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UAE - DPA Microphones has appointed Melody House Musical Instruments as its new distributor in Dubai. The appointment is part of a rebranding process that will see Melody House move more into the pro audio sector to complement its MI roots.

Greg Cargopoulos from Melody House, is familiar with DPA microphones from his own experience of working with them. "We are very happy to be the newly-appointed regional distributors of DPA microphones," he says. "I have been working as a sound engineer for many years, often on corporate events where there are several headband and lavalier microphones on stage at one time, and DPA mics have been a life-saver in many situations.

"The thing I like about these microphones is how the frequency response is so neutral. The design is always to be as neutral as possible, rather than have a coloured frequency response. This, coupl

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UK - Console manufacturer Calrec Audio has launched a community website (community.calrec.com) which aims to encourage industry education and the sharing of information amongst audio folk. Included on the site are video- and image-sharing blogs from the Calrec team and other industry experts, Twitter feeds, links to social media, and RSS feeds.

The aim is to create a forum for education and information-sharing between customers and anyone else in the audio world.

The community blogs and posts will focus on subjects that the audio community is passionate about, such as 5.1, loudness and networking, and on relevant technologies such as FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays).

Currently, Calrec is seeking contributions to the site from audio mix engineers with training advice, technical suggestions, on-the-job stories to tell, challenges to share, or questions. These can be writ

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Scandinavia - Lake's new LM 26 stand-alone digital audio loudspeaker processor has been given an early tour of duty by Swedish sound company Music & Lights at numerous music festivals throughout Scandinavia as the summer season kicked off, most recently at Denmark's one day rock festival Copenhagen Live 2010and one of Sweden's biggest gigs, Sweden Rock Festival.

Attracting over 20,000 rock fans, Copenhagen Live - which took place on 2 June - was held in the Kastrupstrand Park area of Copenhagen. Top of the bill were Rammstein, Bullet For My Valentine, Skunk Anansie, former G'n'R and Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash and Danish hard rockers Volbeat.

Later that same month, Music & Lights again deployed a trio of LM 26 processors for the main stage at the Sweden Rock Festival in Solvesborg, where Guns 'n' Roses, Aerosmith, Gary Moore, Slayer and Danzig were amo

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USA - American DJ has filed suit in the United States District Court Central District of California against five companies, including Wal-Mart Stores and DBL Distributing, a division of Ingram Micro, for violating the Lanham Act, which covers federal trademark law, and the California Business and Professions Code.

The suit alleges that the five companies used the 'American Audio' trademark in advertising and promoting audio products that were not made by or affiliated with either American DJ or its American Audio brand. According to American DJ, the five firms "intentionally, continuously and wrongfully advertised, distributed and/or sold audio equipment... using the American Audio® mark since 2009".

In addition to Wal-Mart Stores and DBL Distributing, the companies that are the subject of American DJ's legal action are V2GO Technology, American Audio Laborato

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USA - American DJ's Chuck Green has been promoted to the position of international sales representative for Asia and Canada.

"I'm extremely excited and optimistic about my new position," says Green. "I am looking forward to becoming part of our stellar international team here at American DJ."

Scott Davies, general manager of the American DJ Group of Companies, adds, "We are very excited to promote Chuck Green to his well-deserved new position within the company; his passion for music and his understanding of our vast family of products really embodies what American DJ is all about."

(Jim Evans)

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USA - Crown Audio has appointed Eric Friedlander to the role of business developer, tour sound. In this role, Friedlander will be responsible for supporting sales in the tour sound market and working closely with the customer base to provide tailored solutions to meet each customer's specific needs. He will report to Crown's market manager for tour sound, Brian Pickowitz.

Prior to joining Crown, Friedlander served as a staff audio engineer for LD Systems L.P., a major sound, light and video production firm. In this role he was responsible for the production of corporate and special events, designing and deploying specialized sound reinforcement systems as well as mixing live performances.

Friedlander also previously held the position of sound engineer and systems tech for Maryland Sound International, where he was a technician for major live event productions. Among the

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UK - A1 Entertainments from Bristol has placed an order for Nexo's new RS18 subs following a successful trial at the Glastonbury Festival. A1's Paul Wiltshire confirms that he is buying four of the French company's latest sub bass units now, and plans to add Nexo's Geo S12 line array cabinets "in the very near future".

A1 helped the Geo S12 compact array and RS18 subs to make their Glastonbury debut, deploying a six-box a side system in the 4,000-capacity Dance West tent, one of the largest stages in the popular Dance Village.

"This is the first time we've used Geo S12 in anger," says Wiltshire, "and I am very pleasantly surprised. It is smooth, loud, clean and punchy. In the Dance West tent, it's all about the bass end, and I can say that the RS18s are phenomenal, I haven't heard anything to match them."

Using one of the smallest amp racks on t

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UK - A new all-day, brasserie-style restaurant in the traditions of the grand French cafés has been opened in London's Marylebone district by Belgian restaurateur Luc Van Oostende and his daughter, Julie.

The two, who operate the Café Theatre restaurant in Ghent (in Belgium), brought in a contracting team, including architects Stiff +Trevillion, main fit out contractors Tekne and sound system specialists the Sound Division Group, to create an environment in which chef David Collard could create an imaginative modern European menu.

To create his eponymous restaurant, Van Oostende took over the former Eat and Two Veg, at 50 Marylebone High Street and he and his daughter spent £1.5m creating the new infrastructure, with soft jade interior.

Stiff + Trevillion have matched a dark hardwood floor with waxed Celadon coloured walls, leather banquettes and replica

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USA - Crown Audio has appointed Daniel Saenz to the position of market manager, installed sound. Saenz will be responsible for working directly with customers to support design and development of installed systems and deployment of Crown amplifiers for install applications. He will report to vice president of marketing, Marc Kellom.

Prior to joining Crown, Saenz served in multiple roles at Pelton, Marsh, and Kinsella, LLC., an AV consulting and design firm, most recently as senior director of marketing and business development and managed the Las Vegas office. In this role he was responsible for marketing acoustics, AV, telecommunication and security services as well as consulting on major projects in the Las Vegas market. These projects ranged from hotels to theatres/showrooms and education facilities.

"At Crown we understand the need to educate our customer base on the

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India - A new 325-seat auditorium located at Bangalore's Christ University has been equipped with a QSC Audio ILA v2 line array and amplification as part of an integrated multimedia system, supplied and installed by locally-based Acoustic Control.

The new purpose-built auditorium, with its raked seating, forms part of the new Engineering College block on Christ University's Kengeri campus, situated on the outskirts of Bangalore, and will support this faculty in hosting lectures, presentations and cultural events.

Included within Acoustic Control's system design is an L-R ceiling suspended ILA line array, consisting of five WL2082-i cabinets per side plus four 18-inch subwoofers, positioned under the stage within a masonry and concrete housing. On-stage sound is provided by four QSC HPR 112 powered stage monitors.

Powering the system are six QSC RMX5050 amplifiers, while loud

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UK - Adlib continued its summer festival run, supplying PA to The Latitude Festival, set in the chilled environment of Henham Park, Southwold in Suffolk.

Adlib was working on the event for the fifth year running - supplying audio equipment and crew for six stages including the Word Arena, Film & Music Arena, Sunrise Arena, The Lake Stage, the Cabaret Arena and a mobile system which was for various events around the site.

The 15 Adlib crew were chiefed by Hassane Es Siahi fresh from T in the Park the previous week. He also co-ordinated FOH at The Word Arena, assisted by Kenny Perrin who also looked after monitors there.

The Word Arena featured a lively mix of bands including The National, Wild Beasts, Richard Hawley, The Horrors, Jonsi and The Coral among many others. To provide good all round coverage for a variety of sounds and styles, a JBL VerTec system was specified, whi

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South Africa - As Spain celebrates its victory in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it is fitting that one of the country's leading pro-audio manufacturers will be part of the legacy that remains after the global football circus has left town. Vieta sound reinforcement systems can be found throughout the new Nike Football Training Centre in Soweto, which will give 20,000 young footballers a year the chance to develop their talent.

Audio agency Metropolis Consulting only took on the Vieta product portfolio for distribution at the start of 2010, and was quickly able to build the systems into a quote for Solid Rock Productions, working on Nike's new Centre. Metropolis proposed a full turnkey solution for the venue, with Vieta loudspeakers specified for all the indoor areas, including the Gym, auditorium and The Red Room educational facility.

The brief called for high-quality versatile sys

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UK - The organisers of the PLASA Show (12-15 September 2010, Earls Court, London) have announced the final shortlist of nominees for this year's prestigious Gottelier Award, which will be presented at the PLASA Show on Monday 13 September.

This will be the fourth Gottelier Award - named in memory of the former designer, developer and commentator Tony Gottelier (pictured), who died in 2006. The Award (sponsored by Lighting&Sound International magazine for which Tony Gottelier was a regular contributor for many years), aims to recognise those who have made a significant and sustained contribution to the development of entertainment technology. Former winners are Tony Andrews of Funktion One (2007), John Stadius of Soundtracs/DiGiCo (2008) and Alex Cooper of Klark Teknik and Midas (2009).

This year's nominees are, in no particular order:

Richard Cuthbert

Richard Cuthbe

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Celebrating Sondheim - Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim was greeted with a standing ovation at the BBC Proms on Saturday at the end of a concert marking his 80th birthday year. Dame Judi Dench and opera star Bryn Terfel were among the performers at the event, held at London's Royal Albert Hall. The concert featured numbers from Sondheim musicals such as Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, Company and Follies. West End stars Maria Friedman, Jenna Russell, Julian Ovenden and Simon Russell Beale also participated in the event, the first Prom to be signed for deaf concert-goers.

Since making his Broadway debut in 1957 as the writer of West Side Story's lyrics, Sondheim has become one of the most popular and revered figures in musical theatre. A London revival of Into the Woods opens shortly at the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park, while L

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Australia - It was a busy summer for Sydney's EventSound with their gear seen all over the city at such events as Sydney Running Festival, Jazz in the Gardens and even Prince William at the Block.

Making life easier for the crew on all of these events was the JBL VRX compact line array system owned by EventSound. The RedBull Junior Surf Pro held on Cronulla beach is a good example. Featuring a line up of bands such as Urthboy, Children Collide and DJ's, the event culminated in an award ceremony hosted by surf legend Mick Fanning.

EventSound were contracted through production manager Peter Pollard to supply the audio and lighting for the temporary beach stage as well as links into the VIP Marquee.

"We required a sound system with a good throw distance as we needed to get even coverage down the beach," remarked Keith Clarkson, managing director of EventSound. "T

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Norway - When Posten Norge decided to install induction loops at its counters, the sheer number of systems required meant that their reliability had to be rock solid. High quality audio reproduction in a busy retail environment was also an essential consideration.

Working closely with the company's Norwegian distributor, Trollaasveien-based Scandec Systemer AS, Ampetronic is supplying 1000 CLD1-CT counter systems for a programme that will see them installed throughout the country.

"Posten Norge decided to install induction loops as part of a wider programme of upgrades to its counters and retail furniture," says Bj°rnar Riise, Scandec product manager.

"We did some pilot demonstrations of Ampetronic equipment and also supplied them with references from London Underground and other users. They agreed that the combination of Scandec, as a local supplier, and

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UK - The summer of 2010 has seen the reopening of Europe's largest open air theatre in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. Late July saw the 6,500-capacity venue's gala opening concert, which featured opera singers Jose Carreras and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, plus a trio of Yamaha M7CL mixing consoles playing a key role.

Originally opened in 1932, when English seaside resorts were enjoying good times, thousands of people came to witness theatrical productions and lavish musicals in a venue where the audience is on the shore of a lake and the stage on an island in the middle of it. But by the 1970s the theatre was in decline, its biggest claim to fame during that decade being a regular host venue for British television's It's A Knockout. Hosting its last performance in 1986, the decaying remains of Scarborough Open Air Theatre lay forgotten for over 20 years, until its recent £3

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USA - The 2010 International DJ Expo takes place in Atlantic City on16-19 August 16 - 19 at the Trump Taj Mahal Hotel and Casino. American DJ and American Audio will be featured guests at this gathering, as they get set to showcase all-new products, including the long-awaited International debuts of "several never-before-seen lighting effects".

On the audio front, the show marks the first time the American Audio VMS4 arrives on the market. This versatile four-channel 'MIDILOG' controller fuses both MIDI and analogue audio control into one sleek unit. Billed as "the ultimate DJ performance tool," the VMS4 can be used with either a PC or MAC. If the computer crashes, it will kick into analogue mode, where CD players or turntables may be used, or a DJ can use an external power supply. The unit can also be personalised with the option of customised skins.

The 2

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Brazil - Drawing thousands of people from across Brazil, the annual Sao Joao Da Bahia festival is an opportunity for tourists and nationals alike to enjoy a wide variety of food, music, dancing, games, and more. Held each June, the festival attracts both regional and nationally recognized musical performers and this year's event was no exception.

Sao Joao Da Bahia 2010 ran from 11 -26 June and included Gilberto Gil, Elba Ramalho, Geraldo Azevedo, Candlebox, Dominguinhos, Leonardo, and Alceu Valenca among the 60 performing artists. A substantial outdoor stage erected for the performers and the sound system consisted of numerous models from the Aero Series catalogue of D.A.S. Audio.

Salvador - Bahia, Brazil-based Arena Áudio Eventos was contracted to provide sound services for the event. Alberto Viana, Managing partner, comments, "This event attracts huge crowds. We had au

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UK - London based event production company DesignScene delivered glitz, glamour, imagination and excitement - including the full creative concept, technical production and the sourcing of artists and performers - for Starstruck, the 2010 Superdrug charity fundraising event, modelled on an X-Factor/Brit Awards/Best of British theme, including a full 'pop star' talent competition.

The event took place at London's Grosvenor House Ballroom. It was attended by 700 top Superdrug personnel and suppliers and raised approx £200,000 for threecharities - Cancer Research UK, Childline and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

DesignScene was working in conjunction with CL Events, who took care of all the administration, sponsorship deals and selling elements.

The event was presented by Justin Lee Collins. It included a full sit down dinner and live auction, with a silent auction

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UK - After eight years with Pro Audio Asia and Pro Audio Middle East magazines, industry journalist Tim Goodyer has established an open-agenda international blog for the pro audio and A/V communities - Fast-and-Wide.com.

In addition to relaying the latest pro audio news, and providing access to a selection of technical papers and instructional videos, Fast-and-Wide enables visitors to comment on items, as well as follow through social media including Twitter and YouTube.

With wide-ranging news of international business and equipment announcements, and supporting services in place, Fast-and-Wide will soon host a discussion forum for industry issues and developments.

"I aim to encourage a free exchange of ideas, information and concerns, with the best interests of our industry in mind," Goodyer says. "With the global economy, 'green' initiatives, c

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China - DPA Microhones has supplied some 4023 compact cardioids and 4028 compact wide cardioids to the Nordic Lighthouse, a Scandinavian consortium taking part in the Shanghai Expo 2010. The mics, along with flamingo and table stand solutions, are being used for Nordic Lighthouse's conferences.

More than 60 companies representing Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Iceland, as well as sponsors, are participating in the Nordic Lighthouse to promote market opportunities for Scandinavian companies in Asia. The consortium is housed in a three storey converted warehouse lit up like a beacon to reflect its name.

Among the speakers using the DPA mics was His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, who visited the Expo to present some speeches at a Sino-Danish business conference.

"Given our presence in the Chinese market, and as a manufacture of professional micropho

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Finland / USA - Engineering and consulting firm FUNA International, has outfitted Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas cruise ship with a multitude of BSS Audio Soundweb London processing devices. FUNA has deployed Soundweb London devices extensively in various projects throughout the past eight years, including the last four new cruise ships built out of its Turku, Finland manufacturing facility.

The ship's audio system, covering everything from background music, acrobatic, musical and comedic entertainment, is handled by 29 Soundweb London BLU-800 and 21 BLU-120 devices, with BLU-10 programmable touch screen remotes for local control outfitted throughout the ship as well.

"As BSS Audio signal processors have continued to become more advanced in their ability to provide comprehensive system networking and control, we have been able to use them in more complex and larger a

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UK - Mark Knopfler's Get Lucky tour marks the first time video has ever been incorporated into his performance, projected courtesy of four Robe DigitalSpot 7000DTs.

The DigitalSpots were specified by lighting designer Simon Tutchener, who has been working with Knopfler since 2002 and completed his first major tour with him in 2005.

Tutchener specifically wanted a neat, tourable, flexible lightweight video solution that would integrate seamlessly - both physically and creatively - with the lighting.

The four units are rigged on the front lighting truss. They are soft-edged together and project one large image onto a 26ft wide by 16ft deep video screen hung on the back truss, which is covered by a pair of starcloth curtains for most of the show. They are controlled via ArtNet protocol over Ethernet from Tutchener's grandMA lighting console.

The video clips are all sto

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  4. Calrec Audio to launch H2O at IBC
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  6. Out Post Sound opens dedicated sales arm
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