When testing a newly-installed sound system, most people’s first choice of bands probably wouldn’t be ear-splitting heavy metal act Slayer. But this was the case recently for a new Mach SlingShot system at one of southern California’s premiere live venues, The Grove of Anaheim, a 2,000+ capacity multi-use venue which hosts some 100 acts a year, including some of the industry’s top bands such as INXS, Simple Minds, The Doobie Brothers and more.

Slayer played two sold-out shows on 1-2 May and easy sounding they are not. As Slayer proclaimed that God Hates Us All in support of their latest CD, all ears were tuned to the Mach SlingShot system.

The system is comprised of eight Mach MS1262 SlingShot top-boxes and four MS15X2 SlingShot fly-bass units with additional power coming from 12 Ballister subwoofers. Six Mach M12T full-range speakers are used for front

As a Technical Partner for the 36th Montreux Jazz Festival, D.A.S. Audio provided a variety of sound reinforcement systems for the event held in Montreux, Switzerland from 5-20 July. One of Europe’s most consolidated festivals, MJF presented an impressive line-up of international artists including Chris Rea, Jamiroquai, UB40, David Bowie and Joe Cocker.

In conjunction with D.A.S.’s Swiss distributor Animatec, a large selection of powered sound reinforcement products were supplied, including the new Compact 2 System which debuted at the 2002 ProLight+Sound exhibition in Frankfurt. The Compact 2 Systems were used by Swiss radio ‘Colour 3’ which hosted DJs performing live and converting the area adjacent to the Miles Davis Hall into a virtual dance club.

The Montreux Jazz ‘Off’, at the Parque de la Rouvenaz outdoor stage, featured four ST-1800 Sound T

Union Connector, the connector and power distro equipment manufacturer, has moved to a new facility in Suffolk County, NY, approximately 15 miles from its prior location in Roosevelt, NY. Union had been located in Roosevelt for the past 40 years. The move is part of Union's long-range strategic plan to increase its ability to perform contract manufacturing for some of the industry's largest manufacturers, touring and rental companies.

The building is in an industrial park located within the Route 110 industrial corridor and near a general aviation business airport. The new, larger facility provides Union with room for expansion of its manufacturing capabilities. "The increased size of the facility has allowed us to install a new powder coating operation, along with expanding our existing CNC sheet metal and machining operations", said Ray Wolpert, VP of operations. "We'l

Turbosound has announced the appointment of John Ellis as the company's new customer support engineer. His primary role will be to act as Turbosound's interface with installation contractors and acoustic consultants, working alongside customers to advise on system specification and design, with a particular emphasis on fixed installation projects.

Previously sales and installations manager at B&H Syscom, John brings to Turbosound his considerable practical experience of specifying and installing sound reinforcement systems. These included some of the UK's first installations of Turbosound loudspeakers in hotels and houses of worship, utilizing both TCS and Qlight series. Earlier in his career, John worked as a freelance sound engineer, subsequently joining TOA as UK projects manager. This role provided him with a broad background in the design and specification of systems, and involved

Manchester-based Cornish four-piece Haven have been out playing live consistently over the last several months with a complete line up of Sennheiser evolution microphones and wireless in-ear-monitor systems. Sennheiser UK evolution endorsees, the band have been on the road following the release of their debut album Between the Senses, featuring tracks produced by the legendary Johnny Marr. As well as headlining club dates and appearing at festivals the band has appeared on a number of high profile support slots, including New Order, Badly Drawn Boy and Johnny Marr’s new line up, The Healers.

The evolution kit was spec’d for the band’s live set by front of house engineer, Ian ‘Hippo’ Williams. The opportunity offered by the endorsement agreement has provided a high level of support for both band and engineer on the road. Williams has used evolution o

Following a series of visits to China by managing director David Hopkins OBE, PLASA Member ADSworldwide recently hosted a delegation of top executives from Beijing's major department stores. The Chinese not only got a chance to see the latest loudspeakers designed and manufactured by ADSworldwide, but also found time to spend several days in Stockport and Manchester, looking at the shops and visiting both Manchester United and the Lowry Centre.

Currently a joint venture agreement between ADSworldwide and FBBC of China has seen the Stockport company's name feature prominently in more than 200 shopping outlets throughout China - this will increase to 500 over the next three years. The company’s second visit to China in June 2002 saw them addressing an invited audience of sound consultants and academics from throughout China. The press conference that preceded the main event saw 80

The old Thalia Theater in Rotterdam used to be a cinema in a former life but was abandoned some time ago. Now, after several months of renovation, Rotterdam has a brand new dance club - The Thalia Lounge. This is not only a pure dance club but it can also be rented for corporate and live events. For this reason, the sound system needs to be very flexible, as it has to deliver a great performance for disco nights as well as for live events and speech reinforcement. Club owner Bart Den Ouden therefore decided to contact the Dutch HK Audio product manager Johan Meerman of Wils Muziekimport in Roosendaal. Den Ouden says: "I met Johan during an HK Audio demo in another disco here in Holland and from what I heard there I was really convinced about the quality of HK Audio, so I asked him to plan the PA system for the Thalia Lounge. The system itself was installed by Toon Dekkers of HK Audi

This year’s PLASA 2002 at Earls Court will see the official launch of the revolutionary new 'i-ceilings’ product range from Armstrong. As part of the launch, exclusive UK representatives CIE-Audio have arranged a free session for the audio, architectural and design industries, as well as participating in.

A brand new concept in integrated acoustic ceiling systems, ‘i-ceilings’ is the latest development from the world’s leading manufacturer of ceiling products. i-ceilings utilize flat panel loudspeaker technology to provide a unique loudspeaker system which exactly matches Armstrong’s market-leading range of ceilings, to combine their existing aesthetic and sound absorption qualities with the acoustic benefits of NXT flat panel speaker technology. This allows for ‘invisible’ loudspeaker solutions which benefit from greatly increased sound

From 4-9 July 2002, Berlin’s Gendarmenmarkt was the setting for the eleventh Classic Open Air gala. This event in Berlin has established itself as a fixture in the calendars of classical music lovers both inside and outside Germany. For some years now, the sound reinforcement has been provided by the team at TSE AG of Berlin, whose tools this year once again bore the names Electro-Voice, Klark Teknik and Midas (see list below).

Martin Kaiser, the FOH engineer at TSE AG, has his own formula for this exceptionally demanding sound reinforcement application: "despite the size and complexity of the sound system that is in fact being used, the audience should still be left with the impression that the sound is coming not from the loudspeakers but from the orchestra."

TSE AG utilized a total of 12 EV X-Line Xvlt 3-way, eight EV X-Line XsubF sub-bass, four EV Xi 2123/106 F a

High-end touring and installation manufacturer, Chameleon Audio, has developed a brand new touring amplifier which includes a built-in power supply for mLAN digital audio control. The 3700 DP/2 has been under development since last year, when the company unveiled its Digital Audio Control System (ChamDACS) at PLASA. The 3700 DP/2 allows optional D/A and control boards to be fitted, and offers stereo outputs of 2,000Wpc into 2 ohms, 1,400Wpc into 4 ohms and 700Wpc into 8 ohms at less than 0.05% THD.

The laser-cut, polished stainless steel front also features individual channel mute switches and blue LED indicators, while surface-mount PCBs for quick fit-and-forget servicing are standard. Other attributes include improved damping factor, and optional mLAN input and digital D/A connectors. Built to the highest standards in the UK, attributes of Chameleon amplifiers include Class A preampl

Pioneer has introduced its new HDJ-1000 headphones which, while primarily targeted towards the professional DJ market, will appeal to all serious music consumers, the company says. Pioneer has defined a new standard in distortion-free sound quality with the HDJ-1000 headphones, featuring 3,500 mW of maximum input allowing high sound volume with excellent clarity as the ear pad fully encompasses each ear, fulfilling the demands of those serious about their music. Frequency range is given as 5 to 30,000 Hz.

For comfort, both ear pads have a swivel mechanism allowing the HDJ-1000 to be manipulated to any desired position, while padding makes it possible for music professionals to wear the headphones for hours of listening pleasure. Durability has also been addresses, thanks to the compact folding design, ear pads made of a tear-resistant material and special screws that hold the cord in

PLASA 2002 will see the launch of the T4-250 amplifier from MC2 Audio. This is a 4 x 250W amplifier housed in a 2U case and the latest addition to the company’s T Series. Also new for PLASA 2002 is the first UK appearance of the T Line. This 100V / 70V / 50V chassis is capable of taking up to four 750W / 500W / 250W toroidal line transformers in any combination and is designed for use with the T4-250, T500, T1000 and T1500, increasing the flexibility of use of these highly successful amplifiers.

MC2 Audio reports that its products continue to enjoy buoyant worldwide sales, both in their own right and as OEM product and believes that these exciting new amps will bring the renowned MC2 sound quality and reliability to an even wider range of users. From the PLASA Show this year, the company’s existing five-year warranty will be extended to seven years.

MC2 Audio can be fo

Professional audio systems specialist Shermann Pro-Audio has added a new name to its growing list of customers from Welsh theatres. The Newtown-based company, which designs and manufactures audio systems, has clinched a major order from the Taliesin Theatre in Swansea. Replacing the existing sound system in the theatre, Shermann Pro-Audio is to supply 10 Shermann loudspeakers, Chameleon amplifiers, brackets and a BSS digital speaker management system.

The contract follows on from recent sales to Theatr Clwyd in Mold, a longstanding Shermann user. The theatre has increased its stock of Shermann wedge speakers by adding four LM-301 low-profile models whilst four original Cub wedges have been refurbished to match the new units. "Being a Wales-based company, we are delighted to supply our range of products to a large percentage of the country's theatres," said Shermann Pro-Audio

Polaron Communications have been contracted to provide a public address and voice alarm (PA/VA) system integrated with a fire detection system, CCTV, access control disabled intercom and intruder alarm for Harvey Nichols and the landlord's areas of The Shambles in Manchester. Interfaces have been provided for later connection to retail shop units, for the propagation of fire detection signals.

Included in the specification is TOA’s new VS-900 intercom system. The Harvey Nichols store and 10 other retail units form the backbone of the transformation of the former Shambles West development in the city centre, along with a residential block. The PA and VA systems will provide secure, fail-safe and high intelligibility emergency speech broadcast to the Harvey Nichols areas and are fully compliant with BS5839 and all other relevant standards. The PA system in Harvey Nichols Department

Turbosound Ltd, the UK-based manufacturer of live performance and installed-sound loudspeaker systems, has announced the appointment of Sennheiser Electronic Corporation as its exclusive distributor for the USA and selected South American territories including Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. The appointment of Sennheiser, based in Old Lyme, Connecticut, reflects the two companies' closely-aligned market strategies, with the Turbosound product ranges complementing Sennheiser's existing distributed lines, which include Innova SON digital mixing consoles.

Turbosound's Paul Giansante, who until recently managed the company's US office, has been appointed Turbosound product manager at Sennheiser, ensuring continuity of customer contact, service and design support. Paul will be responsible for all aspects of the Turbosound brand's sales and marketing in the US, reporting to Jeff Alexander, Sen

UK distributor HW International has announced that the latest in personal monitoring, the Shure PSM 200 personal monitor system, will make its European debut at this year’s PLASA Show. The PSM 200 makes the benefits of in ear monitoring accessible to a wide array of cost-conscious musicians, houses of worship and installations requiring assistive listening devices. Beyond cost, the PSM 200 components deliver exciting new features including the built-in ability to upgrade the receiver from wired to wireless, a transmitter that is also a mixer and a high fidelity earphone.

For users who cannot initially afford wireless, the P2R Hybrid Receiver protects their investment by allowing them to upgrade at a later date. The hybrid receiver starts as a wired bodypack and, with the addition of the Transmixer component, operates fully as a wireless receiver. By combining frequency-agile wire

Marantz Professional Europe has announced the expansion of its direct distribution model to Germany, via a network of newly-appointed direct sales agents now contactable through the Marantz office in Osnabrück, in north-western Germany.

This represents an extension of the company’s direct service model already in place in the UK, Ireland and Benelux. European sales director Mark Perrins told us: "This new arrangement is good news for our professional clients in Germany as they will now receive direct personal service from product specialists. It also introduces a competitive price advantage which benefits both Marantz and our customers and promises to deliver increased market penetration in one of Europe’s most significant territories."

(Ruth Rossington)

Pioneer is planning a spectacular stand at this year's PLASA showcase; and the exhibition, held at Earls Court from 8-11 September 2002, promises to be the best yet. As well as showcasing their range of top-quality Pro DJ products, Pioneer is planning to unveil an exciting new product at the show aimed at all budding DJ's. One of the highlights of the show, Roger Sanchez will be performing in Pioneer's live DJ Booth. Let the professionals show you how it’s done - then try it for yourself! Also on the Pioneer stand will be competitions, give-aways and the opportunity to meet the man himself, Roger Sanchez.

Pioneer can be found on stand D40

JBL Professional has named Martin Seidl as the company's new Director of European Sales. Seidl comes to JBL with a solid background in professional audio: after studying Sound Engineering at the University of Music and the Performing Arts in Vienna, Austria, Seidl went on to receive his MBA from the University of Minnesota and the Vienna University of Economics.

Seidl set up Crazy Sound Productions (CSP), which specialized in the management of performers and promotion activity for various shows in Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. He then went on to become international sales manager for AKG Acoustics - a position he held until he joined JBL Professional. "Martin brings with him years of industry experience and a vast knowledge of the European market," stated Doug Daniel, VP of international sales for JBL Professional. "We're delighted to have him on our internat

SSE, one of the UK's leading live audio rental houses, has put it’s new JBL VerTec line array system straight into action on their summer schedule - including the recent Move Festival in Manchester. The Move Festival 2002 was a four-day party at Old Trafford Cricket Ground, sponsored by NME and Virgin Trains, with high profile headliners like David Bowie, New Order, Paul Weller, Suede and The Doves.

SSE’s project manager Emma Barwell was asked by promoters SJM to supply a sound system for the event. The two companies already have a good working relationship, and SSE also supplies sound for the V Festival sites at Chelmsford and Stafford. SSE initially purchased their VerTec 4889 system - from JBL’s UK distributors Arbiter Plc - to use on the Party in the Park series of local radio shows. The Move’s sound system was designed and engineered by Rob Hughes, who ensu

Sound Guys is a fast growing Romford-based sound company specializing in supplying equipment to the fitness and leisure industry. Having tried many major brand names in the sound install market, the company has found Carlsbro products to be the best suited to their specialist business. Established in 1992 by ex-club DJ John Meah, the company was initially set up as an advisory service to the fitness industry, and now installs PA and AV equipment into venues throughout the UK and Europe.

Clients include Holmes Place, DC Leisure, First Leisure, David Lloyd, Livingwell and major hotel chains including Jarvis, Marriott and Holiday Inn. Andrew Bishop, owner of Carlsbro, commented: "The Carlsbro sound is part of any good diet and exercise programme. When you hear the true British sound you just can't help move your butt! We support Sound Guys as they use Carlsbro in gym applications to

Mark Conese and Dick Sequerra, the two principals behind Sequerra Audio Labs LLC, have dissolved the company to pursue other professional interests. Fortunately, for the many devotees of the company's recently-released 1070-A microphone pre-amplifier, Conese will continue to bring this award-winning product to the market through his new company Ambient Audio Labs, LLC.

Throughout his 22-year career in professional audio, Conese has gained widespread industry respect in an array of audio-related fields. An accomplished musician and audio equipment designer, in 1989 he designed and built his Stamford, Connecticut-based recording studio - Ambient Recording Company - which has become known for making audiophile recordings as well as beta testing cutting edge technologies. In 1999, Conese founded Ambient Records, a boutique record label. Both recording studio and label have earned critical

Leading on-line sound effects resource - www.sound-effects-library.com - has announced the signing of some of Hollywood’s most prestigious sound designers. By co-publishing with SoundStorm via Audio Network plc and The Sound Company, they add yet further talent to the extensive on-line resource, which already makes available virtually any sound at a click of a button.

Hollywood sound designers, SoundStorm, whose Oscar-winning talents have accumulated over 200,000 sound effects from films such as Batman and Robin, Clear and Present Danger, The Fugitive, The Fast and the Furious, Tomb Raider and Star Trek: Nemesis to name a few, have only recently made their library available outside their own in-house editorial team and it is now accessible on-line at www.sound-eff

Leading sound production company, Capital Sound Hire, have purchased their second line array system inside a year. The company was unable to extend their long relationship with Martin Audio the first time around as the High Wycombe-based company was still developing their own system. But that recently changed. Explained managing director, Keith Davis: "We had a client who wanted to use a line array system last year, which forced us to go a different route. But once Martin were able to demo their new W8L we were convinced.

Trialing the W8L on the Hear & Now tour, Vodafone Ball and dates with Blue, the engineers noticed how impressive the system sounded. "Now everyone who hears it just goes ‘wow’." The different characteristics of the two proprietary line array systems Keith believes will increase their already heavy concert, classical and corporate work schedu

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