Sound

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Slovakia - The Slovakian staff of Mercedes-Benz held their Christmas party in the Park of Culture in Bratislava. LASA, a rental company based in the city, was responsible for the equipment and a Cobra-4 line array system from Dynacord provided the sound.

The main PA comprised eight Cobra-PHW, four Cobra-4-Top, and two Cobra-4-Far enclosures. Stanislav Lehen of LASA cited a number of reasons for his decision to invest in a Cobra-4, "For one thing, Cobra-4 provides outstanding sound quality. It also provides easy handling and enormous flexibility: with Dynacord's Cobra system, anyone can provide sound reinforcement for small, medium-sized, and even large events."

To counteract the long reverberation time of the main hall in the Park of Culture, LASA set up two delay lines (at 35 and 50m). Mercedes-Benz was so pleased with the results of their Christmas party with Cobra

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USA - The HBO open signal presentation of 'We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration' at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC served as the nation's televised kickoff of the 56th Presidential Inauguration. Captured live at the National Mall, the event drew hundreds of thousands to see and hear a lineup including Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, U2, Sheryl Crow, Shakira, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, and others.

Sound reinforcement for the concert was courtesy of Clair Global and was mixed-for-air by veteran television production mixer Ed Greene. Wireless chosen for the event included 16 channels of Shure UR4D systems, using various combinations of bodypack and handheld transmitters, many of which sported SM58 capsules.

The Clair system spanned two miles from the Lincoln Memorial steps to the Capitol using a combination of the Lititz, Pennsylvania-based company's i5 and i3 enclosu

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USA - Southern California-based Sound Image Inc. has agreed to purchase over 800 I-Tech HD amplifiers for its tour sound business. "Our customers are extremely demanding and I-Tech HD gives Sound Image the ability to take our system performance to unprecedented levels," stated Dave Shadoan, president of Sound Image Inc. "At Sound Image we have always prided ourselves on providing the best sound possible to the clients we serve."

Sound Image's touring division is known as a provider of premium live sound systems, working with major artists such as Rascal Flatts, Jimmy Buffett, Eric Clapton, and Taylor Swift to name a few.

At its core, I-Tech HD features a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS called OmniDriveHD. The new processing engine features Linear Phase FIR filters that offer "unrivaled crossover performance for sonically pure tunings

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USA - Crown Audio has introduced the new I-Tech HD Series - an introduction which, the company says, "dramatically resets expectations of what a professional-grade touring amplifier should deliver in terms of performance, processing, integration and ease of use".

At its core, I-Tech HD features a new user-inspired DSP engine co-developed with BSS Audio and Linear Phase FIR filters that offer unrivalled performance, the company says. I-Tech HD boasts Crown's Class-I amplifier technology, new software and a wide choice of input options including CobraNet and the all-new LevelMax limiters (Peak, Thermal and RMS).

Developed in conjunction with sister company BSS Audio, the next generation OmniDriveHD DSP engine at the heart of I-Tech HD is built on a new architecture specifically optimised for fast and efficient audio processing to provide tour and contracting profession

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USA - Shure Incorporated has selected Highway Marketing of Dallas, TX, as its new sales representative in the mid and south central United States. The company will be responsible for sales of the complete Shure line of professional audio products to retailers and systems contractors in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas.

"Scott Baker, Steve Simmons, and the entire staff at Highway Marketing bring several decades of combined experience and proven success in our industry to our team of independent sales reps," said Jim Schanz, director of US field sales for Shure. "They have a thorough understanding of our constantly evolving industry from the perspective of dealers and manufacturers. We are confident they will continue their success and help grow our business in the region."

"Highway Marketing is thrilled to be representing Shure," said Baker

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USA - Dover International Speedway's recently-completed Victory Plaza is home to Miles the Monster, NASCAR's most enduring mascot and one of the world's tallest fibreglass structures. Towering some five stories above the Speedway's famed Monster Mile, the statue's glowing red eyes and menacing grin preside over the many ceremonies and dedications at the Plaza.

Powerful sound surrounding Miles is provided by Community WET-Series loudspeakers, chosen for their ability to deliver clearly over the roar of dozens of stock cars and thousands of fans in any weather.

(Jim Evans)

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UK - Experienced audio professional Fran Hunter has joined Red Square Audio where he will be primarily involved as technical sales manager, but will be also working closely with founder Paul Nicholson on demo and training activities in support of both the Innovason and Tannoy lines.

Hunter has been working in studio and live professional sound for over 15 years. He has been involved in work as varied as rebuilding a Neve room for a London studio, working in studios across Europe, firefighting (in some cases quite literally!) through the night on major tours and festivals, and completing live multi-track recordings for artists such as Prince.

Paul Nicholson comments: "It's great to have Fran on board. We are coming to the market with two amazing products, the Innovason Eclipse and the Tannoy VQ LIVE, and Fran's experience and knowledge will enable us to deliver the very h

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USA - Auralex Acoustics is creating performance art of its own in the Blue Man Groups' newest rehearsal space with its acoustical treatment products. The internationally successful group recently moved into its new NYC recording and rehearsal facility and immediately recognised the need to balance the acoustics of the space, specifically the voice over booth and the live performance room.

"When we moved into the new space, we had to get the vocal booth as dead as possible," says Chris Mulhauser, musical instrument manager of Blue Man Productions. "Auralex played a big part in that through their StudioFoam and T'Fusor Diffusors products, they work great."

(Jim Evans)

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Korea - An Allen & Heath iLive digital mixing system has been selected by the Bethel Independent Church in Seoul, Korea. The iLive system - comprising an iDR10 MixRack loaded with 48 inputs and 24 outputs and iLive-144 Control Surface with 16 inputs and 8 outputs - was chosen because of its ability to cater for a diverse range of events, which includes services, gospel singing and rock concerts.

"I am very proud that we have the iLive system installed. We host a rock concert at least once every two months, as younger generations are involved in the Church's activities, and this system has the capacity to manage all the requirements. I also like the sonic quality, which is natural, clear and warm. My dream has come true," says Pastor T. N. Park.

The 930-capacity venue also installed a Renkus-Heinz line array, a Dolby surround sound system, and a 450" centre scree

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DPA has launched a new website at www.dpamicrophones.com. This retains the large amount of information and resources from the previous site, including the Microphone University, which provides useful information about microphone design, interfacing, stereo and surround techniques and recording in general, as well as product information, user stories and distributor info.

Additionally, the site has undergone a complete redesign, bringing it up-to-date and consistent with DPA's corporate branding, advertising and trade show visuals. Graphics are bolder and improved, and the site features new product photography throughout.

"We wanted to make our website even more user friendly, with a good search function, easy navigation and well-organised content," says Anne Berggrein, head of marketing at DPA. "We've made better use of the images, upgraded the search engine and includ

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UK - The Empire Theatre in the Queensland city of Toowoomba has upgraded to a Midas PRO6, becoming the first performing arts centre in Australia to install the new digital system. Originally built in 1911 as a silent movie house, the theatre was extensively renovated following a fire in the 1930s, and is a stunning example of art deco architecture both inside and out. The Empire underwent another major renovation in the late 1990s, becoming the first theatre in Australia to install a Midas Heritage 2000 in its ongoing desire to provide optimum performance.

In recent years the theatre's audio department has expressed a desire to upgrade to a digital console to provide more features and greater flexibility. Head of audio Ralph Atkinson evaluated many consoles in his search, concluding that none came close to the sonic performance of the theatre's existing console.

That was until

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Germany - Sirius Showequipment, one of Germany's leading tour sound rental companies, has joined the L-Acoustics K1/KUDO Pilot Program. CEO Wolfgang "Schabbach" Neumann is excited at the prospect of using the system for this year's open-air season.

"We were very impressed by the power capability of the system, especially the fact that distribution is so equal in both the horizontal and vertical planes," he says. "But what's really struck us is the great response to the system from our customer base. Our new L-Acoustics K1/KUDO system will be the backbone of our rental activities throughout 2009, and the system will be on the road all season.

This is Sirius Showequipment's first purchase of L-Acoustics systems after years of positive experiences renting V-DOSC, dV-DOSC and KUDO on a dry hire basis. The system will comprise 48 K1 line source cabinets, 24

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USA - The 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards held on 8 February at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, had a performance line up and duets by Coldplay and Jay-Z; Al Green, Keith Urban, Justin Timberlake and Boyz II Men performing 'Let's Stay Together'; the Jonas Brothers pairing with Stevie Wonder; Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus;, Paul McCartney and Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl; as well as performances by Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, and many others. California-based ATK Audiotek once again provided live audio production and, once again, chose four Yamaha PM1D digital audio consoles, two at front of house and two for the monitor mix.

"The need for these shows to be flawless is what drives Audiotek to obsess on the details and not compromise on the quality of equipment and people that operate behind the scenes," states Mike Stahl, president of ATK Audiotek.

At the helm of the four Y

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UK - In Bristol, the Woodlands Church has completed its investment in a house sound system by installing a M-400 V-Mixing System from RSS. The final decision was swung by a Snake, in particular the S-1608 digital multicore package that is integrated with the M-400 console and which provides the Church with the flexibility to relocate its sound control position in the future.

Five years ago, the 1000-strong congregation of the contemporary house of worship Woodlands Church began a programme of investment into new sound reinforcement equipment, starting with the purchase of a Nexo PS15 loudspeaker system, initially paired with an analogue front-of-house mixer.

With music playing a significant role in services, Woodlands soon began to consider the possibilities of a move to digital sound control, appreciating that it would help to build a more consistent approach to sound across

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Germany - Brand-new from Electro-Voice, makers of the world-tour-proven Precision Series P3000 amplifier, are Q Series amplifiers, four models that offer "outstanding audio quality, reliability, and value for a wide range of mobile audio applications".

The new series continues EV's proven concepts in amplifier technology, providing "superior dynamic headroom, transient detail, and a full protection package," says the company.

Based on Class-H layout for maximized efficiency and reduced weight in a 2U design, the amp family features additional switchable LowPass Notch (LPN) filters, providing extra fundament and kick as well as protective low-cut when driving compact 12" or 15" full-range speaker cabinets without subwoofers.

The Q Series is launching with four models: Q1212 (2 x 1200W @ 4 Ohms / 2 x 1800W @ 2 Ohms) -the Q Series flagship offers t

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USA - North Carolina-based Stewart Sound first became involved with a Barack Obama's election trail last September and since then have provided impressive sound for several important events.

"It all started with a call from Atlas Group in Raleigh NC," says Stewart Sound's founder Chad Stewart. "Atlas is an event specialist and we've done several things with them since that first call. They needed a PA system for a Democrat Presidential campaign event in Greensboro. Obama was on the election trail at the time, and this was a public event for about 15,000 people.

"We put in a PA composed entirely of d&b audiotechnik Q-Series Q1 loudspeakers. After the event Atlas came to us and said it was the first time at one of these events that they hadn't heard a single complaint; not one heckler in the audience said they couldn't hear what was being said."

By the

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UK - British DSP manufacturer XTA Electronics has announced the latest addition to their successful 4 Series - the DP426. The DP426 is a 2-in, 6-out audio management tool that has been introduced in direct response to demand from customers following the demise of the popular DP226 and is ideally suited to stereo three-way applications.

XTA sales and marketing director Bill Woods commented: "Our flagship DP448 has been adopted by contractors and touring companies worldwide, as have the DP446, DP444 and DP424. However, we had not really filled the gap left in our range when we discontinued the classic DP226. Although companies use the 4 Series for all sorts of applications, it seems that the good old 2-in, 6-out speaker processor configuration for stereo three-way set ups just won't go away, hence the addition of the DP426!"

The DP426 shares exactly the same features a

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UK - British mixer manufacturer, Allen & Heath, has chosen the forthcoming ProLight & Sound show in Frankfurt to unveil a new addition to their portfolio. For the first time in 15 years, Allen & Heath has designed a broadcast console, which will be introduced from the ZED range of small-format USB mixers.

Allen & Heath will also be introducing updates to the new iLive-T Series compact digital mixing system, which can now interface with popular networking standards such as EtherSound, ADAT and Aviom.

The new Xone:22 2-channel analogue DJ mixer will be shown for the first time in Europe, and the increasingly popular ZED-R16 Firewire recording mixer will also be generating interest. Mixers from the whole Xone DJ range will be displayed, including the :D Series of MIDI controllers, and there will be a cross section of mixers from the ZED, MixWizard, GL, iDR and iLive ranges.

See

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USA - Built in 1920s, Hollywood United Methodist Church's architecture was inspired by Westminster Abbey and has provided the backdrop for Whoopi Goldberg's Sister Act in addition to hundreds of scenes in other movies.

But Hollywood UMC's outdated and underpowered sound system could not survive the transition to more contemporary music. It consisted of a handful of little 6" speakers mounted near the bottom of the cathedral's awe-inspiring support columns and was barely sufficient for the choral reinforcement for which it was originally designed.

Eventually the church's A/V tech, Dave Whittaker, requested meetings from area integrators for a Renkus-Heinz-centered system. One of the firms he contacted was Platt Design. Their president and senior designer, Bill Platt, is a two-time Emmy winner and spent 15 years as director of audio and show development for all of Wa

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Middle East - Bosch Communications Pro Audio Division, which includes brands like Electro-Voice and Dynacord, has appointed Ryan Burr as its new regional sales manager for the Middle East and Africa, based in Dubai.

Ryan comes from Dundee in Scotland and has recently been working for Dubai-based distributor Venuetech, where he dealt with sales of pro audio products into the national market within the UAE. He has also been involved in supporting many permanent installations within the UAE so brings some of the knowledge required to fulfil his new role with him.

Burr comments: "I am both privileged and excited to be working with such a prestigious organisation, the experience and reputation that Electro-Voice and Dynacord bring to the worldwide market is unsurpassed. This along with the integrity that Bosch is synonymous with made the decision to join them an easy one."

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Slovakia - Home to one of Eastern Europe's biggest and most prestigious international theatre festivals, the city of Nitra in western Slovakia has a long and well-established theatre tradition. The city also boasts one of the biggest and most modern theatre buildings in Slovakia, the two-stage Andrej Bagar Theatre.

The theatre's Big Hall offers a capacity of 600 seats while the Studio provides variable seating arrangements for up to 150 people. When the time came to upgrade the audio system in the Big Hall in keeping with the facility's status as a reference venue for musical productions, theatre management turned to renowned installation company and Lab.gruppen distributors, MediaTech.

MediaTech's technical manager, Miroslav Paciga, is no stranger to the facility, having installed the original system, and then an upgrade to that some ten years ago. "The original system w

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Metallica's World Magnetic Tour is taking the band across the US and Europe, playing arenas in the round with Meyer Sound's new TM Array configuration deploying four centre overhead arrays of the company's ultrahigh-power 700-HP subwoofers.

Providing even, powerful low-end coverage for in-the-round concerts with fewer subwoofers than traditional configurations, the TM Array delivered impressed Metallica at their London and Berlin record release events that the band specifically requested production to use the system on the arena tou.

Playing in the round creates a myriad of problems for production, especially in the low-end dynamics. Metallica has been experimenting with different configurations for the past 17 years, but with varying success until the adoption of the TM Array, says the company.

"It's difficult," says 'Big Mick' Hughes, the sound engineer who has b

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UK - Following the recent announcement of the appointment of Red Square Audio as Innovason's exclusive UK distributor, founder Paul Nicholson, in conjunction with Innovason and Tannoy, invited a number of live sound industry notables to celebrate the launch of his new company.

The Grand Ballroom at Pinewood Studios provided an elegant setting for people to come and see/hear for themselves the products Paul will be representing, notably the new Eclipse from Innovason and the Tannoy VQ Series loudspeaker system.

Guests were treated to a short product presentation from both manufacturers followed by a champagne buffet and the opportunity for some hands-on time with the Eclipse. The highlight of the evening was a 45-minute set from Eighties punk rock icon and actress, Toyah Wilcox.

The diminutive star performed a belting, high-energy set that included most of her original hits a

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UK - The problem of counterfeit consumer electronics and MI goods is not going to disappear overnight, but Sennheiser UK is committed to supporting its dealers and end users by doing everything in its power to combat the steady trickle of counterfeit Sennheiser goods coming into the UK from China and Hong Kong.

"The good news is that in the battle against counterfeiters selling inferior, unauthorised products illegally bearing the Company's logo, Sennheiser is winning," says the company.

Debbie Tyler, Sennheiser UK's director of HR, is leading the fight against the counterfeiters.

"We have developed an excellent working relationship with HM Revenue and Customs," explains Tyler. "Every time they seize a shipment of counterfeit products ¬ which is on a regular basis now, ¬ they send us samples of the goods for us to examine. Some counterfeits are obv

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