USA - Western High School in Davie, Florida boasts a stellar athletics department, with winning teams and a spacious and well-equipped athletic complex. The school's football stadium had only one minor - albeit somewhat glaring - flaw: it lacked a PA system.

"The stadium was built without consideration for a PA system," says Gary Matthews of Total Audio Video Systems (TAVS) in Sunrise, Florida, the company behind the stadium's new Community Professional audio system. "There were no existing conduit runs from the press box on the home side to the visitors' side of the field," he says. "There were also numerous sidewalks, out buildings and other underground utility conduits that would get in the way of any trenching required to provide for mounting loudspeakers on the visitors' side."

The solution was found in Community's R-Series loudspeakers. The

UK - Joe Brown recently passed his fiftieth year on the stage, and celebrated in style with a gala performance at London's Royal Albert Hall (RAH). The band that helped him celebrate included Henry Gross on guitar, Molly Marriot (daughter of the late Steve Marriot) on backing vocals, and Joe's daughter, Sam Brown.

Guest artists included Dave Edmunds, Jools Holland, Mark Knopfler, Chas & Dave, and Dennis Locorriere. "This was always going to be a bit of a tricky show to manage," said Ian Grove, Brown's long time sound engineer, "and not just channel counts. I've done sound in the Albert Hall many times but this was my first playing to a full house.

"I ended up designing a system using six hangs of d&b Q-Series loudspeakers, and a single hang of Q subwoofers. It's been my experience in here that with large centre clusters of PA, a lot of low end is put onto t

Canada - Hailing from Newfoundland, Great Big Sea recently completed a tour of the US and Canada with a compact Meyer Sound system that includes the MSL-4 loudspeaker and 700-HP subwoofer.

Formed in 1993, Great Big Sea has spent the past 15 years touring extensively throughout America and Europe, earning a dedicated following for its hybrid blend of traditional Newfoundland folk and edgy rock. Impromptu guest appearances by good friends like Russell Crowe have also boosted attendance and sparked interest in the group.

The system, provided by Nova Scotia-based Tour Tech East, was chosen for its power and compact size. FOH engineer Steve Doherty says: "We wanted to carry our own production, and the requirement was that all audio and lighting had to fit into a 16sq.ft trailer behind the bus. And of course, we needed a rig that would deliver top-notch sound; we're not Metalli

UAE - Located adjacent to the Al Jazira hotel complex at Ghantoot, midway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Plastik Beach Club is one of the latest leisure destinations in the UAE where those who want to see and be seen can relax and enjoy themselves.

With comfortable surroundings, a restaurant, spa, club nights, fashion shows, VIP terrace and exclusive hillside retreat, much of the club is open to the spectacular night sky. And it's all accompanied by music, delivered by Turbosound loudspeakers.

Specified and installed by Dubai-based Reference Audio, the Plastik Beach Club features 10 TCS-121CW and four Impact 50 full range units, plus two TCS-218 subs, all painted white to match the club's colour scheme. It is the latest of a number of clubs in the region to feature Turbosound loudspeakers.

"The sound quality of the speakers was extremely important, of course," says F

Europe - Audio Rent Clair and UK-based Concert Sound have joined forces. Both companies have long histories in the tour sound and contracting segments of the professional audio market and have co-operated on many events in the past, most notably on tours and one-off events with Sir Paul McCartney, Mark Knopfler and Tina Turner.

Jürg Hügin, chairman of the Audio Rent Clair board, comments: "The opportunities for both companies that became apparent when we started talking have made this such an obvious move for us. Our clients have asked us for increased flexibility and we have been able to answer in a way that extends our in- house skills base even further, as well as adding logistical benefits. It's a great situation for everyone."

As part of the Audio Rent Clair group, Concert Sound Clair will maintain its own identity and commercial operation. Concert Sound's cur

UK - For one brief spell during the festive season The Who, Coldplay, and Damon Albarn's Monkey, Journey to the West simultaneously occupy all three venues at the Millennium site - the O2 Arena, IndigO2, and the Meridian Gardens which is a giant tent outside the O2.

On engineering duties are Daniel Green for Coldplay, Paul Ramsay for The Who and Barry Bartlett for Monkey, while all three productions were reinforced via d&b loudspeaker systems.(Jim Evans)

The Netherlands - The CR1 is an ultra-compact three-way sound system, designed to provide medium output, high quality cinema and AV sound reproduction. It is designed for cinema theatres, screening rooms, boardrooms, dubbing stages, as well as surround sound recording and home theatres / residential sound systems.

The shallow MDF enclosure design of only 18cm provides for flexible mounting in even the smallest spaces behind the screen. It can be stacked, wall-mounted, or even flown, with a weight of only 29.8kg.

Featuring a 4" pro-ribbon driver for HF, a Neodymium 6.5" vented mid-range driver and Neodymium 12" side-vented woofer, the system's frequency response is 45Hz - 20.000Hz (-3dB) with a dynamic range of up to 128dB.

Alcons' proprietary and multiple-patented RBN401 pro-ribbon driver offers non-compressed sound reproduction from 1.000Hz. to 20.000Hz; Wit

UK - The Pogues have embarked on their sixth annual Christmas tour with a Midas PRO6 Live Audio System provided by HD Pro Audio at front-of-house.

The 12-date tour, which began in Belfast and continued through Scotland and England before its finale in Dublin, has become an annual fixture, providing a dose of alternative seasonal celebration and culminating in a magical live rendition of their Christmas ballad, Fairytale of New York.

This was the first Midas digital outing for Pogues engineer, and Midas analogue aficionado Paul Scully. "I was very keen to try out the PRO6 on this tour and somewhat jumped in at the deep end, and I'm really happy with it," says Scully, who first got to try out the desk during production rehearsals.

Working alongside the PRO6 is a Klark Teknik DN9331 Rapide graphics controller, which Scully describes as a vital part of the kit,

Portugal - L-Acoustics' Portuguese distributor Avitel has installed a dV-DOSC system into the main, 1,0000-capacity multipurpose hall at the Casino Figueira in the city of Figueira da Foz. The casino, which has recently been renovated, is more than 100 years old and features some historic frescoes on its domed ceiling.

The main front of house system consists of six dV-DOSC line source cabinets and two dV-SUB subwoofers per side, each hang being driven by four LA8 amplifed controller racks. Further sub bass reinforcement is provided by four SB118s driven by one LA8, while four 108P self-powered monitors take care of front-fill applications.

Additionally, six 112P self-powered coaxial speakers and two 108P self-powered monitors are being used as floor monitors.

"For a long time the Casino Figueira had been looking for a solution for its main room, the Salão Caffe,"

USA - Aviom has announced the release of a major firmware upgrade for its Pro64 Series of digital snake and audio networking products. The software release, which is available for free download from Aviom's website, www.aviom.com, includes support for m-control for Yamaha digital consoles. With m-control, a user has direct access to the preamp settings on Aviom's 6416m Mic Input Modules from the user interface of most Yamaha digital consoles outfitted with a 6416Y2 A-Net Interface Card.

The m-control feature offers another control path for Aviom's Pro64 Series mic pre. All settings on the 6416m can also be set from the device's front panel, as well as controlled remotely from any point in the network with the MCS handheld controller. A single MCS can be used for up to 64 channels of mic pre control, and multiple control points can be set in a single network. All three control me

Canada - The November tour of their homeland by Canada's Sam Roberts Band featured six XTA processors in use at front of house. The tour played theatre-sized venues throughout the country and the band's FOH engineer Phil Hornung was faced with the prospect of using house PA systems in most venues.

In order to maintain consistency of the sound, XTA's local distributor, Sennheiser Canada, supplied him with a package of processing options, comprising a C2 compressor, D2 dynamic EQ, E2 parametric EQ, G2 noise gate, GQ600 dual 30 band graphic EQ and DP324 SiDD digital dynamics processor.

"I was looking for a compact outboard package that would allow me to lend some measure of consistency to the sound," says Hornung. "The XTA package was small, compact and - most importantly - easy to use and interface with local PA systems.

"The D2 allows me to keep any PA or

USA - Digidesign has announced the immediate availability of Pro Tools 8 software. Available now through authorised Digidesign dealers as well as at www.digidesign.com, Pro Tools 8 is the latest version of the digital audio workstation. An enhanced feature set is highlighted by a completely updated user interface, more than 70 bundled plug-ins and virtual instruments, fully-integrated MIDI and score editors and an expanded array of editing features for both music and post production applications.

"Customer excitement for this release of Pro Tools is at an all-time high," stated Tex Schenkkan, Vice president and general manager, Audio at Avid. "We believe that this is not only in response to the substantial changes and additions we've made to the product, but also because so much of what's new came directly from customer feedback. We are grateful for their contribu

Spain - D.A.S. Audio has launched its new LX-218 bass-reflex subwoofer system. The LX-218 high efficiency system is designed to provide "outstanding performance in terms of output power (142dB peak SPL), bandwidth extension and distortion control" say the company. The new horizontal cabinet configuration incorporates two 18" long excursion speakers in addition to electronic technology, using third generation Class D amplifiers for the powered versions.

The system is designed to provide high-level sub-bass reinforcement for mid-high units such as D.A.S. Aero line array systems. They are suitable for P.A. applications using systems for mid-to-large scale events in arenas, stadiums or theatres, ensuring magnificent levels of bass reinforcement.

The design philosophy behind the LX-218 is an advanced electro-acoustic solution with all of the main components including

Iceland - At this year's Iceland Airwaves, Reykjavík-based Exton provided effective and powerful sound reinforcement for five festival venues using self-powered systems from Meyer Sound. Referred to by Rolling Stone magazine as "the hippest long weekend on the annual music festival calendar," the five-day music showcase introduces acts from Iceland and across the globe, including this year's CSS from Brazil; Junior Boys and Crystal Castles from Canada; UK-based Robots in Disguise; and White Denim and Boy Crisis from the US.

As Exton's Ivar Ragnarsson explains, the festival's largest venue, Reykjavík Art Museum's Port Room, was the most challenging. "The room was originally a warehouse," Ragnarsson says. "It's about 10m wide and 45m long, and very reverberant." Ragnarsson adds that aside from the acoustical challenges, the room required a quick set

USA - First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri has re-configured its sound system from a basic two-fader setup with choir and pastor microphones into a complex multi-channel mix with a full live band.

To modernise both its sanctuary and it range of worship services, First Baptist recently undertook a $1.5 million renovation. Unity Pro AV of Jackson, Missouri was contracted to design and install a new $105,000 sound system. The church opted to retain its 24ft video screen, projector with long throw lens and multi-camera setup. "We have been working with First Baptist on small upgrades and maintenance issues for several years," Unity Pro AV's Matt Schwartz says.

In four short months, Schwartz designed both a new loudspeaker system and acoustical treatment using EASE, he gently persuaded the church that wall treatments were the right way to go and installed the co

USA - Symetrix Inc, the US-based provider of signal processing technology for the installed sound, broadcast and recording markets, has announced the return of Jim Latimer in the position of northern regional sales manager, following a two-year spell away from Symetrix. With Latimer joining an already successfulsales team, Symetrix says it will be able to support its representatives, dealers, and customers with even greater service.

"I'm back because I missed the company, the people, and the products," Latimer explained. "I look forward to reconnecting with some of my old customers, friends, and serving the growing Symetrix client base to the very best of my abilities. Recently I visited the factory and was genuinely impressed with the company's team spirit and unified sense of purpose. It's very exciting."

Paul Roberts, Symetrix director of sales, is parti

South Africa - Gearhouse South Africa's Cape Town branch swung into action supplying staging, sound, lighting and LED screens to production company Celebrity Services/Maximum Exposure for the annual festive lights switch-on ceremony along Adderley Street, performed by Mayor Helen Zille and attended by 70,000 people.

The show included performances by several high profile artists including headliner Loyiso Bala, supported by Loading Zone, Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, Denim and Dozi, all MC'd by comedian Wayne McKay. The event was project managed on site for Gearhouse by Zane Carim.

The main stage was a 22m wide by 14 deep Layher construction, with a Slick Dome roof giving 12m of headroom.

Upstage of this was a Lighthouse high-resolution LED screen. Most of the artists performed before dusk, but it was dark by the time the main ceremony swung into action. This plus three del

UK - Following its "unprecedented success and critical acclaim in the installation market" with its new VQ Series sound reinforcement loudspeaker range, Tannoy has now announced a new partnership with Paul Nicholson's Red Square Audio to develop and market a live/touring version of the product.

Having first heard the system at the 2008 ABTT Show, Nicholson had been keeping a keen eye on the product's early success in the installation market and felt there was great potential for VQ as a world class live system. Following some informal discussion of the possibilities, Tannoy welcomed Nicholson's extensive expertise to the table and he began consulting with their engineering team on adapting the existing VQ Series to suit the touring market.

Within a very short period of time Tannoy had responded to Nicholson's ideas, resulting in a new and radical departure for the co

Australia - ARX Systems has announced the appointment of Stockholm based Sennberg A.B as its new distributor for Sweden.

ARX managing director Colin Park commented: " I have been discussing the possibilities of working with Sennberg in Sweden with them for some time, their sales team felt our range of signal processing products was a very complementary fit with the other lines they currently represent, especially our newer USB and analogue interface and dynamics products.

"Sweden has always been important for ARX, it's one of northern Europe's trend setting markets. We're looking forward to working with Stephan Segermark and his team at Sennberg to consolidate ARX's position in the Swedish market and to reinforce to their customers the state of the art performance that ARX products can offer them."

(Jim Evans)

UK - Last year City College Coventry moved its various technologies departments into phase one of its new, purpose-built £50m Swanswell Centre. In advance of this relocation Mick Dabrowski, head of the college's Music, Multimedia & Computing sections (known collectively as the School of Creative & Information Technologies), set about specifying new facilities.

The new facility includes three identically kitted out broadcast studios, using Soundcraft mixing consoles - these house the College's 'Synergy FM' radio station, operating with an RSL over a restricted ten-mile radius. Meanwhile, on the top floor, two high-end studios for recording and mixing and a flagship commercial studio still to be specified will join four heavily-used project studios (also equipped with Soundcraft). All support a wide range of industry standard software, available on both Mac and PC.

Dabrows

UK - Stage Electrics co-founder Maurice Marshal has been awarded an MBE in this year's Queen's New Year's Honours List. The MBE, awarded to Marshal for his outstanding and dedicated service to drama, comes after a lifetime of dedication to an industry for which he has always had great passion.

After completing three years in the army as a tank mechanic, Marshal moved into theatre and has worked for much of the last 40 years as chief electrician for the Northcott Theatre in Exeter. Maurice has been committed to training new entrants to the industry for numerous years and many of today's top lighting designers and technicians have benefited from his tutelage.

In addition to his full-time commitments to the Northcott Theatre and to national training, Marshal co-founded Stage Electrics with managing director David Whitehead in 1979 and remains actively involved in the business tod

USA - Audio-Technica has been selected as the official headphone supplier for the recently-opened Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. More than 60 pairs of ATH-M30 Closed-back Dynamic Stereo Monitor Headphones have been selected for use in the museum's exhibits.

The 30,000sq.ft facility celebrated its grand opening with a slate of activities last month, the culmination of The Recording Academy's and the Grammy Awards' milestone 50th anniversary year.

"We are thrilled to be working with Audio-Technica," said Robert Santelli, executive director of The Grammy Museum. "The ATH-M30 Headphones will allow visitors to the museum to experience our exhibits in a richer and more exciting way."

(Jim Evans)

Spain - A ground-breaking experimental project conceived by artist Matthew Ritchie, The Morning Line is a fresh take on the concept of the architectural pavilion, offering a platform for musicians and artists whose work lies beyond normal artistic boundaries and the programming of traditional concert halls. Commissioned by Vienna-based Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary and with equipment support provided by Meyer Sound, The Morning Line is currently being inaugurated at the third international biennial of contemporary art (Biacs3) in Seville, Spain.

The Morning Line's unique structure, outwardly resembling the blackened remains of a cathedral or historic monument, contains a combination of sensors, intelligent cameras, and digital controllers, along with some 41 Meyer Sound MM-4XP self-powered miniature loudspeakers to form a multichannel, interactive sound system. The

UK - The Capital Radio Jingle Bell Ball took place in December at London's O2 Arena with an array of pop performers many of which chose to use Sennheiser microphone and monitoring technology.

Sennheiser's Mark Saunders, Dave Hawker and Sam Davison were all at the O2, offering RF equipment and technical support to the audio team from Wigwam Hire and the show's production company, Production North.

Nearly all of the performers on the night used Sennheiser ew 300 IEM G2 monitors, with The Script, Will Young and Alphabeat using wired evolution vocal mics and the Pussycat Dolls, Sugababes, Anastacia, Lemar and The Saturdays all using Evolution SKM 935 radio mics.

Rihanna used her own decorated Sennheiser SKM 5200 handheld mic with MD 5235 capsule, while the Capital Radio presenters all employed SKM 5200s with Neumann KK 105 heads.

Geoff Muir from Wigwam Hire says, "After t

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