UK - TiMax audio imaging and showcontrol systems have been specified as a pivotal component in the sound designs for a number of prestige corporate and special events this summer. AV and theatre sound supplier Blitz recently included TiMax in its sound design for Vauxhall's display at the Birmingham Motor Show. Specified by Blitz's Richard Rogers and supplied under Out Board's TiMax Rental and Production Support program, the 16x32 system was used by production sound engineer Pete Russell primarily to focus visitors' attention on a large LED screen running segments of commercials and branding stings.

As part of a 30-minute show cycled throughout the day, fully synchronized to SMPTE time code from the video master, TiMax also provided animated surround ambience effects to attract visitors to the stand and the promotional videos. Speakers were all d&b, with line array elements prov

UK - This year, Australian manufacturer Enttec will be exhibiting for the first time at the PLASA Show. On display will be the company's full range of products in a working situation, including the new Datagate, which is a splitter, merger and Ethernet gateway all in one, and will serve as a cornerstone of modern DMX networks, say the company. The PC-based control software, Enttec Light Factory, will also be demonstrated on stand.

Enttec will also be showing the Open DMX USB Widget, which has already received a strong response from lighting professionals and enthusiasts. A special show pack will include a DMX USB widget, USB cable, gender changer and CD with free 16-channel control software and Enttec swag.

Enttec can be found on stand JJ20.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - InnovaSON's Sy80 digital console made its Asian debut at Pala 2004, held in Kuala Lumpur in July. The console was being shown by Singapore-based Electro-System Industries, which was appointed at Frankfurt Prolight & Sound in April as sole distributor for the French manufacturer for Singapore and Malaysia, and the stand attracted a steady stream of visitors keen to attend a demo of the Sy80.

"It was an extremely busy show for us, with lots of interest in the console," says Electro-Systems director James Yeung. "We're expecting to close the first sale - which came as a direct result of showing the Sy80 at Pala - very soon, and are looking forward to establishing InnovaSON as a leading brand in the region."

Designed for live sound, fixed installations and broadcast, the Sy80 digital console can be used as a standalone desk or as part of a network with ot

UK - Vestax will introduce its latest DJ CD player, the CDX-05 at PLASA 2004. Aimed at DJs, clubs, installers and hire companies, the CDX-05 is a single desk-top front-loading CD player suitable for all styles of DJ, say Vestax. Features include a wide pitch range (+/-6, 10, 50 or 100%), BPM-syncable effects, vinyl-emulation filter, sampler with loop facility and three assignable cue points with memory. The unit also has scratch play, with an additional TT-M1 input link socket allowing control of the CD from any turntable.

(Lee Baldock)

UK - APR Audio has provided a complete integrated stage and front-of-house sound system for Swansea's very own Party in the Park, which attracted 15,000 people. APR Audio has already built up a substantial track record as Europe's largest dry-hire source of Electro-Voice branded sound reinforcement systems, and this was one of the first large events to be serviced under the APR banner.

Based in south-west England, APR Audio entered the pro-audio rental sector in some style in 2002, purchasing a substantial inventory of EV X-Line, X-Array and XLC system hardware, complete with the latest remote controlled amplifiers and Midas consoles. Owner Andy Reed has been steadily expanding the company's horizons, first with the move into dry-hire in continental Europe, and now to the independent provision of PA services for significant events in their local region.

Typical of these was th

Spain - Kylie Minogue recently gave a one-off performance for 500 VIP guests of Deutsche Bank at the Finca Mas Solers outdoor casino, just outside Barcelona. Kylie's system providers Capital Sound Hire supplied the PA, with XTA DP226 crossovers specified for speaker control, on a Martin Audio W8LC Line Array system.

The 70-minute Greatest Hits show, was a mixture of numbers from the last two major tours, Fever and A Night Like This, performed on a custom-built set. Capital Sound's Paul Timmins has been working with Kylie for the last four years, and although this was only a one-off show, the preparation took in excess of two weeks, with 10 days' rehearsals and four days' on-site time.

At front-of-house, Martin Audio W8LC Mini Line Array loudspeakers were flown in two hangs of seven per side, under a pair of W8LX subs, with a floor-mounted W8LS on each wing. DiGiC

Australia. - The newly opened AFL (Australian Football League) "Hall of Fame and Sensation" has made extensive use of ARX's Level 8 Audio Line Balancer. Centrally located on Swanston Street, Melbourne's main CBD thoroughfare, the Hall of Fame features a series of "walk-through theatre-ettes" each showing video clips of Australian football history. Each visual display is accompanied by an appropriate audio track from a bank of un-balanced sources triggered by movement sensors.

As the distance from the sound source to the screen displays is up to 40m the normally un-balancedsignal would be prone to any number of interferences. Installation Contractor DRM Project Audio Visual installed 10 units of Level 8s offering a total of 80 Channels to balance the Soundtrack signals and provided strong clean interference free signal paths.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Belgium - Simple Minds recently headlined at Suikerrock and Lokerse Feesten, two of Belgium's premier rock festivals. Among the key pieces of kit in FOH engineer Patrick Demoustier's rack were a pair of Apex Intelli-Q digital EQ units from the Belgian manufacturer APEX.

Demoustier specified the Apex Intelli-Qs as part of an Adamson line array system, powered by Lab Gruppen, that was supplied by EML Productions. "The Intelli-Q is the new generation of EQ," says Demoustier, who has been closely involved in its development. "I'm using them on Simple Minds with the digital Input option, and using the delay to get the subs and the line array into phase. Each unit is a super-quick processor, faster than other systems on the market, which gives me precise control over two discrete audio channels, as well as providing one of my favourite parametric EQs. Thanks to the AES/

UK - August saw the Royal Bath & West Showground in the West of England's rural Shepton Mallet besieged by 'pilgrims' from all over the country attending the annual Christian New Wine Festival, followed by Soul Survivor.

During the changeover to Soul Survivor, the ranks of 11,000 people swelled to 14,000 - stretching the site's services to the limit - when the 96m x 69m Albion Woods Big Top was reconfigured for the more youth-oriented event.

Some of the traditional problems experienced by the promoters were eased this year when both events converted to a Martin Audio Compact Line Array (W8LC) for the first time, provided by Wigwam Acoustics.

"There had always been a desire to fly a directional system, to reduce the spill outside the tent and minimize the impact on the surrounding villages," explained production manager, Greg Szabo. "On top of that we now have

UK - Surprising as it may seem to some of the skeptics, since his appearance on "I'm a Celebrity...", Peter Andre has shown a phenomenal increase in popularity throughout the UK - and as such has recently completed a five-week sell-out UK tour. Basingstoke-based rental company Eurohire - providing audio, lighting and risers - chose EM Acoustics Quake subwoofers as the ideal solution for the low-end.

The system is built from EAW KF 800 series products primarily - KF850's ground-stacked four per side and KF853's flown - with just four Quake subwoofers each side. The whole system is processed by XTA DP224 controllers, and powered by LabGruppen amplifiers.

FOH engineer Graham Ewins commented: "I found the Quake subs to be extremely responsive, and surprisingly powerful for a single 18" driver. Stacking four in a block each side gave us excellent low-end throw r

International - Bryan Ferry is currently touring the globe with Audio-Technica microphones, including the AE5400 large-diaphragm, cardioid condenser - his long-standing choice of stage mic. Ferry has used an AT4054 capacitor microphone exclusively for his vocals for several years but has recently taken up with the A-T Artist Elite AE5400 - the successor to the AT4054 - with a significantly richer LF response and a switchable HP filter, say Audio-Technica.

These mics allow Ferry to switch from voice to harmonica, cupping the capsule without fear of feedback or any 'muting' of the harmonica's tone. The live mic list also includes AT4050 condensers on piano and guitar cabs, two ATM35 high-intensity, clip-on, cardioid, condenser instrument mics on harp, an ultra-miniature hanging AT853a cardioid condenser mic on violin, an AE2500 Dual Element, dynamic/condenser on kick drum, ATM25

UK - Thousands of loyal folk fans gathered in August for one of the most eagerly anticipated folk festivals of the season, Cropredy. The long-running festival, which has been a regular fixture since the late 70s, was headlined again by Fairport Convention - the original founders of Cropredy. The festival also featured the Oysterband, Jethro Tull and Nick Harper. SSE Hire was once again the chosen audio contractor for the event. The PA system was the Nexo Geo T with a Midas Heritage 3000 console out front and a Midas XL348 onmonitors.

Huw Richards, FOH engineer for SSE commented: "Every engineer had something positive to say about the system this weekend - all were really happy. It's the first time I've used a line array at a folk festival and I was really impressed at the quality of the output, especially with such a wide range of acoustic instruments in use. Overall it was

USA - Loud Technologies Inc has announced a cross-licensing agreement with Echo Digital Audio, which will see Loud Technologies license FireWire audio technology from Echo, while Echo licenses Mackie-branded application and plug-in products from Loud. "This partnership leverages each company's strengths," commented Tony Rodrigues, business development manger at Loud. "Echo is a recognized leader in the development of high-quality audio devices for computer-based audio workstations. Combining their expertise with Mackie's exceptional analogue and digital audio technologies will result in a new generation of high-performance audio I/O products that will bring a host of innovative features and capabilities to the desktop and professional recording markets."

As part of this agreement, Echo will begin bundling Mackie-branded software products with their PCI and F

UK - The Product Excellence Awards at the PLASA Show has been a popular feature of the event for many years, highlighting the significance of the show as a focus for new developments for the industry. To reinforce this role, the PLASA Awards have undergone an important change for the 2004 event (12-15 September), in order to focus on genuine innovation.

For the re-branded PLASA Awards for Innovation, the judges will be looking for products which advance the industry, demonstrate a new style of thinking, represent a key step forward in safety terms, or improve technical practices. There will be eight Awards for Innovation at the judges' disposal and currently over 60 nominations have been received, with just three weeks before the deadline of Friday 3 September. Exhibitors who still wish to nominate a product are urged to submit their applications as soon as possible. Nominees w

UK - Mission Pro, the professional division of the British company at the leading edge of loudspeaker innovation for over 25 years, is exhibiting on Stand CC42 at PLASA 2004, Live at Earls Court, from 12-15 September.

The highlight of the Mission Pro stand will be the award winning TecSonic portable PA system. TecSonic is a groundbreaking, lightweight package that includes a specially designed full range panel loudspeaker, an efficient mixer-amp and all the accessories needed to provide an ideal sound reinforcement solution for PA presentation and background music applications. For easy and safe portability, the complete system is housed in a sturdy and protective carrying case.

Also on display will be the SM6A active studio monitors, which have already received excellent coverage in numerous MI Pro publications. The SM6A features a 150mm Paramid cone bass unit, coupled to a 2

UK - One of the world's leading cruise ships, the QE2, has undergone an extensive technical refurbishment of its Grand Lounge, the largest entertainment venue on the ship. A new Martin Audio sound system has been installed to handle the Lounge's diverse programme of events.

The Grand Lounge stretches over two decks of the ship, accommodating 450 people in cabaret-style seating on two levels. Twice a night, the ship's on-board cast present theatrical production shows, and occasionally guest cabaret artists perform, as well as dance bands. Cunard's entertainment technical manager Andy Pygott had to search for a sound reinforcement system that was flexible enough to handle these shows, as well as all the other events that are hosted by the Grand Lounge throughout the day.

"We were looking for a system that would deliver even sound coverage across the whole room, with a part

UK - Outline's patented Butterfly line array had its UK debut this summer, at the only live gig performed in Europe by The Isley Brotheres. Kool and the Gang and the sensational Amy Winehouse supported the Isley's, while the Sunday featured Michael Ball. Capacity audiences on both days enjoyed the summer sun at Penshurst Place in Tonbridge, Kent.

The show moved on to Harewood House near Leeds for 7-8 August and the Saturday night saw Will Young play to a capacity audience of over 16,000 eager fans. The show used Outline's Butterfly Line Array and a full 20-way stage mix which used Outline's H.A.R.D 212 monitors.

The front-of-house system consisted of 16 Outline CDH483 mid/high packs per side and 16 Outline 'Victor' live sub-basses (eight per side), the whole system powered by Outline TP 6.5 PWM digital amplifiers and controlled by Lake Contour system processors. Sigma AV Ltd,

Russia - Exactly 53,212 spectators were in attendance on the 31 July, 2004, beneath the huge new canopy held aloft by 16 supports, as Berlin's Olympic Stadium - four years out of commission for rebuilding - re-opened with a magnificently staged spectacle.

Charged with the installation of a brand-new sound reinforcement system and supported by EVI Audio, the Berlin-based sound and events specialists TSE AG opted for a large Electro-Voice sound reinforcement system and a Dynacord PA. In addition to outstanding sound quality, the new equipment offers reliable and convenient system control and monitoring. In this, Electro-Voice's IRIS software and remote-controlled amplifiers play key roles. Explains Oliver Sahm, project and sales manager permanent installation Europe: "Having to install the loudspeaker enclosures in the roof is hardly conducive to easy maintenance. Thanks to E

UK - Allen & Heath has launched a new dedicated website for its award winning range of Xone DJ mixers. The Xone website has been designed to cater for the needs of the DJ market, providing a balance between visual entertainment and technical information.

Aside from a slick new look, features include streamed video clips of the mixers in use, a forum and feedback facility, user lists and profiles of mixers across the range, various images for download and comprehensive feature descriptions and downloads.

"The Xone site looks and feels great with plenty of technical information backed up with real world examples of the mixers in use.However, this is just the start - it is our intention to add more interactive features and cultural information rather than just a sales tool for equipment," commented Allen & Heath's New Media manager, David Haughton.

(Sarah Rushton-Read

UK - Sovico Corporation (previously Daiyoung) has recently become the exclusive distributor of Soundtracs/DiGiCo products in Korea. With 30 years' experience of the pro audio industry, the company has distributed many high profile brands - mainly analogue but also several digital processing products - within that territory. "The market trend is going towards the digital domain," says Sovico's Yun Choi. "We have realized the importance of digital equipments and to keep up with this world trend, especially in high-end consoles, we've been tying to find the brand we want to be associated with and finally met DiGiCo.

"Recently, overseas companies have produced many large-scale concerts and events held in Korea. These kinds of events require powerful, large-scale high-end systems and we are now confident that we have a complete system capable of running such perf

ARX Systems, the Australian based Pro Audio manufacturer recently announced the release of the new EarDriver Ultra compact Headphone Amplifier to its AudiBox range of precision tools, designed to perform essential professional audio functions in an ultra compact, flexible package.

Ideal for recording and broadcast applications requiring flexible headphone monitoring the EarDriver comprises two sets of Stereo inputs feeding two channels of headphone level outputs. Channels 1 and 2 are AutoLinked into Channels 3 and 4 unless other inputs are jacked into 3 and 4, allowing up to 4 separate headphone outputs, all with separate level control.

The EarDriver is housed in a heavy duty all-steel chassis finished in attractive matt textured powdercoat, with hardwearing epoxy screen printing and slip resistant rubber pads. Security features include Kensington-type computer lock slot and option

UK - Allen & Heath's New Zealand distributor, Jansen Sound & Lighting, has recently installed iDR systems in two venues in the Auckland area. The Cock & Bull public house in Lynfield, Auckland, is the latest in a chain of Old English themed taverns, with full restaurant facilities and live bands performing three times a week. An iDR-8 digital mixing processor has been installed to distribute audio to various zones around the venue, programmed to automatically change the volume and lighting levels at predetermined times of the day. Eight PL-4 wall panels were also installed around the tavern to allow remote control of multiple sources, including a CD player, computer music system, various TV channels and a wireless mic used for Quiz nights.

The IDR-8 provides EQ and routing to the main Proel TFL speaker system - which consists of six Proel TFL10P and two Proel TFL115 subs - and a

UK - This year has seen a sharp rise in new investments by Terry Jones of Cambridge Disco Hire and Sales. After completing his long-planned move to new premises, over the last 24 months he has built an enviable showroom of the latest lighting effects and audio products, as well as a hire and production department which includes everything from staging to dressing rooms.

As part of the investment for the production and hire department, Jones had been looking for a compact but high output and scaleable audio system for some time. He relates: "I had the opportunity to see and hear several systems, but when Andy Austin-Brown presented the KV2 Audio ES system to me last year, I knew that I had found what I had been waiting to hear. Compact, but incredibly potent, I was astonished to hear such vivid resolution and integrity. Just to make sure that I wasn't kidding myself, I call

Germany - DPA Microphones recently announced it has promoted one of its German dealers, Mega Audio, to the status of sole importer and exclusive distributor for the country. Based in Bingen just outside Frankfurt, Mega Audio had previously represented DPA as a dealer for the past four years, along with Analog Audio (Munich), Hamburg Pro Audio (Hamburg) and HL Audio (Berlin). The decision to appoint Mega Audio as its sole distributor was viewed as an amicable one all round, with the three other companies remaining as dealers for DPA products in their respective territories.

Mega Audio was originally set up as a recording studio specialist and a wholesale company for recording equipment. When the studio market started to decline, Mega Audio made the move into high-end pro audio distribution. Today, as well as DPA, its product portfolio includes Fostex, InnovaSON, Apogee Electronic

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