In early 1993, David Leggett, managing director of A.C. Lighting Ltd, called Bob Gordon in Los Angeles to arrange a meeting. At that meeting, in the Delta Crown Room at LAX, they agreed to explore the creation of A.C. Lighting Inc. Gordon came up with a business plan and A.C. Lighting Inc opened for business on July 1, 1993, starting out with no customers (just Gordon's database) and one North American exclusive product. In August of 2000, Bob acquired the controlling shareholding of A.C. Lighting, Inc.

Now, exactly nine years after the formation of A.C. Lighting, Inc their name is changing to A.C.T Lighting, Inc. This change in name does not represent any change in the way the business is run or in the ownership of the company, but is a recognition of the separate and distinct identity that A.C. Lighting, Inc. now holds in the US market.

The new name for A.C. Lighting in the U.S. is

Halo Live, the new live tours and events division of Halo Lighting, has kick-started a summer of Radio 1 dance music events, supplying an exciting lighting production to the Radio 1 arena at the Homelands England event 2002, which took place at Matterley Bowl near Winchester over the Jubilee weekend and was enjoyed by 50,000 people.

Halo Live's lighting scheme was co-designed by Steve Marley and Yann Guenancia, who utilized a diverse range of fixtures and programming techniques to fulfil Radio 1’s demanding brief, and to create a stunning visual show. With the Radio 1 Open Air Stage being purely a DJ environment, it was very much down to Marley and Guenancia to use their imaginative savvy - and plenty of artistic licence - to create a colourful lightshow with a full range of peaks and dramatic effects.

The core of the rig was Studio Due City Color fixtures, used to produce larg

Demand for PA systems for corporate events, conferences and product launches is bouncing back, reports professional audio systems specialist Shermann Pro-Audio. The internationally respected company, which is based in Newtown, mid-Wales, has noticed a definite upturn in business in the last few months as confidence slowly returns to the UK's corporate sector after a period of economic uncertainty.

Through a network of professional users, installers and dealerships across the country, Shermann's loudspeaker systems are in widespread use at major music festivals, rock concerts, conferences, product launches and publicity events at home and overseas. "I think a lot of companies are now playing catch-up after everything ground to halt following September 11," explained Ken Hughes, owner of Shermann. "They have realized the value of publicity campaigns and promotional events

As official communications partner of Manumission for the third year - Orange has teamed up with Vestax to provide a dramatic sonic makeover for Bar M. Their commitment to the Bar M faithful is plain to see, with the installation of a mighty full-range Turbosound rig. There are 14 TQ-310 two-way speakers fitted in three independently controllable zones, plus three THL-828.2 sub units. The BBS amp racks are accompanied by a Yamaha digital control unit.

But it’s not just the punters that Orange has thought about - in conjunction with numerous DJs and industry anoraks, they have designed, built and installed a DJ booth to rival all others. The ‘enjoymusic’ booth features three Vestax PDX 2000 turntables, a PMC-400 mixer, a DFG-X2 three-band isolator unit below each deck and a DCR-1200 isolator with anti-phase on the output below the mixer and all complimented by a pair o

BSS Audio’s new ProSys PS-8810C DSP device has past its first test - at the highest level - networking the world’s first all-digital tour for pop music icon Neil Diamond. Supported by Maryland Sound Industries, Diamond’s audio output boasts an exclusively digital signal path between its microphones and loudspeakers. The real triumph for BSS Audio’s fixed-path DSP, however, is that it is the first in a new generation of Harman Professional ‘partnership’ products, utilizing the IQ communication protocol from Crown and providing audio networking via CobraNet technology. One of the key components in this application was the use of Crown’s new IQ-PIP USP2/CN CobraNet module.

With the established IQ system, the PS-8810 has the ability to network with Crown amplifiers and other IQ-compliant devices. This means that systems with control and monitoring

Wolfgang Neumann extended an association with Soundcraft boards stretching back more than 20 years, when he purchased a 48-input SM20 touring monitor board to boost the rental stock of his company, Sirius Schalltechnik Service GmbH. He told us: "I was looking for a very small board that was packed with features. The SM20 offered precisely that, and the exceptional price convinced me."

Sirius Schalltechnik’s monitor engineers praised the desk’s ease of use. "They particularly liked the compact nature of the console and the inline BSS Varicurve control section, which is a nice-sounding EQ," said Wolfgang. Presently out with top German band, BAP (and their monitor engineer Dirk Happel), the SM20 is well-suited to deal with the growing trend towards personal in-ear monitoring.

Wolgang Neumann’s introduction to Soundcraft began in 1980 when he purchas

A new section of Shure's website (www.shure.com/cc), housing useful content for contractors and consultants, will make its official industry debut at InfoComm 2002. Appropriately named Contractor's Corner, the specialized web pages offer quick and easy access to a host of features ranging from CAD product drawings and technical product information to downloadable software for all PC-based Shure products.

Site visitors navigating the pages of Contractor's Corner are greeted by drop-down menus offering instantaneous access to PDF files of user guides and spec sheets, selectable by product category. Moving further through the site, users will find a downloadable viewer for the numerous CAD files offered in DXF format, as well as educational resources. Also included is a link to the Shure Knowledge Base, technical articles written by Shure's App

The British Entertainment and Discotheque Association (BEDA) has announced its exclusive support for International Leisure Industry Week 2002 (LIW). BEDA will be using the show to host both its Annual General Meeting and Chairman's Lunch. In addition to these networking events, the BEDA Village on the show floor at LIW 2002 will showcase the latest light and sound innovations from BEDA's supplier members.

BEDA is the only trade association for the nightclub and discotheque market in the UK and its members are responsible for running the nation's nightclubs, as well as buying and specifying the lighting, sound, design, furniture, fittings, food and drink in all the clubs and discos in the UK. At LIW, BEDA supplier members will be exhibiting within the BEDA Village and displaying the extensive range of new products within the lighting and sound industry.

Also on the show floor at LIW

Marquee Audio has been appointed as a key dealer for XTA Electronics, following impressive sales of XTA’s pioneering signal processing devices. XTA’s sales and marketing manager, Guy Lewis, commented: "Marquee Audio have been involved with XTA almost since we began 10 years ago, and their recent success with SiDD (Seriously Intelligent Digital Dynamics) has been great to see. I know they are looking forward to working with our new Series 2 dynamics processors and have already been fielding calls from interested clients. We look forward to working with Spencer and the team and making the Series 2 launch a great success for us both!”

Marquee’s Spencer Brooks told us: "This appointment is in line with our policy to be able to offer the best pro audio solutions for all applications - whether broadcast, studio, installation or concert touring. XTA are a pre

An elaborate TOA public address/voice alarm system forms the backbone of the new £7.5 million development at the Telford International Centre, which will see their exhibition, conference and sports facilities integrated into a single, extended building. The contract to supply and fit was won by Quality Communications, who specified TOA components as part of the original fit six years ago.

"With the addition of several other halls, the old system was severely under-powered," explained managing director, Colin Walker. His solution has been to power eight separate sound zones on a TOA matrix, using multiples of TOA’s VP-1060 (60W) and VP-1120 (120W) 100V line amplifiers. "I wanted TOA power as the previous amplifiers just weren’t adequate," said Colin. The centre’s general manager, Gerald Salt, commented: "With this level of investment, a top qu

PCM’s projects division has successfully completed the mechanical and electrical installation of four 500 Kg electric Pilewind winches at the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr, Scotland. Originally specified by the experienced Gaiety theatre technical staff, PCM’s ability to comply with it’s motto of ‘Lift, Turn, Move and Fly’ again excelled, as a technical specification that complied with current British Standards was produced.

South Ayrshire Council provided the project management. The Pilewind winches enables the Gaiety’s busy technical staff to raise, lower and position four of the stage lighting bars quickly, efficiently and safety. Before the Pilewind winches were installed, the Gaiety crew was reliant on old hand winches, and hauling ropes to position each lighting bar. This took considerable time and physical effort. PCM’s Pilewind winches, operati

JBL has introduced a new e-mail newsletter, Pro-to-Pro Installation. The periodic newsletter will update consultants, contractors and end-users with the latest information on JBL Professional installation range of products, including the new Application Engineered (AE) Series, PD Series and EVO products.

Each issue will contain a variety of new and updated information and will carry the latestspecification sheets, technical notes and white papers. Literature descriptions as well as links to online pdf files will be listed. In addition to literature, each e-newsletter will have a Q & A section covering the most common questions received. The first e-newsletter is posted on JBL website.

(Ruth Rossington)

Big Sound has used an Allen & Heath ML5000 as the monitor console for Bob Geldof's 'Sex, Age and Death' tour which promotes the album of the same name - Gedlof’s first in five years. Big Sound provided sound reinforcement for 15 dates of the UK leg of the tour, 12 of which were sell-outs. The venues were mainly theatres, beginning with the Lowry in Salford and finishing at the Opera House on Jersey. Big Sound used Adamson Y10 speakers at front-of-house, fed by a Midas Heritage 1000 mixer. A compact Allen & Heath MixWizard WZ16:2DX console was employed for supporting artists. The 40-channel ML5000 was configured as a dedicated monitor console, with all 16 auxes controlled by faders.

Big Sound is based in Swansea, South Wales, and although the company was only founded in 2000, it already boasts an impressive arsenal of Allen & Heath mixers, including a pair of ML5000s, two ML3000s

Martin Professional’s Czech distributor, High Tech Design, has delivered eight new Martin MAC 2000 Performances to the historic National Theatre in Prague. Together with the Czech Philharmonic and the National Gallery, the National Theatre is one of the Czech Republic’s cultural institutions with a rich artistic tradition. It is one of the most beautiful and important buildings in the country.

The three leading Czech National Theatre companies - covering drama, opera and ballet - which alternate performances in the historic building, will benefit from the new framing and animation profile spots. The National Theatre dates to 1883 and lies on the banks of the river Vltava, opposite the panorama of the famous Hradany castle. The building is technically equipped to the highest standards and the MAC 2000 Performances will help maintain this tradition.

(Ruth Rossington)

Huntsville Alabama-based Theatrical Lighting Systems Inc (TLS) is relocating its business to expanded facilities. The new home for TLS will be a former Lowe's superstore, located about five miles from the current location. The new 57,000sq.ft facility will be completely renovated and will include 13,000sq.ft of administrative offices, a showroom, demo room, WYSIWYG studio, repair lab and large warehouse with a 50ft x 125ft riggable grid for rehearsals and programming. By completely rewiring the electrical distribution system in the new facility, TLS will be able to set-up, test and programme multiple entertainment lighting systems simultaneously.

Working with the Alabama Industrial Development Board, through the Huntsville and Madison County Chamber of Commerce, the company secured tax abatements and industrial grants to help finance the project, which will allow it to consolidate its

Sennheiser UK recently supplied a range of microphones and wireless equipment to help stage the 36th Sir Winston Churchill Memorial Concert at Blenheim Palace. The evening’s tribute lecture by Rt. Hon The Lord Heseltine employed Sennheiser equipment, including two gooseneck mics and an evolution wireless system. The event, which raised £320,000 for various charities, also featured performances by several of the UK’s brightest musical talents.

Independent audio consultant Dr Roger Driscoll was keen to enlist Sennheiser in providing an unobtrusive installation in the Palace’s impressive Long Library. He designed and specified a system tailored to the Library’s acoustics and aesthetics, and subsequently oversaw the smooth running of the event’s audio presentation. The use of Sennheiser wireless technology installed inside the lectern provided a "transpa

L-Acoustics dealers, Marquee Audio, have sold a 12-enclosure ARCS system to hire, installation and contract rental company, BCS Audio. BCS proprietor, Dave Shepherd, will run the system in his hire stock. "I will be going out and doing shows with it myself," he says. Dave looked long and hard at the market before deciding that for the price the system best suited his requirements. "I chose the ARCS system because it’s a flexible box, which I can run without subs, and is easy to fly. It will also enable me to cover up to a 3,000-capacity venue."

Although he simultaneously purchased amplifiers and processing, the order for the enclosures was placed through Marquee. "Though I knew the company from my days at Case Plant, this is the first time I have dealt with Marquee - and they were extremely responsive." He added, "Marquee also sorted out some c

Audio contractor Live Business International (LBI) worked from 11pm throughout the night in sub-zero temperatures and several inches of snow in order to refurbish the audio system at Xscape Snozone, a youth leisure complex in Milton Keynes. Xscape Snozone, headed by former Millennium Dome boss P Y Gerbeau, is a major installation featuring food courts, bars, shops, clubs, a multiplex cinema, gymnasium and a climbing wall. The centrepiece is an indoor 170m long ski slope, complete with real snow, up to 12 tons of which is generated each night by 16 'snow guns' and is kept frozen by a mean air temperature of -2°C and eight miles of under-snow cooling pipes.

While the whole of the complex had its audio system updated, the ski slope had a completely new system installed. LBI has extensive experience of using Technomad Vienna weatherproof loudspeakers in harsh environments, such as the dec

MC2 Audio has announced that following initial contacts at Musik Messe and AES this year, KT Radio & Storm Sound has been appointed as the company’s new distributor for Denmark, while Nefan Ticaret will be handling the brand in Turkey. MC2 Audio’s Ian McCarthy told us: "Both companies are already well established in the audio industry and we now look forward to working with Flemming at KT Radio and Albert and Nevzat at Nefan Ticaret, wishing them every success with the amps."

(Lee Baldock)

PLASA’s ‘Association Day’, held at Down Hall Country House Hotel on 14 June and incorporating the Association’s AGM, was a great success, attended by a record number of PLASA members. In an effort to gain maximum value from the opportunity offered by the AGM, PLASA again organized a number of Break-out Meetings following the AGM, which gave members the chance to discuss important issues concerning Membership Services, Standards/Health & Safety and Training. These lively sessions raised valuable feedback for the PLASA Executive Committee and staff, and were well-received by all who took part.

Following the ‘business’ of the day, around 100 people sat down to an enjoyable dinner with entertainment provided by two guest speakers - ex-footballer Paul Fletcher and impressionist Kevin Connelly - before retiring to the bar for some serious networking. Wayne

Following SSE’s launch of the Nexo GEO speaker system at the beginning of May the company has supplied a number of high profile events with GEO sound systems. A giant TV screen and sound system was erected outside the final show of the musical Cats in Covent Garden, in order to allow more people than the theatre could accommodate to view the show. SSE supplied a 24 box GEO system for the event.

Hire director Emma Barwell commented:"With a deep site to cover, a conventional system would have required unsightly and expensive delay towers. GEO was able to uniformly cover the audience from directly below the speaker hangs to a point 68m back using only 12 boxes per side. The system looks minute but delivers fantastic sound levels with quality performance."

Most recently, over the Golden Jubilee weekend, SSE supplied a GEO system for the BBC celebrations in Centenary Squar

Rocker Tommy Lee is taking out a Catalyst system on his ‘Never a Dull Moment’ tour of US theatres and House of Blues venues from 19 June - 31 July. "Catalyst is awesome," Lee says, about the product that combines the power of digital media with the creativity of automated effects lighting. "My production manager turned me on to a link on the web. She said, 'Dude, you have to see this new light.' I went to the High End site and saw the QuickTime video of Catalyst and thought, 'No way, this is insane!' "

He continues: "I'm such a computer freak . . . I love stuff like this. We've all seen a million moving lights before, but this is something else - I was blown away. Then I saw a demo at the LA office. I was even more blown away . . . I've been dreaming of this kind of show and technology. I almost had a tear in my eye when I saw the demo in person. I'

In the absence of a suitable small box from their usual suppliers Blue Box Company has installed a number of Nexo PS-8 systems supplied by Showcom Audio into prestigious bar and restaurant venues in London. The first is into the much talked-about Cherry Jam bar/club in Porchester Road. Cherry Jam is the brainchild of Ben Watt (who is one half of Everything but the Girl with Tracey Thorne and Lazy Dog with DJ partner Jay Hannan) and its raison d'être is to develop a new program of nights and events that reflect the range and diversity of West London cultural life. Live music, DJs, art exhibitions and a film club plus of course eating and drinking are all part of the vibrant scene at Cherry Jam. Blue Box Audio was called in to install the audio system.

Blue Box's Mark Metcalf explained that because owner Ben Watt is now an extremely successful DJ in his own right, he was most particular

As the world’s best national football teams meet in what is arguably the most popular sporting event on the planet, the FIFA World Cup, Martin Professional is playing its own part in the action. Martin’s Korean distributor, Hansam System Co Ltd, has delivered an automated lighting package for several World Cup events including the Seoul Light Festival, the World Cup Concert and the Opening Ceremony.

On May 1 at Seoul City Hall in the city’s downtown area, throngs of citizens gathered for the first night of the Seoul Light Festival. In a large central square 24 MAC 2000s and 20 MAC 500s illuminated Seoul’s City Hall and World Cup ball-shaped balloon from 8:00pm until midnight each night of the tournament. Even Seoul Mayor Goh Kun was impressed, stating: "This festival of light will make the beauty of Seoul's night view ever more radiant."

Martin prod

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