UK - Specialist rigging and chain hoist service and inspection centre, The Hoistpital, recently hosted an official EXE Rise Training session at their premises in Bedford for the maintenance team from Neg Earth, which owns a substantial quantity of EXE Rise chain hoists in both 1120kg and 2000kg Capacity.

With EXE Rise Hoists now being used on many of Neg Earths major shows, the team were keen to have official training to enable them to properly service and maintain their growing fleet. The Hoispital handle the annual inspection and certification for all of Neg Earth's motors and have recently serviced nearly 200 EXE Rise hoists, ready for a long stint of touring work coming up over the next 12 months.

The training session was presented by Adam Beaumont from Area Four Industrie

Singapore - A Meyer Sound Constellation acoustic system has been installed in the upgraded school auditorium of The Singapore American School (SAS), fixing a sound issue that was preventing performers from hearing each other clearly. The system now gives students the opportunity to learn about active acoustics technology first hand, while also providing a customizable sound experience for community productions.

"As a school, we have a bold vision to be a world leader in education, cultivating exceptional thinkers, prepared for the future," says Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent of SAS. "Constellation allows us to be that world leader; it truly is the epitome of excellence. Our students and our staff are tremendous performers and talented individuals, and they work very hard to perfect their craft. The acoustic system shines light on their art. This auditorium is a

UK / Ireland - Irish lighting designer Conor Biddle has been turning to Elation lighting for several years now, from acts as diverse as renowned House DJ MK to Irish country singer Nathan Carter's recent UK tour.

For an MK show at Olympia Theatre in Dublin, Conor used an all-Elation rig as energy-inducing visual support for a catalogue of house tracks. Having worked on previous MK shows in Ireland, Conor worked with Session Hire Dublin to design and operate the show with Session Hire providing crew and supplying all of the lighting.

"I have worked with Session Hire for many years as a freelance designer and together we have provided lighting to MK's previous Irish tours in several venues in Dublin over the years, as well as Cork and Galway," Conor stated of the relationship. "For MK's Olympia Theatre show, we used Elation's compact Rayzor Q7 LED moving head as

USA - As New Yorkers celebrated the arrival of 2016, several thousand EDM fans rocked out at Big Week NYC, a series of concerts produced by RPM Presents and staged at Pier 94 and Pier 36 in the city's famous waterfront area. Performances by international artists like Rudimental, Nicky Romero, Knife Party, Future, Travis Scott, local heroes Chainsmokers, and young Dutch rising star Oliver Heldens were illuminated by Robe fixtures selected by Kevin Mignone, owner of New York-based KM Productions.

Kevin, searching for a new look to the lighting and a change from the moving light brand that had been used in the past, decided Big Week NYC was an ideal chance to give Robe's BMFL Spots and Pointes a centre stage position for all the action.

He credits lighting designer Michael Gionfriddo with the high-energy display featuring Robe BMFL Spots and Pointes that accompanied the truly a

World - Madonna's Rebel Heart Tour employs a pair of DiGiCo SD7s under the control of the tour's FOH engineer Andy Meyer and monitor engineers Matt Napier and Sean Spuehler. Meyer and Napier are both using SD7s with Napier's console featuring an EX007 fader expansion where Spuehler mixes Madonna's vocals and effects.

"Madonna likes her live sound to be as close as possible to the album," says Napier. "To accomplish this, Sean focuses on mixing her vocal effects and delays, which are then bussed to the FOH console so - in theory, at least - the audience hears exactly the same vocal sound that she does."

Madonna is an artist who still likes to push the boundaries with her live production, and an arena tour features many elements that can present several challenges.

"Every Madonna tour has its unique aspects," Napier continues. "The main on

Finland - Genelec has announced the launch of its latest in-wall loudspeaker system, the AIW26B, which offers low distortion and neutral sound reproduction. This update of the popular AIW26 features a new frameless enclosure grille, ensuring the loudspeaker can elegantly blend into almost any environment. Its precision design provides superior bass reproduction as well as precise mid and high frequencies imaging for state-of-the art audio installations.

"The AIW26B is a continuation of the fantastic work that we have done with our active in-wall loudspeaker systems," says Sami Mäkinen, AV installation systems business manager at Genelec. "This hugely impressive system has a wide variety of applications, and would be ideal for installation in a home theatre, a restaurant, art gallery, or a variety of commercial applications. With its frameless design, the new enc

UK - Klark Teknik has announced the release of two new network modules, the KT-USB and KT-AES50, both compatible with the Klark Teknik DN9650 and DN9652 Network Bridges, and the Midas Neutron-NB expansion module. Designed to deliver increased connectivity and exceptional audio performance, the new modules expand Klark Teknik's product portfolio.

The KT-USB is a class-compliant USB 2.0 Network Module and requires just a single USB cable to connect to either a Mac or PC running any industry standard DAW software. A total of 48 bidirectional channels are available at 48 kHz and 24 bidirectional channels are available 96 kHz. Alternatively, the KT-AES50 module provides a dual port AES50 digital audio interface which operates from the incoming AES50 clock or an external clock. Additionally, it features up to 48 bidirectional channels and operates at 96 kHz and 48 kHz sample rates.

Sweden - Lab.gruppen has expanded its energy efficient E Series of compact 1U installation amplifiers with the introduction of the first four-channel models in the range, the E 10:4 and E 5:4, as well as the cost-effective new two-channel E 2:2. Now with a total of six models, the newly expanded E Series marks the 10th anniversary of Lab.gruppen's first major entry of 2U, 8 channel solutions for the commercial installation market with C Series in 2006.

"The C Series of amplifiers quickly became one of our most successful products, not only because of its superb sound and durable build quality, but also because of its power density and flexibility," observes Lab.gruppen product manager Klas Dalbjorn. "However, with the expanded E Series, now we can offer the same power density with an even lower current draw, Energy Star certification and reduced overall costs cou

The Netherlands - Nexo is releasing two new four-channel amplifiers which will partner with the new DTD Controller to create compact, lightweight, intelligent and low-cost powering solutions for the installation and touring SR markets.

Showing for the first time at the ISE in Amsterdam are the DTDAMP4x0.7 and DTDAMP4x1.3, denominating 4-channel, 1U rack-mounting amps in 700W and 1300W models (4x4 Ohms). Each unit weighs just 7.5kg.

Road-ready, rack-ready, the DTDAMP offers all the sensors and protection that are mandatory for a professional touring amplifier, such as mains over/under voltage, Over-voltage or DC output on each channel, short circuit etc.

The variable speed cooling system ensures a quiet and cool amplifier while the front to back cooling system ensures compatibility inside racks where both DTDAMP and Nexo's high-spec NXAMP are used together in large install

The Netherlands - Yamaha's Commercial Installation Solutions (CIS) range has been expanded with the DCH8 Digital Controller Hub, which allows multiple control lines for the DCP series Digital Control Panel units to be connected to a Yamaha MRX7-D signal processor or MTX series matrix processor.

The DCH8 functions as a relay device between the host device and DCP series, allowing a combination of star and daisy-chain connections. Power is supplied via the CAT5e cable from the host device, simplifying cabling and allowing flexible device layout.* Screw holes for mounting flanges are provided on both the rear and sides, for flexible mounting in a variety of situations.

The DCH8 will be on show with the full CIS range on Yamaha's Stand 3-A90 at ISE2016, which takes place at the Amsterdam RAI from 9-12 February.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Jack U, Steve Aoki, Zeds Dead, Flosstradamus, Big Sean and other EDM heavies are headlining the current Life In Color 'Kingdom' Tour, which is selling out venues in the US and UK. The set features a large replica of a lion, 56ft wide by 43ft tall, towering over the stage, with bright, blinking, moving eyes that are animated by Chauvet Professional's video panels.

"The eyes make the lion come alive and touch everyone in the audience," said Daniel Bouchard, production director of Life in Color, the popular festival, which this year is featuring the lion as part of its Kingdom theme. "We gave the lion a personality and a spirit, if you will, through the eyes. These are eyes that move and blink and change colours, so regardless of where you are, you feel their presence."

Bouchard and lighting designer Collyns Stenzel gave the lion its lively eyes by usi

China - The renowned Martha Graham Dance Company recently toured China, giving audiences new insight into 20th-century American culture.

For performances at the Shanghai Grand Theatre (SGT), lighting designer Nick Hung added a new dimension to Graham's classics by using numerous Source Four LED fixtures controlled by a Gio lighting control system. ETC's Chinese dealer, Hangzhou YiDaShi Lighting Equipment Co, also played a significant role in the event, by providing technical support for the show.

The programme at SGT, Three Masters of 20th Century Art, featured several of Graham's most prominent dances, including Chronicle, Deep Song, The Rite of Spring and Lamentation Variation. She created the pieces as a symbol of opposition to fascism and war. They blend three elements - lighting, music and dance - in a nod to artistic masters Pablo Pic

UK - Allen & Heath's new dLive mixing system appeared at London's O2 arena recently, with King Charles supporting Mumford & Sons on their UK tour.

King Charles front-of-house engineer Jon Lewis employed a dLive S3000 console with an A&H DM64 mixrack for FOH, with an Allen & Heath GLD Chrome mixer handling monitor duties. Powerful beyond its diminutive size, the 20 fader, 12" touch-screen equipped S3000 allows for up to 120 fader strips and extremely fast workflow.

With credits including Roni Size, The Feeling and Clean Cut Kid, Lewis is a fast-rising UK FOH engineer, with extensive experience of Allen & Heath's existing iLive mixing system. And he describes the dLive as being "on another level. From the build quality to the GUI to the flexibility of the console, everything's taken a huge step up. But it's also extremely intuitive - we only had a day's rehearsal wit

UK - TG Baker (Sound) has carried out a complete overhaul of the PA system at New York Stadium in Yorkshire, home of Rotherham United FC (aka 'The Millers'), using a Harman stadium sound solution comprising of JBL loudspeakers and Crown amplification. Although the stadium has only been open since the start of the 2012-13 season, various shortcomings with the sound system were identified which had led to complaints in relation to the system's overall quality and intelligibility.

A new tender document was drawn up and TG Baker (Sound) bid successfully. Director, Jason Longworth explained, "We conducted a complete system health-check, following which we were then contracted to replace the entire control system with four separate networked rack positions, using a dual redundant copper backbone, together with the upgrade and replacement of all of the main bowl and concourse lou

UK - Award-winning acoustics and theatre consultants, Sound Space Design and Anne Minors Performance Consultants have combined to form Sound Space Vision. The move formalises their long-standing working relationship and will continue to build on their success in performance, education and assembly spaces, as well as broadening their reach within the built environment.

Sound Space Vision enhances the rapport between performers and audiences, combining excellent spatial and technical design by AMPC with superb acoustics from SSD. Popular with audiences and operators, their performance environments are held in high esteem by artists. The creative, dynamic team includes specialists in acoustics, lighting, sound, stage engineering and audio-visual design to provide a complete acoustics and theatre consultancy service that touches all the senses.

Anne Minors Performance Consultant

UK - A ground-breaking new degree course in live sound production has been announced by Britannia Row Productions Training (BRPT), the skills training operation set up by one of the UK's leading audio rental houses, Britannia Row Productions. This unique degree course will give students an intense and comprehensive guide to everything they need to prepare themselves for a career in live sound production, the company says.

The programme is the result of a long period of discussion and planning between BRPT and South Thames College (STC). The Course will be run by STC and validated by the University of Northampton, with BRPT's industry professionals delivering the master class lectures throughout the course. Validation is scheduled for the end of March 2016. Student loans of up to £9,000 per year are available for the course to meet course fees. Students can apply now for places o

Germany - The German Rock & Pop Music Association's annual Rock & Pop Award competition, supporting Germany's young musicians, has been hugely influential for over three decades. This year the 33rd edition took place at the 4300-capacity Siegerlandhalle in Siegen.

PR Lighting's German partner, Focon Showtechnic, was brought in by technical production company, BST Becker Studio Technik, to provide PR Lighting's PR5000 Spots and Beams to add further impact to the show. These met the requirement of the light designers, Claudia Cronauer and Christian Conrad. Focon product manager, Jens Ottenhus says: "They were looking for powerful moving heads, with an accurate and sharp projection that also delivered a good all-round performance.

"The PR 5000 Beam, which formed an important part of this lighting design was extremely bright, and did a great job. It delivered high outp

UK - Lighting designer James Bawn has employed the Clay Paky SuperSharpy to play an instrumental role in a range of recent architectural projects, including projecting light over vast distances from the iconic Victoria Tower in Huddersfield and a special one-night installation at the Halifax Transmitting Tower.

Yorkshire-based roofing company Ploughcroft commissioned Bawn to create a stunning light show at the Halifax tower to celebrate reaching a huge milestone in energy saving for homes, schools and businesses across the county. Named Ploughcroft Eco Northern Lights, the light show saw the 45.7m (150ft) tower illuminated in vibrant hues and stunning textures.

"I added the SuperSharpys, which were sub-rented from Dry Hire Lighting via HSL, to deliver an aerial dynamic to the design," says Bawn. "The fixtures didn't disappoint - everyone was very please

On The Campaign Trail - Adele has issued a statement to distance herself from Donald Trump, after he used her music at his rallies. The Republican presidential candidate, whose slogan is "Make America great again", has recently been playing Adele's hit Rolling In The Deep as his "warm-up" music. "Adele has not given permission for her music to be used for any political campaigning," her spokesman confirmed.

It is not the first time Trump has been criticised for appropriating pop songs. Lawyers for Aerosmith star Steven Tyler sent Trump's campaign a cease-and-desist letter last year, after the politician played the band's hit single Dream On at numerous rallies around the US.

Politicians using songs by musicians who do not support them has been a thorny issue for decades, since Bruce Springsteen castigated President Reagan for plann

Canada - Chroma-QColor One 100 premium performance, IP65-rated LED PARs have provided a powerful yet energy-efficient lighting solution to beam bold colours, soft pastels and stunning whites onto the massive exterior façade of the Toronto Power Generating Station - playing against the background of the national historic site at Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

, with millions of sparkling lights making up beautifully illuminated displays. Recently, the organisers have made a concerted effort to utilize only power-saving LED technology for their lighting designs.

Shear Display was the contractor responsible for the design and implementation of the installations along the Winter Festival of Light. One of the major elements of the Festival was a sound and light show on the exterior of the Toronto Power Generating Station - a majestic building adjacent to the Niagara River, fash

Italy - The ancient Roman amphitheatre in Verona was the magnificent setting for Intimissimi on Ice, a sumptuous evening of music and dance on a vast iced stage that covered nearly half the arena floor. Designed in the classical amphitheatre style, the two-thousand year old stone structure is elliptical in shape, with the outer walls standing about seventeen metres in height. The audience was seated in the remaining half of the arena floor and on seating built into the steeply tiered bleachers of the original structure. Beautiful and atmospheric certainly, yet presenting quite a challenge for sound reinforcement.

Why was d&b ArrayProcessing deployed here? Davide Carlotti, Education and Application Support at d&b audiotechnik Italia explains. "To begin with, ArrayProcessing was chosen for its help with performances in this sort of environment. It was the first time f

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