The Netherlands - Being launched at ISE 2016 will be Baldwin Boxall's latest microphone which features a clear, seven inch, capacitive touchscreen display. Using the same sleek profile as the BVRD and BDM microphone ranges Baldwin Boxall's new touchscreen microphone will be compatible with established VIGIL2 systems, providing users with the option to swap out current microphones, should they wish to do so.

The new touchscreen microphone is easy to use and enables total control of a VIGIL2 voice evacuation system. In the event of a fire, or other evacuation emergency, the new microphone has the ability to take top priority, enabling the operator to take full control of the situation.

During the commissioning stage of an installation, it will be a straightforward procedure to set up the microphone for any size of system. The layout and display (like Baldwin Boxall's already p

Italy - With the release of the latest version of Armonía Pro Audio Suite 2.7.0, Powersoft's proprietary digital signage monitoring and processing software, the company has unleashed further major features and DSP power in its continually evolving roadmap.

The update, now available for download, includes the new speaker preset v2 (.spk2) file format; this file can be copied directly onto X Series amplifiers with a USB stick, to be recalled later on desired channels via the WebApp interface.

X Series and Ottocanali DSP+D amplifiers are now able to act as totally configurable Dante sources, with the option to stream out eight processed or unprocessed signals. Standalone analogue to Dante converters are therefore no longer necessary in complex installations, and direct monitoring of the DSP processing can be easily achieved in third party measurement software such as Smaart v7

The Netherlands - Ampetronic will launch its new D Series, Digital Signal Processing (DSP), networkable driver range, at ISE Amsterdam in February 2016.

The D Series range will initially consist of 10 and 14 Amp dual output drivers. At a maximum of 14 amps per loop output the D14-2 driver is the most powerful product currently available and both drivers in the D Series are class D products; meaning a 60%+ increase in energy efficiency over existing solutions and unparalleled flexibility come as standard, says the company.

In another first for high-power Class D Induction Loop drivers, installation can be performed with confidence as unique multi stage filtering ensures compatibility with other system equipment as well as global EMC regulations.

Commissioning a system becomes more streamlined with the new D Series drivers; test tones are built in and the amplifiers can be

USA - Known for decades as an artistic innovator, Berkeley Repertory Theatre now becomes a world-leading innovator in theatrical technologies with the recent installation of a Meyer Sound Constellation acoustic system. When it reopens for its first production, the renovated Peet's Theatre will be the first venue designed principally for dramatic presentations in North America to provide audiences with the sonic advantages of Constellation.

Constellation instantly transforms the acoustics of a performance space, enabling a venue to enfold audiences in a host of different ambient sonic characteristics. Constellation's ability to provide an optimum balance of late reverberant sounds for musical performances makes it invaluable for multipurpose halls such as UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall or Jazz at Lincoln Centre's Appel Room, but the technology is proving increasingly popular in s

UK - Having piloted the mix for every tour the Stereophonics have undertaken since they set out two decades ago (hardly missing a show in the process), their FOH engineer Dave Roden has become perfectly at ease with the Martin Audio MLA system that seamlessly replaced the former W8L Longbow on the last tour.

"I knew I had backed a winning horse after being given the choice of which PA to move up to after Longbow. There were various options but I chose MLA and have had no regrets with that decision," he says. "I can now just sit back in my seat without needing to walk the floor, knowing the system will sound the same everywhere in the arena."

When he arrived at London's O2 Arena it was off the back of a gig at the Brighton Centre the previous evening where the experience had been matchless. "[Brighton] is such a lovely room to mix in and very like a s

Japan - Japan-based rock band Crossfaith has built quite a name for itself at home and abroad since its founding in 2006. Featuring members Koie Kenta (lead vocals), Takemura Kazuki (lead guitar), Amano Tatsuya (drums), Tamano Terufumi (keyboards, programming, backing vocals) and Ikegawa Hiroki (bass guitar), the band's distinctive metalcore sound is delivered with Audio-Technica microphones on stage and in the studio.

Crossfaith uses a variety of Audio-Technica microphones, including the ATM250 hypercardioid dynamic instrument microphone, the AT4021 cardioid condenser and the AT4047 large-diaphragm condenser among others. Recently the band also started using the Audio-Technica System 10 Digital Wireless System for guitar and bass.

Kazuki notes, "Our stage performance means everything to us. We're all about moving all over and going crazy. So that's why we decided to us

UK - Punk rock band The Professionals recently reformed for a sold out gig at London's 100 Club, managed on Allen & Heath's new dLive digital mixing system.

Made up of ex members of the Sex Pistols, the gig marked the first time in over 30 years that The Professionals had appeared, coinciding with Universal's release of The Complete Professionals CD set.

As space was tight and channel count relatively low, engineer, Ben Hammond, opted for the smallest hardware from the dLive range - a S3000 surface and DM32 stage rack - fitted with a Dante networking card, to manage FOH, monitors, and a multitrack recording of the show. Requirements comprised drums, bass, two guitars, four vocals, four wedge mixes, and stereo and multitrack recording via Dante to Reaper, to be mixed later for a 'live' release.

"I needed to deliver an edgy, driven mix to suit the type of music

UK - FBT UK has announced the launch of the JTS US-36G2, a replacement for three previous JTS systems - the US-901, US-9001 and US-1000 series.

The US-36G2 is a second generation, true diversity wireless system based on the hugely successful US-901 system with completely revised circuitry and facilities to provide users with an affordable 36MHz professional grade wireless experience.

Offering 1441 selectable channels and six preset groups each of up to 23 channels, with autoscan, the new system comes as three units - the US-36G2 single channel true diversity receiver, the Mh-36G2 mic transmitter and an optional, newly designed, robust beltpack transmitter, the PT-36BG2.

Operating on the licensed Channel 38 in the UK, the US-36G2 offers a range of 200-480m operation with "crystal clear sound and the renowned JTS reliability in the field".

(Jim Evans)

China - One of the most significant construction projects to take place following the devastating Lushan earthquake of 2013, the new Mingshan Stadium in the Ya'an City of Sichuan, China, is a truly multi-purpose venue suitable for hosting sports, entertainment, conferences, exhibitions and more. To ensure sufficient processing power and flexibility for both sports events and entertainment performances, Mingshan Stadium has been equipped with a pair of Symetrix Solus open-architecture standalone DSPs.

The audio installation was led by locally-based integrator Chuengdu Eagle Huang Technology Co., Ltd., whilst EZPro Sound & Light Co., Ltd., was responsible for system design and product supply. As well as dealing with a high reverberation time, they needed to ensure excellent speech intelligibility and ensure a consistent SPL of 95dB in at least 80% of the venue.

Determining tha

Austria - ARX Systems has appointed Signal Sound & Light Distribution GmbH as its exclusive distributor for Austria.

ARX MD Colin Park says, "Signal Sound & Light Distribution is a well-known and respected Austrian distributor. Here at ARX, we're looking forward to working with Matthias Reinthaler and his team. They're very enthusiastic about the possibilities for the growing ARX digital and analogue product range amongst their extensive dealer base throughout Austria."

Matthias Reinthaler, the founder of Signal, agrees. "Customer service and also after sales support is very important for us; our product specialists support the client at all times, especially after buying, so we have not only a selling position, but more of a cooperation with our clients and partners. We are proud to extend our product range with ARX products, they fit perfectly into our portf

Sweden - Founded in 1788 and occupying an impressive Art Noveau building in Nybroplan, Stockholm since 1908, the Royal Dramatic Theatre - or Dramaten - is Sweden's National Theatre. After several years of renting Alcons loudspeakers for events, the theatre has installed a permanent system in its main space.

The state-owned venue produces classical theatre, new Swedish and international productions and is also a hub for child and youth theatre.

Dramaten has seven stages in three different buildings. Located in the main building, the 770-capacity Main Stage is, in many ways, the heart of the theatre. Its décor is maintained as close as possible to when the building opened, so the new audio system had to be compact yet deliver very high quality sound.

"The challenge was to find a physically small PA without compromising in sound. We demand even coverage throughou

Italy - Powersoft has appointed Marc Kocks as its new Business Development Manager for the Fixed Install market in EMEA region.

Sales & Marketing Director, Luca Giorgi comments: "Marc was looking for a new opportunity to apply his vast experience in install projects, by working for a company with an international exposure. At the same time, we were planning to create a stronger team capable of communicating Powersoft's unique selling points more efficiently with the major players in the Fixed Install market, It was a fortunate that we managed to click the two needs together,"

With a strong background in pro audio - and the Fixed Install market in particular - Marc is well qualified to take on his international role. Having been involved in selling Powersoft amplifiers while running Powersoft's Dutch distributor, he is not only familiar with the products and the tea

France - No fewer than 156 Optocore devices were used to create a stable fibre backbone for signal transport when the recent COP21 (2015 Paris Climate Conference), was held at the Paris-Le Bourget Conference Centre. This ensured that audio and other data streams were delivered robustly and with minimal latency to a variety of destinations.

The summit, attended by 196 nations, set out to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C.Host broadcasters, AV France, tasked with supplying live pool feeds to television and radio broadcasters and journalists, chose the Optocore solution to help create two distinct digital networks.

The first allowed AV France to provide the television and radio audio signal to the press. The second allowed connection of the OB vans and advanced SNG trucks that could live stream vid

South Africa - From its modest beginnings at the OppiKoppi farm in 1994, this diverse festival has now celebrated its 21st anniversary by welcoming 162 artists to perform over three days on seven stages, to around 20,000 revellers.

Located in Northam, Limpopo province, north east of Pretoria, this South African festival boasts an unrivalled reputation as the live music event of the season. OppiKoppi 2015 welcomed the opportunity to embrace the latest software technology in the form of ArrayProcessing, from d&b audiotechnik.

Blue Array Productions from Pretoria supplied the audio equipment on all but one of the stages; The James Phillips Stage and the Skellum Stage were both rigged with a d&b Q-Series system, while the Bruilof Stage was kitted out with V-Series L/R. On the Main Stage, it was J-Series, comprising J8s and J12s, supplemented by a meaty number of J SUBs both grou

Lebanon - Opened in the summer of 2015, Seven Sisters has fast become one of the trendiest venues in Lebanon's capital, Beirut. An oasis in the skyscraper-packed city, the day-and-night hotspot is located on the waterfront in downtown Beirut and clients can relax in a green environment, watch a show in the outdoor area, chill out under a tree, or savour a breath-taking sunset while having a drink at

To ensure the audio rig installed was up to the high standards set for the venue, the management team called in local system integrator Sound Pressure Level.

Headquartered in Beirut, SPL was founded in 1993, has a lengthy experience in touring, and now focusses on audio installation and rental. Thanks to its 24 hour, seven days a week year-round service, the company has built up an enviable client portfolio, installing systems in theatres, cinemas, hotels, ballrooms, conference c

Ashes to Ashes - David Bowie, one of the most influential artists of his era, died on 10th January at the age of 69 following a private 18 month battle with cancer. The news was announced via the artist's official Facebook and Twitter pages, with Bowie's son Duncan Jones later confirming the news on his own Twitter feed. A true creative to the very end, his death came just two days after the release of his latest album, Blackstar which has been heralded as a 'parting gift' to his fans by many, including Bowie's friend and producer, Tony Visconti who writes: "He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way. His death was no different from his life - a work of Art. He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift. I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn't, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordi

UK - LSi magazine has teamed up with Production Park, Nitelites and RCF to give readers exclusive access to a tour of the largest facility of its kind in the UK. This brand new, £2.5m Phase One development is a cluster of live event production resources spanning over 300,00sq.ft and incorporating five LS-Live rehearsal studios, three of which are mega-sized spaces, each over 17,000sq.ft.

The park is also home to a variety of other industry brands including: Brilliant Stages, Perry Scenic Creative, Litestructures, LS-Live, The Music Consortium, Knight Rigging Services, Tek LED, J&C Joel - and, of course, the renowned live events university centre, Backstage Academy.

Across the three open days, from 1-3 March, you can also meet the Nitelites team, who (using LS-Live's 17,500sq.ft Studio 001) will demo their new turnkey arena touring package from the specialist Italian lo

Europe - Yamaha is constantly developing new innovations. The latest is the SWP1 series of advanced, plug-and-play network switches designed specifically for installed and live sound networking, with simple DIP switch Dante optimisation and a comprehensive graphic interface, via a Windows application.

Yamaha has two decades' experience of manufacturing networking equipment and has been leading the audio industry for much of that time. Starting with the CL consoles in 2012, almost all of Yamaha's digital professional audio products are now based on Dante networking. While Dante offers a huge increase in quality, scalability and redundancy for audio systems, when they grow complex IT equipment is needed to connect them together.

The SWP1 series is the first range of network switches designed and produced solely and specifically for the professional audio industry. Offering a c

Denmark - Commercial television station TV2 is using d:screet 4080 cardioid lavalier microphones to live transmit a series of highly unusual live political interviews for its 24-hour news channel.

The interviews are all conducted inside a Tesla electric sports car, which was first deployed by TV2 during the country's recent election campaign. This highly innovative and usual mobile studio is entirely unmanned by TV2's technical staff and is operated remotely from the broadcaster's studios in Copenhagen.

Morten Brandstrup, head of news technology at TV2, says, "We introduced the Tesla mobile studio during last year's election coverage because we wanted to present political candidates in a different environment. Initially it was used for the programme Udfordringen (The Challenge) which ran every day during the three weeks prior to the election. On each day w

The Netherlands - Audinate, creator of the Dante media networking technology, and many leading audio equipment manufacturers, will be hosting the annual Dante AV Networking World education event during Integrated Systems Europe 2016 on Monday, 8 February 2016. The workshop and seminar programme will be held at the Amsterdam Holiday Inn near the RAI Convention Centre.

Returning for its sixth consecutive year, the event will feature an increased emphasis on Dante training, giving design consultants, system integrators, audio engineers and IT managers the tools and information they need to get started with Audinate's audio networking solution. With over 250 OEM licensees and over 600 Dante-enabled products now available on the market, Dante has become the de-facto standard in audio networking.

The free all-day conference will feature industry trends and research, insight from l

The Netherlands - The OCA Alliance is exhibiting for the first time at ISE, immediately following the standardization of Open Control Architecture (OCA) by the Audio Engineering Society as AES70. The OCA Alliance is exhibiting in Hall 7, Booth F221 and showing the latest developments in standardising control architectures and interoperability for professional media IP networking devices and systems.

The OCA Alliance booth will be staffed by alliance members from multiple manufacturers and media network experts, who will be available to discuss the benefits of standardizing control technologies in professional AV applications, and how OCA can be implemented in networkable products.

A live demonstration on the stand shows products from multiple manufacturers (including Bosch, d&b audiotechnik, Focusrite and others) operating with different network transport platforms under a s

USA - Distributor TransAudio Group is launching a new line at Winter NAMM in Anaheim later this month. Subwoofer Pros will provide subwoofers with best-in-class bass response and functionality for mission-critical recording and mixing environments, says the company.

Subwoofer Pros' first two products, Studio 12 and Studio 18 use a 400W integrated amplifier to deliver precise linear performance down to 8Hz at SPLs of 105dB and 113dB, respectively. A comprehensive set of inputs, outputs, and bass management protocols allow both subs to optimally integrate with an enormous range of existing professional monitoring setups.

"Because no other company was building subwoofers with the performance and feature set needed in high-end music and film control rooms, we approached a leading expert in subwoofer technology - Bag End Modular Sound - to see if we could fill that gap,"

The Netherlands - Yamaha Music Europe GmbH will be exhibiting on stand 3-A90 at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2016, where a number of innovative new products will be on show from the ever-expanding Commercial Installation Solutions (CIS) range.

Taking place at the Amsterdam RAI from 9-12 February, Yamaha is once again using ISE's high profile platform to demonstrate the many advantages of its CIS products to existing and future customers.

Leading the way in new products is the SWP1 series, the first range of network switches designed and produced specifically for the professional audio industry. Offering a comprehensive set of Ethernet features, the SWP1 series has very straightforward, plug-and-play operation. Flipping a single DIP switch allows an optimised Dante setup to be instantly recalled, making the switches ideal for audio engineers who have no expertise in IP net

China - When renowned pro audio engineer Jin Shaogang and his team were given the task of creating a wireless sound solution for the hit Chinese reality singing competition, The Voice of China he turned to Wisycom, designer and builder of sophisticated RF solutions for broadcast, film and live production, to keep the music playing. For the fourth season of The Voice of China, Shaogang and his crew utilised 12 channels of Wisycom wireless (along with some additional spare channels), including the MRK960 Modular Wireless Microphone Receiver System, MTH400 Wideband Handheld Transmitter used with DPA capsules, SPL218AW Wideband Active Antenna Splitterand LBNA UHF Wideband Antenna.

The show's master of ceremony and singers used Wisycom handheld microphones in both the recorded sessions and live show finale. Shaogang and his team were given live technical support from W

Latest Issue. . .