USA - Multi-platinum recording artist Kip Winger has always had serious musical chops, as he demonstrated during his first high-profile gig, playing bass with Alice Cooper, and for six years fronting the glam-metal band Winger. But aside from occasional shows with the reformed Winger band, his fans most frequently see him at his solo acoustic shows, at which he often performs using an L1 Model II portable loudspeaker system, B2 bass module and T1 ToneMatch audio engine from Bose Professional Systems.

Winger generally takes only a single L1 system on the road for his solo acoustic show

Known for its wide range of entertainment, Leeds University Union operates three popular live rooms, including the 1200-capacity main Stylus as well as subsidiary Mine and Pulse (with respective capacities of 450 and 350).

Having installed a new sound system two years ago, it has always placed high priority on keeping its technical infrastructure at the cutting edge.

However, it was with their burgeoning hire business in mind that they recently purchased a Soundcraft Si Expression 2 mixing console, opting for the 24 mic input capacity in order to be able to service a range of events - from

Poland - GigantSound Letus recently deployed a large number of Powersoft amplifiers to drive their JBL VerTec PA rig, at a special concert in Warsaw welcoming in 2014.

According to owner of the company, Jurek Taborowski, the concert, which was organized by Stoleczna Estrada, saw the sound specialists provide a system, driven by Powersoft K Series amplifiers, to satisfy an audience of 200,000 people on the square near Stadium Narodowy in Warsaw.

"We decided to use 64 Powersoft K10 amps to drive a 96 JBL Vertec cabinets (low, mid, high) and 32 Powersoft K20 amps which powered 88

UK - MilTec (UK) has announced the appointment of Peter Maddison to the position of audio sales manager.

Peter's role within the company will be to further promote Miltec's successful Blakite range of British made speakers along with their amplifiers, signal processing and LED lighting products.

David Faulkes, MilTec's sales director, commented, "I am pleased to be able to welcome Peter to the company. He brings a wealth of experience gained from 27 years in the industry. With Peter on board we are set to increase our presence in the rental and installation markets even further

Germany - Riedel will present the MN-ST-AL-2, the company's new MediorNet expansion card for Studer consoles at ProLight+Sound. The MN-ST-AL-2 card provides two ports, each with redundant interfaces, for connecting Studer mixing consoles via the Studer A-Link protocol. In this way, the consoles become an integrated part of the entire signal distribution infrastructure.

Users can gain up to 384 channels per connection and realize significant cost savings in cabling and maintenance while benefitting from MediorNet's unparalleled flexibility and signal quality. Routing of the audio strea

Germany - Focusrite Audio Engineering will be showcasing RedNet, their expanding range of Dante-powered audio-over IP interfaces, including the new D16 AES interface and a suite of additional RedNet Control features, at Booth C10, Hall 8.0, Prolight+Sound, Frankfurt.

RedNet is Focusrite's growing range of high quality audio interfaces and connectivity solutions based around the popular and well-established Dante digital audio networking system. RedNet allows a Dante network to interconnect seamlessly with AES/EBU, MADI and Pro Tools|HD systems as well as providing ultra-high quality,

Germany - At this year's Messe in Frankfurt, Genelec is taking its presence further than ever before. It will demonstrate the latest pro monitoring products in Hall 8.0, and in Hall 5.1 music creation products with DJ Paul Loraine performing live with Genelec.

Genelec is showcasing two product innovations on Stand 8.0-H25 at Prolight + Sound 2014. The recently launched 8010, a compact-sized professional monitor is available for listening first time for the public in Europe, while the 1238A three-way Smart Active Monitor SAM, is making its Prolight + Sound debut.

The 8010 is the newe

Germany - At Prolight + Sound 2014 in Frankfurt Meyer Sound will feature the latest addition to the Leo family of linear sound reinforcement systems.

Bringing the linear reproduction of the Leo system to a more flexible and compact package, Lyon is designed for applications where Leo's extreme long throw is not required. They include arena and large auditorium installations, as well as tours and festivals.

Lyon linear line array loudspeakers are available in two versions: the Lyon-M main line array loudspeaker and the Lyon-W wide-coverage line array loudspeaker. Complemented by the

Germany - Audio-Technica is to re-introduce one of its classic microphone models at ProLight + Sound 2014, with other new headphone and microphone products also receiving their PL+S debut at the event.

The AT4060a tube microphone rejoins the Audio-Technica line-up for 2014 - the cardioid large diaphragm condenser boasts a dynamic range that "far exceeds other tube mics", and is capable of handling high SPLs, making it suitable for bringing vintage warmth to everything from vocals to guitar cabinets.

In addition, ProLight + Sound will see Audio-Technica showcasing the newly

UK - Britannia Row Productions has invested further in DiGiCo consoles, with latest SD7 purchase going straight out on the recent Mastercard BRIT Awards.

Watched by over four million television viewers, the ceremony, held at London's O2 Arena, was once again hosted by James Cordon and featured performances from Beyonce, Katy Perry, Arctic Monkeys, Rudimental, Lourdes, Bastille and Bruno Mars, plus a medley from Pharrell Williams and Nile Rogers.

"For the first time on the BRITS I specified DiGiCo SD7 consoles for use on Front of house and Monitors," says Derrick Zieba, aud

UK A slice of 1950s Americana is currently rockin' and rollin' all week long throughout the UK and Ireland, as Happy Days, A New Musical brings The Fonz, Ritchie Cunningham and many other familiar characters from the television series to provincial stages. A Yamaha CL5 digital console is helping to deliver the c-o-o-o-l sound of the era.

Designed by Ben Harrison and supplied by Orbital Sound, the show's audio production features a Yamaha CL5 at front of house, with i/o from two Rio3224-D units. One of these is in the orchestra pit for the band inputs, a combination of microphon

UK - Allen & Heath has released V1.4 firmware for its GLD digital mixer range, introducing a suite of powerful dynamic processors and enhancements to scene management, including crossfading and embedded scene recalls.

V1.4 features two multiband compressors (three and four bands) and a four-band dynamic equaliser, recently developed for the latest update to the acclaimed iLive digital series. V1.4 also includes Transient Controller, an accurate model of the industry standard transient signal processor. These additions provide GLD users with crucial tools for dynamic control, such as t

Rich Pickings - Taylor Swift has returned to the top of Billboard's annual list of music money makers, a title she held in 2012 only to relinquish last year to Madonna. The 24-year-old earned $39.7m (£23.8m) in 2013 from a combination of music sales, royalties and touring, according to the trade publication. Country star Kenny Chesney rose three places to second place, while Justin Timberlake came third. Rock acts Bon Jovi and the Rolling Stones round out this year's top five.

Homecoming - Hit musical Book of Mormon is due to play Salt Lake City for the first time

Germany - DPA Microphones will focus attention on its range of high-quality microphones for the live stage at Prolight + Sound 2014 (Hall 8, Stand C71). Among the product updates on display are the company's award-winning d:facto Vocal Microphone, which will sport new grids with gold and nickel finishes. DPA will also showcase the Rock and Classic Tour Kits for its popular range of d:vote 4099 Instrument Microphones. The company will enhance its show line-up by displaying its superior d:dicate recording microphone range, which delivers high-quality audio across many applications, includ

Germany - Work has scheduled two major product launches for ProLight & Sound 2014. One of the company's main products will be ARION 5, the new compact self-powered line array system that has recently joined the ARION 10 as part of the ARION Series. This new system, suitable for small and medium applications, is composed of four two-way satellites (SL 25), a self-powered tri-amplified subwoofer with built-in DSP (SL 115 SA) and a flying frame for rigging purpose. It gives high SPL and excellent frequency response.

ARION 5 includes a tri-amplified module that provides a complete control

Germany - It's going to be a very busy show for Outline, as they announce the launch of a whole raft of innovative new products at MusikMesse 2014 (stand J70, Hall 8.0).

The best-selling EIDOS range expands yet further with the addition of three new members, the X123W, the 6.5 and the 12 SP:

The EIDOS X123W is a classic multi-purpose problem-solver, combining high power with an asymmetric cabinet design allowing myriad applications. Its use of modern co-axial driver technology (12"/3" LF/HF) allows a very light and compact unit to deliver serious spl.

The EIDOS 6.5 is a

Germany - British pro-audio manufacturer, Audient will be using this year's Musikmesse to showcase ASP880, eight-channel microphone preamplifier and ADC, the first product to be released since Simon Blackwood's acquisition of the company at the end of 2013.

ASP880 features eight of Audient's renowned console mic pres, two JFET D.I instrument inputs, pristine converter technology, variable impedance and variable high pass filters, all part of a versatile feature set neatly packaged in a 1U rack mount unit.

Chief technical officer Tom Waterman explains, "Listening to feedback fro

UK - Three of Universal's newest signings, Sons & Lovers, Eliza & The Bear and Fred Page, have just completed The Satellite Tour with an SSL Live console, supplied by HD Pro Audio.

Production for the 14 date UK tour was handled by Cato Music. Cato's FOH engineer, Jim King, needed a console to meet the tours specific requirements, which included a large number of outputs. He discussed the options with HD Pro's Andy Huffer and decided the SSL Live more than met all the tour's needs. Although new, its ease of operation also required only half a day's training for King to operate with con

South Africa - Johnny Scholtz, has joined the DWR Distribution sales team. Johnny is a well known and respected lighting designer and has worked on various corporate events in Africa.

He initially joined the industry after completing a sound engineering course. "In fact, Peter Rieck, a friend of mine from high school, introduced me to the industry," recalls Johnny. Peter was working for MJ Event Gear at the time, and Johnny joined the company soon after. He stayed at MJ for 11 years, working himself up the corporate ladder and falling in love with lighting along the way. Joh

UK - HHB Communications has installed the UK's first 24-channel Avid S6 M40 control surface in its subsidiary Scrub's demo room in Soho, London.

Customers are invited to arrange an appointment to view the full features of the S6 with HHB's knowledgeable Avid specialists in a 5.1 equipped facility. The 24-fader M40 offers a unique advantage by showcasing the full range of modules available in a large format console. Pro Tools, Nuendo and Logic are installed and available for S6 demonstrations.

The S6 console has revolutionised the control of Pro Tools and other DAWs by providing exte

USA - Metallica will expand its touring inventory with 76 units of the new MJF-210 stage monitor from Meyer Sound. The lightest self-powered stage monitor in the company's product line, the MJF-210 was developed to the exacting demands presented by the Metallica production team. The band's new monitors will first be used on its South American tour this spring.

Bringing the sonic performance of the MJF-212A stage monitor to a more compact package, the MJF-210 is the direct result of a collaborative effort between Meyer Sound and its customers in the field. Looking for a new solution to

USA - Over the past 10 years on the road, touring sound engineer Sean Quackenbush has worked with such hard-touring bands as O.A.R. and Robert Randolph, along with a host of other groups. One of the biggest benefits of that experience has been the opportunity to use all the major brands of in-ear monitors. This has led him to the conclusion that for sound quality, comfort, and reliability, his clear preference is for Sensaphonics in-ear monitors (IEMs).

"I've had the chance to try them all, and there's really no comparison," he says. "It starts with sound quality. My jo

Australia - The heritage-listed Newstead Gas Ring is an iconic piece of Brisbane's historical industrial architecture that is now at the hub of a major urban regeneration project, Gasworks, a plan started over two decades ago to transform the formally derelict post-industrial wasteland into a busy and vibrant contemporary living, working and commercial environment.

The newly launched Gasworks Plaza element of this project stands below the superstructure of the former gas storage ring which still majestically towers above the land below ... and has now been illuminated with over 500 An

Germany - Solid State Logic is set to make several product announcements at Musikmesse/Prolight + Sound 2014. Located for the first time ever in Hall 8 at Stand L80, the company has announced the imminent release of new V2 Software for the SSL Live console, which introduces a substantial collection of significant new features. This includes enhancements to the Output Matrix, Effects Rack, User Interface, Routing, Solo System and Focus Channel, as well as a comprehensive Offline Setup application.

SSL is also presenting a trio of major new developments for its Duende Native range of pl

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