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UK - When Know1 Production, specialists in the integration of lighting and video for live performance, were asked to design DJ Kissy Sell Out's Wild Romance tour, it was to White Light that they turned to provide the show's touring lighting rig - featuring a core of 16 Martin MAC 101 moving LED fixtures.

From the brief from Kissy Sell Out, Know1's Matthew Pitman and Cy Dodimead realised they needed a design that was "pretty adaptable but quite technically advanced". To achieve this, they designed a pixel-mapped video screen background formed from Martin LC video panels, surrounded by vertical booms loaded with MAC 101s. The show was controlled from a Martin M1 console and Maxedia Compact media server, the system configured so that the lights could be operated manu

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UK - Video projections co-designed by Nina Dunn from UK creative agency Knifedge will feature prominently in the headline show at this year's Edinburgh International Festival - a production of Richard Strauss' spectacular opera Die Frau Ohne Schatten (The Woman Without a Shadow).

This epic production from St Petersburg's renowned Mariinsky Opera is masterminded by two British artists, stage director Jonathan Kent and production designer by Paul Brown. The play contrasts an imaginative spirit world with the stark reality of human existence.

Dunn's video designs are key elements in evoking the mystery and beauty of the spirit world. From a technical perspective, the rig consists of one 20K Christie front of house projector and four on-stage Barco DML 1200 moving head projectors. The show, originally plotted on a Grand MA and run on the Catalyst media server, has been re-p

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UK - JoeCo Limited is now shipping the new BBR64-MADI version of the Blackbox Recorder. Designed for audio acquisition and capturing live performance, the recorder enables multi-channel audio to be captured directly to a USB2 drive, in Broadcast WAV format, without the need for a computer.

Based on the tried and tested BlackBox Recorder design, the BBR64-MADI records / replays up to 64 channels of MADI data while still occupying just one unit of rack space. The recorder can capture the full 64 channels at standard sample rates, with double sample rate MADI recording (up to 96kHz) also accommodated. The unit sports both coaxial and optical MADI connections for interfacing with any MADI equipped console or other equipment. Additionally, it caters for 56-channel legacy MADI and can record a further 8 channels of analogue (balanced line in) for capturing the audience reaction or gen

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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 - Capital FM's Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium was the first major outing for LS-Live's new modular Space Roof stage system.

Keith Wood of promoter AEG and production manager Sarah Hollis of Production North hailed the installation "a huge success", with Hollis stating it was the fastest build she had witnessed of a stage of such size at Wembley.

The 23m wide stage hosted performances by JLS, Jennifer Lopez, The Wanted, Nicole Scherzinger, Ne-Yo, Katy B, Cee Lo Green and Enrique Iglesias.

The stage included side wings to accommodate one of the biggest video screens that Wembley has seen (provided by XL Video), PA supports for speaker hangs (supplied by Adlib Audio) and incorporated specific loading points as requested.

LS-Live introduced the Space Roof to the UK earlier this year, following their merger with Acorn Event Solutions. Acorn's Andy Nutter, who i

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UK - The Backstage Academy is hosting an open day for anyone interested in its Live Events Production foundation degree at its training facility in South Kirkby, Wakefield, adjacent to the LS-Live rehearsal studio.

The 15-month fast-track foundation degree, which is being validated by the University of Bolton, is set to begin in November and includes modules on lighting, sound, staging and live visuals as well as production design and specialist skills such as handling lasers and using 3D technologies. The foundation degree is suitable for anyone with a Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience working or volunteering in the live events industry.

The open day will take place this Saturday 20 August from 10am and places can be booked for an interview by phoning 01977 659880. The Academy is also happy to arrange interviews at other times if the 20th is not convenient.

(Ji

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South Africa - When Clover recently hosted their annual conference and gala dinner at Sun City, they called in the services of Techrig to provide the full technical package.

Acclaimed designer Michael Gill was responsible for the set design for the gala event held in the Ballroom, with manufacturing by Just Sets. Robert Grobler from Techrig, along with Dennis Hutchinson, was responsible for the lighting design. "It was a big set that had to be lit properly and with a slick line-up, it had to be perfect," commented Grobler. Performances by George Meiring, Vicky Sampson, Jay and Lianie, Yollandi Nortjie, Flip A Coin, Dozi and Nianell, further complemented with stunning decor, ensured an evening that did not disappoint.

"We had to work around limitations of weight and availability of points to rig," said Grobler. "Height was another problem so a mother gr

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UK - Andrew De Rosa, who was appointed the first CEO of the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) in December 2009, will shortly be leaving the Association "to pursue his own interests in new and exciting ways", the Association has announced. The statement ads: "The time however is right for others to lead the Association as it moves into new and uncharted waters. The Association has grown under his tenure and his efforts to market and promote the ABTT in new ways has been well received and puts us in a stronger position."

The ABTT says that Andrew De Rosa was keen to give greater member benefits and reasons for joining. "He gave us a new look and this came as we celebrated our 50th Anniversary. The Association now through Andrew's efforts is able to offer insurance schemes that better protect members of the Association when they are working

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UK - Roland Systems Group (RSG) UK will showcase their new R-1000 dedicated 48 track audio recorder/ player and the M-480 48 channel live digital mixing console at PLASA this year1 (Stand F-5).

The R-1000 is a standalone, dedicated recorder/player designed to work with the V-Mixing System in any live event or production, making it suitable for virtual rehearsal, rehearsals, playback and training. It can also be used with any digital console with a MADI output via the Roland S-MADI REAC MADI Bridge. Previewed earlier this year, this multi-purpose, rackmountable solution is now fully featured and shipping globally.

Based on REAC (Roland Ethernet Audio Communication), the R-1000 eliminates the bulk and noise susceptibility typically associated with analogue snakes and replaces it with Cat 5e/6 (Ethernet/LAN) cable. Recording up to 48 tracks of 24-bit audio in BWF format, its remo

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UK - Proel (International) has announced the UK launch of a new active 1,000 Watt, 18" Celestion loaded sub-woofer, the Proel SW118HA.

Sturdily manufactured, the new SW118HA 18" sub-woofer comes complete with its own rear-mounted castors.

Powered by an advanced technology digital amplifier, the new Proel sub can deliver up to 1,000 Watts across a frequency range of 34-140Hz and has a maximum output of 131dB at 1 metre. The crossover frequency is 80Hz or 125Hz and the sound quality from the comparatively small unit is exceptional, thanks to the use of a Celestion speaker fitted with a 4" voice coil.

The Proel SW118H is housed in an 18mm beech plywood cabinet with an anti-scratch finish and comes with a single 35mm top hat fitting.

UK distributor Proel says the new sub matches other Proel speaker systems - notably the FLASH15HA, NET15A and NET215A to form high

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UK - Traction Sound has entered its SDS Range of speakers for a 2011 PLASA Innovation Award. The Awards ceremony will take place at 6pm on Monday 12 September at the PLASA 2011 Show.

The range of installation and portable PA speakers features Traction Sound's SDS Horn technology. Technical specialist Andy Pardoe explains, "The SDS Horn is a high frequency device utilising multiple high-powered soft dome tweeters arrayed in a line. This eliminates the use of industry standard compression drivers, providing a higher quality alternative."

Jonny Goodwillie, sales director at Traction Sound continues, "We decided to enter the Innovation Awards following a very positive response to the SDS Range launch at PLASA Focus in Leeds earlier this year. The range is designed to deliver accurate sound reproduction at high SPL with absolutely no distortion. We believe our entry

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Mexico - At the end of 2009 Mexican audio rental company, Speed Audio, invested in a DiGiCo SD8 digital mixing console. Since then it has been in almost constant use on a varied range of projects from high profile artists, including Spanish singer songwriter Shaila Dúrcal, Israel's Shiri Maimon, Mexico's Kalimba, composer Carlos Cuevas, Pepe Aguilar, Susana Zavaleta, Pablo Montero, Argentine Queen tribute band, for two consecutive years with Mexican Christian community Mega Frater, as well as on a host of corporate events.

Speed Audio's Juan Gabriel Fernandez and Miguel Guerra declare that the overriding factor for their investment is the SD8's purity of sound.

"It is an exceptional console and unique in the live sound arena," states Guerra. "The more we get to know the SD8, the more it fascinates us. It's really easy to use and has a lot of shortcuts that are

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UK - Lighting and visuals rental company Colour Sound Experiment (CSE) has taken delivery of the first batch of its new bespoke designed LED screen product - BT12. The 12 mm pitch screen is very bright, light and watertight - IP65 rated.

Colour Sound's Steve Marley explains that with an increasing number of lighting designs now incorporating scenic and ambient video visuals as integrated elements, it made sense - both creative and commercial - to be able to offer an 'in-house' product to fulfil this criteria. "The industry has been talking about 'convergence' between the two mediums of lighting and video for some years, and this is now happening everywhere, so we are in a position to offer a proactive solution." he confirms.

Having the kit in rental stock also enables CSE to offer the most cost-efficient packages to their clients, and it is also a perfect complement

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Poland - Increasingly, football is becoming an entertainment event. As a result, the demand for soccer stadiums to conform to the same standards as cinemas - in terms of comfort and safety - is rising. Consequently, more and more aging stadia are undergoing either full renovation or demolition and replacement with brand-new structures.

The management of Gliwicki Klub Sportowy Piast Gliwice in Polish soccer's premier division - the Ekstraklasa - recently decided in favour of the second option, replacing a stadium constructed just after the Second World War with a completely new and ultra-modern one.

When it is finally completed at the end of 2011, the Stadion Piast will seat up to 10,000 spectators and will be the first stadium in the Silesia region to comply with UEFA's stringent regulations for international stadia - including those dealing with sound reinforcement and evacua

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UK - Bluman Associates delivered projections onto the giant Lovell Telescope at the first ever Live from Jodrell Bank festival in Cheshire - Transmission 001.

Working with production company Ear to the Ground and event production manager Charlie Canavan, Transmission 001 featured headliners, The Flaming Lips and took place in the shadow of the towering Lovell Telescope.

The giant dish, which has been probing deep space for over 50 years in search of alien life, became an epic interstellar projection screen and backdrop to a unique performance by the cult band.

Canavan comments: "This gig was always going to be remembered for the projection and I was charged with making sure that it was for all the right reasons. Unusually the projection played a starring role in the overall creative concept of the event rather than being something that complements i

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UK - Barco and AV distributor RGB Communications report that Barco's RLM-W6 projector is now supporting the activities of Autism Independent UK. The UK's leading charity for training and information for people with autism will use the projector to add visual power to its training courses.

It is estimated that 110 in every 1,000 people worldwide has been diagnosed with autism. Charity organisation Autism Independent UK is a non-medical advice and information centre for professionals, caregivers and parents who are working with and caring for people with autism. As part of its activities, the charity organizes various training courses and workshops throughout the year.

"Our training courses attract a constantly growing number of attendees. To make the presentations perfectly visible to every trainee in the room, we really needed a powerful yet small projector," says Ke

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USA - Audio-Technica has once again renewed its sponsorship of the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, a non-profit state-of-the-art mobile recording and multimedia studio.

As part of its ongoing commitment, Audio-Technica will continue to serve as the official microphone provider of the Tour Bus, supplying a complete line of A-T microphone products for use on the Bus itself (including 40 Series, Artist Elite, Audio-Technica Wireless and other key A-T products and accessories). In addition, A-T will be contributing to the prize packages of the related John Lennon Songwriting Contest.

The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus travels around the US throughout the year. Outfitted with traditional musical instruments as well as high-tech professional audio and video gear, the bus has provided free hands-on programmes since 1998 for hundreds of high schools, colleges, boys and girls clubs

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UK - Martin Professional will be participating in the STLD LED Shootout at PLASA 2011 armed with a selection of LED moving heads and LED display panels optimised for the television market.

The Shootout is a partnership between PLASA and the Society of Television Lighting Design and will allow visitors to directly compare LED lighting fixtures in three different areas of a large STLD stand (1F-60).

The event is based on the question Can you light a TV set entirely with LED fixtures? and will be split into cyc lighting, hands-on TV studio, and lecture theatre areas. Among the Martin products involved in the Shootout will be the Stagebar 2, MAC 101, MAC 101 CT, MAC 350 Entour, MAC 401 Dual RGB Zoom, and MAC 401 Dual CT Zoom and EC-20 LED panels.

The STLD stand will also host a lecture series that includes a pixel mapping presentation each day at 4:00pm by Martin Professi

Details
USA - After using the recently released Vista v2 software on their existing Vista T2 consoles, Dallas, Texas based Alford Media have just committed to increasing their inventory after the next generation of software delivered the leap forward it promised.

Alford Media Services is an AV and lighting company known for its high end video capabilities as well as imaginative integrated visual designs and solutions. They work on a wide variety of live events for a diverse range of premium clients with exacting standards.

One of two full time lighting designer/directors, Kurt Wunsch has been with the company for 10 years. He was an early adopter of the Jands Vista control platform, and has been an enthusiastic user since.

Their first T2 console was bought soon after Vista was launched, and along with the others they have bought since, is still going strong even after constant use.

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UK - The LD Systems X223 is a stereo 2-way / mono 3-way crossover in standard 19"/1U rack format. Its rugged construction, high quality and robust knobs as well as the integrated power unit are rarities in this price range, says the company.

It provides a mono sub output, an adjustable crossover frequency for each channel, adjustable LF/HF and input gains, phase reverse controls, switchable 40 Hz High-Pass filters and symmetrical XLR In- and Outputs. With the LD Systems X223 you get a crossover fulfilling the professional standards and offering great quality and sound characteristics.

Andrew Richardson, managing director of Adam Hall UK comments, "The X223 Crossover is perfect for all rack mount applications, whether they be fixed or transportable. This rugged unit comes with the LD Systems piece of mind 2 year guarantee."

(Jim Evans)

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USA / UK - GDS (Global Design Solutions) has announced the appointment of Chris Patton as Head of US Operations. With over 12 years' experience in the entertainment technology industry, Patton brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Working for most of his career in various roles for Stage Electrics, his most recent position was as export sales manager, where he was responsible for developing overseas business opportunities and implementing effective export sales strategies. Patton has been appointed to develop the GDS brand across North and South America and will work in strong partnership with GDS's distributor A.C.T Lighting, which distributes LiteWare, Cue SystemNet, SMConsole, ARC System and MOBAL to the North America market. Chris will initially be based in the UK and will re-locate to GDS's New York office in August 2012.

Patton Commented: "GDS are an incredibly

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UK - Peterborough-based Pearce Hire has become the first SSE Sales customer to purchase KARA, having invested in a system consisting of: 12 x KARA; 8 x SB18; 4 x LA8.

With rigging to both fly and stack the system, SSE LA8 patch panels and all cased by Sigma Fabrications, Pearce Hire are ready to 'rock with the newest line array from L-Acoustics', says the company.

Pearce Hire has also invested in another brand new Yamaha M7CL-48 digital mixing console alongside the KARA system, expanding its stock of digital desks as well as PA.

Shaun Pearce comments: "We are very excited to get KARA out on the road and we feel it will open new doors for us in the world of Audio Rental. KARA is a hot product for sure and we are very pleased to be a part of the L-Acoustics Rental Network."

"We chose SSE Sales because we have a good working relationship with SSE Hire and Caneg

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