Audace Ltd, manufacturer of the Intelliplate range of remote control panels for installations, has announced that the launch of the newest member of the range will take place at the PLASA show in September.
The ‘SuperHub’ moves the Intelliplate concept away from exclusively controlling audio towards more general AV control. It does this by providing more control ports, a proprietary scripting language - ‘IntelliScript’, more processing power and Ethernet capability. Benefits to installers will include the facility to access the control system remotely using a standard web browser, facilities for controlling multiple devices with one processor, an integral calendar for scheduled events and an automated error logging facility for diagnostic purposes.
SuperHub is a 1U device, which resides in the rack alongside the equipment to be controlled. It boasts two RS232 ports, two RS485 ports, an Ethernet port and an Intelliplate port, with the latter two on industry-standard RJ45 connectors. SuperHub can be accessed by the installer for programming purposes either via a frontal RS232 connector connected to a laptop serial port or via its Ethernet port, paving the way for access via a Local Area Network or even from off-site. SuperHub connects to up to 31 Intelliplate wall panels via a single Cat 5 cable and wall panels can then be configured, via the SuperHub, for functions such as presets, volume control,source selection, paging, device activation, room mode switching and muting.
Configuration and scripting will be facilitated by the provision of a free
E//T//C UK, the large format projection specialist, fresh from its success in illuminating Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s Jubilee, has produced a series of breathtaking 40-minute projection shows for Guernsey’s three-month long Victor Hugo Festival. The free son et lumière show - specially produced by E//T//C UK - that recalled the dramatic life and times of Hugo, who spent 15 years in exile on Guernsey during the 1850s and 60s. The free, three-day son et lumière was timed to coincide with Bastille Day, and also illustrated the rich cultural heritage of the island. It was held on the waterfront at Guernsey’s capital, St. Peter Port, and was a massive success, attracting over 5,000 people. E//T//C’s Ross Ashton was approached by members of Guernsey’s Victor Hugo Working Party last year, following a son et lumière presentation at Chiswick House in London.
The brief was to produce a 40-minute show about Hugo, paying particular attention to his time in Guernsey. Ashton asked writer Elizabeth Fry to collaborate with scripting and storyboarding, and together they researched the project. With Hugo being such a prolific creative force, there was no shortage of archive material - on Guernsey, and in France and England. Guernsey’s Prieux Library yielded an impressive stock of pictures, as did Hauteville House, his abode on the island. Ashton and Fry’s main challenge here was containing the show to just 40 minutes with the available material!
E//T//C had the soundtrack - involving a narrator and four actors - recorded in Wales at KBM
Since becoming the sole UK distributor for the Robert Juliat range of lighting equipment just over a year ago, While Light Sales has met considerable demand for these high-quality products - with over 100 lanterns being supplied in the last few months alone.
The bulk of these have gone to the National Theatre, where lighting project manager Mike Atkinson and Lyttelton Theatre head of lighting Paul McLeish specified 76 Juliat 710SX 2000W 10/25 degree zoom profiles as part of the reworking of the lighting rig made necessary by the Lyttelton Theatre's change of format for the National's current Transformation season. The 710SXs have replaced many of the theatre's older Strand Cadenza lanterns, and have already been put to use in shows including The PowerBook, A Prayer for Owen Meany and The Adventures of the Stoneheads.
Elsewhere the baby Foxie 700W MSD followspot has proved popular with a wide variety of venues. The Theatre Royal in Stratford East has purchased two Foxies as part of their refurbishment; the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford, which recently purchased a new Strand lighting console from White Light Sales, turned to White Light again when purchasing two Foxies, and the Nomads, the Surrey-based amateur dramatics group who built a new theatre with Lottery funding, have purchased a Foxie to add to their equipment stock.
At this year’s PLASA Show a number of new products will be introduced including the Buxie, a 575W MSR followspot for smaller venues, as well as new products for the architectural market.
(Ruth Rossington)
Wembley-based recording facility Phoenix Sound has installed an AMS Neve VR60 console in its main Phoenix One control room. The desk complements an AMS Neve Capricorn digital console, featuring fully automated mixing and reset facilities, which has now been operating in the Capricorn Room since February 2002.
The VR60, purchased in June 2002 in collaboration with Mark Derksen of Markant Recording Studios in Holland, has provided Phoenix Sound with the framework to offer traditional recording and mixing facilities in Phoenix One. A further collaboration with Andrew Walton of K&A Productions means that the studio now has a comprehensive microphone collection. Phoenix Sound’s managing director, Peter Fielder, says: "Ever since we opened, back in October 2001, it very quickly became clear that Phoenix One being operational was what the punters wanted. Having achieved the first stage of our target we are now looking to move forward with further expansion of the facilities. We have a Capricorn, probably the best console in the world, and everybody knows what a VR can do, so all we need now is a National Stadium."
As testament to these new additions Phoenix is enjoying a full season of bookings. Paul Weller recently chose Phoenix One as a pre tour rehearsal venue on a three-week lock out, while Word Entertainment used the new console for a Sandi Patti album with Geoff Foster, from Air Studios, as Engineer and Greg Nelson producing. Other projects include the recording and mixing of the cast album for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
(Ruth Rossington)
Smart Sound Direct has announced the availability of the PS802 amplifier from SoundTech. Despite being the smallest in the three-model PS line, the 1U PS802 digital amp is by far the most popular. Weighing in at just 7kg the PS802 employs highly efficient on-board PowerSource SwitchMode power supplies (thereby eliminating the need for bulky mains transformers) and Class-H output circuits, resulting in an amp that’s 20% more energy-efficient.
Despite its diminutive dimensions, with outputs of 800W bridged mono into 8 ohms and 400W per channel into 4 ohms (at 0.05% total harmonic distortion), the PS802 still retains plenty of punch and power, resulting in exceptional performance for an amp of its size and weight. With a unique speaker protection system to guard against DC faults, on/off transient peaks and under/over voltage situations, plus dual Vari-Speed cooling fans, XLRs and 1/4in jacks, this digital amp is ruggedly built, making it ideal for DJs, studiophiles, solo artists, duos and live bands.
(Lee Baldock)
Hard on the heels of the successful MP 700 Zoom, the latest product from Coef is the new MP 700 Wash - a spot of minimal weight offering a high light output, CMY colour mixing and a comprehensive range of functions. And all this in a fixture measuring just 56cm high, 37cm wide and 45cm deep, and weighing in at just 28.5kg. But there is more to the MP 700 than its technical specifications alone, for this lightweight fixture is also notable for its modern stylish design.
Stand C32
Aggressive lawyers and the increasing amalgamation of artist management companies were among the topics discussed at the Music Managers Forum (MMF) Open Day, held recently at the Landmark Hotel, London.
Over 90 delegates attended the event, including a number of record producers who were invited through the Music Producers Guild that, in recent months, has been developing closer links with the MMF. "We were delighted with the attendance and with the quality of debate from both panelists and members of the audience participating in question and answer sessions," said the MMF’s Executive director James Fisher. "It was particularly satisfying that, in our 10th anniversary year, we were able to provide such a highly professional list of panelists to discuss matters that are becoming increasingly important in this new and difficult age for managers and their artists."
The Open Day incorporated four panels: Focus on Finance, Management Agreements for the Present Age, Getting the Gig and Releasing Your Own Record. Panellists included Stephen King (Creation Management), Jazz Summers (Big Life Management), Ed Bicknell (Damage Management), Peter Jenner (Sincere Management) Nick Moore (MMF Council), David Stark (Songlink), Tony Moore (Kashmir Klub), John Peat (Royal Bank of Scotland) and Rob Holden (IHT Records/Mondo Management), along with the MMF’s industry advisors.
MMF legal advisor Nigel Parker, who chaired the Management Agreement panel, commented: "The debate was informative, lively and highly entertaining as we were treated to plenty
As part of a short two-date tour of the UK, SRD Group of Tonbridge supplied a GAE Director sound system to Randy Crawford for her performances at the 2000-seat Fairfield Halls in Croydon, London, produced by Backbeat Music Promotions.
When asked about the choice of system, Stuart Roberts of SRD commented that the GAE Director system was chosen for its exceptional clarity and tight dispersion. Eight stacks of Director, driven by QSC Powerlight amplifiers, were used to provide even coverage throughout the stalls area, the circle being in-filled by the venue’s existing Meyer system. Other equipment provided included five ways of Shure PSM-700 in-ear monitoring, two channels of Shure Premier Beta 87 radio mics, a Midas XL3 front of house desk and a Soundcraft SM-24 for the monitors. Wedge monitors were GAE 152M.
(Ruth Rossington)
Wharfedale has launched three new product series to add to its comprehensive loudspeaker portfolio.
Wharfedale have launched a range of trapezoidal enclosures designed to meet the requirements of high output, near field reproduction. The two-way ported, compact Programme 50, 52 and 60 foreground/background systems provide a wide frequency range, coupled with high power handling in an attractive, acoustically-efficient enclosure. The series offers four different versions, with black or white paint finish options (and with 70V/100V line transformer versions depending on markets).
The Programme 50 features a 5.5" woofer and 3/4" titanium driver, the Programme 52 features a pair of woofers and 3/4" titanium driver while the Programme 60 features two 6.5" woofers and a 1" titanium compression driver/horn, with 60° x 60° coverage. The HF horn/driver combination generates over 10 times the usable acoustic energy of a conventional dome radiator, giving the system significantly greater output capability and headroom. The trapezoidal design allows multiple enclosures to be arrayed for broader coverage (e.g. an array of four Programme 60 will give a smooth 180° coverage pattern).
Also new from Wharfedale Pro is a pair of highly-specified, utility portable systems - aimed at both the professional and inexperienced user. EZGO 10-100 and EZGO 12-200 are simple to operate, complete packages, comprising a pair of speakers and a mixer/amplifier control unit which lock effortlessly together in a convenient lightweight package. A pole-mount top hat is supplie
David Oberman has joined PRG as senior vice-president of business development and will be based out of the Fourth Phase office in Burbank, California. Oberman was formerly the COO and president of the Obie Company, an industry leader in concert lighting, for 28 years. He made his mark as a pioneer in the use of theatrical lighting and rigging techniques, which led the company to win the contracts for major events such as the Olympic Games, the Papal Visits and the Grand Prix.
In his new role, Oberman will join the senior management team, and will focus on developing strategic relationships and exploring new markets for all the companies within the PRG Group. "We're very excited about David coming on board," says Jere Harris, Chairman and CEO of Production Resource Group. "His experience and reputation in our industry is a complementary addition to PRG."
(Ruth Rossington)
White Light lived up to its name - literally - recently, with White Light Sales and The Moving Light Company supplying white StudioSpot moving lights to the Royal Opera House.
The Moving Light Company have been closely involved with the Royal Opera House since its refurbishment, supplying automated lighting equipment ranging from the first City Theatrical Autoyokes in the UK to custom tungsten and HMI moving fresnels created from Light Technik yokes. The Moving Light Company also provide service and support for all of the House's automated lighting equipment.
With the Opera House now extending its use of automated lighting equipment beyond the theatre itself, the ROH's David Harvey turned to The Moving Light Company again. This time, the request was for moving lights to be used as part of the architectural lighting system for the Floral Hall, next door to the Opera House. The complication was that the lights had to be white, to blend in with the Hall’s decor. Working closely with High End Systems, The Moving Light Company and White Light Sales supplied nine custom white StudioSpots, which are now successfully installed and operational in the hall.
(Ruth Rossington)
The latest innovative roof system designed by Tomcat USA was installed at Disney’s California Adventure park in early July for Disney’s Rockin’ the Bay summer music series. Tomcat and Kleege Industries worked together to engineer the custom 43ft x 46ft (13.1m x 14m) roof system with cantilevered PA wings in less than a month.
"What makes this system so unique is that it is surrounded by water on three sides and a portion of the towers are actually underwater," comments Tomcat design manager, Keith Bohn. The two upstage towers go through the stage and rest in 15ft (4.6m) of water. Custom bases were designed to accommodate the uneven floor at the bottom of the lagoon. The underwater towers consist of steel with multiple coats of two-part epoxy paint. All chords are capped and kept air-tight to help resist corrosion. All four towers interact with the stage for lateral support and guy cables on each corner of the grid are also used for additional support. Guy cables on the front towers are tied to steel ballasts underwater while guy cables on the back towers are tied to custom anchors on the concrete sea wall."
The 42 days of concerts, which started in mid-July, were kicked off by The Beach Boys and will feature a line-up of other famous names including The Temptations, The Commodores, Starship, The Bangles, Village People and The Monkees.
(Ruth Rossington)
Screen specialist GL UK has supplied top dance artists Basement Jaxx with 21 modules of 25mm pixel pitch Unitek LED screen for their summer tour and festival appearances. The screens are flown upstage in three columns, and used like a lighting effect to create an intense montage of colour and movement with a mix of images and visuals. The screens are full daylight panels, so look equally good if the band are playing in the afternoon, creating a unique visual identity for Jaxx’s lively set.
The screen footage - running for 90% of the show - was produced by video artist Richard Shipman. Shipman worked in close conjunction with the band and lighting designer Vince Foster, whose lightshow is directed and operated on the road by Leggy. Their collective ideas produced the highly imaginative and original stage look. The video content ranges from bold graphics and cartoon characters to scratchy, treated black and white movies and effects, and is absolutely integral to the show.
The screens are being engineered and operated by Icharus Wilson-Wright, who comments: "The panels are great - apart from their massive brightness, they work really well as atmosphere creators, always getting a great reaction from the crowd." From a technical angle, he adds that the LED panels have been totally reliable, and the backup and service from GL UK has been excellent. The screens have been shoe-horned into even the smallest indoor venues on the tour, which the band has deliberately kept to an intimate size.
Control is via a MIDI-based software system. The sources are stored on
ETC will be featuring three of its latest products at PLASA - the new SmartPack; MultiPAR, making its first UK appearance and Emphasis, which was extremely well received at the recent ABTT show in June.
Bringing the Sensor-dimming level of technology to portable dimmer packs, SmartPack is a thyristor-based, professional-quality dimmer that can go anywhere. Very compact (19-inch 2U rack mount), SmartPack is available with either six 15A dimmers or 12 10A dimmers and is ideal for smaller studios and theatres, touring companies, small road shows and band gigs.
The Source Four MultiPAR combines the unsurpassed optics and energy-savings of the acclaimed Source Four PAR (EA) with the functionality and flexibility of the classic batten. It is available in 3-, 4- or 12-lamp strips, as well as a 3x3 version with in-line switches. For lighting venues with unique needs, ETC also offers the Source Four MultiPAR in custom lengths.
Emphasis is a sophisticated lighting control console which has fused together ETC’s Expression and Express control consoles, with the new version of the WYSIWYG design and visualisation software. Emphasis controls the full range of DMX available on the ETCNet2 network - 32,767 EDMX values.Stand H8
Cadac is focusing on the importance of sound economics at this year's PLASA. On show will be the latest version of Cadac's advanced Sound Automation Manager (SAM) for Windows, and a brand new compact addition to Cadac's line-up - the S-Type Live Show Console, details of which won’t be revealed until 8 September.
Cadac is also celebrating the tenth anniversary of its successful J-Type Live Production Console - regarded as the industry benchmark for major musical productions and tours. On show will be the latest J-Type module developments, reflecting the console's continuing evolution over the past decade, keeping it at the forefront of sound reinforcement functionality.
During the show, the company will be running a series of high profile ‘teach-ins’ across a variety of live sound topics. These will include guest presentations from leading industry experts on audio technology, acclaimed sound designers from the world of theatre, as well as rock 'n' roll and touring contributions. Full details of the programme will be available from www.cadac-sound.com on 1st September 2002.
The latest version of SAM on show at PLASA - V1.05 - incorporates several significant new features, which were designed in close liaison with leading sound designers. Along with the existing MIDI control functions, MIDI sequencing is now an integral part of the package. SAM has also been extended to users of the R-Type touring console, who are now able to use their laptop PCs to plot and run the automation system through the USB port.
Stand S9
Tascam is exhibiting in force at the PLASA Show, demonstrating its rapidly expanding range of DJ products, including new ranges of high quality scratch and install mixers, alongside the company’s market leading X-9 digital performance DJ mixer.
Live and studio production products will include the SX-1 digital audio production environment, the full range of GigaStudio PC sample software, the DM-24 digital recording console and MX-2424 24-track HD recorder/ editor - featuring a new ‘Theatre Play’ mode. Also on the stand will be the new Tannoy Ellipse 8 monitoring system, as well as the full 5.1 surround sound configuration of the highly successful Reveal monitor. Guest appearances from top UK garage DJs DreemTeem among others are lined up.
PLASA sees the European trade launch of the Tascam DJ ‘Super Analog Series’ XS-3, XS-4, and XS-8 scratch mixers; progressively spec’d and affordable mixers that feature 3-band EQ, phono inputs on every channel, unbalanced and balanced line outputs, crossfader start and reverse control and selectable crossfader curves. The professional benchmark X-9 24-bit digital performance DJ mixer, combining fully sweepable parametric EQ, 100 programmable stores, dual on-board samplers and assignable digital effects, will also be on show, as will the X-15 and X-17 four-channel mobile DJ mixers and the advanced CD-302 Mk IV DJ CD decks.
The fast and accessible DJ/live production possibilities offered by the Tascam GigaStudio 160 and GigaStudio 96 sampler and editing programmes will also be demonstrated on-stand. T
Lars Brogaard and David Bryson, production manager and wireless guru respectively, have asked wireless specialists Hand Held Audio to organize the licensing of their extensive radio systems for the current Rod Stewart UK tour. The tour requires 27 clear frequencies for each show, split between 13 in-ear systems, six backline systems for guitars and eight radio mics for vocals and brass.
Fortunately, the AKG IVM in-ear systems and radio mics and the Samson guitar systems all have frequency agility. Without that capability it would be impossible to get the same equipment onto clear channels in venues as diverse as Hyde Park, The Manchester Evening News Arena, Glastonbury Festival and Stormont Castle in Belfast. In order to have the widest possible selection of frequencies the production also has a total of three sets of AKG antennaverters for the vocal and brass systems. This rare beast enables signal to be converted from one frequency to another much lower frequency within the antenna before being sent down the cable to the receiver. As well as increasing frequency options this also has the advantage of allowing for much longer cable runs without signal deterioration.
However, even the best-laid plans are capable of going adrift, and usually at the worst possible times. "Of the three sets of antennaverters they had, only one was set to a frequency that could be used in London for Rod's performance at the Safeway Picnic in the Park," recalled Hand Held's Mick Shepherd. "Unfortunately for them it failed, leaving them with no available frequency at all, hence
Color Kinetics has launched ColorPlay 1.8, the next generation of its ground-breaking lightshowauthoring software for use with its range of intelligent LED illumination fixtures. Since its original launch in 2000, ColorPlay has gained a loyal following and reputation as an intuitive, user-friendly method of creating dynamic light shows for Color Kinetics intelligent LED illumination products, say CKI. With menus written in plain English, ColorPlay uses a graphical timeline-based show management system and includes a wide array of lighting effects and functions. ColorPlay outputs DMX512 data, enabling the creation of smooth, fluid lighting effects.
New features on ColorPlay 1.8 include:
- Show Simulation feature incorporated on the Mapping screen so designers can get a feel for how the show will look in its intended layout, without having to physically be there;
- Seek Slider in Show Simulation controls allowing access to a specific portion of the show;
- Additional file management and show trigger capabilities;
- Icons for all new Color Kinetics fixtures contained in the fixture library, including ColorBlast 6, ColorBlast 12, ColorBurst 4, ColorBurst 6, and iColor Accent;
- Two new exciting lighting effects in the library: Streak and Sweep;
- Addition of transparency option in most effects allowing for smoother transition between effects;
- Improved download screen allowing users full access to iPlayer 2
- Integration with WYSIWYG Perform 3D rendering program from CAST Lighting.
(Lee Baldock)
The Guardian Hay literature and arts festival was last year described by Bill Clinton as "the Woodstock of the mind". In early June, this year’s Hay Festival returned to Hay on Wye, a tiny market town in the Black Mountains of the Welsh Marches - a town with 1,300 people but no less than 39 bookshops. XTA Electronics’ digital processing was deep at the heart of a sound system that presented readings and lectures by day and live bands by night.
Leading figures from the worlds of literature, music and the arts attract 50,000 visitors from all over the UK, Europe and America for 10 days a year, to join in what festival director Peter Florence calls ‘a market of ideas’. The music programme included Macy Gray, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Afro Celt Sound System and Bob Geldof, while new ideas and writing were presented by Maya Angelou, Paolo Coelho, Ian McEwan, Michael Ignatieff, Edna O'Brien, Sebastian Faulks, Louis de Bernieres and Hari Kunzru, among others.
In the main arena, a marquee with theatre-style seating for 1,200, Stage Electrics was brought in to provide a dual-purpose audio system capable of coping with daytime readings and lectures from a lectern, switching in the evenings to a full-blown music PA catering for the eclectic lineup of bands.
Making the complex changeovers simple at the end of every afternoon was an XTA Electronics control system comprising DP226 and DP224 digital loudspeaker processors, a laptop PC with a wireless card and a touchscreen PC running a wireless LAN and XTA AudioCore software. A pair of DP324 SiDD dyn
Literally bringing light relief to PLASA visitors and exhibitors alike will be a massage area on the mezzanine level adjacent to the main escalator from the lobby where it is hoped both upper body and foot massages will be on offer. The space is being provided by PLASA itself, with the additional costs being taken on by sponsorship. All proceeds on the day will go directly to the Light Relief charity to help further its work in the industry, providing support to lighting designers when they have personal difficulties.
What's more, US glass-gobo manufacturer, Apollo, has offered to make any number and size of gobos featuring the Light Relief logo, the idea being that as many exhibitors as possible will use them in their on-stand demos.
The Designer Outlet @ The Lowry is the new £90million waterside shopping and leisure ‘destination’ in Salford Quays. It’s the latest spur of a regeneration programme that has seen the former Docks - once Britain’s third busiest port - transform itself into a three-mile waterfront for leisure, business and residential use.
Note the word ‘destination’, because it’s entirely appropriate for the modern retail experience. And the Designer Outlet - a project undertaken by Orbit Developments (Manchester) Ltd - is as much a destination as it’s possible to be, as witness its recent opening marked by the imaginative use of exterior colour changers.
Both the exterior and interior lighting scheme for the project was devised by Into Lighting Design’s Northern Studio in Nottingham, and supplied and installed by A.C. Lighting.
The exterior lighting system is built around 32 Martin Professional Exterior 200 colour changers at the heart of which is a powerful 150W discharge lamp. These are rated at IP65 for outdoor use. Control for these is routed via DMX using Artistic Licence’s Grand-Master Flash V4. This was programmed by AC Lighting to provide an ever-changing and dramatic ripple of colour round the exterior of the building - and features a special red and white sequence activated when England football matches are being played at Old Trafford!
Within the centre itself, Astralite trussing has been installed, carrying an array of low voltage fittings. In each of the atrium areas, for example, customised white 8.5m x 3.
In the Pantheon of award shows, the Classical Brits is a relative newcomer. That said, it’s a worthy show, recognising as it does young talent, the new, the great, and the good in the firmament of Classical music. Like its popular music forebear the Brit Awards, Classical Brits is also a highly challenging environment for live sound, composed as it is of a multiplicity of musical style and dynamics, it’s a rare day when you¹ll hear the light froth of the Opera Babes juxtaposed with the heavy artillery of a Russell Watson vocal broadside.
Strange then that Richard Sharratt, the man charged with delivering this unlikely mix to the listeners should try out a new console on the very singular recommendation of a colleague. This is after all, a one-off live show, not a heavily rehearsed concert season, as Sharratt explained: "Yes, it was my first time using the PM1D but I’d heard a lot of good things about it, so when the broadcast sound supervisor Derrick Zieba suggested I give it a try, I thought this was the perfect opportunity."
A well-respected sound engineer in the classical music field, Sharratt took the informed route to this new technology: "I spent a day at Yamaha UK, Andy Cooper gave me an exhaustive run-down on desk operation. But the key for me was the software on CD: my thinking is if you can manage something on computer, then with a proper control surface, the desk, it will be easy." And how was the software? "It was fantastic, I was completely bowled over."
Sharratt did have one criticism: "It lacks the
Ibex plan a busy PLASA show this year with the launch of three new products - two new motion control units and Ibex’s first ever audio product.
The two new hoist controllers build on the success of the Programmable Hoist Controller launched at PLASA two years ago. The Programmable Hoist Controller Plus adds even more features for the most demanding applications, including an Ethernet port allowing linking of controllers and remote PC control. The HC8 complements the range, providing control of eight Lodestar or Verlinde style hoists, together with the new safety features now required for hoist control systems in the entertainment industry.
Ibex’s new audio product - Sonix MP3 - is a professional audio sound store, with a versatile range of triggering options. Audio files, using the high quality MP3 format, are played from inexpensive, high capacity CompactFlash memory cards, or via an optional Ethernet port.
Stand J10
Belgian rental company DEE Sound & Light has increased its stock of Midas consoles with the addition of a 48-input Heritage 3000, supplied by Ampco Belgium. This latest purchase brings DEE's Midas inventory up to seven consoles, making it the company's principal console brand.
DEE's André Schneider explained that the reasons for investing in Midas were manifold, although one of the principal motivations was compatibility with other key suppliers. "We work very closely with Ampco Holland so it was important that we invest in the same equipment. We are both part of the Synco Network with Renkus Heinz, and it made sense to carry that through with the consoles as well. Plus of course Midas is a fantastic product. Our very first Midas console was a custom-built XL2, followed by a 24-channel XL200, both of which are still going strong. In fact, the XL2 is currently out on a world tour with Belgian performance artist Jan Fabre and his production company Troubleyn and the XL200 is out with another theatrical production, Jan Lauwers and Needcompany. Now with the introduction of the little Venice boards and more recently the Legend series, there is a console to suit every size of job and every budget without compromising on quality."
Recent events range from Status Quo to the Frankfurt Ballet to Vonda Shepard (of Ally McBeal fame) who played to a packed house at the Koninklijk Circus (Cirque Royal) in Brussels with a Heritage 2000 at FOH and a Heritage 3000 on monitors. The Heritage 3000 has also done a stint with the Simple Minds on behalf of EML. Meanwhile, DEE's two