USA / UK - Electrosonic reports that March 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the company's founding. In 1964 the company started with two rooms in London's Greenwich vegetable market. Five decades later, Electrosonic is an international, multi-million dollar business with headquarters in Burbank, California, and offices worldwide.

Electrosonic's story is complex but in many ways it parallels the history of audio-visual technology, and provides a window into how the industry and its services and products have changed.

Founded by Denis Naisbitt, Michael Ray and Robert Simpson, the company opened with the strapline "Electronic Control and Audio Systems". From the start, Electrosonic combined the manufacturing and selling of products with the building of complete engineered systems. Key product categories included electronic lighting control, multi-image slide projectio

South Africa - Stage Audio Works Technology and Engineering Group has established itself firmly, not only on the South African horizon, but also within the African continent. Building on this maxim, the company has announced the acquisition of Event Technology Namibia, a long-standing sales partner, resulting in the opening of the Southern African office based in Windhoek.

The 1350sq.m warehouse and office space will service customers across Namibia, Angola, Zambia and other neighbouring countries, offering quicker access to stock of a diverse product range, support, product service, training and much more.

Commenting on the new office, branch manager Joppie Maritz, said, "Setting up our new office in Namibia underpins our commitment to the territory. The new office will offer demonstration and training facilities and a diverse inventory ready for same-day dispatch."

UK - A collaborative event industry skills initiative, formed in 2010 by Delta Sound and White Light, welcomes Metro Broadcast and The Royal Albert Hall to the 2014 undergraduate programme. The growing initiative is an educational programme for stage technicians at the UK's leading universities and theatre schools aiming for a career in live events. The initiative helps prepare students for work and provides an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the industry offering advice on production planning, project management, creating a CV and interview tips.

The initiative reaches out to students of RADA, Central School of Speech and Drama, Academy of Live and Recorded Arts, Mountview Academy, Rose Bruford College and the Guildford School of Acting.

This project was originally created by Delta Sound's projects director Lee Dennison, and Head of Events at White Light, Stuart Cr

Europe - In response to growing industry demand, PLASA Events Ltd has announced that two new PLASA Focus events will take place in Europe during 2014.

The first of these new events - and the first PLASA Focus to be staged in mainland Europe - will take place this summer, when PLASA Focus: Brussels open its doors in the heart of Belgium's capital city, on 1-2 July. PLASA Events reports that initial interest from exhibitors has been very positive, with over 30 companies already applying for space in Brussels, including brands such as ADJ, Chauvet, d&b audiotechnik, Robe and Shure.

Having introduced the successful PLASA Focus event model in Leeds, UK, in 2009 and subsequently in various cities across North America, PLASA has long been aware of the market's desire for more of this type of event in Europe. The BeNeLux region was one of the first to be considered for a regional mark

Belgium - Antwerp-based Revolution Event Support is one of Belgium's leading production companies, supplying sound, lighting and stage design to many of the country's best-known artists. Recently the company bought a pair of Yamaha CL5 digital mixing consoles to ensure its clients enjoy state-of-the-art sound.

Founded by Bart Faut 20 years ago, Revolution is run by Bart along with around 20 freelance staff. Supplying systems for both national and international shows, the company has built up a roster of regular clients who appreciate Revolution's commitment to quality and reliability.

As a longtime user of Yamaha audio products, Bart's inventory includes M7CL, O1V96, PM3500 consoles and Nexo PA speakers. But with touring productions becoming increasingly sophisticated, more inputs and outputs were needed. Revolution therefore purchased two CL5 consoles, along with two Rio3224-

USA - Mackie has announced the release of Master Fader 2.1, the primary control app for Mackie DL Series Digital Live Sound Mixers. Master Fader v2.1 delivers new features that appeal to the professional user, including enhanced output processing.

"With 1.5m shows mixed using DL Series mixers, we wanted to focus on features that our pro users would appreciate," commented Ben Olswang, Mackie product manager. "So we added new, powerful output processing that replaces expensive outboard system processors."

Drawing from user requests, Master Fader v2.1 features a four-band parametric EQ (PEQ) on all outputs. This new EQ works in parallel with the current 31-band GEQ to give users even more control over their outputs. The new PEQ also includes separate high-pass and low-pass filters with variable slope control. Also new to each output is alignment delay. With up

UK - Shure Distribution UK (SDUK), distributors for QSC products in the UK, recently supplied a QSC Q-Sys audio management system to RG Jones Sound Engineering for use in the renowned Serpentine Gallery's new art space in Central London, the Serpentine Sackler Gallery.

Like the original gallery, the Sackler sits next to the Serpentine lake from which both venues take their name, but the newer gallery, which opened in Autumn 2013, is on the north side of the bridge and is envisaged as a space for the display of cutting-edge works that will complement and contrast with those on view in the original gallery.

The Magazine, as the building now housing the Serpentine Sackler is called, a former gunpowder store dating from the Napoleonic Wars, was comprehensively refurbished from 2009 to 2013 by a team led by Zaha Hadid Architects, following many decades as a humble store for park ma

Germany - Adamson Systems has announced new E12/E218 touring packages ideal for touring and rental houses that need system flexibility, fast setup/teardown and the most powerful mid-high performance in a 12" line array available in the world.

"The E12/E218 combination is ideal for sound companies looking for a flexible line array and subwoofer that can work for an act moving from a theatre to an arena to an outdoor festival," explains James Oliver, director of marketing and sales for Adamson. "We've designed the system so it can be used in front of 20,000 one night and in an intimate theatre setting the next.

"Both the new E12 and E218 have extremely efficient power handling which allows us to minimize the footprint on the stage and reduce the total cost for the end user," he adds. "There isn't a more flexible product in the world of line arr

Canada - Located near Saint John, New Brunswick, the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station, which began operating in 1983, has been redesigned to meet all current nuclear facility standards. This included upgrades to its life safety systems and a plant-wide public address system completed by Backman Vidcom using Community loudspeakers for the outdoor and large indoor areas of the site.

Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Backman Vidcom is a leading specialist in commercial audiovisual design, integration and service in the Atlantic Provinces. Backman Vidcom's audio division manager, Steve O'Rourke, commented, "Since 9/11 there has been a real focus on life safety systems. Along with security, fire protection and rescue systems, the PA system plays a vital role in plant safety. In an emergency situation, the ability to hear announcements and alerts clearly can be a matter of l

Germany - Danley Sound Labs, manufacturer of innovative loudspeakers and subwoofers, will be at booth 8.0N60 (Hall 8.0, Booth N60) at Pro Light & Sound in Frankfurt. As Danley approaches its tenth year in business, its solid foundation in the house of worship and theatremarkets has expanded exponentially into the arena and stadium markets with the introduction of the Danley Genesis and Jericho horns, which deliver line array coverage from point-source designs.

To support and sustain that growth, Danley is seeking international dealers and distributors in several key locations to join its team. Interested parties should either contact Jonathan "J.P." Parker, director of sales, and Chad Edwardson, applications engineer, or meet them at Pro Light & Sound.

"Although we have many areas of the world covered, there are still numerous holes in Danley's global dealer and

UK - Liverpool based Adlib Audio is launching a new specialist division - Adlib Speakers - to manufacture and market its AA brand of speakers, which are made in Liverpool.

Hand-crafted and designed by a dedicated team of individuals who know their audio, using quality components, precision engineering and innovation, the AA series is the ultimate 'boutique' brand for those who understand that their sound really matters, says the company.

Adlib has been making, installing and using the AA range very successfully for the last 15 years, primarily for its own installations and projects, and now they believe the time has come to step up and make the AA series available for re-sale worldwide explains Adlib director Mark Roberts.

"The company is diversifying as the nature of the industry is changing," says Roberts, "We have enjoyed great success with these products o

Europe - Swedish PA company, Parashoot, has been on a European tour with Norwegian singer songwriter, Ane Brun, using iLive and ME systems for FoH and Monitors.

Parashoot used an iLive-T112 system, mixing both FOH and monitors on the same console. xDR-16 I/O expander racks were positioned on stage, one left and one right, along with an iDR-16 MixRack.

Parashoot has worked with Ane Brun since 2007, and the lineup comprises two drum kits with open micing, an upright bass with FX pedals, various guitars, 2 keyboards, backing vocalists and Brun. All musicians bar one used in ear monitors, and Parashoot opted to use Allen & Heath's ME personal monitoring system, comprising five ME-1 personal mixers with a ME-U hub as the power and distribution system on stage.

"I took the ME-1s down to rehearsals and everyone was thrilled with them. The layout is easy, you can pan and it's a

Germany - Demonstrating how the company is 'Bringing Professional Audio and Video together' will be the main focus for Roland Systems Group at Pro Light & Sound this year (8.0 G54). As the only manufacturer providing integrated audio and video products, Roland's strength in digital technology has established the company as a provider of total solutions for the live production arena -as well as professional audio and video production.

With the launch of new products at Pro Light & Sound, including the S-2416 Digital Snake, that utilize proprietary Roland technology (such as REAC - Roland Ethernet Audio Communication) Roland is set to show unbeatable innovation in connectivity and flexibility. The key to the R&D strategy of this global company is to continually evolve both hardware and software to provide practical, system based solutions whilst giving the user the freedom to maxi

France / UK - French loudspeaker systems manufacturer APG has announced the appointment of experienced pro audio professional Scott Fraser to head up APG's UK sales operation. "The fact of going direct will ensure that UK clients benefit from exactly the same support as customers in France, in addition to having access to a significant stock of demo equipment," say APG.

The move is indicative of APG's broader international strategy throughout the EMEA region. According to APG's VP global sales, Bruno Garros, the decision to go direct has been maturing for some time. "It is clearly the best solution for APG in the UK," he commented. "The traditional distribution model puts too many obstacles between us and the customer. We felt very strongly that the best way forward for us was to have a direct link into the UK with someone who is actually employed and tr

USA - Audio-Technica microphones and headphones are used by SXSWfm, the dedicated online radio portal of the South By Southwest (SXSW) festival, which takes place each year in Austin, Texas.

This year's festival, which will be held 7-16 March, will encompass film, media, technology, and of course music, with over 1700 showcasing artists playing live. The channel is now live at www.sxswfm.com and currently features artists that have showcased during the SXSW's 27-year history and all other aspects of the festival.

"The goal of the channel is to reflect the wide spectrum of sounds you can hear when you attend the SXSW Music Festival," stated Kevin Connor, SXSWfm programming manager. "It's all kinds of music from all over the world. As the SXSW 2014 season progresses, we will be introducing you to the artists who will be joining us in Austin in March for five night

Mexico - Mexico City's Teatro Telcel is hosting the first Spanish adaptation of the musical Wicked, with a record-breaking 50,000 tickets sold in its first five weeks. As with eight other Wicked productions worldwide, renowned Broadway sound designer Tony Meola has chosen Meyer Sound as the audio foundation, this time including Mexico's first Constellation acoustic system.

"Constellation works amazingly well with amplified musicals in houses like Teatro Telcel," observes Meola. "Amplified sound in a dead acoustical environment makes it sound like the room doesn't have any dimension to it. But with Constellation, all of a sudden the sound is given dimension, and everything sounds much more real. I was surprised when I heard the effect, and I imagine it would be very welcome in many of the road houses where Wicked tours will play well into the future.&

The Netherlands - On the eve of the ISE in Amsterdam on 4 February, Bosch Communications Systems invited its international distribution partners to a distributors' meeting at which Kamil Swobodzinski, vice president sales communication EMEA, and his sales team were pleased to welcome to the Pakhuis de Zwijger more than 150 business partners from Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The agenda included an update on business developments, a look ahead to the coming year, and the unveiling of new products. An effective multimedia presentation was chosen this year as a means of introducing the latest innovations from Dynacord and Electro-Voice. Since the official launch of the new products is scheduled for the Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt in March, this part of the programme was followed with particularly keen attention.

Another highlight of the distributor meeting was the present

UK - The eyes of the music world were on London in mid-February as the annual BRIT Awards brought together many of pop music's brightest stars at the O2 Arena. Sennheiser was much in evidence, the high quality of the company's equipment and support ensuring that the RF-heavy show enjoyed crystal clear sound throughout.

The company's 9000 series digital microphone system was used at a BRITS ceremony for the first time, with host James Corden and all awards presenters using SKM 9000 handhelds with Me 9004 heads.

Broadcast live on television, the show featured performances by an array of stellar names, all of whom used Sennheiser 2000 series/G3 in-ear monitors.

Most also used Sennheiser microphones - Beyoncé and Katy Perry using custom SKM 5200s with MD 5235 heads, Bruno Mars an SKM 5200 with 5235 head, Bastille SKM 2000s with 965 heads, Rudimental SKM 2000s with 935 hea

UK - Already owners of an MLA System 30, Manchester-based VME Ltd have extended their commitment to Martin Audio's premier platform by investing in a further 28 x MLA, six MLD down-fills and 12 MLX subs - bringing their inventory up to 76 enclosures.

This not only gives them a powerful and award-winning front-line system with which to pitch for new business but positions them as the second largest MLA rental company in Europe.

Managing director Dion Davie said the new round of investment just before the turn of the year was the result of meeting increased broadcast requirements for Sky Sports and the prospect of a busy summer season. Large amounts of their stock have already been requisitioned for use at outdoor events this summer, including their own stately home classical concerts.

"We had so many big boxes going out and we wanted to remain self-contained," he sa

Germany - Core Brands will showcase the latest innovations in its Furman line of power management products at Prolight+Sound. Exhibiting with Trius Vertrieb GmbH & Co. in Hall 8, Stand C40, Furman will display its new F1500-UPS E, PS-8R E III and an array of the company's 230V rackmountable Pro products.

As Furman's first BlueBOLT-compatible 220V-240V product, the F1500-UPS E uninterruptible power supply is specifically designed for A/V installations within EMEA countries. The battery backup and power conditioning device provides 1500VA of true sine wave battery backup to prevent data loss and allow the orderly shutdown of connected equipment in the event of a power outage.

Featuring Furman's advanced non-sacrificial SMP surge/spike protection circuit, Extreme Voltage Shutdown (EVS) and Linear Filtering Technology (LiFT), the F1500-UPS E provides professional-level protection,

USA - As all eyes were fixated on the actors who graced the stage of the 86th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday night, audience's ears were tuned to the musical accompaniments of the show's orchestra, which performed remotely from Capitol Records.

Since the piano was positioned among the noisy percussion instruments, the show's orchestra mixer and orchestra setup coordinator needed a way to isolate its sound. To accomplish this for the piano, the duo used a combination of DPA Microphones' d:dicate 4011A Cardioid Microphones and d:vote 4099 Instrument Microphones. He also positioned a pair of d:dicate 4011E Hanging Microphones for the orchestra's drum kit.

By using the combination of d:dicate 4011As and d:vote 4099s, the duo was able to close the lid of the Steinway Grand Piano, giving live and television audience members a full appreciation of the pristine i

USA - Multi-platinum recording artist Kip Winger has always had serious musical chops, as he demonstrated during his first high-profile gig, playing bass with Alice Cooper, and for six years fronting the glam-metal band Winger. But aside from occasional shows with the reformed Winger band, his fans most frequently see him at his solo acoustic shows, at which he often performs using an L1 Model II portable loudspeaker system, B2 bass module and T1 ToneMatch audio engine from Bose Professional Systems.

Winger generally takes only a single L1 system on the road for his solo acoustic shows. But he actually has two complete systems because he is also using a stereo L1 rig as studio monitors at his private home-based facility in Nashville.

Winger has long used Bose QC15 headphones during the final stage of mixing. "The last three records I've made, I'll mix my album and then th

Known for its wide range of entertainment, Leeds University Union operates three popular live rooms, including the 1200-capacity main Stylus as well as subsidiary Mine and Pulse (with respective capacities of 450 and 350).

Having installed a new sound system two years ago, it has always placed high priority on keeping its technical infrastructure at the cutting edge.

However, it was with their burgeoning hire business in mind that they recently purchased a Soundcraft Si Expression 2 mixing console, opting for the 24 mic input capacity in order to be able to service a range of events - from conferences to big warehouse dance parties - on both a wet- and dry-hire basis.

The purchasing decision was taken by LUU's technical manager, Sam Ryder, who joined the University last summer, and who was already familiar with the Soundcraft topology and operating system from his experience using

Poland - GigantSound Letus recently deployed a large number of Powersoft amplifiers to drive their JBL VerTec PA rig, at a special concert in Warsaw welcoming in 2014.

According to owner of the company, Jurek Taborowski, the concert, which was organized by Stoleczna Estrada, saw the sound specialists provide a system, driven by Powersoft K Series amplifiers, to satisfy an audience of 200,000 people on the square near Stadium Narodowy in Warsaw.

"We decided to use 64 Powersoft K10 amps to drive a 96 JBL Vertec cabinets (low, mid, high) and 32 Powersoft K20 amps which powered 88 (2 x 18") subs. That's a gigantic amount of power - but the concert was performed live, and the Square is a huge space.

"We knew that the 15-minute firework show would bring in a lot more people, so we had to have an adequate supply of power."

In the event around 200,000 people tu

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