UK - Liverpool-based installation company B&S Sound & Light recently selected Tannoy loudspeakers for the sound system when the Exchange Bar and Grill in Leeds was fully refitted. The client and installer have been so impressed with the system's performance that Tannoy has also been selected for the newly refitted Stevenage branch of the UK-based chain of restaurants, owned by the Greene King Group.
The refitted licensed grill restaurants in both Leeds and Stevenage have a predominantly New York Bronx theme with bright graffiti décor. Each outlet also features a smaller eating area with a more sumptuous ambience and a clever backlit system on the main windows portrays a New York skyline. Owner of B&S Sound and Light, Billy Gillbanks, explained: "Good quality audio reproduction was a prerequisite for the sound system which provides music at various levels throughout the day."
The Leeds branch uses Tannoy i5MPs, a fully active loudspeaker which allows volume levels to be individually set and adjusted for various areas within the restaurant. Fixed easily to a wall or ceiling with a yoke bracket, the compact size of the i5MP allows discreet installation. The larger Stevenage site utilizes a wider selection of products - i5MP, the more powerful i8MP with its twin 90W amplifier and Dual Concentric driver, and Tannoy VS15BP band pass subwoofers.
(Lee Baldock)
USA - Surround Live II - More Surround - A symposium, was held during the 117th AES Convention on 27 October 2004 at The Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco, Ca. For the second year a DiGiCo console was selected as the core of the sound system used during the event. The D1 Live, DiGiCo's new mixing console launched at PLASA and LDI this year, was used to manage the extensive input and source routing needs of the presenters, totalling more than 100 channels of audio, and to provide delay.
All of the 20-plus live Shure microphone feeds were handled using the D1's internal dynamics, EQ and signal processing capabilities. The complex 10-channel output matrix feeding the Meyer Sound Labs supplied CQ based playback system was fed by the D1 through a TiMax processor.
Surround Live produced and created by Frederick Ampel of Technology Visions under the auspices of the Audio Engineering Society chose the DiGiCo console because of its extensive capabilities, pure digital environment and flexibility to be reconfigured as needed during the all day event. On-site support for the D1 Live was provided by the company's managing director, Bob Doyle.
"The symposium was extremely interesting and informative due to the quality and experience of the speakers and their different approaches both artistically and practically to surround sound," comments Doyle. "To round it off, our new DiGiCo D1 Live console did the job extraordinarily well and made the whole event fun and educational."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)Clockwise from left back: Buford Jones, David Claringb
USA - In tandem with the announcement that L-Acoustics of France is now the sole owner of L-Acoustics US, three promotions of North American-based personnel have been announced by Dr. Christian Heil, president of L-Acoustics.
Paul Freudenberg, formerly the director of sales for L-Acoustics US, now assumes additional responsibilities as vice-president of sales and marketing for L-Acoustics US. In this role, he will continue to spearhead all North American sales activities in addition to now directing the distributor's marketing initiatives and overseeing daily operations for the company.
Diane Monet also takes on more responsibility as she moves into the capacity of vice-president of finance and administration, while Bernie Broderick remains the office's primary technical contact under his new title, head of technical support.
"Each of these three individuals has been critical to the success of L-Acoustics in North America and I'm very pleased to announce that they are taking on even greater roles within our newly expanded organization," says Heil. "We look forward to their contributions and anticipate continued successes under their very capable leadership."
(Lee Baldock)
Europe - A full HK Audio PA rig based around HK Audio's Cohedra (Coherent Dynamic Response Array) system is currently being used on the Waterboys tour of the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands.
The system, supplied by Concert Sound and John Hornby Skewes, typically consists of 12 CDR 208 T and S mid/high cabinets per side in most of the tour's venues, with four CDR 210 Sub subwoofers per side, and two of the newly-launched CDR 210 F flyable subwoofers at the top of each array for high venues with balconies. The CDR 210 Fs can also be used with HK's new Ground Stacking Frame, and for venues where the system can't be flown, a CDR 210 F is positioned at the bottom of the frame, which also serves the purpose of adding height to the ground-stacked array.
FOH engineer Chris Madden was introduced to the system by HK Audio's Moray McMillin, himself a veteran touring engineer who convinced Madden of Cohedra's ability to provide the best sound possible for the band's mostly acoustic set. Madden has worked with The Waterboys - who on this tour comprise founder member Mike Scott on vocals and guitar, Irish fiddler Steve Wickham on violin and mandolin and Richard Naiff on piano and flute - for almost five years.
"The live show is very much acoustic, but there are also parts when it gets really rocky, where the band and I want a big, encompassing wall of sound," he says. "Cohedra is doing a perfect job in combining the subtleties needed to convey every single note from Steve's violin through to a loud, big rock and roll sound."
For the Reading concert
UK - ADLIB Audio and sister company ADLITE Productions are enjoying a hectic autumn season, including the supply of full sound and lighting production for the current Amy Winehouse UK tour. Featuring a Yamaha PM5D monitor console and an Avolites Pearl 2004 lighting console bought specially for the tour, plus ADLIBs new MP3 wedges.
Front of House engineer Steve Pattison chose JBL's medium sized VerTec line array as the main PA system - utilizing various numbers of VT 4888 elements depending on the size of the venue. This ranged from an average of five a side in the smaller rooms to 12 a side for larger spaces like Brixton Academy.
Subs are ADLIB's double 18 folded horn DF3's, which have a formidable low-end reputation! The system is driven by Camco Vortex 6 amplifiers, in which ADLIB has also recently extensively invested. Pattison has worked with Amy since the 2003 'V' Festival, and this is the first time they have toured a full-scale production. The sound he aims for is a slightly raw, gritty R 'n' B vibe with excellent vocal clarity, and he reports that the VerTec is giving some great results.
The VT 4888s are also proving highly versatile for medium sized touring, working equally well sonically when ground stacked or flown. There's a Soundcraft Series 5 desk at FOH, and system control is BSS FDS-366 OmniDrive Compacts with BSS FDS 360s for EQ. This offers the flexibility to zone the system as required.
Amy prefers minimal effects on her voice, so anything Pattison uses is well blended. Onboard effects include two SPX 990s - for pitch shift across the brass
USA - Sennheiser products were again the primary choice for featured vocalists, presenters, and backline instruments at the recent Country Music Association Awards show, the company reports. The star-studded telecast was broadcast in the UK on BBC2 and live in the US by CBS from the world famous Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, and featured top country artists using Sennheiser wireless microphones.
McGraw picked up two of the year's top awards, Song of the Year and Single of the Year. McGraw and his band, long-time users of Sennheiser RF gear, adopted Evolution 500 Series wireless systems with e865 capsules and Sennheiser personal monitoring systems earlier this year.
The hybrid Sennheiser SKM5000 handheld RF transmitter with Neumann KK105-S capsule microphone has become a staple on televised music and entertainment events, and the three-hour 2004 CMA Awards broadcast was no exception. In addition to the top-of-the-line combination being used by presenters, the hybrid, which offers unequalled Neumann sound quality together with rock-solid Sennheiser wireless performance, was used by guest stars such as Faith Hill, Reba McIntyre, Willie Nelson, Big & Rich and Shania Twain.
But the most talked-about microphone in the show was Gretchen Wilson's 1949 vintage Neumann M49. The classic microphone, on loan from producer John McBride, whose Blackbird Studios - co-owned with wife, country star, and multiple CMA Award-winner, Martina McBride - is home to a collection of over 250 vintage tube microphones, including many Neumanns, made such an impact that it was even si
Italy - The Move 100 system is RCF's answer to the increasing demand for a fully portable PA System, ideal for the education and AV markets as well as houses of worship and outdoor sports events. The company says the system allows users to produce speech and music where AC mains is not available or where to lay AC and mic cables could interfere with or affect the performance.
Both models have built-in wireless microphone receivers, a single-antenna VHF on Move 100-V or a more sophisticated UHF multi-channel diversity device on Move 100-U. An integrated 16-channel UHF Diversity receiver allows users to work with up to six systems at the same time (TX 1600 or PX 1600 transmitter + Move 100-U receiving cabinet) set to different channels, simultaneously with no interference.
Additional inputs are available for the connection of music, such as CDs, iPods and other multi media sources as well as a separate input for wired microphone or other line-level devices. The Move 100 can also be directly connected to a laptop computer for AV presentations. Thanks to its dynamic soft clip limiter Move 100 always gives maximum performance with undistorted sound quality, regardless of the situation.
The cabinet works with an integrated long-life 12V battery that can be easily recharged from the mains or from a 12VDC source (car cigarette lighter socket). The energy management system of Move 100 includes an auto-stand-by feature and due also to the high efficiency of the Move 100 amplifier it allows complete usage for around 12 hours without AC mains.
Move 100 is a two-way bi-am
UK - The Institute of Sound & Communications Engineers (ISCE) has announced that Ros Wigmore has been appointed to provide secretariat services to the ISCE, replacing Cathy Mackezie, as of 1 October 2004. Ros Wigmore can be contacted at PO Box 7966, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 7WY.
(Lee Baldock)
Italy - The new RCF PR4092 preamplifier has been designed to provide a flexible solution for any paging and music application in PA systems. It has nine inputs and two outputs: each input can be sent to output A only, or output B only, or both A+B. In this way, PR4092 can also be used as a double preamplifier. The 'A-bus' could be, for example, dedicated to paging, and the 'B- bus' for BGM programs. Input 1 has overall priority (voice or contact activated) and can be used for emergency paging; Inputs 2 and 3 together can be set with priority on Inputs 4 to 9.
Equally, the PR4092 can be used as a conventional nine-input mixer with ideal applications for houses of worship, entertainment venues etc. The PR4092 is housed in a compact 19" single rack unit chassis.
(Lee Baldock)
Germany - HK Audio's Cohedra (Coherent Dynamic Response Array) line array system, introduced last year, is a compact line array system that delivers a big sound. As sound engineer Ray Furze intimated in last month's touring feature, there is more power in Cohedra than it would at first appear.
The German manufacturer's next step was to make a compact version of the Cohedra - a compact compact line array, if you like. This was the product that HK proudly unveiled at its headquarters in the small town of St Wendel, in southern Germany, at the end of September. Following a presentation and demonstration to HK's international distributors and the pro audio press, the system was tested in a true live setting, with a concert performance at a local venue, Saalbau, by Jon Lord - ex-keyboard player for Deep Purple - and an accompanying orchestra. Lord was mixed by FOH engineer Rob Hogdkinson, using an InnovaSon Sy48 digital desk.
The Compact packs a similarly impressive amount of punch, relative to its size, as its bigger brother, and brings HK's line array performance to a whole new range of bread-and-butter sound reinforcement applications - something that Dennis Drumm, MD of HK's UK distributor John Hornby Skewes, is keen to exploit. It's designed around three optimally matched components: a mid/high unit (the CDR 108), a subwoofer (the CDR 210 C) and an amp rack (the PR 8). A flying/stacking frame and the truck-optimized flightcases are optional extras. The CDR 108 measures just 50cm wide, by 26cm high and 32.5cm deep; the sub around double the height. The mid/high unit uses
Italy - Blues fans stream into the normally quiet Tuscan town of Pistoia each year for its annual Blues Festival, considered to be one of the most important in the country, with names such as B.B. King, Robert Plant and Van Morrison all having graced the stage in previous years. With Aztec chosen as the FOH console by rental company, Nicola Procopio, this year's festival had all the makings to deliver unrivalled sound quality.
For the last 24 years, concerts have taken place in the shadow of the great Duomo where audiences have seen great performances whilst either standing or sitting on the historical stones in the medieval square surrounded by breathtaking Romanesque and Gothic architechture. With a further 1500 seats in the gallery, the town's accommodation tends to be booked up for months in advance.
Owners of the first Aztec in Italy, Nicola Procopio were hired this year to provide the PA system for Steve Vai, Carlos Santana, Steve Winwood, John Mayall, Joe Satriani, Buddy Guy amongst others. Visitors could hardly be disappointed with performances. "The sound provided the perfect backdrop for the warm summer evenings," confirmed Marco Alterini of Audio Sales, distributor of the Audient range.
The Aztec Live Performance console is Audient's first Live Console and can be used both on the road or in a fixed installation. Features of the desk include separate L, C, and R buses with individual trims on each of the output faders, eight audio sub group outputs with balanced inserts, two additional stereo line inputs and a stereo ambience mic input, 4
UK - The theatre show Umoja was the inspiration of Todd Twala and Thembi Nyandeni, who created the show as an expression of their South African heritage.
All performers are selected from the Umoja School of Performing Arts in South Africa, which gives free scholarships to underprivileged children as a means to enter the entertainment industry.
'Umoja' translates as "the spirit of togetherness" and there was an abundance of positive energy in this vibrant showcase of South African music and dancing. A narrator punctuates a two-hour journey that takes the audience through a history of African music, from early tribal drummers, through the development the distinctive South African sounds. "Our music helped to keep us human," the narrator tells the audience, "for in Africa, rhythm is life itself."
Umoja first opened at London's Shaftesbury Theatre in November 2001 after a successful run in South Africa. It has now expanded to have two casts, which between them have toured in 22 countries. Recently the show played a three-week tour of the UK, beginning in Fairfield Halls in Croydon and ending in Birmingham's Alexander Theatre.
The show's glamorous show producer, Sheila Okonji, first joined the show in a public relations capacity two years ago. She explained: "I got completely wrapped up with the show being on tour with such an enthusiastic cast. They're a great group of optimistic, unworldly people and I simply gelled to such an extent that when they launched a second cast to tour internationally I was invited to become producer of the
USA - The long-awaited new home of Jazz at Lincoln Center was unveiled last month as part of a three-week grand opening celebration, televised live on PBS and broadcast throughout North America - via a Mackie Digital 8 Bus desk. The $128 million Frederick P. Rose Hall, a 100,000sq.ft building occupying two floors of the new Time-Warner building in New York's Columbus Circle, is the first performance and education facility designed specifically for jazz, and features three acoustically designed live venues.
The opening ceremonies featured three simultaneous programs in its three spaces. The flagship Frederick P. Rose Hall hosted performances by the JALC Orchestra, featuring artistic director Wynton Marsalis directing a tribute to Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Performances by Arturo O'Farrill and special guests inaugurated the elegant Allen Room, which features Greek amphitheater-inspired architecture and a 90ft by 50ft glass wall overlooking Manhattan. The intimate Dizzy's Club was ushered in by the Bill Charlap Trio with guests Peter Washington and Kenny Washington.
The opening night's festivities were broadcast live on PBS and NPR, with host Ed Bradley moving from venue to venue as the evening progressed. Veteran mix engineer Ed Green oversaw the broadcast, which represented a number of technical challenges. "We set up a Mackie d8b on the ground floor, taking live feed from over 150 microphones on the 5th floor," Green recounts. "We followed Ed Bradley to each room, broadcasting a few songs from each show before moving on to the next." <
UK - Famed Italian hoteliers, the Baglioni Group has created an exclusive London location as its UK flagship. Harman Pro UK and authorised installer The Sound Division Group collaborated to design and specify the premier sound system at the recently launched luxury 5-Star Baglioni Hotel in Kensington. The hotel's Brunello club and bar area, used for private parties and functions and as a members club, is a chic new evening haunt.
Following recommendations from high profile clients at top West End nightspots, Islington-based Sound Division specified Harman Pro products to Baglioni. Sound Division is a strong advocate of the JBL brand, says MD David Graham: "Primarily because of the breadth and flexibility of their range, and its uniform quality and power." Turning to JBL's Control Contractor series to handle Brunello's requirements for background music, DJ evenings and occasional live situations, Graham complemented the JBL system with Crown and BSS products from the Harman brand portfolio for a fully integrated system solution.
Designing the system with input and advice from Harman Pro UK's Andy Duffield, Sound Division created a distributed JBL speaker system based around Control 28Fs and Control 29AVs and JBL SB-210 subs. Chosen for their aesthetics as well as their sound quality, the ergonomic shape and size of the Control Series enclosures blend unobtrusively into the Brunello's plush interior design. Completing the installation is a DJ booth fitted to high industry standards and features.
The room needs both low and high levels of sound, so th
Croatia - When the Lisinski Hall - a multi-function venue in the Croatian capital of Zagreb - was refitted recently, great importance was attached to the quality of the sound reinforcement and communications equipment. To achieve the highest possible degree of compatibility (and therefore system security), the managers of the complex, which boasts two stages and seating for up to 2,300 spectators, opted to combine stage manager and public address systems from EVI Audio. In addition to their technical capabilities, ease-of-use and sound quality, the ability of these systems to function flawlessly in tandem was a key factor in this decision, say the company.
The outlay in terms of equipment was considerable: the two systems had to cover all areas (and the entire staff) of the complex. For the 2,000-seater theatre alone this meant the two stage manager's desks (stage right and stage left), the lighting and sound control rooms, all doors, the engineer's room and the video production workstation. The stage manager system selected for the purpose was an RTS Telex BTR-700/TR-700 intercom system.
To cope with the elaborate communication requirements of the complex, the management decided on a Zeus matrix from Telex. Only two rack units in height, this compact digital matrix offers a range of possibilities, being equipped, for example, with a variety of keypanels to cater to the requirements of different types of workstation. The matrix is linked up to three BTR-700 intercom systems for mobile use by the stage manager as well as the sound and lighting directors.
A Dy
UK - David Hamilton-Smith, owner of Soho audio post-production facility, China Blue has been elected by the APRS Board to succeed Focusrite's Phil Dudderidge as the new chairman of the Association of Professional Recording Services.
Hamilton Smith has a broad experience of the recording industry both in music recording and audio post-production. His career started at Olympic Studios in Barnes under the stewardship of Keith Grant where he was involved in recording every conceivable kind of music. A five-year spell as a freelance engineer/producer preceded joining Complete Video as head of sound where he stayed for 12 years, becoming a director, before leaving to open his own facility, China Blue, which has recently launched a new 5.1 Surround Room.
In a statement to mark his election DHS said: "I am genuinely touched and honoured to have been invited to be the new chairman of the APRS. I accept this role knowing that I have enormous shoes to fill. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the whole APRS Board to thank, Phil Dudderidge, for his exemplary work during his tenure as chairman. He will be a very hard act to follow, and I will need all the help and support my fellow Board members can give me to do justice to the faith they have placed in me to be his successor.
"I grew up seeing the APRS logo in the various studios I was fortunate enough to visit from the tender age of six. It was the first sign I saw in reception when I joined Olympic studios. To me the APRS badge has always been a symbol of excellence in recording. In such challeng
Turkey - Biamp Systems reports that AVS in Istanbul, Turkey, has installed a pair of multiple-zone AudiaFLEX systems in the city's newest Volkswagen office and showroom. "To be chosen by AVS for such a prestigious installation as the executive office headquarters and showroom in Istanbul is truly a validation of the versatility and cost effectiveness of AudiaFLEX," said Romano Cunsolo, East European sales manger for Biamp. "It proves that Audia solves the dilemma of offering easy-to-use technology that is still powerful and flexible."
As one of the world's most highly recognized brands, Volkswagen insisted the Dogus Groupe, which manages dealers and service in Istanbul, have its headquarters showcase the newest cars in a state-of-the-art showroom featuring the most advanced technology. This technology was to extend to the executive offices in their main building nearby the showroom.
After looking at the requirements, AVS realized that, with more than 10 audio zones required, AudiaFLEX would be the right system to attack the communication challenges within the showroom and service area as well as with the executive offices nearby. AudiaFLEX also provides AVS with flexibility in terms of expanding the number of inputs and outputs whileoffering the highest range of adjustability in EQ, volume levels and all other audio parameters including automation. To streamline operation and handle the audio traffic between the different facilities, AVS installed the AudiaFLEX units on CobraNet.
"For an installation of this complexity," said C
UK - Xtreme Audio Visual has installed a complete audio visual package at Sky Nightclub for client Ware Leisure, including a new sound system from KV2 Audio. The main club is split into two rooms, Daylight, the main dance area and the Sunset VIP Lounge. Daylight presented an acoustical challenge to Xtreme having multiple levels of vaulted ceilings along with raised floor levels. To overcome these problems, Xtreme opted to use the KV2 ES Active driven system consisting of four ES1.0, two ES2.5, 2 x ES1.8 and two ES1.5, powered by four EPAK 2500s, using an Audia Solo for the processing and routing.
The system was designed in conjunction with KV2's Andy Austin Brown. Due to the layout of the venue, and the wide variety of events planned for the system, the design was far from straightforward, but Austin Brown's knowledge of the KV2 products enabled an audio solution for all the problems encountered. One special request from the client was that, whilst the system should perform and be up front sonically, from an aesthetic point of view the cabinets had to remain unobtrusive. KV2 Audio made the cabinets sky grey/blue, allowing the system to blend into their environment. Craig Wiggins of Xtreme commented: "Sonically the system is magnificent, providing a solid bottom end along with crystal clear vocals - a brilliant all-rounder!"
The Sunset Lounge has been fitted with the smaller powered KV2 EX system. With aesthetics equally important, this system is coloured dark terracotta. The compact system consists of four EX10s and twoEX2.2s. The final word from Wiggin
USA - At the 20th Annual Technical Excellence & Creativity Awards, held on 30 October in San Francisco, Sennheiser and Neumann were honoured for their outstanding technical achievement. Neumann received an award in the category Microphone Technology / Studio for its TLM 127, while Sennheiser was awarded in the category Wireless Technology for evolution wireless G2.
Winners for Creative Achievement included, inter alia, the sound teams behind The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and Radiohead's Hail to the Thief. In addition to 23 awards for Technical and Creative achievement, the awards ceremony witnessed the induction into the TEC Awards Hall of Fame of legendary filmmaker George Lucas and venerated producer/engineer Elliott Scheiner. In a surprise appearance, Janet Jackson presented the Les Paul Award to platinum producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
The TEC Awards are presented annually by the Mix Foundation for Excellence in Audio and sponsored by Mix Magazine, the leading journal for the professional audio industry. Proceeds of the ceremony go to hearing conservation programs and scholarships for students of the audio arts and sciences. In 2003, the foundation contributed $42,000 to hearing conservation and audio scholarships.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - CIE-Audio, premier UK architectural audio supplier, has announced the launch of the B-52 loudspeaker range into the UK market. Seeing its official UK launch at November's 'Music Live' Show at the NEC, the US professional speaker range features more than 80 innovative, high end solutions for permanent installation, live performance, sound reinforcement and mobile DJ applications, say CIE.
CIE-Audio has been appointed as exclusive representatives for B-52 in the UK; the brand joins CIE's already extensive portfolio of key represented brands including Inter-M, Switchcraft, Armstrong i-ceilings, Chaiyo, Euromet and Amina. "We're extremely pleased with our latest appointment," says Chris Edwards, CIE-Group's marketing manager. "Over the past two years our involvement in the pro audio and AV markets has increased significantly and has become key to the continued growth of the company. Together with our leading market share of the architectural/installation audio industry, the addition of the B-52 music speaker range will provide an ideal addition to our portfolio."
With its success based upon quality and innovative product development, B-52 has previously won the American Disc Jockey Product of the Year Award for its ACT-18 active subwoofer featuring 1200W digital amplifier weighing just 6lbs. Most recently, this same technology has been incorporated into B-52's LX-18A - creating the world's first active folded horn subwoofer, according to the manufacturer.
B-52's extensive product line also features a complete series of high end permanent
UK - DT Productions has signed a licence with MCPS (the Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society) which will allow DT/Soundnet to incorporate copyright music into its programmes for jukeboxes and background music services for European distribution. The licence enables DT Productions to take advantage of one tariff for all types of music based on a percentage of revenue. Previously, it was necessary to work with different rates depending on whether the music was for jukebox, background, DVD or video use.
MCPS developed the new-style licence - which has been specifically designed to take into account a range of usages - within 10 months of an initial approach from DT. "I am now licensed to copy tracks to my UK hard drive and to make physical copies for distribution throughout the EU, confident that publishers, songwriters and composers are getting paid," said Simon Davis, director of DT Productions. "I am delighted to be the one of the first European content suppliers to benefit from this ground-breaking new licence that enables DT Productions/Soundnet to concentrate on our business, regardless of the background music service that is required," he added.
Sharon Dean, director of licensing at MCPS said: "MCPS is extremely pleased to have developed the new SG5 Licence following an initial approach by DT Productions. This demonstrates that we are always prepared to listen to the needs of our licensees and to work with them to develop new approaches to licensing wherever possible. The SG5 licence simplifies the licensing process for companies
Denmark - Mach has launched a new range of medium-throw speakers for the installation market. The CM Series is a line of dedicated compact top boxes specifically developed to produce high SPL and controlled dispersion. Mach say it is suited to venues requiring audio clarity and high power performance such as clubs, bars, cafés, lounges, restaurants, churches, hotels, fitness studios, conference rooms and shopping malls. The CM Series can be used in combination with a subwoofer or as a delay speaker.
The CM 9, 12, 15 and 18 all feature a rotatable horn for optimum dispersion and can be easily switched from passive to active mode through a multi-pin connector. The range was co-designed by contractors for contractors, say Mach, with ease of installation in mind and as such features an innovative mounting system, which along with the rotatable horn, allows for total flexibility when setting aim points. All speakers in the series feature 18 flying points - four of which are fully adjustable - allowing for full flexibility in vertical and horizontal positioning.
(Barry Howse)
USA - US-based design firm Environmental Acoustics Inc (EAI) and Performance Audio Video Lighting & Stage Systems Inc (PAVL) have chosen Digigram's EtherSound audio bridges as the cornerstone of the audio distribution system in the new Student Life Center at the Lancaster Christian School, Lancaster, PA, USA. The signal routing flexibility of EtherSound networks and the low cost of standard Ethernet components like switches and Cat 5 cables were key for EAI and PAVL to design a highly flexible audio control system, which allows for operator control at four different locations and meets the budget requirements of this privately funded institution. EtherSound networks distribute up to 64 channels of 24-bit digital audio at 48kHz, plus control information, over a single Ethernet cable - with only 125 microseconds latency.
The challenges of implementing sophisticated technologies into multi-purpose spaces, which host sport events, concerts, assemblies, theatre plays and the like, are well documented. This project, however, also required that operator controls be portable and operable from four different locations: front-of-house, the scorer's table, on stage, and an off-court ancillary location. Furthermore, the infrastructure needed to be able to address the multiple system requirements within the current budget, yet still offer sufficient flexibility to expand the system in future.
EAI's senior acoustician and performance systems designer Dave Still immediately recognized the added value of Digigram's EtherSound products. He built a network infrastructure based o
USA - Kansas City's historic Argosy Casino has recently undergone a complete renovation and is now in a new home. Sound-wise the casino has integrated a brand new way of processing, routing and controlling audio within this far more complex and demanding sound environment than the original facility. TSI Inc, the St. Charles, Missouri-based AV systems integrator that coordinated installation of the casino's AV system, made SymNet - the modular audio mixing, routing and processing system from Symetrix Audio - the hub of the casino's sophisticated audio system.
"As we began designing the system in July 2003, we realized we were going to need something with more control and flexibility, to do things with the audio system, than the old casino facility provided," says Mark Schultz, the TSI design specialist who helped coordinate the Argosy project. "With SymNet, we have a much more powerful and user-friendly system that didn't cost the owners any more than their budget called for."
Seven components comprise TSI's SymNet package for the Argosy, giving the casino the ability to easily merge multiple audio sources with multiple audio outputs in a vast range of combinations covering numerous zones in the 62,000sq.ft facility. Consisting of one 8x8 unit; one 8-out unit; three Break-In 12 units; and two Break-Out 12 units, the SymNet configuration handles the casino's current needs, but also has enough power to handle the demands of an expected hotel addition sometime in the near future.
Via SymNet, the casino is able to easily manage audio distribut