Sound

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UK - Pioneer GB has unveiled its new compact 2-channel mixer, the DJM-400, which offers a host of beat effects and an in-loop sampler that offers a new level of flair for creative remixing. Built around the same digital processing technology and components used in Pioneer's DJM-1000, the new unit is "a reliable and robust performer with exceptional audio quality" say the company.

Although the smallest mixer in Pioneer's range, the DJM-400 packs a wide variety of effects for creative mixing. The effects, which automatically detect the BPM and sync' to the beats, include Delay, Echo, Filter, Flanger, Phaser, Robot and Roll, all of which are processed at 24bits. In addition, by using the newly-adopted Beat Select Button, the DJM-400 automatically sets the effect time linked to the BPM for more intuitive play and responsive remixing, say Pioneer.

The manufacturer says: &

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Klark Teknik made one of the only high-profile product launches of the show with the introduction of its Square One range of processors, which aims to bring the renowned KT audio quality at a lower price point to a whole new user base. Dave Wiggins explained that the more accessible pricing has been achieved by stripping back on features - not quality.

Featured in our last issue's New Technology pages, the range consists of the Square One graphic equaliser and the Square One dynamics. The graphic features 45mm faders with integral dust guards; signal present and clip LED indicators; fully balanced inputs and outputs; relay activated bypass; PROportional Q filters; high pass and low pass filters; universal power supply and a rugged 3U steel chassis.

Also from KT was Show Command, a new, integrated system of hardware, software and Ethernet technology offering full control of audio syst

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Italy - Datemi Tre Caravelle, an extravagant musical inspired by the life of Genovese explorer and mariner, Christopher Columbus, is an ambitious and accomplished production from Oscar award-winning designer Gianni Quaranta. Starring Alessandro Preziosi and Niki Nicolai with music by acclaimed Italian Bluenote jazz musician, Stefano Di Battista.

The production has made a spectacular debut in Italy where it is currently playing all major Italian cities before heading to New York and Broadway in October. Italian rental company and theatre specialists, Fox Sound Service, furnished all the audio and lighting equipment for the show, including an InnovaSON Sy48 compact digital console for monitoring requirements.

The show actually started with an analogue console on monitors, but for a number of reasons the decision was made to move over to digital. Monitor engineer Stefano del Vecc

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Close cooperation between theatre specialist Orbital Sound and the California-based live team at Digidesign has ensured that the Venue digitalconsole was up to the task on its first UK provincial theatre tour with the Irving Berlin musical,Annie Get Your Gun.

Sound designer Gareth Owen, and FOH engineer HannahReymes-Cole (pictured above), have now selected the Venue foruse on Footloose and Anything Goes, touring from January 2006.

Orbital have pushed the limits of Venue's snapshot and MIDI capability, for the Annie Get Your Gun production (based on the1999 Tony Award winning Broadway production).

The tour has also seen the first use of Digidesign's new Personal Q system, with all eight pit musicians being given the facility to fine tune their individual monitor mixes, using PQ Controllers.

Each PQ mix comprises 12 fully adjustable sources, with

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Link showed the latest enhancements to its eurocable ETN line of Cat 5e cables, especially designed for the live entertainment industry. According to managing director Craig Beyrooti, they were developed in response to requests for DMX and Ethernet transmission solutions.

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Hong Kong - Back in March 2004, L&SI reported on the completion of the first phase of Hong Kong Harbour's ambitious sound and light show plans. At that time, the Symphony of Lights spectacle included 18 high profile buildings around Victoria Harbour. Now, the project has grown into the Circle of Light - and has been confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest permanent light and sound show.

The final show has taken over three years to complete. Since 23 December 2005, 31 buildings located on either side of Victoria Harbour, have blossomed nightly into a dazzling display of visual firepower. The 11-minute show of 2004 has now become a 17-minute performance, with a kaleidoscope of effects including almost 15,000 dynamic lighting fixtures, Stella Ray YAGS producing thousands of high powered laser beams, world class pyrotechnics and a sound

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The news from JBL was that that the company now offers networked versions of its VerTec DP Series. These integrated audio systems, compatible with the HiQnet System Architect Software, feature JBL DrivePack technology with extensive remote control and monitoring capabilities.

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UK - The acclaimed live venue and club, the Leadmill in Sheffield, celebrated its silver anniversary in 2005. The former flour mill has seen many transformations over the last quarter-century. A huge number of bands has passed through its doors, many of whom have gone on to become household names, and the club regularly plays host to some of the UK's hottest DJs. Some of the more recent transformations include a complete sound system upgrade in the Leadmill's multi-purpose Steel Stage room, which now boasts the UK's first AX loudspeaker system from EAW. The system was supplied by Stage Electrics and installed by Tega, a systems contractor based in Hull.

As the room is used for both live bands and club nights, the brief was for a versatile and compact system that was capable of handling a wide variety of music. It also had to offer very precise pattern control, as the previous sy

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New from L-Acoustics were two self-powered two-way coaxial loudspeakers, the 108P and 112P, both combining the advantages of the company's coaxial point-source technology with the convenience of self-powered performance and onboard digital signal processing.

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Japan - Osaka's Theatre Brava! opened its doors in March 2005 and has hardly seen a dark night since. The former Osaka MBS Theatre has undergone a substantial renovation, including new décor, revamped lighting, and a new state-of-the-art sound system featuring Meyer Sound self-powered loudspeakers.

The diversity of presentations was a prime consideration in the theatre's redesign and renovation. The stage was designed as a flexible, movable structure that is capable of adjusting to various models, depending on the production needs. The theatre seats just over 1,100, with slightly more than 700 seated on the orchestra level and an additional 400 in the balcony.

Osaka-based Native Audio Company provided the audio system, which is based around eight M1D ultra-compact curvilinear array loudspeakers suspended at the centre of the proscenium and two CQ-2 narrow coverage main

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UK - Switchcraft has extended its innovate 'Easy Norm' range of patchbays by adding a version to work with ProTools 192 I/O system interfaces and similar products.

Named StudioPatch 6425, the new patchbay is primarily designed for use within recording studios and has 64 TT/bantam 'Easy Norm' jacks that allow the normals to be set from the front of the patchbay. It is internally wired using 110 ohm cable to eight 25-way D-sub connectors on the rear panel - four inputs and four outputs. Another feature is the grounds are bussed to enable the passing of phantom power.

(Chris Henry)

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UK - The Dorchester is one of the most desirable places in the world to stay, embodying the highest of traditional values. The Promenade is the elegant heart of The Dorchester, redesigned by Thierry Despont during summer 2005 creating a peerless venue for the spectacular highpoint of afternoon tea.

CGA Integration was asked to match these impeccable standards and provide a sound system to enhance live chamber and background music. The challenge was to ensure that none of the installation was visible and the listed ceiling was not touched in any way. Audio propagation is complicated by luxurious soft furnishings and long narrow shapes - so the equipment had to be chosen both carefully and respectively.

CGA's Chris Gunton explains: "CGA specialise in this type of installation, we accept that buildings of this nature need to be treated with respect and the sound system needs

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UK - Orbital was appointed by Cardiff's St David's Hall to design and install a sophisticated new sound system, which featured as part of a massive technical up grade to its impressive 2,000-seat auditorium, ensuring that it maintains its position as a world-class live entertainment and orchestral venue.

Orbital's head of installation projects, Tom Byrne, collaborated with St David's Hall's technical manager, Simon Denman-Ellis, to create a system that would optimise and refine the auditorium's renowned natural acoustics. Working to a tight four-week timeframe, it was designed by Orbital together with d&b audiotechnik's Application Support Team members John Taylor and Ralf Zuleg.

Due to the venue's diverse programme of scheduled events and performances, it was paramount that the new system be flexible and friendly to visiting engineers. As d&b is commonly used on international

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UK - Hull's Rhythm Room boasts a new all-digital 'Pioneer Pro DJ Digital DJ booth'. Rhythm Room's boss Chris Davidson says: "Most of the clubs in the area play a diet of commercial dance music. We've changed that recipe by providing the best hard house and trance in the region. Our objective was to add a new twist on the underground theme by creating a smart, stylish venue but one that also delivers that feeling of being in a kicking happening club where the music is the star. And with the audio driven by Pioneer's awesome Pro DJ Digital DJ booth we've achieved our goal."

The 16ft long DJ booth is raised above the dance floor and includes Pioneer's DVJ-X1 DVD decks, two industry standard CDJ-1000 MK2 CD turntables, an EFX-1000 effector and a DJM-1000 mixer. Each element in the chain is linked by a digital connection to deliver the highest audio quality, say Pioneer.

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UK - Peterborough-based Pearce Hire have enjoyed a busy few months close to home. Having clocked up thousands of miles working all over the UK, it has been a unique winter period for the company, in that they have secured a wealth of contracts in their local area.

Since restructuring the company in 2003, owner Shaun Pearce along with managers Andy White and John Huson have rationalised their approach to business, as White explained: "We realised our reputation was gaining us work all over the country but had possibly been overlooking opportunities on our own doorstep. We contacted local events and venues and since have been incredibly busy working on some great local projects."

Peterborough United football team needed a new audio system for their London-Road ground, and Hawk AV of Peterborough contracted Pearce Hire to install a brand new 100V line system on both a v

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UK / The Netherlands - Leading pro audio equipment manufacturer HHB Communications has appointed Amsterdam-based Audio Pro Nederland as exclusive distributor of its products in Holland with immediate effect.

An innovative range of HHB pro audio technology including the new FlashMic professional digital recording microphone and CDP-88 professional 1U rack-mounting CD player will be distributed and serviced in Holland by Audio Pro via an established network of authorised dealers. Existing HHB products including the market leading Portadrive 8-channel location sound recorder, Portadisc professional portable MiniDisc recorder, CDR830 and CDR830Plus CD recorders and the full range of HHB professional recording media are also included in the agreement.

"Audio Pro has established an excellent reputation in Holland for professionalism and service across a number of market sectors

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UK - CGA Integration recently specified and installed background audio throughout the stunning new China Tang redevelopment of the Dorchester Club dining room. The Chinese art deco interior includes four luxury private dining booths enhanced by 42" Plasma screens, stylish bar area and prestige restaurant dining.

The refit was a complex project requiring CGA Integration to work closely with the Vivid interiors project team to integrate fittings and solutions with designers including entrepreneur owner David Tang.

Intimate high quality sound to the tables is achieved using EVID 4.2 ceiling speakers, boosted by EVID 10.1 bass bins. Audio sources include CD players, hard drive play list player and Sennheiser radio mics controlled from a breakout box at the maître d'hôtel station.

42" Samsung plasma TVs, multi zone DVD players and independent booth volume control enab

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UK - The world-renowned Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) will celebrate its tenth anniversary next week, with a joint event that will also launch Liverpool Performs 2006 - the fourth Capital of Culture themed year.

On Monday 30 January - 10 years to the day since LIPA's inauguration - nearly 250 LIPA students and graduates will take part in a gala performance at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall.The performance will also herald the official launch of Liverpool Performs 2006 - a 12-month celebration of Liverpool's outstanding track record in the arts, sport and business - the latest in a series of themed years leading up to European Capital of Culture in 2008.

LIPA itself is one of the city's best known success stories, committed to its aim of providing high-quality teaching to prepare students for sustained careers in the industry, either as performers

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USA - PRG is pleased to announce that Tim Brennan has re-joined its operations in Las Vegas as sales and customer development executive. Brennan is tapped to develop lighting and theatrical solutions for customers in a variety of markets including theatre, television, concert touring, clubs, and themed environments.

"We're delighted that Tim has returned to PRG," says Jere Harris, PRG's chairman and CEO. "With a wealth of industry experience and resources from his days at Cinema Services and Martin Professional, we look forward to having him continue expanding PRG's business in one of our fastest growing geographical markets."

Brennan got an early start in his entertainment career by accompanying his father, Jim Brennan, founder of Cinema Services, to visit clients at television events and theatres. Before moving to Martin Professional where he was director

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USA - The Gibson Amphitheater at Universal CityWalk, formerly known as the Universal Amphitheater, recently brought in Sound Image of Escondido, California, to perform a complete sound system renovation. Critical to the new set-up at the well-known Los Angeles area venue is a multi-channel Lake Mesa Quad EQ digital matrix processor system, which has been installed to provide front-of-house main system and onstage monitor loudspeaker processing.

"They're using the Lakes for equalization and time correction," explained Dave Shadoan, president of Sound Image. Two complete systems of Lake Mesa Quad EQ four-channel units have been installed at the 6,000-seat venue, which opened in 1972 as an open-air amphitheatre and was remodeled in 1982 as an indoor venue.

"They have a separate system for front-of-house, which is eight channels," continued Shadoan. "On mo

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UK - Sky (BSKYB) has specified SoundField microphone systems to capture crowd ambience in 5.1 surround for Sky Sports HD Premiership Football coverage which begins transmission in early 2006.

After a lengthy evaluation period involving tests at many football grounds around the UK, Sky decided to standardise on SoundField in view of the level of clarity and realism demanded by the HD format. Another main consideration was SoundField's ability to collapse any 5.1 surround mix to stereo or mono without introducing any phase problems, making it ideal for live broadcast applications where events will be transmitted in HD and SD (Standard Definition) simultaneously. SoundField systems will be permanently installed at Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal where more regular HD coverage will be broadcast.

Pieter Schillebeeckx, SoundField technical sales, says: "We wor

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UK - Surrey-based PA company Plus 4 Audio was once again asked to provide the live audio for the Royal Variety Performance. Coming from the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, the show had some interesting coverage problems to resolve and Plus 4 director Stewart Chaney chose an L-Acoustics KUDO system as his first line of attack.

"The KUDO is great for this type of venue," said Chaney, "not only did we get the usual advantages of a DOSC system in both throw and colouration control, we were also able to minimize wall reflections using a combination of the horizontal 'K-Louver' baffles and an accurate Soundvision 3D plot courtesy of L-Acoustics UK. With the addition of a small dV-DOSC front-fill system and some dV-SUB and SB118 subwoofers, the results were excellent."

In the presence of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburg, the 77th Royal Variety Performance wa

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UK - The first of Turbosound's TCS Compact series to be installed in the UK feature in two recently opened theme-bars - in London and Peterborough - forming the central element of the venues' new audio systems, designed and installed by Egham-based retail AV specialist, Marquee Installations.

Launched at PLASA 2005, the multi-model TCS Compact series is designed specifically for use by installation contractors, by offering the widest flexibility in mounting and rigging facilities, in the choice of colour finishes, and in the range of audio options available. At Reflex in the City of London, an 80s revival club-bar with a chrome and neon interior, Marquee's system is designed to be capable of generating a full-on party atmosphere. A city bar in the early evenings, the venue transforms into a lively club later at night, and can accommodate around 400 people. The main dance floor s

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Denmark / India - DPA Microphones has announced the appointment of a new Indian distributor, Delhi-based Visual Technologies India (VTI). Formed 10 years ago, VTI specialises in the marketing and distribution of leading pro audio equipment across the country and has built up strong bases in both the public and private sectors of broadcast and recording.

Ken Kimura, area manager of DPA Microphones, comments. "India is a very exciting marketplace for DPA Microphones. VTI has staff and offices strategically located in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hylderabad and Kolkata. I believe they are ideally placed to assist us in making great progress across the entire product range, from studio microphones such as the 4006-TL and 4011-TL through to the new 4090 Series, as well as miniatures and headband mics for live and broadcast use."

(Lee Baldock)

  1. Soundcraft In The Mix At New Stade De Suisse
  2. Marquee rolls out rock rig to Nigeria
  3. SAE London completes ICON installation
  4. Rycote gets a makeover
  5. Beyerdynamic acquires Interkom Electronic
  6. SSL makes NAMM debut
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