Sound

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UK - Souncraft's Going Live course in live sound engineering has to be one of the most useful and enlightening industry short courses I have ever had the pleasure of attending. Run in association with Adlib Audio and Liverpool Community College, it was well-structured and expertly delivered by respected industry professionals who were clearly passionate about their work.

For two-and-a-half days I counted 'one, two' into microphones (the emphasis on the 'T') - and, along the way, developed a working knowledge of live sound mixing and production. Beginning with a half-day induction course for the absolute beginner hosted by Adlib's Andy Dockerty, covering the basics of speakers, cable running, coiling and mic stand set-up. We then progressed onto a tour around a mixing desk, phantom power and a demonstration of active and passive crossover. By the end of the afternoon I had learned more

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USA - Crown International, the US manufacturer of amplifiers, microphones and systems control products for professional audio markets, was recently named first runner-up for the US Senate Productivity Award for 2003. The award, which is given annually and sponsored by US Senator Richard G. Lugar, the Indiana Manufacturers Association (IMA), and the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME), recognizes outstanding productivity gains or methods, which may be utilized by other Indiana companies to improve Indiana's overall productivity. Larry Coburn, senior vice-president of Manufacturing for Crown commented: "We are very proud to have received this award. This recognition by our peers in the Manufacturing community is extra special because they understand the hard work we have done to improve our processes and products."

As a result of their efforts toward producti

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UK - Denon's flagship DN-S5000 CD player, with turntable, along with its tabletop companion, the DN-S3000, can now be road-protected. Leading DJ bag supplier, UDG, has been commissioned to produce purpose-designed, padded shoulder bags for the two popular products.

Manufactured in a heavy nylon weave - with a generous provision of pockets - the bags incorporate the famous Denon DJ graphic. Now in production, the new bags will be available from distributors with effect from this month's PLASA Show in London.

Said D&M Pro Europe's David Atkinson: "This is the first time we have supplied kit with their own bespoke, branded bags, and I must say they look fabulous." UDG (Ultimate DJ Gear) started out four years a go with the production of the SoftBag. Many DJs - such as Tiesto, Carl Cox and Paul van Dyk - are using its products, and using this feedback UDG is striving tow

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UK - A complete range of voice alarm loudspeakers to cover all requirements of BS5839 has been developed by Audio Design Services, and will be launched at the PLASA Show at Earls Court. The Omega ceiling loudspeakers have been designed by British engineers with installation engineers also playing a part in the provision of labour saving fitting devices. Fire domes have cable entries to the side as well as to the top giving at least four inches of extra headroom when required. The easy removable ceramic terminal block with integral heat fuse makes termination of MICC speedy and simple. The surface ceiling loudspeaker, which also acts as an effective wall loudspeaker, has a unique fitting assembly allowing 'first fix' to be achieved in minutes just leaving the actual loudspeaker to be snapped into position when required.

All loudspeakers have been analyzed in the EASE computer for

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UK - Following an investment of £1.3m, Gloucestershire entrepreneur Terry Cole has given Stroud residents a highly-specified new nightclub on the site of the former Gaumont Cinema. The three-storey venue Warehouse adopts the same name as Mr. Cole's other venture, the Warehouse Wine Bar in Dursley, and is an industrial conversion of the Gaumont Cinema which opened in 1935, using varnished sleepers, brickwork and stone effect flooring. Above the large balcony bar on the first floor is an opulently-detailed VIP room, while the dancefloor itself incorporates a water feature.

Cole enlisted local company, Hans Beier's CAV - which he had worked with before on the Dursley venue - to design and install a sound and lighting infrastructure in the 850-capacity venue.

As the centrepiece, Beier chose the Martin Audio W8LM Mini Line Array system - after Martin Audio's Simon Bull successfull

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UK - Pioneer has revealed its plans for a stunning DJ line-up on the opening Sunday of PLASA 2004. DJs appearing and playing on the Pioneer stand on that day include VJ Kriel (Charles Kriel), James Zabiela, Hexstatic, Addictive TV, Dan Tait, OakeDoak Crew, Red Dog & Mungo, Marco & Maui and DJ Yoda.

In addition to these, the following names will be playing on the Pioneer stand throughout the rest of the PLASA show: Monday 13 September, Seb Fontaine: Tuesday 14 September, Nic Fancuilli and Eddie Halliwell: Wednesday 15 September, Judge Jules.

(Lee Baldock)

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Japan - "Acoustically it's perfect," said Ralf Zuleeg, an applications support specialist from d&b audiotechnik, "a typical modern, horseshoe-shaped concert hall; slightly dry for a small ensemble, but ideal for a full orchestra." Matsumoto City Hall in Japan was originally opened 40 years ago; the current refurbishment project began in 1999, completing in the spring of 2004. Its grand opening will comprise multiple events covering the full gamut of musical performance, with the debut concert having been staged on 29 August 2004.

Yamaha Sound Technologies Inc. was selected to be responsible for the sound installation, with Nagata Acoustics Inc. providing the acoustic sound design, Makoto Ino their senior consultant elected to specify d&b systems. "We have experience of this company's equipment through our partnership with the Otaritec Corporation, who

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UK - JBL Professional today announced the availability of a new suite of system design and operation tools for use with Vertec line array systems. All-new DSP presets, expanded array DLL's for use in EASE 4.0 acoustical modeling software, and an upgraded version of JBL's Line Array Calculator are included in the package.

The new system user tools include the release of JBL's new Version 3.0 digital signal processing library of presets for Vertec systems. Offering incremental improvements in acoustical performance, the new presets provide improved mutual-coupling characteristics, both on and off axis, for arrays of all sizes, say JBL. Phase linearity between the low and mid frequency sections has been improved for all models, offering better coherence throughout the crossover region. Passband filters have been optimized to reduce minimum-phase effects, and reduce the number of e.

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UK - Digidesign today unveiled its first foray into the live sound mixing market with the launch of the Venue digital console. Major features include high sound quality with 48-bit internal processing, a versatile and expandable digital mix engine and the ability to add to the console's standard feature set with plug-ins - a legacy of the manufacturer's long relationship with musicians via the Pro Tools recording studio series.

The standard package includes a 48-channel D-Show console, a full snapshot-based automation system which can store all console channel and parameter settings, channel facilities that include two dynamics processors, 4-band parametric EQ and delay and hand-calibrated microphone preamps.

Digidesign's expandable DSP mix engine architecture provides almost literally unlimited scope for adding effects and dynamics processors with plug-ins. The same effects

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UK - In a PLASA showcase, loudspeaker innovators Funtion-One are using the PLASA Show to launch the Resolution 1, a standard sized loudspeaker aimed at the generic 2-way box market. The new product represents a radical departure from the norm in this market and the company claims it will "revolutionise the 2-way small box loudspeaker market."

The key component is a completely new 5 inch mid/high driver that eliminates the need for a compression driver, and lowers the LF crossover point to just 600Hz below which a ported 12 inch LF driver takes over. The 5 inch device, developed in-house at Function-One's Surrey, UK base, is mounted on a miniaturized, dedicated Axehead-loaded waveguide and the promise of the complete package is a combination of high efficiency and excellent projection and imaging.

The enclosure shape has been optimized to recess a wall bracket for n

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UK - Formula Sound is launching the FF-6000 DJ mixer at PLASA, the product of a unique collaboration between the manufacturer and loudspeaker specialists (and dance market aficionados) Funktion-One. The mixer's features and layout were determined during the collaboration and extensively checked along the way with professional DJs.

A large-scale DJ mixer 'shoot-out', conducted by Funktion-One some 18 months ago that involved an informal panel of interested listeners from around the industry, revealed differences in both sound quality and control interface. "We tested mixers from all the major manufacturers," explains Funktion-One's Tony Andrews. "There were only two mixers that everyone agreed delivered acceptable sound quality, and one of those was Formula Sound's PM100. We then worked with Formula Sound to refine the layout with features that working DJs really

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UK - Heralding it as "the world's most versatile amplifier", MTi Danmark announced its first product developed especially for international markets with the arrival of the MPA 82000 8-channel DSP amplifier and the DSM 88 Digital Speaker Manager.

The MPA 82000, which MTi says will replace a typical 12-16 unit amplifier rack, offers 8 x 500W or 8 x 1000W power amplifier modules, in any combination, in a 3U rackmount unit that weighs in at 58lb (26 kg). It's aimed at both the installation and touring / rental markets. The amplifier features the unique ICEpower power conversion technology, made under licence from Bang & Olufsen ICEpower A/S.

A built-in 8-channel DSP controller provides a full 8x8 matrix, EQ, crossover, delay, limiter and volume, with global delay of up to 8 seconds. Settings can be stored in 16 user presets. Via an RS485 interface, up to 16 MPA 82000s

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Turbosound's new high-efficiency sound reinforcement system, Aspect, consists of the TA-890H touring mid-high model and the matching low-frequency TA-890L.

Described by the company as its "most efficient loudspeaker design to date", the Aspect series features a number of patented concepts and is capable of generating peak SPL in excess of 146dB, with very low distortion. It utilizes in-house-designed transducers, which operate over four frequency bands divided between the system's modular mid/high and LF enclosures. All feature neodymium magnets, offering greater efficiency and thermal stability, plus lower power compression and low weight.

Notable innovations include the Polyhorn waveguides, employed for the design's HF and high-mid frequency bands to create a phase-coherent wavefront. The Polyhorn concept allows individual wavefronts to coincide seamlessly with the physic

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With its innovative approach to architectural building control and the potential to become a cost-effective control interface for a wide range of applications. Stardraw Control offers a new approach to solving the problem of controlling systems comprised of products from many different suppliers.

Stardraw's Rob Robinson explains what sets it apart from other control solutions. "Stardraw Control creates stand-alone control applications that can manage any kind of product from any manufacturer as long as it can be controlled or monitored remotely. It is designed to support any communications infrastructure and any protocol such as LAN, Wi-Fi, IR, RS232, EtherSound etc. Furthermore, the application that you have created with Stardraw Control will run on any Windows-enabled device from PC to PDA to touchscreen panel, as well as Linux, Mac etc. To our knowledge, no-one else offers such

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UK - The D1 Live, a compact version of the D5 Live digital mixing system at what DiGiCo calls an "Access All Areas price", made its debut at PLASA 2004, heralding what the company confidently predicts will be its biggest selling product to date.

Aimed at the midrange rental company and installation markets, a brand new MADI card is largely responsible for the dramatic price reduction, by providing a fully digital link from stage to FOH for up to 100m of coax cable, where previously 50m was the maximum run -dispensing with the need for expensive optical fibre.

The worksurface has the D5's instantly familiar and distinctive look - although there is slightly less of it, as the new console provides two (rather than three) input fader sections, each with eight faders, and offers a maximum of 224 inputs and 224 outputs. It shares the D5's built-in dynamics, EQ, matrix, eff

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UK - Pro audio distribution specialists, Fuzion plc will announce the formation of a new lighting division at this year's PLASA Show in London (September 12-15). Difuzion will be headed by the experienced Graham Barron, who has spent the last four years at Martin Professional, having dedicated much of his professional career to lighting design, support, consultancy and sales. Difuzion will open its account by confirming an exclusive UK distribution deal with German-based Futurelight, headed by Bernd Steinigke.

Said Graham Barron, "I was ready for a new challenge and was impressed by the set-up at Fuzion. As for Futurelight, they produce a comprehensive, attractively-priced range of well-made products - and yet historically the brand has been under-exposed in the UK." He emphasized that this was just the start. "We are ready to take on other non-conflicting lighti

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UK - PLASA 2004 opened its doors on Sunday 12th September to enthusiastic crowds, with a full show, hundreds of exciting products and a real buzz across the show floor. Both visitors and exhibitors are commenting that the excitement is back and the industry future looks bright.

The Product Excellence Awards at the PLASA show have 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 awards have undergone an important change for 2004 with the focus being much more on genuine innovation and have been relaunched as the PLASA Awards for Innovation. The previous assessment criteria, which segmented the nominations into sectors, has been removed so that products were not judged within category lines, but on the grounds of their innovation alone. The judges looked for

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UK - Among TC Electronics' products on show is the EQ Station system, its latest offering aimed specifically at the live sound market.

At the heart of the system is the EQ Station itself, with a user interface rich in intuitive controls and a full-colour backlit QVGA TFT graphic display designed for visibility even in direct sunlight. Accompanying it are the MotoFader Remote which provides a familiar graphic EQ-style EQ fader panel for instant, hands-on remote control of the EQ Station's digital bands, and the PC/Mac Editor that runs on industry standard networks including the latest low-cost wireless systems - making it possible to EQ a house or monitor system from anywhere in the venue, including on stage.

Under the hood are separate display views for graphic, parametric and dynamic EQ; individual frequency, bandwidth and gain encoders; store / recall of settings with 250 us

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UK - Appropriately for a product designed to reduce the unwanted effects of noise pollution from installed audio systems, the new Basscreator from XLNT Advanced Technologies made a suitably quiet international debut on MTi Danmark's stand (F67) at PLASA. MTi announced at the show that it is to become a distributor for Basscreator and displayed the unit at short notice.

The product, which can also be used to enhance bass output from small loudspeakers, is the creation of XLNT Advanced Technologies, the Dutch DSP research and development company that was also responsible for one of PLASA 2004's biggest hits, the Innovation Award-winning CyberHoist / InMotion 3D Motion Control System.

Basscreator is a 1U rackmount noise control device based on the principle of the missing fundamental. It gives acousticians and other audio experts a tool for situations where noise emission from mu

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Denmark - DPA Microphones has introduced the HMA5000 two-channel high-voltage microphone amplifier, which builds on the strengths of the well-established HMA4000. One of the main advantages of using a high-voltage mic amplifier rather than a 48V phantom powered version, is that it provides an extended dynamic headroom - by 10dB - say DPA. Another benefit is that the signal path in the HMA5000 is transformerless, allowing a frequency range from 10Hz to 100kHz (-1dB).

The DPA HMA5000 can be used to power DPA's high-voltage microphones including the 4003 and 4004 omnidirectional mics, the 4012 cardioid and 4016 wide cardioid, and the 4041-S omnidirectional solid state and 4041-T omnidirectional tube mics. By using the HTP4000 adaptor, the HMA5000 can also be used with ordinary 48V phantom powered microphones. "Together with one of our high-voltage microphones, the HMA5000 pro

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UK - Digigram, owner and supplier of the patented EtherSound technology, announced at PLASA 2004 that it has released an extended EtherSound specification along with its first implementation to all EtherSound licensees. In addition the company discussed the addition of a new 'entry level agreement' and 'authorized EtherSound implementor' partner program to the EtherSound licensing scheme.

This extension to the EtherSound specification enables bi-directional audio distribution over the same cable, as well as higher sample rate conversions at 88.2, 96, or 192kHz. The EtherSound licensees, which currently include NetCira by Fostex, Nexo, Bouyer, InnovaSON, and Auvitran, will autonomously determine their individual product plan to implement the new features into their products. Many existing EtherSound products are compliant with the new technology and can be upgraded in the field b

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UK - The DMC/Technics World DJ Championships, held at the Carling Hammersmith Apollo (4-5 September 2004, London), represented one of the first UK projects to feature the new Aspect series of high-efficiency loudspeakers. Broadcast by the BBC's 1Xtra radio channel, the DMC/Technics World DJ Championships is the culmination of international heats that have taken place thought this year, across Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe.

Turbosound provided sound reinforcement in association with UK rental company Britannia Row Productions, deploying 19 Aspect loudspeakers, with nine in a central cluster, and five per side in the main front-of-house system, complemented by an additional twelve TSW-721 low-frequency enclosures per side. The entire system was powered by just three amplifier racks - each able to drive six mid-highs and twelve Aspect subs. Turbosound's wedge monito

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UK - Celestion yesterday announced Nigel Wood as the company's newly appointed Professional Products general manager. Wood is an accomplished senior commercial manager in the engineering sector with a global background in OEM sales and marketing, third party distribution and operations and will report directly to CEO Frank DiGirolamo.

Before joining Celestion, Wood served as technical and marketing manager at Icore International, a market-leading specialist engineering company, offering aerospace and industrial technical products to major OEMs. Here he was responsible for corporate engineering activities as well as being accountable for one of three internal industrial business units. Prior to this, Wood had built his career as a senior manager at two global engineering organisations, with an impressive track record introducing creative solutions to maximise efficiency and incr

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UK - Pure Distribution, a division of Stirling Audio, has been successful introducing Audix microphones to new artists around the UK, since taking on the distribution earlier this year. The Finn Brothers are the latest fans, using a selection of the products on their current tour. New Zealand born Neil and Tim Finn spent nearly a decade as one half of Crowded House, and made it big in Britain and the US in the early 90s with the multi-illion selling album Woodface.

Audix has supplied a selection of microphones for use on their worldwide tour, for which the duo play a range of musical instruments, from keyboards to ukuleles. Both brothers use OM-6 dynamic vocal microphones, the CX-111 studio condenser mic is put to good use on their guitars, while a variety of Audix drum and percussion mics can be found across the stage. Their current tour has taken them around the US and

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  2. Full Sail ahead for DiGiCo
  3. SSE at V and Carling Festivals
  4. Waterproof patchcords for Ethernet
  5. Digigram goes both ways
  6. Allen & Heath celebrates 35 years
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