UK -The Technical Theatre Awards' nominations close on Wednesday 13 May - so now's the time to ensure someone's outstanding achievements working behind the scenes are celebrated.

Anyone working in theatre industry can nominate their colleagues, crew members or favourite hire company. This is your opportunity to highlight why your chosen nominee stands out from the rest and deserves some recognition. It only takes a few minutes to nominate at www.technicaltheatreawards.com

Nominations will officially close during PLASA Focus in Leeds. Following this, organiser Ian Taylor will be inviting a panel of independent industry figures to shortlist the nominations. This is a new initiative for 2015, as suggested by TTA supporters as a way to improve the awards process.

Voting for the UK awards will open during the ABTT Trade Show on Wednesday 24 June 2015 at Alexandra Palace in London

Poland - This week's 138th Audio Engineering Society Convention (Thursday 7 May through Sunday 10 May), at the Sofitel Victoria Hotel in Warsaw, Poland will feature a comprehensive Technical Programme specifically assembled for the AES138 Convention - the AES's first dedicated event in Poland.

The papers and engineering briefs sessions showcase the work of over 100 researchers on topics ranging from 22.2 multichannel to accelerometer-based motional feedback. Workshops bring panels of experts together to discuss a range of provocative and practical topics, such as automotive sound, music production for film, and live sound. Tutorials provide an overview of important audio fundamentals for seasoned professionals and young people alike. Additionally, Special Events will offer both entertaining and thought-provoking, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to hear from industry icons.

Pa

USA - Univest Bank is a midsized, regional bank headquartered in Pennsylvania, and its success has led to both a measured expansion of the territory it covers and the density of customers within that territory.

Univest recently opened a branch office in Newtown, Pennsylvania and relied on A/V integration firm Communication Systems Incorporated, CSi, of nearby Allentown to design and commission a sound system for digital signage and traditional background music. In turn, CSi relied on an Ashly Audio Pema 8125 eight-channel amplifier with an integrated digital matrix processor, along with Ashly Audio's WR-5 wall-mounted remote control and its iPad remote control app.

"To the electrical contractor, Bergey's Electric, of Hatfield, Pennsylvania, the bank officials relayed their desire for a well-balanced sound system that would be easy for non-technical staff to control,"

Germany - Announcing several significant new products and with a stand that was perpetually busy throughout the show's four days, Coda Audio enjoyed a highly successful Prolight+Sound 2015.

A highlight of the new products was a first glimpse of the company's new AiRAY three-way, full-range line array system. Set for a full launch in the summer, AiRAY addresses the 'holy grail' of exceptional output and intelligibility, yet is half the size, weight and transport dimensions of conventional 2x12" systems.

Also on show for the first time was the High Output Point Source HOPS8, a passive two-way system with outstanding output-to-size ratio and 100° x 100° coverage. Optimised for near-field applications, the unit is available with two hardware options - HOPS8 for mobile applications and HOPS8i (fitted with M6 flying points) for permanent installations.

Coda also annou

UK - Leeds-based Production Room, one of the UK's premier stores for pro-audio, recording and hi-tech musical equipment, has recently extended its already impressive stock profile with a dedicated HK Audio display in their showroom.

Featuring practically everything from the German pro-audio manufacturer's portfolio including the compact and powerful Lucas Nano 300 and Nano 600 systems, the Elements and Elements + modular systems as well as the more traditional yet still innovative Premium PR:O, Pulsar and Linear 5 sound reinforcement units - including the popular Linear 5 Rock Pack and Big Venue Pack - complete systems optimised for live applications.

"In late 2014 Production Room made the decision to expand the business into the sound reinforcement market," says Paul Germain, director of Production Room Ltd. "HK Audio, supplied by our existing business partners

UK - dBS Solutions has recently appointed Matt Chisholm to the role of project and development manager.

Matt is the former senior sound technician at the Arena and Convention Centre, Liverpool and is looking forward to the new challenges of a busy rental company.

Responsible for managing the company's larger projects and assisting with the ever-growing rental stock, Matt brings a wealth of experience to the team.

(Jim Evans)

Germany - With Yamaha's flagship RIVAGE PM10 making its European trade show debut at Prolight+Sound, few were expecting the company to launch a new range of digital mixing consoles aimed at bringing its digital technology to a whole new market. But that was precisely what Yamaha did, with the TF Series attracting significant orders at the show.

The TF Series is aimed at small-to-medium sized venues and touring bands, education and houses of worship - in fact anywhere where high quality facilities with remarkable ease of use and an exceptional price point are required.

Adding to the surprise of the launch audience, the first TF1, TF3 and TF5 consoles will be shipping by the end of this month.

Attracting a constant stream of admirers throughout the four days of Prolight+Sound, significant orders were also placed by a number of high profile rental companies, including leading U

USA - Jody Elff is a multitalented audio professional with over 25 years of deep and diverse experiences in venues of almost every shape, size, and quality. He cut his teeth in the late 80s and early 90s in Boston, and then after moving back to the New York area, working front-of-house for leading-edge jazz acts like The New York Voices and Diana Krall.

In the late 1990s, he earned a privileged spot with New York's avant garde guru Laurie Anderson, serving as the lead engineer on her concert tours, the designer for her computer programsme, and the recording and mix engineer. From there, he developed another long-lasting engagement with Bang On a Can, the visionary contemporary classical music organization that has revolutionized the relationship between popular and classical music.

One thing leads to another, and Elff signed up to work front-of-house for Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk

The Netherlands - The IAB (Institute of Audio and Lighting Technology) in Utrecht, Holland, recently overhauled its audio equipment, selecting Allen & Heath's GLD mixers and ME personal monitoring system as the new training tools for all its audio courses.

Founded 20 years ago, the IAB provides recognised training qualifications for live sound and lighting technicians in the stage and event industry. The Institute decided to upgrade the audio equipment used on their courses to provide students with an up-to-date audio system that can mix both FOH and monitors, and record a live performance, in one simple, integrated package.

The Institute purchased six GLD-80 mixers fitted with Dante network cards, AR2412 and AR84 remote IO racks, and a ME-U hub with four ME-1 personal monitor mixers. Connected via the Dante network, the system enables six students to mix and record simultaneo

UK - Coomber has announced the launch of the market's first range of bespoke sound amplifiers. Coomber Electronic Equipment, one of the UK's leading maker of audio and visual equipment for the education sector, has announced the launch of the market's first range of bespoke sound amplifiers only months after the firm was purchased by a consortium of county businessmen.

Heralded as a major change in direction for the business, the new 44500 Sound Amplifier Series will be fully manufactured to the individual requirements of its customers at the firm's purpose built design facility in Worcestershire.

The range, which will be targeted at both the UK and international markets, allows customers to have total control over the functionality of their sound systems; specifying the number of CD drives required, microphone sockets, multiple speakers and tablet or smartphone integration.

USA - Sensaphonics has announced a Facebook giveaway. In celebration of May as Better Hearing Month, the company will award one winner with a pair of classic 2X-S custom earphones and a dB Check in-ear sound level meter.

"Better Hearing Month is the perfect time to show how the right equipment and expertise can contribute to healthy hearing, yet still deliver high-impact audio," says Sensaphonics founder and president, Mike Santucci. "We're committed to giving our customers both.

To enter, visit and like the Sensaphonics Facebook page, go to the giveaway post titled 'RESPECT YOUR EARS' at the top of the timeline, and Share. On 1 June, Sensaphonics will hold a random drawing among all qualified entries and announce the winner online.

Sensaphonics has won numerous hearing conservation awards, including the prestigious Safe-In Sound Award for innovation in hearin

Australia - The Australian Defence Forces Academy (ADFA) in Canberra has recently opened a new-build, state-of-the-art, 1200-seat auditorium to host conferences and presentations. The flexible space is constructed as a 160º arc, with sliding panels that allow it to be used either in combined mode or separated into two independent 800-seat and 400-seat venues.

The auditorium forms part of the redevelopment of ADFA - a partnership between the Australian Defence Force and the University of New South Wales - which provides training and education for future leaders of the country's Navy, Army and Air Force.

Tim McCall, sales manager at L-Acoustics notes, "Consultant GUZ BOX design + audio was brought in to design the audio system for the new space. The requirement was primarily for a system to provide vocal reinforcement, presentation sound and background music on a limited a

UK - The Easter week marked the 14th successful Sound Fundamentals for Theatre Training course at Orbital Sound, with more than 500 students now having passed through the comprehensive education programme. Sound Fundamentals for Theatre was fully booked again this year, with students coming from a cross-section of disciplines, including corporate sector technicians, freelance engineers, and drama schools.

With its content tightly focused on preparing technical theatre and theatre sound students for careers in live entertainment, the course combines essential theory with practical skills. The teaching team for this year comprised Orbital Sound's course leader, Richard Carter, concentrating on key concepts, MIDI, computer playback, and networking. Richard was accompanied by Joseph Masters on communications and CCTV, Alex Waddle teaching radio mic fitting, John Wildridge on rigging

UK - The largest annual fundraising event in the world, the 2015 London Marathon took place on Sunday 26 April with over 37,000 participants.

For the past five years, Hertfordshire-based Mr H Productions have supplied sound reinforcement at two points on the 26 mile route, one of which is right at the half way point.

"Every year seems to get better, we are placed at the half way mark, and entertain the cheering crowds as well as the participating runners." says Mr H Productions creative founder Andrew J Harvey. "This is very important, as the runners are given that extra encouragement. The main problem that we have faced in the past is throwing the sound way down this part of the route, without having undue noise to local residents.

"This year we tried out the HK Contour Array system, having 2 CT118 subs aside with 2 CTA208 mid/hi array cabinets, ground s

Germany - Acoustic Development enjoyed a very successful Pro Light & Sound in Frankfurt, reporting orders totalling £250,000 received at the show.

"We look to the future with great enthusiasm and determination to develop our innovative technology into the absolute market leader within our industry," says the company. "Our designs gained a lot of attention at Frankfurt causing many strange looks and flashing of cameras. It seems many visitors including the competition were curious as to how we loaded 10 transducers into our AD2000LA which measures just 750 x 270 x 500mm.

"While our industry is very conservative our ground breaking developments can't be ignored. We are applying the laws of physics to real world audio solutions that are clearly the basis for a major shift in sound system design. We welcome the challenge and look forward to building on th

USA - Behringer has announced a major reduction in the U.S. MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) of the company's best-selling X32 and X32 Compact Digital Mixing Consoles, and their respective Touring Packages (TP). The new pricing takes effect on 15 May.

"Sales of our X32 Digital Mixing Console have far exceeded our expectations, with the X32 rapidly becoming the industry's best-selling digital mixer of all time. The X32 mixer has revolutionized the market and until today offers an unprecedented audio quality with Midas designed preamps and connectivity with the P16 Personal Monitor system. High profile customers include Earth, Wind & Fire and the famous Whisky a Go Go club in Los Angeles," stated Music Group senior manager, Experience Joe Sanborn.

"We decided the best way to celebrate X32's three-year anniversary was to make it even more affordable. It's our way of

UK - The SSL Live L300 console is making its PLASA Focus Leeds debut with UK dealer HD Pro Audio on stand N-A26. HD Pro Audio will also be showing the new V3 software that introduces over 40 new software and hardware features and updates for the SSL Live console range.

"With impeccable sound quality, the SSL Live consoles have created serious interest and demand since their introduction," said Andy Huffer of HD Pro Audio. "PLASA Focus gives us the opportunity to show the powerful V3 release for the first time at a UK exhibition, so we're looking forward to a very busy show."

In addition to the SSL Live, HD Pro will be showing selected products from L-Acoustics and the other leading brands the company represents.

To register for PLASA Focus Leeds, visit: www.plasafocus.com/leeds.

(Jim Evans)

Italy - Named after a local Jesuit who was a former director of Vatican Radio, Cine Teatro Padre Giacomo Martegani is a community venue in the Italian commune of Cairate, Lombardy. A recent refurbishment has included the installation of a complete Yamaha audio system.

Run by a core of around 50 local volunteers of all ages, under the watchful eye of local pastor Don Basilio Mascetti and director of operations Fabrizio Ferrario, the 260-seat venue hosts theatrical performances, live music, dance, a film club, meetings and a range of other local events. Its core aim is to promote local culture, education and a sense of community.

Rome-based systems supplier Delta Tecno Studio has a local office in nearby Varese, whose technical manager Pier Luigi Pecchenini worked closely with Don Basilio Mascetti on specifying the system.

"We needed an audio system that would fulfil the

UK - Local authorities around the UK, faced with providing an ever increasing number of services from diminishing budgets, have been introduced to an elegant integrated 'one button' webcasting and audio/videoconference facility by Jon Hunnisett of technology specialists, Sound Advice PA Installation Ltd.

In designing a system that enables separate video and audio streams to be combined, councils can engage more with their constituents by allowing sessions to be web-streamed and viewed over the internet.

At the heart of his solution is RCF's intuitive Forum 9000 digital conferencing and voting system, and Sound Advice has now built up a portfolio of 14 councils who have been eager to adopt this platform.

It was the versatility of the system that first caught the attention of Jeremy Luckett, business analyst at Wiltshire Council Unitary Authority, after five councils had been

Germany - With its new Meyer Sound CAL column array loudspeakers, the Grand Elysee Hotel in Hamburg, Germany can now provide clarity for both speech and music presentations in the Spiegelsaal (Mirror Room) while also solving a design challenge for the large and reflective space.

"With CAL, speech intelligibility at the far back of the full room is excellent," reports Stefan Gurr, head of event and communication technology for the Grand Elysee Hotel. "Guests have commented that it is very easy to understand the presenters. And with the additional subwoofers, the system is equally suited to music reproduction."

For Gurr, CAL has solved both the sonic and logistical challenges in the Spiegelsaal as it has eliminated the need for installing ceiling loudspeakers, which would be difficult to place with the mirrors in the ceiling. "Ceiling loudspeakers would

UK - Cadac is debuting its brand new CDC six digital live sound production console in the UK at PLASA Focus 2015. Launched worldwide last month at Prolight+Sound, Cadac claims that the CDC six features the fastest, most intuitive user interface and highest possible audio performance of any audio mixing console available.

Cadac will be exhibiting a pair of CDC six consoles at the show, along with Cadac's MegaCOMMS networking products, including the CDC MC Router, the CDC MC MADI audio network bridge and the new Version 2 CDC MC Dante MegaCOMMS bridge.

The CDC six is based around a further development of Cadac's advanced, highly acclaimed gesture-operation user interface. With the same superlative audio performance and incredible low latency of the CDC eight, the CDC six represents a major ergonomic advance in user operation. The traditional fixed physical controls have been rep

UK - A Scottish business, which supplies sound systems to the largest international live music, sporting and entertainment events, is celebrating 35 years in the business. Leading pro-audio provider The Warehouse Sound Services, whose clients have included, the BBC, Paramount Pictures, Edinburgh Festival Fireworks Concert, The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, is now planning further expansion following a multi-million pound management buy-out.

The company which has supplied equipment to bands including Muse, Biffy Clyro and Simple Minds plans to boost turnover with expansion into new market sectors and the addition of a third branch in the near future.

Former sales director, Derek Blair who joined the company in 1994 completed the multi-million pound management buyout of The Warehouse Sound Services last month to become the sol

UK - Oxford-based W E Audio has recently extended its inventory of MLA Compact and MLA Mini to meet the rising demand for this multiple awarding winning series across open air/festival applications, whilst increasing their system capabilities for large touring purposes.

W E Audio was the first rental partner in the UK to invest in MLA Compact back in 2013, and their most recent investment has included another 12 MLA Compact, bringing their stock to a total of 36 elements. In addition, the recent purchase also included four more DSX-F Flying double 18" subs and four MLX Hybrid double 18" subs that will be used as ultra-sub extension and support dry hire market demands.

Furthermore, the order extended to an additional six MLA Mini enclosures, taking their stock to eight complete systems. This comprises a total of 32 MLA Mini elements and eight MLX single 15"subs.

USA - InfoComm 2015 will mark the US debut of the new Meyer Sound Leopard line array loudspeaker and its accompanying 900-LFC low-frequency control element. The smallest and most versatile members of the flagship Leo family, the new system will be demonstrated live during the show, along with a range of other high-performance loudspeakers for installations and touring.

Boasting tremendous power-to-size ratio with ultra-low distortion, Leopard and the 900-LFC element offer an unprecedented level of clarity, power, precision, and ease of use. To hear the full power and capability of the Leopard system, visit the Valencia Ballroom during the show to attend the public listening sessions on Wednesday and Thursday at 15:00, 16:00, and 17:00. Friday demos will take place at 15:00 and 16:00.

As part of the InfoComm University education programme, Buford Jones, live audio and education

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