The Netherlands - ISE 2013 sees Belgian manufacturer Apex Audio release Hera Mk II, a completely re-engineered version of its Hera sound level controller, bringing with it a new level of accuracy and additional noise control features.

The Apex Hera Mk II is certified to meet the IEC 61672 class 2 Sound Level meter standard. Hera Mk II is the ideal choice when SPL logging is required and conforms to VLAREM, the new Flemish regulations on sound level.

Hera Mk II's features include: a more robust measurement microphone; easy on-site calibration, only requiring a sound calibrator; new logic output traffic-light mode, enabling DJs or sound engineers to better react to, and maintain, sound levels within a predefined permissible range; equivalent continuous sound level (Leq) and peak sound level logging; system tamper detection and logging.

The new Hera Mk II remains fully compatib

USA - Studiomaster is unveiling its new Starlight 'artist performance stage sound and lighting cabinet series' at NAMM this week. Billed as a radical new product paradigm, Studiomaster Starlight fully integrates FOH and monitor sound, and stage lighting within a pair of portable trapezoidal PA cabinets. "A world first, introducing totally new standards of versatility, portability and integrated power and control for sound and lighting for live performance, Starlight is being shown to the MI and professional audio community for the very first time," says the company.

Comprising two 2-way stand or pole mountable cabinets, in either 12 inch or 15 inch LF driver models, the Starlight sound and light stage system combines 250 watt self powered FOH reinforcement and a 50 watt powered side mounted monitor driver within each cabinet. Each cabinet features a rear panel mounted

UK - Pro audio sales company, LMC Audio will host two dedicated wireless microphone systems training days provided by Sennheiser UK at its London and Birmingham bases respectively on 5 and 7 February.

The days will follow an interactive format and will provide attendees with an overview of the digital switchover to Channel 38, due to come into force at the end of January, and future spectrum related plans, an overview of wireless systems and how to set them up, as well as basic radio frequency (RF) training, which will cover frequency choices, basics of intermod, programming, wireless systems management and multichannel setups.

"LMC's training days offer an easy to understand format for anyone using wireless systems," says Gerry Forde, director - Professional Division, Sennheiser UK. "The Channel 38 switchover over is a particularly hot topic and one that is sti

USA - Rycote, the UK-based manufacturer of advanced microphone windshields and suspension systems, has announced a strategic collaboration with Røde Microphones of Australia.

Under the terms of the new arrangement, Røde will be including patented Lyre technology with selected microphones, beginning with the popular VideoMic range, designed for use with camcorders and video-capable DSLRs. All future Røde microphones that include Rycote's technology will be prominently branded 'Rycote Onboard' on their packaging and other marketing materials.

The Lyre is a non-elasticated suspension web composed of a hard-wearing thermoplastic, Hytrel, and is markedly more effective at acoustically decoupling microphones from unwanted vibrations, handling and cable-borne noise than elasticated suspensions. Since 2008 the world-patented Lyre design has featured in many succes

UK - Digital solutions company DiGiCo has announced Steve Watson, Simon Honywill and Rob Collins as winners of its Olympics UB MADI competition, which it ran during the Games to celebrate the efforts of the engineers involved, without whom the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies would not have been heard.

"As a UK manufacturer, we were delighted to have our consoles on the events, a total of 13 consoles, including eight SD7s, plus 12 SD racks and 13 Purple Boxes, for what was probably the biggest event this country has ever seen," says DiGiCo's managing director, James Gordon. "But it's the work of the designers and engineers who used them that truly deserves recognition.

"The UB MADI competition was our way of doing this, saying thank you to them and adding a little light relief during such an intense period of pressure. The winners picked were pulled o

The Netherlands - Proel will be present at ISE in Amsterdam (Hall 7, Booth T220), where the company will be showing its wide range of pro audio products, commercial and installed sound systems, video and lighting systems and hardware solutions, including a selection of the latest new products: the powered and Core processed AX2010A line array system, the NEOS AXS Series of networkable processed speaker systems, the LNE (Low Noise Emission) speaker systems for fixed installation and the eight-zone voice music matrix system MATRIX88.

MATRIX88 is billed as an audio system that not only provides zoning, grouping and overall paging, but also lets you to remotely control the music programme on each individual zone.

MATRIX88 features eight music source inputs and eight audio zone outputs, together with two inputs to connect BM8X8 paging consoles and one input for each audio zone with

USA - The New York City Performing Arts Centre recently benefitted from a major renovation programme which has transformed the iconic venue into a premium destination for world-class drama and music performances. The full system audio upgrade was designed by NYCC's Augie J Propersi in association with Scott Lehrer, with acoustic consultancy from Kierkegaard Associates.

Following on-site demos by TiMax distributor Duncan Crundwell of 1602Group LLC, TiMax2 Soundhub was specified as the overall system processor to provide routing, EQ and zone management plus the ground-breaking audio localization capabilities of its automated dynamic delay-matrix.

Propersi explains, "We wanted the TiMax Soundhub to matrix the main house sound system and manage speaker alignment and sound imaging within the performance space - so for all the system timings as well as room tuning. The EQ secti

Germany - An increasing number of modern sound reinforcement systems require real-time monitoring of the loudspeaker lines. This is especially true in the context of evacuation systems, in which long loudspeaker circuits comprising many smaller, high-impedance boxes are often required. The Electro-Voice CPS series and Dynacord DSA series multichannel amplifiers already provide 100-volt-line direct drive operation for these types of loudspeaker circuits but in the past supervision of such Hi-Z lines was not practical due to the high impedance characteristics of the load.

The LML-1 (Loudspeaker Measuring Load) allows the real-time monitoring of loudspeaker lines in Hi-Z sound reinforcement systems. With the LML-1 module, it is now possible, even in large installations - such as those in stadiums or shopping centres - for smaller 100-volt loudspeakers, in entrance areas, lobbies or

The Netherlands - Responding to an increasing demand in an evolving marketplace, loudspeaker manufacturer Tannoy is introducing a number of EN 54 compliant variants of its existing commercial install products.

EN 54 is the European Standard for voice alarm and fire alarm system applications, and this announcement will see specific versions of Tannoy's CVS and DVS Series models being made available which are fully tested for compliance with EN 54 standards, for specification in the increasing number of projects that require this.

The new EN 54 versions of the in-ceiling CVS 4 Micro, CVS 4, CVS 6, and the wall mounted DVS 4t and the DVS 6t take advantage of the latest technologies available to comply with the latest legislation, as well as maintaining the hallmark of build quality and sonic performance that customers have come to expect from Tannoy loudspeaker systems.

While b

USA - At NAMM 2013, Bugera, best known for their handcrafted tube guitar amplifiers, introduced two high-power bass cabinets, the 4 x 10" BN410T and the 1 x 15" BN115T. BUGERA turned to sister company, Turbosound for the powerful custom-engineered low-frequency drivers used in the BN410T and BN115T cabinets.

The BN410T is a high performance, lightweight 1,000-Watt cabinet with four 10" Turbosound LF drivers and a 1" HF horn driver. The BN115T is a 600-Watt cabinet that features a single 15" Turbosound LF driver and 1" horn driver. Professional-grade twist-lock and ¼" TS connectors ensure a tight, dependable transfer of power to the enclosure from the amp. Both models are ideal mates for BUGERA bass amplifiers including the 3,800-Watt BTX36000 true bi-amping stereo bass head, as well as the BVP5500 and BVV3000 tube amps.

Both enclosures are b

USA - At the 2013 NAMM Show, Yamaha debuted the latest models in its lineup of STAGEPAS portable PA systems - the STAGEPAS 400i and 600i - successors of the STAGEPAS 300 and 500.

The new STAGEPAS models deliver a significant increase in power output with substantial improvements in sound quality and reliability, says the company. Complementing the boost in performance, the addition of iPod/iPhone connectivity, SPX digital reverbs, an onboard feedback suppressor and more versatile EQ has improved functionality and ease of use, allowing STAGEPAS to meet the demands of a much wider range of applications and users.

The STAGEPAS 400i and STAGEPAS 600i feature two sleek, lightweight speakers and a detachable powered mixer, along with a pair of speaker cables and power cord for a complete portable sound solution that can be set up quickly and easily in a variety of configurations and

UAE - Nicolas Kyvernitis Electronics Enterprises, distributors of Midas and Klark Teknik in the Middle East have recently supplied a Midas PRO1 digital live audio system to Dubai based, Integrated Audio Visual System. The system integrator has provided the console as a complete AV solution to a prestigious new events and convention centre in the Emirate of Sharjah.

"IAV were looking for a powerful and portable yet feasible solution for a new events venue and considered the Pro1," commented Chicco Hiranandani, business development manager at NMK.

He adds, "With the ability to remotely control the console with an iPad, the venue operator has the most flexible solution at their disposal."

(Jim Evans)

USA - Miley Cyrus performed with Israeli dubstep producer DJ Borgore in front of his Cream Machine built of Chauvet Professional MVP 18 video panels, during a Christmas Creampies Concert at the Fonda Theatre. Made of 65 MVP 18 fixtures, the truck displayed custom-made animations, while Cyrus and Borgore sang Decisions.

A concept of Morgan Lavery, owner of Future Visual, the idea of the Borgore Cream Machine is to make Borgore look like he is driving inside an ice cream truck, equipped with real 30-inch rims that move and spun around on motors. Forty-seven MVP 18 panels cover the main façade of the truck and 18 make up the rear screen behind the DJ booth, while two are modified for the front of the machine. "We built the truck specifically for the MVP™ 18 frame, since it can work with just about anything," said Collyns Stenzel, owner of Advanced Concert Pro

USA - Veteran monitor engineer Michael Prowda spent most of 2012 on tour with a new client, Radiohead. Being a big believer in matching equipment to the specific needs of the artist, he suggested the band consider the Sensaphonics 3D Active Ambient IEM system.

"They are a very talented band, technology-friendly and open to new ideas. At our first meeting in London, I presented the idea of the 3D as something that might be right for them," says Prowda. "They understood the active ambient concept immediately and knew that they wanted it. They were very decisive, embraced the idea, and trusted me to make it happen for them. Very cool."

Initially, three Radiohead band members - singer/songwriter Thom Yorke, guitarist Ed O'Brien and drummer Phil Selway - ordered the 3D Active Ambient. The systems arrived during rehearsals. "Sensaphonics really delivered for

USA - Continuing an ongoing research and development cycle, the new ADA8200 features Midas mic preamps, as well as a host of other new and powerful features.

The ADA8200 is a state-of-the-art, eight-channel A/D and D/A converter with eight onboard Midas-designed mic preamps. Users can connect their favourite mics, including studio-grade condensers thanks to built-in true +48 V power, and record directly to a multi-track or computer-based recorder via the built-in ADAT interface. Digital to analog and analog to digital conversion takes place accurately and instantaneously via reference-class Cirrus Logic 24-bit converters, with the user's choice of either 44.1 or 48 kHz resolution.

Connections are provided for balanced XLR and ¼" TRS, as well as unbalanced ¼" TS inputs. Line Out connectors provide either balanced or unbalanced connectivity. Digital I/O is handled vi

Sweden - Wireless Solution Sweden AB has reported its achievements during 2012 and is preparing for "an even stronger future". The company broke its own record with a 50% increase of turnover between 2010 and 2011, and an additional increase between 2011 and 2012, even during a slower economy.

Wireless Solution was nominated the highest ranking of financial strength in 2012 from International Dun & Bradstreet with AAA.

Wireless Solution has invested heavily in a new approval for Russia, being the first company outside Russia that has import approval to Russia as well as an import license, with Russia promising to be a significant market in the future. Wireless Solution is also the first European wireless DMX company that has completed both ETL and C/ETL (similar to UL and C/UL). In addition, the company has been awarded a new patent in USA for Wireless Lighting Contr

Denmark - Martin Professional's new M6 is a lighting console that functions as a highly advanced visual control surface. Designed to control everything from conventional and moving lights to the most advanced media server, the M6 has been designed for today's demanding multimedia shows and tomorrow's challenges, says the company.

Incorporating the latest available technologies with an industrial multi-core processor, solid-state drives and custom-designed high-brightness touch screens, the M6 is capable of delivering up to 64 DMX universes directly from the console's network ports without using costly external processors.

With advanced features like a LiveBlender T-Bar, FastDial rotary encoders, Paired Playback buttons and BriteTouch display, the M6 is Martin's most advanced console design ever. It offers a total of 44 playbacks, including dual Main Go sections, 10 motorized f

The Netherlands - On stand 1P18 in Hall 1 at ISE 2013 in Amsterdam, Meyer Sound will showcase new audio technology that "will transform live events for both listeners and audio professionals".

Meyer Sound's new CAL column array loudspeaker provides precise coverage control and exceptional speech clarity while minimizing unwanted reflections, says the company. Live demonstrations of CAL and its beam steering capabilities will show visitors "the remarkable intelligibility it provides for audiences in stadiums and other acoustically challenging environments".

The CAL demo at ISE will be controlled using an iPad interface and driven by the D-Mitri digital platform on an AVB (audio video bridging) network - the new non-proprietary networking standard for low-latency audio and video data transport.

Users of Meyer Sound M Series loudspeakers will be pleased to l

Belgium - Allen & Heath has appointed new sales and distribution company, XLR, as its exclusive distributor in Belgium and Luxembourg. A fledgling operation, XLR's team is already well established in the pro audio business as it is owned and run by Louis Lukusa and Jan De Brucker, who previously worked at ASC, Allen & Heath's former distributor for the region.

Louis Lukusa commented, "We are delighted to continue working with A&H, this is a leading brand with a long history of innovative products. We are looking forward to developing a successful business and to ensure customer satisfaction at the very highest levels."

"Louis and Jan have many years of experience in distributing A&H in the Belgian market, and they have established a strong dealer network, which has great confidence in their expertise and skills," explains A&H regional sales manager, Norbert

UK - Suppliers to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be able to champion their involvement in last summer's sporting spectacular, after a landmark deal has been reached by the Government, British Olympic Association (BOA) and International Olympic Committee (IOC). The deal will give companies the recognition that they deserve for the part they played in the success of the London Games.

Culture Secretary Maria Miller and BOA Chairman Lord Sebastian Coe announced that the companies which helped build the Park, venues and provided goods and services for the Games will be able to actively promote their work on the London 2012 Games. The move is designed to provide a significant boost to the country's economy by helping firms land contracts and deals on the back of their involvement with the London 2012 Games.

The new deal will benefit tens of thousands of British co

Denmark - Just because a venue is located in a small town and prides itself on its community links and support for local artists doesn't mean that it is content with being simply average. The Godset Rock Club in Kolding, Denmark is an excellent case in point. Managing director, Christian Haugk clarifies for the uninitiated, "Although we are not a large community, the local government has been consistently supportive in our efforts to create a set of rehearsal rooms and a live venue that has quality written all over it.

"The Godset is run by an amalgam of volunteers and music organisations and provides a wonderful platform for developing grass roots talent, but our commitment to professional quality means that we have a national profile that attracts acts of international stature. Our success provides a feel good factor that politicians recognise as something of a vote

Cultural Affairs - The submission process to find the UK's second City of Culture in 2017 has been launched by arts minister Ed Vaizey. The announcement came just days after Derry-Londonderry officially began its year-long celebrations as the inaugural UK City of Culture and sets out the timescale for submission of bids from cities interested in participating. Vaizey said, "The UK City of Culture is a prestigious title that is a vehicle for encouraging economic growth along with highlighting the very best of the country's cultural talent. Derry-Londonderry are already making the most of the opportunities being UK City of Culture brings and I would urge other local authorities and partnerships across the length and breadth of the UK to consider putting themselves forward."

Those interested in submitting bids to be UK City of Culture 2017 are being asked to register with

UK - Back in 2002, lighting designer Richard Williamson and Peter Kirkup (a student at the time, now VP of entertainment at LumenRadio) had the idea of setting up an online forum to discuss life and work backstage. On 29 January 2003 The Blue Room technical forums were born.

From small beginnings it has grown to become a huge resource to technicians all over the world, receiving well over 5m million hits per month from over 70,000 unique monthly visitors. Members have contributed over 450,000 posts to the site over the 10 years, with over 19,000 members using the site from across the industry.

The Blue Room technical forums are very pleased to be celebrating this landmark

birthday and hope for many more years of support, advice and friendship to come. Peter Kirkup commented, "Richard and I would like to thank all of the users for making us a huge success. We look forwar

USA - Audinate has announced the newest member of the Dante product family: Ultimo. Ultimo is a complete, fully-featured, ready-to-use Dante interface for networked audio products, integrated into a single 13 x 13mm chip. By providing an integrated, cost-effective networked audio solution over a 100Mbps Ethernet interface, Ultimo extends the benefits of Dante networking to a wide new range of audio devices.

As with Audinate's other networked products, Ultimo uses high-quality, low-jitter clocks with ±1?s time alignment between networked devices. Ultimo does not require specialised switches, and works with existing network infrastructure.

Ultimo includes well-established Dante features like automatic device discovery, plug-and-play networking, network-based firmware updates, and customization of device names and channel labels.

"The Ultimo integrated chip solution accel

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