China - Adam Hall Group has welcomed Speaker Electronic (Jiashan) Co as an exclusive distribution partner in China. Effective immediately, Speaker Electronic (SE) will take over exclusive distribution for all brands of the Adam Hall Group in the country, including LD Systems, Cameo, Gravity, Defender, Palmer, and Adam Hall. The announcement was made at a press conference with more than 200 invited guests from audio associations, large event companies, and the ME sector. Connected online for this occasion were Michael von Keitz, chairman of SE, and Markus Jahnel, COO and managing director of the Adam Hall Group, as well as members of the German team. Speaker Electronic and the Adam Hall Group’s relationship began in 2006. The Chinese subsidiary Speaker Factory is German owned and has been an important supplier for the Neu-Anspach event technology company since
World - The #WeMakeEvents campaign has been ramping up activity in order to highlight how the global live events industry urgently needs to get back to work. Over 30 million people in 25 countries would usually work in the events industry, but with social distancing measures in place, there is no possibility of a financially viable return for the foreseeable future. Over the past weeks, events have happened around the world - including in the US, Canada, Sweden, France, Germany, Spain and the UK - to raise awareness of those impacted in the event supply chain, from manufacturers, production companies, catering, transport, security and others, to the huge freelance community that works within the industry. The majority of the industry has had no income since the beginning of the crisis in March, and with a global second wave of COVID-19 imminent, a date to return to w
USA - QSC has announced a complete portfolio of meeting room accessories certified for Microsoft Teams. QSC has worked with Microsoft Teams certified partners Sennheiser and Logitech to provide complete room solutions that simplify installation and management for high-value divisible spaces, training rooms, executive boardrooms, and all-hands spaces while delivering a high quality Microsoft Teams experience for end users. “These newly certified solutions give IT and AV Managers the opportunity to extend their Microsoft Teams experience into rooms that traditionally required complicated programming, separate DSP and control integration schemes,” says Jason Moss, VP of alliances & market development, QSC. “We have worked with Microsoft to remove the guesswork out of specialty room design and deployment for Teams Rooms.” “Microsoft strives to bring the Tea
USA - Symetrix has announced the release of the latest version of its free Composer programming software for Edge, Radius NX, Prism, and Solus NX DSPs. Composer 8.0 for Windows expands the power of the Symetrix ecosystem with multiple new features including Lua Scripting, Radius NX AEC Enhancement, Audio Playback, and Media Manager. Composer 8.0 has been enhanced with Lua scripting which allows users to create custom Intelligent modules for Composer. These Intelligent Modules allow the software to control and monitor any device that can be controlled by a third-party control system or provide system logic functionality which previously required large and complex logic programming. For example, a council chamber audio system could be programmed so that as each person presses their mic button to speak, they're placed in a queue. When each person is finished speaking, th
Jordan - Sennheiser conducted an in-depth training on high-quality audio capture for 15 of the region’s leading social media influencers in Amman, Jordan. The session was hosted for participants of the latest season of Sadeem, the largest competition for influencers in the Arab world, and focused on how Sennheiser’s portable lavalier mics and headphones can be best utilised accurately capture and master audio for engaging digital content. Sadeem encourages the region's top influencers to achieve their creative potential through the use of the latest technologies. The popular show attracts millions of views across TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other leading social media platforms. In this third season, Sennheiser has collaborated to be the show’s official audio partner and intends to utilise this as a platform to draw attention to the v
UK - A Luton van conversion featuring a Martin Audio sound system, has enabled singer-songwriter Olivia Dean to tour her local area during the COVID-19 lockdown. Conceived by Olivia Dean and Emily Braham, with the help of Rob Sinclair and tour manager Andrew ‘Wilkie’ Wilkinson (of Sinclair Wilkinson) the From Me To Youtruck tour has been arriving at some unusual outdoor locations to help promote Olivia Dean’s new album of the same name. The Martin Audio rig has been supplied by Wales-based CS Audio. Wilkinson had met the sound hire company’s MD, Paul Hatt, on the Clean Bandit tour, for whom the latter had been handling monitors and providing the audio control package. As well as mixing monitors for other high profile bands, for the last four years he has also operated Martin Audio PAs increasingly in his hire inventory. “We bought MLA Mini and g
Australia - Based in the Sydney suburb of Rhodes, The P.A. People are leading suppliers of event communications systems, having worked on many of the largest celebrations and events across the globe, including five Olympic Games. Their inventory includes wired matrix and digital matrix intercom systems, trunked and traditional two-way radios, CCTV systems, time code displays, event networking and WiFi, mass cast monitoring and full duplex comms systems. Recently, the company was looking to augment its equipment arsenal with a broadcast quality video transport solution. “We looked at quite a few solutions from a number of vendors from around the world,” comments Chris Dodds. “Our initial focus was on equipment based on the emerging SMPTE 2022 standard, but it quickly became apparent that the level of networking equipment required was simply not tenable for live short-t
Vietnam - Upgrading its facilities with sound that matches the property’s aesthetics, Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel & Spa hired Ba Sao Audio to design and install a resort-wide premium Harman Professional audio solution. Overseen by Silk Path Hotels & Resorts, which manages various luxurious hospitality properties, the Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel & Spa is a lush travel destination that is also used for special events, meetings and conferences. With a location in the heart of the regal capital that offers phenomenal city views, the hotel features a blend of eloquent furnishing and traditional architecture. “The client wanted an audio system for clear background sound and a centrally controlled music system that keeps the resort energized and enhances customer delight,” comments Nguyen Khac Anh, CEO at Ba Sao Investment Co. “They wanted a cutting-edge soun
Europe - Technological Innovations Group (TIG) has opened two of its new series of Experience Spaces - in Frankfurt and London. These spaces will welcome integrators, consultants, specifiers and end-users and showcase TIG's ecosystem of AV, UC, IT and control solutions in a safe and socially-distanced way. The Experience Spaces will serve to demonstrate how TIG's brands work together to form bespoke bundles that ‘match the client's exact brief, and help integrators deploy fully integrated, tailor-made and future-proof smart spaces in a wide range of environments including corporate, retail, residential, hospitality, education and healthcare’. The locations of the new Experience Spaces were carefully chosen for their ease of accessibility and central positions in both Frankfurt and London. Guests can book their personalised visit with one of TIG's experts by
UK - PLASA, the lead association for the events and entertainment technology industry, has announced PLASA Online 2020, a programme of free online content running from 12 to 16 October. Designed to provide industry professionals with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the COVID-crisis and prepare for what’s next in live events and entertainment, the week-long online event will consist of a curated selection of keynote talks, panel discussions, product presentations and technical sessions. Thought-leaders and business experts will address the most pertinent issues such as the COVID crisis, Brexit, technological innovations, and safety regulations. Additionally, leading brands from audio, lighting and AV will present their latest products and solutions, including: Adam Hall, DiGiCo, ETC, Highlite, Signify, Sound Technology and Vectorworks. “These sessio
USA - With the recent increase in online and broadcast delivery of a near limitless array of information, entertainment, and social information, the AES Show Fall 2020 Convention’s Broadcast and Online Delivery Track will examine key technologies and applications while taking a look back at broadcast history and a look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. The session Practical Tips for Using Digital Audio in a 2110 Facility will offer in-depth expertise on IP Architecture and the SMPTE ST 2110 media networking protocol, of which the Audio Engineering Society’s AES3 and AES67 standards are key components, as well as related technologies and workflows. Track sessions of historical importance include Pass the Mic which will celebrate this year’s 100th anniversary of radio broadcasting and its innovations with host John Holt, and A Century of
Germany - HK Audio is expanding the Premium PR:O series with the addition of the new Move 8, a high-performance, battery-powered loudspeaker. “The new Move 8 combines impressive acoustic performance with superb battery management and fascinating features that are truly unique in its class”, says Rüdiger Forse, senior product manager at HK Audio. “This combination makes it a real all-rounder for all musicians, DJs, speakers, music enthusiasts and audio professionals. With the Premium PR:O Move 8, HK Audio has invented a new level of freedom in the use of mobile loudspeakers.” In contrast to previous battery-powered speakers, the new Move 8 has a slot for two rechargeable batteries (both batteries are supplied with the speaker), which are either inserted simultaneously to extend the running time or inserted alternately to ensure uninterrupted playback. Thanks to
USA - AJA Video Systems has announced its first partnership with Audinate, developers of Dante IP-based audio networking, to launch the first 12G-SDI embedded audio to Dante audio bridge. Targeted at live event and Pro AV workflows, the new OG-DANTE-12GAM is an openGear, Dante audio embedder and disembedder, with dual 12G-SDI ports, 64 channels of audio and DashBoard control software integration. “Dante provides a robust system for IP audio transport and is the primary choice for system integrators and a growing number of broadcasters worldwide. We’ve teamed up with Audinate to introduce AJA’s video workflow technology to the Dante ecosystem and further bridge the broadcast and Pro AV markets,” comments Nick Rashby, president, AJA Video Systems. “We’ve expanded our openGear card portfolio and developed the first converter solely dedicated to bridging 12G-SDI with
UK - Set in the tranquil parkland and ancient woodland of a Berkshire country estate, Medicine Festival 2020 proved to be a tonic for attendees and crew alike. It had been at least six months since most had been involved in any form of public event, but with safety measures in place, the five-day festival prescribed a healthy concoction of music, ancestral wisdom, art, wellbeing, future thinking, food, environmentalism, spirituality, dance and performance. Audio Feed had been appointed as the sound partner long before COVID-19 turned the world upside down. When the organisers decided to go ahead, the Funktion-One specialists were tasked with updating the sound system designs for the three-stage set-up. The decision to host the inaugural Medicine Festival in such challenging circumstances was founded in a desire to provide some much-needed positivity for the downcast ev
UK - Studiomaster’s popular ClubXS compact mixer series has received an upgrade with the introduction of uprated 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-channel ‘XS+’ models. The addition of a DSP on/off foot-switch socket comes with new black livery - matching the brand’s digiLiVE console series - and more ergonomic colour coding of channel rotary controls. ClubXS has been a big seller for Studiomaster since its introduction in 2016. A dedicated compact design for small to medium entertainment installations or portable live sound, it offers a wealth of product-class leading features and specs for these applications at an amazing price point. The ClubXS+ refresh maintains the value for money proposition with 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-input channel models now equipped with the DSP on/off foot-switch capability, bringing them into line with the already existent ClubXS16+ model. Inp
UK - AV integrators, Old Barn Audio (OBA), have been specifying Martin Audio’s CDD series on a regular basis, ever since it was first released in 2015. And they have just added a new fitness centre to that roster. When Steven Kelly, who runs the Natural Fit Gym in Tunbridge Wells with partner Shaun Harris, contacted OBA, their first requirement was a state of the art audio system. “This is the first of what will be a series of upmarket gyms and they wanted the best,” recalls OBA director Phil Clark. “We told them straight away that they needed Martin Audio.” The client was reassured not only by this, but the fact that OBA are also based in the Kent spa town. Another condition was that the speakers needed to be discreet. And so OBA opted for the ultra-compact CDD5. “Even though the CDD5 is the smallest in the CDD range they give great power, clarity an
South Africa - Whilst South Africa has just moved to Level 1 allowing events for up to 250 guests indoors and 500 people outdoor, technical supplier Multi-Media has utilised the past few months to establish a virtual platform for the future and something that can be expanded upon with the new eased restrictions while adhering to strict safety protocols. Multi-Media has seven virtual studios based in Johannesburg and Cape Town, which have opened doors for businesses and financial institutions, to continue communicating with their audience during this time. The multi-purpose studio spaces have been used for live events, virtual events and broadcasts (complete with customised 3D virtual sets) and product launches. In addition, Multi-Media has partnered with Century City Conference Centre (CCCC) in the Western Cape, to create additional virtual space. Event planners and bu
USA - Hughie’s Event Production Services, a premiere source of quality event production service and professional industry equipment in the Ohio and Western Pennsylvania region, recently replaced some of its older AV rental equipment with new, cutting-edge technology. The company found the solution it was looking for with EAW’s ADAPTive line including the Anna Loudspeaker and Otto Subwoofer. In addition to the ADAPTive line, Hughie’s also relies on EAW’s RS123 self-powered loudspeakers for a range of projects. From its inception in 1953, Hughie’s Event Production Services has always placed the highest value on quality of service. The Hughie’s team embarked on an 18-month search to find its new PA system. “We’ve known that EAW has made quality products for a very long time and that’s one of the main reasons they were on our radar during our upgrade sear
Germany - Thomas Giegerich is someone who likes to keep ahead of the game. He and his team at bright! studios, based in Frankfurt, were already planning to add a new ‘extended reality’ division to their visual design and services business at some point during 2020, which was in anticipation of it being more widely adopted - in particular - by television productions and video projects. The team at bright! studios were already working with real-time tracking and real-time rendering software like Unreal Engine and Notch as part of their creative workflow, as well as running a busy show and events equipment rental company from the same premises, so combining these skills into a new product was a logical step. Further, with the launch of the xR services department in mind, they had already built a small production studio and produced some demonstration reels in January
UK - The Creative Production Group, owner of Reading/Manchester-based Visions, has announced the purchase of the London-based sound reinforcement company - Dobson Sound Productions. Dobson Sound Productions works with a wide range of artists and venues on events from small, intimate dinners through to large festivals delivering high-end systems into a wide variety of live environments. Chris Norman,CEO, comments: “We have always looked at opportunities to expand our service to our clients and have been keen to have a base in London. We intend to keep Dobson Sound Productions at its historic location in Deer Park Road, Wimbledon where David Lewis, Bill Woods and key members of the team will be on hand to look after customers. The acquisition allows the group to significantly expand its stock holding of sound equipment with a specialist audio provider, it also allows
Germany - Restart-19 is an evidence-based scientific study conducted by the University Medical Center, Halle, in conjunction with regional government, aimed at investigating the coronavirus risks associated with staging major cultural or sporting events in indoor arenas. The project has received almost a million euros in funding, a measure of just how desperate the situation facing the future of such events has become. The principle aim of the study was to determine which technical and organisational actions can most effectively minimise the risk of infection. Comprising several sub-projects, the most visible element of Restart-19 was a large experiment conducted in the Leipzig Arena, featuring singer Tim Bendzko and his band, where 1,800 audience members attended to participate in different real-life simulations of the concert experience. Every measure was taken to ensure
Germany - d&b audiotechnik has announced the introduction of a new addition to the company's product repertoire, the 44S loudspeaker. The 44S is d&b’s first flush mountable cabinet, delivering compact, high performance audio and a wide range of flexible mounting options. “For audio professionals who may be challenged by dimensions, architecture, or aesthetics, the 44S loudspeaker is a powerful, compact, flush-mountable loudspeaker that provides the sound needed, no matter what space they have to work with,” comments Wolfgang Schulz, d&b product manager. “It’s a very compact point source loudspeaker for flexible use in nearfield applications, and there is a big need in our industry for this type of form factor.” An intelligent waveguide and baffle design creates a very smooth horizontal dispersion down to the lower frequencies while being tightly
USA/Europe - During the COVID-19 pandemic, literally every aspect of life has had to be rethought, but few verticals have faced hurdles like education is facing today. Whether or not to hold classes in person or remotely has become literally a fundamental choice. Marist College, a private liberal arts college founded in 1905 in Poughkeepsie, NY, faced those same difficult options as it readied itself to start the new school year in late August. Technology solutions from Audio-Technica made that task i easier and successful. The school acquired and installed 150 Audio-Technica U851RO Omnidirectional Condenser Boundary Microphones and 50 ATDM-0604 SmartMixers, which now outfit 50 classrooms at the school. But the story of how this project came about is an education in itself. “We wanted to offer a learning experience as close to traditional in-person classes, using a
World - Creative Technology (CT) has recently launched a new website. Since joining the NEP group three years ago, the CT business world-wide has expanded significantly through a combination of organic growth, acquisition and re-branding of regional businesses and is now operates from 24 inventoried locations across 15 countries. The new website built over a 12-month period provides a consistent look, feel and messaging while allowing a high degree of local customisation for CT’s evolving global structure, says the company. At launch there are dedicated new sites for US, UK, Middle East and Spain including multiple language options on the Spanish site. In the coming weeks Asia Pacific, Northern Europe, Ireland, Germany and Holland will be added each with dedicated sites focusing on relevant local service offerings and market sector activities and significant
