China - Shanghai ACE, a branch of ACE (International) Co, recently installed an end-to-end Harman Professional Solutions networked audio system at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre complex. At 15.8m sq.ft, the NECC in Shanghai is the largest convention facility of its kind in the world. The massive complex has a four-leaf-clover shape, with four main exhibit halls branching off from a central plaza. In preparation for the inaugural China International Import Expo, an international trade fair proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the facility underwent extensive renovations. The NECC hired Harman distributor Shanghai ACE to upgrade the facility with a complete Harman networked audio solution including JBL loudspeakers, Crown amplifiers, dbx and BSS signal processors and Soundcraft mixers. “Due to the rigid security of state leader conferences, t
The Netherlands - Production company Spectrum AV has created a blank canvas studio in its warehouse that it is renting out to promotors who wish to host virtual dance festivals during the coronavirus lockdown. Featuring an impressive lighting rig, comprised of 68 ADJ fixtures, it allows the atmosphere of a high-energy DJ set to be captured and live-streamed for fans to watch in the safety of their own homes. Established for over 15 years, Spectrum AV is a full-service lighting, video, audio and effects rental and production company based in the village of Udenhout, which is located between Tilburg and ‘s-Hertogenbosch in The Netherlands. Although the company supplies a wide range of clients spanning across the entertainment and business worlds, it has developed a particular niche in the EDM festival market. With a business model designed to make life as easy as possi
Austria - Starnacht (Star Night) is one of the more popular televised live music programmes in German-speaking countries. Broadcast from Austria since 2000, the programme has several editions and is known for its diverse mix of national and international artists who perform amid a festival-like atmosphere against majestic backdrops like the Giant Ferris Wheel in Vienna or the spectacular peaks of the Alps. Austrian-based full-service event technology supplier Droneberger Showtechnik specialises in television productions and has been lighting Starnacht shows since 2005/2006. The company, which operates from the town of Klagenfurt, sought a flexible luminaire to enhance the Starnacht stage in colour and effect and last summer purchased Elation Professional Paladin multi-effect lights to use on Starnacht am Wörthersee, Starnacht aus der Wa
USA - Like much else in bluegrass country, there is a tranquil beauty to Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington, KY. With its gently curved inlayed stone outer walls, multi-level windowed surfaces, and soaring main tower, the 433-bed medical centre on the outskirts of this picturesque town, projects a sense of serenity and calmness. It is a sense that has reassured Kentuckians through good times and bad since 1877, when the hospital was founded by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. In 2020, this modern medical facility came to the aid of its community in another crisis by serving at the centre of the region’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This June, Saint Josephs showed its gratitude to the hospital’s health care heroes and its support for families that have been impacted by the virus with two successive week-long lighting displays created by Studio46 Media, usin
Finland - Åbo Svenska Teater, a Swedish-speaking theatre in the heart of Turku, is the oldest still functioning theatre in Finland. Exuding 19th century glamour, the venue is known for hosting plays and musicals such as Les Misérables, Hair, and The Rocky Horror Show. This April, the theatre’s audio system was brought up-to-date with the installation of L-Acoustics Syva, which has solved the theatre’s complex acoustical challenges. The system was delivered in March and originally scheduled for installation in May. However, when the theatre was shut and all performances cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was decided to use the hiatus to install the system ahead of time, made possible by the theatre’s team performing the installation themselves. Pauli Molnár of L-Acoustics certified provider distributor, Audico, has a long history w
UK - The Royal Society of Chemistry has upgraded its audio-visual systems at its Burlington House headquarters with the addition of a K-array loudspeaker system supplied by 2B Heard and installed by the Torpedo Factory Group, enabling the Society to offer better quality sound and vision as a leading central London venue for its many rental clients. Key to the library’s attraction as a venue - prized by users for seminars, conferences, lectures, award ceremonies, fine dining and private functions – is its integrated audio-visual facilities and, taking an opportunity to benefit from the latest technological advancements, the RSC decided this year to upgrade its audio systems in order to provide better coverage and improved intelligibility to meet the growing requirements of its corporate clients. In consultation with the Torpedo Factory Group (TFG) and following an o
France - As Culturespaces opens the world’s largest digital art centre, the cultural operator continues its successful collaboration with Modulo Pi. Opened on June 10, 2020, the Bassins de Lumières (The Ponds of Lights) in Bordeaux relies on 30 Modulo Kinetic media servers to provide an outstanding immersive art experience. Culturespaces Digital turned to Modulo Pi and chose the Modulo Kinetic media server solution in 2018, when it created the first digital art centre in Paris, the Atelier des Lumières. Opened in April 2018, the Atelier des Lumières already welcomed more than 2m visitors eager to experience a new immersive approach to the work of famous artists such as Klimt, Van Gogh, Monet, and more. Since the opening of the Atelier des Lumières, Modulo Kinetic has become the exclusive media server for each existing or new digital art centre by Culturespaces
Russia - A recent upgrade of AV systems in the central conference hall at the Moscow head offices of the Mosenergosbyt AO energy company – the largest wholesale energy company in the Russian Federation – saw the installation of an Amate Audio Xcellence X208 line array, providing the complete audio reinforcement for the 180 seat auditorium. Charged with bringing the company’s principal conference facility into the 21st century, system integrator Atanor group – an Amate Audio authorised distributor in the Russian Federation – opted to ensure even distribution of high intelligibility audio signals throughout the auditorium by means of a line array. The X208 was chosen as providing a highly efficient, effective and compact solution by virtue of its novel coupling of X208A active and X208P passive array elements, where power and DSP loudspeaker system management i
USA - When the live music industry screeched to a halt March due to COVID-19, Sidewalk Prophets, a Christian music band knew they still wanted to reach out to people with a message of love and positivity. Their tour was revamped for a virtual audience, and rather than stream one show, the band has twelve performances scheduled for free access, if you live within the region of the show, with different set lists played live. “With COVID-19 having such a massive effect on the industry, it was unclear how long it would be before we would play live shows again,” said production manager Robert Mays. “After one phone call with Mike Golden, I knew I had the full support of Bandit and that this show would no doubt be a success.” “The vision of this project is to find a unique way to connect with our audience through the medium of live stream concerts,” said rhythm
USA - Anticipation was high for Kayzo’s Unleashed Tour when it was announced in January. Scheduled to begin 27 March in Denver with stops across the USA, before wrapping up 9 May in Seattle, the tour represented the next step in the former Insomniac Discovery Project winner’s impressive musical ascent. Then, the COVID-19 outbreak brought plans for the tour to a halt, just as it was about to begin. But Kayzo refused to allow a pandemic to box him in. Determined to reach fans despite the lockdown, he teamed up with 4Wall Entertainment to livestream the Unleashed Tour. Reflecting the intensity of the star’s two-hour performance, which was hosted by Insomniac, was a 16-universe Dallas Gasper-designed lightshow that featured Chauvet Professional Maverick MK3 Wash fixtures and Cloud 9 low lying foggers. “Our team was gearing up to start this tour when the entir
Brazil - When rental company Maxi Audio had to close the doors on the planned in-store Maxi Academy training programme, it was determined not to let its customers down and swiftly set up an alternative, online programme. Broadcast and Front of House engineer, Renato Carneiro, Audio Systems' DiGiCo support, a regular supporter of the Maxi Academy and long-time DiGiCo user, delivered the first session, based on the mix he had done for popular Brazilian duo Bruno & Marrone’s first live YouTube performance. “Maxi's training programme is 100% free and open to the market,” says Carneiro. “The idea of my original, face-to-face session was to have a quick description of an SD12 and rebuild the actual session used in Bruno & Marrone live shows - remember those shows we used to do on a proper stage, with an audience? - using the multitrack show recordings. We ha
Australia - FOH engineer James ‘Oysters’ Kilpatrick is one of Australia’s most experienced and has mixed for a who’s who of Australian music. The COVID-19 pandemic left him with no work so he decided to put all his gear, knowledge and contacts to good use creating The Roadie Show. Along with key contributors Barry Brody, Alex Saad and Christian McBride, the team behind the project have a combined history of more than 100 years of stage, screen and touring experience in the live music business. “The Roadie Show aims to provide fun-filled and creative opportunities to keep going and stay busy in this fragile climate of uncertainty,” commented Oysters. “Essentially, it brings long-time mates, roadies and musicians together with a Plan B to keep a small part of the once-thriving global entertainment industry alive.” “This project is gu
UK - Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, White Light (WL) and Bug Productions joined forces to create FLUX, a hybrid performance space safely connecting artist, fan and host for a live music experience. Following their first European headline tour and cancellation of the US leg due to lockdown, King Nun frontman Theo Polyzoides was the first artist to perform in this immersive environment. Utilising technical solutions specialist WL’s socially distanced SmartStage studio in London, Polyzoides was joined by music reporter Jimmy Blake, to deliver the intimate gig for an exclusive group of fans. From the safety of remote participation, the fans were able to enjoy a front-row virtual experience and up close personal interaction with the artist. Lee Dennison, WL’s head of business development explains: “As lockdown started, many artists started recording themselves singing or
UK - Torpedo Factory Group has upgraded the audio-visual system at the London headquarters of the Royal Society of Chemistry, one of the UK’s oldest professional scientific associations, established in the mid-19th century with the goal of advancing the chemical sciences. Burlington House, Mayfair, has been the RSC’s residence since 1857, and is famed for its historic library that not only houses a world-class collection of scientific journals but is also a leading event venue in central London. Key to the Library’s attraction as a venue – prized by users for seminars, conferences, lectures, award ceremonies and private functions – is its integrated audio-visual facilities and, taking an opportunity to benefit from the latest technological advancements, the RSC decided this year to upgrade its systems in order to provide better coverage and improved intelligi
Belgium - Lighting, visuals, show and production design practice Painting with Light (PWL) has opened – in partnership with NEP Belgium – a new virtual event studio at its C-MINE HQ in Genk, Belgium, offering a streaming production / broadcast facility – including full virtual audience interactivity – to deliver digital events. Based on a model created by Univate in The Netherlands, the new PWL Studio space offers an innovative and creative approach for staging virtual events of all types – from keynote speeches, corporate meetings and presentations to brand activations, product launches and conferences to seminars to album launches, parties and live music streams. The project is a response to the massive increase in demand for streamed, ‘delivered-live’ and recorded events and content to expand reach and visibility in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic
China - When construction began on the Xi’an Olympic Sports Centre, home of China’s 14th National Games, officials wanted the modern 18,000 seat venue to feature a PA system that would give every seat a memorable experience. With help from pro audio distributor EzPro International, officials found the solution they were looking for in EAW’s Radius (RSX) Series loudspeakers and subwoofers. “In designing the sound system, the goal was to provide the same frequency response for each listening area and to address any unevenness throughout the audience areas,” says system designer Zhang Xianjun. “We first built a 3D model for the stadium in AutoCAD, according to the architectural drawings. We then imported the model into EASE4.3 acoustic analysis software, followed by a 1:1 EASE model setup. We choose EAW’s RSX line array for its strong directivity, ability to optim
UK - TSL Lighting helped independent live events production company LRI create a Covid-secure lighting package for a live stream training session by e-learning company, Skillsoft, in May. TSL was approached by lighting designer Tim Ball to supply a fitting solution for the project, with a specification that would provide the presentation with the perfect balance of lighting for the cameras filming the session. Skillsoft had originally programmed its Perspectives 2020 session as an in-person event, but the Covid-19 lockdown meant that LRI and Skillsoft worked quickly to transform the production into a fully online, global digital experience. Ball’s design included Chroma-Q Colorforce II 48 LED battens for scenic treatment, Arri 650 Plus fresnels for key lighting, ETC Source Four Profiles for graphics highlights and an array of battery-powered Astera AX3 L
UK - Farming showcase event Cereals should have been taking place in Duxford this week. However, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it has been unable to go ahead in its physical form this year. Instead, the event’s organiser Comexposium is holding virtual event Cereals LIVE 2020 with a programme that covers all the key demonstrations, exhibitors and seminars. Regular exhibitor, John Deere is participating and shared an exclusive preview to select customers earlier this week. The online demonstration highlighted key feature updates to three of its best-selling machines and the benefits of its ‘My John Deere’ technology live to an audience of 250, utilising a purpose-built studio, presenters, cameras and live streaming technology, delivered by its long-standing exhibition and audio-visual partner OneBigStar. With several new technological advancements added
USA - In accordance with City of Chicago guidance, Sensaphonics has reopened its Chicago headquarters. After nearly three months of required closure, all facilities are back in operation, including the Musicians Hearing Clinic and the adjoining manufacturing lab. All Sensaphonics operations are being conducted under the social distancing guidelines suggested by the CDC and City of Chicago. The company has issued a simple set of rules for its staff and visitors, designed to protect employees and clients by minimizing any possible virus exposure. For the Musician Hearing Clinic, only one client will be permitted in the building at a time. All visits are by appointment only, and all guests must pass a temperature scan before being admitted. Visitors must bring and wear their own facemask, and the use of gloves is encouraged, though not required. Sensaphonics staff will w
UK - Technical event production company Sterling Event Group has created Sterling Studio, a Manchester based studio space designed to boost the production value of webinars and other virtual events, over video conferencing and online meeting platforms such as Zoom, Go To Meeting, Skype and Webex. The studio, supported by UK distributor PSCo, boasts an impressive digital backdrop from LED display manufacturer Absen. The idea to create a studio dedicated to virtual events was curated before the COVID-19 lockdown, just as the need for an events space with the capacity for high production quality was rising - a need that has only increased since. “The studio space allows us to use our rental equipment and create a space for users to virtually present to their audience using state of the art technologies, without the obvious limitations that come with presenting from home
USA - With its 76 fixtures and 18ft by 10ft video wall, the rig set up inside the Harford Sound warehouse in Joppa, MD, looks like it’s being prepped for a live event. But the impressive collection of Chauvet Professional lights and F4IP LED video panels isn’t going anywhere, nor was it ever intended to. Instead, it has remained inside the company’s 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse since early March, turning out a series of immersive livestream shows at a clip of three to four a week. Harford Sound owner Evan Kirkendall and his team didn’t pull any punches when they created this 30ft by 25ft performance space following the COVID-19 lockdown. Rather than limiting themselves to providing a “scaled down studio” that bands could use for livestreams, their goal was to offer something that would have a far more lasting impact, allowing clients to create videos that would benef
UK - A call has gone out for people to nominate their hero to feature as a portrait, digitally projected onto one of 33 trees in and around Manchester City Centre, as part of a project being delivered by Greater Manchester charity City of Trees, Hits Radio and projection artists, Illuminos. Hits Radio launched their Hero Hour to promote the people who are going out of their way to keep us healthy, safe and fed during this time. Greater Manchester-based projection artists Illuminos - the force behind many large scale art projects including the Lunar Loops Blue Dot festival illumination at Jodrell Bank last year, and the ‘Momentous’ projections on Leeds Civic Hall - were inspired by Hits’ Hero Hour. They have teamed up with charity City of Trees, who aims to plant and nurture at least 3m trees - one tree for every person living in the city region, fo
UK - Technical solutions specialist White Light (WL) recently hosted an exclusive digital session for the 2020 graduates of Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance, in collaboration with key industry partners. Senior representatives from disguise, Royal Albert Hall and The Society of British Theatre Designers remotely joined the panel for the insight and Q&A discussion, delivered from WL’s SmartStage studio in London. The session aimed to inspire the next generation of skilled creatives starting their careers at this unsettling time of Covid-19. The panel explored some of the new opportunities arising from the different corners of the industry, as businesses are adapting and pivoting their services due to the pandemic. A key theme was the rapid advance we have seen in recent months, immersing everyone even further into a digital world of work, communicati
Myanmar - Total Electronic Solutions recently equipped mCube Family Karaoke’s two locations in Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon) with JBL KP Series loudspeakers and Crown XLi amplifiers. mCube is a popular karaoke chain with two locations in Myanmar’s largest city. Their Waizayandar location features 18 karaoke rooms of varying sizes, while the City Mall St. John location features 10. To provide loud and dynamic music, clear and intelligible vocals and consistent, focused coverage for large and small groups, mCube required cutting-edge sound systems tailored specifically for karaoke establishments. Total Electronic Solutions outfitted both locations with complete Harman audio solutions featuring specialised JBL KP 4000 and 6000 Series karaoke loudspeakers powered by Crown XLi Series amplifiers. "As the seating capacity for karaoke rooms ranges from 4 to 30 p
