Australia/USA - An epic adventure into art, Dalí Alive was a multisensory encounter with one of the most provocative and influential artists of the twentieth century. The production dynamically animated the works of Salvador Dalí, providing visitors with the sensation of stepping into the life of the surrealist Spanish master and feeling the redemptive power of his exotic imagination. The immersive exhibition was created and produced by Grande Experiences, Australia together with its first instalment at The Dalí Museum, St Petersburg, Florida. With over 13,000sq.ft with floor to ceiling projections two-storeys high, the digital gallery featured spatial audio technology and content created by Grande Experiences’ regular immersive audio partner aFX Global. Des O'Neill, co-founder and sound designer at aFX Global, described the soundscapes in Dalí Alive as be
Germany - At this year's Prolight+Sound, the Adam Hall Group will once again be represented with several stands. In addition to a stand featuring the extensive lighting solutions by the Cameo brand (Hall 12.1, B24), the event technology manufacturer headquartered in Neu-Anspach near Frankfurt, will also be represented with, among other things, a central networking space for all interested parties in Hall 12 (12.1, A24). In addition, the Adam Hall Group will be supporting the Experience Zone in the Performance + Production Hub in the Portalhaus (PH.VIA A08A) with audio and stand solutions from the LD Systems and Gravity brands. During the days of the fair, the Adam Hall Group will also open the doors of the Experience Centre in Neu-Anspach and surprise visitors with a surround experience co-produced with the Babelsberg Film Orchestra and Simple Minds producer Peter Walsh.
Germany - ETC will be returning to Frankfurt for Prolight+Sound 2023 with a showcase of the latest in lighting technology, stage machinery, product seminars and more. On stands C53 and C45 in Hall 12.0, ETC will present a selection of its newest entertainment fixtures and controls including the next generation of ETC’s automated framing luminaires: High End Systems Halcyon. This range consists of Halcyon Gold, Titanium, and Platinum, offering matching feature sets, colours, and increased output at a reduced cost. Visitors will also see the new ColorSource V family featuring both spot and fresnel fixtures. With many of the features from premiere fixtures at an accessible price point venues around the world are already excited by their possibilities. Having received much attention at the recent USITT Expo in St Louis, the newly launched Source 4WRD Color II will
USA - Part of the Southern Baptist Convention with 10,000 members, Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida is among the largest congregations in the region. Its main campus, one of two in the city, has always fielded a large contingent of musicians, vocalists, and praise leaders both onstage and on the main floor in front of the stage. Post-Covid, the orchestra and vocalists were spread out even wider at the front of the 3,300-seat auditorium, now split left and right on the 250-seat choir risers, with the band’s guitars, drums, and keyboards remaining onstage. The church’s in-ear monitoring system, already strained, simply couldn’t manage the new configuration. But KLANG could. In January, the church acquired and installed a pair of KLANG:vokal immersive in-ear monitor mixing systems and 14 KLANG:kontrollers, providing the church’s musical multitude with the high
Australia – Sydney-based Gameday Hire recently invested in a Green-GO digital intercom system for its outside broadcast facility as a cost-effective and robust solution for its range of projects throughout Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. The company is headed up by Australian broadcast industry veteran Andy Liell, who was searching for a communications system that was fully IP-based and offered world-class performance. Gameday Hire’s team travels across the region, often delivering outside broadcast (OB) technology in remote locations that required rock solid communications. Gameday Hire’s OB trailer was designed as a heavily IP-based facility, with extensive use of NDI and Dante based audio. The system architecture utilises distributed network nodes to enable vision, audio and comms to be connected over single fiber pairs. “When looking for
USA - Education is central to Meyer Sound’s mission, and the global programme is flourishing following a refresh this year offering new strategic partnerships, a robust schedule of in-person training classes, conference participation, and significant online content. “By reimagining the education programme here at Meyer Sound, we’re really investing in the future of the industry and the future of sound,” says training & education manager Robyn Bykofsky. The 2023 trainings and events schedule is designed with the goal of building a strong foundation of audio principles with practical applications such as the MAPP 3D system design and prediction tool and Spacemap Go, Meyer Sound’s spatial sound design and mixing tool. The company’s expert educators have provided mentorship for students and professionals alike. UC Irvine Sound Design MFA student Cost
Canada - Adamson has completed its strategic management initiative with key new hires and the return of Brock Adamson as CEO. Through challenging times in the pro audio industry, Adamson grew, invested in its manufacturing facilities and acquired audio technology firms BeSpline and Brain Modular. Those initiatives were paired with plans to strengthen the management team to offer best-in-class service, operations and brand awareness. Five new positions were created in preparation for Brock Adamson’s return as CEO. “I’ve lived and breathed Adamson from the very early days, to our most recent factory expansion in Port Perry, even as I brought in Marc Bertrand to focus on strengthening our sales infrastructure. Returning as CEO is energising and exciting. In 2022, we asked ourselves: ‘what is the ideal management team to fuel our continued growth?’ We’ve create
Europe - DirectOut and Lawo have announced that the modular Prodigy.MP and Prodigy.MC audio converters, which were recently on tour with Coldplay, are now fully integrated with Lawo’s HOME platform. In the HOME ecosystem, the Prodigy converters will benefit from instant IP discovery and registration, intuitive stream routing, device monitoring, diagnostics, parameter control and the security features offered by the HOME platform, all enabled through a single control API. One highly anticipated result is that the Prodigy’s parameters can be conveniently tweaked from an mc²-series console with built-in HOME functionality. Christian Struck, Lawo’s senior product manager audio production comments, “Especially in the performing arts and on live stages where audio recording and playback quality is critical, operators like to leverage the excellent sound of Pro
UK - In an online special event presentation, Martin Audio has announced nine new products including the portable series, FlexPoint, primarily targeting the premier rental market. FlexPoint systems deliver ‘quality sound to match the expectations of prestige venues and top-flight touring artists, while their passive two-way configuration heeds the need to reduce running costs and amplifier count’. Comprising five models - all with highly flexible deployment - the FlexPoint series covers a range of professional applications, from live sound reinforcement, theatre sound and corporate AV to distributed sound systems and immersive environments. From the miniature FP4 to the powerful FP15, FlexPoint loudspeakers are compact and discreet - providing ultimate clarity, detail and coverage at all sound levels without affecting sight lines or detracting from venue architectu
Sweden - Mobilelinks Europe AB deliver connectivity and transmission via satellite, fibre infrastructure and microwave. With a successful portfolio of productions spanning numerous international live sports events, news reports, video conferences and corporate events, Mobilelinks have a proven record of executing services reliably and cost effectively on a global scale. A recent Mobilelinks’ client was a large Nordic broadcaster, who required a solution to connect their various Nordic/European locations with both audio and intercom links to streamline their operations. Currently, Mobilelinks are in possession of nine EXBOX.RAV which work in this network, plus a further four EXBOXes that work as a MADI bridge to clients’ Ravenna/AES67 networks. The AES67 technology is also fully interoperable with equipment from Riedel and Lawo that is present in the network. The b
Romania - The hit Netflix series Wednesday, starring Jenna Ortega in the title role and directed by Tim Burton is shot, both in studio and on location, in Romania. Production sound mixer Liviu Lupsa brings the show dialogue in with his vast toolbox of Lectrosonics gear - SRc Series dual-channel receivers; VR Field modular receiver system; SMQV belt-pack transmitters; SMWB and SMDWB miniature wideband transmitters; HM and HMa plug-on transmitters; IFBT4 IFB transmitters; and IFBR1, IFBR1a, IFBR1b, and IFBR1c IFB receivers - for wireless mic and IFB systems. Buftea, about 20 km outside the capital city Bucharest, is the very definition of an “industry town.” It was a small village some 70 years ago when the communist government of Romania decided to build studios that would produce feature-length movies that were dense with propaganda. This studio complex woul
Germany - The Signal Iduna Park (SIP) operator has expanded the stadium's sound system with more than 128 RCF loudspeaker elements. With a total capacity of 81,365 spectators, the temple, as the fans affectionately call it, is the largest stadium in Germany and the home ground of football club Borussia Dortmund (BVB). The south stand, in particular, which seats around 25,000 BVB fans provides massive support for the players on the pitch during home matches. The sound system in the area of the long stands was modernised in 2013 with new RCF line array systems. To further improve the performance and acoustic illumination of the arena, the sound systems in the corners of the SIP and the pitch area have now been renewed. For this purpose, fulfil engineering installed 12 line arrays with 128 RCF HL 40 passive loudspeaker units and four TTS 36 passive subwoofers. Eig
USA - Bose Corporation has announced the sale of the Bose Professional Division to Transom Capital Group, an operations-focused middle market private equity firm. With this deal, Transom will assume ownership of the Bose Professional commercial installation and conferencing businesses. Bose will retain its portable PA systems as part of its core consumer product business. For more than 50 years, Bose Professional has developed audio systems that are easy to design, install and operate for performance, commercial and conferencing applications, and has worked with AV integrators, system designers, installers and consultants to deliver these unforgettable audio experiences. Today, its systems can be heard worldwide – in workplaces, houses of worship, universities, restaurants, retail stores, hotels, performing arts centres, stadiums and more. “We’re proud of what Bo
Portugal - NEXT-proaudio is introducing the LAs118A.v3 (active) and LAs118.v3 (passive). This new version is exactly the same as the previous version with a different internal construction (front-loaded). The newer version (v3) has been internally re-engineered (from hybrid-horn to front-loaded) to respond more effectively to lower frequencies. The optimised flare of the tunning port reduces air compression and turbulence especially at very high acoustic pressure levels. Although the average sensitivity of the new version of LAs118 is a little lower than the previous version (about -0.4dB) the SPL level in frequencies below 50Hz is on average 2dB higher. The v3 version will also use the new Power Module DPA2000.v3 with the same features as the previous version with new advantages such as a reduced fan noise with an internal fan, an increased heatsink efficiency due to
UK - Audio-Technica has announced scheduled availability in Europe and the UK for its recently launched BP3600 Immersive Audio Microphone. A broadcast audio tool capable of capturing stable, three-dimensional sound beds at sporting events, concerts, movie sets and more, the BP3600 will be available for purchase from May 2023. The development of the BP3600 included nearly three seasons of extensive prototype testing at MotoGP, the Grand Prix motorcycle racing Championship, in conjunction with commercial rights holder Dorna Sports S.L., which has made the microphone a core audio component of its future programme broadcasting. Audio-Technica’s Rod Thomaz, project manager for MotoGP says: “As audiences expect and demand a more encompassing audio experience in their listening environments, the need for real-time live immersive mixing is only going to increase.
Germany - Neumann has announced the release of the KH 120 II studio monitor. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the KH 120 II offers improvements in all acoustic parameters for deeper bass, higher SPL capability, and increased resolution, says the company. In addition, its internal DSP engine allows for phase linear crossovers and room correction via Neumann’s MA 1 Automatic Alignment. “It is part of the Neumann ethos to never be satisfied with what has been achieved so far,” says portfolio manager Stephan Mauer. “The KH 120 garnered hundreds of five-star reviews, yet we knew that we could make it even better. For the KH 120 II we’ve developed a novel woofer design that reduces distortion audibly and allows for much higher SPLs. In addition to an exceptionally flat frequency response from 44 Hz to 21 kHz (±3 dB), the KH 120 II also offers a linearised p
USA - To update the historic Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket, R.I. for modern live shows while still paying respect to its Vaudeville-era design, All Tech Sound designed and installed a versatile range of Harman Professional audio solutions. First opened in 1926, the Stadium Theatre is one of only a handful of Vaudeville-era theatres in the country that are still in operation, and today it hosts a varied range of shows and productions. Owned and operated since 1996 by the non-profit Stadium Theatre Foundation, the venue is in its 25th year of extensive renovations to both restore its historic architecture and update the technology to better suit modern performances. For the audio component, the venue required an agile system that not only provided the dynamic range and coverage suitable for a wide variety of performances, but also looked discreet and didn’t impede on
Germany - The Pur and Friends 2022 live concert took place at Veltins-Arena, originally known as Arena auf Schalke, an impressive indoor football stadium in Gelsenkirchen. Over 68,000 fans celebrated two notable occasions - the 40th birthday of the German band, and the 20th anniversary of Pur at Schalke. With every seat sold out, the audience was treated to an extraordinary performance by Pur and an array of acts including Peter Maffay, Max Giesinger, Cassandra Steen and other musical luminaries. DiGiCo’s Quantum 338 consoles, supplied by TDA Rental, were deployed at both FOH and monitoring, with KLANG deployed for in-ear monitoring. Patrick Eckerlin has been with Pur since 1995 and has gained expertise in various sound systems and consoles over the years. The FOH position that Eckerlin has held with Pur since 2001 is now equipped with a DiGiCo Quantum 338 console, w
Japan - LEA Professional has announced a distribution partnership with Onkyo Tokki of Tokyo to support LEA’s rapidly growing business in the APAC region. This partnership allows LEA Professional to increase support for its existing customers in the region, as well as further develop new opportunities in the market. Onkyo Tokki has been importing, selling, and maintaining audio equipment in the Japanese market since 1979. “We are pleased to announce our partnership with LEA Professional, which provides us with innovative IoT and pro-audio power amplifier technologies,” comments Koh Nishida, CEO of Onkyo Tokki. “We consider it a great honour to represent such a pioneering brand, and we look forward to the exciting opportunities this partnership will bring.” “LEA Connect Series has been a big success in Japan since launching in the market just three yea
UK - Rycote, developer and manufacturer of shock and wind protection for field production sound, has been a key industry player for over four decades. In a significant update, the company recently declared its decision to transition from Stroud to Ashby-De-La-Zouch, UK. This move represents an instrumental stride that underscores Rycote's commitment to achieving the highest levels of excellence in the audio industry, says the company. This move will enable Rycote to upgrade and expand its manufacturing and distribution facilities, while further developing its innovation capabilities. Bjørn Rennemo-Henriksen, audio sales senior director, comments: “Our new location gives us the opportunity to provide an even higher level of customer satisfaction by ensuring that our products meet the highest standards in every aspect from design and development through delivery.”
Poland – Popular Spotify performer sanah recently embarked on a tour of Poland’s leading concert halls, accompanied by a full orchestra, choir and guest performers. Sanah burst onto the international scene two years ago when her music went viral, breaking records on Spotify’s streaming service. The tour was her first using L-Acoustics L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal sound, and featured her usual band, accompanied by the Polish Film Music Orchestra and 30-member Silesia Chamber Choir Ad Libitum. “The idea to use L-ISA spatial technology was conceived at the end of sanah’s 2022 summer tour,” explains sound engineer, Piotr Puchalski. “I was intrigued by the progressive nature of the technology and went to L-Acoustics’ headquarters in France for a series of training sessions. The more I explored L-ISA, the more I began to realise just how advanced this technology
USA - Pop’s Nightclub and Concert Venue recently decided to replace its aging sound system with a JBL Professional live sound reinforcement solution powered by Crown amplification. Founded in 1981, Pop’s is a nightclub and concert venue located in Sauget, Illinois, a late-night oasis on the outskirts of St. Louis. A laundry list of musical acts have played the 1,200-capacity venue throughout the years; from Slipknot and Motorhead to Post Malone and Bruno Mars. In addition to a busy schedule as a concert venue, Pop’s is also famous for transforming into an all-night dance club after midnight and into the daylight hours of the next day. To ensure balanced sound quality with venue-wide coverage and improved line-of-sight to the stage from all corners of the room, venue management decided to upgrade the sound system with a more modern design. Pop’s production manag
UK - Rick Bailey’s RMPA has an impressive track record. The first sound company to provide pre-match and interval live music at Wembley Stadium, it has been supplier of audio for the Acoustic Stage at Glastonbury for 11 out of 13 years and for 10 years has delivered sound for 30,000 people on two stages at the Upton Blues Festival. Having first had hands-on experience of Midas consoles as long ago as 1977 (Pro40 and Pro4), RPMA first invested in the marque when taking possession of a Midas Heritage Legend 3000, and can lay claim to being the first PA company to mix a live band on the Midas H3000. There began a relationship with Midas that lasts to this day, with Rick having just invested in the Midas Heritage D, HD-96-24 following its recent introduction to the UK market by Polar. He comments: “Over the years at RMPA, we’ve worked closely with Midas in a consulta
The Netherlands - Optocore has chosen More Distribution, its partner in Holland, to host the first in its Fiber Masterclass progressive educational programme, focusing on fibre optics. Part one of the programme, which will also feature sister company BroaMan, aims at educating young and aspiring professionals and students of media production, event production, sound engineering, broadcast technologies and data networks in every aspect of the technology, its capabilities and behaviour. It will set out the equipment needed to use it, its capabilities and real-life applications, and illustrate how industries other than live sound, broadcast and recording are slowly evolving to embrace fiber optics further down the road. The initiative is the brainchild of Optocore’s experienced technical sales support specialist, RadhaMohan Rajani, technical support engineer, Marci Só
