Germany - Powersoft, the Italian manufacturer of innovative power amplifiers, showed a new product line at Frankfurt's ProLight&Sound exhibition recently: the M Series will include two 4-channel and three 2-channel versions. Typical for the brand, with one RU, 358mm/14.1" depth and just over 7kg/16lbs weight, the M Series models are masterpieces of efficiency thanks to Powersoft's own legendary combination of switch-mode power supply and PWM output stages.

M50Q and M28Q are the 4-channel models, with up to 1,250W/ch into 4 ohms. M30D, M20D, and M14D offer two channels each with a maximum output of 1,500W/ch at 4 ohms, and the entire range reaches down to 360W/ch into 8 ohms, resulting in the greatest flexibility for a wide range of applications. The highlight is the plug-in DSP module, which, once inside the amps, can hardly be tampered with, making M Series a 'plug & safe'

The Netherlands / USA - Following a successful ProLight&Sound show in Frankfurt, Community Professional Loudspeakers has announced an expansion of its European operations. The addition of a new warehouse in the Netherlands will enable Community "to dramatically reduce delivery times throughout Europe" for its core products.

"As our worldwide sales continue to grow, we appreciate the need to provide our European distributors with the same speed of service that we can give our customers in North America", commented Julia Lee, Community's director of marketing and sales.

Community's Entasys column line array is among the most popular products being stocked in the European warehouse, says the company. Demand for Entasys has continued to increase as the system gains popularity in house of worship and conference room projects, where quick turnaround time and expe

USA / UK - Following successful showings at the recent ProLight&Sound trade show in Frankfurt, TMB and LumenRadio of Sweden have announced the signing of exclusive distribution contracts for North and Central America and Great Britain.

LumenRadio's CRMX Nova technology (CRMX = Cognitive Radio Multiplexer) is the first automated and adaptive wireless technology specifically developed for real-world conditions in the lighting industry. The products are also available in rugged outdoor enclosures for permanent installation.

Niclas Norlén, CTO of LumenRadio says: "Our goal is simple: Provide affordable completely configurable systems, capable of combining Ethernet, DMX, RDM, DALI and all other popular lighting protocols. Our technology provides total data integrity and no interference with other wireless equipment. We are excited to be associated with a quality-driven

Germany - The Hoellstern Amplifier Days at Prolight&Sound were used extensively by visitors to establish and deepen personal contacts. Hoellstern amplifier users could take a close look at and operate the Konfigurator2 software and the AmplifierTeacher in operation.

As a computer-independent industry standard remote control, the AmplifierTeacher is a rugged solution for monitoring and configuring Hoellstern amplifiers. Supported by control keys and a touchscreen, the high-resolution, high-contrast display allows a comfortable picture and easy operation requiring only a few menu levels.

Owing to its RS-485 network capability several amplifiers may be run centrally. The operating temperature range between 25 °C and +70 °C is limited physically only by the high-quality industry display with its ¼ VGA presentation. The aluminium body, 1 RU 19" mounting option, the US

India - Seeking a four-zone audio solution, with the ability to operate each zone separately or together as required, the seven cuisine Lotus Leaf restaurant in Prashant Vihar, Delhi commissioned New Delhi-based Soundworks to design and install the system.

To accommodate the multi-zone configuration, and provide the flexibility required, Soundworks proposed an Audica Professional MICROseries system, which was auditioned by the restaurant's owner prior to installation.

Each of the four zones of the restaurant was fitted with individual Audica MICROzone controller/amplifier, and each MICROzone was provided with an Audica WMR (wall mount remote) for local individual control.

In the main restaurant area the MICROzone is used to feed a four-channel MICROplus power amplifier, which drives 12 MICROpoint loudspeakers, and two active MICROsubs for additional low frequency reinforceme

The Netherlands - A new touring production of Mamma Mia! is filling theatres across the Netherlands, with dialogue and lyrics in Dutch but with a sound that is universally Abba. The production carries a powerful reinforcement system based around 32 Meyer Sound M'elodie line array loudspeakers.

The particulars of loudspeaker system configuration are the work of the production's associate sound designer, Richard Brooker, who was charged with fulfilling overall requirements set by Bobby Aitken, principal sound designer.

"I'd first used M'elodies on my design for a Spanish production of Jesus Christ Superstar," recalls Brooker. "I needed to handle a dynamic and often quite loud show, but the production had to change venues quickly. Also, in most places I could not fly the system. After much head-scratching, I went the Meyer route with M'elodies and 600

Germany - At ProLight&Sound in Frankfurt, Kling & Freitag presented new products and a new booth concept marked by high columns, a welcoming product presentation and a huge elevated talking platform

"We are proud to set the right signals in the present market situation. The booth visualizes the current evolution at Kling & Freitag", says sales manager Stefan Lenke.

"The booth was extremely well-functioning, during the fair and also on the occasion of the booth evening. Mobile partitions permitted the quick and easy adaptation of the booth to the respective requirements", adds Jürgen Freitag.

In the product range InstallSound, SONA SUB was shown for the first time, a subwoofer for the SONA 5for use as a discreet integration into the architecture or as a design element.

In the ProRental range, NOMOS XLC was presented as a cardioid 3 x 18" subwoofer.

Ireland - Located in the 18th century Cornmarket House in central Wexford, in the south-east corner of the Republic of Ireland, Wexford Arts Centre has been providing a wide range of contemporary art and entertainment for locals and visitors since 1974. Recently, the 120-seat main auditorium had a major technical refit, at the heart of which is a Yamaha LS9-32 mixing console.

The new system was designed by Mick O'Gorman of Dublin-based Mosco Sound Design and Recording, working closely with the venue's technical and facilities manager Ollie Dempsey.

"The existing system we had was becoming unreliable, and I spent half my life patching up and adding on to meet the increasing demands of artists," says Dempsey. "It was also a bit of a nightmare for anyone who was not 100% familiar with sound. They could operate the old mixing console, but the slightest problem would

Germany - Austrian-born Saint Lu has embarked on an extended tour packing microphones from Electro-Voice. The concert magazine Event in its latest issue states: "This is a singer with the wherewithal to create an absolute sensation in the music business - and by that we mean internationally."

To show her multi-faceted vocal style to best advantage in live performance, Saint Lu uses microphones from Electro-Voice. Franz Menke, sales manager EV Microphones EMEA, comments: "We are certain that Saint Lu is going to make it big, and we're proud to be in a position to contribute to that success."

(Jim Evans)

Germany - Hartley Peavey was bestowed with the 2010 MIPA Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award at the Musikmesse International Press Awards in Frankfurt, Germany, on 25 March. The award coincided with a significantly increased presence for Peavey at the 2010 MusikMesse thanks to their sponsorship of the Agora stage which was equipped with a full complement of audio gear from all of the Peavey Electronics brands, and a successful party on the Thursday evening of the show.

More than 100 magazines from all over the world voted in over 40 categories for the MIPA awards which were presented at special presentation party during the annual Musikmesse and Prolight&Sound exhibition. However, the MIPA Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award is an exceptional accolade that is not necessarily awarded each year. Peavey enjoyed a particularly successful evening as the manufacturer also won

Estonia - An Allen & Heath iDR digital audio distribution system was recently installed in the new Nokia Concert Hall in the Estonian capital, Tallinn. Declared the most modern concert hall in Northern Europe, the venue has the facilities to host conferences for more than 1,800 international delegates, as well as high-profile concerts and shows.

Purchased through Allen & Heath's distributor, Music Center Pro, installer Eventech managed the complete sound and light installation project, selecting an iDR system to manage audio distribution, control and zoning across the venue's many areas surrounding the concert hall, including foyers, artist rooms, backstage and stage managers' area.

The system comprised an iDR-8 16x16 matrix mixer, an iDR-in and an iDR-out expander unit, and an iDR-switch to enable the connection of external equipment, such as room dividers and relays. In addi

Czech Republic - Prague-based Pink Panther production, lighting and sound provider has been using DPA microphones for two of the TV shows it has recently produced. DPA 4088 cardioid headband mics and 3521 stereo kits featuring DPA 4021 compact cardioid mics were used across the Czech Film Awards Live Nomination Evening and the Cesky Lev Czech Film Awards.

The Cesky Lev is the Czech film industry's annual awards ceremony, watched by almost a million viewers nationwide and broadcast live on prime time TV from Prague's Lucerna Hall, before an audience of more than a thousand.

"We used DPA 4088 microphones for an anchorman and guests on the shows," says Petr Kuba from Pink Panther. "The positive reports we got back from the OB van was outstanding.

"In addition we also used couple of DPA 3521s, which I would call 'hot mics'. The reason we

India - Sound Team is DPA's new distributor for India. Based in Mumbai, the film and music capital of India, Sound Team has built up a strong reputation as a pro audio distributor over 15 years, with the primary focus of providing solutions for music, post production and film applications.

"With the increase in number of private broadcasters and live rental companies, we are excited to take on a product like DPA, which is at the forefront of microphone design technology," says Sound Team co-owner Shiv Sood. "Our aim is to provide professional tools to the discerning audio engineer, and with DPA we have a great tool for anyone looking to capture the most accurate sound at source. We are delighted to be representing a company which has solutions for several different markets and look forward to educating customers on the difference DPA would make to their sound.&quo

Portugal - Acoustic solutions manufacturer Vicoustic has today that Australian microphone manufacturer R°DE will distribute its products in Australia and the USA, with immediate effect. The distribution agreement follows Vicoustic's recent company restructuring into three separate divisions - Music & Broadcast, Hi-Fi & Home Cinema and Industrial. Within the designated territories, R°DE will initially focus on the Music & Broadcast and Hi-Fi & Home Cinema market sectors.

For Vicoustic CEO Cesar Carapinha, the new partnership with R°DE is a strategic move that aims to bring long-term benefit to both companies: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with R°DE. Not only are they one of the top microphone brands, they also occupy an established and respected position within the Australian and US music and audio retail markets, which will be our prime focu

UAE - Nicolas Kyvernitis Electronics Enterprises, distributors of Clear-Com in the United Arab Emirates for the live sound market segment have recently supplied rental firm Almoe Rentals with the new Tempest wireless intercom system. The deal includes two four-channel base stations with 10 belt packs and relevant accessories.

"Almoe Rentals have been after a wireless intercom for some time," commented Richie Hiranandani, marketing manager. "After a demonstration of the system, we were able to showcase to them the benefits of the system over others. As well as the ability for them to integrate the new system with their present equipment."

In addition, two MS702 master stations, 20 RS601 beltpacks and 30 CC95 headsets from the Encore line were supplied.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Innovative solutions from Xantech Corporation have enabled systems installer APA Music & Pictures to give their client Peirce College in Philadelphia a more highly functional emergency paging system than otherwise possible for its budget. The emergency audio system was the third phase of a larger project that saw APA Music & Pictures (based in Bensalem, Pennsylvania), under the design and direction of David Pedemonti - VP sales & production, install complete A/V systems in 30 classrooms and other spaces between Peirce College's two campus buildings.

Nick Wyant, lighting designer, master electrician and installer/programmer at APA, looked for a way to enhance the functionality of the system when the college asked for additional features - including music distribution and room-specific functionality for individual classrooms. The solution was a combination of Xantech's CRMWI

India - The Hampi Utsav 2010 festival , a regular annual event in Karnataka at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was held on a grand scale by uniting with the 500th anniversary celebration of the Vilayanagara emperor, Sri Krishnadevaraya's ascendancy to the throne.

More than 300 hundred artists performed over three days on a 200ft x 100ft stage at Hampi, with performances that included various music and Indian dance forms by such leading Indian artists as Hema Malini, Mysore, Manjunath, and Pandit Jasrat, along with international performers. The audience was estimated at between 100,000-150,000 people on each of the three days.

Three sound rental companies, V&P Sound Pvt., Sound & Light Professionals and SoundEffects.Com, collectively provided the sound system for this major event, with JBL Vertec line arrays chosen for use as the sound reinforcement system for the p

USA - Audio-Technica is holding a series of informative audio demonstration and instruction events during NAB 2010 this week.

Throughout today, Tuesday and Wednesday, audio/broadcast veteran Michael Abbott, perhaps best known as audio coordinator for the Grammy Awards, will present multi-track microphone mixing demonstrations entitled Mix a Basketball Game in 5.1.

The sessions will allow attendees to mix a basketball game under Abbott's direction. Participants will experience real-time, hands-on mixing in A-T's custom listening room, using state-of-the-art equipment (including a Calrec Sigma audio console), and audition and compare stereo, mono, shotgun and boundary mic options.

Also on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Dr. Fred Ginsburg, specialist in production sound recording for motion pictures and video, will present Audio Acquisition Tips & Tricks. A disting

Switzerland - Contact microphone manufacturer Schertler has just released its new sensor for banjo, the D-Dyn-Banjo. Using the company's DYN technology, the electro-dynamic transducer has been specially developed to give both a natural and reliable reproduction of the instrument's complex sound characteristics.

Fitted with an XLR connector to ensure professional quality connection in a range of performance situations, the D-Dyn-Banjo is easy to install and unobtrusive when attached to the instrument. The current model is intended for use on banjos with a resonator, however a version for open-backed instruments will be available soon.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Noel Gallagher has appeared in two concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust. Gallagher was flanked by former Oasis bandmates Gem Archer on guitar and Jay Darlington on keyboards, and backed by an eight-piece female orchestra plus the Crouch End Choir. Britannia Row Productions provided a dual Midas XL8 live performance system for FOH and monitors, with a Klark Teknik DN9696 high resolution audio recorder for virtual soundchecking.

FOH engineer Dan Lewis had tried out a Midas PRO6 with some Oasis multitracks he'd recorded on the band's last tour. "I quickly got to grips with the PRO6, and noticed it had the same impressive sound quality that made us spec an XL4 for the Oasis tour," he says. "Things just sounded as they should sound, and needed very little in the way of processing."

As the TCT gigs drew closer and the band's l

UK - DiGiCo has announced the appointment of new team member James 'JJ' Lawford, who takes up the position of UK sales executive and will provide additional support for its UK operation.

Lawford will work closely with DiGiCo's UK dealer network, helping to further strengthen commercial development in the UK market and provide a dedicated point of contact for both DiGiCo's UK dealers and its end-user customers.

"The DiGiCo team is already very strong," says marketing director, David Webster. "However, we have a real desire to provide the greatest possible level of support and backup to our customer base.

"JJ's appointment will have a direct benefit to the UK market, but will also free up more time and the dedicated abilities of other team members on a global basis. Together with our dealer network, this means that we can bring the considerable advantages o

Chinese Whispers - Two Chinese singers have become the first in the country to be fined under laws banning lip-synching. Fang Ziyuan and Yin Youcan were fined 50,000 Yuan (£4,760) after they were caught miming at a concert in Chengdu. The pair say they were "only" backing singers and will struggle to pay the fine to cultural authorities. The law was introduced in the wake of the 2008 Beijing Olympics after a girl deemed prettier mimed to vocals performed by another child. The other girl was not considered attractive enough to be the face of China during the opening ceremony.

The fined singers said the sanction was "unfair", while some internet discussion forums have said Chinese authorities are still allowing established stars to lip-synch at events. Chengdu officials said the fine was justified and ruled that their microphones were not giving out any s

UK - PLASA Focus: Leeds 2010 - which takes place on Tuesday 27 & Wednesday 28 April at the Royal Armouries - is fast building its profile as a show for new products as well as networking, with a host of products launched at Frankfurt's Prolight&Sound scheduled to make their first UK appearance in Leeds. Among these are the latest developments from Swedish amplification specialists Lab.gruppen and signal processing innovator Lake, exhibiting alongside sister company, UK loudspeaker manufacturer Tannoy.

Located in Saviles Hall (Hall 2), all three brands will be represented on Stand D29, where the UK sales team will be on hand to discuss any product specific or project related enquiries. With Lab.gruppen having recently unveiled the PLM 20000Q Powered Loudspeaker Management System and likewise with Lake launching the LM 26 standalone processor in Frankfurt, this will be an opportun

The Netherlands - Electric Sound Benelux head John Haug has started an in-house leasing company that allows customers to lease Dynacord Cobra systems "without a whole lot of red tape, and all with very attractive terms".

It's an arrangement that offers customer minimal risk and the potential for maximum profits. "The Cobra is absolutely ideal for the bread-and-butter business," says Haug: "A village fair, a speech by the Mayor, a rock band in the town hall... the system is simply so versatile, so compact and so easy to work with." With the initiative well underway, it appears Electric Sound Benelux has really struck a chord with the pro audio scene in the Low Countries.

"People are having positive experiences with this and word soon spreads. The demand is great across the board. Not least because fairness looms large in the equation. The term

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