USA - Presented at NAMM 2011 this week, XEOS is a new series of installation speakers created by Proel to replace the existing Spark and MO/CSE series, with a single range featuring a selected number of models, a renovated look and an improved sound

The series includes three two-way surface-mount models: XE35TB/TW with 3.5" woofer, XE55TB/TW, with 5" woofer and XE65TB/W, with 6.5" woofer. The newly designed front baffle featuring a full protection grille with a new aluminium logo, allows these speakers, available in black or white, to blend into any environment.

The

USA - The new Live X series of portable powered and passive loudspeakers from Electro-Voice debuts at Winter NAMM in Anaheim this week.

Comprising three powered and four passive models, Live X features the latest Electro-Voice-engineered components; lightweight, durable plywood cabinets; "best-in-class" SPL output, power-handling, and frequency response; and clean, stackable designs - all at a price point previously unheard-of for loudspeakers of a similar pedigree, says the company.

Three versatile powered Live X cabinets are available: two full-range loudspeakers and a m

USA - Intelix has partnered with Pioneer Music Company "to better serve the Midwest consumer electronics and custom installation markets". Effective immediately, Pioneer Music is stocking and supplying Intelix hardware, including their HDMI, analogue-to-digital conversion, and audio/video over twisted pair solutions.

"Few firms match the experience, dedication, and knowledge of Pioneer Music Company," says Cameron Smith, Intelix sales and marketing manager. "Their commitment to quality product and excellent service has made them a leader in the Midwestern resi

UK - The 33rd ABTT Theatre Show promises to deliver a packed showcase, whilst celebrating The Association of British Theatre Technicians 50th anniversary, say the organisers.

The Show will focus its marketing campaign online and again offer a simple and free pre-registration facility through its enhanced website. This will also boast easy to use facilities for exhibitors and visitors alike allowing fast upload and download features.

The ABTT Theatre Show is already well over 50% sold out for 2011 with exhibitors including XL Video, ETC, Stage Technologies, Martin Professional, Yamah

India - The end of November saw a prestigious music conference - Soundbound - held in Mumbai, with a range of live performances for participants to enjoy after the business of the day. The first two nights featured gigs by Shaa'ir + Func, one of India's most successful indie bands, mixed on a DiGiCo SD9, the first to be deployed on the Indian sub-continent.

Soundbound and the associated live shows were sponsored by the British Council. It was part of the long-term SoundPad project, bringing together high profile names from the Indian and British music communities

Australia - When AV company Scene Change decided to upgrade their radio microphones they opted for the Shure UHF-R series.

"We needed to increase the number of radio microphones and frequency band in the business," said Vicken Hekimian, director of Scene Change Sydney. "We also needed to be able to properly assess available frequencies in real time. The Shure UHF-R series spectrum analysis gave us that ability.

"We've found that the Shure UHF-R series networking ability and scanning really saves us time in set up. I have to say that both the RF and audio performa

Germany / USA - HK Audio is unveiling its Elements modular sound reinforcement system at the NAMM exhibition in Anaheim, California. Elements, the company says, "merges the benefits of modern line array technology with the portability and easy handling of ultra-compact PA systems," enabling users to easily build up to 44 different system configurations, for a wide variety of situations, using just six easily combined components.

The system can be configured to support anything from an intimate speaking engagement to a multi-instrumental concert system with a full 3600W of po

Italy / USA - Powersoft has announced the formation of a new US corporate structure and move to an expanded facility in California. The new corporation, Powersoft Audio Technologies Corp, makes its home in an expanded 1,600sq.ft facility that serves as the national sales, service and support centre for the company's innovative amplifiers.

Ken Blecher, who joined the Powersoft team in May 2010, will lead the new company, with Tom Bensen remaining in the east as the key accounts manager and Steven Temmel as the operations and service manager. The new facility officially opens in mid-Jan

USA - Line 6 announced at NAMM the expansion of its XD-V line of digital wireless microphone systems to include XD-V70HS and XD-V30HS, a pair of high-performance headset microphones with beltpack transmitters.

"The headset mics are a natural addition to our XD-V line of digital wireless mic systems," commented Don Boomer, wireless sales engineer at Line 6. "They offer the sonic clarity and simple setup Line 6 digital wireless mics are known for, and the hands-free designs required by professional presenters, singers, and performers of all kinds."

Alongside the XD

USA - Mackie has announced an ultra-compact addition to its bestselling Thump Series portable, powered loudspeakers - the Thump TH-12A. The new 400-watt, two-way 12" Thump Series loudspeaker is designed for any application that demands high-output and professional sound without breaking the budget.

"The TH-12A is simply the best powered loudspeaker option for your hard-earned money," said Greg Young, Mackie brand director. "While it is more compact, it is an equally powerful version of our top-selling TH-15A. It is truly the most professional compact loudspeaker in

USA - Crown Audio introduced at NAMM the XTi 2 Series of amplifiers. Providing a complete suite of integrated speaker processing, the new XTi amplifiers eliminate the need for external crossovers, limiters, and EQs, immediately saving rack space and money, says the company.

The XTi 2 features enhanced control with Crown's PeakX Plus limiters. The limiters are derived from the same framework as those found in I-Tech HD and the new XLS DriveCore Series amplifiers allowing users to manipulate threshold, attack and release times. A new and improved subharmonic synthesizer offers more accu

USA - JBL Professional announced at NAMM the introduction of its EON210P Portable PA system, a complete powered system that is compact, lightweight and simple to use.

"Our new EON210P makes it easy to enjoy great sound almost anywhere. It's ideal for live music, schools, churches, presentations, parties or anywhere you need clear, powerful sound," noted Richard Ruse, JBL director of marketing for portable PA. "And because it's so intuitive you don't need to be an audio pro to use the EON210P - you can be up and running in just a few minutes."

The JBL EON210P incl

USA / Japan - Peavey Electronics this week announced at NAMM a new distribution partnership with Japanese distributor Kyoritsu Corporation. Under the terms of this alliance, Kyoritsu Corporation will be Japan's sole distributor of Peavey MI and Pro Audio products.

"We're thrilled to have Kyoritsu Corporation as our distribution partner for Japan," said Courtland Gray, chief operating officer of Peavey Electronics. "Japan is one of the most important markets in the world, and we believe Kyoritsu Corporation is the right partner to represent the Peavey product line and wi

USA - Crown Audio today has announced changes in its senior management team. New leaders have been added as "the company implements continual improvement initiatives in fundamental disciplines including sales, operations and general management".

John Fitzgerald, vice president of programme management at Harman Professional, will take the additional position of general manager for Harman's Elkhart, IN based Amplifier Business Unit and will be responsible for all aspects of Crown Audio's business.

John Batliner, vice president of sales for Harman's High Performance Audio Vid

UK - Academy Music Group (AMG) has announced a fourth Students' Union joint venture, with plans for O2 Academy Bournemouth to work in partnership with The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth . One of the most iconic venues on the South Coast, the Grade II listed ex-central fire station has a capacity of 550.

"The partnership between O2 Academy and The Old Fire Station will improve availability for artists between the venues, and will act as a valuable development ground for newer artists helping to build a live fan base before they play O2 Academy Bournemouth . Together we can create j

USA - Waves Audio introduced the C6 Multiband Compressor at NAMM. For years, the Waves C4 has been popular with studio engineers the world over, and in live sound, it has become a must-have for front-of-house and monitor engineers, says the company. The C6 builds upon its predecessor's functionality, and "takes it to the next level".

To create the C6, Waves took all the functions of the C4, and then added two additional floating bands plus a sidechain feature, for one-stop vocal and instrument shaping. The C6 lets users zero in on problem frequencies with "surgical prec

Germany - The DGB rally on 13 November 2010 was the largest gathering organised by the Confederation of German Trade Unions in more than 30 years: over 30,000 trade unionists and sympathizers attended the event in Nuremberg's Corn Market and adjacent areas. The speakers included Matthias Jena, chairman of the Bavarian DGB, and Dr. Dorothea Deneke-Stoll, president of the Bavarian Synod of the Evangelical Church. The programme was rounded off by artistic performances of various kinds, including live music.

To ensure the demonstrators, who had travelled from all over Bavaria to attend th

USA - Steinberg Media Technologies announced at NAMM the release of two pro-audio VST/AU signal processing plug-ins that reflect the overarching alliance between Yamaha, Rupert Neve Designs and Steinberg. Both 5033 EQ and 5043 compressor plug-ins will soon be available.

"By announcing the release of two virtual pendants of the renowned Portico signal processors, the alliance between Yamaha, Rupert Neve Designs and Steinberg is coming to fruition. I'm elated to count these two highly sophisticated effect plug-ins to our product range, as both meet Steinberg's exacting standards,&q

USA - At NAMM, Audio-Technica introduced the ATW-CHG2 Two-Bay Recharging Station for its new 2000 Series wireless transmitters. This unit charges ATW-T220a handheld transmitters and/or ATW-T210a UniPak transmitters (in any combination). Batteries are charged within the transmitters.

The ATW-CHG2 has many protective features to preserve the integrity of the transmitters. A built-in safety feature monitors cell voltage and automatically turns off the unit if problems are detected. The unit will also automatically shut off if damaged or alkaline (non-rechargeable) batteries are installed

Finland - msonic, the Finnish entertainment technology company set up by Mikko Palomäki, has added to its roster of advanced audio tool solutions after winning the territorial distribution rights for Optocore.

"When we set up msonic in 2009 our aim was to represent only leading brands and manufacturers with top quality service, and ensure 100% satisfaction for both our partners and customers," he says. "Optocore certainly falls into that category." The brand joins a developing portfolio of studio and broadcast audio, lighting, truss systems, LED and video projecti

UK - Visitors to ISCEx2011 at the Park Inn Hotel in Watford on Tuesday 1 March will once again have the opportunity to network with professionals from the sound industry and view the latest products during the ISCE's annual exhibition and seminar day. The seminars, which run alongside the exhibition, will provide the latest information on a wide range of topics.

Of particular interest to those who work in the Voice Alarm industry will be Voice sounders for evacuation - where are they now?, by Tony Payn of Vimpex.

Technologies continue to converge and Video for audio engine

Germany - Optocore has announced the release of the DD4MR-FX and DD2FR-FX dual MADI, video and data network devices.

Following on from the release of the DD32R interface last Autumn, these two 1RU products have been designed for compatibility with Optocore's new Cat 5-based SANE platform, allowing up to 256 channels over Cat 5. The existing DD4ME and DD2FE MADI devices have thus been re-engineered to function within this environment, and include RJ45 SANE network connectivity, while the optical port upgrade (to 2Gbit LC SPF's) allows for simple user exchangeable single or multimode fi

The Netherlands - d&b audiotechnik marks its inaugural appearance at Integrated Systems Europe 2011 with the promised launch of two new series within its White range.

Designed to target permanently installed applications where selection of components is driven by technical specifications and application requirements, the xS-Series and the xA-Series address stand-alone and arrayable permanent applications respectively.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Rycote has added three telescopic carbon-fibre boom poles to its range of accessories for broadcast and location sound recordists: the 1.63m long G3, with three sections, and the 2.49m long G5, with five sections. The G5 is itself available in two versions, a standard version and one with an internal coiled cable and built-in Neutrik XLR connector in the hilt.

For several years, following their takeover of US boom pole manufacturer Lightwave Audio, Rycote has been selling telescopic boom poles under the Lightwave name. However, with the launch of the Rycote-branded G-series carbo

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