Brit Icon - Sir Elton John is to be the first recipient of a new annual honour launched by the Brit Awards organisers to celebrate major figures in music. He will receive the Brits Icon award at a show in September which will be broadcast later by ITV. The prize has been created by the BPI, the music industry's trade body. It will go to an artist whose writing, recording and performances have made a "lasting impact" on UK culture.

The BPI and Brit Awards chief executive Geoff Taylor said that Sir Elton had "achieved such a level of artistic creativity and originality, critical acclaim, global recognition and popular success" that he deserved to be recognised as a "true icon of our cultural life". Sir Elton has sold more than 250 million records globally. Proceeds from the show will go to the Brit Trust and the Royal Academy of Music, where Sir Elton

UK - Set manufacturer Brilliant Stages has played the leading role in supplying the dazzling stage set for Robbie Williams' Take the Crown stadium tour.

Brilliant Stages' general manager, Tony Bowern was tasked by the tour's production manager, Wob Roberts, to oversee the design, construction and delivery of elements including a series of replicas of Robbie Williams' head, on-stage tracking solutions, a multi-tiered main stage with protective roofette and a curved header topping the massive back wall.

In collaboration with a number of key partners, including fellow Prolyte Group subsidiary Prolyte UK, Brilliant delivered an exceptionally conceived and constructed product to the specifications of artistic designer Willie Williams and the late stage architect Mark Fisher.

"Tony transformed our requirements into an enormous construction schedule which co-ordinated t

UK - Working for event management company MEDIAmaker, XL Events recently supplied multi-screen projection, mapping, live interactive elements, camera system and audio systems for a corporate conference and awards ceremony serving 1200 delegates and guests.

The event, held at Telford International Centre, was spread across a total of six rooms, as well as being webcast live to an invitation-only microsite which allowed attendees in remote locations to login and view the awards in the evening.

In the primary room the main focus was a twin projector blend using two of XL's Barco FLM HD20s on to a 13m x 4m screen. The blend was controlled by an Encore unit, also from XL Events, which was programmed and controlled by Charlie Archer.

This screen displayed keynote presentations, awards films and other graphical elements.

Either side of the main screen two stacks of flown boxes we

UK - RG Jones' busy summer season with Martin Audio premier PA systems continued in July, with the 2013 Coronation Festival at Buckingham Palace. This followed the Glastonbury Festival, held a few weeks previously, with the simultaneous Henley Festival also placing further demands on their Martin Audio inventory.

Such congestion with very different environments was always going to be a challenge, but with careful planning and deployment, the Coronation Festival proved once again that RG Jones and Martin Audio were capable of uniting the audience experience.

RG Jones are themselves Royal Warrant Holders and participated at an exhibition in Buckingham Palace Gardens (along with 200 others) while simultaneously providing sound reinforcement for the gala concerts. The RG Jones stand comprised an original Morris J-type, as the one used by the original founder Ronald Geoffrey Jones

Australia - Robe got behind UK based lighting designer Simon Brockwell of SBLD to assist the facilitation of his innovative interactive work The Nocturnal Pianola, one of the eye-catching exhibits at the 2013 Vivid Festival of Music, Light & Ideas in Sydney, Australia.

The festival featured around 60 major lighting installations all located in and around the downtown area of the city after dark, spread across 18 days in June. It attracted approximately half a million people who came to enjoy and experience some of the wonders and thought-provoking and imaginative properties of light as a live art form.

Robe has always been interested in creative arts projects, and Brockwell's initial contact with Robe was with Ashley Lewis, key account manager for film, theatre & TV from the UK office. The two have worked on some previous projects together. Ashley put him in touch with

UK - Lighting specialists Stage Electrics has taken the lead as systems integrator, supplying a full architectural LED lighting solution into Theatre Royal, Drury Lane which stands proudly on the oldest theatre site in London. First built in 1812 in the heart of London's West End and originally known as 'Drury Lane', the theatre has recently completed a £4m restoration.

In collaboration with architectural lighting designer Norman Bragg and Theatre Royal's Steve McAndrew; Stage Electrics' worked hand in hand to find the right lighting solutions for this iconic venue. Control of all lighting was via Zero 88 Chilli dimmer racks with a Stick KE1 touch screen control interface and DMX was distributed around the space via Swisson DMX merger and splitter units.

Business development manager Paul Roughton commented, "The scope of the project was to provide discreet lighting

Germany - Lighting any type of religious building for a special occasion means a close eye to detail is required; so when Cologne Cathedral call for special lighting, they really mean it.

To create Lux Eucharistica, a dynamic audio visual show gracing Cologne Cathedral's recent Eucharistic Congress 2013, the management called on illumination art specialists Friedrich Förster und Sabine Weissinger of Casa Magica in Tuebingen, southern Germany. They, in turn, enlisted ETC Ion control desk expert Matthias Strobel to help programme the spectacular projections and colourful light.

"Controlling the Selador Classic Vivid-R fixtures and projection using Ion was the easy bit," says Strobel. "The more challenging part was taking control of the cathedral's very complex house light system with 1000+ channels via the Artnet protocol. The fact that we could organise it all u

UK - The famous gothic St. Michael's Cathedral (better known as Coventry Cathedral), reduced to a ruined shell after its bombing during the Second World War, and subsequently rebuilt in a celebration of 20th century architecture, has been a place of Christian worship for over 1,000 years.

However, it had long found that the quality of its audio fell short of its majestic interior. Recently RaceTech's head of audio engineering, Robin Dibble, returned 20 years after implementing a revolutionary analogue solution, known as the Coventry Reciprocating Delay and devised by his acoustician father, Ken Dibble. This time it was to lead the cathedral into the digital age via BSS Soundweb London signal distribution architecture, which will future-proof it for years to come.

Notes Dibble Jr, "Coventry Cathedral is a vast open space with huge air volume, many hard sonically reflective

Australia - Five years in the making, the King Kong musical, produced by Australia's Global Creatures, has opened to thrilled and awed audiences Melbourne, Australia's Regent Theatre. The star of the show is undoubtedly the six metre, one tonne King Kong puppet, designed by Global Creature Technology.

Contracted by Production Resource Group, L.L.C., (PRG), Stage Technologies teams in the UK, the US and Australia worked closely with Global Creature Technology to supply the automation system which controls the eponymous ape. The automation package includes over 12 tonnes of steelwork, motors, winches, and cable management systems, which give the Kong puppet its sweeping movements; enable it to lift and rotate; and allow it to travel up, down and across the stage. The on-board winches control the height and rotation of the body, and allow Kong to fly in, leap, gallop, stand, etc.

US - "We've never really had a sound system that worked for our church. Since 1982, when the worship space was built, it has always been a challenge to provide full, consistent audio," admits Charles Malmede, media services director for Whitesburg Baptist Church of Huntsville, Alabama.

Twenty five hundred seats wrap 180 degrees around the sanctuary, including a full balcony. Embracing a wide variety of both traditional and contemporary music, an average service demands versatility from any sound system. Malmede spent most Sundays dealing with unsatisfied parishioners, "There were complaints every week. Our goal is always +/- 3 dB, which was hard enough; but the real problem has always been the frequency. It was clear we needed to fix our sound, but we have never had any particular success in the past."

However, after Spectrum Sound's Ken DeBelius began cons

UK - Lancelyn Theatre Supplies have recently purchased the Roland M-300 and M-480 Digital Mixing Consoles from SSE Audio Group for two separate projects at Oxford University. The Oxford based theatre and lighting systems integrator specified the Roland consoles for their intuitive user interface, compact footprint and comprehensive range of effects.

The first project, a new-build lecture theatre and conference facility at Wolfson College, Oxford, required an audio solution with the ability to cope with a variety of uses from simple conference setups to live bands and performances. After looking at a number of consoles, design engineer Marcus Boyton from Lancelyn Theatre Supplies selected the Roland M-300 after trying it out at a Roland Training Day held at SSE Audio Group.

"We chose the M-300 because it is user friendly, has good utilities and effects and is flexible enou

UK - An Allen & Heath iLive digital mixing system has been installed in the live studio of top UK radio station, XFM. Comprising an iLive-T112 and iDR-64 MixRack, the system is used to record visiting artists for pre-recorded sessions.

The MixRack is mounted in the studio's equipment rack so it can easily be patched to the studio tie lines and building's technical network. The iDR-64 is fitted with an M-DANTE module, and connected to a Mac which has Dante Virtual Soundcard and runs Apple Logic for recording. Mic preamp signals are sent pre-processing to the DAW. Additional Dante channels are used via the iLive patchbay inserts to access plug-ins in the DAW. The choice of Dante networking permitted the stage box to be taken to the roof terrace on occasions to record a session upstairs whilst mixing downstairs in isolation but with full control over Cat 5.

"The studio is bu

Spain - Significant recent growth in the sales of GDS LiteWare in North America have been closely followed by evidence that this most flexible of cutting-edge lighting technology is enjoying a similar increased uptake in Europe.

GDS' Spanish distributor, Entertainment Equipment Supplies (EES) reports that demand for LiteWare, notably from lighting designers connected with high-end events such as society weddings, has soared.

These battery powered, wireless LED fittings offer full RGB colour mixing with no heat. The range incorporates 'the original' LiteWare UL giving 40W of LED power, the LiteWare HO high output 80W version and the newest addition LiteWare Satellite which provides a hitherto unseen degree of flexibility. Its fittings incorporate a remote, fully-adjustable head with 360 degree pan and 180 degree tilt and an internally wired extendable pole that can elevate the

France - At the recent Main Square Festival in Arras, France, Paris-based rental house Dushow supplied Meyer Sound systems for both festival stages, including a Leo linear large-scale sound reinforcement system, and a Milo line array loudspeaker system. The three-day festival attracted a total crowd of approximately 100,000.

The Leo system on the festival's Main Stage supported headliners including Sting, Green Day, The Prodigy, and Indochine. With a maximum capacity of 30,000, the Main Stage field was fully covered by the LEO system's long-throw capabilities.

"This system's consistency of coverage and high output allowed us to avoid the need for delay towers, and to maintain sound integrity over the required distance of 110 meters," says Marc de Fouquières, general manager of Dushow. "Leo's excellent directivity also prevented conflict with audio from the seco

Switzerland - The Neuenburgersee in Estavayer-le-Lac in Switzerland is the all-year location for the Swatch Free4Style festival where the international elite of Freestyle-Motorcross (FMX), Wakeboard and Jetski come together.

The spectacular shows of the extreme athletes together with after show parties of distinguished DJs attract more than 25.000 visitors every year from Switzerland and France to the contemplative small town.

This year the native Mat Rebeaud, Levi Sherwood from New Zealand, Josh Sheehan and others performed exceptional, breath-taking FMX shows. The hazardous tricks require highest concentration and an absolute control of their bodies and machines. Also the disciplines Jetskiing and Wakeboarding with the award-winning Red Bull Team guaranteed drama.

The after-race parties belong to the stars of the Electro scene. Quentin Mosimann, Lucas Monème and Bad Nelso

UK - Producing over 100 shows each year, P&O Cruises' Headliners Theatre Company is a major player in the UK's performing arts industry. Its new Southampton training and rehearsal facility - The Academy - opened in June, with Yamaha DXR12 loudspeakers chosen to overcome the challenging acoustics of the large dance studios.

Headliners recruits over 200 new performers every year to sing and dance their way around the world onboard P&O Cruises ships. Before sailing, each cast rehearses for nine weeks, six days a week, a process which has been markedly improved by the opening of The Academy.

With a floor area of 1258m2 it is one of the largest dance rehearsal facilities in the country, but overcoming the acoustic challenges of the large, hard, flat surfaces was a key requirement for its audio system. Production executive Darren Harvey had been previously impressed by Yamaha's acti

UK - West London based lighting rental company Colour Sound Experiment (CSE) supplied lighting equipment, LED screen and crew to lighting designer Rich Gilson for the recent Die Antwoord (The Answer) show at London's Brixton Academy.

The South African Zef rap-ravers Ninja and Yolandi Vi$$er have a massive international cult following, a reputation for hugely energetic shows and visceral, raw, insightful - often controversial - videos that embrace numerous South African sub-cultures, all of which are self-directed.

Gilson has worked with them since last year. He designed the lighting for this latest three week UK and European tour based around the Brixton performance, where they brought in a full production.

He was extremely pleased when Colour Sound were also confirmed by promoter SJM to supply equipment for the gig, having worked with them on many previous occasions. "

Germany - Dr. Andreas Sennheiser and Daniel Sennheiser have just celebrated the beginning of construction of the Innovation Campus at company headquarters in Wennebostel (borough of Wedemark) with a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony. The Innovation Campus, which will cost around 20m Euros, will provide approximately 7,000sq.m of optimum, modern workspace for employees, as well as room for an events facility.

As stated by Dr. Andreas Sennheiser and Daniel Sennheiser, CEOs of Sennheiser electronic, "with the Innovation Campus we will have room to further develop Sennheiser's innovative company culture. Today we are laying the foundation for lots of creative ideas which will form the basis of future success." Construction work should be completed by the end of 2014.

On behalf of all shareholders and accompanied by family members Karin, Daniel, Alannah and Dinah Sennheise

UK - Black Light has brought full digital audio and high-quality stage lighting to a newly built primary school in Dundee. The £40k project saw the company's installation team work closely with the city's education department and with end-users at St Clements RC Primary. They developed and installed a cost-effective system that met the diverse needs of the busy school.

"The school needed a foolproof system that could meet a wide range of needs," said Jock Wallace, Black Light's head of installation manager. "To check that we had chosen the right equipment we did a detailed demonstration for Dundee City Council at our HQ in Edinburgh. By working so closely with the council we made sure that the school got the system they needed, that was fit for purpose and within budget."

At the heart of the school's new audio set-up is the QSC Q-Sys control system. T

UK - Audio-Technica was the victim of a robbery from its Leeds premises on 23 July, when a quantity of its 2000 Series wireless systems were stolen from a vehicle parked outside a warehouse facility.

The specific product in question is the ATW-2110AFEU system, produced for the EU. As such, the wireless system ships with EU power supplies.

Audio-Technica is advising retailers to be vigilant when purchasing 2000 Series wireless products and to be wary of approaches from parties not usually dealt with offering them for sale.

Audio-Technica's assistant marketing manager, Tom Harrold said, "The fact that the stolen systems have European power supplies will make them stand out in the market, so it should be easier for retailers to identify if they're being offered stolen goods.

"We're asking anyone who has information on the theft - or has been approached to purchase w

Denmark - The new Blue Planet in Kastrup, Denmark, is Europe's second largest aquarium. It has won accolades not only for its variety of marine life, but also for its striking whirlpool-inspired architecture and imaginative application of audio technology. To support an immersive undersea experience, more than 400 tracks of custom-recorded audio are mixed, timed, and processed through a Meyer Sound D-Mitri digital audio platform. The audio is then distributed to 57 self-powered Meyer Sound loudspeakers installed throughout the exhibit areas.

"In most aquariums the underwater experience remains apart and behind glass," says Arne Kvorning of exhibit designers Kvorning Design and Kommunikation. "At The Blue Planet, the underwater experience comes out and surrounds the audience, due in large part to the sound and lighting design."

Anders Jørgensenof Kast

Austria - One of Europe's most unusual air shows, the Scalaria Air Challenge takes place every July on Austria's Lake Wolfgang. Seaplanes and stunt flying are complemented by aircraft 'dancing' to live opera; live bands, fashion shows, DJs and more across several stages. The audio challenges of this event are considerable and this year, for the first time, a Yamaha CL5 was given the vital role of master console.

"Although the event takes place every year, there is always something new and special," says Thomas Szvetecz, freelance sound engineer and head of the Scalaria sound department for the past four years. "It has everything, including a flying opera with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and, this year, the world premiere of Harold Faltermeyer's Flying Bulls Anthem, featuring Billy Idol guitarist Steve Stevens.

"I always use Yamaha mixing consoles f

USA - The Rolling Stones have wrapped the US leg of their 50 & Counting world tour with grandMA2 consoles along for the still-wild ride. The Stones sell-out 50th anniversary tour is their first in six years. They opened the U.S. leg in LA and concluded their 18 dates in Washington, D.C. The band performed on a stage set featuring a giant set of psychedelic lips and a tongue-shaped walkway that riffed on their iconic logo. Patrick Woodroffe was the lighting designer and Ethan Weber the co-lighting director. Upstaging supplied the lighting equipment.

Weber and programmer/co-lighting director Dave Hill manned two grandMA2 full-size consoles, networked together, for the tour. "We love them", says Weber. "I handled the key lighting on one console and Dave ran the bulk of the system off the other." Both men are veteran Stones lighting directors with Hill hav

UK - Orbital Sound, the specialist supplier to the broadcast, theatre, event and entertainment markets, has just installed Clear-Com's advanced HelixNet networked partyline intercom system at the Royal Albert Hall, representing one of the first UK fixed installations for the revolutionary solution. Orbital is the sole UK distributor for the Clear-Com range of innovative communications systems.

A key feature of Orbital's system design for the Grade 1 listed building included using the existing infrastructure, as sales director Tom Byrne explains:

"Our challenge was to find a way of upgrading what was essentially a very out-of-date system within a competitive budget. The old wiring was up to 30 years old in places, complete with enough buzzes and hums to make the communications virtually unintelligible! It was clearly not an option to rip out the wiring infrastructure and r

Latest Issue. . .