London-based rental company FX Music has pledged its future in a world outside line array by making a major commitment to Martin Audio’s Wavefront 8 utility sound reinforcement system.According to Dave Beck, who has run FX Music with brother Alan since 1985, the 32 Wavefront 8C/24 x WSX system - purchased from the London office of LMC Audio - will give them capability to provide coverage of 1,000-seat auditoria, and tie them into the Martin Audio Wavefront rental network, which also includes Capital Sound Hire, Adlib Audio and CAV.

Explaining the rationale, Dave Beck said: "We specialise in single events for promoters such as Metropolis and SJM - whether it be rock ’n’ roll one-offs or classical spectaculars - as well as corporate shows. We don’t do sufficient arena work to warrant a line array but we wanted a system that was flexible, at the same time offe

Soundcraft has introduced the 328XD digital mixing console, the next generation of the popular Digital 328 production mixer, now offering dynamics processing on every channel, group and mix path. With the 328XD, Soundcraft has further broadened the desk’s functionality from straight sound mixing to production and control of sequencers and desktop synths. This will enable it to be the production control center for computers, DAWs and dedicated hard disk recorders, including dynamic automation and moving faders.

Designed for use straight out of the box, the 328XD control surface needs little explanation, and virtually all functions are easily accessible through the mixer’s unique ‘E-Strip’. This can act as a horizontal channel strip, controlling EQ and aux sends, or a dynamics control panel, or as level controls for the tape returns.

The 328XD also boasts a new

Sony has introduced launched the latest additions to its WL800 Series UHF radio microphone system, using recent innovations to provide increased operating frequencies, bringing greater flexibility for users.

The addition of the ‘B’ versions comes at the same time as two new products: for ENG use is a new single-unit, camera-mounting dual-channel diversity receiver (the WRR-862B), while a new handheld transmitter (the WRT-847B) with five interchangeable capsule options (female vocal, male vocal, speech, shotgun and ENG) brings greater flexibility to a range of applications.

The new additions are all compatible with the existing WL800 ‘A’ and Freedom models, but can operate in any 24MHz frequency block between 470MHz and 862MHz, including the lower TV channel ranges which were previously unusable for wireless microphones because of the size of components require

Autograph Sound Recording began the year on a charitable note, designing and supplying the sound system, free of charge, for the UKC Hero Awards ceremony, held at the Dorchester Hotel, London, on 9 January.

Sir Elton John was the recipient of the UKC (UK Coalition of People Living with HIV and AIDS) Hero Award, held in celebration of World AIDS Day, in recognition of his outstanding contribution towards the continuing fight against the disease. Autograph's Lee Dennison installed Meyer Sound loudspeakers in the Dorchester's Ball Room, using MSL-2s together with USW-1P subs.

Meanwhile, the Olivier-award winning 'Five Guys Named Moe', which entertained West End audiences for many years, is about to hit the road with a complete Autograph sound and communications touring system. The show will be visiting over 20 venues around the UK and will have less than 48 hours to de-rig in one theatr

ARX Systems, the Australian manufacturer of professional audio products, has announced the appointment of two new European exclusive distributors. Bertin Krompass and his team at Showservice Gmbh are now representing ARX in Germany. Showservice can be contacted by telephone on +49(0)851 4903302, or via e-mail at showservicegmbh@t-online.de.

At the same time, Igor Pogorzelski and his team at ProfiAudio are now representing ARX in Poland. Profiaudio can be contacted by telephone at +48 22 773 0147 or via e-mail at igor@profiaudio.com.pl.

ARX’s managing director Colin Park commented on the new appointments: "The ARX product range is further expanding into the installation and broadcast markets, and both Showservice and ProfiAudio are well placed to service these se

Pro audio manufacturer OHM has announced preliminary details for a forthcoming range of PA products. The LM series of enclosures will be built in the OHM tradition, with painted birch ply cabinets, and high quality driver and crossover components. A special high efficiency HF compression driver has been used in the 12" and 15", two-way designs, protected by OHM’s proven HF protection system - a money saving device in itself. The portable LM-S sub adds full-on LF extension to the system as required.

The range is complemented by the powerful HQ 2002S 1000W stereo switch mode power amp, and heavy duty tripod speaker stands. Full product specification and details will be available shortly and the product proper should be available from March.

(James Eade)

The ATI Group has announced the formation of a new division, ATI Group Distribution. The new arm of the company officially begins operations tomorrow handling North American distribution and marketing responsibilities for UK-based Audient PLC.

Audient is a respected UK designer and manufacturer of studio mixing consoles, signal processing equipment and surround sound processing components. Founding partners of DDA -David Dearden and Gareth Davies - formed the company in 1997 and UK-based Expotus PLC began the world marketing and distribution of the range of products. ATI Group Distribution will be working closely with Martin Capp, managing director of Expotus, to launch the North American distribution of the full line of Audient products, including mixing consoles, surround sound processors and graphic EQs for fixed installations.

ATI Group Distribution is based at the company's new,

UK pro audio manufacturer OHM has appointed Martin Potter as sales and marketing executive. OHM chairman Jo Olenski has worked with Martin on several projects prior to the appointment: "Martin brings to OHM a wealth of experience gained from over 20 years involvement in audio related sales and marketing. He has a strong management background in both the retail and distribution sectors of our industry."

The appointment ties in with the advent of a new wave of ambition from the Cheshire-based company, with R&D at its highest ever level. Forward sales orders for both home and export divisions are reportedly booming, despite the recent difficulties brought on by world events. As we reported yesterday, on the agenda for March 2002 is the release of new loudspeaker product aimed at the MI retail sector. This will be marketed via both existing and new dealerships across the UK.

(R

AEQ UK, the UK representative of the Madrid-based manufacturer of professional broadcast and audio systems, is now shipping the Caddy A/D and D/A convertor, launched last year as part of the company's E@sy range of products. Although designed as the ideal partner for AEQ's Impact summing/distributing digital audio matrix, the Caddy is well suited to stand alone use.

The Caddy offers 24 electronically balanced analogue inputs and outputs with conversion to and from 12 AES/EBU digital inputs and outputs, all in a compact 1U rack space. Sample rate conversion is available from 32kHz to 96kHz, with 24 bits per sample, and the sampling rate follows that of the AES.11 sync input; the default being 48kHz.

The first customer for the Caddy is the European Broadcasting Union, who have taken 20 units as part of a 400 x 400 digital matrix for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. The EBU system al

NBC Olympics has selected Audio-Technica microphones to play a key role in its coverage of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games. Working in conjunction with the host audio-video provider, International Sports Broadcasting (ISB), NBC Olympics has made a solid commitment to provide the most sophisticated and intensive coverage the Winter Games audience has ever known. "We’re going to be using a wide selection of Audio-Technica microphones to capture the sound and drama of the events," stated Bob Dixon, Project Manager/Sound Design for NBC Olympics. "The crisp and accurate imaging they offer will help us make the experience that much more exciting for viewers."

Stereo sound will play a key role in creating enhanced realism in NBC’s broadcasts. Dixon notes that all of NBC’s handheld field cameras will have AT815ST Stereo Shotgun Microphones mounted on

IAG Professional (International Audio Group) has announced that the product lines formerly covered solely by Wharfedale Professional are now divided into two divisions - Wharfedale Pro and Wharfedale Systems. Due to the current diversity and plans for further expansion of the Wharfedale Professional ranges worldwide, it became apparent to the parent company, IAG, that the infrastructure needed changing to focus on different market areas. The increase in business for IAG, especially in the professional product areas, has necessitated the employment of new staff in both sales and product development. This has enabled IAG to develop new products in both loudspeakers and electronics, which, in turn, have increased sales and distribution worldwide.

The Systems Division will comprise already established installation speakers such as the Programme 30D, 2080 and 2090 series. The LoudPanel (NXT

Karl Christmas has been appointed as UK sales manager for studio/post and broadcast at SCV London, taking responsibility for high end pro sales. Formerly a freelance music producer and for many years in sales and marketing with TC Electronics, Yamaha and others, Karl has built a strong background in pro audio and his experience both as a user and in sales has given him an in depth knowledge of pro audio products. Among the many big names he will be handling at SCV London is the new Fostex DV40 mastering recorder, high end Genelec monitors and the Lucid and Universal Audio ranges.

(Ruth Rossington)

IAG (UK) Ltd has appointed Dean Davoile to its Huntingdon-based headquarters. He will be taking on the role of national sales manager (UK) for all brands under the IAG Professional banner, the main line being Wharfedale Professional loudspeakers and electronics. Previously heading up the sales at Logic System Pro Audio, Davoile’s immediate responsibilities at IAG will be overseeing the launch of three new professional product lines. He will also be in charge of developing sales for the recently-created Systems Division.

(Lee Baldock)

Court Acoustics has launched its most powerful unit yet, the new RAMJET 3000 concert, touring and installation system. The two-bin system comprises a trapezoid high bin with a horn loaded 12" (304mm) 400W 4" voice coil driver, whose phasing plug combines with a 2" titanium compression driver. This is loaded by a conical horn which, according to Court, provides substantially reduced distortion, compared with conventional horn flares.

The 60°x 60° dispersion and square mouth, means that the RH1 can be used in either plane for wide dispersion arrays, vertical line arrays, stacking or conventional bracket mounting. The RL1 3kW bass bin is a unique design with 4 x 15" (380mm) 750W bass units in the mouth of an 8 square foot horn. The large back chamber is also vented into the horn mouth, combining bass and sub bass down to 25Hz. The RL2 half-size bass bin is also avail

Introduced in December 2001 at the AES show in New York, the SB210 indoor/outdoor subwoofer, the latest addition to JBL’s extensive line of Control Contractor products, is now shipping. Just fourteen inches tall, the dual ten-inch powerhouse adds low frequencies to fixed installation sound systems in virtually any business application, including restaurants, retail, theme parks, exhibits and displays, even small church and performing spaces.

The SB210 has two ten-inch (254mm) aluminium/ceramic composite cone woofers, for a total power handling capability of 400W continuous (1600W peak). Intended for use indoor or outdoor, the SB210 features a high impact polystyrene cabinet and multilayer thermoset composite-covered grille for full weatherproofing.

The frequency range of the SB210 is 42Hz-200Hz. When used with the optional JBL MTC-210-SAT network, a single amplifier may be use

Based on the already successful VS range, the new VS Series from Wharfedale Pro has been the subject of both sonic and cosmetic improvements. The new trapezoidal enclosures feature a Dual Electro-Dynamic Driver - Elliptical Wave Guide/Horn high frequency section. This innovation gives high quality sound and musicality using bespoke drivers unique to Wharfedale.

The range includes the VS-10, VS-12 and VS-12M monitors, the popular VS-15 and the VS-153 three way system and the VS-15B and VS-18B sub woofer systems with their internal low pass crossovers and high output, high power handling purpose-built woofers.

(Lee Baldock)

SCV London has moved its operation to larger premises in Loughton, Essex. Conveniently placed close to junction 5 of the M11, the new site is midway between the North Circular and the M25. SCV MD Julian Blyth told us: "Working in London was becoming increasingly frustrating. Time travel was a major problem: people being caught up in London’s traffic snarl was losing us an enormous amount of time. From our new location, we will be able to service our customers faster and staff hassle will be reduced."

The company can now be reached at 40 Chigwell Lane, Oakwood Estate, Loughton, Essex, IG10 3NY, UK. Tel: +44 020 8428 0778.

(Ruth Rossington)

Designer and communicator Furneaux Stewart has entered the New Year with a healthy portfolio of work and several new account wins. The company, led by co-founder Laurie Stewart, is already working on several new high-profile projects this year, including an introductory exhibition for Syon House, Cardiff Castle's interpretation strategy and projects for the National Trust at White Horse Hill, Studland Bay and Lawrence of Arabia's home, Clouds Hill. The company is also the exhibition design consultancy for the new Acropolis Museum working with international architect Bernard Tschumi.

Within the automotive sector there are also some key projects ahead with the team, headed up by John Furneaux, looking forward to working with Skoda to create its stand for the Birmingham International Motor Show, in addition to major projects with Citroen and Bentley Motors. Ray Hole, architectural directo

Genelec has come up with a new range of active subwoofers for multi-channel, professional surround-sound studios - the 7000 Series. The Finnish company's award-winning R&D team, have made full use of Genelec's proprietary LSE (Laminar Spiral Enclosure) technology to create a range of four models (200mm/8", 250mm/10", 305mm/12" and dual-driver 305mm/12") that are dynamic, efficient and highly configurable.

Three of the models in the 7000 Series are incorporated with Genelec's latest 6.1 bass management technology. This new system has six signal input and output channels, a discrete LFE signal input with a selectable 85/120Hz low-pass filter and a summed signal output for flexibility and easy connection.

Designed for stereo or multi-channel applications, the 7071A is intended to complement Genelec’s 1032A, S30D or 1037B active monitors. Boasting a frequency

Former Pink Floyd member Roger Waters has come up with an ideal solution for location recording and song-writing. With a little help from his co-producer Nick Griffiths, Waters has assembled three identical compact recording rigs that can be easily transported and assembled anywhere in the world.

All three rigs are centred around the Mackie Digital 8-Bus recording console and a Master Apple Titanium Power Book running Logic Audio. Nick Griffiths, who has worked with Pink Floyd since the 80s, came up with the solution in response to Roger’s earlier forays into transportable studios. Nick commented: "I wanted a foolproof system that could be unpacked and set-up by anyone. Having worked with Roger for years, I know his exact requirements. When it came time to turn my ideas into reality, I turned to Spike Burridge at Media Tools and Paul Ward from Oxford studio Systems."<

Wharfedale Pro has launched the LiX-C Series. Based on the successful LiX range, the new series offers several new models, as well as cosmetic improvements to existing models.

The LiX-C12x has been designed for enhanced low frequency performance at high output levels. This model, as well as the LiX-C15 and 15M (monitor), feature a purpose-built high frequency compression driver using a specially formed titanium diaphragm with a 50mm voice coil. Also new to the LiX family is the LiX-C18MB (Modular Bass) which is available in two versions for optimum coupling to amplifier types and installation requirements. The LiX-C range also offers a 15" sub and 18" sub with massive motor structures designed to sustain high output over long periods. Understanding that sound systems are often asked to perform beyond their original design parameters, the LiX-C range features Wharfedale&r

The Institute of Sound & Communication Engineers (ISCE) has launched a new event to serve the installed sound sector. ISCEx 2002, which takes place at the Alexander Stadium, Perry Barr, Birmingham on Wednesday 27th February, will combine a one day seminar programme and a small exhibition. It will also feature the first ever Warren-Barnett Memorial Lecture.

The seminar programme will feature presentations on Audio for Video Conferencing by Jon Raper; Getting the Measure of Intelligibility by Peter Mapp and Helen Goddard; The Future of the VA Standards by Phil Pratt; Teaching an Old Bear Tricks by Helen Goddard and Robert Thornton. The Warren-Barnett Memorial Lecture - Getting the Message Across - will be given by Peter Mapp.

Exhibitors at the event include AMS-Mapp Acoustics, Baldwin Boxall Communications Ltd, CIE Group Ltd, Communication Technology Ltd, Duran Audio UK Ltd, Federal Si

Arbiter Pro Audio has helped facilitate a rich sounding JBL sound system in London’s latest club venue - Pacha. The club is located in Victoria and is owned by Billy Reilly, who’s enjoyed massive success with The Cross in Kings Cross.

For the sound system Reilly turned to Pete Dyer of Tarsin, well known for designing, supplying and installing sound systems to some of the highest profile clubs worldwide. Reilly himself specified the JBL system. In turn, Dyer approached Arbiter, and collaborated with Dave Budge (Arbiter’s project co-ordinator for Pacha) on the sound design for the club.

Pacha has two rooms and three bars, with no walls between the two main spaces, so particular attention had to be paid to ensuring that sound spillage between areas was minimized. This was achieved with careful speaker positioning and by maximizing the directivity of the various JBL uni

West Sussex-based pro-audio distributor beyerdynamic has introduced a new division dedicated to promoting its expanding range of products for the installation and sound contracting markets.

Headed by beyerdymanic’s Bob Harrison, the new division will form an active part of the company’s existing operation and will focus on providing both new and existing customers with a full range of standard audio products, including speakers, amplifiers, microphones and signal processing equipment, through to integrated digital audio systems for the most challenging installations across a variety of applications.

beyerdynamic carries an extensive product portfolio which incorporates the company’s own wired and wireless microphones, headphones and conferencing systems, and also features DSP-based signal processing from XTA, automatic mixing and noise masking from BIAMP, and 100v l

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