UK - This month sees one of Audient’s USB audio interfaces, iD14-LE take to the stage in the capable hands of theatre sound designer, Kenan Trevien who is working on Pericles, Prince de Tyr at the Barbican. This Cheek By Jowl production is an adaptation of a rarely seen Shakespeare play directed by award-winning Declan Donnellan in collaboration with Nick Ormerod, and performed in French with English subtitles. Kenan explains the setup he’s used in the run up to this latest production: “I have one laptop dedicated to the cues on the PA, and the iD14-LE is plugged into the laptop I keep for designing new sounds. As the monitor outputs and the main outputs are independent, I can easily choose to work quietly with my headphones or to test new sounds on the PA whilst the actors on stage.” The play follows the hero, Pericles on a journey involving pirates, m
UK - The Harrogate Convention Centre has been evolving as a conference and events venue since what was then the Spa Rooms hosted the British Medical Association in 1884. The first purpose-built halls were added in 1959, and today HCC is recognized as one of the country’s leading multi-use venues with 147,000 sq ft (13,700 sq m) of completely modular exhibition/event space across nine flat-floored, interconnected halls. In order to bring the venue fully into line with modern standards and expectations, HCC has recently invested in a brand new distributed, networked audio system with a Symetrix DSP backbone and Dante audio networking supplied by CUK Audio and installed by Acoustic Solutions. “We clearly needed to replace our old system which was becoming unreliable,” explained HCC’s technical manager, Ross Simpson. “The site has grown considerably over the year
UK - There’s something out of the ordinary about doing a gig in a cave. However, when Jonathan Stafford of Cornish band Haunt the Woods approached Plymouth music technology college dBs Music to supply a PA system for their much anticipated EP launch gig, it seemed like a perfect challenge for dBs Music’s team Live Sound. The complex nature of trying to optimise a sound system which would cover the audience area equally throughout the cavernous 500-capacity space outside Liskeard, meant that careful thought was required ahead of the show to ensure the right equipment was specified. However, the newly supplied Martin Audio MLA Mini system was a perfect solution to achieving this. According to dBs music lecturer and live sound technician, Olly Wickes, discussions regarding a next generation PA system had begun more than a year earlier. It was Simon Honywill, one of
UK - Rick Wakeman recently recorded a live version of his successful 2017 Piano Portraits release in front of an audience at Lincoln Cathedral. Longtime Wakeman studio engineer / producer Erik Jordan employed an Allen & Heath dLive system for the project, comprising an S7000 surface with M-Dante card, DM64 MixRack and DX32 Expander, supplied by Tech-Serve Audio Consultants. Jordan found that dLive’s ease of use and fast, flexible routing made it the perfect choice for a challenging live recording scenario. “I knew from Ian Barfoot, Rick’s FOH engineer and a longstanding dLive user, how flexible and intuitive the system was to use and although this was my first real dLive experience, it took very little time to become familiar with. We had around twenty mics for Rick’s vocal, piano, audience and ambient pickup and – because the show was filmed
The Netherlands - Don’t Let Daddy Know (DLDK) is one of the biggest international EDM parties taking its Ibiza roots and transitioning into a worldwide dance phenomenon known for spectacular production values. The 2018 Amsterdam edition, produced by Dutch7, returned to the renowned Ziggo Dome for two nights, for the first time with creative lighting designed by Bas Knappers from Netherlands based creative practice, Live Legends. Live Legends has previously provided programming and operating teams for the event and in the design ‘hot seat’ Bas specified 122 x Robe Pointes and 40 x MegaPointes as part of a large lighting rig? supplied by Rent-All together with video and sound. An all-star line-up included Axwell Λ Ingrosso, Steve Angello, Nervo, Nicky Romero, Timmy Trumpet, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Headhunterz, Wildstylez and much more superlative music.
Australia - When Ben Hunt, head of lighting at the Empire Theatres, Toowoomba, in Queensland first fired up their new Robert Juliat Dalis LED cyclorama lights, his first impression was “finally we’ve found something up to the task”. “It’s no secret that to light a cyclorama with conventional asymmetrical floods is going to require some serious power along with its consumable lamps and colour filters – especially when you’re lighting a 14m by 9m cloth,” commented Ben. “That task had been dealt with by sixteen, four cell Selecon Aurora cyc floods and you could hear the power meter groan every time we flicked the switch on!” Ben added that the theatre had been looking at the LED cyclorama light market intently for the last few years waiting for the right product to pop up that would allow them to light their cyclorama with a quality light, but also giv
Portugal - Portuguese National Broadcaster RTP, in a joint initiative with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), selected the combination Ampco Flashlight and local Portuguese partner Pixel Light as supplier for lighting, rigging and motion for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon. The combination of Ampco Flashlight’s international experience and local Pixel Light’s professional knowledge proved a winning team for one of the most demanding and popular live TV shows in the world, with a live TV audience of over 200 million. Dennis van der Haagen, CCO/COO Ampco Flashlight Rental comments, “For years we have been the supplier of motion systems through our CyberMotion technology. The experience we have with this production and our international acclaimed status as a full-service company convinced us that we should apply for the lighting and rigging packa
USA - The North Carolina Museum of Art amphitheatre has used various PA systems over the years but has now settled on a Martin Audio MLA Compact, deployed by RMB Audio. Asked to describe the current system, RMB’s Tobias Cannady says: “We’d originally used speakers stacked but then negotiated for the ability to fly MLA Compact for an improve the Joseph M. Bryan Jr. Theatre is known for its summer concert series. “The set-up includes eight flown MLA Compact cabinets per side with four Martin Audio DSX subs ground-stacked on each side of the stage and CDD-LIVE 15’s for side fills and delays. “There’s been a significant improvement in several areas with the new system,” Cannady continues. “Even though the stage is lower than most of the seating, the MLA Compact system is able to throw much further, with a more cohesive sound quality while cleaning
China - Hong Kong-based Cosmo Pro AV partnered with AV Stumpfl to deliver a media server solution for Ocean Park’s new theatre, the Applause Pavilion. Ocean Park, Hong Kong’s most impressive theme park, merges education with entertainment. With 44 rides and 7.7m visitors on average annually who come from all over the world to see its attractions, the park first deployed AV Stumpfl’s systems in 2016 for its Cyber Illusion Show, when it rented the Wings Stage Engine and RAW Engine from Cosmo Pro AV. Such was its success that Ocean Park decided to invest beyond renting and instructed Cosmo Pro AV to design a comprehensive, permanent video system using AV Stumpfl technology for its Applause Pavilion. Jason Yeung, sales engineer at Cosmo Pro AV, who project managed the installation from start to finish and trained the staff, explores Ocean Park’s special r
USA - When singer-songwriter Cole Swindell announced plans for his 2018 headlining tour, it was easily his largest to date. Swindell has continued to grow both as an artist and as a touring phenomenon. Looking to now build a high-energy, yet intimate storytelling experience for his first arena headlining tour, Swindell’s production team once again teamed up with the Nashville-based production provider Elite Multimedia for lighting, LED video, and live IMAG video support. “We have done headlining tours before, but nothing on this scale with our own opening acts for an extended arena tour run,” began production designer James ‘Mo’ Butts. “As an artist, Cole will give us broad stroke ideas, but then will leave a lot of the technical aspects up to us to sculpt into the final design. Going into this tour design, we really wanted to showcase Cole’s evolution as an a
UK - Edinburgh based lighting, sound and AV company, Black Light, continues its relationship with ETC by acquiring 26 High End Systems SolaFrame 750s to their already impressive hire stock. Calder Sibbald, head of hire & production at Black Light says: “Black Light has been looking for the next addition to our ever expanding moving light stock and eager to see what High End Systems could bring to our strong relationship with ETC. We were blown away with the demo from Jeremy Roberts from ETC, with its high output, smooth operation and excellent price point - it was the perfect unit for us to add to our fleet of moving light.” The SolaFrame 750s are the smallest and newest LED framing fixture in the Sola Series family of automated tools. Designed for use in small to medium sized venues, the SolaFrame 750 features a compact footprint but with a massive feature se
Greece - CinemaNext recently deployed a complete Martin by Harman LED wall lighting solution in its first Sphera theatre installation at Village Cinemas. CinemaNext recently debuted its new premium format Sphera theatre concept at Village Cinemas in the Mall of Athens. Combining the latest in projection, audio and lighting technologies, the Sphera theatre at Village Cinemas includes an 82ft wide wall-to-wall screen, 669 luxury seats, 4K digital video projectors and a high-quality Dolby Atmos surround sound system. To provide an innovative movie going experience, CinemaNext decided to incorporate Martin VDO Sceptron LED video fixtures to create a dynamic lighting system that complements the visuals on the screen. “Our goal was to offer a more enthralling experience by including an immersive multi-dimensional lighting effect,” says Jérôme Michel, business developm
Indonesia - Djakarta Warehouse Project (DWP) began in 2008 as a dance club event by entertainment company Ismaya Live. A hit from the start, the event moved to the Djakarta International Expo (JIExpo) in 2014 and has blossomed, with Clair Brothers as a key ingredient, into an all-out festival that spans two days. In 2015, DWP was crowned 'The Best EDM Festival of 2015' by EDM Sauce. Today, DWP is Asia’s second largest two-day dance music festival, boasting more than 90,000 attendees in 2016, with an estimated 20,000 travellers from 39 different countries each year. It was the move to the JIExpo outdoor stage area that i made clear the need for a sound system that could handle such a large space. Clair Brothers was the first choice of the production company - Live Production Indonesia, based on its partnership since 2012 with Clair Brothers’ rental partner Total Audio.
Sweden - Niklas Pohlman is a freelance lighting designer based in Sweden’s two largest cities, Stockholm and Gothenburg. He focuses on lighting artworks and fine art installations. Recently, he specified Anolis ArcSource 4 MCs LED fixtures to illuminate Do You Go Here Often?, three striking pillars wrapped with a bronze fabric effect created by sculptor Yvonne Thornqvist outside the Göteborgs Stadsbibliotek (Gothenburg City Library). The bronze treatment is actually a wrap of the pavement-to-first floor level sections of three concrete structural pillars running through the front of the building, which is one of the busiest public facilities in the city. Fulfilling many roles, the library is a hub for literary vibrancy and learning, a meeting place and a lively community and social space. The work was commissioned by HIGAB a community-based provider of
UK - The record-breaking production of Shrek the Musical has exploded back onto the stage this year on a second UK & Ireland tour and Hawthorn has joined the adventure. With lighting equipment supplied to meet the design of leading lighting designer Hugh Vanstone, Hawthorn invested in Martin MAC Viper Performances and MAC Aura XB fixtures to meet the requirements of the Shrek tour and many others, expanding its lighting inventory as part of its ongoing programme of investment in new equipment. The rig was further made up of MAC Viper Wash DXs and ETC LUSTR2 Profiles. Utilising Chroma-Q Color Force 72 Battens, Hawthorn offered an updated Cyc lighting solution, removing the need of the older, heavy ETC Par battens. Hawthorn also supplied smoke effects and two Robert Juliat Cyrano Followspots to complete the design. All this was controlled off a GrandaMA2 netw
Singapore - The Lo & Behold Group owns and operates two OverEasy American-style diners in Singapore overlooking the Marina Bay skyline. To improve the overall sound experience for OverEasy patrons, and a permanent solution for outdoor space events, the Lo & Behold Group commissioned Electronics & Engineering Pte Ltd to design and install a new audio system for the One Fullerton Road venue. In addition to a substantial upgrade in audio quality, the owners wanted better zoning and greater level control within each of the zones. The permanent outdoor part of the system also required loudspeakers that could handle all weather conditions, particularly torrential rain and high humidity. Case Woo of Electronics & Engineering Pte Ltd was the audio consultant for the project, tasked to meet the varied requirements for indoors and outdoors with good aesthetics an
USA - As the newly launched d&b Soundscape system continues its worldwide rollout, it is finding itself in all kinds of creative and inspirational company. One such liaison is with Berlin-based experimental electronic pop outfit, Mouse on Mars. The creative duo behind Mouse on Mars - life-long friends Jan St. Werner and Andi Toma - seized upon the potential of d&b Soundscape as the tool with which to demonstrate the complex, layered aural dimensions of their multi-collaborative new album, Dimensional People. The album launch event, presented with the aid of percussion-playing robots, took place during a conference presented by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) called Dissolve Music. For Mouse on Mars, it was the ideal environment in which to showcase the special ‘spatial mix’ of their new album, through d&b Soundscap
USA - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) is out on the road with a lighting package provided by Bandit Lites. The British electronic music band, comprised of Andy McCluskey, Paul Humphreys, Martin Cooper and Stuart Kershaw, has been a staple in the synthpop scene even nearly 40 years after their debut performance in Liverpool. With 13 albums under their belts including the most recent release, The Punishment of Luxury, the OMD (so named to refute any potential punk band assumptions) has offered their insight on society ranging from the relationship of man and machine to a commentary on modernism. And with a decidedly contemporary sound, it is only fitting the lighting complement the music while keeping focus on the band. Bandit Lites supplied Showline Nitro 510C LED Strobes, Elation Paladin Strobes and Clay Paky Sharpys for the tour where lighting designer
USA - 2018’s Monster Energy Outbreak Tour is on the road with DJ Kayzo headlining and a full complement of new Elation Professional lighting fixtures hyping the rhythms of one of dance music’s newest and most sought after EDM DJ’s. Outbreak tours showcase emerging artists on their breakout tours and are an opportunity for young talent to get exposure. After DJ Kayzo released his debut album Overload on 19 January, he hit the road on the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour, his first national tour. Production includes a light show from Pin Point Lighting featuring some of Elation Professional’s newest luminaires - DARTZ 360 LED beam/spot fixtures, Paladin hybrid LED lights and Chorus Line 16 LED pixel bar wash luminaires. Production specialists Pin Point Lighting of Philadelphia provided the lighting rig and design for the show. “The artist wan
UK - Over 700 international television buyers from across the globe recently headed to ACC Liverpool for BBC Worldwide Showcase, the world’s largest international television market hosted by a single distributor. Taking place on 18-21 February, the event brought together producers, talent and BBC executives as well as Britain’s most successful creatives. For the 12th year running, creative technical event production expert Hawthorn supported BBC Worldwide to showcase its premium programmes, delivering two hotly-anticipated evening events. Putting premium British content right at the centre of the global stage, the evening events showcased the best of BBC talent and creativity to an audience of TV executives and producers. Led by the BBC Worldwide team, Hawthorn’s group creative director Peter Harding helped to produce and deliver the production design
Finland - A Genelec sound system has recently been installed at the Universal Music offices in Helsinki, delivering quality sound to the entire office space. Universal’s two-floor office is located in the Merikortteli building in the trendy Punavuori area of Helsinki. Previously a vast 28,000m² industrial building, Merikortteli has now largely been converted to a host of sophisticated office spaces. When Universal moved in in 2010, they called upon the services of interior designer, Eliisa Korpijärvi, to transform the dark and dingy factory area into a cosy, yet modern, office, with a light colour palette. The open plan space houses more than 20 employees, with two separate offices and meeting rooms, as well as a kitchen and living area. Whilst the renovated space retains its clean, modern feel, the same could no longer be said of the loudspeaker system which was
China - Star Events’ technology and inspiration was on the menu at a lunch for major promoters, production suppliers and principal venues in Shanghai recently. Hosted by Shanghai Mercedes-Benz Arena, China’s second busiest music venue, the event focused on the launch of the China PROM (Production Rigging Operations Manual) and the arena’s new house reduction solution, designed and installed by Star Events China, which was demonstrated to the lunch guests. Conceived by Star Events China, with input from engineers, local and international experts, rigging publications and the arena architect, PROM is the first rigging safety manual of its type in China. Built in 2010 for Shanghai World Expo, the Mercedes-Benz Arena has an extensive gallery level serving its sports commitments, which include NBA and NFL games. A roller blind mechanism, designed to scre
UK - Bristol-based lighting and video rental specialist Fineline was the LED screen supplier for the 2018 Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) shows at the Royal Albert Hall, which has seen another series of show-stopping performances and collaborations which help raise awareness and funds for the charity. This year’s line-up included Kasabian, The Courteeners, Def Leppard, Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue from UB40 who appeared as a trio, Nile Rogers and Chic, comedy from Russell Howard as well as The Who’s Roger Daltry, who has been instrumental in driving the annual RAH concert week since it started in 2000. This year he curated an evening of special guests including Muse frontman Matt Bellamy leading a super group including Graham Coxon who performed some of the Beatles’ greatest hits. Says Fineline’s Rob Sangwell, “It has been a fantastic experience all roun
UK - The recent unveiling of the first statue created to honour the life and work of David Bowie attracted worldwide media attention and crowds of fans flocked to the event. The bronze statue, entitled Earthly Messenger can be found in Aylesbury’s Market Square, the town where he first performed Ziggy Stardust in 1972, and is not just one statue. It’s a compilation of his very varied personas, from his Ziggy days in the 1970s, through a suited Bowie in the 80s and 90s to a more formal look in his later years. Overlooking the many faceted statue are two Bose 802 Series IV speakers which deliver a random selection of Bowie hits on the hour, every hour between 9am and 9pm seven days a week, and marking the contribution the singer made to UK popular culture. The speakers were installed by Bose pro partner, Adam Florio of AV Systems, who realised tha
