Architectural lighting specialists i-Vision supplied equipment, crew and expertise to lighting designer Lee Forde to illuminate a spectacular urban backdrop to the Liverpool section of the BBC’s recent Proms In The Park broadcast. Liverpool’s event - part of a quartet of shows also staged in London, St Austell and Gateshead - was located in William Brown Street near St Georges Hall in the heart of Liverpool’s Cultural Quarter. The concert was promoted by Liverpool City council, the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the Capital Of Culture bid, and was attended by a crowd of over 4000, entertained by the LPO conducted by Gerard Schwartz.

The buildings to the right of the audience as they looked stage-ward are the majestic NMGM Museum and the Liverpool City Council Cent

Drawmer has announced an upgraded version of the DC2476 Digital Processor, the product which initiated the company's successful digital Masterflow range. New features include comprehensive up/down sample rate conversion (32kHz to 96kHz) and switchable word clock input/output sample rate selection. Also featured is an absolute stereo output trim (up to 12dB) which is invaluable when output level is required to conform to broadcast regulations. The output trim level is maintained even in 'system bypass' mode in order to prevent accidental level increases during transmission. A tone generator with variable output levels for line-up purposes is also included.

The DC2476 Masterflow Digital Processor is a 24-bit/96K multi-dynamics processor which features Drawmer's acclaimed multi-band digital 'bootstrap' compression, tube saturation and advanced EQ processing suitable for mastering, trackin

Arbiter Pro Audio has supplied Essex-based Xtreme AV with a substantial order of Powersoft digital Digam Q and D Series amplifiers. Arbiter is exclusive UK distributor for the Italian manufacturer. The Powersoft range is lightweight - just 9.5kg per un it - as well as powerful and reliable, say Arbiter. It draws a lower voltage than other amplifiers, making it ideal for environments where power is not so abundant. The Powersoft range is suited to a range of pro audio applications, from installations to touring, clubs to theatres and multi-purpose venues, and Arbiter saw a massive interest in the range at the recent PLASA Show.

Extreme AV has just completed a Powersoft installation at the latest Elbow Rooms venue in Bristol. This successful brand - part of an ongoing roll-out - is themed as a late licence hybrid environment, stylishly designed, with a loungey atmosphere, pool tables, mu

QSC Audio Products has appointed Jeremy Johnston to the position of systems specialist for the company’s Portable Live Sound division. Johnston’s responsibilities include product training and demonstration along with technical support. He will also be actively involved in the design and integration aspects of professional touring systems and will be instrumental in the launch of QSC’s new speaker products.

In his previous position of systems engineering supervisor (part of QSC’s Technical Services Group), Johnston was instrumental in developing application software for QSC’s computer-controlled network audio system QSControl, and also developed a number of utilities to increase the functionality of that system. "We are extremely pleased to have Jeremy join our team," said Brian English, Portable Live Sound marketing manager. "He brings a wea

Exhibition and conference lighting specialist Stage Light Design has had a hectic start to the autumn, with shows for Hewlett Packard, Cogent at the DSEI show, Logitec and the ECTS Show and the Awards Ceremony at Frankfurt Motor Show. SLD made LWT Studios on the South Bank into a trendy lighting environment for the latest Hewlett Packard product launch in a show produced by Studio 9. The product was a new wireless computer link. SLD’s Alastair Crooks designed the show, utilizing the studio’s in-house television lighting equipment, fixtures and facilities, and prepared the show in advance on screen with SLD’s WYSIWYG facilities. He also used WYSIWYG to visualize the show for the client.

The technical production and set design was by Studio 9 Conference Services. It featured a home scene, an office scene and three 3 x 5 metre pods, initially screened off, for a reveal.

Damian Doria, president of Artec Consultants Inc, has announced the addition to its New York-based staff of Tateo Nakajima, as senior advisor, opera and concert production. Nakajima brings to Artec a broad range of experience ranging from his professional conducting career in Europe to management experience in the performing arts and the non-profit sector. He also has experience in the technical aspects of opera productions and the presentation of symphonic concerts, fund raising, project development and management, marketing, teaching and as a newspaper writer and editor.

Founded in 1970, Artec Consultants Inc has built a distinguished international reputation for excellence in the planning and design of performing arts buildings. The firm's experience spans concert halls, flexible-space theatres, playhouses, lyric theatres, opera houses, recital halls, multi-purpose halls and houses

Stagetec enjoyed a busy PLASA Show, displaying a whole raft of new lighting products from Compulite, LSC and others. Several deals discussed at the show are already turning into solid orders and deliveries. Stagetec has supplied and installed a new Compulite lighting control system to the Towngate Theatre in Basildon, Essex. The system consists of a Compulite Ovation 4D console, plus a Compulite 4D tracking back-up system, complete with a new Rigger’s Remote and the CompuCAD 3D lighting design software package. To minimize disruption to the theatre’s schedule, the DMX output from the consoles was converted to the old Compulite C105 protocol so the existing demultiplexers could be re-used. The Compulite was specified by the theatre’s Technical Manager Tim Lloyd and follows Stagetec’s recent supply of a new Soundcraft M Series mixer to the venue.

Stagetec also clo

Color Kinetics Inc has announced the awarding of its fifth US patent (#6,292,901). This newest patent covers Color Kinetics' new Smartjuice intelligent power technology and encompasses methods and systems for multiplexing power and data over conventional wiring, allowing for control of intelligent digital light fixtures. Smartjuice technology can be found in the company’s Juice Box product, which is used to enable advanced control of the company’s award-winning iColor MR lamps.

Smartjuice is a new technology that adds a new level of lighting control and design options in many environments, such as retail, architectural, and residential. Producing advanced dynamic lighting effects before Color Kinetics Smartjuice technology meant adding a data cable to the existing wiring setup. But Color Kinetics’ patented Smartjuice technology multiplexes power and data on one wire s

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Film, art, hosiery and fashion was the combined theme for Laser Grafix on 17 September 2001 with a spectacular film projection on to London’s Natural History Museum. The occasion was the first night of London Fashion Week and Julian Roberts, designer for the fashion label 'nothing nothing', was launching his label 'Julian And'. Laser Grafix of Royston used three DLP 10SX Digital Video Projectors and ran the show footage from a Beta Cassette - with the equipment installed within the (now famous) Laser Grafix projection vehicle sited directly in front of the Museum. A 2000W outdoor sound system was used to playback live mixing by a Japanese student who works for the Fashion agency nothing nothing. The film was art directed by Julian Roberts who described his featured collection as "based on all the ‘heroes and anti-heroes’ who influence my fashion world, whether I li

Sennheiser has expanded its evolution range of dedicated instrument microphones with a competitively priced, high quality condenser model, the e664. Designed for applications such as drum kit overheads, or acoustic instrument miking, such as for guitars or strings, the e664 features low noise electronics, high output and a highly sensitive capsule for both studio and live performance applications.

The e644’s cardioid response pattern provides highly effective feedback and rear-field signal rejection. In keeping with the evolution ethos, the e664 offers build and performance specifications superior to microphones several times its price. The metal bodied mic features a matt-black, anodised, scratch-resistant finish. A switchable low frequency roll-off filter protects against low level hum and rumble, while the capsule provides a 40 - 20kHz frequency response (+ 2.5dB) and a 130dB

Maltbury Ltd has taken the decision to sell off the hire part of its business to a newly established company, LEL Hires Ltd. Run by Jason Tucker, proprietor and managing director of LEL Enterprises Ltd, the new venture will operate from Rochester, Kent, whilst managing director Philip Sparkes and Maltbury sales will remain based in London.

Since 1995, the sales and hire divisions of Maltbury have been managed under one roof by Philip and his team, offering both high-quality products and service to clients. "We are delighted to have Jason taking over responsibility for the hiring out of Maltbury's staging systems," said Philip Sparkes, who will now be able to give his undivided attention to the sales side of the business. He added: "This streamlining of the business allows us to continue to provide our clients with an efficient and professional service while at the same t

One of Amsterdam’s latest landmarks is its futuristic stadium, the Amsterdam Arena. Home to Holland’s most famous football club, Ajax, the Arena has also created a number of opportunities for developers. Since its completion in 1996, the surrounding area has fast become a hotspot of urban renewal, with an ever-widening range of restaurants, cafes and hotels, malls, cinemas, and business centers.

One such development is Amsterdam’s new design emporium, Villa Arena. Conceived as a stylish home furnishings center, the building includes over 70 designer stores, and is intended to address the growing reluctance of shoppers to spend time browsing in stores, and to counter the allure of the cyber mall by offering a degree of entertainment, and a range of ancillary, non-retail facilities. With this multi-functionality in mind, Villa Arena required a lighting design that could

The BEAB (British Electrotechnical Approvals Board) and The Lighting Association have joined forces to offer luminaire manufacturers quality ENEC testing and certification, enabling them to gain access to European markets and to international markets via the CB Scheme. The ENEC (European Norms Electrical Certification) Mark is a European Certification mark of Conformity, based on Harmonised European Safety Standards. Currently accepted by 20 European countries, the ENEC 19 Mark for luminaires demonstrates that a product has been independently tested by the Lighting Association and certified by BEAB. In addition to product testing, annual factory inspection and market surveillance are integral requirements of the ENEC Mark, providing maximum confidence to everyone in the supply chain.

International CB testing and certification is also available to manufacturers, helping them to access m

Trantec has appointed Helsinki-based F-Musiikki Oy to handle their award-winning radio mic systems exclusively in Finland. F-Musiikki Oy is the biggest MI/sheet music wholesale/retail company in the Nordic countries. F-Audio is the pro audio division, responsible for the distribution of Trantec and other brands, such as Yamaha (MI and pro audio), Steinway & Sons, Fender, Casio, Manley, DW, Hughes& Kettner, Sabian, Martin and many more. "We first saw Trantec products at last year’s PLASA Show," commented Petri Mäntysalo. "Our product portfolio covered all other areas of pro audio with the exception of radio mics - so now our roster is complete."

Petri says that Trantec IEMs have already found homes amongst the leading performers in Finland, including Children Of Bodom (S4000IEMs) and Tommi Läntinen Band (S5000IEMs). "We are now looking forward to broade

Top UK girl band, Atomic Kitten, performed their first concert to a sell-out crowd recently at London’s Shepherds Bush Empire, and supporting them at their debut show was an array of Martin Professional fixtures. Lighting designer Barry Halpin used Bandit Lites UK to supply the Martin fixtures, along with generic fixtures and control equipment for the show. Halpin chose MAC 600 wash lights, MAC 250s and his favourite, the MAC 2000. Barry commented: "I know the MAC 2000 and its capabilities well after using them with Westlife earlier this year. I knew that in a venue such as Shepherds Bush Empire they would really cut through and be very dominating - and sure enough they were. One of the girls in the band has an allergy which prevents me from using smoke or haze during the show, so the beams don’t look as pronounced as normal, but they still show up, better than any other

Sennheiser UK has sold the first DAS Audio Compact 1s in the UK to Audio and Corporate Event Management (ACM) Ltd. The corporate event and presentation company has expanded its extensive range of DAS sound systems with the addition of a pair of the very latest Class-D self-powered three-way full-range cabinets. ACM’s high profile corporate client list includes several motor industry dealerships for whom it regularly stages regional launch events for new models, including Vauxhall and Mercedes, as well as premier league football clubs. Director Tony Martin comments: "It’s actually quite a shock to hear such a big sound emanating from a genuinely portable system and we’re expecting to use Compact 1s at many of our forthcoming events - especially as we often need to keep sight-lines free from speaker cabs."

Such is their confidence in DAS Audio products that To

Despite being one of Auckland’s oldest pubs, the Kings Arms Tavern - established in 1870 - is also one of the city’s most popular youth-oriented live venues. The room, which hosts up-and-coming bands during the week, headline acts at weekends and a varied line-up on Sunday afternoons, recently underwent a major upgrade of its house PA system. The new Proel system was sold by Junior Fitz of United Sound Agencies and installed by Proel distributor Jansen Professional Audio & Lighting in just two days, to accommodate the venue’s busy performance schedule.

The venue’s owners had been using a hired system for some years, and were anxious to replace it with a rig that would occupy less of the limited stage space and improve both audience sightlines and sound quality. The new system consists of two Proel TFL212P double 12" full-range speakers with 1.4" compre

Renkus Heinz’s new PNX Series loudspeakers offer the same high level of system integration and unsurpassed performance as the active powered PN Series, with external System Specific Electronics. The PNX Series consists of 10 compact full-range two-way loudspeaker systems and five Reference Point Arrays (RPAs). They incorporate design breakthroughs such as rotatable Complex Conic horns, TRue Array Principle (TRAP) design and RPA systems integration. The ultra-compact PNX61s, PNX81s and PNX82s provide the studio monitor quality required in many of today's high-end applications. Multi-angle enclosures with 6" or 8" woofers and rotatable Complex Conic horns make it easy to deliver transparent source reproduction from floor monitor positions as well as stand-, wall- or ceiling-mounted locations.

The PNX121 and PNX151 provide the solution when more output or tighter direction

Now here’s an artist looking for a voice - literally. Since the demise of the ‘cock on legs’, Thin Lizzy’s guitarist has been in need of a singer. As a guitarist he stands tall, maybe not a Robert Cray or Mark Knopfler, but nonetheless he does have his own style, and it sells. As Andy Crookston (tour manager), Mark Scrimshaw (lighting designer) and Andy May (house engineer) all confirmed, "he tours year after year, and makes money."

He also produces an album every two years or so, and on tonight’s evidence he certainly has an ear for a melody. And that’s essentially why he needs a voice; for the bluesy part of his repertoire he can get away with his shouty vocals, just another cracked walnut veneer on the guitar of melancholy, but when it comes to Parisian Walkway and the like, he needs a voice that can match all the subtlety and nuance of

At the start of 1998, finance company Nykredit invited a number of architects to participate in a competition aimed at finding the best design for its new Head Office in Copenhagen. The winner, Schmidt, Hammer and Lassen, presented a building with its front and back façades made entirely of glass. Nykredit wanted to create a building of high architectural quality. Completed in October 2001, the architects have more than matched their demands. Only half the building is used as office space; the rest is given to a large, central atrium with a glazed façade, which makes the ten-story building very transparent.

The building’s northeast and southwest sides are defined by 24 horizontal ribs of granite, two per floor. By day these ribs serve to give definition to an otherwise virtually transparent building: with the onset of night, however, the architects’ clean lines were disru

UK band Afro Celt Sound System, currently promoting the release of their album Further in Time and the single When You’re Falling (featuring guest vocalist Peter Gabriel), are mid-way through an extensive world tour using their Sony DMX-R100 digital console, supplied by Total Audio Solutions, for all in-ear and on-stage monitor mixes. The console has impressed the band’s long-standing monitor engineer Kris Layton: "To be able to take 48 channels and run nine monitor mixes with full scene-set automation is superb. I also love the way you can mix sends on the faders rather than knobs - with very powerful hands-on EQ and dynamics. Those kinds of things are very important to monitor engineers and set the DMX-R100 apart from other digital boards we considered."

Layton explained that the desk represents a big step forward for the band, especially in the fast turn-aroun

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