UK - As Capital Sound Hire enters the build-up phase to their busy summer season ahead they discuss plans for continued investment in their professional sound equipment hire stock.

Following the purchase of their Martin Audio MLA loudspeaker system in 2012-14, comprising MLA, MLA Compact and MLA Mini, the London-based professional live sound equipment hire company have recently undertaken a new investment programme to focus on their infrastructure, maintaining and upgrading all elements of their professional sound equipment hire stock to ensure that it meets clients' needs in terms of commerciality, functionality and cutting-edge technology.

"Whilst we're known as the 'go-to' rock-and-roll touring sound hire company in London, Capital Sound Hire caters for a broad range of

Germany - Having already made a major commitment to the MADI standard, Optocore has announced a significant extension, with new advanced devices set to launch at Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt.

Says company founder Marc Brunke, "Throughout the years there have been many voices that believed MADI would not survive the increased number of network protocols. However, we have observed the complete opposite - MADI is the easiest and most popular multi-channel protocol, and is built into almost any professional equipment."

He adds that it is the many advantages of MADI that help it retain its popularity - in addition to its easy implementation by any manufacturer. It is extremely cost-effective, there is no problem with inter-operability between different manufacturers, it doesn't require any special network equipment and it offers very high performance with very low latency.

Germany - HK Audio is preparing to unveil a number of new sound reinforcement solutions at this year's Prolight+Sound show in Frankfurt.

As well as introducing two Key Rack packages, which provide a unified amping system solution for a variety of HK Audio's passive loudspeaker ranges - including Linear 5, ConTour, ConTour Array and Premium PR:O - HK is set to reveal innovations in the rental, touring and installation sectors.

These follow on the back of the many system solutions the company premiered to huge success at the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show in Amsterdam in March.

Lars Langholz, HK Audio product manager (rental, touring, installation), said, "We're thrilled to have such great representation at Prolight+Sound again this year. The installation system solutions we introduced at ISE 2015 have had great feedback, and we're proud to be presenting more new re

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Case Study: Hans Zimmer Live

When award winning film composer Hans Zimmer brought his smash-hit tour Hans Zimmer Live to North America fall 2024, the show's audio team sought out to bring infrafrequency bass to the show to add new depth to the show's audio experience. The team chose Danley Sound Labs.

Germany - Roland will launch the XI-Expansion Interface cards at Frankfurt this week - significantly extending the audio and video I/O capabilities of both the V-1200HD Broadcast and Live Video Production Switcher and the M-5000 Live Sound Mixing Console.

Roland's new XI-Expansion Interface Cards future-proof the V-1200HD and M-5000 by enabling them to interoperate with any equipment supporting the REAC, Dante, MADI, SDI, Waves SoundGrid, DVI and SFP digital audio and video transport protocols.

Previously introduced for use with the M-5000 audio console, the XI-REAC, XI-Dante, XI-MADI and XI-WSG (Waves SoundGrid) cards also expand the flexibility of the new V-1200HD video switcher by enabling it to operate in a wider range of broadcast and live production applications. Similarly, the new XI-SDI, XI-DVI and XI-SFP cards allow de-embedding and embedding of audio directly from or

USA - Audinate and NewTek have announced an expansion of the partnership to enable Dante support in the TriCaster product line. As part of the new TriCaster Advanced Edition, customers will have the ability to install Dante Virtual Soundcard to enable seamless audio connectivity to other Dante-enabled products.

TriCaster has changed the way producers cover and distribute live events. TriCaster set a new industry standard as an innovative, easy-to-use appliance for portable live production and streaming, it has become the choice for video producers worldwide. TriCaster customers will now be able to download and install Dante Virtual Soundcard on the TriCaster platform. This transforms the production system into an end-to-end digital audio workflow seamlessly integrating TriCaster with Dante audio devices on the network.

"The partnership between Audinate and NewTek to enabl

Germany - Prolight+Sound sees the European unveiling of Audio-Technica's new AT2020USBi cardioid condenser USB microphone featuring iOS compatibility.

Combining high-resolution audio with increased connectivity options, the AT2020USBi adds a new level of sound-quality and convenience to Audio-Technica's USB microphone line.

Modelled after the critically acclaimed AT2020, this digital output mic features an A/D converter with a 24-bit/96 kHz sampling rate to deliver high-resolution articulation and intelligibility that's suitable for home studio recording, field recording, podcasting and voiceover use.

The AT2020USBi works with both USB and lightning cables (included), so users can employ it straight from the box to digitally capture audio on the device of their choice: PC, Mac or iOS. The integrated gain control adds to the convenience, allowing users to adjust the input lev

Germany - Fraunhofer IDMT and Salzbrenner Stagetec Mediagroup will be presenting the new Polaris evolution mixing console, which features Fraunhofer's SpatialSound Wave technology.

With SpatialSound Wave (SSW), integrated in the new Polarisevolution mixing console by Salzbrenner, sound engineers will have the opportunity to work with 3D sound objects in a highly individualized and personalized manner.

The world's first mixing console with SSW 3D audio technology can be used for mixing live and playback sound as well as for producing impressive shows. SpatialSound Wave can be integrated as an add-on solution with practically any multimedia system available on the market. How SpatialSound Wave works together with Salzbrenner's 'POLARIS evolution' mixing console will be demonstrated in Frankfurt. System control is either automated or can be done in real time via an intuitive user

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UK - Clocking up a landmark quarter of a century of business in the industry, lighting, rigging and visuals rental company Fineline celebrates its 25th year in 2015, with a schedule that is already action packed with a wide range of work from music tours and festivals to corporate events.

The Bristol based operation was founded by Darren Wring in 1990 as a lighting rental and touring company and expanded in 2004 to include a manufacturing facility for bespoke staging and scenic elements.

Current MD Rob Sangwell joined in 2002 and managed the production lighting and rigging aspects of Fineline until 2011 when he purchased the company with a view to focusing more on the rigging and lighting production, leaving Darren to concentrate on the more esoteric design and manufacturing projects.

Rob enjoyed the vibe and the challenge of running Fineline enormously in his initial nine y

South Africa - When Johannesburg based Emperors Palace upgraded their control desk, they decided on a new grandMA2 Lite system. This forms part of an entire revamp as Emperors Palace Theatre of Marcellus has been transformed from a multi-purpose venue to become a complete state of the art, permanent 1,008-seater theatre.

"Basically we redeveloped the theatre from a multi-functional venue to a permanent theatre capable of handling large scale, long running quality theatre productions," said JP de Vernon, entertainment technical manager at Emperors.

After consulting with Dream Sets and Effective Events, a decision was made by Emperors Palace to build a stage out of stage decks that would fit into the venue perfectly and come within a reasonable budget.

"We have proper comfortable theatre/cinema seating, the theatre is warm and inviting and the team itself is ver

UK - Live event and installation audio-visual facilities company SFL Group are supplying Shure wireless microphone and in-ear monitoring systems to the HTB family of churches based at Holy Trinity Brompton, South-west London, as part of a rolling programme of upgrades to the wireless microphone and in-ear systems at the churches.

Holy Trinity Brompton Road is the home of Alpha, a worldwide course which allows people to explore the big questions of life, and also the Worship Central movement founded by Tim Hughes, which places great emphasis on music in its endeavours. Holy Trinity Brompton Road has been using wireless microphone systems since a large-scale refurbishment in 2006, and the systems have gradually spread to the other churches in the group.

Four churches, including St Jude's in Courtfield Gardens, South Kensington, now the seat of the St Mellitus religious training

Germany - In 2004, L-Acoustics released Soundvision, the first 3D sound system design programme capable of operating in real time. Rapidly adopted by sound designers around the globe, L-Acoustics has since stayed committed to keeping Soundvision up to date with users' needs and compatible with current software and hardware platforms.

Today, the company announces the release of Soundvision 3.0, fully re-designed on a new architectural platform and up to 40 times faster when calculating the most complex files. The new release is fully compatible with the most recent graphic cards and with PC operating systems from Windows Vista and above and will be available as a free download.

While Soundvision's code has been fully renewed, the user interface has been kept identical to previous versions, so that current users will be able to apply the updated software instantly. The updated v

Germany - Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands is celebrating five years of Platinum lamps. The range's razor-sharp light beams have revolutionized the entertainment industry in a relatively short amount of time. To commemorate the anniversary, Philips will be exhibiting the range at Prolight+Sound 2015 in Frankfurt.

The first innovative Platinum lamp, the MSD Platinum 5 R, was launched in 2010. Today, in 2015, Philips offers a broad range including the 2 R, 14 R, 15 R, 16 R, 17 RA and 20 R. Platinum lamps have been used at many major events, worldwide. Platinum lamps were designed to cope with the demanding on-stage conditions in modern entertainment.

LED walls are increasingly being integrated into stage lighting design, creating a sea of homogeneous light. A new generation of lamps with powerful beams is needed to cut through in these situations and provide addition

Germany - Outline has announced that the brand will be a key player at this year's Frankfurt expo.

"We want to make certain every visitor is aware of our mission, the result of the 'added value' of people and products," states business development manager Luca Giaroli, who is making his debut with the company at Prolight+Sound.

"Outline was founded 42 years ago, manufacturing special (electro-acoustic) components, which it still does to this day. Frankfurt, one of the world's most important showcases, is the perfect opportunity for inducing trade members to visit us and realize 'there's something interesting here - we better find out more'. Seeing is believing. Stand B36 - Hall 8.0," concludes Giaroli.

Visitors will be able to see the new 2x18", Eidos 218 S, a super-powerful subwoofer featuring an exceptional size-to-power ratio (148.5 dB SPL peak @

UK - The Olivier Award winning play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time took to the road on in December 2014 for a one year UK tour.

Having wowed UK audiences since it opened at the National's Cottesloe Theatre in August 2012, the production transferred to the Apollo Theatre in March 2013 and is currently playing at the Gielgud Theatre. Keen to ensure the tour is equally successful, Damian Partington, production manager, National Theatre Productions, brought Unusual Rigging on board to help ensure a flawless move between venues and supply a range of rigging equipment.

Damian explained, "The Curious Incident tells the story of a 15-year-old boy as he aims to solve the mystery of who murdered his neighbour's dog and it's a show that Unusual Rigging is very familiar with since they worked with us on the version that's currently on at the Gielgud

Sweden - LumenRadio AB has launched Mira - the solution to deploying large scale Internet of Things (IoT) installations in machine to machine (M2M) and building communications applications. Built on years of experience in creating highly reliable wireless lighting controls, the LumenRadio Mira platform offers best in class radio performance, unmatched reliability and most importantly - is easy to integrate, shortening your time to market, says the company. Mira can be used to link practically any device - light, energy, environment, security, transport, weather, presence and just about anything else you can think of.

LumenRadio has been developing wireless lighting controls for more than six years, and their products have been used around the globe on high profile events including the Coachella music festival, London Eye New Year's celebrations and the world tour of Wicked th

Germany - Today, at the opening of the Prolight+Sound conference, L-Acoustics announced the launch of the X Series, a new line of coaxial speakers for the installation and rental markets. The three new enclosures in the X Series family represent the most recent engineering innovations at L-Acoustics and directly benefit from the research and development breakthroughs that led to the launch of K2 last year, says the company.

The new X Series responds to the demands of the industry's top sound designers. Improvements include high-excursion neodymium drivers, ellipsoid directivity, laminar vented ports and up to 30% weight reduction. Used as a stage monitor, the X Series offers low latency monitor presets and a 7% lower profile. In installation applications the X Series comes with a complete range of flexible rigging accessories and a RAL custom colour programme. With improved radi

Germany - Martin Professional today announces the RUSH Club Smoke Dual, part of a new line of atmospheric effects from RUSH by Martin. The new fog and haze hybrid machine will be on display this week at Martin's stand A93 in Hall 9 at Prolight+Sound 2015 in Frankfurt, Germany and is available now for pre-order.

The RUSH Club Smoke Dual features six heads across three zones via DMX or an on-board digital display. This versatile multi-head system allows the user to deploy fog, haze or a combination of both thanks to a specially formulated fluid. The unit's separate base can be installed in a convenient remote location and holds up to 10 litres of fluid to ensure uninterrupted use during busy nights.

Based on the Magnum Club Smoke system installed in prestigious venues around the world, the RUSH Club Smoke Dual is a stalwart new companion for lighting designers and ideal in clubs

Germany - Audiologic has unveiled of key brand Phoenix Audio's new Smart Spider USB speakerphone. Designed for medium to large sized conference rooms the Smart Spider can connect to smart devices, tablets or video codecs with the ability to bridge between the different interfaces.

Retaining the original Spider's breakthrough technology in echo-cancelling, noise suppression and automatic gain control, the Smart Spider's beam-forming technology is enhanced by LED lights beneath the grill that follow the direction of a person's voice. Its pickup range exceeds 20 feet and it can be daisy-chained to up to 14 additional units to accommodate larger spaces. Since the Smart Spider communicates through USB interface with any computer under any operating system and is compatible with all soft video applications, it proves to be an ideal solution for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and UC (Uni

Germany - Allen & Heath has announced the introduction of the Xone:43C, a sister product to the new Xone:43, which is supported by leading DJ software, Serato DJ, and provides the gateway to digital DJing and DVS performance with the addition of a 16 channel internal soundcard and X:LINK to connect compatible Xone:K Series MIDI Controllers.

The 96kHz 24bit 16 channel USB soundcard enables replay and recording from any chosen DJ software, offering users all the benefits of digital DJing using the controls of a "real" mixer. With the purchase of Serato DJ Club Kit, Xone:43C will work plug 'n play with Serato DJ and is Serato DVS enabled, eliminating the need for an external interface*.

The Xone:43C also allows plug 'n play connection of a Xone:K series controller via the X:LINK connection without using additional USB ports. There are a huge number of pre-mapped functio

UK - J&C Joel has strengthened its management team as the business positions itself for future growth. With more than 50% of its sales already coming from international exports, the British company has achieved global reach through an international network of offices and now exports to over 75 countries worldwide, providing products such as front of house theatre curtains, stage backdrops, acoustic drapes, projection screens and an array of stage engineering solutions.

In the last two years J&C Joel has increased its export turnover by 78 per cent. Recent years have seen the company work on a number of high profile global projects, including New York University Campus in Abu Dhabi, the 2014 Sochi Games, the Venetian Hotel & Resort in Macau and the world famous Pacha nightclub, to name a few.

Fiona Blackett, previously the managing director of J&C Joel's Hong Kong Office, has n

Europe - Steven Wilson, four-time Grammy nominee, celebrates the launch of his new album Hand. Cannot. Erase with a UK and European tour in March and April 2015. The tour and album follow his runaway success of his third solo album The Raven That Refused to Sing and his sell out shows at London's Royal Albert Hall in 2013. The UK gigs kicked off at Cambridge Corn Exchange and continue on throughout his 10-country European tour until heading off to the USA and Canada.

Steven Wilson wanted to create "a show that I hope will raise the bar both musically and visually from my previous tours, with a set list based around the new album, as well as casting the net further back into my song writing past for a few surprises".

Steven Wilson's lighting designer, Matthew Jensen, came to Mick Freer of Hawthorn with an idea of creating a strong visual impact for the s

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