Events

Details

14 March 2016

UK - Cadac Electronics Plc unveiled its new S-Digital mixing console at PLASA '06 this week at Earl's Court in London. The Cadac S-Digital, designed from the ground up specifically for theatre sound applications, "sets a new yardstick in digital console design for live sound", say Cadac.

In a major departure from conventional paradigms, the S-Digital is conceived to reflect the surface architecture of Cadac's industry standard J-Type analogue console. It combines the J-Type's hallmark audio quality, tools and features with the operational and creative benefits of audio manipulation and control in the digital domain - producing a digital console that sounds, looks and behaves like a familiar analogue desk.

The Cadac S-Digital builds on the company's 20-year history at the forefront of theatre sound. In its basic configuration, it offers a minimum specification of 72 i

Details

14 March 2016

Unlike other fixtures in its class, the MAC TW1 is an "all in one" solution, meaning one version of the fixture can travel the world without the need for inconvenient adjustments or the expense of having multiple models on hand. The MAC TW1 can be fitted with a 230V, 240V or 115V lamp, as well as a new breed of 80V lamp that offers a far superior output to traditional mains voltage lamps.

The MAC TW1's i

Details

14 March 2016

This reflects the interest of Spanish companies in this exhibition, which has become the prime market focus for Spain's national entertainment technology industry. Contracted exhibitors to date include Adagio, Ben-Ri, D.A.S. Audio, Equipson, Gemini, Guil, Pinanson, Seesound, Stonex and Yamaha, among others.

Further information on the exhibition is available from the AFIAL website provided below.

(Lee Baldock)

Details

14 March 2016

Exact visitor figures will be released in due course, following the independent ABC Audit of the figures. However, early indications are that PLASA '06 may even have surpassed last year's PLASA Show (which was memorable for its frenetic business activity) with a notable increase in visitor numbers, and a very strong international attendance.

Many of the exhibitors that the PLASA Media team spoke to across during the four days of the show praised both the quality of the customers they had been seeing, and the large numbers of international visitors from all around of the world. Despite a relatively 'quiet' S

Details

14 March 2016

Hall Stage have been working closely with designers Oak Creative Partners over the past year to develop this comprehensive web resource, with an extensive "Support" library of over 150 downloads, ranging from data sheets for standard components to details on rigging procedures & "How to...." guides.

The site includes some illustrative Case Studies on some recent projects, and a sample of the companies 100 year History.

Hall Staff heaped praise on the team at Oak Creative, who have worked tirelessly on this exciting project. "Oaks' strong conceptual designs and technical back up make this an enjoyable and comprehensive website," says Doug Heather of Hall Sta

Details

14 March 2016

This new technology, plus upgraded software, has been integrated into the company's PhantomFrame system, the new system being called G-LEC Phantom II.

The technology gives such fine control over the graphics that images are rendered pixel-by-pixel, enabling curves to appear as true curves, instead of being pixellated. For most occasions such accuracy is not necessary, but it is vital for many corporate identities. Graphics such as circular logos - VW, BMW - are represented with crystal clear precision.

The high speed data transfer technology also opens up the way to build much larger systems and special constructions.

Flexibility

Details

14 March 2016

Over ninety Latin American Aero systems owners attended the event which focused more on the theory behind line arrays rather than on the practical side. The opening talk was by Jack Palacio, D.A.S. Audio export director; Able Villanueva's talk was concerned with the line array theory; Javier Navarro focused on the technical settings of Aero systems and the handling parameters of digital processors; Alejandro Valles commented on the electric and electronic aspects in the context of equipment interconnections. Ashok Maharaj expose

Details

14 March 2016

Commenting on the production itself, Rearden said, "All too often I hear the euphemism of 'we want to make this show all about the music' when the translation means, 'we want to make it all about the money!' However, in an absolute first, this show really is 'all about the music'. They have a stunning nine piece band whose talent is spectacular."

"This was my first outing with the BigLites," adds Rearden, "and I was very seriously impressed. At full intensity, they have the punch required, but it is the other functions that

Details

14 March 2016

"Radio microphone and miniature microphone technology in particular has had a huge impact on musical theatre," says sound designer Mick Potter, who specified the DPA mics, having used them extensively on all his sound designs since Saturday Night Fever in 1998. "The amount of frequencies now available for reliable use means miking all performers in a cast of 30 or 40 is no longer an issue. Transmitters are so small that on this production, female cast members wear them in their wigs, meaning no visible cable or transmitter packs at all. This is

Details

14 March 2016

John Harris,/XM Effanel Productions mixer, and Jay Vacari produced the live performance mixes for the VMAs telecast, and once again relied on their renovated L7 mobile production trailer's ICON system.

"At the VMAs, there is limited time for performing artists to rehearse on stage," explains John Harris, XM Productions/Effanel mixer. "ICON allowed us to maximise that time by recording

Details

14 March 2016

Highlights of the show include Sports Development Week with a built in sports arena. A series of sports demonstrations will take place featuring the latest techniques in training. In the wet leisure section of the show there will be a fully working swimming pool from Astral Pool UK, with a number of pool demonstrations from the ASA, STA and Olympic swimmers.

Networking events include the Leaders in Leisure VIP Dinner (by invitation only), the Attractions industry Party at Drayton Manor Park, and the FIA

Details

14 March 2016

Staged in The Netherlands' internationally renowned Royal Carre Theatre, Stardust's Rembrandt celebrates the 400th anniversary of the great painter. Orbital's team, headed by Drew Mollison, collaborated with sound designer Jeroen ten Brinke from the early planning stages to ensure that the specified Alcons system met his exact requirements.

Jeroen Brinke commented: "Working to a tight three-week pre-production phase, the Orbital team were fantastic. Streamlining operations on site, their practical advice and 24/7 technical support team sets a precedent. It's great working with them. Their level of service and support through the production process and on-going has been unparalleled."

Details

14 March 2016

Asimetrik in Turkey received the award for 'Most Improved Territory in Europe', whilst EAD from China was awarded 'Most Improved Territory in Asia'; 'Most Improved Territory in Latin America' went to Masteraudio from Argentina, and Canada's Erikson Pro received 'Most Improved Territory in North America'. The most prestigious award went to American Music & Sound, which was presented with 'Distributor of the Year'.

"We are extremely pleased with the effort our distributors have made over our fiscal year and are proud to honour their achievements with these awards. Particular mention must go to our American distributor, who not only achieved the biggest increase in sales, but was presented with 'Distr

Details

14 March 2016

The whole system was designed and manufactured in house, pooling skills from the company's technical, marketing, production and engineering departments. The game featured Codemasters' ToCA 3 Honda 2006, racing Civic saloon cars that zoomed around the famous Brand's Hatch circuit. The Challenge - recording the fastest of three lap times - proved a popular respite from the hustle and bustle of the exhibition.

The quic

Details

14 March 2016

Introduced in late 2003, Light Relief Yellow #313 is part of Rosco's Supergel range of colour filters and was developed with the help of Fisher, co-founder, along with the late Tony Gottelier, of the industry charity that supports lighting designers with personal difficulties.

"What is so great about Rosco's support for Light Relief through Light Relief Yellow 313 is that it will continue to support Light Relief for years to come," says Fisher. "That kind of commitment to the industry and the people who work in it is what has always marked out Rosco. We in the UK really value Rosco's innovative way of helping Light Relief to answer the needs of people in the ligh

Details

14 March 2016

According to ML Executive's Oz Bagnall, project manager and system tech for the event, the concern, as always with Prodigy, was being able to provide a system large enough and powerful enough to match their legendary onstage monitoring needs, while still offering headroom to spare. As Prodigy's FoH engineer, Jon Burton put it; "Think of it as driving an expensive car with a big engine. You don't drive it flat out all the time, but when you put your foot down, you want to feel the power as it accele

Details

14 March 2016

The technical team of Jamaica's John Swaby Entertainment, the festival's audio provider, relied on a system of self-powered Meyer Sound loudspeakers to reinforce the many different musical styles featured at the event.

Since this was the first time that Meyer Sound products were used at the festival, Swaby Entertainment enlisted the support of Philip Grant, managing director of Sound Design in Kingston, Meyer's dealer in Jamaica, to ensure that the equipment reached the festival on time.

The main system consisted of an array of six MILO curvilinear a

Details

14 March 2016

Chili Peppers' drummer Chad Smith, bassist Flea, guitarist John Frusciante and singer Anthony Kiedis are backed by four Barco D7 screens on trolleys and an 80ft wide VersaTube wall which extends to the venue's roof then out over the floor via fingers stretching to the front of house. The 760 VersaTubes display a changing palette of lighting treatments and an array of video content, including animation, flickering CG imagery, IMAG and band footage.

"With the grandMA, we can adjust IMAG on the fly with the buttons on the desk," says Scott Holthaus, along with Grier Govorko, the show's designers from 40wattlabs. "We can distort images for an effect or go black and white from a rescan camera or supplement the performance with odd v

Details

14 March 2016

During the three intensive evenings of plotting, the desk performed faultlessly, said Hall. "Even better, the desk also performed during the show in the same manner. Essential Lighting's decision to add the grandMA range of consoles to its hire fleet is largely based on its reputation for reliability and this has been proved on this technically demanding event."

Hall insisted on all the lamps being central

Details

14 March 2016

A compact, solid state device, the AVC offers functionality equivalent to two DVD players and a vision mixer, with additional live input, all under integrated show control. AV clips, transitions and effects are programmed quickly and easily via the Pharos Designer software. An internal realtime and astronomical clock along with a bi-directional RS232/RS485 serial port provide triggering options for standalone operation.

The AVC combines seamlessly with the Pharos LPC as the second half of a complete control solution providing lighting, audio, video and show control for architectural ins

Details

14 March 2016

The latest training session took place on 19 July in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, under the direction of D.A.S. Audio sound engineer Joan La Roda, together with Pham Kim, D.A.S. distributor for Vietnam, who assisted La Roda in the organization of the event.

The main subject of the seminar was the presentation of Aero 28A and Aero 38 line array systems. About 30 people attended the seminar - an audience that included potential clients and sound reinforcement services providers. Joan La Roda gave a de

Details

14 March 2016

Lighting designer Kenneth Posner has created a dynamic and dramatic atmosphere on stage. He says: "The UK audience is in for an exciting and unique visual experience when they see Wicked. The entire design team spent many hours recreating the Broadway visual elements and embellishing the overall design. The Apollo, with its dramatic height but shallower and narrower stage, made it necessary for us to re-design and re-plot many of the scenes."

PRG Europe project manager for the show, Loz Wilcox

Details

14 March 2016

The first new product launch was the much-anticipated Lancelot from Robert Juliat, a high-powered effect projector/followspot aimed at the largest productions and venues. "The biggest problem we then had with the Lancelot was stopping people pointing it into the milling crowd," explains White Light's Managing Director, Bryan Raven.

From LSC in Australia, the MaXim desk and E24 touring dimmer rack were on show. White Light's sales director Peter Threadgold and Gary Pritchard from LSC announced that White Light had been appointed

Details

14 March 2016

PSL is one of the Official AV suppliers to the IBC, and maintains a full team of project managers and technicians on site for the duration of the show. This year's Convention was judged to be the largest ever, as the industry makes preparations for the advent of high-definition television.

For the event, PSL invested in a substantial number of Panasonic's new HD plasmas, as well as additional HD-ready 45" screens. PSL project manager, Charlie Hill, says: "Our clients in this industry expect a very high standard from us, and they're very specific about the kit they want. For them, it's not just a matter of displayi