UK Cliff Richard tribute artist Jimmy Jemain has boosted his live sound with the purchase of an HK Audio L.U.C.A.S Alpha PA system. Jemain, who is also known as The Shadow Of Cliff has been performing the hits of Sir Cliff and The Shadows for more than 20 years.

Featuring a 1200-Watt subwoofer and two 400-watt satellites, L.U.C.A.S Alpha weighs in at a comparatively light 96kg but has all the power of a big rig setup. This is suitable for Jemain's act, as he performs variously with a band and as a solo singer to backing tracks.

"The power and clarity from the L.U.C.A.S Alpha is incredible - a real step up from the system we were using and, amazingly, in a much more manageable package," says Jemain. The system was supplied by HK Audio 'Concert Sound Partner' Arranpaul Audio. in Blackpool.

(Jim Evans)

Germany - The Mainzer Dom (Mainz Roman Catholic Cathedral) in Germany, one of the most historically important buildings in Western Europe, has undergone a complete audio visual refit.

The sound system which served it so well for the past 30 years was recently decommissioned and a new infrastructure designed and specified by media consultant, Rolf Mayer of Bischofsheim-based IFB Consulting. The audio network was based on a QSC digital Q-Sys platform.

Over 1000-years-old, this Romanesque Cathedral - with its striking red fascia which dominates the Mainz skyline - spans a length of 116m, while the ceiling height ranges between 28 and 54m.. From an acoustics perspective this produces an extraordinarily long reverberation time of up to 12 seconds - not an insignificant challenge to overcome.

In providing superior audio in an environment for congregations of up to 4,000 people, He

Germany - Wireless Solution Sweden was hard to miss at Prolight + Sound 2011 in Frankfurt. Besides a prominent stand as part of Lightpower Village, W-DMX could be found at a plethora of OEM partners displaying products offering W-DMX as either standard or option.

One of the newest OEM partners displaying W-DMX enabled products was Philips Vari*Lite, which offers optional W-DMX on the VL440, VL770, VL880, VL400 and the VLX3. The fixtures offer various lighting options with flexibility and "green" options in these new wireless products.

In addition, Antari was showing its W-Series of W-515, W-530 and X310 Pro Series professional fog machines. Laserworld showed its SwissLas, Purelight, Purelight Blue Beam, Moving Head and Revolution product series, which offer W-DMX as standard.

Other OEM partners exhibiting included A & O, Chroma-Q, DTS, JB Lighting, Pulsar, PR Light

USA - The digital and networked audio specialist, Digigram, has announced that their Aqonda EtherSound stageboxes are now remotely controllable via Soundcraft and Studer digital consoles, as well as Innovason and Yamaha.

Building on the success of Digigram's original EtherSound audio bridges, these 'latest generation' devices are capable of converting up to 16 analogue signals into as many EtherSound channels and vice versa (extracting EtherSound channel to analogue outputs). Furthermore, both Aqonda units (8-in/8-out or 16-in/16-out) offer high end switchable mic/line inputs, Neutrik connectors and state-of-the-art preamps for uncompromised Digigram audio quality throughout.

In addition to their remote control capabilities, Aqonda devices are the first in the world to be ES-Giga ready (EtherSound 2 x 256 channel count plus additional network and control capabilities). Time an

Italy - In early June, at a seminar hosted by TC Electronic, some of the most respected audio authorities - including George Massenburg and Bob Katz - gather in Rome, Italy, to share their thoughts and experiences regarding mixing, mastering and broadcasting.

The first day of the seminar will focus on post-production, while the second day will concentrate on professional broadcasting and particularly the radical changes happening in production and distribution of broadcast, film and music as a consequence of new ITU and EBU standards.

For example, the groundbreaking and comprehensive EBU R128 loudness recommendation is investigated from a multitude of angles, while only a few weeks earlier, ITU's loudness standard, BS.1770, will have been updated. The consequences of BS.1770-2 will also be evaluated and put into practical perspective.

TC Electronic Audio Seminar takes place

Italy - Three of Italy's leading audio, lighting and staging rental companies have joined forces to create All Access - and have opened their account by making a massive investment in Martin Audio's Multi-cellular Loudspeaker Array (MLA).

The three companies involved are Fumasoli Service from Aosta (Valle D'Aosta), Electra Service. from Mantova (Lombardia) and Amandla Production (from Lucca Toscana). The founding partners decided to form All Access during the first demo of the MLA, organised by Audiosales, the Martin Audio distributor in Italy, following their reaction to the system.

Since the three companies have always used Martin Audio's systems - from the old modular system, to the RS800, the F1, the W8, the W8L Longbow, the W8LC and the W8LM - the recommendation had been proposed by head of Audiosales, Stefano Rocchi, who could see the synergies that could be exploited.

UK - Entec Sound moved into London's Royal Albert Hall for the seven-day run of 2011 Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) shows, which kicked off with a comedy night on the Monday, followed by a mix of music for the rest of the week, headlined by Squeeze, Biffy Clyro, Roger Daltrey, Beady Eye, The Editors and Tiny Tempah.

The event is now in its 11th year, and Entec has serviced it right from the start. For the last four years, they have used a similar d&b sound system, which is designed by systems tech Liam Halpin, and refined, fine-tuned and tweaked slightly each time they work in the venue.

Halpin was also crew chief, and worked alongside a core Entec crew of four engineers - Matt Butcher (looking after FOH), Mark Ellis-Cope (monitors), Adam Draper (patch) and James Kerridge (stage technician), with the event project managed in the office by Entec's head of sound, Dick Hayes.

The '

Germany - Palmer has introduced Grand Audition billed as "an innovative and unprecedented unit for comparing different active and passive speakers and subwoofers at the push of a button".

One unit allows you to switch between 10 pairs of speakers and four subwoofers, and has the ability to mix active and passive speakers. The units can be cascaded to enable switching between up to 40 pairs of speakers and 16 subwoofers.

The remote control offers a switchable low pass filter for the subwoofers as well as dim and mute functions. All outputs are galvanically isolated and balanced and each output level can be adjusted by ± 12dB. In addition the unit provides connectors on the rear for optional display LEDs which can be placed on top of or next to the speakers to indicate which one is selected. All inputs and outputs are equipped with XLR connectors, the passive speaker

UK - MSL Professional has been appointed as exclusive distributor of TL Audio products in the UK and Ireland. The West London-based company adds TL Audio's Ivory, Classic and Ebony series of valve processors in addition to the professional VTC, M4 and M1-F valve mixing consoles to its developing distribution portfolio.

During its 21-year history, the TL Audio brand has become associated with quality valve technology and the classic British sound. TL Audio products are currently in use with many high-profile artists, producers and engineers working in a wide range of genres.

"We are delighted to have the opportunity of working with TL Audio" says MSL company director Simon Lowther. "Many people are finding that true valve technology adds back that missing something to the recording chain, and TL Audio is a fantastic brand with a range of great products."

T

UK - TOA Europe is showing a host of mixing and audio product innovations for the first time in the UK at PLASA Focus: Leesds 2011.

"Fresh from exhibiting at ProLight+Sound, Plasa Focus: Leeds 2011 is the type of event that audio technicians and specialists attend to find out more about the latest audio innovations for current and upcoming projects. TOA is be there in force to answer their every need or question related to audio-mixing," says Brett Downing, sales and marketing director at TOA Europe.

First in line is TOA's M-633D digital mixer, which is designed for handling demanding acoustic commercial spaces producing clear, intelligible and distortion-free audio. It's simple to use even by the most unskilled operator, says the company.

It has an Automatic Resonance Control function that identifies room mode frequencies and applies an inverse response curve to t

UK - Putting the focus squarely on the past, present and future of radio microphone frequency wavebands, Trantec comes to PLASA Focus: Leeds 2011 this week with their new Channel 38 dedicated UHF radio product range.

This includes the new and more affordable S5 series which is packed with a powerful feature-set allowing up to 24-channels to operate simultaneously. The S4.16 will also be demonstrated as an entry level 8-channel system.

"Trantec has been manufacturing wireless systems for over 20 years and we were the first UK company to have a Channel 38 product available on the market. It's only natural that we show our latest innovation at PLASA Focus: 2011," says Mark Parkhouse, head of sales and marketing at Trantec. "These products underline Trantec's commitment to ensuring customers have a future-proof solution once Ofcom phases out Channel 69 for wireless

UK At PLASA Focus Leeds, John Hornby Skewes & Co (S-C12) is showing the new HK Audio Soundcaddy One, billed as "the world's fastest PA system". With integrated handles, built in wheels, and edge guards for fast, safe transport, Soundcaddy One is easy to move from home to the venue, and setup is even simpler: just extend the mid-/high-unit pneumatically, connect the signal sources to the integrated four-channel mixing console, and the system is ready to go, says the company.

Featuring six custom broad band speakers in vertical array, Soundcaddy One offers "all the superior benefits of a line array". Its 70° horizontal coverage pattern spreads sound evenly throughout the audience area.

The on-board subwoofer is loaded with three 6" woofers that provide the underpinning for the lower frequency range. And with all that, Soundcaddy One renders speech an

France - Innovason has unveiled the latest incarnation of its successful Eclipse digital mixing console, Eclipse GT. Sporting a new look and an optimized feature set for exactly the same price as its predecessor, Eclipse GT sets a new standard for engineers in terms of what they can expect from - and achieve with - a compact mixing console, says the company.

The look of the Eclipse GT has changed considerably with the integration of a few practical features like a side rail to facilitate moving and carrying, as well as some sophisticated aesthetic touches like the red LEDs in the side-cheeks (which may be switched off if necessary) and the signature Innovason red trackball reflecting the new company image that was first revealed at PL+S last year.

Another major change is the 'feel' of the console from an operator's point of view. All of the knobs and faders have been especiall

Czech Republic - L-Acoustics has announced the appointment of two new K1/Kudo rental network agents in the Czech Republic, T-Servis and High Lite Touring. Both companies, who already own substantial V-DOSC and dV-DOSC WST line source systems, have each added a K1/Kudo system and K1-SB subwoofers to their inventories.

The addition of these K1/Kudo systems to the Czech market emphasises the importance of the live sound reinforcement segment in this deceivingly small territory. The Czech Republic has a very strong musical tradition, and holds a large number of large-scale music events and open air festivals annually. Furthermore, its Central European location means that most European tours pass the Czech Republic.

Dan Krcmar, director of L-Acoustics' distributor for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Pro Music, comments, "We are excited to see two of our clients investing in t

UK - Mark Millar has joined Tannoy's expanding marketing team, based at the UK-based company's headquarters in Coatbridge, on the outskirts of Glasgow.

Millar will "bring new capabilities and added bandwidth" to the team under the remit of communications manager Mark Flanagan, pursing related editorial and media opportunities for Tannoy, as well as sister brands Lab.gruppen and Lake.

Having worked in magazine journalism at senior editorial level for over 10 years, Millar brings to his new role a wealth of experience within the music and audio press sector.

(Jim Evans)

UK - HK Audio's Elements system provided the PA for the Education and Learning programme sessions at PLASA Focus 2011 in Leeds.

Elements' compact size and surprising power means that only one E110SA active sub and two E435 tops were required per side of the stage in order to provide top quality sound for the numerous speeches and presentations.

Neville Raine, JHS's pro audio sales manager (North), said, "Elements has been working great - it has consistently provided a very clear, intelligible sound for all the sessions. The PLASA show has been massive for us. It's certainly been busier than last year, with a steady stream of people coming and enjoying the JHS stand."

(Jim Evans)

Germany - Think Abele reports a positive reaction to from its at this year's Prolight+Sound trade fair in Frankfurt.

Thomas Abele, who together with his brother, Andrew Abele, founded the company that counts among its top-selling products the kinetic solutions from Movecat, comments, "The year has got off to a tremendous start for Think Abele, bringing us among other things the biggest single order for Movecat equipment since the company was founded.

"The rigging company Stage Kinetik is using our kinetic systems for the Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf. Also at the Prolight + Sound 2011 we sensed a strong demand for our equipment and were able set in motion some very profitable transactions. The foundation for these was primarily the sophisticated functionality and BGV C1 and SIL3 safety features of the kinetic equipment from Movecat.

"The fact in parti

UAE - Three leading pro audio brands are set to hold a special one-day seminar for invited guests ahead of this year's PALME Middle East show in Dubai.

This invitation-only event is aimed at audio professionals throughout the region with an active involvement in the installed sound market or touring and live sector, with the intention of introducing the latest product innovations from the TC Group's pro audio brands; namely Tannoy, Lab.gruppen and Lake. Additionally, representatives from Biamp Systems will also be on hand to present some of their industry-leading DSP products for the install market.

Delegates will find out about the recent developments and enhanced capabilities of key product solutions within the install and touring markets, such as Tannoy's QFlex, Lab.gruppen's PLM Series of Powered Loudspeaker Management systems and Lake's LM 26 Digital Audio Loudspeaker Pro

UK - Orbital Sound is setting out its easiHire stall at ABTT 2011 (Royal Horticultural Hall, London, 15-16 June). The easiHire online service is designed to provide 24/7 access to all the information needed to put together a rental quotation, providing the ideal tools for professional and non-professional users alike.

All items are fully detailed with complete specifications and photographs, providing amateur dramatic and education users, as well as seasoned professionals, with comprehensive product information, detailed budget guides and convenient planning tools, Orbital's easiHire delivers fast, simple product selection across individual components or complete systems.

Orbital's newest recruit, rental desk assistant Lucy Jenkins, will be on hand alongside rental manager Phil Dormer to demonstrate easiHire at ABTT.

(Jim Evans)

Israel - The recent upgrade to a Meyer Sound UltraSeries loudspeaker system transformed Jerusalem's Gerard Bechar Centre into a prime multipurpose venue to support its wide-ranging calendar of performances and community events.

"The old system was barely adequate for lectures," says Harel Tabibi, the Jerusalem-based independent audio consultant who designed the system. "For most performances, they had to hire outside sound companies to bring in equipment for the show. It was a situation that was not economically viable and often involved compromises in sound quality."

Since installation, the Meyer Sound loudspeakers have ably supported everything from community meetings and dance recitals to live theatre and rock concerts. "After a theatre show and eight concert performances using the new system, the comments from artists and sound engineers have been

Bahamas - Señor Frogs in Nassau has a new sound system drawn from the catalogue of D.A.S. Audio.

Chester Williamson is technical director at Señor Frogs and oversees all aspects of audio and video at the popular establishment. Señor Frogs recently completed a substantial upgrade to its sound reinforcement system. Coordinated by Williamson in conjunction with GC Pro (Guitar Center Professional Division) and D.A.S. Audio of America, the new sound system incorporates a combination of D.A.S. Audio Aero 8A ultra-compact, two-way line array modules, LX-218CA high performance, powered subwoofers, and the Artec 26 2-way passive loudspeakers. Williamson discussed the challenges of the project.

"Our establishment has a very open design," explained Williamson. "On one half of the complex, we have the nightclub, where the house band and DJ perform from a stage that is c

Switzerland - The Palazzo dei Congressi convention centre in the southern Swiss city of Lugano is one of the region's primary business assets. It also acts as a cultural focus, hosting classical concerts and dance performances. The venue has just had a new Yamaha and Nexo audio system installed, which will allow it to host a much wider range of events.

The venue has a 1150-capacity main auditorium (Hall A), with a second (Hall B) that can be divided into three separate rooms for different kinds of function.

Camorino-based Electronic Studio SA won the contract to supply a new system, which was required to be high quality, extremely flexible and straightforward to use. It was also required to be expandable, for possible future needs and to allow for interconnection with other areas of the centre and for possible broadcast use, etc. To achieve this demanding brief, audio consulta

Australia - ARX has announced the release of their new BSX 16 1 or 2 in, 16 out transformer isolated active broadcast splitter.

ARX managing director Colin Park says, "ARX consulted a wide range of our existing broadcast users when developing the new BSX16 broadcast splitter.

"ARX's design team concluded the BSX 16 would be an ultra low noise 16 output active press/broadcast splitter with full transformer isolation to eliminate the introduction of extraneous noise and ground loops. Suitable for Radio, Condenser & Dynamic Microphones the BSX 16 also features Dual inputs with individual Gain and Level controls and Dual Loop Outputs and switchable 48V phantom power.

"Differing output signal level requirements for the variety of media recording devices now being used are catered for by channels 9 - 16 featuring switchable mic or line levels, allowing the BSX 16 to

Slovenia - Also known as the 100 Gypsy Violins, the Budapest Gypsy Symphony Orchestra from Hungary recently delivered an astonishing performance in Slovenian capitol of Ljubljana. The count of performers on stage was astonishing - almost 60 violins and ten double basses, violas, cellos, clarinets and cybaloms - a traditional Hungarian instrument.

The concert was made possible through the recent renovation of the sound system within the Arena Stozice. The largest of its kind in Slovenia, the multi-purpose indoor arena is usually used for basketball, handball and volleyball games. The Arena Stozice is also designed to host cultural events alongside these sporting events.

The PA system in the Arena Stozice ¬- a space not known for being the Holy Grail of acoustics - was implemented by Slovenia's largest Electro-Voice rental company, Akustika Primozic of Ljubljana. "While pl

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