Germany - A new head of sales has been appointed at d&b audiotechnik. Based at the headquarters in Backnang, Germany, Gerhard Mayr takes over from Peter Tongue who has retired after almost 14 years with the company. d&b took the decision to target recruitment beyond the entertainment industry. "Gerhard has skills stretching far outside the familiar toolkit," commented marketing director Simon Johnston.

In the 24 years of his career Mayr has worked with Force Computers (Solectron), Motorola, and most recently Garmin; playing a leading role in developing these brands internationally through engagement with new markets and the reinvention of existing ones, which has also involved spending a considerable amount of his time in Asia. Yet he also possesses traits familiar to d&b and like so many within the company, he once aspired to be a musician and still maintains a passio

USA - CAST is pulling out all the stops for PLASA Focus Stamford with not one, but four new products, plus an educational seminar. PLASA Focus will be held 12-13 November at the Stamford Marriott in Stamford, Connecticut where CAST will be exhibiting in Booth 121 and will demonstrate their newest products, BlackTrax, wysiwyg R29, Vivien 2012 and Vivien Online.

Jim Hutchison, product manager wysiwyg and Vivien, will present the seminar entitled, The Birth, Childhood, and Apparent Adolescence of Lighting Design Technology as part of the PLASA Focus Professional Development Programme. The seminar will be held on Monday, 12 November from 1:30-2:30pm and again on Tuesday, 13 November from 12:30-1:30pm in the Massachusetts Room.

Hutchison's session will take trip through the last 75 years or so of lighting Design technology, from its birth with paper and pencil through the ab

UK - Martin Audio has announced the launch of the latest version of its VU-NET control software for the MLA and MLA Compact Multi-cellular Loudspeaker Array systems.

The new release (VU-NET 1.2.0) represents a major upgrade to the real time control of MLA systems and adds a number of features developed in conjunction with feedback from MLA partners. Added features improve connectivity and a number of key processes including the firmware updater; it also contains bug fixes and a large number of improvements.

With its intuitive graphical interface, VU-NET control software enables MLA arrays to be remotely controlled from a PC or wireless tablet.

U-NET itself is a low latency, redundant ring, fault-tolerant protocol for control and monitoring of data. Up to 254 devices can be linked and controlled by VU-NET and - for even more ambitious systems - VU-NET can control multiple U-N

Australia - The Australian Securities Exchange has simplified and enhanced the way it broadcasts stock information to subscribed traders, replacing an aging analog infrastructure with a new digital announcement system using Barix IP audio products. The upgrade allows ASX Group, the overarching brand responsible for a diverse range of Australian business market service activities, to record and deliver stock announcements to more traders with better efficiency.

ASX Group has gradually transitioned its audio delivery infrastructure from expensive leased line and copper circuit connections to an IP streaming solution. The initial phase added centralized streaming servers to deliver stock announcements to customer locations, where Barix Exstreamer 100 IP audio devices received and decoded announcements for traders.

The latest phase focuses on the central announcement system, repla

UK - Following the success of Broadcast Video Expo's (BVE) inaugural Manchester event, Sennheiser UK heads back to the Manchester Central Arena, where stand E35 will see the company exhibiting its microphones, wireless systems, headphones and monitoring products as well as highlights from its distributed partners including Nagra and new addition Avalon.

Highlights from the Sennheiser stable will be the new MKE 600 shotgun mic, MKH 8090 wide cardioid condenser microphone and its Digital 9000 system, as well as the KH120 studio monitor from sister company, Neumann.

Launched at IBC 2012, Digital 9000 is a digital wireless system that can transmit completely uncompressed audio, artefact-free. Targeting broadcasting professionals, (musical) theatres and high-profile live audio events, Digital 9000 sets a new benchmark in digital wireless transmission. The system, which includes the

UK - The NME Awards event takes place on Wednesday 27 February 2013 at East London venue, Troxy, honouring some of the biggest and best artists today and celebrating the best in new music.

A new venue for 2013's NME Awards, Troxy has a rich music heritage and has become known for hosting some of the hottest live music events in London. The 1930's art deco building, which originally opened as a cinema, still has many of its original features.

NME editor Mike Williams says, "I'm incredibly excited to be able to announce that the NME Awards 2013 will be held at The Troxy, one of London's oldest, coolest and most iconic venues. It's no secret that East London has been buzzing for a few years now, but with the afterglow of the Olympics still burning bright and a renewed sense of pride in all things British, now is the time for the NME Awards - itself a British institution - to

USA - Since its founding in 1891, Holy Spirit Catholic Church has held a special place in the hearts of Philadelphia-area residents. In the early years of the twentieth century, the church forged a reputation as one of the few non-segregated churches and parochial schools in the region.

Dedicated in 1961, Holy Spirit's current sanctuary is a welcoming space, resplendent with ornate woodcarvings, wrought iron, and magnificent stained glass, including perhaps one of the only works commemorating John Fitzgerald Kennedy's inauguration as the country's first Catholic president.

But the same elements that make the sanctuary so beautiful to behold also make it a rather acoustically challenging space. As Tony Albano of Avondale, PA-based Naamans Creek Audio Video explains, the room's configuration is anything but ordinary.

"It's a very different type of room," says Albano.

China - Allen & Heath recently completed an iLive and GLD training roadshow in China, travelling to several key cities. Organised by Allen & Heath's distributor, Sanecore, and delivered by A&H product specialist, Nicola Beretta, the sessions were attended by dealers, sound engineers and Sanecore's technical staff, offering operational training on the iLive and GLD digital mixing systems.

Sanecore has a total of seven offices strategically located in different areas of mainland China and Hong Kong, including Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Xi'an. The offices have spacious, well equipped demo rooms, allowing the roadshow sessions to be hosted on site. Approximately fifty people attended each session, which were also recorded for later use.

"I have had great feedback from our technicians and customers, who all gained insight into Allen & Heath's digital products,&qu

USA - Marquis Broadcast, specialist in content workflows and media integration software, has announced it has donated five copies of X2Pro Audio Convert for use on the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus. X2Pro Audio Convert is Marquis' cutting edge conversion application for delivering Final Cut Pro X projects to Avid Pro Tools for audio finishing. The solution will be used in the state-of-the-art mobile audio and HD video recording and production facility that educates young people in free song-writing and multimedia production workshops across the US and also in Europe from 2013.

"The Bus, which has travelled the US for the past 15 years, visiting schools, musical and technology conferences and events, is only made possible through the generosity of its various sponsors, " confirms Chris Steele, product manager, Marquis Broadcast. "We have been delighted to contri

USA - Behringer has announced a major collaboration with sister-company Klark Teknik in the development of its new XENYX QX Series mixers. The eight new models feature custom-designed FX engines from Klark Teknik with 32 studio-grade presets, dual addressable parameters, Tap function and storable user settings, plus "wireless-ready" integration with Behringer's upcoming ULM Series digital wireless microphones.

With configurations ranging from 10 to 24 inputs, QX Series mixers feature Behringer's XENYX mic preamps, 'one-knob' mono channel compressors, built-in USB/audio interfaces, +48 V phantom power and 'British' three-band EQs, which provide warm and musical sound shaping across a broad tonal spectrum.

XENYX QX Series USB mixers are designed for all live sound, recording and podcasting applications and "are affordable even for those on a tight budget". As

UK - It would be difficult to imagine a more high profile launch for a new loudspeaker system than a highly prestigious event at London's Royal Albert Hall, in front of over 10,000 paying guests across two performances. This was exactly what UK loudspeaker manufacturer EM Acoustics did when they debuted their HALO Compact line array for the UK premiere of Disney's Fantasia live in concert with the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Sound By Design is the preferred audio supplier for the Royal Albert Hall and a company that enjoys a long-standing relationship with EM Acoustics. As the company responsible for the live sound for the BBC Proms season, along with countless orchestral shows in the venue, they brought in renowned classical sound engineer Phil Wright, who specialises in mixing large scale classical events and musical theatre, and who mixed this event on a DiGiCo SD5.

UK - After considering all the possible contenders, sound engineer Roger Lindsay decided the Midas XL8 console was the appropriate front-of-house mixing console to address and match the complex demands of the recent sell-out arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar.

With a 10-piece live band and over 40 vocalists, all individually mic'd, Lindsay required a console that not only offered a high channel count but also gave him maximum direct control of parameters at console surface level.

The complex musical direction and dynamic pace presented a real challenge, even for a seasoned live engineer like Lindsay. "From start to finish there's no time to relax with so much going on. The way a Lloyd-Webber rock musical works in an arena environment is very different to a conventional band with just a few live vocals. We're running around 50 channels for the band, which is not e

UK - Tascam has introduced the DP-32 - a 32-track digital Portastudio with solid-state recording, a colour LCD display and channel strip controls to make recordings simple and easy so that the user can remain creative.

Designed for either individuals or bands, up to eight tracks can be recorded at a time through its combination XLR andquarter-inch combo jacks on a standard SD/SDHC memory card. Input processing like compression and limiting, an internal send effect with reverb, delay and chorus, guitar amp simulation and multi-effects for use with the instrument-level input as well as an external effects send are available during recording.

For mixdown, the DP-32 offers 20 channel faders and 12 rotary controls for EQ, Pan and effects including reverb and chorus. During the mastering process, the material can be further optimised with EQ, compression and normalisation. Once fini

UK - NL Productions has just come off site at the 2012 Enchanted Forest in Faskally Wood, Pitlochry, after providing the technical installation and support for the event for the third year running.

The annual event, which has just completed its tenth year, attracts tens of thousands of visitors and consistently beats its own box office record year on year. NL Productions - the events arm of leading installer Northern Light - provided the full technical installation of temporary sound and lighting equipment in the forest to meet the event design created by Simon Wilkinson (lighting) and R J McConnell (sound).

Further design work for the event was provided by Dundee-based visual artists Dalziel + Scullion, who provided illuminated wire and Spandex sculptures for the 'Pollen' area of the event, as well as neon sculptures within the 'Dialect of Leaves' area.

Phil O'Halloran, hea

Germany - For any decision maker, hearing the information that is being presented to you is of paramount importance, and thanks to Tannoy's QFlex, district delegates in the town hall of Mid-Berlin are now hearing that information clearer than ever before.

The main hall where meetings are held previously suffered from relatively high reverberation times, with large windows and solid surfaces leading to poor intelligibility for members. The administrative office issued a mandate to consultants Akustikbüro Krämer & Stegmaier GmbH, whose job it was to find a solution to the problem.

Krämer & Stegmaier knew that digital beam-steering would solve the issue at the Mid-Berlin town hall, and were contemplating using a particular brand that they had tried before. They were then approached by Gerd Thielemann (general manager & project engineer from Systemintegration Berlin

USA - James River Assembly (JRA) is among the first venues in the United States to take delivery and install one of DiGiCo's new SD5 consoles. Taking advantage of a limited-time 'Trade Up' offer from US distributor Group One Limited - and working through Special Event Services (SES)-the 12,000-member House of Worship in Springfield, Missouri, traded up their outdated large-format digital console with credit toward the purchase of two SD5s, plus an SD10 to accommodate its growing congregation.

JRA's audio director Stephen Maddox selected the SD5 for the main campus FOH after seeing its debut at the 2012 InfoComm show, adding an SD10 for monitors. An additional SD5 was purchased for FOH at the West Campus with technical engineer Brian Roggow overseeing the installation there. JRA pulled the old consoles-which freed up loads of space-after a Sunday morning service and had the DiGiC

Australia - Glenn Campbell of Seven Year Itch Entertainment & Productions is a performer/vocalist and entertainment agent/consultant to the music industry, focusing mainly on the supply of quality concept and tribute shows to venues nationwide. He can also supply full production for any type of function or event.

For several years Campbell has been using a Shure PSM 400 Personal Monitor System, which he has been more than happy with, but recently he upgraded to the Shure PSM 900 Wireless Personal Monitor System for a variety of reasons.

"Firstly, it looks like the PSM 400 system will be obsolete by the end of 2013 due to the frequency reallocation for digital TV and such," he said. "Also, the PSM 900 is a big step forward in quality particularly the sound quality which is very noticeable. Sonically, it's crisp and clear."

In addition to PSM 900's superior

USA - Aphex has recently debuted its new 500 Series modules. The 500 Series now includes six models: J PRE 500 Mic Pre; EQF 500 Parametric Equalizer; DUAL RPA 500 Mic Pre; A PRE 500 Mic Pre; the COMP 500 Optical Compressor; and the acclaimed, previously unveiled EX•BB 500 Aural Exciter/Big Bottom module. All benefit from the portable and convenient 500 Series format and Aphex sound.

The J PRE 500 mic pre is inspired by the flagship Aphex 1788A remote controlled preamp. They both have the same Jensen JT11K8 nickel input Transformer and Aphex patented Mic Limiter technology. Designed to provide no-compromise audio quality in the convenient 500 series format, the J PRE 500 also features a Jensen JT-11DL nickel output-balancing transformer.

The EQF 500 reissue is a modern take on the classic Aphex EQF-2 500 series three-band equalizer, originally introduced in the 1980s. With

USA - Audio-Technica is launching its flagship 50 Series of elite studio microphones with the AT5040 Cardioid Condenser Microphone. A-T's "ultimate studio vocal microphone", the hand-built AT5040 side-address condenser offers "remarkably musical high-fidelity performance, with profound realism and depth, presence and purity of sound".

Featuring a proprietary breakthrough element design, the AT5040 employs four ultra-thin (2 micron) rectangular diaphragms that function together providing combined surface area unachievable in a standard round diaphragm. Designed as a first-choice vocal microphone with smooth top end and controlled sibilance, the AT5040's large-diaphragm characteristics and fast transient response also make it ideal for recording acoustic instruments such as piano, guitar, strings, and saxophone, says the company.

The first of A-T's design cri

UK - Liverpool-based rental and technical solutions provider Adlib is expanding its new training facilities to offer yet more opportunities for manufacturers, distributors, suppliers - and anyone interesting in industry related training - needing a purpose-designed space and a well-connected location to stage seminars, workshops and hands-on demonstrations.

Regular training events taking place throughout the year, on average one every two to three weeks, have been such a success that Adlib intends to step this up in 2013.

Those already taking advantage include premium brands L-Acoustics, Coda Audio, Sound Technology, Shure, Digico, Martin Professional, Avolites, grandMA & Chauvet.

ADLIB officially inaugurated its new 50,000sq.ft warehouse facility at the start of 2012, complete with a purpose built area dedicated to training.

It has been the long term brain-child of Adlib

Germany / UK - Steinberg Media Technologies has announced that it is establishing an R&D centre in London to focus on developing software for the music notation and education markets.

Marketing director at Steinberg, Frank Simmerlein, comments,"Steinberg has a good standing in both the education and composing markets, but we've always believed that these markets and its customers deserve the best support we can give. Therefore we are more than delighted to have found the perfect team of extremely talented and experienced individuals to make this possible in the foreseeable future."

Ben Timms, head of Steinberg's new London-based R&D team, remarks, "I'm delighted and proud that we are becoming part of the Steinberg family. Our collective expertise combined with Steinberg's world-leading products and technologies can only mean exciting things for the customers.&qu

Cape Town Tragedy - A woman died, and 19 others were injured, after scaffolding collapsed outside a Linkin Park concert in Cape Town, South Africa. The temporary scaffolding outside Green Point stadium came down in high winds just before the concert last Wednesday.

A statement from the band expressed "deep sadness and concern for those injured and our heartfelt condolences to the family of the fan who died". The concert went ahead, with the band only learning of the death afterwards.

Theatre News - St George's Theatre in Great Yarmouth has reopened after an £8m refurbishment, having been beset by months of construction delays and the relocation of several shows. The 300-seat venue, located within a 16th-century chapel, launched its preview season last week after Great Yarmouth Borough Council handed over the lease of the premises to the St George's Arts

UAE - Nicolas Kyvernitis Electronics Enterprises, distributors of ClearCom in the United Arab Emirates for the live sound market segment have recently supplied the Tempest wireless intercom system to Dubai based, SLS Productions. The company now complements their existing two-wire systems from the Encore range of ClearCom to provide a flexible and sophisticated communication solution for their various high profile events.

"ClearCom's Tempest system is the most sought after wireless intercom solution for high profile concerts, events and production applications where remote monitoring and control as well as clear two way communication is necessary," commented Chicco Hiranandani, business development manager at NMK.

(Jim Evans)

Belgium - Merging Technologies has announced that from 1 November 2012, Amptec bvba has assumed distribution responsibilities for the Belgian market. Amptec has offices in Netherlands as well but the distribution in that country remains with Maarten Sound & Vision, a Merging partner of many years' standing.

Amptec is well known in the installation sector but is also a significant supplier to the broadcast and recording markets. This profile fits the Merging product range very well and mirrors the changing product mix coming from the famous Swiss brand,says the company.

This change brings to an end a partnership with Puretec which has withdrawn from professional audio. Amptec handles a wide range of other brands including RAVENNA partners Lawo and Innovason.

Commenting on the change, Chris Hollebone, Merging's distribution sales manager stated, "Merging is excited to be

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