UK - "Kids are used to the high production values of Lady Gaga. You can't fob them off with something else." So says Suzi Digby, internationally renowned choral director and conductor explaining her innovative new scheme, Vocal Futures, which she hopes will prove that youngsters from any background can form a life-long bond with classical music.

To prove the point, Vocal Futures recently created their first production, a staged version of Bach's St Matthew Passion performed in Ambika P3 - an old concrete laboratory in the University of Westminster on the Marylebone Road in Central London - featuring actors, singers including opera star Sir Willard White, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment plus 300 young Londoners aged between 16 and 22 who not only attended performances but also recorded a 'virtual choir' for the production.

Tasked with br

The Netherlands - For the second year running and underpinning the technology's appeal, the ISE trade show's Rooms E105 and 106, adjacent to Hall 10 features a 3D Theatre. Having supplied a highly praised system in 2011, Alcons Audio has been invited once again to provide the 3D Theatre's sound system.

The ISE 3D Theatre will feature a daily presentation by Alcons co-founder Tom Back on the company's latest 3D audio technology. Taking place each day, the presentation will demonstrate how Alcons' proprietary pro-ribbon transducer products enhance the 3D experience.

"There is a real upward trend for Digital Cinema and Alcons systems are proving to be very popular," says Back. "With 24-bit resolution and up to 16 channels of non-compressed audio, the demands are much greater in terms of dynamic capabilities, frequency response and transient response."

Alcons

USA - Audinate has announced Dave Anderson as the new director of sales. Anderson brings a very successful career of sales leadership in the professional audio and video industries to his new position. During his 18 years with Avid, Anderson held various sales roles establishing professional audio, video, storage, and asset management technology products in the marketplace.

"I'm thrilled to be joining Audinate." Anderson says. "Audinate is well positioned for significant growth as customers recognize Dante as the market leading solution for digital media networking while de-risking their future by providing a elegant migration path to upgrade to new standards such as the IEEE Audio Video Bridging (AVB)."

Focused primarily on Avid's professional audio business, Anderson aggressively grew sales and helped establish Pro Tools as the market leading solution for

The Netherlands - In addition to presenting an expanding range of products for the professional installation markets, ISE 2012 sees Yamaha is giving a European debut to its new DXR series of active loudspeakers and the new MGP series of audio mixers.

The DXR series comprises four full-range models - the DXR8, DXR10, DXR12 and DXR15.Each features a high-efficiency, 1100W Class D amplifier, providing an SPL of up to 133dB and delivering deep bass, clear mid-range and accurate high frequencies. Further features include FIR-X tuning and D-CONTOUR dynamic multi-band processing.

Suitable for a wide range of applications, including installation in commercial and public premises, churches and schools, the DXR series was designed in conjunction with Nexo.

Also on show will be Yamaha's other ranges of loudspeakers, amplifiers and audio processors, including an array of its MY series I

UK - When Brixton Academy was built in art deco style during the cinema boom of the late 1920s, it never expected to be hosting high-octane rock bands like American supergroup, Chickenfoot (led by former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar).

Within this Grade II-listed building ghosts of its cinema past remain, and the bulging balcony fascia has proved the downfall of many a sound system, returning the fire power off the stage, and bouncing the sound waves back at the band.

But Martin Audio was able to pull off a rare feat when their Multi-cellular Loudspeaker Array (MLA) made its debut there (via Capital Sound). To the amazement of FOH engineer Michael 'Ace' Baker, Martin Audio's Jason Baird and system tech, Mark Edwards, simply notched out this chunk of the coverage pattern in the dedicated optimisation software.

"Chickenfoot is one of the loudest bands that have played th

Reasons To Be Cheerful - The UK music industry is celebrating after the Live Music Bill passed its third reading and report stage in the House Of Commons. The Bill, introduced by Lib Dem Peer Tim Clement-Jones and promoted in the Commons by Bath MP Don Foster, should now proceed to Royal Assent.

As a result, small venues wanting to host live music events will no longer need a local authority entertainment licence - cutting bureaucracy and expense, and making it easier for pubs and clubs to host live performances.

Jo Dipple, acting chief executive of UK Music, the UK commercial music industry's umbrella body, said, "This is a great day for music. The Live Music Bill will make a real and positive difference to lives of musicians. There is no doubt that the current Licensing Act has created needless layers of bureaucracy - making it complicated and expensive for pubs and oth

Spain - D.A.S. Audio has announced the introduction of the Action Series loudspeakers. Available in both active and passive designs, the new Action Series includes a comprehensive collection of models including floor monitors, free standing loudspeakers, and subwoofers that "redefine versatility" for today's musicians and DJs, and they make an equally compelling choice for small A/V and presentation systems, says the company.

The Action Series loudspeaker line includes six models - in both active and passive configurations. These include a dedicated 12" floor monitor (the Action M12 and powered Action M12A) as well as the Action 12 and powered Action 12A. These 2-way, compact models are comprised of a 12" LF transducer and a 1" HF driver.

The Action 12A and M12A are driven by integrated 500 watt RMS power amps with a peak power handling capacity of 100

USA - EAW has announced the appointment of Scott Pizzo to the position of North American sales manager, eastern region. Pizzo was previously part of the EAW team from 2003 through 2008, serving as US sales director among other positions. The announcement was made by Jeff Rocha, EAW president, and reflects EAW's ongoing emphasis on strengthening its sales channels and enhancing its customer relations, says the company.

Rocha states, "Re-hiring Scott is a critical step in strategically growing our internal capabilities. He brings tremendous experience and strong connections to dealers and end users. Plus, he's intimately familiar with the EAW product line, so he can hit the ground running. Having Scott here in the home office will help us keep the sales perspective front-and-centre."

In his new capacity, Pizzo will focus on sales in the eastern half of North America, a

The Netherlands - Since its launch, the compact DiGiCo SD9 has made a significant impact on audio rental and sound reinforcement companies who need a digital console for medium-sized productions. An example is Soundlink, a Dutch audio company whose SD9 has been in constant use since it was purchased a year and a half ago.

Owned by Bas Jansen, Floris Roelfzema and Hugo van Meijeren, Soundlink is based near the town of Roden, just west of Groningen. After five years of providing sound reinforcement as a hobby, in 2008 they turned Soundlink into a full-time business and have not looked back since.

"In the summer of 2010 we were in the market for buying a new analogue console and multicore," says van Meijeren. "We contacted TM Audio in Utrecht and they suggested that we look at digital consoles because of the advantages in size, weight, the convenience of a fibre op

UK - The TXS-646 is the latest addition to the IMG Stage Line range of microphone systems. The multi-frequency unit offers four channels with 1,000 selectable UHF frequencies (672.000-693.975) in banks of 10 groups, each with 100 channels - thus allowing for up to 12 units to be used simultaneously, giving 48 user system.

Neil Clayton, managing director of Monacor UK comments, "The TXS-646 concept was originally launched at the Pro Light & Sound Expo in Frankfurt and was very well received by both existing and new customers alike. We have then taken our time in perfecting the unit and making sure that it lives up to the hype that was originally created. Having now arrived I am pleased to say that it goes above and beyond our initial expectations and offers the market a cost effective way of using a large multi user system."

The TXS-646 features ACT functionality for

UK - Allen & Heath has added two new models to its ZED range of multi-purpose live sound and recording mixers. The new ZED-16FX and ZED-18 each have 10 fully-featured mono channels and three or four dual stereo channels, respectively, fulfilling the demand for increased channel counts in a compact format.

In keeping with the rest of the range, both mixers have a connection for USB send and return for recording, playback and effects. The 10 mono Mic/Line inputs feature Allen & Heath's DuoPre two stage preamp, three-band MusiQ EQ with swept mid frequency, and 100mm faders, all in a compact, rack mountable format. The stereo inputs have 2-band EQ and inputs for extra sources, and there are four auxes accessible from each mono and stereo channel.

Additionally, the ZED-16FX has a built-in FX processor with TAP tempo delay settings and a 24 bit/48kHz conversion rate, with access to

Namibia - Omalaeti is a name that is becoming synonymous with music, events and production in Namibia. The brand's events and rental wing, Omalaeti Events, has recently added more of the versatile HK Audio ConTour Array into their rapidly expanding arsenal of concert audio systems.

The company has contributed to large scale projects in Namibia such as the Mixa Live Concerts, cultural events, various music concerts and also provides technical support at Zoo Park in Windhoek.

Andrew Sorrill, specialist for HK Audio at suppliers Proaudio, says that he is thrilled about Omalaeti's success. "It is exciting to see how these event companies expand from humble beginnings, and we at Proaudio are glad that we are able to contribute in some way toward their growth."

Tawanda Munyawiri, who is the operations manager at Omalaeti Events, has enjoyed HK Audio's product range throu

USA - Meyer Sound's line of self-powered, low-voltage audio solutions has grown with the addition of three new 48-volt, DC-powered loudspeakers that "offer the same exemplary performance as their AC-powered counterparts".

UPM-1XP 48 V DC ultra compact wide-coverage loudspeaker is the low-voltage version of the TEC Award-winning UPM-1P ultra compact three-way loudspeaker. The UPM-1XP is capable of 123 dB peak SPL over an operating frequency range of 75 Hz to 20 kHz.

UP Junior-XP 48 V DC ultra compact VariO loudspeaker combines the distinct advantages of the low-voltage, self-powered concept with the versatility of the VariO constant directivity horn. Within minutes, the 80 x 50-degree pattern can be changed from horizontal to vertical orientation. Power output is 126 dB peak over a 70 Hz to 20 kHz operating range.

UMS-1XP 48 V DC ultra compact subwoofer extends low-

Denmark - Guitarist and producer Peter Brander has left his unmistakable fingerprints on dozens of the most well-known Danish rock classics.

It all started 34 years ago with the Rock Tape studio - a humble facility that quickly became the studio to be at if you wanted the right rock sound. The studio was pure analogue but the studio produced albums with such a clear sound that everyone actually believed that it was digital recordings.

"I have always been very keen in my choice of recording gear and have learnt to get the most out of it. With Rock Tape it was all based on old equipment and a good spirit to tweak it and get the noise away - so it sounded more modern", says Peter Brander.

To step out of the rock image the studio changed its name to Medias Sound Studios and began to upgrade the studio with additional mixing rooms and added a lot of new equipment and di

The Netherlands - Bosch Security Systems will use the platform of the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) exhibition, to showcase its latest products to industry professionals.

As a highlight of the 2012 exhibition, the company will present OMNEO, its new media networking architecture. OMNEO has two components: a media programme transport protocol suite that offers low-latency, high-quality multi-channel media stream exchange and a robust control protocol suite that provides reliable and secure system control for pro media networks of all sizes, from small to intercontinental.

Other highlights include demonstrations of Bosch's voice alarm systems; the Plena Voice Alarm System and the fully digital Praesideo Public Address and Emergency Sound System, which have recently been granted EN 54 certification. Additionally, the integrated ProAudio Public Address and Voice Evacuation Syste

Germany - d&b audiotechnik has announced several new updates for their ArrayCalc simulation software, R1 Remote control software and the R10 Service software as well as a firmware update for the E-PAC amplifier.

The new d&b ArrayCalcV6.7 software available in March 2012 will contain the d&b R1 Remote control software's export function. This function removes the original copy and pasting process of the amplifier settings from the simulation software ArrayCalc to the R1 Remote control software.

It automatically generates a workspace in an R1 project file as well as exporting the amplifier settings to an R1 control settings file. This workflow sequence replaces the manual process entirely. From virtual optimization in the ArrayCalc simulation software to the rapid verification of the simulated settings and the fine adjustment in real life on site, using this d&b software offers a

The Netherlands - Crestron is extending its training programmes and will be launching its first ever consultants' summit at ISE 2012. Catering for the specific needs of the CI consultant, Crestron has tailored the content of this session to reflect the roll consultants play in specifying a control system.

The summit will be held on 31 January form 13.30 - 15.00 in room G109 at the RAI and Crestron will be providing lunch to all attending delegates. The session will cover the latest product offerings from Crestron and how each can contribute to complete integrated solutions for all projects of any size, residential and commercial.

Leading the session will be Fred Bargetzi, VP of technical sales, and Stijn Ooms, director of technology, Europe.

"We are forever taking on board the feedback from the integrators, end users and consultants and following ISE 2011 we recognised

UAE - Each year on 1 December, the United Arab Emirates celebrate their independence. The celebrations were especially lavish in 2011, as 2 December marked the formal 40th anniversary of the coming together of the seven emirates to form the UAE. A comprehensive programme of cultural and sporting events kicked off on 1 December to make this a true jubilee event.

The organisers entrusted responsibility for providing the sound reinforcement at two of the most important functions to Sound On Stage Events. The Dubai-based company was responsible for prestige stage productions in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, where well-known Arab artists performed with ensembles of up to 45 musicians.

The event in the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Centre in the nation's capital drew over 10,000 visitors. The main PA comprised 12 Electro-Voice X-Line line array elements and six Xsubs, whilst 14 XLD281 compact line a

UK - Following 26 action-packed years with stage set fabricators Brilliant Stages, John Gittins has branched out as a consultant offering his design and project management skills on a freelance basis.

Gittins, a qualified engineer and CAD designer, spent his time at Brilliant Stages project managing and designing specialised sets for large-scale tours, cruise ships and events. Originally coming on board to look after the woodwork side, with Tony Bowern on metalwork and Charlie Kail on welding, Gittins experienced every aspect of the industry and, as operations manager, spent the last 10 years running the company with general manager, Tony Bowern.

"It's been a brilliant journey and I have had the opportunity to work on some of the greatest, largest and most technically challenging projects of the last quarter of a century," says Gittins. "I'm now looking forward

Germany - Bosch Security Systems has announced that it now supports the new EASE EVAC speaker simulation software, a high-end package developed by Berlin-based AFMG (Ahnert Feistel Media Group), well-known for the acoustical simulation package EASE. This move spells good news for voice evacuation system designers since it will in future ensure even faster verification and optimization of systems based on Bosch EVAC loudspeakers, says the company.

EASE EVAC enables all acoustics-related quality parameters to be analysed, including the most popular: STI (Speech Transmission Index). This can be done for all Bosch ceiling- and wall-mounted speakers, without any limitations. Simulating a 3D room with different types of speakers is also no longer a time- consuming task and can instead be achieved in just a few mouse clicks.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Flightcase and loudspeaker solutions specialist Penn-Elcom has joined forces with California based Janal Cases - one of their long time valued customers - in a new year long initiative to help raise awareness of breast cancer to celebrate the 25th year of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM).

BCAM is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to all those affected by breast cancer.

Penn Elcom is donating pink grip handles to the initiative, which are being offered - fitted free of charge - on cases ordered by Janal's customers for a donation of any size, starting at $25.00.

Muffie Alejandro from Janal Cases approached Penn-Elcom to be a partn

UK / Australia - Crosspoint Solutions has purchased a Yamaha M7CL-32 digital mixing console, which is currently serving audio aces at the Australian Open tennis championship.

The Hampshire-based company specialises in the provision of temporary production and broadcast facilities for the television industry. A key service is the supply of master control rooms, where multiple signals need to be distributed.

"Our success in this field, and having relationships with many location broadcasters, led to enquires for more specific services," says Crosspoint head Geoff Mann. "In response to this demand, we developed a small 'flyaway' style presentation studio that we take to different events around the world."

The studio normally uses four cameras and a compact, high quality mixing console was needed for the associated audio requirements, including mixed returns

UK - December saw the chance for over 100 up-and-coming bands to reach a potentially huge audience as London's O2 ran its December Sessions music programme, giving music fans the opportunity to enjoy 20 nights of live music at no cost. With Sennheiser equipment featuring on every show, one special performance saw the company unusually embracing the sound of silence.

The December Sessions took place on a specially-constructed stage in the O2's London Piazza and were supported by Sennheiser UK, which also sponsors the nearby British Music Experience. For every performance, the company provided ew 300 G3 GB in-ear monitors and e 604, e 614, e 901, e 902 and e 935 wired mics.

In the first of a series of events organised by innovative live events company Silentgig, for one very special performance, the company supplied SKM 5200 wireless mics with KK 105 heads, KMS 105

Martinique - Formule Teck, one of Martinique's biggest rental companies and a long-standing APG customer, has recently taken delivery of 14 DX15 monitor speakers from APG to add to his already considerable APG inventory. The first outing for the new equipment was the prestigious and now traditional event organized each year by the Tourist Office of the Martiniquan capital Fort de France called Les Boucans de la Baie on 30December. Formule Teck handled all the audio requirements for the concert in the evening which included a full APG PA and monitor system.

Les Boucans de la Baie is a celebration that involves the whole town and culminates in a spectacular fireworks display over the bay and a concert held at La Savane, a beautiful 12-acre park that borders Fort St-Louis overlooking the bay. The concert was given by Mahogany, a well-known Martiniquan orchestra of 18

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