Switzerland - Barix has announced new features to its Exstreamer-100 and Exstreamer-110 IP audio decoders designed specifically to improve audio quality, reduce bandwidth costs, improve audio quality, and implement DRM (digital rights management) encryption firmware to protect audio content at the store location. Retail chains, restaurants, clubs and hotels are among the many businesses using audio at the point of purchase that can benefit from these new features, says the company. The new features will be introduced at the Digital Signage Expo, taking place 24-26 February at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.
Barix in-store audio platforms are built around Audio over IP distribution, with Exstreamer devices receiving audio from a central location (live or stored) and decoding it for playback at branch locations.
"Barix continues to incorporate new features into the Exstrea
UK - ML Executives recently added several EAW KF760 Long-Throw Line Array Modules and KF761 Short-Throw Line Array Modules to its stock. ML Executives has a long history with EAW products, and with the recent stock upgrade, they now hold a grand total of 68 KF760s and 22 KF761s, making them the largest EAW-equipped sound reinforcement contractor in Europe.
Over the years, ML Executives has supplied EAW systems for Iron Maiden, Kiss, Deep Purple and Bryan Ferry, among many others, and the upcoming 2009 touring schedule has necessitated some additional EAW inventory. "We have a busy summer of festival shows coming up that we're providing cabinets for, as well as ongoing Iron Maiden stadium and arena tours," noted Gary Marks, ML Executives managing director. "We wanted to add to our supply, so that we could take care of stadium tours around Europe without having to r
USA - Furman has announced the P-1800 AR rack-mount voltage regulator/power conditioner. A successor to Furman's r AR-15 II, the P-1800 AR provides stable voltage protection and line noise filtration for any A/V installation where reliable, comprehensive protection is needed.
The P-1800 AR provides consistent 120-V output (±5 V) from input voltages ranging from 97 VAC to 137 VAC. Unlike commercial voltage regulators, the P-1800 AR's new True RMS voltage regulation technology, featuring an ultra-low-noise, microprocessor-controlled eight-tap toroidal autoformer, is engineered for use in any A/V environment.
The benefit of True RMS is the assurance of quiet operation for critical listening and recording applications, with minimal leakage of stray magnetic fields. Additionally, when the autoformer switches voltage taps at the zero cross points of both voltage and current, it doe
Sweden - Lab.gruppen has announced accelerated development of the LM 26 Loudspeaker Management processor, a stand-alone digital loudspeaker processor based on Lake Processing technology. The first product introduced under the newly acquired Lake brand, this new unit will extend and solidify the company's commitment to the technology, which has been incorporated in Lab.gruppen's PLM Series of Powered Loudspeaker Management systems since 2007.
Scheduled for launch later in 2009, the LM 26 is a full-featured 2-in/6-out Lab.gruppen Lake Processor in a compact 1 U frame. It will offer seamless compatibility with the PLM Series as well as with all Dolby Lake Processors and earlier versions of the technology, including Mesa Quad and Contour. The easily programmable EQ and delay capabilities in the new product will allow quick configuration for use as a processor and line driver for sel
UK - With the recent introduction of the SB-168ES stage box for Yamaha's digital consoles, SSE Audio Group decided to host a Yamaha demonstration day at its Redditch headquarters. The day focused primarily on the mid-range M7CL digital mixing console, and including both theoretical and hands-on experience with the M7CL and SB-168ES, the planned event raised such interest that SSE had to add a second day.
SSE Audio Group equipment sales specialist Alex Penn said: "With the recent introduction of the SB-168ES, it was a good time to talk about it and the M7CL. So we ran the days to help people to learn more about their capabilities, as well as letting people see for themselves the wide range of resources we have here at SSE."
A multi-track signal source was run into one SB168-ES which then fed the seven M7CLs used in the training session. This gave all attendees a chanc
Albania - Prosound is the new HK Audio dealer in Tirana, Albania. The company reports that it has already begun to make excellent headway in the city. In a relatively short period of time, Prosound has already managed to install sound systems in four of Tirana's clubs and bars.
In the first one, Club Sharm, Prosound installed four HK Audio E.L.I.A.S. PX hi/mid-range units, two E.L.I.A.S. PX subwoofers, two PRO:15 cabinets and two PRO: 15x cabs. This club is situated directly across from the Sheraton Hotel and receives a large number of hotel guests, who appreciate the broad eclectic mix of music offered here.
Another club in Tirana that has opted for the HK Audio brand of sound is the Mad-Club.This club is one of the best known and most popular club hopping destinations in Albania's capital. With its capacity of 600-800 guests, the Mad-Club plays house and R&B music, usually s
USA - January 2009 marked the 20th Anniversary for Behringer and NAMM provided the venue to recap the last two decades. At a press conference, Uli Behringer had the opportunity to reflect on the last two decades: "If anyone had asked me twenty years ago if Behringer would have 3,500 employees around the world and be one of the biggest companies in the MI market, I would have said they were nuts."
Behringer continued: "We owe our success to the dedication and passion of our employees who produce astounding products. We could not have achieved this level of success without the support of the press and our world-wide dealer and distributor network. We absolutely owe a debt of gratitude to our customers who understand the value we bring, and have become loyal users and advocates."
Addressing the current economic landscape, CEO Michael Deeb was specific. "W
USA - Shure Incorporated recently celebrated the opening of the new S.N. Shure Theatre at the Company's Corporate Headquarters in Niles, Illinois. Shure Chairman, Rose L. Shure, and president and CEO, Sandy LaMantia, participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony and then welcomed Shure Associates and special guests into the new venue.
"We've wanted to build out this space ever since we moved into our new headquarters five years ago," said LaMantia. "Following the completion of the Shure Technology Annex in 2004 and the Performance and Listening Center [PLC] in 2005, we were finally able to turn our attention to this project, which turned out even better than we imagined. It's a beautiful venue that will serve as a lasting tribute to our founder, S.N. Shure, for many years to come."
In his comments during the ceremony, LaMantia said to Mrs. Shure that he hopes
UK - Liverpool based rental company Adlib supplied lighting, AV and sound to recent UK tours by two leading British comedians - Jimmy Carr and Frankie Boyle.
Lighting was overseen for both tours by Adlib's Tim Spilman, who also designed both rigs.
The Jimmy Carr set-up featured a down stage truss with eight Martin Professional MAC 250 wash lights. These gave great colour saturation on the whole down stage area allowing Spilman to highlight the relevant areas individually. There were three main performance positions - centre stage, sofa stage right and table stage left - each of which was lit with two profiles and two floor cans.
Three 19 degree ETC Source Four profiles on side booms were positioned each side of the thrust for downstage side illumination. There were six floorcans positioned across the front of the stage fitted with heavy frost filters to eliminate facial shad
Norway - PA company, Lydfiksern, selected an iLive mixing system to manage FOH and monitor duties for the opening ceremony of the new AKS concert hall, in Hammerfest.
"Having used the digital house desk on a production run prior to the official opening, I decided to bring in our iLive, which sonically outperforms it and is easier to use. iLive provided more power, greater flexibility, superior dynamics and EQ, and better effects, which meant I could leave my L960 reverb at the warehouse. It took six people to remove the house desk but only two to install iLive," reports Lydfiksern's MD, Thomas Mikarlsen.
Artists performing at the opening ceremony were all connected to the town of Hammerfest, and they included the national acts, Unit Five and Marte Heggelund, plus noted bass player, Knut Erik Sundquist.
"iLive seamlessly integrated with the house PA system and
Snow Business - Heavy snowfall caused several West End theatres to cancel their Monday evening performances. The newly-opened Oliver!, Avenue Q, Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia! and Jersey Boys were all called off. The Royal Opera House performance of Die tote Stadt was also cancelled. Promoters said the weather meant that they could not guarantee the performers and crew would be able to make it into central London.
Eurovision Countdown - Jade Ewen has been chosen to sing Andrew Lloyd Webber's Eurovision Song Contest entry for the UK in Moscow. The Londoner won the public vote ahead of Sheffield siblings The Twins and Welshman Mark Evans after all three acts performed My Time. The ballad, heard for the first time, was composed by Lloyd Webber with US Grammy-winning lyricist Diane Warren. The compo
UAE - With the global appetite for energy continually increasing, in only its second year the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) has already established itself as a leading forum for change that is becoming more urgent by the year. Held between 19 and 21 January 2009 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 16,820 people from 79 countries visited the WFES exhibition, while 2,634 delegates took part in a conference which featured some of the world highest profile politicians and renewable energy experts.
It was in this latter high pressure environment that a Yamaha M7CL digital mixing console was entrusted with ensuring that every word of each speaker was heard perfectly by both the delegates present and around the world via the media.
Bristol-based Revelation Event Management provided production crew for the conference and appointed Tim Headley to mix the front of house sound. Headl
UK - Orbital Sound announces that it has been retained to provide a full communications and multimedia infrastructure for OC Events' 2009 iShares Cup Extreme 40 Sailing Series, working an enlarged European circuit of venues that will carry through the summer season.
Confirming the appointment, OC Events' event manager, Louise Close, said, "Orbital Sound were excellent throughout the 2008 series and we look forward to working with them again this year."
iShares Cup Extreme 40 Sailing Series attracts some of the world's best Olympic, round the world, America's Cup and solo sailors, who go head-to-head on open sea, picturesque lakes and restricted canals. As the action takes place close to shore, the high-octane competition provides a visual spectacle for thousands of spectators.
To match the visual excitement, OC Events realised last year that they need
The Netherlands - The 2009 Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) exhibition sees Tau Audio Solutions, one of the Netherlands leading importers and distributors of professional audio equipment, announce a distribution agreement with German loudspeaker manufacturer TWAUDiO.
At ISE Tau is showing a range of TWAUDiO products, including the M Series of full-range, multipurpose loudspeakers and the B15 and B30 subwoofers.
"The fact that TWAUDiO's approach is to deliver the best in sound reinforcement technology for both today and tomorrow in the same products makes the brand an extremely attractive one to the European installation market," says Tau's managing director, Ron Vossen. "We believe in distributing products which feature the best technology and audio quality. Our relationship with TWAUDiO will be very beneficial to both companies."
USA - QSC has introduced its new ILA (Installation Line Array) v2 System. Representing the second generation design of the lightweight, compact line array, ILA v2 comes to end-users as a turnkey package including dedicated full-range and subwoofer loudspeaker components, processing, amplification, and suspension accessories. It is designed for use in nightclubs, ballrooms, performing arts facilities, and houses of worship.
"One of the main reasons for developing ILA v2 is to make true line array performance accessible in a far broader range of applications," QSC VP of marketing Gerry Tschetter says, explaining the underlying goal driving the product introduction. "Most line array systems today are manufactured for the touring sound market, which means that overall, system costs lie well beyond the means of many facilities that could gain direct benefits from the t
Australia - The Franciscan church of St. Mary Immaculate is located on the east side of Sydney. To improve the sound of the existing system located in the church, R&B Sound & Vision chose the D.A.S. Audio Artec and Factor systems.
D.A.S. Audio distributor in Australia, Magma Systems & Engineering, offered their considerable experience in the installation of D.A.S. systems in religious centres. They recommended the use of the new Artec systems. Specifically, four white Artec 26 sound boxes were placed vertically in the altar area. These systems, ideal for near field applications, offer clean cut and sleek styling fit perfectly in any type of architectural space, says the company.
On either side of the hall, four white Factor 5 systems were used for paging and background music. These two-way propylene monitors offer precise directional sound symmetry. Pete Hotson of Magna System
Germany - The Trade Fair Tower in the heart of Frankfurt Main is considered one of the most exclusive and attractive venues in the Rhein-Main region. With eight meeting rooms, two lounges and a bistro, the Trade Fair Tower offers plenty of room for the most diverse events: conferences, roadshows, , main assemblies, incentive events, or after-work parties.
Since the beginning of 2008 PDM Light & Sound has been the official technical supplier to the Frankfurt Trade Fair Tower Service GmbH. PDM manages the existing audio-visual technology already installed in the building, and provides additional equipment and professional support as the need arises.
"We're happy that the Frankfurt Trade Fair Tower Service has chosen us to be their long-term partner," states Fred Jung, managing director of PDM Light & Sound. And Carsten Krause, sales manager for HK Audio Concert Sound a
Spain - The Goya Theatre, which was founded in 1914, first started its theatrical activity in 1916 and was later converted into an important theatre in the city of Barcelona. In addition to being used as the headquarters of the Aragonese Centre, the theatre has staged productions in which many famous have taken part.
In 2004, the theatre was forced to close and was on the verge of ceasing its activities, but the Focus Group took charge of bringing it back to life in order to prevent the loss of one of the most emblematic artistic and drama centres in the city.
The refurbishment work executed in the Goya Theatre, which will celebrate its 100th birthday in 2016, is based on building a new theatre within an existing frame. The theatre has a capacity for 520 people, including both the tiered stalls and the amphitheatre. The remodelling project has a cost of 3.7 million euros, of w
USA - Shure SM microphones have proven their worth through decades of rigorous use and abuse on stage and in the studio. Now Shure is expanding the line to give performers and engineers more tools to choose from with the introduction of the SM27 and SM137.
The SM27 is a versatile large-diaphragm, side-address cardioid condenser microphone designed to pick up the nuances of vocals and instruments with clarity. This microphone has a one-inch ultra-thin Mylar diaphragm for superior transient response, exceptional low frequency reproduction, and a low self-noise (just 9.5 dB SPL) to reveal fine detail when recording or during live performance. The SM27 offers lower self-noise and improved dynamic range specifications over the KSM27 model that it replaces.
The SM137 is a cardioid probe microphone for instrument recording applications. The SM137 employs an ultra-thin diaphragm for s
Germany - In order to expand its technical services for customers in the region, Meyer Sound is establishing a European technical support centre within the Meyer Sound Germany facility in Montabaur, approximately 45 miles northeast of Frankfurt.
Freddy Meyer, the latest member of the European technical support team who joined in December 2008, is currently setting up the new location. The new support centre will take advantage of Meyer Sound Germany's convenient location, and will be an extension of Meyer Sound's worldwide technical support network. The facility will soon be fully equipped to provide comprehensive technical support and design services to Meyer Sound customers and partners throughout Europe, as well as function as an in-house training centre.
"We are very excited to add traditional office-based technical services to our European facility with Berkeley-like
UK - The Soundcraft Studer team has announced the latest addition to its Si Series of digital mixing consoles. The Soundcraft Si2 is a smaller partner to the Si3, launched only in September last year, and is bound to appeal to those wanting a compact and highly-featured digital console at a competitive price, the company says.
The Si2 comes in a smaller footprint than its bigger brother, and has 48 mic inputs mapped on 24 faders (the Si3 has 64 inputs), but this is where the differences end. The Si2, like the Si3, has four dedicated Stereo Line channels, four dedicated FX Returns from the four stereo Lexicon FX processors, 8 balanced insert sends and 8 balanced insert returns. Si2 is complete with 24 Group/Aux busses available at all times, 8 matrix busses and a full complement of monitor talkback and main bus outputs. One of the most unique and compelling features of the Si ser
India - Mumbai-based Rich Audio, one of India's leading pro audio, lighting and trussing rental companies, provided complete event solutions for a recent major concert by Indian bhangra/pop star Daler Mendhi in Nanded (Maharashtra, Western India). The event was held in celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Gurdwara at Nanded.
Rich Audio, headed by company founder Richie Braganza, purchased EAW's KF760 line array speaker system from Aditya InfoTech Ltd, EAW's Indian distributor, and Aditya's representative Dhruv Datta.
Rich Audio dispatched Lee Braganza, Rich Audio FOH and system engineer, to serve as head system tech for the event, held at the MGM College grounds at Nanded. The scalable system, under the care of Lee and Zura Braganza, was rigged up and powered for the first time directly at the venue.
Also used were Crown Macro-Tech I series amplifiers wired to an EAW
Australia - The Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine is located in the Sandford Jackson Building on the campus of Brisbane's Wesley Hospital, the only private day hospital facility of this nature in Australia. The facility utilises the hyperbaric chamber to treat conditions such as decompression illness, non-healing wounds and radiation induced injuries.
Communications between the nursing attendant inside the chamber and the medical staff outside is a priority. The previous communications system had its limitations and was recently damaged as a result of the external fire sprinklers flooding the unit. In consultation with Fink Engineering the Clear-Com FreeSpeak digital wireless system was recommended.
"The metal is inches thick and you cannot hear anything so if you don't have a good communications system you're really in strife," remarked Sharon Peut, nurse manage
UK - A new Swiss vegetarian restaurant concept arrived in London recently, and immediately took up occupancy in two prime sites. The first tibits opened in October in London's West End, followed a month later by Europe's largest, inner city shopping mall, The Westfield London Shopping Centre in West London.
Both restaurants have been equipped with 100V line loudspeakers and amplification from QSC Audio - to meet a specification originally drawn up by audio consultant, Christian Beusch of Tonstudio Beusch, who has overseen all the Swiss-based installations.
In the UK, the installation work was handled by experienced sound and light design company, ESL, who were introduced to the project by main electrical contractor, Morgan Cass.
In both sites ESL has used multiples of QSC's Acoustic Design AD-S52T and AD-S32T full-range loudspeakers - 12 and 10 respectively being wall