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UK - System Sound, the Heathrow-based PA rental company, has bought a new Yamaha DM2000 digital audio mixer from Marquee Audio. The console has been purchased specifically for use with The Performing Arts Symphony Orchestra, which is due to play upwards of 30 outdoor concerts this summer.

The 70-piece Orchestra is a regular client of System Sound, whose director Simon Biddulph has spent some time looking for an effective way to meet the Orchestra's front-of-house requirements. "With this standard of orchestra, playing outdoors, everything needs to be close-mic'd. Also there is a big rhythm section that tends to dominate so the balance engineer needs to have control over it. We ordered the Yamaha DM2000 with six additional input modules, on top of the 24 built into the console, effectively customizing it for the orchestra. It can't be more than two and a half feet wide, and

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UK - Whilst the US celebrated Independence Day and Greece celebrated its Euro 2004 win, engineer Clive Franks commemorated the 30th anniversary of an album he recorded with Elton John (Caribou) hitting the number one spot with a live show. John and band played a catalogue of hits to sell-out audiences at Wembley Arena and, in support of the Royal Academy of Music's Elton John Scholarship fund, at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

The most famous former student of the Academy performed with a 130-piece orchestra and choir composed of this year's students. Sound was handled by a Clair Brothers iO system from Audio Rent, with Franks mixing FOH with the new Yamaha PM5000 console. "Each show is a challenge, but Wembley Arena poses its own complications, especially in the low end: it's built on top of an empty swimming pool [constructed for the 1948 Olympics] so the bass flaps abo

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USA - Denver-based Rave Lighting supply a Martin Total Supplier package for Denver's own South Beach getaway. Modeled after clubs more typical of Miami's infamous South Beach, Rise is a true tropical-themed mega-club complete with real palm trees, Latin beats, Caribbean Happy Hour and tropical cuisine and theatrical entertainment in the form of its very own Theatre Surreal.

Rave Lighting designed and supplied the lighting systems which include a Martin Total Supplier package of Martin lighting, Mach audio and Jem smoke gear. Rave's Brian Gysegem was instrumental on the project, serving as lighting designer and project manager with assistance from Stephen Cox of Rave. Sound engineer was Chad Busse.

The three-floor club boasts one of the largest club layouts in Denver's lower downtown with four dance floors and five separate bars spread across Rise and a pair of sub-venues, the

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UK - DJ Steve Gerrard has selected Allen & Heath Xone mixers for the production of a new mix CD, 'Thinking Out Loud', and the album's live promotional tour. Gerrard employed Allen & Heath's landmark Xone:V6 valve rotary mixer to produce and record the double CD album, which showcases his trademark fusion of progressive house and breakbeats, while the MIDI-enabled Xone:92 will be used by Gerrard for the live dates.

"Using the Xone:V6 to mix my forthcoming album was wicked. It's a mighty piece of equipment but surprisingly easy and enjoyable to use. The sound quality is outstanding and the EQ very subtle and effective," commented Gerrard. "I prefer linear faders to rotaries when performing live, so I have selected the Xone:92 for the tour. I discovered the mixer on the recent Bedrock University tour with John Digweed, as it's his mixer of choice. It was a treat to u

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Czech Republic - T Servis, one of the largest PA rental companies in the Czech Republic, has invested in 32 DPA IMK4061 instrument kits. The mics were initially purchased for the Prague Symphonic Orchestra which accompanied Czech band Lucie on tour across the Czech Republic throughout June, with T Servis providing full technical support. T Servis' Craig Pyrah was sound technician for the tour, working closely with chief sound designer Pavel Karlík.

Each IMK4061 comprises a DPA 4061-BM miniature microphone, a DAD6001 XLR adapter and a selection of mounting accessories, and is designed as a close mic solution for a wide variety of musical instruments. The 4061-BM microphone offers a clean, detailed and natural sound quality, say DPA, and mic placement can be adapted by the user to obtain the desired timbre. Throughout the tour, the IMK4061 kits were used on the Prague Symphonic

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UK - Global dance conglomerate and superclub, Godskitchen, has made a new addition to its DJ booth with Allen & Heath's Xone:92 MIDI-capable DJ/club mixer. The club, which already uses Allen & Heath's popular Xone:62, wanted to offer the latest functionality to the big-name DJ's that frequently perform. Since its installation several weeks ago, artists including Armin van Burren, Mauro Picotto, Lisa Lashes, Scott Project, James Zabiela and Xone faithfuls Sander Kleinenberg and John Digweed, have been at the controls.

"Godskitchen obviously wants to keep up with the latest technology and the new Xone:92 is simply fantastic; it is evident that a lot of thought has gone into the product. The sound quality is brilliant and at Air - home of Godskitchen - we ensure that we only use top quality equipment," commented Godskitchen's lighting and sound technician, Will Miller.

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Italy - Two self-powered Outline Kanguro systems were used at the Mille Miglia (6-9 May 2004), the legendary period car race founded in 1927, which consists in a round trip from Brescia to Rome and back, for a total of 1,600 kilometres.

The race, known as 'the most beautiful race in the world', has become an international showcase for VIPs, nobility, ex-racing drivers and actors, as well as an opportunity to see cars normally kept in museums or owned by collectors back on the road in all their glory. Participation in the Mille Miglia is itself a feat, as the organizers apply strict quality criteria: this year, 375 contestants were selected from 810 applications from 30 different countries worldwide - and applications are constantly increasing.

Outline's Kanguro PA system was used for one of the numerous side events staged during the race, positioned where the cars passed to re

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Canada - Adamson Systems Engineering has announced the release of the SpekTrix Sub, designed as a companion to the SpekTrix compact line array cabinet. This is the first Adamson enclosure to introduce 'Convertible Cardioid Technology', and is a single-sided box that can be arrayed conventionally (all facing the same way) or can be arrayed in back-to-front pairs for true cardioid performance.

The SpekTrix Sub provides high SPL extended bass and is equipped with two powerful AW18 Kevlar low frequency drivers mounted in a tuned, vented enclosure. The cabinet is fully braced to minimize LF resonance and maximize efficiency. Four NL8 connectors (two front, two back) enable easy cable loop-thru regardless of the sub's orientation.

The Adamson Integrated Rigging system makes set-up quick and easy, and is comprised of four sets of captured, precision-machined, spring-loaded rigging ha

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UK - Kelsey Acoustics Ltd, having recently been appointed UK distributor for Furman Sound, has begun to actively market the company's new Series II SMP (Series Mode Protection) power conditioners.

The main focus will be on the upgraded Series II products and in particular, the PL-8E where LED lamps have now replaced the old filament bulbs. In addition to Furman's new SMP technology, the product also features Linear Filter Technology (LiFT), providing highly-advanced transient voltage surge suppression. Kelsey's marketing director, Michael Whiteside, commented: "This is a real wedge of sophisticated surge and noise protection. It uses a non-sacrificeable part which stores the energy and dissipates it as heat."

Another high priority for Kelsey is the AR2306 Line Volt Regulator, which can handle up to six amps in just 1U of rack space. Additional versions are the 15-am

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Canada - Queensway Cathedral in Toronto is in the process of upgrading its sanctuary sound system and has replaced its aging desk - installed when the 4,000-seat sanctuary was constructed in 1984 - with a Soundcraft MH4. The Cathedral's technical director, Rich Bodnar, said that while the old console had provided excellent service, parts were starting to wear out; and since it was configured 24/8/2, with only four aux sends, they were limited by channel capacity for their larger events.

"The availability of parts and cost of repairs was proving prohibitive, and so we started to look for a new console," he said. A short-term loan agreement funded the new purchase, which was made through distributor Soundcraft Canada and Mississauga-based Audio Operations - a dealer with whom Queensway has enjoyed a relationship over the past seven years.

The Cathedral was already fami

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Ireland - The 10th anniversary Riverdance show playing throughout the summer at Dublin's renowned Gaiety theatre is one of the very first shows to be taking advantage of the all-new DN370 analogue graphic EQ from Klark Teknik. The device was specified by Mick O'Gorman whose rental company Mikam Sound North Ltd is supplying the entire audio system for the show which also includes a Midas XL4 on FOH, an XL250 on monitors with loudspeaker processing via Klark Teknik DN9848.

"I've always been a fan of the original DN360, and indeed DN3600," explained O'Gorman, "so as soon as I heard that a new one had come out, I didn't wait to be asked, I just got straight on the phone and ordered one! I love the filters on KT graphics and DN370 is no exception. They sound smooth, clean, and they are stunningly accurate. In fact on this device, the filters are a completely new

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UK - It seems that the UK sound equipment industry is finally turning the corner, according to industry analysts Plimsoll Publishing. The latest Plimsoll Portfolio Analysis -Sound Equipment reveals signs of sustainable improvement in the industry. Some of the most interesting findings taken from the analysis include 23 companies which have seen sales increase by over 15%, 29 companies which have doubled profit and 54 companies which have halved their debts.

David Pattison, senior analyst at Plimsoll Publishing, says: "After the last few years of uncertainty, the UK sound equipment industry is experiencing a positive upswing. I am delighted that many companies are getting it right by addressing the issues that have constrained them for years. Profits are improving, sales are up and debt issues are being resolved."

However, Pattison is quick to point out that n

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UK - The ABTT Theatre Show is known for its relaxed and intimate atmosphere, combined with a good visitor profile. This year's show, however, was able to maintain that quality and claim a 15% growth over the previous year - with an impressive 127 companies represented.

Autograph Sales debuted the Swedish LDS 'invisible' true line source theatre loudspeakers. New to Autograph's portfolio is Aviom, whose new A-Net digital multicore system, available with a Yamaha interface, was demonstrated with the DM1000 digital mixer.

Lee Filters added to its 700 series of filters, created by lighting designers. New from Dave Davey: Provence (701), Twickenham Green (736), Dirty White (744), Hampshire Frost (749) and Burnt Yellow (770); from Kate Wilkins - Virgin Blue (723) and Easy White (747) and from Rick Fisher - Cool Lavender (708).

Alcons Audio debuted at ABTT with a complete line of

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Denmark / Taiwan - DPA Microphones is delighted to announce it has appointed Linfair Engineering & Trading as its sole distributor for Taiwan. Linfair is one of a group of international companies started by Linfair Chang in 1958 to provide professional audio equipment, design, installation and maintenance expertise to the Taiwan market. The company, which employs a staff of 160 at its Taipei Headquarters, has always been committed to the pursuit of technical excellence, and has built up an impressive portfolio of professional audio products including BSS, Clear-Com, Crown, dbx, JBL, Lexicon, Soundcraft and Studer.

Over the years, the company's operations have expanded beyond its original scope of business and now incorporates the performing arts, broadcasting, entertainment and electronic media industries. The company is currently run by president Duncan Chang, and also has bran

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UK - Big Gay Out - the official Pride Party - staged in Finsbury Park on 3 July was presented by Faceparty, in association with Virgin Mobile. Over 20,000 festival-goers attended the event, where over 160 artists performed live across 11 stages between 1pm and 10.30pm, including Fun Lovin' Criminals, Jamelia, Sugarbabes and Mark Almond on the main Big Mutha stage.

Celebrated as best party organizers in 2002 and 2003 by Mixmag and FHM, Faceparty is famed for its high production levels and decadent parties. In true style, Faceparty's Dave Bamforth inspired the design and concept for Big Gay Out, transforming London's Finsbury Park into a feature-packed wonderland. In addition to 11 stages, beach bars, splash pools, a funfair, jacuzzis, and a teepee village ensured a good time for the party revelers.

Faceparty's executive producer, Martin Heap, coordinated the event, appointing L

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UK - Peter Gabriel enters the final straight of the marathon tour which started in 2002 (as the Growing Up tour), and has just completed its latest European arena section - Still Growing Up.

Production values are always at the top of the agenda for Gabriel's performances. The precise, highly original Growing Up show (see L&SI July 2003) was originally conceived by Canadian film maker Robert Lepage and Peter Gabriel. Lighting designer Patrick Woodroffe was asked this year to produce a new design and feel for the original show, one more suited to arenas, sheds and larger performance spaces.

Woodroffe worked alongside long-term Gabriel Growing Up lighting director Dennis Garner, who was with the tour from the start. He added many new dimensions to the show, boosting the large bright looks department for the traditional crowd pleasers, but also keeping many of the original ideas and sub

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UK / Germany - Stravens Professional Ltd has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for BMS products. BMS is the Hanover, Germany-based manufacturer of HF compression drivers, cone drivers and horns, employed in a number of top-end loudspeaker products. "We are excited about the prospect of selling BMS products in the UK," says managing director Terence Stravens. "We believe in quality products and know the market will do well with BMS."

Stravens Professional also offers installation and consultancy services, and provides a number of high quality products including those from Pioneer (plasma screens) and Allen & Heath. The company also produces its own T-Series range of installation power amplifiers and loudspeaker systems for the touring and installation markets.

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USA - Chicago Sound has completed the installation of a large Apogee outdoor system for the lawn at the Petrillo Music Shell in downtown Chicago's Grant Park, home of the Grant Park Symphony and Chicago's free Summer Music Festivals. The Apogee system was selected by Ian Hunt, president of Chicago Sound, the sole vendor for all City of Chicago public events and one of the largest Apogee dealers in the Midwest. Chicago Sound installed 16 Apogee AFI-8SX loudspeakers, configured in two inner rings of six speakers, and an outer ring of four speakers placed 300 feet from the stage.

Hunt chose the Apogee AFI-8SX system to replace the music shell lawn's loudspeaker system. He commented: "We were looking to replace the speaker system with a modern, high-output, loudspeaker system that would provide better coverage and sound levels. We chose the Apogee AFI-8SXs because we thought th

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USA - Georgia-based Dillon Production Services specializes in providing complete sound and lighting support for corporate events, from shareholder's meetings to training seminars, with high-profile clients including Home Depot and Coca Cola. Most of the events the company supports are staged in large ballrooms or conference rooms - such as a recent Home Depot event that was held at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel in Atlanta. In order to provide optimum audio impact for the 700 conference attendees, Dillon Productions rolled out their capable new EAW KF730 line array system. For this event, the EAW array consisted of six KF730 mid/high boxes on each side and two SB730 subs on each side for low end.

"We had our decision narrowed down to two systems and the EAW system just sounded better," commented company owner, Matt Dillon. "The EAW array also blends in well with ou

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South Korea - d&b audiotechnik South Korea is situated in Seoul under the stewardship of Hak Kwon Kim, or 'Kevin' to his English-speaking colleagues. Before opening this office, Kevin had distributed d&b into the Korean market for some years. Prior to that, he was extensively involved at management level in the leisure industry and was a director of Korex, one of South Korea's largest PA rental companies.

"From my previous years working with d&b, I knew their systems had considerable potential in the Korean market. When the opportunity arose to open a d&b office, I welcomed this closer association with the company," he says. "I have already begun to establish a distribution network with Dae Sung Media in Seoul, and db Sound in Tae Gu City and intend to expand this in the coming months." Hak Kwon Kim is joined at d&b by Jay Hoon Shon who provides technical and

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Belgium / Luxembourg - Pro Entertainment, the new division of Brussels-based distributor Prévost aimed at the mobile and fixed install concert sound systems market, has been appointed as distributor of InnovaSON digital mixing consoles for Belgium and Luxembourg. Managing director Walter Geerts says: "It has been a while now that an A-brand of mixing consoles was missing in our Concert Sound product portfolio. Since the market is evolving towards digital consoles, InnovaSON appeared to us as being the perfect solution to fill this gap in our product range."

Having built up a strong reputation as an easy-to-use and highly reliable digital console, InnovaSON is an ideal accompaniment to the existing Concert Sound product line (EV, Klerk Teknik, Beyerdynamic, Dynacord and Koenig & Meyer), say the company. Pro Entertainment will have a complete demo console at its disp

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UK - Hull-based Feonic plc has been short-listed in two categories of the prestigious Electronics Industry Design Awards for both the 'Best Use of Technology' and 'Best Newcomer' awards. The nominations recognize the innovation of three of its products - Omnivox, Soundbug and Whispering Window.

Feonic's technology enables sound to be broadcast via solid surfaces such as table tops, plasterboard walls and glass windows by effectively turning them into loudspeakers. Among other uses, the technology has applications for consumers, businesses and retailers. The Electronics Industry Design Awards have been running for three years and are considered to be the leading awards in this field. They are dedicated to recognizing innovation and achievement by companies of all sizes - across the entire British electronics industry - working in creative electronics design and manufacturing.

V

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UK - Theatre Sound specialist and d&b audiotechnik partner, Orbital, recently supplied a d&b system to the Theatre Royal in Nottingham, as part of an on-going refurbishment scheme, ensuring the theatre offers advanced audio solutions to contemporary productions from drama and opera, to ballet and West End musicals. Orbital's Sales and Installation division, headed by Tom Byrne, collaborated with the Theatre Royal's sound supervisor, Michael Donoghue, and Ollie Wade from the initial planning stages, supplying a system to their exacting specifications.

Comprising a fleet of d&b's new Ci installation range loudspeakers, the system was powered by d&b's innovative E-PAC amplifiers and driven by Soundcraft's 48-channel MH3 mixing desk. To maximize flexibility, Orbital supplied BSS's Soundweb for control, which can be operated remotely from any point in the theatre via a PC laptop. Dr

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