Pharos - Leaderboard - May 2024

Business

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UK - Adlib supplied technical solutions, system design and infrastructure, plus audio, lighting, AV and equipment for the 2014 International Festival for Business (IFB).

The Liverpool based company won two competitive tenders issued by Liverpool Vision and worked closely with creative design specialists Evoke who planned the various environments and event meeting spaces that were utilised throughout the Festival.

Adlib invested around £250,000 in new equipment to help provide a world class set up for the high profile event.

The scope of their work included helping to create The IFB's Trade and Investment Hub and nerve-centre inside the Merseytravel building on Mann Island, which featured its own programme of events.

Additionally, the second tender dealt with providing technical services and equipment for around 150 main events in the Festival that focussed on creatin

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USA - Take Me Downtown is Lady Antebellum's third headlining tour, taking the Grammy Award-winning trio across North America and into a wide range of venues, including casinos, civic centres and amphitheatres, both indoors and outside. It began in January in Peoria, Illinois and ran nearly nonstop through June, when the band began its summer state fair itinerary.

For the entire first half of the year, Lady A worked exclusively with touring sound provider Sound Image's L-Acoustics K1 line array system. Sound Image's Mike L. Adams, who handles the account, comments, "The K1 system is reliable, consistent and never lets us down. When we deploy this system, every night sounds incredible and we never get one of those late night calls. The peace of mind is invaluable."

For most of the group's performances, Sound Image flew left and right main PA arrays of 14 K1 plus

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USA - Cardinal O'Hara, a Catholic High School in Springfield, PA, is known for the excellence of its sports, music and academic programs. As the only Philadelphia Catholic League school with a home football stadium on school premises, Cardinal O'Hara's Lions Stadium has large home and visitors bleachers, an enclosed press box, an artificial turf field and a modern track.

In 2012 Cardinal O'Hara added outdoor lighting for night games and, recently, they replaced an outdated paging horn system with a new audio system using Community R-Series Loudspeakers.

Designed and installed by Tony Albano of Naamans Creek AV in Avondale, PA, the system uses three Community R.5 loudspeakers and one Community R.25 loudspeaker. Two of the R.5s are installed at the outside corners of the press box to cover the left and right sections of the home bleachers and a third is installed on a lighting p

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UK - XL Video, working with US conference and event production agency metroConnections, supplied a large-scale audio-visual solution for the IIA (Institute of Internal Auditors) International Conference at London's ExCel Centre.

The event, which comprised a 1500 delegate main auditorium and 9 breakout rooms in Excel's Capital Room, took place over three days in early July.

For the auditorium presentation, XL supplied a giant 20m x 11m projection screen, flown behind the stage. The screen was stretched on to about 1.8 tonnes of Tomcat truss surround and created the backdrop for the presentation as well as a projection surface for graphics and video content.

Four Panasonic PT-DZ21K projectors, each providing 20,000 Lumens, were used for the main screen to create a blended image. These had to be flown at difficult angles to the screen to avoid projecting on to any activity on s

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USA - Award-winning Broadway actress; New York Times best-selling author; Grammy recording artist and American Idol winner - Fantasia Barrino has already worn many hats extraordinarily well in her young career, but this multi-talented superstar is (by her own description), one thing above all else: a soul singer. This much was very evident to the fans at her recent southeastern tour stops. Holding nothing back, Fantasia rocked the house to its very core with a heartfelt collection of powerful tunes all supported by an appropriately intense light show featuring a variety of Chauvet Professional fixtures.

Lighting designer Jay Chiari and lighting tech Brandon Thomas of Audio Visual Services (Macon, GA) used 12 Q-Wash 560Z-LED moving yoke washes, six COLORado Batten 72 Tour linear washes and 18 Legend 230SR Beam moving beams in a rig that drenched the stage in intense colours. &quo

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Sweden - Heron City is one of the largest shopping centres in Sweden. The 46,000sq.m facility, located in Huddinge, just outside of Stockholm, was originally opened in 2001; and from the offset, it was designed to be a true entertainment hub rather than just a large mall. The main attraction was a huge 18-screen multi-cinema complex (the first of its kind in Sweden), which could accommodate 4,000 people; driven originally by US giant, AMC Entertainment International, the cinemas were sold to SF Cinema in 2003, and renamed Film Heron City.

Then, in March 2011, investment company, NIAM, injected millions into the development, part of which led to a brand new networked audio system, with a Peavey Commercial Audio MediaMatrix backbone.

Heron City has always used MediaMatrix, but the original system (with an AMX front-end) was in need of an upgrade, as audio needed to be distribute

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Germany - Not to be mistaken for a swimwear company, Bikini Berlin is a culturally protected Grade II listed building in the German capital, whose recent revitalization included the installation of over 1000 energy-efficient LED luminaires from Elation Professional.

Located next to the famous Berlin Zoo, Bikini Berlin is a concept shopping mall with stores, offices, cinema, and hotel, a day and nighttime destination for locals and tourists alike. Aimed at a style-conscious audience with high standards when it comes to a shopping experience, Bikini Berlin opened in late 2013 after a three-year renovation that preserved the initial character of the venue.

The centrepiece of the building complex is the historical 200m long Bikinihaus, a light, open colonnade and architectural symbol of Berlin's west cityscape. Popularly called Bikinihaus due to its two-tier architecture that is r

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USA - If there's one thing we've learned in pro audio over the past couple decades, it is that the world's appetite for wireless is insatiable. Between microphones, in-ear systems, and intercoms, channel counts in the dozens are commonplace, with that number routinely going into the hundreds for large productions and installations. Managing that much RF without interference, dropouts, or intermodulation requires significant expertise.

To meet that need, Brooks Schroeder founded Frequency Coordination Group (FCG) in early 2013. Schroeder carries a wealth of experience, having designed and deployed antenna systems and managed frequency conflicts for a wide variety of clients. "I struck out on my own to provide a needed service," he says. "Depending on the situation, the best wireless solution may involve products from a variety of manufacturers, and being independen

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South Africa - Cape Town-based rental and technical production company, Ultra Events has completed its first purchase of Robe Robin Pointe moving lights - with a delivery of 12 units from Robe's South African distributor DWR Distribution, to be followed by another 12.

Ultra's owner and founder Costa Champanis first saw Pointes at the 2013 Mediatech trade expo in Johannesburg, and was immediately impressed.

"I like their versatility and they are also hugely popular at the moment and getting specified frequently. So knowing I could get a good ROI, I went ahead with the investment," he explains, adding that one of Ultra's central philosophies is also to keep abreast of the latest technologies ... and owning the Pointes keeps them right there!

"The flexibility of the Pointe being able to go from a tight parallel beam to a spot, to a comprehensive wash and producin

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UK - Solid State Logic has confirmed its Live Console Operator Training Days. Aimed at serving as an introduction to the SSL Live console, these free one-day courses will include hands-on experience for all participants. The training sessions will take place at the company's Oxford, England-based headquarters on 17 and 18 September, 1 and 2 October and 5 and 6 November. While these events are completely free, numbers are strictly limited. All interested parties are encouraged to apply via the online application form, found online at store.solidstatelogic.com/forms/live-training.

Currently featuring its V2 Software, SSL Live is the company's first console for live sound production, suited to touring or installation, FOH or monitor systems for venues, arenas, houses of worship and concert halls. Reception to the console by the industry has been extremely positive since its announc

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UK - Two important sessions have been announced for this year's PLASA Rigging Conference, adding further weight to the event's standing within the rigging community. The new one-day format will host a discussion from Michael Anderson about the revised CDM Regulations and an update on the International Code of Practice for Entertainment Rigging (ICoPER) led by Lori Rubinstein.

The PLASA Rigging Conference 2014 takes place on Monday 6 October 2014 at ExCeL London. For the first time, the whole event will be packed into a one-day schedule, meaning delegates can attend the full conference at a reduced cost.

PLASA's director of international programmes, Lori Rubinstein, will moderate the first session of the day, which will look at how the ICoPER has developed over the last 12-months. Prior to last year's conference, PLASA commissioned a review of the various codes of practice from

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UK - The 2014 Edinburgh Festival and Fringe is the biggest yet, increasing on last year's program by 11% and making it the world's largest arts festival in history. Eaton's Zero 88 team have reacted in a similar manner by increasing their support and training opportunities at the festival. Product Specialists Paul McEwan and Jon Hole, along with UK sales manager Mark Morley, are all staying in Scotland's capital city to ensure superior support is provided throughout the festival's three-week run.

"The exact number of Zero 88 consoles at the festival is still unknown, but estimates are that over 150 different performance spaces are using everything from ORB XF and Solutions, through to Jesters and even Level 6s," commented Paul McEwan, who is in Edinburgh for the whole festival. He added: "Around 50 of these venues took advantage of our free training before they op

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Peru - 2014 has been a landmark year for Lima-based DBLUX S.A.C. With a Meyer Sound Leo linear large-scale sound reinforcement system, founders Andres Cuadros and Guillermo Riera have grown the company into a rental powerhouse chosen for top international tours stopping in Peru. Artists who have performed with DBLUX's Leo system include Paul McCartney, Metallica, Soundgarden, One Direction, Jack Johnson, Marc Anthony, Rubén Blades, and Daddy Yankee and Prince Royce.

"The concert promoters have been extremely pleased by the great coverage, power, and overall musical quality of the LEO system," says Cuadros. "Obviously Leo's reputation has spread among FOH engineers; many who haven't used it yet are eager to try it. And when they are finished mixing, they are impressed-and sometimes even surprised-by what the system can do."

Other notable events covere

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UK - Celebrating its 34th year, World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) is an annual eclectic world-music festival of "artists whom we might not get to hear anywhere else" and the largest and most prestigious event of its kind. As with WOMADs of the past, Britannia Row Productions Ltd. once again provided sound services for the festival. But this year had a new team member - SSL Live consoles at FOH for two stages: the main Open Air Stage and at WOMAD's new Society of Sound marquee.

Having worked as front of house and system engineer in WOMAD's Siam Tent last year, New Zealander Johnny Keirle returned to mix FOH at the Open Air Stage. An SSL Live console was used by Keirle to mix acts travelling without a FOH engineer. "The SSL Live provides an intuitive, logical workflow and is very easy to use in a festival situation," he says. "Despite the time restric

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UK - Rock legends Europe and the Black Star Riders headlined this year's Steelhouse Festival, which claims to be the biggest and the highest heavy metal festival in Wales. It was also the debut appearance in the UK for Nexo's new STM M28 compact line array cabinets.

The M28 omni-purpose cabinet completes the line-up of Nexo's STM Series modular line array. At Steelhouse, it was being used as the Main cabinet with the B112 Bass and S118 Subbass cabinets, in a system designed by rental company SMS-PA together with Nexo concert sound specialist Val Gilbert.

In its stunning rural location on a Welsh mountain peak, the Steelhouse Festival was attended by 5000 people over two nights, enjoying a busy schedule of national and international bands. Last year, the festival used a Nexo GEO S12/RS18 system and SMS-PA owner Ian Smith was eager to take a pioneering role with the new M28, lau

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USA - Audio-Technica has announced that Roseville, California-based The Farm Technical Sales & Marketing has been presented with A-T's prestigious President's Award, for their work representing Audio-Technica U.S.

The Farm Principal John Hood accepted the award, which recognizes a leading manufacturer's representative for outstanding commitment and dedication during the Audio-Technica 2013/2014 fiscal year. The award was presented by Philip Cajka, Audio-Technica U.S. President and CEO.

The A-T President's Award was presented at a ceremony during the 2014 InfoComm Expo on June 18 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Farm represents Audio-Technica in the territories comprising Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, Northern CA, Northern Nevada and Hawaii.

Phil Cajka commented, "The Farm Technical Sales & Marketing has again been awarded this honor for their continued dedication

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Spain - From 6-9 August people enjoyed an open-air summer cinema in 'Seagram's Gin Swim-In' with a giant floating screen in the marina at Alicante. The screen, assembled from Fenix truss by the renowned company Sonido e Iluminación Limón, measured 9.5m wide by 5.4m high and was collapsible, thanks to two winches which were incorporated into the structure. The screen rested on a 300sq.m floating platform over the Mediterranean Sea where 150 people enjoyed viewings of classics including Breakfast at Tiffany's, Vertigo, The Philadelphia Story and The Apartment. After the films, audiences enjoyed catering and gin and tonics - Seagram's Gin and Markham tonic - accompanied by live music.

Sonido e Iluminación Limón and Fenix have a long career working together on different projects for various events. Based in La Nucia (Alicante), Sonido e Iluminación Limón speciali

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UK - Martin Audio partner, Old Barn Audio, has sold its first MLA Compact elements to rental company, Doug Hunt Sound & Light.

The initial purchase comprises MLA Compact enclosures partnered with Martin Audio's infamous WS218X sub. "This match of products was a sensible option for Doug Hunt Sound & Light as it offers all the benefits of the cellular MLA Technology combined with conventional WS218X sub-bass," commented Old Barn Audio's Phil Clark.

Doug Hunt Sound & Light works with a number of production companies, including events at Abbey Road (in fact they auditioned the MLA Compact system in Abbey Road's legendary Studio One). The company saw an opportunity to invest in the growing portfolio of MLA products and ensure they are always one step ahead of the competition by offering the MLA control and quality of sound.

Doug Hunt, owner of Doug Hunt Sound & Light, s

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Europe - Young Australian pop punk band, 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) have barely even "arrived" and yet they are already sampling the dizzy heights of international stardom. Their first single, She Looks So Perfect, was an instant number-one hit in the iTunes UK charts (and those of 46 other countries) on pre-orders alone before anyone had heard a note. Their self-titled debut album, which only came out at the end of June, has already reached number one in eight different countries worldwide including the USA, and number two pretty much everywhere else.

The band is currently supporting One Direction on their worldwide Where We Are stadium tour and has just announced a monster headline USA, UK and European arena tour for 2015. The band is using a comprehensive range of Sennheiser wireless and hardwired microphone and wireless monitor systems specified by Fo

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UK - Lighting for the recent Royal Court Theatre (RCT) production of Tim Crouch's Adler & Gibb was designed by award winning and leading theatre lighting designer Natasha Chivers, who included two of Robe's MMX Blade fixtures in her lighting scheme which were used extensively throughout the drama.

The fixtures were rigged on an upstage bar, either side of the centre and used for two distinct and different effects. Firstly as back-light specials, and secondly, with the addition of gobos and crossing to downstage centre, they formed part of a forest break-up look that focussed on a grave.

The MMX Blade units were recommended to Chivers and Jack Williams, chief LX at the Royal Court by Matt Prentice, head of lighting at RADA - after they have been very successfully used on productions there. (Williams is an ex RADA student).

The MMX Blades "ticked all the boxes"

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UK - The inaugural Jonathan Speirs Memorial Lecture will take place on the evening of 25th September 2014, from 6:30pm in the Satinwood Suite, at Glasgow City Chambers, Glasgow. Jonathan Speirs (1958-2012) is widely acknowledged by architects, lighting designers, building services engineers and many others to have been one of the world's finest lighting designers. To celebrate his vision and passion for lighting, the Jonathan Speirs Memorial Lecture, entitled 'Light + Dark = Architecture,' will be given by his long term creative partner, Mark Major, fellow founder of Speirs + Major.

This lecture offers a wonderful opportunity to see a presentation given by one of the world's foremost lighting designers, Mark Major. It will hold great appeal to all those interested in lighting and architecture, including architects, interior designers, landscape architects, lighting designers, li

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UK - Adlib was again right at the core of the action for four days of public theatre that saw the return of the Royal De Luxe giant marionettes to LIverpool for a weekend of fun, history, poignancy and entertainment.

The show Memories of August 1914 was devised to commemorate the centenary of the start of World War 1 - in the process highlighting the heroic Liverpool Pals who answered Lord Kitchener's call for volunteer recruits - and pulled an estimated one million people into downtown Liverpool for one of the most successful ever public arts events staged in the UK.

Adlib provided sound systems for the main seven performance sites dotted around the city centre, working for Liverpool City Council's events department. It followed on from Adlib's very successful servicing of the Giants' Sea Odyssey spectacular in 2012.

The different sites all accommodated large

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USA - Long Beach High School is situated on a barrier island on the southern side of New York's Long Island, where it received a terrific pounding from Hurricane Sandy in late October 2012. For more than a year afterwards, student athletes had to pass the trashed and unusable athletic field as other rebuilding efforts took precedence.

The job would be large. In addition to rebuilding the field itself, the school had to replace the field's fatally damaged sound reinforcement system. Installed by Advance Sound of Farmingdale, New York, the new system centres on an Ashly ne24.24M modular processor and two Ashly ne8250 eight-channel amplifiers. Advance Sound installed a similar system at Long Beach Middle School prior to Hurricane Sandy, and that system weathered the fateful storm and remains functional to this day.

"Long Beach High School was very hard hit by Sandy," sa

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USA - Summer continues for Bandit Lites with the Firefly Festival, a four day musical event with what has been called "the strongest line-ups of any US festival". With seven stages and 125 artists, the four day festival kicked off 19 June and included a craft beer bar, coffee house, arcade and a relaxing area dubbed the hammock hangout.

While in only its third year, the Firefly Festival has grown from 30,000 people enjoying great music at an 80 acre site to 80,000 people rocking out on a 300 acre site. Bandit Lites provided the festival lighting for the four main stages and worked with Leif Dixon who was the LD for both headliners: Jack Johnson and the Foo Fighters, playing on Friday and Sunday nights. The festival line up also included Outkast, Imagine Dragons, The Lumineers, Beck, Pretty Lights, Weezer, Arctic Monkeys, Childish Gambino, Girl Talk and Tegan and Sara.<

  1. Star Events is official supplier to Invictus ceremony
  2. Community systems reinforce Znojmo venues
  3. TNDV delivers multistage services at CMA festival
  4. SSL Live treble for Chess in concert
  5. Entec Sound & Light returns to Guilfest 2014
  6. Stairway To Heaven relies on Adamson
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