Sound

Details

02 May 2025

World - Toto and their engineers are well established in the music industry. When a colleague suggested to Ken Freeman, Toto’s front-of-house engineer, that he should swap to DiGiCo, he agreed and the switch became permanent.

Starting with an SD 10, then the Quantum 338, he recently upgraded to a Quantum 852 for the 2024 Dogz of Oz tour and has never looked back. Steve Kallos, at the monitor position, could not have imagined swapping from his SD10, but when his trusted console was not available, the Quantum 338 was “thrust upon” him – and he is very glad it was.

“With my previous console,” Freeman recalls, “I always had to run a Waves server for EQ and compression, but when I switched to DiGiCo, I found it was such an open, beautiful sounding desk, I was able to lose the server. I use MainStage as my host software with Universa

Details

02 May 2025

Malta - Café Del Mar Malta, one of the island’s best-known beach clubs, has upgraded its sound system with a state-of-the-art Funktion-One installation, supplied and supported by trusted audio partner Futuretech. The new setup features Funktion-One’s latest technological developments, bringing an enhanced level of audio performance to the venue’s world-famous sunset sessions and high-profile events.

The 4,000-capacity open air venue, which looks out over the Mediterranean, required a sound system that would deliver dynamic and engaging audio on the dancefloor without disturbing its neighbours. Futuretech designed a custom installation comprising an Evolution X and F121 main system with PSM318 DJ monitors, plus Compact Range systems in the VIP area and surrounding zones.

“It’s all about giving our customers the best experience while keeping

Details

02 May 2025

UK - Full Production, a leading UK entertainment technology solutions provider, has committed to the Q-SYS platform to future-proof its audio-visual systems design and enhance integration speed, operational reliability, and control flexibility.

First adopted by Full Production for the new Treetop Golf visitor attraction in Bristol, this new system architecture represents a significant investment in R&D. This, Treetop’s sixth site, and the third built by Full Production, sets a new benchmark for installation quality and reliability.

At the Bristol site, Q-SYS seamlessly integrates with lighting controllers from Visual Productions and spatial audio elements within QLab to create an immersive environment. Players’ movements activate sensors, triggering actions in sound, light, video, and atmosphere.

Developed by US-based pro audio manufa

Details

02 May 2025

USA - Shure has announced its new IntelliMix Room Kits are Certified for Microsoft Teams and now shipping in Americas (excluding Brazil). Availability in other regions is expected to commence in the coming months.

The systems are designed for effortless deployment in small, medium, and large collaboration spaces, ensuring seamless integration and compatibility within Teams environments.

“Our initial test meetings were a great success. The Shure MXA902 Ceiling Array Microphone and Loudspeaker delivered outstanding sound quality, and the audio processing was exceptional, significantly enhancing our AI-driven meeting experiences,” said Jim Prothe, director of marketing at Magenium, a Microsoft solutions partner. “We appreciated the clean setup and ease of configuration. The larger touch controller prevented any accidental taps of Teams buttons. It

Details

02 May 2025

USA - 1 Sound has launched the SUB210, a powerful single-channel subwoofer that is only 12” wide.

The SUB210 subwoofer features two opposing-facing 10” woofers. It is designed for positioning parallel or perpendicular to walls, or even for low-profile 12”-tall deployment. This subwoofer has a sonic advantage in its coupling with a wall, floor, or ceiling. This 1200W subwoofer provides deep bass response down to 35Hz and can develop up to 128 dB SPL.

This bass enclosure has eight M10 rigging points for hanging, to allow further deployment flexibility, with two recessed handles at the bottom. It is also designed to accept a recessed Pole Cup for mounting satellite speakers using 1 Sound’s Active Speaker Tubes or an industry standard M20 screw-in pole.

Details

01 May 2025

UK - Solid State Logic has announced the appointment of 22live as its distributor for SSL Live products in the United Kingdom. The company will provide local reach including sales and technical support on behalf of SSL across the UK, as well as supporting its customers in the music, education, and performance venue markets. The appointment covers the entire SSL Live product line including consoles, interfaces, software solutions and more.

Sam Bath, sales and distribution manager for the SSL Live portfolio, commented on the new appointment: “I am excited that we are partnering with 22live, as they carry a strong reputation and presence in the UK live sector. This relationship will help us extend and expand the full range of services we can offer customers for our SSL Live product line, including sales, rentals, support, and training." 

22live has a

Details

01 May 2025

Canada - Riedel Communications has announced that Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena has implemented Riedel MediorNet decentralised routing as part of the venue’s reimagination, with the help of system integrator Matrix Video Communications Corp (MVCC).

MediorNet provides much-needed flexibility and reduces set-up time when production teams switch from hockey mode to basketball mode in the arena, or one of hundreds of other events throughout the year. Similarly, the arena’s new Riedel intercom ecosystem, consisting of a Riedel Artist intercom system, Riedel Bolero Wireless Beltpacks, and Riedel SmartPanels, greatly simplifies communications.

Scotiabank Arena was built for NHL and NBA games, but it also hosts an average of 100 concerts and hundreds of other events annually. Regarded as one of the top arenas in North America, the venue is similar to a br

Details

01 May 2025

Japan - World Expo 2025 opened in Osaka on 13 April, returning to the Japanese city that hosted its first World Expo some 55 years ago.

Covering a 960-acre site on the Yumeshima (Dream Island), more than 160 countries are showcasing their cultures, crafts, technologies and visions of the future in a series of exhibits that includes the extraordinary France Pavilion, designed and operated by official French exhibition organisers Cofrex. Located at the entrance to the Expo, the visually striking venue is expected to welcome more than 20,000 visitors each day over the coming six months.

“If there were just one feeling associated with the French mindset, it would be love,” believes French president Emmanuel Macron.

“The way we chose to embody the theme of love is through pulsations, guided by music and a steady heartbeat in a journey throug

Details

01 May 2025

USA - Friendship Village retirement facility in Kalamazoo, MI, recently commissioned a complete overhaul of the audio-visual infrastructure at its Kiva Auditorium.

Set on a 72-acre campus, the Auditorium is used for events, meetings, and community activities and is now also perfect to host smaller shows and concerts.

Design consultant Tim Heneveld (from HAV Design) specified Martin Audio’s O-Line micro-array solution for the sound reinforcement, installed by system integrators, Division 16 Technologies. The design company had been selected by the Friendship Village team after intensive research into which AV design company could best meet their requirements. 

Heneveld noted that the old sound system had been prone to feedback, and thus the new system would need to demonstrate extremely high intelligibility/clarity, with the sound delivered

Details

01 May 2025

UK - British loudspeaker manufacturer, EM Acoustics, is set to return to the Royal Armouries in Leeds this May for the 2025 edition of PLASA Focus Leeds, reaffirming its commitment to the professional audio community in the UK. This year's appearance comes on the heels of an exceptional 12 months for the company, marked by a series of landmark installations and the launch of several key products.

At PLASA Focus Leeds, the EM Acoustics management team will engage with both long-standing partners and new visitors. Attendees can expect an introduction to the company’s extensive product portfolio, with special emphasis on its latest innovations. The show provides a valuable opportunity for the team to demonstrate the brand’s engineering excellence and deepen connections within the industry.

A key highlight at this year’s exhibition will be the newl

Details

01 May 2025

USA - Professional Wireless Systems (PWS) is expanding its New York-based team with the appointment of Josh Lampf as B2B and business development lead, and Chris Budin as operations coordinator. 

In his role Lampf will represent PWS at trade shows, networking events and industry gatherings, making key connections. He will also collaborate with engineers to leverage cutting-edge technology and help PWS build strong client relationships, delivering solutions that enhance overall customer satisfaction.

Budin will manage business logistics to ensure the company continues to run smoothly, overseeing various tasks such as monitoring projects and ensuring deadlines are met while working closely with employees and management. His new role will rely heavily on his production and project management skills.

“We are excited to welcome Josh and Chris t

Details

30 April 2025

China - Sheng Live Show is a large multi-use entertainment venue in the city of Ganzhou. Presenting a wide range of DJ sets and live performances, the venue is the second project by the Sheng Live Show brand, who approached supplier ST Audio to consult over a complete audio package. This was to include a system design, supporting the local integrator’s team, tuning and after sales support.

Since its establishment in 2012, ST Audio has operated as a distributor for mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao, partnering with five leading international brands to deliver premium professional audio solutions to the market. These comprise amplifier manufacturers XTA and MC² and loudspeaker manufacturer EM Acoustics from the UK, loudspeaker manufacturer Radian Audio from the USA, and Australian pro audio manufacturer ARX. ST Audio specialises in supplying comprehensiv

Details

30 April 2025

Austria - The five-star hotel Das Central in Sölden, Tyrol combines mountain panoramas, modern luxury and high standards of wellness. The Summit Spa with its all-round glazed infinity pool has also recently been added to the list of facilities. The two-storey spa area was built in 2023 as part of an extensive renovation, which also included a new audio system.

For the multi-zone sound system in the various indoor and outdoor areas, the integrator responsible – Wilderness Studios – opted for a lean LD Systems setup based on the Questra design and management platform.

Excellent sound, high-quality design and ease of use − these were the three main requirements the hotel management had when they approached Wilderness Studios. “The Central is a luxury hotel. As such, it was important to offer high-quality systems that not only sound classy, but

Details

30 April 2025

India - Canadian manufacturer of professional audio solutions, Adamson, will be represented by local distributor StageMix at this year’s Palm Expo in Mumbai. Taking place between 29 and 31 May, Palm Expo is the leading professional audiovisual exhibition in India. StageMix will be responsible for the debut of Adamson’s new VGt series of large-format line array loudspeakers, the first member of the brand’s Vergence Group.

“India represents an exciting and fast-growing market for Adamson, and we are thrilled to introduce our VGt loudspeakers at Palm Expo,” confirms Pieter van Hoogdalem, business development strategist at Adamson. “StageMix will present a range of Adamson solutions, but the spotlight will be firmly on the VGt and its potential for large-scale live events and venues.”

VGt is a peak-performance large-format line array loudsp

Details

29 April 2025

UK - For the first time, PLASA Focus Leeds has launched an official mobile app, now available to download on both Apple and Android devices. Introduced following the success of the PLASA Show London app in 2024, which saw strong uptake among visitors, the new app is designed to maximise engagement and efficiency at the 2025 show.

Taking place at the Royal Armouries, Leeds on 13–14 May 2025, the event will once again welcome thousands of professionals working across live events, AV, lighting, audio, rigging, staging and more. The PLASA Focus Leeds app serves as a comprehensive, digital companion for navigating the show, enabling you to:

 - Access and print visitor badges directly from the app

 - Browse a full exhibitor and product list in advance

 - View the detailed seminar and workshop schedule

 - Use the inter

Details

29 April 2025

Japan - Ampetronic, designer and manufacturer of assistive listening solutions is sponsoring the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Ampetronic is ensuring clear audio is accessible to all UK Pavilion visitors so they can fully engage in this entertaining experience that demonstrates the best of British creativity and innovation.

Expo 2025 opened on 13 April and will run through 13 October. More than 28m visitors from Japan and internationally are expected to attend the Expo, themed Designing Future Society for Our Lives.

Visitors to the UK Pavilion will meet the UK’s Expo 2025 mascot, PIX, and be invited to participate in an immersive and interactive exhibit. The exhibit is an animated 20-minute journey that features a heartfelt story of a Japanese father and daughter and their experiences working in, living in, and visitin

Details

29 April 2025

Netherlands - Following a devastating fire in 2022, the NBC Congrescentrum in Nieuwegein has emerged from its ashes not just rebuilt, but technologically transformed. This premier Dutch event venue, which evolved from a modest meeting space in 1992 to hosting up to 4,000 guests today, now features a sophisticated L-Acoustics K Series sound system with a design innovation: when two large halls combine into one space, four precisely positioned line arrays seamlessly integrate to deliver consistent audio coverage throughout.

L-Acoustics Certified Partner AudioBizz collaborated with René Doeser, project leader for the NBC, from Dutch system integrator AVEX to overcome NBC's primary challenge: creating a versatile system that not only satisfies demanding production riders but also integrates seamlessly with the venue's architectural aesthetics.

"We creat

Details

29 April 2025

USA - Situated in Fredericksburg, VA, the 1,200-seat multipurpose Dodd Auditorium, at the University of Mary Washington (UMW), has been treated to a new, fully DSP-optimised Wavefront Precision line array from Martin Audio.

The installation, which comprises hangs of seven elements per side, was undertaken by Martin Audio partner, Soundworks of Virginia.

Soundworks had worked at the venue many times over the years as a rental provider, notably at commencement ceremonies. Their CEO Steve Payne observed, “At these events all parents really care about is hearing their kid’s name read out clearly. But this was always a challenge over a 250ft throw distance.” But this is just one of a variety of events hosted at the venue, including all types of performance arts, lectures and movies.

Soundworks had traditionally front-lined another PA system,

Details

29 April 2025

UK - Media City’s new Content Studio and co-working space at White Tower in Salford offers a blank canvas for influencers, photographers, producers, film makers, and other creatives, where they can share ideas, collaborate on projects, and make connections.

An important feature of the new Studio is its audio system, which was delivered by experienced Salford-based specialists Hollowsphere AV, who recommended and installed a Pioneer Pro Audio system from the company’s CM-Series of commercial audio products. With a brief to provide a system for background music and performance, the system needed to provide warm, clear sound, whilst also having the aesthetic qualities to discreetly complement the Content Studio interior.

Adrian Ball of Hollowsphere comments: “We were recommended for this project having completed a previous job at Media City’s Ho

Details

29 April 2025

UK - After receiving a generous grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council, part of the Creative Research Capabilities Project, Professor Andrew Knight-Hill (Professor of Music and Sound Arts) and Dr Dave Hockham (Associate Head of School Student Success) commissioned the Stage Electrics team for two new installations.

This government investment into creative research practices recognises the significant contribution of the creative industries to the UK economy and has sparked innovation in the University of Greenwich’s creative research community.

Speaking about the Bathway Theatre, Professor Knight-Hill stated: “The vision for this space was to create a flexible environment that fosters possibility - allowing people to realise whatever they can dream, breaking the concept of a traditional stage, and dissolving the boundary between stag

Details

29 April 2025

Poland - Fryderyki 2025 is Poland’s leading music awards ceremony. The gala performance, held in April 2025, was the culmination of a celebration that spanned Poland.

Held in the Tauron Arena in Kraków, the show was built around the power of DiGiCo Quantum consoles, with four Quantum 338s for front of house and monitor mixing, plus an additional Quantum 225 dedicated to public speaking and host mixes. The entire system was supplied by Brawlers, the audio production company owned by Remigiusz Kasztelnik, who was also on site to produce the audio for the event.

Organised by the Association of Audio-Video Producers and the Phonographic Academy, this celebration of Polish music took place in three different cities. On 23 March, nominees in the jazz categories gathered in the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw. A week later, on 30 Mar

Details

29 April 2025

UK - Bespoke wedding and events venue, Blackbrook Barns in Sussex found its match in the Optimal Audio ecosystem which married its need for a simple-to-use system with the delivery of a diverse range of audio styles – from the soft melodies of a ceremony to lively evening celebrations – across the multi-zoned venue.

The venue team needed an audio system that would keep pace with the ebb and flow of a meticulously planned wedding day and a key challenge was the creation of an experience that covered a range of uses, including background music, speeches, live performances, and live DJs, without complicating operation to ensure that staff could focus on delivering a flawless event rather than managing a complex sound system.

Local installer Richer Sounds, with the support of Logan Helps from Audio-Technica, designed and installed an ecosystem that w

Details

29 April 2025

UK - The ISCVE has announced the appointment of Jim Smith as its new president, officially introduced at this year’s ISCVEx event.

Smith brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the audio, communications and AV industries and at ISCVEx, he shared his gratitude and optimism for the future of the Institute.

“I’m deeply honoured and excited to take on the role of president of the ISCVE. I look forward to building on the strong foundations already in place and supporting the delivery of key initiatives, such as the Good Sound Charter and Training for Microphone Users. I’m especially keen on supporting the development of new and yet to be conceived initiatives with a particular focus on AV and ESG (Environment, Social and Governance).

“In the last couple of years, the Institute has forged valuable partnershi

Details

28 April 2025

Europe - In a significant achievement for both consumer safety and intellectual property rights, L-Acoustics has successfully won legal judgments against two European counterfeiters of its professional audio equipment. These legal actions underscore the company’s unwavering commitment to ensuring audience safety and protecting the market for legitimate partners.

Working through its dedicated Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force, L-Acoustics pursued legal action in both Germany and Norway against companies that were acquiring and renting fake L-Acoustics products, including loudspeakers and electronics. Initial analysis of the seized counterfeit products revealed alarming safety concerns, including metal components only half the required strength of authentic L-Acoustics specifications – resulting in a 48% decrease in safety factor.

In Germany, the cour