Sound

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UAE & Croatia - Almost the entire rock, pop and rap scene of Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi took part in the Revolution Festival on 18 March in the Nashwan Hall in Dubai where over 600 music fans listened to the 14 live acts.

Responsible for the sound was NMK Electronics with tools from EVI Audio forming the centrepiece of the production: a Dynacord Cobra 2 PA, EV Sx300 monitors and a Midas Venice 320 console - a setup that impressed the event's organizer, Kiran Sequeira: "The sound of the Cobra was simply fantastic. Even at the highest volume levels there was not the slightest feedback." FOH man Milton Kyvernitis summed up: "Extremely professional! The Venice and the Cobra proved to be an amazing team."

In another corner of the world, the same PA system and a similar success at the Croatian Radio and TV Festival 9 - 20 March. Responsibility for the productio

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UK - CP Sound has installed a new sound system into top London gay destination - The Royal Vauxhall Tavern. With a reputation as one of the best disco nights on the town, the Vauxhall's original JBL sound system - also designed, engineered and installed by CP - was still in good condition. However, to keep pace with the technology of the times - the Vauxhall's owners opted for a sound upgrade.

The venue required a robust and reliable system to cope with the heavy usage and high SPLs demanded by its discerning audience, and CP Sound's Colin Pattenden again went for JBL. The new top cabinets are JBL AM 6215s from the new AE installation series - each powered by 750W of amplification. Bass speakers are the JBL dual 18" ASB 6128s, with a meaty 2000W going into each cabinet. CP also installed a new Allen & Heath Xone 464 combined DJ and PA mixer, enabling the venue to cater for

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Denmark / Croatia - DPA Microphonesrecently announced the appointment of Intercom d.o.o. as its exclusive distributor for Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia & Montenegro, FYR Macedonia, Albania, Bulgaria and Romania. This is the first time that the company's microphone range has been represented in many of these territories.

Incorporated three years ago in Zagreb, Croatia, Intercom is in the process of establishing a distributor network across the eight countries. "Our business concept is to create a distribution network for a small number of carefully-selected, complementary brands," says Intercom's sales manager Vatroslav Mlinar. "Quality is imperative, and DPA fits our vision extremely well, being a professional company which pays great attention to detail in every aspect of business. It's a strong brand with a great product range, highly rated for

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UK - For the recent sold-out Sugababes tour, Skan PA hire assigned six Lake Contour controllers - distributed by Out Board in the UK - to manage all speaker and room processing for a hybrid system consisting of dV-Dosc and dV-Lo plus additional SB218s and Arc cabinets.

Designed to be versatile enough for the diversity of arenas and theatre-style venues covered by the tour, the rig was programmed and tuned for each show by Skan system engineer Ant Carr, using dedicated speaker control parameters supplied from L-Acoustics web-based library. Front of house mix and production was handled by Ade Barnard.

Carr commented: "As well as being great sounding units, the flexibility of the EQ and the grouping functions was invaluable, especially being able to roam the balconies using the PC tablet with wireless-ethernet control, which was quick and reliable."

(Sarah Rushton-Rea

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Singapore - Coda Audio Services Singapore has branched into pro audio distribution following its appointment by Aviom, the US manufacturer of networking, distribution and monitoring solutions, to represent the brand exclusively in Singapore and Malaysia. The formation of a distribution arm marks a new turn for Coda, which has been operating from Singapore for the past two years as an audio systems specialist and production management company.

Director Philip Murphy said: "With our background in live sound production and installation, we immediately perceived the benefits of Aviom's distributed audio networks and personal monitor mixers for use in theatres, studios and houses of worship. This is an exciting, innovative and cost-effective product range, bringing a new generation of high quality digital snake systems to the Asian market."

Coda supplied a 64-channel di

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UK - Allen & Heath will be showcasing the next generation of its best selling MixWizard range of multi-purpose compact consoles, at the A.C. Lighting North show 2004, taking place at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds on 11-12 May. Allen & Heath has utilized the latest technology to add new and improved features to the range, which comprises the WZ³12:2, WZ³14:4:2 and WZ³16:2 mixers.

The WZ³16:2 and WZ³12:2 feature a dedicated mono output fader, with innovative mode for control of aux fed subs, while the WZ³14:4:2 builds on Allen & Heath's pioneering dual functionality and boasts a 6x2 matrix, a unique feature for a compact mixer.

All models now have a new mic preamp design and advanced grounding scheme further enhancing sonic quality. WZ³ also feature individual phantom power switches, channel signal indicators, lamp sockets and backup supply capability. Internal conf

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UK - The Full Monty continues its successful UK tour, after opening in February at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley. The shows original sound designer Mike Walker - fresh from his recent Olivier Award for Best Sound Design on Jerry Springer - is still responsible for the tour. Sound equipment has been provided by Orbital Sound, and includes a Cadac J-Type live production console.

Walker is working with his team from Loh Humm Audio (Chris Simpson, Mark Cornwell and Alistair Blake) to oversee the changeovers, which involve limited installation time - just Saturday to Tuesday to move between venues. The J-Type comprises two frames, each of which has its own flightcase with all related cabling contained in the rear compartment. Walker specified this to ensure maximum set-up efficiency once the frames are in place. The desk has a total of 76 modules in the two frames, i

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UK - Shermann, the UK manufacturer of professional loudspeaker systems, has announced that its product line is to be distributed by S.P.A. Systems Ltd, with immediate effect. Shermann's owners have also appointed several UK sub-contractors to manufacture cabinets and other high quality hardware associated with the range whilst Ken Hughes, Shermann's founder and chief designer, has been retained as a consultant and will remain responsible for all areas of product design and marketing.

The company website (address below), is unchanged. However, the previously-published phone and fax lines are no longer associated with Shermann products, a new local rate number, 08456 442209 should now be used.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - Distributed internationally by Proel UK is Alto's new PS4HA - an active, two-way 12" enclosure, with a heavy-duty, high-resistance ABS housing. It comes equipped with multiple points for flying, and features an onboard Class H power amplifier, which delivers 300W into the low frequency driver and 100W for the HF section.

Proel says that the new speaker provides high quality acoustic performance - far better than budget-priced plastic housed PA enclosures. The PS4HA is the first of a completely new generation of PA enclosures from Alto, with seven more models destined for launch in the next few months.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - Audiolease UK has chosen Outline H.A.R.D. 212 ultra-low profile stage monitors for Hayley Westenra's current UK tour. Westenra, New Zealands' angelic-voiced export, is currently using 12 Outline wedges for her personal and band monitoring duties. Dave Cogan, monitor engineer on the UK leg of the tour, appreciated the light weight and low-profile of the units, as well as their resistance to feedback and flat response: "There aren't many monitor guys out there that have the graphics virtually flat - with the Outline monitor this is easily possible . . . with a voice as pure as Hayley's, you don't want to use much EQ if at all possible."

Outline H.A.R.D. 212 is only 33cms in height and weighs in at a remarkable 26kg. The 2 x 12" design which incorporates the patent-pending horn technology invented by Guido Noselli, utilizes absorption, reflection and diffraction

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USA - Kurt Kern, long-time TMB sales representative, has relocated to Cleveland to join Vincent Lighting Systems. TMB's East Coast sales manager, Brian Dowd, said: "Kurt has been a great asset and friend to us all. We respect the devotion to his family that prompted this move. The growth of our New York office over the past few years would not have been possible without Kurt's knowledge, talent and hard work. Paul Vincent and everyone at Vincent Lighting are very fortunate. Meanwhile, we now have to deal with our worst nightmare: a customer who knows our deepest, darkest secrets!"

"Who can blame Kurt for moving to a town with such an awesome football team?" said TMB's sales manager, Tommy Stephenson, famous follower of lost causes, adding: "Paul, did you get a chance to look at my resumé yet?"

"These have been great years," comments Ke

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UK - The Association of Professional Recording Services (APRS) and the Music Producers Guild (MPG) have launched an industry accreditation scheme for courses relevant to the Music industry. The scheme was initiated by APRS, 'piloted' in 1998 and is now available nationally and internationally. Available to all Further Education establishments, this scheme is now offering courses at Level 4 of the National Qualification Framework. This includes BTEC Higher National Diplomas and Certificates.

The purpose of the scheme is to create a system whereby the recording and music production industry can give support and advice to educational and training institutions. The Accreditation is primarily an indicator that a course, when completed successfully, will satisfy the criteria agreed by the membership of that body. Accreditation indicates to employers the standard of knowledge and exper

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USA - California-based loudspeaker manufacturer Renkus-Heinz Inc has further expanded its e-commerce facilities, by offering web-based online order tracking for authorized dealers. This builds on the company's existing web application for dealers, Configurator Online, which allows customized product configuration and order placement.

The password-protected section allows authorized dealers to access detailed order information and to track order status from initial submission to delivery. Critical stages in the order process include confirmation, credit approval, production, ship dates (required, changed and actual) and delivery date. After shipment, the online order tracker provides links to common carriers and shipment tracking numbers. A second password controls online access to financial information such as outstanding invoices, credit limits, sales totals, etc. To maintain c

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Turkey - KV2 Audio has appointed AVS to distribute its products in Turkey. The Istanbul-based company is a dedicated AV specialist, working in all sections of the professional audio-visual market. AVS owners Yalcin and Osman Celik commented: "We have always worked with top quality products; when we first saw and heard KV2 speakers we knew that they were right for us. It seemed natural to have a line of speakers of this quality to distribute directly to the Turkish market."

The official launch of KV2 Audio in Turkey took place at the Pro Sound show, which was held in Istanbul from 8-11 April. At the show, AVS showed the whole range of KV2 Audio products. "The co operation with AVS is an important step for KV2 Audio, as it opens the doors in one of the markets that is showing in recent years one of the highest growth rates in Europe," said Alex Pagliani, Europe

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The Netherlands - Q-Dance, a subsidiary of major Dutch dance promoter ID&T, hosted a progressive hardhouse event entitled 'in Qontrol', at Amsterdam's RAI Congress Centre this April. The 25,000-strong crowd was treated to performances from the leading DJs in the genre, including Pavo, DJ Luna and Deepack.

Sound equipment provider, Stage Pro, selected Allen & Heath's new Xone:92 mixer to be used on the main stage. Shortly before the show, the DJs were introduced to the recently-launched mixer and were very impressed, commenting that it beats every console that they have used previously.

The Xone:92's clarity, headroom and filters fully complemented the V-Dosc sound system. Additionally, the Xone:92's two record sends were used as a feed for the multi-track recording of this massive dance-event.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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Belgium / Luxemburg - Brussels-based Prévost - distributor for Belgium and Luxemburg for brands including Beyerdynamic, Dynacord, Electro-Voice, Klark Teknik and Koenig & Meyer, has launched a new division - 'Pro Entertainment' - which will be exclusively dedicated to pro audio in the European concert sound and fixed install markets.

"The new division will fulfill the specific needs of the big rental companies," explains Walter Geerts, managing director, "as well as the contractors involved in projects such as theatres, arts centres and last but not least broadcast companies. We will supply products ... aimed at the mobile and fixed install concert sound systems market, offering high-end solutions to our clients requirements. Our main activities, on top of monitoring projects from the ground up to their realization, will include seminars and roadshows, as well as

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Italy - The ELISA 2126from RCF is a multi-function unit combining a six-CD auto-changer with cartridge operation, FM tuner with station memory and a seven-input integrated amplifier with 120W RMS - available on four selectable speaker lines.

Suitable for bars, restaurants, retail stores and fast food chains, the EL 2126 offers four balanced mic/ line inputs and an external Line-Level input for an additional source (i.e. Satellite Receiver). The system can be connected to a priority source (i.e. PABX) and has a built-in chime and a double siren with adjustable volume for emergency. This versatile unit also has an integrated four-zone selection keyboard for individual activation of the sound to different rooms.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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UK - The highly acclaimed Rolls product line is now available in the UK from Smart Sound Direct. Comprising an extensive range of commercial and music-related mixers and sub-mixers, signal processors, phantom power supplies, headphone monitor systems, interface devices and headphone amplifiers, all products are built to a high standard in the USA. The range offers something for most sound scenarios - from boardrooms, churches and restaurants, to schools, nightclubs, DJs, studios, sound engineers and musicians.

Also available from Smart Sound Direct are the PSS amplifiers (designed by French amp guru, Yuri Gutsatz) known for their build and sound quality, safety and reliability and all models carry a 10-year manufacturer's guarantee. Said to produce deep, full-bodied bass, clear and clean highs, and accurate mids, the latest trio of newcomers to the range are the PSS600, PSS1200

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Germany - HK Audio welcomed more than 50 international distributors to its premises in St Wendel, Germany, prior to the start of Frankfurt's ProLight&Sound exhibition. The loudspeaker manufacturer's distributors came from as far afield as Mexico, Korea, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Russia and China.

One of the highlights of the two-day event was an awards ceremony held to recognize the contributions of several of the company's distributors. The Award for Concert Sound Sales went to John Hornby Skewes of the UK and was accepted by Dennis Drumm and Neville Raine. SDS of Switzerland picked up the Award for Portable Sound Sales, and Stefano Pagani, Ilan Kriesi and Christian Kraska were on hand to collect. In the field of Install Sound Sales, the Award was won by Space Lights of Greece and collected by Klem Tokatlidis and Christos Asproulis. There was also an award for the Most Improved Dis

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USA - VTG Audio and Stardraw announced that Net CAD has won a Pick Hits award at NAB 2004. Net CAD is VTG Audio's new on-line custom panel design and ordering application, commissioned from software providers, Stardraw.com, which went live at the recent NSCA show in Las Vegas.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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UK - Oceanic, the London studio of Who guitarist Pete Townshend, has upgraded with a new Genelec 5.1 monitoring system based around the new 7071LSE subs, with bass management feature. The Genelecs were installed especially so that producer Bob Pridden could re-mix a live Who performance from Boston in 5.1. format.

Pridden has used his much-loved Lockwood monitors with Tannoy Red drivers since the 70s all over the world, but when he came to do The Who's and a number of other 5.1 projects, he knew they had to upgrade. He and the band tried out "dozens of speakers" but he wasn't impressed by any as he felt they sounded "too hi-fi". But, "the minute they tried the Genelecs I loved them," he said.

The live show was recorded in June 2002 and features Pino Paladino on bass after the untimely death of The Who's John Entwhistle. It was recorded on eight 8

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The Netherlands - Midas Consoles Holland, the new distribution model for Midas and Klark Teknik products in the Netherlands, has enjoyed success since its launch in January. April saw a particularly busy month for the company, whose sales included a 32-channel Heritage 1000 console to the internationally-renowned concert hall and congress centre - De Doelen, as well as a Venice 320 and eight of Klark Teknik's industry standard DN360 EQ devices to another performance venue, 013 in Tilburg.

The Heritage 1000 has been installed into De Doelen's main concert hall, the 2,200-seater Grote Zaal, although it was supplied with a touring package, so in fact the desk can be moved into any room within the venue as required. Sander Zijlstra, head of sound at De Doelen, said. "We host over 600 concerts a year here, and that means a lot of visiting engineers," he said. "The adva

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UK - The alarming truth about Britain's nightclubs has been revealed in new research published by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) - the largest charity representing the nine million deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the UK. The report, A noise hangover?, is based on the findings of a covert survey of 15 nightclubs in five UK cities - London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast - and reveals noise in Britain's clubs has reached damaging levels.

RNID commissioned the survey, which measured noise levels in three different areas within each club - the dance floor, the bar and the chill-out area. It found that in some venues, the noise was so loud on the dance floor - sometimes as loud as an aircraft taking off (approx. 110dB(A)) - that for those clubbers regularly exposed to loud music, the cumulative effect could be very damaging. Someone who goes c

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Italy - Soundcraft's Italian distributor, Audio Equipment, has reported strong sales of the company's MH3 and MH4 consoles following the SIB expo in Rimini - with a staggering 27 consoles requisitioned by the time of the Frankfurt ProLight&Sound exhibition three weeks later. Audio equipment's Marco Porro attributed this to the fact that many of his customers had wanted to suspend their buying decisions until they were in a position to make like-for-like comparisons - and SIB provided the opportunity.

"The season starts at the end of April and I knew SIB would be an important show for us," said Porro. "While I knew some orders had been promised, other rental companies decided to check out the features on competitive desks - but in every case they came back to us."

The positive feedback, Porro says, was based on the VCAs and improved EQ of the MH3 and MH4, a

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