USA - The new SP12 stage monitor from Mach is a low profile stage monitor. Utilized in stage applications during the product development process this past summer, the SP12 achieved excellent feedback from professional performers. Featuring high SPL and power handling, the SP12 provides high gain before feedback with minimum EQ requirements. A narrow dispersion patent gives ideal vocal performance and a specially designed enclosure provides for a powerfully clean bass performance.
The SP12 is equipped with dual 12" woofers and features a very flat frequency response. The compression driver features a 2" throat and has an output of no less than 138 dB. The symmetrically designed cabinet is durable and is coated with Mach SafeCoat, a strong scratch resistant, UV stable and weatherproof polyurethane surface. The SP 12 is equally suitable for TV and theatre environments.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
Europe - Legendary rockers Deep Purple are using 14 of Robe's new ColorSpot 1200 AT moving head fixtures on their Bananas world tour, currently in Europe.
Lighting designer is UK-based Louis Ball, who lit the band initially from 1984 to 1987, and then continuously since the mid-1990s. Ball's own high profile career started at 18, with the Alex Harvey Band in the late 1970s. Since then he's lit some of the best-known names in rock 'n' roll, including Judas Priest, Ozzie Osborne, Slayer, Anthrax, Wishbone Ash, Climie Fisher and a host of other diverse artists including Wet Wet Wet and French superstar Johnny Halliday.
Ball was first introduced to the Robe ColorSpot 1200s by Robe's German distributor, L.M.P. who supplied the gear to the German rental hire company, T.D.A. Ball was then contacted by Randy Wade of Robe America - the two having worked on many of the same shows and productions over the years - and seized the opportunity of putting the new fixtures through their paces.
Ball stated: "I'm very pleased with the ColorSpots, they're intensely bright, have a real impact onstage and have proved very reliable". He adds that he's also impressed with the smooth dimming and movement, and is considering at least doubling the ColorSpot 1200 count when the tour hits North America in January and February 2004. Robe will also be supplying a set of custom gobos for the US tour. The colour mixing capacities of the ColorSpot 1200 have also proved ideal for Ball's show, which features a myriad of bold and definite primary and secondary colour mixes, combined in a
Italy - RCF, A Loud Technologies Inc (formerly Mackie Designs) brand, has announced the launch of the first RCF-branded website for the worldwide commercial and industrial sound market. The first version of the new web site is an Italian language version, and an English language version will come online later this month.
The launch of the new RCF site is the latest step in the company's plan, announced during the PLASA Show in September, to re-focus RCF as Loud Technologies' worldwide commercial and industrial sound brand. As part of this transition, commercial sound products currently branded as Mackie Industrial will be re-badged as RCF.
"RCF has a rich 50-year history in Europe as a premier commercial sound provider -especially in Italy. For this reason, we launched the Italian site first, followed closely by the English version," said Dave Raneses, commercial audio product manager for Loud Technologies. "This new website will be an important and powerful resource for our customers - the contractors and system designers that have supported both the Mackie Industrial and RCF brands. It's also the best method for delivering the RCF story to a worldwide audience as we advance our global strategy for the RCF brand."
(Lee Baldock)
Germany - Dynacord has extended its family of high quality power amplifiers with the addition of three new members: the CL 1600, CL 1200 and CL 800. The new Compact Linear Precision power amplifier range combines audio performance with a high degree of reliability and operational safety, say Dynacord. As well as providing an improved specification, Dynacord has reduced the weight of the amplifiers, so that the CL 1600, CL 1200 and CL 800 weigh in at 16kg, 15kg and 13.5kg respectively.
The use of an optimized power supply with low-emission toroidal transformers and Class H technology has made it possible to attain a large amount of headroom over and above the rated power, whilst at the same time reducing both the weight and the power loss of the amplifiers, according to the manufacturer. CL series amplifiers are protected against overheating, overloading and short-circuits as well as HF or DC at the output. High-speed audio processors continuously monitor the output signal of all CL series power amplifiers, so that in the (unlikely) case of a deviation from linearity, fresh control parameters can be sent to the dynamic limiter and the input signal reduced.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
Canary Islands - In the city of Puerto del Rosario on the island of Fuerteventura, one of Spain's most 'Latin' rock bands, Café Quijano, was in concert during the island's regional festivities. Once again, rental company Audio Luz, located in the city of Gran Tarajal, was responsible for providing the sound reinforcement and stage monitoring systems.
24 ST-112 mid/high units were flown (12 per side) and 16 ground-stacked ST-218 low frequency units made up the main PA. Six ST-1800 systems (ST-112 and ST-218) were used to provide front-fill for the first few rows. All the systems were powered using QSC amplifiers. Audio Luz says of the ST-1800 systems: " They provide us with high sound pressure levels and absolute reliability. What we like best is that we don't have worry too much because we know they perform well."
Stage monitoring was handled by 14 D.A.S. passive two-way ST-32s. Six self-powered Compact-1 three-way systems were used to provide side-fills. According to Audio Luz: "The D.A.S. Compact systems provide us with a sound system that performs fantastically. The reduced size and simplicity saves us a lot of time during set-up."
(Lee Baldock)
Australia - Intended for the Installation and AV markets the new MM 1 from ARX is a two-way speaker that provides surprising sound quality from its compact package. Under its contoured steel mesh front lies an ARX Pro Series 8" (205 mm) low frequency driver, and a powerful 1"(25mm) mid/high compression driver. This is coupled to a 80' x 60' flat front radial horn flare, providing the MM1 with superb clarity and articulation.
The MM 1's specifications include an impedance of 8 Ohms, a rated frequency response of 60Hz-20kHz +-5 dB, recommended minimum amplifier power of 125W RMS, Sensitivity of 1W at 1m of 92dB and a Maximum SPL at 1m of 123dB. The MM1 features 2 Speakon Connectors as standard, weighs in at only 10kg and has maximum dimensions of 460mm (H) x 280mm (W) x 330mm (D). The units are fitted with captive T nuts to fit Omnimount Series 75 wall brackets and a recessed stand mounting plate ensuring the MM1 is supplied ready for use or installation.
The MM1 is designed to be used with ARXs MicroDrive 3-channel power amplifier processor or the ARX Pro-Sys multi-channel loudspeaker control unit which supplies EQ trim, phase correction, sub crossover, and fail safe loudspeaker component protection.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
Dubai - Dubai-based superstar-of-the-turntables 'Cowboy' is generating more heat in the run-up to the biggest DJ showdown the Middle East has seen - and he's not even competing. Reigning champion Cowboy, who hails from Lebanon, has agreed to sit on the judging panel at the forthcoming PALME 2004 DJ of the Year Competition in Dubai. The DJ promises tough times for contestants, at this stage likely to number more than 200 from all over the world. It was revealed this week that prizes will be worth $40,000 and organizers are spending $100,000 staging the event..
The DJ contest runs in conjunction with the massive PALME expo, the region's first professional sound, light, audio-visual and systems integration exhibition. It was held for the first time earlier this year and organizers say the coming expo, to be held 17-19 February 2004 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre, will be 'a sell-out'.
"Exhibitors from around the world - particularly, Germany, China, UK and Australia - are keen to introduce their products to this dynamic part of the world," says Darren Brechin, PALME's marketing chief. "The DJ contest runs side-by-side. It's great fun. We wanted to provide some entertainment and launch DJ'ing careers as well, so we created the DJ competition. We haven't even officially advertised yet and the applications are pouring in. The judging panel is not yet finalized, but we are likely to have two big-name experts from Britain flying in. The main thing was to secure Cowboy. He won it last time and he brings a big regional name to the table."
(S
Australia - Genelec has been up to something fishy in Sydney's Darling Harbour - the Finnish active monitoring specialist is providing the sound for the popular Disney/Pixar Finding Nemo exhibition at the Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour. The aquarium is one of the city's tourist hotspots and welcomes more than a million visitors each year.
The installation was carried out by local company, Switched On Living, which specializes in home automation systems. A Genelec system comprising 1030 and 1032 units with a 7070A subwoofer was chosen for its ability to perform equally well at low and high levels in a difficult acoustic environment.
Switched on Living's managing director, David Beauchamp, comments: "There are lots of hard surfaces and the venue is very large, and we knew that Genelec could be relied on to meet the challenge."
(Lee Baldock)
Austria - With apologies to REM for paraphrasing their song title, but when your playing to an audience sat beneath half a hectare of glass surely wavelength should be a consideration? It might be more traditional for Sopranos to break glass, but violins have no trouble reaching those critical frequencies, and they were to be amplified. OK, so we exaggerate the potential, but when Karlheinz Stockhausen presents a new piece we know conventions will be broken, so it's as well to check anything else that might break.
The occasion was part of this year's Salzburg Festival, a performance of 'Helicopter String Quartet' by the renowned Stadler Quartet. Each of the four sting players performed from within an airborne Black Hawk helicopter (courtesy of the Austrian Army), while the audience sat in the all-glass Hangar 7, the new home to the Flying Bulls aerobatics team. This was notgoing to be easy.
"We tested seven or eight microphones for the violins with Peter Heckler, the sound director, before we found one that would work in these conditions" explained Wolfram Kolb project leader for Neumann & Mueller of Munich who provided the sound reinforcement system for the event. "In the end a relatively inexpensive piezzo pick-up, a Big Twin, proved best. Although you only get about 60dB off a violin we had no problem."
Kolb was fortunate that background noise from the helicopters was a planned part of the performance, "yes, we even put an MKE 2 on the nose of the chopper to give a more interesting sound." The two devices plus a vocal mic' on ea
UK - Meteor Electronics, the new company formed by Clive Kinton on his departure from Matrix Audio Development, is launching a range of lightweight Class D Amplifiers and Modules manufactured in the UK.
The D-Lite1200 is a 1U, 19" rack-mounted stereo amplifier giving 600W per channel into 4ohms. Its low weight - less than 8kg - is derived from the use of integral switch-mode power supplies and a clean, clear natural sound is delivered from its digital amplification techniques. This model, say Meteor, will form the basis of a range of digital amplifiers with outputs in excess of 2000W.
The D-Block 600 is a mono-block module, which makes building an active speaker a straightforward proposition. Delivering 600W into 4 ohms, using digital technology and switch-mode power supply, the unit runs without forced cooling and only adds an extra 3kg to the weight of the finished loudspeaker.
(Lee Baldock)
South Korea - Over 1500 singers, musicians and performers held audiences spell-bound at Seoul's Jamshil Olympic stadium rcently for a spectacular production of Aida produced by Parma's Regio Theatre for local organizers CNA Korea. The event, which also included chariots, elephants and camels, was directed by Stefano Monti and had a 360ft by 60ft high four-storey set designed by Antonio Mastromattei.
Italian sound designer Daniele Tramontani was called in to design the huge audio rig supplied by Jinyun Cho's Seoul Sound, audio contractors at this ambitious event. Tramontani-based his choice of hardware on equipment he'd already used for important events, as far as mics, consoles and speakers were concerned. Following up on May's Pavarotti & Friends charity concert for which he was responsible for the sound system, and three DiGiCo D5 desks were used, he once again spec'd the console.
Tramontani also helmed the DiGiCo D5 56E personally on the mixer platform, mixing the overhead mics of the Regio Theatre's orchestra with a bug mic pre-mix and another of the soloists and choruses by Giovanni Sbaffoni: "Although Giovanni and myself have both worked on operas staged in large venues, this is the biggest Aida ever, so it was a unique event for all concerned," he said.
Opera-goers are accustomed to listening to shows at home or in the relative calm of theatres and aren't used to amplified concerts; it's no easy job creating the right atmosphere in a stadium, particularly as far as focusing the crowd's attention on the stage is concerned. Tramonta
UK - HRH Queen Elizabeth II has formally opened The Capitol, the community arts centre in the Sussex town of Horsham, which has been extensively redesigned and refurbished, with Martin Audio cinema and theatre sound systems installed throughout.
Sound Associates provided an integrated design approach to the new audio and projection systems, including projection equipment, theatre PA, cinema sound, a combined PA/VA system and general communications. The building had been substantially reconfigured, its new layout featuring a small studio cinema, a larger 160-seat cinema, and the main 450-seat auditorium which is set up for dual use as a theatre and cinema.
For all three cinemas, Sound Associates chose Martin Audio's Screen Series of loudspeakers. "Martin has been making great inroads into the cinema sound market in the last couple of years," explains Graham Lodge of Sound Associates. "They've come up with highly competitive, quality products that match or exceed the usual benchmarks in specific areas, and they offer excellent customer support across the entire range."
In the main auditorium, Martin Audio Screen 4 three-way cinema systems were installed L, C and R behind a drop-down screen, with 14 Martin Effect 3s used for surrounds. Smaller products from the Screen Series were used for the other two screening theatres, and each room was equipped with a Sub1A sub-bass cabinet. In the main auditorium, the function of the cinema sub was combined with the theatre PA, using two WS2A sub-bass cabinetsThe Martin Audio support team completed an EASE
USA - Legendary front-of-house engineer 'Big' Mick Hughes has worked for some of the biggest names in the business including Def Leppard, Ozzy Osbourne, Slipknot and UB40. But for most of the past 19 years, Hughes has been at FOH with San Francisco-based heavy metal phenomenon Metallica, during which time he has established many of the production benchmarks by which today's heavy metal bands are judged.
One element in that equation has been Hughes' relationship with leading microphone manufacturer Audio-Technica. He explains: "I've been using Audio-Technica for years because of the way A-T mics sound. I'll continue to use some of my 'old standard' A-T mics, but recently I have added some of the new Artist Elite mics to my setup, including the AE5400 and AE2500. The AE5400 on vocals has stunning tone with great highs."
In addition to the AE5400, Hughes is using ATM35s on toms and cymbals, AT4051 on snare bottom and hi-hat, ATM23HE on snare top, as well as AE2500s and AT4050s on guitar cabinets. Metallica guitarist James Hetfield, meanwhile, has recently switched to Audio-Technica's Artist Elite 5000 Series Wireless System with the AEW-T1000 transmitter.
"The AE2500 is absolutely stunning on guitar cabinets," says Hughes. "When I first tried the 2500, I listened to each element individually and said that's not very big. But when I combined the two (dynamic and condenser), it's absolutely crushing. The summation of the two is so much more than the individual elements - it's bizarre."
Hughes is also using the AE2500 on Lars Ulrich's
UK - Following its highly successful run at The National Theatre, Jerry Springer - The Opera recently opened at The Cambridge Theatre in London's West End, complete with a Cadac J-Type Live Production Console. Sound design is by Mike Walker, with Chris Simpson looking after the installation of the sound equipment which has been supplied by UK audio-visual equipment and services company Blitz. Mike Walker has been involved with the show since last year's Edinburgh Fringe production, which utilized a Cadac R-Type Touring Live Production Console.
With book and lyrics by Stuart Lee and Richard Thomas, with Richard also having written the score, Jerry Springer - The Opera is a fast-moving opera with a big sound. Everything is sung, in true operatic fashion, apart from the role of Jerry, which is spoken. Mike Walker elaborates on the task facing the sound team: "This show demands a simple reinforcement approach but requires a high degree of clarity for the lyrics. As with all operas, there are many sections with multiple lines being sung at the same time. Add a chorus of 20 to the 11 principals and an eight-piece band, and vocal clarity becomes a challenge.
"There is little in the way of sound tricks used in this production. Careful imaging, particularly to two auditorium boxes used by the company, is important. It is vital that the audience knows who is singing and can locate their position easily. We are utilizing a TiMax system to help image sound to the box positions, although BSS TCS804 delay units are used on channel inserts to help the ma
USA - Eric Seifert has recently rejoined Artec Consultants Inc as director of acoustics and principal consultant. Seifert returns to Artec bringing to the team his considerable skills in performance venue design and acoustics consulting, project management and administration.
Seifert began his consulting career with Artec Consultants Inc in 1989, working on initial acoustics designs for the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Toronto Ballet Opera House. As a senior consultant, he was responsible for day-to-day acoustics aspects of such highly prestigious and successful projects as the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, Vancouver; the Toronto Centre for the Arts, Toronto; Gwinnett Civic & Cultural Center; Benson Great Hall at Bethel College, Minneapolis; the Phase I renovation of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London; and the Concert and Congress Center, in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Seifert joined Acoustic Dimensions Inc in 1994, and became a principal consultant there in 1997. In addition to his administrative duties, he served as the acoustics designer for Walt Disney Imagineering for all public spaces on the Disney Magic and Wonder, Disney's ships that form the basis for their new cruise line. Seifert also led acoustical design projects as diverse as the AT&T athlete's pavilion at the Atlanta Olympics; Universal Studios CityWalk, a multi-venue entertainment and themed dining complex in Orlando, Florida; the new Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts; and a 2000-seat performance theatre for Hard Rock Café in Orlando, Florida.
Seifert i
UK - Following the retirement of John Widdowson earlier this month, Steve Tyrrell has been appointed general manager of Spector Lumenex with immediate effect. Tyrell has worked in the public address/general alarm industry for over 11 years and has experience in all areas of management including contracts, sales and engineering. He has worked for Tyco for five years in other management roles including working for Avalon Communications. Steve and his family will be re-locating to Nottingham from Manchester.
John was managing Director of Spector Lumenex prior to its acquisition by Tyco in 2001 and was a Founder Member of the company. Along with John Blach as a fellow director, he helped to build Spector Lumenex into the company it is today. Blach stated, "I am sorry to leave the company and my colleagues, however, Steve is very experienced in the public address, general alarm industry and has key management skills."
John Blach continues to support Steve in his business development and engineering capacity, together with Rob Bridges in manufacturing and production and Jason Ingram in engineering and customer service.
Spector Lumenex provides a wide range of wired communication systems required by the oil, gas and petrochemical industries, both onshore and offshore and public address and voice alarm for transport, commercial building, shopping centres, entertainment and industrial sectors. The company also provides solutions for difficult acoustic environments found in public buildings, sporting and entertainment venues.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - London-based Entec Sound & Light has been appointed as an Approved Supplier of lighting services to top UK tourist attraction, the Natural History Museum. The appointment, which takes effect immediately and lasts for five years, is the culmination of a highly competitive tender process that saw Entec win the contract ahead of many top industry rivals. Under the contract terms, Entec will be invited to supply lighting services for the increasing number of private events staged at the Museum's premises in Kensington, west London.
"Our competitiveness, flexible approach and ability to meet the very tight deadlines for install and breakdown were all key factors in winning the Natural History Museum contract," says Entec's Noreen O'Riordan. It also highlights the range and diversity of events for which Entec can supply technical production.
This is the latest in a series of new business deals for Entec, which also include supplying lighting and sound services to Blur's current European tour, the 9th National TV Awards at the Royal Albert Hall, UK tours with Jools Holland, The Mavericks and The Beautiful South, plus Belle & Sebastian in the US.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - The first HK Audio Cohedra Line array system to arrive in the UK has been delivered to York-based rental company JSS Audio, who will immediately be using the new line array for three important shows in London's Covent Garden.
Jem Walker, the owner of JSS, commented: "We had an extremely successful show with a large Cohedra system in the KC Stadium in Hull, Yorkshire in early September, hosted by Yorkshire FM station Viking Radio, with Foxy & Tom's Big Bash featuring headline artists Westlife, Triple Eight and a host of other acts. The artists, their crews, sound technicians and management, along with ourselves were all impressed by the great dynamics, transparent natural sound and exceptional dispersion characteristics of the 96 box system. The success of this event lead to many inquiries and it was clear that we would continue to use the HK Audio Cohedra line array."
The supplied Cohedra system consists of 12 CDR 208 S and 12 CDR 208 T mid/high units as well as 24 CDR 210 2 x 10" subwoofers. The system is run by two PR 16 and two PR 8 controller racks which are all equipped with HK Audio's own DFC Controllers.
"The PLASA show, which followed quickly, confirmed the strong interest and enthusiasm for Cohedra, and we are glad to receive a system which has been immediately put to work. With JSS we have a partner who has discovered and understands all the benefits and advantages of the Cohedra technology, and who will make excellent use of the systems," said Dennis Drumm, managing director (designate) of JHS, the exclusive HK Audio dis
Russia - Khabarovsk City in Siberia has opened the Palladium Palace, a substantial entertainment centre which doubles as an ice-rink stadium and a concert hall, with a powerful PA system capable of handling both configurations.
In ice-rink mode, the Palace is used for competitions at all levels, for training, and for a range of social ice skating activities. With a few modifications, the venue can be turned into a 7,000-capacity concert hall. PAL Systems has installed a flexible sound reinforcement system, which can handle either the skating competition or a live music performance, as well as the occasional outdoor concert.
A Turbosound Flashlight PA rig has been installed in the Palace, under the control of a permanently-moored Soundcraft K2 console to address the requirements of everyday use. This system is powered by two racks of Chevin Research Line 500 amplifiers, and is used for general public address and background music.
For the main events, when the Palladium Palace is turned into a sizeable concert venue, PAL Systems has provided a portable control system, consisting of a Soundcraft MH4 front-of-house console, a Soundcraft MH3 monitor desk, and mobile racks of Chevin Research A2000 and A5003 amplifiers (eight of each). This portable system can be taken out of the Palace for outdoor gigs.
(Lee Baldock)
Italy - Outline has added the T4 and T44 models to its Twin Pulse range of digital amplifiers. Both are 2U rack-mounting, lightweight units weighing 10 and 11kg respectively. The 2-channel T4 produces 2 x 1500W into 2ohms/2 x 830 into 4ohms/2 x 450W into 8ohms and is fitted with XLR male and female inputs and outputs with Speakon 4-pole connectors.
The four channels of the T44 can be configured as 4 x 1000W into 4ohms, 4 x 600W into 8ohms or (when bridged) 2 x 2000W into 8ohms. It has XLR female/combo (6.3mm jack) inputs and outputs with Speakon 4-pole connectors. The T44 can be used with a power supply of from 95 - 265V, a useful feature in countries such as the US and Japan, for example, which have different mains voltage from Europe. Both models will be available from around the end of November 2003.
(Lee Baldock)
UK / Japan - Le Mark's new flame-retardant natural gaffer tape, which won the PLASA Show's 2003 Environmental Impact Award, continues to expand into new export markets. Following its September launch, Gaf-Fire was sampled to one of Japan's most respected lighting distribution companies, Tokyo-based H. Ito, and Le Mark was thrilled to see H. Ito place its first order for the new product in October.
Gaf-Fire has seen seen as a breakthrough tap and an important addition to the company's consumable accessory range. Gaf-Fire not only meets the stringent requirements of BS 5867 Part 2 Type B, but also, as the PLASA award reflects, is manufactured using natural elements and environmentally clean processes. Gaf-Fire was seen as the first matt-black non-burn tape with a clean adhesive to be offered to the arts and entertainment industry.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Autograph Sales has confirmed that following extensive evaluation during the summer, the first two clients for MILO, Meyer Sound's latest addition to its M Series line array system, are Capital Sound Hire and Canegreen. Both London-based rental touring companies are long-term users of Meyer Sound products: Capital Sound has taken delivery of 32 MILOs while Canegreen has purchased 16 boxes.
Canegreen's relationship with Meyer Sound products spans two decades. The company was one of the first Meyer users in the UK and has continued to invest in the manufacturer's latest technology, keeping its Meyer inventory up to date. Canegreen is one of Europe's largest concert rental touring companies, with recent clients including Placebo, Michael McDonald, Craig David and Paul Weller. "At last, here is a line array system that will work in any venue without compromising sound quality," says Yan Stile, managing director, Canegreen.
Capital Sound is a relative newcomer to Meyer Sound, but since the company invested in an M3D line array loudspeaker when it was newly launched two-and-a-half years ago, it has continued to add to its inventory of M Series products, adding M2D cabinets a year later. With the addition of MILO, Capital now has sufficient M Series products for two simultaneous arena tours. The new MILO speakers immediately left the company's warehouse for a Travis tour, where eight per side are being used for larger arena dates below an array of four M3Ds. "I'm very pleased to see the continuing relationship and growth of the M-Series products with
Germany - Joachim (Johnny) Kluten, IAG Germany's energetic front man, has had his position of President, IAG (Deutschland) GmbH confirmed by IAG Group managing director, Steve Woolley. Woolley told us: "Although Johnny has been running our German operation as Geschäftsführer since the company was set up in September 2001, he fully deserves the title of president for his shrewd and strategic management of the business."
Since setting up his first office in Düsseldorf, Kluten has presided over steady growth of the company in all market sectors, setting up a structure which has enabled IAG to respond more efficiently and quickly to market demands. "This has allowed us to take advantage of Wharfedale's attractive price/performance ratio, and expansion into new product areas - such as powered mixers and studio monitors - to lay the groundwork for further electronic products," he says. "The combination of outstanding production capabilities and up-to-date product development - combined with a lean distribution overhead - have provided the cornerstones to our success."
Kluten has an eminent pedigree in the world of pro audio. Between 1985 and 2001 he was divisional manager of the pro-audio division of a leading German/Japanese distributor. He then built up the RAMSA (Panasonic) distribution in Germany for MI, Pro Audio, SR, recording and broadcast products. He also launched an own-brand ASA (Advanced Sound Applications) for pro audio products, developing and marketing new products such as wireless systems, mixing consoles, powered mixers
UK - One of the North-East's leading audio-visual and event production company, The R&B Group, has announced a string of new contract wins on the strength of its commitment to make Newcastle and Gateshead the events capital of Europe.
Newcastle Quayside-based The R&B Group has a staff of 15 and offers a complete technical solution for presentations, events or shows using the most progressive technical equipment available in the industry. Its work takes them across the country and abroad and is synonymous with many household names such the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal College of Nursing, Newcastle Chronicle & Journal Ltd, Northern Arts and the eye-catching launch of Gateshead's Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
The company's marketing team has just returned from a successful city conference with the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, aimed at attracting London buyers into hosting their events and conferences in the North East, or to use the expertise base in the region for their events anywhere in the world. Antony Crerar, a director at The R&B Group said: "We are currently working on jobs such as the Chartered Institute of Housing's annual conference in Harrogate, and exporting our technical expertise down south to host an Orange business managers' team meeting event in London. Whether major business names want an event staged in the surroundings of Newcastle/Gateshead and our other north east cities, or need our technical experts to come to them anywhere in the world, we are fast becoming one of the biggest UK based technical back-up team for events held