Sound

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France - Software provider Stardraw.com and Digigram, a world leader in innovative digital audio network solutions recently announced the formation of a strategic partnership around EtherSound, Digigram's patent-pending technology for audio distribution over standard Ethernet.

The EtherSound protocol provides fully deterministic, real-time transmission of synchronized audio channels over standard Ethernet. Up to 64 channels of 24-bit digital audio at 48 kHz, plus bi-directional status and control data, may be transported among more than 60,000 connected devices. Its ultra low latency of only 125 microseconds makes it suitable even for demanding applications such as live sound or broadcast. The technology has already been licensed to a number of different manufacturers across the globe, all of which are developing EtherSound products for their market.

But what of control? Would

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Switzerland - Swiss distributor and system integrator Decibel has installed an EtherSound network in the Convention Center Montreux (CCM), main venue of the world famous Montreux Jazz Festival. Using Digigram's ES8in, ES8out, and ES220 EtherSound devices and the CCM's existing Ethernet infrastructure, the system has completely eliminated noise problems in the audio transmission between the two main convention/concert halls and the public address system of this twice enlarged building on the Lake Geneva shore. The network has already proven its flexibility by reducing the system reconfiguration time for the needs of this year's Montreux Jazz Festival by about 90% without any additional investment.

Pierre-Yves Nussbaum, the CCM's head audio-visual technician, commented: "We were looking for a digital audio distribution solution because the big distances in the building and ma

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UK - Rane Corporation and Serato Audio Research have launched the Official Scratch LIVE DJ Forum, where DJs can download the new Scratch LIVE software version 1.1. The companies say this is a free, public forum offering valuable multi-way communications between DJs and the developers and support personnel at both Serato and Rane. Serato is hosting the Official Forum since most topics involve the software's current and future features. The new Scratch LIVE software version 1.1 offers over 50 new features and fixes and can be downloaded from the Official Forum. Topics on the Forum include News, Downloads, Help, Feature Suggestions, Tips and Tricks, Known Issues and the catch-all General Discussion.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - Drag Net 4.0, available for download from the Rane website (address below) offers new processing blocks and enhancements to Rane's popular RPM family of 100% drag-and-drop DSP products. This release introduces high quality Feedback Suppression, hardware password protection and support for the powerful new low-cost SR 4 Smart Remote. The SR 4 Smart Remote features a rotary encoder knob for level control and preset or sources selection, plus eight status LEDs.

Any RPM device using a previous version of Drag Net can be easily updated for free to version 4.0. New Drag Net 4.0 features a powerful new Feedback Suppression block featuring Rane's Troxelation algorithm; new 6 x n Auto-Mixer with increased DSP efficiency; hardware password protection, integrated Smart Remote configuration; SR 4 Smart Remote support, and user interface enhancements which simplify setup.

New SR 4 fea

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Greece - TV companies throughout the world are in the final stages of preparing for the 2004 Olympic Games, and production teams on both sides of the Atlantic will again rely on Sennheiser. The German TV companies ARD and ZDF are lining up with a total of 100 wireless channels: around 300 wireless Sennheiser microphones and receivers will be on hand to transmit the sporting events and to provide internal coordination and communication.

For Gunnar Darge, technical director, it is not only the reliable sound transmission of the Sennheiser systems that is vitally important but also the on-site service. "Dozens of TV stations will be reporting live from the Olympic Games and there will be huge amounts of radio communication taking place. It's therefore all the more reassuring to be able to rely on the support of Sennheiser." Sennheiser's RF specialist Klaus Willemsen will

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Germany - Behringer announced recently the immediate availability of the console-style Europower PMH5000 powered mixer. The all-new PMH5000 is an ultra-compact and light-weight powered mixer that incorporates patented Coolaudio Technology - an amplification technology that delivers enormous power and excellent sonic performance at nearly half the depth and weight of conventional powered mixers say the company. The mixer features 20 channels (12 mono + 4 stereo), plus stereo tape returns, two 24-bit/46 kHz effects processors with 99 Virtualizer presets each, two monitor paths and flexible I/O options.

Originally introduced as the Europower "PMX" Series, in a recent move to foster global consistency with other Behringer products and product range, Behringer re-introduce the Europower's brand designation. The change in name is merely an administrative one that does not im

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USA - Symetrix, designers of the successful SymNet Audio Matrix line of audio processorshas introduced SymNet Express. Representing the next generation of SymNet hardware development, Express will be available in two versions - Express and Express Cobra. The Express series includes seven new audio processors that extend the utility of the SymNet technology into new applications, scenarios and price points. All models are now shipping.

Express (non-Cobra) is available in three models - 12x4, 4x12, and 8x8, targeted at stand-alone applications where a single DSP unit is sufficient to handle all of the processing between the source gear (all inputs are line- or microphone-selectable) and the amplifiers.

Express Cobra is available in four models - 12x4, 4x12, 8x8, and 4x4. Along with analog I/O, each includes an 8x8 CobraNet license, supporting Peak Audio's industry standard prot

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UK - Production Services, the UK manufacturer of professional loudspeaker and amplifier products, has announced its relocation to a new factory in South Wales. Heavy investment in CNC machinery will ensure greater accuracy and production capability. The company reports it is now in full production of its LST and AMT speaker systems and SP Series amplifiers and processors, and will soon be introducing new products, and has "solid long-term financing and a continued determination to push technological barriers to the limit, providing our industry with superior sonic solutions."

The company's new website (address below), includes information on all the new products including its horn-loaded family of line array systems. The website is just the start of a major promotion campaign that will see its products exhibited at international trade shows, supported by ongoing trade

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Italy - Allen & Heath's iDR programmable DSP system has been installed in the newly-opened Ferrari Store in Rome, to manage sound distribution in the luxurious retail outlet. Launched in the wake of the success of Ferrari Stores in Maranello and Bologna, the Rome store is situated in the heart of the city and designed by leading architectural studio, Iosa Ghini. The three-storey building houses luxury merchandise on the ground floor, toys and children's goods in the basement, and on the first floor, books, scale models and much sought-after memorabilia from Ferrari Granturismo and Formula 1 cars.

The visitors can experience the thrill of driving thanks to a simulator equipped with a number of technological devices that reproduce the feel of Ferrari's most famed supercar - the Testarossa. The simulator is furnished with plasma screens, including a huge 5m x 1m screen, with a spe

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UK - PLASA Show: First launched in 2000, Homemix has become a popular entry level DJ brand. For 2004, Homemix has the addition of two innovative new products: Play DJ and the TT500M, together with a completely fresh image for the brand.

The Party Mixing Station, the new 'DJ generation CDJ-1', is a totally portable, ghetto blaster style twin CD mixing unit with integral cassette deck and radio. It features external amp output sockets, a microphone input socket and the option for recording demo tapes, this Party Mixing Station really is great value for money. The TT500M is an entry-level traditional turntable mixing system which comes complete with drive belt turntables, two-channel mixer and headphones. Available autumn 2004, this system is a professional looking yet affordable piece of DJ equipment.

Play DJ will be the first self-contained DJ mixing unit to retail at under £1

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Germany - Long-serving EVI Audio general manager Hans-Peter Richter has retired, and is succeeded by Detlev L. Heiringhoff, a graduate in business administration. Richter joined the company as early as 1973, as general manager of the TV-equipment dispatch department. Two years later, he was appointed deputy general manager of Dynacord and Echolette. From 1981 onwards, he occupied the post of general manager of finance, materials administration and production, the post which Heiringhoff now fills.

Heiringhoff graduated in business administration from the University of Dortmund and has worked in logistics and finance. From 1994 to 1996, Heiringhoff served as administrative director of Peek & Cloppenburg KG of Düsseldorf, later taking manageemtn positions at Telecom AG in Frankfurt, Suzuki International Europe in Munich.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - PLASA Show: Sennheiser UK is exhibiting again at the PLASA show this year (12-15 September, Earls Court, London). The company will be introducing new products from Sennheiser, Rane, D.A.S., Lab.gruppen, Adamson, NetCIRA, APart, Anchor and Rycote. This year's stand will also be 'digitally networked' using NetCIRA, to show how the system works and allowing demonstrations of other products via the network system. The network will also link to other major stands within the PLASA show.

Sennheiser will show its brand new evolution 800 and 600 series, a new generation of wired mics that puts Sennheiser sound quality within reach of everyone's budget, say the company. The e800 and e600 series is a complete range with vocal and instrument mics for bands, soloists, and presenters and cater for a wide range of applications.

Designed for demanding professional use, Sennheiser'

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UK - Pro audio distributor Autograph Sales has further expanded its team with the appointment of Louis Van Niekerk. South African born, Van Niekerk moved to the UK to further explore his passion of audio. He has previously worked as a freelance sound operator and has a sound engineering diploma. At Autograph he will serve in a technical support and logistics role, backing up the sales and service department and dealing with the company's wide range of audio products. Other personnel changes include the promotion of Susie Alterman to sales coordinator, after two years working with the company in a support role.

(Lee Baldock)

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UK - Harman Pro UK has supplied Derby-based sales and installation specialists Pro Technical with a wide range of JBL speakers for various Aruba late-night bar installations around the country. One of the most recent is in Hanley, Stroke-On-Trent, which features a sound design utilizing three different types of JBL Control Contractor enclosure.

The Aruba roll-out for The Dukedom Group, now contains 32 venues around the UK, each one of them different and individually designed. The Stoke site is a single large room with a central bar, designed by Mason Wood Architects - who also do all the Revolution Vodka Bars. Each site's audio design and installation is also unique and specific to that venue. At Stoke, the client wanted both a variable loudness foreground music system, and a punchier DJ-led dancefloor area, operational five nights a week. Aruba Stoke is divided into three soun

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Italy / Singapore - Italian Audio Manufacturer dB Technologies has appointed Sajeev Nair as director of sales for the Asian region. Sajeev, who will be based in Singapore brings a wealth of experience to the position. He first started work in the music & audio industry in 1985 as a freelance musician and moved on to work as a sales and marketing manager for a number of well-established pro-audio distributors, representing such brands as Electro Voice, JBL, Shure, Klark Teknik, Tascam, Canare, Mackie, etc. Subsequently he worked as a manager for manufacturers based in Singapore, including Sennheiser, Behringer, Numark and Alesis, overseeing their operations in the Asia Pacific region, the Middle East and Africa. Nair commented on his appointment: "With almost 20 years of experience the industry, I have had the opportunity to build up an extensive database of customers, not onl

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USA - Kenny Chesney, US chart-topping country and crossover artist is using Audio-Technica microphones on tour, and is the latest high-profile touring artist to join the growing roster of Audio-Technica endorsees. "Kenny never endorses anything, so that tells you a lot about how we've all come to rely on A-T microphones on this tour," says Phillip Robinson, monitor mixer with Chesney and his band for the last four years. "These microphones are as road-worthy as we all are, and they prove it every night."

The band is using a wide array of A-T microphones, including the company's Artist Elite 5000 Series UHF Wireless System (AEW-5233) that Robinson says Chesney has found to be his vocal soul mate. "We have never, ever had a dropout with that microphone system, and the audio quality is pristine," he says. Other A-T microphones on the tour include an AE

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The Netherlands - Rijnweek 2004 held in Rhenen earlier this month is a big event on the Dutch national music calendar. A week-long multicultural festival in which disabled people play a central role, Rijnweek attracts a broad range of artists from rock groups to folk bands. Established nearly a decade ago, the festival attracts more people each year, with the recent 2004 event boasting attendance figures of over 120,000. Audio contractor for the festival was ST Sound based in Tiel who opted for a 48-channel Midas Heritage 1000 for FOH on the main stage running an ElectroVoice XLC rig with EV X-Subs. Klark Teknik DN9848 processors handled system control.

ST Sound is well known in the Dutch market for supplying festival equipment, and Rijnweek represents one of the larger festivals on their summer schedule. "I like this festival for a number of reasons," says ST's propri

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UK - Celestion International's recently launched FTR range will be shipping in August, say the company. The cast aluminium drivers feature innovations in magnet and chassis design as well as voice coil construction and material: these are significant technological advances that minimize distortion and thermal compression to further increase performance, power handling and sound quality, according to Celestion.

"Overcoming distortion and thermal compression are major challenges for anyone designing industry-leading, professional loudspeakers," says product development director Ian White. "By focusing on the key areas of magnet, chassis and voice coil, we've created a new kind of driver that represents an evolution in technology to achieve very high levels of performance."

Concentrated research and development at Celestion's new purpose-built facility in Ips

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USA / UK - Ray Malpocher, CEO of Telex Communications, has made the journey to Mitcham in south London for the official opening of Shuttlesound's new demo room. The new facilities provide 800sq.m. of space and is more than six metres high. Designed to host demonstrations of ElectroVoice and Dynacord line-array systems, a Midas Legend control desk and racks of Klark-Teknik outboard are permanently installed. All of the sound reinforcement products distributed by Shuttlesound are available for demo here, from the successful Dynacord Powermate and Midas Venice consoles to the sophisticated EV Precision Series of remote amplifiers and IRIS management software.

Paul Barretta, MD of Shuttlesound, describes the new demo hall as "a rare treat for specifiers and installers of sound systems, giving them a realistic opportunity to evaluate the performance of high-end sound reinforceme

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UK - At this year's PLASA exhibition Audio-Technica is launching the new, re-engineered Pro Series range of live performance and general production microphones. The range features three new models, three updated models and improves still further the already cost competitive pricing of this product.

The new Pro Series features high performance specifications and benefits throughout from Audio-Technica's stringent engineering and manufacturing standards. 11 different models include, dynamic and condenser capsules, handheld, headset, clip mic and specialist instrument designs and a new high quality stereo condenser mic.

The PRO61 is a new high performance, hypercardioid, dynamic vocal mic, the PRO41 is a cardioid dynamic, the PRO31 is a high quality general cardioid dynamic, the PRO63 is a cardioid dynamic instrument microphone and the PRO25ax is specifically designed for extreme

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UK - SSE hire has had a busy summer supplying main stage systems at many major festivals, including Glastonbury, T in the Park, Oxegen and Download, with more to follow in August. It is therefore easy to overlook the fact that SSE are equally comfortable in smaller venues and can supply systems for a variety of applications.

A recent in-store appearance by up and coming UK act The Honeymoon at HMV's Birmingham store provided an opportunity for SSE to showcase one of its compact systems. The Honeymoon performed in the new releases section and a Midas Venice 160 was used with Nexo PS15 speakers, ideal for working in the limited space available but maintaining flexibility and quality of output.

The Venice 160 represents one of a number of compact Midas consoles, which SSE has invested in over the summer. Stocks now include a 40ch Verona, Venice 240 and two Venice 160s. Emma Barwe

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Korea - Proel Korea Co Ltd has recently purchased 280 units of PRL power amplifiers from the Italian sound reinforcement manufacturer Proel SpA. The sale came after several installation contracts achieved by the Korean branch of Proel Italy, scheduled to come to effect within the next four months of 2004.

The purchase included the following products: the PRL1400 (2 x 700W RMS/4ohm) the PRL950 (2 x 475W RMS/4ohm) and the PRL600 (2 x 300W RMS/4 ohm). Features include bipolar power transistors, toroidal transformers, OSC - Output Sense Clipping (switchable), thermal/short circuit/overload protection, DC voltage protection, Electronic crossover 24dB/oct, bridge output, aluminium heatsinks and variable-speed fans.

In addition to the above sale, 60 units of the company's new EDGE 8CXP (2-way 8" coaxial, 225W AES) installation speaker have been purchased for a forthcoming instal

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UK - Switchcraft has launched a brand new range of molded audio patch cords suitable for digital and analogue applications. Made using highly flexible 110ohm, low-capacitance, low-loss cable, the new cords are available in eight colours and 10 lengths from 30cm up to 300cm. Terminations include 6.35mm (long frame), TT/bantam and twin TT/bantam jack plugs.

Metallic shells are used between the rubber boots and the nickel-plated plug bodies to ensure high levels of shielding and strength, and the moulding process provides protection against dust and moisture.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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Germany - One of Europe¹s most popular Jazz festivals, 'Jazz on the Danube', now established as one of the ten largest jazz festivals in the world, took place in Straubing, the home of EVI Audio in Germany, in mid-July. Some 8,000 music lovers came to Straubing to hear performances from jazz legends such as BB King, Till Brönner and Die Söhne Mannheims. Based on the success of last year's festival, organizers Heinz and Ralph Huber turned once again to Telex EVI for their sound reinforcement needs.

The equipment list was comprehensive, with an ElectroVoice Xlc system as the main PA run from a Midas Heritage 3000 mixing console at FoH. An impressive 20 channels of Klark Teknik Helix handled system EQ, while no less than 48 channels of KT DN1248 were available for the microphone splits, as jazz bands often place heavier demands on the splitter system than traditional rock bands

  1. InnovaSON Sy40 on Aimee Mann tour
  2. HK Audio sets Cohedra training dates
  3. iDR system at Tottenham Hotspur
  4. Biggest players miss out in healthy market
  5. EAW takes a Roman Holiday
  6. HK Audio's new products for PLASA
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