Europe - DPA Microphones is providing a variety of creative online resources and virtual entertainment in the wake of the current Covid-19 situation. DPA is also supporting its customers and industry professionals by continuing to stock and service equipment. “DPA is working diligently to maintain production and operations to ensure an uninterrupted supply of microphones; we remain committed to our employees, partners and customers around the world,” says Kalle Hvidt Nielsen, CEO, DPA Microphones. “Additionally, in the past few weeks, we have been inspired by many creative ideas and initiatives that we have seen implemented - both within the DPA organisation and the industry at large. Through our digital programme, DPA will continue to educate and inspire our online community during these difficult times.” As part of its efforts, DPA is hosting
World - Chauvet Professional has added a new Thursday Tech Talk series to its extensive training library for lighting designers and programmers. The series will be streamed every Thursday at 2 pm EST (7 pm GMT) on Facebook Live, Instagram Live, YouTube Live and LinkedIn Live. Conducted by Chauvet Professional product managers, Thursday Tech Talks will feature How To, New Tech and Design Tip formats covering a wide-range of lighting and video wall subjects. The recorded sessions will also be available anytime at www.chauvetprofessional.com/training. The April schedule of Thursday Tech Talks includes: Field Servicing For Moving Heads (9 April), which covers suggested cleaning supplies, and practical tips on checking moving parts, cleaning optics, removing dust and grime build-up, and setting up a cleaning schedule. Pixel Mapping Products Witho
South Africa - The DWR Distribution sales and training team stepped out of their comfort zone to present a joint live Facebook Q&A session, a webinar which was held on Wednesday, 8 April at 2pm. It didn’t take long for the team to get comfortable behind their screens and were soon interacting and chatting about products, training and tackling any questions the industry had to ask. Says DWR, “Since the Covid-19 Lockdown in South Africa, the DWR team have shared training videos and live seminars as provided by our suppliers. That said, DWR are known for the extensive training courses hosted over the years and with this in mind decided to personally reach out to the industry, via a webinar, for a discussion that was hosted by Jannie de Jager, head of training at DWR and a panel consisting of Olebogeng Boinamo, Robert Izzett, Dylan Jones, Kyle Robson, Richard S
USA - Adam Audio is launching the ADAM EDU webinars and videos, designed to enable everyone from audio students to novices and seasoned working professionals to further their education in audio on a variety of business and technical topics pertinent to our industry. The videos include a variety of lectures and speaking panels with engineers, acousticians, licensing and game audio specialists, studio owners, sales and marketing experts and other business leaders in the professional audio industry who share some of their insights and best practices for success. The ADAM EDU programmes have included topics such as: Acoustical Fulfillment, Game Audio Implementation, Gear Need vs. Want, How These Notable Engineers Got Their Start, Owning and Managing a Recording Studio, Testing Your Room, Sync Licensing, Careers for Engineers within the Pro Audio Industry and Adjacent Markets, an
USA - The majority of loudspeaker specialist EAW’s staff continue to work from home and the company’s website (www.eaw.com) provides a detailed contact list for clients and customers. “The Eastern Acoustic Works warehouse is classified as an essential business allowing us to continue shipping,” says EAW. “If you are able to use this time to do some maintenance in your facility, do not hesitate to contact us. Our staff continues to work from home and are ready to help you!” Meanwhile, EAW has announced the appointment of Quantum Sales and Technology as their new manufacturer’s representative for Southern California. “We chose to work with Quantum ST because of their strong reputation within their dealer network and their history of brand-building within their territory” explains Josh Garcia, western regional sales manager for EAW. “We share the
Spain - Valencia-based DAS Audio continues to operate aspects of its operation with staff, like so many in the industry, working remotely. The loudspeaker specialist says it is in a position to face industry shutdowns at least until the end of June. “At DAS Audio we have already adopted all the necessary measures so that our colleagues, distributors, suppliers and family can continue with their lives and agendas without putting your health and ours at risk,” says the company. “You can reach us by phone, mail and video-call platforms, so we can keep in touch and share our passion for this industry. “Given the current situation we are experiencing due to the coronavirus pandemic, at DAS Audio, proud of our family-business spirit, we are determined to look ahead. Getting back to normal requires collective rather than individual action, so no one can be left behi
Europe - In the 15 years since Yamaha introduced the HS series of powered studio monitors, it has become a favourite for near-field applications in both professional and home studio environments. Now, to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Yamaha Pro Audio, the company has launched the special edition HS MP (Matched Pair) models. The new, special edition HS MP powered monitors include three models - HS5 MP, HS7 MP and HS8 MP. Each pair of monitors has been manufactured using a unique process, utilising specially selected parts and with matching serial numbers, shipping in a special paired carton with an MP (Matched Pair) label. The HS MP monitors “continue the same rigorous design principles that have guided Yamaha designs ever since the legendary NS10M Studio monitors, first produced in 1977. Essentially, defining the look and sound preferred by engineers in studios a
UK - Touring and live events may be on hold for now, but learning and career development continue to move forward at the ChamSys Training Academy. The lighting console maker has been actively expanding its online education resources with new courses, tutorials and appointment opportunities being added on a continuous basis. In addition to providing programmers with the chance to sharpen their skills (and develop new ones), the academy is serving as a platform for them to remain connected to the industry in the wake of the closings and cancelations that have taken place. Open to anyone, the academy offers daily online webinar training sessions. Conducted by active lighting designers and programmers, like Philip Watson, Brett Lorins and Charles Courser, these sessions cover a range of basic, intermediate and advanced topics. The ChamSys Training Academy also features a
Canada - Adamson Systems Engineering has launched a series of free educational webinars for current and potential partners and end-users around the world. The Adamson Education Webinar Series addresses some on-going challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic while keeping consistent with the company’s amplified focus on partner education for 2020. “Everyone has been impacted by Covid-19 and its aftermath, though it’s been especially trying for the live sound community,” begins Jeremiah Karni, head of education at Adamson. “That’s why we’ve been working hard on ways to support and engage with our global network despite the fact that we can’t get together. In addition to offering informative, insightful, and interesting content for attendees, the webinar series also provides them another means to interact directly with our team, as well as their peers in the Adamson N
Europe - Lightpower has announced a number of organisational changes and senior personnel moves. “After 42 years of successful activity on the market, it is time for our company to take another step,” says a statement. “Over the years, our company has developed and established numerous national and international business activities. In order to give these businesses a common roof, we have founded the Lightpower Holding company. The task of this holding company is to act as a control centre for all underlying companies and to develop future strategies in close cooperation with their managing directors.” The establishment of the holding company is also accompanied by a change in the management of Lightpower GmbH. As part of this process, Herbert Marx and Michael Rickers will succeed Ralph-Jörg Wezorke, managing director of Lightpower and Franz-Josef Wewer, autho
UK - The 2020 edition of Edinburgh Festival Fringe - the world's largest arts festival - has been cancelled due to public safety concerns arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. Also cancelled are the Edinburgh Art Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh International Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. "Just a few months ago, the idea of Edinburgh without the Fringe and our sister festivals would have been totally unthinkable; now, like so many other aspects of our day-to-day lives, we must pause and take stock in the face of something far bigger," said Shona McCarthy, the chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. "Our hearts go out to the doctors, nurses, health and social care professionals on the front line, to everyone working to keep the country going, and to those who have
Spain - DAS Audio has said its operations will be suspended until 14 April due to law changes in Spain arising from the Covid-19 outbreak. The company says in a statement: “At DAS Audio, we would like to thank you for all the signs of affection and support you have shown us, which we would sincerely like to send back to you. Without you, our family, this dream that began in 1971 would make no sense - thank you very much. During this unsettling period, our family must stick together, and we want to be there for you, then, now and always. “Two weeks ago, at DAS Audio headquarters, we started to take all of the necessary steps against Covid-19 following government recommendations. However, due to the latest measures adopted by the Spanish, we inform you that from 30 March we will continue to work remotely from our homes to support you when you need us. “
Europe - In order to keep up with the demand for more e-training courses, Powersoft, the Italian manufacturer of professional power amplifiers, has ramped up its capacity to deliver online training courses worldwide, with over 30 new sessions covering various subjects directly of interest to Powersoft customers and users. Each course will last for one hour and will be conducted in English, Spanish, and Italian by experienced trainers and application engineers from Powersoft. This week, Powersoft will offer insight on its new Mezzo amplifier range. During the sessions, attendees will learn about auto setup, power sharing, and remote control, as well as a number of other ground breaking features offered by the new half rack amplifier platform. Next week’s sessions (beginning 6 April) will focus on ArmoníaPlus 1.4 and explain how to set up and programme a basic
USA - Harman Professional Solutions is offering a range of free on-demand and instructor-led webinars hosted by leading knowledge experts from around the world. The company has launched a new Learning Sessions eLearning programme, offered for free in conjunction with Harman Pro University, and beefing up its existing Live Workshop Series. The Industry Expert workshops feature tips and tricks from front of house engineers, lighting designers, technicians and other industry experts, while the Harman Expert workshops feature in-depth product and solution webinars by Harman product specialists. “We are thrilled to offer these free resources to help professionals in our industry connect and further their skill sets from the comfort of their own homes,” said Steve Mathis, senior manager, Harman Professional University. “The Live Workshop Ser
Major Losses - Workers in the UK theatre sound industry have collectively lost nearly £2m in income as a result of the coronavirus, according to a survey by the Association of Sound Designers. The results counted a total loss of £1,943,452 in income across the 249 respondents, largely due to cancelled or postponed events and loss of royalties. This averages at £7,805 per person. Other key findings from the survey: 91% of respondents immediately lost income as a result of the social-distancing measures, worth around £1m in total; 76% had further work postponed within the next three months, worth around £750,000; 41% of those surveyed said the health of themselves and their family was their primary concern. Dominic Bilkey, chair of the Association of Sound Designers, said: “The impact of the sudden and complete closure of theatres, arenas and other areas of entert
USA - Behind the Scenes holiday cards have become a tradition in the industry for those who want to spread holiday cheer while supporting their colleagues in need. Proceeds from card sales help provide grants to entertainment technology professionals, or their immediate dependent family members, who are seriously ill or injured. Each year, designs have been created and donated to the charity by everyone from Tony Award winners to high school students. The design guidelines (btshelp.org/carddesign) are very simple and you can also view previous examples (btshelp.org/cardexamples). If you are interested in designing a card, Behind the Scenes will need your commitment no later than 24 April and your artwork by 15 M
UK - SARM Music Bank rehearsal studios in London recently hosted a major series of demos from UK loudspeaker manufacturer, EM Acoustics and Out Board, immersive spatial reinforcement and performer tracking specialists. In the spotlight was the y Reference Series R10 point source loudspeaker from EM Acoustics - seen for the first time anywhere at ISE 2020 - and the HALO-B medium format line array. Out Board showcased the new HARDCore FGPA processing for the TiMaxSoundHub and the all-new TiMax TrackerD4 precision stagetracking for live performer vocal localisation and multimedia effects control. Held from 3-5 March, EM Acoustics’ Mike Wheeler deems the event to have been “a huge success” with high attendance figures and, more importantly, positive reactions from the industry. Renowned sound designer, Sebastian Frost, whose credentials include plays, musicals
USA - Over the next few weeks, ADJ will host a series of live video broadcasts that will provide educational content and in-depth product overviews. Each installment of Stay Connected will have a specific focus and provide an opportunity for lighting and event professionals to upskill from the safety and comfort of their own homes ready for when the covid-19 pandemic is over. This is the season that ADJ, like many in the industry, would usually be exhibiting at trade shows around the world, demonstrating its latest products to new and prospective customers. In lieu of these industry events, which have all been cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, ADJ wants to offer something of the tradeshow experience but in a way that can be accessed safely in these times of social distancing and home working. ADJ wants to serve the industry by providing fre
Europe - With the health and safety of our attendees, membership, exhibitors, and staff being of utmost concern during the global Covid-19 pandemic, and following weeks of discussions with the host Austria Centre Vienna, the Audio Engineering Society has officially cancelled the live, in-person components of the AES Vienna 2020 Convention scheduled for May. AES leadership, the convention organising committee and headquarters staff members are working to organise the logistics of a virtualisation of the convention technical programme into “an engaging, compelling, educational and productive online experience”. “Details on the virtual convention, which are being developed to include video presentations of papers, workshops, tutorials, tech tours and other technical programme content along with live- and forum-based dialog with presenters, will be shared as they b
USA - Pro AV tradeshow InfoComm 2020 has been cancelled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The event was due to take place on 12-18 June at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. AVIXA, InfoComm's organiser, says in a statement: "Like many, we had remained optimistic that the show would go on and we continued to monitor recommendations from the local health authorities, the WHO and CDC, but the extreme circumstances of today’s reality have led to a different path forward. While we explored the option to postpone the event until later in the year, this was not realistic given InfoComm’s size and the lack of possible venues. Both the current and likely future environment of economic hardships, travel, spending freezes, and uncertainty with the Covid-19 virus made it clear to us and our partners that not proceeding with InfoComm 2020 was the best decision
South Africa - With the country in lockdown due to coronavirus, DWR Distribution’s staff remain available during office hours, while the company is offering a range of online learning opportunities. “We have entered into completely uncharted territory as individuals as a country and as citizens of a global community,” says the latest update from DWR. “The South African government has taken up the call to become a part the most ambitious and courageous global effort to stop the spread of the novel Coronavirus that is causing Covid-19, placing the lives of its citizens before commerce and profit. We at DWR Distribution stand behind our government and our world leaders and pledge our support to stem the threat posed Covid-19 by staying at home. “However, staying in our homes does not mean that we have closed our doors. We have simply installed a virtual
USA/Europe - Manufacturer of 4K and full HD AV signal distribution and control solutions, WyreStorm reports that it is monitoring daily all situations related to Covid-19 that may impact its business, following CDC guidelines and making sure that safety precautions are being taken. “As an essential business, our warehouse is fully operational and making shipments daily, including in areas that have mandated shutdowns. We have not seen any major concerns in terms of our inventory and will continue to monitor this in the days and weeks to come,” says the company. “At this time, we are functioning as normal, with some exceptions: Our sales team will not be making in-person customer visits for the time being, but they are always available by phone and email to answer any and all questions. “We are continuing our work from home plan that was announced on Tuesd
UK - Pro AV solutions manufacturer Biamp has announced the implementation of a dealer-direct model in the UK and Ireland, which “will enhance the company’s ability to support customers and drive growth”. Following the recent opening of Biamp’s new European headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium and its UK sales office in London, the company is now transitioning to dealer-direct model to strengthen its sales, support, and product distribution in the region. In addition to some direct accounts, Biamp will be working with Midwich, Leisuretec, and Professional Audio in Northern Ireland - in all cases, served by Biamp’s sales and support staff. This enables the company to more aggressively pursue opportunities in all target vertical markets: corporate, food service and hospitality, retail, large venues, education, religion, sports and leisure, and outdoor applications.
UK - With more than three decades as a touring engineer and heading up his sound company, Pyramid Audio, Ian ‘Fleece’ Elliott is well versed in the value of both vintage and contemporary technology. A typical Pyramid Audio sound system combines classic Martin Audio loudspeakers with Linea Research power amplifiers. “I’ve got Martin Audio products that go back to the 1980s and 1990s,” he reports. “We plug them into new Linea Research 44M or 48M or 88C power amplifiers and they sound amazing The clarity is phenomenal. Everybody’s blown away by it every single time.” Although Elliott has long favoured Martin Audio loudspeakers, he has tried an assortment of power amplifiers over the years before settling on Linea Research. “We do mostly loud rock shows, and it demands a lot of power,” he offers. “The new Linea Research amplifiers save us a lot of rac
