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

USA - Fulcrum Acoustic has introduced Fulcrum One, a system design and simulation software available for Windows and Mac. This comprehensive software environment streamlines the design, deployment, and management of both traditional sound reinforcement and immersive audio systems within a single, user-friendly interface. The all-in-one nature of Fulcrum One saves time, reduces the need for multiple software applications, and caters to the needs of diverse audio projects.
Incorporating the Fulcrum Acoustic loudspeaker catalogue, Fulcrum One enables users to accurately plan and position loudspeakers within a 3D venue model. The software will also facilitate the creative design of active acoustics and object-based mixing components for immersive audio installations powered by the Fulcrum Immersive Venueflex processor.
A key feature of Fulcrum One is its acoustic simulat

USA - GAT3, an audio facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, has transformed a former stereo tracking room into a 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos studio equipped with PMC Ci series monitors.
Established 27 years ago by Glenn A Tabor III and his wife Susan, GAT3 is renowned for its outstanding facilities and equipment. The facility has five studios handling a range of audio projects, from music recording, mixing and mastering to voice overs, ADR and post production for film and television. It also has two sound stages, two video stages and a recording academy, teaching the next generation of audio engineers the skills of their trade.
Each of the facility’s studios are named after a precious stone (Opal, Onyx, Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire), and take their interior décor colour palette from the colour of the stone they represent. GAT3’s centrepiece, the new Dolby Atmos Sapphire Room

USA - In-ear monitor specialist Jerry Harvey Audio LLC (JH Audio) has filed for Chapter 11 reorganisation protection with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Florida.
Although the specific details and terms of the filing currently remain undisclosed, JH Audio Founder Jerry Harvey has issued the following statement: “The recent global pandemic created unparalleled challenges for businesses across the nation, and our company was no exception. Despite the resilience and determination of our team, the prolonged closures within the music and live sound industry, combined with reduced customer traffic, made it increasingly challenging to sustain normal business operations.
“In those unprecedented circumstances, we sought financial assistance through federal loans. Unfortunately, the complexity of the federal loan terms and the uncertainty surrounding the econo

Germany - Samsung has collaborated with KSCAPE to transform the meeting room experience at the Samsung Display Experience Centre in Frankfurt. The result is a solution based around KSCAPE Rail, which aims to eliminate the chaos of cables via integrated lighting and audio capabilities within a single dedicated product.
The inspiration for this project can be traced back to conversations between Kris Hogg, head of partnerships at Samsung, and Tom Ríby, global sales and marketing manager at KSCAPE.
“Kris and I shared a frustration with modern meeting room disorganisation and complexity. It was clear to us was that the productivity buzzkill caused by cable clutter and technological issues during video calls was a massive time and money drain to businesses,” explains Ríby. “We started discussing how Rail and Samsung could be used together to create an intelligent, e

France - L-Acoustics is to be the platinum sponsor of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) International Acoustics and Sound Reinforcement Conference in Le Mans France from 23 to 26 January 2024.
Arica Rust, member of the Education & Scientific Outreach division at L-Acoustics is co-chairing the conference, whose objective is to bring together the minds of leading researchers and practitioners to discuss new ideas and to foster the next generation of industry innovators through the promotion of inclusivity and diversity.
The conference organising board consists of members of the AES Technical Committee on Acoustics and Sound Reinforcement, among others: Arica Rust, Manuel Melon, Adam Hill, Elena Shabalina, Marcel Kok, Hannah Goodine, Etienne Corteel, David Williams, Peter Mapp, Eddy Bøgh Brixen, and Pierrick Lotton.
The event will be hosted at and is being

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