UK - Production Futures’ next On Tour event will take place at the AO Arena, Manchester on Tuesday 30 April. As its first arena outing, this will be Production Futures’ largest and most ambitious On Tour event to date. 

Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who is a strong supporter of the Production Futures mission, and who opened the previous show in the city, comments: “We are delighted to welcome Production Futures On Tour back to Manchester for a third year, and to see huge growth in the upcoming show, now taking over the AO Arena, where so many major artists and shows have taken the stage.

“Greater Manchester is known around the globe as the birthplace of ground-breaking music, film, theatre, festivals, venues, live events and TV, but that’s

UK - RCF dealer HD Pro Audio has carried out a sound reinforcement installation at the Whitechapel Gallery in East London, using the Italian manufacturer’s flexible NXL 44-A active column speaker.

The team from HD Pro Audio had been discussing a substantial speaker upgrade with the gallery for several years, proposing various options. “We had originally been referred to the client by industry colleagues as being well placed to put a suitable PA package together,” states HD Pro Audio MD Andy Huffer, who managed the project.

The NXL 44-A - the centrepiece of a package which also includes floor monitors and mixing console - features three 10” neodymium woofers and is driven by a powerful onboard Class-D (2,100W peak) amplifier.

The pre-existing PA “wasn’t up to the task of modern event requirements” and the gallery was seeking the

USA - Originally established over 200 years ago in Raleigh, North Carolina, Edenton Street United Methodist Church (ESUMC) is reputed for its for its famous pipe organ, its alluring chandelier and its majestic stained-glass windows that dominate the sanctuary. To that, can now be added Martin Audio’s O-Line optimised micro line array, which blends discreetly into the 27” thick sandstone walls. This aesthetic, slimline, columnar solution was recommended and installed by local production house, RMB Audio.

The installation team were as fastidious in removing the old public address system, which had served the church so dutifully over an astonishing seven decades, as they were in installing the new rig, comprising two hangs of 16 O-Line modules.

The former system had originally been integrated within the chandelier during a rebuild of the church foll

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ETC Ministar

ETC introduces the High End Systems Ministar, a game-changer in our automated lighting product line. Ministar brings exceptional versatility and performance at an affordable price point; with a compact footprint, punchy output, and a professional feature set, Ministar fits the spec and budget for small to medium-sized venues.

Italy - British manufacturer of professional audio products and solutions, Wharfedale Pro, has just concluded another successful attendance of Music Inside Rimini (MIR). Following on from last year's success, Wharfedale Pro’s appearance at this year’s show included a full schedule of product demonstrations.

“Last year’s immersive and line array demos were so well received that we wanted to build on these successes in 2024,” says Peter Peck, marketing manager at Wharfedale Pro. “This year we planned a total of four unique audio experiences: our WLA-210XP and WLA-1A line array systems, immersive demos with our DP-N amplifiers and GPL series loudspeakers and column array demos with our ISOLINE-AX, showcasing the great versatility and range of Wharfedale Pro products.”

The WLA-210XP line array demos drew particular attention. This dual 10

USA – Jazz musician Brian Culbertson is out on his Trilogy Tour with a lighting system provided by Bandit Lites. Named for his Red, Blue, and White albums, the tour features a mix of songs from the albums, as well as the greatest hits from his catalogue.

For the tour, lighting director Terese Fensler sought to create looks with negative space and loads of energy, saying: “Brian's show is very funky for a jazz artist. With all the instrumental hits and solo moments, I tried to pull back some so that those short moments were bigger and had a time to shine.”

Bandit Lites provided Elation Smarty Hybrids, Elation CuePix WW4 Blinders, Elation Seven Batten 42, Martin Sceptron VDO 10 as well as a grandMA2 Ultralite for control. Towers were outfitted with the Sceptron VDO 10s and topped with Smarty Hybrids.

USA - Elation has introduced ColourTune Technology, a lighting fixture software that allows for “unprecedented control over output and colour accuracy” across Elation’s range of full-spectrum LED lighting fixtures.

“With ColourTune, users can customize lighting output to meet their exact needs, whether emphasizing brightness or colour fidelity. It offers a comprehensive suite of features, ensuring adaptability and colour precision for the highest quality lighting designs,” the company says.

Bob Mentele, associate product manager at Elation, was instrumental in ColourTune’s development. He remarks: “Our team has dedicated over a year to research, development, and testing to bring ColourTune Technology to life. This advanced software represents a significant advancement in lighting control and precision and will be a great benefit to the

UK - Optimal Audio has launched new accessories for its Up range of ceiling loudspeakers, with the addition of bezel-less grilles and pendant housings.

Grille 1 and Grille 2, available in black or white finishes, have been designed to enable all Up ceiling loudspeakers to achieve a bezel-less appearance. The inclusion of an installation ring with an intuitive twist-to-fit steel grille design, enclosing the original Up loudspeaker, provides installers with complete flexibility and allows for easy adaptation to any design brief.

Pendant 1 and Pendant 2 are designed custom housings which accommodate selected Up ceiling speakers, enabling them to be suspended as stylish pendants. Manufactured from UL94 V-0 rated materials and finished in UV-resistant black or white paint, the Pendants feature the same twist-to-fit grille bezel-less finish as the Grille a

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Strictly FX Highlights

Strictly FX was founded in 1996 by industry veterans Mark Grega and Ted Maccabee. Our expertise and knowledge of the world’s leading pyrotechnic, laser, and flame manufacturers allows us to curate astonishing live events. With over 500+ shows performed a year, there’s good chance you’ve seen some of our work!

Italy - Version 2.7 of Powersoft’s ArmoníaPlus software, which adds support for its Verso gateway device, is now available to download from the Powersoft website. With ArmoníaPlus 2.7 users can take advantage of Verso, which allows T and X Series, Mezzo, Duecanali and Quattrocanali amplifiers to be connected to Powersoft’s MyUniverso cloud platform.

Verso gateway device is designed to enable users take full advantage of MyUniverso cloud platform, allowing monitoring and centralised remote firmware updates for the entire current Powersoft amplifier portfolio, as well as Powersoft’s Dynamic Music Distribution (DMD) solution. Its robust logging and data storage capabilities ensure local continuity or service even during internet outages.

The update also provides users with improved alarms and status handling for all MyUniverso supported devices,

Seven Up - Sunset Boulevard was the big winner at this year’s Olivier Awards, equalling the record for the most prizes for a musical at the ceremony. Its seven wins included best musical revival and acting awards for its stars Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis, plus best lighting design for Jack Knowles and best sound design for Adam Fisher.

The musical’s seven wins means it ties with Cabaret, Matilda and Hamilton for the most trophies ever for a musical in a single night. The revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical was staged with a monochrome colour scheme and a minimalist set design. LSi’s current cover star, Sarah Snook, was also celebrated as Best Actress for her role in The Picture of Dorian Gray

USA - DPA Microphones will introduce its new AIR1 Universal Miniature Fur Windscreen at NAB 2024 (Booth C7307). Intended for quick mounting on round, omnidirectional headset or lavalier microphones between 0.1-0.23 inches (2.5-5.8mm), the AIR1 excels in the challenging environments of broadcast and professional content creation applications.

The patent-pending design provides efficient and consistent wind protection with acoustic transparency that solves all wind-related challenges of filming outdoors.   

The effective and uniform wind protection of the AIR1 is achieved through the fixed size of the air cavity surrounding the microphone capsule. This provides complete and consistent acoustical transparency that enables it to capture the voice with perfect intelligibility. Additionally, the sturdy handles at the windscreen opening ensure swift and

Canada – Montreal-based PixMob has been bringing its immersive crowd-lighting experience to the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) since its inception. PixMob already engaged more than 14,000 fans at the three home opener games in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal with its LED wearables. Now, the company is gearing up for the historic game between Montreal and Toronto on 20 April at the Bell Centre, where a new women’s hockey attendance record is expected to be set.

The partnership was born out of PixMob’s dedication to bring the same big league experience the company has created for the NHL, Super Bowl, Winter Olympics, NBA, and numerous other top level Pro Sports teams and events to the PWHL. By putting a spotlight on the under-represented talent of the PWHL’s athletes, PixMob’s lighting tech gives players and fans the electrifying experience

France - Digigram has acquired Grenoble-based OROS, the French specialist in noise and vibration testing systems. The amount of the transaction has not been disclosed.

Effective immediately, the acquisition expands the headcount to approximately 60 employees, with offices stretching from the headquarters in Montbonnot to the companies’ subsidiaries based in Singapore, the United States and China. 

Similar to the recent acquisition of AuviTran in September 2023, Digigram and OROS will now join operations, encouraging teamwork to boost synergies. OROS will retain its brands and identity.

As a result, OROS management will increase its human and financial resources to support its development. "Digigram's contribution is a valuable leverage to support both the technical and commercial development of OROS, as engaged in 2023 with the release of

USA - Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant, located in Oklahoma 80 miles north of Dallas, TX, is an entertainment destination, operated by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The 1,700-room complex features an expansive gaming floor and a broad range of amenities including a spa, pools, six movie theatres and more than 20 restaurants.

Choctaw’s 3,000-seat Grand Theatre, a two-time winner of the Academy of Country Music (ACM) award for Casino of the Year – Theatre, is dedicated to bringing fans the best live entertainment experiences in Oklahoma and North Texas. To that end, the venue, a longtime Meyer Sound house, recently upgraded to a Panther large-format linear line array loudspeaker system.

Choctaw Casino & Resort and Live Nation recently inked a partnership deal to bring the biggest names in entertainment to the Grand Theatre. “We work w

Australia - Technical Direction Company (TDC) has announced the expansion and revitalisation of its in-house training programme, TDCT, with the engagement of Graham Henstock as training consultant.

"Technology constantly improves and evolves, and TDC is at the forefront of delivering the best possible results for our important clients, whether it be record-breaking amazing visuals for events, immersive experiences, film or theatre productions with TDC Studios," said Drew Ferors, head of technical services & training at TDC.

Graham Henstock brings over 25 years of industry experience and educational expertise to the team. His diverse career spans roles as an educator, designer, consultant, arts journalist, and technical manager. Henstock is one of Australia's prominent theatre professionals, highlighted by his recent tenure as director at the Nati

USA - More than a few people sitting close to the stage during Beartooth’s recently concluded 40-city North American tour, reportedly felt they were in an arena once the band’s 75-minute show started, even though they were actually at 1,000 or 2,000 capacity club venues.

Early in the planning stages of the tour, Caleb Shomo, frontman and founder of the metal band, told Victor Zeiser, head of Squeek Lights, that he wanted to hit the road with “an arena level production that works in clubs.” Zeiser and lighting designer-programmer Ben Jarrett duly delivered.

With its centre stage video wall displaying a seemingly endless stream of multi-layered images from Luke Shomo, the show created an arena-like vibe at every club, regardless of its size. This feeling was amplified by pyro effects and confetti cannons evoking powerful moods, laser patterns f

Germany - punQtum has announced a new feature that offers users a direct connection to Riedel’s Bolero wireless intercom system. Bolero Connect works in tandem with punQtum’s Q210 P speaker station and offers a cost-effective solution for deployment across large-scale events that require several channels of partyline.  

The Q210 P is punQtum’s speaker station that gives users full control in an easy-to-use and cost-effective package. Riedel’s Bolero system is an intercom capable of supporting up to 250 beltpacks and 100 antennas in a single deployment. It is the most widely used communications system in the major events.

“We can now offer an integrated system on one network, which eradicates the need for a digital conversion box. This means that all channels – send and return – are going back and forth along one cable, which means tha

Germany - DirectOut has announced shipping of the MADI4.SRC.IO and MADI4.IO modules for the Prodigy.MX system. These modules are designed to extend audio processing and connectivity. In January, the company announced the first major upgrade to the Prodigy.MX, which was unveiled at the NAMM Show 2024 and ISE 2024.

The Prodigy.MX upgrade adds a number of new features to the functionality of the current Prodigy mainframe, available under the Advanced and Unlimited system licences. These include a 64x64 matrix mixer (MatMix), 64 flex channels with 64 IIR filters, 64 dynamics and delay plug-ins, and 64 input managers and EARS for all input channels, giving the system an exceptional level of redundancy and reliability.

These enhancements enable cost-effective solutions as all features can be purchased either as single software plug-ins or in combination as

UK - Brompton Technology has partnered with Brainstorm 3D, a specialist company dedicated to providing real-time 3D graphics and virtual set software solutions for broadcast, feature film production, and corporate presentations. Together, they offer a software solution that can be utilised for a wide range of broadcast applications, from the world’s largest broadcasters to regional stations, production houses, and content creation boutiques.

“We've collaborated with Brompton on numerous occasions for Proof of Concept (PoC), events, and presentations, including trade shows like IBC and ISE, and in partnership with LED vendors such as Alfalite and Unilumin,” explains Brainstorm’s marketing and communications director, Miguel Churruca. “Our relationship with the company dates back to 2022, and from the beginning, it has been a seamless and productive

USA - EAW has appointed Raymond Tee as APAC technical sales manager. In this role, Tee will be the primary pre- and post-sales technical support contact for EAW’s APAC partners. He will also assist James Bamlett, the senior director of EMEA and APAC sales, with identifying, training and managing new partners to strengthen EAW’s network throughout the region. 

“I first worked with Raymond over 20 years ago when he was handling EAW for our Malaysian distributor,” says Bamlett. “With his vast experience in the field, I’m very glad that we are finally able to close the circle and get him back to EAW.”  

Tee has held sales, technical and engineering positions at several international manufacturers, was the operations manager at a large rental company and most recently served as Powersoft’s solutions engineer for APAC.

Europe - Owing to the continued growth of the business, and the imminent move to the new HQ in Colne, Bradley Jeffrey has recently been appointed as group operations director at Prolight Concepts.

In this new role, Bradley will help bolster the business logistically and strategically. Bradley has been in the business for over 10 years, and has worked in all areas, which has provided him with the knowledge and understanding to streamline and grow the business with other directors, managers and workforce.

Europe - AlphaTheta Corporation has announced the release of four new speakers in the XPRS2 Series from its Pioneer DJ brand. The 8-inch XPRS82 and 15-inch XPRS152 full-range units join the popular speaker range, along with two new upgraded active subwoofers: the 15-inch XPRS1152ST and 18-inch XPRS1182ST.

Known for their versatility, portability, and elevated sound performance, the XPRS2 Series speakers are a natural favourite for mobile DJs and are suitable for live sound settings, houses of worship, rentals, and fixed installations.

“These four new speakers in the Pioneer DJ XPRS2 Series give our customers even more choice,” said Remco van Megen, head of sales EMEA, AlphaTheta. “We’re proud of the fantastic quality and performance they offer. Just like the previous models, each of the new units produces the rich, dynamic sound that artists

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