Sound

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UK - Marquee Audio recently supplied Bristol Old Vic with a digital theatre playback system, featuring a Yamaha DM1000 console and Stage Research SFX show control software, which has radically improved the operational experience of the theatre's in-house sound designer.

"Although the price tag is very cost-effective for this kind of functionality, it is a lot of money to a regional theatre," says Jason Barnes, head of sound at the Old Vic. "However, it's bought us an immense improvement. Putting a show together is now far less stressful and we can do it a lot quicker."

Jason Barnes' own ideas and research took him in the direction of the SFX software programme, rapidly becoming an industry-standard, and, with the input of Andy Huffer from Marquee Audio, a complete system was designed: the Yamaha DM1000 digital console, with the SFX sound playback software p

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UK - Capital Sound Hire fielded its newly-acquired Martin Audio W8LC compact line array for Eddie Izzard's Sexie world tour, presently nearing the end of its UK leg. The scalable system (measuring 16-box hangs per side at the arena venues) has been specified to provide evenly-dispersed high speech intelligibility, as well as pre-show, intermission and outro music. Further W8C's - two wide and three deep - are used for outfills, W2's are used for front fills, and in the large auditoria, nine delay points are manned by further W8C's - in clusters of four. Six WSX subs, configured in a standard block, are ground-stacked either side of the stage.

The delay taps - and all the system settings - are contained in a combination of XTA DP-224 and DP-226 digital processors, with head system engineer Scott Scherban carrying out remote management via XTA's proprietary AudioCore software, loa

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UK - New from Peavey the QF 215 and Q 2151 15-band, constant Q, 2/3 octave equalizers, both offering high specifications at entry level prices, are backed by a five-year warranty. Featuring a 25Hz 16 kHz bandwidth, quarter-inch jack and XLR balanced inputs/outputs, the 2U space rack mounting Peavey QF 215 offers ±15dB of cut and boost on each band and 40Hz low-cut filter. Other features include bypass switches on each channel, ±21dBu max input/output noise level, output level LED display, 40mm sliders, a noise floor of 98dBV and internal power supply. The 1U rack-mounting Q 2151 offers switchable 6dB/12dB boost/cut, switchable 40Hz low-cut filter on each channel, an output level display on each channel and 20mm sliders.

(Lee Baldock)

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Italy - Following the news before Christmas of the sale of RCF (Mackie Designs Italy Spa) by Loud Technologies Inc, we have learned that a group of investors, led by Arturo Vicari, has bought all of the assets of Mackie Designs Italy Spa and immediately renamed the company RCF Spa. Arturo Vicari is the major shareholder of RCF Spa and will take up the position of managing director of the new company, the position he held prior to the sale of the company to Mackie Inc (now Loud Technologies) in June 1998.

Alfredo Macchiaverna, a well-known consultant in Reggio Emilia, the home of RCF for more than 50 years, has been nominated President of the Board, and will be representing the group of shareholders, while the Italian bank Banca Aletti will act as financial advisor to the business and has a representative on the new Board of RCF Spa.

Arturo Vicari commented on the acquisition:

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UK - Entec Sound supplied a d&b audiotechnik sound system and crew to cult US band The Kings of Leon, for their first - and totally sold-out - UK tour. Brent Rawlings is the band's FOH engineer and production manager. He started working with them in November 2002, when they were looking for someone who could mix sound and offer a number of other on-the-road skills - like production and tour managing, driving the truck etc. However, as the band has gained popularity, he has been able to concentrate increasingly on the sound, as more crew have come onboard.

Kings of Leon played the UK twice previously, but used house systems, and this time they stepped up to touring their own production. When Rawlings was casting around for a sound company, Entec was recommended by several sources, so he asked them - and others - to bid, and Entec won that process. He specifically wanted a d&b sy

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USA - Crest Audio has announced a number of new additions to its range of pro audio products. Firstly, the X Series consoles offer tailor-made solutions for fixed installations, churches, stadiums, live sound reinforcement, broadcasting and corporate AV applications. Benefiting from the R&D behind the company's flagship V12 console, the X Series consoles offer superior sonic performance and build quality combined with intuitive control surfaces, say Crest.

Also new is the X Rack Series consoles, which address a wide range of applications including project studios, churches, broadcasting, and live sound reinforcement. These compact, feature filled, rack-mounting mixers achieve a high rejection rate of RF interference and ground-related noise, and exhibit less than ±30 degrees of input to output phase shift. Other features include XLR connectors on all primary inputs and outputs

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USA - Macy's Parade is one of the most enduring Thanksgiving Day traditions in America. Millions have seen the parade on television since it was first broadcast by NBC in 1948, and in recent years the biggest crowds along the route have heard the sound of the parade through Meyer Sound loudspeakers.

For the past fifteen years, audio consultant Randy Hansen of ADI Group has served as sound designer for the parade, and for the last ten parades he has relied on New York-based Sound Associates to provide audio equipment and system engineering. "I generally prefer to use Meyer Sound loudspeakers whenever I can," says Hansen. "We've been doing this parade so long with Sound Associates that I guess I just take the Meyer speakers for granted. Perhaps that's because we haven't had any problems with them, they've always performed flawlessly."

This year's parade, star

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UK - SSE Hire's investment in digital audio technology continues with the purchase of two Yamaha PM1D digital mixing desks for Sarah Brightman's upcoming Harem Tour which kicks off early this year in Mexico.

Brightman's FOH engineer Colin Boland specified the Yamaha after trying a range of alternative digital consoles. He commented: "Having used Yamaha equipment for many years I find that the layout, programming and facilities follow a logic that has been consistent and fits in with the way I work. Also having used the PM1D on several previous tours I have been impressed with the performance, sound, reliability and backup."

The particular requirements of the show, with its large number of inputs, made gain control and the ability to add inserts, effects and recording feeds at both ends of the multicore imperative. Thus each console has its own set of 96-channel input

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USA - The US Patent Office has awarded Meyer Sound its 17th US patent, this time for the rigging system used on the M3D line array and M3D-Sub directional subwoofer. The patent recognizes the rigging system's innovations including the CamLink system, which allows splay angles to be changed more easily than in other rigging systems, say Meyer.

The system features a rigid design, which offers numerous advantages - no pullback cable, often required by other systems, is necessary. Without pullback cables, cabinet angle adjustments can be accomplished without having to release the array, while the rotating cam at the rear of the frame means that only the front of the cabinet need be adjusted to change the splay angle; no parts need to be exchanged. Rigid mounting also enables arrays to be transported intact, maintaining cabinet splaying, saving truck space, and simplifying setup.

T

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The Netherlands - Mission Pro has appointed of Electric Sound B.V. as their professional distributor for The Netherlands. Based in Almere, Electric Sound is an established leader in the pro audio market in Holland, distributing many eminent brands including Beyerdynamic, Dynacord, König & Meyer, Rane, Alesis, Galaxy Audio, Pro Co, BTK and ML Audio.

John Haug, pro audio manager for Electric Sound commented: "We are very pleased with this appointment which complements our established brands well. The superb ability of the Mission products to provide high intelligibility and even coverage within either good or difficult acoustic environments means we are able to provide better solutions for our customers. Aesthetically the product will also meet the approval of the most demanding architects and venues."

Mission Pro's director of sales and marketing, Steve Jordan adds:

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Thailand - Thailand's leading jazz guitarist, Prode Tanapat, has recently chosen Audient to help bring his live music to audiences across the world. His self-titled album, which was released this month on the Warner Music (Thailand) label, includes two live tracks, 'Daddy's Tune' and 'Back Home', both of which were recorded and mixed using Audient consoles; namely the Audient ASP8024 and live mixing console, Aztec.

"We chose Aztec for the live recording because it always maintains the integrity of the signal path during production, the preamps are very clean and access to the record outputs via D-Sub is very convenient," explains Jack Pattanatabut, owner of rental company Jack Sound. He continues: "We mixed the two live tracks in the studio on the Audient ASP8024 so that Aztec's audio quality was not compromised. The mix on the ASP8024 was quick and easy and the i

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Germany - Jean-Michael Benseler has taken over the coordination of Electro-Voice's microphone marketing in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Benseler, is well-known and respected within the industry, having enjoyed success on the road with Electro-Voice in the mid-seventies. After many years gathering experience in leading positions with a number of well-known audio firms, Benseler returned to EVI Audio two years ago.

(Lee Baldock)

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USA - Loud Technologies Inc has appointed Audio Geer as its sales representative in Southern California and Southern Nevada. Founded in 1994, Audio Geer is headquartered in Los Angeles with regional offices in San Diego and Las Vegas. "Audio Geer will represent our entire portfolio of brands including Mackie, Tapco, EAW and the new EAW Commercial line," says Larry Bennett, sales manager, national accounts for Loud Technologies. "They've got a strong reputation for developing innovative customer and dealer training programs and we're confident that they have the expertise to ensure ongoing growth, and superior service throughout the region."

Alan Geer, president of Audio Geer, commented: "Loud Technologies has an exceptionally strong portfolio of brands as well as one of the most innovative product development teams in professional audio. We are very exci

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Spain / UK - Spanish pro audio manufacturer AD Systems has appointed Sabre as its sole distributor in the UK and Eire for its complete range of audio products. AD Systems has 25 years' experience in the pro audio market, manufacturing loudspeakers, power amplifiers and sound processors.

Pictured is the AD Systems NEOcraft touring system, which achieves a very low weight for a touring cabinet, at just 30kg for the C30 mid/high unit and 34kg for the Neocraft B30 bass cabinet.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - By now most PLASA members will be aware of the imminent introduction of the Working at Heights Regulations (WAHR), currently in what is expected to be the final consultation draft. The Regulations are set to become law in July this year, and any activity in which an injury could occur as the result of a fall from any height, will need to comply with this new set of Regulations.

PLASA has arranged a one-day seminar to examine the new legislation in detail and discuss the compliance issues that may cause the Industry concern in the future. PLASA intends to collate any views and comments from the seminar and respond on behalf of the PLASA membership to Government.

The seminar will be held at the NEC in Birmingham on the 10 of February 2004 starting at 10am. Ron Bonner, PLASA's technical standards manager, will present the Regulations in their entirety and invite discussion,

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UK - Canegreen provided the PA system for The Tweenies Live!, entertaining families across the UK. The BBC's popular children's characters performed 27 shows at four arenas, Braehead Ice Arena, Glasgow, Birmingham's NIA, Sheffield Arena and Wembley Arena, with several shows at each venue through December and January.

The PA for the theatrical and musical spectacular was a complex affair and although this was the third year Canegreen have supplied the system, team leader and front-of-house engineer Mike Downs was kept on his toes at all times. The Tweenies Live! production manager, Nigel Mousley explained: "These are big venues to fill with sound without it being too loud for the children. Mike [Downs] in very conscientious to ensure all of our audience get a good sound, wherever their seat. The Tweenies characters have high-pitched voices that go from monologues to them all

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USA - Sennheiser Electronic Corporation and TL Audio have mutually agreed to terminate their distribution agreement effective 1 January 2004. While the well-respected British manufacturer of tube-based signal processing and mixing equipment enjoys high brand recognition overseas, Sennheiser and TL Audio executives mutually concluded that the task of implementing a full-scale marketing program in the US at this time would require a more robust level of sales and distribution support than had been anticipated. Therefore, the two companies have agreed to part ways.

This decision will enable TL Audio to pursue a distribution partner more in line with their aggressive sales goals while allowing Sennheiser to focus on other ongoing initiatives. The decision was based solely on marketing and distribution issues and was not related in any way to the company's products, cultures or perso

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UK - Meyer Sound's UK distributor Autograph Sales has recently supplied over 50 M1D ultra-compact curvilinear array loudspeakers to a number of venues around the UK and Europe, for theatrical events as well as permanent installations. The most spectacular venue to receive 10 of these compact cabinets, was the new East Winter Garden, a stunning glass building that will be used for public performances and events, located in London's Heron Quays District of Canary Wharf.

This came after the successful use of the M1D on the Berlin production of Les Miserables, which saw Autograph Sales' sister company Autograph Sound Recording purchase 30 boxes, followed by a further order for 28 cabinets, to be used on the upcoming West End show Jailhouse Rock.

The M1D, the smallest self-powered line array enclosure in Meyer Sound's M Series, was also specified for installation at C

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USA - A D5 Live FMX (front-of-house and monitor) console supplied by Eighth Day Sound of Cleveland, Ohio, is providing the ideal digital mixing solution for Duran Duran's current world tour.

At the end of 2003, the re-formed 80s rock band sold out in the US, then travelled to New Zealand and Australia, where they played solo and in support of another D5 user, Robbie Williams on his Australian tour. The US leg of the tour played small- to mid-sized theatres and a combination of theatres and stadiums with Williams in New Zealand and Australia.

Front-of-house engineer is Scottie Pakulski with Simon Higgs on monitors, Jim Corbin - crew chief/system tech and Trevor Waite - system tech. "I'm feeding the PA as four stereo zones: V-Dosc, dV-Dosc, in-fills, and subs," comments Pakulski. "We are configured for 96 inputs and I am using just the internal effects and proces

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UAE - This year, Australian pro audio manufacturer ARX kicks off its 21st anniversary year with their first appearance at the PALME exhibition at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, from 17-19 February 2004. On stand G 06, the company will give the Middle Eastern debut of several new additions to its product line, including new models in the EQ graphic equalizer range, the MSX range of active signal splitters and the SPL integrated loudspeaker range.

"ARX's presence in the Middle East has been developing well in the past few years, especially in the Broadcast and Installation sectors," says managing director Colin Park. "We feel exhibiting at the PALME exhibition and exposing our new products to attendees from all over the region is an important part of our marketing mix and strategy."

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - Idea Audio was recently commissioned to design and build seven sets depicting the story of Joss Merlin, the landlord of Jamaica Inn, on Bodmin Moor. Six of the sets were in close proximity to each other and as a result, the audio had to be clear and accurate, with controlled dispersion to avoid spillage into the adjacent booths (Idea Audio had experienced a similar scenario when installing the Tales from the City exhibition at the Plymouth Museum).

The booths at Jamaica Inn were themed with life-sized models and artefacts, and as such, concealing the audio and lighting equipment became a real challenge. Idea found the solution in a design for the booth ceilings that incorporated a full width cupboard above each, in order to house the control systems.

In most instances, there was a step in the ceiling sufficiently large to discreetly fit a pair of Work Studio 3 loudspeaker

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USA - Cadac Electronics Plc reports on a number of new US shows and tours, featuring R-Type and J-Type Live Production Consoles, shipped by rental companies Masque Sound & Recording, ProMix Electrotec, and Sound Associates.

Masque Sound's new touring division - Masque Live - is headed up by long-time sound designer and touring audio engineer, Lucas "Rico" Corrubia Jr. First out for Masque Live was a tour with R&B supremo Brian McKnight, using R-Type consoles for FOH and monitors, plus L-Acoustics V-Dosc loudspeakers powered by Camco amplifiers and proprietary Valvotronics tube preamps, limiters and parametric equalizers. Sound engineer Glen Odagawa said: "It is the closest thing to mixing in a studio I have ever experienced. After mixing on Masque's system, I have been so spoiled, I can never go back."

Two new shows are set to open around the US this month,

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USA / Finland - Renkus-Heinz Inc has announced the signing of a distribution agreement for Finland with Starlike OY (Ltd), based in Vantaa. The company, founded in 1986, is an audio and lighting distribution company and system integrator, distributing more than 40 exclusively distributed pro lighting and sound product lines include ADB, MA Lighting, Rainbow, DedoLight, Australian Monitor, Biamp Systems and L-Acoustics.

The firm employs 16 people, including in-house system design, installation and service engineers, complimenting the sales and marketing operation. Its key market segments include theatres, concert halls, sports arenas, auditoriums, schools and houses of worship. Marketing manager Jari Ukkonen comments: "Renkus-Heinz blends in perfectly with Starlike's professional audio product line. With its long history and innovative R&D, Renkus-Heinz already has a very st

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International - One of the features of David Bowie's vocal performance during his present A Reality Tour has been the way in which FOH engineer Pete Keppler has been able to iron out any inconsistencies. He was able to move the vocal treatment onto a BSS Audio DPR-901 Mk2 after speaking to Bryan Olson at Firehouse Productions in New York - who supplied some of the equipment for the tour. Keppler, who doubles as Bowie's studio and live engineer, realized he would need a de-esser for the artist's live work to negate any sibilance. "When Bryan suggested the DPR-901 I remembered I had used one a long time ago - but the first model didn't have the side-chain monitoring function."

But the Mk2 contains four non-interactive bands of frequency-selective compression or expansion. And Keppler says that when he upgraded to this during production rehearsals he fell in love w

  1. Allen & Heath on That's Entertainment
  2. KV2 at Asian Music Awards
  3. Bosch's CCS 800 Ultro discussion system
  4. TryAudio takes Japan's first D5 Live
  5. A new website for Stage Electrics
  6. Alton Towers splashes out on iDR
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