Sound

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USA - Las Vegas-based Transamerica Audio Group has announced the addition of Todd Peterson to the new position of marketing manager, and completed a move to new, expanded headquarters. Both moves are designed to solidify the Transamerica's position as a leading supplier of high-end pro audio equipment for recording and live applications.

Peterson has 10 years' experience in purchasing, sales management, marketing and operations for Leo's Pro Audio, a large California-based pro audio retailer. He began his career more than 13 years ago at Guitar Center in Berkley, California. In his new role, he will work to enhance Group's overall sales and marketing efforts by facilitating the flow of product and added value information between manufacturers and dealers, managing the company's national press efforts and website, coordinating product demonstrations and reviews and handling digit

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Sweden / UK - OpTex has been appointed UK Agent for Marenius Audio Products from Sweden. The first product to be launched is a portable stereo mixer suitable for professional consumer and broadcast cameras. The MM-4210 is a true professional stereo mixer for portable use. Loaded with features, these mixers will satisfy professional news crew, sportscasters and all other audio and video sound specialists, offering broadcast quality mixing without distortion and with wide frequency response. Housed in a rugged aluminum case with heavy-duty Neutrik connectors and precision controls, it represents a fabulous value for a heavy-duty field mixer. Features include four mic/line input channels, up to 74dB gain, input-to-output, 48v phantom power switchable for each mic input, additional stereo line return input, built-in M-S stereo matrix for headphone monitoring, PPM metering with 2 x 9 L

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Italy - Proel has introduced its new SMARTPlus range, which follows in the footsteps of the original Proel Smart speakers. The SMARTPlus models offer value for money for both touring artists and installers, say Proel - featuring high quality componentry and build, including genuine compression drivers instead of the Piezo tweeters commonly used in this price level.

Featuring trapezoidal designs for easy grouping, the SMARTPlus range also benefits from heavy-duty carpet covering, comes with kick-proof steel grilles, a built-in crossover at 12 dB/octave, a brand new 900 H x 600 V constant coverage elliptical horn, newly designed woofers, PTC electronic protection of HF components and plenty more features usually associated with more expensive products.

Available in passive configurations, most of which have MOSFET-powered alternative versions, the new SMARTPlus range offers user

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USA - The latest generation of Audio Toolbox from Terra Sonde in the US - the Audio Toolbox Plus - provides a comprehensive set of test and analysis functions. Aimed primarily at the installation designer and contractor, the Toolbox would not go amiss in the road box of any touring systems technician, or indeed the briefcase of an environmental health officer (though arguably a sledge hammer to crack a nut - it is nonetheless a dependable and easy-to-use piece of equipment).

Main features include a sophisticated sound level meter with LEQ mode and Noise Dosimeter. The Real Time Analyser and FFT Analyser produce graphic displays with variable frequency modes, filters, and averaging times among their many on-board options.

Other analysis tools include Energy Time graphs, Reverb Decay time (RT60) and sound study graphs. Signal generator, level/frequency meter, signal/noise rati

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UK - Matrix Audio Developments Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation. The company was founded by Matrix designer/brand owner Andrew Hunt and Clive Kinton to distribute Matrix amplifiers in the UK; Kinton left the company last month, following Hunt's decision to bring the sales and marketing of the Matrix brand under the control of the manufacturing company, A.S. Laser, in Cwmbran, South Wales.

Adrian Merrett of A.S. Laser told L&SI: "The move will streamline our service and address the production issues we have had in the past, ensuring next-day delivery for our customers."

The company's 07000 contact number remains the same.

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Lebanon - The first Zouk International Festival at the Zouk Amphitheatre in Lebanon included two shows produced by EC1 International - the world premiere of OperaBabes - Beyond Imagination and a new production of Evita.

EC1 brought in Ben M Rogers to look after the scenic and lighting design for both productions. The OperaBabes show was designed as a fusion of classical styles with rock and pop technologies, mixing album tracks with incidental music and dance to create a narrative thread to the show. Rogers' lighting rig, supplied by Lumen Art, included eight Martin Pro MAC 600s and 16 Clay Paky Stage Zoom 1200s, along with 60 Par cans and an Airstar Lumex 2000 4kW balloon, which made an impressive entrance rising up behind the stage during Act 2 and remaining at a height of 10m over the stage. Rogers programmed on a Wholehog II from Stage Electrics, using his WYSIWYG Perform

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UK - Birmingham-based SSE Hire Ltd has ordered five InnovaSON Sy80 digital live consoles to supplement its extensive digital console inventory. SSE has been using InnovaSON Sensory series consoles for over two years for prestigious clients such as David Gray, UB40, BBC Top of the Pops, Stereophonics, Massive Attack, Faithless, Sting and many more.

SSE technical director Chris Beale says: "InnovaSON's digital consoles have always combined excellent audio performance with the most straightforward user interface. Many engineers who initially passed the consoles by because of their cosmetic simplicity have been very surprised at the quality of the result and we often find that engineers who try the Sensory consoles under some duress simply get hooked once they start to use them. The new Sy80, which has evolved from the earlier models and now has a very rich feature set, compete

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UK - Allen & Heath has launched the latest version of the Windows-based iDR Software Manager that configures the company's iDR hardware components into an integrated audio distribution system. Version 3.3 has been developed to support the new iDR-4 signal processor and PL-9 'hub' unit (launched at PLASA) and to reflect the familiar Windows style applications and navigation, including copy, paste and save functions between presets and DSP devices.

Version 3.3 provides the facility for custom Sys-Net and MIDI strings to be programmed into patch settings, triggering the operation of Sys-Net or MIDI compatible equipment such as a CD player, lighting or effects unit, when a patch is recalled. Similarly, soft LEDs and logic outputs can now be controlled by level sensing within a channel.

The software also enables functions such as inter iDR paging and patch recall to be controlled

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Denmark - The new low profile SP12 stage monitor from Mach boasts high SPL and power handling and provides high gain-before-feedback with minimum EQ requirements, according to the manufacturer. Features include a narrow dispersion patent that provides ideal vocal performance and a specially designed enclosure which produces a powerful, clean bass performance.

The SP12 is equipped with dual 12" woofers with a 2" throat compression driver and has an output of no less than 138dB. The symmetrical cabinet is highly durable and is coated with Mach SafeCoat - a strong, scratch-resistant, UV stable and weatherproof polyurethane surface. With a slim and smart design, the SP 12 is aimed equally at television and theatre environments. A rugged flightcase for two units is available.

(Lee Baldock)

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USA - Gaylord Entertainment and JBL Professional have confirmed the sale and installation of a new JBL Vertec system for the legendary Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The venerable country music venue is currently used for a broad variety of performance and presentation events. The 4,400-seat auditorium now features a sound system consisting of JBL Professional and Crown Audio products.

The new system was used for the 37th Annual CMA (Country Music Association) awards, which aired live on 5 November. The show featured Sheryl Crow, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Travis Tritt and Hank Williams Jr in a special tribute to Johnny Cash.

Installed during a week in September without interrupting the Opry's busy schedule, the project involved coordination among many players. Noted engineer George Massenburg was engaged by the Opry as audio quality consult

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Europe - The all-arena European tour by Mick Hucknall's Simply Red is using an EV X-Line sound reinforcement system for its UK leg and forthcoming shows in continental Europe. Britannia Row is providing the X-Line system with IRIS-controlled Precision Series amplifiers.

Front-of-house engineer Gary Bradshaw, who is using X-Line for the first time, is delighted with the results, commenting: "The EV X-Line is more gutsy than some other line arrays, which suits Simply Red and what they are trying to achieve on the tour, namely to deliver a full-on sound, like being in a club. They don't want to sound like one of their CDs, rather they're trying to get across some of the excitement that they feel on stage. X-Line offers the best bass response of all the line arrays I've used, and vocally, it's fairly effortless all the way to the back, the high end is crystal clear."

Bri

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Germany - Dynacord has extended the Madras system, introduced last year, with an active alternative - the M 212 two-way, mid-high/full-range enclosure. The Madras M 212 is equipped with two 12" Electro-Voice Neodymium ND12A transducers for the low mid-range and an Electro-Voice ND-6 neodymium driver with a 3" voice coil and an 80° x 55° constant directivity horn for the high frequencies. It delivers, say Dynacord, exactly the type of sound pressure levels in the low mid-range required for a large number of medium-sized venues.

With an output of 600W (450W LF and 140W HF) from the power amplifier, the M 212 is capable of achieving peak SPLs in excess of 131dB/1m with minimal distortion. The sound is therefore projected almost twice as far as from a conventional passive speaker. Just as much attention has been paid to safety, however, as to power, with the Voice Coil T

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Germany - Neumann & Müller is one of Germany's leading sound equipment rental companies, with 10 regional offices across the country, as well as bases in Prague and Brussels. Long-term users of Soundcraft mixing consoles, the company has just taken delivery of eight MH3 boards, four 24-channel desks (including console link kits) and four 40-channel desks (including console link kits).

Neumann & Müller have used Soundcraft Venue, Delta, K1 and K3 consoles for a wide variety of productions in the TV/Broadcast sector, corporate events and trade shows. With confidence in the brand, and a good relationship with Audio Pro, distributor of Soundcraft desks in Germany, the company is making a major investment in the MH3 model. "There's no better console in that price range which offers such a combination of feature set, build quality and sonic performance," explains Jörg ter

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Australia - Before the blood started to flow in the tournament proper, the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup on Friday 10 October was the latest stunning spectacle to grace Sydney's Olympic Stadium. The event ushered in the largest sporting event of 2003, and was broadcast live to an estimated one billion people worldwide.

Chameleon Touring Systems provided lighting designer Mark Hammer with a rig that included over 350 intelligent lighting fixtures. The rig, predominantly Martin Pro, included MAC 2000 washlights, MAC 2000 profiles, MAC 2000 Performances, MAC 600 washlights, MAC 300s and Atomic Strobes; this was also one of the first ever events for the new MAC 550. The 2000s did the main work on the stadium floor, from a height of up to 46m, while the 550s were used on the performance stage. Other fixtures included 56 VL2402 washlights from Vari-Lite, 24 Studio Due fixtur

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UK - Andy Reed's APR Audio is gearing up for expansion into the continental market, setting up to become Europe's largest dry-hire source of Electro-Voice branded sound reinforcement systems. Based in south-west England, APR Audio entered the pro audio rental sector in some style in 2002, purchasing a substantial inventory of EV X-Line, X-Array and XLC system hardware, complete with the latest remote controlled amplifiers and Midas consoles. Reed has been gradually consolidating his equipment stocks; APR now owns the largest dry-hire stock of Electro-Voice equipment in Europe.

With the addition of more staff at his Taunton HQ, Reed is ready to take his operation further afield. "With Electro-Voice systems being specified on so many shows these days, we wanted to take advantage of the opportunities in a larger market. The economics of modern touring, with fewer long tours on

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Denmark - Mach has added a range of highly aesthetic ceiling speakers to its installation series. Designed to blend, the new CS in-ceiling speakers are a range of attractive recess ceiling speakers for multi purpose applications.

The range consists of three coaxial speakers in 5", 6" and 8" sizes with a built-in 100/70V transformer with 8ohms option. With up to four individual power settings in 100/70 Volt mode, the CS5, CS6 and CS8 are extremely flexible, suiting a wide range of applications. With straightforward connections and attachment locks, Mach's in-ceiling speakers are easy to install. Featuring a true, natural sound in a lean cabinet, the CS series is aimed primarily at clubs, bars, restaurants and retail applications.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - Pioneer has introduced the DVJ-X1, which combines the proven Pioneer CD Jog Dial technology with the flexibility and capacity of DVD. With this new system, Pioneer says it is now leading the way towards the creation of a completely original leisure activity and the emergence of a new breed of performer - the DVJ - combining the skills of a DJ and VJ.

With the well-known Pioneer Jog Dial at its centre, the DVJ-X1 looks just like the company's CDJ-1000MK2 CD player, but with the added capacity to playback DVDs as well as CDs. Because it imitates the form and functionality of the CDJ-1000MK2, the DVJ-X1 will be familiar to digital DJs who have used this unit and will allow them to use Pioneer's new unit to manipulate DVD visuals in exactly the same way as they would with music: real-time digital video scratches, loops and instant cues are all possible with the DVJ-X1, while th

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Norway - R.E.M. recently wrapped up a 10-day tour of Europe to promote their new album In Time: The Best of R.E.M 1988-2003 with a special performance in Oslo, Norway, open only to fan club members, contest winners and media. The venue, known only to a selected few prior to the event, was an old factory called Uderholdningsfabrikke now dedicated to concert and event production. Midas's Norwegian distributor, AVAB-CAC provided staging, lights and sound for the show, including two Midas Heritage 3000 consoles to take care of both FOH and monitors.

According to AVAB-CAC's Asle Nilsen, the consoles were specifically requested by FOH engineer Joe Ravitch and his colleague on monitors who have both stated that they prefer to mix on an analogue board. "There isn't an engineer in the world who isn't familiar with a Heritage 3000, so if it's a top quality analogue console you

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UK - FX Cimple Solutions, the service and repair division of the FX Group, has been appointed the sole UK service centre for Harman Pro UK brands JBL Professional, AKG, dbxPro, Digitech and DOD with immediate effect. The announcement follows the closure of the Arbiter Group's pro audio division, which has led to the formation of the Harman Pro Group to handle UK distribution of JBL Professional, dbx and AKG. Digitech and DOD product lines are now being distributed in the UK by Fender.

The announcement was made following a meeting in October with FX Cimple Solutions' managing director Cliff Whitehead, and Harman Music Group's European sales manager Glen Harris and sales operations manager David Fata. "We're really happy to be working with Cimple Solutions, and they came highly recommended," says Harris. "These brands all have massive customer bases and it is great

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Canada - Centre in the Square in Kitchener, Ontario, has installed an InnovaSON Sy80 digital live mixing console in its prestigious Raffi Armenian Theatre, one of North America's most acoustically superior halls. The first of its type to be installed in Canada, the Sy80 console will be used to mix a wide variety of performances.

The Sy80 console was selected to replace a vintage analogue console for a combination of reasons, as Chief Engineer Bob Luffman explains: "The space occupied by the console is in the midst of the seating which is at a premium; the Sy80 has a much smaller footprint and for many events has freed up a number of seats for paying customers. The physical compactness is also important as I need access to console functions without a lot of physical movement that might distract patrons around me. We regularly put on shows with a rock band backed by an orches

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UK - d&b audiotechnik has announced the dates for its Sound System Design seminars in the Cotswolds. These increasingly popular seminars address the acoustic signal path between the loudspeaker and the listener's ears. d&b's John Taylor, an experienced presenter with his own distinctive style, believes that, if you are passionate about sound system design, then you need to make it sound good for every listener in the house.

The seminars exists solely for that purpose, there's no fluff, no puff; just comprehensive electro-acoustics with all the physics you'll need thrown in. The style is friendly and the demonstrations memorable! Up coming dates are January 14th, February 4th, March 10th, April 7th.To book a seat either e-mail details to the address below or apply via the website.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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UK - Surrey based Peter Macuik Installations (PMI) has recently acquired Trantec's revolutionary S6000 radio mic system. Adding to their already expansive portfolio of Trantec's radio products with the S6000, it joins it's brother the S5000 which has proved to be a reliable and robust tool over quite a few years of service. This will allow PMI to further strengthen their ability to realize the more challenging audio projects, particularly across Europe, where frequency pre-planning can often be problematic.

PMI's managing director, Peter Macuik commented: "The S6000 represents a radical departure from traditional radio systems and further underlines Trantec's commitment to quality and innovation. Apart from its compact design and simple pre-programming capabilities, its in-built RF Frequency Scanning Analyser makes it invaluable to us on projects in Europe. It cleverly scan

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USA - Multi-Platinum selling post-grunge rockers Nickelback are currently on an extensive sold-out tour of the US to promote their new release "The Long Road". The Canadian band is touring with three Midas consoles provided by Las Vegas sound reinforcement specialists ProMix Electrotec. There is an XL4 on FOH, a Heritage 3000 on monitor duties plus an XL3 monitor sidecar. EQ is handled by Klark Teknik DN360s. FOH duties belong to Nickelback's longtime Road Manager Kevin "Chief" Zaruk, and the monitor consoles are manned by Mark "Sparky" McNeill. Chief discussed the tour and how Midas has made a difference in Nickelback's live show: "I've been working with Nickelback for almost seven years now. This is the biggest tour we've done to date and it's going extremely well. We've got forty crew, five trucks and seven buses out with us. We also have thre

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Portugal - Portuguese Chameleon distributor Audinova recently introduced the new Atlas digital amplifier range at the Musicália fair in Lisbon held in October this year. Audinova showed Atlas for the first time on mainland Europe, along with a good selection of other Chameleon products including DP/2, DX and the Studio range of amplifiers. Atlas was shown as a pre-production model and was sent out especially for the exhibition, Atlas versions AT-700 2 x 350 watts and AT-1400 2 x 700 watts in to 4 Ohms are expected to begin shipping at the end of the year.

Nunes de Sousa general manager of Audinova commented: "It is amazing, Chameleon is a small company yet has developed technology to produce such a quality digital amplifier. Chameleon analogue amplifiers are well proven and the digital Atlas range has created great interest during the show. The rental companies really appr

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