UK - The Association of Motion Picture Sound has announced the contenders for excellence in sound for a feature film awards. The movies are: Barbie (Warner Bros), Mission Impossible (Paramount), Oppenheimer (Universal), Saltburn (Amazon) and (A24).
AMPS chair Andrew Wilson, expressed enthusiasm for this year's nominees, stating: "The nominees showcase a remarkable blend of creativity and technical mastery. These exceptional films highlight the varied and dynamic landscape of the craft of sound in film, each presents distinct audio demands executed to a fantastic degree, making the decision for AMPS voters a truly challenging one.”
Final voting will start on 15 January and close on 25 January. In addition to supervising crew members, AMPS honours key 1st assistant sound/boom operators and supervising dialogue/ADR editors.
The announ

UK - With over 40 Popworld late night bar/discos in their estate, leisure operators, Stonegate Group, recently refreshed the brand by unveiling their next generation interior.
Popworld Bournemouth, like most of the others, has benefitted from a creative and immersive audio-visual integration courtesy of Martin Audio partners, Middlesex Sound & Light (MSL).
Occupying the site of a former Walkabout Inn, which had also been equipped with Martin Audio, MSL were able to service, recondition and redeploy some of the pre-existing kit across the five-zone interior. Where auxiliary sound has been required, they have met the challenge by specifying Martin Audio’s compact but high output Adorn series in the shape of A55T surface mount and ACS-40TS ceiling speakers.
The operators have made their heaviest investment yet in audio visual, flipping their earlier concept of

UK - RCF UK has announced two open days - one in the north of England, one in the south - for the official UK launch of TT+ AUDIO’s new large-format GTX line array.
With support from head office in Italy, they will be showcasing the premium system on 5 February at the Glasshouse, Gateshead, with two presentations - one at 10.30am, and one at 1.30pm. Then three days later they repeat the formula down south at the Millennium Studios, Bedford, where a second presentation (also at 10.30am and 1.30pm) will be held for more southern-based dealers, specifiers and media representatives.
On demonstration will be the flagship GTX 12 line array, the mid-size GTX 10 line array, accompanied by the GTS 29 subwoofer and XPS 16K amplifier.
The audio-visual demo will last around 20 minutes with customer interaction via Q&A and the facility for the presentation to be repeate

USA - PK Sound will present its new T8 robotic line source element, the sub-compact member of the robotically controlled line source range, at the 2024 NAMM Show (ACT Entertainment Booth 11513).
Featuring PK’s patented multi-axis robotics, T8’s output - with peak SPLs reaching 143.5 dB - is precisely controlled down to 400 Hz in both the vertical and horizontal planes. The result is ‘an unparalleled degree of flexibility and precision in system dispersion for designers or operators in virtually any application’.
In tandem with the accompanying T18 intelligent subwoofer, PK Cell modular touring rack and PK .dynamics control software, the T8 system delivers PK Sound’s remote and real-time multi-axis robotic coverage control to a wider range of users and applications in the touring and rental, performance installation, theatrical, worship, nightlife and corpor

Australia - Broadcast and streaming rental specialist Gameday Hire has expanded its Green-GO setup by investing in a BridgeX quad network bridge interface, enhancing its remote production capabilities.
The Sydney-based company, headed up by Australian broadcast industry veteran Andy Liell, has heavily invested in Green-GO products over the last year with support from Rod McKinnon at Event Communications Australia.
Gameday Hire’s team travels across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, often delivering outside broadcast technology in remote locations that require rock solid communications. Incorporating the BridgeX into their existing, extensive Green-GO comms system means that the company can massively improve comms for their remote production solutions.
One such project Gameday Hire provides ongoing solutions for is an Australian sporting code. With

New Zealand - A once-in-a-lifetime experience for 10,000 Chinese visitors was boosted by a top line PA system that has never been used in the ANZPAC region before.
The massive delegation was flown to New Zealand in 12 waves over two months from 9 October to 5 December for the 2023 Amway China Leadership Seminar, produced by Encore Event Technologies APAC.
The Amway Diamond top performers were treated to an extensive programme of events and excursions that rewarded exceptional performance and elevated brand allegiance whilst enjoying the incredible sights and adventures New Zealand has to offer.
The event highlight was a stunning final gala night dinner which was staged 15 times throughout the period to visitor groups of approximately 600 per event. Held at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland and Queenstown Ice Arena the galas, which took a year to plan, treated

Spain - Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) will return to Barcelona (30 January - 2 February 2024), billed as ‘the most comprehensive exhibition for the pro AV and systems integration sectors and is set to raise the bar once again’.
Mike Blackman, managing director, Integration Systems Events says: "Without a doubt, ISE is your ‘destination for innovation’, and we will prove that this is not just a claim. With more than 1,200 confirmed exhibitors and the biggest ever show floor space, attendees will have plenty of opportunities to discover innovations at ISE 2024.
“In addition, our comprehensive content programme gives a platform to more than 100 of the industry's most innovative representatives. And don't miss our keynotes. These creative minds will impressively demonstrate how AV is shaping our daily lives."
Key highlights for ISE 2024 include:
Se

UK - Shure is expanding its spectrum & regulatory affairs capabilities. Led by Prakash Moorut, global head of spectrum & regulatory affairs at Shure, the team has added two additional experts in Europe. Based in France and London, respectively, they join Shure representatives in the U.S., Germany, China, and Dubai focusing on this important part of audio communications.
Guillaume Mascot joins Shure as senior manager, global regulatory policy, in Paris to support its presence in the French and international arenas where issues related to spectrum use and new cybersecurity and AI regulations are debated. With nearly 20 years of leadership experience in government and public affairs within multinational telecommunications companies, Guillaume Mascot will bring his expertise, network, and in-depth knowledge of the European and Asia-Pacific markets to the development of S

USA - AtlasIED has announced the hiring of Simon Godfrey as director of sales for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
In a newly created role, Godfrey is responsible for sales of all AtlasIED product lines in the three regions, including loudspeakers, the AtlasIED Atmosphere audio processing and control system, the GLOBALCOM enterprise communications platform, and the AtlasIED IPX Series of audio and visual IP endpoints. Godfrey will report directly to Executive Vice President Matt Czyzewski.
"Simon is a sales pro with an impressive background in international sales and extensive relationships," said Czyzewski. "With a proven track record of creating and implementing successful customer success strategies, Simon will play a pivotal role in elevating our sales efforts and driving sustained growth in the region."
"It's an honour to join a forward-thinkin

Spain - Visitors to Clear-Com's stand, located in Hall 5, will have the opportunity to witness the unveiling of a new intercom product as well as the latest updates to the company’s broad range of solutions for applications across multiple industries including live events, installations, performance spaces, corporate AV, museums, theme parks and motorsports.
Clear-Com boasts a broad range of intercom solutions, and attendees will experience a variety of products at the company’s stand, including the award-winning Arcadia Central Station, the latest updates to the Eclipse HX Digital Matrix, the addition of Bluetooth support to the FreeSpeak II 1.9 beltpack and the EQUIP wireless intercom system. Adding to the showcase will be the debut of HCI Live, a control API for Eclipse.
HCI Live for Eclipse enables simple and effective integration option between Eclipse syste

USA - Solid State Logic is set to unveil an update to its SSL 360° software platform during the 2024 NAMM Show at the Anaheim Convention Centre later this month. This forthcoming update promises’ significant enhancements’ to the capabilities of the UC1 controller.
In addition to its range of advanced DAW and plug-in controllers, SSL will also be featuring its new multi-channel microphone preamp/interfaces, Puredrive Quad and Octo, both of which are making their NAMM debut. Both units feature three distinct drive modes, comprehensive I/O, and an integrated USB interface. The Origin 16 in-line analogue console will also be on hand, coupled with a UF8 controller to illustrate a seamlessly integrated hybrid music production package offering ‘the best of both worlds’.
Rounding off the audio creation products will be The Bus +, Fusion, BiG SiX, and range of USB audi

USA - Fans flocked to cities across North America and Europe for a chance to see Beyoncé live during the Renaissance Tour: a 56-stop run to support her latest album.
Renaissance tour monitor engineer James Berry turned to DPA Microphones for a number of versatile solutions that would hold up rain or shine, including the new 2017 Shotgun Microphone.
“We did some beta testing with the 2017 and it ended up being a great crowd mic,” Berry explains. “The clarity and range of it was so full; we were able to cover more area with no distortion through the PA. I didn’t get any of that high-end distortion you hear with other shotguns. You can really ride it without getting any of that crunchiness you usually experience when the audience gets loud. I also didn’t have to high pass this shotgun as much as I do with others, which is rare.”
The 2017s were especial

Europe - The Adam Hall Group is continuing to drive its international growth in 2024. With the new UK Show Space in the UK, the event technology provider headquartered in Neu-Anspach, Hesse, is opening its next show space in January.
At the NicLen UK premises, customers from the UK will have the opportunity to experience the extensive product solutions of the Cameo, LD Systems and Defender brands in detail on site and test them hands-on. The opening ceremony will take place on 10 January 2024. First appointments are already possible for the opening day.
The Adam Hall Group's new UK Show Space comprises around 100 m2 of exhibition space. The focus is particularly on lighting solutions from Cameo. The Adam Hall Group's lighting brand has caused a stir in recent years with numerous UK references - including the coronation concert for King Charles III and the annual ligh

Spain - While the company looks ahead to a new trajectory within the Focusrite Group, the launch of two TiMax product integrations is tabled for Barcelona.
The first new product introduction is the much anticipated multi-channel, live production reverb feature for TiMax SoundHub. This new plug-in option, available to all existing HARDCore FPGA-equipped TiMax SoundHub units, adds no less than four individual 1-in / 16-out reverb engines which give sound designers full control of all parameters, as well as access to an advanced 3D room reverb-builder application. Aux sends to each reverb engine can also be driven by TiMax TrackerD4 stagetracking so that performers’ mic sources or effects can be cross-faded between different reverbs configured to be spatially consistent with their localisation on stage or in the auditorium.
New for the TiMax TrackerD4 precision stagetra

UK - Take one artiste, one hyper-cardioid wireless mic and 35 years of comedy history and you have Eddie Izzard’s Remix Tour Live. Take an unimaginably disparate collection of venues and halls, ranging from 2,200-cap down to 840 - some with tiered balconies, and some with no flying facilities - add in weird sound effects ranging from dinosaurs to Darth Vader (and a whisper to a scream) and you potentially have a mighty headache for the production team.
Eddie has toured with Martin Audio’s scalable, compact and versatile WPS line array previously, and her production crew are well aware of the system’s adaptability. In fact, Solotech senior account manager, Robin Conway, discloses that “the last Eddie Izzard tour [Wunderbar, in 2019] was part of the reason I bought WPS in the first place. This time around production and I wanted to try and provide the sam

USA - Audio-Technica has announced the opening of its new system solutions test lab at its U.S. headquarters in Stow, Ohio. This new facility was designed as a space that could be used for analysis, development, testing, demonstration and troubleshooting of Audio-Technica’s commercial products in applications including presentations, huddle rooms, classrooms, boardrooms and more.
Integration with Audio-Technica’s technology partners is a key part of this laboratory, in order to refine and demonstrate interoperability in real-world applications. The main application will be to serve as a network hub for consultants, integrators, end users and reps to experience A-T's systems remotely (via conferencing apps), but visitors are also welcome to visit in person.
Mark Donovan, Audio-Technica applications engineering manager, professional markets, remarks: “Commercial p

UK - Focusrite Group chairman and founder Phil Dudderidge has received the honour of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Years Honours List.
An OBE is awarded for having played a major local role in any activity, including people whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area. In Phil’s case this commendation is in recognition of the contribution he has made to the professional audio industry over several decades.
Phil has enjoyed a distinguished career, initially working as Led Zeppelin’s touring sound engineer in 1970. He set up RSD Systems in a partnership of three in 1971, building bespoke PA systems with custom-built mixing consoles. This evolved into Soundcraft Electronics a company specialising in live and studio mixing consoles, which was sold to Harman International in 1988.
Phil acquired the assets of Focusri

Spain - Loudspeaker manufacturer Funktion-One will introduce its latest product innovations, including a new addition to the Evo Series, at Integrated Systems Europe 2024 in Barcelona at the end of January. The show at Fira de Barcelona, sees Funktion-One relocate within Hall 7 to Stand G800.
In addition to the new Evo launch, Funktion-One will introduce projection system design software, a new tour ready amplifier rack and Vero VX accessories.
Funktion-One founder Tony Andrews comments: “We’re very much looking forward to ISE and the opportunity to catch up with many of our partners from around the world. We’re constantly looking for ways of innovating and progressing to the next level. Our new products represent the latest chapter in that evolution.”
The company has enjoyed a rich period of R&D, which leads to the ISE launches and the prospect of mo

Europe - Linea Research, high-performance amplification, DSP and system control manufacturer, has announced a strategic partnership with Ampco Flashlight Sales as their distributor in the Benelux.
“The collaboration between Linea Research and Ampco Flashlight Sales signifies a commitment to providing the Benelux market with unparalleled audio solutions and reinforces both companies' dedication to advancing the audio industry,” says a statement.
In April 2023, Linea Research was awarded the King’s Award in recognition of its innovation in the field of audio technology.

Europe - RCF is saying goodbye to a sales leader as Bertrand Delbar steps down from his role as France sales manager to pursue new projects after 25 successful years of service. Delbar has played a pivotal role in establishing RCF as a leading provider of professional audio solutions in the French market.
Starting with RCF in 1999 in a commercial audio role, Delbar dedicated a quarter of a century to the brand. In 2006, he took on the role of sales agent, later becoming sales manager and the main point of contact for customers and dealers across France. His dedication and expertise have been invaluable in growing RCF's presence and reputation locally.
Alberto Ruozzi, RCF commercial director, comments: "We praise his passion, expertise and relationships within the industry. Bertrand leaves behind a legacy of success, having established RCF as a foremost supplier to the

USA - Building on the momentum from the previous year’s launch of the Panther large-format linear line array, Meyer Sound closed out 2023 as yet another banner year marked by breakthrough new product introductions and record-breaking sales figures.
“We’ve been on an exhilarating journey these past two years,” says senior vice-president John McMahon. “It’s been a transformative time for Meyer Sound. What started last year with Panther and continued this year with the introduction of the 2100‑LFC [low-frequency control element] has inaugurated a new era for our company.”
Panther-based systems were installed across a range of venues from clubs to arenas in 2023, including The Fillmore in San Francisco and the Mohegan Inspire Entertainment Resort in South Korea. Elsewhere, Panther arrays started their summer-long residencies at Cadence Bank Amphitheatre in

UK - Stereo Covent Garden is the creation of Experimental Group, known for luxury hospitality spaces throughout Europe and the United States. A vibrant and varied music programme is offered each night, beginning with a house band providing relaxed vibes, before the stage is turned over to a rotating series of resident DJs.
The interiors of Stereo Covent Garden have been designed by London-based studio Afroditi, which has created a moody atmosphere for Stereo's interiors, using lighting and mirrors reminiscent of the prohibition-era. Considering the opulent interiors and the wide area to cover, it was crucial to design a compact sound system that could provide crystal-clear sound while also fitting within limited available space or diverting customers' attention.
Solotech UK Group was appointed to design and install the lighting and audio solution for Stereo. Solotech c

Sri Lanka - The production of Kuweni the Musical by Charitha Attalage showcased the seamless integration of Allen & Heath's audio equipment with the multidisciplinary performance.
A captivating multi-sensory experience uniting a diverse team of composers, musicians, visual artists, songwriters, and more to create an immersive performance, the musical took place over four days with five sold-out shows at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksha Theatre.
Allen & Heath's audio solutions played a pivotal role in bringing the production to life, with the equipment line-up including a dLive S7000 Surface, two DM64 MixRacks, four DX168 expanders, and three networking cards (gigaACE, Waves V3, and Dante 128x128).
Handling both FOH and monitors on the dLive S7000 was audio engineer and founder of rental company Universal Sound Productions, Malinda Lowe. Lever

USA - In a recent survey of professional audio manufacturers whose product lines span the gamut of audio specialties, half the respondents said immersive audio now ranges from a significant to a solidly pervasive and permanent component of audio production workflows, while all respondents expect to reach that level of pervasiveness within five years.
The Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance (PAMA) conducted the survey, asking its member companies to assess the impact of the burgeoning immersive audio movement on their product development and business. Two-thirds of participating companies reported significant current overall demand for products with immersive audio capabilities. Eighty per cent of the respondents expect products with immersive audio features to be a growth area in their company's portfolio of products over the next five years, with a third of all respo

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