USA - Located in the Perkinson Music Centre at the 122-year-old private Millikin University in Decatur, IL, Kaeuper Hall is a 167-seat auditorium that has just taken delivery of the very first white Martin Audio Torus system, matched to the room décor. It is the Hall’s first ever permanently installed sound system, despite its multipurpose usage. “There was no PA in there previously, they had just been using speakers on sticks … since forever, yet it runs pretty much the whole gamut of performance,” according to designer Graeme Brown, whose company Advanced Audio & Lighting Systems carried out the integration. This includes events ranging from lectures to individual recitals and opera rehearsals to guest performances and intimate concerts. The university contacted his company for a quote, and Brown was soon on site carrying out a survey. His concern was no
Ireland - The International Rugby Experience celebrates the game at an international level and is located in the centre of Limerick City. Designed by architect Níall McLaughlin, the new seven-story building provides a space to draw visitors to Limerick, as well as providing a new hub for the local community. The International Rugby experience boasts six floors with 22 exhibits that follow the game from a community, grass roots level, up to the players, clubs and nations that have reached the top. To bring the immersive experience to life, The IRE (International Rugby Experience) turned to Rockbrook Group, local specialists in system integration, automation and AV, and commissioned them to deliver the complete integrated AV system for the entire project. There was a requirement for speakers that not only delivered exceptional audio but also blended seaml
Australia - Anyone looking out from the banks of the Brisbane River this year might see a new feature on the water: Oasis Cruising’s new entertainment riverboat. With a permanent residency on the Brisbane River, the three-level events boat offers voyages with sweeping views of the city skyline, while talented international and local DJs ignite each custom-designed space with high quality audio. Integral to this experience is an onboard PA system enabling extensive control, coverage and fidelity, courtesy of French loudspeaker manufacturer Nexo. Nexo’s flagship point source system, the P+ Series, in combination with the compact full-range ID24 Series, were selected to supply audio to the dancefloors and all covered areas aboard Oasis. Nexo’s optional contemporary white colour schemes were chosen for each system, allowing the modules to blend seamlessly into the boat’
USA - At the AES Show in New York (25-27 October) at the Javits Center, Focusrite (booth 926) will be showcasing its range of audio solutions for professional audio engineers, musicians, podcasters and broadcasters. The newly launched Scarlett 4th Gen range of audio interfaces will be available for hands-on exploration. Focusrite’s audio specialists will guide visitors through the new features of the Scarlett Solo, 2i2, and 4i4 4th Gen, like Auto Gain, Clip Safe, and the updated Air mode that brings studio console magic to users’ fingertips. With over 6.5m units sold worldwide, Scarlett is the best-selling interface range in history. Focusrite’s Red range offers digital conversion, remote-controlled mic pres, and built-in monitor controls. These interfaces have earned their reputation as the ‘go-to’ solution for the highest level of audio quality. Don’t mis
USA - The 700-seat historic Eichelberger Performing Arts Centre in Hanover, Pennsylvania recently renovated its theatre and upgraded its permanent audio system. After hearing through word of mouth about the new 1 Sound system in the Levoy Theatre, a venue similar in size and touring performers, Fitch Electronics who was contracted for the audio renovation at Eichelberger contacted 1 Sound for a demonstration. 1 Sound brought the proposed loudspeakers to the theatre for a demonstration with the team of Fitch Electronics and the director of Eichelberger Performing Arts Centre. The client heard the premium audio quality from the loudspeakers, felt that they worked aesthetically in the space, felt assured in the brand’s support, and quickly understood the quality of this investment. The Eichelberger building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is co
Albania - Based in the capital city of Tirana, ASLV [Albanian Sound, Lighting & Video] was established in 2013 and their work covers not only their home country but also elsewhere in Europe for various projects and clients. Its team provides consultation and design services, lighting, sound, video, staging and structures as well as creative technical solutions for concerts, festivals, theatre and opera productions, key corporate events, expos and more. In 2020 they purchased an Outline Superfly Silver audio package, a ready-configured solution for events up to 3,000 capacity, which has worked very well for them since. Owner Florind Tenolli remarks: “The GTO C-12 system has been widely used in events supplied by ASLV and its partners. With an absolute guarantee for perfect sound, this system has made it possible to realise projects in Albania which previous
USA/UK - Console manufacturer and software developer Harrison Audio has announced the debut of its 32Classic Mixing Console, a 32-channel in-line/split-recording console. Featuring an analogue tone, flexible workflows and hybrid studio functionality, the 32Classic is a 'purist' console with modern, premium features. Harrison Audio is now a part of Solid State Logic following its acquisition in April 2023. The new 32Classic is designed and engineered by Harrison Audio in Nashville, Tennessee, and manufactured in Oxford, England. With a hybrid modular design and premium componentry throughout, the 32Classic is able to accommodate a variety of ‘traditional’ and modern ‘hybrid’ workflows. Its 32 mono mic/line channels, classic 32C four-band parametric EQ with variable high-pass and low-pass filters and other built-in modern features - such as 64 channels of high-
Europe - Harman Professional Solutions has announced JBL Professional’s introduction of the JBL IRX One all-in-one column PA. Featuring an advanced acoustic package, three-channel mixer and Bluetooth 5.0 audio streaming; IRX One is an easy-to-use system that’s road-tested and can be carried with one hand. IRX One incorporates concert line array-inspired directivity control, resulting in a custom-tuned, C-shaped array. Equipped with six 2" high-frequency drivers, the array delivers exceptional clarity, a wide sweet spot, and seamless front-to-back coverage. Additionally, the 8" woofer employs a bass-reflex design, ensuring accurate low-frequency response down to 40 Hz. Designed to cater to a diverse range of users, IRX One includes a convenient three-channel mixer with support for the most popular connection types as well as integrated iconic dbx automatic feedback
UK - VDC Trading is celebrating its 36th anniversary as a provider of tour-grade cabling solutions to professional and domestic users. Established in 1987, VDC Trading developed a reputation for its audio and AV/IT live sound cable builds and installs; bespoke solutions for complex cabling problems; and for being the sole distributor of the legendary Van Damme cable range in the UK, popular with backline techs the world over. VDC recently moved from its site in Kings Cross to a newly refurbished HQ in Tufnell Park which includes custom-designed office space and purpose-built warehousing, providing a solid platform for future growth. In conjunction with this move, VDC also acquired a large satellite warehouse in Hampshire to house non-urgent cable stock. A commitment to innovation has always been at the heart of VDC’s growth. With a strong focus on customer ne
Poland - The musical We Will Rock You had its Polish premiere this spring, powered by a Meyer Sound system headlined by Lina compact linear line array loudspeakers at the Roma Musical Theatre in Warsaw. Directed by Wojciech Kępczyński, the production features the music of Queen neatly translated into Polish, crossing the boundaries of a theatrical performance and transforming into a rock concert. Along with the LINA loudspeakers, the full system included 1100‑LFC low-frequency control elements, VLFC very low-frequency control elements, UPA-2P, UPM‑1P, and UP-4XP loudspeakers, ULTRA‑X42 compact loudspeakers, and MM‑4XP miniature self-powered loudspeakers, along with the Galileo GALAXY Network Platform and D‑Mitri Digital Audio Platform.
Colombia - UK manufacturer PMC has appointed Tools 4 media as its new distributor in Colombia, with responsibility for its entire range of pro audio products. Founded in 1997 but with its name changed to Tools 4 media in 2009, the company is based in Bogota and has satellite offices in California and Florida. Tools 4 media prides itself on offering integrated solutions and already represents many pro audio brands including Cranesong, Chandler, API, Manley, Grace Design, McDSP, Audeze, Apogee, Eve Audio, IK Multimedia, Native Instruments and iZotope. Customers who want to try out equipment can do so at local studios where Tools 4 media has joint venture arrangements. CEO Hernán Pinzón says he is delighted to be working with PMC and to have the opportunity to introduce the company’s extensive professional product range to his customers. “Colombia is a count
USA - El Carlos Elegante is a Mexican and South American inspired restaurant in the Design District of Dallas, Texas. A creation of the successful Dallas-based Duro Hospitality Group, the eclectic venue consists of multiple dining areas and building materials. The front and back courtyards include retractable roofs creating indoor/outdoor seating. The restaurant required a sound system that would work within the architecture and style of the space and also withstand the extreme Texas weather in the outdoor dining areas. Integrator NX A/V chose Fulcrum Acoustic speakers because of their form factor, sound quality and reliability. The small-footprint of the coaxial CX loudspeakers created a space-efficient design. Since all Fulcrum Acoustic speakers are-built-to-order, the customer was able to order unfinished boxes and custom stain them to match the space. They also appreciat
USA - Clear-Com intercom solutions have long been a go-to for NYC’s Public Theater, a means to ensure the behind-the-scenes technology for the stories they tell on stage is up to the task, now and for the future. In doing so, The Public Theater has recently implemented a new Clear-Com system to serve the multiple performance spaces in their Lower Manhattan headquarters on Lafayette Street at Astor Place in Manhattan. One of the nation’s first non-profit theatres, The Public Theater has supported emerging playwrights and performers for over 60 years, including the premier of Hamilton in 2015, and has won numerous awards, including six Pulitzer Prizes. The project they’re currently working on is a system designed to provide reliable comms throughout their headquarters’ five theatres and their cabaret venue, Joe’s Pub. “The building wasn't meant to be
USA - The non-profit AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas will observe its 15th anniversary next year and the five performance venues on its campus - the 2,200-seat Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, the 547-capacity Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, the outdoor performance space, Annette Strauss Square, whose lawn can hold up to 2,200, and two highly-utilized black box theatre spaces -have geared up to celebrate with a new sound system and an array of DiGiCo products that will enhance the sonic capabilities in the $360m facility. The new systems, including a new d&b audiotechnik PA, were designed mainly for use in the Margaret McDermott Hall, located within the Winspear Opera House, and home to The Dallas Opera and Texas Ballet Theater; however, all of the DiGiCo systems will be available for use in any of the venues as needed. Those systems include two Quant
UK - Audiologic has announced the launch of its new Manage+ Managed Services offering. To meet the growing demand for these services, Audiologic has made an addition to its application team. Audiologic's commissioning services, led by senior technical manager Ben Spurgeon and his technical team, are consistently in high demand, often securing bookings well in advance for substantial projects. In response, Audiologic has strengthened the team and introduced Manage+, a managed services platform, designed to cater to the different needs of AV systems. This month, the Audiologic team welcomed Chris Jones, who assumed the role of application support engineer. Chris brings with him extensive experience within the AV industry and a solid reputation for his work. Ben Spurgeon comments, "Chris has been on our radar for some time, thanks to his impressive work with Q-SYS,
Colombia - German Pro Audio manufacturer DirectOut has announced a partnership with Yamaki as their new distributor for Colombia. Headquartered in Bogotá, Yamaki has been a key part of the development of the audio industry in Colombia with over 30 years of experience in the business. Their distribution strategy and market development has enabled the company to support the largest production and rental companies in the country, along with the top-level TV channels under the highest quality and performance standards for their audio solutions. Oswaldo Rueda, CEO of Yamaki, comments: “Yamaki is very excited about working with the prestigious brand DirectOut Technologies. We’re sure this is a great complement to our Pro Audio portfolio and we’ll be able to build a strong position in all the key markets with their specialized solutions. As always, our teamwork strateg
South Africa - Sennheiser SA has announced the appointment of Johannesburg-based, DWR Distribution as a non-exclusive selected dealer for the live events, rental and staging market sectors. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity,” says DWR’s Darren Durbach. “Sennheiser is a household name and has been producing class-leading high-performance microphones, headphones and wireless systems for over 75 years. Their products are superbly engineered and offer outstanding quality across the range. The team at DWR is hugely encouraged to offer these products as part of its audio offering.” Ashley Coleman, general manager at Sennheiser SA adds, “DWR is already home to a wide range of professional brands and has a strong reputation in the live events/rental & staging markets. We are sure that their expertise combined with their considerable reach in these mark
Europe - Powersoft has announced the signing of a commercial agreement with cinema exhibition services provider CinemaNext. The largest company of its kind in the EMEA region, CinemaNext provides smart, comprehensive solutions across the board, from projection equipment to audio systems, central systems, cinema outfitting, content management, 3D projection systems and glasses, TMS, digital signage, screens, seating and consulting services. The new partnership will enable Powersoft to better answer cinema customers’ needs and explore new audio product opportunities, increasing its presence and visibility in target markets and new areas. In turn, by leveraging the distinctive technical features of Powersoft's products, CinemaNext will enhance the audio solutions offered to its end cinema customers with improved audio quality and product stability, as well as saving cus
UK - TT+ Audio has announced the appointment of Andy Magee as business development manager for the brand’s UK division. In this role, Magee will be responsible for developing new business opportunities and managing key client relationships in the UK. He brings over 20 years of experience working in professional audio, having started as a front-of-house sound engineer at the age of 17. Most notably, Magee spent the last decade as the FOH engineer for award-winning singer-songwriter Ben Howard. His other notable credits include handling audio for aspects of the 2012 London Olympics and his recent collaboration with Glass Animals. "We're thrilled to welcome Andy to develop the new TT+ Audio brand," said Dean Davoile, UK director of sales of RCF and TT+ Audio. "His deep knowledge of the industry along with his strong technical expertise makes him the ideal person t
Italy - K-array, recently hosted its annual general distributor meeting (GDM) at its headquarters in the scenic Tuscan village of Scarperia e San Piero. This year’s three-day event welcomed 64 distributors representing 43 countries, a testament to the worldwide reach of the K-array group. Alongside product workshops and presentations from all three K-array brands: K-array, KSCAPE and KGEAR, the GDM also included an awards ceremony, where brand distributors were recognised for their hard work and dedication to the K-array ecosystem. The K-array ecosystem was a key focus of this year’s event, concentrating on the coming together of the three K-array brands to offer a complete audio solution. “We are cultivating a complete ecosystem of audio and lighting solutions at K-array,” explains Andrea Torelli, global marketing director at K-array. “This is not just a co
Indonesia - Perched on a hilltop on the southernmost tip of Bali island in Badung, White Rock Beach Club is a 3,000 capacity venue boasting breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean. It also features a Void Acoustics sound system throughout. The brief was to provide a new system offering exceptional sonics whilst complementing the clean modern design of the beach-club’s architecture. “Void’s unique speaker design and fibreglass outers were the perfect solution, addressing the desire for a distinctive look,” explains Suwandi Anggono, director of audio and AV integrator Indoteknik. The company, who are Void’s exclusive distributor in Indonesia, completed the design, specification, and integration of the system in its entirety. White Rock Beach Club is located on Melasti Beach and features an impressive DJ booth and lawn dance floor; cabanas; private suites; a r
UK - Tucked away in the bustling heart of Mayfair, Bacchanalia offers a distinctive dining experience that caters to all the senses. The gourmet restaurant, the vision of Richard Caring and his Caprice Holdings group, is inspired by the festive spirit of ancient Rome and serves a menu of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Its richly decorated interior hosts artwork from artists such as Damien Hirst. The restaurant has also built a reputation for entertainment, offering a mix of background music, live performances, and international DJ sets. To deliver this experience, Bacchanalia required a sound system that would seamlessly integrate dynamic sound with the space’s Greco-Roman-inspired environment. The priority was preserving the venue's aesthetic in the primary dining space and the adjoining Apollo's Muse members' club. To achieve this, Bacchanalia’s management te
UK - Audient has announced the appointment of Adam Steel as the new visual content manager, with the responsibility of continuing to drive Audient’s visual communications strategy forward. Adam joins Audient from his previous role as a studio owner and successful audio YouTuber, bringing with him a wealth of professional audio and video experience. “I have had the fortune to work with many companies and brands, but Audient has always stood out to me above all the rest,” says Adam. “I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to help enhance the Audient and EVO customer experience and look forward to being part of something much bigger than myself.” Product & marketing director Andrew Allen adds, “Audient continues to invest in brand experience and our visual communications strategy plays a vital role. Ensuring our customers can access the support and kno
UK - As part of its quest to simplify the world of commercial audio for integrators and end-users alike, Optimal Audio continues to evolve its ecosystem, and the latest developments see updates to its WebApp and SmartAmp firmware. WebApp unlocks the technology and capability behind Optimal Audio’s Zone series, providing the foundation to deliver efficient, high-quality multi-zoned commercial sound systems. Compatible with any device, WebApp makes system set-up straightforward and once completed, the venue staff can then be presented with a simple user interface which allows them to easily operate the system. WebApp 1.2 sees a number of additions designed to make system configuration more powerful, including the ability to add system settings or preferences to a timed routine, allowing end-users in busy settings to remain focused on their work, rather than making adju