An XTA Electronics SiDD (Seriously Intelligent Digital Dynamics) processor has become, in the space of one tour, a vital component in conveying Gary Moore’s vocal power on stage. Moore’s front-of-house engineer, Andy May, decided to experiment with the multi-dynamics device after trying "virtually every compressor on the planet, from all the familiar units to the most esoteric American kit." Capital Sound is providing the tour’s audio production, with a Martin Wavefront 8 system, itself controlled by XTA DP226 digital loudspeaker processors. Both the DP226 and SiDD are based on XTA’s proprietary AudioCore DSP engine. The Gary Moore band is a straight-ahead four-piece line-up. The rig includes a Midas Heritage 3000 desk, Martin LE700 wedges, and Crown Macrotech amplification. Graham Lilley is production manager and Danny Stead mixes monitors.

May explains the challenge: "Gary sings and plays with a lot of passion and adrenalin, which works the vocal audio chain to the limits. He also likes a high guitar level on stage, so when he walks away from the microphone, the guitar sound floods into the mic, which means a lot of riding the faders for me. I’ve tried every kind of compressor on his vocal and none has ever really done the job of managing the dynamics without compromising the energy of his performance or the sound quality. SiDD goes a long way to solving that problem; it’s simply a brilliant product."

Italian loudspeaker manufacturer Outline has developed the first high power, pollution free sound system with its' innovative Soundtracker system. The Soundtracker is a ceiling mounted tile that works as part of a matrix. The patented design incorporates a 21 foot horn, and a dual concentric 10" and 2" driver configuration. When a matrix of at least 16 units are installed, the off axis sound rejection is 30dB. Larger matrices of Soundtracker will perform equally. The intention for the composite ceiling tile which weighs in at an astonishing 22Kg, is for venues that either have a noise pollution problem, because of their location or indeed because of the Noise at Work Regulations Act which dictates limited working hours in areas of high SPL. Soundtracker can also be used as an extremely cost effective solution for hotels, exhibition or any public venues where sound pollution is a problem.

Studio Brussel is one of Belgium's most vibrant radio stations catering for the dance-orientated youth market. For their annual party this year they decided to go for a full-on festival held in Kuipke, the old velodrome in Ghent. A total of seven different venues were used to showcase the best of both Belgian and international talent. The main stage was in Kuipke and featured acts such as the Postmen, 28 days, Starflam, the Guano Apes and many more. Acoustic sessions took place in the Casino with the likes of Novastar, Monza and Luc de Vos, while other attractions included a drive-in movie theatre, cabaret, and DJ sets from Cut la Roc and Luke Slater. The welcome area included a live broadcast studio and a display of artwork from famous Belgian artist Panamarenko.

Dee Sound of Belgium was responsible for supplying the audio requirements for this high profile event. Both the main stage and the casino were equipped with the Synco Touring loudspeaker system. After the gig the Guano Apes engineer commented: "It's a great system ­ it gives you lots of headroom at high SPLs without loss of clarity." It was also the ideal opportunity to put the two newly-purchased Midas Heritage 3000s through their paces, particularly as the consoles were used for both FOH and monitoring purposes. According to Andre Schneider (owner of Dee Sound): "The desks are so clearly mapped out I have no worries letting visitors work on them. "

The event was attended by 10,000 people who partied until dawn. The Studio Brussel team, who confessed to a slight case of butterflies before

Outline, the Italian loudspeaker designer and manufacturer, has announced the addition of a 'Joey' to its Kanguro (pronounced kangaroo) range of ultra portable sound systems. 'Joey' was the project name, which will not be used to market this latest product in the Kanguro range. The KW1215A is a self-powered loudspeaker system which allows the High Pack to be placed inside the Sub for transport. Amplifiers for the system have been developed in-house by Outline and are fully Digital. Each module produces 450W into 8 Ohms and there is a module in each of the KW1215A cabinets.

Members of the ALD (Association of Lighting Designers) and the STLD (Society of Television Lighting Directors) along with other lighting designers have been invited to Wybron's Open Day for a demonstration of the Autopilot II system. The demonstration will be held at the Prince of Wales Theatre, London, where the Autopilot II is currently in use on the production of The Witches of Eastwick. Autopilot II is Wybron's automated followspot system, which is very easy to set up, use and monitor from a PC. Lighting designer Kevin Burgess will demonstrate its full potential and show how it's used in Witches. "We are really excited to have Kevin Burgess, the true Autopilot II ‘expert’, with us on the Open Day," says Mike Goldberg, manufacturer's representative for Wybron, who is arranging the event, which takes place at 3pm on May 25th. Goldberg can be contacted at the e-mail address given below.

Pioneer GB has introduced the futuristically-designed CDJ-1000, which includes a range of innovative new features such as Vinyl Emulation, Wave Display, Multi-Media Card (MMC) and Loop In and Out Adjust. The CDJ-1000 provides a creative universe limited only by the imagination of the DJ - entirely irrespective of favouritism towards either CD or Vinyl. With its design rooted in CD and sampling technology, the CDJ-1000 is modelled on a traditional vinyl deck. With the world’s largest touch-sensitive Jog Dial, designed to faithfully and accurately emulate the characteristics of a turntable. This allows DJs to treat CDs exactly the same way as they would a vinyl record: cueing, pitch-bending, back-spinning and even scratching.

The Wave display reads every track on the CD and displays the corresponding sound level in a graphical format. This enables the DJ to cue up a track just as they would with vinyl by reading track break-points in advance for use as a mix point. There is also a Zoom facility which lets the DJ scroll along the Wave display to obtain even greater information. The MMC memory card feature allows the DJ to store favourite cue and loop points, as well as all the track Wave data from the CD onto the card for future use (16mb MMC = 100 cue and loops points and WAVE data up to a maximum of 10,000 CDs). There is also a back-up function that duplicates cards in case of loss. Other features include an instant reverse activated by a switch with no loss of tempo or pitch; three Hot Cue buttons that can be used to memorise cue points on different CD tracks and th

Multiplex, the Australian company renowned for its on-time completion of the Stadium Australia for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, is currently working on upgrading Chelsea Football Club's Stamford Bridge ground. As part of this, its on-site contractor SVT were asked to look at the arrangements for evacuation in cases of emergency such as bomb threats. Deciding that a new system was required they turned to a partnership of ASL's world-leading PA equipment and Navica Ltd's rack-building expertise for this flagship installation. ASL's products from the core of the Incident Evacuation system, which will be used to control and evacuate the crowd inside the stadium. The primary fire evacuation system, in this case, will continue to use conventional sounders but should it be necessary, ASL's system can be configured to be fully compliant to the standards required of a primary fire evacuation system.

Terry Crouch of SVT is delighted with both the equipment and the support during the design, rack build and commissioning process from ASL and Navica. He stated: "The key thing for me about the system is that it's so simple to wire, configure and use. The entire process is so easy using ASL's clear and concise instructions and frankly, in our business, less wires means less mistakes and money saved."

Audace Ltd, the audio control specialist, has released V1.04 of their Intelligent Wall Plate software. The wall plates interface to digital mix processors such as the Allen & Heath DR Series to provide inexpensive, easy-to-use but configurable control of the audio environment by unskilled operators. New features include free Windows GUI available from the Audace website for configuration of systems; wall panels can now control up to four audio channels simultaneously; the 'range' of volume control can be limited at configuration stage; switches can be programmed as mutes, presets, source selects or no function; switches can be configured as additive or mutually-exclusive in function, interfaces with Allen & Heath V2.10 system software which eliminates the need for an optional remote control port, thus reducing overall system cost significantly.

Audace managing director Bryan Waters commented: "In combination with Allen & Heath DR128 in particular, I feel that this solution represents one of the best value sophisticated audio control systems on the market. Not everyone has the budget or requirement for touch screens and of course the compromises of VCA control pots are well documented in terms of no on-panel display, wiring costs, no facility for limiting control, lack of scalability and difficulties achieving multi-channel control. With our system you can even install multiple panels (up to 32) in a large ballroom, for example, and all the relevant wall plates will update when any one of them is manipulated. The displays will also, of course, respond to changes from

ARX's range of SPL Series Powered Integrated Loudspeakers has been expanded with the release of the new SPL 20 Powered Arrayable Trapezoidal Sub Woofer. Featuring a single 18" (460mm) long-throw driver, the SPL 20 provides extended low frequency output from 35-100Hz in an Arrayable trapezoidal reflex-loaded package, for use in flown or ground stacked multi-cabinet loudspeaker systems. The SPL 20's fully integrated amplifier/speaker combination offers ARX's propriety ISC system protection and CoolPort technology, ensuring maximized high power output whilst retaining low distortion and providing sonic accuracy. Designed as a complementary sub-bass cabinet for SPL 12 and SPL 10 arrays, the SPL 20 can easily be used with other speaker systems. Since its control electronics and amplifier are built-in, the SPL 20 is the perfect add-on when more extended low frequency output is required. The all-new amplifier design inside the SPL 20 uses existing proven ARX analogue amplifier technology for predictable operation in all professional applications. Its transformer based power supply and Mosfet drive circuitry both enable a reduced parts count for long term reliability. Plus, with their inbuilt self-regulation, Mosfets are accepted as being the most thermally reliable and predictable amplifier output stage currently available. ARX’s SPL range of powered loudspeakers are now widely used in concert halls, auditoriums, hotels, convention centres and other venues requiring high quality predictable sound reproduction worldwide.

Following the growing success of the beyerdynamic conference products, beyerdynamic (GB) Ltd have signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Biamp Inc to represent their full product range in the UK. The Biamp product line has found increasing applications in conference applications and is a perfect partner for both the beyerdynamic MCS and MCW product ranges. Commenting on the appointment, John Midgley, managing director of the beyerdynamic UK operation stated: "This is an important product line for us and comes at a great time with the success we have had in the conference and distance learning markets. Now with the Audia product we can integrate systems even further and offer a complete, integrated solution to this growing market sector." Biamp have recently launched the Audia Digital Audio Platform as an open architecture configurable audio matrix system, allowing installers the ability to exactly define the audio system for a given installation with the ability of simple and quick reconfiguration of the input and outputs. The system can be controlled via Panja (formerly AMX) or Crestron protocols via Ethernet or serial communication networks.

Audience members attending Hugh Whitemore’s new play God Only Knows at The Vaudeville Theatre in London may not realise that they are witnessing a small revolution in theatre sound design: Aura associate Robert Tory and Aura director John Leonard have decided to make it the West-End’s first ‘mixing-desk free’ show . . .

The original touring equipment list, supplied to the production by Autograph Sound, included a Yamaha 02R digital desk, along with an Akai S6000 sampler, playing out through Richmond Sound Design’s AudioBox and controlled by RSD’s Showman show-control program to replay the atmospheric sound effects mix, and to ‘fly’ a sinister helicopter effect around the auditorium for the play’s denouement. Both Tory and Leonard, along with Aura’s show-control expert Scott George, were keen to investigate the latest option for AudioBox users, CM Automation’s MotorMix, which adds a motorised fader-pack to Richmond’s audio-playback matrix. The unit facilitates hands-on programming and provides a fader mimic for the AudioBox, as well as providing full remote control for show-running. Following Aura’s comprehensive use of the AudioBox and associated ABEdit software for Madame Tussaud’s New York exhibition (see L&SI, Dec 2000), Leonard and George were confident that the entire show could be handled just by the AudioBox and MotorMix combination and that any other front-end equipment could safely be made redundant.

Aura specified a complete double system, with a standby AudioBox tracking the m

Autograph Sound Recording have had a hectic first few months with 22 productions opening around the country since January. The year started with a sound design and equipment rental project called Northern Odyssey, an ambitious one-off concert at the new Odyssey Arena in Northern Ireland. Sound design was by Autograph's Nick Lidster, whose most recent design is for Bounce, which opened at the end of April at the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm, London.Feelgood, the political satire based on the current governments spin-doctoring, opened and sold out at the Hampstead theatre in January followed by a small countrywide tour, before it started a longer run in London's West End. Autograph's Simon Baker sound designed this hilarious new play before starting work on his new project Closer to Heaven, Really Useful Group's new musical collaboration with The Pet Shop Boys, which opens at the Arts Theatre in June. In-between these two projects Simon managed to fit in a few weeks at The Prince of Wales Theatre, wearing his associate sound designer’s hat, for The Witches of Eastwick’s move out of The Theatre Royal Drury Lane into the more intimate space where Autograph's Andrew Bruce adapted his innovative use of the L'Acoustic d-Vdosc loudspeaker system.

Drury Lane is now getting ready to receive the much acclaimed new production of My Fair Lady from The Royal National Theatre, where it has been playing to sell out audiences since March. Autograph is supplying the complete sound and communications system for both venues. Another old favourite, <

Following a reorganisation of its business, Playlight is hosting a massive auction next Tuesday, where literally hundreds of items will come under the hammer. On the lighting side these include a collection of lighting desks and dimmers, and just about every type of lantern and moving light under the sun. For special effects, there are smoke machines, mirror balls, projectors and ultra-violet systems, whilst on the audio side, a large stockholding of speakers, amplifiers, mixing desks and microphones will be auctioned. Rigging and trussing will also feature, as will a range of office furniture and general equipment.

The auction takes place on Tuesday 22 May in London at 860 Coronation Road, Park Royal, London and begins at 11am. All items in the auction can be viewed on Monday 21 May from 9.30am to 4.30pm and on the day of sale.

For a catalogue call +44 0117 930 4020.

An Allen and Heath GL4000 has recently been installed in top West Midlands live venue 'The Shed'. Richard Willis of Showcom Audio, the company that supplied the equipment, said the nature of the venue meant they needed a: "Sensible board for sensible money and lots of facilities." The GL4000 is certainly that. A 10 aux, 8 group dual function FoH/Monitor mixer, it is entirely at home in any situation and offers complete control to a single engineer. Its 8 mute groups with 128 MIDI mute snapshots further support the versatility of the console. The console is at the heart of a complete sound system refit that includes six decks of Nexo Alpha E loudspeakers, PS-15 monitors, Camco Vortex series amplification and Klark Teknik signal processing throughout. Since its installation last month, the GL4000 has been used regularly in the 500 capacity venue by a wide variety of visiting acts and sound engineers. Their verdict on the mixer? Richard Willis sums it up: "They're delighted with the system."

Stanton will introduce another world first this month when it begins shipping the SK-2F Limited Edition mixer. Available in the UK through exclusive distributors, Lamba plc, the SK-2F Limited Edition is an upgraded version of the SK-2F. Upgrades include the latest generation of the Focus fader (V2.0) which is a digital optical crossfader, and the OS2 optical scratch switch. The SK-2F is the first mixer to utilize this technology, which will enable DJs around the world to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with two turntables and a DJ mixer.

Improving on the original, and world’s first optical fader design, the Focus Fader V2 is truly curve-adjustable to accommodate any style of turntable artist. Fitted with an array of optical sensors, and microprocessor-controlled to eliminate the need for contacts or graphite material, V2 will outlast many standard graphite or conductive plastic faders on the market - which is why it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The OS2 also represents a Stanton innovation in its mechanical properties, since it is the first phono/line switch which features a fader as the user interface. This will allow the same hand/wrist movement to be executed when using the crossfader and OS2, which in turn translates into efficiency in scratching performance. The flat handle and soft slide action of the OS2 makes it easy to perform any existing techniques, including the Crab Scratch. The small travel and slide motion will be a positive tool in conditioning the hand/wrist movements to be more minute and precise.

Two Allen & Heath mixers, the ML5000 and Xone:464, have recently found a home in top Japanese venue Club Yellow. The club hosts a variety of nights, from hard house to soul. Mr Kikuchi, sound manger at Yellow, explained what they were looking for: "We needed a top quality mixer for live mixing and overall control of sound at the club. The ML5000 provided this, at a great price." The 32-channel version of the ML5000 dual function FOH/monitor mixer met his requirements, due to the flexibility provided by its 16 auxes, eight audio groups and eight VCA groups. In addition to the ML5000, Yellow also needed a dedicated DJ mixer for its prominent house, techno and garage nights. The Allen & Heath Xone:464 was chosen and has so far found great favour. Naoko Sugano of Onkyo Tokki, the company that supplied the mixers, believes that the choice of new DJ console at the venue was determined by quality and price for a product that needed to be instantly accessible to any visiting DJ.

Stanton has released the latest in its line of professional straight tone arm turntables. Available in the UK through exclusive distributors Lamba plc, the STR8-100 features Stanton¹s highest torque direct drive motor to date, as well as many features favoured by today’s professional DJs.

Like all the STR8 Series turntables, the STR8-100 comes with a straight tone arm, which virtually eliminates skipping. It features digital output (SP/DIF) which allows the DJ to plug the turntable into a computer and sample away. The Key Adjust (Master Tempo) keeps the pitch at zero, while the platter speed is changed using the pitch fader. There is also a Line Input Master, a built-in 3.5mm input jack allowing portable CD, MD or MP-3 to be plugged directly into the body of the turntable. Other features include in the STR8-100 include a reverse switch (allowing back-spinning), selectable pitch adjustment (up to ±25%), selectable speeds (33, 45, 78rpm), brushed aluminium chassis and aluminium platter, height adjustable tone arm and adjustable feet, blue LEDs and blue strobe indicator, target light and a free slip mat.

Hull-based public address specialists, Galloway Electronics, proved the power of an effective website this month when they completed a contract for Indian Ocean Tuna - a subsidiary of Heinz - in the Seychelles. "I turned on the computer one morning and there was the enquiry posted on our website," confesses finance director Brian Galloway. "We had just started to export, and a job right in the middle of the Indian Ocean couldn’t have provided us with a better start." The family-owned business has been operating for 20 years, and for much of that time the company has been dealing with TOA Electronics, and fitting their public address, voice evacuation and CCTV systems as approved installers. Thus when the canning factory stated that they needed a factory-wide public address system, Galloway didn't have to look further than the TOA catalogue.

Indian Ocean Tuna faxed through drawings and Galloway Electronics put together a design based around a TOA drive rack, for final installation by local contractors. The six-zone system - some featuring music, some voice only - will provide total coverage into all the food preparation, store room, staff room and administration blocks, the TOA direct horn speakers powered from a single TOA V Series amp rack situated in the administration block. The paging includes a 10-zone individual mic system, with an all-call and music restoration facility throughout.