Sound

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The first Institute Day for several years for the ISCE (Institute of Sound & Communications Engineers) was successfully held at the Watford Moat House Hotel on Friday 5 October. An informative seminar led by Colin Bowman of JFMG on 'VHF/UHF Radio Microphone Technology' preceded the AGM and Council elections. In the evening, a lively dinner brought together many industry friends in a convivial atmosphere, and amongst several presentations was the first ISCE 'Lifetime Achievement Award' presented to Carl Heinlein.

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Tannoy Professional has appointed a new distributor to represent its products to the AV market. York-based Source 1 now has access to the Tannoy range of sound reinforcement loudspeakers, amplifiers and microphones and will be responsible for increasing Tannoy's exposure in the AV industry. "The audio-visual market is one that we want to expand our core business, and although Tannoy already has excellent relationships with larger installers, the wider AV market is too large to handle on our own effectively," explained Alan Lochhead, Tannoy UK sales manager. He continued: "Consequently we have been searching for a partner with a range of complementary products and the contacts to improve our exposure. Source 1 personnel can offer us nine years’ experience of AV distribution and we are anticipating a successful, long-term relationship."

Source 1’s managin

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Entertainment Design magazine has announced that the 2001 Broadway Lighting and Sound Masterclasses, scheduled for 5-9 December in New York City, have been cancelled. In a statement issued on the magazine’s website, the organizers said: "Due to a variety of circumstances, not the least of which is the attack on the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, publisher Jacqueline Tien, editorial director David Barbour, and editor David Johnson have decided that the classes could not be presented with the kind of quality the industry has come to expect from this annual event."

Jacqueline Tien further commented: "This was a difficult decision for us to make, but we feel it is the right decision." She added: "We will now re-channel our energies toward celebrating and supporting our industry and friends at this year's EDDY Awards, in Entertainment Des

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Audio-Technica is giving its support to a young up-and-coming band following their triumph in this years York’s Best of the Bands competition. Organized by the performing arts department of the City of York council, the competition attracts support from local, national and international companies, and this is the second year Audio-Technica has joined the list of sponsors. Meniscus, the winning band whose members all attend St. Peters school, managed to see off stiff competition from 11 other acts to claim this year's crown, and walked away with a raft of prizes. Among these was an Audio-Technica voucher to be redeemed at A-T dealer and co-sponsor of the competition, MOR Music of York. Other prizes included studio time, musical instruments and outboard equipment. The band, who also won the event last year under the name of 'The Switch', are; Alex Brandon-Davies on vocals and bass

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L&SI talked to sound designer Rick Clarke about his choice of automated audio control system for the new West End production of Peggy Sue Got Married.

The production, adapted from the Francis Ford Coppola’s 1986 film, is significantly enhanced by Rick Clarke’s sound design, which sees Level Control Systems’ Matrix 3 audio mixing/processing engine used for the first time in a West End musical. Supplied by Orbital (from UK distributor The Sound Dept), the system features LCS’ VRAS technology - the most recent development in electroacoustic enhancement of architectural spaces.

This consists of an electro-acoustic processing system built around a network of microphones feeding into multi-channel digital reverberators, and out again to loudspeakers. Clarke’s goal at the Shaftesbury Theatre was to take an acoustically ‘dead’ room and make it come a

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Leading pro audio distributor Shuttlesound has reported its best ever PLASA Show, with a healthy crop of orders across all product ranges. The single largest order came from Fenwick Mobile Exhibitions (now known as FMX). Specialists in the supply of mobile stages complete with fully engineered sound and lighting systems, FMX already owned the largest X-Array system in the UK. With the PLASA purchase owner Ron MacGillivray has increased his inventory by another two thirds to make a very substantial system comprising 40 cabinets of varying types, 16 P3000 amplifiers and 4 Klark Teknik DN9848 system processors. According to MacGillivray: "We now have a system large enough to cope with outdoor events for several thousand people, of which there are many in this part of the world. We are also looking to increase the capacity of our existing trucks now that we have more equipment available

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Drawmer has announced an upgraded version of the DC2476 Digital Processor, the product which initiated the company's successful digital Masterflow range. New features include comprehensive up/down sample rate conversion (32kHz to 96kHz) and switchable word clock input/output sample rate selection. Also featured is an absolute stereo output trim (up to 12dB) which is invaluable when output level is required to conform to broadcast regulations. The output trim level is maintained even in 'system bypass' mode in order to prevent accidental level increases during transmission. A tone generator with variable output levels for line-up purposes is also included.

The DC2476 Masterflow Digital Processor is a 24-bit/96K multi-dynamics processor which features Drawmer's acclaimed multi-band digital 'bootstrap' compression, tube saturation and advanced EQ processing suitable for mastering, trackin

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QSC Audio Products has appointed Jeremy Johnston to the position of systems specialist for the company’s Portable Live Sound division. Johnston’s responsibilities include product training and demonstration along with technical support. He will also be actively involved in the design and integration aspects of professional touring systems and will be instrumental in the launch of QSC’s new speaker products.

In his previous position of systems engineering supervisor (part of QSC’s Technical Services Group), Johnston was instrumental in developing application software for QSC’s computer-controlled network audio system QSControl, and also developed a number of utilities to increase the functionality of that system. "We are extremely pleased to have Jeremy join our team," said Brian English, Portable Live Sound marketing manager. "He brings a wea

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Sennheiser has expanded its evolution range of dedicated instrument microphones with a competitively priced, high quality condenser model, the e664. Designed for applications such as drum kit overheads, or acoustic instrument miking, such as for guitars or strings, the e664 features low noise electronics, high output and a highly sensitive capsule for both studio and live performance applications.

The e644’s cardioid response pattern provides highly effective feedback and rear-field signal rejection. In keeping with the evolution ethos, the e664 offers build and performance specifications superior to microphones several times its price. The metal bodied mic features a matt-black, anodised, scratch-resistant finish. A switchable low frequency roll-off filter protects against low level hum and rumble, while the capsule provides a 40 - 20kHz frequency response (+ 2.5dB) and a 130dB

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Trantec has appointed Helsinki-based F-Musiikki Oy to handle their award-winning radio mic systems exclusively in Finland. F-Musiikki Oy is the biggest MI/sheet music wholesale/retail company in the Nordic countries. F-Audio is the pro audio division, responsible for the distribution of Trantec and other brands, such as Yamaha (MI and pro audio), Steinway & Sons, Fender, Casio, Manley, DW, Hughes& Kettner, Sabian, Martin and many more. "We first saw Trantec products at last year’s PLASA Show," commented Petri Mäntysalo. "Our product portfolio covered all other areas of pro audio with the exception of radio mics - so now our roster is complete."

Petri says that Trantec IEMs have already found homes amongst the leading performers in Finland, including Children Of Bodom (S4000IEMs) and Tommi Läntinen Band (S5000IEMs). "We are now looking forward to broade

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Sennheiser UK has sold the first DAS Audio Compact 1s in the UK to Audio and Corporate Event Management (ACM) Ltd. The corporate event and presentation company has expanded its extensive range of DAS sound systems with the addition of a pair of the very latest Class-D self-powered three-way full-range cabinets. ACM’s high profile corporate client list includes several motor industry dealerships for whom it regularly stages regional launch events for new models, including Vauxhall and Mercedes, as well as premier league football clubs. Director Tony Martin comments: "It’s actually quite a shock to hear such a big sound emanating from a genuinely portable system and we’re expecting to use Compact 1s at many of our forthcoming events - especially as we often need to keep sight-lines free from speaker cabs."

Such is their confidence in DAS Audio products that To

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Despite being one of Auckland’s oldest pubs, the Kings Arms Tavern - established in 1870 - is also one of the city’s most popular youth-oriented live venues. The room, which hosts up-and-coming bands during the week, headline acts at weekends and a varied line-up on Sunday afternoons, recently underwent a major upgrade of its house PA system. The new Proel system was sold by Junior Fitz of United Sound Agencies and installed by Proel distributor Jansen Professional Audio & Lighting in just two days, to accommodate the venue’s busy performance schedule.

The venue’s owners had been using a hired system for some years, and were anxious to replace it with a rig that would occupy less of the limited stage space and improve both audience sightlines and sound quality. The new system consists of two Proel TFL212P double 12" full-range speakers with 1.4" compre

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Renkus Heinz’s new PNX Series loudspeakers offer the same high level of system integration and unsurpassed performance as the active powered PN Series, with external System Specific Electronics. The PNX Series consists of 10 compact full-range two-way loudspeaker systems and five Reference Point Arrays (RPAs). They incorporate design breakthroughs such as rotatable Complex Conic horns, TRue Array Principle (TRAP) design and RPA systems integration. The ultra-compact PNX61s, PNX81s and PNX82s provide the studio monitor quality required in many of today's high-end applications. Multi-angle enclosures with 6" or 8" woofers and rotatable Complex Conic horns make it easy to deliver transparent source reproduction from floor monitor positions as well as stand-, wall- or ceiling-mounted locations.

The PNX121 and PNX151 provide the solution when more output or tighter direction

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Now here’s an artist looking for a voice - literally. Since the demise of the ‘cock on legs’, Thin Lizzy’s guitarist has been in need of a singer. As a guitarist he stands tall, maybe not a Robert Cray or Mark Knopfler, but nonetheless he does have his own style, and it sells. As Andy Crookston (tour manager), Mark Scrimshaw (lighting designer) and Andy May (house engineer) all confirmed, "he tours year after year, and makes money."

He also produces an album every two years or so, and on tonight’s evidence he certainly has an ear for a melody. And that’s essentially why he needs a voice; for the bluesy part of his repertoire he can get away with his shouty vocals, just another cracked walnut veneer on the guitar of melancholy, but when it comes to Parisian Walkway and the like, he needs a voice that can match all the subtlety and nuance of

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UK band Afro Celt Sound System, currently promoting the release of their album Further in Time and the single When You’re Falling (featuring guest vocalist Peter Gabriel), are mid-way through an extensive world tour using their Sony DMX-R100 digital console, supplied by Total Audio Solutions, for all in-ear and on-stage monitor mixes. The console has impressed the band’s long-standing monitor engineer Kris Layton: "To be able to take 48 channels and run nine monitor mixes with full scene-set automation is superb. I also love the way you can mix sends on the faders rather than knobs - with very powerful hands-on EQ and dynamics. Those kinds of things are very important to monitor engineers and set the DMX-R100 apart from other digital boards we considered."

Layton explained that the desk represents a big step forward for the band, especially in the fast turn-aroun

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West London-based Ampekko has been awarded the sole UK distribution of the full range of Commax sound equipment from Korea. Commax is recognised as one of the world’s largest electronics firms whose commitment to quality design and manufacturing has set them apart in the OEM market. Established in 1968, Commax offer advanced digital telecommunications products, as well as a full range of commercial pro audio equipment. Products include 100v low impedance amplifiers from 100W to 1000W, mixers, routers, zone controllers, and other ancillary items such as fans and chimes.

Commax products were exceptionally well received at the recent PLASA show, say Ampekko. Sussex-based installers Blucat, who supply independent breweries, leisure and retail units with sophisticated 47-channel satellite music systems, have placed a considerable order for Commax specialist amplification. Jennifer Lin

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Trantec Systems continues to increase its penetration of global markets with the appointment of leading international pro audio distributors for their products. The latest to join the radio specialists’ partner channel is MusicData. Based in the Czech Republic, the company negotiated the deal to become Trantec’s exclusive territorial distributors after discovering the award-winning systems at PLASA 2000. "We were searching at that time for a new supplier of wireless systems, offering a good value-to-price ratio," explained import manager, Tomas Pukl. MusicData is a major distributor, offering in its brand portfolio Crest Audio, Nexo, Hughes & Kettner, Audix, LA Audio and Audient, as well as a number of key lighting and accessories manufacturers.

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CIE-Audio, exclusive UK representative for the Inter-M commercial and pro audio range, has announced the launch of the latest addition to the ‘PAM’ Series of modular amplifiers. With a successful track record gained from the smaller 60W and 120W versions, the new PAM-240 and PAM-360 benefit from many of the features which have made this product so popular. In particular, the PAM’s unique modular ability to ‘slot-in’ two music modules from the choice of tuner (PAM-T), CD (PAM-CDA) or cassette player (PAM-D). These new 240W and 360W 100v line amplifiers also feature selectable priority outputs and six mic-line inputs with selectable phantom power. These desktop units also come supplied with an optional rackmount kit.

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Already recognized for the success of its Soundweb product in the installation market, BSS Audio has released a new processor for this expanding area, aimed particularly at integrated system solutions.

The ProSys PS8810 is a fixed path digital processor, with eight inputs and ten outputs, that each have a dedicated processing path which includes EQ filters, gates, compressors, auto-mixers and delays, as well as other processing objects. With its fixed path design, system installers need only configure the routing matrix and decide which of the processing objects will be utilized. Once these are established, the set-ups may be stored as presets and recalled via the PC, contact closure or the 8810’s own internal events scheduler. All functions of the PS8810 are set-up and controlled from a PC running IQ-WIN software, the control suite that can run a variety of types of audio equipm

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Having been using Stanton i-Track, Trackmaster and 500AL cartridges for some time, London superclub Fabric recently signed an endorsement agreement with Stanton’s UK distributors, Lamba plc, which will see them continue to use these products - as well as the new 890SA - exclusively in the Clerkenwell venue.

The i-Track features a spherical super high polished diamond and is thus ideal for club/dance DJs who need better tracking ability during heavy backcueing. Fabric technical manager Dave Parry explained: "We are quite specific about who uses what cartridge; for example Room 1 generally has i-Tracks, Room 2 uses Trackmasters for the drum ’n’ bass DJs, with i-Tracks on a Saturday. Room 3 usually uses i-Tracks - although we use the 500 for the scratch DJs we have on a Friday, and some DJs request 500s during the weekend sessions."

The deal was confirmed at

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Orange has announced the second year of its student union tour that marries innovative and interactive technologies with quality music. Following the overwhelming response by students to last year's tour, enjoymusic v.2 is set to transform unions by taking cutting edge DJs, one of the largest audio and lighting rigs ever seen on campus, and its own distinctive brand of marketing to over 40 universities across the UK.

The tour will showcase the interactive technologies that Orange has used to transform Manumission in Ibiza, the UK summer music festivals and the Q Awards. These include giant text messaging boards, a glow wall, entertainment pods, video postcard facilities and wirefree games, and are designed to align Orange to music in a technological way. The DJ line up for the tour includes The Stanton Warriors, Deadly Avenger, DJ Touche, Cut La Roc, and Grand Central Records.

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The new MPro Series MP418SP from JBL Professional is an 18" subwoofer with its own Crown two-channel integrated power amplifier. Designed for use with other MPro Speakers or powered speakers such as EON G2 models, the Mpro 418SP is a versatile solution for low frequencies for live music and DJ applications.

The MP418SP is a powerful, single 18-inch (457mm) subwoofer in a compact bass reflex enclosure with a frequency range of 30-150 Hz. It features an integral dual channel amplifier/ signal processing module designed and built by Crown Audio specifically for it. This provides two channels of power with 660W at 4 ohms. The second amplifier channel can be used to power a full range speaker or a second subwoofer (such as the companion MP418S non-amplified version of the MP418SP). The amplifier module also passes through line level signals for powered satellite speakers.

Roadworthi

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A unique production of ‘Rigoletto’ has been staged by Dutch opera specialists, the Companions production company, on a specially-built stage on the waters of Rotterdam harbour. The elaborate production involved a 56-strong chorus and 11 internationally renowned principals performing on two large pontoons and a boat moored in the water beside Wilhelmina Pier in Rotterdam. A 70-piece orchestra was housed on a third pontoon, playing to an audience of 7,000.

But, for sound engineers struggling to contend with open-air environmental extremes that included winds of Gale Force 4, the key to success was a tiny miniature microphone from DPA Microphones. Sound designer and front-of-house engineer Cees Wagenaar from BV Oorzaak, supervised the critical matter of miking the artists. Wagenaar specified 114 of them in all, making it one of the biggest shows to standardise on a DPA type.

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The summer is about Festivals and this year was no exception: in late August, L&SI mingled with the crowds at the Reading Festival, part of the Carling Festival Weekend, which also plays in Leeds and Glasgow.

Sound for Reading (and Leeds too) was supplied by SSE. Chris Beale explained that the company had adopted a slightly different approach for the main stages this year, using BSS systems to split the Nexo systems into six separate zones and thereby optimize performance and controllability.

SSE used SIA SmartPro computer-based analysis software to give them precise system control. This ensured both systems behaved in exactly the same way in terms of SPL, EQ, dynamic performance and other general characteristics, allowing bands to have as near the same sound as possible at both sites - notwithstanding the natural variants of wind and atmosphere. True to form, the elements remained

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