USA - With client R.E.M. now winding their way across Europe, Mark Carlson of Seattle-based Carlson Audio Systems can safely give pause and reflect on the nature of the band's North American tour just past. "It was a theatre tour for the most part, but it did a lot of upsizing and downsizing," the concert sound veteran acknowledges. "On any given night, the band could find itself in a venue ranging from 1,400 to 10,000 seats. To compensate, we sent out a lot of mix 'n' match components. Some of the gear we used one day, some of it we used on others. There was always a fair amount of change. If we needed something extra, we called on outside vendors."

Giving power to whatever came along, a total of eight racks travelled with the Carlson Audio crew housing amplifiers from QSC including PowerLight PL6.0 II and PL4.0 models, as well as PowerLight2 PL236s. Relyin

Italy - In the geographical heart of Italy, the historic Teatro Morlacchi recently played host to the internationally renowned BBC Big Band. The 800-seat theatre, dating back to the late 17th century, gained its fame as one of the region's finest opera houses, but has lately been hosting a wide range of jazz, orchestral and even dance productions. Local AV rental house Set Music Service specified QSC's WideLine system for the event, and the reaction from both audience and professionals "overwhelming" say the company.

"We installed six WideLines per side, ground stacking them in an arc with a single sub per side," reported Set Music's president Aldo Contini. "There was no EQ, other than perhaps a touch to compensate for the room's mid-bass resonance. The sound was absolutely smooth and homogenous all the way up to the seventh level gallery."

Cont

UK - "From tiny acorns mighty oaks do grow" a misquotation often used to indicate that something small is capable of great things. For renowned West End sound designer Paul Groothuis (credits include The King & I and the sumptuous My Fair Lady at the National to name just two) the issue of size was critical as he made plans to fit the control into his equation for Victoria Wood's new musical, Acorn Antiques, at the Haymarket Theatre Royal.

"My main consideration was space," said Groothuis of his decision to use Yamaha's PM5D mixing console. "This is a small theatre and seat revenues are important. I needed a certain amount of channels and a certain sound quality. It was a toss up between having a larger conventional console in a position where the operator couldn't hear, or a smaller one in a good listening position. There was nothi

USA / Germany - Community will use the ProLight&Sound exhibition in Frankfurt (6-9 April) for the European launch of the new iBOX range of installation loudspeakers, offering a straightforward approach to implementing arrays, clusters and distributed systems with just two sizes of discrete enclosures. iBOX HP1200 Series combines a high-power 12" mid/bass driver with a 2.87" voice coil HF (1.4" exit) on a large format horn, providing uniform pattern control.

Offering precise coverage and arrayability are six models: iHP1244 (40x40), iHP1264 (60x40), iHP1266 (60x60), iHP1294 (90x40), iHP1296 (90x60), iHP1299 (90x90). Each of the full-range cabinets can be used in bi-amp or passive mode and operates from 60Hz to 18kHz with power handling of 600W continuous. For systems requiring greater LF extension Community offers the i112S (1x12") and i212S (2x12") subs

Germany - German manufacturer Kling & Freitag has announced that Michael Kinzel is the new managing director of the company. The changes are the result of the company's continued growth, with a larger company requiring a reappraisal of the management structure. In making their choice, Martin Kling and Jürgen Freitag decided to take somebody who knew the company well. Kinzel has worked with K&F for more than five years and supported Martin and Jürgen in the development of the reputation of the brand. Beside his new position, Kinzel will continue to be responsible for international sales.

Martin Kling remains in charge of the R&D department as the technical director, while Jürgen Freitag is taking care of the German key customers and is also responsible for special projects and customer support; among other projects he has recently finished a project which incolved the delive

UK - Adlib Audio continues its association with high profile American artists working in the UK and Europe, in supplying full audio production - including a JBL VerTec line array system - to US band Good Charlotte's current UK tour. The system is being looked after by Adlib's James Neale at FOH and Rob Coles on monitors. They are working closely with band's own US engineers, Gary Ferenchak at FOH and Vince Buller on monitors.

The tour visits a variety of venues, large and small, culminating in shows at London's Brixton Academy. They're carrying 20 VT4889 elements on the truck, using 10 per side for the larger shows and four per side for the smaller ones. "VerTec suits Good Charlotte very well," says Neale, "Lots of energy and power coming out of it - just like the band - but it also gets right over the top of the stage noise".

The subs are eight of Adlib'

Italy / Germany - Italian pro audio manufacturer Outline will exhibit a number of new products at this year's ProLight&Sound exhibition in Frankfurt (6-9 April). The company's series of top-end stage monitors will be expanded by the H.A.R.D. 45 SP, the most compact in the range, but with the same original design seen in the 115 and 212 models.

Despite its slim profile, compact size (38 x 43 x 30cm) and light weight, H.A.R.D. 45 SP can produce a peak SPL of 129 dB/1m, thanks to its built-in PWM amplifiers supplying 2-way (low and high) power to the speakers mounted in the enclosure, say Outline. With four special 5" mid-woofers (the same as those mounted in the Micra II enclosures) and a compression driver with a 1" throat loaded by the same S.P.R.W.G. (Single Parabolic Reflective Wave Guide) used for the other models in the range, H.A.R.D. 45 features, among other thi

The Netherlands / Germany - Following a very successful first full manufacturing year, Dutch manufacturer Alcons Audio will present a number of new products at the Frankfurt ProLight&Sound exhibition (6-9 April) plus a complete new product series. The full production version of the LR14, Alcons' ultra-compact line-array module, will be on show, following a number of previews. Featuring the patented RBN401 pro-ribbon driver and double 6.5" woofers with a dispersion pattern of 120 x 15°, the LR14 is designed to be used either as an ultra-compact line-array system, or as an under-fill of the LR16.

New on show will be the LR14B, the ultra-compact, lightweight, high-output bass module of the LR14 line-array, with double Neodymium 12" in double-tuned band-pass configuration. The LR14B combines a very low weight with very high specific SPL output, making the LR14B an excell

UK - After frequently playing host to the Nexo GEO S system - generally as part of the production inventory of Glasgow-based Sound Acoustics - the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) has decided to permanently install a system in its 624-seat Lomond Auditorium.

The venue's technical manager, Tony Edwards, said that this was part of SECC's policy of continuous improvement of the facilities. "The heavy utilisation of this Hall means that the turnaround times have to be quick. We need to be able to offer a system that is versatile, with exceptional quality, since it will be used for a wide range of corporate events as well as other productions such as pantomimes. Jim Coubrough, our sound technician, was so convinced about the quality and coverage of the system we have been able to do away with the front-fills and allow the 30° down-fill box to provide the nearfi

UK - Long-standing Dundee nightclub Fat Sam's has boosted its capacity to 2,100 by creating the new Karma Lounge on Level 3 of the six-storey building. Owner, Angus Robb and architect Doug Reid of Glamis-based Milton Studio developed the idea jointly. Robb has marked the latest addition to the 22-year-old operation by importing carved buddahs from India (along with an Iroko teak floor) and installing a potent Nexo dance system in the rectangular room.

Sound Control, Dundee supplied four PS15's and four PS10's, which are flown over the dancefloor and peripheral areas, reinforced by a pair of LS1200 subs - all powered by three Camco Vortex 6 amplifiers (2100W/4 ohms).

The full-range speakers are either suspended from tie bars or fixed direct into the standard four-inch brick ceiling using the NEXO hardware, reinforced by a special epoxy-based chemical and fixing screw rod. The s

UK - Professional audio distributor, Autograph Sales, has appointed Mike Mann to its board of directors. He will be responsible for sales and business development, in addition to handling the increasing number of design and installation projects now being tackled by the company.

Mann has been with Autograph Sales for over two years, holding the post of technical manager, providing pre and post sales support to customers. Previously, he has worked for Meyer Sound, Cadac Electronics, Soundcraft and Drake, while his first job in the industry was in the Royal Opera House sound department.

"I became addicted to live performance as a very junior sound engineer in Covent Garden - and it's that kind of lasting passion that drives the Autograph team. This is an exciting time for pro audio and Autograph Sales," he says.

(Jim Evans)

UK - A powerful Cerwin Vega sound reinforcement system has been installed at the Schnapps Bar in Scunthorpe, by Class-UK. The York-based suppliers recommended a combination of three-way Vision and ProStax series loudspeakers as part of a sound and lighting upgrade, as the venue - owned by Chris Mappouras - expanded its capacity and reduced its name (from the former 'Der Schnapps').

Specifying four each of Cerwin's Vision VIS-153, Vision VIS-122, ProStax PSX-122 and AB36 sub, Steve Wright, who runs Class-UK, said they were selected for their sonic ability and cost-effectiveness. A pair of Vision VIS-153s, groundstacked on a pair of AB36 18" folded 'After Burn' subs, are sited on either side of the DJ booth; and while one pair of ProStax PSX-122s acts as DJ monitors, the other operates as an infill system for the adjacent bar.

The four full-range Vision VIS-122s - are fl

UK - Ipswich-based acoustic engineering consultancy Big Sky provided design services for engineer/producer Phil Harding's recently opened project studio located in rural Suffolk. Big Sky's brief included design of the main room acoustics and advice on soundproofing the building.

"Work had already begun on my new studio when I first met Richard Vivian from Big Sky," says Harding. "The building had been designed by a local architect and was being built by a local, non-specialist builder. I had made the classic mistake of allowing these people to erect a parallel walled room. One visit from Richard to the site immediately highlighted a list of improvements that were both economic and practical to implement. Suggestions such as an internal lobby on the entrance door, built on an angle to break up the parallel walls, and changes to the internal wall construction hav

UK - As a result of continued growth, Hawthorn has taken over the adjoining industrial unit, in a move that more than doubles its warehouse space to 90,000sq.ft. The extra space will be used to house the company's brand new AV Department, along with its ever increasing inventory of lighting, sound, rigging, staging, drapes and 65 full-time staff.

Hawthorn prides itself on its ongoing investment in new technology: most recently this has seen the purchase of James Thomas's brand new PIXELpipes and RADlite's revolutionary Pixeldrive, currently on tour with The Chemical Brothers, and their new Martin Line Array. Martin Hawthorn, managing director, says: "We just had nowhere left to grow. After building mezzanines in our current unit, we were delighted when we heard our neighbours were moving, as we could literally double our space overnight without relocating or running a spli

UK - The Elgiva Theatre in Chesham has just had a complete new sound system installed - replacing the previous 20-year old system - designed and installed by Kelco (UK) Ltd. The system comprises loudspeakers selected from the EM Acoustics EMS Series - products designed for a wide variety of applications, but which have found their way into several theatrical productions already. This system marks the first permanent installation of EM Acoustics products into a theatre in the UK.

Due to the wide variety of productions that the theatre stages - from speeches and traditional plays to small concerts - Kelco's technical director David Kelland specified six EMS-121 (12" x 1") full-range enclosures, arranged in pairs at left-centre-right positions, with EMS-81 enclosures as downfills and EMS-215 subwoofers for low end support. The entire system is powered by MC2 T-Series am

UK - The Union building at Dundee University has been fitted out from the ground up with Nexo sound reinforcement as part of an overall refurbishment costing £4.8m. The phased development over five floors has culminated in four stacks of Alpha E being specified for the main performance space, MONO, where artists such as The Thrills, Groove Armada and Edith Bowman & Tim Westwood have already appeared.

The Students Union's new sound and AV technician, Barclay Dakers, designed the systems for each of the performance areas - which have a combined capacity of 2,300 - in conjunction with Mick Butler of Fuzion plc, Nexo's UK distributor. Also involved in specifying the respective systems was Ralph Teviotdale, assistant manager of Sound Control, Dundee, who supplied all the equipment. Dakers said that Nexo had been recommended by local companies who had been regularly hiring PA to the

UK - Sound production company Major Tom has purchased two Yamaha PM5D-RH audio mixing consoles from Shepperton-based supplier, Marquee Audio. These were acquired specifically for Judas Priest's current eight-week European tour, at the request of FOH engineer, Martin Walker. "Rather than sub the desks in we decided to bite the bullet and make an investment," said Major Tom's Chris Marsh. "I was pleased we could do business with Marquee. I am aware of Andy Huffer's reputation and great knowledge of Yamaha digital products; I knew I would get an honest opinion."

Although Martin Walker has been Judas Priest's sound engineer over a long period this will be Major Tom's first outing with the veteran band. "Martin is Yamaha through and through and wanted to move into the digital domain," reports Chris. "As far as I was concerned there was no alternati

UK - The Pumphouse, in the heart of Swansea's Marina, has been extensively refurbished by Welsh brewer and Pub Company S.A. Brain and Co Ltd. Internal features retain much of the original brickwork and white timber panelling and the décor includes pictures and graphics of the pump house in its working heyday. Other decorative artefacts give the venue a distinctly maritime theme. A new glazed area to one side of The Pumphouse blends tastefully with the old building and affords customers an excellent view of the Marina and waterway.

Seating throughout the bar and restaurant areas is unusually varied, ranging from high stools, leather-clad bench seats, comfy tub chairs, hard back seating, settees and bean bags; clearly aimed at catering for all age groups. The sound system, selected by local Cardiff-based installer Jeff Smith of Smith Electrical, utilises a combination of Tannoy

USA - Denon DJ's DN-S1000 CD/MP3 player has been named Best DJ Product at the Club World Awards 2005. Now in its third year, the Club World Awards recognize innovation in design, technology, sound and talent across nightclubs in North America. The awards - also known as the Disco Globes after their mirrorball trophies - honour the most cutting-edge products and the DJs, promoters and proprietors who strive to bring the public the ultimate clubbing experiences.

The winners of the Club World Awards are determined by an independent panel of expert judges, and were announced at the Club World Awards ceremony held during the Winter Music Conference in Miami, Florida. This award comes on the heels of Denon DJ receiving accolades from two other notable industry associations for its cutting-edge DJ products: at the DJ Magazine Technoscan Awards, Denon's DN-D4000 Dual CD/MP3 Player won

Germany / Sweden - Another HK Audio Cohedra Compact system, consisting of 24 CDR 108 C mid/high units, 12 CDR 210 C subwoofers and PR 8 power racks, has been sold to Road Ready Sound in Stockholm, Sweden. The company has recently undergone a transformation as a result of merging two separate rental firms into one larger company. It has also taken over the very impressive Gamlatryckeriet venue in the Stockholm area with over 2,500sq.m of floor space - ideal for launch parties and corporate events for large organizations which have included Shell, IKEA and BMW.

Road Ready Sound's owners, Janne Arkegren and Joacim Fagerström, have been HK Audio users for many years. When it came to choosing a line array system, they knew they could not only trust HK Audio but also feel confident in the service provided by HK's Swedish distributor, ILT Scandinavia AB, from whom they purchased the

UK - Although it was a Nexo GEO-S system that local company Sound Acoustics flew in Glasgow's Tron Theatre, as one of the venues which hosted the 2005 Celtic Connections Festival, it was a t&m Systems rig that they ended up permanently supplying. But fortunately both brands are distributed in the UK by Fuzion plc.

Situated in the City's East End, the famous old touring theatre needed to supplement its existing house system - but in view of the number of arts spaces (including the original Victorian Bar) housed within a building whose steeple dates back to the 16th century, they also needed a rolling set-up that could be used outside. Sound Acoustics ended up supplying eight t&m 122 12" full-range speakers, complemented by a pair of t&m 215 (2 x 15) subs - and relevant system controller. "We went for t&m on the recommendation of Sound Acoustics, whom we trust implicitl

UK - Pro audio manufacturer Audient will present its new digital loudspeaker management system, 'One', at the ProLight&Sound exhibition in Frankfurt next week. A brand new top-flight system for sound reinforcement and fixed installation alike, One is available with 4 or 6 outputs and adapts to any system configuration in no time, say Audient. A fast, intuitive interface provides access to a host of features including 45 presets, delay times of up to 480ms, 8 bands of EQ and a broad selection of filter types including the unique Hardman filter.

Audient's sales and marketing director Luke Baldry says: "By using 96kHz operation, carefully matched converters and minimal signal path design, One offers the outstanding quality that is expected from Audient. We are pleased to present it at a pleasantly surprising price too."

Audient will also be exhibiting the recently laun

UK - Next week's Pro Light&Sound exhibition in Frankfurt sees LA Audio launch two diverse new products - Can-D and the PC90. Can-D is a headphone delay unit and amplifier for any live application. With delay times of up to 678ms, users can be 226m from the stage and still enjoy the sound of 'time-coherent cans', say the company, adding that a substantial headphone amplifier provides levels up to and including 'painfully loud'. Can-D's solid build quality with compact casing design and built in power supply proves a cost-effective tool, fitting perfectly into a production case.

The PC90 absolute phase checking system incorporates a separate emitter and receiver module, which can be used with its internal speaker and microphone or can connect via XLR to test phase accuracy throughout any audio system. The PC90's broadband pulse can detect phase inversion regardless of time delay

Germany - EVI Audio has announced that Hamburg-based Amptown Sound & Communication GmbH (ASC) is to be the company's new distribution partner for intercom systems. The alliance between the systems house, which provides integrated solutions for media technologies, including consulting planning and realization, and the market leader in both wireless and wired communications technology has positive implications for both the market and the end user, say the company. The distribution deal covers all the intercom products and systems of both Telex and RTS - including the digital matrices Adam and Cronus, which have no competitors anywhere in the world, and the wireless intercom systems BTR-700 and BTR-800.

"We are delighted, after a long and intensive search, to have found a more than competent partner for Germany," says Manuel Brico, Telex product manager for EAME. "T

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