Germany - In its quest for an affordable yet effective system for both music and spoken word, the Lutheran Christusbrüdergemeinde in Wolfsburg, Germany, invited multiple installers to demonstrate possible solutions for their sanctuary.

At the end of that process, they chose a Dynacord system based on its Vertical Array components, which was designed by Olaf Trinkus from Trinkus Licht+Tontechnik, Wolfsburg.

The church sanctuary is a difficult space for audio design, with high ceilings and strong reverberation characteristics. The design goals were challenging. The church wanted clarity of spoken word, and big concert sound with full-range fidelity for musical presentations, with even distribution throughout the church and minimum acoustic feedback. Another requirement was minimal aesthetic impact, preserving sight lines while blending in with the architecture.

Dynacord

Papua New Guinea - ARX products feature heavily in the audio system for the upcoming Coke Studio TV series in Papua New Guinea.

Supplied by long time ARX users, Port Moresby based Six8eleven Video Productions, the ARX equipment list includes MSX 48 16ch Splitters, splitting signals for the monitor mix, multitrack recording studio and back up audio recording. ARX DI's were used on across the band's instruments and a 'Blue DI' Bluetooth Direct Box used for background music replay during breaks.

Coke Studio PNG, is a new Papua New Guinean television series which features live studio-recorded music performances by various local artists. Coke Studio combines myriad musical influences, from diverse local culture to contemporary hip hop, rock and pop music. Inspired by the Indian / Pakistan Show of the same name initial viewer response indicates it's destined to be

Portugal - NEXT-proaudio has grown its HFA Series with the inclusion of the compact 6" HFA106p. This model was designed to complement the existing larger products within the series. The quality and the power of the system make it suitable for installation, small systems for live music, as well as front-fill or side-fill. It is a system with a "fantastic ratio between the size and its sound pressure" says the company.

The HFA106p is a 6.5-inch model with a 90° x 40° dispersion (user rotatable) entirely made in Portugal, using quality custom made components, loaded by birch plywood enclosures, coated by a scratch resistant textured paint to assure an outstanding performance and an extensive use. Versatile enclosure design, combined with a wide range of mounting options and associated hardware, provides unrestricted flexibility for both portable and installed applications

UK - It's somewhat of an epic undertaking to install a 7:1 sound system into Wembley Arena, but that's exactly what Britannia Row Productions (Britrow) did when Bear Grylls' Endeavour tour began in October.

"Bear is a big presence on stage," said the tour's director Jim Baggott from Harvey Goldsmith's office. "As such every member of the audience needs to feel involved and a properly implemented surround system such as this goes a long way to making that happen. Everything in the production has to come up to that standard."

Britrow has some history in this area, "We were fortunate in that we have done something like this before," confirmed their project manager, Lez Dwight, "Not least the Hans Zimmer tour last year. So I was able to assemble an experienced team. Our system tech' Sergiy Zhytnikov has done a superb job, supported by crew chief Josh Thomas and the rest of the

France - L-Group, holding company of L-Acoustics, has announced the acquisition of CAMCO, the manufacturer of high-end amplified controllers, DSP and audio network solutions for the professional audio industry.

CAMCO has over 25 years of experience developing amplified controller technology and holds several patents in the trade. Based in Wenden, Germany, CAMCO counts 50 employees and distributes its products in 60 countries around the globe, in addition to supplying components to the industry's leading professional sound system manufacturers.

"For over a decade, CAMCO has been a key supply partner of L-Acoustics. Their expertise in electronics for the professional sound industry has contributed to the success of the L-Acoustics amplified controllers", explains Hervé Guillaume, managing director of the holding company. "Welcoming them into the L-Group family of comp

Brexit Fears - More than three quarters of the arts and culture sector believe UK productions will be damaged if freedom of movement within Europe is reduced. The finding comes from a new Arts Council England report, which claims increased administration costs from any further restrictions on movement are "likely to damage" business models across the sector.

The survey asked 1,013 organisations how they thought leaving the European Union would affect the arts in the UK. It reveals that, of 267 applicable responses, 75.3% said this would affect their UK productions by having a negative impact on their ability to bring artists and organisations into the UK. A large number of those surveyed were worried that barriers on bringing artists into the UK would result in a dip in artistic quality. Threats highlighted by arts organisations included "less sharing of skills, ideas and prac

UK - Marquee AV is continuing the expansion of its production and theatre lighting operations with the appointment of Peter Abery as project manager.

Senior project manager, Rob Whitaker, said, "Having recently taken on Paul Barker, the addition of Peter Abery now completes a very strong team to handle the lighting, audio and video requirements for projects of any size or complexity."

Abery has formerly worked for several specialist lighting installers, interspersed with extensive freelance work in television broadcast lighting for the BBC and ITV. He also enjoyed a spell in professional repertory theatre as head of the technical department and in house lighting design at the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch. He has many lighting projects to his credit, including installations at York Theatre Royal, Wells Cathedral School Concert Hall, BBC New Broadcasting House, Redbridge Colle

UK - Martin Audio has appointed Dan Orton to the newly created position of product group manager, with immediate effect.

Dan will report to James King, director of marketing, and his duties will include management of both the product portfolio and product support team to ensure Martin Audio's catalogue remains strong and relevant to market dynamics. At the same time, he will be tasked with delivering improved territory application support and monitoring.

With extensive pro-audio experience in both the live sound and installation markets, Dan has worked in a variety of engineering development and application engineer roles with both Turbosound and L-Acoustics.

Commenting on the appointment, James King said, "Dan is the perfect choice for this new role and I am excited by his technical expertise and insight, that will be invaluable as this business continues to grow."

The Netherlands - United has been a long-term user of Merging Technologies' Pyramix audio workstation and has recorded a multitude of live and sports events in the Netherlands, including concerts by music sensation, André Rieu. As a leading TV post-production facility, the preservation of audio quality has always been a high priority. The choice of console was obviously a critical matter for the United team. AMS Neve offered the perfect hybrid scenario.

The Neve Genesys Black incorporates the highest quality analogue circuitry with control of the DAW. As a direct result of this sale, engineers from Merging and AMS Neve are making significant improvements to the functionality of the controller and these will be available in the next firmware update.

In this typically all-digital world, reverting to analogue might seem a retrograde step. Not so. The United specialists

UK - Allen & Heath has launched two iPad apps to further enhance the dLive digital mixing experience. dLive MixPad provides comprehensive remote control of the live mix, whilst dLive OneMix focusses on personal monitoring.

dLive MixPad offers extensive control capability over channel processing, including filters, gates, parametric and graphic EQ, compressors and input/output delays, and gives the user instant access to any of the mixer's channel faders and mutes, DCA faders and mutes, pan, aux sends and assignments as well as mic-pre control and full metering.

Other unique features for system setup include a real-time analyser (RTA) to assist EQ'ing monitors and PA, the facility to name and colour channel strips, custom layers with drag 'n drop strip setup, and channel PFL control for monitoring.

dLive OneMix is a version of the dLive MixPad app that locks control to

USA - ArcLight Cinemas has selected Meyer Sound cinema audio systems for three screens at new upscale multiplex theatres in Chicago, Illinois; Bethesda, Maryland; and Santa Monica, California. A fourth Meyer Sound system was installed earlier at ArcLight Cinemas' La Jolla, California location.

"We were very happy with the results in La Jolla," remarks Joe Miraglia, ArcLight's director of design, construction and facilities. "We continue to see Meyer Sound as the premium brand for cinema audio, offering a superior level of quality that our guests appreciate."

All four screens feature Dolby Atmos immersive sound.

"The dynamic range of the content coming out now is much more demanding on the audio system," continues Miraglia, "and Meyer Sound provides optimum performance by pairing the amplifiers inside the loudspeakers. We think that is the best solution going for Atmos.

UK - To commemorate the 40th anniversary of probably the greatest era of music recording - the '70s - Court Acoustics who designed many of the top UK studio monitoring systems - have produced this recording/playback monitor system, hand built in the UK combining the best of both traditional and modern speaker technology.

The SN70 for 90-110 Hz bi-amp operation, has outstanding clarity and definition, with deep bass to the limits of human hearing from the roll surround 15" 27Hz bass driver, a new polished fibre 8" driver in its own sub enclosure for accurate midrange, combined with delicate & smooth transients from the aluminium diaphragm, edgewound ribbon voice coil, slot radiator HF.

Also available is the SN70 4 channel 1000w bi amplifier with integral electronic crossover.

"We auditioned the Internet's listing of the world's top 10 speakers and irrespective of price,

UK - Mobile Technik unveiled a new venue concept in the form of 'pop-up solutions' at Event Tech Live to meet the ever-growing demands for flexible, imaginative and quick to appear event spaces.

Mobile Technik has developed this 'pop-up' solution to offer flexibility to event organisers, brands and delegates looking to make an impact directly in the footfall of their target market, without spiralling costs. Organisers can let their imaginations run wild when it comes to uses, from pop-up pubs, to discreet breastfeeding and nappy changing spaces, ticketing kiosks or product sampling facilities.

Logistically this has been designed with speed in mind, popping up in just 30 minutes so the element of surprise isn't ruined by long build times. Mobile Technik can provide the full installation service, from securing permission in the desired spaces, applying bespoke theme and bran

UK - Happy Mondays, sharing a bill with Cast and The Bluetones, played a one-off rock gig at the Derby Arena and Velodrome, supported by a rich mix of Nexo systems.

This was the first arena-sized music concert for the £27m venue. PA for the event was provided by local Derby company Sound of Music, which drew on its extensive Nexo inventory to supply a STM Series modular line array for main PA, and 45°N-12 line monitors on stage.

Sound of Music's Sash Pochibko notes that "it's great for us to be the first touring PA company to service a big show at the new venue, especially as we are based so locally. The Derby Velodrome is by far the best-sounding arena I've ever heard, as an engineer or as a concert-goer. They've installed black-box draping and it makes a massive difference to the acoustics of the building - the absorbent properties of a good audience completed

UK - A Buckinghamshire New University Audio and Music Production student is looking to boost work he is carrying out with schools after receiving a £1,500 scholarship from Sennheiser UK.

The scholarship is presented annually based on a student's academic performance in their first year as well as their performance in an interview with Phil Cummings, Sennheiser's marketing projects manager.

Scott Ramsell, 19, was shortlisted among six students and impressed after developing a business plan to go into schools assisting with live sound at productions, as well as educating pupils and students in audio technology.

He said, "The money will help buy professional equipment to take in to schools and provide good quality sound for productions such as Christmas concerts and talent shows.

"I am already working with two schools I attended myself and I am shortly going ove

India - Allen & Heath's dLive digital mixing system was employed on the main stage of the recent Bacardi NH7 Weekender, held in RBDSA Sports Complex in Shillong, India. The annual multi-city festival is one of the largest music festivals in India, hosting emerging local artists alongside major international acts, and attracting 12,000 visitors.

PA company, Sound & Light Professionals (SNL), has managed sound reinforcement for the main stage since the event's inception. This year, acts included Steven Wilson, Vertical Horizon, Farhan Akhtar, Dossier's Urge, Vir Das Allen Chutney, Fossils, Undying Inc, and Aberrant.

To meet the technically diverse demands for monitoring on stage, SNL deployed its recently purchased dLive S7000 Surface and DM64 MixRack, supplied by Allen & Heath's Delhi-based distributor, Sun Infonet.

One of the most anticipated performances of the festiv

Iraq - The recently opened Karbala Olympic Stadium in Iraq is a 30,000-seat venue designed to host major sports, music, religious and youth events.

Audio for the project was provided by Baghdad-based APCO Electronics, which provided acoustics design and participated in the actual installation as well. The company chose a sound system from Electro-Voice, creating a multi-zone digital audio system based around the IRIS-Net system control and supervising software and Electro-Voice EVH-1152 horn-loaded loudspeakers. In addition, Electro-Voice amplifiers, microphones and wireless systems were also utilized.

The primary system requirement was that the sound system would meet FIFA football standards, which require 92 percent direct coverage and high intelligibility, with a Speech Transmission Index (STI) of 0.50 or higher. The installed system exceeds those standards, delivering

South Korea / USA - Samsung Electronics and Harman International Industries Inc have entered into a definitive agreement under which Samsung will acquire Harman for $112.00 per share in cash, or total equity value of approximately $8.0 billion (£6.4bn). Samsung says the transaction will immediately give them "a significant presence in the large and rapidly growing market for connected technologies, particularly automotive electronics, which has been a strategic priority for Samsung, and is expected to grow to more than $100 billion by 2025". Harman is the market leader in connected car solutions, with more than 30 million vehicles currently equipped with its connected car and audio systems, including embedded infotainment, telematics, connected safety and security.

Oh-Hyun Kwon, vice-chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics comments: "Harman perfectly complements Samsung

UK - Following a strong period of growth, Audient has announced the arrival of the three newest team members: Harry Lewis, Jack Flower & Ryan Ellis. Augmenting the company with their diverse skills in marketing, music technology and general zest for life, these chaps certainly have a lot to offer.

Two extra members are added to Andy Allen's marketing team, with a view to raising product and brand awareness. Harry Lewis re-joins the company as product specialist; his main role is to create educational and promotional videos, for sales and end-users alike. Marketing assistant, Jack Flower is helping to spread the word (and Harry's videos) by boosting Audient's e-marketing using social media and digital mailouts.

As the new technical support agent, Ryan Ellis is on hand to answer any pre and post sales questions. He's also crazy about product engineering, which means whilst h

UK - Natural History Museum has bolstered its event team with the appointment of Robert Wetherell as head of venue hire. Wetherell brings over 17 years of experience having previously worked at other venues in London.

Overseeing the Museum's sales and operations team, Wetherell will be responsible for the development of spaces for evening event opportunities, daytime conferences and whole venue takeovers for filming and events.

Robert Wetherell comments, "This is a time of exciting change and redevelopment for the museum and I'm so proud to be a part of helping shape its future. It's vital for me that guests can engage with our collections and it is fantastic we can tell our clients that they are directly supporting the incredible research the Museum carries out exploring the rich biodiversity of Earth.

"The upcoming launch of the new-look Hintze Hall, with the vast bl

UK - Al Mouat - or Big Al as he is universally known - has joined the Adlib sales team in the company's Liverpool HQ.

This is part of a planned expansion of Adlib's sales division that also includes the recent addition of Harry Brown who will be assisting with all levels of sales support and aftercare.

Adlib director John Hughes states, "We intend to raise the profile of the sales division, expand the client base and generally make people more aware of the many services that Adlib can offer for installations and other sales related projects - from complete turnkey solutions to specialist audio, lighting and AV designs. We're extremely excited to have someone of Al's calibre on-board. His can-do personality is a perfect match for us."

Adlib Sales has grown steadily and successfully in recent years explains John, and the time is right to consolidate this and actively sta

Italy - Outline has announced the new position of worldwide technical support, application engineer and GTO network manager, to be held by Vincent 'Vinnie' Perreux.

Starting his professional career in France as a theatre sound technician, Vinnie, embarked on almost 20 years of worldwide touring, supporting major PA companies.

Outline's Board of Directors decided to invest on this new position to enable audio pros worldwide to count on the support and advice of a person with in-depth hands-on experience in the multi-faceted world of sound reinforcement - somebody who speaks their language.

Vincent has an impressive track record, having worked in many roles with some of the world's top touring companies and their world-famous clients, including U2, Muse, Justin Timberlake, Smashing Pumpkins, Leonard Cohen, Gloria Estefan, Beyoncé, Green Day, Michael Jackson, Elton

Finland - Media server specialists Picturall has announced the release of their major new software version 2.3.0 which is available for download with immediate effect. The new release, which is compatible with all Picturall server products, includes a host of improvements and enhancements, but most importantly two essential new features: support for Apple Inc.'s ProRes video codec, and a new web configuration tool.

The 2.3.0 update adds a Web Configurator for each Picturall product which replaces the previous configuration tool, Console Configurator. The Web Configurator includes the familiar features of Console Configurator plus lots of brand new functionality and enhancements including import and export of an existing configuration; a license update tool; system diagnostics; and support for viewing and editing configuration parameters whilst the server is running. The whole

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