Star Hire Event Services supplied its Vertech 25 metre stage to ClearChannel for Ozzfest at Donington during May and was the first UK staging company to install a safety net fall arrest system.
Twenty artists appeared across two stages, whilst 48,000 heavy metal devotees partied hard as Castle Donington was reclaimed by the new generation of rock fans. As well as protecting the bands, the 25-metre Vertech stage protected the PA and monitor system (supplied by Audio Rent), the huge lighting rig (supplied by Light & Sound Design) and gave the production team plenty of room to prepare equipment to ensure the tight schedule of 10 bands was kept on time throughout the day. The main stage area was then extended with Vertech PA towers, which flanked the stage and housed 28 tons of Clair Brothers’ PA. Outside of these were the screen supports housing Screenco’s LED screens, and creating a total stage width of 65m.
For the first time, the Vertech stage incorporated a new safety net fall arrest system installed in the roof of the stage, together with a new handrail system. The fall arrest system is located in the roof of the stage and is the preferred choice of the HSE as a protection system for people working at height, since a net installation is the only ‘passive’ system that does not require a positive action by workers to remain safe. The nets meet all relevant British Standards, being fully fire retardant, with a mesh size suitable to pass chain hooks through.
Star Hire also provided the front of house mixing tower, the disabled platform, four fi
Following its recent relocation to new UK offices in Langley, Berkshire, Osram invited L&SI to visit its new premises and, in particular, view the new interactive showroom that is set to become the focal point of the UK headquarters.
This is not a ‘showroom’ in the traditional sense - though its intention is very much to showcase the latest lamp innovations from the company - but more of an interactive experience, hence the name ‘Osram Light Experience’. Stretching across over 200sq.m and incorporating a café, light studio and auditorium, the venue can work as a single space or be split into two areas by a ‘light wall’, allowing different groups to visit the studio simultaneously.
It is clear that the design team from Furneaux Stewart, led by Jane Huggins and Keith Feeney, understood Osram’s brief for something out of the ordinary all too well, and have applied their experience to demonstrating the full creative potential of Osram’s lighting, based on applications and visual demonstrations.
As a result, the light studio features five totem-style displays designed by the Furneaux Stewart team and positioned within the studio to encourage visitors to interact with the products. These totems - covering Osram’s Halogen, Fluorescent, High Intensity Discharge, Photo Optic and Automotive lighting - together with the various panels around the studio, address all the issues that consumers and specifiers care about, including lamplife, heat properties, colour temperature and light quality.
For instance, the Halogen To
White Light Sales are continuing to support strong demand for Strand Lighting's 500 Series of lighting control consoles. First put to serious use by White Light on shows such as Martin Guerre and Jesus Christ Superstar back in 1996, the consoles have become the standard lighting control in the West End and around much of the UK.
White Light Sales have recently supplied new consoles to a number of venues. The Leicester Haymarket has purchased two 520is, and will be the first theatre in the UK - and amongst the first in the world - to have Strand's new iPaq-based wireless handheld remote. The Milton Keynes Theatre has replaced its existing console with a 520i. The Malvern Festival Theatre and the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford have both purchased 520is, while the Theatre Royal Norwich and the Wilde Theatre in Bracknell have purchased new 530is to replace their earlier 430s. The Birmingham Royal Ballet are now running from a 520i as part of their ongoing rig upgrade, much of which is being supplied by White Light Sales.
In Croydon, the Fairfield Halls has purchased 530is for both their Ashcroft Theatre and their concert hall. The Ashcroft will also be one of the first theatres in the country to use the new Strand SN110 mini network nodes for DMX data distribution; the installation is being carried out by The Service Company, who also arranged console training for the Fairfield's lighting team.Both the 300 and 500 ranges also continue to be in demand for West End shows and on tour; White Light Hire currently have 500 Series consoles in use on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, My
Celebrating a decade of Sensor dimming, the 6000th ETC dimming channel in central London was installed at the Central School of Speech and Drama this winter, as part of the complete refurbishment of its Embassy Theatre. To commemorate the opening of the new facility at the end of April, students of the school staged a performance of Sweeney Todd.
Founded in 1906, the school moved to its current NW3 location in 1956. The site, which was formally the Hampstead Music Conservatoire, included a fine proscenium-arch theatre - the Embassy Theatre. Central to the school's ethos is keeping abreast with contemporary developments and it is committed to extending the high educational standards already on offer. As such, the school embarked on an extensive building programme during the 1990s, culminating in the recent refurbishment of the Embassy Theatre.
Head of the school's Lighting Department Mike Seignior acted as consultant and project manager on the refurbishment and specified three racks of 72-channel Sensor dimmers to be at the heart of the new stage lighting infrastructure. Two racks are used solely for the stage lighting and the third for house lights, worklights and non-dim facilities. The dimmers were supplied and installed by ETC dealer Stage Electrics, supervised by project manager Jonathan Porter-Goff. Commenting on this milestone, ETC’s Mark White said: "We are very pleased to have helped Central School and to have reached 6000 ETC dimming channels in central London despite having had 2500 removed from the Millennium Dome."
(Ruth Rossington)
John Hornby Skewes & Co Ltd has received planning permission to add a further extension to its Garforth facility. With a mezzanine floor, the new extension will add an extra 1800sq.m of floor storage space to the company’s existing 4337sq.m. JHS & Co Ltd is the UK & Eire distributor of the HK Audio range of pro audio systems and components.
(Ruth Rossington)
The PSA newsletter recently carried a story to make grown technicians weep. Apparently, staff at Cardiff Theatre were furious to discover that a duck appearing in a play was being paid more than they were. Ming, a two-year old Aylesbury duck, appeared at the Chapter Arts Centre in ‘The mute who was dreamed’. "Ming is getting paid more than our technician," marketing manager Carol Jones told the South Wales Echo, "and he is not happy about it". The duck’s high wages have also led to allegations that it is not pulling its weight in the performance and that its acting is not vigorous enough. "When the show was put on in Scotland another duck was used," said Jones, "It was much more macho."
The Deep is Hull’s £45.5m Millennium project and a central part of the city’s regeneration programme. Supported by a grant of a cool £21.5 million from the Millennium Commission, the world’s first ‘Submarium’ has been designed by Sir Terry Farrell and features various aquaria, a business centre, a lifelong learning centre and research facility.
The venue boasts the deepest water tank in Europe. This, and its 11 other tanks, are home to seven species of shark and thousands of fish. These tanks range in size from the ‘Endless Oceans’ tank holding 2.3 million litres of salt water to the smaller ‘Jewel’ tanks which hold just 1 cubic metre. The design consultant for the exhibition was John Csáky Associates, whilst the lighting consultant for the exhibition and exterior lighting was DHA Design Services, with Peter Fordham as project lighting designer. Lighting Technology worked alongside Waterman Gore to provide the ‘above tank’ lighting, and Electrosonic supplied and installed the complete audio-visual hardware and lighting control system.
The exhibition lighting luminaires spec’d by DHA Design Services include Light Projects AR111 spotlights, Syrett Neon cold cathode built into the setworks (predominately brilliant blue), quite a lot of Encapsulite coloured fluorescent lamps concealed within the setworks, Malham LED inground uplights, DHA Gecko gobo projectors, iGuzzini AR111 Peroquet spotlights, and a Howard Eaton fibre optic starfield recessed into the walls of the Introduction drum. In the ground
In what has been dubbed the tour of the Undisputed Heavyweight Champions of rock n’ roll, Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth are set to co-headline one of the biggest shows of the summer. The unique collaboration of the former Van Halen lead singers is setting fans into a fury and promises to deliver a show that will not disappoint. Hagar and Roth are alternating nights opening for each other.
The production nicknamed ‘The Big Rock Show’ will certainly live up to its name as far as the lighting goes. Lighting designer David Davidian designed a mammoth rig that is dominated by PAR cans and a plethora of 8-Lite blinders complete with scrollers. Also key to the rig are five 3k Syncrolites and 28 Martin MAC 2000s, controlled through a WholeHog II system. Each of the Rock Icons has his own lighting director: at the helm for David Lee Roth is Sam Raphael whilst Mike Hall calls the shots for Sammy Hagar. The Bandit Lites-built rig also features the company’s exclusive MotoData time and position based truss cueing system.
(Ruth Rossington)
SCV London has been appointed the exclusive distributor for MiPro. Based in Taiwan MiPro is a major manufacturer of high quality portable PA systems and wireless microphone solutions. Operating out of a 5000sq.m custom-built facility, MiPro has handled OEM manufacturing for a number of well known companies, but more recently has expanded its production capacity to create its own brand line.
The MiPro wireless microphone series include the new ACT system which gives the user automatic channel targeting which allows for easy assignment and designation of the mics. The ACT-707 goes further - it has hot swappable modules, colour displays and easy assignment of the microphones and receivers by use of the ACT technology. The Wireless series has a large range of options and will suit either the most basic or most complex application. MiPro’s PA systems feature a wide variety of battery and mains-powered speaker combinations with wireless and wired mic options. The larger PA system can house an internal CD player or tape player.
(Lee Baldock)
A.C. Lighting Ltd is hosting a new two-day trade show with assistance from the ABTT, ALD, PSA, STLD and Lighting&Sound International. The event will be held at the Royal Armouries Museum located in the centre of Leeds on the 23rd and 24th July, and will provide a showcase where professionals can meet with specialists and see the latest innovations from over 50 of the industry’s top manufacturers.
Company representatives will be on hand to demonstrate their latest products, and there will be a series of workshops on the grandMA and Jands Event 4 lighting consoles. One major attraction of the show will be the much anticipated new WYSIWYG software. The show’s location in the north of England will be welcomed by those in the area and will offer a rare opportunity to see several specialists together under one roof, see what new technology is on offer and meet association representatives. Visitors who register to attend the tradeshow will also enjoy a complimentary buffet lunch.
The venue for the event - the Royal Armouries Museum - was opened in 1996 as the new home for the national collection of arms and armour and visitors to the trade show will be offered free admission. Jonathan Walters, A.C. Lighting’s Northern sales manager responsible for the day to day running of the Leeds office commented: "In the five years that A.C Lighting has had a northern sales operation based in Leeds, it has become very apparent to us that the time and cost involved attending events held in London is a deterrent for many potential show visitors. This convinced us of t
Avesco companies Dimension Audio and Creative Technology recently joined forces to deliver one of the most challenging projects they have ever undertaken.
Dimension provided the audio infrastructure for the giant automated themed pavilion at the Swiss National Exhibition, Expo.02 (May-October 2002), for production company Live Communication. Pip Campbell was lead producer and Adam Wildi was technical director. Entitled ‘Empire of Silence’, the adventure pavilion is sponsored by telecoms giant Swisscom.
The ‘Empire of Silence’ project highlights how essential communication has become in today’s world. Soundscape designer and Dimension project manager Kevin Swain was handed the demanding audio brief back in July 2001. The solution was to automate the entire exhibit, with a Conductor show control system firing multiple audio cues via MIDI (and interfacing with the Wholehog Piglet desk to send MIDI Show Control signals to the lighting fixtures).
The central audio control device is the RSD AudioBox DSP engine from Richmond Sound Design. The AudioBox is a 16-in/16-out fully programmable matrix with level and EQ control. Contained onboard is a 16-track, 20Gb hard disk, with eight analogue inputs for external sources - all controlled by MIDI commands. Dimension Audio have used two together, offering a combined 32 tracks - all of which are utilized, and all controlled by MIDI commands, as well as taking signals from external sources.
Included in the scope of the control are a cinema and a number of 28" video monitors, with MPEG2 audio and
MC2 Audio Netherlands distributor, Audio Rotterdam, has won contracts to put MC range and T Series amps into a variety of interesting venues and projects in the Rotterdam area. MC450 amplifiers are used in the production of the reality TV show 'De Bar', which is broadcast from two neighbouring bars in Rotterdam. The bars compete to attract the greatest number of customers and thus increase their business - cameras capture all the action 24/7. Audio Rotterdam representative, Jan van Drunen says: "The three MC450s produce enough power for a real party every night".
The very popular Baja Beach Club in Rotterdam is using four MC450 to drive its specially designed PA system and the renowned Rotterdam pub, Café Lebbink has a sound system powered by a T1000 and a T500. Audio Rotterdam also provides the amplification (six MC1250s and two MC450s) for the well-known Dutch language singer, André Hazes, whilst he is on tour all over Holland.
(Lee Baldock)
Marquee Audio has supplied a complete PA rig to Time Warner Books for use on their conferences. The Central London-based publishers had traditionally hired in systems to order, but realised it would be more cost-effective to actually purchase a system. Time Warner group marketing director Terry Jackson explained: "We hold two conferences a year for between 60 and 70 people which involves audio reinforcement and playing digital video clips. We felt the time was right to have our own system as hiring was getting expensive."
They thus contacted the Shepperton-based pro audio suppliers, who recommended a ‘plug and play’ presentation system based on sonic fidelity and ease of use. The set-up centres on a pair of Nexo PS-8 full range loudspeakers and LS400 compact subwoofer, powered by a Nexo PS-8 three-channel amplifier. This was supplied with a Yamaha Q2031B dual 31-band graphic EQ and mixed through a Soundcraft Spirit M8 (with eight mono and four stereo channels). Playback facilities are offered via a Tascam CDA-630 three-cassette device, and a series of Crown (lectern and condenser) and Sennheiser (UHF radio) mics completed the system. This was delivered to site along with all cable and flight casing.
(Ruth Rossington)
The Vienna Festival 2002 got off to a flying start in front of 60,000 people who had gathered in the town square to hear headliners Bryan Ferry and Nancy Wilson performing songs from classic movies including ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘Casablanca’. The evening was dedicated to Austrian and German composers who, largely in the wake of the National Socialists' coming to power, had emigrated to the US and found worldwide fame as the creators of scores for celebrated Hollywood movies. Adolf Tögel, head of sound for the Vienna Festival and also for Halls E and G in the city's newly created cultural complex, the MuseumsQuartier, engineered the show on his recently acquired Midas Legend 3000 console.
Halls E and G (the former Winter Riding School) were once again the central venues for the annual Vienna Festival, a six-week celebration of international music and performing arts showcasing some 38 productions from 14 different countries. Throughout the rest of the year both halls are available for a varied schedule of music, theatre and dance, and the 40-input Legend 3000 supplied by Audiosales Austria was purchased for the 1000-capacity Hall G, the larger of the two halls, specifically to handle musical events. Adolf Tögel, who was responsible for the design of the sound system for both halls, explained that he was looking for a console specifically to handle musical events. "We already have a Cadac desk in Hall E, but because of its position at the back of the audience it is not suitable for live music. However, the Vienna Festival has a large music
ESTA’s new theatrical fog testing programme invites theatres to take a proactive role in the ongoing fog conversation and also to demonstrate that they are using theatrical fog responsibly. Because there are clear standards and guidelines that detail the responsible use of fog - including guidelines endorsed by Actors’ Equity - theatres that demonstrate that they are using fog according to these accepted standards should alleviate performers’ and crew members’ concerns.
The programme, ‘’A Test Is Worth A Thousand Words,’ gives theatres in the US the information and support they need to monitor and test all types of fog, including glycol/glycerin, mineral oil, dry ice/liquid CO2 and liquid nitrogen fogs. Venues can then compare results to accepted standards and guidelines and advise performers and crew members that the theatre monitors and tests its fog, making available the test results. "Theatres are in a difficult position because audiences want special effects, but performers and crew sometimes express concerns about theatrical fog," explains Lori Rubinstein, ESTA executive director. "There are a number of industry standards and guidelines - including OSHA standards and guidelines from the Actors’ Equity Association/League of American Theatres and Producers study - that set limits on the amount of smoke and fog that can be used on stages. We expect that if theatres demonstrate that they are using fog according to these standards and guidelines for each individual production, it will address any remaining co
In an effort to give that extra dimension to an already prestigious event, specialist AV company Blitz was called in to help with the annual Louis Vuitton Classic, this year celebrating a Jubilee of British motoring at Fulham's Hurlingham Club in early June. Commissioned by Philip Honey, freelance event production manager, Blitz supplied a Lighthouse 10mm pitch indoor LED wall to echo the themes of classic motoring and an earlier golden age of travel. Measuring 3.84m by 2.88m, it alternated between black and white and colour footage of a range of classic cars. As an extra twist the motoring footage was interspersed with live clips of the event itself via a Video Assist microwave camera link. The LED wall also served as a suitable backdrop for the Aston Martin 'Vanquish', positioned in front.
To complement the visual impact inside the marquee, Blitz provided state-of-the-art sound equipment to accompany the cars as they were driven around the grounds outside. This included radio microphones, in particular two handheld Sennheiser SKM3072 and six amplifiers, four P1200A C4s and two P1200A C6s.
All classic cars and motorcycles built in the UK during the Queen's 50-year reign were showcased. In honour of the Jubilee, there was a special category including all-time British sporting icons such as the Mini Cooper, Jaguar E-type, Lotus Elan and the Austin Healey 100/4. Competition judges included Jeremy Clarkson and Damon Hill.
(Ruth Rossington)
As the world’s best national football teams meet in what is arguably the most popular sporting event on the planet, the FIFA World Cup, Martin Professional is playing its own part in the action. Martin’s Korean distributor, Hansam System Co Ltd, has delivered an automated lighting package for several World Cup events including the Seoul Light Festival, the World Cup Concert and the Opening Ceremony.
On May 1 at Seoul City Hall in the city’s downtown area, throngs of citizens gathered for the first night of the Seoul Light Festival. In a large central square 24 MAC 2000s and 20 MAC 500s illuminated Seoul’s City Hall and World Cup ball-shaped balloon from 8:00pm until midnight each night of the tournament. Even Seoul Mayor Goh Kun was impressed, stating: "This festival of light will make the beauty of Seoul's night view ever more radiant."
Martin products were also part at the World Cup Concert at Seoul Sangam Stadium Peace Park near the World Cup Stadium on May 30. Some 64 MAC 2000s, 70 MAC 600s, 44 MAC 500s and 14 Atomic strobes were incorporated into the show.
Just prior to the opening match between Senegal and France on the evening of May 31, Seoul World Cup Stadium hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony. Some 40 MAC 600s and 16 Atomic 3000 strobes combined with a host of other lighting equipment in an extravagant display of traditional Korean culture. Martin lighting for the World Cup Concert and Opening Ceremony was supplied by rental company Green Light through Hansam System Co. Ltd.
(Lee Baldock)
In the absence of a suitable small box from their usual suppliers Blue Box Company has installed a number of Nexo PS-8 systems supplied by Showcom Audio into prestigious bar and restaurant venues in London. The first is into the much talked-about Cherry Jam bar/club in Porchester Road. Cherry Jam is the brainchild of Ben Watt (who is one half of Everything but the Girl with Tracey Thorne and Lazy Dog with DJ partner Jay Hannan) and its raison d'être is to develop a new program of nights and events that reflect the range and diversity of West London cultural life. Live music, DJs, art exhibitions and a film club plus of course eating and drinking are all part of the vibrant scene at Cherry Jam. Blue Box Audio was called in to install the audio system.
Blue Box's Mark Metcalf explained that because owner Ben Watt is now an extremely successful DJ in his own right, he was most particular about the monitoring system. "Our biggest hurdle was how to get the right amount of power and quality in the available space," he said. "Cherry Jam is designed to be a small, intimate space, and the DJ booth is no exception, but Ben was in agreement that we should not sacrifice the quality. We tested several options from a variety of sources and manufacturers, but no-one could deliver the power and quality of audio in such a tiny, compact package as the Nexo PS-8. The other deciding factor was the sub-bass element. The fact that Nexo offers a dedicated PS-8 sub in the same compact format gave Ben everything he wanted. In total we were able to install a PS-8, an LS-400 sub plu
Rocker Tommy Lee is taking out a Catalyst system on his ‘Never a Dull Moment’ tour of US theatres and House of Blues venues from 19 June - 31 July. "Catalyst is awesome," Lee says, about the product that combines the power of digital media with the creativity of automated effects lighting. "My production manager turned me on to a link on the web. She said, 'Dude, you have to see this new light.' I went to the High End site and saw the QuickTime video of Catalyst and thought, 'No way, this is insane!' "
He continues: "I'm such a computer freak . . . I love stuff like this. We've all seen a million moving lights before, but this is something else - I was blown away. Then I saw a demo at the LA office. I was even more blown away . . . I've been dreaming of this kind of show and technology. I almost had a tear in my eye when I saw the demo in person. I've wanted to do this my entire life - to make all the light cues and the video on the beat. So I'm so excited."
PSL of Los Angeles is supplying the Catalyst for the tour, while Backstage Productions of Minneapolis fulfils LD Ernesto Corti's specs of six Studio Spot 575 automated luminaires and a Wholehog II lighting console. HES's Brad Schiller and Mike Hanson helped program during a week of pre-production, which was held at High End's Los Angeles demo facility. Lee himself was on hand to input his creative vision - and to get hands on with the equipment - as well as contribute actual video footage he has taken on his own camera.
Lee comments: "Brad is amazing. He's showing me
Following SSE’s launch of the Nexo GEO speaker system at the beginning of May the company has supplied a number of high profile events with GEO sound systems. A giant TV screen and sound system was erected outside the final show of the musical Cats in Covent Garden, in order to allow more people than the theatre could accommodate to view the show. SSE supplied a 24 box GEO system for the event.
Hire director Emma Barwell commented:"With a deep site to cover, a conventional system would have required unsightly and expensive delay towers. GEO was able to uniformly cover the audience from directly below the speaker hangs to a point 68m back using only 12 boxes per side. The system looks minute but delivers fantastic sound levels with quality performance."
Most recently, over the Golden Jubilee weekend, SSE supplied a GEO system for the BBC celebrations in Centenary Square, Birmingham. With a large audience and varied programme material, GEO excelled, proving that this compact, lightweight system can hold it’s own in the most demanding of applications. Due to its very small size, sightlines were completely free of obstructions.
The five-high ground stack of CD12 subs provided clear low frequency reproduction throughout the sizeable audience area in Centenary Square. The entire system used only three Camco Vortex 4 amplifiers per side and achieved SPLs of 98dbA Leq(5) full range. SSE has been designated a GEO training and sales centre.
(Lee Baldock)
PLASA’s ‘Association Day’, held at Down Hall Country House Hotel on 14 June and incorporating the Association’s AGM, was a great success, attended by a record number of PLASA members. In an effort to gain maximum value from the opportunity offered by the AGM, PLASA again organized a number of Break-out Meetings following the AGM, which gave members the chance to discuss important issues concerning Membership Services, Standards/Health & Safety and Training. These lively sessions raised valuable feedback for the PLASA Executive Committee and staff, and were well-received by all who took part.
Following the ‘business’ of the day, around 100 people sat down to an enjoyable dinner with entertainment provided by two guest speakers - ex-footballer Paul Fletcher and impressionist Kevin Connelly - before retiring to the bar for some serious networking. Wayne Howell of Artistic Licence called the Association Day "an excellent event. Constructive, informative and enjoyable." Steve Warren of Avolites said: "I felt that the snappier AGM - leaving space for the more important Break-out groups - was a really good format and much more beneficial to the members. I am sure that as word goes around, the numbers will swell for the event. Well done to all of you," while John Simpson of White Light described the day as "excellent", and "well organised, presented and followed through." Le Mark’s Stuart Gibbons commented: "I think the 'Break-out sessions' were a great idea and created a lot of interest . . .&
MC2 Audio has announced that following initial contacts at Musik Messe and AES this year, KT Radio & Storm Sound has been appointed as the company’s new distributor for Denmark, while Nefan Ticaret will be handling the brand in Turkey. MC2 Audio’s Ian McCarthy told us: "Both companies are already well established in the audio industry and we now look forward to working with Flemming at KT Radio and Albert and Nevzat at Nefan Ticaret, wishing them every success with the amps."
(Lee Baldock)
Audio contractor Live Business International (LBI) worked from 11pm throughout the night in sub-zero temperatures and several inches of snow in order to refurbish the audio system at Xscape Snozone, a youth leisure complex in Milton Keynes. Xscape Snozone, headed by former Millennium Dome boss P Y Gerbeau, is a major installation featuring food courts, bars, shops, clubs, a multiplex cinema, gymnasium and a climbing wall. The centrepiece is an indoor 170m long ski slope, complete with real snow, up to 12 tons of which is generated each night by 16 'snow guns' and is kept frozen by a mean air temperature of -2°C and eight miles of under-snow cooling pipes.
While the whole of the complex had its audio system updated, the ski slope had a completely new system installed. LBI has extensive experience of using Technomad Vienna weatherproof loudspeakers in harsh environments, such as the decks of cruise ships, and so chose these for the ski slope, as they would be exposed to the snow at all times.
Eight Viennas were used along the length of the ski slope in four positions. Because the sound system has to cover a long, thin area, delay times are unusually lengthy, the longest over a third of a second. LBI also had to experiment with the delay time calculations because of the different speed of sound in sub-zero temperatures. A completely portable audio system for use by DJs was also installed, including Technics turntables, Denon CD players, DAS loudspeakers and a Soundcraft FX8 desk, housed in custom-built racks and flightcases.LBI's job was complicated further by the sound s
L-Acoustics dealers, Marquee Audio, have sold a 12-enclosure ARCS system to hire, installation and contract rental company, BCS Audio. BCS proprietor, Dave Shepherd, will run the system in his hire stock. "I will be going out and doing shows with it myself," he says. Dave looked long and hard at the market before deciding that for the price the system best suited his requirements. "I chose the ARCS system because it’s a flexible box, which I can run without subs, and is easy to fly. It will also enable me to cover up to a 3,000-capacity venue."
Although he simultaneously purchased amplifiers and processing, the order for the enclosures was placed through Marquee. "Though I knew the company from my days at Case Plant, this is the first time I have dealt with Marquee - and they were extremely responsive." He added, "Marquee also sorted out some covers - and I will have no hesitation going back to them when I’m ready to reorder."
(Lee Baldock)