Sound

Details
India - The end of November saw a prestigious music conference - Soundbound - held in Mumbai, with a range of live performances for participants to enjoy after the business of the day. The first two nights featured gigs by Shaa'ir + Func, one of India's most successful indie bands, mixed on a DiGiCo SD9, the first to be deployed on the Indian sub-continent.

Soundbound and the associated live shows were sponsored by the British Council. It was part of the long-term SoundPad project, bringing together high profile names from the Indian and British music communities to engage in workshops, where everything from music technology and concert photography to good touring practises were discussed. Entry to the sessions was free and the whole event was enthusiastically received.

As well as British participation in the workshops, the best of the country's audio tech

Details
Australia - When AV company Scene Change decided to upgrade their radio microphones they opted for the Shure UHF-R series.

"We needed to increase the number of radio microphones and frequency band in the business," said Vicken Hekimian, director of Scene Change Sydney. "We also needed to be able to properly assess available frequencies in real time. The Shure UHF-R series spectrum analysis gave us that ability.

"We've found that the Shure UHF-R series networking ability and scanning really saves us time in set up. I have to say that both the RF and audio performance are of premium quality."

(Jim Evans)

Details
Germany / USA - HK Audio is unveiling its Elements modular sound reinforcement system at the NAMM exhibition in Anaheim, California. Elements, the company says, "merges the benefits of modern line array technology with the portability and easy handling of ultra-compact PA systems," enabling users to easily build up to 44 different system configurations, for a wide variety of situations, using just six easily combined components.

The system can be configured to support anything from an intimate speaking engagement to a multi-instrumental concert system with a full 3600W of power, say HK Audio. "Elements is based on line array technology for superb sonic performance, consistent with other product offerings from HK Audio.

Setting up the Elements system and tearing it down again is quick and easy, the company adds. E-Connect, HK's proprietary integrated signal routi

Details
Italy / USA - Powersoft has announced the formation of a new US corporate structure and move to an expanded facility in California. The new corporation, Powersoft Audio Technologies Corp, makes its home in an expanded 1,600sq.ft facility that serves as the national sales, service and support centre for the company's innovative amplifiers.

Ken Blecher, who joined the Powersoft team in May 2010, will lead the new company, with Tom Bensen remaining in the east as the key accounts manager and Steven Temmel as the operations and service manager. The new facility officially opens in mid-January 2011.

"Our US operation has been growing in leaps and bounds and we needed to expand our physical presence through the formation of a new corporate entity and by creating a unified facility that covers all aspects of the business under one roof," says Claudio Lastrucci, one of Power

Details
USA - Line 6 announced at NAMM the expansion of its XD-V line of digital wireless microphone systems to include XD-V70HS and XD-V30HS, a pair of high-performance headset microphones with beltpack transmitters.

"The headset mics are a natural addition to our XD-V line of digital wireless mic systems," commented Don Boomer, wireless sales engineer at Line 6. "They offer the sonic clarity and simple setup Line 6 digital wireless mics are known for, and the hands-free designs required by professional presenters, singers, and performers of all kinds."

Alongside the XD-V70HS and XD-V30HS headsets, the XD-V family includes two handheld microphone systems and two beltpack systems with lavaliers. Each system features exclusive Line 6 digital technologies and a 2.4GHz broadcast to ensure license-free use worldwide and freedom from ever-changing FCC regulations.

(Ji

Details
USA - Mackie has announced an ultra-compact addition to its bestselling Thump Series portable, powered loudspeakers - the Thump TH-12A. The new 400-watt, two-way 12" Thump Series loudspeaker is designed for any application that demands high-output and professional sound without breaking the budget.

"The TH-12A is simply the best powered loudspeaker option for your hard-earned money," said Greg Young, Mackie brand director. "While it is more compact, it is an equally powerful version of our top-selling TH-15A. It is truly the most professional compact loudspeaker in its class."

The TH-12A's Class-D Fast Recovery amplification provides 400 watts of total system power, tuned to match the custom-designed 12" high-precision woofer and 1" compression driver. An integrated three-band EQ on the back panel allows the user to dial in the TH-12A's tone.

Details
USA - Crown Audio introduced at NAMM the XTi 2 Series of amplifiers. Providing a complete suite of integrated speaker processing, the new XTi amplifiers eliminate the need for external crossovers, limiters, and EQs, immediately saving rack space and money, says the company.

The XTi 2 features enhanced control with Crown's PeakX Plus limiters. The limiters are derived from the same framework as those found in I-Tech HD and the new XLS DriveCore Series amplifiers allowing users to manipulate threshold, attack and release times. A new and improved subharmonic synthesizer offers more accurate control over which frequencies are targeted and can be tailored for a specific system or room setup.

Offering increased amplifier functionality, users now have Advanced Thermal Control giving them the ability to tailor the fan performance to their specific application. XTi 2 also increases th

Details
USA - JBL Professional announced at NAMM the introduction of its EON210P Portable PA system, a complete powered system that is compact, lightweight and simple to use.

"Our new EON210P makes it easy to enjoy great sound almost anywhere. It's ideal for live music, schools, churches, presentations, parties or anywhere you need clear, powerful sound," noted Richard Ruse, JBL director of marketing for portable PA. "And because it's so intuitive you don't need to be an audio pro to use the EON210P - you can be up and running in just a few minutes."

The JBL EON210P includes two 10-inch, two-way speakers, an eight-channel powered stereo mixer with four digital effects, two 15ft speaker cables and a convenient storage compartment for microphones and accessories. The mixer and storage compartment attach to the rear of the speakers, allowing for ease of movement when

Details
USA / Japan - Peavey Electronics this week announced at NAMM a new distribution partnership with Japanese distributor Kyoritsu Corporation. Under the terms of this alliance, Kyoritsu Corporation will be Japan's sole distributor of Peavey MI and Pro Audio products.

"We're thrilled to have Kyoritsu Corporation as our distribution partner for Japan," said Courtland Gray, chief operating officer of Peavey Electronics. "Japan is one of the most important markets in the world, and we believe Kyoritsu Corporation is the right partner to represent the Peavey product line and will help us increase our market share in the region. We look forward to a long relationship which will see us both grow and prosper."

(Jim Evans)

Details
USA - Crown Audio today has announced changes in its senior management team. New leaders have been added as "the company implements continual improvement initiatives in fundamental disciplines including sales, operations and general management".

John Fitzgerald, vice president of programme management at Harman Professional, will take the additional position of general manager for Harman's Elkhart, IN based Amplifier Business Unit and will be responsible for all aspects of Crown Audio's business.

John Batliner, vice president of sales for Harman's High Performance Audio Video group, will assume additional responsibilities as vice president of sales for Crown Audio and Matt Bush, previously director of sales for Crown Audio is appointed senior director of operations for Crown Audio.

According to Rob Urry, vice president of Harman Professional's Amplifier and Processi

Details
UK - Academy Music Group (AMG) has announced a fourth Students' Union joint venture, with plans for O2 Academy Bournemouth to work in partnership with The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth . One of the most iconic venues on the South Coast, the Grade II listed ex-central fire station has a capacity of 550.

"The partnership between O2 Academy and The Old Fire Station will improve availability for artists between the venues, and will act as a valuable development ground for newer artists helping to build a live fan base before they play O2 Academy Bournemouth . Together we can create joint marketing initiatives and awareness to a wider reach of fans," says Angus Carter, marketing and communications manager, The Old Fire Station.

This announcement follows AMG's recent success with the University of Leicester Students' Union, opening a new 1,450 capacity venue on campus, O2

Details
USA - Waves Audio introduced the C6 Multiband Compressor at NAMM. For years, the Waves C4 has been popular with studio engineers the world over, and in live sound, it has become a must-have for front-of-house and monitor engineers, says the company. The C6 builds upon its predecessor's functionality, and "takes it to the next level".

To create the C6, Waves took all the functions of the C4, and then added two additional floating bands plus a sidechain feature, for one-stop vocal and instrument shaping. The C6 lets users zero in on problem frequencies with "surgical precision". With four crossover bands plus two additional floating bands and a flexible sidechain feature, the C6 offers a solution for vocal and instrument shaping, offering de-essing, de-popping, feedback management and more, giving users "all the multiband compression and dynamic equalizati

Details
Germany - The DGB rally on 13 November 2010 was the largest gathering organised by the Confederation of German Trade Unions in more than 30 years: over 30,000 trade unionists and sympathizers attended the event in Nuremberg's Corn Market and adjacent areas. The speakers included Matthias Jena, chairman of the Bavarian DGB, and Dr. Dorothea Deneke-Stoll, president of the Bavarian Synod of the Evangelical Church. The programme was rounded off by artistic performances of various kinds, including live music.

To ensure the demonstrators, who had travelled from all over Bavaria to attend the event, were able to hear the speeches without any difficulty, the organizers engaged the team from Barowski AG to handle the sound reinforcement.

"Originally, the DGB organisers were expecting some 15,000 people to attend the rally, but two days before the event was due to take place, they

Details
USA - Steinberg Media Technologies announced at NAMM the release of two pro-audio VST/AU signal processing plug-ins that reflect the overarching alliance between Yamaha, Rupert Neve Designs and Steinberg. Both 5033 EQ and 5043 compressor plug-ins will soon be available.

"By announcing the release of two virtual pendants of the renowned Portico signal processors, the alliance between Yamaha, Rupert Neve Designs and Steinberg is coming to fruition. I'm elated to count these two highly sophisticated effect plug-ins to our product range, as both meet Steinberg's exacting standards," comments Andreas Stelling, Steinberg's managing director.

"With the Yamaha VCM technology, we're able to pick up the amazing quality of musicality and accuracy that was inherent in the original Rupert Neve Designs Portico modules," states Rupert Neve.

The RND Portico 5033 five-ban

Details
USA - At NAMM, Audio-Technica introduced the ATW-CHG2 Two-Bay Recharging Station for its new 2000 Series wireless transmitters. This unit charges ATW-T220a handheld transmitters and/or ATW-T210a UniPak transmitters (in any combination). Batteries are charged within the transmitters.

The ATW-CHG2 has many protective features to preserve the integrity of the transmitters. A built-in safety feature monitors cell voltage and automatically turns off the unit if problems are detected. The unit will also automatically shut off if damaged or alkaline (non-rechargeable) batteries are installed. Maintenance charging prevents battery self-discharge until the transmitter is removed from the charger. Two AA 2000 mAh Ni-MH rechargeable batteries are included.

Other recent enhancements to the 2000 Series include the addition of a second operating frequency band for more flexibility and incre

Details
Finland - msonic, the Finnish entertainment technology company set up by Mikko Palomäki, has added to its roster of advanced audio tool solutions after winning the territorial distribution rights for Optocore.

"When we set up msonic in 2009 our aim was to represent only leading brands and manufacturers with top quality service, and ensure 100% satisfaction for both our partners and customers," he says. "Optocore certainly falls into that category." The brand joins a developing portfolio of studio and broadcast audio, lighting, truss systems, LED and video projection.

With a background in professional audio and lighting distribution dating back to 1985, Mikko Palomäki has been quick to establish his new sales and service operation, which gives him a nationwide marketing reach, aided by a strong social network presence.

"Optocore is regarded as the b

Details
UK - Visitors to ISCEx2011 at the Park Inn Hotel in Watford on Tuesday 1 March will once again have the opportunity to network with professionals from the sound industry and view the latest products during the ISCE's annual exhibition and seminar day. The seminars, which run alongside the exhibition, will provide the latest information on a wide range of topics.

Of particular interest to those who work in the Voice Alarm industry will be Voice sounders for evacuation - where are they now?, by Tony Payn of Vimpex.

Technologies continue to converge and Video for audio engineers, by David Tyas of Ikon AVS will be of interest to many. Gordon Morris of Gordon Morris Ltd , who is himself deaf, will present Why loop systems are failing, and Peter Alberry-King of Penton UK who have recently been through the third-party certification process, will present Loudsp

Details
Germany - Optocore has announced the release of the DD4MR-FX and DD2FR-FX dual MADI, video and data network devices.

Following on from the release of the DD32R interface last Autumn, these two 1RU products have been designed for compatibility with Optocore's new Cat 5-based SANE platform, allowing up to 256 channels over Cat 5. The existing DD4ME and DD2FE MADI devices have thus been re-engineered to function within this environment, and include RJ45 SANE network connectivity, while the optical port upgrade (to 2Gbit LC SPF's) allows for simple user exchangeable single or multimode fibre transceivers.

The expanded capacity provides each ring with the capability of carrying up to an unprecedented 1024 audio channels over a 2 Gbit network, and at the same time create cost-effective copper based, 24 ID sub network rings from any of the 24 devices that can appear on the prime fibr

Details
The Netherlands - d&b audiotechnik marks its inaugural appearance at Integrated Systems Europe 2011 with the promised launch of two new series within its White range.

Designed to target permanently installed applications where selection of components is driven by technical specifications and application requirements, the xS-Series and the xA-Series address stand-alone and arrayable permanent applications respectively.

(Jim Evans)

Details
UK - Rycote has added three telescopic carbon-fibre boom poles to its range of accessories for broadcast and location sound recordists: the 1.63m long G3, with three sections, and the 2.49m long G5, with five sections. The G5 is itself available in two versions, a standard version and one with an internal coiled cable and built-in Neutrik XLR connector in the hilt.

For several years, following their takeover of US boom pole manufacturer Lightwave Audio, Rycote has been selling telescopic boom poles under the Lightwave name. However, with the launch of the Rycote-branded G-series carbon-fibre poles, the entire range, including the A3 and A5 aluminium poles, will now be rebranded as Rycote products.

Featuring the same lightweight patented triple-cam 'grip and twist' locking system as the A3 and A5 poles, and with no metal parts to add to their weight, the new G3 and G5 combine l

Details
The Netherlands - Professional loudspeaker systems manufacturer Fohhn Audio will exhibit its Linea Focus electronically steerable, active line array systems at Integrated Systems Europe in Amsterdam next month.

The company will present its entire family of Linea Focus loudspeakers, which range from the flagship LFI-450 and LFI-350 systems, to the more compact LF-220 and LF-120 models. Designed for both mobile and fixed installation applications, particularly in environments with challenging acoustics, the loudspeakers' design enables their vertical sound dispersion characteristics to be directed towards specific audience areas and remotely controlled in real time, from a central location, without any need to mechanically alter the speaker's position.

The speakers' slim appearance makes them suitable for integration into a range of architectural settings, from cathedrals and co

Details
UK - Tannoy's VQ Live self-powered portable PA system has been winning new fans across the live touring sound sector over the past 18 months since its launch. Ted Pierce, FOH engineer for the Michael Jackson tribute show, Who's Bad, counts himself as one of the most fervent of recent converts, having had the opportunity to try out the system on the UK leg of their current tour.

This production comes direct from the US and brings Jackson's music back to the stage. Formed in 2004 by Vamsi Tadepalli, the band have been playing Michael Jackson's hits, including everything from ABC to You Rock My World, across America. Now, the show is on the road on this side of the Atlantic, with over 30 dates in the UK from Glasgow to the IndigO2 in London.

Experienced system tech Pierce previously specified conventional line array systems on earlier Who's Bad tours but after readi

Details
Germany - Berlin-based AFMG, creator of EASE, the software for acoustic simulation, will assume the German distribution of its software packages EASE, EASERA, and SysTune as of January 2011.

Former German sales partner audioone will continue sales and support through March of this year to guarantee a smooth transition. "Our relations with audioone are very cordial," says Stefan Feistel, managing director of AFMG. "We have made this move with great accord to provide continuous and extensive support to our customers now and in future. All our software from audio measurement through to acoustical simulation will now be available from one distributor."

Historically AFMG has been the distributor of their applications EASE Focus, EASE Address and EASE SpeakerLab for a long time. Several new versions and programmes will be available soon - all of them with "g

Details
UK - The National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural is getting ready for its biggest event of the year, the Annual Industry Conference. On Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 March 2011, training providers, industry employers and membership organisations, will join forces at the newly renovated Pavilion Dance in Bournemouth, to work on the future of skills in the music and backstage theatre sectors.

Building on the success of the 2010 inaugural event in London, the conference is delighted to host John Hayes MP, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, who will address delegates on the importance of improving and consolidating partnership links between the creative and cultural industry and the education sector.

Attendees will have the opportunity to network with key industry figures, attend lively and practical seminars and celebrate achievements the S

  1. Clear-Com appoints Orbital for UK
  2. The Week in Lighting & Sound
  3. D-Tools SP3 upgrade available now
  4. Harman Professional appoints US sales director
  5. David Taylor, Noted Theatre Consultant, Dies at 48
  6. Pearce takes on hire manager
Page 1053 of 1372

Latest Issue. . .