Robe - LEADERBOARD - Feb 2025
Doughty - Banner - from 4 July 2025

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USA - This year's 'Hot 97 Summer Jam', taking place in New York's Giants Stadium, attracted about 27.000 people. The concert was organized by the most important Hip-Hop broadcasting station in New York, and included stars such as 50 Cent, R Kelly, Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Big Boi and Keny West. The show also featured a large-scale lighting rig, which included 180 moving lights, 200 conventional lights and five media servers, as well as three full-sized grandMA lighting consoles from MA Lighting.

Gary Westcott was responsible for the lighting design. The show was pre-programmed and transferred to the grandMA full-size, although the team also had the chance to optimize the show locally for a further two days. The consoles were programmed by Demfis Fyssicopulos, with Andrew Findley re

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USA - Vari-Lite has hired Todd Kessler to oversee additional growth and development of its product training program. Expansion of the program will help ensure that the market is staffed with qualified technicians and will allow authorized Vari*Lite dealers to provide greater product support for end users. The company says the position was created due to the large increase in demand for Vari*Lite fixtures following the recent introduction of four new Vari*Lite Series 3000 and Series 2000 luminaires.

Kessler, who is fully trained on all Series 1000, Series 2000 and Series 3000 luminaires, has nearly a decade of experience with Vari*Lite products. He joins Vari-Lite from PRG, where he was shop manager for the Orlando rental office. At PRG, and previously VLPS Lighting Services, Kessler trained all incoming employees on the use and maintenance of the rental inventory. He also superv

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UK - Stage Electrics has announced two new additions to its team serving the London scene - Matt Townsend and Darren Beckley. Townsend, who joined the company in September and is working with West End theatre and touring clients, is well known in the industry and most recently was the technical manager for Gilded Balloon. Prior to this, he toured with Saturday Night Fever and Forbidden Planet. "Working closely with Stage Electrics in the past allows me to bring a different perspective and insight to make sure our customers receive the best possible service," says Townsend.

Darren Beckley has recently been promoted to business development manager for London, taking on the responsibility for securing new and growing existing business by satisfying local customer requirements. Beckley has worked for the company for three years, starting in the Bristol ware

City Theatrical - Banner - July 2025

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UK - Utopium Lighting Ltd. has been busy over the last month with its move to new premises. The company has taken the opportunity to restructure and improve the procedures for maintenance and preparation of the equipment and Customer Support. Now housed in a 4000msq 'open', single storey warehouse it has the room to build and 'fly' lighting rigs prior to shipping. Parking is also ample.

During all this upheaval the company has managed to service various tours including: Zero 7 for the second time this year, again lit by Utopium LD Stuart Farrell who operated an Avo Pearl and used Mac500 and Studio Beams mounted over a semi- circle truss. Uriah Heep recently performed in Guernsey with equipment and crew supplied by Utopium. The LD was Chris Bushell who was also LD for the recent Goldie Looking Chain tour. Mercury Music award winner, Dizzee Rascal has just finished his firs

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Italy - The Italian version of the BBC's famous music show, Top of the Pops, has returned for the 2004/2005 edition, broadcast every Saturday afternoon on Italia Uno, and for the first time this year, on the satellite channel Italia Teen Television. The show returns with new set elements and an enlarged lighting system: unlike last year, two stages can now be either separated or joined, and the stages are positioned perpendicular to each other and at an oblique angle from the cameras to create a greater sense of depth.

"The most important innovation here," according to LDs Riccardo Barbaglio and Massimo Cavenaghi - is the new lighting system. Last year, the Italian edition of Top of the Pops stood out for the quality of its lighting effects, which received compliments from the BBC. This is one of the reasons why Einstein, the Italian TV production studios which

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UK - ADLIB Audio and sister company ADLITE Productions are enjoying a hectic autumn season, including the supply of full sound and lighting production for the current Amy Winehouse UK tour. Featuring a Yamaha PM5D monitor console and an Avolites Pearl 2004 lighting console bought specially for the tour, plus ADLIBs new MP3 wedges.

Front of House engineer Steve Pattison chose JBL's medium sized VerTec line array as the main PA system - utilizing various numbers of VT 4888 elements depending on the size of the venue. This ranged from an average of five a side in the smaller rooms to 12 a side for larger spaces like Brixton Academy.

Subs are ADLIB's double 18 folded horn DF3's, which have a formidable low-end reputation! The system is driven by Camco Vortex 6 amplifiers, in which ADLIB has also recently extensively invested. Pattison has worked with Amy since the 2003 'V' Festiva

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Europe - A full HK Audio PA rig based around HK Audio's Cohedra (Coherent Dynamic Response Array) system is currently being used on the Waterboys tour of the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands.

The system, supplied by Concert Sound and John Hornby Skewes, typically consists of 12 CDR 208 T and S mid/high cabinets per side in most of the tour's venues, with four CDR 210 Sub subwoofers per side, and two of the newly-launched CDR 210 F flyable subwoofers at the top of each array for high venues with balconies. The CDR 210 Fs can also be used with HK's new Ground Stacking Frame, and for venues where the system can't be flown, a CDR 210 F is positioned at the bottom of the frame, which also serves the purpose of adding height to the ground-stacked array.

FOH engineer Chris Madden was introduced to the system by HK Audio's Moray McMillin, himself a veteran touring engineer who convin

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USA - In tandem with the announcement that L-Acoustics of France is now the sole owner of L-Acoustics US, three promotions of North American-based personnel have been announced by Dr. Christian Heil, president of L-Acoustics.

Paul Freudenberg, formerly the director of sales for L-Acoustics US, now assumes additional responsibilities as vice-president of sales and marketing for L-Acoustics US. In this role, he will continue to spearhead all North American sales activities in addition to now directing the distributor's marketing initiatives and overseeing daily operations for the company.

Diane Monet also takes on more responsibility as she moves into the capacity of vice-president of finance and administration, while Bernie Broderick remains the office's primary technical contact under his new title, head of technical support.

"Each of these three individuals has been

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USA - The Pro-Commander Pro-V, a fully programmable computerized hoist control system from CM Entertainment, received honourable mention in the Rigging Hardware Product of the Year category at the recent ETS-LDI Award ceremony in Las Vegas. The Pro-V provides full load monitoring accuracy along with variable speed operation from appropriately configured hoists. The Pro-V comes complete with a graphical touch screen remote handset with six-inch screen, user-friendly programmability and multi language capability.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

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USA - Surround Live II - More Surround - A symposium, was held during the 117th AES Convention on 27 October 2004 at The Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco, Ca. For the second year a DiGiCo console was selected as the core of the sound system used during the event. The D1 Live, DiGiCo's new mixing console launched at PLASA and LDI this year, was used to manage the extensive input and source routing needs of the presenters, totalling more than 100 channels of audio, and to provide delay.

All of the 20-plus live Shure microphone feeds were handled using the D1's internal dynamics, EQ and signal processing capabilities. The complex 10-channel output matrix feeding the Meyer Sound Labs supplied CQ based playback system was fed by the D1 through a TiMax processor.

Surround Live produced and created by Frederick Ampel of Technology Visions under the auspices of the Audio Enginee

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UK - Liverpool-based installation company B&S Sound & Light recently selected Tannoy loudspeakers for the sound system when the Exchange Bar and Grill in Leeds was fully refitted. The client and installer have been so impressed with the system's performance that Tannoy has also been selected for the newly refitted Stevenage branch of the UK-based chain of restaurants, owned by the Greene King Group.

The refitted licensed grill restaurants in both Leeds and Stevenage have a predominantly New York Bronx theme with bright graffiti décor. Each outlet also features a smaller eating area with a more sumptuous ambience and a clever backlit system on the main windows portrays a New York skyline. Owner of B&S Sound and Light, Billy Gillbanks, explained: "Good quality audio reproduction was a prerequisite for the sound system which provides music at various levels throughout the day

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Saudi Arabia - Allen & Heath's Saudi Arabian distributor, Halwani Audio Visual, has installed a DR66 digital processor in a new themed restaurant in the Red Sea port of Jeddah. The restaurant, called the Lost City, is divided into six zones, each area depicting a different theme - a cave, jungle, Mexican house, Spanish villa, VIP area, and the entrance/waiting area. There are several styles of music playing in the different zones, distributed through the 6-input/6 output DR66.

Using the DR66's patch functionality, audio in the venue is programmed with multiple modes. There are two SFX tracks running continuously as background ambience and track fillers during silent periods - in some zones it is jungle sounds, while in others there is the relaxing sound of a waterfall. The DR66 automatically mutes this background sound whenever an audio track is activated. To prevent tampering

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UK - Projected Image Digital has supplied Creative Technology (CT) with 240m of Element Labs VersaTUBE linear LED effects fixtures, purchased for the current series of ITV1's talent show, X-Factor, which is being recorded at Fountain TV Studios in Wembley. The VersaTUBES were specified by set designer Christopher George, and are integral to the large set - used as decorative delineative edges for the main 'X' centrepiece above centre stage, for another 'X' shape built into the floor directly beneath, and for marking out the centre stage staircase.

Measuring 1m in length, with a 16-pixel resolution, an IP65 rating and taking video input (DVI), the VersaTUBES are used to create complex and fast moving patterns, colours and effects. They are also used statically, as architectural outlining devices for the contours of the set. They also come into play for the show's more up-tempo p

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Australia - Returning to the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour from 13-15 February 2006, Entech 2006 will see the launch of a new seminar and conference program, the organizer has announced. Continuing to attract the pro audio and lighting markets, the Entech 2006 conference program will also cater for the audio-visual and broadcast market and further explore the integration between entertainment technologies.

The organizers report that the response to Entech 2004 was "overwhelming" and that Entech 2006 is evolving even further. The format remains the same and will occupy halls 5 and 6, several demo rooms and two huge conference rooms. Some changes to the floor plan will provide easier navigation for visitors and more floor space for exhibitors, say the organizers.

Many previous exhibitors have already secured stands after experiencing great s

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UK - Newton Preparatory School, a co-educational school in Battersea, South London, recently opened its new 288-seat theatre in a ceremony led by renowned theatre director Sir Peter Hall. Also in attendance were White Light's technical sales manager Roger Hennigan and projects coordinator Esther Heaslip, marking White Light's close involvement with the creation of the new venue.

During the project's design phase, the school's electrical consultant, Phil Whiffin from Engineering Co Partnership, contacted White Light for advice as to how to equip the venue. Roger Hennigan and David Howe from White Light's projects team devised a comprehensive, flexible lighting system that suited both the school's needs and its budget.

The theatre's new dimming system uses four 12-way ETC SmartPack rackswith RCD protection controlled by a Strand 300-series lighting console. An internally-wired

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USA - Established in July this year, 3G Live is still a relatively unfamiliar name on the sound reinforcement scene in Southern California. But thanks, in part, to the recent purchase of a massive turnkey L-Acoustics loudspeaker system, which includes the first two dozen 115XT HiQ floor monitors sold in North America, the company aims to quickly change that.

At the helm of 3G Live is VP Jay Curiel, a 15-year veteran of the Orange County and Los Angeles concert production scenes. Curiel is notably accompanied in his new venture by both lead sound engineer Julio Valdez and president Eli Stearns, who also heads up 3G Productions, 3G Live's parent company in Chicago.

With regard to product, the touring company has now taken delivery of 24 V-Dosc and 12 dV-Dosc loudspeaker systems, 16 SB218 and 4 dV-SUB subwoofer enclosures, 24 of the new 115XT HiQ floor monitors and a full comple

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Australia - UK-based manufacturer Turbosound reports that Wollongong's hottest nightspot - Cooney's Tavern, with its brand new nightclub Bustin' - has been equipped with a new Turbosound system, installed by Sydney-based Innovative Lighting and Sound.

The main room system comprises a mix of TXD-121 mid/high and TXD-081 mid/high delay speakers, complemented by TSW-718 subs. Innovative also supplied a separate outdoor portable DJ system of TXD-121s and TXD-215s, with additional TXD-081s installed for the bar area audio system. Designing the main system from the ground-up, starting with the subs, Innovative arranged for Turbosound's TSW-718 models to be trialled in the venue for three months prior to the installation. The depth and tight response of the 718s proved to be ideally suited to the club's dance music requirements, say the company. A variety of mid/high speakers were als

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USA - Elation Professional has introduced the new Focus Spot 250, a professional DMX 250W moving head fixture aimed at the smaller rentals market and mid-sized nightclubs. The Focus Spot 250's features include remote focus and a high luminous-efficiency axial reflector and double condenser lens system, says the manufacturer. Using 11 DMX channels, the Focus Spot 250 also features eight dichroic colours plus white, and six rotating, interchangeable and indexable gobos plus spot. Three of the gobos are metal, two are dichroic glass and one is textured glass, providing a flexible mix of textures. The fixture delivers 5,700 lumens at 15ft, say Elation, and the convenience of its remote focusing via DMX feature should appeal to DJs.

(Lee Baldock)

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Spain - The second annual 'Producción Audio Awards' recently brought together the leading professionals and companies of the Spanish audio industry. Valencia-based D.A.S. Audio SA won the 'Best Sound Manufacturer of the Year', award, recognizing the enormous success of the Aero line array systems. The gala was held at the IFEMA International Trade and Convention Center in Madrid and coincided with the SIMO Computer, Multi-Media and Communications show. Fernando Fernández Pinto, the D.A.S. sales representative for central Spain, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

The award recognizes the company's efforts in innovation, technological advancement and success of its product in the markets. As in previous years, voting for the finalists was open to the public through the website. Once the Internet voting was closed, a jury formed by independent industry professionals

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UK - Creative Technology fielded an impressive array of Barco iLite 6 high-brightness LED modules to fulfil John Anderson's set design for the BBC's annual Children In Need fundraising spectacular, at the Television Centre in London. In addition to providing the totaliser screen, banner screen and stage left screen, this year CT fielded an additional 28sq.m screen at the rear of the set in studio TC1 - where Gaby Roslin and Terry Wogan again anchored the seven-hour TV marathon. The main central screen opened and closed via a tracking device behind the presenters.

Commented John Anderson, in his second year of designing the show: "The idea of a sliding screen this year was at the request of director, Richard Valentine. Also we moved the (36 x 1 module) i6 LED banner from the overhead proscenium last year onto the stage; it looked very prominent in the foreground.&quo

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UK - Lightfactor Sales has supplied leading UK lighting rental house Siyan with SGM Giotto 400 CMY moving lights for hire stock, eight of which have gone straight out on the Joss Stone tour. The latest SGM products add to Lightfactor's existing hire inventory of SGM fixtures. Joss Stone's lighting design was conceived by Siyan's Bryan Leitch, and further developed by him and James Thompson who programmed the show and is LD'ing and operating on the road.

Four SGMs are positioned on the rear truss, with another four on two upstage/offstage Manfrotto stands each side of stage - for additional depth and separation. He uses the fixtures as the core of the rig, enthusing: "They are fantastic. They're proving robust and reliable on the road, and the effects you can create with the sheer power and brightness are really excellent."

The fixtures are used extensively for gobo

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