Canada - Solotech has announced the appointment of Omar Prashad as sales director, Ontario. Prashad will be responsible of the leadership of the sales teams (Toronto and Ottawa offices), with the objective of establishing Solotech’s business position and growing revenue and market share in the province. He will oversee the development of key existing accounts in the live performance and entertainment sectors, while ensuring a strong diversification strategy to penetrate high-promising market segments such as corporate and education. With over 15 years of experience in the systems integration business, namely at Westbury National, Advanced Presentation Solutions and DuoCom Canada, Omar Prashad has a strong background in managing and motivating sales teams, financial management and strategic planning initiatives. “Omar’s proven vision and sales development c
UK - iMAG Displays has added a Brompton Technology Hydra to its inventory. The Hydra is an advanced measurement system custom-designed for LED panels fitted with a Tessera R2 receiver card. Panels must be measured with Hydra to benefit from Dynamic Calibration, the technology that enables Brompton HDR. iMAG has invested in a Hydra not just to recalibrate its own stock of LED panels, but also to make it available for hire to other UK rental houses so they can update their own panel inventory. The decision to purchase Hydra was made before the pandemic but was put on hold whilst the company – previously focused on servicing live events – realigned its focus and looked at new business opportunities. Such an investment may seem like a bold move in the current climate, but the decision was based on seeing first-hand the benefits of Dynamic Calibration and Brompto
UK - Shure supports Kings Daughters, an all-female British band, merging rock guitars and powerhouse vocals into epic anthems. Shure supplied the new SLX-D wireless system sporting a Beta58 microphone, alongside PSM300 In-Ear monitors and a selection of Beta-series wired microphones. The kit provided helped to ensure production values on the launch of their first live streamed gig to celebrate their second single, Dancing in the Rain, produced by Brian May, to honour those lost during the UK national lockdown. The girl band joined the movement - Keep New Bands Alive and Gigging- supporting emerging bands to take the stage and perform gigs, live streamed to the world from new venue, Warehouse V. The aim is to entertain the public at home who are missing out on gigs and to encourage the viewers to donate whatever they can to help new bands on their musical journey.
UK - Following the sudden death of its legendary landlord Louis Hayle – more commonly known as Dutty Ken – the future of reggae venue, the Star & Garter in Montpelier, Bristol, was cast into uncertainty. The pub had already been saved from the hands of the tax man a few short years ago thanks to a vociferous crowdfunding campaign, and in the months after Dutty Ken’s death, fears surfaced that it would be sold and converted into flats. This threat, which could be seen as indicative of a wider phenomenon that has swallowed a number of the UK’s most well-loved venues in recent years, was enough to call the local community to action once more. With this new campaign succeeding in saving the Star & Garter for a second time, another stalwart of the Bristol music and events scene, Malcolm Haynes, stepped in to take ownership of the situation. With
South Africa - Heartfelt Arena, a 4,500-seater venue in Pretoria, and technical supplier AJR Audio have stood together in protest by hosting events, without making a profit, to prove how shows can safely continue during the Covid-19 pandemic. In July, Eugene Pienaar from Heartfelt Arena and Altus Janse van Rensburg, owner of AJR and the venue’s in-house technical supplier, hosted a drive-in church service which saw 210 cars attending the event. In August, the team took it further. They applied tape on the venue’s floor to mark out blocks and walkways. A table with chairs was placed within each block. Each block would host a family. They then held five sold-out shows for Neverland Circus, a circus that combines the traditional Brazilian, South African and a few international circus acts, also known for reaching out to less privileged communities and charities across
USA - New England audio production company, Paddle Out Productions is in the middle of a 16-week contract with M.E. Productions at the Cheshire Fairgrounds drive-in music venue - a huge open field, allowing up to 425 cars parked in every other space - hosting performances from the likes of Guster and Grace Potter. To ensure every spectator could enjoy the live performances, Paddle Out Productions deployed its recently expanded Martin Audio WPM system. Organising such an event in a large and socially distanced space has had its challenges for the events team, and Ryan Burhans of Paddle Out Productions admits that in a space like Cheshire Fairground, sound quality and audience coverage were his top priorities. “I was nervous with the size of the field that we weren’t going to fill those ‘rock and roll’ shoes that are expected now and again,” he explains. “For examp
Italy - The Green Carpet Fashion Awards (GCFA), organised by Italian fashion body, Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana and sustainability consultancy, Eco Age, traditionally presents a star-studded celebration of sustainability in the fashion industry during Milan’s Fashion Week. This year, the Awards’ ethos of togetherness was upheld with a revolutionary show designed by NorthHouse incorporating cinematic footage with augmented reality, visual FX and hologram technology provided by AHRT Media. The show was directed by Giorgio Testi and produced by Livia firth and Pulse Films. NorthHouse, a creative studio focused on design and direction for live shows, put forward the concept to overcome the restrictions in place due to the global pandemic. The studio’s ideas saw Milan’s La Scala transformed into a vibrant magical garden. Founder and creative director o
USA - Point Source Audio has introduced an AVIXA-approved training course in the professional use and cleaning of body-worn microphones on the heels of its recently launched Mike’s Academy online educational hub. Titled Body-Worn Microphones and Personal Audio Equipment - Applications and Maintenance, the course will deliver 1.25 Renewal Units (RU) towards achieving or retaining CTS / CTS-D certification. Focusing on both the everyday use and upkeep of high-end body-worn microphone technology, the course will provide invaluable insight into close contact mic placement as well as teaching artists to effectively self-mic - a particularly hot topic in the midst of the current global pandemic. The course will be available to newcomers to AVIXA certification as well as current CTS holders. Point Source market development manager Mac Johnson comments, “AXIV
Belgium - Allen & Heath Avantis and SQ mixing systems have been installed as part of a major update of Music Centre De Bijloke in Gent. The venue reopened in September, resuming its role as a focal point for classical music in the region following a one-year refurbishment. Although Music Centre De Bijloke has been hosting performances since 1988, the building dates all the way back to 1228, when it served as a hospital. A team of experts has enhanced the experience for performers and audiences in the main performance hall, going so far as to lower the floor and install extensive wood panelling to bring its unruly acoustics into the twenty-first century without detracting from its medieval oak ceiling and stone walls. With the acoustics finely honed, the venue turned to its AV partners, City Sound Rent, to identify a mixing system capable of delivering excelle
USA - Genelec has completed a new demonstration facility at the company’s US headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, where visitors can experience the full range of Genelec professional audio products in configurations from stereo through immersive 9.1.6. The new Genelec Experience Centre, the first in the United States, joins existing Genelec demonstration facilities in the UK, Germany, China and India. This latest Experience Centre is a total rebuild of a former surround sound demo studio designed in-house in 2004, with Will Eggleston, Genelec Inc. US marketing director, providing the acoustical design. Earlier this year, Eggleston called on world-renowned studio architect and designer Francis Manzella, president and principal designer at Francis Manzella Design, to create a new aesthetic and acoustical treatments for the renovated space, which serves as a mix room, a th
USA - Fulcrum Acoustic has announced that manufacturer pre-sets for the complete portfolio of Fulcrum Acoustic loudspeakers are now available for use with Dynacord electronics via Sonicue sound system software, adding flexibility for consultants and integrators designing multi-brand systems to align with specific application or budget requirements. A Fulcrum loudspeaker installation can now run on a single Dynacord amplifier and DSP/matrix platform with the assurance of optimal performance - all with complete and unified system control via Sonicue. "We are excited to add Dynacord to the ever-growing list of third-party DSP amplifiers we support," says Rich Frembes, product manager, Fulcrum Acoustic. "Dynacord's engineers are passionate about their products and were very helpful during the extensive preset development effort. As a bonus, a Fulcrum pre-set database will
USA - As the Henrico County, Virginia school system slowly rolls out a turf upgrade for all of its high school football stadiums, the Deep Run High School Wildcats are the lucky recipients of the first upgrade. Attendance at the games is a regular part of Friday-night football culture in the suburban-Richmond area. To give a sense of its size, the Deep Run stadium held over 8,000 people for a Sarah Palin rally in 2008. As part of the entire upgrade, Deep Run High School local AV integration firm RTW Media installed a new, concert-level sound reinforcement system comprised of Danley Sound Labs OS80 fully-weatherised loudspeakers and stand-shaking TH118XL subwoofers. The other schools in Henrico County will follow Deep Run’s lead in the coming years. “High school football is a huge part of life in southern Virginia,” explained Zack Guida, logistics manager at RTW M
USA - Rupert Neve Designs has entered the field of analogue-to-digital conversion with the MBC Dual Path A-D Converter and Limiter. According to the company, the MBC represents “the ultimate tool for creating digital signals with the tone, transparency and power expected from Rupert Neve Designs”, and includes a fully-featured analogue limiter, 24-bit/192kHz conversion fed by selectable analogue drive paths for tonal versatility, high-resolution metering, word clock I/O, analogue XLR inputs and simultaneous AES, S/PDIF, and TOSLINK outputs. The newly developed analogue drive circuitry allows the MBC’s converter to be fed by either a class-A transformerless path for maximum transparency, or by purpose-built interstage audio transformers with the company’s own variable Silk Red and Blue circuitry to control harmonic content and drive saturation for a wide variety of to
Denmark - DPA Microphones’ 6000 Series of subminiature lavaliers now provide more versatility with the addition of two new accessories - an eight-way double clip and a paintable cap. Designed to provide an extra level of stability and flexibility, the eight-way clip offers a 360-degree clipping solution with eight positions in 45-degree increments. This not only makes it possible to quickly and securely clip the mic on both left- and right-button shirts, but also the neckline of T-shirts and blouses, says the company. With the double-mic element, users also have the ability to add two mics, for redundancy - giving an extra level of security during filming and live broadcasts. Used in place of the standard 6000 Series grid, the paintable cap can easily be painted or covered in makeup, allowing for ‘unlimited visual creativity for both film and theatre productions’
The Netherlands - With the CRMS-SRHV/9040, Alcons Audio has extended its solutions portfolio in the studio, screening-room and residential markets. The CRMS-SRHV is designed as very compact reference main / screen system - or larger surround system in immersive sound-for-picture applications. The system features Alcons signature-sound, based on the Alcons pro-ribbon driver. The amplifier-efficient 2-way passive-filtering crosses a vented 8” mid-bass driver with the RBN401 pro-ribbon driver. With a lowest-usable LF response of 58Hz, the CRMS-SRHV can be used as stand-alone monitor, or can be combined with a subwoofer; the MHF section has an 800 W peak power input, enabling a 1:15 dynamic range with up to 90% less distortion to beyond 20 kHz. The patented 90-degree horizontal offers a wide horizontal and a tight vertical coverage up to the highest frequencies;
USA - In Sioux City, Iowa, BNY Productions has been working in their production studio remotely broadcasting an average of 100 live and virtual ‘hybrid’ events per week for the past six months. As high-profile candidates travel throughout the United States for political rallies and speeches, BNY Productions has relied on Meyer Sound Bluehorn System full bandwidth studio monitors for accuracy and precision every step along the way. BNY, a Meyer Sound dealer and collaborator, is a full-service production company, delivering events that vary from phone and television interviews, video conferencing, and remote recordings. The circumstances called for an audio system that would deliver transparent and linear phase response. The Meyer Sound Bluehorn System was the optimal solution for BNY and their clients. “Bluehorn eliminates the guesswork. So if it sounds good here,
USA - Lectrosonics has announced the introduction of the DCR822 digital, dual-channel portable receiver. The new receiver is compatible with all the current Lectrosonics mono and stereo digital transmitters and is backward compatible with any of the Digital Hybrid Wireless transmitters made in the past 18 years. The DCR822 provides two independent receiver channels at the highest level of RF and audio performance available with a versatile feature set in a compact design for field and location production. The DCR822 tunes across 144 MHz (A1B1 version) or 155 MHz (B1C1 version) and offers over 6000 frequency choices. Settings can be made from the front panel with tactile buttons and high-resolution LCD interface, making the unit ideal for use in portable bag systems and on sound carts. An RF spectrum analyser and SmartTune are built into the receiver to alleviate
UK - Veteran broadcaster Johnnie Walker has chosen the RØDE RØDECaster Pro all-in-one podcast production studio to professionally record his weekly BBC Radio 2 show Sounds of the 70s, from his home in Dorset. Hosted by Walker since 2009, Sounds of the 70s shares a portion of the over 14m weekly listeners to BBC Radio 2 on FM, DAB and the BBC Sounds app. Responding to a need to record the programme remotely in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Walker sought a solution from retailer Solid State Sound based in Warminster, Wiltshire, who recommended the RØDECaster Pro. Walker co-presents with wife Tiggy Walker in their home, creating an ad-hoc studio environment to record the programme. The RØDECaster Pro allows for up to four in-studio guests to record professional, Aphex DSP-enhanced sound at the touch of a button, with remote guests - via bluetooth on
Japan - The Kaho Theatre in Iizuka City, Fukuoka, has survived many difficulties since the original building appeared in1922 and along the way this playhouse has been designated a Japanese ‘national registered tangible cultural property’. The predecessor of the current Kaho Theatre, Nakaza, was originally opened as an entertainment place for people working in coal mines in the Chikuho region. Mainly traditional drama, Kabuki, standup comedy, juggling and silent films were performed during that era. In recent years, it has been used as a multi-purpose event venue, and at full capacity can host audiences of 1,200. In addition to traditional performing arts, various events such as music plays, lectures, talk shows and concerts have all been staged there. Because of Covid-19, the theatre was recently forced to close, but in collaboration with rental company, Toy
Canada - ALC NetworX, developer of the Technology & Engineering Emmy Award-winning Ravenna technology, has welcomed Canadian audio electronic experts, Eon Art, to the Ravenna community. Based in Chandler, Quebec, Eon Art specialises in the design and manufacture of ultra high-end, high-fidelity audio electronics, and more recently - since the acquisition of Venus Acoustic in 2017 - hi-fi loudspeakers. The company also offers laboratory services for the audio industry and boasts the largest audio electronics lab in Canada. With a limited production run every year, Eon Art’s products are highly sought after by audiophiles worldwide. According to Eon Art founder, CEO and chief electronic designer, Stéphane Hautcoeur, joining the Ravenna community is a logical step. “Our Tachyon digital audio converter (DAC) is a concentrate of the highest musical technology that
India - Sighapandi Electronics recently equipped Royal China with a JBL Professional networked audio system to deliver the audio in the restaurant and nightclub areas. Royal China is a fine dining restaurant in Kolkata, serving authentic Cantonese cuisine in a chic and upscale environment. Located in the Forum Courtyard Mall, Royal China also features a small nightclub. During the design phase, the owners of Royal China recognised that the restaurant needed a flexible loudspeaker system that offered a clear, high quality sound. However, due to the low ceilings in the venue, they required a compact solution that would not detract from the décor. The owners of Royal China worked with Sighapandi Electronics to install a JBL Professional network audio system featuring JBL loudspeakers, JBL and Crown amplifiers and a BSS signal processor. “The ceiling height of ni
UK - Torpedo Factory Group has upgraded the audio-visual system at the central London home of the Royal Over-Seas League (ROSL), a non-profit private members organisation originally formed in 1910 with the collective aim of bringing people together from around the world to meet, socialise and foster an interest in the Commonwealth. A long-standing and fervent supporter of the arts, ROSL has over the last 65 years developed a diverse portfolio of activities in music, visual arts, and literature. ROSL Arts regularly supports talented young professional artists and musicians through an annual music competition as well as a programme of music and visual arts scholarships. In providing performance opportunities for its prizewinning musicians, concerts and other events such as wedding receptions, banquets and conferences take place at the ROSL’s historic Princess Alexandra
USA - Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) has announced DirectLink Marketing as its manufacturer’s representative serving Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and the El Paso, Texas area. “With over three decades of industry experience, DirectLink Marketing has a reputation for representing only top tier brands - we are honoured to have EAW as part of its esteemed line card,” comments TJ Smith, president for EAW. “Principal Dave Larsen has a deep understanding of his customer base and the market, and we look forward to better serving this expansive territory.” Based in the Salt Lake Valley, UT, DirectLink is a manufacturers rep firm that focuses on audio, video and lighting brands with a primary focus on resellers. Larsen founded DirectLink Marketing in 2007 and today, the company has become a leading rep firm in the Rocky Mountain states. “W
USA - To bring the energy and excitement of a typical basketball experience to an NBA season that was anything but typical, Firehouse Productions deployed two complete Harman Professional Solutions audio systems featuring JBL Professional loudspeakers and Crown amplifiers. Due to restrictions on large gatherings related to COVID-19, the NBA decided to proceed with the 2019/20 season without fans present. To safely accommodate players, staff and support crews, the NBA set up a strict isolation ‘bubble’ at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World. Teams began playing 30 July at the 8,000-seat AdventHealth Arena and 5,000-seat HP Field House venues with audiences of just a few hundred essential personnel. To ensure uncompromised, high-impact sound for the dramatically reduced crowds, NBA officials turned to Firehouse Productions, who have been provi
