Sound

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More than 40 eminent theatre sound designers from all over the globe will be gathering in mid-June for the London Theatre Sound Design Colloquium, to discuss the artistic underpinnings of sound design and its rapidly increasing importance in modern theatre production. "Few people outside of the profession understand the unique combination of technical expertise and creative artistry required to conceptualize, realize and execute a quality sound design. Theatre sound design is, or should be, on a par professionally and artistically with the other creative design disciplines," says Ross Brown, sound designer, Sound Design Tutor at The Central School of Speech and Drama and lead organizer of the Colloquium. "This is the first time that an international group of professional sound designers will assemble to discuss these important issues."

The Colloquium, co-sponsored b

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Employees of PLASA member companies can benefit from reduced fees at PA/VA 2002, a two-day programme, co-sponsored by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), for everyone who wants to know all about what is involved in specifying, designing, installing or certifying Public Address and Voice Alarm systems for safe public evacuation. The programme will run on 9 - 10 July 2002 at Regent's Park, London.

(Lee Baldock)

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You may have read about 1 Limited’s multi-channel sound technology that produces up to eight channels of surround sound from a single loudspeaker in the April issue of L&SI - well now, you can actually see it, because the first product to embody this technology will be on show at the Cedia UK Expo 2002 (taking place in Brighton next week).

According to the company, unlike virtual surround systems, which employ psycho-acoustic techniques to simulate a surround sound effect, the Digital Sound Projector (dSP) produces genuine surround sound from a single loudspeaker. Using patented digital technology, derived from research in the fields of SONAR and RADAR design, the Digital Sound Projector produces multiple steerable sound beams that are ‘bounced’ off the walls and ceiling towards the listening area. The current version of the Digital Sound Projector uses 254 tiny, ind

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Forum Meyrin, a superbly appointed cultural center on the outskirts of Geneva in Switzerland, has commenced a two-year refurbishment of its technical systems, including the upgrading of the NEXO PS Series sound reinforcement systems for its theatre and live music venue.

Opened in 1995, the Forum Meyrin is a multipurpose arts and exhibition centre, incorporating exhibition halls, banqueting rooms, restaurants and the city library. Beneath the facility, in the basement, is the Undertown club, a live music venue which hosts dance nights and live gigs. Since the end of last year, the Forum has been expanding its technical capacity, installing new lighting, staging and audio equipment. The next stage will see the installation of new seats and other improvements in comfort and security.

Known as Forum-Meyrin, the 800-seater auditorium has been upgraded to an impressive technical standard,

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Clear-Com’s UK distributor, Autograph Sales Ltd, are introducing two new innovative product ranges to this year’s Production Show at London’s Olympia. The first of these products is Clear-Com’s all new i-series, a range of intercom stations for use with Matrix Plus - the pioneering digital intercoms system. Also on show for the first time in the UK is Clear-Com’s Q700, a new intuitive wireless communications system.

The i-series includes two display stations, two non-display stations, two expansion panels and a level control panel. The design in based on simplicity and a user-friendly interface, and has intuitive programmable lighting, which can indicate the status of the keys and in turn denote ‘talk’, ‘listen’ or ‘talk-with-listen’. Some of the advanced features include auto-sensing headset and microphone connection a

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Switchcraft Inc, the US manufacturer of a broad range of products for audio and broadcast professionals, has appointed Connection Technologies Limited as its new authorized distributor for New Zealand. Connection Technologies is run by Lewis Woodward, who has a wealth of experience in the connector and patch panel markets, and the company can be contacted at the e-mail address given below.

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Philips CSI is extending its three-year product warranty scheme to embrace its range of public address, congress and paging systems. The new three-year warranty immediately applies to all existing and new products including the recently launched Praesideo - the first all-digital PA and emergency system. It also covers the full range of Philips PA systems, plus the DCN Digital Congress Network and CCS 800 Congress systems, as well as the DP6000 and DECT6000 digital paging systems, excluding mobile pager handsets. It already applies to the company’s CCTV cameras, multiplexers, switchers and related CCTV products.

(Ruth Rossington)

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Gradav have released the latest version of their comprehensive catalogue. Following the same format as previous catalogues, but redesigned to improve the layout, the publication covers the full range of lighting, audio and trussing equipment that the company handles - from AKG to Zero 88 - as well as communications, rostra, and special effects.

For a copy call Gradav on +44 020 8803 7400.

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Formula Sound has recently reissued the Shadow Standby mixer, providing an invaluable lifeline to clubs and venues that rely on music. The Shadow can be installed as part of a new sound system or easily retro-fitted. It has all the switching required to replace the main mixer instantly in the event of trouble. Simply switching on the unit causes internal relays to re-route four stereo music input sources, one microphone and all output connections. PFL (Pre-fade listen) switches are provided on the four music channels for cueing purposes, and two band equalisation is provided via pre-sets on the back panel, for the mic channel.

(Ruth Rossington)

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To address a growing workload, Worcestershire-based M+D Design has split its operation into two new companies - Ikon AVS and Nebula Audio. The move is intended to create a more viable framework for the two key aspects of M+D’s operation - that of equipment manufacturer/supplier and that of installer. Ikon AVS will therefore concentrate on the manufacture and supply of products such as the company’s award-winning Podules and fault-monitoring systems, whilst Nebula Audio will be primarily a ‘systems house’ offering fully engineered solutions, including design, specification, procurement, installation and commissioning in audio visual and distributed digital audio systems for stadiums, shopping malls, exhibitions and conference halls.

(Ruth Rossington)

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Shure Incorporated has now completed the purchase of the 267,000sq.ft building and accompanying 18.6 acres of land at 5800 Touhy Avenue in Niles, Illinois from CenterPoint Properties Trust for $28 million. The seven-storey steel-and-glass structure is an award-winning design by respected architect Helmut Jahn. As part of the purchase agreement, CenterPoint will acquire Shure's existing 206,000sq.ft facility in Evanston, which the company has agreed to lease back for a period of one year with options for extension, if necessary.

Shure, which has been based in the Chicago area throughout its 77-year history, will begin relocating its corporate headquarters to the Niles location later this year. Present plans for the land include the immediate construction of an attached two-storey annex with more than 40,000sq.ft of additional space. This building will house several special technology fu

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HK Audio increases its presence in Southeast Asia. Sound & Vision Systems in Wellington, New Zealand, starts distributing the complete HK Audio product range in New Zealand with immediate effect. The corresponding agreement was made between Eric Jackson, general manager of Sound & Vision Systems and Andreas Mayerl, international sales and marketing director, during his recent visit to New Zealand.

Andreas Mayerl told us: "In Sound & Vision, we found the ideal partner for the distribution of our product range. Their huge experience and the well-adjusted team make sure that HK Audio is represented in every market segment and not only importing and sales but also the after sales service of HK Audio products in New Zealand is ensured excellently."

Sound & Vision Systems is a long-established distributor of pro audio equipment in New Zealand and its sales and marketing team enjo

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After two years of writing, refinement and editing, authors John Eargle and Chris Foreman have introduced JBL Audio Engineering for Sound Reinforcement. With sections on audio basics, components, system design and various applications, this fills the need for a reference guide that covers the range from basic information to the latest technologies of line arrays and digital signal processing. The book, which is distributed by Hal Leonard Corporation, is now available.

"Following in the footsteps of classic audio books by Don Davis and Gary Davis, we feel this reference work by Chris and John will become the new standard for audio professionals, educators and enthusiasts," says Michael MacDonald, president of JBL Professional. "John and Chris have over 70 years of audio experience between them. They pass along their knowledge in a way that is very deep and technica

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British pro audio manufacturer Carlsbro has increased the power of its acclaimed Headline range of loudspeakers. The Headline 312 and 315 cabinets have had their ratings increased from 300W to 500W RMS (1000W program power) and the Headline Sub 515 now produces 500W of pure bass (1000W program power).

Andrew Bishop, Carlsbro's managing director, explained: "I've been asking dealers and musicians exactly what they want from their PA gear and the overwhelming response was ‘More power!’ So that's what I decided to give them. The brief I gave to the R&D department was to increase the power output of the cabinets but make sure that the sound quality and reliability of the units were not in any way compromised. We've managed to achieve this goal and give the customer the best ever deal. All in all, it adds up to more watts for your money."

(Lee Baldock)

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The experience of commercial audio specialist Janusz Hawrot (MInst.S.C.E) will provide TOA with a valuable representative in the north of England. The newly-appointed technical sales executive will be based out of Manchester, enabling the public address and voice alarm specialists to divide up the country, with Ian Bridgewater acting in a similar capacity in the south.

Hawrot has dedicated his professional life to the public address industry, and the last nine years have been spent with Provoice, the audio division of security and fire alarm specialists, Protec. "This is very much a career move as it provides an opportunity for me to expand into a wider field of audio," he said. "I will not only be covering the same markets as I did with Protec but the position will allow me to broaden my horizons into other market sectors."

TOA’s marketing director, Brett D

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Demand for PA systems for corporate events, conferences and product launches is bouncing back, reports professional audio systems specialist Shermann Pro-Audio. The internationally respected company, which is based in Newtown, mid-Wales, has noticed a definite upturn in business in the last few months as confidence slowly returns to the UK's corporate sector after a period of economic uncertainty.

Through a network of professional users, installers and dealerships across the country, Shermann's loudspeaker systems are in widespread use at major music festivals, rock concerts, conferences, product launches and publicity events at home and overseas. "I think a lot of companies are now playing catch-up after everything ground to halt following September 11," explained Ken Hughes, owner of Shermann. "They have realized the value of publicity campaigns and promotional events

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As official communications partner of Manumission for the third year - Orange has teamed up with Vestax to provide a dramatic sonic makeover for Bar M. Their commitment to the Bar M faithful is plain to see, with the installation of a mighty full-range Turbosound rig. There are 14 TQ-310 two-way speakers fitted in three independently controllable zones, plus three THL-828.2 sub units. The BBS amp racks are accompanied by a Yamaha digital control unit.

But it’s not just the punters that Orange has thought about - in conjunction with numerous DJs and industry anoraks, they have designed, built and installed a DJ booth to rival all others. The ‘enjoymusic’ booth features three Vestax PDX 2000 turntables, a PMC-400 mixer, a DFG-X2 three-band isolator unit below each deck and a DCR-1200 isolator with anti-phase on the output below the mixer and all complimented by a pair o

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BSS Audio’s new ProSys PS-8810C DSP device has past its first test - at the highest level - networking the world’s first all-digital tour for pop music icon Neil Diamond. Supported by Maryland Sound Industries, Diamond’s audio output boasts an exclusively digital signal path between its microphones and loudspeakers. The real triumph for BSS Audio’s fixed-path DSP, however, is that it is the first in a new generation of Harman Professional ‘partnership’ products, utilizing the IQ communication protocol from Crown and providing audio networking via CobraNet technology. One of the key components in this application was the use of Crown’s new IQ-PIP USP2/CN CobraNet module.

With the established IQ system, the PS-8810 has the ability to network with Crown amplifiers and other IQ-compliant devices. This means that systems with control and monitoring

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Wolfgang Neumann extended an association with Soundcraft boards stretching back more than 20 years, when he purchased a 48-input SM20 touring monitor board to boost the rental stock of his company, Sirius Schalltechnik Service GmbH. He told us: "I was looking for a very small board that was packed with features. The SM20 offered precisely that, and the exceptional price convinced me."

Sirius Schalltechnik’s monitor engineers praised the desk’s ease of use. "They particularly liked the compact nature of the console and the inline BSS Varicurve control section, which is a nice-sounding EQ," said Wolfgang. Presently out with top German band, BAP (and their monitor engineer Dirk Happel), the SM20 is well-suited to deal with the growing trend towards personal in-ear monitoring.

Wolgang Neumann’s introduction to Soundcraft began in 1980 when he purchas

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A new section of Shure's website (www.shure.com/cc), housing useful content for contractors and consultants, will make its official industry debut at InfoComm 2002. Appropriately named Contractor's Corner, the specialized web pages offer quick and easy access to a host of features ranging from CAD product drawings and technical product information to downloadable software for all PC-based Shure products.

Site visitors navigating the pages of Contractor's Corner are greeted by drop-down menus offering instantaneous access to PDF files of user guides and spec sheets, selectable by product category. Moving further through the site, users will find a downloadable viewer for the numerous CAD files offered in DXF format, as well as educational resources. Also included is a link to the Shure Knowledge Base, technical articles written by Shure's App

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Marquee Audio has been appointed as a key dealer for XTA Electronics, following impressive sales of XTA’s pioneering signal processing devices. XTA’s sales and marketing manager, Guy Lewis, commented: "Marquee Audio have been involved with XTA almost since we began 10 years ago, and their recent success with SiDD (Seriously Intelligent Digital Dynamics) has been great to see. I know they are looking forward to working with our new Series 2 dynamics processors and have already been fielding calls from interested clients. We look forward to working with Spencer and the team and making the Series 2 launch a great success for us both!”

Marquee’s Spencer Brooks told us: "This appointment is in line with our policy to be able to offer the best pro audio solutions for all applications - whether broadcast, studio, installation or concert touring. XTA are a pre

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An elaborate TOA public address/voice alarm system forms the backbone of the new £7.5 million development at the Telford International Centre, which will see their exhibition, conference and sports facilities integrated into a single, extended building. The contract to supply and fit was won by Quality Communications, who specified TOA components as part of the original fit six years ago.

"With the addition of several other halls, the old system was severely under-powered," explained managing director, Colin Walker. His solution has been to power eight separate sound zones on a TOA matrix, using multiples of TOA’s VP-1060 (60W) and VP-1120 (120W) 100V line amplifiers. "I wanted TOA power as the previous amplifiers just weren’t adequate," said Colin. The centre’s general manager, Gerald Salt, commented: "With this level of investment, a top qu

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JBL has introduced a new e-mail newsletter, Pro-to-Pro Installation. The periodic newsletter will update consultants, contractors and end-users with the latest information on JBL Professional installation range of products, including the new Application Engineered (AE) Series, PD Series and EVO products.

Each issue will contain a variety of new and updated information and will carry the latestspecification sheets, technical notes and white papers. Literature descriptions as well as links to online pdf files will be listed. In addition to literature, each e-newsletter will have a Q & A section covering the most common questions received. The first e-newsletter is posted on JBL website.

(Ruth Rossington)

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Big Sound has used an Allen & Heath ML5000 as the monitor console for Bob Geldof's 'Sex, Age and Death' tour which promotes the album of the same name - Gedlof’s first in five years. Big Sound provided sound reinforcement for 15 dates of the UK leg of the tour, 12 of which were sell-outs. The venues were mainly theatres, beginning with the Lowry in Salford and finishing at the Opera House on Jersey. Big Sound used Adamson Y10 speakers at front-of-house, fed by a Midas Heritage 1000 mixer. A compact Allen & Heath MixWizard WZ16:2DX console was employed for supporting artists. The 40-channel ML5000 was configured as a dedicated monitor console, with all 16 auxes controlled by faders.

Big Sound is based in Swansea, South Wales, and although the company was only founded in 2000, it already boasts an impressive arsenal of Allen & Heath mixers, including a pair of ML5000s, two ML3000s

  1. Dudderidge takes on key role at APRS
  2. Sennheiser equips Palace for Churchill Memorial Concert
  3. Marquee sells first ARCS system to BCS
  4. Live Business provides sound for Xscape Snozone
  5. MC2 Audio appoints new distributors
  6. SSE puts GEO in action
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