China - The BoomBoomRoom is a new fixture of the thriving nightlife scene in Liuzhou City, China, and the latest addition to the growing club empire of Singapore’s Disen Kaine Group. Looking to make a powerful statement with the extravagant 1,000-capacity nightspot, Disen Kaine invested in a production technologies package featuring a venue-wide PK Sound audio system sold and installed by Polar Audio, the Canadian manufacturer’s exclusive Chinese distributor. “We pride ourselves on delivering an elite and luxurious nightlife experience across our growing network of clubs, and high-impact audio powered by PK Sound plays a big part in that at the BoomBoomRoom,” comments Disen Kaine Group’s Mr. Kane Lin. “Thanks to PK Sound’s technology, we’re able to very precisely direct sound to maximize clarity and impact throughout the venue, and the company’s reputation
UK - Loudspeaker manufacturer PMC has strengthened its corporate structure so that it is better placed to deal with ongoing expansion. For the first time in its 30-year history PMC now has a formal board structure, with owner and founder Peter Thomas acting as chairman and former group finance director Jeff Willcocks confirmed as CEO. Also on the board – and reflecting the fact that PMC remains a family owned business – are Thomas’s son Oliver Thomas, who is now commercial director, and Tom Loader, son of PMC’s co-founder Adrian Loader, who is operations director. “PMC is expanding fast and it is not feasible to expect one person to have intimate knowledge of every aspect of the business,” Peter Thomas says. “Having a formal board of directors allows us to tap into the huge pool of expertise that already exists within the company, and across many differen
USA - The new Lavalier Switch Kit from Point Source Audio offers one lavalier mic that transforms into two wearing styles and into three different colour options to help audio technicians meet the ever-changing conditions of mic'ing. At the heart of the kit is the company’s IP57-rated Waterproof Omnidirectional Lavalier. The mic choice includes a low sensitivity option for live stage applications or a high sensitivity option for studio broadcast. This waterproof mic has a low profile at 4mm in diameter, but it embodies all the high-performance characteristics you might expect from a larger format microphone, says the company. “We created the Lavalier Switch Kit to be a ‘grab and go’ solution for audio professionals,” said Point Source Audio’s vice president of sales and marketing, Yvonne Ho. “Having the right accessories can very quickly transform a basic
Spain - Pixotope has enabled VideoReport Canarias, a regional news and entertainment broadcasting services provider, to expand its virtual production offering in six months. VideoReport Canarias is the broadcasting services provider of a number of well-known media broadcasters in Spain, including RadioTelevision Canaria. VideoReport Canarias partnered with Pixotope to find a more resource-friendly and visually stimulating way of producing live TV. Working through Pixotope’s distributor Tangram and VideoReport Canarias’ supplier and system integrator Bienvenido Gil (BGL), an entirely new show format was created for RadioTelevision Canaria’s daily primetime weather show, Una Hora Menos. “Innovation has always been at the core of VideoReport Canarias. This is why we were excited to introduce virtual reality in our sets, specifically in our prime-time show.
Cambodia - To deliver sound reinforcement with optimal clarity and coverage at the Smile Charity Concert at Aeon Mall Sen Sok City, Smart Axiata hired Nano Sound Cambodia to deploy a Harman sound reinforcement system comprised of JBL, Crown and Soundcraft solutions. Organised by telecommunications provider Smart Axiata, the Smile Charity Concert was created to raise money for Kantha Bopha Hospital and Angkor Hospital for Children. The concert took place at Aeon Mall Sen Sok City, a shopping centre featuring a 1,500-seat performance hall that hosts concerts, weddings, trade shows, conferences and gaming competitions. Nano Sound reported that the client requested a high-quality audio system that could be adjusted for a variety of performance types. The client also required complete coverage for two different stages, as well as the venue’s lobby. To deliver premium soun
UK - Innovate Audio has announced panLab 2, a spatial sound design and mixing tool, designed to integrate seamlessly with QLab. Available from early May as a macOS app, panLab 2 adds ‘powerful, intuitive and user-friendly spatial audio capabilities to the QLab workflow’. Using panLab 2, users can intuitively mix QLab audio and mic cues by positioning them on a virtual map of their sound system. Using a bespoke algorithm designed exclusively for the software, panLab 2 takes care of much of the setup process required when configuring a spatial audio environment. As a result of this technological development, users should be up and running with panLab 2 in under five minutes. Designed from the ground up to integrate seamlessly with QLab, panLab 2 can discover and communicate with any available QLab workspace on the local network. All level-based data is store
UAE - More than 200 Martin Audio speakers, spanning many of their front-line ranges, have been installed throughout a massive new beach club leisure complex in Dubai. Bla Bla features 20 bars, a beach club and three restaurants (as well as sound stages) all under one roof and is the first independent property in the area licensed for alcohol. Set on 100,000sq.ft of beach-front, in the fashionable Jumeirah Beach Resort (JBR), overlooking Bluewaters and the Big Wheel, Bla Bla is the brainchild of CEO Mohammad Islam. He worked alongside co-founder Steve Taylor from Autus Partners Management Consultancy, who masterminded the design and managed the project. The Martin Audio solution was specified by design consultant, Bengan Hovgard, from Loud and Clear Audio Visual, and installed by Pulse Middle East. Pulse operations director, Greg Brown, said, “We have worked a lot wit
UK - Recording and mix engineer Heff Moraes has been appointed to the position of business development manager for UK loudspeaker brand PMC, with responsibility for the company’s UK pro audio division. Based at PMC Studio London, PMC’s recently opened demo facility dedicated to Dolby Atmos music mixing, Moraes will act as a brand ambassador for PMC products and will use his extensive industry knowledge and experience to support dealers and help customers identify the right monitoring products for their needs. “This is a key appointment that comes at a crucial time in PMC’s history,” says PMC CEO Jeff Willcocks. “Heff’s credentials are second to none. He thoroughly understands modern recording techniques, he has excellent contacts with artists, producers and record labels, and he has hands-on experience of PMC’s products. We are really thrilled that he
UK - In 2018, London post-production facility Clearcut Sound Studios invested in a Yamaha Nuage system to control Steinberg Nuendo, the software it has relied on since 2009. The investment in Nuage was so successful that the company has since purchased two more systems. For many years Clearcut used Yamaha DM2000 digital mixers for I/O and remote control of Nuendo. “As we all know, the DM2000s are fantastic units, with solid I/O, but we felt we were lacking in physical controls to fully unlock Nuendo’s creative ability,” says managing director Chris Wrigglesworth. “We’re lucky enough to work on a variety of projects, from online content to sound design-heavy, multi-channel cinema commercials independent shorts to feature length documentaries. With the need for multiple deliverables becoming standard, the time was right to streamline our processes. Nuage was a
UK - Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Charlie Simpson (Busted, Fightstar) has been getting acquainted with his new Audient ASP4816 console, which he installed in his Surrey-based studio recently. “I love using the ASP4816. It’s the perfect size for my studio and the routing capabilities are amazing. Though the desk is fully analogue I have managed to set it up in a way that it can be used in a modern/hybrid way,” he says. It’s that hybrid capability that really appealed to Charlie, especially when it came to recording drums. “I love playing and recording drums, so to be able to have a space where I can now record live drums through a desk has been a game changer,” he says. With the ASP4816 at the hub, he has everything running through three UAD Apollos, and asserts that the ASP4816 has “massively expanded” his creative possibilities. Having recorde
Germany - Pan Acoustics has expanded its portfolio with the P SW-112 – a compact, multifunctional subwoofer. A specially developed 12” HQ woofer chassis drives the low-tuned speaker, based on a ported design. The compact subwoofer, made of high-quality birch plywood, offers up to 3600 watts (peak) power and 131 dB (peak) output level for use in the most diverse applications, both installed and mobile. Depending on the requirements, the subwoofer is available in one passive and three active versions: The passive version of the P SW-112 is equipped with two robust NL4 connectors. Processing presets for power amplifiers of most common manufacturers are available and allow sound optimization, regardless of the selection of the power amplifier brand. The active variant with the model P SW-112 | SP offers a total of three input options from analogue and AES/E
UK - Following recent news of restructuring, the BEIRG Steering has announced further new members joining the team, this time in the shape of IPS (Institute of Professional Sound) and Raycom. These new members ‘reaffirm BEIRG’s commitment to meet the challenges still faced by the PMSE community as a result of ongoing spectrum changes, especially in the UHF frequency bands’. The IPS provides support, training, standards, community, and professional recognition for members in the media industries. The Institute is a limited company and a registered charity. It is run by an elected executive committee assisted by the secretariat. In addition to the key brands they currently distribute, including Wisycom, Lectrosonics, and Phonak, Raycom continues to build its range of accessories from a number of well-respected suppliers including Sennheiser, Sound Devices and DPA.<
Switzerland - Qu solutions has been named a certified integrator by L-Acoustics Creations. Qu solutions, owned by Dominic Schilt, develops customised sound system designs. Clients include the Royal Hotel Gstaad Palace and numerous chalet owners in the Swiss Alps. For more than 15 years Schilt has worked on corporate and live shows, including the Gurtenfestival Bern or the Swiss Wrestling and Alpine Festivals that provide some of the world’s largest temporary sports arenas with seating for more than 56,000 spectators. Paul Keating, L-Acoustics Creations director of private and corporations comments, "We are very pleased to welcome Qu solutions to the L-Acoustics Creations family. Their heritage and DNA come from the world of professional audio, so it’s a great fit with Creations and very much aligned in ‘bringing the concert experience home’. “We have al
Russia - Alcons Audio has appointed a new Moscow-based dealer, Blackroom, for its CRMS home cinema systems. A passionate movie enthusiast and home cinema aficionado, in 2013 Anton Zadnepryannyy co-founded Cinemalounge and Acoustic Solutions. After seven successful years building these businesses from the ground up with his partners, Anton decided to create a new company, Blackroom, which focuses solely on premium, turnkey home cinema design and installation in Russia and overseas. As well as design and installation, Blackroom manufactures its own acoustic treatment panels, soundproof doors and home cinema recliner chairs. Anton also hosts the only Russian home cinema YouTube channel, which has attracted over 27000 subscribers since 2019. “My first experience of Alcons pro-ribbon systems was at the CEDIA Expo in 2016 and I was overwhelmed with performance of th
Estonia - The five-decade old Saarepeedi Cultural Centre recently sought out a new PA for its facility and brought on Heliart OÜ for the project. Priit Kivimägi, CEO of Heliart OÜ, and his team were looking for a system with high SPL, consistent coverage and exceptional vocal intelligibility. Eastern Acoustic Works’ QX300 Series speaker system along with its RL18S Active Subwoofers were selected for their audio capabilities as well as its ease of use. The Saarepeedi Cultural Centre, located in southern Estonia near Viljandi, is often considered the heart of Estonian folk music. Serving as a multi-functional venue for the local community, the space is used for different activities and performing arts including theatrical and dance events, seminars, rehearsals, sports and musical acts including choirs and live bands. The main PA consists of two EAW QX364’s flown
UK - Entertainments venue, Grimsby Auditorium, has recently upgraded its sound desk to an Allen & Heath Avantis. Based in North East Lincolnshire, Grimsby Auditorium is an intimate custom designed venue. Since opening its doors in 1995, it has played host to a number of high-profile performers as well as international touring acts and shows, including: Starlight Express, Blood Brothers and Calendar Girls, Jimmy Carr, Peter Kay and Sarah Millican), and international rock acts Morrissey, Kasabian and The Stereophonics. Shane Jackson, Grimsby Auditorium’s stage manager commented: “After having our previous sound desk for around 15 year we felt it was time to upgrade to some newer technology. We have no doubt that this will have a positive impact on upcoming productions as well as our customers experience. Having researched our options and cons
USA - Although TobyMac’s Hits Deep Tour has been an annual late-winter tradition for a number of years now, this year’s trek was particularly joyous as it represented one of North America’s first proper arena tours following the pandemic blackout year. True to form, Nashville-based Blackhawk Audio, the long-time touring sound provider for the seven-time Grammy Award-winning Christian hip-hop/pop artist, carried DiGiCo consoles - SD10s at both FOH and monitors, plus a smaller-format SD9 support desk at FOH - which were used to mix 18 arena shows in 13 cities during February and March. In addition to TobyMac, the 2021 Hits Deep Tour featured a full lineup of special guests, including Tauren Wells, We Are Messengers, Unspoken, Cochren & Co., and Terrian. All of the supports acts performed each night in a seamless awards-show format, bouncing between the main sta
Austria - Microphone manufacturer Lewitt has introduced the LCT 140 AIR stereo pair. Features include a tailored small diaphragm condenser capsule; low-cut and PAD; cardioid polar pattern; mic clips and transport bag with two compartments. “We’re always close to the pulse of the community with our products, so it was only a logical step for us to respond to the numerous voices that have asked for a flexible stereo pair,” says Roman Perschon, founder and CEO of Lewitt.
USA - Home Church has been a rock for Christians in the South San Francisco Bay Area since 1977. This past year, they vowed to keep their congregation connected during the coronavirus lockdown via online and outdoor services. There was just one problem: Their aging analogue wireless audio equipment had almost become obsolete because the available radio spectrum in the region is changing and shrinking almost by the day. Home Church turned to worship A/V experts Zamar Media Solutions, who specified Lectrosonics’ fourth-generation, all-digital D-Squared system, including two DSQD four-channel receivers, six DHu handheld mics for the praise musicians, and two DBu belt-pack transmitters for the pastors’ headset mics. “I’m the nerd that went out there to evaluate the situation,” begins system designer Tim Fairbairn. “Because of the repack of frequencies in the Ba
Poland - The Workshop Musical Academy in Warsaw is a performing arts school focused on developing young musical artists' interests and skills and preparing them for original theatre, film, and music projects. With classes held in two professionally-equipped rooms, including the school’s own recording studio and a performance hall, the facility was looking for an AV system to amplify performances. Earlier this year, the Workshop Musical Academy made the decision to upgrade its performance hall sound system. The school frequently hosts a wide range of productions, from solo performances to full theatre and concert performances. The academy brought in local AV integrator ESS-Audio, to design and install the new sound system, the integrator has been providing comprehensive audio and integration solutions for more than 30 years, and recently became a provider of amplifiers from
UK - disguise has announced that it is receiving research and development funding from Innovate UK to expand its work in virtual production. Innovate UK is part of the United Kingdom Research and Innovation organisation whose purpose is to accelerate UK economic growth by stimulating and supporting business-led innovation. With the grant, disguise will focus on pure research, outside its usual engineering innovation work, while maintaining a competitive development timeline within the technology sector. The disguiseVP R&D project focuses on scalability and flexibility as key improvements to the current disguise workflow. Addressing mainly virtual production, disguiseVP is targeted to a totally immersive virtual production environment where extensive control and fast calibration lead to more informed decisions on set, improved collaboration and absolutely uncompromi
USA - St. Mary’s Cathedral is one of the most popular Catholic churches in the Portland, OR area. It serves as its parish’s diocese, hosting weekly masses, services and sometimes daily visits for a large, devoted congregation. The church needed to ensure its audio-visual equipment could convey its important messages in a smooth, intelligible manner - something that was previously lacking due its domed cathedral and marble walls. When it came time for an AV upgrade, St. Mary’s turned to Alpha Sound. With 40 years’ experience, the Alpha Sound team was ready to tackle the live acoustical issues at the cathedral while also choosing equipment that would not impede the church’s elegant décor. To accomplish this, the installer selected more than 20 mics from DPA Microphones, the largest DPA install to-date in the area. “Everything about this space is elegant and
UK - The Autograph Group of companies has re-organised its operating base. As of next month, Autograph Sales Ltd., t/a Autograph Sales & Installations, will be incorporated into Autograph Sound Recording Ltd. Group managing director Scott Arnold describes the move as a restructuring “that has been in consideration long before the spectre of COVID-19 and its devastating effect on our industry became a harsh reality. Weathering this storm for both companies has been a significant challenge only serving to cement our strong leanings towards this amalgamation”. Arnold continues: “Whilst our sales and hire divisions have always collaborated closely, our focus has been shifting towards providing a complete solution for our customers. Autograph is dedicated to continuing to provide a proven and unique hire, design, support, sales, installation and integration servi
China - Harman Professional Solutions has introduced the JBL Professional Rock ONE Series wireless microphone system which pairs with the JBL EON ONE series and is compatible with most other portable PAs. Designed for users who require a versatile wire-free solution for performances or presentations, this system features charging via a USB-type-C cable for both the receiver and microphone - eliminating the need for an external power source. The system supports the simultaneous use of up to four Rock ONE microphone/receiver sets, available in red, white, yellow or pink. Rock ONE features include: 10 hours of continuous operation on a full charge; 20-band UHF wireless and infrared pairing; 30m of wireless range; simultaneous operation of up to four Rock ONE microphone sets, and direct charging from the JBL EON ONE Portable PA. “The demand for portable wire
