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29 July 2025

South Africa - Gearhouse Splitbeam of Johannesburg, part of South Africa’s Gearhouse Group, has updated and expanded its followspot inventory with the addition of three Robert Juliat Arthur LT 800W LED 4°-10° (Long Throw) followspots, supplied by Robert Juliat’s distributor for South Africa, DWR Distribution.

Founded 15 years ago by Alistair Kilbee, Gearhouse Splitbeam focuses on theatre and long-term rental, having built a reputation for meeting lighting, audio and AV requirements for every size of production from small independent theatre shows to large franchise musicals.

Its recent investment in RJ Arthur LT followspots came as a result of an expansion of Gearhouse Splitbeam’s lighting fleet in which the team also made a concerted effort to modernise and shift to LED sources: “Because of our primary involvement in theatre we place a lot

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29 July 2025

UK - Now in their 20th year of collaboration, Culture Creative and White Light continue to deliver some of the UK’s most visually captivating outdoor experiences. From the atmospheric chills of Halloween to the festive warmth of Christmas, White Light (WL), a d&b solutions company, is one of Culture Creative’s main suppliers for their seasonal trails across the country.

At the heart of Culture Creative’s trails is a commitment to storytelling through light. Tony Simpson, head of lighting at Culture Creative, leads the design and delivery of lighting across all UK sites. With a background in both lighting design and technical management, Tony brings a deep understanding of how light can shape emotion, atmosphere, and audience experience.

“Our trails are about more than just lighting trees,” Tony explains. “They’re about creating mome

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29 July 2025

Local Initiative - More than 1,000 pubs, bars and restaurants across the UK will host music events as part of a new nationwide festival backed by The 1975's Matty Healy, who has warned about the talent pipeline drying up. "Local venues aren't just where bands cut their teeth, they're the foundation of any real culture," the frontman said in a statement. "Without them, you don't get The Smiths, Amy Winehouse, or The 1975. You get silence."

The Seed Sounds Weekender will take place in September in small "seed" venues like those where many big names start out. But like much of the UK's nightlife scene, they are facing "unprecedented economic challenges", organisers said. They gave examples of seed venues including the Grapes pub in Sheffield, where the Arctic Monkeys made their debut; Rayner's Hotel in Harrow, north-west London, where Amy Winehouse pla

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25 July 2025

The Netherlands - Leyard Europe has announced the opening of a dedicated showroom for the Benelux region at Strijp-T in Eindhoven, marking a strategic relocation from its previous Antwerp location. The new facility, situated in a converted Philips factory, serves as a comprehensive hub where customers can experience Leyard's LED display solutions in a relaxed, modern setting designed to showcase real-world applications.

The showroom design features five different Leyard LED display products positioned across five distinct environments, each with a different pixel pitch and each demonstrating specific use cases. This approach allows visitors to experience how Leyard's LED technology integrates seamlessly into various professional settings, with a philosophy that centres on practical demonstration rather than traditional product display.

Leyard MGP Com

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24 July 2025

Malta - Rental company Tech+ acquired a substantial inventory of Martin Audio’s premier Wavefront Precision line array, along with the popular Torus and FlexPoint enclosures, in time to service a new techno festival on the island recently. The inventory was provided by Futuretech, Martin Audio’s territorial distributor.

Run by Gabriel Mizzi, Tech+ had been able to field hangs of eight WPC on each side of XXL Techno’s beachfront stage at Little Armier Bay. This was one of two principal locations for the event (the other being the National Park in Ta’Qali) while others were dotted around the island.

While the WPC was powered by Martin Audio iKON iK42 Dante amplifiers in two-box resolution, eight SXH218, driven in bridge mode for extra output, created the sub bass rumble necessary for such an event. Additional pairs of FlexPoint FP12 provided fr

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23 July 2025

France - L-Acoustics has announced its strategic investment in French-based MagREEsource. It has also established exclusive partner rights in the professional audio industry for sustainable and sovereign, European-based rare earth magnets critical to loudspeaker manufacturing.

This forward-looking partnership introduces a breakthrough circular economy model for the professional audio industry through innovative magnet recycling and manufacturing technology, says L-Acoustics. By investing in MagREEsource, L-Acoustics is supporting a start-up partner that will allow the loudspeaker manufacturer to significantly reduce its environmental footprint while diversifying its supply sources for neodymium magnets essential to loudspeaker manufacturing. This strategic move demonstrates L-Acoustics' commitment to environmental stewardship while enhancing supply chain res

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23 July 2025

India - Hi-Tech Audio & Image LLP, the exclusive India partner and distributor for DiGiCo, has officially completed the Indian launch of the DiGiCo Quantum 852 at Palm Expo 2025. At the event, SNL Pro, one of India’s leading live sound and production rental companies, became the first in the country to invest in this console.

“The Quantum 852 represents a shift not just in technology, but in mindset,” says Manish Mavani, director of SNL Pro. “With an already robust inventory featuring two DiGiCo SD10s and a Quantum 338, SNL Pro’s acquisition of the Quantum 852 marks a significant milestone, bringing the seventh and most advanced flagship console into its portfolio.

“This strategic investment underscores the company’s unwavering dedication to delivering world-class audio production and further solidifies its leadership within India

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22 July 2025

USA - Neutrik Group celebrated the 50^th anniversary of the Neutrik brand with a dynamic and heartfelt event at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC, just minutes from the company’s Americas headquarters.

Held on 10 July, the milestone gathering brought together numerous attendees, including employees, customers, partners, dealers and distributors from across the region. With a theme inspired by speed, performance and innovation, the evening blended nostalgia, gratitude and forward momentum.

A centrepiece video and photo montage honoured Neutrik’s 50-year legacy, highlighting breakthrough innovations, key partnerships and the dedicated people who shaped the company into a global connectivity leader. Among the evening’s highlights were the NASCAR Hall of Fame venue and bringing all of the company’s top partners together for one e

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22 July 2025

UK - Audient has announced its partnership with Jet Stream Audio for the sales and support of mixing consoles in the UK. Based in London, Jet Stream is headed up by Bryn Wildish, former UK market manager for Audient.

Bryn says: “Jet Stream is proud to distribute the Audient ASP range of consoles in the UK. Having worked with Audient for nearly a decade previously, and overseen the installation of hundreds of their consoles around the country, this was an easy fit for both of us. It provides a consistent and easy transition for Audient customers.

“Jet Stream and Audient share a customer-first ethic and we genuinely hold Audient, their products and the team in the highest esteem. I look forward to a renewed and ongoing partnership.”

Audient CEO Simon Sinclair says: “When approached by Jet Stream Audio, the decision to collaborate was st

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22 July 2025

USA - dBTechnologies has debuted its dBTechnologies Academy, delivering the first-ever stateside VIO Operator Level 1 and Level 2 certifications.

Hosted by The Rave, a multi-room Milwaukee venue and recent adopter of multiple dBTechnologies VIO systems across its performance spaces, the two-day event welcomed audio professionals from across the Midwest for immersive training with dBTechnologies’ road-ready VIO series - a modular system designed for both complex installations and demanding live environments.

Attendees included technical teams and leadership from The Rave, AudioBiz - the dBTechnologies USA reps for the region - and sound companies, with participants ranging from system techs and engineers to sales and support staff, all eager to deepen their knowledge of system design, deployment, and performance using dBTechnologies

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22 July 2025

Italy - K-array has announced the launch of its new online e-learning platform, enabling accessible access to training on K-array products and technologies. The courses are AVIXA certified, meaning learners can collect Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) Renewal Units, required for maintaining their continuing professional development. 

“The launch of our e-learning platform is a natural evolution of our commitment to increasing skills and knowledge within our industry,” explains Daniele Mochi, customer support director at K-array. “Aimed at systems integrators, sound designers and everyone involved in audio design and installations, our courses provide learners with an accessible toolkit to empower their work and get the very best out of K-array products in various environments.”

A full portfolio of courses will be available on the e-lear

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22 July 2025

UK - Sound designers, engineers, and industry friends gathered at London’s Tileyard last week to raise a glass to the launch of the new TiMax Spatial Studio – the TiMax London HQ, R&D space, and training facility, designed to inspire the next chapter of spatial audio innovation.

In a brief toast, pioneering TiMax founders Robin Whittaker and Dave Haydon welcomed guests to “the space we’ve always wanted to build for the TiMax community”. The duo, who brought the concept of spatial audio to market over 25 years ago when they developed TiMax – still recognised as one of the most powerful spatial audio rendering platforms available – thanked the Focusrite Group for the care taken with the company, and spoke of their confidence in stepping back, knowing a formidable new development team is now at the helm.

They handed over to product and

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22 July 2025

Capital News - A series of concerts by global stars is likely to benefit London's economy and showcase the city as "the undisputed capital of music", the mayor of London has said. International acts Beyoncé and Billie Eilish have played multiple dates here and home-grown performers Oasis and Coldplay are due to do the same. About 630,000 people are expected to attend Oasis' concerts at Wembley Stadium this summer - bringing a financial boost of nearly £500m.

According to UK Music, an estimated 7.5m people attended concerts and festivals in London last year, accounting for £2.7bn of the country's total £10bn revenue generated from the live music industry. The Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said: "Our world-renowned venues are drawing more than 3.6m people to enjoy unforgettable experiences and boost our hospitality indust

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21 July 2025

UK - After more than 60 years in the business, UK distributor John Hornby Skewes & Co (JHS) is to cease operations. The JHS business comprises of a property company and a trading company, both majority-owned by family trusts set up by the late John H. Skewes, the settlor of those trusts who stated that after his death, the companies should be sold.

While primarily a musical instrument and accessory distributor, JHS has worked with and for various pro audio brands over the years, including HK Audio (now distributed in the UK through Polar).

A JHS company statement reads: “Steps have been taken over the last few months to try and secure a buyer to take John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd. forward under new proprietorship. This has thus far not been possible.

“Therefore, the trustees, shareholders and board of John Hornby Skewes & Co. L

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21 July 2025

Turkey - Outline has appointed Upout Teknoloji as its exclusive distributor for Turkey. Based in Istanbul, Upout will represent Outline’s full portfolio, including the Newton processor, GTO Series, Superfly, Mantas systems, and the company’s latest loudspeaker lines: P Series, H Series, and A Series.

For Can Cankardeş, general manager of Upout, the agreement reflects shared priorities and a common long-term vision. “Our motivation to partner with Outline stemmed from shared values, exceptional product quality, and strategic alignment. We were especially drawn to their reputation for innovation, engineering excellence, and reliability - qualities that mirror our own standards

“The Newton processor is a game-changer in signal management. With ultra-low latency, multi-format integration, and precise control, it’s ideal for today’s complex l

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18 July 2025

Germany - The family-run Lightpower Group is transferring to a new HQ in Paderborn. The group has united national and international sales companies in the field of professional stage lighting for more than 45 years. In addition to Lightpower GmbH, which distributes an exclusive brand portfolio in Germany and Austria, the company MA Lighting International operates worldwide as a master distributor.

With the Lightpower Group’s new building, these companies will also move under a ‘new roof’ in the future and are scheduled to move into their new home in mid-2026. After more than 35 years, the company leaves the location at An der Talle and lays the foundation stone for the new headquarters at Barkhauser Straße in Paderborn.

"With the new Lightpower Group building, we are taking an important and targeted step into the future. In doing so, we remain

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18 July 2025

UK - Production Futures has announced that nominations are now open for its Breakthrough Talent Awards 2025. The awards recognise the achievements of young people across the production industries and seek to inspire future generations. With the support and sponsorship of key industry partners, the Awards cover 21 different categories, reflecting the diversity of opportunity within the production industries. Previous winners have gone on to enjoy flourishing careers with a wide range of companies or have taken up roles as in-demand freelancers with the skills and confidence to meet any challenge.

A keen sponsor of the Breakthrough Talent Awards is independent lighting, rigging, and control supplier for the UK and Europe, Neg Earth Lights, whose head of marketing Anna Gould comments: “We are delighted to be once again sponsoring the Breakth

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18 July 2025

USA/Europe - Elation has announced the launch of its new and improved website, ElationLighting.com. The completely redesigned site serves as a dynamic product showcase with an emphasis on video content, providing an engaging platform for customers and partners to explore Elation’s extensive line of professional lighting products.

Featuring a more intuitive interface, the new website delivers an improved experience across both desktop and mobile devices. With most visitors accessing the site via desktop, the updated experience has been carefully optimised to be smoother and faster with a highly responsive interface, streamlined navigation, and powerful new search functionality for faster, more precise results. Visitors also benefit from enhanced product filtering and powerful product comparison tools, making it easier than ever to evaluate and select the ri

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18 July 2025

UAE - Creative Technology Middle East (CTME) has made a major investment in new lighting equipment. This follows another substantial Robe purchase earlier in 2024.

The Robe numbers on this one are 60 x iFortes, 60 x iForte LTXs, eight iForte LTX FS Cameras, 80 x iTetra2 battens, 100 x LEDBeam 350s, 12 x iBolts and four RoboSpot BaseStations (added to the four CTME already owned), making eight in total. 

Added to these are the 24 x Fortes and 80 x LEDBeam 350s in the inventory that arrived earlier in 2024 with the first batch of four RoboSpots.

Sam Connolly, CTME's head of lighting & power, explained that all this equipment is for their rental stock and is already serving the company's busy schedule of shows, events, concerts, spectaculars, and special projects across the region.

Sam highlighted that because of the near-identical

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17 July 2025

USA - From major touring productions and festivals to high-stakes corporate events and high-profile permanent installations, Las Vegas-based 3G Productions LLC has spent more than 20 years delivering audio, lighting, video, and rigging solutions. Now, some of that same professional-grade equipment is available for purchase through the launch of 3G’s new website: UsedGear.com.

“The production industry runs on trust - in your equipment, team, and suppliers,” says 3G Productions CEO Keith Conrad. “With UsedGear.com, we’ve created a marketplace where audio, lighting, video, and rigging professionals can access the same calibre equipment used on major productions at prices that respect the realities of budgets. Top-notch, tour-ready gear, professional service, and reasonable prices are the genesis and hallmarks of UsedGear.com.”

The new site f

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17 July 2025

South Africa - Following Plus Audio’s involvement in several recent high-profile events, the brand continues to gain momentum. Multi-Media is the latest company to make a significant purchase of multipurpose point source loudspeakers from the Stage Audio Works Group brand.

Specialists in event design and production, Multi-Media partners with a variety of brands to provide technology solutions for everything from live concerts to corporate events. Now, Multi-Media has invested in 24 Plus Audio MPS12A loudspeakers, giving them a trusty new arsenal of high-performance gear for a busy schedule of both national and international productions. Loudspeaker bags from Stage Audio Works’ Stage Plus range of premium protective cases were also purchased.

“This move underscores our company’s continued commitment to delivering high-end technical production

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16 July 2025

USA - Midwich and Audinate have announced a new US distribution partnership aimed at accelerating access to scalable, networked AV solutions.

This partnership aligns with Audinate’s change in channel strategy, providing a better way to manage and distribute its portfolio to integrators in the United States, says the company. It enables greater channel effectiveness and improved management of subscription renewals, term licences, and support and maintenance agreements. As part of this strategy, Audinate is refining its channel approach to enhance focus and deliver an elevated level of service to its partners and customers.

Midwich will offer Audinate’s technologies, supported by Midwich Plus, the company’s technical services team with decades of experience that provides pre-sales consultation, system design guidance, and deployment support.

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16 July 2025

Europe - Christie Digital Systems Germany has confirmed that it has entered into a letter of intent to negotiate a binding agreement for the sale of its Pandoras Box product line – which includes media servers, software, accessories as well as Widget Designer and AirScan – to Daniel Schäfer, one of the founders of coolux, consultant Daniel Kaminski, and long-time user Andre Maier.

The transaction will allow the three individuals, who have an extensive understanding of the product line and the market, to continue to grow the award-winning Pandoras Box real-time rendering engine and control system solution. Both companies are enthusiastic about the potential of this acquisition and are working towards finalising a purchase agreement.

“Our passion for Pandoras Box runs deep – more than 50 years combined. As a team, we bring knowledge and experi

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16 July 2025

Europe/USA - Elation has unveiled its refreshed vision, mission, and core values, designed to guide the organisation’s evolution and align global operations around innovation and customer experience.

The new strategic framework reaffirms Elation's commitment to drive industry development and lead through example, making a positive impact on the industry.

“This isn’t just about changing words or statements,” said Toby Velazquez, CEO of Elation and president of the ADJ Group. “This is about aligning our business with guiding principles that will move both Elation and the industry forward.”

Elation has evolved from a grassroots business to the global design and technology company it is today. The transformation continues as the company reshapes and redefines the significance behind what the Elation brand stands for.

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