UK - KAM has added four new models to the KXR Series of professional grade, stereo power amplifiers. Presented in a sturdy 2U mountable chassis with rack-ears, two-channel stereo or bridged output modes, and with outputs varying from 64w to 508w, there’s a model ‘to suit all occasions, meeting the requirements of a vast range of sound reinforcement environments, from live-sound, studio to commercial installations’. These power amplifiers, feature forced-air cooling for continuous use. “Whilst beautifully designed and engineered on the inside, all effort has been made for ease of use with an easy to configure front panel layout, featuring large channel 1 and 2 volume controls aside the central mains on/off switch, and individual channel status LEDs for power, clip, signal and fault,” says distributor JHS. With two XLR and two ¼" jack inputs and outputs
USA - On 19 September 1999, International House of Prayer of Kansas City (IHOPKC) founder Mike Bickle and 20 full-time 'intercessory missionaries' began a prayer meeting that has continued around the clock to this day. To help meet the challenges of delivering non-stop music and prayer to worshippers and streaming to the internet, the evangelical Christian church has installed two Solid State Logic Live series digital mixing consoles in its Global Prayer Room. A few miles away, in Grandview, Missouri, another pair of SSL Live desks handle house and stage sound, as well as webstreaming, at IHOPKC’s Forerunner Church. A pair of SSL Live L200 consoles - one at front-of-house and another at the monitor position - were installed at the Forerunner Church first, says Nicholas Kramer, IHOPKC director of sound. “We were definitely due for an audio upgrade, so we did a big
Australia - Recognised as one of the world’s most flexible and technologically advanced meeting facilities, the Adelaide Convention Centre (ACC) in South Australia recently completed an AU$397m redevelopment which included a major overhaul of the venue’s audio systems. The loudspeakers and associated processing were augmented or completely replaced with new Meyer Sound systems in seven halls, including the addition of Lyon line arrays for the ACC’s largest configurable space. When combined with existing inventories, this latest round of investments brings the total Meyer Sound loudspeaker count up to 270, making ACC the largest single-site user of Meyer Sound systems in Australia. In addition to the 20 Lyon line array loudspeakers and accompanying eight 1100-LFC low-frequency control elements, the latest additions also include 65 Ultra-X40 compact loudspeakers an
UK - Audiologic has recently appointed Andrew Matthews as business manager for Ireland and Scotland. He will be responsible for maintaining and building on existing relationships with Audiologic’s integrator network, presenting the latest technical solutions from its suppliers and further developing the business in providing wide-ranging support for new projects and sales enquiries. With a career that spans over 30 years, Matthews joins Audiologic from Bose Corporation where he was director/national sales manager for Ireland in all channels that included consumer electronics and live and installed sound. Dave Smith, senior business manager at Audiologic, comments: “We are delighted to announce that Andrew has joined Audiologic, he brings with him extensive local knowledge, a fantastic approach to the customer experience and a wealth of expertise in advanced audio
UK - Wharfedale Pro are now shipping their new i-series of installation loudspeakers. Designed specifically for small to medium scale commercial installations, the i-series is made up of three ABS plastic models (4", 6.5" and 8"). Each model is available in a 70v/100v or in a 8Ω low impedance configuration. All i-series loudspeakers are IP54 Certified, which makes them suitable for installation into extreme environments where excess moisture or dust ingress are a risk. A full-face aluminium front grille also gives solid protection against any physical impact damage. All models are supplied with fully adjustable steel wall mounting brackets. Internally, the i-series use a two-way design with a 1.0" silk dome tweeter and custom Wharfedale Pro 4", 6.5" or 8" low frequency drivers. This combination results in a natural sounding speaker that suits both pre-recorded m
USA - With the implementation of high-resolution LED video environments that have become the backbone of such award-winning production designs as Star Wars: The Mandalorian, production houses across the nation have begun to look at applying this type of technology for the benefit of their clients. Such is the case with PixelFLEX rental network partners Mountain View Staging and Elite Multimedia Productions, who have taken their live and virtual event capabilities into a new realm of possibilities using production designs with LED video. “We saw how they were using the camera-tracking technology in conjunction with LED video and an Unreal Effects Engine to film the Mandalorian series and we thought this was something we could offer to our corporate clients to make their live events even more exciting,” began Robert Johnson, vice president of operation
USA - Two world-renowned touring and sound reinforcement companies are joining forces to focus on building industry capabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic pause. Clair Global has announced the acquisition of Eighth Day Sound Systems with the specific goal of continuing to support the dedicated relationships for touring customers from both rosters. The Eighth Day Sound brand will be maintained and will conduct business as it has for the last 40 years, under the same management and with the same staff. The company will become a stand-alone brand under the Clair Global umbrella, joining Britannia Row Productions in the UK, JPJ in Australia, and AudioRent Clair AG in Switzerland. Before the industry slowdown, Tom Arko, president of Eighth Day, and Troy Clair, owner of Clair Global, discussed how this union could further improve and strengthen future tour support.
USA - Inspired by efforts in the UK, mainland Europe and South Africa, the US live events industry is set to host its own #WeMakeEvents ‘Red Alert’ day of action on 1 September. Using the hashtags #WeMakeEvents #RedAlertRESTART and #ExtendPUA to gain momentum, the move represents a major call to action on Tuesday, 1 September, imploring the US Congress to pass the RESTART Act (S.3814) as quickly as possible, offering economic relief to America’s live events industry, which has been shuttered since March, 2020, putting millions of people out of work. Additionally, the movement is to support ExtendPUA.org in their efforts towards continuation and extension of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance to provide relief to those without work due to COVID-19. #WeMakeEvents North American director, Brad Nelms comments: "The group has managed to gather incredible support fo
USA - Golden Age Hollywood movie mogul Jack L. Warner called it ‘The Castle of Your Dreams’. The Warner Grand Theatre is the last of a series of classic Southern California Art Deco-Moderne cinema palaces from the 1930s designed by architect B. Marcus Priteca and interior designer Anthony Heinsbergen that retains its original contours. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the theatre was renamed the Warner Grand Theatre in the 1980s, and in 1982 was designated as City of Los Angeles Historic Cultural-Monument #251. In 1996, the theatre was purchased by the Department of Cultural Affairs and has continuously operated this venue since that time. Now, the 1,525-seat historic film house in San Pedro, California hosts classic and art films as well as concerts and other live performances. It’s doing that with very modern sound thanks to newly installed D
Europe - Sennheiser’s popular live Crew Calls continue with four members from Ed Sheeran’s live touring crew from the world record-breaking Divide Tour On 8 September at 8pm CET, Sennheiser hosts Andy Egerton and Tim Moore will welcome Chris Marsh (production manager, FOH sound), Mark Friend (tour manager), Matt Jones (lighting director) and Dave White (guitar/Chewie tech). Organisers are urging those wishing to tune in to register early for the live round table with the touring crew behind Ed Sheeran’s. During the 90-minute Crew Call, Chris Marsh and Mark Friend will discuss production and tour management and speak about the FOH sound, while Matt Jones will give insights into the tour’s lighting design. Guitar fans will be delighted to see David White on board, who designed and built Ed Sheeran’s Chewie looper pedalboard. As always, all panelli
USA - Audio-Technica has announced two limited-edition iterations of its AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone featuring a reflective silver finish: the AT2020V (standard) and the AT2020USB+V (USB model). The visually striking finish is meant not only to celebrate the mic’s clear, natural sound quality, but to mirror the creative force of its user, making these mics suitable for YouTubers, livestreamers and other content creators. These side-address condensers are equipped with low-mass diaphragms, custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. The mics’ cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source. All models in the AT2020 mic line - the price/performance standard in side-address studio condenser microphone technology - offer a wide dynamic range and handle high S
USA - Meyer Sound has announced the release of MAPP 3D, the most extensive upgrade to its industry-standard system design tool since the original MAPP Online software program was introduced in 2001. MAPP 3D works on both the Mac and Windows platforms, employs local processing (no Internet connection required) and is now available as a free download from the Meyer Sound website. As the name implies, MAPP 3D provides highly accurate, three-dimensional renderings of predicted sound system performance within detailed, wire-frame venue drawings. Equally important, MAPP 3D now offers complete integration with the Galileo Galaxy Network Platform and Compass control software for a seamless workflow from initial design through on-site tuning. Comprehensive processing parameters for complex systems can be optimized using MAPP 3D predictions, with the resulting processor settings pushe
Croatia - The city of Zadar lies on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, and is renowned for the Roman and Venetian ruins that characterise its Old Town peninsula. For all its historic architecture, the city could never be accused of living in the past, hosting a vibrant progressive culture centred around its bustling shops, cafés and nightspots. Located within a refurbished, revitalised old cinema building in the heart of the city sits Guma, a flexible 300-capacity venue that combines traditional hospitality with a lively atmosphere, and describes itself as the ‘living room’ of Zadar’s cultural community. Guma’s attractive interior design is complemented by a selection of urban music which appeals to a discerning crowd who can relax with friends in its comfortable surroundings by day, and hit its dance-floor in the evening. The Guma team recently took the decision to
Turkey - Turkuvaz Media Group (TMG) is Turkey’s largest private media group operating in television, radio broadcasting as well as news and printed media. When seeking to build a new media centre in Istanbul, TMG turned to TSL Products’ audio monitoring, advanced broadcast control and technical display solutions, across 10 studios and control rooms. Built with systems integrator Teratek, this project consolidates TMG’s distributed studios into one location to improve efficiency, future-proof its capabilities for 4K broadcasting and create a scalable system that is prepared for the group’s future growth. TSL’s TallyMan advanced control system is one of the only systems available that offers an expansive protocol library by default, allowing TMG to control many different devices without the need for expansive development or additional cost. The TallyMan s
USA - Harman Professional Solutions has announced the JBL VTX B28 subwoofer. The VTX B28 is a JBL Professional dual 18-inch subwoofer designed to complement the company’s flagship VTX full-range sound reinforcement systems. Differential Drive technology endows the drivers with exceptional performance, while patented SlipStream port technology offers improved airflow and reduced audible turbulence at any operating level, says the company. The VTX B28 houses a new, integrated rigging system that follows in the footsteps of the A8 and A12 rigging designs, and allows the B28 to be suspended in omnidirectional or cardioid arrays of up to 16 enclosures. The rigging and a comprehensive collection of tour-tough accessories make the B28 a flexible solution for both mobile and installed sound system applications. The B28 integrates seamlessly with HiQNet Performance Manager a
Belgium - The Studio 100 Pop-Up Theatre in Puurs is the world’s largest temporary show venue, and regularly plays host to large scale musical spectaculars. A flexible space with mobile seating for around 2,000, the 7,000sq.m auditorium has seen blockbuster productions of the wartime-focused 40-45, and most recently an updated version of Daens, The Musica. It was this story about a Belgian priest who was a pioneer for social justice, that had just premiered when the global coronavirus pandemic halted proceedings overnight. Production specialists Studio Haifax, a customer of Coda Audio distributor Viladco, was deploying a Coda system for alternating productions of Daens and 40-45 when COVID-19 intervened. During lockdown, with no prospect of the major shows returning, Studio 100 worked with artist management and booking company House of Ente
Albania - Prosound has equipped Albania’s Posh Lounge with a Martin Audio BlacklineX loudspeaker solution. Situated in Durrës, Albania’s second city, on the Adriatic coast, the 400-capacity party venue was recommended to Martin Audio’s popular series by Prosound - like many venues before it. When refurbishing their sound system, they needed a potent, reliable and versatile solution, capable of reinforcing live bands and DJ dance music during the weekend evenings and background music during the daylight hours. Having installed the venue’s previous system, this time around Prosound recommended Martin Audio’s BlacklineX, and their audio system technician, Armand Dosti was soon at work designing a system to fit the budget. The series represents a substantial upgrade and reengineering of the original Blackline series. “Not only is this series budge
USA - Based in the Metro Detroit area, Allen Audio Systems has offered client- and artist-focused sound reinforcement solutions for indoor and outdoor events in and around the state of Michigan for over 30 years. Now, with the addition of a sizeable E-Series system from Adamson Systems Engineering to its inventory, the company is poised to continue that mission with a wider scope and scale. “We decided to invest in an Adamson E-Series system based on the overwhelming success of the S-Series system we purchased for the Agora Theatre in Cleveland a couple of years ago,” begins Mark Allen, owner of Allen Audio Systems. “The comments about that system have all been really positive, and many touring artists have raved about it. Given that, we knew the next system we would add to our inventory was definitely going to be Adamson.” After making that initial decision, o
Czech Republic - Conceived as a multi-purpose cultural centre combining exhibition rooms with concert halls, the Rudolfinum is one of the most architecturally remarkable buildings in Prague. It is also the home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, which first performed in the Rudolfinum’s world-famous concert hall in 1896 under the baton of famous Czech composer, Antonín Dvořák. The 1,100-capacity Dvořák Hall, also one of the oldest concert halls in Europe, is renowned for its remarkable acoustics and is a sought-after venue for recording classical works. KV2 Audio recently designed and built a completely custom audio solution to address specific acoustic issues whilst meeting the strict architectural and aesthetic requirements of the listed building. The acoustics that lend the Dvorak Hall its distinctive sound is also the reason for which the venue has battled
USA - Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) has appointed AudioPros as its manufacturer’s representative serving Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island and both metro and upstate New York. This provides dealers, rental houses and regional production companies with access to EAW’s entire suite of products including its new ADAPTive Anya and Anna speakers, and Otto subwoofer. “Based on its solid reputation, we know that AudioPros will provide exceptional service to dealers and customers in the region,” says Paul Lamarre, national sales manager, EAW. “The Northeast territory is important for us as that is where our corporate headquarters is based, and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with our neighbors at AudioPros.” Settling into its new greater Hartford County, Connecticut space, AudioPros is a manufacturer’s representative
UK - As event professionals took to the streets of every major city across the UK on 11 August, in support of the PLASA-led #WeMakeEvents campaign, TechLED once again bathed Production Park, including the Studio and Rockwell cafe in the companion #LightItInRed campaign’s signature colour, emergency red. TechLED’s MD, Gordon Addison, once again turned to the power of Prolight’s LEDJ Spectra QX40 Pixel exterior fixtures to illuminate the buildings. While the Production Park team attended the protest demonstration in Leeds, the team at TechLED kept alive the signal of allegiance, with many other theatres and cultural institutions across the country affected by the continued inability to open during the coronavirus pandemic. Addison comments: “We would like to say a massive thank you to all our customers and everyone who came together on the eve of Tuesday 11 August,
Germany - An Allen & Heath dLive system recently mixed a special performance by around 50 musicians from the Heidelberg Philharmonic Orchestra, livestreamed against the backdrop of the Königssaal (Royal Hall), within the walls of the historic Heidelberg Palace. The performance was the centrepiece of a cultural evening on 10 July, staged by Heidelberg Theatre and Orchestra in partnership with the town’s municipal authority and livestreamed to Facebook and YouTube audiences. Full-service AV rental company, Konferenztechnik Kiel supplied the complete audio, video, lighting and streaming solution for the event. Freelance audio engineer, Eric Siemens headed up the sound team, ably supported by mic tech, Florian Montabaur, and by Martin Hildebrand, who directed the sound and video via intercom. Eric mixed the performance himself, choosing a dLive C3500 Surface, teamed w
Canada - Despite the current pandemic hitting the AV industry particularly hard, some organisations are making the most of the mandatory downtime by carrying out system upgrades that would have otherwise been challenging during regular event scheduling. This was certainly the case for The Selwyn Outreach Centre in Peterborough, ON, which recently pushed forward with some much-needed audio system upgrades. A DiGiCo S31 console, plus a KLANG:fabrik immersive in-ear system and KLANG:quelle headphone amps, purchased through DiGiCo’s Canadian distributor GerrAudio, are central to the solution. The organisation engaged Jason Reynolds, lead installation advisor at AV integrator, Production Service Industries, to design and supply a very capable, yet cost-effective front-end package for the upgrade. Anchoring the system is a DiGiCo S31 at front-of-house that is equippe
Finland - Miltton is a consultancy that has grown since its origins two decades ago to become a leading Nordic advisor in communications, leadership, marketing, insight and stakeholder relations. The company has recently transformed an old red brick factory building into their new Miltton House headquarters in Helsinki. High quality audio visual technology plays a key role in the new venue. Systems integration specialists, Digisähkö Oy, who were charged with designing and installing the AV systems, selected Genelec loudspeakers throughout, for a premium audio experience. Designed as a physical meeting place and an inspiration hub as well as a workplace for Miltton’s talent and its stakeholders, high quality AV systems were a priority from the start. “The investment in Miltton House represents the next phase in Miltton’s growth story,” explains Camilla Linniem
