Details
USA - George Michael has completed the six-week-long North American leg of his 25 Live tour, the third and final leg of an exhausting global tour lasting nearly two years. The tour featured a stage full of Sennheiser and Neumann microphones, including the singer's wireless handheld of choice, a Sennheiser SKM 5200 fitted with a Neumann KK 104 S capsule.

"Combining the Neumann capsule with the Sennheiser wireless system has thrust the legendary Neumann sound to the top of the wireless domain," says George Michael's long serving personal monitor mixer and audio consultant, Andy 'Baggy' Robinson. "It's opened up new dimensions in sound for sophisticated live-performance engineering. For me, the Neumann KK 104 has a warm, smooth and clean response that requires v

Details
China - The Wukesong Basketball Arena, one of the three major landmark buildings specially created for the Olympic Games, is delivering audio to its 24,500 spectators with a Renkus-Heinz PN102/LA self-powered, digitally networked four-cornered centre cluster and distributed delay system.

Part of the Beijing Wukesong Culture & Sports Centre, it ranks alongside the Beijing National Stadium and Beijing Aquatic Park as one of the Games' three showpiece buildings. Post-Games, its world-class facilities will continue to host the NBA Basketball it was designed to showcase - as well as providing Beijing with a new, all-purpose live music venue, capable of seating up to 18,000 fans.

With a brief to deliver excellent speech and music to every seat, Taiwan-based Linfair Engineering - which has offices in both Hong Kong and Beijing, as well as Taiwan - won the contract to design, supply a

Details
UK - Hidden underground near to Tower Bridge London, is a private tunnel where clients are driven to a taxi drop off area and car park, to access the offices above. Light Bureau (Lighting Consultant) was given the task of enhancing the concrete service tunnel providing a welcoming and dynamic transport link. Working closely with Control Lighting Ltd, Light Bureau developed a sophisticated lighting control system that would monitor the position of any vehicle within the tunnel and use this to trigger digital images and video to be played anddisplayed on the LED feature wall along one side of the tunnel.

"We designed the feature wall to draw the eye through what is otherwise a very utilitarian space" explained Paul Nulty of Light Bureau. "We wanted the animation to keep pace with vehicles, thus avoiding distraction for the drivers. This required an intricate control

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

Details
Turkmenistan - The Caspian Sea country's capital city Ashgabat features the Arch of Neutrality. Its tripod shape is based on that of the traditional Turkmen tripod and it is the city's tallest building; on its top, reachable with a lift, there is a gold statue of former president Saparmurat Niyazov, which rotates through 360° every 24 hours, in order to always face the sun.

Only completed in 1998, the Arch was recently the object of an impressive lighting installation, with 105 SGM Palco 3 positioned at the base of the structure's pilasters. Chosen for their exceptional brightness and protection to IP 65, which makes them reliable even with the region's typically extreme climatic conditions (from -20° during the winter to +45° in the summer), the fixtures were mounted without any difficulty, in spite of the construction's unusual set-up.

The fixtures, supplied by

Details
UK - Vue Entertainment has selected Martin Audio to provide cinema sound systems for its Princes Quay Hull cinema, Europe's first new-build, all-digital multiplex cinema.

Vue has invested £5m in developing the multiplex and equipping it with state of the art digital projection and processed surround sound technology as part of the complete innovation package. Martin Audio has been the system of choice for Vue Cinemas for many years and each system is purpose-built for Vue.

Throughout Hull's ten screening rooms Martin Audio's purpose-developed Screen 5 or Screen 4 systems (depending on room size) have been fitted, accompanied by Screen Sub 1A's and Effect 5 surround speakers. These were set into position by Canadian company Eomac, who also designed the screen frames and stretch wall fabric, with the full termination/integration and commissioning of the sound and projectio

Details
UK - Commercial audio specialist in public address and voice alarm systems, Ateis UK is set to exhibit at PLASA for the first time (7-10 September, Earls Court, London).

Ateis UK is introducing a number of new additions to its internationally acclaimed range, and is inviting designers, engineers, installers and rental specialists to visit their stand and learn more about Ateis's potential across all commercial, ecclesiastical, auditoria and stadia application environments.

Expanding the potential of its Messenger range of active line array loudspeakers, which are recognised for the high quality speech intelligibility, the new steerable Bass Array enables the low frequencies to be carried over a greater distance. Whilst minimising signal deviation (2dB within 100m), it is fully steerable and is self powered to provide maximum clarity in controlled areas, say Ateis.

The Messen

Details
USA - Aviom, developer of the audio transport protocol, A-Net, has increased its connectivity options with the release of its AN-16/o v.4 Output Module, making its industry debut at PLASA 2008. The flexibility offered by this new Pro16 Series output module simplifies connectivity with other manufacturers' mixing consoles, amplifiers, powered speaker systems, and recording devices, says the company.

Designed for live sound reinforcement and other audio distribution applications, the AN-16/o v.4 is compatible with a wide range of signal level requirements. Each pair of channels on the 1U rack-mount 16-channel digital-to-analog converter has a four-position output level switch with settings for +24, +18, and +4dBu line-level, or mic-level output. All channels feature front-panel LEDs for signal present and clip. The AN-16/o v.4 comes equipped with DB25 multipin connectors for analo

Details
China - The opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics 2008 in Beijing, held in the Beijing National Stadium - the Bird's Nest - has been universally praised as one of the greatest spectaculars of recent times. More than 2,300 DMX controlled fixtures and 45,000 parameters transformed the stadium into a sea of lights. Three grandMA full-size, plus three grandMA full-size as backup, two grandMA light as well as 46 x MA NSPs controlled the sophisticated lighting network during the ceremony.

"These are the Games of the records so is the Opening Ceremony", says Mr. Sha, lighting designer of the opening and closing ceremony. "In a show like this, pure reliability and proven functionality are vital."

Paul Collison, who was responsible for the control system and broadcast lighting, said of the preparation for the opening ceremony, "I was first contacted in Decemb

Details
Norway - Over 20,000 music lovers made their annual pilgrimage this July to the small Norwegian village of Sel for the Dansefestival. The festival reached record attendance numbers and more than 50 national and international acts performed, including The Monroes, Casanova, Grass and Something New.

The sound systems deployed on the main stage in the 6,000 person capacity festival marquee were once again the responsibility of Norwegian service provider MultiTechnic AS. MultiTechnic sound designer Dag Josten and his team relied primarily on a Dynacord Cobra-4 line-array system for the stage main system and a Dynacord Cobra-2 for side- fill.

"We invested some time in the run-up to the festival making sure the flown enclosures were perfectly aimed and tuned," says Dag Josten. "We were also using a Cobra-2 system this year for the first time to provide side fil

Details
The Netherlands - Previewed at Frankfurt's ProLight&Sound, Alcons is now shipping its LR14/90 pro-ribbon line-array. The LR14/90 is a passive 2-way ultra-compact line-array module, to be used in vertical stacked or flown arrays. The very compact design and a maximum SPL of 130dB+ per unit makes the LR14/90 the ideal system for small to medium-sized applications, says the company.

The LR14/90 uses Alcons' proprietary pro-ribbon technology for MHF reproduction; The unusually high 800W peak power handling and crystal-clear response of the RBN401 pro-ribbon driver enables a true HiFi sound reproduction at concert SPL's.

(Jim Evans)

Details
UK - British jazz fusion guitarist John Etheridge is the owner of a DPA IMK4061 instrument microphone kit, supplied by UK distributor Sound Network. Comprising a DPA 4061 miniature mic with a variety of useful and discreet mounting solutions, the kit is proving to be a useful addition to Etheridge's equipment for the different types of gigs he plays.

"I've been using the IMK4061 for all dates I play with (classical guitarist) John Williams, and also on an acoustic Selmer guitar with my band Sweet Chorus - a 'hot club' style of jazz and a personal homage to (French jazz violinist) Stephane Grappelli," he says.

"I love the clear, true reproduction - the ease of mounting and the way that it gives me a great sound plus the freedom to move around."

The mounting accessories also allow Etheridge flexibility when it comes to positioning the mic on his instrument

Details
China - Crown Audio provided China's National Stadium with 400 Crown I-Tech amplifiers to power the sound system during the 16 days of events at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games being held in Beijing.

"As 100,000 spectators cheer for their respective countrymen in the opening ceremony, clear and present audio will be important, no matter what language is being spoken," said Marc Kellom, vice president of marketing for Crown Audio. "With over 400 of our I-Tech amplifiers powering the system, we're confident that everyone in attendance including the athletes will be able to hear their country's introduction."

Audio alone takes up two full rooms in the spacious stadium and Crown's 400 I-Tech amplifiers are housed in 30 racks. The audio system, which is fibre based, was designed by China Broadcast Bureau, a state-run agency. All the processing in the system is bei

Details
Australia - The Frankston Arts Centre is an iconic landmark in one of Melbourne's fastest growing areas. Designed by renowned Australian architect, Daryl Jackson, the Frankston is one of the largest metropolitan and regional arts venues in Australia. It is a major focus for the performing arts in the region with facilities that contribute to the growing stature of local companies and provide a venue for local dance schools, as well as tertiary and secondary student productions.

It was decided that they needed a new loudspeaker system to take the venue's bookings and offerings into the next level. The previous system was locally designed and built and had been the in-house system since the venue opened in 1995. When the time came to upgrade, venue sound technician and long-time fan of d&b audiotechnik systems, Ben Thompson contacted Simon Moran of Optim Audio who ultimately insta

Details
USA - Robert Plant and Alison Krauss played the US and Europe with their Raising Sand tour, Taylor, Mich.-based Thunder Audio provided production and a sound system based on Meyer Sound's self-powered loudspeakers.

"You're talking about two icons here, so the sound has to be perfect," says production manager Gary Trew. "The nature of the music and the backing band fluctuates from places where you can hear a pin drop clear to big crescendos during some numbers."

Robert Plant's long-time FOH engineer who also handled the Raising Sand tour, Roy Williams agrees, "Two very different artists getting together means very different expectations among the audience as well, but after a few shows, we realised we had a Raising Sand audience. It allowed us to add more dynamics to the mix, going from a whisper to a scream. The audience was recept

Details
USA - Loud Technologies Inc has announced the appointment of James Stewart as its chief operating officer.

Stewart will be responsible for the core operations of the company including iInformation technologies, technical support, service and logistics as well as management of Loud's manufacturing partners. Stewart comes to Loud with more than 28 years of experience in the technology industry.

"We are excited to have Jim join Loud's executive team, where his proven record of success and passion will enable us to achieve our objectives," said Jamie Engen, CEO of Loud. "Jim's leadership skills will help us fully realise the growth opportunities before us."

Details
Hong Kong - Lighthouse Technologies' returns to PLASA to demonstrate its latest high resolution R4-B and R6-B LED panels, as well as two of its new creative display products, the Tile and Mesh on Stand E81.

R4-B is a 4mm pixel pitch, black-faced panel and R6-B is a 6mm pixel pitch, black-faced panel. Both have brought a new dimension to the picture quality of Lighthouse LED screens.

By combining a superfine resolution with Lighthouse's new 3-in-1 black-faced Surface-Mount Device (SMD) LED, a much better contrast level and visual performance have been achieved. The lightweight and slim casing design makes these panels ideal for rental applications and they can also be easily installed and integrated, thus providing the best possible return on investment for customers, says the company.

The black casing of the SMD provides a truer black level within the displayed image and a c

Details
UK - Rapper Jay-Z's Glastonbury 2008 performance featured a giant Lighthouse LED His intro was screened on a 15 x 5 panel (15.3m (w) x 3.8m (h)) Lighthouse R7-ER 7mm visual pitch LED screen, which also formed a backdrop to the rest of his set. The only problem was that, not long before the festival, there were few R7-ER screens in the UK that wasn't already in use.

"We were already on site doing various projection jobs and we were the only company who had any quantity of R7-ER available," says Robin Wealleans of screen provider, The Picture Works. "Unfortunately we only had about half the required quantity of panels in the country and Jay-Z insisted on using R7-ER for the backdrop. It was obviously a key part of his performance so there was a stark choice for the Glastonbury organisers - to source more R7-ER panels or Jay-Z doesn't play."

The Picture Works

Details
UK - CUK Audio has announced its appointment as the exclusive distributor for Sabine for the UK and Ireland. Previously distributed by Audio-Technica UK, the move of Sabine to CUK is effective immediately. With headquarters in Alachua, Florida, the Sabine range includes wireless microphone systems, feedback exterminators, multi-function digital signal processors, phantom mic riders, phantom gooseneck mics and autotuners.

Stuart Thomson, managing director of CUK Audio, commented: "We are pleased to be appointed as the new distributor for Sabine. The brand has been professionally distributed by Audio-Technica and has a strong market position in the UK. We are also appreciative of A-T for assisting with a smooth handover to ensure continuity for Sabine customers. With its quality and innovation, Sabine will be a key brand in our portfolio and customers can be assured of that i

Details
Italy - Santa Cristina della Fondazza in the city of Bologna has recently undergone a restoration programme.

The interior lighting is now based almost exclusively on LED fixtures. With this choice, unusual for a church, Bigi+Gregoli managed to meet different indispensable: highlighting a unique artistic heritage, creating atmospheres suited to the performances, accentuating the cultural role of a consecrated building and keeping its sacredness intact.

After careful selection, SGM was chosen and through Volume Srl supplied all the equipment used for the system: 24 Palco 5, one Ribalta and 38 Genio Mobile, plus four Giotto Wash moving head units and a Pilot 3000 console, used to programme and control all the lights.

(Jim Evans)

Details
UK - Belfast based BBC Northern Ireland has invested in three new Avolites ART2000 dimmer racks for it's OB unit, which have been supplied by Production Services Ireland (PSI).

The decision to specify Avo dimmers was made collectively by BBC NI's lighting directors Philip Brines and Jim Devlin and their colleague, electrical supervisor Colin Irwin.

"We needed something that was flexible, compact robust, reliable and portable," explains Irwin. "Avolites also came highly recommended by everyone we spoke to, and we wanted a future-proof product to keep the lighting department up-to-date for several years in the future."

As soon as the dimmers arrived at the Belfast HQ, they went straight out on the Royal Maundy Service, broadcast from Armagh and attended by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, the first time the service has been held outside the UK mainland. Sin

Details
UK - HHB Communications has announced availability of the new HHB Catalogue 08/09, alongside a number of important developments to the HHB website.

The HHB catalogue is bigger than ever this year and includes details of more than 1700 products. The 176-page publication is printed in full colour throughout and contains 16 chapters covering all the major product groups ­ microphones, mixers, computer audio hardware and software, EQ and dynamics, etc., with every product listed in an index at the back.

Meanwhile HHB is enhancing the content of the on-line version of The Catalogue, initially to include rear panel images and more detailed information and specifications. Also new at hhb.co.uk is a Quote Building function, allowing customers to build lists of products to submit to HHB for competitive quoting.

Speaking at the launch of the 08/09 HHB Catalogue, HHB sales director St

Page 2231 of 3465

Latest Issue. . .