UK - For the recent Comic Relief Does Fame Academy show, Creative Technology contributed to the groundbreaking production visuals, described by director Alex Rudzinski as "extending the boundaries by creating a synergy between set design, lighting and display systems."
The team of Mark Kenyon (lighting director), Patrick Doherty (production designer) and Alex Rudzinski combined virtual and real world technologies: 3D mid-air effects were projected from the HES Catalyst onto CT's 16sq.m hi-res Barco i6 LED display, which was creatively framed against the panelled fabric of the building - St Olaves School, near London's Tower Bridge. Creative Technology's Adrian Offord commented: "Because of the close proximity of the screen from the camera we had to field the highest resolution screen we own in order to guarantee the quality of close viewing - particularly as it is used as a video backdrop rather than for imag."
CT also supplied 15sq.m of the lower-resolution 25mm perspex-covered, flush-mount circular dancefloor which, according to Patrick Doherty, was fully optimized to create a sense of warmth and drama - particularly from the overhead crane shots from balcony level.
A pair of 7000 ANSI lumen Panasonic projectors - also from CT - were stationed up on the balcony, firing images onto the narrow gauze-clad windows either side of the centre stage.Doherty reasoned that the move to St. Olaves had been a natural progression from the house in Highgate, where the event was held the previous two years. "Being able to fit the live show
Australia / Germany - Australian manufacturer LSC Lighting Systems will exhibit at next months ProLight&Sound exhibition in Frankfurt (6-9 April) in its own right, having co-exhibited with its German distributors for the last 12 years. LSC's Alan Graham comments: "ProLight has developed for us as a true international exhibition with customers and distributors seeking us out from as far away as Asia, Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe as well as out traditional customer base from Western Europe. We felt it important to establish our own presence at this important show and show the wider audience exactly what we do."
Previewing for the first time in Europe is LSC's soon-to-be-released lighting desk, Xtc. This powerful and stylish desk is based on the proven maXim engine and advanced moving light control from the popular PaTPad touch screen module. It offers a multitude of playback masters - up to 29 simultaneously, 500 memories, 100 fixtures, 100 groups, 100 presets, 100 palettes and 1024 DMX output channels. It has no faders, just dedicated latching and flashing buttons with a tri-colour status LED for each playback. Eight 'specials' can store looks or timed events for strobes, smoke machines or other DMX controlled equipment, say the company. MIDI control will soon be available. The front panel is made from 6mm laser-etched clear acrylic that is side lit with white LEDs.
Also on show will be LSC's successful range of installation digital dimmers - EKO. Available in a number of formats, the EKO has been specifically designed to make the installer a
UK / UAE - Sennheiser UK has announced the appointment of Dubai-based Venuetech as its exclusive distributor for the UAE for Sennheiser, Rycote and Neumann. "Naturally, we are excited to have been given the opportunity to distribute Sennheiser here in the UAE," commented Venuetech sales manager, Charbel Zoghbi. "Not only will these brands consolidate our sales efforts in the live and installation markets, but they will also help us infiltrate the lucrative broadcasting sector. Through our efforts, we can better position the Sennheiser brand with our professional customers by offering supply from stock, extensive marketing and unparalleled after-sales service."
Sennheiser, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year - will be taking a stand at the PALME show for the first time as part of its initiative in the Middle East. "We've been working to expand our business in the Middle East," said Sennheiser UK director of marketing, John Steven. "We see a lot of potential in the region and have been looking for a suitable partner to work with - and we feel that we've found it in Venuetech. I am confident that it's going to be a mutually beneficial partnership."
Sennheiser UK managing director, Paul Whiting, added: "Our increased focus on the Middle East is just the beginning of a long-term strategy for the region. The potential in the area is considerable, and we intend to be more proactive in ensuring that our ambitions are realized. We want the dealers in the area to experience the same level of commitment and service
UK - Aztec Events, a company providing events management and production for major-league corporate clients, has purchased four Soundcraft GB4 consoles. "We bought the mixers to use in conferencing environments, although we do events including product launches and fashion shows, as well as meetings of all sorts," explained Aztec warehouse manager Samer Sahmani. "One of the reasons we went for them is that our older desks are Spirit by Soundcraft, which we have had for some years.
"We have had good experiences with them and they are in constant use on a daily basis," Sahmani added. "We have been very satisfied with the quality of sound, as well as their reliability and low maintenance requirements.
"Mixing desks aren't something you buy on a daily basis. When we bought Soundcaft the second time round, we did so in the knowledge that we would be using them for years to come. "We did look at other makes," said Sahmani, "but it was a combination of cost, quality and the level of control we had with the GB4, as well as our past experience, that formed the basis of our decision. In addition, we heard positive feedback from other companies that were already using the GB4, which is always a good sign."
Aztec chose the 16-channel configuration of the GB4, which also offers two stereo channels and four group outputs. So is it true that the company is now looking at the larger GB8? "Correct!" Sahmani affirmed. "It's built on the same basis as the GB4 but with four stereo channels and eight group outs.
UK - Digital media specialist Projected Image Digital has moved to larger premises in West London. Meanwhile, its sister company, gobo manufacturer Projected Image, remains in East London at its purpose-built laboratory and office space on Three Mills Island. "It was always intended to move PID when we outgrew the space," explains David March, "And that's happened much quicker than expected in just two years since the launch of 'Digital'".
The new PID building features a vast workshop facility with more storage, increased office space and a full-scale demo and training area. It means PID can offer comprehensive demos for its entire range including Catalyst and Element Labs products. The move also enhances PID's ability to provide thorough product training on all products, they say.
The Grade II listed building at 53 Northfield Road is a slice of production industry history in its own right: for the last 20 years it's housed an array of cutting-edge companies including Chameleon Lighting, The Spot Co, Flying Pig Systems, Labyrinth and High End Systems Europe. As exclusive UK Catalyst distributor, PID is now also under the same roof as High End Systems' European operation, overseen by Fons de Vreede, with additional European Catalyst support from Hugh Davies-Webb.
The move also makes geographical and logistical sense by placing PID at the heart of the West London film, TV and touring lighting production manufacturers and rental houses. The company is now in close proximity to major players such as PRG, Neg Earth Lights, Entec, AFM Lighting,
USA - Usher has been likened to this generation's Marvin Gaye - a Grammy winner and multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter, dancer, actor and activist. At the age of only 25, he's entering his second decade as a successful artist, riding the top of the charts with his fifth album, Confessions, and selling out concert venues as soon as the dates are announced.
Veteran programmer/engineer Herman Ward has been running the mix for the Usher tour, covering live shows and special events like the recent Showtime special. Ward, who has worked with a diverse mix of artists including Limp Bizkit, Prince, Luther Vandross and Klymaxx, recently put the band in the hands of Mackie's new TT24 digital live mixer, a move he says simplified life for him and the performers he takes care of.
"This is a fast moving show, and with our last digital mixer it sometimes took too long to step through all the menus to make a change," he explains. "If I needed to pull something up in a stage wedge, sometimes I had to go through six or seven pages worth of menus to get there. With the TT24, I can get to everything within two steps. The TT24 is as quick as I am."
Ward also used Mackie's new Onyx 1640 mixers for Usher's recent Showtime special, which aired March 1, and was impressed with the mixer's sound. "We took the keyboard mix from one Onyx, fed it and everything else into the second Onyx, and that was all we needed. It sounded better than a lot of really expensive mixers."
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Turbosound's QLight loudspeaker systems are forming the key element in an intelligent zoning installation at Ba Orient, a unique style of cocktail and dim sum bar in the fashionable Mermaid Quay area of Cardiff, Wales. Designed and installed by Enhance Audio of Bristol, the bar's new sound system features a total of 23 Turbosound loudspeakers, distributed throughout the venue's public areas and private VIP suites.
The design was conceived by Enhance Audio's Jerey Denning, with the Ba Orient's system based on Turbosound QLight TQ-308 and TQ-230 enclosures, deployed in multiple stereo zones, complemented by TQ-115 and TSB-110 bass units installed at floor level and built into columns along the venue's central axis. A Turbosound TXD-081 loudspeaker is also installed as a monitor for the DJ station, which is incorporated into the bar. Enhance Audio used flexible rubber suspension brackets to mount all the mid-high loudspeakers, in conjunction with acoustic treatment of the ceiling void, to prevent sound from the Ba Orient being transmitted to the Italian restaurant on the floor above.
The owner's brief emphasized a relaxed wash of sound, with the capacity for higher levels during weekend evenings. With four public-area zones, and three VIP suites - which can be hired out independently for private meetings - the system had to be sufficiently flexible to provide some of the zones, particularly the VIP suites, with their individual choice of music. The system is configured with a total of five stereo images in the public and bar areas, using Turbosound TQ-308 mid
UK - Pontins holiday village near Hemsby, Norfolk, was taken over for a weekend in March by one of the largest Dance and R&B Radio stations in the UK, for the fifth Vibe FM Dance Party Weekender, which has become a twice-yearly event. All technical services (including lighting, sound, AV and staging) were supplied by Embee Lighting, based near Norwich in Norfolk.
The radio station's DJs provided the music for the two nine-hour shows, which saw two rooms operated simultaneously, offering commercial and alternative styles. The lighting was the most technically demanding part of the weekend, since both shows required live operation each night.The themed events (entitled 'It Will Be All White On The Night' and 'The Wild, Wild West'), used a mixture of Martin MAC 250+, MAC 500s, and ChromaBanks, ChromaCubes and ChromaStrips from Pulsar. According to Embee's project manager for the event, Mark Bailey: "These units gave us the flexibility and range of effects needed to run a visual show for this length of time, with the reliability and brightness required."
Generic fixtures included Source Fours, 400W UV Cannons and Par 64s with ACLs dotted around the screen surrounds. Various smoke and pyrotechnic effects were used during the shows, ranging from gerbs and theatrical flash units to the Skyhigh FX Air Fetti Cannons. Two Martin Magnum Pro 2000 smoke machines were also connected to CITC FX Shotmax fans to produce smoke jets into the audience areas. Grille staging was installed, allowing the dancers to be up-lit during their performances on stage, and extra podi
USA - QSC Audio Products has announced that Mark Engebretson has joined its ranks as vice-president of R&D, chief systems architect. Now responsible for the upper-level technical management of QSC's three core product groups - power amplifiers, loudspeakers, and digital systems - Engebretson comes to QSC from JBL Professional, where he led the Northridge,California-based company's R&D department. In his new capacity at QSC, he will play a critical leadership role in the further development of proprietary technologies, enhancing overall R&D capabilities, and shaping new system solutions.
"Given all the buzz associated with my move, you'd think I was a Russian spy that just defected or something," Engebretson joked during the NSCA Systems Integration Expo just past, where QSC first broke news of the appointment. "I want to extend all the best to my friends and colleagues at JBL for their help and support over the last five years, and give equal thanks to QSC for the trust they've placed in me, as well as the opportunity to work with truly creative people in one of our industry's most progressive environments. The days ahead will undoubtedly be exciting times for all of us."
Prior to JBL, Engebretson guided operations at Summit Laboratories, an audio and acoustical measurement facility specializing in sound system design. Other career highlights listed on his resume include time logged as vice-president of product development for Altec Lansing, and VP of R&D for Paramount Pictures. In March 2002, Engebretson received a Scientific and Engineerin
USA / Africa - The Ernest Angley Minsitries based at Grace Cathedral in Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, is about to embark on another crusade to Africa and, for the first time, is relying exclusively on a DiGiCo D1 Live for all their audio mixing. The crusades will travel to Namibia and Lesotho, and services will be held during the first three weeks of April, four to five nights a week. Most of the venues will be outdoor soccer fields, which will accommodate crowds from 30,000 to well over 200,000. There will be two stages at each location, with the ministry's vocal trio performing to pre-recorded tracks on the main stage and local choirs and bands performing on a second stage at the side of the main stage.
"We're using the DiGiCo D1 exclusively," explains Bruce Ober, senior audio engineer with Ernest Angley. "The size to processing power ratio of the D1 gave DiGiCo's console a significant advantage over all the other digital consoles I looked at. With almost limitless on-board features, combined with the versatility and customizing options available on the D1, all the control I need is right at my fingertips."
Ernest Angley has also purchased a Meyer Sound MILO line array system specifically for the tour. The system includes four 700-HP subs as well as four UPA-1P and four UPJ-1P self-powered loudspeakers for side fill around the stages. Four Meyer Sound MSL-4 cabinets are available for delay towers. "The ability to carry a loudspeaker system capable of covering outdoor services this large in our own airplane made the combination of the Di
Spain - The first Spanish rental companies to invest in HK Audio's Cohedra Compact Coherent Dynamic Response Array system have joined forces to start a local Cohedra Compact network. Both Andalusia-based companies have purchased systems of 16 CDR 108 C mid/high cabinets with eight CDR 210 C subwoofers and two PR 8 amp racks - a so-called 2x8 system. Each rig can be split into two ground-stacked systems for smaller gigs by use of an additional Digital Field Controller with PB 2 patchbays in each rack.
Sonilprof, located in Algeciras, and Proinso in Huelva are long-term HK Audio users, with each rental company boasting a substantial inventory. Both have been proactive in establishing Cohedra in Spain, with Sonilprof owner Santiago Sánchez García arranging a major demonstration of the system last year in the Algeciras bullring (see newsletter dated June 1, 2004). The companies have been part of the Andalusian HK Audio R-Series user group since the mid nineties, and they are confident that a Cohedra Compact network in Spain will bring advantages both to clients and themselves, as well as adding credibility to the Cohedra range. The companies will be able to join forces for larger events, and to dry hire their systems to one other without having to provide a systems engineer, as each has the same equipment as well as engineers trained under the Hkademy scheme.
"The main reasons we purchased Cohedra Compact are its small size combined with high output, great sound and great coverage," says Santiago Sánchez Garcia, owner of Sonilprof. "And the fact t
UK - Denon DJ has unveiled the latest round of software plug-ins available for its DJ products. Downloadable software is available free of charge to all Denon DJ registered users via denondj.com. The new software enhancements provide an array of new features for the DN-X1500 Professional DJ Mixer, DN-S5000 and DN-S3000 Tabletop CD/MP3 Players, and DN-04000 Dual CD/MP3 Player.
Denon's DN-X1500 offers four full-featured channels integrated with the 'world's first' 8-channel input matrix control, with additional on-board effects and USB connectivity. Newly available enhancements include separate Rear Output Trim and Master Level Control, Stereo/Mono Switching independent of global cueing system, improved Crossfader response for intricate scratch routines, and a 'sharper' Channel Fader contour preset. In the Effects section, Filter 2 can be set to correspond to the unit's DRYIWET control, Echo 1 can now be locked to the bpm independent of WET status, the TAP button now flashes when selected once to lock to the bpm, and when bpm effects are engaged they are now synced to the beginning of the sine wave. Finally, when the Split/Cue is selected the Master Cue is now ganged together to turn on, and the Master Cue can now be monitored pre Master Volume.
The DN-S5000 and DN-S3000 tabletop CD/MP3 players combine active turntable platter manipulation - another world's first from Denon - with an authentic vinyl slipmat and realistic scratch manipulation. New plug-in enhancements include playback restart during Brake sound by simply pressing Play, added quick jump search valu
Australia - The DMXPlayBack, the first device launched by lighting control manufacturer Enttec in 1998, was very successful, but has now received a facelift. The result is the new DMXPlayBack Mk2, with all the functions users have come to rely on, plus new functions and extra memory, at no extra cost, say Enttec The DMXPlayBack Mk2 can store up to 12 complete light shows, each of which can consist of up to 500 static scenes. Scenes can be stored as a snapshot of the DMX input, or can be built using the dedicated free software package ShowEditor 2. Once your scenes have been stored, shows are put together using ShowEditor, and uploaded to the DMXPlayBack Mk2.
Users can choose to run a single show on power-up of the unit, or can trigger individual shows via RS232. For manual control, the DMXPlayBack Remote allows single-button access to all 12 shows, and can even be triggered using a television remote. The new LCD display on the DMXPlayBack Mk2 tells you which show is currently running, what scene it us up to, and how many times the show is set to run.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Brentwood-based Cosmic Electronics has fitted out the new Whispers bar/club in Gravesend, using a range of LED lighting from Lighting Effects Distribution to create a colour-changing environment - as well as illuminating the dance floor with Geni scanners from the same supplier.
The former Shades has been converted by new owners Benning Bros Ltd at a cost of £160,000, with an upgraded sound system. Mark Damon's sound and lighting company was originally brought in through a contact with the venue's previous manager.
As with the recent fit-out at the exotic Sugar Hut in Brentwood, Cosmic Electronics turned extensively to the catalogue of Lighting Effects Distribution. The real success has been the way he has used LEDs to illuminate the bar areas. Two sets of Alkalite Riva 80 8-pod sets overhead wash down onto the granite-type bar top, while 12 Solar L80's - on their own dedicated DMX controller - wash the stainless steel front, reflecting unusual shapes down onto the floor.
But the most striking effect is reserved for the bar optics themselves. Behind each of the clusters are further Solar L80s - six in all - 'washing' the bottles and producing a striking effect. "The Rivas work in tandem with the L80's so that the whole bar will change colour at the same time - all run off DMX," says Damon. "We are very pleased with the L80's which we also used extensively at Sugar Hut."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
The Netherlands - Prolyte has announced the development of a hybrid coupler, the CCS6-610, a patented system designed for the 30 and 40 series truss. The first introduction of the CCS (conical coupling system) has radically changed the way truss can be used and assembled, say the company, adding that its success can be measured by the amount of copies on the market. The introduction of a hybrid conical coupling system is a step further ahead.
As Marc Hendriks, Prolyte's engineering director, states: "Although it might seem very futuristic, for Prolyte it was a natural step, as we are constantly looking for ways to improve our products. In this process we do not hesitate to use new materials or methods."
The hybrid coupler is a combination of metal encapsulated in synthetic material. The coupler can replace the current aluminium CCS6-600 coupler and lives up to the same specifications for strength and tolerances. The hybrid coupler will cost less than the original coupler, say Prolyte. Furthermore, the coupler can be supplied in almost any colour, allowing for easy recognition for rental companies. It is also possible to engrave your own logo in the coupler, the company says.
After the launch at the ProLight&Sound exhibition (Frankfurt, 6-9 April), the hybrid coupler will undergo an extensive test programme, in which several Prolyte distributors and users will participate. After this trial period the coupler will be taken into production.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Utopium Lighting Ltd was amongst the stars at this year's BAFTAs in Leicester Square. Dave Bryant and West Design worked with Utopium for the lighting and presentation at the Odeon Cinema in London's West End. The lighting kit, including a selection of Dominators and Studio Due CS4 Spot Line was installed over the preceding four days. Whilst the stars were at Leicester Square, Utopium Lighting was busy at the Grosvenor House adding the final touches to the after show party. Produced by AD Events the dinner and party added the glitzy finale to a long week in the movies.
Over this period Utopium also lit the film premieres for Shall We Dance, Bee Cool, Kingdom of Heaven, Robot and the Will Smith movie Hitch. AD Events chose Utopium to rig and light Hitch, which turned out to be three events in one day; the first event was in the morning in Manchester at The Print Works; by lunchtime Smith was in Birmingham, on a mobile stage on Broad Street at the UGC cinema and the day ended in London's Leicester Square with Utopium's custom ground support towers. Each of the three systems used combinations of X.Spots Extremes, Cyber Turbos, Studio Beams, and 100 Pixelines.
In the touring market, Utopium has been busy with Secret Machine for which Ricardo Lorenzini was LD; Goldie Looking Chain with LD Chris Bushell who used SGM Palcos and Studio Due CS4 Spot Line. Metropolis Music and Massive Attack asked Utopium to service the Tsunami Appeal Event that starred Portishead, Robert Plant and Coral. Tony Austin and Andy Mountain [LDs] took the Utopi
UK - The Compulite Vector control system was in use for some of the largest television lighting rigs for the recent Comic Relief campaign. Comic Relief Does Fame Academy 2005, which saw 13 well-known celebrities compete in a singing competition to raise money for good causes in the UK and abroad. Console operator Roger Williams, working with lighting director Mark Kenyon, chose the Compulite Vector Blue console to control the comprehensive rig of moving lights and LED fittings on the main Fame Academy stage, along with a Compulite SparkTOP console, operated by David Bishop, to drive the conventional lighting.
A total of 107 different songs in 10 shows were programmed on the Vector over the two-week period. A minimum of 80 minutes was transmitted live each night - two nights consisted of two full two hours live. The Vector was controlling 14 Martin MAC 2000, 35 Martin MAC 500, eight High End Studio Colors, 36 Pixel Par 90s, 100 AC Color Blocks, 96 Pulsar Chroma Strips and two High End Catalyst systems running six layers on each.
Mark Kenyon commented: "The show ran without a hitch - the Vector is the only console that can easily run eight full DMX streams, yet still remain extremely fast to program and able to adapt as the show develops. I was constantly amazed at how fast Roger was able to accomplish even the most complicated looks."
Red Nose Night LIVE '05 shown on BBC1 was presented by Chris Evans, Jonathan Ross, Graham Norton, Lenny Henry and Davina McCall, together with a long list of comedy greats. Console operator Bill Peachment, worki
UK - Formula Sound has announced a partnership with a leading sound and dance events company which is to promote the new Formula Sound FF-6000 mixer at all its forthcoming events. Birmingham-based Trigger organizes large-scale dance events throughout the UK, at which it combines its own unique brand of bass-driven Electro Breaks dance music with lights and visual effects. "We believe passionately in the value of high quality sound to make our events a success," says Trigger representative DJ Kosmikneil. "We are absolutely blown away with Formula Sound's new FF-6000 mixer and believe that for the dance market there is no other mixer out there which can touch it."
Previewed to enthusiastic reviews at last year's PLASA show the ground-breaking FF-6000 mixer has been designed with input from leading UK loudspeaker manufacturer Funktion One, and a panel of leading DJs, including some of the artists who appear at Trigger-organised events. It incorporates all the features you'd expect from a purpose-designed DJ mixer, combined with many features specifically requested by the DJs who contributed to the design and testing process. The mixer can be switched from linear faders to rotary faders using simple, interchangeable fader panels, the smooth, rapid crossfader has been sited beneath the channel strips for more precise control, and large control knobs have been fitted to the most frequently used functions. The FF-6000 also features versatile connection capabilities for linking to external effects and processors.
"Formula Sound has finally give
USA - Colorado-based lighting manufacturer Wybron Inc has given the first public showing of its new BP-2 beam luminaire, at the USITT Stage Expo, March 17-19 in Toronto, Canada. This compact, next generation beam projector uses the latest developments in optical and mechanical design to give lighting designers another tool in their ever-expanding arsenal of lighting effects. The BP-2 produces an intense soft-edge, narrow (10°) beam of light several times more intense than an ordinary spotlight of similar wattage, say Wybron.
Built of rugged spun steel, with either a metal or cold light coated glass parabolic reflector, it may be lamped with up to 800W tungsten or 150W discharge source. Its T-slot modular connection system allows the designer to combine an unlimited number of BP-2s in any desired array to satisfy any lighting situation, say the company.
The BP-2 makes a statement by breaking through the atmosphere on a stage or used architecturally as a long-throw wash to light specific areas.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - As digital systems become ever more sophisticated and powerful, the importance of training has become greater than ever. BSS Audio, recognizing the need to deliver thorough training for its new Soundweb London system, has developed what is arguably the most comprehensive online/offline training package yet seen in the Pro Audio industry.
The company is already running face-to-face training courses for Soundweb London, as it has done for several years with the original Soundweb system to great success. The new Soundweb London Certified London Architect training course comes in three parts.
The first part is a collection of downloadable, interactive Flash-based training modules, which take the user from configuring a PC to work with Soundweb London right through to designing and uploading system designs onto the hardware. Users can take the training at their leisure, offline if required.
After completing all the compulsory modules, the user will have a solid understanding of the system which will allows them to progress on to Part 2 of the course, which is an onsite training session with a BSS Audio representative or approved trainer. This will build upon the skills gained from Part 1 of the course and largely concentrates on the more advanced features and applications of the Soundweb London system.
The third part is a web-based multiple choice Q&A section, focussing on the key design and user benefits of the Soundweb London system. After submitting the answers, if a question is answered incorrectly, an email is automatically generated with the correct ans
Belgium - EML Productions has begun a two-year programme to replace all the processors in its inventory with IX 48 Intelli-X Speaker Management Systems from Apex. The upgrade represents a substantial investment in floating-point processing technology, with 28 Intelli-X units arriving in the first phase of the programme, rising to a total of 50 units.
In previous years, EML has been using BSS speaker management systems, but, according to Patrick Demoustier, the older generation of fixed-point processors is now struggling to deliver the processing power demanded by line arrays like the Adamson system used by EML. After an extensive period of researching the market, Demoustier has chosen the new Intelli-X digital speaker management processor, which tested just ahead of a comparable unit from Australian manufacturer Lake Technology.
"The decision was guided by three critical factors," explains Demoustier. "Firstly, the interface on the Apex Intelli-X is much more user-friendly than others, and it does allow you to control certain functions from the front panel rather than using the software control program on a laptop. For a company like EML, where we are often supplying systems for smaller jobs, which don't justify a laptop computer, this was an important distinction between Intelli-X and other alternatives. The Apex Intelli-X has four analogue and digital inputs and eight analogue outputs and houses a huge amount of DSP power. We can switch between digital and analogue on the input section, without having to buy additional input cards, so this gives
Greece - The first-ever installation of HK Audio's Cohedra Compact system was carried out at the end of 2004 at the Maya Club in Larisa, central Greece, by HK's Greek distributor Space Lights, in conjunction with their local dealer, Master Voice. The Maya Club, located in a converted warehouse, has seating room for around 1,000 people, which includes the balcony areas. The system is being used for live Greek performances and also for DJs playing pop and dance music.
Space Lights and Master Voice installed a system consisting of 12 CDR 108 mid/high units with eight CDR 210 subwoofers and four IL8.1 very compact vocal full-range cabinets for front-fill. Six CDR 108 cabinets were rigged at each side of the stage at a height of 6m, with the IL 8.1s positioned so they provide coverage for the front tables. The system is powered by one VX 1200 and nine VX 2400 power amplifiers, and is controlled by five DFCs (Digital Field Controllers).
Space Lights also supplied four LR 115 M and four LR 112 M monitors from HK Audio's Linear 3 Classic Series, together with four IL 12.2 full-range cabinets, for stage monitoring. All system set-up, adjustment and simulation was carried out by freelance EASE engineer Matthias Domke.
Master Voice worked closely with the Maya Club's owner, Theodore Varelas, to fulfil his requirement for a system which wasn't large in size but could deliver a lot of power. So successful was the proposal that Space Lights was awarded the contract without either Master Voice or the club owner having heard it - a great show of faith, especially given that
The Netherlands - On 1 January 2005 Rapenburg Plaza BV started its new business from Amsterdam. Rapenburg Plaza is a joint venture of DLA (Dutch Lighting designers Association) and Ground Zero located in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Rapenburg Plaza will focus on lighting design, showcontrol design and programming for theatre, opera, film, museums, TV, theme parks, architecture etc. The production works and trade venture of Ground Zero will now be handled by Rapenburg Plaza. Ground Zero BV will maintain the research and development department, with products like the KISS Box and the Ground Control Console developments.The sales and service representation will also move to Amsterdam. This will be the case for the Dutch distribution of e:cue lighting control systems, the North European dealership for Richmond Sound Design and the Dutch dealership for Medialon ShowControl software.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
UK - The new family of 700W fixtures from Vari*Lite will be shown for the first time in the UK next week at the RSAMD (Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama) in Glasgow on the PRG stand. The fixtures both featuring full CMY colour mixing, glass dimmer wheels, separate strobes and the extraordinary optical zoom ranges that Vari*Lite users have long enjoyed. David Ripley of the RSAMD said, " It is excellent to see an industry leader such as Vari*Lite showcasing new products here and we hope that visitors and our students can benefit from this."
The Vari*Lite VL2500 Spot luminaire is based on a very popular existing lighting tool - the VL2000 Spot luminaire, adding new features that make it even more appealing. The VL2500 Spot luminaire comes complete with all of the qualities and options designers love from the original Series 2000 fixtures. It continues to be small, lightweight, fast, 700W short arc lamp producing an impressive lumen output, and a zoom range from 18.5° to 42°.
The VL2500 Spot luminaire provides three-wheel CYM colour mixing. When combined with 11 standard colours on a fixed wheel, colour options are practically limitless. For image projection, the fixture has one gobo wheel with five rotatable and indexable positions and a second gobo wheel with 11 fixed positions.
Vari*Lite has also added the VL2500 Wash luminaire to the range, equipped with the same features and characteristics that make the original Series 2000 fixtures so useful with a zoom range from 14º to 55º, three-wheel CYM colour mixing and now partnering with the