USA - "Making its US debut, the V-Series line array is the heavily anticipated new addition to the Black range of touring loudspeaker systems," said the d&b US marketing manager Roger Keim.

"But don't let that be the only reason you come to Las Vegas from 13-15 June: on booth C11528 we will also have many other interesting offerings from both the Black and White ranges, and as this is the first time that the White range has been shown in the west of the nation, we will also make four daily presentations of the range in our dedicated demonstration lounge." The lounge sessions are approximately thirty minutes, are free to attend and will take place each day at 9 am,11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm in room N103.

In short visitors will be able to see the new E4 and E5 loudspeakers, the teeny-weeny additions to the comprehensive assortment of delay, fill and effects loudspe

USA - In one of Las Vegas Convention Centre's larger meeting rooms (N110), Meyer Sound will set up the largest and most sophisticated multichannel surround system the company has ever assembled for a trade show. Combining the Constellation acoustic system and SpaceMap multichannel surround panning through the D-Mitri digital audio platform, a special demo programme Surrounded in New York will be featured.

The live presentations will also offer a sneak peak of the linearity of the 1100-LFC low frequency control element, a new loudspeaker for low-end directional applications in large-scale tours and installations. The 1100-LFC will begin shipping in June 2012.

On the main show floor (booth C9717), the recently expanded range of low-voltage, self-powered solutions will be shown in the US for the first time, including three 48 V,DC-powered models: the UPJunior-XP VariO and

USA - Swedish image processing and control specialists, Dataton will bring their Watchout 5.2multiple image and display software for the first time to InfoComm 2012. Watchout will be showcased on the main aisle booth at InfoComm together with the Dataton Pickup audio guide system. Along with their partner Show Sage, Dataton will launch their Academy programme offering in-depth training and education sessions for their North American customers highlighting how they can make the most out of their presentations, events and productions.

"Since the introduction of Watchout version 5.2 earlier this year, we've received a tremendous response from users.," says Fredrik Svahnberg, marketing director, Dataton AB. "We're consistently impressed with the new and exciting ways in which Watchout is used in the market and we hope to highlight just a few of these during InfoComm20

Iran - Midas' Iranian distributor Ertebat Sedaye Bartar Co has sold the first-ever PRO6 live audio system, together with a Klark Teknik DN9696 high definition audio recorder, to the country's leading rental company, Ardestani Brothers.

Company co-founder Hasan Ardestani is one of Iran's top FOH engineers, and the company provides sound systems for a variety of events, including concert tours by the country's leading singers such as Mohammad Esfahani , Reza Sadeghi and Mohsen Yeganeh.

After receiving their PRO6, Ardestani Brothers deployed it in one of Tehran's biggest and most challenging venues, Milad Hall, which is used for concerts, conventions and seminars. To date, the PRO6 has been used to enhance performances by the Azerbaijan Symphony Orchestra and traditional Iranian singer Hesmedin Seraj concert in Milad Hall.

"The PRO6 sounds superb and no matter how hard you

UK - Orbital Sound is planning a compelling product line-up of international brands on Stand No: 33 at ABTT 2012 (Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London, 13-14 June) - including the first UK showing of the recently launched Clear-Com HelixNet all-digital intercom platform. Among the latest additions to Orbital's comprehensive portfolio will be the new Yamaha CL Series mixers, the d&b audiotechnik V-Series loudspeakers, and the Shure Axient radio microphone system.

Based on Clear-Com's advanced I.V.Core Technology, HelixNet is designed to break down the conventional barriers between intercom technologies, combining exceptional audio quality and network flexibility with cabling simplicity and system intelligence. Clear-Com products are distributed exclusively in the UK by Orbital.

Orbital's sales director Tom Byrne comments, "Although we all use analogue wired communication

UK - DB Systems installed the PA system at the National Sports Centre, in Marlow, in preparation for the first training session of the British men's and women's Olympic hockey teams.

The system includes six ultra-compact, two-way passive Martin Blackline F8+ on stands; three QSC amps, three ultra high frequency Sennheiser headset microphones, three ultra high frequency Sennheiser hand held microphones, as well as a 24 channel Soundcraft mixing console.

DB is currently working with clients to provide IT and AV solutions for a number of other Olympic contracts.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Tannoy, Audica, Lab.gruppen and Lake will be exhibiting together again at InfoComm 2012, taking place between 13-15 June at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.

InfoComm 2012 will see a number of firsts, with Tannoy demonstrating its new VLS Series passive column loudspeakers for the first time. VLS Series is the first Tannoy product to incorporate FAST (Focussed Asymmetrical Shaping Technology).

Visitors to the show will also get an exclusive first opportunity to find out about Tannoy's new VSX Series subwoofer line - being unveiled in the demo room.

Leading the charge for Lab.gruppen will be its latest install-centric amplifier range, E Series, which was previewed at last year's InfoComm, well in advance of its official launch. Lab.gruppen will also exhibit its PLM Series (which incorporates Lake Processing technology) alongside the Lake LM 44 (another debut at InfoComm)

Australia Melbourne's Greyhound Club (GH) has upgraded its lighting and sound systems. local integrators Sound Factory have installed a d&b audiotechnik PA system.

Although out of town, the Greyhound is not without neighbours, "In fact new apartment buildings are going up immediately to the rear of the venue now," said Sound Factory's Paul Fitzsimmons. "That was the determining factor when a d&b system specialist from National Audio Systems (NAS) drew up the installation design for us and selected J-SUBs for the low end reinforcement.

"NAS are the d&b distributor for Australia and have always provided us with excellent advice and support on projects such as this, for example, although the ceiling and walls have been acoustically dampened, the cardioid performance of the J-SUB still proved a big help in containing low end energy within the room and not upset

France - The investiture of the new French President, Francois Hollande, on 15 May, was a long and solemn affair according to tradition and protocol. The official handover of power from former President Nicholas Sarkozy took place at the presidential palace of the Elysée, where President-elect Hollande was formally sworn in as head of state.

Then, as French republican tradition demands, M. Hollande made his way to the Hôtel de Ville city hall, the seat of the Mairie of Paris for his first official state visit, where he was received with all the honour and ceremony accorded to any visiting head of state. At the heart of all the audio management and distribution was the Eclipse digital mixing console from Innovason, purchased by the Mairie of Paris last year for just such an occasion.

M. Hollande was received by the mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoë, in front of the magn

UK - Sitting at the heart of Belfast's historic shipyard stands the UK's latest tourist attraction, the iconic Titanic Belfast building. This is an interactive insight into the history of The RMS Titanic. There are nine galleries which take you through the life of the Titanic from its concept to the sinking 100 years ago and its influence up to modern times.

Officially opened on 31March 2012, the building was designed around many maritime themes including the ship's hull.

With large numbers of the public expected, and their safety a priority (as well as that of the staff), it was decided that a reliable voice evacuation system must be installed.

In addition to the voice evacuation, a disabled refuge and toilet alarm system was also needed for the site. This type of system provides two way communication between building management and areas of refuge for those that would need

Festival of Flame - Coldplay are to headline the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. They will take to the stage at the Olympic Stadium on 9 September for the ceremony, titled Festival of Flame. Frontman Chris Martin called it "a great honour" and said the band were "very happy to be involved". They will be among more than 2,000 performers at the event.

The closing ceremonies are being co-ordinated by artistic director Kim Gavin, who has worked on Take That tours and staged the Concert For Diana in 2007. "Our show will be a celebration of the UK as a centre for festivals, which is a fitting finale to the amazing festival of sport that is the London 2012 Games," he said.

Arts Funding - A major shake-up in Creative Scotland's funding strategy has left the country's independent theatre sector uncertain for its future,

Poland - Hucisko was the location for the most recent Dynacord academy in Poland, which ran from 3-5 April. The course was organised by Dynacord's Polish partner Tommex and conducted by Tobias Pirtsch (technical support manager Pro Audio EMEA) of Bosch Communications Systems. Twelve of Poland's most highly respected pro sound specialists and designers of audio installations took part.

The central focus of the three-day academy was the IRIS-Net software platform for remote systems from Dynacord. Subjects covered in the seminars included not only the fundamentals of the IRIS-Net soft- and hardware (such as the P 64 audio matrix, the DSP 600 digital sound system controller, and remote power amplifiers from the PowerH and DSA series) but also elementary network theory and a variety of practical applications. The participants were also introduced to the characteristics and range of a

UK - Chinese X Factor winner Mary-Jess Leaverland had a double date at Wembley Stadium on FA Cup Final day ... and AKG mics supported her on both occasions.

First she performed at a private function to an audience of VIPs and celebrities including Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber in the Bobby Moore Room, prior to the match - belting out some of her own material via an AKG WMS 4500 analogue wireless mic.

Then she took to the pitch for the traditional singing of Abide With Me prior to kick off, using an AKG DMS 700 digital wireless system equipped with an AKG D5 vocal capsule.

Confirmed Mary-Jess' tour manager Cliff Whitehead, who supplied both the mics and the AKG IVM 4500 in-ear monitoring system, "She loved using the new digital system.

"In fact everybody I spoke to backstage commented on how clear she sounded in comparison to other artistes performing on t

Azerbaijan - With its motto Light Your Fire! the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest is set to captivate well over 100m viewers on 26 May. The 57th edition of the contest will also be an anniversary for Sennheiser - it will be the 25th Song Contest to use the audio specialist's wireless microphones and monitoring systems. Sennheiser technicians are on hand in Baku to assist the production team with their preparations.

The organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest, with host broadcaster Ictimai TV at the helm, have placed their trust in experience. So Brainpool TV GmbH, which worked with the German host broadcaster NDR to produce last year's Song Contest, will be producing and directing this year's event too. Similarly, as in Dusseldorf, Markus Müller of MM Communications will be supplying the wireless equipment. He will work with a team of six to look after the microphone and m

UK / USA - Loud Technologies, owner of Martin Audio, has announced that it has appointed Lincoln International "to conduct a strategic review of its UK-based division, Martin Audio, with a view to finding private equity backing to support Martin Audio into the next phase of its development plan".

The company says: "In sourcing the right investment partner, and forging a more independent path, it will further assist in the realisation of the growth strategy and objectives of the business."

Following the introduction of its award winning, and ground breaking MLA system in 2010, Martin Audio's sales of professional loudspeaker systems have grown over 40% in the past 12 months, driven by growing demand for its products in new markets - particularly in the Asia Pacific region - despite the current global economic position. Over 90% of Martin Audio's sales are ex

UK - Exeter-based sound, lighting, video & event production company Puxley Ltd have been engineering for the recent Show of Hands UK and German tours using a Midas PRO2C, purchased from LMC Audio. The band recently played the Royal Albert Hall, where Chris Puxley, MD of Puxley mixed FOH on a PRO2C and monitor engineer Rob Waite used a PRO2 for monitors.

Puxley comments, "The Midas PRO2C produces excellent audio quality and stability, and the interface is very user friendly. I've had very positive feedback from other engineers, who have shown immediate interest in and acceptance of the console, especially those who are familiar with Midas products or other consoles from the Midas Digital range."

JP Cavaco, sales manager at LMC London comments, "PRO2C represents the perfect choice for Puxley. Chris has a no compromise attitude, and with the PRO2C he doesn't need t

USA - Three new sessions have been added to an already stellar line up of speakers due to take the stage at PLASA Focus: Nashville, a new style of regional event taking place, for the first time, at The Nashville Municipal Auditorium, on 11-12 July 2012.

Joining other exhibitors, such as Clay Paky, Barbizon Lighting, Robe, and Martin Professional, PLASA Focus: Nashville is proud to announce the recent additions of 4Wall, Drape Kings, The Light Source, Interspace, IATSE, SeaChanger, Techni-Lux, and ZFX, to its growing floor plan.

As well as the raft of exhibitors on show at PLASA Focus: Nashville 2012, visitors can also learn, first hand, about how those new products are best put into practice. Kicking-off the exhibitor demo sessions is Niclas Arvidsson, of Wireless Solutions with a unique introduction to the world of wireless lighting control, including Wireless DMX, RDM and m

USA - Faced with audio issues ranging from sound quality to interference, Central Seventh Day Adventist Church in Albuquerque decided to switch from conventional wireless microphones to Line 6 XD-V digital wireless. As Pastor Don Gibson recalls, "Our systems were pretty old, and we started having issues, especially after the FCC rules changed. Then the Line 6 systems solved all our problems."

Tony McKenzie, a member of the congregation and an AV professional, helped research the change. "Having been an audio-visual technician for over 30 years, I support the church by helping them make proper decisions for their audio-visual needs," he says. "I was aware of the Line 6 product through my company, Action Audio Visual, so we set up a demo. The difference was so dramatic, it made the decision easy."

Initially, the church purchased four XD-V70 systems,

UK - Roland Systems Group (RSG) is joining with some of their biggest dealers to put on a series of one day training events across the UK - starting on 20 June at Wigwam Acoustics. The events, which are free to attend, give those present unlimited access to the RSG audio product range and the chance for some 'one to one' training with RSG experts.

The core functionality of the V-Mixing System will be the main focus of the training - with a spotlight on the M-480 and M-300 Digital Live Mixing Consoles, as well as the range of Digital Snakes. The day will also include an overview of the key features of each of the current RSG products and will cover using their use individually as well as in a modular set up or installation. Each event will provide a great 'hands on' training opportunity for all attendees and is packed with information, expert tips and real world advice.

The eve

Europe - Irish singer-songwriter Imelda May is just coming to the end of a run of British and European shows, before taking a well-earned break to have her first child. For her vocal microphone she uses a Sennheiser e 965.

Trevor Gilligan took over front of house mixing duties for Imelda and her band around 15 months ago and soon started the quest for a vocal mic that would really suit her voice.

"After a couple of shows, I realised that the dynamics in her incredible voice really needed a microphone that would make the best of them," he says. "We tried microphones from a range of other manufacturers, but none of them were quite right. She found most of them too clinical.

"As she likes to sing at a good distance from the mic, both when she's giving it some power and also when singing softly, I thought a condenser would suit her style as they have a better

UK - Scottish sound equipment hire company The Warehouse has become the first pro audio rental supplier in the UK to receive stock of the new Axient systems from Shure, the company's latest generation of wireless microphone products, and to be certified as a trained Axient dealer.

The Shure Axient Wireless Management System was announced in early 2011, and offers the latest in wireless microphone technology and a host of new-to-the-world features, including the ability to detect RF interference and automatically select another, interference-free operational frequency in the blink of an eye.

Axient systems began shipping around the world in early 2012; however, companies offering the system have to be trained in its use before they can offer it for hire or sale, and the first UK-based outlets have only obtained their Axient certification in recent weeks. Of these, Glasgow and E

Malaysia - Malaysian rental company Digital Aid, more popularly known as D8, has become an L-Acoustics Rental Network Agent, with the purchase of a Kudo WST line source system with SB28 subwoofers from local distributor, Sennheiser Electronic Asia.

D8's system has already been used on several festivals and events including Future Music Festival Asia and Zouk@Sepang, both held at the Sepang International Circuit Formula One track outside Kuala Lumpur. These one-day events transform the Formula One track into an outdoor party for thousands of air-punching ravers, with emphasis on the best sound, lighting and production to showcase the live international and local dance acts.

(Jim Evans)

UK - RG Jones Sound Engineering LTD, one of the UK's leading sound engineering companies will be providing Martin Audio MLA loudspeaker systems for the London 2012 Coca Cola Olympic torch relay concerts; due to kick off this week in Cardiff and taking place across the UK. "Thanks to swift competitive finance from Azule Finance, RG Jones was able to purchase the highly-specialised audio equipment and provide a tailored system for the pre-Olympic events," says the company.

The company enlisted the services of Azule Finance ahead of an especially busy year. The industry-first MLA speaker system is the first large scale concert PA system with the ability to generate a wave-front that can focus the output on particular areas of the crowd. Radically reducing noise levels outside of those spaces, the MLA system enables RG Jones to provide a solution that delivers the ultimate

UK - After four successful years in DiGiCo's R&D department, Dan Page has become a sales application specialist with the company.

Page will be supporting the existing sales team of Ian Staddon, Tim Shaxson and James 'Digger' Bradley. Whilst building relationships with the company's distributors to help further expand DiGiCo sales into existing and emerging markets, he will be providing technical seminars, workshops, and systems design.

"Dan has proved himself to be an invaluable member of the DiGiCo team," says managing director James Gordon. "This new role recognises his considerable skills and adds yet another dimension to what we can offer our customers."

"I'm very excited about this new opportunity," adds Page. "I have an extensive product knowledge and I'm looking forward to being able to use that to help DiGiCo and its customers achie

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