UK - 12 gigs in 19 days is hectic by any measure; arena productions and their schedules don't just fall together. Yet front of house engineer Mark Kennedy was his usual self, completely at ease, following the opening shows of Tinie Tempah's latest tour. "We just played two nights at Wolverhampton Civic and it was great. Most of the venues we play are ten thousand plus capacity, but these first two, Wolverhampton and Manchester Apollo are smaller so we are playing two nights in each.

"Britrow have given me L-Acoustics K1 for the arenas but I must admit I was surprised when they turned up with K2 for these first two; I thought I'd be getting V-dosc, that's what I'd spec'd."

"We were always going to provide the smaller K2 for side hangs at the larger venues," explained Britannia Row Productions' client liaison, Lez Dwight. "Putting them on the truck

Germany - The Pulsar speaker series, remarkably popular since its late 2013 release, has been extended with a compact variant called PL 110 FA. It is loaded with a 10" woofer.

Like its larger siblings, the PL 112 FA and PL 115 FA, this enclosures also houses a 1,000-watt, bi-amped power system that delivers 650 watts to the woofer and 350 watts to the tweeter. An intelligent multi-band limiter tames spiking bass signals to ensure the audio image remains stable even at high volumes. This unit also features four combinable filter settings that voice the speaker array's frequency response to suit the given application.

Deployed as a stand-alone solution, the PL 110 FA is an designed for all live situations where the natural sound of the human voice and acoustic instruments are to be rendered in high-definition audio. Various 2.1, half-stack and full-stack systems may be conf

UK - The first ever Brighton Music Conference hosts some of the world's most exciting electronic artists as well as over 150 luminary industry speakers, and is slated as being the 'UK's answer to the Miami Winter Music Conference'.

Sennheiser UK is both a sponsor and exhibitor and will be showcasing its new range of DJ headphones and HD 25 headphones as well as a variety of its wireless microphones, plus Neumann monitor loudspeakers, Rane's acclaimed DJ interfaces and mixers, plus the new LimitEar HDM Pro - a Sennheiser Solutions product which integrates HDM Pro technology into HD 25 headphones, delivering the most audible, safe hearing experience possible.

Designed for the most demanding users and punishing pro environments, the new HD8 DJ, HD7 DJ and the HD6 MIX DJ headphones have been developed in conjunction with some of the world's top DJs.

Another highlighted will be t

UK - Shure Distribution UK (SDUK) has announced the promotion of Kirsty Lamport to UK head of marketing. Kirsty joined Shure Distribution in 2007 as marketing communications manager, the function of which she retained when taking on her next title of marketing manager - systems & broadcast. This position saw her play an important part in the communication and delivery of the company's new selective distribution structure, which heralded the restructuring of the sales function into three divisions: Music Retail, Pro Audio & Systems.

In her new role, Kirsty takes overall responsibility for the marketing needs of the company and its full portfolio of brands. She will have a key focus on managing the internal team to drive cohesive and innovative marketing programmes across each of the three sales divisions, and assist with the integration of these across the wider European market.

UK - Congratulations to the winners of the Lighting, Sound and Set Design categories at this year's Olivier Awards, which were presented at The Royal Opera House last night. The White Light Award for Best Lighting was won jointly by two lighting design teams - Paul Pyant and Jon Driscoll for Charlie & the Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and Tim Lutkin and Finn Ross for Chimerica at the Almeida Theatre and the Harold Pinter Theatre.

The Best Sound Design Award also saw two winners - Carolyn Downing for Chimerica and Gareth Owen (on his third Olivier nomination) for Merrily We Roll Along at the Harold Pinter Theatre.

For the XL Video Award for Best Set Design, Es Devlin collected her second Olivier Award, for Chimerica.

Congratulations also to lighting designer Michael Hulls who was awarded for Outstanding Achievement in Da

UK - Maidstone-based production and dry hire specialists, Phonophobia, have made a further investment in the Harman Professional brand portfolio - spearheaded by a Soundcraft Vi1 mixing console.

This is in addition to the slew of Soundcraft products already in inventory. The purchase of an Si Compact 32 was quickly followed by another (to keep up with demand). Then came a Compact Stage Box, a 16-channel Si Compact and a Mini Stage Box.

"These Soundcraft systems have literally been flying out the door," says Phonophobia owner, Mark Chant.

He has now added a 64-input Vi rack to accommodate the increasing capacity requirements, and at the same time is in the process of replacing his wireless mic stock with AKG's frequency agile and securely encrypted DMS700 digital system.

Mark has been running Phonophobia for around 15 years, developing two large warehouses of hire

Voices Off - Kylie Minogue has quit The Voice after one series. The singer joined the BBC talent show last year, replacing Jessie J, and was credited with boosting viewing figures during the first few episodes. However, she said touring commitments meant she would be unable to return for a second series. "Due to timing of my tour I won't be back next season for The Voice UK," she wrote on Twitter. "Thanks to all who supported!"

Common People - The Pulp hit Common People has been voted the top Britpop anthem by listeners of BBC Radio 6 Music, beating Oasis, Blur and Suede to take the title. DJ Steve Lamacq revealed the top 30 as part of a week-long celebration to mark the 20th birthday of Britpop. More than 30,000 people voted, with The Verve's Bittersweet Symphony second and Oasis tracks Don't Look Back in Anger and Wonde

UK - One of the East Midlands largest suppliers of lighting, sound and multi-media for live events, stage shows and corporate functions has announced an important new senior level appointment and the opening of a London office.

LUX Technical Ltd, based in Hinckley, Leicestershire, has recruited Jamie Mangan from the Cameron Mackintosh organisation in London to be its Live Production Director. Jamie is responsible for helping grow and support the LUX Technical client base in London, particularly theatres, trade shows and large companies holding award ceremonies and new product launches.

Jamie has eight years' experience in the production and project management of live shows, most recently for Sir Cameron Mackintosh, who is most famous for producing hit West End Musicals such as Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera. Prior to that, Jamie was in involved with the National Y

The Netherlands - Despite only being launched at ProLight+Sound last month, the rapid shipping time of Yamaha's new QL series digital mixing consoles means that they are already at work on productions. One of the first was in the Netherlands, where a high school production of Hairspray was lucky enough to enjoy all the benefits of QL technology.

Kater Audio Techniek is a small production company, based in the Dutch towns of Hillegom and Nieuw-Vennip, which does live sound for mainly theatrical productions. Run by founder and audio engineer Gijs Kater with a group of dedicated freelancers, the company's fleet of Yamaha LS9s is always out on the road.

A confirmed fan of the LS9, Gijs was present at the ProLight+Sound launch of the QL series. This was, he says, followed by a sleepless night as he studied every detail of the new consoles. The next day he returned to the Yam

UK - EarPeace is changing the way people consider their hearing health and the dangers of noise induced hearing loss and raising money for The Amy Winehouse Foundation.

New for 2014, EarPeace have produced exclusive AWF branded EarPeace earplugs and will promote the long-term hearing health of fans via these custom earplugs. 50% of all profit from sales will be donated to the Amy Winehouse Foundation, which supports and runs various projects that aim to support the personal development of disadvantaged young people through music.

"Amy was an exceptional talent and the Foundation has worked hard to not only keep her music and spirit alive, but to also help young people. We are honoured to be supporting such a worthy cause and look forward to educating fans on the importance of protecting their hearing,"

UK - The Midas XL48 has quickly become the go-to, add-on microphone preamp for Wigwam Acoustics. The company is the first UK rental facility to offer the eight-channel microphone preamp within its rental stock. Wigwam, part of the SSE Audio Group, is one of the world's leading sound companies for rentals, sales and installations - and also a long-time Midas/Klark Teknik user.

"Since we bought it, our Midas XL48 has constantly been in use" says Alex Hadjigeorgiou, Wigwam's resident digital specialist. "McFly, Steps and Ronan Keating have all toured with it, and it's my favorite way of adding eight extra channels to any mixing console, partly because I don't have to "sell" the idea to the engineer. They all respect Midas preamps, especially the XL4 preamps."

"Hadj", as he's known to his friends, recommends and uses the XL48: "If the m

Australia - Kipling's Garage Bar on Sydney's Upper North Shore is a space converted from the shell of a 1920s garage into an industrial chic venue.

Audio for the venue was taken care of by DJW Projects with manager Dave Coxon admitting the job was built on a shoestring.

"However, it shows the reliability of the JBL speakers as the entire system was constructed from pre-loved parts," he commented. "All of the speakers were pre-loved JBL Control 30 speakers with JBL Contractor subs - proof that JBL will last forever. The system is proof that when you buy high quality speakers and look after them they will have at least a 10 year lifetime - even longer if you care for them."

Owner Helen Thompson is delighted with the JBL install by DJW Projects remarking that the sound system really adds to the space, indoors and outdoors.

"It creates an intimate venu

Iceland - As a culmination of two years of touring the world, Icelandic band Sigur Ros completed the last leg with Skan PA using the latest addition to their equipment roster. Always a company that likes to take the empirical approach to new technology, Skan has been running the slide rule over their new D80 amplifiers from d&b audiotechnik.

Skan's system technician for the tour, Tom Tunney, explains their findings, "We took a d&b system out for Sigur Ros late last year. A short run, maybe three weeks, the system was based on J-Series with some Q-Series for fill. We drove the whole PA with D80s.

"The most immediate thing we noticed was an indirect benefit of the active power correction, when we applied the 'pull' on the service with no gain reduction anywhere on the signal path it just sounded clearer. The power saving was also significant; with sixteen J-TOPs a side

UK - Event production and hire company, Epic Production Services, have recently invested in Martin Audio W8LM and WS218X, supplied by LMC Audio London.

Matt Rogers, director of Swindon-based Epic Production Services, did his research before investing in the system, which was purchased from LMC's extensive used equipment stock. Having already used and become familiar with Martin Audio products, he wanted to ensure that W8LM would offer the same level of audio quality. He was not disappointed.

"From the start it became evident that you could hear every detail of the mix through the W8LM system and at no point did I find I was compromised in what I wanted to achieve," says Rogers. "Vocals sit naturally on top with Martin Audio's very crisp and clear high end, whilst the WS218x's offer a massive bottom-end kick."

Last year, X Factor runner-up, Jahmene

UK - Professional audio solutions provider Audiologic has been appointed to distribute Nexo installation loudspeakers in the UK.

Audiologic's Andy Lewis comments, "Providing solutions that exactly meet the needs of customers is fundamental to our approach at Audiologic and there is no doubt that Nexo's products will bring a balance and quality to our range that will significantly increase the scope of our offer. I believe that our approach to customer service struck a chord with Nexo inasmuch as they felt it very much reflected their own outlook on doing business. We are certainly as impressed with their way of operating as we are with their top class product range."

As further evidence of Audiologic's ongoing commitment to improving its service and by way of a timely coincidence, the company recently recruited technical product specialist, Ben Tredwell, to strengthe

UK - SSL Live UK agent, HD Pro Audio, has two upcoming events where engineers can get to see and understand the new SSL Live console, with experienced advice on hand. The first is a demo session at the dBs Live venue in Plymouth on 23 April. Places are limited, so anyone interested in attending should contact HD Pro Audio's Andy Huffer or TomTurner on 01784 433687 or e-mail info@hdproaudio.co.uk

HD Pro is also exhibiting the SSL Live at PLASA Focus in Leeds on 29-30 April. The SSL console will take centre stage on the HD Pro stand, NA-26.

Andy Huffer comments, "The Live may be the first ever SSL live sound console, but it carries all of that SSL DNA and delivers something special. The Live presents a truly superb user interface that can work the way you work today and introduces a collection of powerful new features that could change the way you work tomorrow. It has proc

UK - At this year's show, Highlite UK will unveil an era of new products from there Dap Audio range of products.

The first is the introduction of the CX range of amplifiers. This range adds affordable and reliable amplifiers to the catalogue. They are available in five outputs varying from two 150W @ 8 ohms to two 1250W @ 8 ohms and feature various safety mechanisms, Fixed clip limiter, Overheat protect, Overload protect, DC voltage & soft start to guarantee a long user life. The connections are comprised of XLR inputs (with interconnection function) and Speakon outputs. Due to the small 256 mm depth of the amplifiers (except for the CX-3000), they can also be installed in rooms with limited space.

Second is the new exclusive M range of active bi-amped monitor wedge speakers for stage solution for optimal monitoring. A compact, light-weight and innovative designed cabinet, com

UK - TC Group has announced the appointment of Nick Williams as its business development manager Asia/Pacific for Install and Tour, with responsibility for the Tannoy, Lab.gruppen and Lake brands.

Nick has a long history in sales and the professional audio industry, having worked for companies like Riedel, Aviom and Harman, focusing for many years in the EMEA/APAC regions. Based in the UK, his position commences immediately, with a main focus of driving and developing business in the Asia/Pacific region.

"I am delighted to be joining TC Group at such an important time for the organisation, with an outstanding portfolio of products across the Tannoy, Lab.gruppen and Lake brands," said Nick. "Having been part of this industry for many years, I am well aware of the prime position that the brands hold, and I look forward to building on these already very strong foun

UK - For both a wealth of industry knowledge, and a comprehensive portfolio of audio solutions, RW Salt are a company you cannot afford to miss at PLASA Focus. The audio division of the Midwich Group is renowned as being a leading force in the industry and this year they are joined on their stand by two brands who represent the breadth of their portfolio - Revolabs and Traction Sound.

Revolabs will be showcasing their range of collaborative office solutions, with Brighton-based speaker manufacturer Traction Sound displaying why they are one of the UK's premier entertainment audio specialists.

On the RW Salt stand will be general manager John Nibloe, plus audio product manager Alison Charters, who will be happy to discuss any aspect of the RW Salt offering. With a product portfolio consisting of 45 brands, RW Salt deliver industry-leading technical support along with unsurpassa

UK - Having been launched in Frankfurt just over a month ago, Yamaha's new QL series digital mixing consoles make their UK trade show debut at PLASA Focus, being held on 29-30 April at the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds.

PLASA Focus will be the first opportunity for many UK sound engineers to get 'hands on' with the QL consoles, which are already shipping and have been used on their first shows in Europe.

"We were really pleased with the phenomenal interest shown in the QL series at ProLight+Sound and are looking forward to giving more sound engineers the hands-on opportunity at PLASA Focus to appreciate why we call it 'The Quintessential Compact'," says Karl Christmas, sales & marketing manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio (UK & ROI).

Yamaha is exhibiting on stand N-B27, where Karl and other key Yamaha staff will be on hand to guide visitors through the features of the

UK - Out Board will be exhibiting at PLASA Focus: Leeds on Stand R-C06 and demonstrating the market-leading TiMax Tracker performer tracking automation alongside TiMax SoundHub audio matrix, playback server and showcontroller system. The last year has seen the company make significant inroads into new markets and territories with these ubiquitous products.

Launching at the show will be the first of a new suite of TiMax networking interfaces, dubbed Connectivity by the company. The new MADI-64 and Dante-64 Connectivity devices fit into the rear option slots of the TiMax2 SoundHub audio showcontrol matrix and playback server to provide 64 channels in and out on these popular signal transports.

Out Board's R-C06 booth will be shared with PAT test software associates Data Strategy who will demonstrate the PAT4 Test Processors, CAB5 Cable Testers and RCD Test modules with their QC-

Indonesia - Outline's Indonesian distributor Melodia Sound & Lighting Systems recently supplied a Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. line array to Surabaya's Ciputra World mall for its new fourth-floor ballroom.

The PA system, which is self-powered and driven by Outline's iMode technology, comprises 12 Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. iMode elements and four DBS 18-2 iMode SP subwoofers, and covers an area of 700sq.m that has rather problematic acoustics.

The key feature of the Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. system - enabling users to direct the sound exactly where it's required - was decisive in this case.

Almost a decade after winning a PLASA Award for Product Innovation (among the best-known pro audio manufacturers), the Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. is in fact still the world's only compact line-source system offering up to 16 user-definable choices of symmetrical and asymmetrical horizontal dispersion. Furthermore, real-time

UK - Mount Grace School, Potters Bar has just installed one of KV2 Audio's legendary ES Systems.

Boasting the largest school hall in Hertfordshire, Mount Grace School required a high quality and versatile sound system to enhance the wide range of events that the hall facilitates.

Having evaluated a number of systems, many of which used line array technology, they were unconvinced that any could offer the required coverage and consistent performance that the space deserved.

Local audio suppliers Philip Stannard Associates suggested that rather than a line array approach, KV2 Audio's True Point Source approach to loudspeaker design would get the required results with fewer boxes and without the unavoidable cancellation issues that these multiple source systems create.

Phil Stannard arranged for KV2 Audio to demonstrate an ES System made up of one ES 1.0 3-way mid/hi and one

UK - HHB Communications has announced the retirement of Richard Kershaw from his position as director of operations.

Richard Kershaw began his long career at HHB in 1983 after meeting managing director Ian Jones while working for theatre sound specialists Hardware House. During his 30-year tenure he saw the company launch innovative technologies including the Portadat, CDR-882 and other models, the BurnIt range of CD recorders and FlashMic under its namesake brand, in addition to a variety of HHB Recording Media, which continues to be available today. Richard helped grow HHB to be a global leader in the distribution of professional audio technology to the world's biggest broadcasters, recording studios, post facilities and systems integrators.

HHB, its Soho subsidiary Scrub and music technology supplier Source Distribution have continued to grow exponentially over the years an

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