USA - Demonstrations of Production Resource Group's new Mbox image server technology will be held at the company's North Bergen, New Jersey, operations facility 7-9 April, 2004. A free shuttle service will be provided between the Jacob Javits Convention Center and the demonstration site on those dates. Interested participants are asked to pre-register for the demonstrations with Anne Johnston, PRG's vice-president of Image Systems.
With Mbox, users can control all of the video, projection, and lighting elements in an entertainment production through a single lighting console. Mbox enables users to perform rapid, onsite editing of images without the need for specialized software. The system also offers many special effects, including image layering, resizing, rotations, colourization, and masking with over 700 gobo masks. Users can store and call up a practically unlimited number of still and video images on each system.
"Mbox is a breakthrough technology," says Johnston. "It significantly expands the limits of what is possible - and practical - in entertainment design." PRG's Mbox demonstrations will be of particular interest to lighting designers, video designers, scenic designers, exhibit designers, technical directors, and other specialists involved in the design and implementation of entertainment productions. To pre-register for the demonstration, or obtain additional information, please contact Anne Johnston at the email address below.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
UK - Leading UK pro audio distributor Autograph Sales has been asked to exhibit at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow at the end of March. The Sponsors' Tradeshow is by invitation only and the London-based company will be one of a select few to participate.
The exhibition is a first, and takes place in the RSMAD's new Athenaeum Theatre. It is being held in conjunction with the Graduate Exhibition, showing students' displays from the Technical and Production Arts Course and visitors will come from Glasgow's pro audio community.
Autograph Sales' inclusion in the show reinforces its support and association with the RSAMD. Equipment has been donated for the students' various projects that is essential to their understanding of the latest technology available in the field. Dave Ripley, Academy production manager, is delighted that Autograph Sales has decided to exhibit at the show and commented: "After all the help Autograph Sales has given us over the years, with loans and demonstration of audio equipment, it's great to be able to show our appreciation by giving them an opportunity to appeal to potential new clients, and illustrate why they are the best at what they do."
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Projected Image Digital supplied one of its new D-TEK Industries D-Mix Pro video mixing products to lighting rental house Lite Alternative. This went straight out on tour - the first for the product - with LD Rob Sinclair on The Hollies, allowing him to integrate both video and lighting medias to run off his Avolites Pearl lighting console.
The Hollies, one of the most successful 'UK invasion' bands of the 1960s, are still regularly touring the theatre circuit. Two members of the original line-up are in the band, and unlike many other still-active acts of the era, they always carry their own full production, including sound and visuals.
For 2004, the Hollies management wanted a new look for the show. After discussions with Sinclair, all decided video was the way to go. However, a degree of lateral thinking was required by both Sinclair and lighting suppliers Lite Alternative to enable this to happen within the budget! This coincided with Lite Alternative's decision to invest in a quantity of video equipment to service clients also wanting a cost-effective 'visuals' package. In addition to the D-Switch Pro, Lite Alternative also bought a 4000 Lumen Sharp V10X projector from Projected Image Digital to set up their new department.
The D-Mix Pro enables the switching, mixing and matrixing of four video inputs to four video outputs - via any DMX controller - and is ideal for use with multiple sources and outputs, e.g. a number of Digital Media Servers or cameras and multiple projectors or screens. On the Hollies, Sinclair utilized eight 'lipstick' surveillance
UK - Yamaha launched the PM5000 as its ultimate analogue live desk. "This may be one of Yamaha's last consoles of this type, so we really wanted to get it right, particularly with regard to sound quality," said Terry Halton of Yamaha R&D. "The development of this desk has been about thinking and applying all the things we've learned from talking with the engineers who use our desks in the live environment. Reliability is a big issue and we've retained that focus as a priority - which is why we apply so much time to in house testing."
Ray Furze, one of the first sound engineers to test the desk at a live show, said: "I used the board on a one-off show with The Beautiful South and was sold on it straight away. I liked the new pre-amps and my first impression was that the EQ has a feel that reminded me of Neve EQ with a very polished top end and warm lows. I have enjoyed using the PM4000 on what I think has been some of my most successful work over the years, but I think the PM5000 is an improvement and I look forward to using it on tour with Westlife, and later in the year with The Pixies, two very different sounding acts that will provide a good testing ground for the desk."
Mark Littlewood, FOH engineer for Atomic Kitten's recent farewell tour was similarly enthusiastic. "It's very much like a PM4000 in format, just a shade deeper. What I like is it seems more responsive, like a Midas - you can actually hear it doing things."
Having done several shows already he had more to say on the specifics of the board. "12 VC
UK - VLPS Lighting Services has announced a further addition to its expanding sales team with the arrival of Mark de Gruyter. Taking on the role of regional sales manager he will be joining Simon Roose, Colin Brooker and Philip Norfolk, and will be managing the Southern European, Middle East and African territories.
Roose, European sales manager, commented: "With such incredible growth in the sales of Vari*Lite products in Europe, I am really pleased that Mark has joined the sales team. With his industry and territory experience he is a very valued addition to the VLPS team."
De Gruyter commented: "I am excited about the prospect of being involved with the dedicated group of professionals at VLPS and representing a company and array of products including the full Vari*Lite automated luminaire range. In addition, the timing could not be better with the imminent release of the Virtuoso EX-1 Media Server from VLPS. I can see serious potential that EX1 will be catapulted to the very forefront of the digital lighting phenomenon."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
Australia / UK - Australian lighting control manufacturer, LSC Lighting Systems, has appointed Lighting Logic as UK distributor for its full range of innovative products. Kent-based Lighting Logic was recently formed by sales and installation industry stalwarts Mick Cocker and Matt Miles, both of whom are already familiar with the LSC brand, having specified it on many previous projects.
Lighting Logic will be responsible for the importation, distribution network and technical support for LSC's lighting control desks, DMX network products and the complete range of portable and installation dimming systems.
With the first stocks now in place, Lighting Logic's energies are focussing on expanding the dealer network. Part of the agreement with LSC includes the establishment of a training centre, primarily to hold regular advanced training sessions on their maXim and MINIM control desks.
Sales activity has already been very positive, with a maXim 48-fader desk and two 12-channel iPRO dimmers supplied by Lighting Logic to the renowned BRIT School; a maXim 48-fader desk and two 12-channel iPRO dimmers to the Gladstone Park School, two maXim 24-fader desks to Flashlight in Manchester; three MINIMs to a local TV gaffer and two e1220 12-channel by 20 amp DMX dimmers to Maidstone TV studios.
"There's plenty of interest across the whole range of LSC products," says Lighting Logic's Cocker, "Obviously we're delighted to be working with LSC again, and we know it'll be a rewarding partnership for all of us."
LSC's Alan Graham says: "Appointing
The Netherlands - Attending Cebit 2004, the biggest computer and telecom show in Europe, you cannot overlook the impressive Telekom stand in Hall 26. The stand covers almost the entire hall and has a very open and high-tech feeling. Q-Bus Mediatektur GmbH from Berlin made the concept and technically designed the complete stand. All the audiovisual and ShowControl equipment was delivered and installed by Garhrens & Battermann from Berlin. The ShowControl design and programming was done by Ground Zero.
Franziskus Scharpff and Kay Van Praagh of Ground Zero Berlin designed and pre programmed the system. Ground Zero's Rutger van Dijk, Koos Maris, Franziskus Scharpff, Sierk Janszen and Jörg Müller did the entire on site programming and operating. The Medialon Manager was controlled directly by cuelist on Excel sheets through a layer of ODBC. The Tonline booth consisted of three individual stages that all controlled by a Medialon Manager Pro system. Each system controlled two Q-Players, one VMOD player, one Folsom video switcher, five Director Flash PCs, one SetTop box, live video streams, three TFT screens and one Barco R18 projector. Some of the computers were also connected to the internet to demonstrate the new T-Online internet portal by Telekom.
Aside from these stages, Ground Zero was also responsible for the controls of the T-com stage on the Telekom stand For the IBM stand in hall 1, Ground Zero supplied programming and design assistance for the German division of Creative Technologies. Here three Medialon Managers, controlling Doremi Video players, Barco LED
USA - Twentieth Century Fox's epic adventure I, Robot, directed by Alex Proyas and starring Will Smith, used 42 Vari*Lite VL3000 Spot luminaires to create special effects, pushing the functionality of automated lighting in film-making into uncharted territory. Taking advantage of the fixtures' 1200W arc source lamp, Duggan generated special effects that enhance the film's action scenes and saved time and labour during filming. With assistance from gaffer Owen Taylor and automated lighting operator Tracey Ploss of Q1 Production Technologies, Duggan used the VL3000 Spot luminaires to create illusions of speed and movement in sequences ranging from car chases to building destruction.
Lisa Ploss of Q1 Production Technologies was able to make available 12 VL3000 Spot luminaires for Taylor and Duggan to show them the versatility of the strobe on the fixtures. She also made arrangements with rigging gaffer Rod Feldmeier to create a small set at the location where they were shooting at the time so that the Duggan, Taylor, Proyas and members of the art department could see exactly what the shoot would look like and how the luminaries would fit into the rig for final construction.
"The best feature of the fixtures is their versatility, and the fact that they are contained within a single unit," Duggan said. "It was easy to program different effects from the remote control desk, and it was easy to experiment with the fixtures. We could have achieved some of the effects otherwise, but it would have involved a lot of R&D with lighting devices built from
Europe - Singer-songwriter and ex-Marillion front man Fish and his band will be using backline wireless equipment supplied by advanced radio frequency products manufacturer Trantec Systems on his current European Tour. Following the completion of the new album 'Field of Crows', the demanding 46-date tour which began in February and runs into April sees Fish on the road with a five-piece band which includes ex-Big Country guitarist Bruce Watson.
Each member of the band will be using Trantec's S4000 IEM, a UHF stereo in-ear monitoring system, which comprises a transmitter and two beltpack receivers - an ideal configuration for the small to medium sized venues on the tour schedule. The DC powered transmitter features a menu-driven LCD control panel, which can display both audio channels simultaneously or provide an average of both. Other displays include operating frequency, user name and LEDs indicating stereo/mono and limiter operation. The receiver incorporates an LCD showing frequency information, volume control and LEDs showing RF reception.
"The Trantec systems have performed equally well in all the varied venue situations. As an added bonus, the backline volumes are a lot quieter, the added cacophony of overloud foldback has all but vanished, making my job of a consistent house mix far easier," said FOH sound engineer Chris Archer.
In addition guitarist Bruce Watson will be using Trantec's new S4000 UHF, a professional dedicated guitar system specifically engineered for the output of a musical instrument, whose robust design includes features such
UK - The cream of the UK's design fraternity received their coveted accolades at this year's Design Week Awards, on a set that incorporated the latest in plasma screen technology in the guise of two 84" NeoDigm plasma screens. Over 700 guests converged at The Royal Courts of Justice in central London to celebrate all that is contemporary in the design world. Rory Bremner led the field of hosts on the evening as 23 highly prized Design Awards were given out. In keeping with the cutting-edge designs of the awards winners, set designers Up-Stage incorporated the pair of 84" plasma screens to great effect within the stage set for the evening.
Plasmascreen Co sponsored the best TV / Film and Video Graphics Award, reaffirming their support of companies who push back the boundaries and take screen designs into new realms. The Design Week Awards 2004 also provided them the ideal environment to showcase their groundbreaking 84" screens. The company's Stuart Holmes explained: "We are consistently looking to offer new products and higher standards to expand the creative possibilities for our clients. I am sure these new screens will catch the eyes of many a creative team in the coming months."
Since the first 84" screens were unveiled at the end of last year by the Plasmascreen Co, this new generation of super-scale plasma screens offer a more user-friendly medium, from the upgraded software to the motorised stands.
(Lee Baldock)
Greece/Germany - From the 13 - 29 August, the Olympic Games 2004 are being held in Athens. The battle for the medals will not only be the sporting, but also the media, event of the year. Around a billion viewers are expected to follow the telecasts from the comfort of their living rooms, whilst countless more will travel to Athens to experience first-hand the excitement of the competition. Those travelling to the Greek capital will also, incidentally, be able to see for themselves the leading role occupied by EVI Audio in both the sound reinforcement and broadcasting sectors. From the airport to the trains and in the hotels and discos, too, they will encounter EVI systems - and this before they've even attended their first event. Around two thirds of the stadiums and sporting arenas being used for this year's Olympics are also equipped with sound systems from EVI Audio. For a good 18 months now, staff have been working flat-out on the mammoth project. Klaus Seitz, sales director export for EVI Audio, explained: "In house, we have five people working on the Olympics, with another twenty in Athens itself."
To find the ideal system for each venue required meticulous planning. The dimensions, architecture and building materials, along with the likely atmospheric conditions - the wind and the humidity (many of the venues are close to the sea) - were painstakingly programmed into the computer to establish the likely acoustics, and an exhaustive series of simulations conducted in each virtual arena. But even if the software (Ease) available to assist in this end
UK/Germany - Telectra have teamed up with S.E.A. Vertrieb & Consulting GmbH to distribute the Light*Wand range of performance products throughout Germany. This brings the number of European distributors to 10 since the launch of the range last September at PLASA.
With a pedigree of Aerospace research and development, Telectra designed the Light*Wand range of task lighting for professional sound reinforcement engineers, lighting technicians and musicians alike. The range takes the advantages offered by LEDs and with the deployment of Bead*light technologies (patents pending), provides one of the highest quality of LED task lighting commercially available.
Alan Oliver, sales and marketing director for Telectra, said: "I'm delighted to link up with S.E.A. for the sale of the Light*Wand range. Germany represents an important milestone for our distribution objectives and S.E.A. have convinced us that they have the markets and professionalism to serve our German customers".
Torsten Roeger, sales and marketing director for SEA commented: "This product range is one of the most spectacular developments of the last few years for all performers and technicians in the event industry! We are confident we will make this product a big success in Germany."
The Light*Wand range of performance products will be on display at Prolight + Sound 2004", Frankfurt at S.E.A.'s booth # 42C, Hall 8, Level 0, Walkway H, and Telectra's booth # 35, Hall 8, Level 0, Walkway K.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
New Zealand - Skycity in Auckland, New Zealand, recently took delivery of a new background music system, supplied through Jands Electronics NZ (Ltd). The system is based around three BSS Soundweb 9088MM DSP network devices, along with a 9008 output expander and a 9000 hub - as well as three 9010 'Jellyfish' remotes.
13 Crown CTs 2000 amplifiers, using PIP Lite cards and running Crown IQ software, provide amplification. As the leading entertainment centre in Auckland, Skycity Auckland has music covering its casino, four-star hotel and Sky Tower. The main requirements for Daniel Nel, the entertainment operations manager for the complex, was flexibility in the design and the possibility to upgrade the signal processing easily; it also had to sound good.
As part of the upgrade the number of sources was increased from two to 12. The positioning of Soundweb SW9010 'Jellyfish' remotes around the venue allows the easy source selection in different zones, and allows managers to select more specific musical styles for their areas. There are also paging inputs from the Skycity theatre, so that technical staff can make announcements to the theatre foyer.
An important technical requirement was the ability for the onsite technicians to confirm audio in zones through a PFL bus and fault reporting of speaker loads and amplifier tolerances. Technicians now receive an e-mail and page if amplifiers are operating out of preset parameters using Crown IQ. Using existing fibre and computer cabling around the building, a 9088MM has been placed in a remote plant room on a fibre link. T
UK - Ansabac have carried out a sound system upgrade to one of the rides at the Drayton Manor Theme Park near Tamworth in Staffordshire. Based nearby, they have specified six Work SP 750 amplifiers (2 x 105W into 8 ohms, split into 12 zones) to drive 20 Work Studio series loudspeakers, which have replaced the old system on Pirate Adventure - one of over 100 rides.
Discretely mounted, the water resistant speakers reproduce sound effects, speech and singing triggered by sensors on the boat, at different points on its journey. The speakers are available in a variety of formats including both 100V line and low impedance with black or white finishes.
Said Ansabac's Phil Parkes: "We have been servicing Drayton Manor for around 15 years and the equipment on this ride had come to the end of its life. Work is one of two brands that the company would consider for this type of application, but when it comes down to price there is no comparison. We've been using Work speakers now for 18 months because they are ideal for our requirements."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
UK - Kling & Freitag has introduced the Line 212-SP. The Line 212 was successfully tested in the December edition of Production Partner. The 'SP' version is equipped with integrated controller and power amplifier technology. The Line 212 is a 2 + 1 way system, which is available with two different coverage angles of 90° and 65°. The application areas of the full range system are large venues such as stadiums, halls and open-air concerts, mobile event technology, theatres, etc. The Line 212-SP is powered by two power amplifier blocks in Class-D technology with a total output power of 2kW. Thanks to the patented 'Click & Fly' system, the Line 212 is simple to mount and cluster. The active version of the Line 212 is insignificantly heavier than the passive system.
A further new development is the Subwoofer SW 215E as a prototype in the 'SP' version. A special characteristic of the SW 215E is the multitude of stacking grooves, which when combined with one or several Line 212 allow for a simple and precise alignment and stabilizes the entire stack. The ambitious development goal to set a milestone in subwoofer technology is realized through the use of modern chassis, tunnel, and enclosure technology. The SW 215E has noticeably more punch in full power operations than comparable systems. Because of the phase compatibility, this subwoofer can also be combined with all other K&F systems. The extension of the CA-series to include the CA 1001 is currently being developed; the prototype of the CA 1001 will also be on display. The CA 1001 closes the gap between the successfu
USA - Tomcat US celebrated 12 years of in depth industry training courses with another successful Hoist and Rigging Workshop in Midland, Texas. Top-notch instructors and 83 industry professional participants from all over the United States, the United Kingdom and Puerto Rico attended.
Don Dimitroff of Columbus McKinnon, as well as TOMCAT's own Dave Beard, coached participants through the Lodestar electric chain hoist. Rocky Paulson of Stage Rigging Inc. a Freeman Company and Morgan Neff of Mine Safety Appliances stressed safety in rigging techniques and fall protection equipment while Keith Bohn, Tomcat design manager, and Will Todd, Tomcat project manager, offered a course in truss theory and design. Not only did participants receive four days of power-packed, informative classes, but also four nights of fun filled entertainment, including the traditional factory night at Tomcat USA, with extensive tours, demonstrations, contests and a graduation ceremony. In addition to hearing raves about the instruction, participants were thrilled with the generous helping of Texas hospitality "It's like I'm a high roller in Las Vegas!" stated Andrew Dooley from Frost Lighting.
The company also announced an Advanced Hoist and Rigging Workshop to be held early next year in addition to the current curriculum. It will cover more in depth topics as well as more practical applications related to the industry. More information regarding the Advanced Workshop will be available later this summer. Recognized worldwide as the most comprehensive training course of its kind, th
UK - A.C. Lighting, the exclusive UK distributor for MA Lighting consoles, is holding a number of free one-day grandMA product demonstration and training seminars for lighting designers and operators in the UK. The seminars are part of a programme of activities organized in conjunction with three leading rental company stockists of the grandMA - Neg Earth Lights, White Light and Stage Electrics - to highlight the range's increased rentals distribution and to demonstrate why the desks have recently been chosen by UK LDs for some of the most high-profile tours and shows in Europe.
Dave Isherwood, hire director at White Light commented: "The White Light Group whole heartedly supports the grandMA seminars. By demonstrating the contribution that technology and the grandMA can make to a show, we're facilitating the artistic endeavors of our clients."
Having already sold over 1,200 units and been responsible for thousands of shows across over 45 countries, the grandMA range is already firmly established as a major player around the world. UK lighting rental companies have recently supplied desks for numerous European entertainment events, including tours by Avril Lavigne, Sum 41, Simple Minds, Beyonce Knowles and stage productions of Thoroughly Modern Millie and Mamma Mia! .
(Lee Baldock)
UK - After the move from Waterloo Road, the Stage Electrics London team have settled into their new unit at 175 Long Lane SE1. Jayney Bell has joined the team as branch coordinator after working in the West End and being on tour for the last 12 years. Bell has an impressive resume with appointments such as chief LX for such shows as The Play What I Wrote - UK Tour, Godspell - UK Tour , deputy chief for Fosse European and Japanese tour and deputy chief, Lion King- West End. Alex has joined the London branch as hire manager after five years working in Cambridge in a similar role. Keighley felt the challenge to take the London branches hire forward was exciting and has made big differences already. Simon Baker has been promoted to assistant project manager, working closely with the production department based in Bristol. Baker has been with the London branch for a little over two years as technician for the retail market and helping with hire.
Ross Mcgivern joined Stage Electrics full time as warehouse technician following completion of his college course. Mcgivern was no stranger to the company as he had spent holidays working with both the Cambridge and London branches over the last few years. Paul Armstrong was the very first employee of Stage Electrics some 24 years ago. During this time he has held most positions in Stage Electrics from driver through to transport manager, and from customer service representative through to branch manager. Armstrong has joined the team as operations manager and will be helping the customer service team
UK - The London Borough of Hillingdon has modernized its council chamber with a state-of the-art digital discussion system from Brähler ICS. The system features full digital sound processing via the company's CDS-VAN (Virtual Audio Network) processing software and bespoke flush-mount delegate units. This fully-digital system, installed by Watford-based Stage Two Ltd, eliminates the need for racks of processing power and their associated problems. The system is fully-controlled by the CDS-VAN software and dedicated computer hardware, allowing multiple processing and sound reinforcement functions to be set up and activated at the click of a mouse.
Brähler ICS sales engineer, Will Robertson, said: "The system was commissioned on the basis that it would provide reliable, flexible and maintenance-free operation, whilst pushing the boundaries of design and innovation. The utilization of Cat 5 cabling and a software processing solution proved invaluable in ensuring the system could meet the high standards of the council."
One of the many critical requirements Brähler ICS were able to meet was the need for intelligent loudspeaker muting, as well as designing 73 custom, flush-mount delegate units to fit pre-determined locations (old ashtray cut-outs in the desks with three free-standing units. This digital discussion system is also future-proof, with the facility to include electronic voting by the simple addition of a voting software module, and hard-disk recording of discussions for distribution over a network or by CD. After successful commissioning, the d
Germany - The Stadionhalle Oberwerth in Koblenz was packed on the 5 March 2004 with over 4,000 people in the audience for a concert presented by the Staatsorchester Rheinische Philharmonie to commemorate the founding of the city's first orchestra 350 years ago. The musical highlight was a performance of Arnold Schoenberg's Gurre-Lieder' Taking part with the Rheinische Philharmonie and the Philharmonisches Orchester of Heidelberg conducted by Shao-Chia Lü were over 600 performers from all over Germany, making the Jubiläumskonzert 350 Jahre Orchester in Koblenz the largest concert of classical music in the history of the Rhineland-Palatinate.
To reproduce the rich variety of instrument textures and voices both subtly and powerfully, FLO Service GmbH or Mainz - the company responsible for the sound reinforcement for the entire event - opted for a generously dimensioned Electro-Voice XLC line array system on account of its compactness, the quality of its sound, its outstanding versatility and its easy and unproblematic handling. The EV XLC system realized the sound design of Tonmeister Holger Schwark and system operator Stefan Holz perfectly.
Commented Tim Sandrock, the technical director of the Mainz-based sound company: "The decision to use an EV XLC system was absolutely the right one. To create the effect of envelopment for those on the stage as well as in the auditorium, we decided to use four system units each comprising eight XLC127+ enclosures." Adds Oliver Kornisch, FLO Service's system operator: "We also flew a central cluster of Ele
USA - High End Systems' DL1 digital light engine recently won Best Lighting Product in the Second Annual Club World Awards, sponsored by Club Systems International magazine. The awards ceremony took place on 8 March during the Winter Music Conference in Miami. Robert L. Iraggi of Club Systems International commented: "High End Systems is certainly a powerful force in the club lighting community. Good job and well done."
DL1 bridges the worlds of video and automated lighting. The digital light engine is housed in a moving yoke fixture that has the look and feel of a moving light and the versatility of a moving projector. Users are able to take images from DVDs, videos and other types of media and display them onto a stage, wall, prop, screen or set - with complete control over image size and shape. DL1 also provides the ability to project Digital Aerials and provide uniform colour and beam intensity. Unlike conventional moving lights where the beam field has peaks and valleys, digital lighting creates a flat, even field with a high contrast ratio.
DL1 has been recently installed in nightclubs such as Spirit New York and Avalon in Los Angeles.
(Lee Baldock)
UK - Leslie West, Todd Wolfe and Del Bromham are using the Carlsbro Sherwood Signature Acoustic amps, 50 TOP Evolution heads and Carlsbro Classic 4 x 12 cabs on their upcoming tour. West, one of the most innovative and exciting guitarists in the world, still leads his band Mountain, but this tour sees him out on his own accompanied by ex-Sheryl Crowe guitarist, Todd Wolfe.
West has just released his new solo album 'Blues To Die For' on Mascot-Provogue in Europe and he will feature a number of tracks from this on the tour. He will also be playing a selection of both Mountain and West, Bruce and Laing songs which he has rearranged especially for acoustic and electric guitars.
Del Bromham from Stray has also released his first solo blues album, Devil's Highway, on THM and will support West on all of his UK, European and Scandinavian dates and will be playing both solo tracks and some old Stray favourites."
(Lee Baldock)
UK - The A.C. Lighting North trade show (11-12 May 2004) will see products from some of the leading entertainment technology companies making their UK trade show debut in Leeds.
Chroma-Q, exclusively distributed by A.C. Lighting, will unveil the first in a new line of high output LED products. The Colour Block is a modular block of four DMX-controlled colour mixing LED lights which can be easily configured in stacks or rows to make battens, blinders or any combination. Colour Block also features a unique user interface offering Hue, Saturation and Intensity control of each fixture, plus a fully variable effects engine. From Jands (also exclusively distributed in Europe by A.C.) will be the newly launched Vista lighting console, with its ground-breaking timeline-based approach to lighting control.
Other new products on display will include Martin Professional's Ego 4 DMX effect and Maxxyz Wing console, Pulsar's OutStation 1 remote DMX lighting controller and MR16 ChromaHeart illumination fixtures, Clay Paky's Alpha Spot, Alpha Spot HPE and Alpha Wash HMI 575 moving body projectors, Selecon's Pacific Followspot and 80V power supply, Avolites' eDMX system and ART2000s standalone dimming module, Beyerdynamic's Opus 800 and Opus 300 radio mics, Zero 88's Diablo lighting controller and Rack 6/Install 6 dimmer range, a range of tape and label products from Le Mark Group, Sennheiser's Evolution G2 Wireless and Versatile mic ranges, DAS's Dynamic Active Series speakers, Anchor's Liberty series of portable sound systems, Allen & Heath's LedLamp, and Community's MIR, T Cla
UK - Following a UK distribution agreement with the wireless microphone and portable PA manufacturer Mipro, Tannoy will be able to supply its UK customers with a much extended product range, with immediate effect. The Mipro range will complement Tannoy's own line-up of professional audio products, which already extends beyond its loudspeaker ranges and includes amplifiers, mixer amplifiers and system controllers.
"Being able to supply another component part of the audio installation takes us one step closer to being a complete systems provider", commented Simon Sinclair, Tannoy's sales director. He further explained, "In particular Mipro's exceptional range of wireless microphone systems fits very well alongside the distribution channels of the current Tannoy range. We believe Mipro will prove a very popular line with our customers."
As with Tannoy, Mipro has a strong engineering heritage combined with innovative technologies. Both companies believe that these strengths ensure that they can produce products that offer a distinct advantage in a competitive market. Mipro also manufacture a range of professional portable PA systems that will further enhance Tannoy's move towards offering total system solutions.
(Lee Baldock)