France - Printemps des Vins de Blaye is more than a celebration of fine wines, it is also an event that offers visitors an opportunity to savour enchanting sights of natural beauty and historical significance. Located north of Bordeaux on the banks of the Gironde estuary, the village of Blaye traces its roots back to pre-Roman times and is the home to evocative ancient ruins. It provides an idyllic setting for this popular festival, held in a region that is known for its Côtes de Blaye red wine.
Contributing to the sense of splendour at this year’s wine-lover’s event was the richly coloured light from Chauvet Professional Rogue R3 Spot fixtures, supplied and installed by Societe ALS (Animation Loisirs Sonorisation). The company, which has been lighting the festival for the past three years, decided to use its recently acquired Rogue units to add colour and vibrancy to the stage, dancefloor and surrounding grounds.
“We were able to use four Rogue R3 units and a few LED pars to make the event exceptional in keeping with the wonderful aesthetics of this area,” says Vincent Aubuchou, manager of ALS. “Two of the fixtures were positioned on the back of the stage on truss totems. We kept a clear focus on the beams of these fixtures, so we could get even coverage across a large stage space in the colours of the festival.”
The ALS team also positioned two Rogue R3 units on upstage truss totems to serve as front stage lighting. Together, the four 300W LED fixtures enlivened the festival’s entertainment centre with their vivid colours, cu

USA - Peavey Commercial Audio has partnered with Neets to announce the availability of a driver for PCA’s Digitool family of digital audio processing units for matrixed zone processing.
Shown for the first time in the US at InfoComm 2019, the newly-ratified driver is currently available for the Digitool MX16 and Digitool Live devices and works with all Neets AV control interfaces with IP connectivity. These include the feature-rich TanGo control system that enables intuitive touch control through Neets hardware, Android/iOS devices or standard browsers allowing for custom-build GUIs.
The Neets/Digitool driver developed by PCA offers an IP-based command set including input and output channel level and mute control, level and mute functionality for all audio matrix points, and the ability to trigger internal pre-set loads.
PCA operations manager, James Kennedy, states: “This partnership opens up a whole new range of applications and opportunities for both Digitool users and Neets users. It gives Digitool customers access to a range of highly effective, low-cost, control solutions capable of simultaneously controlling multiple hardware devices such as screens, projectors, amplifiers etc. as well as the Digitool for efficient, cost-effective, system-wide control. In essence, the combination of Digitool and Neets AV controllers offers an extremely economic alternative to many of the well-known and often very expensive control solutions on the market.”
The Digitool/Neets driver is available within the Neets Project Designer drag-and-drop confi

China/Czech Republic - The Milos Product Academy has recently carried out two successful workshops in the Czech Republic and China.
The Czech Product Academy, held on 2-3 May at the Milos HQ and factory in Roudnice nad Labem, focused strictly on Milos products. More than 30 participants were in attendance from European countries that included the Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Sweden and Denmark.
The Academy’s programme included presentations of new Milos products; presentations about truss; truss loading demonstrations; a tour of the factory, and a robust Q&A session at the end of the second day. A fun evening with Czech food and beverages was also enjoyed between the two days of the workshop, the company reports.
A week later, the Product Academy moved to the Milos office and factory in Guangzhou, China. Unlike the Czech Academy, this workshop focused on both Milos and EXE Technology products, its programme including a tour of the factory, new Milos product displays and presentations, and informative truss presentations.
For the EXE Technology part of the Academy, hands-on assembly and disassembly of EXE chain hoists were covered, as well as information provided about their inspection and certification. The EXE range was also presented.
At the end of the two days, a wide-ranging Q&A session was held. Halfway through the Academy programme, attendees from China, India, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong and Macau were treated to a dinner.
(Jim Evans)

Ireland - AC-ET Ireland has been supplying Prolights StudioCOB FC LED PARs across the country following demand for eco-friendly, yet high quality, lighting solutions.
This full colour LED PAR has become an increasingly popular fixture amongst a variety of venues, including the Dunamaise Arts Centre and Siamsa Tíre.
The Dunamaise Arts Centre, situated in Portlaoise, is comprised of workshops, a gallery, a café and a 240-seat theatre. The centre hosts a range of national and international performances including live music, theatre productions and dance shows.
Siamsa Tíre, in Tralee, is home to the National Folk Theatre of Ireland. Across the summer the centre hosts a variety of folk theatre productions, leaving the rest of the year for a wide range of different events including touring drama, classical music, comedy, dance and opera along with productions by local groups and musical societies.
Although the two venues are unconnected, they have both been undergoing long-term projects in an effort to become more energy-efficient. As part of these projects they were looking to upgrade their existing tungsten PARs with LED fixtures; so both venues turned to Aaron Cripps, managing director of AC-ET Ireland, to help find the right solution.
Since the StudioCOBs were installed at the Siamsa Tire, Des Hurley, technical manager, has been very impressed with them. He comments: “The new fixtures have been incredibly beneficial to my venue. The reduced running cost is a massive saving compared to what we paid before, and the light output of th

UK - London-based technical event specialists Light Fantastic Production Services supported Voxburner with a full design and technical solution for YMS London.
YMS LDN is Europe’s largest youth marketing festival, part of a series of global events demystifying the changing trends, habits and attitudes of the consumers of the future.
Held over two days at the Old Truman Brewery, YMS19 LDN was the largest Youth Marketing Strategy event to date, welcoming almost 2,000 delegates and over 150 speakers.
Working closely with Voxburner to deliver an engaging visitor experience, Light Fantastic Production Services provided a comprehensive equipment and support package covering all technical elements, including lighting, audio, video, set and staging.
Commenting on the show, LFPS project manager Andrew Maxted says: “Handling all aspects of the technical requirement at YMS allowed us a good amount of creative freedom. Working with Voxburner we devised a bright, semi-industrial look for the show which complemented perfectly the venue’s sparse interior, allowing the strong colours of the event branding to come to the fore.”
The event required the design and build of three stages, each featuring full audio, video, lighting and scenic designs and all following the ‘industrial’ theme applied throughout the venue.
The main auditorium, with capacity for 1000 delegates, featured exposed scaffolding around a central LED wall contrasted with the creative application of LED lighting in bold colours and eye-catching large format graphics. A

UK - Wakefield-based Backstage Academy recently presented a graduation showcase, which saw third-year students assessed across five presentations.
The students were assessed in a project-based environment, with each team working under a project manager. The event was supported by many industry partners, some of whom had arrived fresh from attending PLASA Focus Leeds.
Vice-principal Rachel Nicholson explained the idea of designing real world concepts - effectively transforming black box studio/stages into coruscating jewels - had grown out of the Live Visual Design & Production course. “It’s the first time we’ve presented the work in this fashion,” she confirms. “The team looked back at last year and decided they wanted more scope to visualise. Our live visual design course has always been project based, so we adapted that to the other courses - which seemed the most natural thing in the world to do.”
All shows had come entirely from the imagination of students, she said. “They are exploring the cutting edge of new technology and what can be done, but at the same time, it’s also a validation of the confidence placed in the students by the lecturers. Neither could we have done it without the support, passion and enthusiasm of our industry partners. The Graduation Showcase is just one day but it represents three years’ hard work.” In fact, many of those industry partners had already set up training days for students in advance, in order to build operational skills with the platforms.
The five distinct concepts, staged by s

UK - PLASA will deliver two professional development training sessions dedicated to voice alarm systems and loudspeaker installation.
Basic audio system design is taking place on 3 July (Wednesday) at White Light’s Jubilee Way HQ in London. It will be hosted by audio consultants Roland Hemming and Richard Northwood and will focus on how to calculate loudspeaker spacing, how to select suitable amplification and signal processing options, and how to document design correctly. Delegates will be able to deepen their understanding of audio theory, product types, system architecture, audio coverage and basic modelling software.
The event is ideal for live events engineers who wish to branch into the installations sector, as well as in-house AV and audio managers looking to expand their knowledge of upgrades and refurbishments.
The second workshop, A deep dive into EN54 and voice alarm will be hosted solely by Roland Hemming on 1 October at the White Light base. Attendees will learn how to select and use correct standards and will learn how to stay compliant with the Construction Projects Regulation and the relevant codes of practice. The session is recommended for audio consultants and integrators who install voice alarm systems; M&E firms who commission voice alarm work,

Denmark - Load monitoring company Eilon Engineering has announced that Matrix Sales will begin to distribute Eilon products in Denmark. Under terms of the agreement, Matrix Sales will provide full sales and support for the complete range of Eilon Ron StageMaster load monitoring solutions used to protect audiences and performers from dangerous overloads.
Matrix Sales has extensive experience in distributing professional audio, lighting, AV and stage equipment to the Danish market, serving both rental and installation customers across a wide spectrum of applications.
“Matrix Sales is always looking for the best solution for its customers and therefore the choice of Eilon is quite natural,” says Urs Friis-Alstrup, sales manager light/staging at Matrix Sales. “Load safety is an ever greater concern and we believe that Eilon provides the most professional tools for our customers and their needs.”
Ron StageMaster load cells are safety devices for load control and overload prevention that monitors hanging points and load balance while providing a detailed report for statistical analysis.
“We are excited about the new distribution cooperation with Matrix and are delighted to add this excellent and unique company to our international network of distributors,” comments Noga Eilon Bahar, VP business development at Eilon Engineering.
“By adding our Ron StageMaster systems to their inventory, Matrix has strengthened their position as a comprehensive solution provider while confirming safety as an important value of the company. I am c

Japan - In Apri, Kraftwerk put on four sold-out shows in Tokyo. d&b audiotechnik Japan provided the system solutions used in Orchard Hall, which belongs to the Bunkamura complex.
The sound solutions included KSL loudspeakers with D80 amps and d&b Soundscape to reproduce a sound immersion that totally impressed the audiences. The combined use of KSL and Soundscape was a world premiere and a complement to the visual 3D experience offered by the Kraftwerk performances.
The main hangs flown at the concerts were five KSL arrays, each consisting of six KSL8 (top) and two KSL12 (bottom). Behind each of the five main hangs were two flying SL-SUBs. They supplemented the KSL arrays in the low frequency range and delivered a powerful bass which was extremely evenly distributed throughout the entire hall.
The KSL Systems were driven using d&b ArrayProcessing. ArrayProcessing played a decisive role in offering concert-goers a similar high-quality sound experience at every seat in Orchard Hall, even in the balconies.
The surround reproduction came from 20-point source loudspeakers from the d&b Y-Series consisting of six Y10P (110° x 40°) and fourteen Y7P loudspeakers (75° x 40°). Each side of the hall had seven positions supplemented by six rear positions.
The d&b loudspeakers were driven by 32 high-performance four channel D80 amps. Their integrated DSP modules were used for system equalization. The amps received their signals over four DS10 audio network bridges.
MSI JAPAN was in charge of the technical equipment for Kr

UK - At ABTT 2019, Point Source Audio (PSA) will unveil the GO-8 Series of microphones featuring the GO-8WD, a moldable microphone that shapes into a variety of mic styles.
The company says GO-8 allows the sound team to create a custom actor microphone style as they need it.
Designed for theatre, the moldable GO-8WD-SK starts out flat but can be shaped by an A2 or mic expert into a collar mic, halo mic, or a headset mic for the left or right side. The company reports that while these are the most common styles in theatre, the GO-8WD’s moldable format can be an instant problem solver in a multitude of mic’ing situations that are either unexpected or challenging.
“For me, the GO-8WD is a great solution for precisely fitting a headset-style mic on an actor; every aspect from the ear hook to the boom length can be formed exactly as needed to get the best sounding position, as well as comfort for the actor,” said Jonathan Deans, the Tony-nominated veteran sound designer whose volume of work includes Waitress, Kiss Me Kate, Pippin, and multiple Cirque Du Soleil productions.
The defining feature of the entire GO-8 Series of microphones, which also includes the single lavalier (GO-8WL-SK) and dual element lavalier (GO2-8WL-SK), is the company’s new Lemo-style connector said to “withstand accelerated life testing to 12,000 bends”.
All GO-8 microphones feature Point Source’s proprietary Lemo-style connector with accelerated life testing to 12,000 bends.
“We have achieved a proprietary design that stre

USA - Yamaha Commercial Audio will host two sessions as part of the AVIXA seminar programme at InfoComm 2019.
Yamaha: Network Boot Camp for AV Professionals and Audio Insights in Hospitality and Retail will address key technical and business aspects of audio networking and installed audio systems.
Addressing the technical aspects of networking and the decisions which need to be taken for installed audio systems in hospitality, retail and other public-facing environments, these sessions will be presented by senior product specialists Andy Cooper and Karl Christmas, both well-known faces from Yamaha’s Audioversity training programme.
The seminars will be open to all InfoComm seminar and workshop package holders on a first-come, first -served basis, so advance registration is essential.
“An important part of Yamaha’s training initiative is to connect with audio professionals, to understand them, the challenges they face and be able to better respond to their expectations,” says Glenn Booth, director of marketing at Yamaha Corporation of America. “We want to share our knowledge and experience with industry professionals through tradeshow seminars, webinars and other training sessions. We hope the seminars at InfoComm 2019 will help participants to improve their understanding of best practice, to benefit both them and their customers.”
(Jim Evans)

USA - AV Stumpfl will present its new AT64-SHIFT system for large mobile projection screens and the new PIXERA mini media server at this year's InfoComm in Orlando.
With the AT64-SHIFT, it's possible to assemble a large mobile projection screen and to adjust its height in a matter of minutes, says the company. No extra measuring is needed to ensure that the frame is level, due to a clearly marked height scale.
Based on the same principles as the T32-SHIFT, the AT64-SHIFT projection screen legs can be used for much larger mobile projection screens and are compatible with all mobile AV Stumpfl screen systems.
Another highlight of AV Stumpfl's InfoComm booth will be the new PIXERA mini hardware. PIXERA mini is an ultra-compact media server, perfect for digital signage and multi-display applications.
The PIXERA mini is a 1U and ½ 19“ product. Two PIXERA mini servers can be installed in a 1U 19“ rack.
PIXERA version 1.2 will include the ability to export videos from the workspace, either containing the entire venue or the content of a specific screen. Another of the many new features is a set of pixel patching tools seamlessly integrated into the UI. They allow users to reposition content pixels on the output as needed and to patch the result to DMX channels, making it possible to drive all forms of LED processors from PIXERA.
For those InfoComm visitors interested in show control solutions, there will be a sneak peek presentation revolving around AV Stumpfl's upcoming AVIO 3 software, a distributed, highly modular and extensible

USA - At the end of every school year, college students in Providence, Rhode Island, mark the occasion by gathering at the Strand Ballroom & Theatre for a day-long celebration of EDM music and culture.
Project Mayhem, as the event is called, more than lived up to its name this year, with nonstop bass growls thundering, an exuberant crowd dancing boisterously, and a searing lighting and visual display, created with Chauvet Professional fixtures, supplied by JDI Productions.
Lighting designer Freddy Thompson added to the firepower of the Strand’s already substantial house rig for the event by bring in a floor package that included six Maverick MK1 Spot and eight Maverick MK Pyxis fixtures. “A show like this demands a creative, energized environment to keep the audience engaged and on their feet,” says Thompson. “So, we wanted to up the excitement level this year by bringing in the Mavericks.”
Thompson positioned his Maverick MK1 Spot fixtures on 5ft towers located on either side of the stage. The Maverick MK Pyxis units were hung from a 7ft pipe that spanned the distance between the two towers. When they weren’t criss-crossing the stage with intense patterns of vivid colours, the high-output 350W LED Spot units were engaging the crowds as audience lights. Balancing the intensity of the Spots, the Pyxis units create a stream of eye candy with their continuous 360° pan and tilt movement, plus their rim of nine pixel-mapped 15W RGB LEDs.
“Having the Maverick Spots to the left and right of the DJ booth added depth to the design,

USA - Kelly Clarkson is touring in support of her Meaning of Life album. For Chris Michaelessi, who has served as Clarkson’s FOH engineer since 2011, the availability of the new Quantum engine for DiGiCo’s flagship touring console couldn’t have come at a better time.
“I’ve always enjoyed mixing on the SD7 and was really looking forward to having the new, faster and more powerful engine for Kelly’s Meaning of Life tour,” he says, getting his wish fulfilled by Clair Global, Clarkson’s long-time touring reinforcement provider.
“Once I started the using SD7 Quantum, paired with the new 32-bit Stadius Pre-Amp cards for input, I was immediately struck by how much headroom the console has gained with the new engine,” he says, noting that the difference was immediately noticeable both in terms of overall sound and managing console gain structure.
Quantum’s major increase in processing power has also made his overall setup simpler. “The new preamps definitely have a more musical sound; I found myself using less channel EQ than ever before,” he notes.
When he’s not completely booked up with Clarkson dates, Michaelessi has juggled single shows and even full tours with other high-profile rock and country acts, including Miranda Lambert and Third Day. “In 2017, I worked full time for Miranda and managed to do all of Kelly’s rehearsals and shows, except for a small handful. The two schedules worked out in such a great way; I am sure that was a once-in-a-lifetime year! Since the beginning of 2018, I have been wor

UK - Allen & Heath has released V1.4 firmware for its SQ series, delivering a raft of features and new processing options ported from the company’s flagship dLive digital mixing system.
V1.4 unveils a dynamic trio of powerful audio tools, comprising Multiband Compressors, Dynamic EQ and De-Esser, all straight from the FX Rack of dLive. These optional add-ons allow SQ users to have up to eight instances that can be inserted on any input channel, group or mix.
Giving engineers more preparation time away from the console, V1.4 also introduces the eagerly awaited offline mode for SQ’s MixPad App, which is now also being released for PC and Mac (previously iOS and Android only). Offline mode enables engineers to create entire show files without the need for an SQ, manage shows and scenes offline, and send and receive entire shows over a wired or wireless network.
Users can further streamline their workflow using SQ’s new Input Ganging, which features eight separate gangs with drag ‘n’ drop set-up to link processing, routing and faders across multiple input channels and can also be switched per-scene.
“What’s great about this release is that it delivers a whole bunch of user-requested features which really enhance the SQ mixing experience,” comments Keith Johnson, Allen & Heath’s SQ product manager. “In particular, MixPad’s offline mode is something that users have been asking for, so to be able to have this and make it available on PC/Mac too is a real winner.”
(Jim Evans)

USA - Encompass AV recently installed a comprehensive Martin Audio CDD sound system in the fashionable SX Sky Bar nightclub and lounge that occupies two floors of the luxurious new Hotel Essex across from Chicago’s Grant Park.
Discussing the project, Encompass AV owner Tim Pickett explains: “We were charged with doing the audio for the SX Sky Bar on the fifth and sixth floors which includes the main bar/lounge upstairs and the dancefloor downstairs, in a night club which can also double as a corporate space during the day.
“Initially the designer was spec’ing another brand,” Pickett continues, “and they brought us on board because they wanted to do something special in terms of sound and make it different and nice, so we moved them into a Martin Audio CDD system.”
The sixth-floor lounge includes a combination of 16 wall-mounted CDD8s throughout the bar and booth area with six CDD6s in a custom zone facing the glass windows with a lake view. These are matched with four CSX118 and two CSX212 subs distributed evenly throughout the space. There are also eight in-ceiling Martin Audio C8.1Ts in a private dining area.
Upstairs in the lounge, the venue required high quality environmental music that could be brought up to DJ levels later in the evening. According to Pickett: “Downstairs also required exceptional quality with higher SPLs. The night club is targeted to a demographic that runs from 21 to late 40s - mostly modern dance music, hip hop, etc.”
For what Tim calls “the large system downstairs”, they installed six wa

UK - Tamworth-based events production company TechPro has promoted Henry Pratt to the role of project co-ordinator, to help meet growing demand for the firm’s specialist services.
Adam Taylor, senior project manager, comments: “In his new role, Henry will primarily support our project managers with all aspects of the department’s work, ensuring flawless delivery of live events for our clients. It’s a development role within the business and offers a real opportunity for future progression within the growing team here at TechPro.
Commenting on his promotion, Pratt says: “I recognise this is a great opportunity for me to learn from experienced, talented colleagues. I’m looking forward to getting to grips with interpreting the detailed client briefs we work to and specifying the required audio, visual, lighting and staging equipment.”
(Jim Evans)

UK - CUK Audio has appointed Alex Ronald to the role of operations manager, taking responsibility for the new CUK audio distribution centre in East Kilbride along with the management of all the company’s logistics and customer service functions.
Ronald has previously held the roles of group head of logistics at Hornby Hobbies and European logistics manager at OKI Europe. Speaking of the new role, he explains: “Moving from working for very large companies to a growing SME with a close team of colleagues is extremely exciting. I’m already busy setting up the new warehouse and look forward to working with our suppliers across four continents and servicing our customers in the UK and Ireland.”
CUK Audio director, Stuart Cunningham adds: “Alex has already made a big impact in the few weeks he has been with us. To continue growing our business and improving the service we offer our customers, we need to increase the knowledge and skills in our management team and the addition of Alex certainly does that.”
(Jim Evans)

Europe - Portugese acoustic treatment specialist Artnovion has announced the launch of its Aries series of diffuser products created specifically for professional audio applications.
The Aries Diffuser was designed using a variety of diffusion techniques and offers a clear advance in performance over traditional QRD design. Inspired by traditional numeric sequence diffusers, it’s composed of asymmetrical multi-depth wells, in which specific wells use a folded-depth technique to boost the mid-low diffusion range of the panel.
While the panel itself is only 60mm thick, the extended wells on the diffuser are designed to be effective at 160Hz and 400Hz, with a linear diffusion pattern from 700Hz upwards, delivering previously unheard-of diffusion capacity for its size.
The asymmetric wells are also arranged in an optimised sequence to prevent lobbing when used in larger arrays.
The company’s UK distributor is Audio-Technica.
(Jim Evans)

Egypt - Ayrton has appointed Q-Light Egypt to its international distributors network. Q-Light will distribute the full portfolio of Ayrton’s LED profile, wash, spot and effects luminaires in Egypt.
The distribution company was founded by CEO Walid Bahnasy and partners. Bahnasy has over 10 years of experience with international production companies and TV channels, including as lighting designer, director of photography and cameraman, and has worked on productions such as Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Deal or No Deal and the Doha Debates.
He is a former supervisor and team leader of the lighting departments in the region’s biggest TV networks - MBC, Qatar Foundation, BBC, Aljazeera media network and BeIn Group.
Chris Ferrante, Ayrton CEO, comments: “We are very happy to welcome Q-Light into the Ayrton family. Knowing that Walid, an accomplished lighting professional with many years of experience in the region, is leading Q-Light confirms that they are the perfect fit. We are looking forward to being able to, for the first time in Egypt, give this influential territory the focus it deserves.”
Bahnasy adds: “We are extremely excited to be appointed Ayrton’s exclusive distributor in Egypt. Egypt is witnessing a significant sustainable development in various fields, especially in economics, architecture, culture and arts. This development has revolutionised the entertainment and leisure industry in the Egyptian market, as a result of which Q-Light has been able to add huge value to the region with Ayrton’s produ

Three audio hardware and software solutions providers have joined forces under a new umbrella organisation, Audio Squadron.
Tracktion Corporation, the makers of music production software Waveform, and audio product developer 2JW Design have combined with Prism Sound and Sadie in a bid to increase investment and produce “a unique shared creative environment”.
The companies say in a statement: “The resulting pro audio powerhouse brings together all the diverse, highly-skilled workforces and technical expertise of these renowned global brands enabling them to accelerate innovation, development and the cross fertilization of ideas.”
Prism Media Products retains the test and measurement equipment business and will continue to supply leading manufacturers worldwide.
“We are excited by the multitude of opportunities offered by this collaboration,” comments James Woodburn, Traction co-founder and CEO. “It is the best of both worlds for Tracktion, 2JW Design, Prism Sound and SADiE. Whilst we remain independent, we can more easily work together to bring renewed focus to delivery of the highest quality audio products.”
Prism Sound founder and director, Graham Boswell, adds: “The shared vision of this venture will greatly enhance our ability to accelerate creativity in the design and development of the industry leading audio tools our customers have come to rely on. We’re eager to start working on this exciting new chapter of Prism Sound and SADiE’s life.”
(Jim Evans)

Czech Republic - Robe is involved as a supporter of the 2019 Prague Quadrennial which is being artistically directed by scenic lighting and costume designer Markéta Fantová and runs 6-16 June at the Vystaviste Praha (Prague Exhibition Grounds) and locations in and around Prague.
Robe is supplying moving lights and technical expertise for some of the event’s key installations at the Expo Grounds, including Blue Hour designed by artist Romain Tardy, Fragments curated by Klára Zieglerová, as well as for the Opening Ceremony on 5 June. The Czech-based lighting manufacturer will additionally be hosting its own community evening on 13 June.
PQ2019 will see over 800 artists from around the world participate in a lively, invigorating and thought-provoking programme of over 600 performances and installations plus workshops, lectures, debates and discussions, all offering perspectives on theatre and stage design and production.
Robe’s CEO Josef Valchar commented: “It’s important for us to be part of this major international symposium and we are very excited to be working with some of the most imaginative practitioners from the world of scenography and visual design. PQ is an important space to enjoy some fantastic works and to network, generate and further new ideas and philosophies about how light can be used as a creative tool.”
Blue Hour and Fragments are both produced by 36Q (threesixty) a collective representing the artistic and technical side of performance design related to active sensorial and – mainly

Argentina - Clair Brothers’ newest Argentine distributor SVC has recently made a ‘significant’ sale of the loudspeaker manufacturer’s C12 line array system.
With integral presentation assistance from Fabián Giordano of Sonamos Audio, a key Clair Brothers partner in Argentina, the live demo at Giordano’s location to Argentine production company Merino Producciones Técnicas was a great success. “This was not just a demo,” explains Ricardo Pegnotti, audio division director at SVC, “it was an event attended by several recognized audio professionals from the region.”
Merino Producciones Técnicas is well known and respected throughout the region. Known best as being the provider of equipment and live production in recent years of one of the National Grape Harvest Festival. It was with this festival, and many other upcoming shows, in mind that the decision-makers at Merino Producciones and the technical team of the Government of Mendoza, (the organizers of the festival) listened with great interest to the Clair Brothers C12 demo and ultimately made the decision to make a significant purchase.
The complete set purchased by Merino Producciones includes 32 x C12s along with 12 dual, 18-inch Clair Brothers iS218 subwoofers and a three-point integral mounting system that allows several configurations, including the ability for them to be hung on top of the C12 linear array.
Amplification consists of four racks, each composed of three Clair Brothers / Lab.gruppen CB-PLM 12K44 and a CB-PLM 20K44 amplifiers with control and monitoring

Italy - Claypaky, in conjunction with Iren, entirely redesigned the lighting of the Mole Antonelliana. Turin's iconic monument was designed by Alessandro Antonelli and built between 1863 and 1889.
Iren took part actively in all stages of the design process, and took charge of the installation and operation of the entire system. It consists of 43 new Claypaky Odeon lights: 24 Claypaky Odeon Flood Maxi RGBW units with 15° beam angle, three Claypaky Odeon Flood Maxi RGBW units with 25° beam angle, and 16 Claypaky Odeon Flood Medium RGBW units with 25° beam angle.
One of the mandatory conditions of the project was to re-fit the already equipped system installation points. The number of fixtures needed to distribute light on all four sides with a minimum illuminance of two candles per square metre (10.76 sq. feet) was calculated.
On the basis of the simulations carried out, Claypaky Odeon units with a 15° beam angle were able to achieve the set objective and - in many cases - exceed it. Of course, the final go-ahead was only given after a field test in the most critical conditions, i.e. at a distance of 90 metres (98.43 yards) from the monument and at a height of 25m above the ground with a diagonal projection of 180m.
The entire new lighting system was designed to work from a distance: the fixtures are installed on the rooftops of houses and cover a total area of about 100sq.m.
The Odeon Flood lights chosen were designed by Claypaky for architectural use and are available with different optical units (15°, 25° and 35°) and different