Sound

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UK - Adlib Audio's busy autumn continues with the supply of sound for the UK leg of Hot Chip's Made In the Dark world tour, for which they took the opportunity to debut their new Lab.gruppen PLM 10000Q Powered Loudspeaker Management systems, utilised to drive 12 Adlib MP3 low profile monitor wedges.

Adlib's Richy Nicholson (FOH) and Marc Peers (monitors) are working closely with band engineers Steve Revitte and Mary Alafetich.

The main PA consists of JBL VerTec 4889 elements spec'd by Revitte. They are carrying 20 in total, which are fitted as appropriate into each venue depending on weight loadings and available space, utilising assorted methods - flown, ground stacked and combinations of the two. For in-fills, out-fills and foot-fills, they're using a combination of Adlib FD2 and AA122 cabinets.

The main system is primarily powered by Camco Vortex 6 amps, with Crown

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UK - RTS Telex reports that its RTS ADAM (Advanced Digital Audio Matrix) intercom system is playing a key role in the presentation areas at BBC Wales. The 80-port system, with seven KP32 key panels, allows operators and producers to communicate with each other in the new play-out facility at Broadcasting House in Cardiff, as well around the complex's control room, television presentation studio and gallery.

The RTS system was chosen to replace the previous talkback system. It has to work with an existing four-wire router (not RTS), accepting inputs from that device and sending back inputs, in addition to connecting to the RTS intercom panels, in addition to third-party audio monitoring boxes and headphone points.

The RTS intercom was specified and installed by a BBC Wales team headed by broadcast engineer David Carnaby, as a separate 'mini-project' running alongside the main p

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USA - Celebrating 10 years as one of the nation's premier venues for live symphonic music, Seattle's Benaroya Hall sound engineers chose to upgrade their sound reinforcement system with three Soundcraft Vi Series digital mixing consoles - two Vi6's and a Vi4 - for the 550-seat Recital Hall.

Audio director for the Benaroya Hall, Tom Akoury, states: "Installing the Vi6 was an unbelievable upgrade in sound quality and the sound engineers immediately commented on the intuitiveness and versatility of the Vi6. We were able to install the console without any difficulties and within 15 minutes we were very comfortable mixing on the board."

(Jim Evans)

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USA - BarlowGirl's Million Voices fall tour sees the sisters - Alyssa, Rebecca, and Lauren Barlow - using Shure UHF-R wireless systems. "Before Shure we used to be plugged-in," says guitarist Rebecca. Now we can go anywhere."

The trio has also reduced its stage volume and plugged into better monitoring practices with the aid of PSM 700 personal in-ear monitor systems.

Says Rebecca: "When we first got started everything was wedges, and as the rooms got louder, you had to turn them up. Every show we cried because we couldn't hear; I couldn't hear the drums. But now, everything is so clear."

(Jim Evans)

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Ireland Dublin performance venue Vicar Street recently picked up Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO)'s awards for the Best National Live Music Venue of the Year, Best Dublin Live Music Venue of the Year, as well as the Hot Press Readers Award for Best Live Music Venue in Ireland. The awards acknowledge the country's top concert halls assessed on general ambience, staging, lighting, and sound. Vicar Street took the spotlight at the IMRO ceremony, which took place a year after the venue upgraded to a Meyer Sound M'elodie line array loudspeaker system.

Featuring a wide, shallow design, Vicar Street can hold up to 1,300 spectators, with no seat over 44ft from the stage. In talking about the creation of the sound system, designer Paul Aungier of Dublin-based Mikam Sound admits that the choice of the compact M'elodie loudspeaker was made after careful consideration.

"

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Australia - TL Audio, manufacturers a range of professional valve audio products, has appointed Major Music Wholesale as exclusive distributor for Australia and New Zealand.

"Major Music couldn't be happier to welcome TL Audio into out product catalogue." Says managing director, Greg Cato. "TL Audio adds an award winning prestige range of valve audio processing solutions to our already comprehensive range of audio solutions. The TL Audio range work hand in hand with many of our existing digital recording products, offering the warmth, presence and smoothness that only high quality valve technology can give."

Sarah Yule, sales director at TL Audio adds: "We are very pleased to be working with such a respected and professional company like Major Music for our distribution in Australia. Their energy and vision will help us to enjoy a successful and exciti

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Germany - Klotz Digital has strengthened its sales team. Thomas Klotz has appointed Trevor Spielmann to the position of sales manager for Europe.

"I am pleased that Trevor has joined our sales team for which he will be a valuable asset, as he possesses the ideal combination of expertise and strong knowledge in the field of broadcast, post-production and presentation business", says Thomas Klotz. "In all ways possible, Trevor is committed to top customer service, being the lead contact person for all our European sales and service partners. His hiring strengthens our operations and arms us to better service our existing partnerships."

(Jim Evans)

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Ireland - The world premiere of Magick Macabre, an alternative "magic and horror" spectacular - staged by Moya Doherty and John McColgan's Riverdream Productions was staged at the Olympia Theatre, Dublin recently. OutBoard's TiMax Audio Imaging matrix dreated the appropriate soundscape.

Kevin McGing, production sound engineer for the show, called on Dublin-based MOSCO to supply and install the multi-channel sound system - including the TiMax audio imaging system - specified by Dublin-based composer, Denis Clohessy, to handle multiple on-stage and surround-sound effects localisation.

The music and effects montage, comprised of several hundred cues, was created by Denis Clohessy. The dialogue free production was entirely dependent on the soundtrack to provide the backdrop for master illusionist, Daemon Cordell, to carry out his macabre people-chopping, drilling

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USA Valerio Maioli SPA was contracted to provide the lighting, CCTV, trusses and public address for the inaugural Formula One SingTel Singapore Grand Prix. The race was the first to be held at night in F1 history, with the timing of the night event enabling live broadcasts at a time convenient for European TV audiences. Over 110,000 tickets were made available for this first street race held in Asia, and a full sell-out was achieved.

For specialized audio functions in the pit building which served drivers, factory teams, race management and the global media, Electronics & Engineering Pte of Singapore worked under Valerio Maioli SPA for the supply, installation and operation of the audio systems in four main areas of the pit building, including the Media Centre, Paddock Club Suites, Press Conference Room and the Podium area.

In the main grandstand podium area, which in additio

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USA - LOUD Technologies has announced the sale of its SLM Marketplace catalogue and accessories distribution business and proprietary St. Louis Stage Gear brand, along with the Austin guitar and Knilling Instruments brands ('SLM Marketplace') to St. Louis-based U.S. Band & Orchestra Supplies. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

"The SLM Marketplace sale, a non-core business unit and product lines, will enable LOUD to dedicate its resources and solidify its leadership positions in the musical instruments and professional audio markets. Moreover, U.S. Band & Orchestra Supplies is the ideal new owner for SLM Marketplace, Austin and Knilling, since they will ensure that our dealer network for these products will continue to receive the highest levels of service and support," commented Rodney Olson, president and CEO, LOUD Technologies.

"We are all looking forward

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USA - Ace Audio provided the sound reinforcement system for the Guitar Under The Stars event, an outdoor concert held at the Riverfront Recapture in Harford, Connecticut.

Crown I-Tech 4000's and 8000's were utilised for front of house and monitors while XTi 4000s amplifiers powered the fill speakers. "Three years ago we switched to Crown I-Tech amplifiers, and it's been a major plus for our company," stated Mike Goodreau, president of Ace Audio. "The reduced size and weight of the amps allows us to use smaller trucks and the low current draw of I-Tech helps us in smaller venues with inadequate AC power."

The Riverfront Recapture presents multiple issues as a live concert venue. "The highway runs overhead to one side and there is boat noise from the river behind the stage. Additionally, there is very limited access for trucks to unload equipment

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UK - Since setting up A1 Ents in Bristol 14 years ago, Paul Wiltshire has built a growing reputation among tour promoters for providing sound reinforcement in the West Country.

Such has been the growing demand for his services that he has added a JBL VRX line array system to his inventory.

"The acquisition was driven by the fact that I was getting stretched and starting to cross hire," he says. "I knew my clients would be happy with JBL."

Wiltshire has had a long acquaintance with Gareth Collyer - who handles JBL sales for JBL's UK distributor Sound Technology - and he initially arranged a demo system.

"We launched this at the Frome Festival and received great feedback," Wiltshire reports. This was followed by the Harbourside Festival in Bristol and bands including Dr. John, The Twang, The Commitments and Scouting for Girls.

A1 Ents now has

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UK - Coventry-based PA company, CV Audio, recently purchased an iLive system to add to its hire stock. Comprising an iDR10 mixrack - loaded with 56 inputs and 32 outputs - and an iLive-144 control surface, the digital system will replace some of the company's analogue mixers, providing an easier solution for the many concerts and festivals that CV Audio manages throughout the year.

The system debuted at the Shrewsbury Folk Festival, a four-day festival with many international acts including The Duhks; Richard Thompson, Oysterband; and Lunasa.

The iLive system was installed at FOH with a multicore and analogue split to a second iLive system - comprising an iDR10 stagerack and iLive-80 control surface - positioned on monitors. This was complemented with a flown HK line array, front-fills, subs and wedges.

"Due to the comms system, it was necessary to employ a traditional

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UK - DiGiCo has launched a dedicated Spanish version of its website. The site mirrors the English version, giving DiGiCo's Spanish speaking customers instant access to product information, news and services in their native language.

"Although English is widely accepted as being the international standard and is appropriate for the majority of our customer base, we understand how important it is for people to be able to access information in their first language," says DiGiCo sales and marketing director, David Webster. "This is part of an ongoing process that will allow us to have even better communication with our customers around the globe."

(Jim Evans)

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UK - JBL VRX line array components have been specified to form the new central cluster at the progressive Orangefield Presbyterian Church in Belfast. Built in the 1950's, the church has been undergoing systematic refurbishment over the last 18 months.

The latest installation, part of a complete multimedia upgrade at the 850-capacity church, was installed by Visual Systems Ireland, and project manager Dennis Melville dipped extensively into the Harman Pro catalogue after being awarded the audio element of the contract. "There's very little on the audio side that isn't a Harman brand," he confirmed.

"We recommended a purpose-designed system, and having had many positive experiences with JBL's Contractor projects at the lower end, we suggested a VRX line array," says Melville.

The church's technical team, led by multimedia co-ordinator, Philip McCallum, bac

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UK - As well as manufacturing advanced induction loop systems, Newark-based Ampetronic promotes a comprehensive programme of education and technical support, to ensure that companies contracted to provide induction loops install, test and maintain them in the right manner and in full compliance with international standards.

One of its most recent events was at the end of October, when Ampetronic staged a training day at the premises of The Royal Society, Edinburgh, allowing delegates from across Scotland to benefit from the knowledge and experience of Ampetronic's Richard Brooks and James Bottrill.

With assistance in raising awareness of the event from Louis Grace, Ampetronic's Glasgow-based distributor, delegates from as far afield as Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Falkirk convened for an informative day of theoretical and practical learning on all the essential elements of su

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USA - MercyMe, the multiple Dove Award-winning, Grammy-nominated Christian rock band used Shure UHF-R wireless systems on their recent tour.

"We could run around anywhere in the arena," Barry Graul says. "To be able to keep the crowd behind us entertained and included in the show...I mean I just couldn't have done it on a wire. I'd have needed a 50ft cable. And on the technical side, we can retain our guitar tone with these Shure wireless units."

With touring plans laid out before them until June 2009, MercyMe will stay on the road playing in churches, auditoriums, performing arts centres, and even on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship sailing out of Port Cape Canaveral, Florida.

(Jim Evans)

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USA - Performance Audio of Salt Lake City recently installed a new Electro-Voice XLC sound system at Energy Solutions Arena. The 20,500 seat arena is home to the NBA's Utah Jazz, and is the region's major concert venue - Reba McIntire and Kelly Clarkson were the first to perform alongside the new system.

"This was a team effort," says Craig Hylton of Performance Audio. "We worked closely with Monte Wise, Dave Larsen, George Georgallis, and Robert Deyarmond of EV every step of the way to really raise the bar for stadium sound with this install."

Comprising 52 XLC 127DVX loudspeakers deployed in four arrays, the new system provides seamless coverage to the arena's upper and lower bowls. FRX+640 loudspeakers were installed beneath the scoreboard for full-court coverage. The system is powered by 29 P3000RL remote-controlled amplifiers and controlled and supervi

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Denmark - Back in August 2007 Danish rental company NC Electronics joined forces with the HK Audio family. Located in Herning in central Denmark, NC Electronics provides sound for all sorts of events from small fashion shows to large rock concerts in Denmark, the neighbouring islands, and Norway.

Nils Nilsen, managing director of NC Electronics, was recently at HK Audio headquarters where he attended a training seminar. Afterwards he made the decision to acquire a Cohedra 2x8 system, which has already been expanded into a 2x10 system consisting of 20 CDR 208 mid/high units and 20 subwoofers. Nils Nilsen went for the flyable version of the subwoofers, the CDR 210 F, and remains impressed with their performance.

"When we checked out the system during the training sessions at HK Audio headquarters in St.Wendel, we simply could not believe that such compact cabinets could pro

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UK - Mark Jordan has joined Blitz Communications Limited as Group account director. Mark, who has a degree in Theatre Design & Technology, was previously an account director with Show Presentation Services working on the Morgan Stanley, FT, COI, Moodys and the Mitchells & Butler accounts.

He has been employed in the AV industry since leaving university and, in addition to his relevant academic qualifications, he has wide practical experience with a full understanding of all facets of video, audio, lighting and stage set design.

Mark says: "I'm really excited to be working with Blitz; they're a super company and they're at the top of their game".

Paul Hutton, MD of Blitz comments: "Mark is a great addition to our team and I am delighted that he's joined us. We were looking for someone special to strengthen our Account Handling division and to work alongside our

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UK - Allen & Heath's Xone:92 DJ mixer was recently selected for the European tour of experimental outfit, Unkle. Headed up by DJ and producer, James Lavelle, the musical act fuses rock music with DJ breaks. Live performances feature an eight-piece band with Lavelle DJ'ing on the Xone:92 integrating samples from a CD player, MIDI controller, effects unit and much more.

"I've been DJing on Allen & Heath mixers since my first days as a resident DJ at Fabric and now the Xone:92 is an integral part of the Unkle Live eight-piece band show," comments Lavelle.

The tour follows the release of Unkle's new studio album War Stories, and included dates in the UK, Norway, Belgium, Holland, Slovakia, Poland, and Ireland, performing at all the major summer festivals, before embarking on an autumn tour of North and South America.

(Jim Evans)

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UK - UK and Ireland distribution of the Samson and Hartke brands will transfer to Korg UK from 1st January 2009. Rob Castle, managing director Korg UK comments: "Samson and Hartke will be a great complement to Korg and Vox, whilst also having products relevant to our other brands. We are working with Sound Technology to ensure a smooth transition."

David Marshall, managing director at Sound Technology Ltd commented: "Samson and Hartke have been fantastic brands for us and we are very grateful for the opportunity Samson have given us over the years. However our purchase of Harman Pro UK earlier this year necessitated a review of existing brands to ensure that there is no possibility of conflict. Although we are sorry to be letting these brands go, we wish Korg UK every success in the future."

Peter Jostins, vice-president of International Sales for Samson sa

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UK - When the British Music Experience, a permanent, high-tech, interactive music exhibition, opens at The O2 in March 2009, Sennheiser will be a major sponsor.

Sennheiser's involvement goes beyond financial backing. As a permanent exhibition documenting the very best of British music, the creators of the British Music Experience needed quality audio equipment that sounded superb and is extremely resilient. This is why 225 Sennheiser headphones, the HD 215, have been used throughout the entire exhibition, says the company.

Sennheiser's microphone technology has also been used at the exhibition that will cover 2,500sq.m in The O2 bubble, The O2's exhibition space. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the professional recording environment at first hand; singing along to a classic British hit through a Sennheiser evolution e 935 microphone in the Sennheiser Vo

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Argentina - Latin American Idol is a reality television show that enjoys a huge following. Just like its US counterpart on many other levels, the programme provides contestants with an opportunity to achieve superstardom, showcases celebrity guests, and uses the judge's stand as a pulpit for lively and spirited discourse that sometimes extends into the audience as well.

"We tend to do many things our own way," says Juan Pablo Banchik, sound director of Latin American Idol. "From a production standpoint, standardised methods that apply to Idol shows in other countries don't often work down here."

Banchik works for FremantleMedia, the UK-based production company behind the Idol franchise worldwide. "Fremantle has a series of 'technical bibles' that explain how every aspect of the show should be produced," he says. "I

  1. The Hoosiers keep busy with Sennheiser
  2. Auralex Acoustics on duty in Iraq
  3. VMB appoints distributor for Korea
  4. L-Acoustics system reinforces folk anniversary
  5. Beijing International equips with Vieta Pro
  6. Crown Amplifiers at Heaven's Rehearsal
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