASA (Professional Lighting and Sound Association) has established a Manufacturers Forum to allow the organization to better understand the issues faced by its members. An initial meeting will take place in central London on Tuesday 2 August and all 250 manufacturing mem

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Japan - A wonderful example of a modern classical concert hall, Tamba Symphony Hall in Japan has received many compliments for its striking interior design, particularly the use of local wood, something that is both aesthetically beautiful and acoustically ideal. Though relatively new, the concert hall was built in 1988, the Tamba management felt that advancing audio technology dictated the need for refurbishment.

"An acoustic comparison test was made at the site," said Mr Kunitaka Fukatsu of the Otaritec Corporation, which was asked to advise on a new system. "A few selected manufacturers systems were chosen and carefully examined. Finally a Q1 based system made by d&b audiotechnik was chosen. The reasons were clear; the d&b system's high quality sound and intelligibility; the potential for high SPLs when required with no loss of quality; and the low electrical c

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UK - Fuzion plc has announced the promotion of Jez Hunter - to the role of technical sales manager.

Hunter was originally recruited into Fuzion's sister company, Kelsey Acoustics Ltd, a year ago as a product specialist and consultant, where his technical expertise quickly had an influence. He now assumes a broader area of responsibility within the parent company's technical support team.

Said sales director Paul Ward: "Jez's pedigree as a complete systems installer, specializing in AV systems, means that he is sympathetic to needs of our customers. Fuzion is a solution focused company and Jez will further enhance our ability to assist our clients in achieving their goals on a technical level."

Although his previous appointment was timed to coincide with Kelsey's acquisition of the Furman range of products, the integration of the overall business will mean that he w

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UK - Martin Professional's Mach CI6 in-fill loudspeakers - 43 cabinets in total - have been installed into The Strand, Preston as part of a high quality background music system. The Strand is the city's newest and most exciting 'must go' venue, a contemporary new entertainment concept aimed at a lively, stylish clientele with good tastes in food, drink, design and music.

Preston is one of the fastest developing towns in the UK, with over 25,000 students, an ambitious urban regeneration scheme underway and a rich history in culture and commerce. The Strand is independently owned by Dave Patterson and general manager Dave Jones. They spotted a gap for a stylish venue outside the city centre that would attract over 25s and those prepared to make an effort to go out. The Strand is also the first completely non-smoking night venue in Preston.

The various social areas within the Str

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UK - Specialists in lighting, sound and power provision Pearce Hire was contracted to manage the temporary power requirements for Birmingham's National Day of Commemoration with a spectacular Victory Fireworks Fantasia and a stage set on the lake in Cannon Hill Park. Continuing work with Birmingham City Council, after successfully providing power in recent years for the Jubilee celebrations, New Years Eve events, Diwali and Centenary Square, Pearce Hire has become a regular provider to the City Council.

Over 15,000 people enjoyed the fine weather and music at Cannon Hill Park's Victory Fireworks Fantasia. Chaired by Nick Owen of Midlands Today, a fabulous 1940s-themed afternoon concert starred British favourites Max Bygraves OBE and Joan Regan, while extracts from the Rat Pack Live featured music from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior. Rousing the crowd th

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UK - On Wednesday 13 July, David Caulfield, the UK managing director of Martin Professional, presented £1,000 to Lyn Paver, chief executive of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust at Stage Electrics, Exeter. Martin Professional offered Stage Electrics a sales incentive promotion for a two-month period in late 2004, similar to many promotions in many sales organizations around the country. "However, Stage Electrics does not incentivize sales staff individually as we believe it is always about team efforts," explained Linda Moore, sales and marketing manager of Stage Electrics. "Therefore we gave each of our branches the opportunity to win £1000 for a charity of their choice for the branch with the highest achievement over budget."

Exeter Branch nominated Devon Air Ambulance and set about winning the money for them. All of the Stage Electrics branches participated a

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UK - ShowCAD will launch Artist 2005 at the forthcoming PLASA Show at Earls Court (11-14 September). The system incorporates many advances over the original Artist show control system, say the company, with features including video to DMX mapping as well as matrixing and macro features which are "extremely useful for LED programming". The system has been extended and can now control up to 32,000+ DMX channels. DMX In is also featured in the new version and MIDI, RS 232, Digital and Analogue input/output protocols are all employed. SMPTE and all types of timecode files from CD, DVD, avi, mp3 and mgp files can be read and synchronized to Artist cues and events. The system features setup wizards, powerful automatic scene generation functions, multi-media interfacing, WYSIWYG options and more, say ShowCAD.

Avalon New York City, Avalon Hollywood, Guru Valencia, Fabric Londo

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UK - Lighting company Blinding Light supplied all design, effects and ambient lighting for production company Sledge at Microsoft's recent spectacular 'After Hours' party. The event was staged in the grounds of Stratfield Saye house - a rambling 17th century pile, home to the Dukes of Wellington since 1817 - in a huge De Boers 'Star Show' circus tent measuring 68m by 44m. Catering was housed in an additional 45m by 20m 'A' frame marquee next door. "The client wanted a special location with a great ambience to accommodate up to 2,000 people" explains production manager Matt Phillips.

After Hours featured live performances by Basement Jaxx and Madness, and the show closed to a rousing set by DJ Norman Jay. Matt Phillips came onboard to oversee the complete production management needed to support the event along with Grant Mitchell looking after the finer technical detail

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UK - Live brand experience company MMM recently conceived and produced a new model launch and dealer training event for Jaguar UK, based on the hands-on demonstration of the company's new XJ Diesel and X-TYPE 2.2 models, pitted directly against their competitors' vehicles. As well as coming up with the event concept and format, MMM's technical production crew supplied all necessary sound, lighting, video and AV.

An active car mechanics workshop at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, Leicestershire was transformed into a high-tech auditorium and presentational space for the three-week event. The environment created also included break-out learning centres, and a series of lit walk-throughs with industrial sculptures made from Jaguar engine parts. The primary objective was to highlight Jaguar's new diesel and aluminium technology, perceived as being central to the future of the brand.<

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USA - CITC has introduced a new haze machine - the Starhazer II DMX. The award-winning company, which has recently celebrated its 15th year, is best known for its unique special effects equipment, including the Little Blizzard snow machine. The Starhazer II, the company says, has double the output of the previous StarHazer - plus DMX on-board, superior insulation for whisper-quiet operation, cycle/direct/ remote operation, a seven-filter system, and a dual opening for wide coverage.

The DMX 512 allows control from a lighting desk, using just one channel. It also has a convenient 5-pin XLR 'In' and 'Send' feature for setting up other units on the same DMX line. Also included is the remote control featuring buttons which allow either manual 'on' and 'off' operation, or 'timed' operation of 0-60 seconds 'on' or 0-4 minutes 'off'. StarHazer II DMX also comes with a control switch th

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UK - Metropolis AV has designed a colourful new architectural lighting installation, including some specially customized LED fixtures, at the new Sportsman Casino in Old Quebec Street, central London. Tucked away in a discreet street near to Marble Arch, the venue - a world class gaming facility - wanted something eye-catching that would distinguish it from the surrounding buildings and that would be an additional finishing touch. Exterior lighting was the perfect solution. In addition to conventional colour changing wall-washing effects, they also wanted a bit of movement.

Metropolis's Simon Harris and Andy Shelton thought laterally when designing the scheme. They asked their manufacturing division Met 3 to make some special moving versions of its TC12 LED spotlight, complete with 6° lenses. These are mounted within existing down-lighter fittings and fixed onto off-the-shelf p

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UK - Avril Lavigne's FOH engineer John Kerns looked pleased as he watched the crowd response at the recent Hammersmith Apollo gig. "This is probably the first time I have taken a real rock show out with a Meyer loudspeaker system," Kerns admits.

Having taken over FOH duties from Jim Yakabuski partway through Lavigne's extensive European and American tour, Kerns found himself in the capable hands of Audio Analysts system technician Brett Dicus. "Jim came up with a setup that he really liked," explains Dicus, "which was Meyer mains and a centre sub-hang. That is our priority whenever possible. The Meyer high-end energy from about 5kHz on up can't be beaten. We find we do not have to do the usual boosts for intelligibility with the MILO boxes."

The typical setup for a Lavigne show employs substantial quantities of MILO high-power curvilinear array lo

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UK - The Princess Pavilion in Falmouth, Cornwall has recently enjoyed a pro audio upgrade in the form of a twin HK Audio Actor PA system. Part of HK Audio's portable, self-powered active pro audio range, Actor delivers 2.6kW RMS per system, giving the Princess Pavilion a useful 5kW-plus of quality sound reinforcement.

The popular venue is host to a variety of shows and performances ranging from theatre and live concerts to charity and benefit evenings. In recent months, an increasing number of musical acts has included teen blues-pop favourites Rooster and rockgrass cult act, Hayseed Dixie amongst many others.

Supplied and installed by Cornwall-based specialists RJF Audio Visual, the twin Actor system setup is supplemented by four HK Audio Premium Series PR115X plus two Premium Series PR112M stage wedges. The Pavilion's management has said they are "supremely happy'"

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USA - The new $2.7billion Wynn resort and casino in Las Vegas features an abundance of Martin Professional equipment supplied by Production Resource Group (PRG), say the company. The equipment appears in four main areas - the central outdoor feature, the Wynn Theatre, convention and meeting space, and a pair of high profile clubs. PRG was the lighting system integrator for all the theatrical and most of the architectural lighting systems on the property.

The centerpiece of Wynn Las Vegas is a 150ft tall mountain with a five-story waterfall that cascades into a three-acre, man-made lake. Unlike most front features in Las Vegas, however, the Wynn feature is only viewable from within the property. Mac fixtures works alongside Jem Roadie smoke machines and submersed LEDs as part of a multimedia light-and-water show that runs every 15 minutes. The fixtures include 23 Mac 2000 Wash wi

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UK - Wigwam Acoustics' hire department deployed large numbers of Audio-Technica microphones to reinforce and provide broadcast feeds for the 100 piece tri-service orchestra at The WWII Commemoration Show on Sunday 10 July, staged on Horse Guards Parade, London.

11,000 WWII veterans joined a line-up of celebrities, including Dame Vera Lynn, Jane Horrocks, Bruce Forsythe and Simon Callow, with the tri-service orchestra and the Bach Choir, for the Festival of Commemoration in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen. Televised live, the gala performance was designed by leading sound designer John Del Nero, whose credits include The Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Queens Golden Jubilee Celebrations at Buckingham Palace.

The Show was very complex and needed over 220 channels of microphone and instrument feeds, along with numerous sound effect and video feeds to and from the BBC. Audio-T

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UK - APR Audio made a successful debut at Glastonbury this year, using some of its large inventory of Electro-Voice X-Line to provide audio production services for the Jazz World stage, which this year hosted Roy Ayers, Roots Manuva, The Wailers, Taj Mahal, Femi Kuti, and the Levellers amongst others, attracting crowds of up to 30,000 for the biggest shows.

Under the supervision of Pete Russell, APR Audio provided left and right Electro-Voice X-Line hangs, each featuring 14 Xvls and two Xvlt cabinets, and using 32 matched X-subs, with eight XI 1152s for fill. Control was provided by way of Midas Heritage 3000 consoles on stage and at front-of-house, with KT Helix EQ with DN370s. All power was delivered by Precision Series P3000RL amplifiers, managed by the latest v2. IRIS control software which allows up to 250 amplifiers to be remotely controlled and supervised.

APR is partic

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UK - FX Rentals provided the PA system for an important new fixture in the arts calendar - the New Music Award, presented by the PRS Foundation for New Music, held in July before an invited audience at London's Living Room. FX, one of the major sponsors of the event alongside the PRS (Performing Right Society), provided four Mackie SRM 450 self-powered speakers with two HZ PB400 sub bass units, Pioneer CDJ1000 mk2 CD turntables and a Pioneer DJM600 DJ mixer, mics and a video distribution box for the evening's speeches, music and visuals.

"The PRS Foundation has worked with FX Rentals on several occasions, and their ongoing support is hugely significant," says PRS Foundation manager David Francis. "They are extremely helpful in working with us to ensure that our events run smoothly and successfully, and their technical knowledge and experience is second to none.&qu

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