Trantec’s award-winning S5000 radio mic system was used by Sprout, the event-production division of Marcom Presentations at Disneyland Paris recently to assist the communications of 200 delegates at a major conference. Marcom’s Jason Adams revealed that a selection of lapel and handheld mics were used over the course of the week-long event for new employees. Adams confirmed that the inventory included 10 channels of S5000: "We favour the Trantec system because it offers great reception and it’s easy to set up and use."
The Community AirForce system made an impact on its UK debut when it supported two back-to-back shows by Status Quo in the Channel Islands recently. The kit was supplied from the rental stock of Lancashire-based HSL, who have enjoyed a long relationship with the promoter, Paul Couser, from Onstage Events. The two venues were the 2000-capacity Beau Sejour Centre in St. Peter Port, Guernsey, and the 2,500-capacity Fort Regent in St. Helier.
HSL produced a special ‘mini-rig’ for sound engineer Andy Taylor, providing two AF3 short-throw and four AF10 bass per side (configured as two rows of three enclosures). This was underpinned by eight VLF218s. HSL production manager, Will Soden, said: "We are still assessing the system. However, this configuration proved more than adequate to provide full coverage at the levels required." AirForce was run completely flat, using only the system processor settings, to the satisfaction of Quo’s front-of-house engineer.
Couser commented: "I was very impressed with the Community system - particularly in Jersey where we were able to fly it - and will be using it again with the SAS All Star Band, which includes Midge Ure, Leo Sayer, Fish and Chris Thompson."
A whole range of Sennheiser audio equipment helped ensure the success of Planet 24’s recent production for ITV, Survivor, throughout seven weeks of filming on the remote desert island of Pulau Tiga in the South China Sea. Of particular note was the performance of Sennheiser’s new MKE-2 Gold lavalier clip mic, which successfully provided the principal means of recording broadcast quality sound in the extremely hostile and humid tropical environment.
The new mic is designed specifically for ‘high moisture’ resistance but provides the same acoustic performance as its industry standard counterpart design. "The conditions the microphones faced were very much a worse case scenario - humidity and salt water," explains Planet 24’s technical director Peter Johnston. 16 of the MKE-2 Golds were used, along with their associated UHF SK50 miniature belt pack transmitters and EK 3041 miniature diversity camera-mount receivers. The radio system saw extensive use throughout filming, with remote feeds to the camera crews as they tracked contestants and filmed impromptu links. Sound supervisor Steve Blincoe explains: "The freedom the transmitters gave sound and camera guys and producers was very useful operationally, as it allowed the beach and jungle scenes to be monitored and captured without the limitation of trailing cables. This became essential when we were filming in the surf as we had mixers on our shoulders and water up to our waists! Thankfully we had relatively comfortable accommodation a boat ride away, although we were surviving the
Out Board Electronics’ new Ibex programmable hoist controller has made an auspicious debut on two frontline tours with Vari-Lite Europe Ltd. Both the Roxy Music and Robbie Williams shows - currently out on tour - have had their lighting designed by Liz Berry, who has given the new hoist controller the thumbs up. The purchase of a single unit (and rental of a second) had been authorised by VLPS’ Matt Croft, who admitted that he had not heard of the Ibex until he started to prep both tours. "I looked at both jobs and each show had moving truss systems. In the past we would have used hoist commanders - but they involve a lot of hardware and personnel, so we were starting to look around. At the same time Out Board’s Lawrence Heron had contacted our rigging department independently to see if they were interested."
An advantage of the Ibex system, says Matt, is that it is economical - just a rack-mountable 4" deep black box. "You used to have three and a half racks, costing tens of thousands of pounds, but this is just a simple box, with a control cable in and control cable out, which plugs into the back of a motor control. This simplification cuts out a lot of the paraphernalia. It’s small, cheap, light, simple and self-contained - you hit the button, cues move and it works. Furthermore, as all our motor distro is from Out Board, we knew it was compatible."
He says that once Vari-Lite were happy about the safety aspects they asked Out Board about renting one. "But Liz Berry got interested in it and so we purchased one for
Irish lighting design and technical consultancy LDPS Ltd has moved into new offices in central Cork as part of an on-going expansion and recruitment programme. The new address and contact details are: LDPS Ltd, Studio Office 11, Fareham House, 26/27 MacCurtain St, Cork, Ireland. Tel: + 353 21 450 8162, fax: + 353 21 450 8168.
The LDPS team has also been strengthened with the appointment of Bertie Buckley as company administrator. Buckley previously worked as assistant to the director of Cork Opera House, and his experience and knowledge will be a great asset to LDPS. The recent move to the larger, centrally located premises is significant, and is designed to integrate all aspects of the growing LDPS team into one creative and administrative space.
LDPS was formed by Grant Collie (pictured) in 1998 to offer consultancy, lighting design and project management services and solutions to all areas of the pro entertainment industry - including clubs, theatres, conference and multi-purpose venues. The company is the cutting edge of technical consultancy in Ireland, and works throughout the UK and Europe. LDPS’s operation has developed rapidly in the last two years, particularly the consultancy and technical services side of the business. The company has also experienced a steady upward trend in supplying project management and equipment procurement facilities - for an eclectic variety of clients. Recent LDPS projects include being onboard as technical theatre consultants for the new Cork School of Music, due for completion in 2003. They were also consultants for the new
Visitors to Baldwin Boxall’s stand will see a range of new products. These include the VIGIL Communicare, a product developed in response to the publication of BS5588, which states that every public building must have a communication link to each Refuge Point. The system enables a fire officer to remain in contact with any disabled person whilst they are in the safety of a refuge area. The main Communicare control panel will be available in four versions, covering up to 16, 32, 48 or 64 areas. Communicare will, of course, be compliant to BS5588 and BS5839 part 8.
Also new is the VIGIL Eclipse/BVCOM - a serial data port being designed to enable adecentralised VIGIL Eclipse/BVCOM to be controlled externally via the BVRM intelligent microphone. The company’s R&D team is also currently working on software which will enable the BVR20 to be programmed via a laptop. Finally, the company is showing a new range of Class D Amplifiers which will replace the current VIGIL amplifier range. The amplifiers are far more efficient than their predecessors - as they draw less power and will, therefore, produce less heat.
Baldwin Boxall - Stand S2
Stagetec (UK) Ltd has recently won three major contracts covering a diverse selection of production industry areas. In the theatre market, the company is supplying and installing a complete new sound system at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford. The theatre 3D-modelled the auditorium to ensure optimum coverage and intelligibility, and were demonstrated several systems. They chose a Nexo system, supplied by Stagetec, consisting of eight PS15 mid/high speakers, four LS1200 sub-bass cabinets, plus three PS8 speakers for delays, all driven from Crown Macro-Tech amplifiers. The whole system is controlled via a Crown USM810 digital processor and three Sabine Graphi-Q digital programmable graphic EQs - the idea being to offer a quick, easy and very flexible system catering for the wide range of productions. Stagetec also supplied a Soundcraft K2 mixer, a range of outboard equipment and a Sennheiser Infra-Red assisted hearing system. The project is due to complete by the end of August.
Stagetec continue to flourish in the television market. The latest contract won was for the supply and install a complete new DMX and data distribution system for the BBC’s TC3 studio at Television Centre in West London. The core of the system includes Compulite demultiplexers and multiplexers, IES splitters and an LSC Softlink DMX patching unit. A total of 60 new DMX output boxes will be supplied and installed around the studio, plus DMX patch panels in the control room, studio grid and dimmer room.
Education is always a major market for Stagetec, and the company has just been awarded the con
Los Angeles-based DJ equipment supplier American DJ recently completed a major expansion at its newly-acquired distribution centre in Miami, Florida. Encompassing nearly 20,000sq.ft of warehouse space, the enlarged Florida facility will now service all ADJ dealers located east of the Mississippi, as well as the company's growing customer base in Central and South America.
Establishing a base in Miami will allow American DJ to provide Eastern dealers with faster turnaround on orders, while keeping shipping costs down, explained ADJ general manager Scott Davies. "Our company's success has been built on providing dealers with unsurpassed service and the most affordable prices on lighting and audio gear, and we want to be able to continue to deliver these things, even as our business grows," Davies commented.
Among the improvements made at the Florida facility was the installation of a state-of-the-art computer system, which can receive and process orders much faster. Additionally, four indoor shipping docks were added to the building, and a larger warehouse section was created by reallocating office areas and other under-utilized space. This greater storage capacity was needed to accommodate American DJ's growing product line. Started as a DJ lighting supplier in the mid-1980s, the company today has expanded to three divisions: American DJ (disc jockey and club special effects and intelligent lighting); American Audio (professional mixers, CD players, turntables and other audio products); and Elation Professional (premium stage, theatrical and architectural lig
The UK’s first ever grouping of crowd management companies, the UK Crowd Management Association (UKCMA), has marked its first four months with the announcement of official recognition from two major bodies. The UKCMA was launched in March at the International Live Music Conference in London. Its principle aims are to raise standards within the entertainment event industry and promote awareness of crowd safety issues among legislative bodies in the UK, as well as to foster co-ordination of training and operational standards. The UKCMA, representing the major players in crowd management, aims to achieve this through a continuing educational and networking programme and open forums, targeting all decision makers involved within the crowd management sphere. In the short space of four months, the association has gained recognition from such organisations as the British Standards Institute (BSi) and the Security Industry Training Organisation (SITO), and established links with two other like-minded European organisations.
Almost exactly 12 months since the tragedy at Denmark’s Roskilde Festival, the need for recognised industry standards and a common approach to training is one that can no longer be ignored. The UKCMA aims to set the wheels in motion to raise awareness of the importance of recognised training and operational standards, and in doing so, to help prevent such occurences happening again. "Co-ordinating training standards and a pan-industry approach is now more important than ever," said UKCMA Chairman, Mark Grant. "That is our primary aim
Hacousto International plans to unveil its new fully digital speaker array at PLASA.
"If our predictions regarding the industry’s response to this new digital speaker array prove as successful as our attempts to keep the design and specification under wraps until its launch at PLASA, we will have met our launch objectives," commented Hacousto’s Albert van der Hout. "Our evaluation of market needs has already been proven with a vote of confidence from one of the World Cup Stadiums. Following successful trials The Stadium has already committed to installing the new speakers," he continued. "We are sufficiently confident to invite the industry gurus to take up our challenge with a bench test. But only after the show," Albert concluded.Hacousto - Stand B24
Golden Princess, the newest member of the P&O Cruises fleet, left Southampton on May 16th to spend th summer cruising the Mediterranean, before heading off to the Caribbean for the winter. The ship features three separate show lounges, each of which incorporates Blackout Triple E engineering and equipment. Because traditional fittings are often unsuitable, contractor HMS Italia enlisted Blackout Triple E to develop systems for the particular environment of the cruise ship, including its Austrian curtain mechanisms and Unirail and Unitrack systems for installation in the principal and cabaret theatres. Though the tracks are mainly for curtains, the Vista Lounge uses Chaintrack to carry two 300kg rotating scenic panels, and the main lounge features Unibeam tracks to carry lighting ladders on each side of the stage. Blackout Triple E also provided the control for the safety curtain in the main lounge, which featured an additional control position on the ship’s bridge. Chris Bowen of HMS commented: "We often use Blackout Triple E products and we are already working together on another two ships for P&O Princess Cruises. Golden Princess will join a fleet that currently numbers nine ships, and the additional two vessels are due for delivery in January 2002 and Spring 2004."
DHA Lighting is continuing its international expansion with the announcement of the appointment of Clearlight Shows Pty Ltd as its new Australian dealer for the DHA range of moving effects and image projectors. Clearlight Shows is one of the longest-established theatrical lighting hire companies in Australia, and its lighting equipment range includes everything from profiles, moving light systems and colour scrollers to smoke machines, special effects, disco lighting effects and drapes. The company has developed an excellent reputation in the Australian marketplace and is relied upon by corporations, major theatres, television stations and schools throughout the country. The appointment follows a meeting between the two companies at PLASA 2000, and together the two companies will be concentrating on the architectural market.
From July 7th until July 22nd 2001, the MJF (Montreux Jazz Festival) in Switzerland is playing host to some of the best-known names in the world of music, such as Bob Dylan, Jimmy Page & Robert Plant, Gary Moore and BB King, as well as Roger Sanchez & Basement Jaxx. But one of the highlights will certainly be the Dance Night of July 21st, supported by Stanton, and featuring world-renowned DJs Roger Sanchez, Basement Jaxx, DJ Antoine and Etienne de Crécy. Animatec SA, one of Switzerland’s major distribution companies, based in Villeneuve close to Montreux, is one of the official partners of the MJF, and supplies all the mixers and cartridges for the DJ events taking place every day across three major stages of the festival, as well as demos and workshops andthe Salsa Boat on Lake Geneva!
Animatec SA is the exclusive distributor in Switzerland for Ecler, Stanton, DAS Audio and MA Lighting. therefore please to involve this brands in the Partnership of the festival. "This event gives us and our suppliers a very important opportunity to be close to these well-known artists and to fulfill our goal of meeting their needs. We can also demonstrate to our dealer network that we are not just ‘box-movers’, but close to the real world of today's electronic music," says Patrik Dällenbach, audio product manager of Animatec SA.
The 2001-2 Learning On Screen Annual Production Awards were again a huge success, with a record 165 people attending the presentation dinner, promoted by the charity, The Society for Screen-Based Learning. Strand Lighting sponsored the Best Lighting Award - which this year went to Supernova for their training video, e.asywriter. The video is set inside a PC, and Supernova’s Vincent Thompson describes e.asywriter as encouraging the effective use of e-mail. According to Thompson: "Everyone needs to know how to use e-mail properly - just as they need telephone and business writing skills. We wanted to create a fun story that would make practical points about using email effectively. We came up with the idea of inventing an email control room - a mix of high-tech and old-fashioned post room, using Chromakey to show the user ‘looking in’. The lighting was instrumental in achieving the effects we were after."
Pictured with Strand’s Sales Director, UK Trading Division, Ivan Myles (left) are Vincent Thompson and guest of honour, Tim Brooke-Taylor.
London-based pro audio supplier FX Rentals recently rewarded its 100,000th rental customer with a couple of bottles of champagne, presented by FX Group marketing director, Tony Andrews. The lucky order - for a Mackie 1202 mixer and four Shure microphones for an event at Kensington Roof Gardens - was placed on Tuesday 29 May by Jeremy Millins of Sevenoaks-based Pure Productions. Millins said: "We don’t usually hire in gear, but when we do, we use FX. They’re a great life-saver."
Tony Andrews comented: "We couldn’t let such an occasion pass by without some small celebration and we hope that Pure Productions enjoy a drink on us."
James Thomas Engineering, Inc has announced the construction of a new purpose-built facility for the Knoxville, Tennessee manufacturing company. Phase One of the 60,000sq.ft complex on a 6.28 acre site is underway, specifically designed to house the US manufacturing, administrative, sales, design and production offices. James Thomas’s Mike Garl explained that the move follows a steady increase in business in recent years, and is intended to consolidate, rationalize and further increase the efficiency of their business to their diverse client base.
James Thomas Engineering is a leading manufacturer of structural aluminum trussing, support systems and lighting fixtures for the entertainment industry, and distributes via a world-wide dealer network from its production facilities in Knoxville, Tennessee and Worcester in the UK. The Knoxville operation was founded in 1984 - initially a distributor of the James Thomas Engineering aluminum truss and lighting fixtures imported from the original manufacturing facility in the UK.
To keep pace with a rapidly-expanding customer base and growing demand for its products, in 1990 it was decided to begin manufacturing in Knoxville. Summer 2000 saw the UK operation move into a new, high-tech facility in central Worcester, in the heart of the Midlands. To continue providing the very highest level of service, James Thomas Inc is underscoring the company’s global expansion with the construction of this major new facility in Knoxville. The facility is scheduled to be operational in October 2001.
The new address details are: 10
Tannoy has launched two new in-wall speakers, and the new i7 Contour full range installation loudspeaker.
The in-wall products integrate the company’s highly-regarded cabinet-based speaker technology into a flush-mountable format. Designed to provide value for money, ease of installation and high performance, the new speakers are suitable for music and film playback, multimedia and teleconferencing applications in boardrooms, themed visitor attractions, shops and residential installations. The powerful m2iw is a two-way system with a 165mm (6.5") long-throw mid/bass driver, 25mm (1") soft dome HF unit and onboard crossover. The design offers the assurance of long-term reliability combined with excellent sound quality.
The high-performance S8iw features a Tannoy 200mm (8") Dual Concentric constant directivity driver with an integral crossover network to provide superior clarity, fidelity and natural vocal articulation over a wide area. Avoiding the use of potentially flexible plastic mouldings, both models incorporate a discreet, laminated MDF baffle panel, which provides the best structural integrity and can be painted to blend with any environment.In addition, a secure four-clamp mounting system allows simple installation and a robust termination block is used to provide optimum input signal integrity.
The new i7 Contour full range installation loudspeaker (pictured) is designed for high quality music and speech reinforcement in applications where wide yet controlled coverage is required. Housed in a slimline cabinet allowing discreet vertical or
Tremayne Crossley (system design co-ordinator) and Richard Sice (marketing manager) from voice alarm system specialist SigNET AC Ltd, recently abseiled from the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle in order to help raise money for a local charity, Disability North. Tremayne says "the thrill and experience of standing on top of the Tyne bridge with nothing but space below was exhilarating." He added: "I descended quickly and the 90ft drop to terra firma took no time at all. I was keen to go again but there was already a queue for the next group of abseilers."
Approximately 150 people took part in the initative to raise money for Disability North, a Charity dedicated to helping the disabled, young and old, to better integrate into society. Janet Schofield, marketing manager of Disability North says: "SigNET have been incredibly supportive" in addition to fund raising SigNET has also donated and induction loop system and "the equipment will play a vital role in improving our facilities for the hard of hearing users."
The heart of downtown Montreal is racing with excitement since the May 2001 opening of NewTown, a spectacular four-storey complex which includes a bar, restaurant, lounge, and terrace, and is owned by Quebec-born F1 driver Jacques Villeneuve and associates. NewTown is dream project which has taken several years to plan and build. From a huge demolition process to an outstanding rebirth, NewTown has become a modern structure while preserving its rich historical and architectural roots. The club on the bottom floor is where much of the action takes place, beneath 24 Titanium MiniMac profiles from Martin Professional, supplied by Canadian dealer Solotech. Lighting designer for the venue was Francois Roupignant, product specialist was Paul Pelletier
Just two years ago the PRG group of lighting companies added Midnight Design and the Spot Co to their UK operation. At the time PRG's stated aim was consolidation of the two companies with the recently-established UK branch of Production Arts, and at the same time to forge a working relationship with LSD in Birmingham. Indeed, well known lighting industry executive Alan Thomson was appointed specifically for that task, "and", he was happy to announce last week, "it's a task we've just completed. The final shipment of equipment from the inventory of Production Arts has already been unloaded into our facility here in Croydon."
The integration of these three well-regarded companies into one cohesive unit has produced many changes besides the amalgamation of resources and inventory. The combination of experience and know-how has allowed expansion into new markets, not least continuing developments into West End Theatre, steered by Thomson. "But we're all creatures of habit and some changes didn't suit everyone," he admitted ruefully. "That's no more strongly evidenced than by the decision of Midnight's founders, Dave Bryant and Mike Townsend, to return to their creative roots and slip the corporate fold. "Both men made a great contribution towards building the company into what it is today," said Thomson. "But increasingly it led them away from their primary talent, the lighting designs that made them famous. As such we have determined to make a distinct change of emphasis."
Fourth Phase London, as the combined elements
Crest Audio Professional series amplifiers, supplied by The Sound Department, will be used to power the sound on a series of school discos with a difference. Provided by Tarsin Entertainments for promoter Bobby Sanchez, matched with ASS scoop bins and JBL Venue series mid-tops, the combination is deemed to deliver the perfect 1970s sound Sanchez is looking to achieve for his risqué nights at Hammersmith Palais and other venues, where his clientèle come dressed in school uniforms. In Hammersmith, the sound is complemented at balcony level by the flown in-house system. "Since he plays 1970s music, he wants to achieve a sound reminiscent of the era," says Tarsin’s Peter Dyer. "The event takes place once a week at Hammersmith and it’s a fabulous night out."
The mobile rig’s bottom end is driven by four Crest 8001s, the mid-section by four 6001s and the top by four 4801’. "The idea with ‘School Disco’ is that it’s run like a party and Bobby likes to get everyone up on the dancefloor," said Dyer. "The CD-driven system is loaded into a drive rack and Bobby is absolutely delighted with the type of sound produced by the new sound rig."
Dyer’s relationship with Sanchez (who is also one of the DJs), extends back to the Notting Hill Carnival and the Mayflower in Balham, when he was also using Tarsin’s ASS equipment.
InnovaSon has announced the availability of V6.6, the latest version of its Sensoft software and is available for free download at the www.innovason.com download section. Sensoft 6.5 is still available for download. Sensoft is the software used to run a Sensory Live Console and can be installed also on a stand-alone PC or a laptop. The show can be set up anywhere, without the console, and transferred to the console via floppy disk.
PLASA 2001 sees Avolites also launch the Art2000-US 20 Amp digital dimmer, specifically designed for America.
The Full Mains Patching, virtually silent operation and 100% duty cycle, 20 Amp channels will satisfy America’s sharply growing demand for portable, high density touring dimming systems.The Avolites Art-2000 dimmer is an established and proven design, and the American system utilises the flexible Dimming or Mains Distribution modular design that has made the Avolites Art dimmer popular around the world.
The system features a Mains Patch with four sockets per dimmer channel (total 192) to 162 Patch Cords connected to 25 Socapex and 12 Stagepin outlets. All patch cords are numbered, colour coded and utilise the 32 Amp rated ‘Multi-lam’ contacts. Mains connection is via 5 wire Camloc inputs complete with Camloc loop outlets. The Rack system is supplied with Voltage and Current metering for all phases and neutral. Other features such as Onboard Channel or Memory Control, noise suppression to studio specifications (240ms), dual DMX input with merge and full soft-patching capabilities, enables Art2000 to be utilised on any type of production.
Avolites - Stand C4
During our time at the recent TiLE show at the Business Design Centre in Islington, we took time out to call in on Lighting Technology’s newly established office on the second levelof the Design Centre.
Dave Cartwright and Richard Reed, both on temporary secondment from the Group’s Park Royal HQ, were more than happy to show us round. The new base, which features both a sales office and showroom area, is championing the promotion of Lighting Technology Projects’ specialist architectural lighting products portfolio, which incorporates product lines from manufacturers around the world, including Color Kinetics, ETC Irideon, TIR LightPipe, Astralux, Derksen and Phoenix - as well as numerous other architectural lighting and control products. Graham White, recently recruited from Absolute Action, heads up the new office with Clive Tallent and Sarah Davis joining him from Park Royal.
Other news from the Group includes the recent relocation of both the Direct Lighting and Valiant Lamps operations. These have now moved to Lighting Technology’s New Malden, Surrey, location as part of an expansion and reorganisation programme. Both companies are already networked to take full advantage of the Group’s new National Distribution Centre in Corby where a computerised internal order processing system has been installed to mastermind and speed up deliveries to its customers.