USA - Biamp has announced the hiring of four new engineers. Larry Copley, Jeff Jones, Dominic Perez and Angela Van Osdol have joined the Biamp Systems team under the direction of Matt Czyzewski, VP technical operations, Biamp Systems.

Regarding the announcement, Czyzewski stated: "Larry, Jeff, Dominic and Angela each bring knowledge and experience that we feel will greatly benefit our manufacturing and production processes. We are very fortunate to add these new members who have a proven record for innovative thinking and efficiency and we look forward to the great results we know these engineers can enable Biamp to provide."

Larry Copley's career includes having worked as a compliance engineer with RadiSys Corporation, and a number of different positions with Underwriters Laboratories. Test Engineer Jeff Jones most recently worked as a senior systems electrical vali

UK - As the largest co-educational boarding school in the UK, Millfield School in Somerset recently commissioned a fully-featured concert hall, the focal point of a newly-developed £12 million music block. The public school brought in Arup Acoustics, who became responsible for sound containment and acoustic optimisation, while Stirling Trading were awarded the contract to specify and fit out the auditorium and provide other music facilities.

Andrew Stirling managed the project personally, specifying a Nexo PS15 system to meet the diverse programme requirements, ranging from orchestral recitals to rock concerts. "The brief for the concert hall was to provide a good quality utility sound reinforcement system that would principally fulfil the vocal requirement," said Stirling. "It needed to be sufficiently powerful without being overly-intrusive, and so we opte

UK / Germany - With worldwide sales of live sound products doubling over the last two years, Logic System's presence at ProLight&Sound will "unashamedly be all about its Ethos range of products that targets this market", the company says.

This attention will centre on the Ethos CA system, which was previewed at PLASA '06 and is now in full production. CA is an ultra-compact fixed angle array box, which comes with a complementary bass cabinet, the Ethos B300. The system can be flown, ground-stacked or even pole-mounted. The standard enclosure offers coverage of 90° x 20° and Frankfurt will see the release of an additional version the Ethos CA10 with optional 90° x 10° directivity.

The stand will also feature the Ethos VA array system, LM series stage monitors and the ML range of multifunction cabinets.

Logic adds that ProLight&Sound will also see the

UK - A project to record the history of Britain's Moroccan community is underway, thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Project organisers the Migrant and Refugee Communities' Forum (MRCF) have chosen to use a fleet of Marantz PMD660 portable solid state recorders for all the data collection in the field.

The scheme will span a period of two years and record interviews with three generations of Moroccan migrants across the UK. Most of the work will be concentrated in London, where up to half of the country's 70,000 Moroccan residents live. 17 field-workers will conduct the interviews, which will ultimately be stored in the National Sound Archive at the British Library.

Project manager Verusca Calabria says: "We needed the best equipment, as this should be a long-term resource for the MRCF. We sought advice from the leading authorities in this field, from the B

USA - Middle Atlantic Products introduced its new Vertical Lacer Strips, along with a number of new cable management accessories, at NSCA Expo 2007.

The Vertical Lacer Strips provide AV integrators with a large number of cable tie points for organising and arranging cable runs of any size within a fully integrated enclosure system. The Strips accept Velcro cable ties and are available in two widths as well as a variety of heights to fit any Middle Atlantic Products enclosure.

"The result of a field-level research and development initiative, our new Vertical Lacer Strips completely change the way integrators have traditionally mounted cable runs," said Jay Franetovich, application engineer, Middle Atlantic Products. "Now securing cables is as simple as binding them with Velcro and looping the Velcro on the most convenient hook."

The new TSW-15 Cable Tie Sa

UK - For Amy Winehouse's current UK/US tour, production manager and FOH engineer Dave Swallow is using After being introduced to the Digidesign D-Show Profile desk.

"I had originally planned to use an analogue desk, but I then saw the Sugababes at an AOL Winter show at Kentish Town Forum, and they were using a D-Show to mix the sound. I remember it sounded so clean and for the kind of material Amy was doing that's exactly what we wanted," says Swallow.

When it was time to put the production together he contacted Roly Oliver at Brit Row and said he would like to try out the desk. Brit Row duly obliged, supplying the console as part of a production set-up which included the Outline Butterfly line array system. Along with the D-Show Profile came the support package - courtesy of Digidesign's UK reseller Marquee Audio.

Jock Bain, system tech for the Winehouse tour alon

Chile - Robbie Williams kicked off his Close Encounters world tour in April in South Africa, recently landing in South-America in Chile's capital city of Santiago. 77,000 people packed themselves at the Estadio National, to listen to his latest offerings, including the Spanish language version of his early hit Angels, bringing his total 'Close Encounters' tour attendance numbers to a whopping three million.

Cristian Olavarria Ltd is an Adamson Y-Axis partner, and a well respected rental company that supplies sound production for the majority of international acts, including Pearl Jam, Avril Lavigne, Black Eyed Peas and Coldplay, when making their stop in Chile. Williams usually tours with Britannia Row's inventory when possible, with FOH engineer Tony Szabo and system tech Sherif El Barbari ensuring a top-notch sound.

Olavarria Ltd, which owns a large inventory o

Germany - The L-Acoustics will be promoting its KIVA PA system at ProLight&Sound. Packaged in a sleek, fully integrated, ultra-compact design, KIVA is intended to "meet the highest demands of audio professionals and deliver the ultimate performance level in its category".

KIVA also fulfills the five WST (Wavefront Sculpture Technology) criteria in line with the scientific concepts introduced by L-Acoustics in 1992 and shared by the benchmark WST lineage of V-Dosc, dV-Dosc, and Kudo.

The system is "highly appropriate" for both the fixed installation and rental production markets. The main system components consist of KIVA, full-range element operating from 80 Hz to 20 kHz bandwidth; KILO, complimentary low frequency extension element operating from 50 Hz to 100 Hz bandwidth, and the LA4 amplified controller.

"KIVA delivers a considerable number of imp

Germany - eJamming AUDiiO is being promoted as "the first and only software application and online service that enables musicians to find, network and play music with one another over the Internet in real time and in perfect synchrony, facilitating music education, social networking and collaboration".

eJamming AUDiiO provides a virtual practice and recording studio for musicians and singers worldwide. With eJamming AUDiiO, musicians can write, rehearse, record, learn and play with each other over the Internet, in real time and more importantly, in synchrony. All they need is access to a computer, broadband connection, audio interface device and microphone, says the company.

The eJamming AUDiiO portal includes such social networking features as searchable musician profiles including music samples, an automated calendar for scheduling sessions, forums, celebrity blogs

USA - GearSource has added another account executive who will be based on the West Coast. Shaun Robinson joins GearSource following many successful years with the Guitar Center companies. Most recently, Robinson served for GC Pro where he became one of the company's banner sales associates and established a large following, especially among nightclubs and other installs.

GearSource president, Marcel Fairbain says: "We've worked with Shaun for many years as a client of both GearSource and most recently, LED Source. He's a great guy, and will add a very cool dynamic to our organisation".

In related news, GearSourceEurope has completely re-vamped and redesigned its website, making it easier to navigate and locate items of interest rapidly. GearSourceEurope was established at the beginning of 2006 and has grown to incorporate a large stock of audio, lighting and staging

USA - Tapco has announced that 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 successful leadership that drives the Mackie brand, better aligning Loud,s development and engineering resources - as well as its vision - with Tapco products," says the company.

"I am 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."

New in 2007 for Tapco are two sound reinforcement products - the Thump TH-15A active loudspeaker and the Series 69 passive loudspeaker - as well as one recording product, the Link.FireWir

USA / Germany - Following the success of the SRM450 and SRM350 Active PA speakers, Mackie will unveil at ProLight&Sound the newest member of the SRM family, the SRM150. This compact active PA System is designed for a variety of sound reinforcement needs. With 150w of ultra-efficient Class D amplification and the 5.25" EAW-designed, full-range neodymium driver, the SRM150 delivers high sound pressure levels.

"The SRM150 integrates the proven technology from the SRM series, along with an easy-to-use onboard mixer in a compact package," said Mackie Brand group vice president John Boudreau. "It makes the SRM150 the perfect choice for a wide range of applications such as boardroom and classroom A/V, and live music performance in venues such as coffee houses, piano bars, and rehearsal rooms. Plus, the SRM150 outperforms everything in its class by delivering higher

USA - Furman Sound reports that the All-American Rejects are using Furman Power Factor Pro conditioners and SPB-8C pedal boards for "uncompromised sound" on tour. With a double-platinum album and a recent 2006 MTV Video Music Award for Best Group Video, the All-American Rejects have been in high demand. They toured US colleges and universities recently, and followed that up by headlining the Tournado Tour, a multi-act event that stopped in over two-dozen cities.

To combat contaminated AC power and its effects during live performances, the band chose Furman Power Factor Pro conditioners. These are designed specifically for musicians and feature Clear Tone Technology, which lowers the AC line impedance supplied by wall outlets, and Linear Filtering, which suppresses noise.

"When playing multiple venues, we never really know how the amplifiers are goi

UK - FeONIC is to unveil its latest generation of loudspeaker driver systems, which it says can turn any resonant panel or surface into a loudspeaker. The sounders can be placed onto the hidden side, say the company, so no wiring, speaker grilles or boxes are visible.

Currently aimed at domestic applications, but also likely to attract attention from designers of retail and leisure spaces, FeONIC technology can be used with any audio system with sufficient power rating, replacing conventional speakers in 2.1, 5.1, 7.1 and even 9.1 systems, the company says.

FeONIC says its audio systems can be created from standard plasterboard, MDF, plywood or blockboard, and hardwood floorings, creating a truly integrated, hidden sound system. It also offers the benefits of an even dispersion, rather than the 'sweet spots' associated with conventional loudspeaker technology.

(Lee Baldock)

USA - Aviom debuted its AV-M8 Mic Input Module at NSCA 2007. Promoted as "ideal for distributing audio in boardrooms and conference rooms", the Aviom AV-M8 Mic Input Module saves contractors time, money, and labour, says the company.

The AV-M8 converts 8 analogue audio channels to a digital stream and provides eight mic-level inputs. It offers plug-and-play simplicity that runs over an easy-to-install Cat 5e cable, requiring no drilling of conduit.

Two channels include a 30dB switchable pad, allowing line-level signals to be connected. Eight channels of digital audio may also be input via ADAT, from a second AV-M8 module. Analogue audio is input via eight latching 5.0mm Euroblock connectors. Each analogue input channel features a set of configuration DIP switches for individually selectable gain settings, +48V phantom power, and low cut filter.

Analogue input chann

France - The new 8XT and 12XT from L-Acoustics represents "the next generation of single-point-source coaxial loudspeakers" according to the manufacturer. Drawing on two decades of leading edge experience dating back to the MTD coaxial concept in 1987, the new XT systems promise to deliver "the ultimate sonic performance in a compact and versatile multi-tasking package".

Featuring a compact and lightweight design, the 8XT cabinet is the most compact model of the L-Acoustics coaxial range. Operating on a frequency bandwidth of 65Hz to 20kHz, this response can be lowered to 32Hz with the addition of the SB118 subwoofer.

The 8XT contains a 1.5" diaphragm compression driver, coaxially loaded by an 8" low-frequency transducer in a bass-reflex tune enclosure. The internal passive crossover network uses proprietary third-order filters with built-in phase

Greece - Chios has long been considered one of the most beautiful Aegean islands. Now, with the 1,200 capacity Palazzo club, Chios has gained a new attraction. In addition to an elegant ambience, the club boasts a Dynacord alpha sound system.

To ensure that the dance floors of the 1,200 capacity Palazzo remain packed at all times, the management regularly brings in internationally famous DJs from abroad to relieve the house roster.

Club manager Tsatsalis Leonidas comments, "Whilst in terms of location and ambience, the Palazzo can easily hold its own with the best in Greece, it's our sound system that really sets us apart. There we really are setting new standards, as we've been told now, repeatedly, by visiting DJs."

The sound system that gives the Palazzo the edge is an alpha system from Dynacord. In use now in many of the world's top discotheques (including the

USA - Clear-Com will launch Tempest 2400 and Tempest 900, a "revolutionary wireless intercom system", at NAB 2007. The new Tempest has been engineered to avoid the need for licensing and frequency coordination, says Clear-Com. Utilising Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) in conjunction with TDMA technology, Tempest operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 900 MHz bands.

Tempest is a timely solution for the dilemma wireless communication system users will face when the DTV transition is completed in early 2009, suggests Clear-Com. Those used to operating wireless equipment in the 500 to 600MHz portion of the UHF band will find that spectrum crowded with UHF DTV transmissions, while the 700MHz band frequencies are scheduled for auction to new users later in 2009.

However, Tempest operates in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz and 900 MHz bands, so it is unaffected by the reallocatio

USA - Utilising JBL Professional PD Series loudspeakers, Westbury National Show Systems designed and installed the audio system at the new Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, IL. The 11,000-seat arena opened in October 2006, and has already hosted concerts by Bob Dylan and Duran Duran. The Sears Centre is also the new home of the Chicago Hounds (United Hockey League), the Chicago Storm (Major Indoor Soccer League), the Chicago Shamrox (National Lacrosse League) and the Chicago Slaughter (Continental Indoor Football League).

The seating area of the Sears Centre is arranged in a horseshoe pattern, to which Westbury National designed the system accordingly. Four clusters of three JBL PD5212/64 loudspeakers were placed along the north and south sides, while two clusters of two were hung in the northwest and southwest corners. Additionally, two clusters of three PD5212/64's are located

USA - Aviom introduced its new AV-P2 Output Module at NSCA 2007. It is designed for use in a wide variety of applications. The AV-P2 offers simple plug-and-play installation and secure 'set-and-forget' channel configuration.

Audio is distributed to the AV-P2 over standard Cat 5e cables, using Aviom's A-Net digital audio protocol. A-Net supports realtime distribution with sub-millisecond latency, and long cable runs up to 500ft/150m.

There is no limit to the number of devices that can be daisy chained, or to the number of parallel splits in a single system, says the company.

Power can be supplied to the AV-P2 with an external DC power supply or over the Cat 5e cable (with an A-Net Distributor). Additionally, Pro16 A-Net audio streams can be transmitted over single- or multi-mode fibre optics using certain standard third-party media converters.

The AV-P2 has reversible mount

USA - For the 10th consecutive year, a broad range of Audio-Technica microphones was selected to outfit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. A-T supplied over 100 mics to capture the audio for this widely celebrated musical event, which took place at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The 22nd annual event was held on 12 March, with inductees including Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, R.E.M., The Ronettes, Patti Smith and Van Halen. The show was broadcast live on VH1 Classic, and for the first time, streamed live on the Internet.

Audio-Technica's Artist Elite 5000 Series UHF Wireless System was used with the AEW-T5400 handheld microphone/transmitter for frontline vocals on performances by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five (Kid Creole, Cowboy, Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel, Mr. Ness, Raheim), Aretha Franklin, Sammy Hagar, The Ronettes featuring

Sweden - Studer has taken an order for one of its compact Vista 5 digital audio consoles from a new venue attached to the Stadsteater in Gothenborg, the first in Scandinavia to choose the Vista 5 as a front-of-house mixing desk. The sale of the first Swedish Vista 5 has been followed by the appointment of a new distributor in Sweden, LydRommet Sverige A/B.

The Vista 5 console is destined for the Backa Teater company, part of the Gothenborg City Theatre, or Stadsteater, and generally regarded as one of the most interesting and attractive theatre groups in Sweden. Music plays a large role in its live productions and there are five musicians working permanently in the group.

In 1989, the Backa company moved into a reconstructed factory on the Hisingen Island close to the central parts of Gothenburg, but, after eighteen years in that building, the City of Gothenburg has decided to

UK - Marquee Audio has supplied Surrey-based PA rental company Kinetic with a pair of super-compact Yamaha LS9 digital consoles, which have been deployed on a 30-date tour of the UK by Barbara Dickson. The larger of the two desks, an LS9-32, has been used by Kinetic's Gareth Fox-Williams to mix front-of-house sound, provide eight monitor mixes, and multitrack the shows for future possibilities as a live album.

Fox-Williams says preparing for this his third tour with Barbara Dickson was the moment he finally realised the inevitability of digital consoles. "Over the last year, I got my digital head doing a lot of successful work on a Yamaha MC7L digital desk, and when I saw the similarities between that and the LS9, I had to order one, even though I'd not seen one in the flesh. To me, it feels very familiar, very accessible and intuitive to navigate. And the quality outstrips

USA - APT will introduce its new coding technology apt-X Live, to US Broadcasters at this year's NAB show in Las Vegas. "apt-X Live sets a new benchmark of audio quality, low latency and error resilience," explains APT's commercial director, Jon McClintock. "The industry is demanding ever greater bandwidth efficiency and we sought to provide a solution which meets these demands without compromising on the core competencies associated with apt-X."

apt-X Live has already proven its audio quality in a series of independent listening tests where participants were unable to discern any difference between 24bit, 48kHz PCM Audio and apt-X Live, says the company. Shure Inc has signed a licensing agreement to incorporate the technology into its wireless live performance products.

(Jim Evans)

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