Hong Kong - Hong Kong's famous Cathedral of Immaculate Conception has recently completed the installation of their new state-of-the-art audio system. Nestled in the foothills of Hong Kong Island overlooking Victoria Harbour the Cathedral has served as the religious and social centre for the Island's sizeable Catholic population since it was completed in 1888.

The lead contractor for the installation was Hong Kong's Pacific Audio Supplies who made extensive use of the Bose Modeler and Auditioner design programs in the design and consultative stages of the project. Featuring an innovative Loudspeaker System constructed from multiple Bose FS32SEs in a line array configuration the system is powered by a combination of Bose and Carver power amplifiers.

All Loudspeaker Feeds from the console output groups are equalized with ARX EQ60 1/3rd octave graphic equalizers. Bose ‘doubl

The Netherlands - Ampco Pro Rent is to take delivery of a Midas Heritage 3000 bearing the serial number 600 to add to its already considerable fleet of Heritage consoles which now numbers 15 within the group. This makes Ampco one of the largest owners of Heritage consoles in Europe, and significantly, the sale of the 600th Midas Heritage 3000 console goes to the same company who also own serial numbers 1 and 2.

Head of Midas sales, David Cooper, recalls that Ampco was one of only six companies in the world who liked the concept of the Heritage 3000 so much that they ordered two consoles purely on spec before they had even seen a prototype. According to Ampco Pro Rent managing director Fred Heuves, the investment has more than paid for itself. "We were the first people in Europe to offer our customers a console that has since become an industry-standard, so we have been reap

Denmark - Danish pro audio manufacturer MTi A/S has launched a new website. Currently in its infancy, the website will have regular updates to ensure it continues to be a powerful tool for all users and a source of fresh information for all those with an eye on the future of pro audio.

Features of the site include full product information with concise narrative and comprehensive specification downloads for the new LARC1 line-array system, new MPA-82000 8-channel amplifier and the current range of BR products. News information is also presented, along with an extensive reference segment and a brief history of the 30-year old company. Company contact details and an interesting staff segment can also be found.

(Ruth Rossington)

USA - VFGadgets Inc’s QT-256 Mini Voice Transmitter, claimed to be the world's smallest broadcast quality voice transmitter, is available for viewing at the company’s website. VFGadgets has secured the on-line distribution sales rights for the QT-256 transmitter for the Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, European, South American and African markets. The QT-256 was developed and manufactured entirely from the ground up by the London, Ontario-based firm Quantum5X Systems Inc. According to VFGadgets, it uses a patent-pending RF technology which enhances the quality of broadcast sports, entertainment events, and motion pictures.

Live demonstrations and successful field testing of product have been televised by ESPN at the Great Outdoor Games, X Games, MLB Sunday night and All Star Games, NHL All Star games, WNBA and College Football. The development project, named &lsquo

UK - A Charity Gala Concert at the Royal Opera House, London, drew together a glamorous line-up of acting and musical talent in support of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

Among the stars helping to raise money for the cause were Alan Bates, Terence Stamp, Nicholas Grace, Dame Eileen Atkins, Michael Palin, Rula Lenska, Sinead Cusack and Jeremy Irons. Among the musical line-up were Bryan Adams, Brian May, Alessandro Saffina and the Operababes.

Production manager Robbie Williams brought in White Light Events to take care of lighting, a duty overseen by lighting designer Mikey Robertson, with Jason Larcombe as associate LD. Robertson says: "The stage was too big for our purposes, even with the number of performers who would be appearing on it, so we halved the depth by putting in a back projection screen. This freed up some of the side lighting fixtures which we used for back-

UK - Few albums in the history of popular music can rival the success of Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon. Artistically ambitious and blatantly appealing at the same time, Dark Side remains a staple 30 years after its release. To celebrate that milestone, the band decided to re-release the album for the first time in 5.1 surround on Super Audio CD (SACD). The highly regarded producer and engineer James Guthrie, who has worked with the band for more than two decades, was asked to handle the remix. Although he happily accepted the assignment, Guthrie says the decision was not made without a bit of trepidation.

"This was a very difficult 5.1 mix. Not from a musical point of view, because the record really lends itself to a three-dimensional treatment, but from the point of view that everyone knows the original mix so well. It is indelibly printed on our minds. We've had

The Netherlands - The Dutch town of Kerkrade has become something of a magnet for Dutch, Belgian and German ravers of late. The draw is the recently opened 5,000 capacity Vizion club - a massive, multi-layered venue, situated near the German and Belgian borders, which features no less than 15 bars, several restaurants, a VIP lounge and a studio for the local radio station.

Pierre Vijgen, who owns Vizion, has invested more than €10 million in the venue, which sits tucked beneath the stands of Kerkrade’s Parkstad Limburg stadium. And get this for luxury - visitors arriving by car can choose from one of 1,500 parking spaces, with entry to the club costing only 10 euros.

Despite the scale of the venue, its split-level layout ensures that even when the building is not entirely full, its feel remains intimate and busy. Numerous internal galleries, like stork’s nests, of

UK - Power Gems is currently previewing the latest product in its Xenon Ballast range, the XE200/2, suitable for leading brands of Xenon 2kW followspots. Electronic ballasts offer extended lamp life over magnetic ballasts and they are much, much lighter.

The CE-approved ballast is 35cm x 17cm wide x 24cm high and weighs 8kgs. Its supply Voltage range is 185– 265V a.c and its supply frequency is 47-63Hz. It has a power factor of 0.65 and lamp current up to 85A, with a lamp voltage range of 19.2-28.8Vdc.

(Ruth Rossington)

USA - Mondiale, the publisher of Total Production magazine, have announced a licensing agreement with new American publishing company, Austin Burbank Media Productions LLC. The agreement will see the launch of a new magazine - Total Production US - in March 2003 serving the lighting, audio and staging industries in the USA. The magazine will reflect the values of its European sister but be dedicated to US events and news.

Austin Burbank founder and editor is Bruce Jordahl, formerly the editor of the US-based Pro Lights & Staging News (PLSN) magazine. He commented: "Total Production has long had a great reputation over here for its editorial values and commitment to the industry. A US version will give us the time and space to fulfill those same aims specifically for the American market. By bringing the title over, the industry already knows the style and quality of magazine

UK - The Institute of Sound and Communications Engineers (ISCE) and the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) have agreed to set up a joint group on Audio Frequency Induction Loop Systems (AFILS). International Standard IEC/EN 60118-4 is up for revision, and some of the current content has been a bone of contention amongst many for some time. The collaboration between the two organizations will help provide a productive forum for members to generate a considered and expert view on the proposals, submitting them via BSI committee EPL/29.

PLASA has agreed to share John Woodgate's reports on the relevant BSI and IEC meetings with ISCE members. Currently, it is anticipated that the group will communicate through the ISCE mailgroup at present. If necessary, a separate mailgroup can be set up, depending on the level of response. The group is open to employees of PLASA me

Australia - ARX Systems, announce the release of their new SPL 8H ultra-compact integrated two-way powered loudspeaker. The SPL 8H features a reflex-loaded 8" (205mm) LF driver and 1" (25mm) HF compression driver on ARX's newly developed 80° x 60° waveguide. 24dB Linkwitz Riley filters are used throughout to ensure phase integrity.

The internal Mosfet-based power amplifier develops an optimized 150W RMS with system protection provided by ARX's onboard I.S.C based proprietary analogue computer. AC mains input and loop through feature Neutrik PowerCon NAC series connectors for failsafe operation. Audio input and output is via locking XLR connectors.The trapezoid (7.5° taper) SPL8H cabinet features a full-length steel mesh protective grille with a stand mount fitted as standard. Optional rated flying points are also available. Weighing only 22kg, the SPL 8H's dimension

UK - Formula Sound’s recently-launched PM-100 Freedom Series modular mixers have already proved to be a big hit with DJs, who are now using them at some of the UK's most prestigious venues, say the company. London-based Ritzy Entertainment bought one of the first mixers to become available, and having taken it into such high profile venues as London's Park Lane Hilton Hotel and the famous Café Royal, and according to Formula Sound their DJ teams have voted it "the best quality mixer available in today's competitive market."

"This mixer has tremendous flexibility and the microphone options are particularly useful, " comments Ritzy's Sanjeev Kumar. "It gives you great control over everything and is ideally suited to the needs of the DJ. We will certainly be buying more of these," he adds.

The new PM-100 Freedom Series units build on the modul

Finland - Oy Hedcom Ab has recently supplied three Midas XL4 consoles complete with XL3 sidecars via their installation partners to Kvaerner Masa-Yards in Helsinki for installation into some of the world’s most advanced cruise liners. Kvaerner Masa-Yards has been shipbuilding since 1737 and is now a vast operation employing over 4,000 people across two extremely modern yards in Helsinki and Turku. In the last 10 years, over 25% of the world’s cruise ships have come from these two shipyards.

The consoles have been installed in the main show lounge/nightclub of the Carnival Pride with a passenger capacity of 2,680 and her sister ship the Carnival Legend which sail primarily in the Caribbean out of Florida, while the third has been delivered to the Costa Mediterranea, which is still under construction and will be sailing in the Mediterranean upon her completion later th

UK - Qube, the joint venture between pro audio manufacturers Renkus-Heinz and FBT, has introduced a new line array system, available via UK distributor Proel (International) Ltd, which it says is priced low enough to bring line array technology to a whole new range of lower-budget applications. The QSA-210 line array is a two-way passive line array speaker, featuring two 10" neodymium loudspeakers and two 1" neodymium drivers, together capable of handling 600W (400W RMS LF into 8 Ohms, 200W RMS HF into 8 Ohms).

The system is based on a principle Qube calls 'the Isophasic Plane Wave generator', which employs a true acoustic lens in the horn section, loaded with the two 1" HF high-compression neodymium drivers, resulting in a line-shaped source evenly distributed within the cabinet as well as with the line array. Qube says this allows high power and precise line arr

Russia - Spanish manufacturer D.A.S. Audio reports that its systems have been fundamental in installations ranging from houses of worship to theatres in both Korea and Russia recently. Kusan,the company’s distributor in Korea has installed D.A.S. systems in a number of venues requiring precise and natural coverage. Reference series R-212s and Dynamics series DS-12s have been incorporated in the audio/video systems of the the Bu-Kwang Methodist Church, the San-sung Church and the Pyung-Tack City Youth Center.

Another example of the international scope of D.A.S. installations is the Norilsk Zapoliarny Theatre in Russia. BossMan, D.A.S.’s Russian distributor has installed a large number of different D.A.S. systems. The venue was built in 1941 and remodeled in 1985. In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the theatre, a series of upgrades were undertaken, including n

Germany - ProLight&Sound 2003: Tony Andrews and the Funktion One team demonstrated their excellent and imposing Dance Stacks in a private demo room away from the show floor. The Dance Stack, which stands over eight-and-a-half feet high, has been further developed since its appearance at the PLASA Show last year, with the addition of the Infrabass 218 (1200W RMS) - a completely new Andrews design for the octave from 30-60Hz (response 20-80Hz). With the same dimensions as the F218, this unit can also add its smooth, deep bass to the low end of their Resolution 2 full-range touring and installation system.

Germany - ProLight&Sound 2003: AKG showed the new Emotion/Tri-Power Series of microphones for wired or wireless use. The Series features the plug-in TM 40 transmitter module, which can replace the XLR connector module on any of the D 3700, D 880 or C 900 microphones within seconds, to produce a high-performance wireless mic for use with the WMS 40 system.AKG's latest wireless system is the WMS 4000, a versatile wideband UHF system with true-diversity receiver, offering 1200 frequencies in each of six bands. Configurable via the company's Mission Control software, this extremely stylish system features intelligent battery management, universal charger, backlit display on all transmitters and receivers and a turn-push jog control for one-handed use.

Germany - ProLight&Sound 2003: Dutch manufacturer ASL Intercom was highlighting its presence in the live touring comms market with the introduction of its Digital Wireless Intercom system. The short-range system, designed for ease of use, reliability and speech intelligibility, works on the global licence-exempt frequency of 2.4 - 2.483GHz. ASL has established up to eight wireless full duplex intercom connections within this band, either 1- or 2-channel.

The system consists of rugged wireless beltpacks and base stations for either two or four wireless connections, and includes all standard ASL features including audible and visible Call signals, Talk and Mic Mute functions, with LED indicators on the front panel. (Available in the UK from beyerdynamic)

Germany - ProLight&Sound 2003: D.A.S. Audio expanded its self-powered low frequency range with the introduction of the mono-amplified Compact 218 Sub. Two special 700W RMS 18 GN cone transducers handle low frequency reproduction, employing edge-wound flat wire (EFW) for the voice coil windings, a high-flux neodymium magnet and a front-loaded bass-reflex configuration and large enclosure volume to enhance bass response. The C218 Sub uses advanced Class-D amplifier design. True high-end performance is achieved by the patented ICEpower amplifier. A single 1000W module provides the power amplification for the Compact 218 Sub. With an efficiency of 93%, the ICEpower amplifier uses less electricity, reduces heat and does not need fans or bulky heatsinks for cooling.

Germany - ProLight&Sound 2003: Latest moves from DiGiCo include the launch of the D5 Live FM, which they say offers "everything needed for live sound production between the microphone and the PA system". The D5 Live 56 FM package includes a 56-input/64-channel FOH console; 64-channel monitor console; one stage DigiRack, one local FOH DigiRack and one local monitor DigiRack; three drums of fibre optic cable (one for a redundant loop) and two flightcases. The D5 Live 96 FM package is identical but with 96-channel FOH and monitor consoles, an extra 40-input stage DigiRack and a fibre optic link cable.

New software upgrades bring added features: Gain Tracking is a world first, allowing FOH/monitor console operators to change any input gain without affecting the sound balance on either console; the D5 Live's 38 x 8 matrix can now have any channels, inputs and any buss, rout

Germany - ProLight&Sound 2003: Germany's HK Audio had occupied a presentation room away from their stand to provide a quiet environment for their friends and customers. The company is one of the three pro audio brands manufactured and marketed by Music & Sales, along with Hughes & Kettner and MindPrint. Music & Sales expanded into new premises 18 months ago in a €4 million investment, and now employs over 200 people. At Frankfurt this year, HK was highlighting its new corporate image and re-defined product ranges, with loudspeaker systems clearly categorized into Touring, Install or Portable ranges. New product ranges are expected to be announced in July, and will make their debut at the PLASA Show in London in September.

Germany - ProLight&Sound 2003: BSS Audio introduced the new Soundweb Lite 3088 programmable digital audio system. The new 8x8 unit provides a less-expensive alternative to the original Soundweb for jobs requiring a maximum of eight ins and outs. This will undoubtedly find favour in many applications, including houses of worship, theme bars, boardrooms and clubs. The 3088 has all the capabilities of the networked version and runs under the common Soundweb Designer platform (V1.40 available from the BSS website). Consultants and contractors already familiar with Soundweb will be able to incorporate designs using the 3088 immediately.

Germany - ProLight&Sound 2003: Germany's KME introduced the CA 6 active sound system, aimed at portable performance applications. The system includes two CSA400D top elements and four CBA600D subwoofers, providing a total performance rate of 3kW RMS. The CSA400D has a continuous sound level of 129dB and the subwoofer a powerful 142dB. The entire system fits easily into the back of an estate car, say KME.

Also new is a direct-radiating bass reflex system in the company's Prestige Series. The new 18" long-term excursion transducer QB 1181 E/QB 1181 ET reproduces a lower cut-off frequency of 28Hz. Designed as a direct radiating bass reflex system, it features a sophisticated tunnel geometry for significant minimization of flow noise.

Germany - ProLight&Sound 2003: Digigram's Audio Manager is a powerful set of software tools for local and remote management of multi-zone audio. DAM builds upon NCX Suite and includes all the functions of NCX Suite plus a new catalogue module, and adds management for Digigram's miXart 8 multi-channel sound card range, including the miXart 8 CN sound card with CobraNet interface. Management and monitoring tasks can be performed from virtually anywhere via TCP/IP.Digigram also showed its systems-oriented approach to IP-based audio networks, with Exaudi Platform and Exaudi Hitplayer, formerly sold as 'Hitplayer-L' by Aztec Radiomedia. Exaudi Platform is an open development platform designed for large-scale systems-oriented applications such as inter-site audio distribution in public transport, governmental logging and monitoring, or broadcast infrastructure. Exaudi Hitplayer is now s

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