Germany - Visitors to the forthcoming Prolight + Sound exhibition in Frankfurt will have the first opportunity to see two new products that will be launched there by Formula Sound. The new ZMR-80 modular zoner mixer and the FSM8 Plus 8-channel mixer extend the growing list of successful Formula Sound products and both add exciting new features to previous product designs that have already been well-proven in applications right around the world.

The new ZMR-80 modular zoner mixer has been designed for those applications where accurate and reliable control of audio sources being fed to different zones is needed. Suitable for use in theme parks, public buildings, hotels and entertainment venues the ZMR-80 features a modular construction format that enables it to be configured to suit many different types of requirement.

The ZMR-80's 19" 4RU chassis can house up to 11 differe

UAE - Clear-Com, a Vitec Group brand, and the global leader of trusted intercom solutions, will be showcasing a selection of their product range at CABSAT, to be held at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, in March.

At CABSAT, Clear-Com will preview Easi-Pico, the new baby Eclipse-Pico digital matrix package that replaces Easi-Com II. Easi-Pico is a pre-configured entry-level matrix designed to ease installation. The package runs without additional configuration software, so that Easi-Pico is a true plug and play digital matrix intercom package.

The Easi-PiCo package includes a 16-port Eclipse Pico matrix, 1RU interface frame and power supply with external interface cards and a choice of control panels and beltpacks. It is a high-value, cost-effective approach to purchasing a digital matrix system without significant upfront investment, says the company.

USA - Listen Technologies Corporation has announced the appointment of Connect West Marketing as the company's representative firm for western Canada.

Mike Upright is the principal for Connect West Marketing and brings a wealth of sales and systems integration experience to the partnership. Commenting on the partnership, Upright says: "I am pleased to be adding Listen to our line card. Listen's products are a high quality balance to our other lines such as Tannoy, Biamp and Cloud."

"We are excited to have Connect West Marketing join the Listen team," said Cory Schaeffer, vice president of sales and marketing at Listen. "Mike's experience in system integration will be a great asset to Listen and the dealers/consultants in the western Canada region."

(Chris Henry)

UK - One of the latest shows to transfer successfully from Broadway to the West End is the musical Wicked, which opened at The Apollo Victoria in September 2006. In December, the show simultaneously broke the all-time records for a single week's gross box office, both in London and on Broadway, taking £873,020 and $1.8 million respectively for the last week of the year, plus reporting 95% capacity audiences in London since opening.

Detailing the untold story of the witches of Oz, Wicked is directed by Joe Mantello, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Sound design is by Tony Meola, with equipment supplied by London's Autograph Sound Recording and including an 84-slot Cadac J-Type live sound production console.

Head operator Richard George has been working on the show since the opening, joining the team after working with Tony Meola and associate sound

USA - Gear-Source Inc has announced some changes to its organisation, intended to "better service the expanding sales and market segments the company now services". With immediate effect, Henry Kones will take on the expanded title of VP of sales and special accounts. This promotion comes on the heels of Kones' first anniversary with the company.

Company president Marcel Fairbairn says: "This is really a natural progression for us. Henry pretty much came in and took over anyway, so we're only making it official." Kones has been closely involved in the company's expansion into video, and will also head up the company's growing Audio category. "Our expansion into these new markets, and our very tight relationships with our largest vendors makes this a very important move for us. The new structure allows me to focus more on the big picture growth of our ent

USA - Tapco has announced brand group vice president John Boudreau is now heading up the development and direction of Tapco products. With Boudreau at the helm, Tapco is brought under the same leadership that drives the Mackie brand, better aligning Loud's development and engineering resources with Tapco products.

"I'm really excited to work on the Tapco brand and to have the opportunity to reach young artists and music enthusiasts of all kinds," said Boudreau. "With Loud resources behind Tapco, we are able to offer entry-level audio products of unparalleled quality. We have great things in store for 2007, too, including three new products at NAMM which demonstrate Tapco's commitment to delivering complete line sound and project studio solutions at exceptional value to our customers."

New in 2007 for Tapco are two sound reinforcement products - the Thump TH

Canada / Russia - Moscow-based ISPA recently took on Adamson distribution for Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. The company employs 200 people locally, and around 500 across Russia. The company was established 17 years ago and has grown to have four main offices, each of which has three subdivisions named Mediaworks, ISPA Sat, and ISPA Engineering. Together they handle multiple aspects of professional sound business, including sound reinforcement and installations, public address, recording, radio broadcast and musical instruments sales, just to mention a few areas. Other pro audio brands represented include T.C.Electronics and Sennheiser DBX.

Key personnel include Elena Porojnikova - head of the commercial department, Vadim Nerokhov - head of engineering and audio development for installations, and Yuri Cheshev - Adamson brand manager. Recently they hosted a three-day training semin

USA - As of 1 January 2007, all orders for True Systems products are to be placed directly with True Systems through its Tucson, Arizona headquarters. Sennheiser Electronic Corporation (SEC) is no longer the exclusive US distributor for True.

Tim Spencer, president and chief engineer of True Systems, commented: "SEC has done a great job opening the door for our products in the live sound and recording industries. Today, with True Systems in the driver's seat, we intend to build a closer connection to our dealers in addition to offering direct in-house technical support and service to our end users. With fewer steps in the distribution chain, True is capable of improving core product features in a timely manner, adding value to the line by lowering prices across the board and improving our connection to end users."

The new pricing structure goes into effect on 15 Janu

Thailand - The Bangkok Jazz Festival is Thailand's biggest annual jazz event, a three-nighter staged on the huge lawn of Sanam Sua Pa in front of the famous Dusit Palace. It was also the debut for the new Nexo GEO D system in Thailand.

More than 20,000 people attend each night's concert, and this was the biggest outing so far in south-east Asia for Nexo's GEO D system, supplied by Media Vision. Either side of the stage, arrays of 15 GEO Ds flew below five GEO Subs, with four CD18s stacked in pairs to provide the sub-bass needed by bands like Tower of Power, and Lee Ritenour. At the front of the stage, four PS10s were used as fill, to give some additional high-end definition. Either side of the 20m wide stage, below large projection screens, two PS10s were used to add definition.

Some 60m back from the stage was the mixing tent, where FOH engineers were mixing on Yamaha PM5Ds,

Italy - The MQ80P monitor from RCF offers high intelligibility and efficiency in a compact design, say the company. The 2-way horn-loaded sound projector speaker system is targeted as an ideal solution for delivering clear voice and music reproduction in mid-size environments.

Suitable for PA systems and background/foreground music systems, it has 90° x 60° constant directivity and with simple accessories it can be combined in clusters of two or more units to offer wide, smooth coverage and to reduce the installation points. IP65-rated, it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations, say RCF.

The MQ80P features high-excursion, PP coated paper cone woofer mounted in a tuned enclosure (the port can be sealed for full outdoor installation). The tweeter is a horn-loaded compression driver with phase plug, offering crisp, intelligible voice reproduction even in wi

UK - Stonehaven-based Taylored Sound has recently supplied an Audica MICROseries system for the office of the director general of the National Galleries of Scotland.

Comprising of five galleries in Edinburgh, and two partner galleries in the North and South of Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland's collections of fine art are amongst the best in the world. The five Edinburgh galleries are the National Gallery of Scotland, the Royal Scottish Academy Building, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and the Dean Gallery, which also houses administration offices and the office of the director general.

In a recent refurbishment of the director general's office it has been upgraded to include an AV system for meetings and presentations. Richard Hamilton, audio visual technician for the National Galleries of Scotland, wanted a very

Spain / UK - D.A.S. Audio has announced the launch of its new line of amplifiers - the PowerPro series. Aimed at both permanent installations and mobile applications, the new amplifier range consists of four models built in rugged 1U and 2U steel chassis and "offers unequalled value in proven amplifier technology" according to D.A.S.

The PowerPro series comprises four models - PS-200, PS-400, PS-800 and PS-1400. The PS-200 (12kg) and PS-400 (13kg) are 1RU high and offer power ratings of 100W and 200W per channel @ 4 ohms respectively. The PS-800 (18kg) and the PS-1400 (21kg), largest of the PowerPro line, are 2RU high and provide 450W and 700W per channel @ 4 ohms. The amplifiers offer XLR and 1/4 " TSR connectors for the inputs and both Speakon NL-4 and binding posts on the outputs (PS-800 and PS-1400 only).

Rear located switches are available for ground lift,

South America - Whilst on tour throughout South America, Shakira performed two sold-out shows at the Velez Sarsfield stadium in Buenos Aires. D.A.S. Aero powered line array systems were used to provide sound reinforcement for the more than 80,000 fans that filled the stadium.

For the South American leg of the tour, twin Digidesign Venue boards for FOH and Monitor mixes, effects, in-ear wireless and microphones were supplied directly by Clair Bros. At the FOH console was engineer Brad Madix who has worked with bands such as Psychedelic Furs, Def Leppard, Queensryche and Marilyn Manson. For monitor engineer Vish Wadi, this was his second tour with Shakira after previously having worked with Sting, Mariah Carey, and Madonna. Buenos Aires based sound reinforcement company Teddy Goldman supplied the PA composed of 48 Aero 38A along with 18 Aero 28A powered line array systems as well

Indonesia - MC2 Audio has announced the appointment of La Mesa as its new distributor for Indonesia. La Mesa, formerly Paradi Indonesia, has been established in the audio industry since 1993 and is a distributor and dealer for many professional audio brands from around the world. Operating from a state-of-the-art showroom studio in Jakarta, chief engineer and company founder Didi Kartanegara and the La Mesa team offer a full range of services from consultation, through the design stage and on to installation for a diverse clientele.

The scope of La Mesa's expertise is wide and encompasses sound recording studios, post production facilities, corporate functions, houses of worship, performance halls and high end home theatre installations. The recent addition of a sound reinforcement division further broadens La Mesa's reach and underscores the ability of this versatile team to re

USA - Sports radio broadcast engineer Peter Grosskopf recently upgraded his personal RF microphone systems to Sennheiser's Evolution Wireless products were his obvious choice.

Grosskopf, who started at a local radio station, then moved on with CBS/Westwood One, reports that he upgraded to Sennheiser's evolution wireless 135 mic system and SR300 IFB while travelling for several seasons with the Syracuse University football team. "I had used the 135 in various fixed installations and I figured it would work great on the road as well. I now use it for all of my NFL and college games, NHL playoffs in Detroit, Stanley Cup playoffs in Buffalo, and for our last year for Buffalo's semi-final round against Carolina, as walk-off interview mics."

As an independent contractor, Grosskopf regularly covers indoor ice hockey games in the US and Canada, where his Sennheiser RF gear h

UK - Hawthorn has announced that Paul Stear, formerly of Stage Electrics, has joined the Company in a business development role for its hire and sales operation.

Stear, has extensive experience and an excellent reputation within the Market having been a lighting, sound and video designer and worked for more than four years as head of lighting and sound at Nottingham Playhouse prior to joining Stage Electrics.

"I am delighted to have this opportunity to be part of the Hawthorn Team" says Stear, "The Company provides an exciting environment to work in as it continues to rapidly expand and I look forward in my new role of business development, to making my contribution to that continued growth."

"Paul is a valued addition to the growing team at Hawthorn," says general manager Simon Wood, "In his role as business development he will be spending

UK - Following the opening of its US office in Nashville last summer, Innovason has put in place a similar initiative for the UK, based out of the London facility of pro audio sales and distribution operation, Stirling Audio.

Innovason sales and marketing director, Xavier Pion, says the move makes perfect sense. "In order for Innovason to continue to grow and develop, it is essential that we have a solid base in the UK with a UK phone number where customers and engineers can access our products - and product specialists - quickly and easily . . . The new UK office will house permanent demo and training facilities in addition to providing technical support and after-sales service. Sales to the end user will be handled directly by the manufacturer with stock coming direct from our factory in France."

Stirling Audio proprietor and MD, Andrew Stirling, says: "Innova

UK - For the fifth year in succession Hawthorns were contracted by Worcester based DRP Group to supply some of the technical needs for Thomas Cook's annual overseas conference, held in Malta. This year's was different in many ways as they opted to use Malta's all new 130m x 50m structure, recently erected by Arena Structures.

Hawthorns were responsible for all the lighting, power, sound, trussing and drapes. Once again the structure had to be multi functional in terms of hosting conferences, talent shows and gala dinners, and the lighting and sound systems had to be versatile.

Because of this factor, Hawthorns sound designer, Iain Reinhold opted for the new Yamaha Digital desk, recently added to Hawthorns hire stock. The desk proved an invaluable tool, as it allowed Reinhold to store each show and recall them with minimum fuss.

A seven-man crew that included sound, lighting

Germany - Bosch's Praesideo system is world's first fully digital public address and emergency sound system and was developed for the purpose of broadcasting information and entertainment, and also for voice evacuation in emergency situations. It offers flexibility with system configuration, it's simple to install and offers high audio quality, say Bosch.

Praesideo Version 3.0 has recently achieved a number of certificates and accreditations. It is the first product in the market to receive full certification by the TUV organisation for IEC60849 and BS5839-8. Also, after much hard work by Bosch in Germany, and the development team in Breda, it has received the certificate from Eisenbahn Bundesamt, which is a requirement for Deutsche Bundesbahn projects and Bosch has now had its first order. Part of the criteria for this certification is to be EN50121-4 compliant - which is achie

USA - Nemetschek North America hasannounced the launch of vLearning webinars, a new virtual trainingseries delivered to VectorWorks users over the web using WebExtechnology. vLearning webinars provide VectorWorks users with convenienthour-long training sessions on a variety of VectorWorks topics,including instruction on how to use specific feature sets andfunctionality, as well as techniques and workflows to enhanceproductivity. Each session is live and concludes with time for questionsand answers.

"vLearning webinars are perfect for users who are looking for short,self-contained workshops on VectorWorks topics they'd like to learn moreabout, at their own convenience," says Frank Brault, Nemetschek NorthAmerica's director of training and technical support. "Our new virtualtraining series is designed as another option for users who might notprefer to devote several

UK - This year's A.C. Lighting North Tradeshow is moving to a new purpose-built exhibition hall with 50% more space to facilitate an expanded exhibitor line-up and rising attendance levels, the company reports. The event takes place on 1-2 May in the new Saviles Hall at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, which is adjacent to the original location and now the city's largest exhibition venue.

As well as accommodating the show's expansion plans, the improved facilities also enable the organisers to provide the main exhibition, complementary theatre seminars programme and buffet lunch with a bar and dining area, all within the same hall.

Full show details will be confirmed in the coming months, but visitors can expect the same popular format, "including exclusive 1st UK showings of new products, the latest innovations from over 70 leading brands, one to one demonstrations a

USA - The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in Louisville is one of the most impressive facilities of its kind in the United States. In keeping with its reputation for world-class entertainment, education and arts programs, the centre features no less than five Midas mixing consoles (Venice 320, XL200, Heritage 1000, Heritage 2000, Heritage 3000), and recently added a rack of four Klark Teknik DN1248 Plus active analogue microphone splitters to its equipment list. An additional rack with a single DN1248 Plus is also on hand. Head audio engineer at the centre is Ted Subotky; David Doukas is Audio Department manager.

"We handle everything from presidential conventions to rock concerts to lectures, along with a handful of annual television broadcasts," says Doukas, "so we need a mic splitter to deliver reliability, high sound quality and flexibility. And, being

UK - Sweeny's, a new bar and restaurant in Royal Leamington Spa, has just opened with a complete Community system designed and installed by Leamington-based sound and lighting specialists, PSL Distribution. The owner of the venue, Tony Sweeny, has had a long association with Leamington Spa and the Sweeny name brings with it an enviable reputation for excellent food; a reputation that this new venue intends to continue.

Décor in the venue is smart and stylish, so the sound system was required to complement the aesthetics as well as provide the highest quality audio to meet the expectations of its clientele. Peter Smith, proprietor of PSL explains: "The system also had to be dual purpose, providing a high power, DJ-driven system for weekend use in the bar and a more subtle quality ambience for the restaurant. We have recently started using Community loudspeakers on suc

UK - Located on the south side of the River Thames, close to Lambeth Palace, London's brand new Riverbank Park Plaza Hotel offers 400 deluxe guest rooms, including executive studios and serviced suites, with sweeping views of the River Thames and city skyline.

Created by RHWL Architects, the hotel also offers unsurpassed conference and events facilities. These include an entire floor of the hotel that features a groundbreaking arrangement of moving partitions, allowing the floor to be used as a single, large space or configured as up to ten individual rooms.

TGM Solutions specified and installed the audio system. The company's Ian Kersen says: "The partitions can be arranged in many different configurations, allowing the conference space and A/V facilities to be re-organised according to client-specific requirements," says Kersen. "Being a brand new, four star h

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