UK - Reproduced Sound (RS) celebrates its 30th anniversary this year with a two-day conference at the NEC, Birmingham, on 14-15 October.

Organised by the Electro-Acoustics Group of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA), the event partially coincides with the Institute's 40th anniversary conference at the same venue, which is being held on 15-16 October.

Paul Malpas, RS chairman, said, "We are really excited to have the event integrated into the IOA 40th anniversary event. Not only does this mark two important milestones in acoustics and electro-acoustics, but it also gives our regular and new guests and speakers at RS the opportunity to see into the breadth of fascinating areas also covered by IOA members and conferences.

"Perhaps even more exciting is the prospect that I

Germany - Nature One Festival, Germany's largest electronic dance music (EDM) event celebrated its 20th year this summer on the site of a former U.S. missile base near Kastellaun. To support DJs such as Danny Ávila, Markus Schulz, Paul van Dyk, ATB, Axwell, and Moguai, a four-point Meyer Sound Leo linear large-scale sound reinforcement system filled the dance floor with visceral impact combined with the definition of a music recording.

"The linearity of the Leo system is well suited to techno music," says Sebastian Geissler, schokopro's technical director for the festival's main stage. "It has powerful and punchy bass, ample headroom, and tons of dynamic range with no system distortion. It's so perfect you'd think you were hearing the original recording in a studio-complex, crisp, and fully present."

Dubbed the Open Air Floor, the Leo-equipped stage was er

UK - Star Events Group supplied stage, rigging, grandstand, ancillary structures and miles of fencing and barriers to AEG Live's Invictus Games' Closing Concert, a first big event for the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park's south lawn.

Headlined by Foo Fighters in front of a 26,000-strong crowd, and broadcast by the BBC, the concert crowned a phenomenal four days of sport for injured servicemen and women, motivated by Prince Harry.

As Official Supplier to AEG Live, together with parent company Beaver 84, Star Events provided for Unspun's Opening Ceremony before adapting the kit to accommodate Foo Fighters and nine other Closing Concert acts, together with a succession of medal presentations.

Star Events clad the grandstand, stage right, with vinyl-wrapped solid panels from its Vista range, combining the requirement for a clean, corporate finish with the need to prevent any access

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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

Slovenia - Maribor's Lutkovno Gledalisce (Puppet Theatre) sits on the site of an old Minorite monastery dating back to 1271, nestling down by the Drava River in Slovenia's picturesque second city.

The transformation into the bustling performance space is a meticulously stylish integration of contemporary cool with ecclesiastical history offering a main performance space (Veliki Oder) for 273 children and 182 adults. It was completed four years ago and this summer a new exterior Letni Auditorium was added to the back of the building, complete with seating for 522 people.

In a streak of design genius, the outdoor auditorium and the indoor theatre share the same stage space - accessed via a large set of roller shutter doors that open up between the two spaces.

The venue also has a smaller performance space - Mali Oder - for 72 children or 48 adults.

The theatre's lighting rig

UK - Video Equipment Rental (VER), worldwide leaders in the provision of professional video systems to the entertainment and presentation industry, operating from multiple bases across North America and Europe, has announced the launch of VER LIVE in the UK.

The team at VER LIVE is headed up by Adrian Offord and Patrick Dore, both of whom have extensive experience in the market. VER LIVE will work alongside the current and busy Dry Hire division of VER's UK operation to deliver full video services to the Television & Live Events industry. This will include VER's vast and latest lines of LED screens and projectors, backed up by the comprehensive level of service and support demanded by today's productions.

Offord, who has 20 years' experience in the pro AV industry, commented: "It's a very exciting time to be a part of the VER team, particularly with new technologies comin

Germany - Scala has appointed Olaf Bujard as new area sales manager for Germany. Reporting to Damon Crowhurst, sales director EMEA, Bujard will be responsible for building on and further expanding Scala's leading digital signage position in Germany.

Communications and marketing expert Bujard joins Scala from Medialis Marketing GmbH, where he served as CEO for the past 20 years. As a founding member of the company, he was directly responsible for its success.

"I couldn't be more excited to welcome Olaf to the team," said Damon Crowhurst. "His extensive knowledge about the Digital Agency Landscape is a true asset. He certainly understands the industry, the key role that Digital Signage has to play within a client's Omni channel strategy, and is tasked to ensure that traditional agencies know and understand the Scala solution offering, and the value it can bring th

USA - Nemetschek Vectorworks has announced the new Vectorworks 2015 version of its award-winning line of software products, including: Vectorworks Designer, Architect, Landmark, Spotlight, Fundamentals and Renderworks. This marks the beginning of its worldwide rollout, which continues with the release of localized versions in nine additional languages in the fourth quarter of this year through the second quarter of 2015.

"With every new release, we concentrate on giving customers the enhancements and features they want, and, more importantly, what they need to make their visions come to reality faster, easier and with more precision than ever before," said Dr. Biplab Sarkar, CTO, Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc. "Vectorworks 2015 builds upon the functionality that is important to designers today, providing an experience that connects the dots between vision and realiz

UK - Luton-based Cadac Holdings Ltd is showing its CDC eight-32, CDC eight-16 and CDC four digital consoles, as well as the LIVE1 compact analogue desk, at this year's PLASA London, on stand B50. The company is launching the latest V2.3 CDC eight software, which brings a host of new features to the flagship concert sound console, as well as exhibiting the CDC MC Router and MC MADI Bridge - integral components of the high performance MegaCOMMS network.

Notable highlights of the new CDC eight software update include a Waves interface card integrated within the console, providing connectivity to the Waves MultiRack server and control via the console touchscreens. This allows up to 64 channels of Waves studio-grade processing tools to simultaneously run alongside CDC eight's own native effects options. The Waves GUI is displayed for viewing and editing on the CDC eight touchscreen.

UK - Although absent for PLASA London's move to ExCel in 2013, Yamaha Commercial Audio returns to the show this year to help fly the flag for the professional sound industry.

Exhibiting on Stand B85, Yamaha will be highlighting its new RMio64-D Dante/MADI converter for broadcast and live sound applications, as well as the new Version 3 software for CL and QL digital mixing consoles. Both launched at IBC Amsterdam on 12 September, PLASA London will be their first showing at a UK trade event.

The RMio64-D allows audio from a CL/QL (or other Dante-equipped) mixing system to be converted to MADI and fed to an OB vehicle or other recording facility. Alternatively, it can allow a MADI-based console to be easily integrated into Yamaha's Nuage system for audio post-production.

Bringing a range of enhancements to CL and QL consoles, Version 3 software will be of particular interest t

USA - Since 1995, Rx Bandits has been blowing past musical boundaries, joyfully blending and twisting rock rifts here with reggae slants there, then adding a little ska or jangle to come up with a fresh exhilarating sound that's hard to categorize, but very easy to love.

Recently, for the group's highly anticipated Gemini Her Majesty Tour, LD Sohail e. Najafi returned the favour by helping the convention-defying band enter a new lighting realm with pixel mapped Nexus 4x4 panels from Chauvet Professional.

"Rx Bandits is always taking their music to new places, and they want this vision reflected in their lightshow too," said Najafi of Najafi Design Group in Los Angeles. "Originally when the band's manager first contacted me for this tour, she had the concept of a flat LED curtain to create a 'cool backdrop effect.' Realizing that their vision was limited by the t

Denmark - Located on the waterfront of Aalborg and with a panoramic view of the Liim Fiord, you will find Musikkens Hus (House of Music) - the new musical gathering point of Northern Denmark and an architectural gem, designed by the internationally acknowledged architectural firm Coop Himmelb(l)au.

Nordic systems integrator Exton was awarded the tender for sound and communications. The project required over 20 kilometres of premier quality audio and video cables which was supplied by London cable specialists VDC Trading.

Exton's veteran project manager, Gunnar Gunnarsson, opted to work with VDC Trading given their dedication to quality, reliable logistics and excellent service. For all the audio and video applications, Exton used a variety of Van Damme cable including Purple, Brown and Black series.

VDC Trading chairman Niall Holden commented, "Once more it was a pleasu

Lebanon - La Production is one of the top rental and technical solutions providers in Lebanon. Headed by Roger Bakhos and based in Hazmieh a dynamic suburb of metropolis of Beirut, the company works all across the Arab states as well as parts of Europe including Greece and Spain.

They have recently made a new investment in 48 x Robe LEDWash 600s.

La Production has been operating for 14 years, eight of those headed by Roger. With 33 full time employees and a wider pool of regular freelance technicians, the go-ahead company has an extensive lighting inventory, LED screens, video projection systems and lasers and is involved in all types of shows and events.

The first investment in Robe moving lights was about six years ago when 60 X ColorWash 575E ATs were purchased for a job in Qatar. Roger is really happy with these and they are still working hard.

This year, the time was

USA - There may have been clouds looming on the opening day of Lollapalooza, but that couldn't stop fans from pouring into Grant Park.

Bandit Lites worked with 3SRcreative, the design firm comprised of lighting designers Seth Jackson and Nathan W. Scheuer, media/video director Brent Sandrock and project manager Jack Rushen to light the event, where more than 130 artists performed on eight stages over three days, culminating in a weekend of great performances by both up-and-comers, bonafide legends, and the most popular artists of today.

In its tenth year at Grant Park, and a massive 300,000 three day attendance record, Lollapalooza included performances from OutKast, Eminem, Lorde, Kings of Leon, Artic Monkeys, Skrillex, The Avett Brothers, Foster the People and Calvin Harris.

"C3 presents and their head of production, Brandon Sossamon run a tight and organized ship,&qu

UK - Source Distribution is set to host the European debut of key products from WorxAudio and PreSonus at PLASA 2014 in London.

Newly acquired by PreSonus, WorxAudio has been at the forefront of loudspeaker development for the US pro touring and contractor markets for over 30 years. The WorxAudio range boasts a comprehensive line-up of more than 20 loudspeaker models that feature integrated rigging hardware for streamlined installation and pack-out.

Source will be joined at PLASA by WorxAudio's Hugh Sarvis, who will be showcasing for the first time in Europe a selection of the company's compact line array and subwoofer products - including the V5, X2, X115 and TL118 models.

Also new for PLASA is the PreSonus RM-series of rack mount digital mixers, which offer complete recallable touch control. Based on the proven StudioLive AI-series mix engine and controlled with battle-rea

USA - To entertain each of its patrons with world-class sonic clarity, Theatre DeVille in Vacaville, Calif. has installed a Meyer Sound JM-1P arrayable loudspeaker system. Occupying an 88-year-old building that was formerly a movie house and a church, the theatre is now transformed to what a guest described as "our jewel of the downtown".

"The JM-1P system really has exceeded all expectations," says Royce Farris, CEO of DeVille Enterprises, Inc., the venue's management firm. "There's not a bad seat for sound anywhere. I usually stand by the front door after the show, and I'm surprised by how many people stop, shake my hand, say how great it sounded, and tell me they'll be back again."

Designed and installed by One Way Media Solutions of Benicia, the system comprises 10 JM-1P loudspeakers, two 1100-LFC low-frequency control elements, and two 600-HP

UK - Utopium combined creativity and logistical expertise to create a stunning brand environment for Fat Face's Brand Camp.

Fat Face held an immersive three day event for 300 directors and managers, combining daytime team building activities and evening conference and social events, including dinners, DJ's and a live band. They selected a remote farm near Scafell Pike in the Lake District to host the event.

Tents was contracted to provide the venue using one of their temporary S 5000 Duo span structures. Their MD, Steve Haderell, recommended Utopium to fulfil the technical event production. Discussions opened with Utopium's Colin Bodenham exploring the scope of the project with Fat Face's shoots and event production brand experience manager, Ian Williams.

This led to Utopium being entrusted to deliver site lighting, generators power and distro, along with a precise logistics

UK - A pair of Audio and Music Production graduates from Buckinghamshire New University have won awards from leading music equipment manufacturer Focusrite for the quality of their work.

Roy Bates, 31, and Ian Bonner, 21, received their degrees and were presented with the Focusrite Prize for Best Music Production Recording during a graduation ceremony at the Wycombe Swan theatre in High Wycombe.

The award is made in recognition of what Focusrite considers to be the best recording produced by graduates at the University. The company has worked with the University for several years and the award was introduced in 2009.

Both students gained a 2:1 in their degrees. Roy and Ian's award-winning work saw them produce a two-track EP where they recorded, mixed and mastered tracks for Colourshop, a singer/songwriter music project created by brothers Alfredo and Diego Salvati, from Lon

USA - SHS Global's new office in Austin,Texas opened 1 September and includes a lounge area, demo room and sales space. It is located on the backlot of Austin Film Studios and is nestled in with companies like Fender, Peavy, Rooster Teeth Games, Electrofish films to name a few.

SHS Global has also rebranded itself to fall more in line with its new business model. A total website rebuild and new logo design was established to help convey the company's new vision.

"It was important for us to find a place that had good synergy and is deeply rooted to the entertainment community in Austin," says Leigh Anne Aiken, owner of SHS Global. " Our goal was to create a boutique space where clients, designers and production companies can come and source equipment, develop ideas and get product training from various manufactures."

Since 2005, SHS Global (formally Second

USA - Philips Vari-Lite has announced the '1 on 1 with Vari-Lite' video contest designed to challenge lighting designers, technicians, and fans worldwide to produce a one-minute video featuring one single Vari-Lite luminaire. With prizes that include a paid trip to LDI or Prolight + Sound, GoPro Cameras, and Vari-Lite SWAG packs, the winners of the contest will be selected by an independent panel of judges and all entries must be received by 17 October 2014.

"Knowing the high level of creativity that exists with lighting professionals worldwide, we are very excited to launch the '1 on 1 with Vari-Lite' video contest," said Brad Schiller, Philips Vari-Lite product marketing manager. "With the only requirement to use one Vari-lite luminaire as the main subject matter in a one-minute video, we are eager to see how each entrant pushes the boundaries of their own imagi

The Netherlands - Clay Paky GlowUp fixtures recently illuminated the 2014 performance of the Leidse Koorboeken (The Leiden Choir Book) concerts in The Netherlands, a series of musical performances based around the six choir books that are kept in the Dutch Leiden Archives, made in the sixteenth century and written for church. They make up Europe's largest collection of its kind. The concerts run for four days across The Netherlands and always attract large audiences.

For the fifth consecutive year Keylight has supplied the design and lighting hardware for the Leidse Koorboeken shows. Lighting designer Gary Yates of Keylight said, "Over the past two years Keylight has been fortunate to implement our stock of Clay Paky GlowUp fixtures to support our role as lighting supplier.

"The audience at each venue surrounded the stage 360 degrees for the "in the round"

Germany - An arsenal of three Avolites Media Ai S8 HD media servers have pumped out dazzling visuals for German rock band Böhse Onkelz (Bad Uncles) as they performed on arguably the largest stage ever constructed in Europe.

The iconic rockers performed a reunion gig at the world famous Hockenheimring race track, south of Mannheim, to 200,000 fans. On stage were four 35m high LED towers, spanning over one hundred metres, which were perfectly pixel mapped by Ai.

Roland Greil and Thomas Döhring of German visual production company Einstein and Sons supplied and controlled the Ai S8 servers, which were sending out multiple full 1080p HD feeds.

The three servers shared the management of live feed, pre-designed graphic content, IMAG feed, and pre-visualisation. Two further S8 servers were supplied by Einstein and Sons as backup. Lighting and set design was by Jerry Appelt.

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