UK - Production Futures has confirmed that its next On Tour event will take place at the AO Arena, Manchester on Tuesday 30 April. The venue, recently underwent a £50m makeover, making it one of the most cutting-edge facilities (and the largest) of its kind in the UK. As its first Arena outing, this will be Production Futures’ largest and most ambitious On Tour event to date.
Set to attract a wide range of young people from across the North of England and beyond, this free-of-charge event will promote employability, transferable skills, diversity, free training, networking, and will present paid work opportunities to newcomers across the live event and broadcast production industry.
Manufacturers, supply and production companies, venues and distributors will have representatives present at the event to provide advice, information and insights, and discuss specific job and training opportunities. As well as manufacturers and suppliers, Production Futures also works closely with a range of organisations, initiatives, education partners and associations, connecting employment and training opportunities to a diverse pool of talent. They too will have representatives available to answer questions and offer support.
Visitors will enjoy a packed schedule, which includes special guests, talks and panels, while industry workshops will offer young visitors the chance to engage in a wide range of activities, from preparing to be job-ready with industry-oriented CVs, to hands on exploration of lighting programming, CAD, audio engineering, as well as getting
Spain - Naostage will welcome ISE 2024 attendees to an immersive and interactive experience on stand #5D750. The company’s award-winning tracking solution, K System, forms the cornerstone of the Naostage stand, where a dedicated ‘black box’ live tracking experience will present visitors with an immersive, interactive show in four parts.
The show will begin with an immersive video made by Naostage partner Cutback, with video mapping handled by SMODE (Naostage’s technical partner at ISE) and tracking and interaction managed by K System. Comprising three scenarios and designed to be interactive and contemplative, the segment caters to professionals in cultural tourism markets, such as museum spaces, as well as those in marketing looking for cutting-edge solutions.
The subsequent two sequences are cooperative games, where entertainment professionals – for example, theme parks – can see the performance of K System first-hand. The show culminates with a final act tailored for live show industry professionals, where Naostage demonstrates how K System interacts with followspots in a simulated show, and visitors take centre stage.
The entire four-part show will be accompanied by an immersive soundtrack featuring localised, interactive audio sources triggered by visitors to the Naostage stand. Developed and set up in collaboration with La FabSonic, and delivered in partnership with L-Acoustics, whose L-ISA audio processor is powering the spatial audio, the 3D sound system will attribute visitors an audio source that follows their movement, enablin
Spain - Amadeus is debuting debut three new models of its A470 Avignon Columns Series line array speakers including Straight, Focus, and Wide versions. All models are available for ordering now, with delivery starting in Q2 2024.
Initially specifically designed for the Avignon Festival – and used within the Courtyard of the Palace of the Popes each summer – the Avignon Columns Series line array from Amadeus is now available for every venue.
For two years, experts and specialists in culture-oriented facilities, craftsmen, and industrials of different trades and domains have worked together to create and install this new system for the festival. The system which is installed and used each summer at the Avignon Palace of the Popes features 10 A 470 Focus column modules, installed in a stereophonic configuration, offering two high-fidelity, line-source speaker columns, of 4m long each.
The stereophonic system suspended in the courtyard – spaced almost 40m from the Avignon Festival stage – is combined with the largest long-throw ‘soundbar’ ever built for the front of the stage – almost 30m long.
“This system offers a masterly combination of smoothness, response, precision, and reach,” says Michel Deluc, director of the research and development department at Amadeus.
“The spectral response – naturally extended to 45Hz without any additional equalization – is quite remarkable, as it is in-phase and requires no additional reinforcement or complement for the vast majority of musical messages.”
Each A 470 modul
UK - London’s Roundhouse concert and performing arts venue in Camden now has an all Robe moving light rig with a recent investment in 20 x Esprite luminaires, fitted with the HP (High Performance) LED engine for the highest output and strongest colours. The order was overseen for Robe UK by Curtis Lewis, their business development manager for the London area.
These fixtures join 82 existing Robe moving lights at the venue – 42 x LEDBeam 100s, 16 x DLF Washes, six DLX Spots and six LEDWash 600s – with the Esprites now the primary house rig spot fixtures, and available to all incoming productions.
Roundhouse head of lighting Steve Royle explained that the new Esprites are part of a major technical update and an ongoing sustainability drive to make the Roundhouse as energy efficient as possible.
He has held the head of lighting post since 2010 and was instrumental in the purchase of the LEDBeam 100s, DLF Washes and LEDBeam 600s in 2013. At that stage, there wasn’t an LED spot fixture on the market that was bright and viable enough to add to the rig, so they went with a set of discharge source fixtures.
Steve and his team looked at several possible options when it came to choosing the new LED spots. The Esprite emerged a clear winner.
“They are incredibly bright and bring a whole new meaning and range of possibilities to how shows can be lit,” he stated. “They ticked all our boxes and more. We needed a flexible, multipurpose light that fulfilled several requirements and that could cover our varied artistic and commercial pro
Spain - Visitors to Brompton’s stand 3A750 in Multi-Technology Hall 3 will experience different zones, each highlighting key features tailored to Touring & Live Events, Broadcast, Fine Pixel Pitch Installation, and Virtual ProductionAdditionally, there will be an exclusive preview of its upcoming Gen 3 8K processing range
The Touring & Live Events demo zone will feature an Absen PL1.9 LED wall, allowing attendees to experience the latest Tessera hardware and software solutions, which have long been the industry choice for providing a reliable and robust toolkit for live events and touring productions, offering easy setup and limitless creative possibilities.
Moving to the Fine Pixel Pitch zone, a Leyard ultra-fine 0.9mm pixel pitch LED screen will demonstrate Brompton’s suitability for fixed installation fine pitch applications, such as corporate meeting rooms, museums, lobbies, and flagship stores needing the highest image quality. Brompton’s Dynamic Calibration, a key enabler for Brompton HDR, ensures maximum visual performance, protecting investments in high-quality fine-pitch LED walls.
To complete this section, attendees can get a preview of Brompton’s upcoming integration with Q-SYS, a widely used platform from QSC to remotely monitor and control audio and video systems. “It introduces advanced reporting and control features, creating a comprehensive solution for high-specification LED video installations,” explains Cesar Caceres, product lead at Brompton. “With simple configuration and setup, this powerful combination br
USA - City Theatrical has announced its first 2024 product launch with QolorFLEX Quad Chip RGB Amber Plus Deep Red LED Tape. As an expansion to the QolorFLEX line of LED Tapes, Dimmers, and Accessories, QolorFLEX Quad Chip RGB Amber Plus Deep Red LED Tape is designed for lighting designers looking to achieve a true deep red colour in their lighting design projects. This LED tape can be used for live entertainment, film and video, architainment, as well as many other creative applications.
Developed to suit lighting designer requests for a true deep red coloured light from an LED tape, the QolorFLEX Quad Chip RGB Amber Plus Deep Red LED Tape (P/N 5050-24-RGBAD-60-5-20-1) is an interior grade 24V Quad Chip 4-in-1 RGB Amber plus Deep Red LED tape with a high output brightness and the ability to create a wide spectrum of colours, including deep red, when used with a DMX color control system. It is available in 5-meter (16.4 ft.) reels or in cut-to-order lengths. Each tape includes 3M adhesive applied to the back side to allow for easy peel-and-stick mounting.
While most similar to City Theatrical’s QolorFLEX Quad Chip 4-in-1 LED Tape product in its RGB & Amber colorway, the new QolorFLEX Quad Chip RGB Amber Plus Deep Red LED Tape offers all the 4-in-1 colour blending capabilities of the 4-in-1 RGB & Amber, as well as the deep red hue.
This QolorFLEX Quad Chip RGB Amber Plus Deep Red LED Tape includes an additional wavelength of 660 for Deep Red, making the wavelength for the LED tape 622/518/468/588/660. Its brightness is 455 lumens/meter, and
Spain - With the PX series, audio specialist Pan Acoustics from Wolfenbüttel is presenting further solutions for sound reinforcement from conference rooms to live applications. The components in the series are designed for fast system integration, installation and simple operation.
To launch the series, loudspeaker solutions for AoIP applications with the specially developed Pan Power Core technology will be shown at ISE 2024 in Barcelona.
“These solutions are characterised by proven Pan Acoustics quality in audio, design and workmanship,” says the company. The first family members of the PX series will be available in Q3/24.
Spain - Prolights is promoting the expansion of its successful Astra Hybrid330 range with a new addition, the Astra Hybrid330IP. This unit stands as the market's first IP65 LED moving hybrid, engineered for mixed use indoor and outdoor.
The Astra Hybrid330IP is billed as the most versatile Prolights moving light to date. Constructed from durable magnesium alloy, the luminaire maintains an ultra-compact profile at just 25kg, still delivering a small form factor, bright output and extensive effect sections.
This luminaire is designed with a powerful 330-Watt LED module, providing a high output of luminous flux and a zoom ratio that spans from three degrees to fifty degrees. The large zoom range ensures that the Astra Hybrid330IP can adapt from long-throw beams to wide spot projections, making it a versatile choice for various staging requirements.
Astra Hybrid330IP deliver ‘limitless colour possibilities’, with a linear CMY colour mixing system and additional colour wheels for an infinite range of colour palettes. The image section of this fixture includes eight rotating gobos featuring a variety of aerials, textures and breakouts plus 11 static beam modifiers.
Completing the Astra Hybrid330IP's feature set there's an animation wheel, dual overlapping prisms, and a low diffusion frost filter, adding depth and dimension creativity.
The Jet Hybrid200 is specially crafted to excel in versatility, from mid-air effects to wide spot projections. With a luminous output of 8,000 lumens from a 200W LED source, it stands as an excellent altern
Spain - Audinate Group announced at ISE 2024 that it now has reached 50 manufacturers licensing Dante AV technology to build networked video devices. Kramer, Blustream, Magewell, Kiloview, Zenwin, Aavara, and Infobit AV are a few of the most recent partners that have joined the Dante AV ecosystem. There are now over 60 products available or soon to launch, including cameras, encoders, and decoders.
AMX by Harman, Lumens, Antrica, Bolin, Laiatech, Avonic, and Alfatron are announcing Dante AV-H video endpoints at ISE 2024, while Kramer, Netvio, and Tight AV are launching Dante AV-A encoders and decoders. Adtechno is also launching Dante AV Ultra HDMI and SDI encoders and decoders at the show. These products are all designed to seamlessly integrate into Dante workflows.
“The professionals responsible for installing and maintaining AV systems in organizations continue to seek ways to improve and simplify their work,” said Joshua Rush, chief marketing officer at Audinate. “With audio, video, control, and management, Dante is a complete AV-over-IP platform, making it easier than ever to route, monitor, and manage networked audio and video together. The Dante AV ecosystem is strong and growing, and we’re excited to welcome these new Dante AV partners and their products at ISE 2024.”
UK - Located in Horsham, West Sussex, The Capitol is a multi-arts community venue which comprises a main theatre, two cinema screens, a studio theatre and a gallery space. It first opened in 1936 as a cinema and today prides itself as an accessible and diverse building, accommodating a variety of performance arts. It’s 410-seat main theatre space is one which regularly plays hosts to UK touring shows, concerts and even celebrity talks.
It was recently decided that the space would upgrade its lighting equipment to ensure the venue reduced its overall carbon footprint. As both a B Corp, as well as an organisation that has helped several venues in their quest to become more sustainable, White Light (WL), a d&b solutions company, was approached to provide these fixtures.
The investment at The Capitol was overseen by venue and productions manager Matthew Effemey. He comments: “I look after all the programming of the venue and act as Head of Production for anything produced in house, including our annual Pantomime. As such, I am very much aware of the technical infrastructure of the building and where its previous set-up was somewhat lacking when it came to being environmentally friendly.”
He continues: “The main drive behind the upgrade was to reduce our carbon footprint. We had a lot of fixtures that were nearing end-of-life; ones that were often burning away throughout rehearsals and performances. We knew this wasn’t sustainable if we were to achieve our goals and that moving over to LED was the best way forward.”
Matthew consu
UK - The Association of Motion Picture Sound (AMPS) has announced The Zone of Interest as the winner of the Excellence in Sound for a Feature Film 2024. The winning sound team comprises Johnnie Burn, Tarn Willers, Mateusz Stasiak and James Ogden
AMPS chair Andrew Wilson said: “The Zone of Interest is a compelling piece of filmmaking and a truly remarkable achievement in the artistry of film sound. The grotesque picture of happy family life next to the horror of Auschwitz is stark, disturbing, and visceral, and it is here that the power of the soundtrack excels. The sonic storytelling is of the highest standard, and the film’s narrative is driven by its creative and crafted sound. AMPS is delighted to recognise the work of Johnnie, Tarn, Mateusz, James and their teams.
“The Association of Motion Picture Sound is proud to have one of 2024's most diverse lists of titles and nominees for its Film Sound Award. We are proud to recognise some of the less well-known roles in both Production and Post-production sound, and to have so many of our talented members on the list of nominees.”
"We are deeply honoured to receive the AMPS Film Sound Award,” said Johnnie Burn. “This accolade is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and dedication that we, along with our incredible team of Brendan Feeney, Simon Carroll, Max Behrens, and everyone at Wave Studios, pour into every project. I feel so grateful to work with Jonathan Glazer on such extraordinary projects. It truly is beyond a privilege to see our commitment to pushing the boundar
The Netherlands - TEC Audio, based in Landgraaf, has invested in DMT's Alpha Series LED panels and hardware in order to expand its services. They have purchased a significant number of Alpha Series A2.6i - Indoor and the necessary rigging to create a complete set for corporate events and dry hire.
These panels are designed to meet the demands of diverse events, offering clarity and vibrant colours. The A2.6i panels are very versatile, making them a suitable choice for corporate events and dry hire setups.
To ensure a seamless and dynamic display, TEC Audio has acquired eight Case for eight DMT Alpha Series, five DMT Double Rigging Bar for Alpha Series, one DMT Single Rigging Bar for Alpha Series, 16 DMT Stacking Brackets for Premiere and Alpha Series LED screens, and a Front Service Vacuum Tool.
TEC Audio has also invested in a Novastar VX1000 all-in-one video processor. This powerful processor ensures smooth and high-quality video playback, enhancing the overall performance of the DMT Alpha Series LED panels.
Spain - Cadac Consoles is returning to ISE, after a four-year hiatus, with a realignment of its product offering in the form of the brand- new CM system, centred around the CM-J50 mixer. The result of an extensive re-engineering programme, the CM system offers enhanced connectivity, control and flexibility, all packaged in a lighter but familiar form factor showcasing an all-new design language.
Audio-first is the core design principle of Cadac Consoles, married with an intuitive user interface and workflow. The interface has undergone a significant evolution on the CM-J50, including the addition of a number of new user led features, allowing faster creative control of Cadac’s unprecedented audio quality, while maintaining an industry-leading 0.4ms through-system latency. Resulting in an unparalleled mixing experience for engineers of all levels.
Though smaller and lighter than its forebears, the CM-J50 mixer boasts a higher I/O density with 96 inputs and 56 outputs, of which 48 are user assignable. Brighter 23.5” and 6.5” touchscreens are at the heart of the user interface. And while the form factor is familiar – including the wooden armrest – the CM-J50 is massively internally re-engineered, mechanically and electronically, to ensure both road worthiness and increased performance.
These follow Cadac Consoles’ new design language with the series comprising the 4U CM-SR24 and CM-SR40, with 24 ins and 32 outs and 40 ins and 16 outs respectively and extending up to the 7U 64 input and 40 output CM-SR64. Designed to meet the ever-increasin
Canada - CAST Group of Companies has announced the promotion of Dekkar Densham to the position of sales manager, and the appointment of David Ferraz as international business development manager.
Since joining in 2017 as BlackTrax Sales Specialist and quickly advancing to the role of Solutions Manager in 2021, Dekkar Densham has proven himself as an integral part of the team. In this new capacity as sales manager, Dekkar will stand at the forefront of CAST’s sales strategy. Dekkar will lead initiatives to push BlackTrax, the real-time tracking solution, Vivien, the virtual event designer and wysiwyg the lighting previsualization products ‘further than ever before’.
Dekkar shares, “I look forward to bringing BlackTrax confidently into even more use cases it was never conceived to handle when it was released over 10 years ago. There’s no denying that our community sits at the heart of all that we do at CAST, and in this new role, I hope to use this as a foundation to drive innovation further so that we can truly exceed the needs of our clients and make their lives easier.”
Having previously served as manager director at a rental company in Portugal, and as the former marketing manager at Prolights, David has become renowned for his ability to rejuvenate brands and develop strategies that successfully aid global expansion. David will play a pivotal role in expanding CAST's footprint in the European and Latin American markets.
David says, “Having already witnessed CAST's products in action, it’s clear that they stand as a beacon
UK - Shure has announced a new sales structure. Led by José A. Rivas, vice president and chief sales officer at Shure, the new global sales structure was reengineered to be closer to customers and end users. The new structure will cover six geographic sales organisations to maximise the global presence of the company - North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, East Asia and Southeast Asia and Pacific.
“This new organisational structure has been designed to enhance operational efficiencies and expedite growth initiatives, aligning Shure for success in the ever-evolving market landscape,” said Rivas. “We believe this change will allow us to be more connected with our customers and end users and will bring our extraordinary solutions even closer to the market.”
Marco Weissert, associate vice president at Shure will lead Europe. Marco's journey at Shure began as the director of human resources and processes for EMEA. He was subsequently appointed as the managing director for Shure's Central European direct market entities. Building upon his achievements, Marco then assumed the leadership of Shure's Middle East and Africa entity, further expanding his international experience, and strengthening Shure's presence in these dynamic markets.
"I’m thrilled to embark on this new journey as associate vice president for the European region and to lead such a talented team. The new structure will allow us to seize new opportunities, drive growth in Europe and create remarkable experiences to our valued customers and end
South Africa - Ultra Events, specialists in providing comprehensive audio, visual and lighting solutions to the events industry, has recently invested in the A-Series line array system from d&b audiotechnik, specifically the AL90 loudspeaker. With significant experience in deploying d&b line arrays on projects ranging from live events to festivals and houses of worship, the purchase of the AL90s was a natural progression for Ultra Events.
“We wanted to remain within the existing d&b ecosystem,” explains Costa Champanis, owner of Ultra Events. “We are committed to the brand and to providing our clients with consistent audio solutions. The AL90 is the ideal solution for medium-scale sound reinforcements, where up to four cabinets can be flown in vertical columns or mounted as horizontal arrays. This versatility means we can cater for a variety of events and stage setups. The A-Series also complements our existing stock of d&b V-Series loudspeakers.”
Ultra Events has collaborated with Stage Audio Works (SAW) on several projects over the past few years, so when it came to expanding its audio solutions, the experts at SAW were able to provide recommendations and advice. This significant investment makes ULTRA the owner of the sole A-Series system available for rental in Cape Town, and one of only a handful in the entire country. Thanks to the wide sound dispersion of the AL90s, full coverage can be achieved with just a few boxes, making them a smart alternative to traditional line array models.
“We were involved with Stage Audio
Saudi Arabia - With bases in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, specialist AVL integration company, Proline, recently won a competitive tender to equip a new outdoor zone at Riyadh Zoo - part of a new look for the visitor attraction, which was founded back in 1987.
For the sound system Proline chose Martin Audio’s Wavefront Precision WPS in a bid “to elevate the zoo's auditory experience”, according to lead project coordinator, Elie AlKhoury. The integrators’ goal was to deliver an unparalleled sonic experience to the zoo environment, at the same time meeting all industry standards.
Incorporated into the contract was the development of an outdoor stage, and thus Proline's approach focused on creating a seamlessly synchronised environment where music, visuals and lighting would integrate and harmonise to deliver an immersive and captivating outdoor experience.
“We selected WPS for its sound quality, positioning it as the optimal choice among the available options,” stated Mr. AlKhoury. “The WPS solution not only delivers exceptional acoustics but boasts advanced features such as precise dispersion control and uniform coverage. With its innovative technology and reliability, it aligns seamlessly with our commitment to delivering top-tier audio solutions.”
Prior to finalising the decision, a comprehensive demonstration of the sound system had been conducted for the clients, enabling them to experience first-hand the exceptional capabilities and performance of the system, confirmed Mr. AlKhoury. “Proline prioritises transparency and clien
UK - Build solutions specialist Star Live has invested in a QC-Check safety inspection system from Data Strategy following its recent investment from LDC, part of Lloyds Banking Group. QC-Check embeds safety into the processes of Star’s new lifting division which underpins the safety and compliance issues for the company’s four pillars of business.
QC-Check streamlines the process of professional electrical appliance and cable testing in bulk, with full electrical-safety test records referenced to an individual asset level. For Star Live’s purposes however, QC-Check’s ability to facilitate the equivalent tracking and maintenance of data from the new heavy duty mechanical testing equipment, made it a pivotal part of the plan.
Star Live technical director, Roger Barrett, maintains, “QC-Check has absolutely transformed our testing capabilities here. It’s been noted by people who’ve been with us a long time that there’s a new level of confidence now: knowing that when they grab half a dozen cables on-site, they’re all going to work.” He adds, “It’s difficult to imagine anything else could do what it does.”
Every item in current use at Star Live went through the QC-Check testing and tracking process ahead of the King’s Coronation celebrations that kicked off the 2023 summer season. Barrett emphasises that, with the benefit of QC-Check, getting control over kit during that time “makes such a difference. It’s difficult to appreciate just how much of a difference it makes.”
In conclusion, Barrett states, “QC-Check h
Spain - Shure has announced the launch of the Microflex Advance MXA901 Conferencing Ceiling Array Microphone, featuring a low profile round form factor, available in white, black and aluminium finishes. Following the launch of MXA902 in 2023, MXA901 expands the Microflex Ecosystem TM portfolio with a modern audio solution for delivering enhanced directional voice capture and reproduction with minimal setup required.
Additionally, Shure announced a preview of Designer 6.0, the next generation of the Designer configuration software. Designer 6.0 represents a complete overhaul of the software’s workflows and user experience, making it easier than ever to configure, deploy, and manage hardware devices within the Microflex Ecosystem portfolio, including the MXA901.
“Organisations are currently faced with upgrading their meeting spaces to adapt to today’s work environment. They require conferencing technology that best supports hybrid collaboration while also integrating perfectly within a room’s aesthetic,” said Evan Groom, conferencing product manager, at Shure.
“The MXA901 combines a sleek and stylish form factor with exceptional audio quality, following the standard set by Shure’s Microflex Advance in conferencing excellence and design. For users integrating multiple Microflex Ecosystem devices, the new Designer 6.0 makes configuration seamless.”
USA - Bandit Lites recently held its Annual General Meeting to launch 2024, celebrating the previous year’s accomplishments and revealing the company’s new goals and updates. Following a ‘wildly successful 55th year’, Bandit chair Michael T. Strickland offered remarks and insight on Bandit’s successes and its continuing goals in the New Year.
Milestone awards were handed out, with multiple Bandits celebrating decades at the company. Arie Zaky, Scott Wesson, Chris Noll, Jacob Edge and Mark Scherer accepted accolades for five years. Andy Reese was honoured for 10 years, and John Jenkinson, Erich Hudgens and Chas Albea were recognised for 15 years.
“I cannot thank each of these individuals enough for their countless contributions to making Bandit what it is today,” offered Strickland. “Each of them contributes at a high level in their own way and all are amazing. You will never find a better team. No other firm in the industry has full time people with this type of longevity.”
Giff Swart celebrated 20 years at Bandit Lites which included the Bandit tradition of a Rolex watch.
“When we began the Rolex at 20 years, that was a milestone in this industry,” said Strickland. “Today we have many people over 40 years at Bandit. Giff’s personality, demeanour and people skills make Giff a crowd favourite both inside and outside Bandit. I want to thank him for all he does to assure our clients are well taken care of, and that the work we deliver is second to none. Giff deals with the biggest names in the world on a daily basis at
Grammy Debut - Joni Mitchell will make her Grammy Awards performance debut at this year's show on 4 February. The singer-songwriter is nominated for best folk album. She has previously won nine Grammys and received a lifetime achievement award in 2002. The 80-year-old only recently returned to performing after suffering a near-fatal brain aneurysm in 2015. In June, she played her first headline show in more than 20 years after she re-learnt how to walk, talk and play guitar. Billed as a ‘Joni Jam’, Mitchell performed for nearly three hours and was accompanied by famous admirers like Annie Lennox, Marcus Mumford and Brandi Carlile.
In 2002, when collecting her lifetime award at the Grammys, she was described as "one of the most important female recording artists of the rock era" and "a powerful influence on all artists who embrace diversity, imagination and integrity." Over the years she has been nominated for 18 Grammy awards.
Here & Now - A musical featuring the music of pop group Steps will open later this year. Called Here & Now, it will run at the Alexandra in Birmingham from 9-24 November. It has a book by Shaun Kitchener and is being directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with choreography by Matt Cole and sound design by Adam Fisher. It is produced by the band and ROYO with Pete Waterman.
Steps, comprising Claire Richards, Faye Tozer, Ian ‘H’ Watkins’, Lee Latchford-Evans and Lisa Scott-Lee, said: “We’ve searched for the perfect story for our music and we’ve found it in the aisle of a seaside superstore, where fo
Puerto Rico - The design team at The Playground created a memorable moment this December during La Meta, the final five concerts in Daddy Yankee’s career. It occurred in their show’s fourth act when a massive stone bust emerged on the deeply immersive stage at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico to reveal the reggaeton star and his trademark geometric goat head logo.
It was a moment that no one in the packed arena is ever likely to forget, which is precisely what the Playground team of Curtis Adams (show and creative director); Trevor Ahlstrand (production designer); and Sooner Routhier (production designer), aspired to achieve when they collaborated on the show.
Working with lighting programmers Will Flavin and Dane Kick and drawing on the power of a 4Wall Entertainment supplied rig that featured over 500 Chauvet Professional fixtures, the designers captured the essence of one of the music industry’s most influential careers.
“To make the entire design cohesive, we were inspired by the shape of the language within Daddy Yankee’s branding and career, which gave us an incredibly fun playground to dream within,” said Adams. “Daddy Yankee asked us for his biggest show yet, so we were driven to discover ways to engineer the performance space creatively and artistically.”
Added Routhier: “Given that these were the final shows of Daddy Yankee’s career, we were tasked with creating his biggest arena production ever. Our design spanned the entire arena, allowing the audience to feel totally immersed in the show.”
In keeping with the
Italy - Powersoft has announced the appointment of Takis Tsonopoulos as business development manager for the MEA region. In his new role, effective from 1 February 2024, Tsonopoulos will be responsible for new and existing clients and working closely with high-level decision-makers in the region.
Tsonopoulos brings over 30 years of industry experience to his new role and joins Powersoft from Harman International, where he worked as an account manager, overseeing professional audio distributor accounts for the south EMEA regions.
“For me, quality is not only about the products of the brand, but also the level of support, people behind the company and the overall experience working with a brand. I am confident that Powersoft exceeds expectations in each of these aspects,” he says.
Looking forward to opportunities in the Middle East and Africa market, Tsonopoulos shares: “These regions are dynamic with ongoing technological growth and developments. This presents fantastic opportunities for the pro-AV market, specifically for Powersoft, as a forefront of pro-AV technology.”
Luca Giorgi, sales and business development director, Powersoft, says: “We are excited to welcome Takis to our Powersoft family. With a strong background in the pro-AV industry, he is well-positioned to bring a wealth of experience to his new role. I am confident that his expertise will contribute to our ongoing success and help foster growth in the MEA region.” Takis Tsonopoulos will be present at Powersoft’s booth 7E700 at ISE 2024 in Barcelona.
Spain - At ISE 2024, Holophonix will debut its new 2.2 software version for all its immersive platforms – including hardware processors, and the Holophonix Native app for macOS – plus a new touring-ready hardware processor, called Holophonix Ultra. The Ultra offers higher performances for real-time spatialisation, with up to 512 inputs and outputs, an embedded touch screen, redundant power supplies, and more. The new Ultra platform also introduces a new scalable licensing model. The new version 2.2 software update is free and will be available on 5 February, 2024, at https://holophonix.xyz/
The Ultra hardware processor – now available for order with deliveries starting in Q2 2024 – features a redesigned chassis machined from aluminium blocks, integrating a powerful and touring-ready hardware configuration tailored for demanding setups.
Featuring ultra-low audio latency and offering scalable I/O expandable up to 512 ins and outs, the new Ultra also features low-noise and enhanced internal airflow, redundant power supplies, and a built-in touchscreen on the front panel. This touchscreen provides instant access to crucial monitoring parameters, including IP addresses, network and performance status, and more. Additionally, the processor is designed to be rack-mounted, for the most challenging touring configurations.
The Holophobix teams worked on the sustainability of each piece of the hardware. The rear panel features Neutrik-housed connectors integrated into the aluminum chassis, including two powerCON mains connectors, three etherCON conne