UK - Hertfordshire-based production, entertainment and event-management company Production Plus, recently put an Inspired Audio Axis AX12 loudspeaker system through its paces.

The system, supplied by LMC Audio, was used on a high profile event with a contemporary artist who had minimal staging and space for technical equipment.

Julian Rees, technical director of Production Plus, comments: "With Axis AX12 our client's expectations were met with limited visual impact, allowing clean sight lines whilst also keeping the artist/engineers happy in terms of performance."

He continues: "A large section of our work is to supply artiste technical specs to meet riders, however, these need to be acceptable to our corporate clients - not always an easy trade off! A problem we have long had is artistes wanting large wedges on stage. Axis AX12 gave us the solution of bi-amp

USA - Northeast High School is a four-year public high school in Pasadena, Maryland. With almost 1,600 students, Northeast has several notable sports teams, a growing music programme and its own designated acting troupe that puts on three shows a year.

Originally constructed in 1964, Northeast has recently undergone a major renovation. As part of that renovation, the school received new AV systems in its main and auxiliary gymnasiums, its multi-purpose cafeteria and its black box theater.

Northeast hired consultant Steven Sinclair of Polysonics, an engineering firm in Warrenton, Virginia, to design the new AV systems. After winning a public bid, HP Electronics, a full-service AV integrator in Baltimore, installed the school's new AV systems.

Sinclair specified Community loudspeakers for all three Northeast venues. The gymnasiums feature Community R1-94 two-way loudspeakers s

UK - London-based production company Subfrantic is currently in the midst of a gruelling 60 date UK tour with Joe McElderry. Playing a wide variety of venues, a Yamaha CL5 mixing system has helped to make the once impossible, possible.

Despite being best known from the modern medium of television singing and reality shows, X Factor winner McElderry's Set Your Soul Alive tour harks back to tours of the 1950s, 60s and 70s, when acts would embark on seemingly never-ending national treks.

Criss-crossing the UK, from Billingham to Yeovil, Hastings to Weston-super-Mare, taking in dozens of other provincial venues, Yamaha and Dante technology means that the current tour is a very different proposition to those of the past.

"We did the preliminary dates in 2013 on a Yamaha M7CL-48ES at FOH and an LS9-32 on monitors, as restrictions on stage space and transport weight mea

On The South Bank - Arts Council England is to fund the lion's share of a £24m repair and maintenance programme for the Southbank Centre's music venues and gallery after warnings by English Heritage that restorative work "could not be further delayed". The Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and Hayward Gallery will benefit from work aimed at improving workshops and backstage areas, disabled access for audiences and artists and restoring building interiors to their original appearance.

ACE is to provide £16.7m - equivalent to 70% of the total cost - with the London venue intending to raise the remainder through trusts, philanthropists and audiences. The work had originally been announced in March last year and was planned as part of a larger, £120m redevelopment of the complex following significantly increased attendance numbers to the Thames-side comp

USA - At the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre(CST), a Meyer Sound M1D line array loudspeaker system is optimised to provide audio support for everything from Shakespearean dramas to contemporary, high-energy musicals like Follies, Sunday in the Park with George, and Gypsy. Designed to meet specific architectural challenges, the system was supplied by long-time Meyer Sound dealer TC Furlong, Inc. of Lake Forest, Ill., with logistical coordination by Jeff Cech.

The 18 M1D loudspeakers in CST's 500-seat Jentes Family Courtyard Theater replace an aging, point-source centre cluster. "The Courtyard was designed like the Swan Theatre in London, with very high surrounding balconies and a deep thrust stage," explains James Savage, head of sound at CST. "The system also has to cover the room's 270-degree spread."

The new centre cluster of eight M1D lo

USA - Lectrosonics has announced the introduction of the Digital Secure Wireless system. Featuring AES-256-CTR (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption technology, the new Digital Secure Wireless system is designed for use in environments where privacy is of paramount concern, such as corporate boardrooms, shareholder meetings, and government facilities. As a rugged and high-quality wireless microphone system, the new products will also find a home in theatres, film making, touring and other demanding applications, says the company.

AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption technology employing a 256-bit key was approved in the US as a government standard encryption algorithm in 2001 [FIPS 197]. The CTR (Counter) Encryption mode as found in the new Lectrosonics Digital Secure Wireless system maintains low latency (2.5 ms overall) while keeping channel noise at a minimum. Ke

UK - The organisers of what promises to be the best ever Farnborough Air Show yet which takes place on 19-20 July, have called on Showhire, one of Europe's leading public address and communications hire companies to provide the public address and communications system for the site. For this enormous project, involving literally many miles of top quality cable, Showhire turned to VDC Trading and the prestigious Van Damme range.

Showhire director Nick Chubb explained, "We specialise in the sports and corporate events market, providing services to a massive range of events throughout the UK and Europe, and have a substantial portfolio of customers across the spectrum of outdoor, indoor and corporate events. Farnborough is not only a massive flying display, the Airshow's trade expo is also the biggest outdoor exhibition in Europe. There is really no time for replacing faulty ca

Sweden - Audio technology provider Dirac Research has announced that they have reached a licensing agreement with Pioneer Corporation. Pioneer plans to utilize the Dirac HD Sound technology to "deliver superb audio playback from their next generation of loudspeakers".

The first speakers to utilize the technology is the Pioneer Desk Live series, a lineup of powered speakers with a sleek, modern form factor slated for desktop computer applications as well as audio enthusiasts seeking high performance from smaller, stylish loudspeakers.

The objective of the new product line is to deliver high resolution and precise staging from a near field design using engineering innovations from Pioneer combined with Dirac's award-winning digital audio processing. These technological advances have enabled Pioneer to deliver unprecedented accuracy and musicality from an attractive lif

Slovak Republic - Founded in 2010, Stone Post Production is based in Bratislava, Slovak Republic. Offering full video and audio services, with a main focus on television and advertising projects, a new Yamaha Nuage installation has radically enhanced one of the facility's sound studios.

Founder Tomas Zavarsky has over 15 years experience in post production and as a director of TV commercials and promos. He opted to radically improve the company's audio workflow by replacing a mouse and keyboard with the much faster, more flexible and intuitive control solution offered by Nuage. The installation also included a Dante audio network, using the Nuage PCIe card and interfaces.

"We have been using Steinberg Nuendo in audio post production for about seven years," he says. "We knew that one of the best ways to make our audio DAW work most cost-effective is to control it

USA - This year's InfoComm show in Las Vegas is one of the most important ones to date for Alcons Audio USA, with a great deal of attention focused on the announcement that it is bringing its pro-ribbon technology to the US touring and larger installation markets. The announcement sees the USA preview of the LR24 system, Alcons' larger-format pro-ribbon line-array.

Loaded with the multiple-patented RBN1402rsr proprietary pro-ribbon transducer, with unmatched flat SPL up to 20kHz., the LR24 sets a new benchmark for throw, projection control and sound quality for line-array systems; More HF output than other larger line-arrays, with up-to 90% less distortion, with a completely predictable, linear response.

David Rahn, Alcons' North American sales manager comments, "Since its official launch in March in Frankfurt, the LR24 has received extremely positive feedback from top en

USA - Listen Technologies Corporation has introduced its iDSP (Intelligent Digital Signal Processing) products. In creating the iDSP solutions, Listen Technologies considered all aspects of how the product would be used, focusing on the user experience and ease of dispensing, inventory management and battery management at the venue - all based on input from consultants, system integrators, venue owners and end users.

The result is a significantly improved listening experience, says the company, including an integrated neck loop/lanyard; streamlined dispensing, collecting and care; and environmentally friendly advanced battery technology - in the smallest, lightest device of its kind.

The iDSP 72MHz receiver revolutionizes how an RF system works, offering precise clarity with 20 dB less hiss than other RF receivers. The new integrated neck loop improves the experience for peopl

UK - Downtown Bristol was buzzing with great music and vibes last weekend for the third Love Saves the Day Festival, a multi-stage event in Castle Park in the heart of the city. Headliners included Annie Mac, SBTRKT, Jamie xx, Eats Everything and many more.

For the first year, lighting and visuals rental specialist Fineline - also based in Bristol - was asked to supply lighting equipment, LED screens / media server control, rigging and a visual production design for the Main Stage ... which seriously upped its production values from 2013 in line with the profile of the festival which sold out its 12,000 capacity on both days.

Fineline's MD Rob Sangwell commented, "We were delighted to be asked on-board by festival organisers, Team Love, as we are really committed to partnering on locally based shows and events. We presented two design options for the stage from which they

UK - FOH engineer, Dave McDonald, selected his favoured Allen & Heath modular iLive system for the US and European tour of Broken Bells, an American indie rock band composed of artist-producer Brian Burton (better known as Danger Mouse) and James Mercer, the lead vocalist and guitarist for the indie rock band, The Shins.

McDonald, whose clients include Adele, Air, Frank Ocean and Florence & the Machine, chose an iLive-112 Surface with iDR10 Mixrack, with the addition of a Dante network card delivering up to 64 channels to a recording rig.

The tour will continue into the autumn and is in support of the band's first studio album. McDonald is utilising many of iLive's renowned built in FX to emulate the band's recorded sound, including the Symphonic Chorus, ADT Doubler and Echo Chorus.

"There's so much going on with the band's vocals - it's very 'Beatles-esque' and psyched

UK - The Superstar DJ Box, an entertainment concept designed to "totally transform the DJ and music experience for both private and corporate events", has just been launched.

Designed, developed and manufactured in the UK, the Superstar DJ Box, is built from high resolution LED wall modules to create a visual feature from where the DJ performs, maximising the impact of his or her presence at any event. The box projects a continuous show of specifically designed vibrant colour graphics, animations and video effects, complementing and enhancing the DJ's music.

The video DJ operator, supplied with the Superstar DJ Box, manipulates the graphics and visuals, positioned behind the LED wall, or if the client prefers, their own DJ remains visible to the audience through an open window panel in the centre of the screen. The Superstar DJ Box is available in two sizes to suit a

UK - It's June, the sun has made its first appearance of the year and theatres are filling up with London's annual influx of visitors. It must be time to take a stroll down the East End's Brick Lane to The Old Truman Brewery where ABTT are holding their annual Theatre Show on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 June.

Nestled in the heart of the Main Hall at Stand 61 is where visitors will find this year's offerings from d&b; a formidable line up designed to whet everyone's appetite when hunting for that extra tasty titbit for the pro audio platter.

To describe the D80 as simply a new amplifier is not telling the whole story. On show for the first time in London, the D80 represents the culmination of a development programme that, as product manager Marc Weber explains, "Will fulfil the expectations of a d&b product well into the future." The slimmer visual appearance belies

USA - DPA Microphones recently joined cello-rock group Break of Reality as advocates for the importance of music education in schools. In conjunction with its tour schedule supporting its latest album, TEN, the group hosted a month-long Music Education Tour, making its way to at 10 school districts across the US.

At these stops, students attended workshops and performances hosted by the quartet to learn about the art and appreciation of music. In an effort to provide music programmes with the opportunity to experience quality technology, DPA Microphones donated three d:vote 4099 Instrument Microphones to Edmond North High School (ENHS), in Edmond, OK, deemed by the band to be the school in greatest need for an audio solution.

"Next year, we will be kicking off our Strolling Strings programme, the first of its kind at Edmond," said Peter Markes, orchestra direc

UK / Brazil - The recent AES Expo in Sao Paulo provided an opportunity for pro-audio UK brands to test the water in one of the world's most vibrant and rewarding markets - Brazil.

Under the umbrella of the APRS / UKTI national booth which branded itself as the 'GREAT British Audio Embassy', companies from the pro-audio, live sound reinforcement and broadcast sectors shared a single space at the AES Expo and Convention. It attracted a steady flow of new customers and existing clients cementing over £750k of immediate business, plus a catalogue of future deals that are making the prospect of South American trips increasingly alluring.

Brazil offers an enormous domestic market but is also seen as a gateway to the entire South American continent.

The success of these exploratory trips, which have enjoyed considerable government support, has encouraged the APRS, the MIA and

USA - Meyer Sound has promoted Luke Jenks to the newly created position of director of product management. Most recently serving as the company's loudspeaker product manager, Jenks now represents the full range of company solutions, from loudspeakers to show control, system optimization, and passive and active acoustic systems.

As director of product management, Jenks is responsible for defining market needs, articulating customer requirements, and representing customer feedback throughout the lifecycle of a product. He also assumes direction of a newly formed product management team that encompasses market requirement definition, new product introductions, and technical documentation.

The team includes Richard Bugg, audio show control product manager, Todd Meier, digital products manager, Greg Thomas, technical writer, and Rong Wang, new product introduction technical project

France - The Zenith de Strasbourg recently played host to a magnificent cine-concert of the first film of Disney's hit Pirates of the Caribbean series, The Curse of The Black Pearl. The film was screened in front of 6000 people to the accompaniment of the Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra complete with a 24-strong choir who brought Klaus Badelt's magnificent soundtrack to life.

The Zenith de Strasbourg, which is the biggest indoor arena in France was packed to the rafters for this spectacular one-off event. Strasbourg-based rental company, Lagoona, were brought in to supply the PA system, and Lagoona in turn, called on digital audio networking specialists, Espace Concept, to supply and manage the FoH console, microphones and networking. For the very first time, Espace Concept used an mc256 console from Lawo.

The suggestion came directly from Lawo's Hervé d

UK - As part of an ongoing process of preparing for the next wave of growth, Martin Audio has recently made two new strategic hires.

First, Bash Akhtar has joined as operations director. He has previously served as operations and manufacturing director of RLC Callender, Smiths Detection, and Harmonic Inc. Bash has earned a Fellowship in Manufacturing Management from Cranfield University and is a manufacturing systems engineer from the University of Hertfordshire.

Secondly, David Morbey has joined as the company's first dedicated Product Manager. He has previously served as global product marketing manager at D&M Professional.

Commenting on the hires, James King, director of marketing, said, "We're delighted to have Bash and David join us as we continue to build a world class team. Their expertise will enable us to further grow the business and support our customer base.

UK - Orbital Sound is unveiling its new distribution line of Nemesis audio playback and control solutions on Stand No: 74 at the ABTT Theatre Show 2014.

Designed to address the challenging requirements of the theatre and live entertainment environments, the Nemesis hardware range comprises the core components required to achieve seamlessly integrated performances with the ultimate degree of control.

At the heart of the Nemesis line-up is the highly flexible CCS-2 Computer Control Switch, designed to allow two computer systems to share a keyboard, mouse, monitor, distribution of GPI data and MIDI messages - providing an essential degree of system resilience and invisible audio transition, should a problem arise with the Mac or PC-based sound playback system, typically running QLab, CSC or similar playback software.

In addition to the CCS-2, the current Nemesis line-up include

UK - With just three days to go, JHS is getting ready for its biggest Event yet which will feature a number of new products for the pro-audio sector.

The HK Audio NANO600 is now available in the UK and will be on show. Providing all the features and versatility as its 'little' brother (the incredibly popular NANO300) its inbuilt 475 watt power amp provides extra punch and headroom for larger venues, whilst still retaining the portability which is the trademark of HK Audio's Active ranges.

Lewitt Microphones have added the DGT650 USB and LCT550 to their portfolio. A new class in the USB microphone field, the DGT650 supports ASIO for Windows and OSX Core Audio and can be easily combined with mobile devices, thanks in part to its built-in lithium-ion battery. It also feature an onboard analog preamp, switchable high-pass filter, two attenuation settings and four different recordi

USA - When Sound Designer Darron L West and associate sound designer Charles Coes were looking to create a dazzling audio experience for William Shakespeare's fantasy play The Tempest, they turned to Masque Sound, a leading theatrical sound reinforcement, installation and design company, to provide a custom audio equipment package.

The Tempest is a co-production between The Smith Centre for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas and the American Repertory Theatre (A.R.T.) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The play premiered under a big top tent in Las Vegas on 1 April and is now playing at the A.R.T's Loeb Drama Centre.

The Tempest tells the story of shipwrecked aristocrat Prospero and his daughter Miranda who wash up on the shores of an enchanted and strange island. They find themselves immersed in a world of trickery and amazement, in which Tom Waits' and Kathleen

UK - Distributor HD Pro Audio will be exhibiting at ABTT 2014. The company will be showing a wide range of professional audio products, with the SSL Live, L'Acoustics, Timax and BroaMan taking centre stage.

"This is the first time the SSL Live console will be shown at ABTT," commented HD Pro Audio's Andy Huffer. "The SSL Live sets new standards for audio quality and transparency, which are so critical in theatre sound. SSL has combined that ultimate sound quality with a compact foot print, rock-solid stability and incredible flexibility - it's a dream to use and provides the way forward that engineers want."

Huffer continues, "With such a premium range of audio products setting the standards for the performing arts, we're really looking forward to a very busy ABTT show."

HD Pro Audio will be on Stand 24 and Andy Huffer and Tom Turner will be on

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