UK - While becoming the first UK rental company to purchase Martin Audio's MLA (Multi-cellular Loudspeaker Array), RG Jones Sound Engineering this month also found themselves being the first to debut the scaled down version of this technology in the shape of the new MLA Compact.

"I couldn't wait to get my hands on the new system," says Simon Honywill, who took the opportunity to mix Chris Rea's sound through the MLA Compact on the closing dates of the recent European and UK tour.

Honywill, who had largely been responsible for driving RG Jones' investment in the MLA platfor

Russia - DiGiCo has staged its first seminar in Russia, held in February at the recording and performance studios of artist Igor Sandler by its Russian distributor, Aris Pro.

DiGiCo's vice president of sales Ian Staddon was joined by engineer Dave Bracey, known for his work as Front of House engineer for artists such as Robbie Williams, Massive Attack and Bjork, with whom he is currently touring.

The pair presented a mixture of technical theory and hands on practice, with the seminars covering DiGiCo's entire range of products, from the flagship SD7 to UB MADI, the latest offering f

West End News - The site of a former pickle factory is set to become the location of a new theatre in London's West End. The venue will be the first in the area for 30 years, after Westminster City Council approved the plans. The development above Tottenham Court Road station on Oxford Street will also include offices and shops. The venue is expected to open in 2020. The site was formerly used by Crosse & Blackwell to make Branston Pickle until they moved out in 1927.

The theatre will be operated by Nimax which already runs five others in London, including the Apollo and Lyric. Nimax

UK - PLASA will host its 2012 European AGM and Members' Lunch on Tuesday 29 May at BAFTA in Central London. Over 200 members and guests are expected to take part in the event, which includes the opportunity to feedback on the work that PLASA is doing, contribute to the future direction of the Association, and enjoy networking with fellow members.

Over the past year PLASA has embraced a completely different governance structure, expanded its portfolio of events in North America, and introduced a range of new services and benefits. Members at the AGM will also learn more about PLASA's p

UK - Meyer Sound and Pro Audio Systems recently joined forces at the Alhambra theatre in Bradford.

Presented by Miguel Lourtie of Meyer Sound with technical support from Pro Audio Systems, the event was attended by around 40 delegates from many backgrounds, all of whom took part in the very interactive event. Designed to highlight the key fundamentals of modern sound system deployment, the event focused on practical solutions for optimising audio as well as providing a refresher course in some key principles of acoustics and applicable physics.

A Meyer Sound Mina system with 500-HP

UK - There has been a St Andrew's Church serving the Anglican community of Furnace Green in the West Sussex borough of Crawley (around 30 miles south of London) since 1969, but deterioration in the fabric of the original building and growing congregations called for its demolition and the construction of an entirely new church in its place seven years ago. The new building with its attractive modern architecture was recently consecrated and provides a venue now not only for christenings, weddings, and other church services but also concerts and theatrical productions.

The diversity of

UK - SXS Events employed their new Allen & Heath iLive digital mixing systems on a nationwide tour with Islamic Relief.

Taking place in early April, the Evening of Inspiration tour showcased some of the world's leading performers of Islamic cultural entertainment with famous names including Outlandish, Zain Bhikha, Junaid Jamshed, Native Deen and comedian Preacher Moss.

"Having purchased both an iLive-T80 and a T112 system last year, we felt that they were perfect for the tour," says project manager Johnny Palmer. "The show was in a variety format, which meant

Germany - Fohhn Audio has announced the upcoming release of its new multi-channel D-4.1200 digital amplifier, the latest in a series of powerful, 19-inch, DSP-controlled amplifiers that have been specially developed for demanding fixed installations and mobile applications.

Weighing just 11kg, the compact 4-channel D-4.1200 is nevertheless built to deliver robust and reliable performance capability. Featuring Class D amplifier technology and Fohhn DSPs, the D-4.1200 generates 4 x 1200W of power at 4 Ohms. An integral 4-in-6 matrix enables each input channel to be independently routed

UK - POLARaudio has announced the appointment of Thomas Walsh in the roll of business development manager for the consumer division.

In the latest phase of its development plans, audio distributor POLARaudio has turned its attention to its rapidly growing consumer division. Since the demise of its distributor Path Distribution in 2011, POLARaudio has been committed to re-establishing its consumer brands in the marketplace. Walsh has been brought into the business to assist with POLAR's growth plans and strengthen its swiftly growing national sales team.

POLARaudio's managing directo

USA - As any die-hard fan will tell you, hockey is the Rodney Dangerfield of American sports. Despite a long history and legions of fans, the game has never quite garnered the respect it deserves.

But the folks behind the Anaheim Ducks are working to change that perception with The Rinks, a fast-growing chain of ice and inline hockey venues in southern California designed to promote the game in a kid- and teen-friendly environment.

"Particularly in Southern California, hockey's always been a pretty underrated sport," says Jason Voorhees of Costa Mesa-based Cantara Design,

UK - Electrosonic has announced the appointment of Paul Kent as senior consultant to the cultural entertainment and leisure (CEL) team for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Kent originally joined Electrosonic in 1996. During his 12 years of employment, he worked with major theme park clients and designers in Europe, USA and the Middle East as a Project Consultant.

Prior to re-joining Electrosonic, Kent worked as a consultant for attraction design and operation companies, working on internationally renowned projects such as Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi.

"Kent brings with him

USA - Audio-Technica officially kicked off its 50th Anniversary Year in the US with a special gala event held 19 January 2012, during the Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. The event featured an all-star music revue produced by Phil Ramone.

Among the featured all-star cast of performers were saxophonist and longtime Audio-Technica endorser Mindi Abair, R&B/jazz vocalist Patti Austin, new age/adult-contemporary superstar and Audio-Technica endorser Jim Brickman, smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz, vocalist Monica Mancini, trumpeter/pianist/composer Arturo Sandoval, gospel/R&B music

South Africa - MJ Event Gear provided the full technical including stage, sets, video, lighting and sound for a Transnet breakfast event held on 10 April 2012 at the Hilton Ballroom in Sandton. Transnet Group CEO, Brian Molefe, provided detail on a R300bn, seven-year investment programme aimed at transforming the country's ports and railways, and changing the state-owned ports and rail company's financial performance.

Much pre-planning and production management by MJ's Otto De Kock saw the team loading in Sunday morning, rehearsals on Monday and everyone set to go on Tuesday at 7am.

South Africa - Gearhouse South Africa, has recently reinvested in more L-Acoustics components to complete its existing inventory of Kudo, V-Dosc, dV-Dosc and Arcs. The new equipment comprises of 48 Kara, 12 ArcsII and 12 Kudo WST line source cabinets, eight SB28 and 24 SB18 woofers and 22 LA-RAK touring racks installed with LA8 amplified controllers.

South Africa is increasingly becoming a regular fixture on the international touring circuit. Combined with an increase in the domestic market, Gearhouse felt the extra investment in L-Acoustics was necessary to service the largest of the

UK - Two leading names in professional audio, QSC and Denon, have got together with UK distributor Batmink to showcase their latest products. This trade only event will take place on Wednesday 9 May, from 4 - 8pm at Komedia in Bath city centre.

Hosted by Batmink Distribution, demonstrations of the QSC K, KW and KLA Series loudspeakers, including a live band performance through the systems, will be followed by an A list DJ putting the new Denon DN-SC3900 through its paces.

Batmink sales director, Grant Thomas comments, "We are fortunate to have live demo rooms at our offices and

Germany - AFMG, German-based pro-audio software developers, release the new version of their widely recognised real-time audio analysis software SysTune on 1 May. Once again, this update will be free for the large community of existing users. Beyond that, AFMG has changed prices and licensing to make SysTune even more affordable to a larger group of users. To celebrate the release, AFMG has launched a dedicated SysTune Facebook page with a special lottery in May and June.

A large amount of research and work has gone into one of the new plug-ins called 'Delay Analysis'. From a set of c

Germany - The conversion of Britz Castle in Berlin-Neukölln into a new cultural centre, was recently completed, and includes a 300-capacity concert and theatre hall, installed with Allen & Heath's iLive digital mixing system.

The spec was for a future-proof digital system that could easily be used by sound engineers of guest productions. It also needed to be portable to service not just the hall but other areas in the venue, and flexible and simple to configure, with the option to have wireless control for smaller events.

The iLive system comprises a Dante-enabled iDR-32 MixRac

India - Any concert dedicated to multi-instrumentalist and record producer AR Rahman - described as the world's most prominent and prolific film composer - requires a sound quality nearing perfection.

Meeting this audio challenge at the recent Classic Incantations concerts - presented by the German Film Orchestra Babelsberg across five Indian cities - were Sound.Com.

The Orchestra, conducted by Matt Dunkley, performed original scores and film music written by the Indian maestro - accompanied by the choir and soloists from his own KM Music Conservatory in Chennai.

Once again the so

USA / UK - Ampetronic and Listen Technologies have announced a new partnership to "accelerate the growing adoption of hearing loop technology across the Americas".

Ampetronic's partnership with Listen Technologies will bring "high quality hearing loop solutions and unrivalled support across the USA for the first time". The partnership will give Listen Technologies a full portfolio of assistive listening solutions, in addition to their class leading Infra-Red and FM products.

Commenting on the partnership, Julian Pieters, Ampetronic managing director said, "W

Australia - North Shore's The Stoned Crow has been born again, taken over by the team behind Bondi Pizza.

The bar has been reincarnated with a 'back to nature' vibe following five months of preening. It's now a stylish meeting place with cosy nooks, mood lighting and faux animal hides on the floor and covering the low stools.

The Constant Group were responsible for the audio design in the venue opting for a JBL speaker package that includes the new JBL Control 62P satellite pendant speakers. The speakers are powered by two Crown XLS1000 amplifiers, two Crown CDi1000 amplifiers and a

UK - Liverpool-based Adlib's audio division enthusiastically engaged with the Sea Odyssey Giant Spectacular event, an epic street theatre production created by French large scale puppeteers Royal De Luxe to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's maiden voyage. It was enjoyed and attended by more than 500,000 people in & around the City of Liverpool over three days last weekend.

Adlib was contracted by Liverpool City Council's events department, Liverpool Vision to provide PA systems in the three key gathering points for the colossal promenade performance, featurin

UK - West London based lighting and visuals rental company Colour Sound Experiment supplied lighting equipment and crew for the latest Orbital UK tour - Wonky - which was designed by Jonny Gaskell from Pinnacle Productions.

Gaskell was delighted to be working with Colour Sound again, "Their kit and the attitude is great," he enthuses, "Nice people and I get premium service every time."

His design - which will also feature at festivals played by the band throughout the summer - featured an intricate video set up and so to contrast this, the lighting was rel

China / Italy - FaitalPRO has appointed Andy Liu as its new sales development manager in China.

Liu previously handled major pro audio account sales in the territory, focusing particularly in the area of Guangdong, the core region for the Chinese pro audio Industry.

"With our China business growing nearly four-fold year on year for the past three years, the timing is perfect for Andy to take on new responsibilities and challenges," said Flavio Naggi FaitalPRO division manager. "He is already very well introduced in the industry and we're excited to have him join our w

USA - Having continued successful permanent productions in Chicago and New York, the Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet (MDQ) has hit the road with a North American tour. To accommodate venues seating from 1,400 to over 3,000, sound designer Kai Harada specified a Meyer Sound system based around MICA and M'elodie line array loudspeakers.

"My goal was to give the touring crew a system with a lot of flexibility, so they could adjust coverage angles for theatres of all shapes and sizes," explains Harada. "With the M'elodie centre cluster and MICA side arrays, t

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