UK - Turbosound's Aspect series has just completed one of its first major tours - going out on the road with Britannia Row Productions for a 27-date European tour with iconic sixties band, The Shadows. Billed as Together Again for One Last Time, the tour took in 10 countries, culminating in two Encore Concerts at the NIA in Birmingham, UK, where Britannia Row deployed 40 Aspect cabinets to provide the 5,000-strong audience with near 180° coverage. With numerous dates across Scandinavia, the tour also included concerts in Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

A typical configuration of the rig, as at Birmingham, involved a three-wide, three-high main hang each side, comprising six Aspect TA-890H touring mid/highs and three TA-890L touring LF cabinets, all used in horizontal orientation. Britannia Row augmented the main hangs with an additional two-by-two hang of T

Germany - Following its purchase last November of an HK Audio COHEDRA Compact Coherent Dynamic Response Array system, German event specialist Moonlight has now purchased a COHEDRA system. At the same time, the company has become one of the first German owners of HK's new ConTour CT 112 high-performance loudspeaker cabinet for professional nearfield sound reinforcement, purchasing eight cabinets.

Moonlight took the decision to purchase 12 CDR 208 S and 12 CDR 208 T mid/high cabinets having won the contract for BUGA 2005 in Munich. BUGA (Bundesgartenschau) is held throughout the entire summer, from late April to early October, and is a spectacular horticultural festival celebrating three gardening seasons in five months. Moonlight is responsible for providing all the sound equipment for the entire festival across five different locations throughout the summer, including COHEDRA an

UK - Fuzion plc are expecting high demand from project architects and interior designers for the next generation of aesthetically-styled Work Studio series. Manufactured by Spanish company Equipson, these compact, two-way loudspeakers build on the past success of this series with an improved technical specification - all hitting the same price points as their predecessors. The performance key is in the significant improvement offered by the use of a small horn tweeter instead of a direct radiating driver.

Available in black or white - and with a 100V/70V line option - the Studio series has been designed to achieve hi-fi background music reproduction whilst visually enhancing a variety of environments, such as bars, retail and general leisure purposes. Contractors will also benefit from the improved tilt bracket, which is available as an option.

The ultra-compact Studio 20 hous

UK - TerraTec Producer's Hi Jack is a quality studio preamp featuring a variable high-impedance input, designed as an ideal front end for electric guitars and acoustic instruments equipped with electric or piezo pickup systems. With a discrete FET input amplifier stage serving as the front end, the compact box boosts pickups' signals to line level, say the company, and offers gain reserves ranging from 1dB to +40dB. Loaded with high-quality components, its circuitry is designed to provide amplification distinguished by low noise levels and first-class audio quality, TerraTec adds.

Sporting 2M-ohm high impedance circuitry, Hi Jack's instrument input has a significant audio advantage over conventional line inputs on mixers: it puts an end to muddy signals due to mismatched impedances of pickups and amps. This input stage makes instruments shine by capturing their brilliance in all

UK - Community Professional Loudspeakers, based in Chester, Pennsylvania, has announced the establishment of Community UK Ltd to distribute its products with the UK and Ireland from 1 July.

Distribution had previously been handled by Blackburn-based HSL. Simon Stuart, managing director of HSL, commented on the change: "Our core business is production, which has grown very rapidly over the past few years. With greater investment in people and equipment, and many more systems out on major shows and events than ever before, it has been difficult committing the resources to the distribution of Community that this diverse brand deserves. Our relationship with Community enabled us to discuss matters openly to find the best way forward for both parties."

Stuart continued: "I think the establishment of Community UK is the right decision for both of us. HSL will continue

UK - Originally constructed as a Universalist Meeting House in 1832, the Stone Church in Newmarket, New Hampshire, has long been considered a favourite live music venue by both national and regional artists since it started hosting concerts in the late '60s. Despite the main room's intimate capacity of 175, major acts like Phish, Bonnie Raitt, Parliament-Funkadelic, Patty Larkin, Bela Fleck and Joan Osbourne have all graced the stage when travelling through Newmarket on tour.

In 2002, after 35 years, the venue finally closed its doors to live music, only to be reopened in August of last year under new management. In addition to improving the Stone Church's dining facilities and decor, the three new co-owners chose to hire regional sound company L. Wynn Sound to come in and completely retrofit the venue's ageing PA system.

Tim Waterhouse, who co-owns L. Wynn Sound with John Woo

Italy - Hardware by Outline of Brescia has been chosen for on-stage sound at Live 8, the maxi-concert being held at Rome's Circo Massimo on Saturday 2 July 2005. A large number of the Lombard firm's speaker enclosures and line array systems will be used on the big stage hosting top domestic and international artists.

The list of audio gear chosen includes 24 H.A.R.D. 212 SP monitors, 20 Butterfly Hi-Packs, eight Victor Live subwoofers, 12 T6.5 power amps and two Genius 26 signal processors. The contractor for the production and the fitting out of the entire event is Rome's Limelite.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

France - In 1999, during heavy storms over Paris, a section of the pinnacle at Notre Dame Cathedral went through the roof, severing all the audio cables, necessitating a complete refurbishment of the audio system. The contractors, JLT Services, were consulted in 2002 to provide a new system, which had to fulfill precise specifications in terms of versatility, ease of use and aesthetic integration within the architecture of the Cathedral.

System designer and project manager, Jean-Pierre Robert chose to use BSS Audio's proprietary Soundweb DSP engine. "We needed a multi-purpose system solution for sound capture, sound distribution and live recording-broadcasting, since the Notre Dame Cathedral also has its own radio station (Radio Notre Dame).

"The next challenge was to re-think the entire network within the cathedral using optical cables, the previous analogue network

Indonesia - Occupying the 16th and 17th floors of Jakarta's Plaza Semanggi tower, the recently opened Vertigo and X-Lounge club has quickly become one of the most popular entertainment spots in the city boasting a top quality sound system centred around an Allen & Heath audiophile Xone:V6 rotary mixer - with accompanying EQ Isolator and Crossfader units - and industry-standard MIDI-enabled Xone:92 in the club's main DJ booth.

Vertigo and X-Lounge, which can function as two venues with Vertigo on the 17th floor housing the main DJ booth and X-Lounge on the 16th floor with a second DJ booth, has established itself as a key venue for international DJ's, hosting artists from Bedrock and Renaissance labels, and the Indonesian leg of the DMC World DJ Championships.

"The Management refused to compromise on the quality of the equipment for the sake of budget, ensuring that every

UK - Already successful in the UK market with its high quality radio mic systems, JTS has added to the range with a new 1,000 channel UHF true diversity system, based around the US-1000D.

Fully street legal for licensed use in the UK, the US-1000D features PLL synthesized technology and true diversity operation ensuring minimum dropouts. It's equipped with S.A.W. filtering for interference resistance, plus built-in noise mute and tone squelch and has been designed to work around computerized equipment without suffering interference problems.

Usefully, the receiver features a 'lock on' mode which avoids accidental modification of frequency, sensitivity and power-off status. Half-rack sized, the US-1000D operates across 494-870MHz and has a S/N ratio >105dB.

When sold as a package with a handheld mic, the US-1000D comes with JTS's Mh 8990 AA battery-powered transmitter,

L-Acoustics has introduced the Soundvision Venue Database, which will allow Sound Engineers to download venue data from the L-Acoustics website and immediately incorporate their given speaker configuration in the pre-modeled venue. The database consists of Soundvision.SVS room data files that have been organized according to venue name, city and country. The goal is to be able to share information among sound designers and L-Acoustics touring sound engineers. This will save time and give more accurate, predictable results with a higher level of overall system performance than was previously possible.

System design can then be optimized according to the specific venue geometry, allowing the sound designer to fine tune system coverage, stereo imaging and SPL distribution throughout the audience. Physical installation parameters are also determined in advance, allowing for more efficient

UK - The International Audio Group (IAG) has announced the purchase of the Mission business from the administrators of Symphonix Ltd. In a separate transaction, IAG has also purchased the Mission brand name from NXT plc. Commenting upon the acquisition, Tim Harris, managing director of IAG UK said: "The Mission product portfolio is exceptionally strong and selling well. However the company has suffered severe, and well documented, financing issues during the past 12 months. This new deal puts Mission on a very strong financial footing, allowing its many successful product ranges to continue in the market. Furthermore, with full access to IAG's considerable manufacturing infrastructure, Mission will now be in an ideal position to pursue - with the utmost vigour - its long-held commitment to technical innovation and product excellence."

(Lee Baldock)

UAE - The Gulf region's first audio training institute, In the Mix, has opened in Dubai and installed a 48-channel Allen & Heath ML4000 VCA console in its main recording studio. Located in Dubai's educational centre, the new facility offers training courses in sound engineering, lighting design, radio and club DJ'ing, AV technology and AV sales. All courses are part-time and diploma or certificate level, lasting between one and six months.

"All our courses have a strong theoretical foundation combined with hands-on experience in our studio and live facilities, as well as through the events managed by the leading AV rental companies here in Dubai," explains In the Mix's founder and sound engineer/producer, Nash.

The ML4000 is installed in the main recording studio, which is equipped with a 48-channel ADAT HD, and 32-track software-based recording tools. There is a spa

Japan / France - Yamaha Corporation of Japan and Nexo S.A. of France, a leading manufacturer of professional speaker systems, have entered into a strategic alliance concerning pro audio product development and distribution. Both companies believe that the integration of advanced digital technology and premier speaker technology will greatly enhance the system solutions in pro audio products. As a part of the alliance, Yamaha has acquired 10.22% of the common shares of Nexo.

Yamaha has over 30 years of mixing console development and manufacturing experience, with over 15 years of experience in digital mixing console technology, including the development of industry-standard products, such as PM1D and PM5D. Yamaha is also well known for its range of digital signal processors, power amplifiers and speakers such as the DME24N/64N and PC-1N power amplifiers.

NEXO is a leading manuf

New Zealand - Six years ago in New Zealand a six-piece cover band was formed and called themselves the Pink Floyd Experience. Their success was such that they grew into their home countries biggest touring production with a three hour plus show that features performances of the original Floyd's albums Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall, as well as Shine On You Crazy Diamond from the Wish You Were Here album.

Having successfully toured New Zealand, they moved on to Australia and South Africa with a sound system that has encompassed just about every loudspeaker brand there is. But the consistent element throughout is XTA loudspeaker processing.

Front of house engineer Andy Craig explains the ethos behind the Experience's sound: "On a show like this I work on two levels and XTA products help me throughout the day. My first task is to ensure that t

Poland / Germany - The Polish premiere of the X-Line Very Compact line-array system from Electro-Voice took place in the Stodola - one of the most historic, and still among the most popular, clubs in Warsaw. In this relatively small venue, much loved by the large student population of the Polish capital, the X-Line Very Compact was able to demonstrate its adaptability, its outstanding sound quality and its extremely modest requirements in terms of space.

In mid-May, the Audio Plus team, EVI Audio's Polish partners, demonstrated the system at an open air cinema in the historic centre of Warsaw (the square dedicated to the Warsaw Uprising). This time, the system was flown, and the results were just as convincing. "The X-Line Very Compact filled the representatives of the rental companies with enthusiasm," Sebastian Pawlak, Audio Plus's MD, told us. "The sound was tr

UK - Leading PA rental company, Crayford-based ML Executives, has just purchased 60 Lab.gruppen fP 6400 amps from UK distributor Sennheiser, to drive its recently-acquired V-DOSC and dV-DOSC rig.

Commenting on the purchase, ML's managing director, Gary Marks, says, "We're already one of the UK's larger rental-users of Lab.gruppen, which powers our EAW KF760 rig that's currently out on Iron Maiden's 2005 world tour. When we purchased 24 boxes of V-DOSC and six of dV-DOSC, choosing Lab to power it was a natural. Not only was it our first choice but it's also the amp L'Acoustics recommend for V-DOSC, so it keeps our system consistent with all of the others in the market."

Marks continues, "Our first priority has always been sound quality but another big advantage with the Lab.gruppen switch mode power amps is their class AB performance with superb control and power

Europe - Europe's music festival season is in full swing, with the continent's leading sound hire companies working overtime to keep up with an increasing demand for Meyer Sound systems at festival sites from the Baltic to the Mediterranean.

In Scandinavia, Sweden's annual Hultsfred Festival has attracted increasing hordes of hard-rock fans with each successive event. In recent years, audio provider Starlight AB has responded with larger complements of Meyer Sound loudspeakers to provide both crowd-pleasing power and the precise directional control needed to comply with Sweden's tough noise ordinances. This year Meyer Sound is powering four main stages: M3D line arrays anchor the systems for the Hawaii and Pampas stages, while MILO high-power curvilinear arrays cover at the Atlantis stage and M2D compact curvilinear arrays pump up a crowd of 2,000 in the indoor theatre.

"

UK - Broadcast sound specialists, Plus 4 Rentals has recently acquired Trantec's internationally award-winning S6000 and S6002 radio microphone systems. Complementing the company's existing portfolio of cutting edge equipment, Plus 4 Rentals has added 32 channels to its fleet; divided equally between the S6000 multi-channel 2U receiver and the S6002 - its compact dual channel counterpart. Both Trantec systems' augment the company's potential to provide advanced solutions for a host of broadcast applications, particularly Light Entertainment and Reality shows.

Ideal for work on location, the S6002 was recently deployed by Plus 4's MD, Stewart Chaney on ITV 1's - Hells Kitchen. Sixteen transmitter channels were combined with the S6002 dual receiver to provide a robust and reliable solution. As the dual receiver version of the S6000 rack based receiver, the S6002, which is housed i

UK - Denon Professional's best-selling DN-V300 DVD players have advanced with new features and control functionality following a collaborative venture between D&M Europe and software specialists Designer Systems. Based in Cornwall, Designer Systems has created a range of controllers and interfaces, implemented on the DN-V300, which expand the unit's control capabilities in media presentation and EPOS applications.

Designer Systems' new range of control interfaces connect to the DN-V300 via the unit's serial RS232 port. Initially four products have been announced: DVD-DSPRX proximity detector. Typically used in a kiosk environment, where a DVD player system is used to provide POS and EPOS advertising, the DSPRX will detect the motion of a passer-by via infrared sensor, and control the playback of media accordingly.

DVD-D9 interface box. Typically used in a kiosk e

UK - Adlib Audio sent 22 crew and engineers to Glastonbury 2005 to run eight entertainment areas. Although it was turned into a mudfest on the first day thanks to four hours of violent thunderstorms and torrential downpours, none of the famous Glasto spirit was dampened!

Continuing its association with the Festival, Adlib supplied sound systems for the Theatre, Circus and Cabaret tents, the Outside Circus and Outside Theatre areas, plus a transit van mobile system that was on call for various outdoor areas as required. Engineer Carl Billington battled bravely with the elements to ensure that he didn't become the 'immobile' system!

The Cabaret tent featured a Nexo Alpha system with a Soundcraft Series 4 console at FOH and an SM20 onstage, complete with a full ADLIB active/passive wedge monitor compliment. This tent was run by Dave Jones on monitors and Ben Booker at FOH plus te

UK - Marquee Audio has completed a complex and pioneering digitally-based public address/voice evacuation system at Derby County Football Club's Pride Park stadium, making it arguably the most technically advanced stadium system to date.

In seeking to develop a fully featured system with complete redundancy, the company approached Beyerdynamic, whose technical director, Jon Stanley came up with a design concept. This was duly adapted so that it could be delivered as a compliant system that would both integrate with the club's existing infrastructure and extend the scope into the corporate areas and ground control.

Working in conjunction with Stanley, Marquee Audio's Scott Wakelin project managed the installation of an IP-addressable, fully-monitored, A + B redundant system - both inside the grandstand of the 30,000-seat bowl as well as the general concourse, season ticket hold

UK - It's all happening in the world of the DJ - the technology, the software, the formats - they're all changing dramatically, and there's one place where you can learn all about this digital revolution. This year's PLASA Show (11-14 September, Earls Court, London) will give DJs a chance to check out all the latest gear and mix with some of the best-known names in the business, say the organizers.

Events kick off with 'DJ Sunday', on 11 September. Sponsored by iDJ Magazine, the day showcases all the major manufacturers' new kit and includes various events, product launches, on-stand demos, giveaways and workshops. Central to it all is the Gemini 'Extreme V' DJ Competition - a major showcase of current and new talent that attracts entries from all over Europe.

Spurred on by the evolution of digital technology, the latest major DJ technology developments can be seen - many of t

Switzerland - The 39th Montreux Jazz Festival marks the 19th year that Meyer Sound has been a sponsor of international music festivals. Meyer Sound loudspeaker systems in use at the festival's venues this year will feature 20 different models, including the new MICA compact high-power curvilinear array loudspeaker.

The company's co-founder Helen Meyer, says: "We've been a festival sponsor for three-quarters of Meyer Sound's existence and, in addition to the challenge of providing high-quality sound for such a wide variety of artists and venues, it is very satisfying to feel that we can contribute to an outstanding experience for music fans at these festivals."

The largest sound system will be in the 3,500-seat Auditorium Stravinski and will feature 20 MILO high-power curvilinear array loudspeakers, supported by four MICA cabinets, eight 700-HP ultrahigh-power subwoof

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