Europe - Building upon the success of the recently introduced PlutoFresnel, Astera has announced the launch of ProjectionLens that will add capabilities to its battery-powered, LED-based light, allowing to convert quickly into a powerful profile spotlight.
The lightweight, portable PlutoFresnel - which operates on a completely wireless basis with built-in battery pack – can be transformed in less than a minute simply by slipping on the ProjectionLens, which then allows the light to become a Profile Spotlight with a range of 16° to 36°. Projection zoom can be controlled manually by twisting the lens barrel or two Focus Wheels.
An E-size Gobo holder also enables custom logo projection. Built with the precision and durability that Astera applies across its entire range, the Profile Lens allows for close control of the light over any distance, with crystal clear optics and a four-leaf shutter design to facilitate trimming of the beam as needed.
This builds upon the already substantial applications of the PlutoFresnel itself, which harnesses the benefits of LED technology in order to deliver a lighting style that previously could only be achieved with cumbersome and expensive Tungstens. Crucially, it achieves the very specific aesthetic of a Fresnel light with lower power draw, higher output strength, precise colour control, lightweight profile, wireless installation and full creative flexibility. In its Fresnel setup, it maintains a beam angle of 15° to 60°, with an equivalent output of 300W using only 80W.
With its LED core and concentric c
UK - The King’s Head is popular pub in the village of Bwlchgwyn, not far from Wrexham in North Wales. Providing a valuable focus for the community, owners Eddie and Abbie always strive to deliver the best customer experience possible, and recently took the decision to upgrade the pub’s sound system, which they no longer considered fit for purpose.
Specialists Pivotal Sound & Lighting of Wrexham were engaged to design and supply a solution for The King’s Head. Pivotal cover every facet of audio for live events, hire and installation, and their vastly experienced team has a reputation for excellence across the region. Pivotal recommended an Optimal Audio system to meet the pub’s varied programme.
Darren Hughes, director at Pivotal Sound & Lighting comments, “The existing system comprised a number of loudspeakers driven by a home cinema amplifier which was running as a single zone, including in the outside area. Given the range of events that the pub hosts, a zoned system was essential. This would allow for example, a ‘loud zone’ around the bar area, a ‘quieter zone’ in the snug, or perhaps keep the outside area audio-free during karaoke or DJ sets. They also wanted the facility to input audio from their TV screens. Ultimately, it was about having better quality audio and better control.”
Pivotal has worked on many projects supplied by distributor Audio-Technica and were aware of the Optimal Audio ecosystem. Darren immediately settled on the Zone 8 controller for the new system because of its flexibility, internal DSP, HDMI
Germany - Rea Garvey is one of the best-known musicians in Germany and is a guest on the biggest stages and festivals year after year. An arena tour for his new album Halo has already been announced for 2024. Prior to this, the Irishman took the opportunity to feel the intimate audience proximity of smaller clubs again with the Roots tour.
Chris ‘Rocketchris’ Glatthor, who has accompanied Garvey as a production designer since 2014, was also on board. Rocketchris relied on the Cameo PIXBAR G2, AZOR and ZENIT Series – among others – for the minimalist stage designs.
According to the experienced production designer, who is responsible for the entire visual realisation of the shows, the Roots tour was something special in more ways than one: "It's the first real tour in several years. What's more, there is no new Rea Garvey album, hence the name Roots. We play in small clubs with capacities of around 600 to 1000 people, and the budget is manageable. Despite this situation, Rea wanted to take material with him to ensure that he could achieve the same looks every day and offer the audience the same experience everywhere – regardless of the nature of the room and what material is available in the clubs."
Chris Glatthor's Cameo setup comprised the PIXBAR SMD IP G2 LED bars, AZOR S2 spot moving heads, and ZENIT Z180 G2 LED PAR spotlights. The PIXBAR SMD LED bars had the greatest effect on the look of the shows, as they were distributed in a stacked version across the entire width of the stage and also illuminated the accompanying projection
The Netherlands - Prolights DisplayCob TRWDFC illuminated the Dying in Beauty exhibition at the Drents Museum Assen, in an innovative collaboration with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples and the National Archaeological Park of Herculaneum.
The exhibition was illuminated with Prolights DisplayCob TRWDFC to tell the story of Pompeii's life before its destruction, showing how art and technology can merge to create a powerful visual narrative. The NorthenLight agency took care of the artistic design, relying on Lichpunt for the lighting setup and 50Lux for the lighting design.
Light was used as a narrative tool to differentiate life (white light) from death (red light representing lava). Lighting designer Frank Hulsebosch of 50Lux used 12 DisplayCob TRWDFC to achieve colourful, intense lighting effects, demonstrating the versatility of products in a complex exhibition context.
The Luchpunt team expressed great satisfaction with the performance of the DisplayCob TRWDFC, praising the quality of the light output, in particular, stating: “The quality of the white light is excellent. The DisplayCob TRWDFC maintain the intensity of the light output even during the color change.”
This lighting setup contributed to the exhibition winning the German Design Award 2024 in the Excellent Architecture category. The jury praised the use of lighting and colour, which allowed ancient artefacts to appear in a new light, revolutionizing traditional perceptions and captivating visitors with an exhibition that combines beauty and lightness.
UK - The 2023 ABTT Virtual Ideas Platform winner was revealed on Thursday 1 February in a ceremony at the annual ALPD and White Light New Technology Showcase in the Embassy Theatre at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
This annual industry event features the latest in lighting technology and felt like an appropriate opportunity to speak on the Virtual Ideas Platform and its winner, whose innovative idea is now being developed by Triple E.
Presented by ABTT co-chair Mig Burgess and introduced by platform developer Charles Haines, David Ripley was awarded the ABTT Hook Clamp Award and Certificate for his winning idea, The Counterweight Caddy.
The Counterweight Caddy is a method of storing weights and addressing the manual handling issues associated with work on the loading gallery.
Speaking of his award win, Central’s Head of Technical and Production David Ripley said: “It’s very exciting to see something go from a random thought, into reality via the ABTT Virtual Idea Platform and now being developed by Triple E. We hope The Counterweight Caddy will make a positive improvement to Health and Safety on the loading galleries of our theatres when it is fully launched, but we need the industry feedback to make it the best product it can be.”
ABTT VIP concept developer and Guildhall School of Music and Drama, head of performance venues, Charles Haines, commented, “A few years ago, during a trip to the excellent USITT (US Institute of Theatre Technology) trade show, I saw their Innovations Gallery in operation and fell
UAE - DirectOut has entered into a strategic partnership with 7Hertz, distributor of professional and home audio products.
John Parkhouse, senior live audio consultant at 7Hertz, expressed his enthusiasm, saying: "We are very happy to welcome DirectOut to our portfolio at 7Hertz. The alignment of our core philosophies has seamlessly paved the way for a straightforward and exciting partnership." Founded in 2009, 7Hertz has become a pioneer in professional and home audio products across the GCC region.
Lorenzo Sassi, business development manager at DirectOut comments on the partnership: "DirectOut is delighted to join forces with 7Hertz to bring our innovative audio technology solutions to the Middle East market. We believe that 7Hertz's commitment to excellence and deep passion for sound harmonises perfectly with our values, making this partnership a natural fit. Together, we look forward to enhancing the audio experience for professionals and enthusiasts in the region."
DirectOut's product range will be seamlessly integrated into 7Hertz's existing offering, enriching the overall collection of solutions the company represents. To deepen the understanding of DirectOut's products, the company will soon hold comprehensive training sessions in Dubai. This initiative aims to equip both the 7Hertz team and their clients with in-depth knowledge to effectively advise, utilise and implement these advanced audio solutions.
"We are looking forward to DirectOut's visit to Dubai, where comprehensive training sessions will be held for both the extended 7Her
Iceland - Harpa, the concert hall and conference centre, located in capital city Reykjavik - has invested in 48 x new Robe Forte moving lights which will be utilised in their 1600-capacity Grand Hall, home of the Icelandic Opera and the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
The striking Harpa building was designed by the Hanning Larsen Architects from Denmark in conjunction with Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson - well known for creating sculptured and large-scale installation art using elements like light, water, and air temperature - and opened in 2011. The structure comprises a steel framework clad with different coloured and shaped geometric glass panels inspired by Iceland’s beautiful and mineral-rich basaltic rock landscape.
Harpa stages numerous high visibility world-class productions and events as well as hosting meetings and high-rolling summits. Karl Sigurðsson, managing director of Robe’s Iceland distributor, Luxor, was delighted to win the tender and supply the project with Fortes.
The luminaires are part of a technical upgrade that has replaced the original moving lights - from another brand - that were installed in 2011 when the project opened. Karl worked closely with the venue’s technical manager Andri Guðmundsson to ensure everything happened smoothly and seamlessly.
The replacement fixtures had to match the stature of Harpa and the expectations of its staff, clients, visitors, and audience, and sustainable and good for the environment. Andri researched extensively, narrowed down the options and issued the tender.
Th
Europe - This year’s ISE (Integrated Systems Europe) show was a special one for Truss Aluminium Factory (TAF). On 30 January, the first day of the exhibition, the company revealed its new TAF logo.
The new image was also featured in a special logo reveal video released that same day on TAF’s social media channels and website, as well as in the TAF newsletter and on industry media websites. Going hand-in-hand with the redesigned logo was news of TAF’s new strategic direction as ‘The Factory’.
The teaser campaign highlighted ‘a truss brand you know’ and a factory that’s ‘behind much of the well-regarded truss on the market’.
“The redesigned logo not only serves as the new face of the brand, but also as a symbol of its evolution as a leading truss manufacturer and new strategic direction as The Factory,” says the Czechia-based company that was established in 1998 and now operates globally. “Going forward, TAF will have a new focus on the manufacture of its high-quality TAF-branded truss, continuous improvement of its exceptional customer service, and delivery of its ‘Truss on Time’ promise.”
Belgium - Nexo rental partner VDB-PA deployed its STM system at the annual New Year’s party in Leuven, with a change in format for this year’s event presenting some interesting new challenges.
Last year the DJ tower was located in the centre of the Oude Market, presenting two separate crowd areas of 30m wide x 60m deep. This year, the tower was located centrally along the long side of the space, making an audience area of 120m wide and just 30m deep.
“The challenge was to create a club vibe with a stereo sound stage for as many people as possible, regardless of where they were located,” reports system designer and tech Lennert Van de Velde.
“We achieved this by flying left and right hags of six Nexo STM M48 main and B112 bass extension elements firing into the square at right angles to each other, with additional pairs of hangs of six STM M28 modules also at right angles at the far left and right of the square. One of these arrays was on a delay and the other fired the left and right signals back into the audience.
“It was important to find the optimal delay time to provide the best stereo image and time coherence for as much of the crowd as possible.”
The form-factor, high output and long throw of the 2 x 8-inch M28 proved to be a great advantage in designing a system for such a demanding event, as Lennert explains.
“Because the M28 is so light and compact, we were able to rig the arrays back-to-back on a single beam.”
Coverage in the immediate areas around the DJ tower was provided by Nexo P12 point-source
USA - In a harmonious blend of cultural reverence, sustainability and modern entertainment, the Lāna‘i Ocean Theatre has emerged as a spectacular amphitheatre on the southeast coast of Lāna‘i, the sixth-largest island in the Hawaiian Archipelago.
This visionary project stands proudly within the lush grounds of the Four Seasons Resort Lāna‘i, overlooking the serene Hulopo'e Bay, and employs IP-rated Proteus Lucius and Arena Zoom Q7IP luminaires from Elation.
An entertainment space that organically conforms to its natural surroundings, the Lāna‘i Ocean Theatre is a Greek-style amphitheatre that pays homage to the historical roots of theatre. The project, initiated in September 2021, transforms a section of the hillside overlooking the bay, creating a venue that seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape and botanical garden setting.
Land and resource management company Pulama Lāna‘i partnered with visual design practice Lightswitch and event production company Upstaging to create a space that not only meets the highest standards but also respects the island's natural environment. Lighting design was spearheaded by John Featherstone, principal at Lightswitch, with Ryan Breneisen of Upstaging serving as a project manager and technical director. Upstaging supplied the lighting for the project and executed the installation.
Breneisen worked with Rob Ludwig from Elation rep firm Five Lakes Marketing to source the Proteus Lucius LED profile luminaire and following a shoot-out with similar moving head fixtures, says the Lucius c
The Netherlands - Attracting acts from across the world, Kerstcircus Ahoy recently completed its 51st season in Rotterdam. Supporting the performers and adding to the excitement of the circus was a colourful, and sometimes dramatic, lighting design by Ricky Bouckenhove of Live Systems that featured 70 Chauvet Professional fixtures.
Bouckenhove, who has been lighting the renowned circus for 24 years, relied on a mainly blue and white colour palette to highlight its 12 different acts, which featured performers from 16 different nations.
At the circus’ centre ring, he hung 24 Maverick MK2 Spot fixtures on the 19m circular truss. Drawing on the 440W light cannon’s 16-bit dimming, he was able to have smooth fades at the conclusion of acts. Moreover, the fixture’s tight zoom allowed him to focus light where he wanted it without spill over.
Bouckenhove also arranged 14 Maverick MK2 Wash fixtures on the floor around the edges of the circular ring. These units lit aerial acts, while also colourising the track itself. An additional 20 MK2 Wash fixtures enhanced the circus’ magical ambience by backlighting the area. At selected points during the circus, the wash fixtures were also used to create a dramatic effect by silhouetting the performers.
There were also 12 Color Strike M motorised strobe-washes in Bouckenhove’s rig. He used these versatile fixtures to light the stands and to underscore high-impact moments with strobe effects.
Speaking of his lighting system for the circus, Bouckenhove noted: “Since the acrobats regularly needed
USA - Rock band Lord Huron burst onto the charts with The Night We Met, a viral hit that caught the attention of billions. Capturing the intricate and delicate nature of their music while recording is crucial for the band, and they put just as much emphasis on recreating that listening experience for live audiences.
To ensure the band delivers a sound on stage that is consistent to their studio sessions, Front of house sound engineer Justin Chechile selected the band’s favoured DPA Microphones vocal and instrument mics, including the DPA d:facto 4018VL Vocal and 2011 Twin Diaphragm Microphones. For recorded and live applications, the band also deploys the DPA DDK4000 Drum Microphone Kit, comprised of the 2012 Cardioid and 4055 Kick Drum mics, along with a stereo pair of the 2015 Wide Cardioids and three 4099 Instrument Microphones.
“Lord Huron first started using DPA mics for the recording side of things,” Chechile says. “The team loved the mics’ performance in those cases and thought it would be nice to bring them out on tour - and I’m so glad we switched the live setup to DPA.”
Chechile explains that lead singer Ben Schneider frequently moves around stage during shows, which caused a significant high-end bleed from the drum set. “The d:facto was first to come on the live side,” he says. “We were struggling to find a vocal mic that wasn’t super coloured and offered a really flat sound. The d:facto fixed all these issues and provided context and clarity
“I could talk about this mic all day. It’s very open sound
UK - Singer-songwriter Callum Beattie captivated sellout crowds on his recent winter tour of his homeland, Scotland. Supporting him with some fiercely bold visuals was a power-packed light show by Steve Mccraken of Mac-Events, who programmed the show and ran it throughout the tour on his ChamSys MagicQ MQ500M Stadium Console.
Working with a kit supplied by Limelight Event Services, Mccracken busked some manual flashes, strobes, and other looks, but most of his show was cue stacked. “We kept the looks consistent from show to show to create the experience that fans expected,” he said. “Although we had to make some changes to accommodate some venues, we remained consistent overall.”
The looks that Mccracken designed seemed to be tailor-made for his client’s genuine up-from- the-streets stage presence. For example, Mccraken created some interesting effects mixing silhouettes with wide prisms and gobos. This look was notable in the song Don’t Walk Alone, during an instrumental break down, when the band are silhouetted and many of the lights are chasing. “The band appear out the dark every second or so,” said Mccracken. “It’s a simple look and it brings so much to this part of the show.”
Given that Beattie and his fans thrive on close contact, Mccracken arranged his fixtures to maximise the artist-audience connection. “I deliberately put my front lights low, so Callam could see the crowd a little easier,” he said. “I also had blinders on during the talking sessions.”
Mccraken, who designed the show in Capture and
Korea - The need for a lightning fast, reliable and infinitely flexible digital network were the key requirements when Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) set out its requirements for a ‘black box’ theatre in Seoul. The Multi Content Testbed was conceived as a test ground where all types of cultural and artistic content would merge with innovative cutting-edge technology.
Optocore originally received the inquiry from installation company, SiDiS, as far back as October 2021 when the search began for a robust network.
The equipment needed to be compatible with any incoming production mixer, as well as the in-house Midas M32, feeding the L-Acoustics PA. It was based around an M8 MADI switch at FOH, which would share the inputs and outputs of four stage boxes. These, in turn, are catered for by a variety of X6R-FX and X6R-TP devices, and BroaMan Repeat 48, which convert video or digital audio formats between coaxial and optical connections.
The equipment was duly supplied by local distributors, Seoul-based Ingang Audio Co.
The black box theatre forms the hub of the experimental Creative Content Culture Plaza, set on a total area of 2,700 m² (with two floors above ground and two underground). This is where STAGE66, which comprises the STUDIO1 stage, the larger STUDIO2 experimental stage as well as a practice room, is housed. The main aim is to turn Korea into a major player in the content industry worldwide.
The 191-seat STAGE66 showcases technology demonstrations, stage experiments, B2B showcases, cutting-edge performances and events.
UK - PLASA Focus Leeds is gearing up for another successful year at the Royal Armouries from 14-15 May 2024, and you can now register for your free entry badge.
Attracting over 2,000 visitors, the popular regional event is known for connecting professionals with lead names in the entertainment technology industry across two friendly days of networking and discovery.
Boasting a fully booked show floor, PLASA Focus Leeds will feature 150+ brands in pro audio, AV, lighting, rigging, and staging. Attendees will have the chance to closely examine new products and engage in face-to-face discussions with potential suppliers.
Lighting professionals can look forward to meeting Ambersphere, Avolites, ChamSys, Chauvet Professional, Entedi, ETC, GLP UK, Prolight, Robe UK, TMB, and Vari-Lite.
Top quality pro audio is also on offer from Audio-Technica, Bose Professional, d&b audiotechnik, EM Acoustics, Funktion-One, JBL Professional, KV2 Audio, Martin Audio, Nexo, Shure UK and Wharfedale Pro.
Heavyweights in rigging will also be in attendance, such as Alustage, Area Four Industries, ChainMaster, Doughty Engineering, Rigging Services, Rope and Rigging, Triple E, and UK Rigging.
Not only that, cutting edge AV can be seen at the stands of Epson, Lang UK, PSCo Group, Riedel Communications, and ROE Visual. And innovative staging will be on show courtesy of Absolute Casing, APT-GB, Drapemakers, Harlequin Floors, J&C Joel, and NSP Cases.
A programme of seminars, workshops and demos, sponsored by Vectorworks, will run throughout the s
Germany - Take That joined a host of German and international popstars who performed on Germany’s Your Songs TV show recently, each with their own large LED screen visual backdrop driven by Green Hippo Hippotizer Boreal+ MK2 Media Servers.
Billed as a celebration of popular music, Your Songs sees well-known artists sing one of their most successful tracks while enveloped in visuals and accompanied by a live orchestra. The LED Main Wall measured 16m x 5m at 4096 x 1280 pixels, while an 8m x 2.5m LED ‘Talk Wall’ displayed secondary graphics. A series of ‘gardenfence’ LED strips surrounded the stage, pumping out 12300 x 1450 pixels of graphics.
The data-heavy visuals were designed by Saskia Olma and Vlad Befus of LUPIXX. “Every artist got the video content individually designed just for them,” they said. “This year was the second time [broadcaster] MDR asked us to design the content and we wanted it to be unique and outstanding to match the songs and the stage. The visuals were all pre-made using Notch and then rendered out for a timecode sshow. We used two live Hippotizer Boreal+ MK2 Media Servers and two more as backup and were impressed by the hardware and software stability, considering they had so much data to manage.”
Enrico Walther served as video operator for Your Songs, using the Boreal+ MK2 which was operated using a grandMA3 console. “Using the Hippotizers, the results were smooth, fluid and very nice,” says Walther. “The Timecode is user-friendly, the server can be operated from the lighting c
UK - Panto is a British performance genre that combines wit, slapstick comedy, double entendres, magic, fantasy and usually a bit of politics tossed together with the musical hits of the year.
“We like happy endings,” commented lighting designer Andy Webb, which is why he specified Robe for two key shows for producers UK Productions (UKP), Snow White & The Seven Dwarves at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre in Buckinghamshire directed by Chris Wilkins-Nelson, and Cinderella directed by Benji Sperring, staged at the Malvern Festival Theatre in Wiltshire, both produced by Martin Dodds.
The 1,200-capacity Waterside Theatre is the larger venue in terms of both stage and audience sizes, and here Andy utilised 60 x Robe luminaires - a mix of T1 Profiles, Spiiders, MegaPointes, BMFL WashBeams, LEDBeam 150s, Cyc FX8s and ParFect 100s, together with elements of the in-house generic rig.
The 850-seat Festival Theatre - now known as Malvern Theatres has been a provincial arts centre since 1885, and here Andy specified 45 x Robe fixtures which were a combination of MegaPointes, ParFect 100s and 150s, DL4S Spots, LEDWash 300s, plus some of the regular house conventionals.
Andy programmed the shows using Avolites Tiger Touch II consoles, each featuring approximately 300 cues. The additional production lighting equipment, including all the Robe products, was supplied by rental specialist, CEG. Shaun Ellis was Andy’s LX1 on both productions, and he also drew up all the follow spot plots.
As always, time was the biggest challenge in l
USA - Situated on the Kent State University campus in Kent, Ohio, the Centre for the Performing Arts is dedicated to creative excellence and delivering an exceptional learning environment for students. After struggling with a single-channel communications system and walkie-talkies for some time, the School of Theatre and Dance evolved its production communication with its recent installation of Clear-Com’s Arcadia Central Station IP intercom platform.
The new Arcadia system seamlessly integrates with the school’s Clear-Com FreeSpeak II digital wireless and HelixNet digital wired party line intercom user stations they had previously installed as part of an infrastructure upgrade. This set-up now combines all the functionality Kent State University requires to have the constant clear communications it needs for every stage of the production - from pre-production tech set-up, including in-class education, to the actual performances.
“With three venues, including our Porthouse Theatre outdoor stage, we’re producing 10 theatre, dance, and musical productions a year, all student-designed and produced,” said Jeff Polunas, assistant professor of sound & projection design.
“With such a busy production schedule, we were looking to get our shows up and running more efficiently and boost our educational value for the students. I knew that a dependable and coordinated communications infrastructure and workflow was imperative for our and our students’ success. Our entire production communication system is now Clear-Com, so everything is interc
Italy - Forged nearly four decades ago as a congress equipment supplier, STS Communication has since transformed into a full-service provider, delivering technical expertise and equipment for corporate and special events, music tours, exhibitions, brand activations, broadcast TV, as well as fashion and retail projects.
As a member of the PRG Alliance, the company stands as one of Italy's pioneers in deploying Virtual Production, prominently featured in two multifunctional STStudios: CR49 and Studio1D, both powered by Brompton Technology LED processing.
“Aimed at cinematic virtual productions, CR49 features a comprehensive setup, including a camera tracking system, media servers for background plate playout, render nodes for Unreal Engine photorealistic 3D content, and a highly skilled crew,” says Alessandro Rosani, chief technology officer at STS Communication.
The curved LED wall at CR49 studio spans 24m by 6m and comprises Absen P2.5 XR Pro panels, accompanied by four movable blocks of P3.9 LED panels on the roof totalling 50sqm. Additionally, two 3m by 2m LED displays on trolleys complete the setup, integrated with three 4K Tessera SX40 LED processors and six Tessera XD 10G data distribution units.
On the other hand, Studio1D primarily caters for online events, product presentations, and live or on-demand talk shows. Sporting a square shape, it boasts an 18m by 4m LED wall and floor. The studio is set to undergo an upgrade soon, incorporating Absen PL2.5 XR Pro LED and Brompton 4K Tessera SX40 LED processors, expanding its capabilities
UK - Urban Audio Productions (UAP), a prominent player in the live events industry since 1999, has consistently delivered bespoke packages ranging from sound and lighting equipment rentals to full-service production. From supporting emerging bands in intimate venues with compact desks and IEM systems to providing complete touring packages for established acts, UAP's expertise spans diverse locations and venues, relying on Shure wired and wireless products for audio consistency.
UAP provides audio solutions across industries, from high-profile corporate projects such as the TED global conferences to some of the most prolific songwriters, including providing full touring audio solutions for artists such as Ian Brown, Steve Vai, Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott.
Since 2011, Dan Lewis, technical director at UAP, has steered the sound engineering for Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds as front of house engineer, and previously as system tech for three Oasis world tours.
Most recently, for the Council Skies World Tour, Steve Weall has joined the journey with Gallagher as a monitor engineer after previously supporting the likes of Louis Tomlinson, Rudimental, Jungle, and Anderson Paak with Shure gear.
The comprehensive Shure kit for the shows specified by Dan and Steve includes Beta 58 microphones, Beta 91A kick drum microphones, Beta 98 instrument microphones for the toms, 16 channels of PSM1000 in-ear personal monitoring systems utilising the new P10R+ packs, AXT 600 Axient Spectrum Manager and P9HW hardwired body packs.
Dan Lewis remarks:
UK - In a fusion of sound technology and storytelling, Meyer Sound ULTRA-X family loudspeakers and 2100‑LFC low-frequency control elements play a pivotal role in bringing the immersive sonic landscape of Stranger Things: The First Shadow to life at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End.
The prequel show, which serves as an origin story for the Netflix series, ties together the past, present, and future of fictional Hawkins, Indiana. The stage production was brought to life by a creative team, with an original story by show creators Matt and Ross Duffer and writers Kate Trefry and Jack Thorne; direction by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin and a sound design by Paul Arditti with associate sound designers Rob Bettle (focused on realising the system design) and Christopher Reid (working closely with Paul on content creation).
For the stage production, which the creators intended to feel “like a mega-episode of the show,” Arditti and Reid created an immersive sonic experience that’s rich in references to the supernatural TV series. “We knew from the outset that we needed to give the show the visceral power of the Netflix series,” Arditti explains. “We wanted to deliver incredible illusions, horror, and stage magic, backed up with a wall-to-wall sound and music score.”
As a period piece set in 1959, the show’s soundscape and musical cues are evocative of that era. “I use a lot of sounds which were or could have been produced by contemporaneous electrical and electronic sources,” says Arditti. “We also draw on the worlds
Europe - CONTRIK showed a comprehensive range of new Power Multicore solutions for the first time at ISE; offering the professional AV and lighting, and broadcast and film location production sectors a wide range of power connectivity solutions from new multicore cable and stringer box series, optimising power cabling costs and complexity in the field.
The new range of Power Strip Multicore ‘stringer boxes’ launched at ISE, comprises six models with Harting E16 connectors, providing for 6 channel single phase breakout, or breakout and daisy chaining, on Neutrik powerCONTRUE1 TOP or Schuko Type F connectors.
Models are designated as offering either ‘X’ (Xtreme protection) or ‘XO’ (Xtreme Outdoor protection). ‘X’ providing high mechanical (IK) protection and ‘XO’ high mechanical (IK) and high environmental protection, allowing for the seamless connection of loads in both indoor and outdoor application environments.
CONTRIK’s proprietary Easylen housing ensures the high IK mechanical protection (up to IK 10+) with high levels of flame retardancy, temperature resistance, UV protection, corrosion insensitivity and non-conductivity.
UK - Audiologic has announced a number of strategic changes in its operations to capitalise on significant growth in 2023.
Effective 8 January 2024, Kristy Shepherd joins Audiologic as senior marketing manager bringing two decades of marketing experience from the audio visual industry, including 13 years at Reflex, and more recently running her own marketing company.
Shepherd states: “I started in the audio-visual industry at the same time as Audiologic was founded, so whilst developing my career, Audiologic has always been alongside me as a trusted and respected brand. To now be a part of the team that I have grown with, is an exciting opportunity to build out and execute on a defined go-to-market strategy.”
Effective 2 January 2024, Laura Davidson moves from internal sales to take on the role of an internal business manager.
Stuart Leader, senior sales manager at Audiologic comments: “Laura will be a great addition to the business manager team with an already solid knowledge from her time working on internal sales.”
Andy Lewis, managing director at Audiologic concludes: “I am delighted to welcome Kristy to the senior management team at Audiologic, and welcome Laura’s development path at Audiologic - internal development of staff is equally as important as making new hires. A ‘people first’ ethos has always been of focus and these moves strengthen our offering and value to those we service.”
UK - Vision: 2025 and Julie’s Bicycle launched a Sustainable Materials and Waste Management Toolkit for Festivals at AIF Congress, Bristol on 1 February.
This new resource condenses years of research around industry practices to give organisers a spread of practical, easy to implement waste management processes, to help improve practices, and encourage re-use of materials and reduce waste.
Chris Johnson, Vision: 2025 chair, unveiled the new, free-to-access toolkit, followed by an in-depth presentation by Julie’s Bicycle project lead, Richard Phillips, and Vision: 2025’s comms manager Bethan Riach. The toolkit, which is part of an ongoing industry project, Towards Zero Waste Festivals, focused on improving waste management practices in the festival sector, funded by the Dixon Foundation.
The AIF Congress audience represented over 80 festivals, with over 500 professionals, gathered together at the refurbished Bristol Beacon to discuss many of the issues, challenges and opportunities they face.
John Rostron, chair of AIF, comments: "The climate emergency is an issue that our membership takes very seriously, and part of our ongoing effort revolves around helping festival promoters make their events more sustainable. We have managed numerous initiatives towards this end, such as our Drastic On Plastic and Take Your Tent Home campaigns. It's great to have Vision: 2025 at Festival Congress this year to speak to festival organisers and offer these tools that will help reduce their carbon footprint."
The toolkit, developed by