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Czech Republic - The distinctive style of Bobby McFerrin filled the Vodova arena in Brno twice over, with 8,000 people in the audience and 100 of them on stage with the artist. The lucky 100 had a good look at Bobby's four Nexo 45°N-12 line monitors, the newest element of an all-Nexo PA system supplied by Rental Pro.

The 60-year-old musician has an impressive vocal range of four octaves, and is famous for the interaction he has with his concert audiences throughout the world. He is a particular favourite in the Czech Republic, and this is his third tour of the country.

Rental Pro asked Nexo to ship the new 45°N-12 stage monitors into the country for the first time, setting up McFerrin with two pairs of the revolutionary wedges.

Using a Nexo Geo T system for the main PA

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Switzerland - Acoustic amplification systems manufacturer Schertler has announced that the Deluxe versions of its popular Unico and David portable acoustic amplifiers are now available. The three-channel Unico Deluxe and two-channel David Deluxe have been re-engineered to deliver "outstanding transparency, clarity, warmth and accuracy of sound, while offering a feature set that has been specially designed to suit any acoustic performance situation".

Both models contain a new Class A preamplifier (with no integrated circuits), re-engineered power amp and new hi-end speakers. A hi-end headphone preamp has also been added. A further innovation is the inclusion of intelligent inputs that will automatically recognise the impedance of the pickup or microphone, with no DI box or buffer required. Each channel has a four-band EQ and a special dedicated filter. Peak LEDs are als

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USA - DPA Microphones CEO and shareholder Christian Poulsen has assumed day-to-day management of DPA Inc, the Danish manufacturer's US subsidiary, with immediate effect.

Poulsen, who was appointed CEO in October after four years on the DPA board of directors, is a graduate of the Danish Engineering Academy and founder of digital camera and scanner company Imacon. The fastest growing industrial company in Denmark in 1999 and 2000, Imacon merged with Hasselblad in 2004 to transform the Swedish photography giant from high-end film camera company to a fully digital camera operation.

Poulsen has transferred his business acumen to DPA, spearheading a new phase for the manufacturer marked by the launch of the new Reference Standard series. Improvements and redesigns of DPA's classic microphone ranges as well as innovative new product launches are planned for the near future, says the

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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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USA - Chauvet has announced the appointment of Stéphane Gressier as global sales director.

Gressier brings 17 years of international sales, marketing and management experience with him to the role. Originally from France, he moved to the United States in 1987 and studied international business at Cal State Fullerton. Gressier has held international sales, marketing and management positions at Skechers USA, Inc., Pagoda International, ClosetMaid Corporation and Clay Forever.

Gressier has lived in Vietnam, France, Jordan, Venezuela and Brazil and speaks English, Portuguese, Spanish and French. While living in Venezuela and California, he was a part-time DJ for 10 years.

"This is a very exciting time to be a part of the entertainment and architectural lighting industry," Gressier said. "The Chauvet presence internationally, with 120 distributors in 80 coun

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The Netherlands - Alcons Audio has launched the BC543, a new triple 18" cardioid sub-bass loudspeaker, designed to give the company's pro-ribbon audio systems the tightest and crispest possible low end.

A self-contained, high-output cardioid subwoofer, the BC543 is designed for both permanent and portable ground-stacked applications, offering a high output plus tight and accurate bass response.

The BC543's front and rear located woofer configuration combines with Alcons Digital Drive Processor (DDP) to offer selectable cardioid, low-frequency pattern control and up to 18dB of rear rejection, without any need for additional cabinets.

The unit's front features two AW18.6NDC/8 18-inch, long-excursion woofers, complemented by a 5.3 inch voice-coil with vented triple-spider frame, Neodymium motor structure, carbon fibre cone and dust cap. The rear features a single AW18.6NDC

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China - The Meyer Sound stand at PALM EXPO China promises to be a bustling hub of activity, with demonstrations of the Constellation acoustic system alongside an extensive display of advanced audio technologies. Meyer Sound will also make a corporate announcement that will be "of critical interest to audio professionals in the region".

For the first time at a trade show in China, Meyer Sound will present demonstrations of the Constellation acoustic system. Featuring celebrated saxophonist Sarah Underwood, the live demos will reveal how advanced digital processing, working in conjunction with arrays of precision microphones and linear loudspeakers, can transform a performance space into acoustical environments ranging from an intimate theatre to a cavernous cathedral.

At the heart of Constellation is the new D-Mitri digital audio platform, a flexible suite of hardware

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India - The Indian Recording Arts Awards (IRAA) aim to highlight the esteemed technical and creative talent contributed by leading sound recordists, music composers, music directors and recording engineers. IRAA was launched in 2006 as the Recording Arts (RA) Awards for music recording, sound designing & soundtrack by Pro Sound Systems - India's only trade publication on music production and live sound - and the Audio Engineering Society (AES) India.

The 2010 Expo saw the rebranding of RA to IRAA, but despite the name change the awards retain the same goal of recognizing the creative art forms of sound recording, mixing and mastering and, of course, creating music, say organisers.

Awards are given across a number of categories including: Best Recording Engineer; Best Mix and Mastering Engineer; Best Record Label; Album of the Year; Record Company of the Year, and Life T

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USA - Blue Microphones has extended its audio expertise to the stage with the recently released enCORE series. Bringing studio-quality sound to live performances, the Blue Mics enCORE series of live mics has been infiltrating venues around the globe, says the company. The series includes a range of mics designed to meet specific needs of the live stage or recording studio.

These include: enCORE 100 - a studio-grade dynamic microphone with Blue's proprietary capsule technology; enCORE 200 -adds Blue's custom-tuned active dynamic circuitry, coupling high SPL handling of a dynamic mic with the consistency and low noise of a phantom powered mic; enCORE 300 - the flagship of the series, a live condenser microphone with a Blue capsule custom-tuned to a matched phantom powered circuit and an open architecture design that allows for uninterrupted sound no matter now the mic is gripped,

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UK - Helen Ward has rejoined Saville Audio Visual as North West area sales manager for conference and live events operations.

Ward joined the sales team at the company's Leeds office in 1987 and later transferred to the Saville Manchester centre and progressed to hire manager before leaving in 2004 for a spell outside the company.

She has returned to take up a newly created role as part of the company's drive to strengthen its national profile and comments, "I'm delighted to be back and looking forward to renewing acquaintances and making new ones. The conference and events sector is feeling the effects of the recession but I'm confident that we can continue to progress, particularly in view of the growing demand for web streaming and the developing range of other Saville Digital Event Services."

(Jim Evans)

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UK - Le Maitre have introduced a new range to their Prostage II brand of pyrotechnics. The "VS" - Virtually Smokeless range has the distinct advantage of a very low smoke output, greatly enhancing the resulting visual effect, says the company.

"We are absolutely delighted with the result" says Rick Wilson, sales director of Le Maitre. "The VS range is in line with our continuous strategy of introducing the best range of visually stunning pyrotechnics in the market. The drastically reduced smoke levels ensure that spectators get to see the effects at their very best"

"We have introduced three products to date - VS Flames, VS Flares and VS Starbursts, and there will be more to follow over the coming months".

The VS Flares produce an intensely coloured 1-2ft flare that burns for a maximum duration of 30 seconds and are available in red, g

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India - PALM Expo, India's most established exhibition and conference on pro audio, lighting and musical instruments is scheduled for 2 - 4 June, 2011 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon (E), Mumbai, India. This June, the Expo will celebrate 11 successful years in operation.

With 15,000sq.m spread across two halls, the PALM Expo 2011 has increased 20% since its last successful staging in 2010.

"A 50% increase in exhibitors showcasing over 400 international and local brands will keep the show floor buzzing with action on all the three days. The 2011 Expo will not only see international product and brand launches, but also product clinics, workshops and an extensive three day Seminar and Conference programme. The Harman sponsored Performance Arena, an open-air line array demo area, an Indian Acoustic Musical Instruments Village, the Integrate Expo Kramer Technical Cla

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Germany - The centenary festivities at OBO Bettermann's headquarters at Hüingsen, Germany, were a fiesta of superlatives. On hand for the celebration were an audience of invited guests and prominent personalities from 60 countries around the world.

Former German foreign minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher and Frank-Walter Steinmeier, along with former Volkswagen top manager, Peter Hartz, were among those on hand to personally present their congratulations.

While an OBO-orchestra formed from musicians specially engaged for the occasion played, actors and actresses performed a play portraying the 100 years of the company's history that was culminated by a laser show that bathed the interior of its manufacturing plant in a sea of light and colours.

(Jim Evans)

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USA - With a focus on bringing new technology to the attention of key designers and users, Total Structures has stepped up to sponsor the Broadway Lighting Master Classes, being held 24-25 May at NYU's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.

In its 17th edition, the Broadway Lighting Master Classes give attendees the opportunity to learn from some of the best known lighting designers in their field and see the latest developments in lighting technology from industry leaders.

After being named the best new product by Live Design at last year's awards, the RSC Lightlock will be on display during this year's manufacturer showcase, giving students the chance to see this technology in person. They will also have the chance to speak with Don Holder, the first lighting designer to employ the RSC Lightlock in a Broadway production.

"It makes perfect sense for us to spon

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USA - Donny and Marie's headlining act at Las Vegas' Flamingo Hotel recently celebrated its 500th show, and Audio-Technica has been the microphone of choice for the show since its premiere.

Donny and Marie Osmond have been headlining at the Flamingo Hotel since September 2008, and the show has proved to be a huge success, with the duo set to continue their run through at least December 2011. Both performers use Audio-Technica's Artist Elite 5000 Series UHF Wireless System with the AEW-T5400 Cardioid Condenser Handheld Transmitter, AEW-R5200 True Diversity Frequency-Agile Dual Receiver, the AEW-DA550C UHF Antenna Distribution System and the ATW-A49 UHF Wide-band Directional LPDA Antennas.

Sax, trombone and trumpet are handled by the 3000 Series Wireless System with ATM350cW Cardioid Condenser Clip-On Microphone. Also used are the Artist Elite AE3000 Cardioid Condenser Instrumen

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USA - From their home base in Augusta, GA, Quest Sound covers the East Coast from Washington, D.C. to the Florida panhandle, providing sound for a wide range of live events. Quest's go-to rig is built around the Renkus-Heinz CF101-LA modular point source array loudspeaker system.

"We handle everything from local gigs with small combos to larger national acts, and the CF101 cabinets provide the versatility to cover it all," says Rob Boggs. "Recently we used a pair them on sticks with a jazz band, playing to around 100 people here in Augusta. The same week we did a festival down in Florida with close to 1000 people, and ran 14 different bands through the system."

Versatility is one reason the CF-Series fits the bill for Quest Sound. "In the past few months we've used them on music ranging from the Julliard Jazz Band to Shawn Mullins to the band Saliva, a

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UK - It may have finished a few weeks ago but Philips Entertainment Lighting (PEL) is still receiving a steady flow of positive feedback in response to the latest Philips Selecon and Strand Lighting products, exhibited for the first time, at PLASA focus in Leeds.

Amber Tomlin, recently promoted to UK key account manager for PEL, comments, "PLASA Focus, Leeds was a wonderful opportunity to discuss, face to face, with our UK customers my new role in the company and the benefits it offers them. Even though my job title has changed I'm still very much the same person! However I'll be spending more time developing PEL's UK business in collaboration with our key UK account customers and distributors. I'll also be ensuring customers understand our current and 'new to market' product ranges and what they can offer the end user."

Alongside existing products such as the Philip

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Germany - A network of Midas PRO9 andPRO6 live audio systems and an analogue XL4 was used at FOH and monitors respectively for the recent PRG LEA German Live Entertainment Awards held at the Frankfurt Festival Hall.

The event featured top acts on stage and celebrities on the red carpet. Bandleader James Last was the surprise guest while Michael Bolton, German country star Helene Fischer, mezzo soprano Anne Sofie von Otter and pop artist Juli entertained the crowd.

PRG's Kai Reiss handled FOH duties for the artists on the PRO9 following some training with Lars Lüdemann from German distributor Mega Audio. "It's the best sounding digital desk I've used so far," he says. "It immediately reminded me of the first time I encountered a Midas XL3 back in the early nineties. The EQ is second to none and I really liked the dynamics and effects - I've been a great fan of t

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UK - Matt Napier is monitor engineer for Kylie Minogue and has been with her since the summer of 2010. His mixing console of choice is a DiGiCo SD7, chosen because it is a desk that can grow as the tour's remit expanded.

"We're at the end of the UK leg of the Aphrodite - Les Folies tour and heading off to America," says Napier. "The SD7 has done a fantastic job so far. It's done everything we hoped for."

The console, part of audio supplier Solotech's inventory for the tour, is currently running at just 60% of its capability. There are approximately 86 inputs from stage and, with the addition of talkback and effects returns, the channel count runs to around 110. There are 14 stereo and six mono sends for effects subs and thumpers, plus several stereo mic groups, which are used for shout mics around the stage, and a 16x12 matrix, used for backups and s

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South Africa - Described as one of the best parties to hit Durban, some 3,000 people attended the Miller Experience 2011 held recently at the Durban Exhibition Centre. The festivities only ended at 5am the following day and featured DJs Fresh and Euphonik, Roger Goode, Gareth Cliff, Sasha Martenigo, Grant Nash and Sam Boylan.

East Coast Productions were the organisers and technical supplier for this event, with lighting design by Jacques Marais. Given free reign, East Coast Productions came up with the concept and design.

"The Robe beam lights on the circle truss were amazing," said Jacque Marais. "The truss was on an electric hoist and moved over the crowd. Miller were very impressed and extremely pleased with the exposure they received from this event."

All fixtures and trussing were suspended from the roof trusses in the Exhibition Centre using Loadgua

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UK - Baldwin Boxall has confirmed BS EN 54-16 certification on all of its VIGIL2 voice alarm products. The complete range (including touchscreen control , microphones, amplifiers and routers) passed the rigorous testing procedures by an accredited third party testing house. In addition, the VIGIL2 power supplies have been BS EN 54-4 tested and certified.

The company believes it is the first voice alarm manufacturer in the UK to achieve BS EN 54 certification on a complete product range. Due to the number of products and their diversity, the product testing took in the region of six months overall then a further months wait was required for the certification process to be completed.

Marketing director Nick Baldwin commented, " We were determined to have full certification prior to the Standard becoming adopted in parts of Europe. The whole company is delighted that we have

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UK - Gruv Gear, the Californian manufacturer of utility carts, hand trucks and music accessories, has signed a deal with Adam Hall to distribute its product line to the European market.

The deal, which was announced at the Musikmesse, Frankfurt, follows a meeting at the 2011 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, California, where daily visits from Adam Hall's Markus Jahnel reinforced the positive interest he expressed from day one, Gruv Gear says.

"We had overwhelming attention from dealers and distributors from all over the world." says Jay Baldemor, president of Gruv Gear. "Markus definitely became one of the most familiar faces by the end of the show, and that says a lot about Adam Hall's sincere desire and commitment in working with us.

"We talked to guys from Italy, Spain, the UK and others, but I'm thoroughly impressed with what Adam Hall puts on the table.

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