India - Harman Professional Solutions recently partnered with Grammy Award-winning artist A.R. Rahman to produce The Sufi Route, India’s first folk, poetry and Sufi music festival. Harman was the official technology partner of the concert, which was held on 18 November at Qutub Minar in New Delhi and featured a line-up comprising Javed Akhtar, Nooran Sisters, Hans Raj Hans, Mukhtiar Ali, Kamna Prasad Sood, Fouzia & Firoz, Dhruv Sangari and a Whirling Dervish ceremony from Turkey. The Sufi Route and Harman partnered with The Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation to allow 35 students with hearing loss enjoy the show in support of the organisation’s A Billion Acts for Peace campaign. Students from the Centrum GRO Advanced Skill Training Centre for the Deaf heard the performances using four translators and vibrations from JBL speakers. “Ha
City of Culture - Coventry has been named UK City of Culture 2021. The city was announced as the next holder of the title on 7 December, and will become the third host city, after Derry/Londonderry in 2013 and Hull, which is UK City of Culture this year. It beat bids from Sunderland, Paisley, Stoke-on-Trent and Swansea to take the title, and has already set out plans that focus on youth and diversity in its proposals. Each city was assessed over a number of months by an independent panel – chaired by television producer Phil Redmond – and set out the details of their plans to the judges when they visited each location. Coventry now has three years to prepare its year-long programme of activity, and will receive a £3m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to kick this off. Arts minister John Glen congratulated Coventry on winning UK City of Culture 2021. He said:
UK - Rental company Stage Sound Services (SSS) has recently invested in Sennheiser’s new Digital 6000 microphone system. SSS chose the system for its sub-hire and its rider / specification friendliness as well as its environmental credentials bolstered by its rechargeable battery. “We've been working with Sennheiser from the very start of the company, starting out with their wired microphones,” says SSS commercial manager, James Lewis. “A large proportion of our business is professional theatre, from small plays to full-scale musicals and, in recent years, our stock of Sennheiser and Neumann wired microphones has increased dramatically to accommodate these shows. Last year we started to add Sennheiser wireless into our rental stock, with the purchase of 32 channels of its SK 5212 system for the Funny Girl UK tour. Sennheiser is on many specs, so it wasn'
USA - ESTA and USITT have announced the initial sponsors for the New World Rigging Symposium, taking place 13-14 March in conjunction with the USITT Conference and Stage Expo 2018 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Signing up as the Platinum Sponsor is Stage Rigging, Inc. a diversified theatrical rigging company that provides a full range of specialised rigging services on a global basis for tours, corporate and special events, and expositions. Chris Schmidt, vice president and general manager of Stage Rigging, states, “For over 40 years Stage Rigging has been an advocate of rigging standards and education, the New World Rigging Symposium is the perfect event for both.” Gold Sponsors are ETC, offering a range of hoists and controls to accommodate the needs of any production space and budget, and J.R. Clancy, providing professional rigging solutions worldwide on thousand
Germany - S.E.A. Vertrieb & Consulting will become the German distributor for Community Professional Loudspeakers from 1 January 2018. The distributor exclusively markets a portfolio of 20 premium audio brands, offering solutions for recording studios, live events and fixed installations. Heinz Bouwer, sales manager at S.E.A. Vertrieb & Consulting, comments: “We are delighted to join forces with Community and represent the company’s high-performance products in the German market. Community offers a comprehensive range of audio products with superior sound, excellent manufacturing quality and unique features, making the brand a perfect fit with our existing portfolio of installed sound products. We look forward to further developing Community in our territory and taking advantage of the synergy with more than 12 years of successful cooperation with its siste
UK - PLASA Focus Glasgow, Scotland’s dedicated event for entertainment technology, has announced more seminars and workshops for the upcoming show at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) on 17-18 January 2018. This year's seminar programme will feature representatives from The Association of Lighting Designers (ALD), Shure, the Edinburgh International Festival and the BBC. It is free to register for the show, which brings international brands and expertise to regional professionals working in lighting, sound, AV, rigging and staging sectors. Adlib, one of the longest-established technical production companies in the UK, is set to bring big lighting and audio brands to the show, providing a hands-on experience. Newly-added seminars will focus on large-scale light and sound design, approa
USA - Sales of Lex Products’s CineBox line resulted in a cheque presentation to Behind the Scene at the recent LDI Show as part of the BTS Pledge-a-Product Programme. These stackable and compact portable power distribution boxes featuring non-conductive, heavy-duty rubber enclosures are designed to withstand rugged conditions. They include a collapsible colour-coded handle for easy identification of input amperage ratings, flush mounted hydraulic magnetic breakers, LED indicators, and shock/impact resistant Lexan bumpers. Upon presenting the cheque, Bob Luther, CEO Lex Products stated, “This programme is an opportunity to support people in our industry who are in need, through the products that they use. It is our pleasure to support the Behind the Scenes charity in this way.” Todd Spencer, of the BTS Foundation Board of Directors, acknowledged the contribution
UAE - Audio visual solutions provider Sonic Wave has struck a partnered with Sennheiser to distribute a range of wired and wireless microphones and studio headphones from the German manufacturer. The company has stocked wired mics from Sennheiser’s Evolution range; professional headphones like the HD-25s; and Neumann studio monitors and select models from Neumann’s range of recording microphones. The announcement coincides with the opening of Sonic Wave’s Dubai showroom yesterday (Sunday, 10 December), with Sennheiser demo units to be available for testing at the new premises from this Wednesday, 13 December. Andrew Williams, managing director at Sonic Wave, says: “Clients in the UAE are demanding reliable high-quality products with world-class support. Sennheiser delivers on these requirements with a catalogue of products and models that supports a full
USA - On the LDI show floor this year, ETC presented Behind the Scenes with a cheque for $24,873.84, representing this year’s proceeds from the company’s iRFR and aRFR focus remote applications. Since the launch of the iRFR in 2009, ETC’s mobile app sales have generated an impressive $322,825 in donations, helping the charity bring assistance to many ill or injured entertainment technology colleagues and their families. The iRFR and aRFR mobile apps enable convenient, touchscreen-based remote control for Eos family consoles and controllers. ETC rolled out updated versions this year which enable mobile access to an even wider suite of control functions. You can learn more about the apps from the ETC website and download them from the iTunes or Google Play stores. “I am proud that this programme has been such a success,” says ETC CEO Fred Foster. “It is impo
Australia - From early next year, Jands will no longer represent Harman Professional Solutions in the Australia territory. Jands says this move is part of a strategic review of their business which commenced early in 2017 with the purpose of “developing a company structure and product strategy that will see Jands best positioned for the future”. This process encompassed a companywide review of both Jands’ business strengths and the strengths of its key suppliers. As a result of this review, in July Jands began an internal restructure designed to “better align the organisation to the strategies and product roadmaps of its key suppliers”. A company statement says, “Numerous new roles have been created, with many having already been filled, to further strengthen Jands’ reputation for education, training, product support and to improve the customer experienc
USA - Control systems from ETC have been used in the majority of winning schemes at the 2018 Thea Awards, the US company has reported. The awards recognise excellence within the themed entertainment industry and are organised by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). Across the 2018 winners, ETC has had a hand in nine of the Thea Award-winning projects. “We’re delighted for each of our partners recognised with a Thea Award, and congratulate the winners on their vision,” said Karl Haas, national sales manager for architecture at ETC. “These projects showcase ETC’s dedication to creating lighting system solutions that are powerful enough to control entire park lighting systems, and creative enough to fit in to these highly specialised environments.” ETC’s Unison Paradigm and Mosaic lines, Sensor3 power dimming technology, Response data distribu
UAE - Sennheiser, Dolby, Neumann and Lawo conducted a workshop dedicated to 3D audio to educate regional specialists on capturing, processing and mixing techniques. Company representatives presented sessions on capturing sound in 3D, mixing, controlling and monitoring immersive sound formats, and establishing efficient encoding workflows for optimum results. Also included were listening sessions designed to expose attendees to audio content originally recorded in 3D as well as recordings up-mixed using Sennheiser's patented algorithm. Attendees were also introduced to 3D and object based audio formats – Ambeo by Sennheiser and Dolby Atmos respectively. Sessions that were particularly well received included one on Mixing immersive sound formats, conducted by Lucas Zwicker, technical product manager audio production of Lawo and the session by Dolby presented by
Charity Single - Rak-Su have been named the winners of the X Factor 2017. The Watford-based group beat Grace Davies in the final of the ITV singing competition - the first boy band to win since the show started in 2004. Rak-Su thanked viewers for voting for them, while their mentor Simon Cowell hailed them as "stars". Proceeds from Rak-Su's winners' single Dimelo will go to children's hospice charities Together For Short Lives and Shooting Star Chase. Pearl Jam - Nearly a decade after last touring the capital, Pearl Jam have announced two London gigs. The band will play London's O2 Arena on the 18 and 19 June next year. Tickets for the shows will go on general sale at 11am on 8 December. Lucky Dip - Plans have been announced for a new daily lottery for £10 Hamilton tickets. Members of the public can apply for a maximum of two £10 tickets p
USA - ACT Lighting continued their support for Behind the Scenes with a $5,000 cheque presentation at LDI. The donation reflects proceeds from the sales of the dot2 series of lighting control solutions from MA Lighting. The dot2 range consists of the lighting consoles: core, XL-F, XL-B; playback expansion wings: F-wing and B-wing; the Node4 1K network output node; onPC console software; and 3D visualization software. Designed for small and mid-sized projects and venues, dot2 offers advanced functionality with outstanding ease-of-use. Full tracking backup is available via plug and play networking. Learn more about the dot2 Series. Upon presenting the check, Brian Dowd, vice president of sales for ACT Lighting stated, “The charitable work that Behind the Scenes does is very important to our industry, helping those in need when it counts. ACT is pleased to help this cau
Europe - Yamaha has a strong focus on helping to train audio professionals of the future, whether via the company’s YCATS training programme or working with other companies and education providers. A new initiative with global education provider SAE Creative Media Institute has seen the company’s Nuage systems installed at SAE campuses in London, Milan, Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Hannover, with more to follow. Established in 1976, SAE is one of the world’s largest providers of audio education programmes. With more than 50 campuses in five regions, including six in Australia, the Institute offers government-accredited certificates, diplomas and bachelor programs across disciplines such as animation, film, design, games, business music and web/mobile. Nuage is Yamaha´s advanced post-production controller system for Steinberg Nuendo, the professional DAW used for
USA - Harman Professional Solutions has opened the Harman Experience Centre in Los Angeles. The facility joins a worldwide network of Harman Professional Solutions Experience Centres in Singapore, China and soon in London, designed to demonstrate how Harman solutions address customer needs across multiple vertical markets. The new 15,000sq.ft. multi-functional facility showcases Hartman Professional Solutions product solutions in a variety of entertainment and enterprise market applications. The Experience Centre demonstrates the integration of brands including JBL Professional, AKG Acoustics, AMX, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx Professional, DigiTech, Lexicon Pro, Martin, Soundcraft and Studer. “With the opening of our flagship Experience Centre, we are bringing the Harman Professional Solution proposition to life while giving visitors a glimpse into the inves
UK - Technical solutions provider Stage Electrics is hosting a theatre and broadcast equipment showcase on Wednesday, 10 January, at the SS Great Britain in Bristol. Company representatives will be joined by a host of suppliers and manufacturers, including Philips Vari*Lite, Philips Showline, Strand Broadcast Lighting, Sennheiser, Prolyte, DiGiCo, EM Acoustics, Le Maitre, Swisson, Magic FX, GSL Power, Altair, GDS, Roland, RC4 Wireless and Rosco, who will be exhibiting and demonstrating some of their latest products. On show will be the latest moving, lights, sound desks, speakers, video mixers, radio microphones, house lighting systems, power distribution, talk back equipment and some exclusive prototypes of new products. The event is open from 2pm until 8pm, with a bar in the evening and a pyrotechnics demonstration at 6pm. Registration is free and if register
UK - Stage Electrics has supplied a custom-built Stage Management desk to The Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton. Located in the heart of the midlands, Wolverhampton’s oldest running theatre, The Grand presents a wide range of major touring productions every year. After their stage management desk of 20 years was no longer suitable for their needs, Ray Tizzard of The Grand, turned to industry experts Stage Electrics for a custom designed replacement. Stage Electrics’ Paul Lucas, liaised with The Grand to establish the requirements of their new Stage Management desk. Once specifications and drawings were signed off and an inspection of the existing infrastructure was undertaken, the Stage Electrics in-house team then went into production of the desk. The facilities of the desk are a Theatre Cue 16 channel cue light master station, 12 individually addressable cue light ou
South Africa - Technical production and rental company CCPP recently made a substantial investment in Robe moving lights for their ongoing production work and for general rental stock. The latest purchase - for over 100 fixtures - included some of Robe’s newest technology - 24 x Spiiders, 24 x Spikies, 48 x LEDBeam 100s and 24 x CycFX 4s, which join the DLS, DLX and miniPointes already in the rental inventory. The company was founded by Clint in 2000, then trading as Clint Cawood Professional Productions and focusing on technical consultancy in the corporate presentation world. The first Robe purchases were in 2012, and also delivered by Robe’s South African distributor DWR. “We really want to help enrich the industry with this latest purchase” commented CEO Clint Cawood. “Robe as a brand is very strong in Sou
UK - Sennheiser will be heading to The Warehouse Sound Services in Glasgow on 6 December (Wednesday) for a seminar to explain the forthcoming changes to the UHF RF spectrum. Increasing pressure on UHF spectrum means that implementation of wireless system can be challenging. The seminar intends to help users address these issues, as well as providing information on acoustics, RF technology and components. During the seminar participants will work with Sennheiser experts to expand their knowledge of antenna technology, RF technology, in-ear monitoring and more. The event will also feature a demonstration of the Digital 6000 radio mic system. Designed for demanding live productions, Digital 6000 also addresses the challenges of the shrinking UHF spectrum: The system eliminates intermodulation, enabling more channels to operate in less spectrum space. The event is fr
UK - Sound Technology has been acquired by Midwich Group, becoming the latest wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group. The pro audio and lighting distributor will continue to operate as an independent company from its Letchworth Garden City base, with no changes to its board members, workforce or market approach. Sound Technology chairman, Robert Wilson MBE, comments: “After close to 40 years, Sound Technology has grown into a company operating on a large-scale in multiple market sectors. We continue to see exciting growth opportunities within all these markets, and the time is right for the company to enter its next phase in order to facilitate further expansion and success.” Stephen Fenby, Midwich’s Managing Director, says: “We have watched the success of Sound Technology over recent years and are delighted to have persuaded Bob, David and the
Europe - DPA Microphones has acquired UK pro audio distributor Sound Network. The acquisition was confirmed following the decision of Sound Network founders Pete Wandless and Ralph Dunlop to retire from the business. The two companies have had a close relationship for more than 20 years, with Sound Network distributing DPA products in the UK broadcast, live sound and theatre markets. The UK company, which will be headed up by sales and marketing director Adam Pierce, will retain its name and staff structure and continue to observe its distribution arrangements with other manufacturers such as Sony Pro Audio, Meris, Bubblebee Industries, Quested Monitors, Smart Research and China Cones. DPA’s CEO Kalle Hvidt Nielsen, comments: “Sound Network has been a marvellous ambassador for DPA for many years and has invested heavily in the brand. By acquiring the busines
USA - Fulcrum Acoustic has appointed Audio Source as its exclusive sales representative for Northern California and Northern Nevada. The appointment comes as Fulcrum is experiencing a significant increase in brand recognition and product sales in key markets. "Fulcrum Acoustic's innovative loudspeakers provide technological advantages that are unrivaled in their price/performance category," states Audio Source president Richard Gibson. "We pride ourselves in providing high-quality representation for some of the finest brands in the AV industry, and are thrilled to partner with Fulcrum to help facilitate their continued growth." "Audio Source brings considerable market knowledge and experience to the table, as well as a customer-centric attitude consistent with our own," explains Fulcrum Acoustic Western US sales Manager Jon Sager. "We are excited to have them on board
South Africa - DWR Distribution has scheduled the Robe Fixture Workshop presented by Steve Eastham, international customer support at Robe. Taking place in Johannesburg from 12 - 14 February 2018, the course will then be presented in Durban (5, 16 & 19 February), and Cape Town from 21 - 23 February. Joining the entertainment lighting industry in 1992, Steve worked for 17 years for Vari-Lit’e Europe’s Technical Support team, managing the department through its transition to VLP after the sale of the Vari-lite brand. Thereafter he moved to PRG before freelancing as a touring technician in 2009. Steve joined Robe to take up his present position in 2012. The two-day seminar consists of an introduction to the company and its manufacturing operation, the Robe Robin range and the important differences between Robe fixtures and those of other manufacturers. Steve has w
