Details
UK - Manchester- based lighting rental company dbn provided lighting and LED screens for the official Switch On of the City's Festive lights, for which 20,000 enthusiastic revellers packed into Albert Square outside the Town Hall to watch Tinchy Stryder hit the button.

dbn has lit the event for the last 10 years and the company's Nick Buckley was happy to do the honours again - both project managing and lighting designing - working directly for Manchester City Council.

A six metre wide temporary stage was set up beneath a giant Father Christmas structure which is staying in place for the whole Festive period. Above this, the dbn crew installed a sloping box truss, which facilitated positions for all their overhead lighting, and was covered with a stretched fabric canopy for weat

Details
UK - One of the first bands to come to major prominence via fan file sharing and internet 'buzz', the Arctic Monkeys have spent much of 2011 on tour promoting their fourth studio album Suck It and See. Accompanying the band, as usual, has been a package of Sennheiser microphones and in-ear monitors.

The band's front of house engineer Matthew Kettle is a long-term Sennheiser user. Working with the Arctic Monkeys since 2009, he has been happy to continue the relationship.

"I've been using Sennheiser microphones for as long as I can remember," he says. "The band were already using the evolution series vocal mics when I started. I had been using them with numerous other bands, with great results, and so there was no question of us changing."

Currently lead singer Alex Turner uses an e 935 with cardioid pattern, while the backing vocals of bass player N

Details
USA / UK - Lighting designer Jason Carroll has taken five GLP Spot Ones on tour with St. Vincent (the name under which multi-instrumentalist Annie Clark performs). Playing up to 1200-capacity mostly sold-out venues in the States, in support of the latest album, Strange Mercy, the tour then relocated to the UK and Europe, where Carroll has been able to source the same inventory - and add in some GLP impression 120RZ zooms for good measure.

Having worked with the band since 2009, Jason Carroll explained, "Previously I used a multitude of floor based LED par can fixtures to create a 'technicolor' stage look. I also had three white rectangle spandex stretchy shapes behind the band, to throw colour onto and intentionally cast tall shadows.

"But for the current tour, Annie wanted the lighting to be drastically different, with no backdrop pieces and a colour shift to

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
Italy - In order to create maximum impact among the many trucks thundering along the Italian autostrade, the new All Access sound production consortium has created high-impact custom livery for one of its semis, specifically to promote its new MLA (Multi-cellular Loudspeaker Array) rig and the Martin Audio brand.

In addition to adding value to the array system, it will enable them to sub-rent the rig in conjunction with its own dedicated truck.

The idea was floated by one of the partners, Electra Service owner Roberto Buttarelli, and soon All Access were modifying an existing 16m semi (with 13.7m net space and a load capacity of 380 tonnes), which is purpose-designed to hold at least a 112-enclosure system (comprising MLA tops and MLX subs).

All Access received full support from Martin Audio's Italian distributor, Audiosales, who funded the truck's customisation, sensing tha

Details
UK - Wigwam Hire has enhanced its Optocore-based 'OptoRack' data returns system in preparation for the upcoming Coldplay European Mylo Xyloto arena tour, and next summer's stadium dates.

Wigwam, who also handled the band's 2009 Viva La Vida tour, has purchased an additional five Optocore DD32R-FX digital interfaces - one for each of the five amp racks being deployed, which will all be connected by fibre.

Said Wigwam hire director, Chris Hill, "We will be running over 100 d&b D12 amplifiers in racks from five separate positions - some in the venue roofs and some on the ground - and programming in the delays etc. All will be connected to our Optocore returns system."

This will provide the band's FOH engineer Dan Green and systems engineer Tony Smith with a more elegant and stable solution. "The new DD32R-FX units offer a major advantage to running

Details
UK - 2011 marked the debut of Sir Trevor Nunn as artistic director of London's Theatre Royal, Haymarket, with four very different productions. Sound design for all four was by Paul Groothuis, who used Yamaha digital consoles and DME series digital mixing engines to help ensure the season's success.

The four plays were, in order of production, Terrence Rattigan's Flare Path, Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead, The Tempest and finally The Lion in Winter by James Goldman.

Designing an audio system that could comfortably accommodate a Second World War love triangle, an absurdist comedy, Shakespeare and a 12th century Christmas drama was a challenge, especially as the requirement for radio mics ranged from zero to 24.

"Based on my time working at the National Theatre, I designed an average 'rep-like' system for music, effects and

Details
Australia - Parramatta Leagues Club has refurbished their Level 2 dining and lounge areas, creating the stylish Parra Firehouse bar and restaurant. Parra Firehouse offers authentic pizzas, tempting tapas and fresh pasta dishes.

The open-plan kitchen creates an inviting buzz for indoor dining while the large terrace with booth and banquet seating makes for an enjoyable alfresco dining experience overlooking Parramatta Stadium and Parramatta Park.

The design talents of Paul Kelly of Paul Kelly Design were employed to create many spaces with several connections making it feel as one. This required a formula for "consistency" of sound quality, yet individual area control.

With five different areas, most having a connection with an adjoining space, it was important to think of the flow of sound.

The JBL-Control25AV was selected for its ability to produce good low leve

Details
UK - Michael Forever - The Tribute Concert in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium featured Michael Jackson's greatest hits performed live by Beyoncé, Cee Lo Green, and Christina Aguilera, as well as a number of Michael Jackson's siblings.

On behalf of the Bristol-based TV production company Iambic, Dutch facilities company UNITED was charged with recording the concert. The challenges for Bolke Burnaby Lautier, manager operations sports and events, and his approximately 55-strong team were many, and included a very tight set-up schedule and the need to record the show in 3D format, so enormous importance was attached to ensuring flawless communication between all members of the production team.

The appropriate communications infrastructure was provided by equipment from RTS/Telex, the nerve centre being an RTS Advanced Digital Audio Matrix (ADAM) with a 144 x 144 port configura

Details
UK - Following the success of Hed Kandi's inaugural bar in Clapham earlier this year, installation company MSL has again chosen Martin Audio as its preferred loudspeaker brand at the new Hed Kandi Bar flagship bar in Brighton, which opened recently.

Situated on West Street in the City centre, the former Luminar-owned Tru Nightclub has been completely overhauled and redesigned (by Julian Taylor Associates), with MSL entrusted with the full audio visual installation - including a high-impact Martin Audio system, networked across two floors.

Part of the Ministry of Sound Group of companies, Hed Kandi has become a globally recognised brand with club events all over the world and a huge music catalogue over many dance music genres. It was the Ministry's then technical manager Alex Barrand who recommended MSL and Martin Audio on the strength of its performance at the premier London

Details
USA - Synthpop superstar Owl City toured the world in 2011 with illumination support from Bandit Lites. Manager Steve Bursky, production manager Adam Jackson, stage manager Andy Frost and lighting director/ designer Paul Holst all worked with Bandit Lites business development manager Brent Barrett on the production.

Holst worked directly with the artist (Adam Young) known as Owl City to deliver multiple different works of visual artistry throughout the year. Every leg of the 2011 world tour required a different equipment package and Host was more than prepared for the challenge. Known for his global hit Fire Files, Owl City embarked on a massive world tour in 2011. Holst created visually stimulating looks with every show, each steeped in LED technology along with unique trussing shapes and black lite and strobe effects.

Equipment used along the way included VL 2500 Spot

Details
Germany - Lighting designer Tobias 'Tobi' Deuring has become one of the first LD's to specify multiples of SGM's X-5 white strobe, on an arena tour. But rather than design it into a conventional stage set for a touring band he is using it on a world tour for award-winning German stand-up comedian, Bülent Ceylan.

Having worked regularly with the artist since 2009 it was to prepare for the latest show, Wilde Kreatürken, which has been playing arenas up to 13,000 capacity (such as the Cologne Lanxess Stadium) that he needed to provide additional punch and creativity.

"It is particularly important when you are lighting a solo performer to create spaces in order to make the light visible," states Tobi. "You have to create several layers to achieve depth - both in the eye of the camera and the beholder."

Thorsten Sattler, key account manager, SGM Germa

Details
China - Carlsbro and Studiomaster shared the honour of hosting guest artists Texas Radio at this year's Music China exhibition. The two companies flew the east London blues rockers to Shanghai to provide some authentic musical product demonstration and live performance sets to entertain visitors at the show.

The band played live sets on the Studiomaster / Carlsbro stand and on the Studiomaster sponsored outdoor performance stage with full Carlsbro backline, and a sound reinforcement system comprising a Studiomaster line array and MCX24 mixing console.

The band are purveyors of an authentic bottle-neck blues rock sound that belies their youth and east London origins; fused somewhere between Muddy Waters and Doctor Feelgood. PA on the stand was provided with Studiomaster JX15 active cabinets and a Studiomaster C4TX compact mixing console.

Following an exhausting performance sc

Details
UK - York Barbican has transformed its sound system with the installation of an HK Audio Cohedra Compact line array system.

Managed and operated by SMG Europe, the Barbican recently reopened after a major £2m investment, and for their new in-house sound system, they went straight to local firm JSS Audio. The Barbican's technical team approached JSS's Jem Walker with their wish-list, knowing that with JSS's track record of consistently delivering top notch sound there for a wide roster of events, they could rely on Walker to recommend what he considered to be the best solution.

JSS immediately turned to their Lab.gruppen-powered HK Audio Cohedra Compact line array system when asked to demo their proposed solution.

With extensive experience of using their 'CoCo' in all types of venues and across most musical genres, JSS knew it would be suitable for the diverse programme

Details
UK / USA - MediaMatrix by Peavey has announced the new nTouch Series control interfaces, consisting of touch-screen interactive controllers designed for remotely controlling audio systems designed in MediaMatrix NWare software for the NION platform.

The nTouch 180 and nTouch 60 feature full-colour, resistive touch-screen panels that measure approximately 7" (180 mm) and 2.4" (60 mm) diagonally, respectively. The nTouch panels display and control projects hosted on a MediaMatrix NION or nControl processor.

Based on an Intel Atom N270 CPU, the nTouch 180 controller runs an embedded version of NWare Kiosk software for NION, the control arm of NWare system design software. System designers can programme the nTouch in NWare and then control an audio project designed in NWare from a remote location. Once the nTouch is programmed, it runs independently of external computers

Details
Czech Republic - Seven new faces have joined the Robe lighting team at their Valašské Mezi?í?í HQ in the Czech Republic, reflecting a steady growth period over the last 12 months for the moving light manufacturer.

Graphic designer Václav Vilímek joins Robe's marketing team led by Jiri Baros. As an experienced and innovative designer, he will be focused on all the company's graphic requirements plus ongoing development of the look and style of Robe's branding and their website.

His previous experience includes working for various companies in different sectors and also freelancing. Vilímek has also been active in the organisation of local art and design events, exhibitions and festivals, including music festivals. Says Jiri Baros, "We are delighted to have Václav onboard. He's already a valued core member of our flexible and fast-moving marketing department,

Details
South Africa - Gearhouse South Africa recently supplied the Kings of Leon tour. 72 Robin 600 LEDWash fixtures were purchased by Gearhouse to facilitate the growing demand for these fixtures for events such as this.

The concert was held at the Cape Town Stadium on 26 October and for the Johannesburg fans two days later, at The Soccer City Complex, FNB Stadium. A grandMA console was used for the event.

An enormous African thunderstorm the night before the Johannesburg concert certainly added a touch of apprehension and caused a four hour delay on the load in. However the Gearhouse team ensured the gig went ahead without a glitch.

(Claire Beeson)

Details
UK - Kevin Murphy of Rosco's Gobo production department raised over £450.00 for Children in Need by having his flowing locks chopped off. The 'hair stylists' were Charly Franklin and Christa Adlam . Kevin has sent his ponytail to the Childrens Cancer Unit to be made into a wig for a sick child.

(Jim Evans)

Details
UK Staging specialists Stageco installed the curved performance stages for the 2011 MTV EMA in Belfast's Odyssey Arena, 6 November 2011.

Stageco applied its broadcast awards experience to provide the decking substructure for the MTV EMA curved stages, presenter platforms and camera platforms. Project manager Martin Beckers, along with a team of three Stageco supervisors, were based in Northern Ireland for 10 days to ensure the tight load-in and load-out schedules for the three trucks of equipment were adhered to.

This meant scheduling split 24 hour shifts at the outset, whilst also accommodating the ever-changing requirements of the show's producers throughout the event and in line with artist requests.

International project director Dirk De Decker worked closely with 2011 MTV EMA production manager Maggie Mouzakitis and designer Es Devlin in advance to plan the performance

Details
Festival Winners - Glastonbury was named the UK's best major festival at this year's UK Festival Awards held at London's Roundhouse. The Somerset event was headlined this year by U2, Coldplay and Beyonce but is taking a break in 2012. Bestival, which won the best major festival prize last year, was named the 2011 fans' favourite.

Sonisphere, staged at Knebworth House, landed the best line-up prize following appearances from Biffy Clyro, Slipknot and Metallica. Paolo Nutini took the headline performance of the year for his performance at Latitude. The Secret Garden Party in Cambridgeshire took the best medium-sized festival prize, while Dorset's End Of The Road was named best small festival.

The Boss is Back - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are to tour in 2012, it has been announced. The singer said on his website that European dates would run from May to July,

Details
The Netherlands - Martin Professional's longtime Dutch distributor, Fairlight, has opened three new showrooms at its offices in Bemmel, Holland, a significant customer-centred investment that provides an opportunity to showcase Martin's line of dynamic lighting products.

The new facilities include an entertainment-focused showroom, an LED Application Centre and a space dedicated to more in-depth product demonstrations. The entertainment showroom, complete with light show, is a spacious area where Fairlight personnel can present the complete range of Martin entertainment products and conduct extensive product training. The LED Application Centre features Martin's growing portfolio of LED-based products with focus on colour temperature and surface illumination.

"This fantastic set up enables Martin and Fairlight to maintain a leading position in the Dutch entertainment mark

Details
Belgium - Creative Technology (CT) has announced a major new purchase agreement with Belgium based Barco.

CT has committed to a spend of over US$ 11m across their European and US operations which will result in a phased delivery of a number of products based on the existing C Series platform but with significant technical enhancements developed by Barco in consultation with CT.

The first product, the C5, which will be available to CT at the end of2011, is a new black face, indoor display offering a 10% resolution premium over the most established 6mm products on the market. A flown weight of less than 40kgper m², integral concave and convex curving, no fans (resulting in silent operation) and Barco's NNI interface allowing full integration with the DX700 processing unit provide a sample of some of the technical features of the new products.

"The past couple of years, w

Page 2747 of 3465

Latest Issue. . .