UK - Visual Elements Ltd. has announced that Sam Tullett will join its board as sales director. Tullett brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in sales, particularly in developing multiple revenue streams for the business. His key role at Visual Elements will be to launch the company’s new dry-hire department and, in conjunction with Visual Elements’ account managers, promote the growth of our existing business.

Tullett will continue as managing director at STLS and join Mike Townsend and Amanda Townsend as sales director at Visual Elements. “Customers at both companies will retain their existing points of contact and can expect the same high levels of service and quality they have come to know and trust,” a statement says.

Mike Townsend of Visual Elements comments: “This is an exciting time for Visual Elements - Sam’s investment as

USA - Powersoft will showcase its new Unica maritime certification kit, its Verso cloud gateway, MyUniverso cloud platform, and new low-power Unica models at InfoComm 2024.

InfoComm attendees will have the opportunity to find out more about the latest addition to the all-in-one Unica platform: a maritime kit that confirms Unica can be used safely at sea.

The addition of a Unica maritime kit provides cruise ships and other marine vessels with all the same benefits offered by the platform, along with a number of selling points for marine users. 

In addition to the Unica maritime certification kit, Powersoft will showcase Verso, a gateway device designed to connect current Powersoft products to its MyUniverso cloud platform. Attendees will have the opportunity to find out how the Verso gateway helps system integrators and IT managers take full

USA - Fulcrum Acoustic will feature loudspeaker, software, and processing technologies at the InfoComm 2024 Show. The company will introduce new compact installation loudspeakers and demonstrate the latest capabilities of its Fulcrum One software and the Venueflex series of multi-function digital signal processors.

Stephen Siegel, president of Fulcrum Acoustic, comments, “We are excited for people to experience the confluence of our hardware and software development efforts over the past year. The loudspeaker products we’re debuting are perfect companions to support the active acoustics, object-based mixing and other complimentary technologies that are powered by the Venueflex processor and managed in our One software.”  

Visitors can interact with the new Fulcrum Acoustic loudspeakers. The company will have a dedicated software kiosk and enc

USA - When it was first published in 1967, S.E. Hinton’s coming-of-age novel, The Outsiders, struck a chord with readers with its gritty-yet-tender tale of social and familial upheaval, aptly articulated by an author who was, herself, a teenager. Sixteen years later, celebrated film director Francis Ford Coppola brought the eponymous story to the silver screen with a cast full of young actors that would all go on to become Hollywood A-listers.

Fast-forwarding to 2024, The Outsiders is being reimagined once again, this time as a Broadway musical featuring immersive L-ISA technology and the NYC Theatre District’s first L-Acoustics L Series loudspeaker deployment. The new show is nominated for 12 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Sound Design of a Musical for sound designer Cody Spencer.

“People’s expectations of the

USA – Genelec will be further expanding its Smart IP family of active installation loudspeaker systems at InfoComm 2024 with the introduction of the 3440A – a new PoE subwoofer.

The 3440A joins the existing Smart IP range of wall, ceiling, and pendant loudspeaker models to provide a scalable full-range audio solution that combines sound quality and networked convenience. With the addition of the 3440A, the Smart IP family now represents an even more flexible and future-proof choice for integrators and installers everywhere, says Genelec.

Originally launched in 2019, the Smart IP range provides flexible power, audio, and management features via a single standard CAT cable. Producing studio-quality audio with superb clarity, intelligibility and uniform coverage, all models can be freely combined on a network. The Smart IP range is compatible with b

UK - Technology collective Tin Drum asked Manchester-based audio specialists, tube uk, to assist with the delivery of a sound system - speakers together with a playback / racking control system - for an innovative series of immersive mixed reality performance concerts, Kagami, featuring the music of the late artist, composer and audio producer, Ryuichi Sakamoto.

The in-the-round shows were originally staged during the 2023 Manchester International Festival (MIF23), at the Old Granada Studios, also with tube as audio supplier.

Tin Drum next moved the show to the Roundhouse in London for a high-profile showcase and again asked tube uk to supply the audio equipment, including speakers and collaborating closely with their sound designer, Rob Parkinson.

tube’s Melvyn Coote and John Redfern were delighted to tackle such an interesting mi

Venezuela - Osteria in the capital city of Caracas offers diners Italian food and cocktails in relaxed surroundings, including a restaurant and terrace, plus an additional VIP room and VIP terrace.

Osteria required the sound system to be ‘elegant and unobtrusive in its design, and powerful in its performance, contributing to the restaurant’s concept of inspiring guests to lose themselves in ‘il dolce far niente’ as a way of enjoying life’.

Nexo distributor Sun Music Pro designed a system based around the ultra-compact Nexo ID14, which measures just 130mm wide, 130mm high and 120mm front to back, and uses a single coaxial 4-inch driver with a 1.4-inch Neodymium HF.

With processing and amplification from Nexo’s DTD-I and three DTDAMP4X0.7, the system comprises six ID14s with LF extension from two IDS108 subs in the main restaurant,

UK - P&O Cruises has installed Shure Axient systems for use during its theatre shows and live music performances. The upgrade was made in partnership with Autograph Sound.

Autograph Sound has led the fleet-wise wireless system upgrade programme, which required efficiency, reliability, and outstanding performance that could comply with the 700MHz Clearance Regulation Programme in the UK.

Autograph Sound turned to Shure Axient Digital Wireless System, which was well-received during the initial installation and then was chosen for the fleet-wide upgrade programme. In due course, Shure’s Axient Digital Wireless System will be implemented across the entire P&O Cruise fleet.

Each ship has been equipped with a range of Shure Axient Digital and ULX-D equipment, including AD1, ADX1M, AD2 and ADX2 ShowLink handheld wireless microphone transmi

India - Proel has confirmed announces its entry into the Indian market. Headquartered in Sant'Omero, Italy, Proel offers a diverse portfolio of 10 brands encompassing professional audio, commercial audio, conferencing systems, lighting, stage equipment, musical instruments, and associated accessories. The company has strategically positioned itself globally, with offices in the USA, UK, Tunisia, South Korea, and now, India.  

The decision to invest in India is a testament to Proel's commitment to expansion and growth in emerging markets.

The Indian operations are based in Bangalore led by Nagaraj Mallikarjun and the sales team in Delhi, which is led by Shantanu Banerjee. There are plans underway to establish a presence in Mumbai shortly. “This strategic move has been in development for three years, culminating in a state-of-the-art warehousing an

USA - The Audio Reproduction division of Focusrite Group US, which comprises amongst others Martin Audio and TiMax, has strengthened its senior team with the recruitment of theatre sound designer, Brad Berridge - previously director of sound operations for Feld Entertainment.

As the newly-appointed market development manager – theatre, immersive and education markets, Berridge will bring his experience to the role to call on theatrical sound designers, venues, theatre production providers and audio engineers, whilst in the education space he’ll be calling on those that offer live sound as well as theatre degrees and training.

Berridge is already very familiar with Martin Audio given his eight years overseeing the sound for all Feld productions, many of which used Martin Audio solutions including Disney on Ice, Marvel Universe Live, Monster Jam: T

UK - As part of its ‘continuing mission to simplify the world of commercial audio for integrators and end-users’, Optimal Audio has further evolved the user-friendliness of its ecosystem with updates to its WebApp and ZonePad controllers.

WebApp allows users to unlock the capabilities of Optimal Audio’s Zone controller, which enables the efficient delivery of high-quality, multi-zoned commercial sound systems. Compatible with any device, WebApp makes system set-up straightforward, after which a simple user interface is presented to venue staff for easy operation.

Amongst the new features unveiled as part of WebApp 1.3, comes the biggest update for ZonePad so far, with the ZonePad 4 now able to be configured as a single zone controller with up to four routine triggers. This allows venue staff, at the push of a physical button, to trigger pre-con

India - Spectrum Audio Solutions, an event equipment solutions provider based in Goa, has evolved into a significant player in the market, delivering sound experiences for a wide range of events. Recently, Spectrum Audio Solutions made a substantial investment to expand its existing loudspeaker inventory.

The recent acquisition includes 24 units of Kudo line array modules, known for their large-format, high-performance capabilities that ensure precise coverage and exceptional sound quality. Additionally, the company has added 12 more dV DOSC line array modules, complementing their existing inventory and maintaining their reputation for unmatched sound clarity. To cater to versatile event needs, Spectrum Audio Solutions has integrated 24 units of ARCS multi-purpose loudspeakers into their arsenal. These speakers are designed to deliver powerful audio across a

South Africa - La Parada is a restaurant chain bringing the vibrancy of the Mediterranean to South Africa. Finished with sandy pastels and palm trees, the restaurant’s newest location is in Johannesburg’s day-to-night dining and shopping destination, Cedar Square.

La Parada has installed an audio system using technology from Audac and Xilica.   The project was a collaboration between AV Distribution and South African installation company Sonic AV. For Cedar Square, La Parada wanted a sound system that catered to DJs and bigger parties, offering something different to its predominantly dining-focused venues.

“La Parada wanted to make the shift to a more music-orientated restaurant with this opening,” says Richard Edwards, CEO of Sonic AV. “They wanted more of a bar vibe with DJs so we knew that a solution from Audac would be an ideal fit,

UK - fac365 is an audio hire company based in Greater Manchester with an open-door policy for local engineers. Providing bespoke solutions is at the centre of the company’s ethos and when the opportunity came along to branch out into the live touring market the whole team knew the fully loaded DiGiCo Quantum 338 with Pulse software was the console to let them shine.

So much so, they bought two, along with two fully loaded SD Racks. fac365 has been operating successfully since it was established in 2009 by managing director Mike Hayes.

Expansion is now very much on their minds. The purchase of two DiGiCo Quantum 338 consoles has been powered not only by client demand, but at the request of their engineers. Since the early days of the company Mike has encouraged open, collaborative thinking and collective decision making. This atmosphere of inclusion

Germany - Boothaus in Cologne, ranked as the #5 EDM club in the world, has switched to L-Acoustics. “Upgrading to L-Acoustics helps us keep our coveted position as one of the best clubs in the world. Bootshaus has always been recognised for prizing sound over visuals. Sound is super important to us,” states Tom Thomas, managing director at Bootshaus.

For 20 years, Bootshaus has curated a mix of electro-house, dubstep, and drum’n’bass for clubgoers. Its brand extends beyond club walls to curated festivals throughout Germany. Within those 1,900-cap walls, which include three dance floors, each with its own DJ booth, and a large outdoor area overlooking the Rhine. clubgoers have danced to the likes of Skrillex, David Guetta, Diplo, and Avicii.

Getting sound to each of the dance floors has been difficult, and the previous system, installed over a

Germany - Q-SYS, a division of QSC, EMEA has announced the appointment of Chant Utukian as managing director, MEA.

Utukian joined the company in 2021 and has played a pivotal role in establishing the brand in the UAE and building a robust regional team.

“Chant’s strategic approach to managing distribution and business development has significantly increased sales revenue and expanded our market share in MEA,” says Markus Winkler, executive vice president, EMEA & APAC. “I look forward to seeing the region continuing to grow under Chant’s leadership.”

“This is an exciting time for Q-SYS as we transition to a hybrid business model in the GCC,” says Utukian. “I look forward to solidifying the Q-SYS brand in the region and further developing our team."

UK - Mark Simcock at Progression AV is fast gaining a reputation in Scotland for highly successful church sound system designs and installations. When the core leadership team at Pitlochry Baptist Church took the decision to address the problems of poor intelligibility and coverage gaps from their existing system, they contacted Mark to propose a new one.

“Music is at the heart of the celebration at Pitlochry Baptist Church and the minister, the band and, indeed, the congregation are very discerning about sound,” comments Mark.

“We proposed two systems of which a Nexo solution was the less expensive. Nexo’s ePS Series hits a budget-friendly price point while still delivering high levels of performance, which it makes it possible for smaller churches to get great sound without spending a large sum of money.”

The system at Pitlochry c

Greece - The Royal & Imperial Belvedere Resort in Chersónisos, Crete, has had its Blue Lounge - pool bar, pool area, lobby and exterior revamped. Highlite's exclusive distributor Sivko Electronics and their regional partner George Solakis were entrusted with the design, supply and implementation.

When Sivko Electronics' partner in the Chersónisos region, George Solakis, contacted them to supply the appropriate equipment for a refurbishment of the Royal & Imperial Belvedere Resort, they immediately switched into high gear to get the project off the ground. George Solakis and crew member Pantelis Nathenas designed the concept, while Kostas Poulis and Sivko Electronics supplied the equipment. Programming was entrusted to Lefteris Katakis.

The redesign also included the external appearance of the hotel, for which they added architectural lighti

UK - Ministry of Sound Classical at the Royal Albert Hall featured a set list inspired by the popular Ministry of Sound Annual Volume II. Released in 1996, the album remains one of the biggest selling dance compilations ever made and is performed on stage by the 50-piece RG Live London Concert Orchestra with guest synth players and vocalists.

Sound designer Phil Wright chose a DiGiCo Quantum 338 for the front of house position and a Quantum 225 for on stage monitoring due to their powerful processing and compact footprints.

“Audiences don’t realise that the songs they love are all sampled from classical orchestrations, so when they hear them played by a real orchestra they’re blown away,” Wright states. “They really go crazy and that’s testament to the work of Tom Player, the creative lead behind bringing the orchestrations to th

UK - Entec Live has extended its long-term partnership with d&b audiotechnik by making a substantial investment in its large format three-way GSL line array system.

Entec head of sound, Dan Scantlebury, a long-term advocate of the brand, authorised the purchase of a significant system to complement their existing, smaller footprint KSL system. They have boosted their hire fleet with the addition of 32 GSL8 enclosures and eight GSL12, while at the same time adding a further 14 SL Subwoofers. Completing the purchase is an additional 28 D80s, taking their inventory of these powerful four-channel amplifiers into the hundreds.

Explaining the rationale, Scantlebury said the decision became axiomatic once he was convinced that the rental company would have the workflow to support such a level of investment. In the event, the new system was shipped out i

Italy - The Marina Fountain is the latest addition to Palermo Marina Yachting Park. Every evening the lake transforms into a stage, showcasing majestic water and light choreography set to captivating music.

RCF has provided a centrally installed audio system on the lake to ensure optimal sound enjoyment along the entire promenade. The Marina Fountain is named after the mermaid child from Gianni Rodari's story, The Mermaid of Palermo, a tale of love and inclusion. The mermaid is embraced by a poor fisherman's family in Palermo, where she unveils her remarkable talent for telling stories, "from all peoples and all times". Similarly, the Marina Fountain enchants passersby, visitors, and the workers of the Port of Palermo with its magical display.

The fountain project was commissioned by Cler - Cooperative of Roman Electrical Workers - and creat

UK - LSI Projects has announced the passing of its business development manager, Richard Bunting. A statement from the company reads: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Richard Bunting, our esteemed business development manager. Richard's unexpected departure has left us all in shock and mourning, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working with him.”

Richard joined LSI Projects in 2005, bringing a wealth of industry experience and a passion for the industry in which he had been involved in for more than 30 years.

The statement continues: “Richard was a respected colleague and an inspiration to many. His ability to build strong relationships, both within the team and with our clients, supply chain and the consultant community, was unparalleled, helping LSI solidify its reputation as a truste

Poland - Rental company Gondek Sound provided the audio infrastructure and sound design for Dreamstate, one of the largest trance music festivals in Eastern Europe.

Held at the PreZero Arena Gliwice, one of the largest and most modern multipurpose entertainment venues in Poland, the event attracted over 15,000 fans from around the globe.

Dreamstate Europe 2024 featured an impressive lineup of international and local artists, spanning ‘various subgenres from uplifting to psytrance, progressive to tech’.

Headliners included ATB, atDusk, Ben Gold, Craig Connelly B2B Factor B, Electric Universe presents Laser Harp, Giuseppe Ottaviani, John 00 Fleming, Joint Operations Centre, Robbie Seed, Will Atkinson, and Yoshi & Razner presents Genesis, among others.

Gondek Sound designed and deployed an Outline audio system comprising GTO C-12

Brazil - A colossal 624-loudspeaker concert sound system powered by 212 amplified controllers projected the Queen of Pop to the largest audience ever assembled for a standalone concert.

“Madonna is a creature of comfort and habit, so the first and foremost challenge of mixing her sound is to recreate her experience exactly, night to night, venue to venue, on every stage. That’s where L-Acoustics made all the difference,” shares Madonna’s FOH engineer, Burton Ishmael. He’s been mixing for the star from October 2023, at the O2 Arena in London to the massive, record-breaking show on the beach in Rio de Janeiro on May 4, 2024, when an estimated 1.6m fans took in what Pollstar described as “the largest audience ever assembled for a standalone concert”.

The Celebration Tour, supplied by vendor Eighth Day Sound, a Clair Global brand, visited a

Latest Issue. . .