USA - Located at the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, the Tropicana Hotel has a storied history that dates back to 1957. Over the years, the 'Trop' has been spotted in films such as Elvis Presley's Viva Las Vegas and the James Bond 007 hit Diamonds Are Forever. The hotel's Tiffany Theatre - once home to the >I>Folies Bergère production show - now serves as a venue for a wide variety of headline shows and other entertainment. An upgraded loudspeaker system consisting of products from the Aero and Avant Series catalogs of D.A.S. Audio was recently placed into service.

Las Vegas-based A.D.D. Productions, a part of Eagle Group Holdings, manages all aspects of entertainment at the Tiffany Theatre as well as the hotel's forthcoming Las Vegas Mob Experience attraction. A.D.D. Productions general manager David DeLeo selected a sizeable D.A.S. Audio loudspea

USA - Steve Linder is the principal behind SRI Training, a company that provides strategic life coach training for thousands of clients each year. Linder's presentations utilise a variety of biofeedback and neuro linguistic programming (NLP) techniques to teach leadership, communication and other interpersonal skills to both individuals and organizations.

He uses an array of A/V technology to illustrate his points, including live video feeds, audio and video playback, live wireless microphones, and live telephone feeds. To control it all, he uses the Allen & Heath iLive R72 control surface paired with an iDR-16 MixRack.

"The iLive has really revolutionised my presentations," Linder notes. "The audio is so clean and easy to control, it really keeps everyone focused on the content. People will put up with mediocre video, but not bad audio. As soon as you have feed

USA - Human-powered flight has been a dream sought after for centuries and accomplished only very recently. Red Bull gave contestants a crack at this rarely achieved fantasy during its summer-long Flugtag competition, held nationwide.

In Long Beach, California, 105,000 spectators watched teams push whimsical contraptions from a pier. Sound for the event utilised IEEE 802.1 AVB Bridging protocol, enabled by AVB-compliant technology from Harman Professional. The signal control chain consisted of four dbx SC 32 Digital Matrix Processors and 24 AVB-capable Crown CTs 3000power amplifiers, as well a half-dozen network bridge switches from BSS Audio/NETGEAR configured and controlled using Harman HiQnet System Architect. On Stage Audio (OSA), led by vice president Jim Risgin, deployed the AVB system.

Using the HiQnet System Architect's virtual software environment, Red Bull ran audio

Italy - RCF reports that there are now 5,000 units of the TTL33 line array in use worldwide. Since its introduction, the TTL33 has been used in lots of applications from local live events to touring and fixed installations.

With the technical features, the design and flexibility of the product, the TTL33 is popular and has a demand from the end-users, and this has given the product its own award, namely the unit No 5000 is supplied, and this is a milestone for this model.

"Having 5000 units working in professional applications worldwide is a great step for our TT+ line. We listened to views of the industry when we designed the 'mini array', and it looks like the we have targeted the TTL33 at the right sectors," says Alessandro Manini, director of research and development.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Blue Microphones has released Yeti Pro, claimed to be the world's first USB microphone combining 24 bit/192 kHz digital recording resolution with an analogue XLR output. Yeti Pro offers XLR recording with Blue's custom condenser capsules set in a proprietary triple array, providing the flexibility of four recording patterns (cardioid, omni, stereo, bi-directional) for studio or desktop recording.

"We are excited to extend our triple capsule array and four recording patterns from computer-only and into the studio with Yeti Pro," said John Maier, CEO of Blue Microphones. "We recognize the need for truly professional recording quality in a high resolution USB microphone with the versatility to take the mic's distinct recording capabilities into the studio, thanks to its analogue output."

(Jim Evans)

USA / The Netherlands - In 2008, Technomad introduced the Schedulon mp3 playback and recording system to give PA system operators the freedom of scheduling automatic playback of audio files down to the minute while maintaining a high level of manual control. In February, Technomad will introduce Schedulon v3.0 at the ISE show in Amsterdam.

Schedulon 3.0 retains the flexible options for instant, manual playback of user-loaded audio from a front-panel screen and push-button knob, while improving the automatic playback functionality through down-to-the-second scheduling, says the company. This gives operators the flexibility to create tighter user-defined playback schedules based on an internal clock or synchronized network time server.

A nearly 200 percent increase in data transfer speeds considerably improves file upload times - especially appropriate for operators recording fi

USA - Loud Technologies has announced the appointment of Studio Sound International (SSI) as the new independent sales rep firm for the company's Ampeg, Blackheart, Crate and Mackie brands in Latin America.

"I have always admired Mackie for their value and sound. Ampeg is as legendary a bass amp name as one can get, and having US and overseas-built solutions is key for the Latin-American market. Crate offers real price-point value and a name young users can trust. Blackheart has great boutique guitar amp solutions at an amazing price point, even for the most demanding players," says SSI president, Chris Adams.

"Armed with the most sought-after brands in the business, and a wide range of gear perfectly suited to the Latin American market, Loud is poised for an aggressive cycle of growth in the region," said Henri Cohen, director of sales for Loud. "SSI'

UK - DB Systems has become the UK's largest stockist of the NEC MultiSync 46" LCD video wall modules, following increased demand from its clients. DB currently has 60 units and associated accessories.

Oliver Richardson, DB's sales and marketing director, comments, "This product is our flagship video wall system because of what it can offer our clients. It is a display system that, when combined with the right content, ensures an exhibition stand has that elusive 'wow' factor, which gets noticed by event attendees.

"Design agencies, exhibitors and event organizers are increasingly demanding such a high quality display system, which is why we are happy to invest large sums of money to cater for the demands."

Simon Jackson, vice president of NEC Display Solutions Northern Europe adds, "DB needs the very best technology to maintain its standing amongst i

USA - AVnu Alliance has confirmed Bosch Security Systems Communications Systems Division as a new promoter member.

"Bosch Communications Systems is a strong supporter of open media networking standards," says Bill Scott, vice president of engineering and technology. "We believe that a goal of media networking development should be universal interoperability. For this to happen, the industry needs to educate the marketplace, and it needs a widely accepted compliance certification process. Bosch Communications Systems is pleased to have joined the AVnu Alliance in order to promote these principles."

"We welcome Bosch Communications Systems to the AVnu Alliance," states Lee Minich, AVnu Alliance marketing work group chairman, "and in joining our shared vision for interoperable AV networking via Audio Video Bridging (AVB) technologies."

(J

USA - At the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), sound artist Bill Fontana has added another dimension to the turret-skylight atrium atop the building by enveloping the space in a dynamic, interactive auditory experience. Entitled Sonic Shadows, Fontana's work employs eight Meyer Sound MM-4XP miniature self-powered loudspeakers - working in conjunction with four moving ultrasonic emitters - to reproduce sounds generated organically by vibrations inside the building.

"What Bill Fontana has achieved is a truly hybrid and reactive sculpture of sound in time," says Rudolf Frieling, SFMOMA curator of media arts. "Crossing the bridge on the fifth floor activates a complex work in which the invisible structures of the architecture play as large a role as the random movements of visitors. It is a unique SFMOMA sound."

Nearly invisible, the MM-4XP lo

UK - Stage Electrics is opening its doors to the pro audio industry at the end of January, hosting Yamaha Commercial Audio for a pair of open days at the company's London branch.

Taking place on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 January, from 10am to 5pm each day, the events will provide a series of demonstrations on a selection of Yamaha Commercial Audio products, including the M7CL and LS9 digital mixing consoles, the SB168-ES stage box, Ethersound and Dante networking protocols.

"The open days are designed to give both prospective and existing users a focused overview of the key functions and applications of the products and the advantages of using Ethersound and Dante," says Naomi Wilkinson of Yamaha Commercial Audio sales and marketing support.

"Each demo will be followed by practical hands-on time with the equipment, with Yamaha staff available to give advice

UK - The Cinematic Orchestra performed a large-scale concert at London's Royal Albert Hall with the London Metropolitan Orchestra that required the use of Soundcraft Vi6 and Vi1 consoles at front of house and a Soundcraft Vi4 for the monitor mix.

The Cinematic Orchestra is a British jazz and electronic group whose music, as its name indicates, is expansive in scope, employing live electric and acoustic instruments, turntables, samples and electronic elements. The group has scored a number of films and released several albums.

"This event presented us with some extremely challenging logistics," noted Mark Hornsby, owner of London sound contractor Hark, which supplied the Soundcraft consoles for the concert. "Because we needed to mic a full orchestra, three backup singers and a number of guest vocalists in addition to the band members, we needed more than 100 inpu

USA / The Netherlands - Community Professional has chosen ISE for the European launch of its new Distributed Design series of ceiling loudspeakers.

Suitable for 8 Ohm or 70V/100V line applications, the series is comprised of seven products. The full-range, standard-depth back-can models are the 60W 4.5-inch D4, the 100W 5-inch D5, the 100W 6.5-inch D6, the 150W 8-inch D8 and the 200W 10-inch D10.

There is also a shallow back-can model for installations where available depth is limited, the low-profile 60W 4.5-inch D4LP which is only 3.6 inches (92mm) deep. Completing the range is the 200W 10-inch D10SUB, which provides powerful LF reinforcement for entertainment applications. Each model is available as a complete unit or the drive unit face plate assembly and the back-can can be purchased separately.

The series debuts Community's Drop-Stop and Twist-Assist features, to make

UK / USA - The New Year sees the launch of the enlarged PLASA trade association, following the formal merger between industry trade bodies ESTA and PLASA on 1 January.

The merger has created one of the largest networks serving the industry worldwide. Operating from regional offices in Europe and North America, PLASA now has a membership of 1100 businesses, organizations and individuals working across the entertainment, events and installation industries, giving it a substantial worldwide industry voice.

The move also greatly strengthens PLASA's position of leadership in the development of industry standards, best practices and skills.

The formal merger represents the first phase of the two associations coming together, and the months ahead will be focused on the further unification of the wider range of projects and initiatives that now sit under the PLASA banner.

In the m

The Netherlands - Yamaha Commercial Audio Europe is to distribute a new line of audio products designed for the contractor installation markets, produced exclusively for the company by Spanish manufacturer, Equipson SA.

Launching at ISE in Amsterdam, which takes place at the city's RAI Centre from 1-3 February, the new WORKproCA series will include a range of ceiling speakers, active and passive wall mount loudspeakers, subwoofers, power amplifiers and mixer amplifiers.

Competitively priced, the WORKproCA range has been targeted to meet the requirements of clients who demand high quality installations while working to tight budgets.

"Our European installation dealers having been asking us for some time to provide them with a range of products to compete in the volume contractor space," says Nick Cook, European marketing director of Yamaha Commercial Audio Europe.

USA - Community Professional Loudspeakers is expanding its VLF Series of subwoofers with the re-introduction of an old favourite at NAMM - the VLF218. In addition to being on display at the Community booth, visitors to NAMM will be able to hear the VLF218 in action as part of the Community system powering the live Wanna Play Stage, which features daily performances outside the arena entrance.

Joining the existing VLF208 and VLF212 models, the newly updated VLF218 is a dual 18-inch subwoofer system with a slim profile and rugged Baltic birch-ply enclosure. With power handling of 1600W continuous (4000W program) and sensitivity of 99dB/W/m, it offers "exceptional punch, high output, and low distortion". Additionally, the drivers may be configured internally to be driven by a single amp (1600W @ 4 ohms) or by dual amplifiers (800W @ 8 ohms each).

The VLF218 uses a combi

France - First inaugurated in November 2000, the centre d'art et de culture in Meudon on the south western outskirts of Paris is an important part of the local cultural landscape. The 495-seat theatre offers a varied programme throughout the year, including cinema, and consequently welcomes over 55,000 spectators annually. After 10 good years, it was deemed necessary to replace the existing APG sound system.

Samuel Songis, production manager at Meudon performing arts and culture centre reports, "We had 10 years of great service from our trusty APG DS15s which were flown in pairs from the proscenium arch. They've always performed exceptionally well, apart from the more 'rock 'n' roll' shows where, it has to be said, they lacked a bit of power and dynamic, especially for the vocals. That said, rock 'n' roll was never meant to be the principal application for DS15s, and they

France - As part of a significant expansion for major French rental company, TH Audio, based in south-western France, the company has recently invested in an Eclipse digital mixing console from Innovason. The move coincides with the purchase of a line array system and associated processing from APG as well as an investment in new premises.

TH Audio's owner, Thierry Avignon, confirms that 2010 was one of their busiest and most successful years to date, and looks forward to more of the same in 2011. "The Eclipse has been out virtually non-stop since the summer on a massive variety of events from major outdoor festivals with tens of thousands of people to traditional indoor concerts and corporate events. It has been a dream to use and has perfomed impeccably every time.

"I was first attracted to the Eclipse because of its ease of use. Nothing has been left to chance on

The Netherlands - Tannoy and Lab.gruppen will be exhibiting alongside each other at the forthcoming Integrated Systems Europe 2011 in Amsterdam, having attended the show separately in previous years, with plans to unveil a major new product range involving both of the professional audio brands.

The new Tannoy loudspeaker range, in the form of VX Series, will be given its international debut at the show, with the full line-up of new cabinets on display including examples of the self-powered variant VXP Series, boasting newly developed integrated Lab.gruppen amplification.

The new range heralds a number of advances in Tannoy's core offering to the pro sound reinforcement market as well as marking the dawn of a ground-breaking collaboration with Lab.gruppen on the self-powered line - the first product of its type to feature both Tannoy and Lab.gruppen technologies, says the compa

UK - Rich Mix, Shoreditch's thriving multi-arts and community centre, is now treating clients to its 450-capacity live room with improved sound reproduction - thanks to the installation of a JBL VRX line array system and Soundcraft Vi1 digital mixing desk.

Occupying an old five-storey industrial building originally used as a clothing factory, the social enterprise Rich Mix originally opened with three cinema screens four and a half years ago, showing world cinema and first run movies.

But far from being purely an art house it started to run events in the bar - and under the supervision of director, Jane Earl, this is one of the activities that has taken off.

Technical manager Glenford Barnes had been far from happy with the previous sound system, the shortcomings of which were exacerbated by the highly reverberant concrete and glass box it found itself in. "We had issue

UK - Brighton Goes Gospel is that city's non-religious community gospel choir, entirely run by volunteers. To mark its 10th anniversary, the choir staged a night of gospel music in the Brighton Dome's Concert Hall before Christmas, a high-spec visual event featuring six cameras and a mix solution using the latest video products from Roland Systems Group.

Led by choir director Karen Gibson, and musical director Jason Thompson, the 180- strong choir was joined by prominent UK gospel singer Beverley Trotman of X-Factor fame and the Kingdom Choir as well as other surprise guests. The highly regarded seven- piece JT Band provided musical accompaniment for an audience of 1400.

Brighton-based video services company As Described handled the three-hour show's visual requirements, providing a live mix of six cameras and pre-recorded video material, relaying the mix to projection screens

Canada - John McArthur, vice president of sales & marketing at PAG Canada has announced that Eric Prevost will be joining the sales team as Quebec sales representative beginning 1 February 2011.

"In mid-December we had a sudden need for an experienced and respected sales representative to oversee Electro-Voice & Bosch (Conferencing & Public Address Systems), so we started our search," McArthur says. "When it became public that we were looking for someone, we were surprised, humbled, and very pleased with the selection of candidates to choose from. We chose Eric, in part, because of his successful track record at Steve's and Solotech and what he recently accomplished with Sennheiser. We are very thrilled to welcome him to our team."

(Jim Evans)

USA - Sensaphonics has announced an upgrade to its dB Check in-ear sound level analyzer. Beginning immediately, the dB Check will be able to check monitor levels for the Shure SE Series of musician earphones. Sensaphonics will have this new version of dB Check on display at the NAMM Show in Anaheim this week.

"Previously, the dB Check was only programmed for Sensaphonics models," notes company president D. Michael Santucci. "But due to consumer requests, we decided to include the new Shure SE Series as well. Now users of both companies' earphones can tell exactly how loud they are monitoring, and how long they can do so safely."

When plugged in between the sound source and earphones, the Sensaphonics dB Check provides a real-time readout of the in-ear sound pressure level (SPL) in dBA, along with the number of minutes of daily exposure under both NIOSH and

Italy - RCF has created a new PR & strategic marketing job function within the company and has appointed Kenneth Bremer to fulfil this role, starting from January 2011.

Bremer will work closely with the marketing team, to keep branding RCF internationally, developing marketing strategies and to keep relationship with all relevant media and to support customers providing them fast product information, and suggestions to invest in professional audio equipment. Bremer will also define the company PR strategy and work closely with company branches .

The strategic marketing role will also support the sales division and research & development department.

Bremer has been working in the professional audio industry for more than 25 years, from retail, distribution and international work. He will be based in RCF headquarters in Italy.

(Jim Evans)

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