USA - HME announces the appointment of Technology K.A.R. of Egypt; Audiopro SRO of the Czech Republic; Venuetech LLC. of the United Arab Emirates; Lydrommet AS of Norway; Audigys of Greece; and Gotham AG of Switzerland as the latest international distributors to join HME's Pro Audio network.

Founded in 1996, Technology K.A.R. has provided communications solutions for over 10 years, featuring wireless systems for the professional and broadcasting markets throughout Egypt. Audiopro SRO is the leader in communications solutions for the Czech Republic, featuring specialised audio systems for professional and broadcasting markets. Venuetech offers full support and services for professional audio and broadcasting markets for the United Arab Emirates.

Lydrommet is Norway's leading distributor for sound systems. Audigys offers audio-light and vision integrated turnkey solutions. Gotha

Worldwide - Bruce Springsteen's long-time FOH engineer John Cooper is one of the newest converts to the Digidesign Venue live sound environment. Springsteen is on a worldwide tour until 2007 promoting his latest recording, The Seeger Sessions. Some of the tour highlights to date have been The New Orleans Jazz Festival, and television appearances on The Tonight Show and Late Night with Conan O'Brian. Cooper is using Venue to mix all of Springsteen's live shows, along with Pro Tools to record and later remix the songs for a subsequent live release and for use on the Internet.

Cooper chose a 96-input/16-output Venue system when searching for a higher quality FOH mixing platform for Springsteen. The system's plug-in architecture was a big selling point (some of Cooper's favorite plug-ins include the Bomb Factory BF76 compressor, BF-3A compressor, and Fairchild 660 limi

UK - Harman UK has supplied indie-pop band Franz Ferdinand with a dbx IEM (in-ear monitor) processor unit for use during the band's 2006 Festival Tour. The charismatic four-piece from Scotland burst onto the chart scene in 2004 with their best-selling, eponymous debut album, which won the much coveted Mercury Music Prize. The band's current tour takes in numerous venues around Europe and includes appearances at the Carling Weekend Reading and Leeds Festivals later this summer.

Franz Ferdinand's live sound engineer Tilde Bruynooghe ordered the IEM unit initially for use at the NEC in Birmingham. The IEM processor was designed with the simple aim of enhancing the sonic quality of all in-ear monitor applications, while providing the necessary audio level protection that both artists and engineers require. Ideally suited as a tool for fine-tuning mix monitoring for in-ear monitoring

Denmark - DPA Microphones continued its sponsorship of the annual Copenhagen Jazz Festival this summer, working as acoustic consultants and providing technical support throughout the festival. DPA also provided a large quantity of microphones including 3521 compact stereo mic'ing kits, 4011 cardioids, 4021 compact cardioids, 4015 wide cardioids, 4007 high SPL mics and a selection of mounting accessories. The jazz festival was also an excellent opportunity to showcase the new DPA 4091 omnidirectional microphone, designed as an instrument mic.

The primary sites that DPA worked on were the new Copenhagen Opera House which opened last year, and the Glassalen, a beautiful 1,000 seat glass concert hall in the Tivoli Gardens. A similar selection of mics were used across both venues, including 4091s for guitar and bass amps. The 144 dB SPL handling of this recently-introduced mic means

UK - Fuzion plc will enjoy a high profile at PLASA 06, introducing some of their new distributed lines, such as Vity and Mipro as well as more consolidated brands such as Nexo and Camco. They will also have products from other companies whom they exclusively represent, including Australian Monitor, Littlite, Radian, Radia Pro, Symetrix, t&m Systems and Work - mixed up in Fuzion's own signature brand of hospitality.

On show will be products from Vity Technology - a French manufacturer of corporate and home automation products based on LCD 'Media Bus' touch panels and controllers. Announcing the new distribution arrangement, Fuzion sales director Paul Ward described the IP-addressable range, which includes LCD professional panels, matrix switchers and scalers for the corporate boardroom and multimedia market, as a perfect addition to the company's product portfolio.

Fuzion will

USA - ANSI E1.20-2006 Remote Device Management (RDM) for DMX512 has recently been published and is available for immediate purchase as a PDF or hard copy, ESTA has announced. The PDF and hard copy are available from ANSI's Electronic Standards Store or The ESTA Foundation . The list price is $40; member and quantity discounts are available. Members of the new ESTA Technical Standards Program Subscription Service automatically receive this new standard as well as copies of all published documents as part of their subscription.

ANSI E1.20 (RDM) is an extension to DMX512 that allows for bi-directional communication on the primary pair of a DMX512 link. This allows for a controller or piece of test equipment to intelligently discover other RDM-enabled devices on the link such as moving l

UK - Alcons Audio will be exhibiting at the PLASA show in London with a number of new products, including speaker systems, and also electronics.

The successful LR14 ultra-compact line-array system has a new relation - the LR14/90. This is a new pro-ribbon line-array, featuring the Alcons RBN401 pro-ribbon driver, with double 6.5" woofers in a 90 x 15 degree configuration. With a total weight of only 15kg, the LR14/90 pro-ribbon line-array has one of the best "throw-to-size/weight" ratios in the industry.

The second main introduction at the show is the QB363. Featuring a triple-12" array-configuration, the QB363 acts as a modular low-end extension of the QR-series pro-ribbon column arrays. With the similar front shape of the QR36 and QM36, this bass system operates completely within the acoustic line-array parameters, resulting in perfect projection control.

UK - Midas and Klark Teknik have provided pioneering audio engineering college Deep Blue Sound in Plymouth with a range of industry-standard mixing consoles and signal processors. The equipment is central to the country's first-ever accredited Live Sound HNC (Higher National Certificate) being developed by industry expert and leading sound engineer Simon Honywill.

Deep Blue Sound began life as a commercial recording facility, moving into education four years ago. Its first foray into live sound education was the inclusion of a six-week Live Sound module into its Music Production diploma earlier this year. The new Live Sound HNC is a one-year higher education course aimed at training students for work in the industry and providing an academic qualification. The course will be a combination of practical workshops and lectures, together with work-based learning in 'real-life' envir

UK - Turbosound will display their product including Aspect TA-890 touring and TA-880 installation products, the new wide dispersion TA-500 Aspect 3-way full-range enclosure, the TSB-118 subwoofer and the TCS-C50T two-way ceiling speaker.

Aspect systems have proved their flexibility this summer on festivals and concert tours, from Dave Gilmour's On An Island tour to a stunning performance by Roger Waters of Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon at Denmark's most successful Roskilde festival to date.

The TA-500 is the latest addition to the highly acclaimed Aspect series, a trapezoidal, three way, full-range cabinet offering a dispersion pattern of 50° horizontal by 25° vertical, combined with medium throw characteristics. It features a similar driver complement, voicing and sharp coverage cut-off to the narrower dispersion TA-880 products, allowing the two t

UK - KV2 Audio Ltd has announced the appointment of two, new, key members of staff to work from their recently opened headquarters in Harrogate, UK. Mick Butler joins KV2 from Fuzion plc, as UK sales manager, handling sales for KV2 Audio products as well as KV2's distributed lines Vieta loudspeakers and Apex signal processing. Butler commented: "This is a dream job for me, I've long been an admirer of KV2's products but didn't realise how good the systems were until I heard them first-hand. It really makes my job enjoyable to get behind product lines I can really believe in, that and joining a team of people who clearly enjoy what they do, I can't wait to get out there and start spreading the word!"

KV2's operations director Andy Simmons commented: "To have someone of Mick's calibre join our team has already made a difference to everyone here at KV2. Mick's a grea

UK - Midas will be showing the XL8 live performance system at PLASA 2006 on Stand M40 for the first time at a UK trade show. XL8 heralds the leading console manufacturer's entry into the digital mixing realm, offering an incomparable design combining exemplary sound quality, flexibility and reliability with an ease and familiarity of use unrivalled by other digital control surfaces. 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.

As well as offering classic Midas audio quality and superb reliability, XL8 actually improves upon the performance of the analogue consoles which have established the brand as the number one choice of sound engineers the world over. XL8 represents a new generati

UK - At this year's PLASA Digidesign will be unveiling the much anticipated latest addition to the Venue family of Live Sound products. With the amazing success and adoption of the original Venue system, the new console solution will expand the customer experience and offer unparalleled product compatibility across the entire Venue product range.

Since it starting shipping in February 2005, the current Venue system has sold over 300 units worldwide and has been used on tours by U2, Radiohead and Paul McCartney, as well as being adopted by the Montreux Jazz Festival. The combination of great sound quality and direct integration with industry-standard Pro Tools digital audio workstations for recording and playback, has made Venue the preferred console in touring, remote broadcast, theatre and House Of Worship.

Aside from the new product launch, Digidesign will also be showcasing

UK - UK distributor for HME's range of advanced wireless intercom products - audio experts Orbital Sound - is delighted to announce that since the launch of the new HME WH200 ComLink at The ABTT Theatre Show 2006, it has made an impact as the only digital 2.4 Ghz 'all in one' headset that offers a total comms solution.

ComLink comes complete with the entire range of functions offered by the standard BP200 belt pack. As a first of its kind, ComLink significantly enhances the potential of two-way communications in the UK's broadcast, live performance, corporate presentation and installed sound markets.

Making its West End debut on Sunday in the Park with George at The Wyndams, ComLink was deployed on this Menier Chocolate Factory production, which celebrates the life of poitillist painter, Georges Seurat and boasts a score by Stephen Sondheim. Four WH200 head-sets were co

UK - As the name suggests, Hybrid are something of an anomaly, an amalgam of many elements that don't at first seem to fit together. Mike Truman and Chris Healings are producers and remixers, but they're also artists in their own right. They make breakbeat-driven dance music, but they're into albums, such as the cinematic Morning Sci-Fi, rather than singles. And although they've been known to spend months or even years tweaking meticulous productions like Finished Symphony or Know Your Enemy, unlike many studio-based obsessives, they get out there and play live too, adding vocalists, guitarists, bassists and drummers when required.

Hybrid are currently building up to the release of their third album, I Choose Noise, which is due out in September, and they previewed some of their new tracks at the end of July on stage at the UK's Global Gathering festi

UK - At the PLASA Show this year, Midas will be showing the XL8 live performance system on stand M40 for the first time at a UK trade show. XL8 heralds the leading console manufacturer's entry into the digital mixing realm, offering an incomparable design combining exemplary sound quality, flexibility and reliability with an ease and familiarity of use unrivalled by other digital control surfaces. 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.

As well as offering classic Midas audio quality and superb reliability, XL8 actually improves upon the performance of the analogue consoles which have established the brand as the number one choice of sound engineers the world over. XL8 represents

Germany - Protonic Software, developer of the Easyjob rental management system, has introduced what it calls "an easier way to make informed business decisions" - The Easyjob Business Information Center (BIC). This new tool critically analyzes data from an existing Easyjob database and displays key figures on one easy-to-read screen. Users can quickly and easily determine the profitability of projects, the return on investment for purchases, the cost-effectiveness of employees and freelancers, plus much more. Full-colour reports and statistics can be saved and distributed in a variety of formats such as PDF and Microsoft Excel files.

Protonic Software representatives will conduct live demonstrations of the new Easyjob BIC at the 2006 PLASA Show (10-13 September, Earl's Court, London). Protonic software GmbH/Corporation is the leading manufacturer of software solutions

UK - The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) has awarded Prof. Dr. Jorg Sennheiser the title of "Companion." With this award, LIPA is expressing its gratitude to the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of audio specialist Sennheiser, both for his pre-eminence in the field of sound engineering and his long lasting support for the Institute.

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts awards the title 'Companion' in recognition of outstanding achievement in the service of art and entertainment, and honours those who share their knowledge and their experience with the students. Mark Featherstone-Witty, who co-founded LIPA with Sir Paul McCartney, says: "Sennheiser provides the fuel of support to propel the vehicle of future talent. Their practical friendship is treasured."

According to Prof. Dr. Jorg Sennheiser, "We were fascinated right from the

UK / Finland - Clockaudio Limited has appointed Starlike Oy as its Finnish distributor. Starlike will be responsible for the sales and distribution of Clockaudio's extensive line of microphones, mixers, headsets and accessories within the growing Finnish market.

Located in Vantaa, close by Helsinki city centre, Starlike Oy is a professional sound and lighting company that was founded in 1986. Its services include system design, installation and manufacturing as well as distribution and sales.

Starlike pro audio sales manager, Pauli Molner, comments: "We are proud and excited to be taking on the distribution of Clockaudio products in Finland. Clockaudio is synonymous with good quality, reliability and flexibility. We are looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Clockaudio.

"Our clients include public and private organisations, construction industry,

UK - To date, Funktion One's renowned large-scale bass systems have been focused around 18"s in the form of F218s (with their unique and highly efficient loading technique) and the Infrabass/Infrahorn systems (for extreme low end reinforcement down to 30Hz and below).

In the 1980s, Funktion One's Tony Andrews had also pioneered work with Precision Devices on the development of the first widely used 21" (6" voice-coil) loudspeaker. This provided the low end for his highly regarded Flashlight system design of the time which was used on world tours by groups including Pink Floyd and Dire Straits. "In 2006, with F1s access to advanced materials and Andrews' heightened understanding of loudspeaker and enclosure tuning, his original 21" concept was due for a revisit. This work has resulted in a new product with dramatically increased performance," say the

UK - Coinciding with the recent hike in interest rates and amid concerns that levels of borrowing are escalating, a new analysis by industry specialists Plimsoll Publishing has looked at how high levels of debt are impacting on the financial health of the top 200 sound equipment companies.

It found that 80 of the 200 companies analysed are in fact, in more debt now than they have been in the last four years. Using other people's money to finance your company is, it seems, an increasing trend.

David Pattison, head of research at Plimsoll, commented. "We are always surprised how no one at these companies seems to realise their debts are rising and the effect it's having on the overall financial strength of the company. Unfortunately it's not something they tend to measure until it's too late. Our analysis spots these problems earlier."

The Plimsoll analysis points to

Belgium - The perennial Rock Werchter festival was held again at Werchter Park in Hasselt, Belgium, from 29 June to 2 July. Rock Werchter is one of Europe's largest music festivals, with over 300,000 people attending each year, and over 60 artists performing on two stages throughout the four-day festival.

30 Bands including The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Who, Arctic Monkeys, Black Eyed Peas, Depeche Mode, and Kanye West graced the main stage while Collective Soul, Death Cab for Cutie, Elbow, The Streets and many others were featured on the second Pyramid Marquee stage.

EML Belgium, who have been associated with the festival for the past 20 years, was contracted to provide the sound system and design. They know exactly what the demands are, and each year aim to fine-tune and deliver what has become one of the largest Adamson Systems Arrays used in an out-door even

UK - The last ever event to be held at the Wembley Conference Centre saw Pearce Hire install the complex PA system for an acoustically challenging and unusual event.

With the continuing development of the Wembley site, the next stage of the regeneration is the pulling down of Wembley Conference Centre after 30 years of holding numerous conferences, seminars and private parties. For the final time, the venue was used by an American composer, Yoav Goren to showcase his work to a selected audience.

Goren who is responsible for creating trailer music for many blockbuster movies including Spiderman, Van Helsing and X-Men, has developed his trailers into full music compositions and was performing them using a 65 piece orchestra, 60 piece choir and full rock band, which included Feeder's drummer (who worked with Aerosmith and Bon Jovi).

Pearce Hire's Andy White headed the team and

UK - The Sound Division Group has added Mews of Mayfair to its bar/restaurant portfolio, adding tailored audio visual packages to each of the four floors in this remarkable £2m conversion.

Located within a historic cobbled courtyard behind London's New Bond Street, two traditional Mews buildings have been beautifully converted into an exclusive restaurant, lounge and cocktail bar by James Robson, formerly of Salt Whisky Bar, and his partner Robert Nearn.

Aimed at a discerning clientele, the two men assembled a top creative team and Sound Division soon appeared on their recommended list.

"Most of the companies I had known from previous projects, and although we hadn't dealt with Sound Division before, I was immediately impressed by their client list," recalls Robson.

From the first site survey undertaken by Sound Division 12 months ago, Sound Division MD Dav

Ireland - "This is a state of the art sound system for people who are serious about what they do," said Dave McDonnell of Dublin based pro-audio company McDonnell Systems. He was referring to the d&b audiotechnik PA system his company had recently installed in one of the latest venues on the Dublin nightlife scene, Radio City at the Isaac Butt Bar.

The recently renovated bar is a Mecca for music lovers and clubbers in the city. It has a variety of bars spread over three floors with 'Radio City' situated in the basement where the d&b system is installed. This is a venue for late night gigs where up and coming bands are showcased.

The system, comprising d&b Qi7s and Qi subwoofers with Ci80s providing delays and E0s serving a number of blind spots, was specified and designed by the Butt Bar's resident sound engineer Andy Colbert in co-operation with Kevin McGing, sound

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