Sound

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USA - Ray van Straten has been promoted to serve as QSC's new MI/Retail market manager following 15 months spent with the company giving guidance to retail market development. With over 20 years of experience in the retail sector to his credit, van Straten is a self-described "gear hound" who lives and breathes new technology.

"Ray has been out in the field for months, talking with sales people and listening to customers," says QSC global sales manager Greg McLagan. "As the technologies, end-users, and methodologies for doing business have rapidly evolved, he has been on top of things with his finger right on the pulse of what's happening. The wealth of experience he brings to this assignment is invaluable, plus he has solid plans for leading us into new channels not traditionally associated with retail."

An accomplished musician and published son

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UK - MTR's PS-4 passive 4-way splitter has receives an upgrade in the form of the PS-4V, which sees two volume controls added, operating on channels one and four. The PS-4 will be familiar to many hundreds of school pupils in the music keyboard classroom and the computer classroom, as well as in home and project studios for headphone monitoring, and this improvement means they no longer have to listen at their neighbour's volume. MTR say the PS-4V is available now, and the regular PS-4 continues in production.

(Lee Baldock)

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USA - Loud Technologies Inc (formerly Mackie Designs) has appointed Mark Madison as group manager for the newly-created EAW Commercial division, with responsibility for defining and implementing sales and distribution programs for the new division. Madison will also serve as the primary link between field sales, marketing and the EAW Commercial product development team with full responsibility for sales strategy, policies and procedures, promotional activities, customer relationships, product applications, and presentation standards.

Madison has over 25 years of experience in the audio-visual world, having worked in broadcast, production, sound reinforcement, studio recording, video conferencing, and all forms of sound and video contracting and systems integration. He has designed and managed over 1,000 projects with ranging from tens of thousands to several million dollars for

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Germany - With origins dating back to the early 17th century and almost 40,000 students, the University of Hamburg is Germany's fifth largest University, and prides itself as Germany's "gateway to the world of Science."

As part of the University's ongoing refurbishment programme, ShowService GmbH, the German distributor for Australian pro audio manufacturer ARX Systems, has now completed the supply and installation of two new audio systems for the University's ESA B and AS auditoriums.

The 5.1 audio system in the cavernous ESA B auditorium comprises five SPL 12 self-powered loudspeakers providing Left-Centre-Right and stereo surround program and a single SPL 18 self-powered subwoofer for low frequency reinforcement. A single SPL 8H compact self-powered loudspeaker was installed in the lecturer's desk as a listen monitor/foldback monitor.

In the not-so-cavernous AS

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UK - Rycote's new Modular Windshield brings some subtle developments to the classic, proven zeppelin shape and cavity structure of the microphone windshield. The redesigned bayonet cap is not only easy and quick to locate but also reassuringly tactile in locking, say Rycote, while in addition to the usual rear-cap loading, users can also twist off the front cap, either for access to the microphone or to add an extension section for longer shotguns. Everything rotates into position with perfect alignment and noise or ringing is avoided with the use of diamond netting and resilient Hytrel mouldings.

Rycote's wide range of Modular Suspensions fit onto a new asymmetric filler strip and these - or the Sennheiser MZS-20/1, which is also compatible - glide smoothly over strong self-aligning structural joints and onto locating rails that accurately position the microphone. The Modular W

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USA - QSC Audio's new AcousticDesign AD-S52 is a full-range, surface-mount loudspeaker with contemporary styling aimed at applications including hotels, restaurants, convention facilities and multimedia environments. The AD-S52's low frequency driver is magnetically shielded, making allowing for use near video monitors. Available in black or white, the weather-resistant enclosures can also be painted to match any specific decor.

The AD-S52 is a high output, 2-way design incorporating a 5.25" weatherproof LF transducer and a 1" neodymium tweeter, and has the added benefit of built-in dynamic power protection - ensuring system reliability in the event of overload conditions. The AD-S52T models are equipped with a 70V/100V matching transformer for distributed audio systems. There is a transformer tap switch on the rear panel for setting the power level of the loudspeaker:

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UK - Mute Records' in-house recording studio, The Instrument, has teamed up with FX Rentals to provide flexible location recording packages for commercial hire. The package comes complete with highly experienced engineers to operate and oversee the equipment and carry out the project through to a professional stereo or 5.1 live mix in the studio.

"We've always recorded our own artists live, with 5.1 mixes, live albums, downloads and extra tracks in mind," says MJ, who heads up The Instrument. "Once we started achieving quality results we realized that if it worked for us, it would work for other record companies. One of the key reasons we teamed up with FX is because they are so adaptable and reliable, meaning we can tailor the set-up to each gig, and know the equipment will always be of the highest quality."

FX Rentals and Mute have enjoyed a close relatio

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UK - MEDC Ltd, the manufacturer of the Next Two range of loudspeakers for voice alarm and background music applications, will be launching a new BS5839 part 8 compliant range of loudspeakers at Firex South 2004. The SUB 200 and 500 range of music quality cabinet loudspeakers now have an option that makes them BS5839 part 8 compliant. This range has proved popular with installers and specifiers due to the easy-fit slide and swivel bracket and the quality of sound reproduction.

This range complements and further strengthens the Next Two range of BS5839, part 8 compliant loudspeakers which have been widely adopted for a number of prestigious projects worldwide including airports, hotels, commercial complexes and retail centres.

The Next Two range will be on show at Firex South 2004, Sandown Exhibition Centre, 23 - 24 March 2004 on Stand F10.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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UK - Smart Sound Direct has announced the availability of Galaxy Audio's new trio of Check Mate meters, ideal for monitoring SPLs and to ensure that, wherever possible, they're not exceeded. The CM-130 has a dynamic range of 30dB and frequency range of 125Hz-8KHz, while those of the CM-140 and CM-150 are 50dB and 31.5Hz-8KHz respectively. All are fitted with an electret condenser microphone and are battery operated.

The top-of-the-line CM-150 also comes with an AC adaptor and RS-232 interface. The latter feature allows current SPL readings to be monitored, plus logging of SPL events over a period of time, with the information stored on a computer for future reference. The meters are ideal for councils, sound engineers, bands, DJs, club owners, theatres, schools and houses of worship, say the company.

(Lee Baldock)

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The Netherlands - DPA Microphone's Dutch distributor TransTec provided long-term client Vanderlinden Geluid with a small but crucial order of components from the Danish manufacturer's range recently. Vanderlinden, which specializes in specifying and hiring music PA systems, was contracted for nine sold-out performances of the opera 'Amadeiro', staged to celebrate the 121st anniversary of the annual Oeteldonk carnival in 's-Hertogenbosch. As the opera was being produced on a budget, a twin mic solution using one beltpack was agreed upon, creating the need for a flexible mounting solution.

Vanderlinden constructed eight specially designed mounting devices capable of holding two microphones instead of the standard single one. This enabled each of eight choir members to be mounted with two DPA 4061 miniature microphones in a PZM configuration, one chest-worn and the other positioned

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USA - Allan Nichols has been appointed as central regional sales manager for DiGiCo LLC. He will also manage the new DiGiCo sales office at the SoundCheck facility in Nashville, Tennessee. Nichols joins DiGiCo after a four-year stint as sales director for Allen & Heath USA. Previously he has worked for a number of audio console companies as director of sales and marketing for Crest Audio, vice-president of sales and marketing for Soundcraft/AMEK USA and six years as national sales manager for Klark-Teknik, DDA and Midas.

"I worked with Allan at Midas, so it's great to have him back as he truly understands audio mixing products," said Ivan Schwartz, sales manager for DiGiCo LLC. "This makes him the ideal candidate to help further grow DiGiCo's very successful business here in the States."

Nichols comments: "DiGiCo offers exceptional technology for touri

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UK - Now a popular venue for product launches and functions, Hangar One, part of the Aviator Hotel, is a converted World War II aircraft hangar overlooking the busy grass runways of Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire, one of the finest airfields in the country. The refashioning of the hangar into a conference venue included the installation of a Martin Audio sound system, designed and fitted by Middlesex Sound & Lighting.

Originally, the building consisted of three smaller hangars, built in 1941 to house planes used to train RAF pilots. Soon after, it was demolished and reconstructed as a single large blister hangar, with an all-metal frame.

"Acoustically, the hangar presents some difficulties," explains Lance Bromhead of Middlesex Sound & Lighting. The main hall is 110ft x 70ft with a ceiling height of 19ft in the centre and 8ft at the sides. "Together with

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Italy / China - Italian manufacturer Proel Sound Reinforcement has appointed Dah Chong Hong Ltd, based in Hong Kong, as its exclusive distributor for the territories of Hong Kong, China and Macao. The agreement was reached by Proel's export manager Roberto Mataloni and DCH sales manager Patrick Lau. Proel's chairman, Fabrizio Sorbi and Dah Chong Hong's general manager Kelvin Hui, have now signed the official contract of distribution.

"We are pleased to welcome Dah Chong Hong in our distribution network," said Mataloni, "their professional reputation in the industry is highly recognized, as well as their image and presence in the Chinese market. We feel Proel Sound Reinforcement will gain a greater impact in the territories where DCH will operate".

The two companies have also agreed on the participation at the next Beijing Calm Show 2004, with a dedicated Pr

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UK / USA - Direct marketing company Smart Sound Direct has acquired sole UK distribution rights to the Pro Co line of instrument and speaker cables, multicores and patchbays. Pro Co has been manufacturing cables for the last 25 years and says that the use of the finest quality materials with revolutionary production techniques has resulted in a robust, durable and indestructible cable that will never break - hence the lifetime warranty.

The copany's Guardian range includes the Kevlar-reinforced Defender instrument cable, which employs the company's AmeriQuad biwire geometry (reducing noise by up to 20dB) and has a specially formulated, flexible PVC covering for high protection. A copper braided shield and 24 carat gold-plated, machined brass jack connector with oxygen-free copper conductor complete the spec.

The similarly constructed Sir Tweed and Black Jack guitar and instrum

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UK - Green-I has recently completed fit-outs for Fox Bars & Restaurants on two separate sites at the ExCeL Exhibition & Conference Centre in London's Docklands. Having installed an ingenious portable bar, doubling as a media centre on the main boulevard linking ExCeL East and West (Fox@Boulevard), the company set to work on a more conventional audio infrastructure at the stand-alone, glass-fronted Fox@ExCeL bar/restaurant, adjacent to the complex.

Needing to replace an under-equipped system in a 1,100-capacity, open plan venue - split on three levels - Green-I turned to a Martin Audio/Soundweb solution. When they arrived on site, just six tiny speakers had served the vast downstairs space at Fox's ExCeL site from a DJ feed. While Fox operations director, John D'ell-Ross, instigated some screening, to separate the general bar area from the restaurant, the installers set to work w

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UK - The Stylistics recently completed a six-week British tour using a Dynacord Cobra system, supplied by Farnborough-based sound rental company Eurohire, and featuring Dynacord's new long-throw PWH sub-bass units. As well as keeping busy its own Cobra inventory, Eurohire has sold a Cobra system to Gary Milton of MM Audio, incorporating ElectroVoice amplifiers and DSP.

Eurohire has been involved with the Dynacord Cobra system since it was launched onto the market. Owner Mervin George is delighted with its performance and versatility, pointing to six weeks on the road with the Stylistics, a full quota of fireworks displays and concerts in November, several dates in the theatre with the Black Heroes musical production, and a variety of corporate and charity events all over the south-east.

"If it fits the job, it does the job," says George. "The quality of the Cobr

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UK - Theatre sound specialist Orbital has made three new appointments to its technical support, accounting and stores divisions. With over 12 years of experience mixing some of the top musicals in the capital, Nihal Bidak ('Sweep') is a well-known face in London's West End. She joins the technical support department to offer vital administrative and client liaison support.

Phil Dormer has returned to Orbital to work alongside Eric Simpson and his busy team in the company's stores. At present he is preparing a number of systems to be dispatched into the West End, as well as a host of touring productions including The Full Monty, Whistle Down The Wind and Slam Dunk.Finally, Sam Thomas has been appointed to work alongside David Gordon as credit control and administrative support, bringing a wealth of accountancy experience to the team.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - Millbank Electronics, designers and manufacturers of sophisticated PA/VA equipment have expanded its operation in the UK, appointing Rowland Sleap as systems sales manager. Rowland has a wealth of experience in the audio industry, having worked in the distinct but complementary pro audio industry for over 15 years. Working alongside UK sales manager, Pat Bradley, he will handle the southern region of the UK, and liaise with the new Millbank distributor network, presenting integrated PA/VA systems solutions across a diverse range of applications.

Sleap commented: "I'm delighted to have joined Millbank's dynamic team. I'm looking forward to working with the team and expanding the brand into a host of markets."

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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UK - More news on the launch of Cunard Line's spectacular new $800 million cruise ship, the Queen Mary 2 - the largest passenger vessel ever built. At the launch ceremony earlier this month, a radio microphone suspended from the ship, specially designed for the event by Brit Row's Jock Bain, cunningly amplified the sound of the smashing bottle as HM Queen Elizabeth II named the vessel.

The invited audience was housed in a portable venue, provided by ESS, enjoying entertainment from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra accompanying a 200-voice choir, with soloists Lesley Garrett and Heather Small. The show was mixed by Richard Sharratt (both FOH and monitors) on Britannia Row's Electro-Voice X-Line system, using eight Xls cabinets left and right of the stage, and a centre cluster of four EV XLC compact line array boxes, powered by EV's Precision Series remote-controlled amplifiers.

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Germany - The Ultragraph Pro - a 31-band stereo graphic equalizer with patent pending FBQ Feedback Detection System, is now available. Its powerful set of features makes it a perfect choice for studio use. The FBQ feedback detection system instantly reveals critical frequencies and can also be used as an audio analyzer.

Its dedicated mono subwoofer output with adjustable crossover frequency is a feature rarely found in this segment, say Behringer. Additional sweepable high and low cut filters for each channel remove unwanted frequencies such as floor rumble and tape hiss, while an accurate 12-digit LED output metering and input gain control provide for easy level setting. Ultra low-noise audio operational amplifiers are used throughout, offering outstanding sound performance. A relay-controlled hard-bypass with an auto-bypass function saves the day in the event of a power failu

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UK - Leeds-based Sound Control has completed the installation of the 100-capacity One Eleven Club, a new jazz venue in Sheffield. Owned by saxophonist Simon Peat, the One Eleven Club boasts a chic bar/restaurant and a highly specified sound reinforcement infrastructure.

Responsible for the installation was Sound Control's Tudor, who specified four Nexo PS10s, suspended from a roof girder, with a pair of ground-stacked LS500 bass bins on Speakon extenders to enable them to be moved nearer to the audience if required. Tudor explained: "Simon was a customer of mine when I worked at the Sheffield branch of Sound Control. He told me he had taken over this derelict building and the speakers had to be both black and compact to fit in with the discrete nature of the venue and the décor. The Nexo PS10s were the obvious choice."

The owner requested the same standard when it

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UK - Cambridge-based Out Board has been appointed as exclusive UK and Eire distributor for the ground-breaking Lake Contour sound system controllers. Featuring advanced FIR "brick wall", zero-phase crossover filters plus exclusive graphic and Mesa EQ functions all under wireless ethernet control, Contour represents a totally new generation of audio control resources, say Out Board.

Out Board has embarked on a nationwide program of demonstrations and evaluation sessions, with interested parties from a variety of pro audio disciplines, and the company reports an overwhelmingly positive response to what Contour offers in terms of sonic quality and control efficiency.

Contour Controller software downloads are available from the Lake Contour website (see below), which can also been reached directly from a link on Out Board's site.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - Strict environmental health regulations are placing increasing pressure on all entertainment venues to limit the amount of noise that escapes from their premises. With music being the prime source of this nuisance noise, leading audio equipment manufacturer Formula Sound has launched a simple and effective solution which removes the risk of the music being cut off and the entertainment interrupted.

The company's new AT-1 intelligent controller has been specially developed to work with the company's existing Sentry Mk2 noise control unit and provide a complete, integrated solution. Used on its own, the Sentry Mk2 creates an effective method of shutting down an audio system by isolating the mains supply when the volume exceeds a preset threshold. The AT-1 links between an audio system's mixer and amplifier, and monitors SPL readings from the Sentry Mk2. As the volume approac

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UK - Allen & Heath's Xone mixers were used during the filming of the ITV series, Joy of Decks, a national contest to seek out the UK's emerging DJ talent. Short listed from over 300 nominations by record shops and industry professionals across the UK, the series began with eight hopefuls, who were invited to showcase their DJ skills and personas in an effort to impress the judges. Four finalists were selected and assigned mentors from the cream of the DJ trade - Mr C, Roni Size, Tom Middleton and Sister Bliss.

During the series, the mentors helped their apprentices hone technical, remixing and production skills and the mixer chosen as a practice model was the industry standard Xone:62: "My first time to ever use an Allen & Heath mixer was on the first programme of The Joy of Decks," said finalist Clodagh McCann. "It looked very complicated at first, but once I st

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