Sound

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UK / Worldwide - News from Funktion One, the British manufacturer of professional loudspeaker systems, which has informed PLASA Media of the addition of a number of new companies to its international distributor network: 100% Puro Design, based in Naples, is the distributor for Italy - contact Gino Passarella ; Macrosound Construction, based in Moscow is the distributor for Russia - contact Andrey Kremenchugsky, and Seesound in Barcelona is the distributor for mainland Spain - contact Nacho Alberdi. At the same time, Funktion One has also announced that it will be represented in Vietnam through Fantasie Show Light, based in Hanoi - contact Dinh Viet Hung.

Funktion One also rep

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Germany - Italian pro audio manufacturer Outline suffered a substantial theft of equipment during the break-down of its booth at the recent ProLight & Sound show in Frankfurt, on Sunday 14 April. A full list of the equipment stolen, together with the serial numbers where available, has been provided to the Frankfurt police. A copy of the list can be downloaded from Outline's website by clickinghere.

Outline's Giorgio Biffi says: "Obviously we'd like to warn the possible buyers of the risk incurring in buying this items . . . Fortunately very few items can be used, as they've been stolen without some essential parts, such as the Butterfly units, which are devoid of side bars and back side incremental bars, which are absolutely necessary for their normal use."

(Lee Baldock)

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UK / Sri Lanka - When the devastating effects of the tsunami struck the countries around the Indian Ocean over the Christmas period, the services offered by the entertainment production industry weren't those that were immediately required as part of the disaster recovery effort. Three months on, however, as the countries work to return to normality, the UK lighting industry has been able to offer assistance to colleagues working in Sri Lanka.

Production manager Alison Ritchie heard about the damage caused to the lighting, sound and staging equipment stock of her friend Thushan Dias of Mahinda Dias Engineers. MDS has supplied lighting sound and staging services in Sri Lanka for more than 50 years, and Ritchie knew Dias having worked with him when Shared Experience toured to Colombo in the 90s. After the tsunami, she contacted him to check that he was OK, and heard that though he

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Italy - On 26 February 2005 at the Salone delle Idee in Turin's Arsenale della Pace, a packed house attended the première of the concert Dal Basso della Terra by Ernesto Olivero and Mauro Tabasso, which was dedicated to the late Pope John Paul II. The concert, conducted by Salvatore Accardo - one of the world's greatest living violinists - was transmitted by Italian national state broadcaster RAI's channel 3 on 7 March 2005.

The audio rig for the event was from Outline, installed and fine-tuned by Bologna's Nuovo Service. It consisted of three arrays made up of Butterfly Hi-pack CDH 483 (6+5+6), two Victor Live subwoofers, four H.A.R.D. 212 monitors and four Micra enclosures, used for 'front-fill' purposes. The entire system was powered by Outline Series T power amps.

Nuovo Service's owner Willy Gubellini commented: "With artists of this calibre, it's the precisio

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Spain - Based on the success of its powered systems, D.A.S. Audio has expanded its offering with two powered stage monitors. The bi-amped SM-12A 12" two-way and SM-15A 15" two-way systems use the latest in power amplifier technology, offering a Class D 500W amp for the LF section and a 100 W Class A/B amp for the highs, say the company.

The SM-12A utilizes a high efficiency 12" low frequency speaker with a 3" voice coil. The large ferrite magnet structure and pole piece cooling provide high power handling and low power compression. The high frequency section makes use of a neodymium magnet compression driver with 1.5" exit and 3" titanium diaphragm. The compression driver is coupled to a narrow dispersion horn.

The SM-15A's LF section uses a high efficiency 15" speaker with a 3" voice coil. The HF section, as in the case of the SM-12A, u

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Germany / UK - High-quality wireless microphone systems do not have to be expensive, say Sennheiser, following the launch of the three freePort systems that Sennheiser electronic GmbH & Co KG launched at ProLight+Sound in Frankfurt recently - 'Vocal', 'Instrument' and 'Presentation' versions. All three systems allow four switchable frequencies to be operated simultaneously, ensuring high transmission reliability and flexibility. "freePort offers outstanding quality at a tremendously low price," says Michael Polten, industry team manager for the Music Industry at Sennheiser. "The systems can be operated without licensing and without a fee in many European countries."

All three have a diversity receiver installed in a sturdy metal housing, ensuring optimum reception. A dynamics processor provides the freePort systems with a wonderfully clear and natural sound.

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USA - The founders Pennsylvania's Sight & Sound Theatres, Glen and Shirley Eshelman have always pushed the technological envelope. As the nation's largest Christian theatre, Sight & Sound creates spectacular live events drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the country to the magnificent 2,000-seat venue.

One of the latest additions to the theatre's extensive portfolio of professional live sound gear is the InnovaSON Sy80 digital mixing console which has been installed in the Millennium Theatre, the anchor of the Sight & Sound theatre complex, sporting three stages and more than 85 loudspeakers. The theatre produces elaborate stage events, which can include live animals, animatronic figures, life-size props and even helicopters that fly in. The sheer number of microphones, combined with the vast number of scenes and settings meant the mixing and recall capabiliti

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USA - Looking to broaden its appeal to national touring acts and corporate clients, Michigan-based Thunder Audio has bolstered its loudspeaker inventory with the addition of a Meyer Sound Milo high-power compact curvilinear array system.

According to Thunder Audio president Tony Villarreal, the extraordinary flexibility of Milo was the deciding factor in his purchase decision. "We researched all the line array products and found that Milo offers both the high-end clarity and raw horsepower we need for all the acts we work with. Let's face it, who's going to get louder than Metallica and Slipknot? Milo can go 'balls-to-the-wall' for them, but it also has the smooth, high-end clarity we need for clients like the Detroit Symphony."

Thunder Audio's new Milo complement includes both original Milo cabinets and Milo 120 high-power expanded coverage curvilinear arrays. To op

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Spain - In keeping with its ongoing sound education and training program d&b audiotechnik will be participating in this year's European AES convention. John Taylor and Ralf Zuleeg from d&b audiotechnik will present a three part session entitled Loudspeaker line arrays, this will take place at the CCIB in Barcelona on Sunday 29 May from 10.00 to 14.00.

Taylor is an experienced presenter renowned in many parts of the world for his distinctive lively style, believing that if you are passionate about sound system design, then you need to make it sound good. He will begin with a presentation titled "De-mystifying audio techniques" embracing visual images, experiments and practical demonstrations. Discover what constitutes a well-behaved loudspeaker and how it affects what every listener in the house will hear.

Zuleeg has been involved in many d&b sound installation

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UK - The West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds has recently upgraded is radio mic systems with the purchase of Sennheiser 3000 Series from Bradford-based Pro Audio Systems. The system comprises 12 x Sennheiser 3000 series radio mic systems consisting of six 3532-U dual receivers, 12 x SK3063 belt-pack transmitters and two SKM3072 hand-held mics. This was augmented with an ASA3000 splitter and active antennae and included in the purchase were a number of MKE-2's for stock. The complete system was custom racked and wired by Pro Audio Systems and supplied with S-MCD3000HP monitoring software, which is being run via the multicore.

Discussing the purchase, West Yorkshire Playhouse head of sound, Glen Massam, said, "At the WYP we continually strive to produce the best in theatre which means using the best audio equipment available. For us, that meant Sennheiser for radio and micropho

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USA - Intelix has announced the release of a DVI balun capable of distributing a high-quality DVI (digital visual interface) signal up to 150 feet over two inexpensive Cat 5 cables. The latest addition to Intelix's line of audio/visual baluns, it supports standard HDTV and VESA resolution, as well as the DDWG standard for DVI compliant monitors.

Intelix provides a broad line of baluns, including solutions for audio, multiple formats of video, and VGA. In addition baluns, Intelix manufactures an extensive line of serial controlled mic/line, matrix, room-combine, and automatic mixers.

(Mike Lethby)

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UK - Orbital Sound has announced its appointment as the exclusive UK distributor of HME Professional Audio's DX200 wireless digital intercom system, which boasts affordable and reliable 2.4 Ghz license free operation. Adding to its expanding sales product range, it augments the company's potential to sell and hire innovative communications solutions across a host of applications.

In addition to its 2.4Ghz licence-free operation, the DX200 Wireless Intercom System provides clear, secure and interference free communications with an advanced and easy-to-operate digital design. The system is compatible with all 2 and 4 wire ring intercom systems and can be readily integrated into existing installations. A standard DX200 System comes with a base station and four full-duplex belt packs but up to 15 belt packs per system can be accommodated for more users. Two base stations can be link

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UK - North London sound reinforcement rental specialists John Henry's have added a EAW KF730 compact line array system to their inventory of EAW cabinets. The new system comprises twenty KF730 mid/hi cabinets and eight SB730 subs plus the relevant flyware.

According to JHL managing director John Henry, the purchase was made after an evaluation and testing process of line array systems from a variety of manufacturers. "As a multi-disciplinary service company, we felt that it was appropriate to add a line array system to our inventory in order to offer our clients a full complement of cabinets to suit every application. We opted for the EAW KF730 system in particular because it has received an enthusiastic response from clients and technicians alike on every occasion we have used it."

JHL's Pepin Clout added: "The system proved its mettle from the very first time

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UK - Allen & Heath has launched the next generation of its GL range with four new models - the GL2400, GL2800, GL3800 and GL4800 live sound consoles.

Based on dual-function capability, which Allen & Heath pioneered in the early 1990s, the range has been developed with a feature set dedicated to modern sound engineering, such as ambient matrix recording, fast IEM mixing, aux-fed sub, and engineer's wedge monitor. Aiding sound quality, the new GL models benefit from new audio circuit developments, a responsive, musically-tailored EQ, extended preamp gain range of 74dB with input on XLR or jack, and a new ultra-quiet mix head amp design for optimum dynamic range.

Frame sizes vary from 16 to 56 channels, in all-metal space saving frames that feature individual card and nutted pot construction; the GL3800 and GL4800 are also available in different combinations of mono and stereo ch

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UK - Boston Acoustics UK has introduced a new line up of its 'outdoor audio' Voyager Series loudspeakers. The company cites sound quality, easy installation and weatherproof construction as its key benefits for commercial and domestic new build or re-fit projects.

The Voyager series loudspeakers are compact, attractive and designed to withstand 15 years of outdoor use. The cabinets are waterproof, UV-resistant to avoid fading in the sun and come supplied with corrosion resistant grilles and brackets. Special touches include rotating badges for vertical or horizontal installation and chunky, hand-tight collars for simple position adjustment.

The range spans five models from the smallest, Voyager 4, at 23cm tall for discreet installation while the range-topping Voyager 7 model boasts a substantial 7in bass driver in a larger cabinet for improved sound.

For acoustically demandi

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Austria - Midas' Austrian distributor Audiosales has sold a 40-channel Verona console to VTR (Veranstaltungstechnik Rieder), a Viennese multimedia rental company offering high level video solutions to high calibre clients from across the country. VTR has invested heavily in video equipment over the past years, and wished to upgrade its audio quality, a move which included replacing the main audio mixing desk which had been in residence for some time. Criteria included much-improved sonic performance, better signal to noise ratio - especially when placed near dimmer or amp racks - a small frame size and a reasonable price point.

After a shootout between four British-manufactured consoles, VTR chose the Midas Verona. "Although VCAs are a nice feature to have, we don't need them very so much, so we focused more on the audio quality," says Mischa Volavsek, technical direct

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USA - While noise, feedback, uneven coverage and even unintelligibility are acceptable, perhaps even preferable, on Bourbon Street, they were deemed unacceptable when the city's various governing bodies convene at New Orleans City Hall. Specifically, concern centred around the main council chambers, the site of numerous meetings by panels handling the city's business, such as the city council and the planning commission.

The root of the problem lies in an antiquated analog sound system that grew increasingly incapable of handling mounting audio demands. New World Resources Corp., a New Orleans-based AV systems integrator, was brought in to tackle the issue. "The system was really giving them a hard time," said company president David Humphreys. "They tried various short fixes, but they finally decided that it was simply a bad design. They agreed with us that a new

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UK - Autograph Sales has announced the appointment of five regional dealerships as authorised product resellers. Stage Sound Services of Cardiff, Pro Audio Systems of Bradford, Impact from Newquay in Cornwall, B&H Syscom of Peterborough and Midlands-based Pro Audio Solutions are the first five companies to join this new initiative.

The scheme provides customers for Aviom, Clear-Com, Countryman, EM Acoustics, Fischer Amps, K&M, MC2 and Milab with local pre and post-sales support, backed up by in-depth technical knowledge and instant-access stock at Autograph Sales.

"We're very excited about these new partnerships," says Autograph's Susie Alterman. "The range of brands that we represent appeal to a much wider audience than ever before, and having regional specialists will give pro audio customers in every part of the UK the local knowledge and backup that they nee

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UK - The 400 seat Corn Exchange in Newbury has recently upgraded its sound system. The Art Centre's technical manager Guy Dickens managed this project as part of a general refurbishment programme, which included new seating, and decoration. The overall aim of the refurbishment was to improve on the comfort and the "theatre experience" for the audience.

Guy Dickens explains: "The Corn Exchange is a busy multipurpose arts centre which has a fast turnaround of shows (mainly one night stands) often involving different formats and mix positions. There were several reasons why we needed to improve our existing 10-year-old sound system. The expectations from the public have risen, as most people now listen to digital sound in their homes and cars, and want the same quality when they see a live show. The same expectations are also coming from the performers. More and more

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UK - Organisers of the National Concert Band Festival say they have found the perfect recording device in their attempt to merge a playback CD of each band's work with constructive appraisal from an adjudication panel. Consolidated as a charity, each of the 50 bands participating in this year's national festival - held at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester - was recorded on a Marantz CDR300 Professional portable CD recorder.

This event is an adjudication by professional musicians and composers against a set criteria, based on musicality and tonality. These recordings enable up to 160 bands, at the regional stage, to assess how well they are progressing. NCBF previously used a battery-powered portable cassette recorder, but has now switched to the CDR300, according to NCBF business manager Kevin Cooke, using one channel to record the band direct to CD via a Behring

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UK - ACE PA selected a 40-channel Allen & Heath ML3000 VCA live sound console configured with six stereo channels to provide sound reinforcement at the 80th Rotary International Annual Conference, held at Manchester's MEN Arena in April.

Production company Comtec Presentations appointed ACE PA to provide a PA system for the various speakers and performing artists during the three-day conference and celebration. Approximately 3,000 club members attended this year's event. For the conference - where guest speakers included HRH Princess Anne, Duncan Goodhew and Orpheus Trust founder Richard Stilgoe - there were inputs from two lectern mics, six radio mics, with VT, PC, DVD, CD and MD feeds. The first evening's entertainment included performances from a steel band, three school orchestras and a 200-strong choir, supported by carefully placed condenser microphones. Other entertainmen

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UK - HHB Communications has introduced a new range of 1X - 8X speed DVD+R and DVD-R recordable discs, offering reliability and compatibility across an even wider range of DVD hardware products. Whether using a professional DAW, personal computer or a standalone DVD recorder, this latest generation of recordable media, says HHB, provides an even greater level of user confidence through its instant plug-and-play compatibility with a vast array of professional and consumer DVD devices.

With consistently low block error rates and ultra-low jitter performance, HHB DVD media combines excellent performance with absolute security. The company's new recordable DVD media offers enhanced reliability using a unique azo dye formulation, which guarantees complete stability and a secure archival life in excess of 70 years.

Full metallization of the entire surface of the disc yields a greater

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UK - A £200,000 conversion of the upstairs bar in Halstead, North Essex - has presented owners Paul Maybank and John Craig with a self-contained 250-capacity nightclub called The Scene.

Previously used as an overspill balcony bar after the owners had transformed the former Cooperative Society building five and a half years ago, Paul Maybank divulged his plans to Andrew Baldwin from locally-based specialists, Jedi Lighting & Sound, who had carried out regular maintenance work during the venue's five year history.

"He contacted us six months before the conversion became public knowledge, as a result of which we arranged a number of sound and lighting demonstrations," said Baldwin. Among these was the Martin Audio Blackline range and as a result, four Blackline F12's, with dedicated flying yokes, form the pivotal dancefloor sound, angled at 45° over the main floor, wh

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Germany - The MS-4002 Master Station in Telex's Audiocom party-line series is both compact and powerful. Only one rack unit in height and 19" wide, it offers four channels, four amplifier power supplies and a built-in speaker as well as being fully programmable from the front panel. By obviating the need to fiddle around with a screwdriver and DIP-switches, the Advanced Programming Mode not only saves time but also increases considerably the operational security and reliability of the system. Like all the other Audiocom master stations and line power supplies from Telex, the MS-4002 is equipped with an impedance generator that - regardless of the actual load - maintains the power supply load at a constant level, thereby ensuring that the audio level itself remains constant.

Despite its wide range of features, the Telex MS-4002 is simplicity itself to use. Just plug it in (a

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