Sound

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Germany - The Berlin firm TSE (Technik und Service für Events) AG has invested in an extensive Electro-Voice Ultra Light Compact XLD line array system and a Midas Siena console. For years now, the company has been using an Electro-Voice X-Line system for large venues; the XLD will come into its own at smaller and medium-sized ones.

Explaining the advantages of the compact EV XLD system, Marcel Fery, TSE AG's executive director for equipment and finance, said: "It has a very good sound and is also very powerful and versatile. In addition to corporate events of all kinds, we will be using it for concert productions. With twelve units per side plus the requisite bass, it is even capable of providing coverage for really large events."

What Fery finds most surprising is the fact that the compactness of the enclosures is not achieved at the expense of power. "Natural

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UK - A.C. Lighting's Northern sales office has supplied over £70,000 worth of loose lighting and audio equipment to the newly fitted Carriageworks theatre in Leeds.

The Carriageworks houses two auditoria of 350 and 80 seats with state-of-the-art equipment, rehearsal and dressing rooms, and presents a vibrant mix of plays, musicals, film, community events, youth theatre and workshops. The venue is also the new home of the Leeds Civic Arts Guild, a group of amateur drama, opera and musical companies who will present an ongoing programme of performances.

Venue's technical coordinator, Peter Waddicor, awarded the contract to A.C.'s Northern sales office in Leeds due to the company's ability to provide a complete one-stop-shop solution and rapid response service to meet their needs.

Using the company's dedicated lighting and audio sales teams, large stockholding of entertai

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USA - Sennheiser will introduce a new, more powerful and flexible line of 3000 Series wireless monitor transmitters and receivers at the 2006 NAMM Show. The new SR3254-U single-channel transmitter, SR3256-U dual-channel transmitter and EK3253-U body-pack receiver are compatible with Sennheiser Evolution series wireless G2 monitor products. The new units offer extended tuning flexibility and an unprecedented 100mW output. "With a switching bandwidth of 36 MHz, and frequencies that are tunable in 5 kHz steps, we are providing PA companies, broadcasting networks and stage professionals with the best of the best in the ever more crowded RF spectrum," says Sven Boetcher, Sennheiser's product manager for Professional Wireless.

Engineered in response to customer requests for higher RF output levels, the new 3250 series transmitters incorporate the HDX compander technology use

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USA - The world-famous Walt Disney Concert Hall, winter home for the L.A. Philharmonic, and venue for a wide range of musical events, has added an innovative wireless microphone system manufactured by Lectrosonics to match the environment's exacting technical requirements. The nine-channel Venue receiver system comprises a modular UHF design that operates with Digital Hybrid Wireless transmitters, and/or a variety of analogue transmitters. The receiver utilises a mainframe assembly that includes an antenna multi-coupler, communications interface and mounting for up to six receiver modules.

Kevin Wapner, head of audio at Walt Disney Concert Hall, says: "We have a total of nine Lectrosonics SM Series belt-pack transmitters and nine UT400 Series handheld models equipped with AKG C5900 super-cardioid condenser capsules." The 18 Venue receiver modules are paired to offer ni

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UK - Pioneer Europe has announced the availability of a free system upgrade to its DVJ-X1 which enable artists to play MP3 files burned to CD, introduce a 'track Loop' feature (to continually loop a track), improve support for PAL and NTSC DVDs and enable 96kHz 'digital audio output' (in DJ mode), while the presentation of Wave display through a preview monitor output.

The new features are designed to further enhance the creativity and versatility of the system, say Pioneer, and are included as standard on new machines. The extra functions can be downloaded onto previously purchased units via a firmware upgrade CD available from DVJ-X1 retailers and Pioneer distributors.

With MP3, artists can 'travel light': depending on the compression level, several hundred tracks can be pressed to CD (via CD-R/RW media) - while the track data can be viewed on the preview monitor. VJs can no

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Tunisia - Backstage Technology, one of Tunisia's few audio rental companies, has put its newly acquired Adamson speakers to use at the grand opening of a new theme park in Tozeur. Tozeur is the capital of Jerid, the southern part of the country, and is marked by its date Palm Oasis, in which over 200,000 palm trees are irrigated by 200 springs, and is considered to be the doorway to the desert.

Dar Cherait is a cultural tourism complex which contains a unique, private collection that took decades to gather. It includes The Medina, a theme park dedicated to The Tales of the 1001 Nights and 'Dar Zamen', which retraces 3,000 years of Tunisian history. The owner of Dar Cherait, Cherait Jallel, is also responsible for building the new geological and prehistoric theme park named Chak-Wak, on over five hectares of land which celebrates the different steps of the story of man's evolutio

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UK - Scottish audiences enjoyed an early preview of Electro-Voice's new compact line array, the XLD, deployed by FMX Rentals on Cash For Kids charity concerts. The events in Dumfries and in Ayr, could be described as commercial radio's answer to the Children in Need telethons.

With big chart names appearing at the events, such as Liberty X, Girls Aloud and McFly, the FMX team was looking for a bankable solution for their regular client. Setting aside their own Electro-Voice XLC system, "too large for this type of event", they chose EV's recently-launched (PLASA) XLD system, which sets a new standard of precise coverage and dynamic headroom for compact line arrays.The XLD was used as the main PA at the two venues.

With Shuttlesound's Jason Kelly in the supporting role of system tech for the shows, the PA was set up with 12 x XLD 218 and four x XS212 subs

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UK - Following the success of their PMD570 solid state recorder Marantz are augmenting their range of audio data acquisition devices with the launch of the new PMD560. While the aim of the PMD570 was to replace the traditional cassette deck, the PMD560 takes this to the next level by offering a more cost-effective design to capitalise on entry-level sales.

Its simplicity and ease of operation, combined with the increased availability and lower price of CF cards, make this the ideal time to embrace the new digital media, says the company.

The PMD560 allows recording in either MP3 or PCM formats, with RS232 control. It enables automatic recording (with Auto Track & Time and Date Stamp), and simple transfer of files to PC via Compact Flash card or USB interface.

(Chris Henry)

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UK - Midas has launched a unique new online service with a section dedicated to the sales of approved used consoles. The manufacturer is offering customers searching for a previously-owned Midas the chance to purchase consoles which have been factory-refurbished to the latest specifications, complete with a 12-month warranty.

In an era when constant investment is required in technology that can quickly become obsolete, the decision to buy a Midas console is an astute one. The entire Midas range is constantly in demand on riders and their infrequent appearance on the second hand market means they retain their resale value. For PA companies worldwide, the assurance that an investment will result in guaranteed rentals is invaluable.

(Chris Henry)

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New Zealand - An Allen & Heath iDR DSP system has been installed in Auckland's Tamaki College Community Recreation Centre to manage audio distribution for the Centre's busy event schedule.

"Until recently we had a system that was too complex for staff to use. The problem is that the venue is used for many events and has a large number of users who didn't understand how their actions could affect other parts of the building. On a regular basis, music would suddenly go on or off, be too loud or too quiet - staff didn't understand how to make the system work for them without a step by step instruction from the manager," explains the centre's manager, Lee Jones. "What we needed was a system that was simple and user friendly, and that's where installers, Jansen Professional Audio & Lighting, came in."

After discussing the problems and requirements of the centre,

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USA - Never was the old adage about two heads being better than one more true than on New Year's Eve, when Mike Pappas, chief engineer of KUVO-FM in Denver, put two Neumann KU 100 "Fritz" binaural microphones into action during National Public Radio's 26th annual Toast to the Nation. The 12-hour coast-to-coast live music special, hosted from the legendary Tipitina's Uptown nightclub in New Orleans, was broadcast in 5.1 surround sound for the second straight year.

"We needed to record a brass line, the classic New Orleans funeral procession," explains Pappas. "I wanted to be able to do that in Conventional stereo and 5.1 surround, so the easy solution was to use a Neumann KU 100." Also known as "Fritz", the KU 100 is a model human head with microphone elements located inside its replica ears that produces highly realistic binaural st

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Italy - The popular HBO/BBC co-production, Rome, will shortly be going into production on its second series, which is scheduled to air in 2007. Having proved the advantages of his Metric Halo Mobile I/O-based hard disc recording system during the debut season's yearlong filming, Italian production mixer, Maurizio Argentieri will once again be using the setup to capture location sound for the show's second season.

Argentieri is a six-year veteran of location sound recording whose credits include: The Passion of the Christ, The Island and A Good Woman. He says of the Metric Halo Mobile I/O 2882+DSP digital interface: "I still haven't found an interface that sounds as good as this. Plus, when I bought it, it was the only interface that could be powered by the computer. For someone who works the way I do, this is very important."

According to

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Chile - The Estadio San Carlos de Apoquindo, in Santiago, Chile recently hosted Pearl Jam's first visit to the country in their incredible 15-year career. The 2-night Pearl Jam extravaganza, featuring Mudhoney as the opening act, took place on 22 and 23 November, each night attracting over 18,000 people.

In high demand by international tours, Cristian Olavarria Ltd, a sound rental company with 25 years of experience in sound reinforcement, took charge of the production. General Manager Cristian Olavarria, together with their Chief-Engineer, Jaime Zeballos, chose to use their Adamson Y-Axis system. This system has become the most popular rig in their inventory, which also includes EAW, Meyer, and others. To achieve the optimal configuration for this open-air stadium, Jaime used the Adamson Shooter software, which he finds "a breeze to do sound design with".

The main l

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Germany - When it came to specifying a sound system for the new Bowling Arena Spich, near Cologne, the choice was to prove to rather more difficult than first anticipated by the architects. The first thing that made this venue different was its size and the very nature of what it was designed for. The Bowling (which opened in December) centre boasts no less that 24 lanes, which when full (every night) creates a tremendous ground noise. Add to this that fact that venue changes its focus later on in the evening to become what's called a 'Disco Bowling Entertainment Centre' and you have the dream/nightmare acoustic situation.

Their initial response to this was to plump for a 'branded' sound system. But the problem there was that the system lacked speech clarity and directivity due to the lack of HF horns in the system. It was it this point that they turned to RCF and offered them t

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Japan - Originally completed in 1966, Fuji International Speedway in Shizuoka, Japan has hosted numerous national and international racing events, including F1 races. Fuji Speedway is regarded as the circuit most responsible for the development of Japan's modern motor sports. The speedway was temporarily shut down in September 2003 for a major upgrade and recently opened in 2005 as a certified grade 1 course capable of hosting F1 Grand Prix races.

As part of the renovation, Community R-Series loudspeakers were chosen for the main sound system in this state-of-the-art facility. Community R.5's and R2's mounted overhead provide nearfield, medium throw and long throw coverage in the main grandstand area. The sound system for the main grandstand area consists of 76 R.5-94TX's, 38 R2-474X's and 38 R2-694X's.

Community R-Series is the only all-weather product on the market that can

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Sound designers will want to check out Notion, from Notion Music, which allows them to enter, edit, and manipulate data-rich notation from their workstation or MIDI instrument. For the first time, the company says, you can compose directly to the orchestra without file conversions, patches, sequencers, or separate sample batches.

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Sweden - Sweden's Lab.gruppen, distributed in the UK through Sennheiser, announced today a strategic expansion in its sales and marketing team to aid global reach and strengthen marketing support. Claus Behrens joins as European sales manager and Tim Chapman has been appointed as head of marketing. Behrens' extensive experience in European sales was gained while export sales manager at TC Electronic, being in charge of distributors in many areas including Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Middle East, Africa and South America.

Prior to joining TC Electronic, Behrens enjoyed major success at TC Works as international sales manager. Chapman's 25 years in the professional audio business has included successful and lengthy stints at Turbosound (as marketing manager), Crest Audio and Meyer Sound (as director of marketing). They join the existing team of Martin Andersson (coordination & do

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Meyer Sound's big news was its acquisition of LCS, maker of sophisticated multi-channel digital audio-mixing and processing products and electronic acoustic enhancements.

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Sweden - Lighting specialist Spectra supplied creative design and production management services, plus all lighting and AV equipment to the prestigious 2005 Nobel Prize Awards Banquet, staged at the Blue Hall of Stockholm's City Hall.

Sweden's highest profile event of the year was attended by the King, Queen and other members of the Royal Family, a host of Nobel Laureates, politicians, dignitaries and VVIPs - around 1,400 guests in all. The entire evening was broadcast live on Swedish National television's SVT1.

Spectra instigated several important technical firsts for the occasion, including stunning roof projections, created using the new Catalyst Version 4 digital media server. The event was also the European debut for Wybron's new Nexera tungsten colour-changing wash fixtures. Spectra also utilised SGM's latest Giotto Synthesis 700 moving lights, Barco R18s for the project

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DiGiCo was one of a handful of pro audio regulars at LDI. Dave Webster's time was split between the stand and the ET Live demo area behind the halls, where a number of live stages were set up to demonstrate show technology in real, live situations. "It has been really useful for us," said Webster. On stand, DiGiCo had new Aviom and EtherSound cards. The former allows the Aviom self-mixed musician-monitoring system to be routed direct from the console. The EtherSound protocol puts the engineer in control of running the loudspeakers, which is especially useful with self-powered PA systems.

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Martin Professional's Mach Audio showed the CW 115 subwoofer, as well as 100V versions of the Mach CI4 and CI6 infill speaker: these also feature a special mounting system that cuts installation time in half. The first in a series of white CI Series (infill) molded speakers, the CI 6, was shown.

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Martin Audio was again at LDI. The company reports good levels of business in the US, and was showing a range of its products, including its highly successful live sound reinforcement products and its contractor and architectural installation ranges.

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USA - Audio specialist Sennheiser will be unveiling its new Evolution e912 boundary microphone at the NAMM show in Anaheim. A companion to the e901 bass drum boundary mic, the e912 has been designed for speech, vocals and acoustic instruments, especially pianos and concert grands.

"The e912 is an ideal solution for a wide range of applications from musical instruments to theatre and opera stages, from conference and church lecterns to video conferencing," says Stephan Scherthan, Sennheiser's product manager for wired microphones. The prepolarized condenser microphone with half-cardioid pick-up pattern has a wide frequency response (20 - 20,000Hz) and a maximum SPL of 136dB. Its flat housing makes the microphone extremely inconspicuous, and being highly robust it can cope well with rough treatment.

A rubber plate on the underside of the e912 ensures that vibrations ar

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Mexico - Ricky Martin's new album, "Life," features collaborations with some of today's hottest producers, including George Noriega, Danny Lopez, Sean Garrett, will.i.am, and The Matrix, and the opening dates of his month-long tour of Mexico, Central and South America in support of the album have garnered rave reviews.

Martin recently stopped at the Arena Monterrey in Mexico's Nuevo Leon region, a 17,500-seat arena that plays host to over 150 sporting and cultural events annually. The venue is known for high-quality sound, courtesy of its Meyer Sound system, which is built around MILO high-power curvilinear array loudspeakers Additional audio gear and assistance was provided by three of the country's leading rental companies, Musica Moderna, Audio Concepto and Azprotek.

The system's main cluster is comprised of 16 MILO cabinets and two MILO 120 high-power expanded co

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