Autograph Sound Recording has just completed its third theatre sound workshop for LIPA's sound technology degree students. This year the workshop took place at the Manchester Palace Theatre, where Miss Saigon has been playing to a full house for the past six months, its first stop on a two year UK tour.
Prior to seeing the show, the students were invited to meet two of Autograph's leading sound designers, Terry Jardine, the company's managing director and Nick Lidster, sound designer for the UK touring production of Miss Saigon. Terry talked them through the roles of a theatrical sound team, from designer to production crew, while Nick explained his design for the touring version and its development from the original West End production, which premiered just over 12 years ago at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
The workshop then moved into the auditorium, were the students met Miss Saigon's sound operator, Jonnie Asher, who showed them around the installation and demonstrated the surround sound effects and the 5.1 Dolby licensed TCS S6000 processor. This unit, often found in film and DVD mastering suites, is one of the new design developments on the Miss Saigon UK tour. The TCS S6000 allowed Nick to create a fully integrated sound system as well as prompting a first in UK live theatre - a 5.1 Dolby surround certification.
John Thornton - LIPA's head of sound technology, comments: "Autograph's continued commitment allows the students to work with the real tools of the trade and learn from the actual theatre sound designers and crew. This in turn introduces the s
Adam Hall Ltd, one of Europe’s largest suppliers of flight-case fittings, has just announced the release of an addition to its ‘Astroboard’ range of panel materials. ‘Astrodiamondboard’ has been the result of ongoing research and development work on modern lightweight flightcase panel materials. The research is proving to be a major benefit to the flightcase industry, allowing it to expand into many other areas where it has been essential that protection cases must be of the lightest materials possible. 7mm brown ‘Astrodiamondboard’ is now available off the shelf.
(Ruth Rossington)
Lighting and sound specialist Hawthorn Theatrical has recently supplied lighting, trussing, rigging and drapes for the UK and European leg of the current Chemical Brothers tour. Lighting designer for the tour is Andy Liddle, who has been working with Hawthorn Theatrical since last April. He has specified High End Studio Beams, Martin MAC 300s and Atomic strobes, Clay Paky Stage Scans, Avolites dimmers and a Wholehog 2 control desk.
Hawthorn Theatrical's main challenge was to produce a circular revolving structure which could be used as a projection screen and then flip over to its reflective side at the end of the show to form the centrepiece of a breath-taking finale. In addition, the screen had to be lightweight and modular as it was to travel with the band for the whole of the World tour. As an approved Prolyte dealer, Hawthorn Theatrical provided 4.5m circular truss from the H30V range, along with Stagemaker motor hoists and a variety of specialist fabrics to achieve the stunning space age effects shown in the accompanying photograph.
(Lee Baldock)
The DigiMAX LT 8-channel mic preamp by PreSonus is now available from HW International. Eight channels of high quality mic pre-amplification, inserts on every channel and an internal power supply set this unit apart from anything on the market. Each channel features the award-winning dual servo microphone preamplifiers with 48V phantom power, and -20dB pad. Each channel features a Neutrik connector which accepts line level or microphone input. DigiMAX LT digital synchronization is achieved by offering word clock in and out via BNC connectors. The sample rate can be set on the front panel to 48kHz, 44.1kHz and 32kHz, providing compatibility across multiple platforms.
DigiMAX LT provides TRS inserts on every channel to allow external dynamics processors or equalizers to be placed in the signal chain. The DigiMAX LT is the perfect partner for recording systems such as DigiDesign 001, MOTU 2408 as well as numerous digital mixers and hard disk recorders.
(Lee Baldock)
American Audio has introduced its V-Plus Series power amplifiers. The V-1000 Plus, V-2000 Plus, V-3000 Plus and V-4000 Plus bring both enhanced performance and a sleek new look to the company's already popular V-Series amps. The new line offers DJs, musicians and audio engineers increased power in a versatile package at a competitive price. Many of the same features from the V-Series still apply - such as modular construction, high-quality output devices, large storage capability, small profile capacitors (for reproducing large transients), and a true linear design.
The V-1000 Plus provides 170W per channel at 8 ohms, 245W at 4 ohm, and 600W at 4 ohm bridged. The V-2000 Plus provides 280W at 8 ohms, 450W at 4 ohms and 1,290W at 4 ohms bridged. The V-3000 Plus provides 440W at 8 ohms, 690W at 4 ohms and 1,930W at 4 ohms bridged. The top-of-the-line V-4000 Plus delivers 600W at 8 ohms, 1,010W at 4 ohms and 2,500W at 4 ohms bridged.
The V-4000 Plus comes equipped with Speakon connectors as well as binding post connectors, making it equally suitable for use by DJs, touring musicians, or permanent installations. "Having both types of connectors makes this an extremely versatile unit," says national sales manager John Brown.
(Lee Baldock)
Leading manufacturer DPA Microphones, based in Allerød, Denmark, marks its 10th anniversary this month. Founded in 1992 by Morten Støve and Ole Brøsted Sørensen, DPA Microphones traces its origins back to the Pro Audio division of Bruel & Kjaer, and the two companies enjoy a mutually productive working relationship to this day.
DPA Microphones has recently moved into stylish new premises in its home town of Allerød, some 30 miles north of Copenhagen. The 1600sq.m facility houses the R&D team, led by Ole Brøsted Sørensen, all sales and marketing, service and dispatch, and a work force of 30 people. DPA’s engineers and visiting customers enjoy the luxury of an in-house recording studio. Purpose-built with a 30sq.m live room, the studio is equipped with a digital console and outboard electronics from fellow Danish companies, such as TC Electronics, DAD and TubeTech. It is used regularly by professional musicians and audio engineers, providing a unique environment for all to experiment with current microphone products and to trial new developments.
In its 10-year history, DPA has always worked closely with its customers, collaborating successfully with expert recording and broadcast engineers around the world. Today, DPA is represented in 47 countries by its network of distributors and dealers.
Although the company’s roots are in professional recording, with the original line of the world-renowned B&K Series 4000 standard microphones, DPA has evolved into a highly versatile pro-audio design house, delivering market-leading products into all sectors: th
Phonic have recently launched an array of new products, which are now all available from UK distributor, HW International. Phonic’s new ES Range of stage loudspeakers offers 10", 12" and 15" 2-way versions, also a subwoofer at 400W and 600W respectively and 12" or 15" floor monitors. Each loudspeaker is available in passive or active versions. Offering exceptional quality with a hard-wearing rugged exterior. Phonic’s ES Range retails from £220.00 ex VAT per speaker.
The new Micro Range from Phonic comprises of four similar-sized compact audio modules. Offering the Micro I - a 4-channel mic pre-amp, the Micro II - a 4-output headphone amp, the Micro III - a single channel line/phono equaliser and the Micro IV - an Expander/Gate module which completes the range.
The new Phonic MRS1.20 mixing console is designed for any application where budget 5.1 surround sound is a requirement, from educational establishments to home studios. The mixer provides 20 mic/line input channels that can be mixed and routed to 5.1 surround sound output channels with a switch to select the bass channel. For studio operation, the MRS1.20 offers clear LED PPM monitoring on each channel with a separate control room monitoring section incorporating a talkback microphone.
Finally, the most powerful Phonic Powerpod to date, the 2280, features 12 mic/line inputs plus four stereo inputs with three-band EQ providing swept mid-band. The additional 2-channel 10-band graphic EQ, along with built-in digital effects, provides complete control of the two 400W amplifier
Millions across the world tuned in to the BBC's live coverage of Elizabeth, the Queen Mother's funeral on Tuesday 9 April, while in London itself over a million people turned out to pay their respects. Live audio coverage of the funeral service along the length of the route from Westminster Abbey to the end of The Mall was provided by Dobson Sound, under contract to Westminster Sound, who have been responsible for audio relay at events such as the Remembrance Day Parades and the funeral of Princess Diana.
Westminster Sound has been involved in the planning and design of the event, codenamed ‘Tay Bridge’, for over two years. According to Paul Dobson, who was responsible for much of the design, the system itself was reasonably straightforward. Nevertheless, it involved some 96 d&b loudspeakers along the route, and literally miles of cable, none of which could be run at ground level for health and safety reasons. "As usual, we had to resort to natural rigging opportunities like trees to keep things off the ground, as well as utilising lamp posts in The Mall and across the roofs of ministry buildings from Parliament Square to Horseguards Parade," said Dobson.
The system was split into four sections: Parliament Square, closest to the Abbey, which served as the master control point picking up the feed from the BBC scanner unit; Whitehall, with a control position in a room in the Foreign and Commonwealth office; Horseguards Parade, which had a control position for the Parade and Horseguards Road; and finally Marlborough Gate, where a mobile control positi
When Inflight Studios recently opened a multi-format transfer and archiving facility, dealing mainly with the format copying and archiving demands of the UK record labels, they simultaneously decided that a Soundcraft Ghost mixing console would be the best vehicle for expediting their audio transfers.
The facility is run by producer/engineer, Tony Taverner, and ex-Dreamhire general manager, Keith Knowles. Ex-Dreamhire chief copyroom engineer, Nick Kirkland, is handling and overseeing the day-to-day transfers and archiving, with a staff of a further two engineers. Explained Keith: "We are able to accommodate all the formats used in today's (and yesterday's) recording processes - ranging from multi-track analogue through to the very latest hard disk formats. We also have an on-site tape incubator allowing our engineers to safely bake any tapes that are in danger of shedding, or showing signs of deterioration."
The decision on which desk would be the best for the facility fell to Nick and Tony. Both agreed that the Soundcraft Ghost would be the ideal desk for its versatility, clean sound and reliability. A 32-line/32-monitor input/8 bus desk was thus requisitioned. Inflight Studios, meanwhile, have already secured an archiving contract for a large music group, and their client base will expand as the facility develops.
(Ruth Rossington)
The versatility of the BSS Soundweb as an expandable DSP building matrix has moved into a new dimension with Kingston Inmedia’s imaginative use of its fibre technology for carrying broadcast signals.
Kingston Inmedia, a leading supplier of satellite-centric broadband applications, are contracted by Services Sound & Vision Corporation (SSVC) to handle all the technical facilities and engineering support for British Forces Broadcasting Services (BFBS), and transmit to military bases throughout the world, with all programme streams assembled in studios at Gerrards Cross. The content travels from SSVC's Central Technical Area to Kingston's Master Control Room for uplinking to satellites from earth stations situated a few hundred yards away.
Broadcast engineer Dave Gill told us: "SSVC had asked us to investigate alternatives to the analogue copper links between the two areas. We had been looking at A to D converters and proprietary multiplexers, and someone who works for us, and who does FOH sound mixing, suggested we look at Soundweb. We needed a fibre solution - initially for fibre tie-lines, as we were experiencing problems with the copper multicore, for example with lightning strikes. We found this option on the BSS website and took it from there." A pair of fibre interface units are used to replace a standard Cat 5 Soundweb network cable. Each fibre cable will transfer eight channels of digital audio plus control data.
With approval from SSVC, Kingston Inmedia placed an initial order for four pairs of 9088LLs (line) and 9088DD (digital) with LMC Audio
Renkus-Heinz has announced the appointment of Rik Kirby as its national sales manager for the United States and Canada. Kirby takes up his position immediately and will join the company’s team at NSCA 2002, in Denver, Colorado (25-27 April).Kirby has been sales manager and European sales manager at BSS Audio in the UK for over five years, following a two-year career in live sound engineering which included Steve Earl’s UK tour. In his new role he will be based at Renkus-Heinz Inc’s headquarters at Foothill Ranch, California. Rik comments: "I’m really looking forward to it - Renkus-Heinz undoubtedly has some of the most revolutionary technology in the audio business, and their reputation for offering unrivalled support and being easy to deal with was also a real attraction. It’s the type of sales role that I’m very comfortable with - selling people the best products for the job."
Renkus-Heinz president Harro Heinz adds: "We have been looking for some time for the right person to fulfill this demanding position and with Rik’s determination and enthusiasm we’ve found that person. It’s great to have him on board."
(Lee Baldock)
The first commercial installation of the new NEXO Geo sound reinforcement system has been implemented in Paris, at the Stade de France. Although France’s premier soccer stadium is one of NEXO’s most prized showcases for its Alpha arena sound system, the venue went out to full commercial tender for sound reinforcement for its Concourse area.
Independently specified, the tender involved a four-way shoot out between different proprietary systems. NEXO won the contract with a Geo line array system, featuring 18 clusters of 4 x S-805s to cover the large concrete and asphalt Concourse, which covers the underground parking facilities and is home to four Villages of sub-attractions. The 1,750,000 sports and music fans who attend events at Stade de France can visit Animations for video game action, buy apparel and gear at the Boutique Officielle, get refreshments at Kiosque Coca-Cola, or get directions at Point info. Each Village occupies a small square about 20m on each side, attracting customers from a quadrant of the entrance apron, which surrounds the exterior of the stadium.
The NEXO system at Stade de France uses a short curved vertical array or cluster of GEO S805 loudspeakers. Each of these devices is a two-way system with a passive internal crossover network dividing an 8 inch vented woofer and a 1-inch compression driver. The driver is loaded on a patented GEO wavesource with 5° vertical and 80° horizontal coverage. This unusual pattern is achieved by using an hyperboloid acoustical mirror to reflect energy from the compression driver into the 5° arc. In
Microphone specialists Shure Incorporated are to move from their existing Evanston, Illinois HQ to an award-winning office building at 5800 West Touhy Avenue in nearby Niles, designed by renowned architect Helmut Jahn. The purchase, from CenterPoint Properties, includes the building and 18.6 acres of land and is pending a 60-day period of due diligence for both parties.
"While we are sad to leave our Evanston home of nearly 46 years, Shure is a growing company, and we needed to find a new home that could accommodate that growth," said Sandy LaMantia, President and CEO of Shure Incorporated. "When the opportunity to purchase this new, architecturally significant building just a few miles from our current home presented itself, we jumped at the chance."
(Ruth Rossington)
Soundcraft Electronics have appointed Dublin-based Audio Warehouse to handle their distribution in Southern Ireland. The newly-formed company is run by John Byrne, a pro audio professional for 20 years whose relationship with Soundcraft stretches back 16 years. "In the course of that time we have established a strong reputation for the brand, and enjoyed particular success in the Broadcast and Capital Project sectors," he says.
Byrne is also delighted to be awarded the Spirit business as part of the distribution package. "Who else can boast such a range, starting at a £120 Notepad, and expanding to top-line live and broadcast consoles. The support we receive for both brands is excellent."
While Audio Warehouse’s strengths are in broadcast - they recently supplied a B400 to RTE and have equipped a total of six on-air studios using Soundcraft consoles since they commenced trading - John Byrne sees the launch of the MH4 as "a great opportunity to expand our existing business into the live sector."
Audio Warehouse Ltd can be contacted at: 437b Howth Road, Raheny, Dublin 5. Tel: +353 1 831 2200. Fax: +353 1 839 7170.
(Lee Baldock)
Guitarist Gregg Wright has played with some the worlds greatest artists, including Diana Ross and The Jacksons. Based in Los Angeles, Gregg is now writing, producing and performing his own material all around the world. As part of his world tour he will be in the UK during September.
Wright commented: "Carlsbro's new 'Fatboy' amp is one incredible tone monster! After 25 years as a professional guitarist, I've seen and heard a lot of amps come and go, and can truthfully state that the 'Fatboy,' is a guitarist’s dream! It's got everything from massive crunch, to warm creamy Blues tones, and lush rhythm sounds, all in one powerful package! Those familiar with me know how seriously I take my tone - it's the musician's voice, and I'm proud to have the 'Fatboy' do my singing! In fact, you'll be hearing the 'Fatboy' on my new 2002 CD release 'Freak Flag Blues."
Carlsbro Electronics is a British manufacturer which has been designing and building its own amplifiers and speakers since 1961. From its 40,000sq.ft factory in Nottinghamshire, the company supports musicians and singers worldwide, and over 45% of Carlsbro product is sold overseas. Bands and superstars such as The Beatles, Oasis and Sting have used Carlsbro over the years.
"Andrew Bishop and his amazing staff at Carlsbro are really doing their homework in Research & Development. Check it out for yourself - they don't call it the 'Fatboy' for nothing!" adds Wright.
(Lee Baldock)
Marquee Audio has supplied Blitz Sound with processing and sound reinforcement products for use on the new West End show, The Full Monty. This includes a wide range of products from the BSS Omnidrive family. Blitz - whose equipment fulfils sound designer Mike Walker’s specifications - have been customers of Marquee Audio for the past eight years.
Blitz consultant, Dave Perry, explained: "Although we had built up a relationship with producer Sacha Brooks when he did The Graduate, we still had to tender for the show." The Full Monty is essentially a strong musical show - with a 12-piece rock band and 21 in the cast - and Mike Walker's sound design for the production needed to reflect this. The production uses a distributed, highly-automated system with a lot of discrete channels. According to Dave Perry: "All 32 matrix outputs of the desk are being used so every output has something inline with it."
Consequently, for the bulk of the processing Mike Walker has deployed nine FDS-366 Omnidrive Compact Plus and three FDS-336 Minidrives, with delay and EQ on the radio mics and then delay on the loudspeakers for the circle and front fills. And because the front of the stage at the Prince of Wales is curved there are three time taps on the front fills.
Mike Walker confirmed that the BSS FDS-366’s are used for outboard processing the main system, including the curve corrections and delay speakers, while the FDS-336’s are deployed on some inventive switching of the surround speakers, and BSS TCS-804 dual time correctors handle
MC2 Audio’s representatives in Germany, Laauser & Vohl GmbH, report sales of both the MC range and T Series amps to a broad base of clients as diverse as the TV company Nederlands Omroepproduktie Bedrijf, who used T1000s in bridged mode to drive their stage monitors during the production of the German version of the 'Big Brother' show, a band using the T1000 for stage monitoring and a high school using an MC450 in one of its lecture rooms.
Laauser & Vohl has successfully completed projects in a variety of venues including multi-purpose halls in the Swabian Alps (MC1250 for front-of-house) and Donaueschingen (T500); a recording studio in Berlin (MC650 driving control-room monitor); a video studio (T1000 for the control monitors for sound pre- and post-production); churches using a mix of T1000, MC450 and MC650; an indoor swimming pool (T500) and a home cinema showroom (T1000).
Rental companies in Cologne and Mannheim have chosen a mix of MC1250, MC750, T1000 and T1500 amplifiers, some with cross-overs, to drive their speaker systems and Laauser & Vohl has supplied four further rental companies with T1000 amps. The T1000 has also been chosen by two prestigious German companies, Carl Zeiss at Oberkochen for their mobile sound system rack and the Max Planck Conference Centre at Tuebingen.
(Lee Baldock)
QSC Audio’s new 8-channel CX168 power amplifier is now shipping in Europe. Housed in a compact 2U chassis and featuring QSC’s PowerWave switching power supply technology, active inrush limiting technology, and the renowned DataPort for remote system control purposes, the new CX168 features the world’s highest channel density in a compact, lightweight design.
The CX168 includes contractor-specific features that are standard among QSC’s entire CX Series, including detachable Phoenix-style input connectors that enable the system to be pre-wired prior to rack mounting. The CX168 offers 90W per channel at 8 ohms or 130W per channel at 4 ohms (with all channels driven). Other features include 1-dB recessed and detented gain controls and a custom security cover for tamper-proof installations, user-selectable high-pass filters to reduce transformer saturation and protect speakers and proportional response clip limiters that are independently defeatable.
The CX168 also features DataPort connectors, allowing each channel pair to be governed by QSControl, QSC’s audio networking system. This enables the system operator to control amplifier gain levels, check clipping and thermal status and monitor numerous additional system parameters. Further, the CX168 also allows for an interface with the DSP-3.
QSC’s new CX168 incorporates the Company’s highly regarded PowerWave switching power supply technology to virtually dispense any noise and hum. This powerful amplifier also features Active Inrush Limiting to eliminate AC inrush current, thus re
Wharfedale Systems’ new Programme Corner Speakers have been purpose-engineered to achieve the high output/nearfield delivery of background and foreground music in a broad sphere of applications. A wide operating band was required to ensure natural music and speech articulation, which would remain clean at high levels.
These two-way, ported systems thus provide a wide frequency range coupled with high power performance in an acoustically-efficient enclosure. Aside from their sonic quality, the environments for which PCS speakers are designated - such as airports and railway stations, places of worship, retail outlets, restaurants, sports complexes, bars and hotels - all required elegant styling.
The range offers two different models, each with black or white painted finish, and with 70.7V or 100V transformer versions. In addition to the standard finishes, the lightweight, impact-resist ABS plastic enclosure is paintable, therefore allowing the speakers to match a venue’s interior. PCS speakers feature a 125mm Kevlar woofer and 25mm Titanium Neodymium driver.
The progressive/dynamic high-frequency driver overload protection circuit provides sophisticated limiting and protection from extended abusive levels and short-term peaks. The trapezoidal design facilitates a wide variety of mounting (and coverage) options. For instance, PCS speakers can be mounted flush on the wall or in a corner, with the respective brackets that are provided as standard. Alternatively, a compact array of four Corner Speakers will give a smooth 360° sphere of coverage.
(Lee Baldoc
Shure Incorporated, the leading manufacturer of microphones and audio electronics, has announced the establishment of a new company - Shure Distribution GmbH. This new wholly-owned subsidiary of Shure Europe GmbH will begin direct sales to Shure dealers in Germany from 1 June 2002.
"This new arm of Shure Europe is a logical extension of our current activities in Germany, the largest audio market in Europe," said Al Hershner, vice-president of US and European sales. "Shure Distribution will enable us to strengthen our brand both in the home country of many of our competitors, as well as throughout Europe."
Markus Winkler, managing director of Shure Europe and the new Shure Distribution GmbH, added: "Direct contact enables us to benefit from market feedback which is critical for future product development and growth. In addition, our European distribution partners will profit from our experience through improved market development planning and execution."
Along with direct sales to Shure dealers in Germany, Shure Distribution will be providing customer support, order fulfilment and post-sales support. An important part of this support includes the Shure Applications Team, a group dedicated to providing service and technical support. With specialists in various fields such as touring sound, installed sound, and broadcast, the team offers product training for retailers, consulting services for large installation projects and special events, as well as seminars and courses for universities, colleges, and trainee apprentices.
Other than Germa
Hertfordshire Police have advised PLASA Media that two Turbsound TFM 212 monitor wedges were stolen at the weekend from the Watersmeet Theatre in Rickmansworth. The wedges, both the characteristic Turbo blue with grey grilles, were just six months old and carry the serial numbers 121540 and 121541; they were taken from the theatre on Saturday 13 April. The TFM212 is a passive 2-way floor monitor consisting of two 12" LF drivers and a 1" HF compression driver.
If you are offered Turbosound TFM212 wedges for sale, or if you know of anyone who has recently come into possession of a nice new pair of blue boxes, please contact the officer dealing with the case at the e-mail address below, or by phone on 01932 472142.
(Lee Baldock)
Shure Incorporated is now shipping the affordable WH30 headworn microphone designed for users, especially performers, who require full mobility along with the professional audio quality of a condenser capsule. The WH30 features a frequency response tailored to enhance the clarity of vocals. Ergonomic and lightweight in design, the hands-free unit features a flexible gooseneck that facilitates optimal microphone placement and an isolation shock mount that reduces vibration noise. Temperature and moisture-resistant, its cardioid polar pattern delivers maximum gain before feedback. Capable of handling high SPLs, the headworn mic comes with its own snap-on windscreen.
The WH30 is available in a hard-wired version, as well as with Shure's T Series, UT Series, LX Series, ULX Series, UC Series, and UHF Series wireless microphone systems.
(Lee Baldock)
Denon has raised the stakes again in the twin CD marketplace with the release of the DN-D9000, designed as a creative tool for DJs of all genres, and now available in the UK through Hayden Laboratories.
For all its complexity, the DN-D9000 is simple, user-friendly and logical to operate. It utilizes high-speed internal processors, offers many new digital features and has a large memory capacity. The world-first Alpha Track facility allows DJs to play two tracks off the same disk simultaneously.This function - not found on any other CD player - allows two completely separate tracks per drive to be selected and replayed - or played on top of each other. Both tracks can then be simultaneously Pitch Bent, and have other additional effects like Scratch applied.
The D9000’s digital ATAPI drives will reliably playback CDR and CD-RW disks. The drives are also user replaceable - a great advantage for installers and venue managers - and each drive can also be removed ‘live’ whilst the other continues playing. The end result is no more down time and no incursion of expensive loan and carriage costs or service charges should a drive need replacing.
In another unique feature, the DN-D9000 offers four Hot Starts per drive including Stutter Start Loops. The Hot Starts can be set up and selected in a variety of ways - as four Loops, four Sutter Start points and two Samplers per drive. An extensive array of effects - Delay, Flanger, Filter, Transform or XFM - can be applied. All effects can be simultaneously activated and are assignable to either the Main Track or t
Audio rental specialist Alex Schlösser GmbH has formed a new company, AS Audio, to distribute Chameleon amplifiers and other brands throughout Germany from its Cologne base. The decision will allow Alex Schlösser GmbH to concentrate solely on servicing its extensive number of clients in the broadcast and live sound sectors.
Schlösser is no stranger to Chameleon, having purchased DP/2 3500 and 2000 models over the past nine years for use by commercial and state-owned TV stations, RTF and ZDF. Recent contracts where the British company’s amps have played an important role include the 2001 Chancellor Party in Berlin and the Wiener Festwochen in Vienna.
Schlösser says AS Audio intends to build on Chameleon’s success in the UK and his own country by further promoting the brand via its website and through the pro audio media in Germany.
(Lee Baldock)