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USA - Robe Robin Pointe moving lights hit new highs in a series of rooftop concerts at the 2014 South by Southwest (SXSW) music conference in Austin, Texas.

Felix Lighting of La Mirada, California, provided the Pointes for The Guitar Center Sessions at SXSW which took place in March. The event captured a series of incendiary live performances by Soundgarden, Snoop Dogg, Damon Albarn, Phantogram, The Wild Feathers and many more for exclusive future viewing on the Audience Channel.

The show's longtime lighting designer/director of photography, Victor Fable created the lighting design for the event.

Fable has been with The Guitar Center Sessions, which started in 2010, since the third episode. Once a year, the show travels from its Los Angeles home in the GC Hollywood Vintage Roo

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Spain - The Vicente Calderón stadium in Madrid has recently been outfitted with D.A.S. Audio professional sound systems. Home to the Club Atlético de Madrid, the stadium has hosted the team's games since it opened its doors in 1966. With approximately 55,000 spectators packing the stands for these events the stadium needed a powerful yet precise system and the D.A.S. Audio systems distributed around the venue more than fit the bill, providing crystal-clear sound for fans in the Calderon's four main stands.

Due to the stadium's design, D.A.S. Audio technicians were unable to hang a central cluster in this open-air stadium. Furthermore, they were restricted by UEFA regulations on the maximum height of the billboards, behind which the systems would have to be located. After studying the venue's particular characteristics the team recommended deploying 28 of the new powered

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Europe - Despite only having been together for four years, indie rockers Bastille stormed this year's BRITs, winning the award for British Breakthrough Act, as well as being nominated for British Group, British Single of the Year and British Album of the Year. Their current European and US tour is proving equally successful, with Sennheiser microphones and in-ear monitors playing an integral part in their sonic achievements.

Front of House engineer Paul Cooper has been working with the band for the past two years. "I've been using Sennheiser drum microphones, the 900 series in particular, for a long time," says Paul. "I know how they sit and where their strengths lie, so it saves a lot of time with sound checking and quick festival turnarounds.

"I've had Dan Smith (lead vocals) on a 900 series vocal mic since day one. He started with the 935, but now they'r

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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 - MGM Resorts International techs see it all. Sound system requests can be for a single lavaliere microphone setup for a business meeting in the morning, a DJ-fuelled and bikini-filled pool party at lunch, a prize fight weigh-in with a mariachi band in a ballroom in the afternoon, and then a headline act in an arena in the evening. When the biggest chain of mega resorts in the Entertainment Capital of the World needed a new system that was both versatile and stellar sounding, it turned to L-Acoustics and a system based on the compact Kara line of loudspeakers.

It's no exaggeration to say that MGM Resorts is an empire. Growing from a single hotel and casino in the '70s to a conglomerate that now stretches from Circus Circus at the north end of the Strip to Mandalay Bay at the south end, MGM Resorts today encompasses more than a dozen properties in that short stretch of desert

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Italy - After years without shows and fairs devoted to the business, the Italian world of show technology can finally count on an event that brings together some of the most important international companies in the industry. Several of the top Italian companies in the fields of lighting, sound, video and rigging were at Live 2014, which took place at the Pala de André in Ravenna on 13 and 14 April. Among these, Clay Paky is definitely one of the most representative Italian brands in the world. It is the Italian company that has been setting the benchmark for show lighting technology for nearly 40 years.

LIVE has a special format that distinguishes it from all other international events. The companies showcase their technology in the most direct way possible: live on stage. Visitors have the chance to see and try out the technology on a real stage, with performing artists.

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UK - The irreverent new musical based on the X-Factor, I Can't Sing, recently opened at The London Palladium, featuring an innovative sound design by Gareth Owen, who specified the d&b audiotechnik J-Series for the first time in a West End production, as well as building a one-of-a-kind 256-channel mixer and a proprietary surround sound system.

The FOH system is configured with seven J8s with two J12s per side, complemented by V-Series cabinets in the gallery and T-Series for the centre cluster. Describing it as a "challenging show", Gareth explains why he chose the J-Series:

"There is no other theatrical venue in London quite like the Palladium, and we wanted a system that would deliver the power we needed without sounding loud. The major advantage with a box the size of the J-Series is that it lets you do this - it combines extremely high output and hea

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USA - Community Professional Loudspeakers has announced the appointment of Millar Electronics as the company's new sales representative for the Southeast United States. Founded in 1924, Millar Electronics has a focus on building quality relationships through exceptional customer service. Millar will cover the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama for Community from their headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina and their branch office in Nashville, Tennessee.

"We're pleased to welcome Millar Electronics as our Southeast representative," said Mike Marr, Community's Eastern Regional Sales Manager. "The Southeast is a very important territory for Community, and Millar Electronics' great reputation and experienced team will help us strengthen our dealer base and expand our sales in the area."

"We are excited a

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UK - MilTec (UK) Ltd will be showcasing a wide range of new products at PLASA Focus: Leeds. In addition to the usual stand in the New Dock Hall (NCO-7), the company will have a live demo room in the Holiday Inn Hotel next door. Demos will be running all day and will give visitors an opportunity to listen the successful Blakite range of speakers and to see a selection of LED lighting products.

The Blakite speakers were designed by MilTec and are built in the UK. Most are loaded with British drivers. New additions to the range are a compact stage wedge, loaded with a 12" neodymium driver and concentric HF horn, together with a 6" trapezoidal speaker for installations and small conference work.

The success of the speakers has inspired the company to expand the UK manufacturing base to include amplifiers and LED Lighting products.

The new amplifiers will all be class-D

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Germany - LumenRadio reports that their new tiny innovation, the CRMXchip, is now fitted as standard in Astera's latest product, SpotMax, and their forthcoming products. The cooperation between LumenRadio and Astera got off to a flying start when SpotMax was launched in front of thousands of visitors during the recent Prolight+Sound Show in Frankfurt.

LumenRadio's CRMX technology is increasingly becoming a standard feature in professional fixtures; thanks to the cognitive coexistence technology and superb performance under the harsh conditions found in many show environments. Hanan Yariv, technical director at Astera explains, "We were very honoured to be one of LumenRadio's launch partners for the CRMXchip. LumenRadio and their CRMX technology have an outstanding reputation when it comes to reliability and performance and their features are truly state-of-the-art that are

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UK - Power management specialist Eaton's lighting controls business will exhibit at PLASA Focus, Leeds 2014 for the first time as part of the Eaton group of companies.

Presented on Stands D10 & D12 in the Royal Armouries Hall will be a selection of innovative entertainment and architectural lighting control products. These will be primarily from its Zero 88 and Cogent Lighting ranges, alongside the latest technologies from distributed brands including DTS & LDR.

The latest SCD Server and SCD Server Pro will be highlighted. These stand-alone event replay / show controllers are designed for the control of sophisticated permanent lighting installations and also to run shows on building facades, theme parks and in landscaped environments etc.

The SCD Server family can also be used as a full tracking backup to any ZerOS lighting console including ORB and Solution series consoles.

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UK - A.C. Special Projects (ACSP) Ltd. will be on hand at PLASA Focus, Leeds 2014 (stand N-E01) to discuss how they can provide bespoke integrated solutions of lighting, audio and AV equipment to the performance, architectural, educational, corporate and retail sectors - including the very latest technologies showcased on the adjacent stand of their sister company (AC-ET, stand N-E02).

The company's highly experienced Project Managers can handle all aspects of a project and have a diverse portfolio of previous client examples ranging from theatres to nightclubs and bars, restaurants, schools, houses of worship, cruise ships and live performance venues.

With access to over 200 leading brands, ACSP can cater for any size of installation from a simple six circuit lighting bar with dimming and control, to a full blown multi-media theatre system.

Staff will be happy to discuss th

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UK - Live entertainment sustainability consultancy Entertaining Sustainability will be joined by energy monitoring partner MeasureMyEnergy at PLASA Focus Leeds, which begins at Leeds Royal Armouries on Tuesday 29 April 2014.

Visitors to the entertainment technology show will have the opportunity to receive a full introduction to the sophisticated near-real time logging system, which allows venues and distributors to accurately measure consumption of electricity, water and gas. Live data can be accessed securely over the internet, including via an optimised iOS web interface.

With customisable alerts available by SMS and email to building or facilities managers to highlight excess usage, anecdotal savings of at least 10% are easily achievable, while the easy-to-use software can readily provide reports, grouping consumption by building, use-type (e.g. 'all front-of-house lightin

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UK - PLASA Focus: Leeds 2014 will throw open the doors of Leeds' Royal Armouries Museum this week, welcoming more than 150 exhibitors and a raft of expectant visitors. On Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 April, the picturesque, canal-side setting of Clarence Docks will be transformed into an entertainment technology showcase. The industry will be out in force, making the show a must-attend event for lighting, audio, video and rigging professionals, both in the north of England and beyond.

PLASA Focus: Leeds 2014 offers unparalleled access to the 150 companies on show and to its Professional Development Programme, which comprises free-to-attend seminars delivered by expert speakers. The show, which is celebrating its sixth birthday, has become known for its friendly, upbeat atmosphere and for its growing importance as a platform

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UK - Black Light has announced that it has achieved certification for the ISO9001, ISO14001 and OHSAS 18001 quality, environmental and health and safety management standards. The company reached these milestones in March after a comprehensive process of auditing and assessment.

"These certification awards mean a great deal to us," says Barclay Dakers, who leads the integrated management team at Black Light. "They prove that we have the systems in place to deliver internationally-recognised levels of management in the areas covered by the standards."

"I never thought we would need to have ISO accreditation within Black Light and actually thought it would hurt us. Well I was wrong," says Black Light's managing director, Gavin Stewart. "Without it we would not be able to offer the same quality and personal service we used to provide when we were

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USA - With just over two weeks until the doors open at PLASA Focus: Baltimore 2014, organisers PLASA Events have confirmed new exhibitors and seminar speakers. The event is taking place at the Reitz Arena, Loyola University, Maryland on 8-9 May 8-9.

The latest exhibitors to sign up include d&b audiotechnik, Ushio, A.C.T Lighting, Nemetschek Vectorworks, Stagemaker, Parlights, Robe Lighting, Neutrik, PixelFlex, Nicolaudie, Navigator Systems, Shadowstone, Look Solutions, Group One, Core Lighting, Applied Electronics, and Absen America, to name a few.

Five new sessions have been added to the Professional Development Programme, a two-day programme of free-to-attend educational seminars running alongside the event.

In The National Theatre at 50 - Changing Stages Richard Pilbrow will examine the changes on the way to today's stages, architecture and theatre. Pilbrow, founde

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South Africa - Energy efficiency and practicality were top of the list for the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) when Robe Robin LEDWash 600 moving lights were chosen as a solution for the renowned Breytenbach Theatre in Pretoria.

Affectionately known as 'The Breytie', the new lights form part of a recent technical upgrade. The lighting elements of this project also included new dimmers all of which was delivered by Johannesburg-based DWR Distribution, Robe's South African distributor.

The re-fit was co-ordinated by the Breytie's technical manager Wandile Mgcodo and DWR's Eazy Moeketsi and Dave Whitehouse.

The Breytie is a practical training ground for TUT's Performing Arts & Technology students, and a showcase for the technical and creative skills and services that they can provide to the industry.

This involves a stream of dynamic productions year-round, including m

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UK/France - Audio-Technica France is named as the authorised distributor of Audient's interface and microphone preamp products. With immediate effect, dealers in this key European territory can purchase these, which include newest arrivals: the USB interface, iD22 and the 8-channel mic pre and ADC, ASP880, directly from the Paris-based distributor.

Richard Garrido, president of Audio-Technica Europe, says, "The development of Audio-Technica is conditioned by our customers' satisfaction. It seems relevant to propose a more complete range of products to our partners. Audient brings us the diversification we needed with high quality products for both studio and home studio applications. I am glad that Audient trusts us and am confident that our partnership will last."

"High quality comes as standard," says Luke Baldry, sales and marketing director, describing

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Finland - Celebrating its 28th year, April Jazz brings the world's top jazz artists to the Finnish city of Espoo from 22-27 April. This year, acts such as Snarky Puppy, Angélique Kidjo, Tiempo Habana, and The Kenny Garrett Quintet are supported by more than 100 Meyer Sound loudspeaker systems at all three principal venues located in and around the Espoo Cultural Centre.

2014 marks the April Jazz debut of Meyer Sound's new MJF-210 stage monitors, 10 of which were recently purchased by the Espoo Cultural Center, and will remain in its permanent inventory. Sound reinforcement support and equipment supply come from Espoo-based Studiotec, with logistical coordination by Antti Murto.

As the main venue for the festival, the April Jazz Arena features a JM-1P arrayable loudspeaker system supporting artists such as the Omer Avital Quintet and the Pedrito Martinez Group. Erected o

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UK - Roland Systems Group has announced that the M-480 Live Digital Mixing Console is now available to purchase with a tour grade flight case from leading manufacturer 5 Star Cases. Used extensively by live sound professionals around the world, the advanced technical capabilities of the award winning M-480 provide an ideal solution for the touring market - making the addition of the flight case a logical next step for the company.

"Our new technical relationship with 5 Star Cases enables us to fully support the M-480 as a touring product, making it easier for our customers to specify the console with a professional flight case," commented Simon Kenning, UK sales manager. "The versatility of the M-480 has made it a popular choice for live sound applications such as house of worship, but we are confident that this console has the power and functionality to take furt

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UK - In order to provide English folk/punk singer-songwriter, Frank Turner, with an intricate lighting solution on his most recent tour around the world, Shaun Moore, lighting department director at Nitelites, implemented Martin Lighting fixtures. Moore deployed 14 MAC Viper Washes, 24 MAC Viper Profiles, 48 MAC Aura's and 20 Atomic 3000s.

"Frank Turner presents an interesting quandary for me as a lighting designer," Moore explains. "He likes his music to do the talking. He is not an extravagant man and, in many ways, this can be seen in his none-flashy on-stage production. When we received the schedule for the arena tour, I found myself with a slight mind-twinge - how do you design something that will satisfy the audience and stay within the direction from the artist?"

Moore's goal was to create a more visually tactile profile using the MAC Auras in groups

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USA - LSiOnline has learned of the death of Demfis Fyssicopulos, a well-known concert lighting designer and programmer. He was 41 and reportedly died while surfing near his California home.

A native of Venezuela, Fyssicopulos studied engineering, then attended film/theatre school. He worked as an intern at Bash Lighting before starting out in touring as a freelance lighting programmer and lighting director. His clients included Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Elton John, Maxwell, Carrie Underwood, Green Day, Lenny Kravitz and The Black Eyed Peas. He programmed Michael Jackson's This is It Tour, which was tragically aborted by the singer's death. He worked especially closely with Prince, providing production design and artistic direction services. He was also responsible for using the famous hologram of Tupac Shakur seen during Dr. Dre and Snoop's performance at Coac

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