South Africa - Stage Audio Works (SAW) recently hosted the launch of d&b audiotechnik’s new CCL (Compact Cardioid Line Array) system, marking the series’ debut in the South African market. The event, held at the Vodacom Dome in Midrand, near Johannesburg, drew strong attendance from rental and staging companies, live event production professionals and house of worship technicians from across the region.

As exclusive distributor of d&b audiotechnik in South Africa, SAW recognises the importance of providing in-depth training on the new portfolio of products to its valued community in the local market. “We are committed to strengthening local competencies with demonstrations such as these, that are free to attend and genuinely insightful,” confirms Gary Furman at Stage Audio Works. “In turn, we are actively introducing new audiences and poten

Canada - Last week marked a major moment for Toronto’s live music scene as Vybz Kartel took the stage in the city for the first time. Presented by OVO Sound, the performance drew a full house of fans eager over three sold-out nights to see one of Jamaica’s most influential artists make his Canadian debut.

The high-energy show was supported by a full Adamson loudspeaker system, delivering clear, powerful coverage across the venue; Clair Global provided full audio support. The system was managed by systems engineering and crew chief Valdrian Sulejmani, with mixing duties handled by Demetrius Moore and Aaron Booth.

The system included 21 VGt per side for mains; 32 E119 (end-fire) per side; 15 VGt per side for outfill; eight CS10 for front-fill; and three S10n / four E119 per side for side-fill.

The Adamson setup supported Kartel’s dynamic

France - As the name suggests, the Changez d’Air Festival (Change of Air) is all about promoting the discovery of new talent. Now in its 25th year, the event takes place at the Espace Culturel l'Escale in St Genis les Ollières to the west of Lyon and is well established as a major part of the city’s vibrant music scene.

Taking place over five nights in May, Changez d’Air 2025 saw performances from Shawn Jobin, Moonfruits, Delgres, Barkanan, Nô Brigant, Ofé, Emma Peters, Sam Sauvage, Danilo and others, in a venue that called for a powerful PA system which wouldn’t take up a lot of space.

Local event technology company MKplus had recently taken delivery of some new Nexo P18s, taking their total inventory of Nexo speakers to more than 200. “The sound engineers and artists were very impressed with what this ‘smal

UK - A new studio facility, Winchester Audio Barn, has opened for business. Three years in the making, it represents ‘a blend of retro charm and cutting-edge technology’.

Located in the Hampshire countryside approximately 55 miles southwest of London, Winchester Audio Barn shares space within a purpose-built complex that includes an event venue and restaurant/bar facilities, and a kitchen capable of catering for over 200 guests. There is also a classic car showroom and workshop.

The studio itself features a Solid State Logic Duality Fuse 48-channel SuperAnalogue mixing console, racks of vintage outboard gear and microphones, classic instruments and amplification, within a flexible infrastructure designed to support any audio production scenario. The Audio Barn also offers a range of accommodation packages.

The facility is the brainchild o

Brazil - The 2024 political biographical drama I’m Still Here (Portuguese: Ainda Estou Aqui), directed by Walter Salles, quickly established itself as a landmark achievement for Brazilian cinema as the first-ever Brazilian-produced film to win an Academy Award, capturing the Oscar for Best International Feature Film.

The success of the film was underpinned by its dedication to period-authentic, cinematic sound led by production sound mixer Laura Zimmermann, who earned the 2025 Brazilian Film Academy’s Grande Otelo Award (Best Sound) for her work on the film. Zimmermann relied on an extensive kit of Lectrosonics Wireless products, including SMQV, SSM, LMB and HMa transmitters, and DSR4, SRc, DCR822 and DSQD receivers to capture the project's uncommon audio requirements.

Production sound for I’m Still Here, which tells

EMEA - Kramer has announced the appointment of Jesse Gadon as president of the EMEA region. Jesse will also join Kramer’s global management team.

With over a decade of experience at Kramer, Jesse has held senior roles across multiple disciplines and geographies. For the past three and a half years, Jesse has served as vice-president of North America sales, where he played a central role in strengthening Kramer’s presence and performance across the region.

“I’m confident that Jesse’s leadership, strategic mindset, and deep understanding of Kramer’s global business will further elevate our operations and growth in EMEA,” said Gilad Yron, CEO of Kramer. “This appointment strengthens our customer-focused approach and positions us well for continued expansion.”

Jesse will lead the EMEA region alongside Aviva Rykower, who will con

UK - The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh sits at the heart of the city, welcoming over 100,000 yearly visitors. Home to the Lyceum Theatre Company for over 60 years, it stages a variety of performances from classic drama and contemporary plays to comedy and musicals.

Along with the historic architecture went an ageing sound system and an upgrade was needed to ensure the iconic venue could continue to meet the demands of modern productions. EM Acoustics’ Reference Series was chosen to deliver ‘precise, high-quality audio, whatever the performance’.

Ian Gibson, head of sound & AV at the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, spent several years planning the upgrade, and has led the eventual implementation of the new system.

“The theatre’s last major refurbishment was back in the mid-nineties, with no ongoing replacement or renewal of the

USA - Under his company ear Networks, NYC-based Kurt Schlossberg has been specifying exclusively Martin Audio sound systems in Time Out Markets around the world for a number of years.

Recently, he undertook his first project for Chilean-born restaurateur Juan Santa Cruz, as Obvio joined the operator’s other upmarket establishments, including two in Central London’s trendy Mayfair and Notting Hill areas.

His latest ‘modern supper club and cocktail bar’ named Obvio is right on his own Manhattan doorstep, and again is an exclusive Martin Audio house, taking advantage of the CDD series’ coaxial differential dispersion technology.

“Juan only does super exclusive places, and over Zoom he told me about this little jewel box that he was creating in New York,” said Schlossberg. “He wanted the most discreet high performing system that c

Germany - Sennheiser has announced that Dr. Andreas Wilzeck, head of spectrum policy and standards, and Vaughan John, spectrum policy and standards manager, will deliver talks on the DECT NR+ standard and its radio spectrum opportunities at DECT World 2025, which is scheduled to occur 12-13 November in Munich.

On 12 November, Vaughan John’s presentation NR+ Radio Spectrum Opportunities will address perspectives and opportunities of DECT NR+ to access frequency bands globally. John will provide a global perspective on NR+ radio spectrum opportunities, highlighting CEPT activities in the 3.8–4.2 GHz range. His presentation will explore the potential of spectrum sharing and underscore the importance of regulatory work shaping the DECT ecosystem worldwide.

That same day, Dr. Andreas Wilzeck will introduce the DECT Forum Academic Industry Roundtable (

UK - The Belfry Golf Club, located in Royal Sutton Coldfield, has hosted the Ryder Cup four times as well as the British Masters, making it a significant venue on the international golf circuit. The resort features three championship golf courses and a range of luxury amenities, including a hotel, spa, dining options and extensive event facilities.

For the most recent expansion, which included a new hotel block and a wellness hub, known as The Club, London-based integrator Tateside led the design and installation of audio, video and lighting technology in various zones.

“We became involved in The Belfry project through hotel technology consultants Fluent2,” explains Jack Cornish, technical director at Tateside. “The scope encompassed a large ballroom event space in the main hotel, and various zones in The Club, including studios, a gym, a spin

Germany - The VILCO Convention Centre in Bad Vilbel, just north of Frankfurt, opened in 2023 adjacent to the historic Kurhaus - a renowned spa resort dating from 1927. The modern facility features a Great Hall with 10m ceilings and adaptable configurations that can transform from a single large event space to multiple smaller venues through movable walls and adjustable grandstands.

The venue's striking interior showcases over 15,000sq.m of eucalyptus veneer alongside acoustic-optimized panels, creating a warm yet sophisticated atmosphere that connects seamlessly with the adjacent spa gardens.

This architectural versatility demanded an equally adaptable sound system capable of delivering quality audio for everything from corporate events to concerts by touring artists like Manfred Mann, Alphaville and Sisters of Mercy.

When VILCO first opened,

USA - KV2 Audio is gearing up to exhibit for the first time at LDI 2025 in Las Vegas from 7-9 December. The team, led by the company's most recent hire, US sales executive Max Clixby, can be found in audio demo room W266.

Popular on Broadway, KV2 counts several major productions to its name, including The Lion King, Pretty Woman and Kinky Boots among others. 

Max Clixby is eager for more sound designers and venue owners to discover KV2. “This is why we opted for a demo room rather than a stand on the show floor,” he says. “For people who are not yet familiar with KV2, a demo speaks a thousand words. We’ll be showcasing our full range of active and passive point source loudspeakers, from the ultra-compact Cube which delivers massive bang for its buck, right up to the hugely powerful VHD2.21, a staple in dance clubs

USA - Renkus-Heinz has appointed Jonathan Phillips as chief revenue officer (CRO). Phillips will oversee global partnerships and revenue strategy.

"Jonathan's operational experience and technical background make him an excellent addition to our leadership team," said Monika Smetona, president of Renkus-Heinz. "His track record building businesses and developing new markets and products aligns with our expansion objectives, and his strategic mindset and passion for technology reflect our core values."

Phillips brings 25+ years’ expertise scaling technology companies from innovation to market. A named inventor on patents in materials processing and algorithmic analysis, he secured multi-million-dollar development programmes from the Canadian government while advancing manufacturing technologies with an advanced science team at Equispheres. Earlier, h

Australia - Outline has announced the appointment of Audio Visual Engineering (AVE) as its new exclusive distributor for Australia. With more than two decades of experience, AVE combines technical expertise with a nationwide support network.

Founded in the early 2000s, AVE began as a manufacturer, a background that provided the company with a hands-on understanding of audio engineering and product quality. “That experience continues to drive our mission to source and wholesale products that deliver exceptional value for money,” says Robert Szabo, owner/director of AVE. “We’ve grown into a trusted name by being relentless in finding high-quality, reliable, and accessible gear for our professional clients.”

“AVE’s team immediately stood out for their deep technical insight and genuine passion for sound,” comments Fernando Rey Méndez, s

UK - As RG Jones approaches its centenary year, the company is evolving its business strategy, focusing on investment in both equipment and people. With the appointment of commercial manager Sam Thomas in November 2024, the company began a period of reflection as Thomas took time to fully understand the mechanics of the business and what is required to maintain agility and efficiency in an ever-changing industry.

The result of this observation is the recent appointment of Sam Brazier and Ricky Spiers as project managers in the Sound Engineering Pro Audio Division, alongside significant investment in audio inventory.

“Looking at the last 20 years, RG Jones has enjoyed some spectacular success stories, so we chose to examine the company along that timeframe and decide how to better that,” Thomas explains. “With a company this established, we can

Ukraine - HK Audio has named Eurhythmics as its new official distributor for Ukraine. Eurhythmics has been active in the professional audio equipment sector since 1991 and is one of the leading distributors in Ukraine’s audio industry. Its experienced team offers a comprehensive portfolio of services – from consulting and sales to technical system planning, installation and support for audio solutions of any size and complexity.

Sándor Molnár, managing director of Eurhythmics, comments: "We are proud to have become the distributor for HK Audio, a brand synonymous with quality, innovation, and reliability. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration and to driving the future of audio excellence in Ukraine."

Eurhythmics is the official representative of numerous high-profile international audio brands in Ukraine and several European countries und

Ireland - Solid State Logic has announced that Murt Whelan Sound (MWS Ltd) will serve as its rental & resale partner for SSL Live products in Ireland.

MWS Ltd will offer local sales and technical support on behalf of SSL across Ireland and will assist its customers the live events, touring, and installation markets. The appointment covers the entire SSL Live product range including consoles, interfaces, software solutions and more.

“We’re pleased to welcome MWS Ltd as an SSL Live R2 Partner,” says Sam Bath, SSL UK sales & distribution manager. “Their reputation for quality and dedication to high-calibre audio makes them a perfect partner to support and expand SSL Live’s presence in Ireland.”

Murt Whelan, managing director of MWS Ltd, comments: "We are proud to bring SSL's solutions to both our existing clients and new cust

France - Les Salles du Carrousel, housed beneath the glass pyramid of the Louvre in the heart of Paris, offers 6,635m² of modular interior space to cater for events of all types and sizes. As the site operator, Viparis has relied for many years on the expertise of Magnum – one of France’s leading audiovisual providers – to deliver high-end AV solutions. When the time came to renew the audio systems, Magnum selected the new CCL (Compact Cardioid Line Array) system from d&b audiotechnik to elevate the venue’s audio offering whilst respecting both Viparis’ and Magnum’s stringent sustainability criteria.

“The previous system, while functional, was over 10 years old, and starting to show signs of wear and tear,” explained Eduard Dubus, who heads up the technical team at Magnum. “We were looking to replace it with something more modern, and

USA - The Billboard Latin Music Awards, celebrated at the James L. Knight Centre in Miami on 23 October, was a showcase of talent, remarkable moments, and new technology. Broadcast live on Telemundo, the Latin Billboards highlighted the best in Latin music with performances from notable artists.

Broadcast mixer Anthony Portillo and music mixer Carlos Alvarez, alongside FOH engineer Raul Gonzalez, house production mixer Raphael Alkins, and monitors engineer Joe Lizano, ensured every note and beat was ‘captured with precision’.

For the first time, two of the new Shure DCA901 microphones were deployed. Positioned strategically in the venue, the DCA901’s eight lobes served as the centerpiece of the event’s audience sound design.

“For more than two decades, Shure has been an invaluable part of our broadcasts, consisten

UK - Cheltenham Racecourse has upgraded to a new L-Acoustics professional sound system designed and installed by Audiotek in conjunction with technical service provider Racetech.

The upgrade replaces parts of the existing PA system with a fully monitored system that delivers speech intelligibility for live commentary, background music, race-day announcements and emergency and evacuation messaging for up to 75,000 spectators across the grounds.

A project three years in the making, the Jockey Club, which owns and operates Cheltenham Racecourse along with 14 other racecourses across the UK, selected Audiotek following a competitive tender process managed by audio consultant Stuart Strachan of RaceTech, who specified strict performance criteria for the new system based on the British Standard BS 7827.

"Cheltenham is one of the jewels of the Jocke

USA - When a passenger vessel moored at 1800 N Harbor Dr in San Diego for a floating party named Noise Complaint, the sound was carefully engineered. With an audience capacity of 1,200 and a layout combining open-air energy up top with a more intimate environment below, the production team leaned on dBTechnologies to deliver sound reinforcement across both decks of the ship.

The event fully utilised the vessel’s two-deck configuration, with crowds moving between an exposed upper deck and an enclosed middle deck. The upper deck served as the primary performance space, deploying Opera Reevo 212 loudspeakers as mains, supported by Opera Reevo 210 out-fills and VIO S118R subwoofers, with additional Opera Reevo 210 cabinets on poles as DJ monitors. The middle deck featured DVX D12 loudspeakers paired with a single S618 subwoofer, maintaining clarity and balance

UK - Rise AV, the advocacy group championing gender diversity and professional development in the AV sector, has announced the delegates and mentors for its first-ever Elevate Programme. This six-week initiative is designed to ‘accelerate the growth of high-potential women in the AV sector, equipping them with the skills, support, and confidence to step into leadership roles and thrive’. The event will welcome 25 ‘outstanding women from across the AV sector’.

The programme includes:

Interactive Learning Day: Covering leadership authenticity, communication, conflict resolution, motivation, and finance fundamentals.

Industry Challenges: Small-group challenges tackling real business problems, supported by experienced mentors.

Final Event: Presentations, coaching, and opportunities to sharpen collaboration and impact.

Tool

USA - From the Downtown Cary Park to the USA Baseball National Training Complex, the town of Cary, North Carolina cares about quality for its residents. In the past two years, the Downtown Cary Park has been awarded numerous awards including being named the No. 1 Best Public Playground in 2025 by USA Today’s 10Best along with awards in 2024 from the National Association of Landscape Professional, the Landscape Contractors Association, WRAL News, and the Triangle Business Journal.

“Cary citizens love coming to Cary facilities because they know they’re going to get a high-quality experience,” said Cailen Waddell, programme supervisor of technical operations for the Town of Cary, NC. “We make it our goal to help everyone provide the best performance possible by ensuring they have the right equipment and sound.”

“Everything the tea

Czech Republic - Solid State Logic has announced the appointment of Commercial Audio as its distributor in the Czech Republic and Slovakia regions. The company will provide end-to-end distribution services for SSL and Harrison Audio in both countries, including warehousing, logistics and support.

The appointment builds on SSL's existing relationship with Commercial Audio in Poland for nearly 20 years and will cover ACP (audio creation products) and large format consoles for live, broadcast, and studio.

Headquartered in Warsaw, Commercial Audio has recently expanded its reach into Czech Republic and Slovakia with a dedicated team.

"I’m very excited to announce an expanded partnership with Commercial Audio into Czech Republic and Slovakia," said Genevieve Little, sales executive, SSL Audio Creation products. "Having an already established rel

Latest Issue. . .