Events

AES 2003 - Audio Pro's impressive line-up of brand names

Details: 14 March 2016

Italian cable and connector manufacturer Link was making its AES debut, sharing stand space with others from Dutch dealer Audio Pro's leading lines.

Established in 1987, Audio Pro's market-stall approach to exhibiting laid out Yamaha's PM1D, Audient's Aztec, Optocore, d&b audiotechnik's E-Series and TC Electronic's EQ Station - a good haul of sound reinforcement gear by any standards. Founder Rolf Dijkstra explained that the company specialized in theatre installation. "We've been working with d&b since '93 and that has enabled us to attract the attention of touring and corporate-event production companies too. We've broadened our horizons.

"But you have to bear in mind that Holland is a very small market, so you have to take on specific things to do specific jobs. We've added each line as required, and each addition has attracted others." Dijkstra added that over the

AES 2003 - Alcons Audio on home turf

Details: 14 March 2016

Alcons Audio was another AES debutant following the sweeping changes at Stage Accompany, adding to the good local support for the exhibition. Having ported much of SA's ribbon transducer expertise into the new company, Alcons launched the RBN 601 6" model claiming peak power handling of 1,000W and patent-applied 90° horizontal coverage.

With line array to the fore at most other exhibitions, this was a technological statement of intent from the new stable, emphasizing the wide dispersion, the natural cylindrical wave pattern and 103dB efficiency.

As you'll also see from the news pages in this issue, Alcons has founded Alcons Audio Deutschland GmbH. Carsten Albrecht will act as sales and technical support manager of the new operation.

AES 2003 - Spectrum Analyzer from Rohde & Schwarz

Details: 14 March 2016

Rohde & Schwarz's FS300 Spectrum Analyzer brought the rarefied technology of measurement instruments into a price bracket that reflects the growing spread of wireless communication technology. With a frequency range of 1kHz to 6GHz, it can be used to check RF emissions almost anywhere and is just a half-rack width, while 3U high. As wireless connection takes root in entertainment installations of every kind, this type of product will become more and more useful to contractors as well as broadcasters.

USITT 2003

Details: 14 March 2016

USA Minneapolis recently hosted the United States Institute of Theatre Technology's Annual Conference and Stage Expo over the 19-22nd March. The show was well attended, 15% up on last year with 3,300 people taking part. Whilst the actual stage expo is quite small from a visitor/exhibitors viewpoint, the conference programme more than makes up for it. Many American universities offer theatrical and drama courses giving rise to a large theatre oriented student population. The annual USITT show is heavily geared towards those students as well as those wishing to go to university, and accordingly manufacturing exhibitors are there not so much to sell their wares, but more to encourage an interest in their products, and also to give advice and training.

The conference programme is a busy affair, with no less than 125 talks, seminars and discussion groups over the four days. The sub

PALA 2003 rescheduled to 1-3 October 2003

Details: 14 March 2016

Singapore - Asia’s most established sound, light, broadcast and AV communications exhibition, PALA, has rescheduled its event from July to 1-3 October 2003.

The decision to reschedule the exhibition was made following consultation with exhibitors, trade associations and government bodies in light of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in the region. "Ensuring a safe and effective business environment for our attendees is the core objective of change in PALA’s show dates," stated Rosalind Ng-Seah, deputy managing director of IIR Exhibitions.

October's show will take place at the Suntec exhibition venue in Singapore.

(Ruth Rossington)

AES 2003 - Duran Audio presents DDC

Details: 14 March 2016

Only three sound reinforcement companies took advantage of the new Exhibitor Seminars, all of them tellingly local. Alcons Audio's Tom Back explained ribbon transducers, understandably, while Ampco discussed active noise control. But Duran Audio really took the mouse by the clogs with a hefty analysis of digital directivity control.

Duran's proprietary Digital Directivity Control (DDC) resides in the company's Axys Intellivox speakers, but here new concepts were introduced called Digital Directivity Synthesis (DDS) and Digital Directivity Analysis (DDA). Between them, DDS and DDA can simulate almost infinite radiation patterns of an array, and provide a glimpse into the future of system design for, especially, problematic acoustic spaces.

AES 2003 - Range of desks illustrates synergy

Details: 14 March 2016

Other flagship desks on show in Amsterdam included Yamaha's PM5000, launched in Frankfurt; Audient's Aztec, launched last year; DiGiCo's D5 Live; and Stagetec's Aurus - again, both launched last year. However, the presence of these desks cheek by jowl with their studio counterparts illustrated the synergy between the new markets better than anything.

AES 2003 - Compact Sy80 from Innova Son

Details: 14 March 2016

Innova Son's Compact Sy80 appeared centre-stage, an 80-input, 48-buss live console based on the Sensory Compact Live chassis. It features upgraded 'Sensoft' software, and with a stage-box can be expanded to create further inputs and outputs.

Company founder Philippe Royer presided. "It's very much the result of consultation and feedback from our end users, dealers and distributors," he said. "One of the main improvements has been in the design. Beside that, it's a more rugged console for touring and there is a new suite of software functions. The user can specify the layout of his console, so it becomes a global or universal console. Each of the faders can be an input - mono, stereo or multiple; a VCA; a matrix; or an aux and so on. It is completely user-defined."

Because of this, the Sy80 is equally at home tackling FOH, monitoring, live recording and on-air duti

AES 2003 - Phil Ward reports

Details: 14 March 2016

Amsterdam's RAI Centre has now hosted three of the last six European AES Conventions, and while this reflects the popularity of the city among delegates, exhibitors and voyeurs alike, as a commercial rope-ladder for the high end it may be wearing a bit thin.

It was quiet, and if the exhibition is to stimulate the local markets around itself, there are other cities that need attention while Holland's well-turned soil could lay fallow for a few years. That said, portents for improvement were visible both in that very local support, and in a few promising technological breakthroughs for sound reinforcement.

AES 2003 - Product Briefs . . .

Details: 14 March 2016

AKG

SR40/DIV, a stationary UHF diversity receiver added to the WMS 40 wireless mic system.

www.akg.com

Audio EngineeringThe Micron 700 Series wireless system goes to 16 channels, using MDR762 twin-channel diversity racks in conjunction with the new BandMaster antenna distribution and combiner systems.

www.micronwireless.co.uk

Bruel & Kjaer

Launch of 2260 Observer, a portable sound level meter and analyzer. In real-time, it analyzes in 1/1- or 1/3 octave bands, covering 8Hz-16kHz and 6.3Hz-20kHz respectively. Room reverberation measurement is an option.

www.bksv.com

DPA Microphones

Low-voltage versions of the DPA 4061 and 4066 headband mics, namel

AES 2003 - Cadac S-Type in production

Details: 14 March 2016

In addition to Innova Son, the other important console appearance was Cadac's S-Type, announced in September and now in production. It's available in 17-, 25- or 33-way frames, typically at 25 frames with 16 mono inputs; eight group, aux and matrix outputs; eight DC master faders; and a communications module.

The 4-band parametric EQ comes from the J-Type, while this desk can be expanded via buss connectors to link a number of frames together. The modules can be placed according to taste. According to Cadac's Tony Waldron, plenty of live sound people had been to visit the stand. "We've had the Dutch contingency, lots of German and Denmark contacts - all the usual customers who want to see the latest from us.

"In the last 10 years," Waldron observed, "loudspeakers have become so good that they reveal things in a live or playback mix that you couldn't hear before. P

AES 2003 - Audient's mic pre

Details: 14 March 2016

Audient launched the ASP008 - a compact, 1U rack mount unit, featuring eight channels of the highly acclaimed mic pre, developed originally for the ASP8024 recording console and the Aztec live sound mixer.

All channels include XLR input, 48V phantom power, switchable input impedance, 25-250Hz hi pass filter, phase reverse, as well as line input selection. Channels one and two also feature a -20dB attenuator and a high impedance Instrument/DI input, on a jack on the front panel. LEDs provide indication of signal present and overload. A digital output option is available in addition to the standard balanced analogue outputs, making the ASP008 an ideal 'front end' to any DAW or Pro Tools system.

This is the first new product to be launched by Audient since its restructure earlier this year. The company has recently relocated to new headquarters at Herriard Park in north Hampshire, UK,

AES 2003 - Speaker protection is released by Drawmer

Details: 14 March 2016

In case the show threatened to rise above a background murmer, Drawmer introduced the SP2120 Speaker Protector, a 1U processor designed to prevent excessive SPLs from a given speaker system. With a security lock and key to allow only authorized system adjustment and management, it gives engineers the power to protect the drivers and electronics in the speakers themselves, and venues the capacity to stay within local noise-level limits whoever's on the stage, in the DJ booth or in the CD rack. It wasn't needed at the RAI Centre.

AES 2003 - EtherSound control software from Digigram

Details: 14 March 2016

Digigram quietly demonstrated new EtherSound control software, although, as Frank Siedel pointed out, you don't necessarily need a computer to gain the benefits of networked audio. "You can get the audio in and out of the EtherSound network just by configuring the channels and the devices themselves," he said. "Many people think network audio equals system administration and a lot of troubleshooting - just because, in most companies, everybody has network headaches every day. But EtherSound is not like this, because it can be set up without even a computer.

"But, if you want more flexibility, you can use our software. It simply tells you what equipment is connected to the network, the number of inputs and outputs, and allows you to manipulate these as a matrix. All you have to do is define channels by clicking and dragging, and of course, every configuration can be

SES cancels BroadcastAsia2003 and CommunicAsia2003

Details: 14 March 2016

Singapore - Singapore Exhibition Services (SES), organizer of BroadcastAsia and CommunicAsia, has decided to cancel both 2003 events, which were scheduled to take place from June 17-20 at Suntec Singapore and Singapore Expo respectively.

Commenting on the decision, Stephen Tan, chief executive of SES commented: "Together with our exhibitors and stakeholders, we have decided not to go ahead with the shows. This is a very difficult decision borne out of necessity due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak and the lack of options for a suitable time frame in which to re-schedule the events. It is also our utmost priority to safeguard the well being of our exhibitors and visitors who have shown us unwavering support all these years."

As the SARS outbreak in Asia has not stabilized, exhibitors and visitors alike had expressed concerns about their safety

CEDIA, ICIA/InfoComm and NSCA join forces

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Three leading electronic systems industry trade associations have announced the upcoming launch of shows in Europe and Asia intended to address the needs of their combined constituencies in those regions.

The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA), the International Communications Industries Association (ICIA/InfoComm) and the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) have formed a partnership to develop and produce joint trade exhibitions in Europe and Asia for the benefit of their respective members and industries. The three have a combined membership of over 5,000 companies and individuals that are located in over 60 countries.

The first European show will be held at the Geneva PALEXPO (a brand new exhibition facility) in Switzerland on February 3-5, 2004. A new name and brand for the show is under development, but it will have the advan

25th Anniversary of theatrical innovation for ABTT

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - In response to the changing expectations of audiences, producers and directors, the importance of technology in contemporary theatre continues to grow at a rapid rate. Since the mid 1970s, the Association of British Theatre Technicians has supported and helped spearhead technical innovation in theatre through its annual showcase, the ABTT show, which this year runs on the 18 and 19 June in London.

Over the years the success of ABTT can be attributed as much to British engineering and ingenuity, as it can to a passion for the theatre. Many UK-based companies have exhibited at ABTT since its inception, including CCT Lighting, Lee Filters, Rosco and White Light - all have pioneered technology in theatre and augmented the potential of productions across the international stage.

Growing from a small niche event at The Donmar Warehouse, the ABTT Show now fills London’s R

Stage Electrics holds Bristol Open Day

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Stage Electrics' Open Days provide customers and suppliers with a forum dedicated to providing hands-on demonstrations of the very latest products. The compay's recent Bristol Open Day was no exception; demonstrations from Strand, Selecon, Rosco, Martin Professional, DHA, Le Maitre, Mackie/EAW, Audio-Technica and Zero 88 offered customers a wide range of interest.

.Visitors got a glimpse into the workings of Stage Electrics' warehouse, with tours supplied by sales and marketing manager Linda Moore, who says: "Stage Electrics Open Days are a great opportunity for suppliers and customers to meet. They have proved highly successful and we are already planning more for later in the year."

Not only were customers provided an insight to the inner workings of Stage Electrics, technical manager Adrian Searle organized a Moving Light Symposium, providing hands-on experie

Berlin gears up for TiLE 2003

Details: 14 March 2016

Germany - This month, Germany plays host to the TiLE Conference and trade exhibition for the second year running. The 12th annual TiLE, which covers the latest trends in the location-based leisure attractions industry, is being held in Berlin at the Estrel Convention Center, from Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 June 2003.

"There is no doubt that many companies which supply to venues that entertain and/or inform are finding it hard to do business," explained event organizer Richard Curtis of Andrich International. "The current economic and political situation has seen tourism and travel drop, and along with it visitor numbers to many attractions. Also, the uncertainty has meant that many investment plans are on hold. We hope that TiLE will be a catalyst to help lift the industry out of its current gloom."

The Conference will feature a range of speakers on subjects

Rimini 2004: SIB is back with a bang

Details: 14 March 2016

Italy - For the 2004 edition of SIB (13-16 March 2004), the show’s organizers are promising a cutting-edge expo with a new image, new targets and two new sections as part of a plan drawn up in conjunction with research and consultancy company Cermes-Bocconi.

"We’ve carried out support activity for Rimini Fiera’s management on the basis of our experience in the sector of exhibitions of international importance," explains Professor Francesca Golfetto, joint director of Cermes-Bocconi. "Bearing in mind the on-going evolution of its business sectors, it’s extremely important for strict scientific surveys to be conducted on an event of SIB’s international calibre, to ensure the utmost satisfaction of its numerous clients." As a result of this plan, SIB now also has a new subtitle - the International Exhibition of Event and Entertainme

2003 Tony Awards

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - The voters were divided at this year’s Tony Awards in New York, presented earlier this week, with no one show sweeping the boards. In the technical categories, it was La Boheme’s night, with Baz Luhrmann’s stylish production of Puccini’s opera winning designer Catherine Martin a Best Scenic Design Tony and lighting designer Nigel Levings the Best Lighting Design Tony.

"It was thrilling to win," commented Levings, who was previously nominated for The King and I. The Tonys round out a successful New York award season for the Boheme design team: Levings and Martin also won the equivalent categories in New York’s Outer Critics Circle Award and the Drama Desk awards. Levings’ co-nominees were Donald Holder for Movin’ Out, Brian MacDevitt for Nine and Kenneth Posner for Hairspray, while

Exclusive PLASA Discounts for PALME 2004

Details: 14 March 2016

Dubai - PALME, the Middle East’s professional sound, light, audio-visual and systems integration exhibition, is offering PLASA members a 25% discount off its space-only rate until 1 September 2003 (inclusive), or a 15% discount off the space-only rate thereafter.

There are strong reasons to justify attending: the Middle East continues to present the professional lighting and sound industries with significant market potential and is the world’s fastest growing tourist destination, predicted to attract 68.5 million tourists by 2020 - an annual growth rate of 7.1%, well above the world average of 4.1%.The region, and the UAE in particular, continue to invest huge sums in new, architecturally-driven initiatives which require state-of-the-art facilities to be competitive. Projects in development include the Kempinski Hotel on The Palm island (US$50 million); The Gardens s

Major´s new 2 kVA 1-channel-dimmer

Details: 14 March 2016

Germany - The Major One is Lightpower's new single-channel dimmer, dedicated to be used directly with the luminaire. It provides an ideal solution when using single units positioned remotely or over long distances with decentralized dimming and control systems. This makes the dimmer mainly suitable for exhibitions and fairs. With its address, limit, switch and level function the operation of the Major One is straightforward: the light intensity can be adjusted on the dimmer itself without an external control, and in case of a circuit break, all data will remain available.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Life of Jacques Brel

Details: 14 March 2016

Belgium - When Belgium’s Minister of Culture announced that 2003 was to be the year of Jacques Brel (one of the country’s great modern singer/songwriters in the French language), plans immediately got underway to ensure that events staged to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Belgian singer’s death would attract the attention of the world.

One of the key features is an exhibition charting Brel’s life. Stan Colders of Nexus Creative People was commissioned to design the exhibition, his ideas relying heavily on theatrical techniques - lighting, video and set dressing - mixed with artefacts from Brel’s childhood. The ‘set’ incorporates the house where Brel grew up, taking the visitor on a journey from Brussels to Paris, to a recreation of his Parisian room where he wrote many of his songs. Visitors can also re-live Brel’s last co

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