UK - KV2, like so many, is eagerly looking forward to exhibiting at its first live tradeshow since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020. PLASA Show 2021 at Olympia London (5-7 September) will offer the opportunity for the pro audio specialist to meet customers and colleagues in person as well as offering live demos in its exclusive demo room. Situated in the London Room to the left of the main entrance, KV2’s demo room is open all day, every day – no pre-booking is required, interested parties may come and go as they please. This facility will offer industry professional and users the invaluable opportunity to experience a selection of KV2’s leading range of products at their leisure. “We’ll be showcasing our VHD 2.0 high performance point source touring and installation system accompanied by our revolutionary VHD 4.21 subwoofer system which de
Europe - Gerry Forde has become the latest member of the Point Source Audio family, taking on the new role of business development manager for the EMEA region. Forde has a long history in the pro audio industry, working with distributors, manufacturers and rental companies. A large part of that career was spent working with Sennheiser. This was followed by spells at Rycote, and consultancy work for a variety of brands. “My background is music and music recording," says Forde. "I was a hands-on RF operator too, so I am very familiar with the technical side of things and the production values in most sectors. I then went over to the commercial world, so I know it as a distributor, reseller, commercial manager, and sales director responsible for marketing." “We see the EMEA region as critical for our ongoing worldwide growth,” states James Lamb, president at
India - Harman Professional Solutions has launched the JBL Commercial CSSM100 studio condenser microphone in India. This new studio microphone is designed for audio inputs for both vocal and instrument sound and is suitable for both studio recording and for on-stage performances. Speaking on the launch, senior director, sales and marketing, Harman Professional Solutions in India and SAARC, Aditya Todi, said “The industry is witnessing a surge in content creation and consumption, which has given rise to at home and smaller studio set ups. This affordable range of studio condenser microphone is the go-to audio device for upcoming singers, instrument players, public speakers or just anyone looking for a quality sturdy microphone. With its pro audio quality, JBL CSSM100 brings out a pristine sound, making sure that users sound their best always.” JBL Commercial
Sweden - Improving the sound for the congregation in an ancient church can be a difficult task. But Yamaha’s VXL series slim line array speakers make it much easier, as demonstrated in the medieval church at Säve, near Gothenburg. “The church’s audio system was at least 20 years old. It was outdated, with a non-standard mixer and speakers/amplifier designed for home use. So it could not possibly deliver sound of acceptable quality,” says Sten E. Ranwald of Gothenburg-based Ljud & Säkerhet. Sten was asked to improve the 13th century church’s sound but, because of its historic structure and decor, it needed to be done very sensitively. “We could not interfere with the structure of the church or place any equipment that would have a visual impact,” he says. “After the old system was removed and while the church’s electrical system was being
China - The Peacekeeper Elite League is the highest level of eSports competition for the videogame Peacekeeper Elite - the localised title of PUBG Mobile in the Chinese market. And while esports is a burgeoning market in the live production world, the production costs across these performances have traditionally been high due to the need for dedicated, on-site staff and expansive cable runs connecting many different video and audio feeds. To mitigate this challenge, VSPN - a co-organiser of the Peacekeeper Elite League - recently experimented with a new way to host its events by relying on Audinate’s Dante for broadcast audio over a vast geographic distance. On 3 May, the first weekly final of the Peacekeeper Elite League 2021 S2 season was held in Chongqing Banan Huaxi Sports Centre. Twenty professional teams from across the country gathered in the mountain city of
UK - Part of the University of Surrey, Guildford School of Acting (GSA) provides its Theatre Production course students with a rounded education in all aspects of technical production. Part of this, is ensuring the equipment they learn on is not only cutting-edge but prepares them for their professional careers. To this end, GSA has recently invested in a DiGiCo Quantum 338, purchased through Autograph Sound. “As a drama conservatoire, GSA is renowned for its musical theatre and actor-musician training, creating many opportunities for the Theatre Production students to support the sound needs of this diverse performance programme,” says Gareth Evans, teaching fellow in Sound at GSA. “When we were looking to upgrade our existing SD8, we knew we wanted a console that both represented an industry standard for our students and would support the efficient workflows needed t
Australia - Marshall Day Acoustics (MDA) has announced that its Theatre & AV Design division, Marshall Day Entertech will be succeeded by new independent company Entertech Australia. The company will be led by former MDA staff members and theatre specialists Micah Johnson and Kate Kelly. “We are thrilled for Micah and Kate and what this change will bring. On behalf of the board and leadership team, we thank Micah and Kate for all their efforts as members of the MDA team and look forward to seeing their new business develop in the future,” said Marshall Day Acoustics’ co-CEO Amanda Robinson. MDA says it made the decision to split the company in order to increase operational efficiencies and return focus to the core area of the business, acoustics. “Kate and I are excited to begin a new chapter as an independent business, after fifteen years as part of
UK - PLASA Show 2021 will reopen its doors this weekend to reunite industry professionals at Olympia London after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic - and time is running out for visitors to secure their free entry passes. Taking place from 5-7 September, the show will welcome back leading brands from pro audio, AV, lighting and stage technologies, who will take up residence in Olympia’s Grand Hall alongside the ABTT Theatre Show which is relocating for one year only. “In light of the monumental shifts felt by the live events and entertainment sector over the past 18 months, PLASA Show 2021 will be people-centred, with inclusive networking spaces, support resources and learning opportunities,” say the organisers. Free registration ends at midnight tonight, 31 August – those wishing to claim a free entry pass should head over to
Denmark - Situated about 25km north of Copenhagen, Hørsholm is a community with diverse tastes in the performing arts and entertainment, and as such the small city’s principal venue, Kulturhus Trommen, hosts artists that span a broad spectrum of genres. To cater for anything from rock and folk to stand-up comedy, the venue recently invested in a new reinforcement system based on Meyer Sound LINA line array loudspeakers. When the decision was made to replace the aging prior system, chief technician Thomas Love undertook a thorough evaluation of possible replacements from four other manufacturers before selecting the LINA line arrays. After a long delay imposed by the pandemic, the system finally was put to a grueling test during the reopening series. “We had a full month of concerts with shows every day,” says Love. “We had everything from acoustic guitar and s
USA - ATK Audiotek recently deployed a JBL Professional sound reinforcement system at the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards, one of the first indoor live awards shows of the year. Now in its eighth year, the iHeartRadio Music Awards honours popular artists across 41 categories, ranging from Song of the Year to the Icon Award. The 2021 ceremony, which was hosted by Usher, was held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles in front of a crowd of 1,500. Performers included The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Dan + Shay, Silk Sonic, Brandi Carlile, Demi Lovato, H.E.R., Doja Cat and Usher. With content ranging from acceptance speeches to high-energy musical performances, the event demanded a sound system with excellent dynamic range. And, with only the venue’s main floor and first of three balconies open, the event required a more focused sound system than a full-capacity show. To meet thes
UK - Industry charity Backup has long recognised the technical entertainment industry as an exciting, but challenging place to work and is committed to helping those who face the pressure and stress involved by providing further help and support. Now, the charity has launched a free helpline that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide a centralised access point for both urgent and non-urgent well-being support. The helpline offers a number of options, from a dedicated Backup counsellor, to direct transfer to other industry charities, including the Music Support Helpline, Theatre Helpline and the Samaritans. Upon selecting one of the above options, you will be transferred directly to the support you require. The Backup Counsellor option is a free, independent and confidential phone service with a certified counsellor who has a broad experience
Europe - Yamaha has announced new additions to its line-up of professional audio speakers, the powered DHR series and passive CHR series, each with three models optimized to ‘meet the demands of a variety of sound reinforcement applications’. Positioned between the flagship DZR / CZR series and the popular, affordable DBR / CBR series, all DHR and CHR units feature custom transducers, premium plywood cabinets and a tough polyurea coating. The DHR15 and CHR15 two-way, 15-inch units are designed for front of house applications, including dual angle pole mount sockets, M10 rigging options and excellent full range performance. The DHR12M and CHR12M are Yamaha’s first dedicated coaxial 12" floor monitors, delivering precise, phase coherent monitoring in a low-profile form factor. A side pole-mount adds flexible use as an outfill or a portable main PA unit.
UK - The Royal College of Music (RCM) in South Kensington is home to various studio facilities, available for private hire in the heart of London. Services and facilities offered include music recording, video production, web streaming, audio-visual research and development. The original studio was founded in 1967 and was the first electronic studio at any UK academic institution. Today, the studio complex is housed directly underneath the RCM Concert Hall. The Belle Shenkman Studio, a spacious live room, contains its own Steinway Model D grand piano, three control rooms linked to performance spaces around the campus, and three rooms dedicated to composition, production and editing. In addition to the core work within the College, RCM Studios offers a commercial service to clients including major broadcasters, record companies and leading international soloists. Sam Gl
Poland - Puławy Cultural Centre, known locally as Dom Chemika, has been serving the cultural need of its local community in eastern Poland since 1984. A recent refurbishment has helped bring the centre up to modern standards and TW AUDiO has been at the heart of the renovations. The idea of creating a cultural centre in Puławy was born in the 1960s as a place for entertaining workers from the local chemical plant. This led to the name of Dom Chemika (Chemist’s House) when it opened its doors in the 1980s. The facility focuses primarily on artistic education while supporting and promoting local talents. In addition to this, it hosts theatrical performances as well as concerts and film screenings. The renovation project means Dom Chemika now boasts a 520-seat main auditorium, a 98-seat chamber hall, a music club named Smok and many smaller practice rooms for music and
Germany - Recently Audi revealed its new all-electric Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron vehicles in what the company called a ‘digital world premiere’. It was a complex production, with a total of 45 live streams, each one in three languages, routed to media in 28 different countries. The audio mixing for this high profile launch was entrusted to Yamaha Rivage PM digital mixing systems. A live broadcast centre was built within Munich’s Eisbach Studios, with five themed studios. From these, Audi delivered a varied, interactive programme of digital workshops and interviews, Q&A sessions, round tables, virtual photo shoots, live presentations and a press conference, with senior Audi staff describing the design and many innovations of the new vehicles. As well as delivering the elaborate production in high quality audio to Audi’s TV channel and all major socia
Australia - Expressions of Interest are now open for Vivid Sydney 2022 under a unified, creative vision - The Soul of Sydney. The vision will inform all submissions across the Light, Music and Ideas programs as well as a new Cross Art Form category. All sectors of the creative industries are invited to investigate what truly is the soul of the Harbour City - its people, places and essence. Creators from around the world are encouraged to share unexpected stories that will engage, inspire and excite audiences, drawing inspiration from Sydney’s hidden spaces, architecture, global icons, people, food, music and ideas. Destination NSW chief executive officer Steve Cox said: “Vivid Sydney provides a global platform for artists, musicians, creatives and thought leaders, to continually push the envelope when it comes to creativity. I look forward to seeing the inno
USA - Founded by a group of families committed to doing church differently, Auburn Community Church (ACC) in Alabama is a non-denominational worship centre that hosts both in-person and live-stream services for a diverse congregation. The church recently upgraded to a larger camera system and needed an intercom that could provide a reliable channel of communication between camera operators and the video director. With this newfound requirement, ACC turned to Pliant Technologies’ CrewCom digital wireless intercom system, as well as its SmartBoom headsets. Although the system was originally purchased with the camera operators and the video director in mind, the church found many additional uses for CrewCom’s communication capabilities. With CrewCom, the church’s producer can communicate with the entire production team, ensuring seamless transitions within the program and
Europe - The Sennheiser Sound Academy is inviting everyone interested in wireless audio to a mini-series of two live seminars that will explain the new Evolution Wireless Digital system (for an in-depth technical review, read the September 2021 issue of LSi). Seminar 1 takes place on 31 August at 12:30 p.m. CEST and gets you started on benefits, features and operation. Seminar 2 takes place on 14 September, again at 12:30pm CEST, takes things further by taking a more in-depth look at the system. The hosts will be answering any questions that participants need to address. To register, visit this
Italy - Liguria, overlooking the country’s northwest coast has always been a favourite destination for writers and artists, such as Byron, Shelley and D’Annunzio, and the picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre, with their colourful houses, cliff-hanging trails and terraced slopes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Almost 500 events took place during the region’s 2021 summer season, including many highly original projects, such as August’s Musica dal Mare (Music from the Sea), a series of evenings in three of the riviera’s key locations (Calata Mandraccio in Genova’s Old Port, Giardini a mare in Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo promenade). The technical set-up for these events comprised a maxi video screen, a lighting rig combining moving head fixtures and conventional units and an impressive sound system, but the unusual aspect was that the whole
Qatar - L-Acoustics has announced that Edge Electronics has joined the loudspeaker manufacturer’s family as its newest certified provider distributor for Qatar. Edge Electronics offers a complete service with its audio, video and lighting products, as well as providing training and technical support. This has made it one of Qatar’s leading AV distributors and secured Edge Electronics’ involvement in the majority of the area’s high-profile projects. Adding L-Acoustics completes the AV spectrum for its clients. “We take pride in distributing some of the world’s most innovative AV brands across the board enabling us to work closely with our clients offering on-site assistance and 24/7 support,” says Pratap Singh, general manager at Edge Electronics. “Working in a fast-paced market as Qatar, holding local stock enables us to exceed our clients’ expectati
France - L-Acoustics has announced the launch of the newest addition to the SB line-up, the SB10i. Delivering the same sonic signature of the company’s much larger subs, but from a’ vastly scaled-down enclosure design’, SB10i is not much larger than two side-by-side shoe boxes. “The L-Acoustics R&D teams took on the challenge of designing a low-frequency enclosure with the L-Acoustics sound in a living room-proportioned enclosure,” says L-Acoustics product manager Germain Simon. “Even though it may sound like it defies the laws of physics, our new SB10i is a brilliant realisation of that objective. It condenses the full power of an SB Series sub into an incredibly small, efficient package that will fit into any environment where a visually discreet yet high-performance system is desired.” Equipped with a single 10-inch driver, 27Hz bandwidth limit, an
UK - Recognising that the beleaguered live events industry needed an interactive live streaming platform when the first COVID-19 lockdown hit back in April 2020, a trio of production professionals collectively known as Be Square, pooled their resources to come up with precisely that. They knew that if their idea was to have both relevance and sustainability, the event needed to offer a shared, online social experience for a group of up to five people - just as if they would all be attending in person. They should be able to appear as PIPs - tiny thumbnails in the foreground of the show - chat, mute, or generally discuss the performance via message posts on the scroll bar, all within the comfort of their respective homes. In 15 months, the company has already supported a number of events, from shows at the Battersea Arts Centre, to After The Flood in the Spiegeltent, an
UK - Describing himself as a jack-of-all-trades musician, Jesse Quin plays down his talent as bassist in the band Keane. For the last seven years he’s also run Old Jet, his own recording studio in Suffolk and recently got himself an iD44, calling his new Audient audio interface “a lifesaver”. He explains: “The iD44 was the solution I was looking for to be able to incorporate people’s laptops into my setup. So I have it on my patch bay and can use fancy outboard EQs and effects, but also just plug a mic straight into the back of it if I want to. It’s like I’d written a list of what I needed it to do, and then Audient made it. Absolutely perfect.” The most powerful of all of Audient’s audio interfaces, iD44 is 20in / 24out, offering ultimate flexibility in the studio and plenty of options for expansion. The two JFET instrument inputs are ideal for Jesse
USA - The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park in San Diego has installed three DiGiCo consoles. A Quantum7 is the front-of-house mix desk, with a DiGiCo SD10 for monitor mixing and an SD12 on hand for any auxiliary mix and processing needs. The three consoles, three SD-Racks located on stage, and a Mini-Rack in the amp room are all on a dual Optocore network, and the entire system was designed and integrated by Solotech. “There are several reasons why we chose the DiGiCo consoles, and they are all areas that the brand excels in,” says Aaron Beck, business development manager and senior engineer at Solotech. “First, there’s capacity - the Quantum7 can run 200-plus inputs. Then there’s the Quantum processing power.” Becks cites features like Quantum’s Mustard Processing channel strips, Spice Rack plugin-style native FPGA processing options, and Nodal Processing all as stan
