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UK - London-based sound hire specialist Podd Sound, using a QSC WideLine-8 PA with associated Shure UHF-R and ULX-D wireless microphone systems, provided PA and commentary facilities for Sony Music's first UK playback of the new Michael Jackson album, Xscape, on March 31st.

Held in the main ballroom at the stylish five-star Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge, London, the exclusive playback was attended by international media and assorted celebrities, supplemented by video messages from album producers LA Reid and Timbaland, and hosted by Radio 1 Xtra's Trevor Nelson.

With rooms starting at over 500 pounds a night, the Bulgari is an unashamedly luxurious hotel in one of the most prestigious parts of the capital, and the high-quality finish of the ballroom venue dictated the standard of the furnishings chosen for the playback. Sony Music brought in furniture costing several thousand

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UK - Ampetronic is celebrating being named a winner of the Queen's Award for Enterprise. The award is for International Trade, in recognition of achieving sustained high export growth in the company's sector of hearing assistance. Ampetronic, based in Newark, Nottinghamshire, is the world's leading manufacturer of hearing loop products, having doubled its export sales in the last three years, and continuing to grow rapidly overseas.

The company's hearing loop products help millions of people around the world, allowing people with hearing loss to communicate easily in difficult noisy environments and to access audio services (such as the soundtrack in a cinema) wirelessly via their hearing aid or a receiver.

Ampetronic first started to design and manufacture hearing loop systems (also known as Audio Frequency Induction Loops) over 25 years ago. Over this time, Ampetronic's syst

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UK - Leading international AV creative house 7thSense Design - specialists in media serving for state-of-the-art digital display experiences - has been awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise Innovation 10 years after being founded.

Known for some of the highest performance planetarium, 3D cinema, museum, visitor attraction, theme park, projection mapping, and live event installations worldwide, the UK-based team behind the Delta Media Server will be presented with the award by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of the County in the coming weeks. Recognising the best of British, the Queen's Award is the highest accolade for UK businesses.

As providers of unique technology within the Entertainment industry, 7thSense is renowned for its proprietary Delta Media Server - an audiovisual solution designed to take the highest quality media and play it on any large-scale scree

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UK - Leading international AV creative house 7thSense Design - specialists in media serving for state-of-the-art digital display experiences - has been awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise Innovation 10 years after being founded.

Known for some of the highest performance planetarium, 3D cinema, museum, visitor attraction, theme park, projection mapping, and live event installations worldwide, the UK-based team behind the Delta Media Server will be presented with the award by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of the County in the coming weeks. Recognising the best of British, the Queen's Award is the highest accolade for UK businesses.

As providers of unique technology within the Entertainment industry, 7thSense is renowned for its proprietary Delta Media Server - an audiovisual solution designed to take the highest quality media and play it on any large-scale scree

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UK - West London UK based lighting and visuals rental specialist Colour Sound Experiment has invested in nearly 100 new Robe lighting fixtures for its upcoming summer season including 60 multi-purpose Robe Robin Pointe luminaires ... in readiness for a mega busy summer season ahead.

Last year Colour Sound supplied lighting production, LED screens, LED festoon lighting and crew to over 50 festivals and music events across the UK, and their 2014 summer season looks to be equally busy, kicking off at the end of May with We Are FSTVL in Upminster, east London.

Also included in the order with the 60 x Pointes were 16 x Robin MMX Spots and 16 x LEDWash 600s, together with four of Robe's award-winning Robin MiniMe effects units.

Colour Sound's Haydn Cruickshank (H) explains that the MMXs and LEDWash 600s were to top up their existing stocks of these workhorse products. With this la

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UK - CUK Audio, the recently appointed exclusive UK distributor for dB Technologies, has announced a new dealer partnership scheme designed to help retailers provide their customers with the best possible services and support.

Founded in 2005, CUK Audio has rapidly become a tour de force in the installation and pro audio industries. Recognized for their ability to supply complete audio solutions, the company is able to ensure customer projects are successful from conception through to client sign-off. dB Technologies leads the industry in producing outstanding, innovative pro-audio products and shares a mutual ethos with CUK Audio with regard to first class customer service and support.

The new dealer partnership scheme creates an approved tiered network of retail partners and pro partners. Each tier will have access to its own specifically designed and suited range of dB Tech

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UAE - To cater for the most recent event called Electric Days, Melody House, a sole distributor of HK Audio in the Middle East, supplied the Third Eye Crew with an HK Linear 5 series sound system.

The system purchased by the agency included two 112XA 12-inch wedge monitors, four 112FA 12-inch speakers, two 115FA 15-inch speakers and two L Sub 2500A subwoofers. The system was selected because of its high SPL capability as well as its small, transportable format.

Third Eye Crew is an agency responsible for organising the famous Electric Days roof top parties that host DJs visiting Dubai for one-night only performances.

"HK Audio's Linear 5 system provides great sound quality with the flexible combination of portability and expandability," commented Manivelu Saiprasad, HK Audio specialist from Melody House Musical Instruments. "And the design makes the perfect sy

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UK - Some of R&B's most successful '90s artists were reunited at London's Wembley Arena in February for a mega-concert, lit by Tom Grant using Clay Paky Sharpys and Alpha Wash 700s.

The R&B Superstars show - which featured En Vogue, Blackstreet2 and Teddy Riley - offered up an evening of soul and smooth tunes in the capital's 12,500-capacity venue.

Birmingham-based DMX Productions managed the project, with support from LD Tom Grant who provided a high-impact, super-star style lighting design that reflected the size and popularity of the show and Siyan Ltd, which supplied the lighting equipment.

"I was tasked with designing a rig with considerable of depth and flexibility to it," explains Grant. "The show featured a sizeable number of acts. We also had a specific request from the organisers for the individual sets not to 'all look too similar'; I took the view

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Spain - One of the latest companies to invest in a Meyer Sound Lyon linear sound reinforcement system, Use Sonido of Spain is deploying the system on tour with multi-platinum recording artist Sergio Dalma.

"We believe Lyon is a significant technological breakthrough," says Oscar Marchena, technical director of Use Sonido. "It not only has excellent sound quality, but it is also compact and exceptionally powerful."

Lyon incorporates the technology of the Leo family in a more flexible and compact package, and extends the advantages of highly linear self-powered systems to a larger range of venues and applications. For the Sergio Dalma tour, Use Sonido is providing 20 new Lyon linear line array loudspeakers, six 1100-LFC low-frequency control elements, six UPA-1P loudspeakers for front-fill, and a Galileo Callisto loudspeaker management system with a Galileo C

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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 Room to new locations, and this year's destination was the rooftop of the historic four-story Starr Bui

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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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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 - 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 - 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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UK - In an industry that can sometimes be a slave to technology and budgets, it is always reassuring to be reminded that the entertainment business is primarily still driven by the people and the relationships that are forged over years of mutual experience and respect.

When asked how Chaos Visual Productions UK were selected to provide the video element of Alison Moyet's latest live performances, tour manager Bob Ward doesn't hesitate, "Over the years I've developed a close working relationship with John Wiseman, president and CEO of Chaos in the USA. The story of John flying to Beyoncé rehearsals from vacation in Hawaii and landing in sub-zero temperatures in Saskatoon in nothing more than Bermuda shorts and a Hawaiian shirt is an image that will always endure! It clearly demonstrates his aggressive commitment and personal proactive style and it was that same spiri

  1. DPA adds energy to accordionist's sound
  2. D.T.S. lights Sydney's MLC Centre
  3. Most High Productions invests in Meyer's Lyon
  4. S+H gets the Cuban Fury
  5. Showforce wins Middle East Disney contract
  6. Utopium launches rigging company
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