Invited guests at the ICC launch represented all sections of the industry, including hire companies, theatre management, corporate and event production people, and freelance sound engineers. SSE used the full scope of the 3000sq.m hall to demonstrate the impressive coverage and clarity of the two tiny GEO arrays. Guests received a technical briefing from Group hire director Chris Beale, which was followed by a live performance from SSE's very own warehouse band, the 6u Rack-ettes. Group managing director John Penn rounded off each session with a summary of SSE Audio Group's commitment to support of both hire and sales customers. Julian Ward was also on hand to welcome guests and to display his guitar talents. Responsible for sales of new and used equipment at SSE, he heads the GEO sales and support project and is also overseeing the SSE training seminars for Nexo and InnovaSon products that will commence in June.
The team from InnovaSon were well represented at the event with Philipe Royer, Gerard Malvot, Papi Steimetz and Andy Simpson in attendance. Four InnovaSon consoles were on display; two Compact Live consoles that provided front of house and monitor mix for the presentations and the live band mix and two Grand Live consoles that were available for hands-on demonstration. Gerard Malvot demonstrated the beta release of the new version 7 software for the Sensory Console series, featuring much improved graphics and functionality. The new software will be available for all consoles from Compact to Large Scale in July 2002.
Chris Beale, SSE Group Sales Director commented: "This event comes at a time of development and growth in SSE Audio Group, not least of which is the expansion of our range of professional audio solutions that of course embrace these new technology products. This week is coincidentally the sixth anniversary of our commitment to Nexo products and the inauguration of our technical exchange program with Nexo R&D. We have been in friendly dialogue with InnovaSon for several years, but only in the last 18 months have we taken the step of stocking their products, as we feel that the time is now right for the migration from heavy and inflexible analogue systems to the efficient and cost effective world of digital."
The team from Fuzion were also there representing Nexo, including Paul Ward, and Tim Harrison from sales and Gary Ashton from technical support. Mick Anderson, Nexo’s sales director was also in attendance.
(Ruth Rossington)
