USA - Through broadcast and online digital channels, First Baptist Dallas’ reach expands beyond its in-house attendance. With a following that spans tens of thousands of worshippers, the megachurch takes its audio and video capabilities very seriously, looking to lead audio engineer Brad Roberts to choose just the right gear. Most recently, Roberts became one of the first US users of DPA Microphones’ new 6066 CORE Subminiature Headset Microphone, relying on its capabilities to provide a discreet, high-quality sound for the church’s lead pastor, Dr. Robert Jeffress. “I chose to upgrade the lead pastor’s microphone to DPA’s 6066 because of its impressively small capsule and redesigned headset - for such an unobtrusive solution, the sound quality is impeccable,” explains Roberts. “The 6066 is completely hidden from close-up HD camera shots and its non-refl
USA - Having started Carey Sound over 40 years ago in North Carolina, Ken Carey has built his business in step with the evolution of concert PA systems. He has seen the progression from home-made to manufactured loudspeakers, from point source to line arrays to today’s fully networked systems. For his company’s latest flagship system, Ken spent a year auditioning options, doing research, and listening to demos and shootouts. In the end, Carey Sound selected the Electro-Voice X-Line Advance X1 line array with DSP amplifiers from Dynacord. “My son John and I listened to at least 10 brands before making a decision, at trade shows, demos and shootouts,” notes Carey. “We heard the EV systems at a demo in Nashville. The X1 just had that sonic magic we had been looking for. It was everything we’d been missing.” Carey Sound then began a three-phase acquisition pr
USA - Currently one of the hottest tickets on Broadway, the musical Hadestown has won eight Tony Awards. One was for Nevin Steinberg and Jessica Paz’s sound design, which features 28 Alcons Audio V-series pro-ribbon monitors. The Tony was the icing on the cake for Nevin and Jessica, who also won a Drama Desk Award for the Hadestown sound design, as well as being nominated in the Outer Critics Circle Awards. Nevin is a longtime user of Alcons pro-ribbon loudspeakers, including them in the sound design for Dear Evan Hansen and Hamilton: An American Musical, both of which continue to attract sell-out audiences. “Alcons pro-ribbon loudspeakers have proven to be an excellent tool for my Broadway productions,” says Nevin. “Hadestown, in its intimate home at the Walter Kerr Theatre, seemed a great fit for the Alcons sound.” This was
Spain - Grammy award-winning Argentinian performer, Coti, recently completed a 20-date tour of Spain, culminating in a performance at the Gexto Sound Festival, with a compact dLive Wings system handling monitor duties. Coti Sorokin is one of the best-known artists, songwriters and producers in the Spanish speaking world, with numerous platinum discs to his name. For Coti’s latest Spanish tour, monitor engineer, Alejandro Blanco opted for his own highly portable mixing system, comprising a dLive C1500 19” Surface fitted with a WavesV3 card for multitrack recording and a DM32 MixRack, fitted with a Dante card, a superMADI card for digital splits and AES10 card, for running wedge monitors and side-fills. “dLive is the best sounding console on the market right now and in my opinion, there’s no other mixer that offers the capabilities of dLive, without the need of t
South Africa - The Mosaïek Teatro, a large-capacity venue that forms part of the Mosaïek Church in Fairland, Johannesburg, can accommodate 2,800 people and has become a home to various productions such as Idols South Africa, The Voice finale and international performances scheduled for 2020. Mosaïek recently invested in two DiGiCo SD5 mixing consoles with SD Racks and Waves. “With only three SD5s in South Africa, two of which are now based at the Mosaïek, this has been an important investment for the market they are catering for,” comments Kyle Robson of DWR Distribution, the DiGiCo distributors in Africa. “DiGiCo is one of the top brands in the world, if not the most requested console on technical riders,” adds Estian Els, head of technical at Mosaïek Teatro. “The SD5 suites our business model very well. We chose the larger console in reg
Europe - JoeCo has signed a pair of distribution agreements that will ensure a greater number of European end users will have local access to the company’s full product range. The deals, which were signed at IBC, follow hot on the heels of the announcement that Beirut’s Boujikian Bros has taken on JoeCo distribution. Tonspur AG has become the official JoeCo representative for both Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The company, based in Adligenswil, already has a number of important pro audio brands on its roster. “We are delighted to be working with Tonspur in both Switzerland and Liechtenstein,” says Graham Murray, business development at JoeCo. “Their knowledge and reach into the local market is second to none and I’m sure their customers will be excited to get hands-on with the full JoeCo range.” Tonspur is also highly active in the local audio comm
UK - Audiologic has promoted David Smith to the position of senior business manager, completing a management restructure recently instigated by MD, Andy Lewis. Smith, who previously served as business development manager, will now take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the company’s external sales team, providing “a clearly defined link to the directors, whilst retaining some hands-on sales accounts”. Lewis comments: “In the time Dave has been with us he’s clearly demonstrated what an excellent operator he is. His knowledge of the industry is second to none and his management experience in previous roles has equipped him with all the skills necessary to run a cohesive and effective team. We’ve enjoyed significant growth in recent years and it’s vital that we establish a robust and dynamic management structure to meet the challenges ahead. D
Europe - By leveraging the advanced technology of the Route66 from its associate company BroaMan, Optocore has not only been able to develop the AutoRouter intelligent patchbay - which offers similar functionality - but has been steadily exploiting the market segments in which the Optocore brand has greatest recognition. “The Optocore AutoRouter automatically creates a redundant star out of ring topology, offering automatic routing of DiGiCo, Yamaha and Avid loops when thus connected,” states Maciek Janiszewski, who serves as technical sales manager for both companies. “It is the extremely close relationship that exists between Optocore and BroaMan - including a sharing of technical resources and expertise - that has enabled this to happen.” The Optocore AutoRouter is designed for audio systems, mainly in installation markets such as theatre, while BroaMan’s
UK - disguise studio partner and workflow specialists, Bild Studios has invested in the new gx 2c hardware. Bild is a London-based visual engineering studio with credits including the opening ceremony for the Pakistan Super League, where 50 minutes of AR graphics replaced traditional pre-rendered content that usually is mapped onto projection surfaces or LED screens inside the venue. Founders David Bajt and Rowan Pitts have been working with disguise for over 10 years, delivering hundreds of software training sessions globally, while also using the technology on some of their most ambitious projects. “We've always put a lot of effort and detail into the pre-production, where precise system designs and creative content workflows are developed. We see ourselves living in the great world between tech and cutting-edge visual design, advising people and companies fr
UK - Martin Audio has announced the first sale of its new Wavefront Precision WPS array into the rental community. The 8” ultra-compact system -featuring scalable resolution optimisation technology - met the requirements of its premier partner, Capital Sound, and has gone out on Eddie Izzard’s UK and Ireland tour. Izzard has toured with Martin Audio PAs on many occasions in the past, but it was his sound engineer Alan Behr, a fan of the Multi-cellular Loudspeaker Array (MLA) technology on which it is based, who had requested the brand. However, looking at the tour itinerary, Capital realised that while some venues would require the comedian to play through existing house systems, in others the restricted rigging and loading points would preclude the hanging of heavy incoming rigs. Capital account manager Robin Conway comments: “We had to look at lighter opt
UAE - Protec recently took delivery of the first Outline Newton in the region. Newton product specialist Middle East Luca Gianni helped to organise a demo in the field during an event in KSA and hosted a complete in-depth training course exclusively dedicated to Protec technicians, to ensure that the new processor’s possibilities were exploited to the utmost and the team was able to make the best possible use of its great processing capacity and versatility. Tim Allison, head of Protec’s audio department, stated that the Newton processor would be put to use on large-scale events in the UAE and KSA, and continued, “I envisage the Newton as an integral part of all our FOH main processing racks.” Luca Gianni confirms: “The Protec team is highly qualified and will definitely make the very most of the Newton, thus increasing the company’s in the field and part
Italy - Holoplot’s audio solutions are now available through partner company Leading Technologies, the immersive sound specialist has announced. Founded in 1978, Monza-based Leading Technologies is a pro AV specialist with decades of experience in sectors including theatre, concert arenas and retail. Leading Technologies has spent time over the last few months becoming familiar with the benefits of Holoplot systems, and a team from the company attended a three-day training event at Holoplot’s Berlin base. Danilo Meroni, live division manager and audio technical support, and Mauro Lavazza, installation division manager, at Leading Technologies, described the training event as “wonderful” and said that their team was delighted to encounter “very knowledgeable technical and commercial staff, and to have the chance to explore the potential and technical cap
Egypt - Green Hippo reports that its Hippotizer Media Servers are driving a range of custom high-resolution displays at the newly renovated Panorama 6th October Museum in Cairo, which commemorates the 6 October War of 1973. Using Hippotizer’s advanced mapping capabilities and flexible third-party integration options, local AV specialist Audio Technology was able to meet the many challenge of this complex installation, which includes custom HD projection mapping solutions in three interior halls, as well as on the outside of the building itself. The museum is now able to pursue its educational remit with a full-day entertainment program which brings the history of this troubled period back to vivid life for audiences of all ages. The building’s exterior is the projection surface for 4k resolution content, mapped and fed to six high-power 30,000 lumen laser projector
Germany - Genelec has opened an Experience Centre in Berlin’s Alexanderplatz. The new demonstration facility features a 27sq.m ‘listening room’ and allows the company to showcase its range of studio monitors and AV and home audio loudspeakers. This is Genelec’s third Experience Centre, joining existing facilities in London and Bangalore. It will be overseen by Genelec’s regional business development manager, Eric Horstmann. “We’ve set out to create the perfect independent listening environment for end-users,” comments Horstmann, “and Genelec resellers in both Germany and the surrounding regions, so whether it’s for demonstrations, training, regional launches or special events, the Berlin Experience Centre will become a major hub for Genelec activity in mainland Europe - and will support the efforts of our distributors and resellers in a very
Europe - Nexo’s Celso Papadopulos has moved into the role of European sales manager. Papadopulos has been part of Nexo’s sales team since 2003 as LATAM sales manager, tasked with building the company’s export network and sales in Mexico, Central and Latin America. His first task as Europe sales manager will be the development of Nexo’s European commercial department following the departure of Alain Boone. Papadopulos comments: “It’s a new challenge, and challenge renews life,” says Celso. “In South America, I was working in many different countries with different cultures, so I recognise that every place offers new opportunity. he skills of distributors are critical to our success, and I hope to boost our outstanding network to achieve great things, drawing on my own wide-ranging background in both of NEXO’s main markets, touring and fixed installation.”
USA - Harman Professional Solutions has introduced CloudworX Manager, the first application from its cloud-based CloudworX software. CloudworX Manager is a browser-based (available from www.cloudworx.harman.com) utility that unifies the configuration, deployment and monitoring of Harman professional audio, video, control and lighting systems. Initial supported devices include the AMX by Harman Acendo Core meeting space collaboration system as well as AMX Acendo Book scheduling touch panels. Key features include support for private or single sign-on accounts; sorting, filtering and searching of discovered devices; simultaneous configuration of like or unlike devices; simple connection of local installations using CloudworX Gateway software; device firmware management; and template creation and deployment. Future applications are being developed to offer addition
UK - Northern Ireland’s new wave indie pop returned to touring with their fourth studio album, False Alarm, continuing a worldwide relationship with Britannia Row Productions. At FOH is Ian Laughton, a long-time Britannia Row customer who has live engineered the Club’s shows for over five years. “A great thing about mixing this band is that they want you to put your own stamp on it. They want a pretty different vibe compared to their recorded sound, and I love that; I have to be able to put my own touch on whatever I work on,” says Laughton, who works closely with monitor engineer Steve Donovan. The band’s engineers are joined by Britannia Row’s seasoned system tech Cesar Lopez, newly qualified stage tech Jacopo Fois and second system tech Giacomo Gasparini. The audio team’s combined efforts have been noted in the band’s close circles.
UK - When looking to up-grade the sound system in their council chamber, Newcastle Civic Centre turned to long established supplier Gary Nicholson of Newcastle-based Rock Warehouse to propose a solution. Having previously installed an HK Audio system in the Civic Centre’s largest space (the baronial style Banqueting Hall, capable of seating up to 600 guests), HK Audio was Nicholson’s first choice. Paul Frankcom was responsible for looking after the full gamut of AV requirements throughout the Civic Centre. He explains: "With the principal use of the Council Chamber being to host meetings for up to 200+ delegates using a variety of microphones positioned around the room, first rate speech intelligibility was the priority, with the objective being to commission a system capable of delivering a uniform audio experience for all delegates, with even coverage from the fr
USA - Milwaukee may be widely known for its Germanic roots and mass celebration of beer, bowling, and bratwurst, but this town is also the site of Irish Fest - a celebration of Irish music and culture - which this year utilised dLive and SQ Series consoles from Allen & Heath. Held downtown at Henry Maier Festival Park along the shore of Lake Michigan, Irish Fest 2019 featured 100 musical acts and 300 different performances spread across 16 stages. With Clearwing Productions handling the bulk of the event’s sound reinforcement needs, the Ingleside, Illinois-based independent rep firm Audio Biz deployed five dLive and six SQ Series consoles across seven of the stages plus a preshow/demo suite. Among the dLive systems were S5000 and C3500 control surfaces supported by DM48, DM64, and CDM48 MixRacks. Utilised at smaller stages where space was at a premium, SQ-5
South Africa - DWR Distribution is inviting interested parties and companies to attend an L-Acoustics demo on Tuesday, 29 October in Durban. Taking place at the Glenridge Church in Stamford Hill, the free event will run between 12:00 and 15:00, with a focus on the L-Acoustics Kiva II and the A15 (Wide & Focus). Those wishing to attend should register at dwrdistribution.co.za/register/l-acousticsdurban.
USA - With just less than a month to go until LDI 2019, organisers have announced they expect record attendance and participation in this year’s events. LDI runs from 18-24 November at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, starting with the LDInstitute and LDIntensives sessions and LiveXperience Symposium, culminating in the exhibit hall tradeshow from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 November. “We’re thrilled that this year’s LDI Show looks set to be the most well-attended yet, bringing the global live production community from over 80 countries to Las Vegas to share ideas, exhibit and do business,” says LDI's managing director, David Johnson. “Our registration process shows us that people are coming from a wide range of international live and broadcast venues - festivals, corporate events, theatre, concerts, clubs, theme parks, architainment, and houses of worship. LDI
UK - CPL supplied full technical design and production for show producers Pandora Events, who delivered Tropic Skincare’s 2019 Glambassador motivational event, a high-energy day action-packed with new product launches, presentations, awards and live entertainment, complete with a gala dinner. The extravaganza for 2,500 people - themed Carnival of Colour - was staged in Hall 4 at the NEC, Birmingham, UK. CPL’s production and project manager Lee Gruszeckyj worked closely with Pandora’s Vanessa Carter and a crew of 27 technicians specialising in all the disciplines who started with the installation of a 20m diameter circular stage in the centre of the room. The inner 10m diameter section was a revolve. Above this, four large screens were installed, which were fed by Barco UDX high-powered projectors, giving 360° viewing angles. The stage was a fu
Germany - After the successful opening of the Rathausmarkt Open Air in Hamburg Germany last year, the classical music event with general music director Kent Nagano and the Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra returned in August. For the first time the Farao Studios from Munich provided the acoustics at the event and started with a complex concept, that combined acoustic measures on stage with elements of virtual acoustics and a high-resolution pro-ribbon sound system from Alcons Audio. The concept, originally developed for Audi’s ‘Vorsprung Festival’ in 2014, was brought by the experienced team of Farao Studios at the Hamburg Rathausmarket square this year. A setup consisting of 15 Alcons LR28 large-scale pro-ribbon line array systems (l / r) and 14 Alcons LR18 as centre cluster was installed. A total of 20 of the powerful BC543 3x 18'' cardioid subwoofer system
Italy - Rental company CLS has upgraded its Martin Audio inventory by investing in a new Wavefront Precision Mini (WPM) PA rig. The sale to the company, which was set up in the Florence region last year by Duccio Mitola, was handled by Audiosales, Martin Audio’s Italian distributor. However, Duccio’s experience of the brand extends back seven years earlier when he was operating a W2 as his PA; when he started CLS Martin Audio was again his first port of call as he purchased a Blackline S15 and F10 rig (along with some EM series speakers). As the company expanded its work base he upgraded to a W8LM Mini line array, and it is this that the new technology of the WPM has replaced. Explaining the purchase Duccio says he had initially been looking to extend his stock of W8LM and approached Audiosales. “But they said ‘why do you want to take the old W8LM when there is
