Japan - Since opening in 1985, Antiknock has become a hall of fame for punk and hardcore bands, and many of today’s major artists originally set down their roots there. Now the venue, situated in the burgeoning Shinjuku district of Tokyo, has become the first in Japan to install Martin Audio’s new Torus constant curvature array. Speaking of the installation, Mr. Sekikawa, CEO of Hardaway Corporation, which manages the venue, said the renewal of the sound system was a gift to the many artists and patrons who volunteered to sell T-shirts and make donations to keep the venue alive during the COVID pandemic. “This was my first thought when trying to thank them all for their cooperation during those difficult times,” he said. The system previously installed had been huge and featured old long-throw cabinets. Their disproportionate size not only made the stage looked
Denmark - When it opened in September of last year, the new campus of Sonic College - a unit of the University of South Denmark in Kolding - immediately vaulted to the top ranks of European educational institutions for all disciplines related to sound design for music, film, video, and gaming. The new facility boasts 10 studios for sound creation, recording, and mixing, but what sets Sonic College apart is what the school calls their “sound-embracing atrium”. More than 180 Meyer Sound self-powered loudspeakers are installed throughout the five-story space, with about half facing into the open atrium and the remainder placed in the ceilings of connected corridors. Each loudspeaker is connected to a discrete output of a Galileo Galaxy Network Platform, which allows dynamic panning of multiple sound sources throughout the entire space using Meyer Sound’s Spacemap Go spat
Europe - Bosch has announced the Integrus Omneo transmitter, a new addition to the Integrus Wireless Language Distribution System. The Integrus Wireless Language Distribution System, which is widely found in parliaments and used for international congresses, is designed for multilingual meetings to enable attendees to understand speeches in their native language. The audio signals of simultaneous interpretations are transmitted to pocket receivers and headphones via radiators utilizing proven, tamper-free infrared technology. Thanks to the built-in Omneo IP architecture, the Integrus Omneo transmitter can seamlessly interconnect with the fully IP-based Dicentis conference devices from Bosch. This allows all existing Dicentis users – building owners, rental companies and system integrators specifying the Dicentis conference system – to integrate Integrus systems in an eas
Spain - Powersoft has launched its third-generation fixed-install amplifier platform, UNICA. The UNICA range comprises three four-channel (UNICA 9K4, 12K4 and 16K4, with 9,000W, 12,000W and 16,000W respectively) and three eight-channel models (UNICA 2K8, 4K8 and 8K8, with 2,000W, 4,000W and 8,000W). Featuring high power density, sound quality and backed by five new patents and four existing ones, UNICA represents the third and latest generation of Powersoft amplifier platforms, designed to meet the requirements of any size of installation with a single product family, explains Powersoft’s R&D director and co-founder, Claudio Lastrucci. “UNICA is engineered to accommodate upcoming functions and feature expansions to fulfil the most demanding audio design requirements for years to come – all within a single platform,” says Lastrucci. “By listening to
Europe - KLANG’s latest software version 5.3 introduces a flexible offline editor and simulator. This enables users to prepare a show remotely without requiring access to KLANG processor hardware. Built into the KLANG:app, the offline editor emulates any existing KLANG processor from the smallest :vier to the flagship :konductor including network communication for DiGiCo SD and Quantum console integration, as well as to connect other KLANG:apps or the personal mixer :kontroller on a local network. The offline editor also offers full compatibility with DiGiCo consoles’ offline editor, making it possible to set up the console remotely without having a console and KLANG processor on hand. “Imagine you are sitting on a tour bus to the next gig and you need to make quick changes. Now, you just need your laptop to open an existing show file, adapt it for a different KL
Spain - Sennheiser has announced a new ceiling microphone for mid-sized meeting rooms and lecture or collaboration spaces. Named TeamConnect Ceiling Medium (TCC M), the new TeamConnect Ceiling solution was unveiled at ISE 2023. TCC M delivers ‘all the innovation and features of the award-winning TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2) to a new segment of the meeting space market’. With a coverage area of up to 40 m², customers can now bring the power of TCC 2 to their mid-sized meeting space, with a sleek design and at an attractive price-point, says Sennheiser. “With the worldwide success of our TCC 2 for large meeting spaces, we wanted to provide that same experience to mid-size conference rooms and educational spaces,” said Jens Werner, product manager, UC Solutions, Sennheiser. “Now with TCC M, a whole new meeting category can realise TeamConnect Ceiling Solutions
USA - Dead & Company kicked off 2023 with a concert series in Riviera Cancún, Mexico and chose Meyer Sound’s Panther to power the destination event. Dead & Company tour director and FOH engineer, Derek Featherstone brought UltraSound LLC’s Panther system to the beach to anchor the 14-17 January series that also featured a one-night headline performance by rising American rock band Goose. UltraSound provided a Panther system with 16 per side (12L, 4W) providing even coverage across the long, narrow waterfront audience area. The system also included six Panther per side (4L, 2W) for out-fill, six Panther (L) for lipi-fill, a centre cluster with six Leopard, and 24 1100‑LFC, supported by six Galileo Galaxy 816 processors. “The Panther system covered the space as we expected it to and easily kept up with the wind,” said Derek Featherstone, UltraSound CEO
UK - The MOBO Awards, which recognise and celebrate black music and culture, returned for its 25th year in October last year. With Craig David, Little Simz, Central Cee and Knucks among the artists recognised, the annual ceremony took place at the OVO Arena Wembley, where a star-studded line-up of artists including Nile Rodgers, Kojey Radical, Tion Wayne, Fireboy DML, Cat Burns, FLO and Eliza Rose all performing on the night. DiGiCo’s SD10, SD12 and S21 digital mixing consoles offered flexibility, sound quality and reliability to the technically challenging event. Simon Purse, head of audio at South West Group Events (SWG Events), who also acted as audio crew chief at MOBO Awards, explains that, for the first year, SWG Events was sole audio supplier for the event. “The MOBOs is a technically challenging event to pull off,” says Purse. “It was also an extr
Spain - With the acquisition of ACS "Acoustic Control Systems" from the Netherlands in April 2022, Pan Acoustics made its debut in the field of virtual room acoustics. Since then, the portfolio has been consistently revised to offer an end-to-end solution for natural and spatial audio representation from a single source. “More and more modern productions today rely on spatial sound reinforcement to immerse visitors deeply in a world of sound experience. It was immediately clear to us that the future would consist of a symbiosis of virtual room acoustics and spatially flexible audio representation. The result of our efforts can be found in Pan Immerse 4D Audio," reports Udo Borgmann, CEO of Pan Acoustics. "With the 4D, i.e. the four dimensions of height, width, depth and time, completely new, impressive worlds of experience can be created for an audience. Via the dim
Spain - Adam Hall Integrated Systems has introduced QUESTRA design and management software for networked LD Systems installation solutions. LD Systems from Adam Hall offers a vast range of robust, well thought-out audio solutions for applications as diverse as touring and events, DJ and MI, plus of course integrated systems. The integrated systems portfolio includes dedicated loudspeaker solutions, power amplifiers, mixer amplifiers, preamps, wireless systems and microphones and much more. QUESTRA is the new software brain that makes planning, designing, configuring and managing your project easy. QUESTRA enables access to the full DSP capabilities of all LD Systems’ audio installation devices, allowing you to configure audio networks of any size and manage and control every device from a single application. The software also includes a powerful editor to create cust
Spain - Via an online special event and at ISE 2023 in Barcelona, Martin Audio unveiled a smaller addition to the Torus series, the Torus 8 (or T820 as the individual model is known). T820 is a passive, two-way loudspeaker engineered for small to medium-scale applications which do not call for the longer throw capabilities of a line array. With exceptional ease-of-use, scalability and deployment flexibility, it is primarily used as an array element in vertical constant curvature arrays as well as being used singly as a point-source loudspeaker. In venues with short throws, yet high ceilings - as is the case in some theatres - a horizontal centre cluster may also be a practical solution. T820 combines impressive output capability, sonic performance and a defined 100° by 20° coverage pattern, all from a compact enclosure that weighs just 14kg. Its small size and portab
Spain - Electronic musician and composer, Jean-Michel Jarre, and contemporary French artist Eric Decastro teamed up with Coda Audio to unveil Space by Coda at ISE 2023. Space by Coda combines advanced AV technology with art ‘to create a seamless audio-visual experience that is scalable and adaptable to any environment – and where the mechanics of what is a concert-grade audio experience are rendered completely invisible’. “Conventional AV solutions are often a compromise between technical requirements and visual aesthetics,” explains Coda founder and MD, Svetly Alexandrov. “High quality AV solutions usually include projector and/or LED screens, multiple loudspeakers, mounting accessories, and a lot of cables as well as acoustic absorbers and diffusors. This is usually at odds with the vision of the architect and/or interior designer who don’t want loudsp
Europe - Andrea Bocelli’s audio team has relied on DiGiCo’s professional touring consoles during the star’s career, starting in 2006 with the original D5 Live. After a brief move to an analogue solution, the production migrated back to digital with the SD7, but recently upgraded to DiGiCo’s flagship premium Quantum 7 console and its advanced processing suite to cater for the high I/O count typical of the classical genre and the grand venues in which it is hosted. With an average of 45 concerts a year, the renowned tenor maintains a busy touring schedule. Reportedly the biggest selling solo classical artist of all time with 85m worldwide album sales, Bocelli sustains an ongoing tour programme for his legions of international fans, selling out arenas across the globe. “My colleague Francesco and I started working with Bocelli in September 2006,” comments seni
Spain - Fulcrum Acoustic will be showcasing its patented Passive Cardioid Technology during ISE 2023. The show will be the international debut for the CCX8 series and CCX15 series compact coaxial loudspeakers as well as the CS212L and CS218L subwoofers. CCX8 and CCX15 are coaxial, subcardioid loudspeakers that provide the output capability and pattern control of normal premium two-way systems in significantly more compact enclosures. Their trapezoidal shaped enclosures allow for mounting very close to ceilings with minimal effect on sight lines, which facilitates acceptance by interior designers and architects. The CCX8 is an 8in system offered in two horn patterns and the CCX15 is a 15in system offered in five horn patterns. CS212L and CS218L are high output, low profile, subcardioid subwoofers intended for a wide range of venues. These models feature dual, high power
Spain - Among a wide range of products being shown at ISE for the first time, on the Neutrik Group booth #E680 in Hall 5, are new audio, data and power connector series from Neutrik and Rean, and a portfolio of power distribution products from Contrik. Neutrik’s signature speakON series of audio connectors expands still further with the introduction of the new speakON NL4FXX & NL2FXX 4-pole and 2-pole cable connectors. These new connectors feature a locking boot to protect against unintended opening, together with a unique two-compound housing to improve handling in daily operation. The connectors are easier and smoother to assemble, as the strain relief chuck snaps to the insert. The new powerCON NAC3FXXA & NAC3FXXB cable connectors are colour coded blue – for power In – and grey – for power Out. These conform to relevant device standards, including
Spain - Visitors to this year’s ISE can meet the L-Acoustics and L-Acoustics Creations team, catch a demonstration of L-ISA Ambiance Acoustics System, discover L-ISA Studio interactive workstations, hear the discreet and powerful Soka/SB6i duo, and more. Ambiance is the next generation of active acoustics, combining premium acoustics and the realism of immersive audio. An Ambiance Acoustic System consists of an immersive loudspeaker design requiring both surround and overheads to create a proper acoustic field and an array of strategically placed microphones to capture the existing acoustical energy of the venue, which is processed through the L-ISA Room Engine built within the L-ISA Processor II. These systems are designed within the 3D-mapping design software Soundvision to fit the room geometry and volume and to meet the performance requirements of the venue - fro
Spain - A new feature for ISE 2023 which opened in Barcelona this morning, the Audio Demo Rooms in Hall 8 will showcase the latest innovations from leading audio brands. Exhibiting brands including AED Group, Coda Audio, d&b audiotechnik, Holoplot, Martin Audio, Pioneer PRO AUDIO and Void Acoustics will provide rotational live demos throughout each day, including an exclusive guest appearance with Coda Audio from French electro musician and composer, Jean-Michel Jarre. The launch of the Audio Demo Rooms follows a period when ISE worked closely with a group of leading audio companies to conceptualise and produce this exciting new show floor feature. Each demo room has been specifically tailored to the requirements of each manufacturer, ensuring optimal listening conditions for visitors. Mike Blackman, ISE managing director, comments, “We are delighted that w
UK - Newark-based Ampetronic has been presented with its 2022 Queen’s Award for Enterprise for excellence in International Trade. Employing 50 people Ampetronic has been trading since 1987, its mission is to bring intelligible sound into the lives of people with hearing loss by improving the quality of installed hearing access equipment. The company produces a wide range of electronic products for hearing accessibility, primarily Audio Induction Loop Systems that can deliver sound direct to hearing aid users. On being presented with the award by The Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire - Sir John Peace, MD of Ampetronic Julian Pieters, commented: “We are honoured to receive the award today, made especially poignant following the death of Her Majesty last year. I am delighted that our customers and the team at Ampetronic were able to sustain a significant level of gro
Spain - Wisycom is showcasing its new MTP61 Transmitter, the latest addition to its Symphony product line, at ISE 2023 (Booth 7G200). “We look forward to presenting our MTP61 to the European market for the first time at ISE 2023,” says Leslie Lello, product specialist, Wisycom. “A cross between our existing MTP41 and MTP60 Transmitters, the MTP61 was developed in direct response to market demands and incorporates all the advanced technology of our Symphony line in a smaller form factor. This includes seamless connectivity via long-range Bluetooth 5 to the new Wisycom App, enabling users to monitor and adjust parameters in real-time, from anywhere in a venue.” Using the Wisycom App to control the device eliminates the need for network connectivity. Further, the MTP61 can also be easily configured by operators directly through the module’s high-contrast OLED d
Italy - To celebrate this current year as its 50th anniversary since incorporation, Outline has been working behind the scenes to restructure, resulting in the appointment of a new management team. The new organisation stems from the retirement of Giorgio Biffi from his role of CEO, which he carried in addition to his head of sales function, since the passing of founder Guido Noselli, whom he had joined in 1976. "Giorgio has undoubtedly driven Outline's success on a worldwide scale during his 47 year-long tenure – which is why it wasn't exactly easy to find a suitable candidate to replace him,” says Michele Noselli, majority shareholding partner together with his brother Stefano – who adds, "It explains how we came to appoint not one, but two younger guys, as a team, in order to keep up with Giorgio's own pace, willing to grow Outline to lead tomorrow's technolog
Spain - Harman Professional Solutions will introduce its ISE 2023 visitors to a range of versatile solutions introduced during the past year. The new products include JBL Professional SRX900 Powered Line Arrays and Subwoofers; JBL Professional PRX900 Powered Portable PA Systems; JBL Professional VTX A6 Line Array and B15 Subwoofer Touring Audio Solutions; JBL Professional Control Contractor Commercial Loudspeaker Expansion; Martin MAC Aura XIP Indoor/Outdoor Premium Wash Light; Martin Exterior Linear Pro Architectural Lighting Fixtures; AMX Varia Professional-Grade Touch Panels; and AMX Jetpack 3x1 Switching, Transport, and Control Kits. Furthermore, AMX will release a new product on opening day. AMX Varia Series touch panels address the needs of corporate, education, government and more via persona apps, unmatched mounting flexibility, any-colour side LEDs, and commun
USA - To better serve its customers in the New York City and New Jersey area, Renkus-Heinz has announced manufacturers’ representative Audio Associates will be taking over the key territory. Audio Associates has been a leading manufacturers’ representative firm in the AV, professional audio, system integration, sports and government market sectors since its founding in 1981. Audio Associates has been representing Renkus-Heinz in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, including Washington D.C., Maryland, Eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Virginia, since 2020. “After being a part of Renkus-Heinz’s success over the past two years in the Mid-Atlantic, I believe we are well positioned to take on the New York Metro territory,” said Joe Blacker, owner of Audio Associates. “We have always enjoyed our established relationships within the consulta
Europe - The AG08 is a new all-in-one, multi-purpose live streaming mixer and audio interface from Yamaha. As the flagship model of the company’s second generation AG series, it combines all the essential functionality of the AG range with practical new, intuitive functions for a powerful streaming solution. By integrating more flexible I/O and USB routing options, additional DSP effects, expanded functionality and improved internal circuitry, the AG08 supports an impressive depth of streaming applications, including speech, instrument, playback, gaming and ASMR, as well as offline audio content creation, all with class-leading sound quality. But while it’s packed with useful features, the AG08 is very flexible and simple to use. Eight input channels are provided, all with assignable faders and mute switches for instant, hands-on control of sound levels. A range o
Italy -Two events - Legend 375 and Christmas Night - staged at the Coccia Theatre in Novara marked the Italian debut of the Adamson Fletcher Machine the immersive audio processor designed and created by Adamson. On stage was the musical project written by Claudio Mazzucchelli - co-founder of the orchestra and director of the two shows - and interpreted by the 50-piece CM Orchestra Rhythms & Drums directed by Maestro Andrea Pollione. A story in music, through which the director wanted to relive the soundtrack of his life, together with the audience, where everyone can recognize passages of their own. An exciting choral play of sound, light, and color designed to immerse and excite. Claudio Mazzucchelli, artistic director and concert technician said, “With the CM Orchestra we looked for an audio system that was capable of interpreting the skill
