Germany - Midas have announced the worldwide unveiling of the XL8 live performance system. This greatly-anticipated launch heralds the console manufacturer's entry into the digital mixing realm. XL8 offers an incomparable design combining exemplary sound quality, flexibility and reliability and ease of use unrivalled by other digital control surfaces, says the company. XL8 is the first of a new generation of open-architecture, cross-platform, integrated audio control and distribution systems, which brings control of not only audio, but other aspects of live performance to a single, intuitive control centre.

XL8 represents a new generation of networked systems, requiring only mics, amps and speakers to provide a complete audio system. However its open architecture ensures that third-party devices can easily be integrated into the system.

"Digital technology has now matured

Germany - Martin Audio used Pro Light+Sound in Frankfurt to release a new, aesthetically-styled range of LE stage monitors, raising both the looks and performance of the classic LE range which has toured with the world's leading bands over the past 15 years. Also shown for the first time was the new W8L Longbow large-scale, three-way line array enclosure.

With their sleek, rounded profile, it was the three new low-profile monitors that really caught the eye. The series comprises: the LE2100, three-way biamp, high-power differential dispersion monitor, incorporating 2 x 12in motor bass drivers, 6.5in midrange driver and 1in compression driver; the LE1500, an active/passive version, with single 15in driver and 1.4in exit compression driver, and finally, the LE1200, featuring a single 12in driver and 1.4in exit compression driver. The enclosures can also be used as flown infills vi

Germany - In an unprecedented move in the world of audio rentals, seven of the UK's leading rental companies have joined forces to create a new rental company called M7 Audio Ltd. The new company has been formed to facilitate UK rentals of the new Midas XL8 live performance system.

The shareholders of the new company are: Britannia Row Productions, Canegreen, Capital Sound, Concert Sound, Skan PA Hire, SSE Audio Group, and Wigwam Acoustics. M7 Audio has committed to taking an initial eight 96-channel systems and associated components worth in excess of £1m.

The foundations for M7 were laid during 2005 when the worldwide audio rental industry was invited by Midas to evaluate the initial concept and plans for the manufacturer's digital project. Subsequent discussions between the M7 partners revealed a shared consensus that joint ownership was the best way to launch XL8 int

UK - UK distributor for HME's range of advanced wireless intercom products, audio experts Orbital Sound, is announcing the expansion of its fleet of HME solutions with the addition of the new WH200 ComLink.

ComLink is set to significantly enhance the potential of two-way communications in the UK's broadcast, live performance, corporate presentation and installed sound markets, says the company. ComLink is a digital 2.4 Ghz all in one headset that offers a total comms solution, which comes complete with the entire range of functions offered by the standard BP200 belt pack.

ComLink's feature-packed and ergonomically designed headset augments the operational capacity in any environment application and offers greater freedom of movement, eliminating any cable snagging and obtrusive un-aesthetic belt-packs.

Boasting the same battery life as its sister product - the BP 200, it run

Germany - Klark Teknik's exciting new product ranges, Square One and Show Command, had their first European showing on the Telex/EVI booth at the Frankfurt ProLight & Sound Show.

Square One is a new series of easily accessible, high-performance audio processors which combines the brand's no-compromise sonic quality with a feature set containing all the essentials. Launched simultaneously, Show Command is a new integrated system of hardware, software and Ethernet technology, which provides full control of the audio system including equalisation, management and routing, from a choice of user-interfaces. Show Command will begin shipping in April.

"As Klark Teknik moves into an increasingly technological sector with its ultra high-end digital range, market space has been created for something new at a more accessible price point," says Richard Ferriday, Midas and Klark T

USA - Biamp today announced that Matthew Packer will serve as the new regional manager for the North Asia/Pacific region, which includes Mainland China, Hong Kong & Macao, Taiwan, Japan and Korea. Effective immediately, Matthew Packer assumes responsibility for the coordination and support of regional distributors and channel partners, as well as the maintenance and development of successful integrator relations throughout the region. Based in Beijing, Packer will report to Graeme Harrison, Biamp Systems' vice president of international sales.

Commenting on the announcement, Harrison said: "The size and scope of the installations that Biamp is specified for in the North Asia/Pacific region demand that our sales team has a solid understanding of the region, the industry and the people who make these projects successful. Matthew's technical expertise and real-world experience

UK - Leicester concert venue De Montfort Hall has recently installed an M7CL to use for a variety of rock concerts and theatre performances. The desk was purchased from London and Birmingham based LMC Audio who bought 10 of them shortly after the launch at PLASA 2005.

De Montfort Hall's head of sound, Alan Smith, who first came across M7CL desks when both Bjorn Again and League of Gentleman used them at the venue, is clearly delighted with the new console. "In conjunction with our in-house PA system the results are truly impressive," he said. "It's very easy to use, in fact it's almost like an analogue desk in digital format. We've trained up 10 people to use the desk and without exception, everyone walked away thinking it was a great piece of equipment. It normally takes about 5 minutes to get a handle on the desk, everything is right there in front of you,"

Audio-Technica announces the appointment of Harvey Roberts as senior marketing manager for the company in the UK. Roberts, who assumed his position with the company on 20 March, has a background in hi-tech and IT consumer markets. He has more than 10 years experience in product and brand development, and marketing and communications with Psion PLC, and Fuji Photo Film's camera division.

Roberts previously spent five years as senior product marketing manager with Psion PLC.His responsibilities included the development, planning and launch of all new mobile computing products, into business and consumer global markets. Representing the company on an international level, he was a key pioneer of mobile computing within the business, initiating and leading product developments. As Product Manager at Fuji, career milestones included the review and repositioning of the company's camera brand.

UK - Harman Pro UK has installed an integrated audio solution, incorporating a new JBL VRX 932LA line array, as part of a major refurbishment of Aston University's Great Hall, in Birmingham. The installation, in partnership with Quadrant Visual Solutions, is the first in the UK of the new compact JBL line array series.

The Great Hall, within the imposing domed Aston Webb Building, dates back to 1900. A multi-function facility, as well as providing the largest lecture theatre on the campus, the hall is also used for seminars, presentations, examinations, graduation ceremonies, and performances and concerts of all kinds. Last refurbished during the 1960s, the current project was intended to bring it up to fully modern standards for presentation and performance.

Working with Harman Pro UK as a strategic partner, Quadrant put together a tender to provide a flexible, and aesthetica

UK - John Richards, general manager of Sony Pro-Audio Lab, Oxford, says: "We are delighted that Midas have selected our implementation of AES50 (SuperMAC) and HyperMAC digital audio networking technologies as the basis of their new XL8 system."

AES50 can carry up to 48 bi-directional audio channels plus 5 Mbit/s of generic Ethernet control data on a single CAT5 cable. HyperMAC can carry up to 384 bi-directional audio channels plus 100 Mbit/s Ethernet on CAT6 cable or fibre.

"In live sound applications, we are confident that the AES50 approach has significant advantages over other technologies - in particular the open standard, exceptionally low latency and robust error correction which will assure us of the high quality and reliability expected of our products." says Midas' managing director John Oakley. "We are delighted to be working with Sony Pro-Au

UK - RF Specialists Trantec is pleased to announce that Cardiff based Stage Sound Services has added another 12- channels of Trantec's S6002 wireless UHF radio mic system to its expansive rental fleet.

With this latest acquisition Stage Sound Services now boasts 30- channels of Trantec's acclaimed S6000 range. This includes 16- channels of the internationally award-winning S6000 8-way system, and seven units of its sister twin receiver version - the compact S6002.

Recognised for providing advanced solutions for live events, theatre applications and corporate presentations, SSS's Trantec fleet has augmented its potential to supply reliable and flexible systems designs, no matter how challenging the application.

The Trantec ranges fit perfectly into Stage Sound Services' portfolio, which comprises industry standard brands including, d&b audiotechnik, Digico, Soundcraft and All

The Netherlands - Norwegian (Lapland) hire company Lydfiksern heard about the Sound Projects line-array Linex, deciding to order a first set of 12 Linex cabinets, without even having heard the system!

MD Thomas Mikarlsen says: "We purchased Linex because we heard fantastic reports from users in Norway. The weight and efficiency suited our needs. We found competing systems to have twice its weight and size. People we trust regarded Linex as a better sounding system. Easy setup was important too. We had never worked with any Sound Projects system before, and regret that now!

"The first concert we did with Linex was a jazz concert of the famous Norwegian quartet Tore Brunborg. Because the height of the venue was limited we could only fly three Linex per side. This was no problem; we got perfect coverage from the suggested SPArC settings (the Sound Projects line-array ca

UK - UK mixer manufacturer, Allen & Heath Ltd., has signed a £9m secondary management buyout (MBO) with Close Brothers Growth Capital Ltd. (CBGC), a provider of combined equity and debt funding. The move marks the successful exit of 3i, who backed the original MBO in 2001, and an increase in the management's stake in the company, giving them majority control.

The MBO team is led by Allen & Heath's managing director, Glenn Rogers, who has fronted the company since the early 1990's, along with board members Dave Jones, finance director; Bob Goleniowski, sales director; and Tony Williams, operations director. Peter Adams continues as non-executive chairman, whilst James Blake, who led the transaction for CBGC, will also join the board.

"As is common with investment companies, 3i has supported a small, growing company and made an excellent ROI. After five years and a pe

Germany - Genelec Oy: was awarded a prestigious MIPA (Music Industry Press Award) for Best Innovative Product for its latest 8000 series of monitors at the Musikmesse, last month.

This award has become the 'Grammy' of the Musical Instrument and Pro Audio industries. Fifity-eight music press magazine from all over the globe cast their vote to make Genelec winner of the category.

The 8000 Series of near-field, two-way systems took two years to develop. It features a new approach to enclosure design; driver technology and active electronics to further reduce distortion and provide an outstanding performance.

All three models in the 8000 series feature die-cast aluminium, minimum diffraction enclosures (MDE) which have large internal volumes, softly curved edges and outstanding strength to help reduce linear and non-linear distortion. They also incorporate Advanced Directivity

The Netherlands - Bosch has launched a new release of its Digital Public Address and Emergency Sound system. The new version of its TÜV approved Praesideo PA and Emergency Sound System, Version 3.0, includes new additional hardware such as an updated Network Controller, a Multi Channel Interface and Basic Amplifiers. These new devices will further enhance Praesideo's position in this competitive market by giving customers more flexibility in design and a more optimal and cost-effective solution, says the company. Praesideo is ideal for medium-sized to big applications like shopping centres, educational establishments, offices, multi-purpose sports stadia and airports.

The updated Network Controller is equipped with a more powerful processor for even faster system response within very large systems. It also includes a 48 V DC battery back-up input.

The Multi Channel Interface

Germany - Bosch Security Systems introduced its Wireless Discussion System at ProLight&Sound in Frankfurt. The new system employs advanced wireless technology and complements Bosch's Digital Congress Network (DCN) Next Generation system. The introduction of the DCN Wireless Discussion System is a milestone in meeting the continuing demand for innovation in the use of wireless technology in modern congress systems.

The new product comprises two main elements - a Wireless Access Point (WAP) unit and three different types of wireless Discussion Units. With minimal time required for set-up or break-down, multiple events can take place in sequence, meaning better and more effective use of space. The discussion system can be installed, rearranged and operated with virtually no impact on the integrity of a historical location.

The DCN Wireless Discussion System combines fast set-up o

Germany - Last October, EtherSound announced its 2006 development roadmap for the open digital audio networking standard, which is fully compliant with IEEE 802.3x Ethernet specifications.

At ProLight & Sound, the EtherSound development team delivered on a key milestone: a proof of performance demonstration of the new ES-Giga System Transport technology, which is optimized for the expanded bandwidth of Gigabit Ethernet (IEEE 802.3ab). The demo ran throughout the show, and showcased an Ethernet network handling both PCM digital audio and control data.

"ES-Giga is a System Transport technology because in addition to 512 channels of PCM audio data, it offers a dedicated 100 Mpbs for generic Ethernet data traffic," explains business development manager Jimmy Kawalek. "This allows ES-Giga users to run a variety of software programs that monitor and control devices fr

Germany - German Distributor Pro Audio-Technik exhibited at the recent ProLight&Sound in Frankfurt, an extremely lightweight high-performance loudspeaker: 8 kilograms and ideally suited for truss mounting.

When weight load for speaker mounting was limited, in the past the only choice was the use of small speakers. The newly developed advanced speaker system NOX Series SD12 allows safe and easy installation of high performance 12"/1" speakers.

In mobile installations, the easy handling and the low weight of 10 kilograms (including U-bracket with pivot and tilt capability plus truss clamp) leads to drastic cost reduction. It is now possible for one person to mount a 12"/1" loudspeaker into a truss - using a single hand.

The new NOX SD-12 may also be used on a speaker stand or mounted into a wall. The loudspeaker is weather resistant and may be left outside

UK - Entec Sound became the first UK rental company to use d&b audiotechnik's new J8 (80 degree) and J12 (120 degree) line array cabinets along with the new J-SUBs on a major gig - six nights at the Royal Albert Hall in London for the high profile Teenage Cancer Trust shows.

A dynamic range of international bands and artists included Goldfrapp, Anthony & The Johnsons, Bloc Party, Razorlight, Judas Priest, The Scorpions, The Cure and comedian Ricky Gervais who opened the week long event.

Entec Sound has serviced the event for the last six years and seen it grow from a single night to the six gig event it is today. Over the years they have sussed out the nuances of the venue and fine tuned the art of creating a successful sound design. However, the major sonic challenge still remains - ensuring the system sounds equally as good for the different performance genres - from

UK - The controversial UK tour of Jerry Springer - The Opera opened at theTheatre Royal, Plymouth in January and continues to twenty-one other venuesover the following six months.

Olivier award-winning sound designer, Mike Walker, adapted his design to allow for fast turnarounds and variety of venues. "The show is playing for a week in most venues, so, at the design stage, it was imperative to make sure that the system was easy to configure.

"There is a reduction in cast size from thirty to twenty-one and a smaller orchestra of six rather than eight, so inputs were able to be reduced accordingly.

"It was important for me that the engineers moving the show have sufficient time to get the speakers in the right position, focussed precisely and working together as a system, rather than throwing in lots of speakers and then trying to equalise them in order t

Germany - Pioneer presented yet another glimpse into the dynamic future of digital DJing during Musikmesse in Frankfurt. Focusing on all matters relating to music, from hardware and software to instruments and accessories, the enormous international trade fair took place this year between 29 March and 1 April, and together with ProLight&Sound attracted over 100,000 visitors from 120 countries.

In the mix at Musikmesse in hall 5.1 alongside other scene leaders such as Ableton, Apple and UDG, Pioneer hosted a grand stand in order to introduce the latest equipment. This included the exciting new digital DJ mixers, the DJM-400 and DJM-800, as well as the new range of CDJ CD decks, the CDJ-800Mk2s and CDJ-1000Mk3s. Aside from this future-proof DJ hardware, Pioneer's new DJS software was also available for examination alongside the new industrial strength DVD player, the robust and re

UK - Sound Division has recently supplied a fully portable and modular PA system for the Bradford & Bingley building society, complete with custom-built branded flightcasing and accessories. The PA system was designed and built to the B&B's specifications for use on a number of events ranging from internal team meetings to communications roadshows to staff parties.

The system is based on a pair of JBL Eon 15-G2 full range powered loudspeakers on Proel stands and a Soundcraft Folio E6 six-channel rackmount mixing desk with a Pioneer PDM426 six-disc multiplay CD player and two Shure UHF PGX24/SM58 radio mic systems. Sound Division also supplied a custom-built flightcase with a 10U mixer slope and 4U of rack space beneath it to house the mixer, CD player and radio mic transceivers.

B&B's Dean Butterfield is pleased with the end result. "Sound Division have been very helpful

Monaco - The Principality of Monaco may be one of the smallest nations in Europe, but its reputation for elegance, luxury and sophistication spans the globe. The tiny country's riches are founded on events of worldwide renown such as the Monaco Grand Prix, and the draw of glamorous entertainment venues such as the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino.

The company responsible for running much of Monte Carlo's leisure programme is the Société des Bains de Mer, which owns a number of hotels, bars and nightclubs, as well as the casino itself. Maintaining quality is a top priority.

Yves Hubert, is the technical manager responsible for audio at some of the top venues, including the Salle des toiles - a multi-purpose lounge that hosts live music, discos and a number of events for television, particularly when the annual Grand Prix circus comes to town. Built in the 1970s, th

Latest Issue. . .