Thailand - Sonos Libra has assumed exclusive distribution rights for dbTechnologies’ full product portfolio of touring, install and M.I. audio systems in Thailand. “In the last few years dBTechnologies’ presence in South Eastern Asia professional audio industry is considerably growing,” explains dBTechnologies’ APAC sales manager, Manuele Poli. “We are at a point where we need strategic partnerships to meet a larger base of professionals and disclose our products’ full potential. When we met Alfonso Rodriguez and Sonos Libra’s team, I immediately realized that their sales approach and advanced technical skills were exactly what dBTechnologies needed to enhance the brand perception and further flourish in the local professional market.” Sonos Libra’s CEO Alfonso Martín Rodríguez adds: “dBTechnologies is a growing company and is now playing at a h
France - Modulo Pi has announced the full compatibility between its Modulo Kinetic media server and L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound technology by L-Acoustics. Thanks to bidirectional interactions now available between the video toolbox on one hand, and the spatial audio technology on the other hand, Modulo Pi and L-Acoustics bring a complete A/V real-time production suite. L-ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound technology is a multidimensional, object-based approach to designing, mixing, and processing sound that results in extremely natural and intelligible audio and a more vibrant, and authentic connection between artists and their fans. Already deployed on over 7,000 performances, L-ISA has been adopted by artists such as Mark Knopfler and Bon Iver, and permanently installed in experiential venues like Artechouse and Spyscape museum. Modulo Pi has developed Modulo Kineti
USA - 2020 sees Merging Technologies celebrate its 30th anniversary. The company has revealed it has a number of plans in the works to "celebrate Merging’s achievements in improving the recording and listening experiences for clients across the globe", with a series of special events set to be announced in the coming months. Claude Cellier, Merging’s founder and president comments: “The spotlight is now on Anubis and we could not be more pleased with its reception, but there are many landmarks during those years of which our team can be justly proud. Innovation has been the key to our continued success.” NAMM 2020 (Anaheim, 16-19 January) will see Merging+Anubis exhibit for the first time. Launched in time for AES Dublin, Prolight+Sound and NAB 2019, Anubis arrives in Anaheim on the back of several months of record sales and with several significant feature enha
UK - Solid State Logic (SSL) has released its latest Live V4.10 update for the entire range of SSL Live consoles including; L100, L200, L300, L350, L550 (including L500 and L500 Plus) as well as their SOLSA software. The new release provides live engineers with a number of features that expand their workflow and control. The new Event Manager allows live engineers to create events that can perform one or more actions when one or more input states are met. This means that a single trigger can activate multiple output actions, or multiple triggers can activate a single output action. This makes workflow set up for the most demanding live events more flexible and intuitive for the engineer. V-Auxes and V-Stems provides an efficient way of making mix adjustments from groups of paths using VCAs. Adjusting a V-Aux or V-Stem send will trim sends to that bus from all paths tha
USA - After a recent change in ownership, APB-DynaSonics has announced the relaunch of a range of its most popular products – the MixSwitch, ProRack-House and ProSpec lines. The analogue console manufacturer will showcase these products at the NAMM Show, Booth 17505. Chuck Augustowski, who founded the company along with John Petrucelli and Taz Bhogal in 2004, has returned to the helm and is responsible for driving the acquisition by the new owners and initiating production of the APB-DynaSonics product line. Augustowski has engaged long-term APB partner, Contact Distribution, to handle the relaunch and distribution of APB products throughout North America. “This is an exciting time for APB. We are looking forward to re-introducing the APB product line and are preparing to roll out some exciting new products in the near future,” explains Augustowski. “For year
USA - East Shore Sound is based about a half hour north of the Baltimore Metro Area but the company handles event production, system design and installation, and broadcast communications nationwide. This past October, East Shore Sound owner Bill Saltzer and his team were responsible for the intercom systems at Telemundo Networks’ 2019 Latin American Music Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. To connect the intercom system throughout the venue, the East Shore Sound team relied on Luminex GigaCore network switches. “We started using Luminex GigaCore switches about two years ago, primarily with Riedel’s Bolero wireless intercom product,” Saltzer recalls. “We mostly use GigaCore switches for Bolero systems because the integration with Bolero is seamless, and we like how GigaCore handles PTP [Precision Time Protocol] clocking. Also, GigaCore’s PoE
Croatia - A property of the Maistra Hospitality Group, the five-star Grand Park Hotel Rovinj is set at the edge of a pine forest on the Adriatic coast of northwestern Croatia. The six-story hotel offers 193 guest rooms and 16 suites, plus three restaurants, three bar/lounges, a spa, indoor and outdoor pools and tennis courts, a grand ballroom, and three combinable multifunction conference spaces. Recently, systems integrator HUST d.o.o. finished the design and installation of a 40-zone networked sound system at the hotel that employs Linea Research amplifiers, managed by a Biamp Tesira Server-IO AVB digital network server. “Linea Research amplifiers are one of the most reliable amplifiers that we’ve used in our projects,” reports Tomislav Stubican of HUST d.o.o. “We have never had a problem with them, so they were the right choice for a demanding system that ne
Germany - Schauspielhaus Bochum has recently completed a major installation featuring multiple Allen & Heath dLive systems, alongside new digital network technology across all of its venues and finished a successful first season with the new systems. Schauspielhaus Bochum is one of the biggest and most acclaimed theatres in Germany. Founded in 1907, it was completely destroyed in World War II and rebuilt in the 1950s with a capacity of 811 seats. A second theatre – the 400-capacity Kammerspiele – opened its doors in 1966. Former directors of the theatre include Peter Zadek, Claus Peymann and Leander Haußmann. Christoph Bonk has worked in the sound department for 28 years and has seen many technical changes during that time. His final goal as technical director was to guide the theatre into the future of digital technology and networking. “In Bochum we
Australia - Harman Professional Solutions has announced it has realigned distribution of AMX, SVSI, and install ranges of AKG, BSS, Crown and JBL Professional in Australia with the appointment of MadisonAV, part of the Madison Technologies group. Distribution in Australia for Harman’s retail, cinema, touring, performing arts, broadcast, and Martin lighting solutions remains unchanged. MadisonAV will expand its portfolio to include the complete range of AMX video control solutions, and Harman Professional install and integration audio product suite. This will offer customers a single interface across Harman’s wide range of video controls and install audio solutions. “We are excited to partner with MadisonAV and expand our distribution reach in Australia. This is aimed at enhancing access to Harman products and solutions across verticals, focusing on soluti
USA - Apogee Electronics has announced the appointment of Martin Kloiber as chief operating officer (COO). The announcement was made by Betty Bennett, Apogee CEO and co-founder. Previously Martin directed AVID's audio business division as VP of audio and strategy. He led project teams to develop and execute delivery of products and solutions across multiple product categories. Before his work at AVID Martin was CEO of Euphonix. During this time, he developed the EuCon protocol which enabled products to interface with third party applications. Kloiber comments: "I see Apogee as bridging the gap between technology and the creative imaginations of artists, engineers, producers, and directors. Our mantra is, let’s bring the art back to the artists. Technology has become so pervasive that it’s taking away not adding to the creative process. Don’t get me wrong,
UK - Martin Audio has announced the release of the X218 subwoofer, extending the company’s best-selling portable series, BlacklineX. BlacklineX, launched in 2016, was the first new series developed under the management of Dom Harter and was an instant hit, delivering performance and value for a range of applications including portable sound reinforcement and stage monitoring for live bands, DJs and corporate events, to installations in nightclubs, bars, commercial spaces and houses of worship. The original line-up comprised just a 15” and single 18” subwoofer and so as Harter says, “the success of the BlacklineX series led to numerous calls to extend the range with a double 18” subwoofer, and we’re delighted to kick off the new year with this punchy sub at an equally punchy price point.” The X218 is a dual-driver subwoofer with an operating range o
USA - California’s Anaheim Convention Centre Arena will see Alcons Audio launch new line array and loudspeaker technologies at the NAMM 2020 tradeshow. Each show day will give live audio professionals the opportunity to hear the difference that Alcons’ pro-ribbon technology makes to the audience experience, including the first chance to hear the power and clarity of the new LR24/90 mid-size line-array system. Hosted in collaboration with Live Sound International magazine, the showcases will see Alcons demonstrate the LR24/90 during the ‘compact systems’ portion of the event’s demonstrations. In addition, the ‘portable system’ demos will showcase Alcons’ extremely popular LR7/90 micro line-array. “As arguably the world’s leading trade show for the music industry, we welcome this exciting new chance to demonstrate Alcons Audio pro-ribbon system
USA - BishopSound, the fast-growing Yorkshire-based PA specialist, is making its NAMM debut this year, giving international visitors to the show the chance to meet the owner Andrew Bishop and discuss what promises to be a busy year for his company. Having recently launched its first passive line array system, and while simultaneously expanding its wide range of affordable PA equipment, this year BishopSound will be introducing a series of new UK-designed and manufactured speakers aimed at the top end of the professional market. The first of the new models will be a 2x18" high power subwoofer; initially designed to complement the company's new Delta Dual 8" passive line array, the new high-power subwoofer is likely to find many other uses due to its exceptional performance, BishopSound predicts. Also, to be launched this year this year will be a new three-way en
UK - Leeds-based digital solutions provider UXG has recently completed the works on a project to upgrade the digital strategy and wayfinding media for Leeds Playhouse, as part of the theatre’s eight-figure transformation. The newly redeveloped Leeds Playhouse includes upgrades to the Quarry and Courtyard theatres, a new studio space named the Bramall Rock Void, revamped front of house spaces as well as a new city-facing entrance and improved access throughout the building. The new digital displays and integrated software platform have been implemented over a three-month period by UXG, which designs, manufactures and installs bespoke digital solutions for branded environments. The project delivery has included implementing a large-format 6x3m outdoor LED Display (Digital 48 sheet) alongside a mixture of freestanding and wall-mounted external high bright advertising
Germany - Audac has announced a new partnership with S.E.A. Vertrieb & Consulting as the exclusive distributor of its audio solutions in Germany. Alexander Kirchfeld, S.E.A. CEO, comments: “We have experienced the quality of Audac’s products as well as the passion of its employees ourselves and believe they will enhance the everyday lives of our customers. The new partnership between our companies allows us to fulfil the needs of our customers even better by providing them with a wide range of innovative audio solutions.” Mark Asselberghs, Audac’s international sales director, adds: “We are constantly looking for new like-minded companies that share our passion for innovative audio solutions to broaden our network. S.E.A. perfectly fits that description. We believe that they are an outstanding company that values giving their partners the best experience
USA - At NAMM 2020, Harman Professional Solutions will introduce the new JBL IRX Series portable PA loudspeakers. JBL IRX Series portable PA loudspeakers provide musicians, performers and presenters with JBL sound in |”a highly portable, feature-rich package”. A durable, lightweight design makes IRX Series speakers easy to transport. Versatile features like Bluetooth audio streaming, custom application-based pre-sets and automatic signal processors make it easy to dial in sound for a wide range of applications. The IRX Series of portable PA loudspeakers includes the IRX108BT, which features an 8-inch woofer, and the IRX112BT, which features a 12-inch woofer. “Today’s performers need a portable, easy-to-use PA system that delivers professional results at an affordable price,” said Brandon, Knudsen, loudspeaker product manager, Harman Professional Solutio
Europe - L-Acoustics has announced the expansion of console partners, adding Yamaha Professional Audio, who has co-developed an L-ISA DeskLink for their flagship Rivage PM7 and PM10 mixing systems. “Collaborating with the creative team of experts at Yamaha has resulted in an exceptionally sleek integration of the L-ISA object controls into Rivage mixing workflow. The new DeskLink is a great example of collaborative design,” explains Sherif El Barbari, director of L-ISA Labs. Within the Rivage consoles, for every mono or stereo input channel, a direct control of L-ISA Objects or Groups will be available on the console control surface and touch screens. The L-ISA DeskLink provides a seamless workflow on the consoles, allowing for immersive hyperreal mixing in a familiar environment, making adoption of L-ISA technology even easier. “It has been a real
Europe - ISE 2020 sees LED processor manufacturer, Brompton Technology, give the first European showing of its Dynamic Calibration technology and launch its latest LED processor, the Tessera S8, on its largest ever trade show stand. The significant size increase of this newly designed stand, which measures 90m2, will allow Brompton to give regular presentations of Dynamic Calibration, the Brompton HDR solution, and the new Tessera S8, alongside its ever-popular demonstration stations. First shown at LDI 2019 in Las Vegas, Dynamic Calibration takes a different approach to maintaining uniformity, while unlocking the full potential of the LEDs to achieve “previously unthinkable levels of brightness and colour saturation”. Dynamic Calibration is enabled after panels are measured with Brompton’s Hydra system; an all-in-one advanced measurement system custom-designed
Belgium - AED Group has launched its own pro audio brand, AED Audio. The news was announced during AED’s annual Customer Nights networking and showcase events in December and is seen as a return to the company’s roots, as AED’s CEO Glenn Roggeman designed and built loudspeakers during the 1980s and early 90s. AED Audio’s range includes two lines, the Flex and Solid series. The Flex series comprises one model, the multi-purpose powered line-source speaker Flex6, which can be used in various applications, including flown as a line array or mounted on a pole. Part of the Solid line, Solid15 is a compact, single 15” 1.800W RMS low cabinet or subwoofer which can be used in many scenarios and several configurations. The speaker can be operated standalone, flown and stacked. Meanwhile, the Solid28, combined with the Solid15 in low and the Flex6,
USA - Living Water Bible Fellowship in Alamosa, Colorado, had a pair of related problems that frustrated the staff’s ability to deliver a transparent, distraction-free service. First, the pastor could not get his microphone nearly loud enough before feedback threatened to overtake his voice, with predictable wincing among the assembled congregants. Second, even when feedback wasn’t a problem, lack of intelligibility and impact made it difficult for congregants to fully lose themselves in the music or the moment. Local AV integration firm Lambda Audio Visual designed and installed a new Danley Sound Labs sound reinforcement system that did away with both issues via pattern control and phase-coherent, point-source fidelity. “Living Water Bible Fellowship contacted us looking for some ideas to help improve the sound system in their main worship room,” explains Rya
South Africa - The Mosaïek Teatro, a large-capacity venue that forms part of the Mosaïek Church in Fairlands, Johannesburg is the first in South Africa to invest in KLANG’s 3D in-ear monitoring system to complement their new DiGiCo SD5 mixing consoles. In October 2019, technical manager at the Mosaïek Teatro, Estian Els and his team took delivery of two DiGiCo SD5 mixing consoles, purchased from DWR Distribution. “Earlier this year, the Mosaïek Teatro hosted the third season of M-Net’s The Voice South Africa, which gave our technical team the opportunity to work on the DiGiCo SD10 console that was used for the show. We all became really comfortable with the technology and, therefore, when the time came for us to invest in new consoles for the Mosaïek Teatro, we decided to go with two DiGiCo SD5s,” Estian explains. While the team have been very happy
India - Based in Mumbai, Chakor Sound’s recent investment in a Yamaha Rivage PM7 digital mixing system has paid dividends. Established over four decades ago, Chakor Sound has grown to become one of India’s leading providers of live sound and other audio solutions, as well as servicing international tours. Maintaining an inventory of audio systems, its relationship with Yamaha dates back to its investment in analogue mixers, later upgrading to the LS9 and M7CL digital mixing consoles. Since then, the company has entrusted all of its investment in digital consoles with the Yamaha brand. This has included most of the Yamaha range, including the CL5 and QL5. The company has recently purchased a Rivage PM7 digital mixing system “Rivage PM7 offers similarly high standards of operation and workflow efficiency to Yamaha’s flagship Rivage PM10 digital mixing syst
China - The annual two-day Rolls Royce sales meeting, hosted for the marque’s worldwide network of dealer partners, maintains an impressive standard of event production, for which this year, as for the last five, global brand experience company, Imagination, pitched for and won. The realised design brief incorporated an engaging daytime dealer gathering setup and an intricately designed immersive experiential dining experience for 280 guests, supported by TiMax object-based spatial audio. Imagination’s head of sound design, Crispian Covell, states: “TiMax was pivotal to our sound design across the whole event. As far as I’m aware, TiMax is still the best and only way of doing what we needed. Nothing else can work site-specific surround sound simply by importing a PDF of the room; nothing else allows you to configure the entire loudspeaker system offline or adju
UK - The team behind the ground-breaking Blackout installation have released the results of the UK Backstage Entertainment Industry’s Evaluation on Mental Health Awareness. This pioneering study was launched alongside the acclaimed 6-minute immersive experience at September’s PLASA Show, held at London Olympia. Funded by leading industry associations PLASA, the ALD, the ASD, the ABTT and the PSA, the academic analysis was conducted by Dr Paul Hanna, research director in clinical psychology at the University of Surrey. Hanna has worked closely with Blackout’s core creative team since they launched the installation in May 2019 at The Guildford School of Acting.
According to the survey, the prevalence of mental health issues among those working in the UK technical, backstage and entertainment industry is far higher than the national avera
