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

UK - Baldwin Boxall's latest voice alarm development, VIGIL3 - will be previewing at this year's Firex International. This exhibition - part of the Protection & Management Series - will be held at The ExCeL London for the first time.

The new VIGIL3 will have many extra features and advantages with the same well-known quality and reliability expected from a Baldwin Boxall VIGIL voice alarm system. Benefits include: Ethernet backbone, IP interfacing, no traditional style routers, configuration options, limitless messages, inputs and outputs ... and more.

The Ethernet backbone network for VIGIL3 has the ability to carry up to 48 simultaneous audio channels, either via a dedicated network or fibre. With VIGIL3 you will be able to add abundant messages, inputs and outputs with IP interfacing as standard.

Traditional style routers will not be required on the system; instead there

Korea - Allen & Heath's GLD digital mixing system, ME-1 personal monitor mixer and Qu-16 compact digital mixer were recently installed in a new building at Ulsan Galilee Church in South Korea.

Established for over 40 years, the new building comprises an 800-capacity main worship area, seminar rooms, library and café, for church members and the local community. Supplied by Allen & Heath's South Korean distributor, Sama ProSound Co.,Ltd, and installed by Daiyoung Sound, the church requested a separate monitor system for singers and band members, so director Joon-ho Choi of Daiyoung Sound, selected GLD and ME systems.

Mr. Choi selected the system due to its capability and flexibility to manage small or a large event.

"The combined GLD and ME was the most attractive option. The GLD's I/O remote audio racks mean the system is scalable to manage all requirements. The m

UK - At the end of March, Sennheiser UK and Tour Supply, suppliers of professional equipment to the touring industry, held two, two hour, entry-level RF training sessions, underlining both company's commitment to delivering top class equipment, support and education to their customers.

Run by Sennheiser UK's chief engineer Andrew Lillywhite, the sessions took place at Tour Supply's Manchester office and attracted technicians from every part of the concert touring industry and provided hints and tips on how to best set up and use wireless microphones, in-ear monitors, plus a round up of Sennheiser's current RF products.

"The sessions I attended were great," says Front of House engineer for Rodrguez Russ Miller. "It was well worth going purely for the amount of RF myths that were debunked, but to add to that the knowledge that will improve results in the field. It

UK - Audica Professional has announced the launch of its Median IC 125 and IC 165, two-way, full-range premium ceiling loudspeakers. The new loudspeakers are designed for applications where high fidelity audio quality is a primary requirement.

The open back design saves depth and weight for installations where a sealed enclosure (back-can) is not required. The 5-inch IC 125 and 6.5-inch IC165 have a sensitivity of 87dB/W/m, 40W power handling and their dispersion is 120 degrees -6dB at 6kHz. The IC 125 has a frequency response of 75Hz to 20kHz +/-3dB, with the larger IC 165 offering greater LF extension to 70Hz

Both models feature a swivel HF unit, to direct the sound to the required listening area, and incorporate a +3dB/flat/-3dB HF control to shape the frequency response for the application or room acoustics.

The loudspeakers are quick to install with swing out legs for s

The Show Goes On - AC/DC have said they will not retire following news that guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young is taking a break "due to ill health". It had been rumoured the Australian band would split after a career spanning more than 40 years. However, a statement on AC/DC's website confirmed: "The band will continue to make music."

The band are one of the highest-grossing rock acts of all time, selling more than 200m albums. A message on the band's website confirmed that Young would be taking a break after "forty years of life dedicated to AC/DC", but did not reveal details of his illness.

On Tape - One in 10 young people has bought a music cassette tape in the last month, a new survey done to coincide with Record Store Day suggests. The research suggests that physical formats are still more popular than digital downloads. In t

UK - As PLASA Focus: Leeds 2014 fast approaches, exhibitors are preparing to fill the show floor with the latest entertainment technology. Having grown its reputation over the last five years, the north of England edition of PLASA Focus has cemented its importance in the industry as a platform for building relationships and showcasing new products.

Chris Toulmin, director of PLASA Events, comments, "We're looking forward to welcoming exhibitors and visitors to both exhibition halls, as well as to the extensive seminar programme. The show is known for its vibrant atmosphere and with such a strong line-up of exhibitors, showcasing so many innovative products, we're certain that legacy will continue."

On Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 April, The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, UK will come alive with the latest audio, lighting, video and rigging technologies. With the sho

UK - After a successful call for papers and many suggestions and proposals, the Editorial Board of the International Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference has confirmed over 30 topics for ITEAC 2014: The Future of Performance Spaces, 8-10 June, London.

Each day of the three-day event starts with a significant keynote address and concludes with a stimulating collective wrap up session. Between, the topics will run in three or four parallel streams, presented as lectures, quick fire sessions, specialised micro sessions and panel discussions.

David Staples, chair of the Editorial Board said, "Fine-tuning, developing and enriching the format of the three previous Conferences, has assisted with the Editorial Board's goal to create a lively animated challenging Conference Programme, with diverse views and opinions about theatres and their technology.

"As

Germany - When a venue with multiple spaces needs to update its audio system, nowadays a networked solution considerably enhances the usefulness and flexibility of the entire building. This is exactly what has happened in the German city of Velbert, where a Dante-based Yamaha/Nexo system has recently been installed.

Renowned for its long history of lock manufacturing, Velbert is located at the centre of Germany's industrial heartland, surrounded by the cities of Bochum, Dortmund, Duisberg, Dusseldorf, Essen and Wuppertal. Built in 1979, Forum Niederberg is the city's main venue for entertainment and business gatherings. With a theatre and congress hall adjacent to each other, the venue hosts live music, drama, comedy, dance, conferences, exhibitions, other corporate events and private parties.

By last year, Forum Niederberg's old, mainly analogue audio system was in serious ne

UK - As one of the UK's major trade distributors of professional audio, lighting, video and special effects, Leighton Buzzard-based Leisuretec invests considerable time in training, seminars, product demonstrations and meetings with both clients and suppliers. The company has recently opened the TecZone, a new in-house space to facilitate all these and more, with Yamaha's CIS series chosen for its 7.1 surround system.

The TecZone is a flexible, multi-purpose facility, designed so that seating and desks can be easily changed to facilitate different layouts, or removed completely for maximum floor area.

"We had a very good idea of what we wanted. Our designer came back with a few options which, after a couple of revisions, became the final specification of the room design, layout and so on," says Leisuretec managing director Cliff Dounting.

Leisuretec then worked clo

USA - With more and more houses of worship incorporating contemporary style services into their worship programmes as a means of engaging youth, the ability of the sound reinforcement system to deliver a high level of speech intelligibility and music reproduction becomes increasingly important.

If the congregation can't understand what's being said or relate to the music, it's very difficult to engage them. That's why Mountain Springs Church in Colorado Springs recently upgraded their sound system - drawing upon loudspeakers from the Convert series catalogue of Spain-based D.A.S. Audio.

Colorado Springs, CO-based Sight and Sound Technologies was contracted to design and deploy the church's new sound system. Kris Johnson, the company's C.O.O. was involved in all aspects of the project. He discussed the challenges of the job and his reason for deploying D.A.S. Audio's Convert 15

UK - Pioneer is set to showcase its impressive range of professional audio speakers at this year's PLASA Focus in Leeds.

Since launching last summer, word has been spreading about the new range of speakers from Pioneer that have been designed for nightclubs. The XY series will be on demonstration on the Pioneer stand along with experts to talk through what makes the range along with the GS-WAVE series such exciting systems.

Currently installed various Ibiza hot spots including legendary nightclub Booom!, Pikes, KM5 and the Ushuaia Tower, the range has been designed specifically to get the best sound possible on the dance floor.

To create the ultimate club sound system, Pioneer partnered with Gary Stewart of Gary Stewart Audio (GSA), whose sound systems have roused clubbers in the world's most iconic venues, including Singapore's Zouk and Club Vertigo in Costa Rica. The team

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