You will doubtless have noticed a change to our September/October issue. Many of you will already be used to seeing our new name, Pro AVL Asia, on the new-look eNewsletters, website and social media pages. And here’s why we’ve made that change: in today’s world of convergence and integration, it’s becoming increasingly irrelevant to use the subdivisions of audio, video and lighting when projects we cover are often a creative blend of all three. Audio will, of course, always remain at the heart of what we do here at Blank Canvas Publishing. After all, audio, and its connection to music, is not just the name of this industry. It’s the reason why audio industry for decades, as well as newcomers who’ve quickly found their niche, can’t imagine working anywhere else. Many of us were attracted long ago to the perceived glamour of the recording and touring industries, including myself with a mid-eighties stint at Pink Floyd’s magical emporium, Britannia Row, when the band’s HQ took its name from the north London street that housed its
Of course, Pink Floyd understood that audio was only one part of the overall picture when they combined psychedelic visuals, projections and light shows with their pioneering live sound. As always, they were ahead of the curve.
Our new titles, Pro AVL MEA as well as Pro AVL Asia, also respond to the fact that audio, video and lighting are three strands of a common experience. The ‘A’ word will always be the focus of what we we hope you’ll be trebly informed and entertained in the process.
Richard Lawn:
T: +44 1892 676280
F: +44 1892 676282
GENERAL MANAGER rlawn@proavl-asia.com
SENIOR EDITOR jling@proavl-asia.com
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SINGAPORE: The 10th edition of The Republic Cultural Centre’s (TRCC) Ignite Music Festival saw both the Singaporean debut of Nexo’s Geo M10 mid-size line
Yamaha’s Rivage PM10 digital console. The two-day festival is part of the polytechnic’s educational programme and is organised by students and staff in subject areas including marketing, project and process management, lighting and audio engineering.
Ignite Music Festival has built a reputation for its use of state-ofthe-art A/V equipment during its
Yamaha Music (Asia) served as supplying the Nexo and Yamaha.
‘Over a year ago, I had the privilege to demo the Yamaha Rivage PM10,’ explained the festival’s technical director and production manager,
sonic quality and ease of use, I was keen to consider auditioning it in a full-scale show environment. I met up with Lawrence Tan to discuss our approach of infusing the robust technology of digital audio with an
educational element that would community. Republic Polytechnic also provided Yamaha with a platform to share their knowledge in audio networking and digital mixing systems in an open workshop as part of the fringe activities.
‘At the same time, Nexo’s new Geo M10 line array had just come onto
product launch on the festival grounds.’
‘It was the perfect opportunity for us to launch Nexo’s new Geo M10,’ continued Lawrence Tan, Yamaha Music (Asia) assistant general manager. ‘The outdoor live music
event was the ideal showcase for the system.’ clusters of eight per side above a pair of Geo MSub15s. Further low-end reinforcement was provided by eight LS18 subs ground stacked in front of the stage. PS15s were employed for The entire setup was driven by four network cards to allow operation over the mix at FOH, while the monitor mix was handled by a Yamaha CL5. A former technical staff member of TRCC, Mark Spencer of Big Boy Sounds, was engaged as festival sound engineer, alongside the TRCC’s own engineers, Anuar Yusof,
‘The Geo M10s are easy to set up,’ he commented. ‘Presets in the amps,
a breeze.’
Concerns about the system delivering in front of a large audience due to the Geo M10’s compact size were proven unfounded once live
a healthy amount of headroom left,’ Yamaha technical support engineer provide support with the Rivage a PM10, however it’s pretty easy to get around,’ noted Mr Spencer. Yamaha also seized the opportunity to showcase its new products and upgrades, inviting interested audio industry members on site two days before the event. Approximately 100 consultants, system integrators, rental partners and technical personnel from houses of worship and other venues were treated to technology, the V1.5.1 software update that includes added features for the Rivage PM10 console, as well as an introduction of the new CS-R10-S console and the Nexo Geo from France to answer questions at the event. turnout,’ stated Mr Tan. ‘It proves that and purposes and that our console technology is absolutely relevant.’ ‘Needless to say, the entire PA system performed admirably for the two-day festival,’ concluded the technical director. ‘Every sound engineer handled the PM10 console effortlessly, and everyone was blown away by the petite Nexo system.’ www.ignitemusicfest.com www.nexo.fr sg.yamaha.com
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JAPAN: Finnish studio monitor manufacturer, Genelec, has announced a new joint venture with Japanese studio technology supplier MI7 Japan, resulting in the establishment of Genelec Japan. Based in Tokyo and led by managing director Kanji Murai, the Genelec Japan office will be responsible for the promotion, distribution and support of the manufacturer’s products and services throughout the country.
‘Japan has been an essential part of Genelec’s DNA since the company was founded four decades ago,’ commented Siamäk Naghian, Genelec managing director. ‘We have been honoured to enjoy a close relationship with many of Japan’s
very knowledgeable audio professionals, all of whom have served as inspiration for Genelec product development, our company philosophy and our standing as a brand. The launch of Genelec Japan is a natural extension of that friendship and a wonderful opportunity for us to be even closer to a market that we respect very deeply.’
‘We are delighted to team up with Genelec – a unique, innovative and highly trusted company with great
The announcement also changes the relationship between Genelec and its long-term Japanese distributor, Otaritec. Otaritec will now work with Genelec Japan as a sub-distributor.
Meanwhile, in India, the manufacturer has opened the doors to a new Genelec Experience Centre in Bangalore, working in conjunction with local A/V company The Audio Video People, which previously established a Genelec retail showroom in the city in 2013. Visitors to the Experience Centre enter through a showroom featuring a variety of products from Genelec’s professional, A/V install and home audio lines. A subsequent room serves as a hands-on demonstration space, designed to facilitate configurations up to 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos with a standard setup comprising three 1238A monitors, six 8350A compact nearfields and a 7073A subwoofer. The system can be reconfigured and calibrated using Genelec’s GLM software. ‘This new facility in Bangalore continues the comprehensive approach to showcasing Genelec products, and we expect it to generate a lot of interest as both The Audio Video People and Genelec spread the word,’ said
respect for its customers,’ added Seiji Murai, managing director of MI7. ‘This close partnership will allow us to expand the leading audio monitoring brand’s presence and operations across all segments, especially for new and exciting applications. Our localmarket and cultural experience as well as our network of dealers will enable us to provide broader and better support to Genelec customers, spurring new growth in Japan. We are enthusiastically looking forward to this exciting relationship.’
Discussing the entrance showroom, Farooq Pasha from The Audio Video People said: ‘The aim with this room was to give visitors as broad an overview of the Genelec range as possible in the space available – hence a selection of products that covers a lot of bases within the current lineup of monitors and subwoofers.’
www.genelec.com
www.mi7.co.jp
www.otaritec.co.jp
www.theaudiovideopeople.in
AUSTRALIA: Perth Concert Hall recently underwent its largest lighting upgrade since opening in 1973. This saw the installation of 66 ETC Connect Source 4 Series 2 Lustr acquired from lighting dealer Evolution 512, chosen due to the venue’s experience with the Source already in its inventory.
‘We wanted to replace a large units and so shot some units out against each other,’ explained Perth Concert Hall’s head of lighting, Alex Spartalis. ‘The Source 4 Series 2 Lustr from ETC couldn’t be beaten when combinind factors of brightness, colour and dimming quality. Their fan noise and longterm reliability were also taken into consideration.’
The venue is the resident home for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and hosts a variety of performances ranging from classical concerts to contemporary music, comedy, corporate and dance events. The lighting upgrade was facilitated by the State Culture and the Arts Infrastructure Improvement Program.
To replace the old orchestral
downlights, 36 of the Lustrs were
and even wash with the new units than before, and were also able
required,’ Mr Spartalis noted. ‘Having individual control rather than pairs of orchestrals, which previously covered large areas, has control in isolating small parts of the stage.’
The upgrade has also provided
the team were unable to apply their positioning. ‘We can do contemporary performances without the need to add trusses of moving
colour wash lights,’ said the head of lighting. ‘When we have hire budgets for our bigger shows we can now spend all that money on units enhance the performance.’
The lighting perch towers along the walls of the auditorium also saw their 110V PAR 64s replaced. ‘What was previously a small selection of standard rock, and, roll colours now has the option to give us a whole host of pastel colours for our more classical shows thanks to 22
arrived, however, it was discovered that fewer of the Lustrs were needed for the lighting towers, meaning some could be used for dedicated
colour wash on the venue’s 3000pipe organ. They are also used to project corporate sponsor gobos
eight Lustrs were equipped with 15°
to 30° zoom lenses and are used as variable focus and variable purpose several locations.
Following installation, one of the 66 Lustrs failed, but this was promptly replaced by Evolution 512 and ETC’s Australian distributor, Jands. In addition to for distributing data to all of the
‘We also purchased eight Arri L10-Cs to replace the 110V PAR 64s on our back light bar,’ added Mr Spartalis. ‘The S4s weren’t bright enough – or rather we would have needed a lot more than eight – so we went with a dedicated Fresnel wash option. They’re absolutely fantastic and punch through just about everything.’
With the majority of Perth Concert Hall’s rig now made up of the impressed. ‘We have even lit a show he revealed.
www.etcconnect.com
www.evolution512.com
www.jands.com.au
SINGAPORE: Twelve months on
2,766m2 Warehouse and Logistics Centre at Tuas South Street 10, the Electronics and Engineering (E&E) Group of Companies has once again grown in visibility. The Singaporean distributor and systems integrator recently relocated its service centre from its previous 273 Outram Road
at No 315 in the Tan Boon Liat walk away.
A traditional lion dance and Chinese percussion marked the the new E&E Services Pte Ltd 2
in size, it is six times larger than the previous location with over 30 desks to accommodate for future growth that will better service the company’s clients. A double-walled speaker-testing chamber, a speaker re-coning section and a conference room adds value to its credentials. As the authorised repair centre for EAW, Furman, Mackie, Neutrik,
Powersoft, Shure and Symetrix amongst others, the workshop is further equipped with the latest bench test equipment, portable and TEF machines. ‘With this new Service Centre, our team will be able to have more room and can better focus on meeting the growing needs of our expanding customer base,’ commented E&E
Ronald Goh.
www.enepl.com.sg
VIETNAM: dBTechnologies’
Vietnamese distributor, TNG, recently organised a demonstration for several of the manufacturer’s systems at the Hoa Binh Theatre in Ho Chi Minh City. This included the premiere of the Italian manufacture’s Vio L210 subwoofer in the country.
In addition to the Vio cabinets, the ES1203 column array PA system was also demonstrated, as well as the Ingenia series. A live band was on hand to help demonstrate the capabilities of the solutions to the audience of approximately 300 attendees. The event was presented by Garry Nguyen of TNG
and dBTechnologies, application engineer, Marco Cantalù, who explained the main technical features of each system.
‘The event was excellently organised and the feedback from the professionals in the audience has been very enthusiastic,’ said Mr Cantalù.
The manufacturer’s Asia sales manager, Manuele Poli, added: ‘The potential of dBTechnologies in Vietnam has not yet been achieved. Our partners at TNG perfectly understood the best way to promote the brand locally.’
www.dbtechnologies.com
www.tng.com.vn
INDIA: Dev Electronics recently hosted the inaugural edition of The Audio Fest at the Nehru Center in Mumbai. The distributor and systems integrator organised the two-day event as a platform to showcase the wide range of brands
and manufacturers it represents as either a sole or regional distributor, or as a prime dealer, including Allen & Heath, Behringer, Bose, Denon, Dynatech, Harman, Mackie, Pioneer DJ, P.Audio, PowerX, QSC, Shure, Sennheiser, Studiomaster, Wharfedale
Professional and Yamaha.
Members of the pro audio community from across the country attended The Audio Fest, including rental company owners, live sound engineers, installers and systems integrators, DJs and music producers. Dev Electronics took advantage of the sales opportunity by offering special deals on much of the equipment on show.
Away from the trade show-like
in with a range of seminars and product training sessions led by representatives from Sennheiser, Harman Professional, Pioneer DJ and Yamaha. The opportunity to network with representatives from each of these brands was also given.
‘The Audio Fest 2017 has truly been a festival of professional audio in every sense of the word,’
said Dilip Devjani, director of Dev Electronics. ‘From showcases of the best in pro audio technologies across application segments to intense knowledge sessions and serious and meaningful business networking, The Audio Fest 2017 had it all. The show catered to every single need of all industry professionals, and thanks to the support of all our partners, our
dedicated clientele, and all our respected industry fraternity who graced the show with their presence and showered us with all their support and good wishes, The Audio Fest 2017 turned out to be every bit as amazing as we had imagined it to be. Now we’re eagerly looking forward to 2018!’
www.develectronics.com
PHILIPPINES: Stage Craft International, Sennheiser’s distribution partner in the Philippines, has acquired a further
when large numbers of wireless mics are deployed.’
‘In a time where bandwidths are being sold to telecommunications
36 channels of the German manufacturer’s Digital 6000 wireless microphone system. The new purchase joins the existing 32 channels of Digital 6000 in Stage Craft’s inventory, making the company the largest owner in South East Asia.
‘Sennheiser’s Digital 6000 is the easiest way to go in light of the digital television transition programme in the Philippines,’ offered Marc Paraiso, head of sales and marketing at Stage Craft International. ‘The system addresses the constraints posed by a challenging RF environment
companies, the Digital 6000’s unparalleled digital solution is designed to ensure end users a worry-free show,’ stated Daniel Lagdameo, business development manager, Sennheiser Asia. ‘This delivery of 68 channels makes Stage Craft the largest owner of the new Digital 6000 system in all of South East Asia. This system has raised the bar to become the industry standard for wireless microphone systems in this region.’
www.sennheiser.com
www.stagecraftintl.com
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CHINA: Christie’s Chinese partner, Wincomn Technologies, has been exploring the past, present and future of urban planning through a multimedia projection mapping exhibit at the Changchun City Planning Museum. Among the highlights of the exhibit were Christie’s M and Roadie Series table, a curved screen and the ceiling of the exhibition room, covering a total area of about 1,100m2
The Changchun City Planning Museum is a newly opened facility in Jilin Province offering the country’s largest exhibition zones. Comprising
building showcases hundreds of plans, photographs, animated urban models and diagrams illustrating the history of Changchun’s city building and development, as well as visions for the immediate and distant future.
A total of 10 WU14K-M 3DLPs are used to deliver the visuals for the
massive 28m-diameter sand table, while the projections arrive at the ceiling courtesy of HD14K-M 3DLP units mounted within the ceiling structure. The 36m-wide, 11m-high curved screen in front of the sand table is lit using Roadie HD+35K 3DLP projectors.
‘The large-scale multimedia exhibit is a hemispherical three-dimensional space – the main attraction being the gigantic sand table projection that showcases Changchun’s intelligent urban planning process in great detail, and this is complemented by projected visuals on the massive curved screen and ceiling,’ said Tony Chen, general manager, Wincomn Technology. ‘This is a highly complex and unique sand table setup that is unprecedented in China, and we are proud to be able to deliver stunning visuals using Christie’s high-performance and dependable M Series and Roadie Series projectors.’
www.christiedigital.com
www.wincomn.com
WORLD: Almost a year since the acquisition of intercom brand ASL, Riedel has announced that it has acquired a majority stake in PIDSO, the Vienna-based manufacturer of antennas and antenna systems.
Riedel states that the deal will lead to an acceleration in the speed of development of solutions that leverage both company’s systems, while Riedel will gain an experienced team with expertise in custom antenna systems and access to the automotive and aviation sectors.
‘With its innovative solutions in the PIDSO not only complements our into our company philosophy,’ said Thomas Riedel, founder and CEO of Riedel Communications.
‘Embracing advanced technologies and delivering visionary solutions to
real-world challenges have always been part of Riedel’s trademark. Both companies can move forward based on a sound economic and technological foundation, giving our new collaboration the best-possible beginning.’
‘We have been experiencing solid growth and our partnership with Riedel will accelerate demand for our solutions and pave the way to an even brighter future,’ added Christoph Kienmayer, founder and managing director of PIDSO. ‘We’re honoured to be joining the Riedel brand, one of the strongest in the industry, and we’ll have a perfect environment and ideal conditions in which to take our business to the next level, especially with regard to internationalisation.’
www.pidso.com
www.riedel.net
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WORLD: Calrec and Net Insight have announced a partnership that will see the latter’s Nimbra platform natively integrated into the former’s RP1 remote production unit. The integration will reportedly deliver quality-assured transport and precise control of audio mixes from any location.
The two companies have worked together previously on optimising Calrec’s Hydra2 audio and control protocols with the Nimbra platform. RP1 provides a variety of interface
WORLD: Legrand has announced the closing of its acquisition of Milestone AV Technologies. An agreement was originally signed between the two companies in June and, with the deal complete, the likes of Chief, Sanus, Projecta, Da-Lite and Vaddio join Middle Atlantic Products in Legrand’s A/V portfolio.
formats, including SDI and AES67, which can be transported alongside control data across Nimbra.
‘Most of the focus on remote
production in the industry to date has been on the video side but it is audio that is much more complicated to manage,’ said Fredrik Tumegård, CEO of Net Insight. ‘Setting up different interfaces on-site is time consuming, takes greater resource and means there are many more points in the chain where faults can occur. The integration of Net Insight’s Nimbra portfolio with Calrec’s RP1 takes away all this pain.’
‘Remote broadcasting using RP1 and Net Insight Nimbra means fewer resources are needed on-site, and controlling audio from
a remote console saves money on setup time, crew, logistics and equipment,’ added Dave Letson, VP of sales at Calrec. ‘Production can be up and running quickly thanks to the plug and play unison of just two boxes, while operation does not require high-level technical expertise and provides assured nolatency audio processing from any venue to any production base.’
www.calrec.com
www.netinsight.net
‘The acquisition of Milestone allows Legrand to pursue its ongoing reinforcement in digital the high-value A/V infrastructure and power segment,’ said Gilles Schnepp, chairman and CEO of Legrand. ‘Milestone will bring Legrand leading positions in commercial and residential A/V mounts, as well as in projector screens, enabling the Group to provide A/V customers with scalable, end-to-end offerings. Milestone’s robust leading positions, well-known brands, businesses supported by strong social and technological megatrends, customer-centric approach, ongoing innovation and active CSR policy are key assets that make this acquisition a highly valuable move that “ticks all the boxes” of Legrand fundamentals.’
www.legrand.com
www.milestone.com
Packing a 138 dB wallop, Kiva II breaks the SPL record for an ultra-compact 14 kg/31 lb line source. Kiva II features L-Acoustics’ patented DOSC technology enhanced with an L-Fins waveguide for ultimate precise and smooth horizontal directivity. WST® gives Kiva II long throw and even SPL, from the front row to the back, making it the perfect choice for venues and special events that require power and clarity with minimal visual obtrusion. Add to that a 16 ohm impedance for maximized amplifier density and a new sturdy IP45 rated cabinet, and you get power, efficiency and ruggedness in the most elegant package. www.l-acoustics.com
MALAYSIA: As its Electro-Voice and Dynacord brands celebrate their 70th and 90th anniversaries respectively, Bosch is in the midst of a global marketing campaign titled Loud&Clear. The campaign comprises a series of events that began in Germany and is touring the world with a presence at trade shows and dedicated local events. The most recent event saw the brands unveil branding, marketing and 41 new products to the Asian market at The Westin Kuala Lumpur hotel.
More than 100 members of the APAC pro audio community were present at the launch event, which began with a presentation from Biswas Surajit, Bosch’s VP of ASEAN
sales, followed by an explanation of the Loud&Clear strategy from Johannes Huth, director of regional marketing for business unit communications. Director of global brand management and marketing communications, Christina Balanon, concluded the presentations by providing an overview of the branding and portfolio strategy.
The presentations gave way to product and breakout sessions that introduced attendees to the raft of new products. These included the Electro-Voice ELX200 series of portable loudspeakers, the Evolve 50 portable column system and, on the installation side, the EVC series. Also on show from EV was the new Evid-S series. The Dynacord offering
that the lighting not resemble that typically found in a nightclub, while Mr Burridge also wanted to use a full LED rig to maintain a low carbon footprint. With all of this in mind, the lighting rig ultimately comprised 12 Robe Linees on four 3m high truss towers and another 12 on front and mid over-stage trusses. ‘The Linee gives a completely different shape that is a nice change from classic spots and beams as we were looking for something different for this gig,’ he explained.
saw the L and C series dual-channel Guests were invited to remain for a gala dinner that evening, which featured performances from Malaysian artists Joanne Yeoh, Of Feathers and Chapters, and Debbie Su. The main PA setup served as a further demonstration of ElectroVoice’s wares. This included two EVC-1152s, a pair of EVC-1181 loudspeakers and another pair
ELX200-10P loudspeakers and ETX12Ps served as monitors. Power was provided by Dynacord’s L2800FD
www.dynacord.com
www.electrovoice.com
SINGAPORE: Craig Burridge served as the lighting designer for the recent Garden Beats Festival, staged in Fort Canning Park by Sunshine Nation. The festival’s theme was bright and colourful, with the main objective of the rig
audience lighting for the various dance acts performing. To meet the made use of several Robe lighting CSP Productions.
Also housed on the front and mid trusses were six ColorStrobes and six LEDBlinder 148 LTs, used for colouring the audience. Mr Burridge programmed and operated the lighting for all artists performing at the festival, assisted by JoAnne Yee.
www.csp.sg
www.robe.cz
SINGAPORE: The debut outdoor performance of The Teng Ensemble’s Where the River Always Flows, held in the Fullerton Hotel Singapore’s East Garden Square, called upon DPA d:vote instrument microphones to combine both western and Chinese instruments, including a cello, a Sheng and a Guzheng. Audio engineer Steve Zhang also chose a DPA d:facto vocal microphone for the ensemble’s countertenor, Phua Ee Kia. Commenting on his choice of microphones, Mr Zhang explained: ‘Phua Ee Kia has a uniquely expressive and dynamic voice, therefore the d:facto vocal microphone’s high SPL handling and wide dynamic range ensured that his performance was not constrained by technical limitations, even in the slightest.
NEW ZEALAND: Taking place at a secret location, this year’s edition of Road Trip to Bush Doof saw performances from international drum and bass acts including Koven and Kadington Live. To match the audio intensity, the event organisers challenged Tron Audio to design and deploy a lighting rig that would create a visual spectacle. This led to the use of Chauvet DJ Intimidator Hybrid 140SR moving heads.
‘Although Bush Doof has a DIY vibe, we wanted to elevate the festival this year by improving on certain production elements such as providing exciting visuals,’ explained Taylor Brodie, production manager at Tron Audio. ‘The us to achieve some exciting visuals, while still retaining the
authentic vibe of the festival. With a relatively simple lighting rig, we were able to create an even better
atmosphere this year.’
The Intimidator Hybrid 140SR shape, creating a focal point around the central DJ podium. The beams from the 140W luminaires also added emphasis to the foliage that formed part of the set.
‘Despite their ultra compact size, have incredibly punchy colours,’ noted Mr Brodie. ‘They could be seen from all around the festival site and acted as an excellent navigation system for people wanting to locate the stage.’
which can be used as spots, beams or washes, also came in handy.
‘For the instruments, the impressive clarity of the d:vote instrument microphone was a major advantage
Zhang. ‘This minuscule gooseneck mic can be mounted conveniently on top of clips that come in various shapes and sizes. Even for an instrument as unconventional as the Sheng, the d:vote 4099 manages to stage movement of the musician.’
www.dpamicrophones.com
play with different beam and spot effects to whip up visual energy in support of the DNB music,’ said Mr Brodie. ‘To have this three-in-one package also ensured we didn’t have to specify any other moving heads and, as such, the festival was able to keep its trademark DIY and underground feeling.’
The lighting rig also included Chauvet Professional Strike 4 multi-formatted warm white look provided a gorgeous warm white wash – a contrasting look to the energy of the Intimidators,’ said Mr Brodie.
www.chauvetlighting.com
www.facebook.com/TronAudio
AUSTRALIA: Universal Music’s Forbes Street Studios was designed by Michael Fronzek of Sound Spaces as a high-end, commercial recording facility for all artists, not just those signed to the record label. Installed to handle tracking and mixing is a Solid State Logic
console, supplied by the British manufacturer’s Australian distributor, Amber Technology.
The facility includes the Live Room, Writing Room, Edit Suite and Interview Room. The AWS 924 is situated in its own room, dubbed
the SSL Room. ‘The SSL Room is the centre-piece,’ explained studio manager, Anthony Garvin. ‘It’s got the AWS 924 console and Barefoot MiniMain12 monitoring.’
The 924 console combines SSL’s Control DAW-based automation technology and Ethernet-connected DAW control. ‘We were looking at a
few different consoles,’ noted Mr Garvin. ‘Several techs that I know and trust all said, “yes, go for the AWS”. In their experience, it was the most reliable console.
‘We’ve got quite a few outboard units, and they have been used, but everyone has been very happy with the console preamps. Also, you can step in front of the AWS and 90 seconds. All of the engineers coming through the facility have enjoyed that experience, even though they all seem to use it differently.’
www.ambertech.com.au
www.forbesstreetstudios.com
www.solidstatelogic.com
www.soundspaces.com.au
KOREA: Tieline’s i-Mix G3 codecs were used by systems integrator Coil and Wire (CNW) to deliver commentary for South Korean host broadcasters KBS, MBC and SBS during the recent Fifa U-20 World Cup that took place in the country. i-Mix G3 is an IP codec for broadcast applications, which serves as a multi-faceted unit that can be used as a mixer and a commentary control unit.
codecs to cover their commentary positions. A further seven were installed in commentary positions at the main stadium in Suwon.
‘Commentary audio was transported directly from the venues to Tieline Commander G3 rack mount codecs at KBS, MBC and SBS’ studios for local transmissions,’ said Mr Sheen. ‘They used IP over the
‘CNW secured the contract with the host broadcasters to supply commentary positions for the event,’ recalled Charlie Gawley, VP sales APAC and EMEA at Tieline. ‘The i-Mix from CNW as the codec of choice to connect over IP, ISDN and POTS. The codec was used to broadcast tournament.’
The stadia in Cheonan, Daejeon, Incheon, Jeju and Jeonju were each
public internet for their primary connections, with POTS lines as backup.
‘The i-Mix can connect reliably over IP, ISDN and POTS, and failover seamlessly to any transport if required, which was a very important factor,’ Mr Sheen continued. ‘The solid track record of the codec at other major events, like the Asian Games in 2014, i-Mix for this event.’
www.tieline.com
WORLD: Avid has unveiled the Customer Association (ACA) Vote.
UHD in mainstream broadcast, more than 17,000 members leaders. The vote revealed that
was the most popular response at the most prevalent, with terrestrial to reach new audiences and
no current plans to implement entertainment (23.1%), live events
INDIA:
‘The ACA Vote represents a new
and optimisation continue to support what is most important to our customers and their creative, technical and business
www.avid.com www.avidcustomerassociation.com
solution to ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), a disasters. supports its 15 ZEE channels
solution helps to ensure that our consumption. In addition, the capabilities help us to reduce www.imaginecommunications.com
Imagine Communications’ Versio
AUSTRALIA: Blacktown International Sportspark’s Softball Centre was originally built as the venue for softball at the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympic Games. Today it continues to host a range of national and international tournaments and training programmes, and, almost two decades on from construction, the centre recently commissioned an updated sound system, bringing in A/V integrator Kayder. This led to the installation of a Community R Series solution.
The project brief called for a new main PA system that would offer durability in all weathers, as well as delivering good speech intelligibility with the ability to maintain an extended response for music. Kayder reportedly selected the R Series loudspeakers based on these requirements, working with the manufacturer’s Australian distributor, Hills, to design the solution.
‘In addition to outstanding intelligibility, sound quality and all-weather reliability,
the advantage of the R Series lies in its wide range of models, which provides all the throw and dispersion pattern combinations needed to optimise any system for complete and consistent coverage,’ said Blake Kirby from Hills.
‘For the Softball Centre the coverage required four R.5HPs, 14 R.5-94TZs and two R.35-3896Bs.’
The system is controlled via Crestron
handle power and DSP respectively.
‘A leading international venue such as the Softball Centre deserves a class-leading sound system, and that’s what has been delivered,’ concluded Mr Kirby. ‘With glowing reports from the installer and enduser alike, the system will provide the best-possible experience for fans.’
www.communitypro.com
www.hills.com.au
www.kayder.com.au
AUSTRALIA: NEP Australia has equipped its new IP-enabled production ‘Hubs’ with a raft of Sony solutions, including cameras, switchers and monitor screens. The two Hubs, located in Sydney and Melbourne, are due to go live in March 2018 and will reportedly create the world’s largest network of production facilities and enable multiple concurrent outside broadcasts.
They will connect 29 sporting venues via a high bandwidth network and be complemented by four new IP OB
The Sony equipment includes 36 HDC4300 cameras that will be deployed at each of the venues, XVS-6000 and XVS-8000 IP-capable switchers and myriad OLED and LCD monitors. ‘NEP committed to an all-IP ecosystem at the Hubs and our new trucks at the beginning of this project,’ explained NEP Australia’s director of technology, Marc Segar. ‘We are therefore very pleased to be partnering with Sony on switchers and camera technologies that complement the rest cameras will join the 48 in our current pro.sony.com
MALAYSIA: Shure’s Malaysian distributor, Concept Associates, recently hosted a launch event for the manufacturer’s new Axient Digital systems to the local market. Taking place in the Plenary Theatre at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, it showcased the AD Series and ADX Series transmitters, as well as ULX-D and QLX-D solutions. Andy Fong, senior manager of pro audio at Shure Asia, was on hand to provide product information and to run the demonstrations at the invitation of Concept Associates. This included the ADX1 bodypack transmitter and ADX2 handheld transmitter as well as the ADX1M
micro bodypack transmitter. An SBRC rack mount charging station was also on display, as well as an AD610 Diversity Showlink access point, an AXT600 spectrum manager and a UA845SWB antenna distributor. Completing the line-up were an SBC200 charger with SB900 and SB900A batteries, and UA860WB and UA874WB antennas.
Approximately 150 people attended from dealers and rental companies, to venue managers and government representatives.
www.conceptaudio.com.my www.shure.com
THAILAND: 8 on eleven is a new gastro bar and restaurant that has recently opened in Bangkok and aims to restore a little of the traditional Soi spirit ‘with a modern industrial twist’. Tasked with providing the necessary A/V inside the establishment, local consultant Fuzion Far East was enlisted, ultimately settling on a zoned
appease the venue’s neighbouring cooperation with local install contractor Atkris, Fuzion Far East called upon Symetrix for processing
and Quest for loudspeakers and Overseeing the design and for the venue was Fuzion Far East’s product specialist and project manager, Benjamin Walters. ‘The concept changed somewhat over time,’ he recalled. ‘Initially, we were going to design a massive nightclub system, but the hotel above the venue got involved and made some recommendations, so we ended up designing a more modest system that ensured there was minimal sound leakage into the hotel rooms
‘We knew we needed a large amount of DSP to handle all the processing requirements; there were he added. ‘Symetrix is a brand we wide range of venues, and we were required number of outputs in a
A single Symetrix Prism 12x12 handles audio processing and management for four zones, two indoor and two outdoor, across two well as replay background music throughout the hours of operation. Pleased with the solution installed by Fuzion Far East, the club has reportedly decided to expand the speaker system on the second impact’.
how much they love the audio system,’ Mr Walters concluded. ‘Once again the Prism processor has proven its reliability and robustness, and is clearly the ideal choice for this job.’
www.symetrix.co
hectic schedule. ‘Then it’s a quick gig in the Philippines and then back to Europe for another stint before we’re off once again, this time to the US.
‘Britannia Row provides our control package, a pair of Midas Pro2c mixers and a line system. I have my basic rack which now goes with me worldwide: I’ve managed to pack in my Massenburg Limiter, a TC Electronics M6000 reverb, an Avalon 737 compressor and a D2 Delay. For the next three shows Brit Row have given me an identical copy “B” rack while my own rack ships out to Australia.’
AUSTRALIA: American rock band Two Door Cinema Club’s recent tour of the festival circuit saw them perform on three continents in as many weeks. When it comes to the sound control setup, this poses quite a logistics challenge for the band’s sound engineer, Ian Laughton. However, following Britannia Row’s recent acquisition by Clair Global, this issue was solved.
Europe and have three more before we depart for Australia where we do four shows in six days, crossing the country from west to east and then south,’ said Mr Laughton, describing the band’s
The major advantage of working with Britannia Row came due to its relationship with new parent company Clair Global. ‘It has just made that whole continent-to-continent process a lot simpler,’ stated Mr Laughton. ‘We get identical desks in Australia from Clair JPJ and when we go to the US later on, Lez Dwight, our account manager at Brit Row, said: “We will just do the same in the US for you”. That’s when I realised my life had just become a whole lot easier.’
Accompanying Mr Laughton on monitors for the tour is Steve Donovan, a former Britannia Row crew member. ‘He is very useful to have around with this type of touring,’ added Mr Laughton.
www.britanniarow.com
www.clairglobal.com
www.jps.com.au
NEW ZEALAND: Auckland-based turnkey production solutions provider Forge Audio has bolstered its inventory with the addition of Adamson S10 2-way line array cabinets, S119 subwoofers and Point 12 speakers. The systems were supplied by the manufacturer’s exclusive New Zealand distributor, Direct Imports. and powerful product in a very compact package,’ explained Marc Benedict, president of Forge Audio. ‘From a business perspective, we’ve achieved a very high return on investment in a very and popularity means it’s constantly out and working hard on all kinds of applications.’
Forge Audio is making use of Adamson’s Blueprint AV simulation software each time it deploys the S-Series system. ‘Blueprint AV is very accurate and provides a platform to ensure consistent, high-quality audio at all of our events,’ noted Mr Benedict.
outings, Mr Benedict is impressed. ‘The system scales incredibly well, whether being used as a ground-stack in a club concluded. ‘The S10 outperformed every other product in its class, and many larger-format boxes.’
www.adamsonsystems.com
www.directimports.co.nz
www.forgeaudio.co.nz
...and a real team player!
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Stage Tec mixing consoles are real workhorses when you‘re talking live events. Reliable, fast and with redundancy. Take the AURUS platinum for example, which is currently touring with the ‚Pop-Oratorium Luther‘ and ensuring the highest audio quality.
Rapid set up, with perfect ergonomics as impressive as its technical features:
More than 800 input channels (at 48 kHz), 128 Buses at both 48 kHz and 96 kHz, with fully integrated Stage Tec auto mixer, loudness metering directly in the console sum channels and group channels, freely configurable, extensive dynamics, scene automation...
www.stagetec.com
MALAYSIA: AC Lighting Services Malaysia (ACLS) handled the video design and programming at the TM Group’s annual award
the British manufacturer. The ceremony was attended by approximately 2,500 TM Group employees and recognises the top
The media server setup that ACLS employed comprised two Hippotizer Karsts, a Hippotizer HD V3 and a Hippotizer Grasshopper V4. These provided eight outputs to network and were controlled via ArtNet using MA onPC command and fader wing software.
Leading the ACLS team was visual programmer Kumar Shan, who worked alongside Kuala Lumpurbased professional technical consultants Show Gear Production to use Hippotizer’s Shape 3D projection mapping tool to form a video backdrop with three projectors set to portrait mode. Additionally, two projectors lit the stage front façade, a brace of projectors served a shark tooth screen and a further two projectors were deployed for the IMAG screen.
In total, the ACLS team spent two months in pre-production.
ceremony, implementing several of Green Hippo’s solutions. In addition to serving as a lighting and visual creative consultancy, ACLS is the regional dealer for
achievements from each of the telecommunications company’s divisions. It took place at the Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios.
‘Hippotizer Shape was vital,’ said Mr Shan. ‘As was our planning period, going through all of the technical matters with the event partners.’
www.green-hippo.com
WORLD: Powersoft is edging ever closer to an important milestone –one million channels of Powersoft power spread throughout the world. In honour of this, the Italian manufacturer has launched the One Million Channels promotional campaign as it strives for a million by the end of September. The company is inviting end users to visit a dedicated webpage before the end of September where they can place an order and automatically enter a draw, with the opportunity to win the value of that order in full.
‘To think that we are about channels worldwide is mindboggling,’ remarked Powersoft’s brand and communications director, Francesco Fanicchi. ‘We wanted to promote this remarkable achievement and at the same time give something back to Powersoft users around the world who trust us with their projects every day and have helped us reach this incredible milestone.’
www.onemillionchannelspage.powersoft.it
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INDIA:
PA rental company in India to acquire an Allen & Heath dLive C3500 mixing console. The mixer is the largest member of the British manufacturer’s C Class family and was supplied by its Indian distributor, Sun Infonet.
C3500 user,’ said Nitish Phanse, owner of Audio Genetics. Mr Phanse was considering a console upgrade due to the growing requirements of the larger events he was working
console, Audio Genetics, put it to the test during a Laxmikant–
Pyarelal concert in Mumbai’s
Laxmikant–Pyarelal’s Pyarelal
Ji, a renowned Bollywood score composer, performed with a full orchestra of 40 musicians that included tabla, dholak, percussion, octopad, a variety of drums, violins, cellos, keyboards, guitar and brass instruments, as well as several vocalists. ‘It was such a huge band with a total of 68 inputs and 12 monitor sends on stage,’
on. Having researched the C3500, he approached Sun Infonet at Palm Expo 2017 to gain a closer look. ‘I asked Neeraj Chandra from Sun Infonet about pricing among other details and he guided me well,’ Mr Phanse added. Following delivery of the
AUSTRALIA:
the doors to its Sydney headquarters, inviting guests to get hands on with the latest technologies and talk
Open House also offered a look at
‘Throughout the Open House event, our clients rebooked for double appointments and brought their important clients with them,’ said Michael Hassett, managing director
of Australia’s leading production people from TV, corporates, theatres, artistic groups, graphics houses along with eager students from Arts] and the Australian Film and Television Institute.
www.tdc.com.au
System designers love the focussed dispersion of NEXO speakers. It gives them the tools they need to achieve perfect coverage in any space.
The new ID24 achieves smooth, full-frequency sound and high output from a cabinet measuring just 309mm wide, with a unique, user-rotatable horn providing unprecedented control over HF directivity.
With an ‘a la carte’ selection of colours, grilles, directivity and connectivity, and compatibility with a wide range of mobile and fixed-installation hardware, ID Series delivers precision sound, right where it’s needed.
noted Mr Phanse.
The Audio Genetics owner confirmed that the show was a success and that there weren’t any complications. ‘I did some homework before the show, off I went,’ said Mr Phanse. ‘I got to the auditorium at 7.30pm and the show started at 9pm. Setup and sound check was quick and easy because of dLive’s workflow.’
www.allen-heath.com
www.suninfonet.net
SINGAPORE: The Analog Factory was established by Keith Chia to provide local musicians with a ‘world-class’ recording facility and offer musical backline services. To ensure that the studio reached world-class status, Mr Chia called in acoustic consultancy Soundzipper.
‘Soundzipper was approached for the project because of our expertise dealing with recording/mastering studio builds,’ said Soundzipper’s
studio control room was to have a shorter reverberation time than response extending down to 40Hz. The longer bass reverberation in the live room was to achieve a warmer ambience. The visual look was also of importance and, following four months and three interior designers, Mr Lo worked with Mr Chia on making sure the aesthetics would not be compromised.
he continued. ‘This involved the installation of 300mm thick walls that used specialised acoustic damping material. Our control room window design also involved two acoustically decoupled panes of laminated glass that maximised acoustic performance. For the inner shell, we create separate designs for the control room and live room.’
The design for the control room focused on accuracy. ‘We chose an RFZ design after extensive discussion with Keith,’ Mr Lo noted. ‘We custom designed broadband absorbers composed of membrane traps and Basotect melamine foam. These were coupled with some Vicoustic panels was placed on the right and left walls. To blend the look of the two kinds of panels we added a vanity screen in front in the form of a black acoustically transparent perforated aluminium mesh. The front wall was treated with 100mm thick acoustic fabric panel absorbers while the back wall was composed of Vicoustic Multifuser. The ceiling itself had angled wood wool panels used for absorption.’
Accuracy was less important in the live room where the aim
principal acoustic engineer, Adrian Lo. ‘We are one of the few music facility acoustic designers in Singapore that are able to design and execute complete room-in-aroom designs with custom interior acoustics. I also started out in the
Working on electronic music projects gave me good insight into what musicians and engineers want out of studios.’
should be large enough and suitable to house rock bands and mid-sized musical group recordings. The
‘For recording studios, Soundzipper often takes an extreme hands-on approach due to the intricacies involved,’ explained Mr Lo. ‘After all, one pin-sized hole in an acoustic partition wall can reduce its effectiveness by half. Our typical studio design process involves dividing the studio into two shells. The outer shell handles sound isolation while the inner shell is built according to the acoustic
‘For the outer shell, we went for an STC rating of 60 between the live room and control room areas,’
was to create an acoustically fun space for musicians to jam. ‘The live room is relatively small,’ said Mr Lo. ‘We wanted to ensure that every 10 steps or so, a musician playing their instrument will hear something cool acoustically. To achieve this, we created a design that made the room sound progressively “deader” the further in you walk. We had wood slat absorbers on two of the walls to keep to the aesthetic that Keith wanted while providing good bass
utilised wood wool acoustic panels
hung at various random angles and heights that changed both the sonic and visual feel of the space as you walked through.
reverberation times in the 0.3s range for the control room and 0.6s range for the live room,’ the Soundzipper was unable to implement everything in its original design due to budget.
‘World-class recording studios do not come cheap,’ said Mr Lo. ‘There were many things that we wanted to do that did not make as a reverberation chamber made completely out of cracked glass. In the end, taking some elements out was a good thing as it allowed us to simplify the design of the space so that the essential core of the space shone through.’
The Analog Factory is now open for artists and Mr Chia certainly appreciates Soundzipper’s contributions to the space. ‘There’s no Analog Factory without Soundzipper,’ he said.
www.soundzipper.com
www.theanalogfactory.com
SINGAPORE: MediaCorp has relied on a wealth of technology from Lawo to form the technical infrastructure of its new production centre. This includes five mc²56 audio production consoles and an mc²36 audio console, a Nova73 HD router and two Nova73 Compact core routers, as well as a large VSM Control System and other hardware from the German manufacturer. The new facility comprises a pair of television production studios, three news studios and a radio master control room (MCR).
The TV production studios have both been equipped with Lawo mc²56 audio consoles; a 64-fader version with 16 line I/Os, eight AES I/Os and four Compact I/Os have been installed in the larger of the two studios, while
a 48-fader desk resides in the smaller studio with 16 line I/Os,
eight GPIOs and three Compact I/Os. The mc²56 signals are
routed to the central Nova73 HD, located in the studio equipment room. The intercom system, HDD recorders and auxiliary equipment are all connected via the Nova73 Compact, which is set up in the smaller studio. A Lawo V__pro 8 has also been employed for
embedding and de-embedding audio from HD/SDI signals, and in a news editing area, Lawo A__mic8 audio-to-IP units support up to eight microphones and four return lines.
The aforementioned Nova73 HD is also connected to the three news studios, named Studio 1, Studio 2 and Studio 3. Studio 1 has been installed with a 48-fader mc²56 console while 2 and 3 both house 32-fader models. All of the Lawo audio equipment and intercom systems in the news studios are connected by MADI with the exception of a FlashCam Studio solution that uses Ravenna. A pair of Nova73 Compact routers and six Nova17 I/O breakout boxes with redundant master cards and MADI connections are in use in the Radio MCR. Redundancy has been automated so that if silence is detected on a studio output, VSM triggers switching to the redundant card.
www.lawo.com
AUSTRALIA: Stagetec Mediagroup
Australia has changed its name and will be known as tm stagetec systems pty ltd. The company was Mediagroup Consortium umbrella as the exclusive Australian distributor for all Mediagroup products.
stagetec systems to continue to strive to better service our client base as a full turnkey systems integrator.
‘There is no change in management, staff or the day-today operations of the business,’ he continued. ‘By the name change,
The name change was announced at SMPTE 2017 by managing director, Treva Head.
‘Stagetec Mediagroup Australia has now grown to the point where it was time to move out from under the Mediagroup banner,’ he said.
our company offers a wider range of products and services than ever before. This move allows tm
expansion of the company as well as keep up the good reputation we have held in the Australian market for over six years.’
The ‘tm’ that forms part of the names of the company’s founding members, Mr Head and general manager Mark Lownds.
www.tm-systems.com.au
MALAYSIA: Mahajak Trio was enlisted to install a new sound setup at the Mega Star Arena in Kuala Lumpur. The venue, managed by the MSA Group, hosts a wide variety of event types from major concerts to conventions and corporate seminars, as well as serving as the home for SouthGate Church each Sunday. With such a diverse range of applications, the venue required a a Harman setup.
audiovisual system in house to cater Wong, owner of Mega Star Arena. Working with the MSA team, Harman distributor Mahajak Trio designed a system with JBL VTX V25 3-way line array loudspeakers. These were provided for a trial period of several months to ensure their suitability for the many differing needs of the venue’s clients. The lightweight build of the speakers reportedly allows V25-AF frame structure that enables
the systems to be suspended or ground-stacked. VTX S28 dual 18-inch subwoofers deliver the low frequencies.
done on a Soundcraft Vi3000 digital console. A Soundcraft Realtime Rack Ultimate Sound plug-in
plug-ins and access to Universal Audio’s analogue audio processing emulations.
‘We are privileged to be associated with Mega Star Arena and happy to have met their requirements with our partners, Mahajak Trio,’ said
at the venue showcase the ability of the systems to be deployed quickly the venue’s demands.’
Mr Wong is happy with the system, as are his clients. ‘From a conference to a large-scale concert, reliable assistance to ensure a successfully and professionally,’ he said. ‘Harman has helped us meet those requirements and ensure our
www.harman.com
www.mahajaktrio.com
WORLD: Following its acquisition has started its own production of
networked broadcast studio console
RMX consoles.
we do everything in-house,’ said Matt Wilson, production manager for Wheatstone. ‘We do the millwork, the circuit boards, the wiring, the testing. When we introduce a new product line, we’re committed.’
Envoy, Mr Wilson added: ‘Many of these product components are
at end-of-life, so it made sense to discontinue manufacturing them and provide broadcasters with a more NetWave and Oasis consoles.
‘We understand how important customers, which is why we are support packages,’ said Wheatstone director of sales, Jay Tyler.
www.wheatstone.com
PHILIPPINES:
Cebu has selected solutions from entertainment to each of its 650 guest rooms, as well as digital signage solutions for its public areas and meeting rooms. The hotel, which is located between Mandaue and Cebu, aims to provide its guests with ultramodern facilities and amenities commitment to modernity by providing guests the ‘latest in-room entertainment’. The partner, LS Technology Solutions subsidiary of Singapore-based which specialises in products for the hospitality industry.
‘Modern hotels are relying heavily on video and interactive technology to offer a unique able to use a single platform to deliver a complete hotel solution
is paramount when you have as said Colin Farquhar, CEO at system management, reliability and robustness are all essential video and digital signage solution. By working closely with a trusted local partner, we are delighted to be able to provide a state-of-theguests.’
The installation consists of to display events, promotions, in the hotel reception and public well as 60 local and international TV channels through their in-room which interfaces with Agilysys’ SmartTVs.
www.exterity.com
AUSTRALIA: The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has signed a deal with Crestron that sees the control and automation systems manufacturer enterprise technology partner for the next two years. The partnership runs until 2019 and encompasses any new installation projects for the ARU or Australia’s national rugby team, the Wallabies.
Kicking off the partnership is the development of ARU’s new headquarters at Moore Park, Sydney. Named the Australian Rugby Development Centre, the facility is due to open towards the end of the year and will serve as a training base for the Qantas Wallabies, Buildcorp Wallaroos, Qantas Australian Men’s and Women’s Sevens and the junior representative teams, while also providing state-of-the-art
WORLD: Coretronic Corporation has acquired British image processing technology manufacturer Calibre. The Taiwanese manufacturer of DLP projectors plans to make use of Calibre’s HQUltra image processing technology and in-house R&D capabilities. As Calibre becomes
Crestron will provide digital media,
presentation and intelligent meeting room systems.
‘With the support of Crestron, our new Australian Rugby Development Centre is set to greatly enhance the sustainability and success of Australian rugby,’ said Kevin Stafford, head of technology at the ARU. ‘It provides a new home for Australian
Stuart Craig commented on the
a wholly owned subsidiary of Coretronic, its former CEO, Tim Brooksbank, will continue to lead in the role of managing director.
strategy to strengthen its leading position in display and image processing technology with a rich set of capabilities afforded by the president at Coretronic. ‘This will help Coretronic to further advance in the pro A/V market as well as assisting with entry into the direct-view LED display market. It will help Coretronic continue to drive its move to being an all-round display systems provider. In addition, Calibre will leverage Coretronic Group’s wide-reaching sales coverage and growing pro A/V channel sales.’
www.calibreuk.com
www.coretronic.com
We supply sound, not equipment. www.toa.com.sg I TOAasiapacific www.toa.co.in I TOAINDIA www.toa.jp (TOA global)
partnership: ‘We are proud to be selected for the long-term partnership following a competitive tender, and are very much looking forward to kicking goals on the projects that lie ahead,’ he quipped.
‘The Australian Rugby Development Centre is set to be a truly incredible facility, and we will be working to ensure the state-of-the-art property is matched with best-ofbreed, seamless and easy-to-use technology.’
www.crestron.com
SINGAPORE: Chinese LED display wall manufacturer Shenzhen Lightlink Technology has spread its presence with the
in Singapore, set up to serve South East Asia operations and is led by the facility’s newly appointed managing director, Lawrence Wai.
JAPAN: Takanori Nishikawa, also known by the stage name TM Revolution, recently performed multiple concerts at the Saitama Super Arena on the outskirts of Tokyo. Hibino Sound delivered the audio setup, as designed by its chief system designer, Hiroshi Inoue, who opted for a Coda Audio AiRay system due to the unorthodox staging employed for the show.
‘Our indoor and outdoor commercial LED industry in Singapore and we are dedicated to set the new standards in the South East Asian market,’ said Mr Wai. ‘From stage events to car shows to sports events and other arenas of commercial advertising, we are set to bring out the best in Singapore and beyond.’
www.szlightlink.com
WORLD: Orban has redesigned navigation and enhanced search functionality. This, the manufacturer states, will provide easier access to product information, distributor details and technical support.
The main stage gave way to a runway that covered much of the arena’s length and crossed in the middle to allow the singer to get as close to as many of his fans as possible. While visually effective, this meant that FOH was located 70m away from the stage and the lateral runway created a barrier between FOH and the ground-stacked subs. Even without these hurdles, Hibino Sound had facilitated audio for previous gigs at the venue and found it to be an acoustically challenging space in general.
‘Normally, when doing shows at the Saitama Super Arena, we’ve always
had issues with 200Hz to 300Hz in the central area around 90m from the main stage and we’ve always had to work hard to resolve it,’ explained Mr Inoue. ‘Using AiRay, we had clear sound from any position in the arena and I realised that our previous issues were not caused by the design of the venue at all. It was amazing that I could feel the “shape” of the sound very close up no matter where I stood in the
audience area.’
The main PA setup comprised three SC2-F bass extension units. A further eight AiRays were hung ground-stacked subs came in the form of 12 SCV-F enclosures.
Hibino Sound acquired its AiRay inventory last year. ‘Using Coda Audio AiRay for this concert was a
revelation,’ revealed Hibino Sound FOH engineer, Shintaro Sato. ‘I couldn’t believe the sound of the system from 70m away – the detail was incredible – it was as though I was listening very close
up. Also what amazed me was the reproduction of the output sound against the input signal – meaning the audience is experiencing a more “real” sound.’
www.codaaudio.com
www.hibino.co.jp
WORLD: EditShare has completed its acquisition of Quales. Quales’ range of QC solutions now join EditShare’s product portfolio, while plans are in place for them to be integrated with the Flow media asset management platform.
‘Offering QC as part of the overall workflow is an industry
Quales COO Daniel Roques expressed excitement at the deal on behalf of his company. ‘This giant step will allow us to meet new challenges and functionalities that will take QC higher levels of integration and sophistication by becoming a seamless part of production
‘This new website reinforces the message that Orban is stronger than ever and will continue leading the world of audio processing for many years to come,’ said Orban president, David Day. ‘In the past year, we have introduced more than 12 new products to improve processing and manage audio monitoring for radio, TV and professional applications, and updating the website became essential. The features in our new website will enable quick access to information.’
www.orban.com
AUSTRALIA: Having engaged in numerous projects at the Olympic Park Aquatic Centre in Sydney over the last 17 years, The PA People has once again been enlisted to carry out the centre’s latest A/V upgrade. New Bose speakers have replaced the previous models at the rear grandstand and all of the been replaced. The centre was built for the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games but continues to host large international events, as well as national and community competitions.
Manager of installed systems at The PA People, Brett Steele, explained that the new Bose
models presented the client with ‘a comfortable like-forlike replacement. The Bose LT9702WRs were used as they provided appropriate coverage for the space and were a proven weather-resistant box in the pool environment.’
In total, nine Bose LT9702WRs were installed to replace the rear two Crown DC18/600N and two complements the existing AMX control, Biamp Vocia and BSS Blu audio DSPs and existing speakers elsewhere around the centre.
www.papeople.com
first and will be a productivity game-changer for many organisations,’ commented James Richings, general manager at EditShare. ‘We are thrilled that Quales will be joining the EditShare team and look forward to demonstrating our new QC integration. Many need assistance with how they can correctly conform their content to the latest broadcast standard but don’t have access to the QC technology. The integration of Quales within the Flow solution will provide answers to these questions and solve many of the pain points as they happen.’
the integration into Flow and Automation, media content will always be assured, and controlled matter the complexity and localisation of the assets.’
www.editshare.com
www.quales.tv
INDIA: The latest Playboy club to open, in Mumbai’s Worli district, has been installed with an Outline system to deliver the decibels. But don’t expect the brand’s iconic bunny girls to be serving the cocktails. PB Lifestyle, which holds the rights to use the famous name for venues and merchandising on the subcontinent, has also had to bear in mind the country’s strict moral code.
Instead, the company has created a lavish interior with lots of mirrored surfaces and chandeliers, as well as affectionately dubbed ‘the UFO’. Fitted with moving lights, this can travel up and down the length of the ceiling, descending into the revellers at heightened moments as the night progresses.
Local acoustic consultant Milind
Raorane has designed what he describes as a ‘quadraphonic
This consists of a line array system of
is an Outline Eidos X123W speaker subwoofer at either side. The
signal processing provided by a Lake LM 26 controller.
‘Wherever you are standing in the club, you are always facing two tops on one of the sides,’ explained Mr Raorane. ‘This gives all clubbers the feeling of being enveloped on each side, no matter where they are standing, with the bass evenly distributed. Although it’s a powerful system it’s also designed to be gentle so there is no ear fatigue.’
The VIP section is at a slightly while at the opposite end of the club is a smoking room with its own bar. These two areas have separate sound systems that can be run independently. The VIP section has been installed with six Outline Eidos X123Ws and two White Acoustics
two Eidos X123s in the bar and four Eidos 6.5s in the toilet areas. These systems are being run by three
systems were supplied by White Eagle Entertainment.
a commercial building, it had to be completely isolated so sound wouldn’t
studied the response of the entire structure as well as the response on
‘I documented everything, and based on those
some solutions for isolation, bass
Mr Raorane constructed 50 hanging bass traps in the ceiling, each measuring 1.2m2 with acoustic absorption material. These boxes have been clad with black fabric and hung up in the ceiling. ‘It’s such a tall room that we he continued. ‘But in doing that, the bass excited the room so much that the intelligibility and resolution
‘It was a heavy mechanical job to lift all those bass traps and hang them from the ceiling. But they are doing a fantastic job. Even if the system is driven hard, the bass is still clean and tight. The traps soak up the extra energy of the bass, and nothing comes back into the room.’ Mr Raorane also ran thick drapes sidewalls, which are constructed of glass. ‘The drapes form part of the club’s décor, but also help cut
goes right up into the VIP area, with on top of that again. This ensures that no vibration transfers to the building’s structure.’
www.outline.it
Hadong Wild Cultural Tea Festival
KOREA: A number of Amate Audio solutions were implemented
plantation in South Korea and still utilises traditional production methods to this day. It stages the festival, now in its 21st year, annually, offering visitors a tours and live entertainment on the main stage.
The PA setup on the main stage
reinforced traditional music and dance performances and comprised eight per side X210 stacked X215W subwoofers. On were employed as monitors. A
system handled LF extension. A Soundcraft Vi3000 console was
www.amateaudio.com
CHINA: Journey of Lights is a nightly parade that makes its way through the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom theme park on the island of Hengqin. The parade marches across 32 different zones located around the park’s central lagoon accompanied by an original musical score, which is processed and distributed via QSC’s Q-Sys Platform. The system was designed by Evan Hall and Brice Helman, principal consultant and programmer respectively, of Forward Thinking
boasting 200 DMX universes. The Q-Sys platform routes all audio triggers third-party visual controls. It is also fully integrated with the park-
Several different Q-Sys Core processors, such as the Core 250i and Core 4000, are installed throughout Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. However,
synchronisation for the entire parade.
‘The QSC technology can also handle GPS location and wireless communication so we can achieve perfect synchronisation of the audio cross from zone to zone,’ explained Li Kai Wai, technical manager, entertainment at Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. ‘We were also struck by the user-friendly and easy-to-create GUIs. The Q-Sys Designer software makes it possible to build user controls for touchscreen devices.’
Mr Helman noted: ‘The wonderful
member of the series, the Core 110f processor, that facilitates the parade’s multi track BGM playback, with one located on each is accompanied onboard by loudspeakers and an Alcorn McBride GPS-ready player that is triggered by custom Q-Sys Lua scripting. A single Core 250i processor located in the main show operations area provides
thing about Q-Sys from a control standpoint is the magic of the Scriptable Control component. The single block allows me to source all the controls for the user interface in the same place where the code base lives, which drastically cuts down on the complexity of the entire design. Moreover, the way Lua behaves allows me to do several clever things with data manipulation, which was crucial for handling constant data streams between multiple Cores.’
www.qsc.com
VIETNAM: Riding on the success of the inaugural Ravolution Music Festival, which took place late 2016 in Ho Chi Minh, organiser Anternation recently returned to the city for two nights to stage the second iteration of the EDM festival, headlined this time by Swedish
The sound rig for the previous event was formed from a range of TW
KOREA: Inaugurated in 2008, Jeju Nanta Theatre was designed to exclusively stage performances of Nanta, a musical comedy that incorporates samul nori music venue approaching a decade in age, the show’s production company, PMC Production, recently enlisted Soundplace to design and install an integrator also serves as the Korean a setup formed entirely of the French
‘For the Nanta shows, the traditional samul nori music is performed with improvised instruments such as cutting boards, water canisters and kitchen knives, so sound is at the very heart of this hugely popular musical,’ said Soundplace CEO
wanted to immerse the audience in the show in order to rejuvenate been impressed by the capacity
pure sound that truly represents the MX0 coaxial loudspeakers serve as Jeju Nanta Theatre seats an venue, the system has to be compact and discrete while providing enough the huge dynamic range from the Dapsanse, marketing and business
‘Because of the nearby walls, the Uniline directivity control was critical intelligibility and sonic precision all
www.apg.audio
WORLD: Tightrope Media Systems and BrightSign have expanded the scope of integration between their systems to now encompass
two companies struck an initial partnership in 2014 to lower the cost of deploying large Tightrope Carousel Digital Signage networks,
This was expanded upon in 2015 processing and media player synchronisation for videowalls to
As the terms of the partnership increase again, Tightrope’s Carousel Digital Signage solution is now compatible with all BrightSign
players, including Series 3
‘The integration between Tightrope’s recently
player echoes the core strategy of partnership – keeping costs manageable for customers,’ said BrightSign’s VP of marketing,
‘We anticipate even greater interest from a wider customer base as we broaden our integration strategy to span deployments
president of Tightrope Media
have seen great success since coming to market together in 2014,
Audio cabinets provided by rental company Phuc Thinh and deemed manufacturer’s equipment was
The main PA for the festival comprised 30 Vera36 loudspeakers and another six for DJ monitors, which were supplemented by four
low-end needs were 17 BSX subwoofers on the front of the T24Ns and 10 C15 cabinets were installed by the Phuc Thinh team nine Powersoft K3DSPs, the same
www.twaudio.de
CHINA: Ruifeng Intell was brought in to analyse the acoustic characteristics of the recently renovated Zhaotong Stadium in Yunnan and to recommend a installation of a solution from Ruifeng’s own RF brand for the main
The Ruifeng installation features a main PA of RF MH-12/64 weatherresistant long-throw horn speakers
with KS15 single 15-inch full cabinets are hung on top of the roof that covers the east and west long-throw, they reportedly provide ceilings, cover the audience areas www.rfintell.com
WORLD: Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) has expanded its customer support team to offer a more the division of its customer support into two teams: technical support
The technical support team comprises a team of technicians who provide assistance in troubleshooting, connectivity and set up, while also answering
BrightSign’s LS423
and we continue to attract new customers by giving integrators and end users sensible options for affordable, reliable integrated solutions across content creation,
www.brightsign.biz www.trms.com
applications engineering team offers product recommendations, design assistance, help with the development of Resolution and EASE models and answering
‘This shift in direction enables our applications engineering team to be more directly focused on customers that need assistance with system designs and complex scenarios, while technical support is organised to manage set up and
Shulman, director of marketing and dividing overall customer support into two related groups, we can tune each group to help customers enhance the overall customer experience, ensuring our customers receive direct and rapid access to www.eaw.com
ShowMatch™ DeltaQ™ loudspeakers provide better coverage for outstanding vocal clarity.
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THAILAND: The A/V system at the Ibis Styles Bangkok Khaosan Viengtai hotel has been upgraded as part of an eight-month renovation project designed by Sura Pratanang from WPS Consultant Co. Local systems integrator Mahajak was tasked with carrying out the updates throughout the hotel, while also upgrading the video products used in its ballroom and two meeting rooms.
‘The customer was looking for a high-quality audio system for inside the hotel,’ recalled Mahajak project sales engineer, Tanakorn Amprirom. ‘We met the customer in order to present the A/V system design and our works in the past. Harman products were used here because Harman has a diverse range of and loudspeakers.’
Ceiling speakers from the JBL
catalogue have been installed
the dining room, lounge and bakery, swimming pool, drop-off area, lobby and corridors. BSS Soundweb Contrio
EC-V wall controllers accompany these. The speakers in the swimming
pool include water-resistant MTC25WMG WeatherMax grilles. A Crown in the drop-off area.
centre has been equipped with four JBL Control 16C/T ceiling speakers
and an EC-V control unit, while three Control 24CT Micros serve a prefunction space. Meeting room one is reinforced with six Control 14C/Ts, powered by a Crown CDi 1000 and controlled from a Soundcraft Signature 10 analogue mixer. Meeting room two on the other hand features four Control 14C/Ts speakers with control and power offered by a JBL CSMA 1120 mixer/
The meeting rooms and seventh
treated to conferencing solutions, including Shure SLX24/SM58 handheld wireless systems,
SLX14/SM35 wireless headset microphone systems and SRH240 A headphones. The ballroom has also ceiling speakers, a Crown CDi 1000 digital mixing console.
In terms of the visual upgrades, Mahajak has installed a Panasonic PT-VW350 and PT-EW650E projectors in the ballroom, and PT-VW350s in each of the meeting rooms.
www.harman.com
www.mahajak.com
www.shure.com
JAPAN: API is making further inroads into the Japanese market with the sale of a pair of largeformat consoles to a new Tokyobased recording studio. Located in the Shibuya area of Tokyo and standing seven storeys high, Tanta is the culmination of three years of planning and construction. It offers clients spaces for rehearsal and performance, as well as high-end dining and parking, and enjoys a close proximity to the national broadcaster NHK.
Studio A at Tanta will house the
the country, while Studio B will house a 32-channel automated 1608 console. Both units will be delivered
in early 2018 and the sale is being handled by API’s exclusive distributor in Japan, Mix Wave.
‘Following the successful placement of two 64-channel API Vision consoles at NHK in Shibuya, Tokyo, we’re excited for the opportunity of placing two additional API consoles up” studio build in Japan in many years,’ said API director of sales, Dan Zimbelman. ‘Tanta’s Studio A
delivered to Japan, and along with the 32-channel 1608 for Studio B, is going to give the music scene in Japan a new, exciting alternative for super-high quality audio recording.’
www.apiaudio.com
LA122A - Active Line Array Element
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INDIA: The rise of the rooftop establishment is something that can be witnessed in cities the world over, however it’s a relatively new trend in Mumbai. Already possessing a number of restaurants and bars across the city, the owners of Qbba Terrace decided to reach for the skies with their latest venture. The result is The Place, which has been LD Systems’ Curv series. Having been recommended through word of mouth based on other projects carried out nearby, The Place enlisted Apex Audio to design and integrate the new system, which was supplied by Kei HiFi.
‘I have a lot of friends that know the owner, and they had all seen the work that I had been doing in a lot of other clubs,’ recalled Yash Parwani from Apex Audio. ‘One of the owners told my friends that they were opening a new club but they weren’t sure who to give the contract to, because they’d never dealt with any kind of system for this
could provide them with the required performance at a budget that suited them. I suggested LD Systems over some other brands that the owner had in mind and he completely trusted my opinion.’
Aware of the potential sonic challenges when moving outdoors, the owners also gave Apex strict instructions concerning the lower frequencies. ‘They were aware that a lot of the LF would be lost when moving outside but they wanted customers to experience just as much bass as they would in an indoor nightclub and didn’t mind how I achieved this. They were also spending a lot of money on the interior. They wanted the main speakers to match that look and didn’t want to see the subwoofers whatsoever.’
Having convinced the venue management of the virtues of the LD cabinets, Apex installed Curv 500 arrays with the PES (Power Extension Set) for increased lowfrequency output, together with 15-inch Curv 500 PV subs. System
processing comes from the German manufacturer’s DPA 260 6-channel loudspeaker processor, while the DJ position has been treated to a pair of Pioneer CDJ-2000 Nexus turntables.
‘I was adamant from day one that we would make sure that the subwoofers can not be seen and that they’d get the same thump from the bass that they’d get in a regular
we saw a lot of happy faces in all six of the partners. The ones that didn’t know me beforehand were very keen to know how I’d done it. One of the partners has three or four of his own hospitality businesses across India as well as a big multinational company. This project has already led to several more installations for us.’ While the system design itself may not have tasked Mr Parwani’s technical skills to their full extent, the project was not without its challenges. ‘The biggest challenge for us was introducing a new brand to the territory. The other part of our business is for home audio, and in home audio there are millions of products a customer can choose from to meet their tastes. When it’s commercial you have to tick certain boxes. A lot of people here are inclined to stick with what they know. It’s a challenge convincing them of
The installation has gone down a treat with customers at The Place and, uniquely, some online reviews have even singled out the sound
www.keihifi.com
www.ld-systems.com
KOREA: A Calrec Summa digital audio console has been installed in the recently renovated Studio E at CJ O Shopping Co. The home shopping broadcaster has relied upon the British manufacturer’s consoles for several years and three of its studios are currently equipped with Omega consoles purchased in 2010.
‘CJ O has used our consoles for many years, starting with some of our legacy desks well before they installed the Omegas in 2010,’ explained Calrec’s international sales manager, Anthony Harrison. The Summa console provides Studio E with a variety of features, including path presets to simplify
upgrade, we needed a cost-effective console that would provide ultimate stability and ease of use while also providing top-quality output,’ recalled Cho Byeong-Uk, an engineer at CJ O Shopping. ‘After our many years of experience with Calrec desks and the great Calrec team, we knew the
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Summa would be the perfect choice. Many of our engineers are young and used to working with mobile devices. The Summa’s GUI is perfect for them – it’s so easy to use that it sometimes seems just as simple as operating a mobile device.’
www.calrec.com
TAIWAN: Stagetec Asia has announced the sale of a pair of large-format Stage Tec Crescendo consoles to Formosa TV (FTV) in owned TV stations in Taiwan, the Hokkien-language station offers infotainment and animation programming both to local with the equipment destined for the
The two new consoles at the Linkou
Nexus Star DSP/Matrix Cores and
are connected to a large-scale Nexus audio network.
‘Stage Tec once again has been director of Stagetec Asia. ‘We are
INDIA:
Light & Music Center was brought in subs on each side. A mix of Mitus
26 digital loudspeaker management
Completing the audio solution are the auditorium.
www.delhilightandmusic.com www.fbt.it
complex and we are hoping that FTV and reliable product that can sustain of the new Crescendos, Mr Chen, a TV sound engineer from FTV, heard such a beautiful sound using www.stagetecasia.com
AUSTRALIA: American LED video display manufacturer Daktronics recently partnered with outdoor media company QMS to deliver a pair of digital billboards. These are named The Eastern II, which can be found along Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway in Clifton Hill, and The Northern, installed on the Metropolitan Ring Road in Fawkner.
Spanning three lanes of the respective road below, both digital signs measure 12,070mm wide by 4,020mm high, with 10mm line spacing. The Eastern II has been strategically placed so as to be seen for extended dwell times for approximately 1.8 million motorists per month along the busiest stretch of the freeway. The Northern is located on the entrance to the Hume Freeway, where it will reach a monthly
billboard installations,’ revealed Blair Robertson, Daktronics sales representative. ‘Congratulations to the professional team of experts including project development and project managers, structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, and lighting and planning experts. The expertise and teamwork shouldn’t be underestimated when developing complex sites to meet operational excellence and safety standards.’
QMS CEO Barclay Nettlefold added: ‘We are delighted to further expand our quality digital portfolio and continue to offer advertisers premium coverage across highly sought-after areas of Melbourne.’
www.daktronics.com
audience of around 1.5 million. ‘Daktronics and QMS have worked
closely together over recent years to develop many exciting digital
www.qmsmedia.com
unveiled its new MB3S XBD-A main monitors to the Australian marketplace with an event staged at Forbes Street Studios in Sydney. The launch event attracted sound professionals from several highthe Sydney Opera House, Sony Music and Studios 301.
PMC’s speakers in the UK, I’ve been wanting to hear more of their range ever since. It seems likely that PMC will quickly become a mainstay in Australian Studios.’
Mr Allen described the experience of meeting engineers from around Syndey as a pleasure. ‘There is such
Chris Allen, PMC’s international business development manager, was on hand to deliver an in-depth demonstration of the MB3S XBD-A. Meanwhile, Forbes Street Studios was also equipped with the British speakers throughout the facility to demonstrate its own capabilities.
‘It has been a great opportunity to have the TwoTwo and MB3S XBD-A models in our studio over the last few weeks, and I hope the demo night was as ear-opening for our guests as it has been for me,’ said Anthony
a keen and thriving scene in this region and we were delighted to have the opportunity to demonstrate the MB3S XBD-A monitors,’ he said. ‘It was also a great opportunity for attendees to see Universal Australia’s new cutting-edge studio. I relished hearing about the active Australian music and production market and am looking forward to working with our partner, Interdyn, to develop PMC’s presence in the region.’
www.forbesstreetstudios.com
www.pmc-speakers.com
WORLD: The 2018 NAMM Show map has been revealed with news that the upcoming iteration of the Californian trade show will feature its largest footprint to date and new ‘communities’ areas. The show takes place from 25 to 28 January at the Anaheim Convention Center (ACC).
JAPAN: Tokyo-based production company Digital Garden recently produced an 8K HDR video for one of its global clients, utilising several solutions from Blackmagic Design in the process. The footage was shot using three 4K cameras and later converted to 8K, 7680 x 2160 video.
Digital Garden built a DIT system comprising multiple Blackmagic Teranex Expresses and Teranex Minis for conversions and Atem
2 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K switchers, along with Smart Videohub 20x20 and Videohub
space will see the addition of a new building: ACC North. There will also be a new education and professional development campus as part of NAMM’s educational partnership with AES, as well as expanded event technology and pro audio areas. The new communities comprise specialist areas including event technology, pro audio and sound and MI/pro audio distributors and publishers, as well as those for various types of musical instrument.
www.namm.org
WORLD: AFMG has released a set of measurement guidelines for its GLL concept, which provides loudspeaker data in the form of description language, as part of its EASE SpeakerLab User’s Guide. The manual is a reference document for all EASE SpeakerLab users and creators of GLLs.
Smart Control for routing, Ultra Studio 4K for capture and playback, and DaVinci Resolve for HDR colour correction on-set. Production lasted three days, including test shooting.
‘As shooting involved three cameras that sat next to each other, it caused parallax problems,’ said Shinichi Futagami, lead technical manager at Digital Garden. ‘To control distortion from parallax, we had to carefully monitor HDR range, focusing and the quality of the stitching, which is why we built the DIT system.’
The 1080p60 feed from each camera was routed to a Smart Videohub and up-converted to 4K60 via three Teranex Express converters. This was then distributed to the Atem 2M/E Broadcast Studio 4K that offered HDR 4K60 monitoring of the signal via two Teranex Mini SDI to HDMI 12G converters and a Teranex Mini SDI to Quad 12G. HyperDeck Studio 12G was implemented to record the stitched image to enable playback for the client on request.
The camera outputs from the
TAIWAN: A BXB WMP-2100
EASE SpeakerLab software allows measured data to be assembled with the mechanical design of loudspeakers to compile GLLs. The new manual provides step-by-step explanations of all of the software’s features and can be accessed on the AFMG website. In other news, AFMG has facility. The new site has been built to accommodate continued staff growth and features state-of-the-art network and communication systems.
www.afmg.eu
Videohub were also captured
UltraStudio 4Ks on-set for use in postproduction. DaVinci Resolve was used for HDR grading.
‘We graded on-set with DaVinci Resolve to carefully check how the tone of the picture should be,’ recalled Mr Futagami. ‘Also, 4K60 monitoring could be very complicated, but with Atem at the centre, we could connect everything with a single 12G SDI connection.
‘When switching on the Atem, we made a preset based on the Super Source feature. We had to change the setting based on which lenses we used, so we saved each preset and loaded it when needed. The software panel was used for some complicated settings, and we did not want to mess with it. So when the client asked us to show them an output, we used the Atem’s front panel, which allowed us to switch outputs to their monitors without ruining the setup of the software control panel.’
www.blackmagicdesign.com www.dgi.co.jp
WORLD: RTW’s TM9 TouchMonitor has been integrated into Lawo’s mc296 Grand Production Console following further collaboration between the two manufacturers.
production, Christian Struck. ‘We trust RTW when it comes to audio metering solutions.’ ‘We’re excited about our collaboration with Lawo and having our TM9 as a trustworthy
public address system has been installed across Lihpao Group’s large recreational space in the Houli District of Taichung. The site comprises the Lihpao Outlet Mall and Lihpao Land theme park, as well as the Fullon Hotel, F&B outlets and the F3 Racing Park. The project was managed by Yu-tai Multimedia Limited.
The WMP-2100 solution was chosen by Yu-tai Multimedia’s manager, Li Junqi, due to its all-inone design that combines all the functions required for a large-scale PA system, including multi-source audio mixing, monitoring, power control, telephone broadcasting, 2-way intercom and door accessibility. The system is also capable of distinguishing between different zones, which was a key
requirement for Lihpao.
‘BXB’s intuitive operation and easy settings are why I continue choosing their products,’ explained Mr Junqi. ‘Public spaces such as Lihpao’s execute emergency announcements and allow administrators to choose from multiple audio sources for transmitting across different zones. these demands.’
www.bxb.tw
The TM9 has been integrated on the surface of the mc296 and offers professional audio metering. The TouchMonitor has
‘Our cooperation started a couple of years ago and since then we have equipped several of our consoles with RTW’s TouchMonitors,’ recalled Lawo’s senior product manager of audio
source within its new IP-based console,’ stated Andreas Tweitmann, CEO at RTW. ‘We are proud and very happy about our long-term and productive relationship with Lawo. Besides that, we are very much looking forward to future projects and are thrilled to be on par with a company of its calibre.’
www.lawo.com
www.rtw.com
JAPAN: New twin Meyer Sound Leopard arrays have been installed for the left and right channels at Tokyo’s Tachikawa Cinema Two. The project was handled by the manufacturer’s local dealer, ARTWIZ (formerly ATL) of Tokyo. Theater 1, the largest auditorium in the Cinema Two complex, seats 382 and also features a Sony SRX-R320 digital cinema projector and a 4.45m x 10.5m silver screen. Prior to the renovation, the audio
system was anchored by Meyer Sound MTS-4A main loudspeakers, 650-P subwoofers and UPJ-1P VariO loudspeakers as surrounds. The new screen channels comprise left and right arrays of six Leopard subwoofer, with a hidden centre array of eight Leopard cabinets also
12 HMS-12 surround loudspeakers
are deployed around the room’s perimeter. A further four MM-4XP loudspeakers provide enhanced sonic detail for the rearmost seats. The new system was a staged elements arriving in 2015, the Leopard arrays installed in 2016 and the new HMS-12 surrounds completing the project.
‘Our goal in choosing a Leopard system was to exceed the ordinary level of cinema sound. We designed our sound system to precisely and faithfully reproduce the sound as recorded on the mixing stage,’ commented Takeshi Toyama, head Cinema City. ‘We have gained a reputation for sonic realism beyond
WORLD: DHD is the latest company to join ALC NetworX’ Ravenna community, adopting the AES67 protocol for its new products. This includes the DHD XC2 AES67 Ravenna Interface, which allows the entire DHD product portfolio to be integrated with AES67.
DHD has become a Ravenna partner to ensure interoperability with other AES67 devices.
‘Becoming part of the Ravenna
community is essential for us as a manufacturer of highly modular mixing consoles,’ explained Joerg Deubner, general manager of DHD audio. ‘Using Ravenna, we are now able to provide an AoIP solution based on open standards.’
ALC NetworX senior product manager, Andreas Hildebrand, welcomed DHD to the Ravenna family. ‘In choosing Ravenna as the basis for their AES67
what can be heard in other theatres. Our audience numbers were up 30% in 2015 over the previous year, and in 2016 the numbers extended even further. Of course, this is not due only to improving sound quality, but we have no doubt that the Meyer Sound system has proven its ability to add depth and subtlety.’
The Leopard arrays were reportedly a particular sensation during a recent re-screening of Mad Max: Fury Road ‘It was a huge success,’ recalled Mr uploading them to Twitter and Instagram.’
www.meyersound.com
implementation, DHD underlines the performance and flexibility of Ravenna technology,’ he said. ‘DHD being able to implement Ravenna on their own platform, without the need to license any third-party building blocks, is once again proof that Ravenna’s open technology approach offers many significant advantages.’
www.dhd.audio
www.ravenna-network.com
AUSTRALIA: For the seventh consecutive year Technical Direction Company (TDC) has provided solutions for Vivid Sydney and
this year deployed Barco’s UDX4K32 projector at the Museum of
rental company in the APAC region
to take stock of the 31,000-lumen
to utilise it for a large-scale laser projection display globally.
During Vivid Sydney 2017, it has been used for a piece called Organic Vibrations, a collaboration between Julia Gorman and Danny Rose. d3 solutions have been deployed by the rental company at various Vivid Sydney installations.
‘Laser phosphor technology is the
seen in over 10 years,’ said Michael Hassett, CEO of TDC. ‘The quality is quite unbelievable. Artists we have worked with are just amazed by its reproduction of blues, purples, and colours that typically can be a
challenge to the project. Its potential will excite artists to delve into the detailed animation that audiences haven’t experienced in the past.’ TDC provided Barco’s R&D team with feedback on beta version software and hardware for the UDX-4K32. ‘Barco liaised with us on product development and was able to develop a product that was suitable
WORLD: IABM has announced that the Streaming Video Alliance has received accreditation under the IABM ICG (Industry Collaborative Groups) Endorsement Programme. It becomes the sixth organisation to be recognised in this way.
The Streaming Video Alliance
encourages collaboration across the online video ecosystem, which includes the development of standards and best practices for an open architecture. It is currently
focused on identifying issues and solutions related to open architecture, quality of experience and interoperability.
‘As an association dedicated to
collaboration across the entire online video ecosystem, achieving IABM’s ICG endorsement adds credibility to our mission and objectives,’ said Jason Thibeault, executive director of the Streaming Video Alliance. ‘We hope that through this collaboration with
for a lot of rental companies,’ noted Mr Hassett. ‘We are looking forward to Barco’s further development and hope to see these projectors being available in 60K lumens brightness versions within three years.’
www.barco.com
www.d3technologies.com
www.tdc.com.au
IABM, more organisations will rally to the Alliance banner and help us accomplish our goal of bringing clarity and direction to the streaming video industry.’
www.streamingvideoalliance.org
www.theiabm.org
AUSTRALIA: With more than 22,000 worshippers gathering at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, it’s safe to say that the annual Hillsong Conference is a large-scale event.
The Australia-based mega church also hosts similar events in London and Los Angeles in addition to the one in its hometown each year and has become well versed in the technical requirements of such a production.
One of the more hidden technical requirements is the communication system employed by the production crew. For this year’s Hillsong Conference Sydney, a Riedel Communications Bolero wireless intercom system and MediorNet realtime network were used. In total, the Riedel engineering team provided 55 Bolero belt packs for production team members throughout the arena and backstage, marking the world’s largest Bolero deployment to date. Providing the backbone for all integrated audio, video and data
communications were 40 MediorNet nodes, while MediorNet MultiViewer provided monitoring.
‘Bolero has reassured my
no other product on the market has performed to the level that Bolero did during Hillsong Conference,’ said Ricki Cook, head of audio
for Hillsong. ‘MediorNet made life simple. Deciding to use MediorNet as the abstraction layer and backbone interface between all companies and departments involved meant any additions or changes to routing between audio, communications and vision were quick and easy.’
The MediorNet network was arriving at the arena. It enabled routing and processing of all live and broadcast video signals from cameras to screens with a capacity for more than 1,000Gbps over 14 was monitored and controlled by the Riedel team.
Meanwhile, more than 200 Artist digital matrix ports were deployed for the Bolero belt packs, Riedel 1100 series panels and SmartPanel control panels. Due to Bolero’s Advanced DECT Receiver (ADR) technology, comms throughout the entire venue relied on a single antenna location.
‘Hillsong Conference had high production values and a very tight schedule, which meant we had to be up and running fast, and be able to react quickly to changes throughout the event,’ recalled Riedel technical operations manager, Chris Johnson, who led the Riedel engineering team. ‘The combination of MediorNet, Artist and Bolero is really unbeatable for complex, large-scale events like Hillsong Conference. With MediorNet as the system backbone, we were able to make fundamental signal distribution changes with a few mouse clicks. Artist and Bolero are fully integrated, which means we can set up wired or wireless communications quickly in any place with a MediorNet frame. On top of that, Bolero delivered outstanding RF performance, which made highquality wireless comms in tricky places very easy and reliable.’
www.hillsong.com/conference/sydney www.riedel.net
SINGAPORE: Visitors to Marina Bay Sands are now treated to the audiovisual splendour of Spectra, a light and water show that takes place each evening. Marine Technology and Construction, the main contractor hired by Marina Bay Sands, issued a tender for A/V suppliers to bid for the installation, commission and programming of equipment for the show, which was won by Electronics & Engineering (E&E).
Spectra is free-to-view for
members of the public, taking place over the water at the Event Plaza and lasting 15 minutes. It combines video projection onto a water screen, surround sound effects and
visual mapping powered by lasers, fountain jets and projectors. The scope of E&E’s work on the project included the installation of all Claypaky moving lights, which were supplied by Hexagon, as were Christie projectors installed on three projection barges. In addition, lighting control is provided by a PC and MA Lighting 2Port Node WMs (Wall Mount), alongside Green Hippo Boreal media servers and an AMX NX1200 control system.
As for audio, JBL VLA901H WRX speakers and ASB7128-WRX subwoofers serve as the main PA for the water screens. These are complemented by eight AWC82 all-weather speakers on cross barges. Behind the audience, on the shopping centre, are
Intellivox HP-DS370 column speakers and ASB6112-WRX subwoofers. Meanwhile, EAW QX594 loudspeakers have been installed on the two media towers. The media towers also house bubble machines.
www.enepl.com.sg
CHINA: Opened in 2016, Schwarzman College in Beijing is already world-renowned for its Schwarzman Scholarship programme, which invites 200 successful applicants annually to pursue a oneyear Master’s Degree in public policy, international relations, economics and business at Tsinghua University. Installed in the college’s conference room is a Bosch Dicentis wireless conference system that allows for interactive lectures, while an Integrus wireless language distribution system provides simultaneous, multilanguage interpretation.
Dicentis connects over WiFi and utilises smart wireless management technology to deliver wireless conferencing. Integrus, meanwhile, operates over infrared
and transmits live interpretation of presentations and panel discussions.
Developed with assistance from an academic advisory council comprising representatives from institutions such as Harvard and Oxford universities, the Schwarzman Scholarship is notable for providing
students with the opportunity to travel and engage with world leaders. The college’s advisory council includes Tony Blair, Nicolas Sarkozy, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice and Henry Kissinger.
www.bosch.com
AUSTRALIA: As NEP Australia continues to kit out its IP-enabled production ‘Hubs’ in Sydney and Melbourne, the outsourced broadcast production solutions provider has invested in Wohler Technologies’ iAM-Audio monitoring solutions. The Hubs are scheduled to go live in March 2018 and will reportedly create the world’s largest network of production facilities and enable multiple concurrent outside broadcasts.
Wohler’s local partner, AV
Group Technologies, will provide installation support.
‘It was an easy decision for us to choose Wohler,’ said Marc Segar, director of technology at NEP Australia. ‘The new iAM Series represents a flexible platform for us to easily move our monitoring into the IP domain, while still being able to utilise traditional formats such as MADI and SDI, if required.’
www.avgroup.com.au
www.wohler.com
WORLD: The Sennheiser Group has published its annual results for the the €54.5 million that the German 2015.
factors. With the Japanese of 0.3% and accounted for €358.2 €168.8 million.
ISRAEL:
Turnover for 2016 in € millions
Change from previous year in %
trainees. It is also stated that 51% www.sennheiser.com
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In addition to the time restrictions
manufacturer also had to take success. www.barkai.com www.televic-conference.com
INDIA: En route from Dubai to South Africa, Justin Bieber’s Purpose World Tour stopped in Mumbai for a performance at the DY Patil Stadium. Sound.com and Star Dimension partnered to provide the production crew, while Harman Professional India offered system engineering support for the mammoth A/V and lighting setup.
‘Working on a project this scale with one of the top touring artists presents its own set of challenges,’ said Sunil Karanjikar, application engineer at Harman Professional India. ‘The sheer size of the venue calls for a lot of precision as an error of a couple of degrees in the aiming of the arrays can put huge amounts of the audience out of the coverage area. Also, the fact that Mumbai is extremely hot at that time of the year meant that the crew could only work through the night to execute this project. Although the PA design and positions were marked in CAD, we realised elements such as scaffolding for the screens had changed since the original design. So we had to quickly re-map PA positions to ensure we were still getting the intended coverage.’
The PA setup was formed from 64 JBL VTX V25-II line array elements as the main L-R system, subwoofers and 36 ground-stacked for by 24 VTX V20s. For delays cabinets were deployed. Power for
the entire setup drew on 172 Crown
‘With 214 VTX and Vertec loudspeakers and 170 ITech HD
we had to design a robust and redundant network to control the system, keeping in mind the extreme heat during the day and time of the event,’ said Mr Karanjikar. ‘The production quality was top notch with a great display of lighting and pyrotechnics. Ken Van Druten is one of the best mix engineers on the circuit today and
214 VTX and Vertec cabinets were used in total
INDIA: Gold’s Gym owes part of its worldwide success to the energetic atmosphere it creates at each of its venues. In keeping with this, the chain recently enlisted AV Professionals to install a new sound system at its Akurdi Pune branch. The systems integrator installed a combination of Mackie and P.Audio solutions, both of which share an Indian distributor in Sonotone.
In total, 16 Mackie SRM550 active loudspeakers have been deployed across the main workout subwoofers. The reception area, common rooms and changing rooms, meanwhile, have been equipped with P.Audio PCS6FT ceiling speakers.
‘Gold’s is such a massive name across the globe and during the setting up of the Akurdi branch the
needed a system that was not only aesthetically appealing and easy to maintain, but also high on performance in terms of accurately reproducing the wide range of music they played, with maximum impact,’ said Sachin Rokade, director at AV Professionals. ‘We knew that the combination of the
of supersonic experience that the management desired, while maintaining high standards of usability and durability.’
www.sonotone.in
he ensured that the audio system was used to the maximum with some brilliant dynamics throughout the concert.’
On the lighting side, Nick Van Nostrand’s design utilised 132 Martin Mac Aura XBs, 32 LED Atomic 3000s and 32 Mac Quantum Washes from Star Dimensions’ inventory. ‘Nick Van Nostrand had mostly worked with Martin Professional lighting on the Purpose Tour and was very offered,’ said Ashish Mehta of Star Dimensions. ‘It was a large temperatures.’
www.harman.in
www.online-sound.com
www.stardimensionsindia.com
NOISE IS AN ISSUE FACED BY hotel management the world over and one likely to have ruined what should have been relaxing nights away on holiday by most readers of Pro AVL Asia at some time. The chances are you never did and never will return to that same hotel again. So important is a good night’s sleep for many people that most of the travel searching websites even list businesses by their ‘quiet factor’. So ensuring noise isn’t an issue for guests is a top priority for the best establishments.
Perhaps largely as a result of licensing issues over the years, Mumbai is a city that favours the hotel bar as much as it does the night club. So add in a high-energy music environment in the lobby beneath guest rooms and you have a potential recipe for disaster. Seeking to do just that with its newest venture, House of Nomad, at the Taj Hotel Lands End, the hotel management enlisted Munro Acoustics to assess the possibilities.
Describing itself as a gastro bar offering guests a high-energy atmosphere, the venue’s main allure for visitors is a bespoke cocktail menu designed by famous mixologist Andrew Pearson together with an This is accentuated by a complete especially from Thailand that spans the entire rear wall. With guest rooms located immediately above, not only were managing the noise levels during construction a concern, so was sound leakage on typical nights.
‘I had worked with Kapil Thirwani from Munro Acoustics in the past when we opened a bar at the St Regis,’ explains Shikar Ahluwalia, bar manager at House of Nomad.
‘I already knew that he was one of the best guys in the industry and we were keen to get him working on our projects. His name is well respected in the market in terms of 5-star hotels, good clubs and good studios and this was really important for us. He has the proper paperwork and the proper documentation. Being the Taj, we do not mind spending the money to do the project properly.’
With volume levels in the evening expected to reach 120dB, the space provided several challenges for
Munro in terms of isolation. ‘What we’ve done is form an isolation spec with a double brick wall and an air gap, then for the ceiling we needed a really visible once the lights go dim but the entire ceiling is covered in a black coloured dense foam,’ explains Vignyan Beera, acoustic consultant is also resting on a separate concrete slab and an underlay that is an inch thick, while all of the beams and columns are isolated acoustically. This gives us enough to isolate the LF from the building structure. Overall it’s like a shell in a shell kind of thing, the same way we do studios to ensure that absolutely nothing goes out.’
The biggest challenge for isolation, however, undoubtedly came from the rack at the rear of the room. ‘The isolation ceiling was particularly tricky to execute because the mechanism for the wine rack goes all the way to the top of the ceiling, and initially we were a little sceptical about being able to isolate it,’ offers the acoustic
consultant. ‘Everything had to be designed and redesigned several times before we got it right.’
Working closely with Munro, axys Integrated Solutions designed and integrated an audio system with equipment from Italian manufacturer Outline. ‘Kapil approached me about which I used to create a proper 3D simulation of the venue with the out exactly what we were in for,’ recalls axys owner Prince Philip. ‘We used point source cabinets and subwoofers spread around the
from Outline.
‘From my perspective the space itself was not that complex and the audio design was fairly straightforward,’ he adds. ‘All of the challenges with this project were on Munro’s side to isolate the room completely. It was great to work with them, they are such professionals and they know what they are talking about.’
Mounted to the walls on specially bespoke brackets designed to minimise vibrations are six Eidos 12 and six Eidos 10 cabinets, while low-end reinforcement comes from a pair of Eidos 118s hung from the ceiling and a single Eidos 218s positioned under the DJ booth. Additional control and processing is from four Eidos iP24 DSP processors, while power is from three Eidos M5000-4 and two Edios
simple audio system for the space it serves but with obsessive attention
to detail given to all aspects of isolation.
With the room completely isolated, next to nothing can be heard beyond the venue’s entrance. ‘We’ve done a
Mr Beera. ‘Even at full volume inside the venue, there is only slight HF leakage immediately outside the door, the lobby is insanely quiet except for the BGM music. After we
contacted us about an installation at the other Taj hotel by the airport, so I think they are happy with the work we’ve done.’
Crucially for the venue management, guests above know nothing of what lies beneath, no matter how high the levels reach. With hindsight, the extra investment to properly treat the long term. Ironically, as Pro AVL Asia prepares to leave House of Nomad, – none of which can still be heard once we exit.
www.munro.co.uk
taj.tajhotels.com
As experts in acoustic isolation, Munro Acoustics was tasked with ensuring guests at Mumbai’s Taj Lands End can sleep easy. Simon Luckhurst
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5 – 8 SEPTEMBER
Sound Wizard presents an intensive four-day seminar, focusing on the acoustic and simulation aspects of the EASE software platform and AFMG SoundFlow. The workshop will include hands-on exercises to ensure attendees are able to use the tools during projects.
www.afmg.eu
11 – 13 SEPTEMBER
Extron Control Professional Singapore
An Extron Control Systems to prepare individuals to successfully deploy and maintain customised A/V control systems that are built around IP Link Pro Series and TouchLink Pro Series systems. This workshop is aimed at experienced control system programmers.
www.extron.com
3 OCTOBER
This course (formerly known as Audio Architect AA100) covers Audio Architect concepts common to products from all Harman brands within Audio Architect. provided in subsequent courses.
www.jands.co.nz
25 – 27 OCTOBER
This three-day course, dubbed CT232, explores control system commissioning and is intended for A/V professionals of all levels.
trade.amx.com
for 300 local engineers from rental houses, touring crews and houses of worship.
INDONESIA: Harman Professional’s exclusive Indonesian distributor, CSA, recently hosted Sound Day 2017 at the Salihara Theatre in Jakarta. The event was used as a platform to demonstrate several pro audio products from the Harman catalogue with the JBL VTX V20 line array serving as the main attraction, as well as an educational seminar
David Bradshaw from Harman presented the VTX demo and subsequent workshop that explored the system in greater detail. Roger Lim, also from the manufacturer, provided assistance by mixing the sound for the demo from the Soundcraft Vi3000 and Vi2000 consoles that were also on show.
systems for venues from an electro acoustical standpoint to its DSP management using the software suites.
‘This is part of the Bose partners enablement programme,’ explained Yusof Ahmad, Bose sales manager for South East Asia. ‘Before the training, most of the attendees didn’t know that the Modeler software possessed that level of electro-acoustic prediction capacity.
SINGAPORE: Bose recently staged a training programme for its new Singaporean and Malaysian project partners at Parkroyal on Beach Road. The three-day course covered Bose Modeler 6.9 and ControlSpace Designer software and was led by the manufacturer’s regional sales engineer, Scott Angove. The aim was to impart the partners with the ability to design
Other products demonstrated as part of Sound Day 2017 included JBL VerTec 4886 and 4883 cabinets and Crown VRack from Harman’s pro audio brands, Desmon Kwan from Harman and CSA’s Enrille Simanjuntak controlled a Martin Professional lighting rig.
CSA’s CEO, Setiawan Winarto, welcomed those in attendance to begin the proceedings, while Harman’s Rodney Houston introduced the rest of his team.
Participants were given hands-on time with the consoles and were able to ask questions.
Following the main demonstration and seminar, CSA collaborated with Unlimited Worship to deliver a workshop aimed at engineers from
houses of worship, led by guest speaker Joseph Manurung, a sound engineer for Indonesian pop band Noah. Franky Kuncoro of Unlimited Worship was the seminar’s moderator and the theme was How to be a Good Church Sound Engineer.
www.csa-indonesia.com
INDIA: Shure MEASA recently partnered with its Indian distributor, Sun Infonet, to training seminars in Mumbai and Bangalore. Conducted by Shure MEASA technical support engineer
when they are designing, installing or supporting any installations using the array microphones.’
Chicco Hiranandani, director of Shure MEASA, stated providing such technical training and certifying local consultants,
At the end of the third day, most attendees were delighted to learn that they have a complete set of tools under one brand to carry out a project from the initiation stage right up to the completion.’
In total, 22 invited attendees took part in the course and all of them
www.bose.com
WORLD: Powersoft has uploaded a new Armonía training video playlist to its YouTube channel. Titled Armonía Interactive Tuning Plugin, the playlist comprises four videos focusing on EQ interaction and interactive tuning for Armonía Pro Audio Suite 2.10.
Armonía Interactive Tuning Plugin,
looks at setup and general operation. It is followed by First Measurement and a pair of videos, EQ Interaction parts one and two, which explore use of the interactive EQ plug-in.
www.powersoft-audio.com
www.youtube.com/user/ powersoftaudio
Ritendra Poddar, the seminars microphones and were attended by corporate clients, A/V consultants and systems integrators.
‘The seminars follow the launch India,’ said Neeraj Chandra, director at Sun Infonet. ‘This ensures that our integration partners apply the right process
systems integrators and end users results in consistently dependable installations. ‘As global organisations invest on expanding their presence in India, we are keen to support IT/AV departments that seek partners to give them the knowledge, service and support that they are accustomed to,’ he said.
www.suninfonet.net
WORLD: Focusrite has launched a free online video tutorial website, dubbed Focusrite Academy. The site aims to impart knowledge and techniques for the recording of acoustic and electric instruments to production novices.
The videos feature reputable musicians and engineers demonstrating recording practices using Focusrite audio interfaces and outboard gear. Each series will cover the basics of recording its subject instrument.
Recording Drums, teaches how to produce professional sounding live drum kit mixes. Recording Guitar and Recording Vocals are set to follow.
www.focusrite.com/academy
MALAYSIA: Stagetec Asia is hosting two training seminars at the Stagetec Media Academy in workshop, taking place on 10 October, is a one-day session on the topic of AoIP and next-generation audio. This will be followed by a three-day workshop from 11 to 13 October held in partnership with Dolby Laboratories on demystifying advanced digital audio.
‘With the vast array of forefront technology available nowadays, one needs to be alert in coping with the technology evolution,’ commented Advon Tan, managing director of Stagetec Asia and the Stagetec Media Academy. ‘Hence we are here to feed the industry with the current trends in media technology and broadcasting. At the same time, programmes like this give manufacturers and distributors a golden opportunity to listen to the key players’ feedback and their
will provide an understanding of the main principles of AoIP and ACIP (Audio Contribution over IP),
with in-depth explanations on different networking concepts, different layers and QOS (Quality Of Service). Topics include IP network technology, AoIP fundamentals, advantages and disadvantages of AoIP, different AoIP concepts, how to maintain short latency, synchronisation, digital clock distribution and Dante, Ravenna and AES67.
The second, three-day workshop on designing and distributing multichannel audio aims to provide an understanding of
all the components carried within
the digital television environment. It’s suitable for broadcasters, local production houses and audio engineers. Topics include an overview of the Dolby E/D format and technical parameters, Dolby E encoding and decoding, metadata overview, management and transportation, maintaining lip sync, managing audio levels and loudness, immersive audio and audio metering for HDTV audio. ‘We are delighted to be working closely with Stagetec Media Academy to cultivate media talent in the region and share Dolby’s broadcast technology expertise,’ said Pankaj Kedia, managing director, emerging markets, Dolby Laboratories. ‘The surround sound training programme is part of Dolby’s continued commitment to share technical knowledge and innovations with the broadcast industry in South East Asia.’ For more information and to book a place at either workshop, email s.ghazi@stagetecasia.com
www.stagetecasia.com/stagetecmedia-academy
WEB: Audient has gathered together videos, professional tutorials and user tips onto one easy-access platform that it is calling the Tutorial Hub.
something new to learn, especially from the likes of top music producers Cenzo Townshend and Ulrich Wild, or pro musicians Ash Soan and Cody Stewart,’ said Audient marketing manager, Andy Allen. ‘If you’re looking to brush up on your mixing skills, get to know what your iD4 can do, learn more about tracking guitars or if you simply want an insight into other professionals’ recording process, it’s all there – completely free –on the Tutorial Hub.’
The hub, however, isn’t exclusively for Audient customers,
ONE for ALL
The most flexible solution for medium size applications
Accessible via the Audient website, the goal is to provide free learning on recording, mixing, mastering and technology for all of its users.
‘No matter what your experience, there is always
(yet) an Audient customer. With regular updates planned and a handy search facility to browse by category and/or product, we suggest you grab a cup of tea, head over to the Audient website and have a look around.’
www.audient.com
www.audient.com/tutorials
The new Coda Audio APS combines the userfriendliness of a point source with the perfect arrayability of a line array creating a unique category in sound reinforcement.
SINGAPORE: Having previously been served by Atlas Sound, Cloud Electronics has appointed Loud Technologies Asia (LTA) as its new distributor in Singapore. The subsidiary of Trektech is a principal distributor in the region providing the Singaporean market with a portfolio of products from a number of reputable brands, such as K-array, One Systems and Chauvet.
and Cambodia, LTA is managed by Colin Quek. ‘I’ve been a fan of Cloud’s engineering quality such as the perennial Z4 and Z8 zone mixers for many years, so representing the brand is a great honour personally,’ he commented. ‘From an installer’s point of view, the reliability of their easy-to-install features and design set them apart. Their new wall panel products allow easy extension over Cat-5e cabling and I’ve been particularly impressed with the new loudspeakers. Furthermore, well into Bose applications, which is brand with its “Made in England” credentials are well established in
the hospitality and corporate market sectors, but LTA will enhance their visibility further.’
following a productive meeting at ISE 2017 earlier in the year, Cloud managing director Simon Curtis feels his decision to appoint LTA as its distribution partner has been vindicated. ‘It’s an absolute pleasure
to be working with Colin, whose reputation for professionalism and outstanding brand representation precedes him,’ he said. ‘I’m very excited about the future possibilities for Cloud in Singapore, Indonesia and Cambodia with Colin and his team.’
www.cloud.co.uk
www.loudtechnologiesasia.com
TAIWAN: Continuing its growing momentum in the region, DiGiGrid has partnered with MidiMall for the distribution of its complete family of desktop and rackmount solutions in Taiwan.
‘MidiMall has a solid and welldeserved reputation for audio expertise in Taiwan, thanks to the real-world experience of its team,’ offered Dan Page, DiGiGrid brand manager. ‘As we continue to grow in this region, MidiMall is an ideal partner to help us communicate with studios and music professionals solutions.’
Beginning life in 1997 to provide consultancy for the local music industry, MidiMall has since grown to become a full-service distributor offering solutions via dealer channels for recording, postproduction, mastering and multimedia studios, installed sound.
‘We have grown up with our clients and the brands we carry,
and that’s why we win respect from dealers and clients,’ said Paul Fang, president of MidiMall. ‘Based on our studio background, it was clear
that the concept of the DiGiGrid brand matched our expectations. We believe this integration is the way forward for future studio and live markets, and we look forward to working with the DiGiGrid team to promote their innovative audio products.’
www.digigrid.net
www.midimall.net
ANZ: LaON Technology has appointed Murray Tregonning Sales (MTA) as its new exclusive distributor for Australia and New Zealand. The appointment forms part of the Korean manufacturer’s plans to increase its presence in Oceania and the APAC region.
‘With this important partnership,
last piece of the puzzle for the APAC market,’ said LaON president, Changnam Yoo. ‘We are excited to work with the MTA team, who understand client requirements in the wireless communications area. LaON will work closely with MTA,
both in sales and support.’
MTA has been active in the pro audio, broadcast and communications sectors for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and
agreement with MTA in February and the two companies worked together to launch the partnership along with new products in the region at the SMPTE 2017 trade show in Sydney.
‘We offer our overseas suppliers excellent, world-class representation, both in Australia and New Zealand,’ stated
Murray Tregonning, CEO of MTA. ‘We have lots of professional experience, especially in wireless communication equipment and its many and varied applications. All MTA staff are pleased to welcome LaON into the “Down Under” market. MTA has already received a great deal of positive feedback trade show demonstrations. We and deliver LaON intercom products into key applications.’
www.laon-tech.com
www.murraytregonning.com.au
INDIA: Audac has appointed Kei HiFi as its new exclusive distributor for India. Kei Hi-Fi has more than 200 trading partners across the country and is well versed in the distribution of consumer audio products. The agreement with Audac forms part of the distributor’s plans to further penetrate the pro audio market.
‘We are very excited about this association,’ said Sanjay Chawla, founder of Kei Hi-Fi. ‘It gives us an opportunity to not only strengthen our offerings in the professional audio segment but also to bring Audac’s innovative products and
solutions into India.’
Audac’s export manager, Mark Asselberghs, explained the reasoning behind Kei Hi-Fi’s appointment. ‘Kei Hi-Fi is the logical choice for Audac given their strong position in the market complemented by their experienced staff,’ he said. ‘Their extensive geographic spread throughout the country will allow us to reach our customers effectively across the country – both for sales and technical support.’
www.audac.eu
www.keihifi.com
and Van Lam. I operated in the Vietnamese market some years ago and have enjoyed reconnecting with the people in the pro audio scene there,’ stated Van Lam chief engineer, Alfonso Martin.
‘It is apparent that there is a distinct thirst for knowledge about products such as Adamson. Being in a position to familiarise the Vietnamese market about the great technology behind the renowned Adamson sound is indeed a privilege.’
VIETNAM: Van Lam Audio
Equipment JSC has become the latest company to join the Adamson distribution network. The company, which is based in Hanoi, has taken on the exclusive rights to Adamson’s complete portfolio of touring and installation speakers in Vietnam.
‘We are very pleased to be appointed as the exclusive distributor of a brand such as Adamson,’ remarked Van Lam Audio Equipment managing director, Nguyen Duc Cuong. ‘I have enjoyed watching my network of partners and the pro audio industry in general grow here in Vietnam, so
to be able to bring to this market a product of the calibre of Adamson is very exciting.
‘We aim to provide top notch, international standard technical service and support along with training and education programmes from Adamson,’ he furthered. ‘We believe that international shows and performances demand a high level of support from local partners, so we want to develop further relationships ensuring the market keeps growing professionally and we attract more international shows to the region.’
‘I am keyed up about the cooperation between Adamson
‘Vietnam is obviously a vibrant and growing market and having Van Lam Audio Equipment in position to service that market is a great step forward,’ commented Adamson APAC sales manager, James Ritter. ‘With their technical department headed up by Alfonso Martin, who brings with him many years of experience in high-end pro audio, and Nguyen Duc Cuong’s extensive local knowledge and network, Van Lam Audio Equipment are the ideal partner for us in Vietnam. We are enthusiastic about the prospect of having many happy Adamson customers in the region.’
www.adamsonsystems.com
www.vanlamaudio.vn
INDONESIA: PT Gracia Auvindo has been appointed as the master distributor for Milestone AV Technologies’ Chief and DaLite brands in Indonesia. The distributor, which also represents Barco, Tannoy, Midas and Coda Audio, states that its mission is to build long-lasting relationships with clients by providing excellent customer service and great products. The company also provides regular factory and online training to its dealers.
‘We are thrilled to have this new partnership to create new opportunities for A/V professionals in the region,’ said Jan Mergen, VP of international sales and marketing at Milestone AV Technologies. ‘We are pleased to appoint PT Gracia Auvindo as the
master distributor of our mount and screen portfolio at Chief and Da-Lite. I am sure this association will enable Indonesian customers to enjoy the superior product quality of Milestone’s brands.’ Milestone also recently announced that an agreement had been signed for the group to be acquired by Legrand, which would see the Legrand Middle Atlantic portfolio merged with Milestone’s A/V offerings under a single division.
www.graciaauvindo.com
www.milestone.com
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CHINA: German manufacturer, BroaMan, has appointed Beijing Insight Visual Technology (IVTech) to distribute its products in China. IV-Tech has been engaged in product and service provision for the Chinese broadcast and the seeking smart solutions for optical transmission.
‘We have many TV station customers who are seeking a good and simple optical product on top of the current Chinese product, so I asked BroaMan to help me to develop this market,’ stated IV-Tech co-founder and managing director, Stephen Wu.
Mr Wu was initially attracted to the BroaMan portfolio after seeing references at the NAB Show earlier in the year. ‘They offer a simple
and reliable system setup which is mostly plug and play,’ Mr Wu
signals in one box for live production work, good signal extension and compatibility with Optocore audio equipment, while other products such as Route66 also have an
application role in the Chinese broadcast market.’
The IV-Tech team has already received training from BroaMan’s engineers, and in turn has begun training its own customers in the product. The company has also produced Chinese literature in advance of participation at the relationship with BroaMan as a win–win situation,’ concluded Mr Wu. ‘We already have the possibility of an OB van sale and we expect to expand the BroaMan business substantially through these special and unique products, which will be fully supported by our professional technical team.’
www.broaman.com
company has experience with Ohm (UK) products. ‘Pro Audio Video Solutions have a great history with the brand,’ said Kappil Ghosh, regional sales manager at Ohm (UK). ‘This appointment will enable us to quickly turn around sales and support cases within the region.’
INDIA: Ohm (UK) has named new channel partners for Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Pro Audio Video Solutions – Chandigarh has been appointed for Punjab, while SRV Infratech will serve Himachal Pradesh.
The British manufacturer established the partnership with Pro Audio Video Solutions to boost its presence in the touring and integration markets within Punjab. The Chandigarh-based
‘We are setting up a service and sales centre for Ohm to create new relationships for the brand and to rekindle the relationship with the existing Ohm users,’ added Bhanu Ahuja, director of Pro Audio Video Solutions.
SRV Infratech’s primary focus is home automation and will therefore introduce Ohm’s premium home theatre solutions to the Himachal Pradesh market, while also building upon the
manufacturer’s pro audio business in the region.
‘SRV Infratech have a great team and understand the essentials required to pitch in a luxury brand,’ said Mr Ghosh. ‘Their access to the home and pro verticals in the region is extremely strong and with Ohm’s rep amongst the integrators, this could be a winning combination.’
SRV director Rakhi Sharma explained that the agreement with Ohm would open up new opportunities for his company. ‘We are in the process of setting up a dedicated team and experience centre for Ohm to enhance customer experience,’ he said.
www.ohm.co.uk
HONG KONG: Bridge Technologies has appointed Mediatech to represent its full catalogue of products in Hong Kong and Macau. The Norwegian manufacturer specialises in solutions for digital TV monitoring, measurement and analysis and has partnered with Hong Kong-based Mediatech due to its customer base within the regional broadcast and ICT industries.
‘Hong Kong has a highly developed consumer market, and subscribers are very quality conscious,’ said James Chance, regional manager, APAC at Bridge Technologies. ‘From a technical point of view, Hong Kong has
in technology infrastructure –largest IPTV deployments. We’re delighted that Mediatech will be representing the full range of Bridge Technology products, bringing real depth of knowledge and experience in system sales.’ Raymond Mo, director of sales and marketing at Mediatech, elaborated: ‘The market in this region is very sophisticated, and those in western countries – and client,’ he said. ‘The implication of that is that we needed a monitoring and analysis solutions to help our customers optimise network performance – and Bridge Technologies has that range. We are excited about making our partnership with success.’
www.bridgetech.tv
www.mediatech.com.hk
possesses trial demo equipment
ANZ: Jands has become the new distributor for Czech lighting manufacturer Robe and its LED lighting brand, Anolis, in Australia and New Zealand.
The company, which is headquartered in Sydney with a
in Brisbane and Perth, employs country and boasts a large portfolio of brands covering audio, lighting and staging products. These include the entire complement of Harmanowned brands in addition to Shure, Clear-Com and, on the lighting side,
ETC. Furthermore, the company offers its own selection of lighting consoles, dimmers and lighting control products under the Jands Lighting name.
www.jands.com.au
www.robe.cz
AUSTRALIA: tm stagetec systems has added the Quicklinks product catalogue of hardware IP solutions for the transmission of live and edited video to its distribution portfolio. To introduce the manufacturer’s solutions to the Australian and New Zealand markets, the distributor
‘We had noticed the Quicklink brand internationally and saw there was an opportunity in Australia for such a great product,’ explained Mark Lownds, general manager of tm stagetec systems. ‘The Quicklink range is versatile and cost effective without compromising on quality and has the added advantage of being Dante compatible. We are thrilled to be able to offer the entire Quicklink range to the Australian market.’
www.quicklink.tv
www.tm-systems.com.au
Projects and a projects manager at LSI Projects.
WORLD: Music Group has appointed Stuart Dingwall as senior director, consultant liaison. He joins the company having accrued 20 years of experience in the professional audio, lighting and video sectors in a number of roles. Based in Singapore, Mr Dingwall comes to the company
having served six-and-a-half years at Harman Professional Solutions in South East Asia initially as an
on the role of director of application engineering and post sales. While based in the UK before relocating senior consultant at Theatre
In the newly created role, Mr Dingwall will be reporting to the Music Group Enterprise Division VP of global sales, Graeme Rowlands. ‘I have had the great fortune to with some incredibly talented teams of people across the world,’ commented Mr Dingwall at InfoComm 2017. ‘However, I was drawn to this position as it is a global role and Music Group are undergoing many exciting changes at the moment. I will be interacting with consultants and integrators in order to identify which solutions the group can offer. Lab.gruppen, Tannoy, TC Electronics, Turbosound, standalone renowned brands, but their sum really is greater than the parts when providing real-world solutions.’
www.music-group.com
APAC: As part of an ongoing strategy to expand its international sales division, Altman Lighting has hired JR Chai as APAC sales director. Mr Chai will manage the lighting manufacturer’s sales channels, developing relationships with distributors, dealers and lighting professionals across the region. Joining from Arri where he served as EAP head of projects, Mr Chai possesses relevant experience gained as APAC sales manager for Philips Entertainment and as CTO for 5 Star Media in China.
‘Over the last several years,
experienced sustainable growth in the architectural and entertainment lighting industries,’ said Mr Chai.
‘Knowing the history behind Altman Lighting and the passion behind the leadership team, I am very excited to be joining their international
continuing to build on our strong client relationships.’
Altman Lighting GM Julie Smith also commented: ‘I have personally
him join our sales team to strengthen our client relationships and continue www.altmanlighting.com
WORLD: Alessio Foti, a pro audio brand management veteran, has joined Adam Hall Group’s expanding global business development division. He will be based at the company’s headquarters in Neu-Anspach, Germany, and report to the head of global business development,
companies such as DJ Tech and RCF’s Mixars brand, which Mr Foti also founded. Of his new appointment, he said: ‘The Adam Hall Group, with its increasing
building technology, offers me the perfect arena in which to successfully implement my
‘As a fast-growing, innovative company with an international orientation, Alessio will provide urgent support in meeting the demanding requirements for strategic and operative business development,’ explained Mr
development of brands and their important role in consolidating our further expansion.’
Mr Foti’s previous experience has seen him responsible for business development, product management and sales across Asia, Europe and America for
environment in which I have been
commented on his company’s expansion and its new hire: ‘We are delighted to have found in Alessio an industry insider who shares our passion and vision for event technology,’ he said. ‘We are growing steadily and are becoming increasingly international. The development of new business areas and partnerships and the development and maintenance of of the priorities that we have set.’ www.adamhall.com
WORLD: Airstar has appointed Clément Guittet as export manager in an effort to strengthen its international presence. Based lighting balloon manufacturer’s French headquarters, Mr Guittet takes responsibility for Airstar’s business networks in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and India, as well as Russia and Switzerland.
‘This role has been created to help nurture our existing relationships and further boost our international presence,’ explained Airstar sales director Xavier Ponson. ‘We are very excited to welcome Clément on board; he is on board, we can better plan our growth with the aim to reinforce Airstar’s reputation in Sub-Saharan Africa and Maghreb, and conquer the Indian, Russian and Central
Asian markets.’
In addition to maintaining Airstar’s existing relationships across the regions within his remit, Mr Guittet will also look to develop the company’s business in the events, construction, security, architecture and cinema sectors. He has a degree in international business law and 12 years of experience in international business development across the industrial, telecommunications and
‘I am looking forward to bringing my business development knowledge and experience to the table at this pivotal time for the company as it enters new markets,’ Mr Guittet commented. ‘This newly created position is a dream job and the Airstar team has made me feel very welcome.’
www.airstar.world
well known for having mixed for major international artists such as Supertramp and Crowded House. He has also provided training in recent years as an Avid approved training partner and as a lecturer in sound and effects design for video games at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.
ASIA: Shure has announced an expanded role for Mark Humrichouser that will see him covering Asia in addition to the Americas as vice president of the sales organisations. Previously serving as VP and general manager of the company’s Americas business unit, Mr Humrichouser’s new role will see him lead the sales, marketing, customer training and education, customer service and product technical support functions for those regions.
‘Mark provides valuable and successful sales and marketing leadership,’ said Ray Crawford, senior vice president, global marketing and sales. ‘His impressive knowledge of our industry has been instrumental
in helping Shure achieve its strategic sales objectives in the Americas.
Shure sales in the Americas as well as in Asia with the same ability and resolve that he has demonstrated so effectively, and I congratulate him on this expanded position.’
Mr Humrichouser has been at Shure since 2006, in other positions including GM of the US business unit and director of US sales. He moved to Shure after a nine-year tenure at Sennheiser serving in several roles including team manager for professional systems and the music industry, regional sales manager and regional market development manager.
www.shure.com/asia
APAC: Renowned Australian sound engineer Angus Davidson has joined KV2 Audio as technical and North America. Based in Melbourne, Mr Davidson is
‘We are excited that Angus is joining our international technical support team,’ commented KV2 Audio CEO George Krampera Jr. ‘His years of hand-on experience in large scale sound reinforcement plus background in audio education will be invaluable in his role of developing a training and users worldwide.’
www.kv2audio.com
APAC: Forming part of VSN’s international expansion strategy, Nick Morgan has joined the company’s sales team as sales possesses more than 30 years of experience working in the broadcast and media sector for companies such as Grass Valley ‘We are reorganising all our operations and launching a completely new international expansion plan for approaching emerging markets such as Asia
have a substantially increased presence in a few years from now than we do today,’ stated Jordi Utiel, VSN president and goal, the recruitment of a highly experienced and trusted professional such as Nick Morgan
experience and expertise will be of great help for the company, not only in terms of achieving our goals, but also in terms of providing the company with a greater view of how the broadcast and media
Mr Morgan looks forward to utilising his knowledge and been impressed with VSN’s commitment to its customers witnessed, and believe there is to present this to broadcasters in the region and expand on an www.vsn-tv.com
WORLD: Martin Audio has announced the appointment of Simon Purse as its new product company with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Production and a distinction growth of the company and the demand on system design for projects,’ said Dan Orton, head of Martin Audio’s product support is set up to be adaptable, in order to support customers anywhere in the world, rather than being better balance different application
demands coming from different regions at different times of the products, the timing couldn’t be ‘Martin Audio not only has a fantastic reputation and product portfolio but is also at the forefront of current professional loudspeaker development and technology,’
to join the team, to learn and to grow, and to start getting my teeth into the variety of global projects Martin www.martin-audio.com
partner of Corporate Directions, ‘Progressing with measurement technology as the basis of our business, Leader has evolved its products and supporting services to meet the demands
addition to improving the quality of broadcast communication, we are developing new technology for
which is becoming increasingly important across the television telecommunication infrastructure is also expected to become widely
JAPAN: William Chen has been appointed as the managing will manage the manufacturer’s Japanese facility, which is located in Tokyo and encompasses warehousing, sales, distribution, and servicing for customers throughout Japan and in some of its
APAC: Audio Network’s Jess Ossington has been promoted to
This follows the global production music company’s recent expansion Ms Ossington joined Audio Network as head of creative services in 2010 and has served ‘Audio Network’s creative offering continues to develop from strength to have the opportunity to lead APAC operations during this www.audionetwork.com.au
Mr Chen brings aboard 15 years of experience at Sony, where he oversaw product sales and marketing, retail design, corporate
During his last four years with the electronics giant, Mr Chen reportedly www.elitescreens.com
WORLD: Kozo Nagao has succeeded Noboru Kitagawa as Nagao initially joined the Japanese manufacturer’s board in 2015, having served as an advisor since
based on our proven experience
www.leader.co.jp
CHINA: Sam Ng has joined Biamp Systems as area manager for experience in leading business and Macau with companies such as Extron Electronics Asia and
‘Sam is a valuable addition to the Biamp family as we continue our mission of providing stellar support
and media system solutions to current and new customers in the greater China area,’ said Matthew Packer, sales development director,
and A/V, coupled with his insight into the region, provides the www.biamp.com
IT IS NOT JUST A SCREEN, IT FORMS THE BACKDROP BEHIND THE STAGE AND INSTANTLY TRANSFORMS. YOU CAN BE ANYWHERE DEPENDING ON THE CONTENT OF THE SCREEN.”
Tan Kian Chuan - Project Manager, South Beach Consortium daktronics.com/UHDvideo
The cables have been stripped from Shure’s Microflex Complete system, giving a completely wire-free setup
THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED arrival of Shure into the wireless conferencing solutions market has come to fruition with the
www.shure.com
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“After working with some of the best brands for the past 20 years, now I have to admit wholeheartedly that Roger’s Quested Speakers stand tall among them.”
HAVING UNVEILED the IS7 and accompanying IS118 subwoofer at this year’s Pro Light and Sound exhibition, Adamson Systems Engineering has added larger siblings in the form of the IS10 and IS119 to its installation loudspeaker series.
Incorporating an exterior for the architectural market, the manufacturer is offering architects and designers touring standard cabinets that blend into the
Finished in standard white and black with other RAL colours
THE LATEST addition to JBL’s line-up of in-ceiling speakers is the LCT 81C/T ceiling tile loudspeaker.
classrooms, retail outlets and all manner of commercial buildings
marine-grade birch plywood with aircraft-grade steel and are equipped with NL4 connectors and screw terminals.
The cabinets are further equipped with a recessed plate-and-screw rigging solution in the interior of the installation.
The full-range IS10 is a two-way line array cabinet containing two ND10-
reflex systems, as well as subwoofer system and the
The low-frequency models are built with JBL’s Differential
tiles, the speaker can be installed without the need to cut or modify the ceiling.
With a perforated white grille to help it blend in and featuring has also been designed for installation in shallow ceilings with a depth of 10cm. While its built-in 10W transformer allows speaker lines, the ceiling tile pink noise and 40W programme power. A rotary switch on the side of the rear enclosure enables
In other news, JBL has introduced the AE Powered Series loudspeakers. These draw upon technologies, including Crown own user-configurable DSP. The series initially comprises the
high-frequency cabinets utilise cabinets to be configured
Looping PowerCon Ac connectors facilitate the combination of up to three systems without multiple
home runs to the main power source or additional junction boxes.
small- and medium-sized cinemas
ScreenArray cinema loudspeakers.
JBL’s Dual Dissimilar Arraying design, which combines two
for raked seating, and Acoustic Aperture Technology that utilises produce a horn-loading effect, maintaining a wide horizontal 7-Series studio monitors.
www.jblpro.com
nominal dispersion pattern of 110° x 10°
subwoofer is loaded with a long
whilst the Controlled Summation Technology further eliminate the low-mid lobing normally
line source systems. The companion IS119
Mounted in a front-loaded enclosure, the IS119 subwoofer has been designed to reproduce clean, musical low-frequency information. been replicated in the rear of the cabinet, which allows for cardioid identical from the audience’s
www.adamsonsystems.com
its Stasys X cabinet. Called Nexus XL, the cabinet houses a single and is stated to put transient response and articulation at the heart of its design.
While large transducers and an extended low-frequency can also lead to a degradation in strengthening materials into the cone and employed a dual-layer coil arrangement. This reportedly increases the power handling and
Mogale. ‘The enclosure also features a few new techniques what might be our best size-to-output, low-frequency enclosure yet.’ In terms of the subwoofer is capable of a maximum continuous power and offers a frequency
Weighing 90kg, the cabinet has a footprint of 738mm x 738mm x
www.voidacoustics.com
DESIGNED TO offer a careful output, B&C Speakers has 15CXN88 high-output coaxial transducers. Inspired by the success of the 88mm coil NDL manufacturer opted to create coaxials with a 3.5-inch low-
15-inch models each incorporate the woofer combined with a 3-inch units are rated at 1,000W
models include a double silicone spider with optimised compliance and operate within
The shared neodymium magnet assembly features an aluminium demodulation ring for reduced distortion, a double silicone woofer spider with optimised compliance, a waterproof
pure titanium high-frequency diaphragm.
www.bcspeakers.com
THE X-Pro range has been expanded with the addition of the powered X-Pro 215A and passive X-Pro 215 dual 15-inch models together with the XSub 15Sa Subwoofer. Constructed in plywood, the 800W (Class D)
X-Pro can deliver a maximum SPL of 132dB within a frequency response of 42Hz to 20kHz. Serving the HF section, a 1-inch HF compression driver is attached to an 80° (H) x 50° (V) constant directivity rotatable horn. The 800W-rated
passive X-Pro 215 is equipped with but operates within a 50Hz to 20kHz frequency response.
Constructed of 15mm birch
enclosure, the XSub 15SA joins the existing XSub 18SA Subwoofer in the series. Designed to accompany the X-Pro and X-Lite ranges, the 15inch woofer is equipped with a 3-inch voice coil providing low-frequency extension down to 42Hz. On-board DSP with four factory presets, two EQ settings and two low from an integrated control panel. Stereo combo XLR/jack aluminium handles, EQ presets, phase reversal switch 0°to 180° and status LED indicators come as standard. Flexibility has been added courtesy of an integral M20 socket for pole-mounting, whilst 100mm optional wheels are also available.
www.fbt.it
THE BIGFOOT and Beacon portable line arrays have joined Anchor Audio’s AIR line with the addition of battery-powered wireless technology. The Bigfoot and Beacon AIR systems are not passive companion units but main units with either an AIR transmitter or receiver built in. They can be used in tandem for greater coverage or separately as standalone units. Both the Bigfoot and Beacon AIR are battery powered, claiming six to eight hours of operation from a single charge, and a transmission range of around 45m. Operating within the 900MHz frequency band, a single transmitter can reportedly connect to an unlimited number of AIR receivers.
To aid with transportation, the systems both feature built-in wheels and handles. They are also available with up to two wireless microphone receivers in addition to the AIR wireless companion transmitter.
www.anchoraudio.com
DBTECHNOLOGIES’ ENTERTAINMENT
System series has grown with the release of the ES1203 tri-amped digital column PA system. The series is formed of complete plug-and-play column systems and the newest addition offers a complete stereo sound system alongside many of the features found in its siblings. The ES1203 system comprises a pair of passive wooden tops and a single active wooden subwoofer equipped with two 12-inch woofers. The subwoofer includes a Digipro G4 2,400W-peak amp and DSP that manages the 5-channel onboard digital mixer and system
features a mic/instrument balanced/unbalanced combo connector with an adjustable compensation and microphone gain with 0, +10 and +20dB positions inputs on the second and third
DANLEY SOUND Labs’ latest all-in-one audio solution is the SM-80F, a combined synergy horn loudspeaker and tapped horn subwoofer in a single package. The manufacturer states that the cabinet’s compact dimensions and high output make it suitable for live sound rigs, installed in houses of worship and theatres.
channels. Up to three mic lines can be supported simultaneously. The top satellites are each equipped with four 4-inch midwoofers aligned to facilitate asymmetrical vertical coverage. They also feature on-board DSP that provides the choice between three or double column; and two steering
A built-in Bluetooth module is capable of receiving stereo audio from devices, managing the signal on a separate stereo channel. A
balanced aux/mix output can serve either as a direct link, as an aux output for a stage monitor or an additional speaker, or if the system is being used in double column
ES1203 system, providing the left or right signal. The subwoofer, made of plywood coated with scratch-resistant black paint, features an OLED display with system controls, in addition to its amp and woofers. It also includes a magnetic dolly to facilitate quick transportation, while the OLED
display is designed to allow for a simple setup, providing access to levels, EQ and the ability to create a pre/post gain mix. To further assist with set up, the ES1203 bundle comes with a sub cover, a bag for tops, a telescopic 35mm pole and two 7m speakon cables. has been made available for DVA T8 and DVA T12 line array systems, now incorporating FIR Filters.
www.dbtechnologies.com
NEXT GENERATION BEAM STEERING TECHNOLOGY FOR LARGE CONCERT SOUND APPLICATIONS. FOCUS VENUE BY FOHHN.
Statistically, the cabinet boasts a frequency response from 45Hz to 17kHz and is uniformly phase coherent within an 80° conical beam. It comprises coaxial 12inch and 1.4-inch mid-high drivers together with two 15-inch woofers that produce up to 128dB/135dB continuous SPL with a continuous power handling of 400W for the mid/high driver and 3,400W for the low frequencies.
www.danleysoundlabs.com
It’s that easy:
1. Rig the electronically steerable line array straight – safely and quickly.
2. Adjust its vertical beam dispersion using just one piece of software – intuitively, in real time, in precise 0.1° steps – and enjoy extremely even sound distribution.
3. If necessary: Adjust the beam for changing sound reinforcement situations.
Experience Focus Venue live – the Beam Steering system for large halls, stadia, and open-air events! Just register for a no-obligation Autumn product demonstration: +49 7022 93323-0 or info@fohhn.com
QSC HAS added column surfacemount options to its AcousticDesign Series of loudspeakers. As with previous speakers in the series, the new AD-S802T and AD-S162T are designed to be sleek and in with their surroundings. They are built for both indoor and outdoor use, a variety of foreground and background applications and to solve reverberant issues in highceiling spaces.
‘For those environments that need a narrow, vertical pattern such as large, high-ceiling spaces, these new loudspeakers help to improve intelligibility in reverberant spaces while offering the same consistency and outstanding performance of the AcousticDesign Series,’ explained QSC product manager, Travis Nie.
The AD-S802T includes eight 2.5-inch vertically oriented drivers, while the AD-S162T has 16. Both range systems equipped with a pan/tilt mounting system that offers tilt as low as –20°.
The American manufacturer has also released the CXD-Q and CXDQn 8-channel network processing
with the Q-Sys platform. Together,
managed in the same manner as the other elements in the Q-Sys system. Each is housed in a 2U
features built-in energy-saving modes.
Both deliver up to 8,000W peak and 5,000W continuous power with low-z, 70V or 100V direct drive available across all channels. They each offer eight mic/line input channels that serve as a Q-Sys onaccessed on the back. While both the CXD-Q and CXD-Qn include eight bi-directional GPIO connections that can be used for analogue or digital inputs and outputs to and from Q-Sys, the Qn model is a ‘purely dedicated analogue inputs of its sibling.
While QSC has been busy producing new systems, it has also been working to update existing
been made available to download for TouchMix-8 and TouchMix-16 Series compact mixers, providing 20 new features, including channel safe, tap tempo and tablet follows mixer functions, as well as additional user buttons on a connected tablet. QSC loudspeaker tunings have also been added, including presets for the K.2 Series, as have features previously available on the TouchMix-30 Pro, such as the Anti-Feedback and
are still fundamentally better than traditional line arrays at no extra cost, and at the top end of resolution
MLA systems provide.’
Meanwhile, on stage, Martin Audio has released a pair of new monitor ranges.
First, the LE Series comprises the 12-inch LE100 and the 15-inch LE200. They are designed for monitoring live bands, corporate A/V events and in houses of worship. The British manufacturer states that they are suitable for rental companies
Room-Tuning wizards.
Speaking of TouchMix-30 Pro, also received an update with Version 1.2 delivering all of the brand-new features found in the TouchMix-8 and TouchMix-16. Finally, Q-Sys plug-ins have been made available for Attero Tech’s Dante and AES67-enabled devices. This allows products such as the unHX2D HDMI audio-to-Dante deembedder/embedder, the unD6IOBT and unAX2IO+ wall plates to be remotely controlled and monitored via the Q-Sys platform.
www.qsc.com
LOOKING TO deliver the sound, consistency and control of its MLA Series to a ‘broader range of touring applications, installations and budgets’, Martin Audio has released the Wavefront Precision Series. The series is initially formed of two dual line array cabinets (the WPC and WPM) that are designed as ‘complete systems’ with external automated Display software built in, as well as a pair of subwoofers (the
18-inch SX118 and dual 18-inch SX218).
‘With Wavefront Precision we wanted to introduce a system with resolution and control of coverage,’ explained Martin Audio managing director, Dom Harter. ‘The more channels, the higher the resolution and scale of coverage control achievable. This means even at the lowest level of resolution, the results
offers compact form factors, housing Coaxial Differential Dispersion (CDD) drivers and are designed to deliver a near-rectangular coverage pattern over a listening plane at head height. The wide horizontal coverage close to the monitor reportedly reduces gradually as distance increases, allowing the monitors to maintain consistent SPL and tonal balance. Second is the XE Series, which also consists of 12- and 15-inch models in the XE300 and XE500 respectively. They also feature Martin Audio’s CDD technology in addition to a patent-pending third static waveguide. As with the loudspeakers covered above, they also include
www.martin-audio.com
AMATE AUDIO has returned to popular in its SM12 stage monitor and married it to its latest R&D capabilities for the N12SM.
manufacturer’s Nítid series. With dimensions of 459mm x 364mm x 570mm and weighing in at 18kg, Amate describes the monitor as ‘highly portable’ and ‘ultra-compact’. The birch-ply cabinet features a 2mm thick grille that, according to the manufacturer, offers ‘the best perforation
or front-of-stage monitoring mode,
Inside the cabinet, it offers
12-inch LF and 1.75-inch HF neodymium drivers, 700W Class-D
Control settings include a selection of ‘plug-and-play’ active power and DSP system presets that are accessed via the SensitiveTouch keypad – a capacitive sensor that is reportedly highly responsive, weatherproof and durable.
The N12SM has a stated SPL of 128dB continuous (at 1m) and 131dB peak (at 1m). Its universal switch mode power supply reportedly enables operation with any mains condition between 90
backlit Nítid logo can be switched off or switched to indicate when the speaker system is limiting.
www.amateaudio.com
The four-day AES@NAMM Pro Sound Symposium offers a unique, high-end education and training program, targeted at professionals working in live sound, recording and audio for the performing arts. AES@NAMM will be held in the Anaheim Hilton Hotel, next door to a brand-new ACC North Hall, showcasing some of the biggest names in pro-audio.
PhaseGuide technology, the EdgeMax in-ceiling loudspeakers have been designed to mount near wall boundaries so that they can project HF audio throughout rooms up to 20m wide using only perimeter mounting locations. The manufacturer claims that the new models can effectively cover an area that would require up to four conventional conical-coverage models, further eliminating the need for conventional ceiling speakers to be mounted in the centre of rooms. Owing to the unique design and consistent coverage pattern, EdgeMax loudspeakers provide a fullfrequency response for music and intelligibility for speech.
EdgeMax in-ceiling premium loudspeakers are available with two different horizontal coverage patterns, for which the EM90 provides nominal 90° horizontal coverage intended for in-ceiling mounting near room corners. The
EM180 models provide nominal 180° horizontal coverage and are ideally applied when mounting near wall boundaries centred along target coverage zones. Both models feature 75° asymmetrical vertical coverage and are optimised for ceiling heights between 2.5m and 6.5m. An 8-inch woofer and 1.3inch diaphragm compression driver are common to both models, and a 2-way passive crossover comes taps. A newly developed mountingclamp system and a magnetically attached grille allowing instant access to wiring and tap settings further facilitate ease of installation.
A new addition to the Panaray series has been designed to provide consistent audio levels with vocal intelligibility and fullrange music reinforcement in acoustically challenging spaces. Available in black or white, the MSA12X modular steerable array loudspeaker features a slim,
unobtrusive acoustic design with 12 full-range 2.25-inch transducers, each powered by a 50W internal
DSP allows digital control and beam steering of the vertical array coverage patterns, whilst the inclusion of the Articulated horizontal coverage. Independent level and EQ control is supported for two separate beams per array, whilst on-board memory stores up to 10 user-selectable presets.
Operating within a 75Hz to 14kHz frequency range (±10dB), the columnar line array features both Dante network connectivity and linelevel analogue input. The modular design allows up to three MSA12X units to be vertically arrayed to increase coverage distance and low-frequency pattern control, whilst mounted close to surfaces as its digital control eliminates protruding pitch brackets. An integrated mounting bracket allows up to
AIMED AT bands and DJs, HK
Audio’s Linear 3 Series comprises the 12-inch L3 112 FA, the 15inch L3 115 FA and the 12-inch multipurpose L3 112 XA model, which serves as either a top or onstage monitor. The series looks to sound, impressive low-end, clear speech reproduction and advanced DSP technology.
Linear 3 loudspeakers have been designed for simple setup to allow performers to achieve good quality sound should no engineer be present.
The cabinets each have a total of four presets, two of which are active at any time. They are: Bass Boost, Flat (LF), Flat (HMF) and Contour.
The German manufacturer also states that Linear 3 offers ‘plenty of headroom’ with 1,200W
as ‘tonal integrity at every volume level thanks to built-in Intelligent Multiband Limiters and precision directivity to ensure sound is dispersed towards the audience.
While Linear 3 takes care of the mid and highs, a pair of new units has been released on the low end
90° of pivot away from surfaces. Design, set up and control of beam coverage is provided by Bose Professional Modeler and ControlSpace software.
Based on the F1 portable powered subwoofer, the MB210 is a dual 10-inch model that has been created to enhance the low frequencies down to 37Hz when accompanying FreeSpace, Panaray and RoomMatch
Utility loudspeakers. Designed for both BGM and foreground music applications in addition to small sound-reinforcement, the 500W-rated MB210 weighs 18.6kg and is housed in a compact 660 x 292 x 457mm enclosure. Capable of producing 123dB continuous peak SPL, the Baltic-birch plywood black scuff-resistant polyurethane paint and can be mounted horizontally or vertically with a U-bracket.
www.pro.bose.com
as part of the Linear Sub line of subwoofers.
The 15-inch L SUB 1500 A and 18-inch L SUB 1800 A are each equipped with a stereo input that enables them to be easily stacks, 2.1 setups and in mono sub-clusters.
HK Audio has designed both subwoofers to complement the Linear 5 Series speakers and for extending its Elements Base systems.
www.hkaudio.com
Sound Engineer Angus Davidson has been involved in large scale sound reinforcement for the last thirty years mixing for famous acts like Supertramp and Crowded House. For him sound quality is the number one priority and this is what has drawn him to KV2 and VHD.
“The capabilities of the VHD2.0 in sound quality and coverage have astounded me but the cost savings in transport, crew, rigging, power requirements and set up times make this system a real winner. VHD delivers real bang for the buck on all fronts."
Angus Davidson Sound Engineer
www.kv2audio.com
JOINING THE 1032A and 1032B in Genelec’s 1000 Series of 1032C, which brings Smart Active Monitoring (SAM) technology to the range, as well as improvements including a digital input, higher SPL and increased low-frequency the 1032C is designed for music recording, postproduction and broadcast studio applications with the same drivers, acoustic and SAM allows the 1032C to operate with the entire range of ‘Smart Active’ monitors to create recallable networks. The monitor video delay compensation, level calibration and input sensing for automatic power saving and Intelligent Signal Sensing (ISS)
wake-up functionality. The C model also boasts the use of Genelec Loudspeaker Manager
(GLM) software. Users can use the app to facilitate optimal sound quality by taking into account
factors such as placement and time
Building upon its forefathers, the 1032C includes custom Class-D resulted in a 2.4kg weight reduction, a switch mode power of 114dB and a frequency response between 40Hz and 20kHz. Its tweeter and woofer power 250W, respectively.
‘The original 1032 was much loved for the high SPL it offered said Siamäk Naghian, Genelec managing director. ‘By incorporating the latest technologies, the 1032C brings those same advantages into the modern studio environment.’
www.genelec.com
W80), have been designed to provide
All four models have been built to similar dimensions as other architectural loudspeakers on the market to allow for the use of
feature a fully rotatable mid/bass driver (6.5-inch in the S4-C65, 8-inch in the S4-C80) angled at 18° and coupled with a 1-inch tweeter with a three-position adjustable tilt and a high-frequency level switch. This allows them to be adjusted without repositioning the frame.
FAITALPRO’S NEW loudspeakers have been designed as ‘top-of-the-range’ models to cover the mid-to-high frequency range. The 8HX230, 10HX230 and 12HX230 are 8-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch models, respectively, and are intended for use as stage
installation applications. Weighing in at under 5kg, the 8HX230 has a higher angular dispersion than its bigger brothers. Its driver has a cut-off frequency of 1.7kHz and features a 37mm Ketone
THE INAUGURAL speakers in Dynaudio’s Custom Install architectural loudspeaker range have been unveiled as the Studio Series.
The series, formed of two round in-ceiling models (the S4-C65 and S4-C80) and a pair of rectangular in-wall cabinets (the S4-W65 and S4-
DESIGNED FOR a wide variety of applications, Beyma has added the 8WR250 and 8WRS250 8-inch LF transducers to its catalogue. Both models incorporate the same driver but the former features a cast aluminium frame, whilst the latter incorporates a pressed steel frame.
Beyma’s optimised FEA motor assembly design together with MMSS technology have combined to create a woofer offering a very linear response, low distortion and
AES-rated design incorporates a 2-inch copper wire voice coil, an aluminium frame and an FEA optimised ceramic magnetic circuit that is capable of producing a sensitivity rating of 95dB (1W/1m).
transducers join the Spanish manufacturer’s portfolio in the form of the 4FR40 and 4FR40Nd models. Optimised for beam steering columns and diverse compact systems, both models
bezels as well as paintable grilles to match a room’s décor. In addition, while the ceiling models come with a round grille as standard, square grilles are available as an option. The manufacturer’s soft-dome tweeters and proprietary magnesium silicate polymer woofers with one-piece diaphragms and largediameter, lightweight aluminium voice coils are built into all four units. The ceiling speakers also
In an effort to further simplify installation of its Studio Series speakers, Dynaudio has produced a two-piece tool-less mounting system with a pre-installation frame that mounts into the cutout via auto-locking clamps. Meanwhile,
drivers and crossover will securely mount within the frame via a locking drop-stop latch.
www.dynaudio.com
performances but differ in terms of their ferrite and neodymium motor structure assemblies. Operating within a frequency range of 100Hz to 20kHz with a sensitivity of 88dB (1W/1m), the 40W woofers incorporate steel baskets and paper cones with
For its high-frequency range, Beyma has added two new compact compression drivers, both of which incorporate 1-inch aluminium voice coils and 1-inch
30W AES-rated drivers comprise
a PEI polymer diaphragm for operation above 2kHz, providing a sensitivity reading of 109db (1W/1m).
www.beyma.com
Polymer diaphragm. Treated and waterproof cellulose pulp and a canvas edge form the 8-inch woofer’s cone.
larger 10HX230 and 12HX230 possess heavier ferrite woofers with a magnetic circuit design. However, as a whole, only weigh 4.1kg and 4.3kg, respectively. Their housing holds the compression driver with a neodymium magnet with the circuits located
The driver itself features an annular magnetic circuit with 37mm voice coil and while the moving coil and magnetic circuit are identical for both models, the centring and the diaphragms differ. The angular coverage on both is up to 8 to 10kHz on horizontal and vertical planes.
All three units boast 250W of power for the woofer with
AES, frequency responses of 75Hz to 4,000Hz and 96dB and 10HX230, 97dB for the 12HX230. The HF drivers for the trio deliver 30W of power frequency response of 1,500Hz to 20,000Hz.
www.faitalpro.com
DESIGNED TO
Installed portfolio between the Media and Compact series, RFC’s voiced as a club system. Comprising two models, the 10-inch 4100 and 12-inch 4112, both feature 2-way birch plywood cabinets and include protection. Whilst providing a stylish aesthetic appearance, the
Finished in a water-based paint with
ONE SYSTEMS has launched a budget range for its Direct Weather loudspeakers. The Silver Series Direct Weather loudspeakers are designed for inland direct weather and general-purpose environments and initially consist of three models. The 104/STH features a 2-way design with a 4.5-inch woofer, capable of delivering 40W of
continuous power handling. Meanwhile, the 106/STH 2-way system makes use of neodymium components to produce 80W from a small form factor. Finally, the 108/ STC is of an 8-inch coaxial design and delivers 150W of continuous power. All three models feature IEC 529 IP 56 ingress protection, while the 108/STC offers an IP 45 design
steel grille with foam backing, equipped with mounting points on all corners and sides. Rubber bungs installed within the grilles ensure that contact between the wood and the grille is avoided and operation is vibration free.
The 1,400W 10-inch model has 65Hz-20kHz with custom-designed
mid-frequency shaping at 2kHz4kHz to aid close distance listening. The cabinet itself measures 500mm x 309mm x 350 mm and is capable of a max SPL of 128dB. The 1,600W 12-inch model extends the frequency range down to 60Hz, boosts the SPL to 130dB and occupies a lager footprint at 600mm x 363mm x 406.5mm. Both cabinets have 70° x 90° coverage and house SpeakOn NL4 input and output connectors.
www.rcf.it
Stainless steel is used for all rigging points across the Silver Series Direct Weather range, which can be attached to optional pole mount brackets or pan/tilt brackets. A durable dual-layer, zinc-rich powder coating and structural steel coating cover the grilles and a U-bracket is included with each of the loudspeakers.
www.onesystems.com
STAGE TEC is aiming to achieve AES67 compatibility for its entire range thanks to a collaboration with DirectOut. The collaboration will be based on DirectOut’s AES67 hardware platform – used in the Montone.42 MADI/Ravenna bridge – and Stage Tec’s Nexus digital audio routing system.
‘In taking this step, we ready ourselves for future demands in the increasing number of IP-based production sites,’ said Stage Tec
SOUNDTUBE HAS added a trio of pendant speakers to its line-up of Dante-enabled installation speakers. Aimed at facilities with high or open ceilings, such as houses of worship, schools, hotels and restaurants, the
managing director, Helmut Jahne. ‘Our goal is to have our products ready for interoperability not just on the audio side, but also on the control side. Therefore we will focus on protocols like AES70 and NMOSIS04, as well as SMPTE 2110 -30/31, in the near future.’
In other news, Stage Tec is describing its 4.3 software release as offering ‘a comprehensive update’ to its Aurus and Crescendo Platinum platforms. Highlights
of the release include a gain sharing automixer, a de-esser as a channel module, loudness metering according to EBU R 128 in sum and group channels, and an increase in the number of base devices that can be included in a Nexus audio network. The automixer has been integrated into the Aurus and Crescendo Platinum console design and can be used in all input channels. The channel
independently of each other. Scene automation also has a new feature. It is now possible to times for each channel individually.
Crossfades can now also be initiated via GPI. Other minor updates include increasing the resolution of all frequency scales
to 24 steps per octave and extending the GPI functions to include control of the compressor and limiter. Finally, the release means that people who use the consoles in conjunction with a Nexus audio network will now have more than double the number of base devices available. Previously, users could interconnect up to 31 base devices; now a maximum of 63 base devices may be operated together in a single network.
www.directout.eu
www.stagetec.com
IPD-RS62-EZ pendant, and top of IPD-RS62-EZ pendant
IPD-RS62-EZ, IPD-RS82-EZ and IPDHP82-EZ are all available in black or with a room’s décor and come with all required hanging hardware.
The IPD-RS62-EZ and IPD-RS82EZ both utilise the manufacturer’s BroadBeam Ring high-frequency dispersion technology, designed to ensure intelligibility covering a wide angle, including off-axis. Meanwhile, the IPD-HP82-EZ features a BroadBeam HP compression driver with a waveguide developed ceilings.
www.soundtube.com
Integrated Systems Europe is the definitive showcase for the world’s leading AV manufacturers and service companies operating within a range of sectors, including: Digital Signage, Education Technology, Professional Audio, Residential Solutions, Smart Building and Unified Communications. Held in Amsterdam on 6-9 February, ISE 2018 will be the destination of choice for international AV professionals interested in learning about state-of-the-art technology and the latest end-user business solutions.
WWW.ISEUROPE.ORG
6-9 February 2018
Amsterdam, RAI, NL
redundant connections can be made to dLive S Class equipment as well as non-redundant single cable connections to S Class and C Class systems. In Cascade mode, available
units can be connected to any dLive S Class or dLive C Class system, allowing up to 96 remote inputs and 48 remote outputs.
ALLEN & HEATH’s DX168 expander rack for dLive systems expands the number of remote I/O options available to the range. The unit comprises 16 XLR mic inputs
and eight XLR line outputs, and communicates with the dLive system via Allen & Heath’s 96kHz DX protocol over Cat-5e.
In Redundant mode, dual cable
MIDAS HAS drawn on its Heritage 3000 for the 512 parametric additions to the Music Groupowned manufacturer’s 500 series alongside the 522 compressor/ limiter.
The 512 is described as a fourband fully parametric equaliser. It offers dual concentric controls for access to fully variable gain and frequency settings. The bass and treble bands have selection switches for bell or shelving responses, while there are variable bandwidth controls on all four bands in bell mode.
The unit offers a transistor driven transformer balanced output and electronically balanced input stage with high common-mode rejection. Meanwhile, a hardware bypass selection switch removes all circuitry from the signal path when equalisation is not required and power up mute relays prevent switch on thumps.
Midas describes the 522 as a
compressor/limiter with dynamic presence control. The variable dynamic presence feature reportedly preserves high midrange frequencies, while the manufacturer states that the dynamic presence control ‘adds
The DX168 comes in a stage box format with rubber bumpers and a carry handle for direct placement on the unit to be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack.
www.allen-heath.com
air to vocals without introducing noise or pumping effects’ and ‘reduces the risk of feedback during live performances’. It offers manual envelope controls with linear peak-sensing compression or auto mode with RMS compression, a soft or hard knee compressor response with selection switch and a sidechain
switch.
In addition to this, the 522 also features an electronically balanced input stage with high common-mode rejection, a transistor-driven transformer balanced output stage, and gain reduction and signal level metering.
Finally, as with the 512 a hardware bypass selection switch removes all circuitry from the signal path when equalisation is not required and power up mute relays prevent switch on thumps.
www.music-group.com
L-ACOUSTICS’ L-ISA (Immersive Sound Art) source control functionality has been natively integrated into DiGiCo’s SD range of mixing consoles. L-ISA’s object-based mixing technology is designed to produce immersive sound and spatial hyperrealism across applications such as live production, music creation and private installations, as well as for artistic and cultural exhibitions.
Up to 96 input channels can be set as L-ISA channels, facilitating pan, width, distance and elevation control in addition to serving as an aux send for L-ISA source objects.
AVID HAS provided a further update to the Venue software for its S6L live sound system with the upload of Version 5.5. This delivers support for the Stage 16 remote I/O box for S6L and new control surface capabilities. Stage 16 was previously only compatible with Avid Venue S3L-X systems. Running with S6L systems operating Venue 5.5, the remote I/O box can be used in addition to the Stage 64 rack for
I/O distribution. Users are able to connect up to four Stage 16s and
two Stage 64s simultaneously, supplying a total of 192 analogue inputs.
Avid Venue 5.5 also adds a Meters view as well as System and Troubleshooting buttons to the master touch screen on all three control surface to monitor channel metering across all screens and provides quick access to commands from the control surface, such as the ability to run systems tests.
www.avid.com
A DEDICATED networked-based control platform has been released by Symetrix for its Radius, Prism, Edge and Solus NX series equipment. Accessible via standard HTML browsers, Control Server facilitates the creation, deployment, monitoring and maintenance of large-scale and complex systems supporting multiple control endpoints and multiple simultaneous users. The browserbased interface manages each custom application on the network, including licences, users and user
access. The Control Server apps themselves are stated to be fully customisable, including multiple levels of user access.
www.symetrix.co
L-ISA parameters can be stored in the console’s snapshots engine to be recalled later, shared with the L-ISA Controller over a network and layout in the L-ISA Processor.
‘As well as offering a streamlined user experience, integrating the L-ISA Source Control into DiGiCo’s SD consoles provides productions with a sophisticated yet intuitive solution to the growing demand for immersive sound designs,’ commented Sherif el Barbari, head of application at L-ISA.
Meanwhile, DiGiCo has released a V2.0 software upgrade for its
S-Series consoles, including an increased channel count for both S21 and S31 from 40 to 48 input
channels, the equivalent of 46 busses at 96kHz.
‘This is what has allowed us to
produce an entry level range with the same technological values as every other DiGiCo console and faster processing and lower power consumption than any other console in its class,’ says DiGiCo’s general manager, Austin Freshwater.
The upgrade features new switching functionality, Stereo Width and Balance controls, a Disable Master Mute function, a Backup User Partition function and a Clear User Partition function.
www.digico.biz
www.l-isa-music.com
At this level, there is no room for dishonesty. You need the sound of absolute truth. Designed and engineered from scratch to reveal details that no other flagship monitors can. Innovation runs deep and wide in the new ADAM S Series. With more bass extension.
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CTF10 and CTF12
DESIGNED FOR conferencing and speech applications, Earthworks has developed the CTF table-top gooseneck microphones with an integrated base to enhance
and near-perfect cardioid polar pattern, the CTF10 and CTF12
RF shielding is incorporated into the microphone’s electronic design to prevent interference from both cell phones and other electronic either the side or bottom of the
BEYERDYNAMIC HAS developed the Classis BM 53 USB microphone
designed for recording meetings, reports and podcasts, the USB
the microphone base so that it can
The XLR can be removed, allowing
Both models are available in a www.earthworksaudio.com
Lewitt’s Conference Series microphones
microphone comes with a halfspherical polar pattern and can be placed in the middle of a conference
a 3m USB cable to a laptop or
switch of 150Hz, whilst switchable gains of –10dB, 0dB and +10dB Designed
LEWITT HAS entered the conference market with its latest non-switch bases, single- and The series is aimed at voice terms of the technical aspects, been optimised for a speaking state the mics offer a linear
www.lewitt-audio.com
microphone models from the matched studio pair of either 4006A omnidirectionals or 4011A cardioids. Both versions have the 25-year logo engraved on the included black
IN CELEBRATION of its 25th anniversary, Danish microphone manufacturer, DPA, has announced three limited edition microphone kits. 4018V vocal microphone in a nickel the 25-year logo. It also includes an SL1 adapter for Sony, Lectrosonics
The company states that just 250 of these kits have been made, and, the 25-year logo. The additional black zip case.
included can be selected instead of
are similar but include different
In addition to one of these stereo of accessories such as the MMP-G packages ship in an exclusive engraved 25-year logo. There are reportedly only 25 of each of the omnidirectional and cardioid kits and each suitcase is numbered www.dpamicrophones.com
CHIAYO HAS developed a receiver module for providing uncompressed audio signals band design of the DWR-2400M provides up to 189 selectable automatically adjustable RSSI level.
external antenna, the digital transmitter can be re-booted in 0.2s adding only 4ms of latency during transmission.
the DWR-2400M provides automatic data correlation, ensuring stability and noise
transmitter.
mountable chassis, both units
module can be applied to the
series and MMA-3000 portable speaker systems. The SDR-6120 IrDA and SDAsync receivers incorporate patented IrDA technology that
YAMAHA CONTINUES to target commercial environments
including the PGM1 paging station microphone, PGX1 paging station controller, SWR2100P-5G and
for large-scale installations, these all offer control for the manufacturer’s professional audio systems.
both connect via Ethernet cables, the former is also compatible
addition to the PGX1, feature assignable buttons that can be set to the desired function using
the SWR2100P-5G and
paging and controller systems and on and off.
has been developed to provide a and monitoring can be built in the the devices can be established connection.
A pair of compact cabinets has form of the VXS1ML loudspeaker describes them as being
particularly suitable to BGM.
The VXS1ML is a mini satellite 62mm x 62mm x 82mm and
diameter voice coil and 1.5-inch
full-range driver that reportedly delivers a frequency response mount facilitates free angle installation and vertical adjustment
mounted alone, ceiling mounted
RMA1MW adaptors. features a 3.5-inch driver,
the manufacturer’s Dual SR-Bass technology. With a frequency response of 65Hz to 180Hz, it 160mm x 110mm, and also comes
Keeping the form factor to
noise-cancelling, dual-squelch circuits that eliminate noise and dropouts. An Auto Scan function buttons prevent unintended adjustment. www.chiayo.com.tw
unveiled the VXL Series slim line array speaker system. This comprises the VXL1-8, VXL1-16 and VXL1-24, each available in black or and VXL1-24 both feature vertical dispersion.
such as Ravenna that support the addition to several additional Shure Version 4.1.
www.yamahaproaudio.com
BASED UPON MediorNet MicroN high-density media distribution hardware, Riedel has devised the MediorNet MultiViewer for adding versatility to MediorNet’s decentralised signal transport, routing and processing network. Each MultiViewer engine can access any MediorNet input signal and placement either on to four physical screens or routed to any destination within the MediorNet system. The MultiViewer comes with local signal inputs and outputs providing further connectivity options, including the playing out of the virtual MultiViewer screens locally.
scaling, positioning, the ability to incorporate graphics. Analogue or digital clocks can reference system time or timecode, with the timecode derived manually or from LTC or NTP. Up to 20 distributed system counters can be established within a single network, for which any counter widget can reference any one of the system counters, while the functions are controllable via the Ember+ control protocol. The
in a single view GUI using a drag-
on the network rather than on local templates support quick designs that can be manipulated both online
Heralded as the smallest fully functioning desktop panel currently available, the German manufacturer has introduced the DSP-2312 Desktop SmartPanel
as the latest member of its SmartPanel family of intelligent user interfaces. Featuring 12 keys, two TFT touchscreen LCDs and an integrated power supply, the new desktop edition offers the same features as its larger brother. On-board AES67, AVB and AES3 connectivity provide direct connections to Riedel’s Artist digital
www.riedel.net
The MA 808 innovatively integrates wireless microphones, speakers, CD / USB player and a Bluetooth interface for wireless music streaming into a sturdy, compact case that offers an entirely portable sound system anywhere it is needed. MIPRO supplies UHF and 2.4 GHz receiver modules options and matching handheld or bodypack transmitters, as well as the exclusive miniature transmitters for musical instruments, such as violin, saxophones, erhu, guitar, cajon, and so on,
the MA-808 portable wireless PA system.
Lightweight with built-in pull-up handle and sturdy wheels for easy transport, the economical rechargeable battery system enables operations indoors or outdoors without AC power and cumbersome cables. Even handheld & bodypack transmitters can be stored within the sleek cabinet.
THE R-4 wireless microphone system is JTS’ response to ‘today’s squeezed spectrum’, a UHF system that’s channel 38 ready and reportedly able to provide more coverage within a limited bandwidth. The system is capable of running four channels of wireless on channel 38 and has also been designed with a compact form factor, its receiver is a 1U, 19-inch rack mountable enclosure. Targeting applications such as touring sound, theatres, schools, commercial installations, corporate events and conferences,
JTS has designed the R-4 to be durable and for ease of use and setup. It makes use of the Taiwanese manufacturer’s Remoset technology that allows all data to be synced between the receivers and transmitters with the push of a button. This, JTS states, allows the system to be set up ‘in under one second’. The system also includes integral antennas and power cascade functionality, meaning that multiple receivers can be linked for the creation of larger wireless mic setups.
www.jts.com.tw
CLEARONE IS aiming to meet the needs of conference rooms with two additions to its Converge Pro 2 series of DSP mixers.
The Converge Pro 2 48V offers four mic/line inputs with AEC and eight mic/line outputs. In addition, it offers a VoIP interface with two default phone lines and three more available through a software upgrade. The mixer is also Cisco and interface for Skype for Business. Meanwhile, the Converge Pro
2 012 is a 12 mic/line output DSP mixer providing the option of increased outputs when required. The manufacturer has also increased the number of ports available for users of its Converge Pro 2 mixers with a pair of interface expanders. Aimed at conferencing connectivity and room control, the expanders differ in the type of connectivity they offer – Converge
Pro 2 USB and Converge Pro 2 GPIO. The USB expander acts primarily as a USB audio interface, connecting a
laptop directly to a conference room’s audio system. It can also be used to share the DSP mixer resources across multiple rooms. Meanwhile, the GPIO expander offers 12 input
and output pins to control devices such as microphones, cameras, window coverings and lights. According to the manufacturer, up to three USB expanders and three
GPIO expanders can be daisychained for each Converge Pro 2 mixer.
www.clearone.com
WILLIAMS SOUND’S Hearing HotSpot app is available on iOS and Android devices, downloadable from the App Store and Google Play Store, respectively. It facilitates the streaming of audio in real-time via Wi-Fi from all manner of sources, including televisions and music players, as well as live sources, directly to the smartphone or tablet of somebody requiring assistive listening.
The Hearing HotSpot app provides unlimited channels with the scalability to accommodate any number of users, reportedly offers ultra-low latency and features a customisable in-app messaging system.
www.williamssound.com
DEVELOPED TO provide a access to 31 channels within 4MHz is Audio-Technica’s latest highdensity wireless system. With a continued reduction in the amount of spectrum available for wireless microphone operations, the 6000 intervals, which can all be used simultaneously.
Free of broadcast TV signals
ATW-R6200 receiver, an ATW-T6001 optional ATW-DA410 antenna distribution system, together with a number of compatible AudioTechnica lavalier and head-worn microphones. Features include
offers transmitter frequency setup from the receiver via IR synchronisation.
The 2U true diversity receiver is equipped with balanced XLR and
with a reliable new miniature input www.audio-technica.com
SMALL- AND medium-sized conference and meeting rooms now have dedicated TesiraForté digital audio processors available to them in the form of the TesiraForté VT and TesiraForté VT4 series.
‘The new VT and VT4 models offer our customers greater room requirements without paying for features they don’t
According to the manufacturer, the TesiraForté VT provides both the same chassis, while the TesiraForté VT4 models deliver rooms.
As a result of the updated LQ
CLEAR-COM HAS enhanced its for telephony and interoperability, connecting traditional intercom with Agent-IC mobile application users and increasing the available I/O
The platform-agnostic LQ devices are designed to simplify connectivity and deploy communications solutions over IP infrastructures without compromising on audio
quality. LQ interfaces could and/or 4-wire digital solutions over LQ devices that host Agent-IC, core users on traditional intercom systems can communicate in full users on smart devices. All setups within the browser-based Core
allowing up to 24 audio ports to be assigned to any of the 12/24 interfacing with 2-wire and 4-wire intercom or audio devices, creating a higher-density digital partyline devices are routed over IP to the offering more connectivity through its Com or third-party intercom systems over LQ. www.clear-com.com
DESIGNED FOR R&D and production test applications, Audio Precision’s new binaural AECM206, has been built for testing circum-aural, supra-aural and intra-concha headphones and earbuds. When used with
The VT series includes standalone, AVB and Dante versions, with the same feature set of the original TesiraForté family. The VT4 series includes AVB and Dante versions, while providing small conference rooms with four analogue inputs and four analogue outputs.
All of the new models are equipped with Biamp’s AEC technology to eliminate acoustic audio to interface with soft-codec conferencing technologies. Additional features include general-purpose I/O and an OLED display.
www.biamp.com
USERS OF Bel’s BM-A1-64DANTE
facility to automatically display channel names via Dante Controller
manufacturer. Bel intends the new and operation of the device ‘even faster and completely intuitive’.
‘With up to 64 channels routed to the front panel, it’s possible to audition each channel
installed, the Dante Receiver Channel name on the selected channel is now automatically intuitive operation. It’s also possible to combine any number of channels to create unique
simultaneous monitoring of multiple channels. In this instance, the availability of channel names means that custom combinations
www.beldigital.com
analysers, accessories and software, users are provided with a complete and repeatable electro-acoustic testing solution for headphones and earphones.
The AECM206 is IEC 60318-4 compliant and constructed to isolate ambient noise with a sturdy the noise-reduction performance measurement of ANC (active noise cancelling) headphones and hearing protection earmuff testing.
The system comes preassembled with occluded ear simulators (microphones with acoustic are installed and connected via
and calibration information to be read by a connected instrument, test interface. They are also CCP powered and calibrated. Also provided with the system are two sets of pinnae that are OO-35 and A-25. An adapter for the CAL250 sound level calibrator is an www.ap.com
The ART Series is the beating heart of RCF. These multiple purpose active speakers represent the finest example of audio design in a rugged composite cabinet, now in black. The ART 7 Mk4 Series is equipped with a new generation of 2-way Class-D fan-less amplifiers, highpowered woofers and the latest compression driver technology, plus a redesigned front grille.
• Up to 133 dB SPL Max
• 1400W Power Amplifier
• 7 Models from 8” to 15” Woofers
• High Powered Compression Drivers
• Exclusive FiRPHASE Technology on-board
• Rubber coated handles for maximum portability
recordings and clean up dialogue in postproduction without the need for ADR.
The Trax Pro 3 SP software features include automatic speech targeting, automatic consonants detection, new automatic extraction options, a speech-optimised pitchogram, a full-frequency spectral editor, a de-noise tool and
AUDIONAMIX, DEVELOPER of the Trax Pro software for audio source separation, has debuted a stand-
alone version of Trax 3 dedicated to speech separation. The tool allows engineers to isolate speech
from background elements in mono or stereo recordings, improve speech intelligibility in archival
WHEATSTONE IS shipping the AirAura X4 FM and HD audio processor. Designed to allow all stages of processing – including the iAGC, limiters and clipper – to be aware of each other by sharing information, the AirAura X4 can make changes automatically in real-time. Unlike its AirAura X3 predecessor where the traditional 31-band limiting was placed ahead of the clipper, the clipper now works directly with the X4 providing an audio blueprint for how the clipper should behave.
Incorporating intuitive GUI and dual touchscreens on the front panel, additional features include a redesigned bass processor and enhancement controls in the iAGC providing safe equalisation for maximum consistency as well as full RDS capabilities. Incorporating an FM/HD tuner within the design, the audio alignment works either with third-party HD/FM modulation monitors or by itself. AES insert points are also available for inserting a ratings encoder into the
processing system, bypassing the need to add an outboard leveller in front of the processor. Previous features have been incorporated in the AirAura X4, including an improved Multipath Mitigation algorithm, redesigned composite processing with selectable look ahead limiting or clipping, baseband192 composite AES connectivity and a full set of analysis displays.
An effects editor and audio processing toolset are among the new 7.0 features added to the software-based VoxPro phone recorder and editor. Commonly used for live radio listener call-ins, artist interviews and recorded spots,
AMBISONIC COMPATIBLE output is the headline development for Nugen Audio’s Halo Upmix. The Ambisonic stream output is touted as an alternative to channel-based output for VR, game and other immersive applications. According to the manufacturer, this will make it possible to re-purpose or convert channel-based audio for
In related news, Halo Upmix will
now also generate 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos compatible audio tracks in Pro Tools.
Away from Upmix, Halo Downmix is described by the manufacturer as ‘a new solution for delivering accurate downmixes that are no longer limited to typical in-the-box solution offers visual controls for relative levels, timing and direct vs ambient sound balance.
VoxPro consists of a USB hardware control panel, for which the control in the software for fast recording and editing, bypassing the need for a mouse. The control panel also includes a scrub wheel for precise
The Trax software is available to users in two versions: one fully featured (Trax Pro 3 SP) and the other a ‘lite’ version that omits the spectral editing capabilities (Trax 3 SP).
www.audionamix.com
editing of voice, sound effects and music clips on two tracks. The new signal processing toolset lets talent quickly clean up phone calls for on-air presentation, whilst the ClipCleaner toolset includes spectral display, parametric EQ, de-esser, compressor, expander, limiter and noise gate. With a GUI derived from the LXE console, the ClipCleaner toolset comes with a standard library of presets. FX Macros enable one-button macros for frequently used effects and can be used to create a preset for any effect that can then be assigned to an on-screen button for quick recall. In addition, the VoxPro Effects menu has been overhauled. A QuikSearch box has been added on-screen along with the ability to
www.wheatstone.com
WORKING TOGETHER with Solid State Logic, Universal Audio has added the SSL 4000 G Bus compressor collection and Pure Plate Reverb to its portfolio of classic hardware emulations as part of UAD software v9.2.
The SSL 4000 G Bus plug-in is described by Universal Audio as an ‘authentic end-to-end circuit emulation of SSL’s iconic bus compressor exclusively for UAD2 and Apollo interfaces’. It also includes presets from producers such as Just Blaze (Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar), Peter Mokran (The Flaming Lips, Mary J. Blige) and Ian Boxill (Prince, Tupac).
attack and release including programme-dependent ‘auto’ release and auto fade.
Owners of the SSL G Bus Compressor Legacy plug-in can purchase the new plug-in for a reduced price.
Nugen states that Halo Downmix surround channels introduced by legacy upmix practices.
In addition, Halo Downmix introduces a surround-to-surround mode for adjusting existing 5.1 or 7.1 mixes for better downmix compatibility or re-balancing of the surround mix.
www.nugenaudio.com
The Plate Reverb plug-in aims to provide the manufacturer’s plate reverb emulation in an affordable package and with a simple set of controls – lowdelay, decay, bass and treble tone controls, balance and dry/ wet mix.
Included presets are from Patrick Carne (The Black Keys), Richard Chycki (Rush, Dream Theater) and Chuck Zwicky (Prince, The Time).
www.uaudio.com
PREVIEWED IN the May–June 2017 edition of Pro Audio Asia, Dante Domain Manager from Audinate has been released as three distinct feature sets: Silver, Gold and Platinum. The software is a complete network management solution designed to offer enterprise-grade system administration to the A/V industry, while aiming to make audio networking more secure, scalable and easier to manage.
device groupings by room, building and site – regardless of physical network infrastructure, providing
system managers with a suite of trails, alerts and messages.
The Silver edition provides the features listed above, with a maximum of two domains and 10 audio devices. The manufacturer states that this is ideal for installations that primarily require
user management, such as smaller houses of worship or schools.
The Gold edition includes integration with Active Directory and supports up to 10 domains and up to 50 devices. The Platinum edition expands support up to 50 domains and up to 250 devices, and includes SNMP alerting and a fully redundant ‘high-availability’ option for mission critical systems.
Dante Domain Manager will be enabled by the latest 4.0 manufacturers in the near future.
www.audinate.com
ATLONA AND QSC have partnered to co-develop plug-ins for QSC’s Q-Sys platform that will permit networked audio stream integration with Atlona’s OmniStream AVoIP products, as well as a direct control system for CLSO Series video switchers.
The OmniStream plug-in enables Q-Sys to ingest a direct audio
stream from encoders as it does for any other input, so that Q-Sys can then process, route and mix those audio channels anywhere on the network. The CLSO Series plug-in enables direct control of switcher operations from within the Q-Sys user control interface.
www.atlona.com
of a range of products compliant with the European Construction Products Regulation (CPR).
All of the cables bearing the CPR external authority, having been tested for conformity and resistance
The CRP compliant cables include the C128 CPR, TSK1038 CPR, RG59 CPR and the latest TSK101 CPR, TSK103 CPR and TSK105 CPR, and now also bear the CE mark.
www.tasker.it
THE NEW AMS Neve DAWsync plug-in for the DFC3D consoles offers Machine Control integration with Pro Tools. The plug-in provides a lock from the Pro Tools timeline to the DFC3D automation ensuring that the audio, video and console automation stay synchronised.
Connecting to the DFC3D via Ethernet, DAWsync comprises a virtual nine-pin interface for transport commands, track
arming and PEC/Direct switching from the DFC3D to the DAW.
www.ams-neve.com
CHRISTIE HAS made a pair of additions away from its traditional projection home. The manufacturer has expanded its range of video processors with the Spyder X80 and introduced a new family of LCD panels with the Access Series.
Starting with the Spyder X80, Christie describes the product as ‘the only video processor capable of handling 4K at a 60Hz refresh rate on a single channel’. The multi-screen windowing processor supports 4K at 60Hz at 8/10/12-bit processing on a single cable, plus 4K at 120Hz on dual or quad cables. In terms of the core functionality, supporting up to 24 inputs and 16 outputs, with all connections capable
to rotate outputs individually and HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2 and 12G HDSDI connectors. The X80’s card-based design allows customers to match input and output needs with room to change and upgrade in the future, while the scaling and format conversion allows users to mix and match multiple SD, HD, 4K and stereoscopic video formats. Moving to the end of the signal chain, Christie’s Access Series of LCD panels features UHD resolution and USB playback. The four-member family includes 55- and 65-inch models designed for 16/7 operation and 75and 86-inch models for 24/7 run times. All four panels feature an OPS slot and offer an optional touch overlay.
TO HELP organisations of all types transition to IP production, Grass Valley has launched the XCU Universe XF camera base station and advanced UXF cradle. Supporting the AIMS roadmap and reportedly all IP video formats including HDR, these two solutions are designed to support the high bandwidth requirements of 4K video and IP networks and to deliver
The XCU Universe XF base station is built for the extended bandwidth needs of the manufacturer’s LDX 86 and LDX 86N Series cameras, providing up to 6X speed operation, 4K capability and 15 HDR F-stops in 1X speed operation. Flexibility is delivered with the ability to output any
format video over IP or SDI. The advanced UXF cradle, meanwhile, features an additional four MSA compliant SFP+ slots, offering fully redundant IP interfacing and 12G SDI via SFP.
The increasing popularity of 4K and HDR has also led Grass Valley to integrate HDR up-mapping capabilities into its new Densité UHD-3901-UC cards. They support a combination of HDR and SDR content, making them suited to facilities that have chosen to transition to UHD broadcasting
SDR to HDR and HD to 4K/UHD up conversion.
www.grassvalley.com
ROSS VIDEO has combined Carbonite production switcher technology with XPression 3D motion graphics, two clip server channels and the Rave audio engine to develop an ‘all-in-one’ production solution. That solution has been named Graphite and is formed from a 4U chassis, housing a Carbonite engine built onto a PCIe card. The manufacturer states that Graphite eliminates traditional performance issues arising from an overworked CPU. The system is directly powered by its Carbonite engine, making it immune to computer crashes. This drives the Carbonite switcher and Rave audio engine. The Carbonite switcher brings all of its features to Graphite, including its MEs, MiniME
Rave engine, meanwhile, features a 24-channel audio mixer with input management, level monitoring, volume and gain adjustment among other features.
The XPression graphics system is also included thanks to the self-contained Carbonite engine, as it requires a dedicated CPU.
A single-channel variant of the XPression software, ‘XPression Graphite’ allows unlimited layering and provides true 3D objects and animations. The XPression Clips server is used for recording, managing and the playback of video clips. These channels can also be utilised as an external video source.
www.rossvideo.com
THE GX range of media servers from d3 Technologies has been developed to cater for increasingly important generative content in live show design. The range is capable of allowing users to render video, audio, MIDI, tracking and automation data, or interactive inputs in real-time for shows that respond to their environment. There are two models in the gx range. According to the manufacturer, the gx 2 has the fastest professional-grade GPU currently available and offers or eight HD outputs) in the same chassis as its pro range. The gx 1 offers the same power density to smaller shows and installations
and comprises a single-width
into a 2U chassis. Both models in the range come bundled with a full Notch playback licence giving users access to the latest software
without any barriers. Notch is a third-party software partner that enables creation of real-time, live interactive visual content with an unprecedented level of quality and
www.d3technologies.com
customers as soon as an event
H.265 is the new format established for delivering Ultra HD content; however, many of today’s existing devices are still only H.264 compatible.
REAL-TIME H.264 encoding has been added to Blackmagic’s
it possible to distribute Ultra HD content in either H.264 or H.265 directly to customers at live events. Duplicator 1.1 is available
as a free download from the Blackmagic website.
The software is an SD card duplicator with built-in real-time H.264 and H.265 encoding that makes it possible to deliver multiple copies of content to
miniaturised into a single rack
SD cards for SD, HD and Ultra HD video duplication up to 2160p60.
www.blackmagicdesign.com
KRAMER HAS entered the audiosound server. The manufacturer called in Waves Audio to power the unit’s processing capabilities. In a move that will certainly cause a few raised eyebrows, the
THE MANUAL Grande Series of large screens from Elite Screens offer a manually operated retractable solution that can be rolled up out of sight via a simple bead chain clutch system. Available in 180-inch and 200inch versions – both with either 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratios – the screens are designed to display Ready content.
A rolling mechanism prevents the screen from being raised or lowered too far and to stop at any point. The screen itself is of a
projection and incorporates a black-backed design to eliminate light penetration. Black masking borders eliminate projector overshoot.
www.elitescreens.com
sound processor over IP networks’. It has been designed as a singlebox, plug-and-play hardware- and software-based IT-oriented solution for large-scale DSP deployments. In terms of functionality, the processing of 64 input channels and distribution of over 1,000 outputs. The device is reportedly fully compatible with any Dante audio signal and provides auto-
and their functionality. Additionally, the manufacturer states that it will integrate with standard IT infrastructures and ‘simplify the IT manager’s user experience with
a single point of contact for both management and support of all audio devices’.
www.kramerav.com
A Grande solution with no plugs requiredThe KN-DSP100 was introduced at InfoComm 2017
capabilities have streamlined user operation for Barco’s enterprise A/V meeting room control solution, Overture, states the Belgian manufacturer.
Overture controls and monitors
A/V and other networked devices in multiple locations via an interactive user interface that runs on off-the-shelf commercial hardware. The latest version emphasises automation by adding ‘behaviours’ that enable the automatic creation of tasks for specific rooms. For example, an administrator can set a task to automatically switch on or off all the devices in a single room – without any programming required. The system also integrates seamlessly with the manufacturer’s presentation tools such as ClickShare, allowing a
presenter to quickly set up a room via a ClickShare button.
Furthermore, the latest update also enhances the Scheduler capability to allow users to set certain actions
turning off all devices at night to save electricity. Combining behaviours and scheduling functions together enables a facility or IT
enable an enterprise to be controlled from a single set of buttons, or execute tasks automatically at
The ClickShare platform itself has also been treated to a new
introduces Windows 7, 8 and 10 extended desktop on the CS-100 and CSE-200. The new CSE-800 offers connectivity options such as AirPlay and Google Cast support, as well as enhanced security
settings. It also features two HDMI inputs and outputs to simply connect with legacy equipment and conferencing systems, while allowing up to eight people to share content simultaneously. Separate and simultaneous connection to multiple networks is facilitated by a pair of network connections. Barco requests users install the ClickShare extension pack before replaces the current ClickShare launcher with both a new launcher and the driver needed for the extended desktop feature. The same functionality will come to the CSE-800 via a yet-to-be-released
Lastly, there is a new addition to projectors. The F70 has been developed to reduce downtime and maintenance, while delivering
Gen2 becomes a fully hardwarebased, end-to-end 4:2:2 10-bit HEVC encode/decode streaming solution.
added reliability and a longer lifespan of up to 60,000 hours. The laser phosphor projector is described by the manufacturer as ‘rugged’, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership.
Two F70 models are initially available, the F70-4K6 providing a 4K UHD native resolution and the F70-W6 offering WUXGA. Both deliver up to 8,000 lumens of light output and Constant Light Output
functionality to ensure brightness and colour over a longer time span, as well as 16:10 aspect ratios and a lens shift of up to 134%. F70 has a user interface in common with existing F-series projectors, in addition to the FLD and FLD+ lens catalogue, while sharing Barco Pulse processing technology with the F90 models.
www.barco.com
VITEC HAS launched its second-generation HEVC codec, Gen2, developed to power the
streaming solutions provider’s MGW Ace Encoder. When paired with the MGW Ace Encoder,
‘Our entire installed base can allowing superior video quality,’ explained Vitec product manager Richard Bernard. ‘By offering unmatched HEVC encoding performance, our MGW Ace Encoder is the perfect solution for reducing OPEX in point-to-point video transmission.’
www.vitec.com
COMBINING TECHNOLOGIES from AMX, BSS, dbx and Crown, AMX has unveiled a new line of all-in-one A/V presentation solutions named Incite. The series promises features such as video scaling, windowing, support for 4K/60, integrated central control and signal transport. The solution integrates a BSS digital signal processor for audio room tuning as well as 10-band parametric EQ, compression, gating, auto-ducking and limiting on every microphone input. From dbx, the Incite solutions house AFS (Advanced Feedback Suppression) for controlling unwanted feedback, while Crown’s Class-A/B DriveCore technology powers the models.
There is support for 4K/60 on every input. Current HD signals can also be upscaled, while 4K/60 can be downscaled. HDBaseTbased distance transport is stated to provide full 4K/60 at 4:4:4 capability over a category cable for simple point-to-point applications.
In addition to the launch of the Incite range, AMX has also expanded its N1000 Series with the N1134A SDI encoder, a new video-over-IP encoding solution
that eliminates the need for an SDI-to-HDMI converter. The encoder integrates with AMX control systems but also features AES67 for connection with audio devices. And like the other members of the N1000 family, PoE power from a simple Ethernet connection to the local network switch both speeds up installation and eliminates the need for a local power source.
www.amx.com
MX-0808-HDBT-H2L
THE MX-0606-HDBT-H2L and MX0808-HDBT-H2L are the inaugural members of WyreStorm’s new H2L series. Both are Class-B HDBaseT matrix switchers, 6x6 and 8x8 respectively, developed to offer a ‘great value’ solution for those on a budget requiring high-quality A/V distribution.
and enabling instant switching between sources. A bidirectional IR pass-through offers source and sink control, and RS-232 supports WyreStorm Enado and third-party control systems, while a Web UI matrix switching from a computer. WyreStorm’s NetworkHD family
Supporting 2K and 4K UHD video sources, including HDR, HDCP.2.2 and multi-channel audio up to DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, the H2L series reportedly transmits 4K content up to 35m and 1,080p up to 70m. The switchers make use of Power over HDBaseT (PoH) to remotely power receivers at display locations and feature WyreStorm’s SmartEDID and QuickSynca technologies for
mixing 1080p and 4K displays
is now 4K compatible with the release of the 400 Series, offering low-latency 4K-over-IP. Its features include HDR, multi-channel audio and 2K/4K auto scaling, as well as PoE, separate audio routing and 16x16 video wall capabilities. With HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2 support, the 400 Series manages the delivery of 4K UHD with HDRenabled content and multi-channel audio up to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
www.wyrestorm.com
DESIGNED TO provide expandable, real-time control and seamless switching between 32 video sources and 32 video displays, Aten has scale A/V applications such as transportation-related control rooms and emergency services centres, the 32x32 switcher integrates a line-up of hot-swappable I/O boards and a scaler for unifying various video input signals, whilst rendering optimum output resolutions on displays without delays or signal loss. Control and content changes can be performed in real-time with instant video switching to deliver HD video powered by a seamless
engine implemented at each output port. With the hot-pluggable I/O boards and device parts, video sources of any interface type can be routed independently to target displays of any interface, adding video in any matrix. Hot-pluggable fan and power modules also ensure of live streaming connected video channels and image previews of videowall layouts via web GUI, the
that are synchronised with a realtime clock.
To help with signal distribution, IP extender supports the video
matrix function through the AP router/DHCP protocol with an unlimited transmission distance.
individual stereo, point-to-point and multipoint-to-multipoint, the VE8950 includes 3D and 4K/2K at 30Hz (VE8950 only) transmission via a proprietary A/V codec. A support receiver daisy-chain, web GUI control and USB 2.0 transparent are also included.
The Taiwanese manufacturer has also developed the VS1912 for digital signage, videowalls, projection screens and digital
PANASONIC IS pointing to its newly designed 5.7K Super 35mm-sized sensor as the main factor behind the image quality produced by its AU-EVA1 cinema camera. The manufacturer states that by starting at a higher native resolution, ‘the 5.7K sensor yields a higher resolving image when down sampled to 4K, UHD, 2K and even 720p’. It goes on to explain ‘the increased colour
The sensor also features dual native ISO, a process that reportedly
extracts more information from the sensor without degrading the image. According to the manufacturer, this means the camera can switch from a standard sensitivity to a high sensitivity without an increase in noise, or other artefacts.
Away from the sensor, the camera also offers V-Log/V-Gamut capture to deliver high dynamic range and broad colours. V-Log has log curve characteristics that are described as somewhat reminiscent of negative delivers a colour space even larger
Weighing in at 1.2kg and measuring 17cm x 13.5cm x 13.3cm, the AU-EVA1 can record to SD cards in several formats and compression rates, and offers up to 10-bit 4:2:2 in 4K. It uses a native EF-mount, giving users access to the EF lens ecosystem. Behind the lens
in two, four and six stops allows for exposure control. Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) is employed to compensate for camera shake and blurring, while the AU-EVA1 also
THE UNHX2D is a Dante-enabled
a Dante audio network. The unHX2D includes two line level analogue inputs and outputs that can be independently bridged to/from a Dante audio network. It supports 4K/60/4:4:4 video pass-through, and can also re-embed audio from a Dante network, an S/PDIF optical input or balanced line level analogue
An adjustable audio delay buffer is included on the Dante output for audio and video lip sync. The
Thunderbolt 2 sharing device. The device allows users to share hardware resources and digital media between two Thunderbolt 2-enabled computers and to switch between computers, providing
board applications. The PC-based media player supports videowall in various asymmetric layouts. Custom widget tools add banners, and real-time clock displays. The advanced videowall feature allows the resizing, layering, spanning across multiple screens and rotating of pictures and videos at 90° intervals.
Lastly, Aten has released the US770 which it describes as
functionality, instant switching and multiple device connections. The device supports data transfer up to 20Gbps and two 4K displays
A pair of Thunderbolt-enabled computers can also share to up to 11 devices and peripherals, while daisy-chained from a single Thunderbolt port.
www.aten.com
out of the path to the sensor at the push of a button.
The camera offers dual balanced
www.panasonic.com
routing between system input sources and outputs, and facilitates bridging audio from either video sources or monitors to a Dante network.
Featuring up to 170ms of stereo delay for A/V lip sync, and user selectable EDID settings, the unHX2D typically replaces two or three pieces of equipment previously required to de-embed 2-channel and bridge it to a Dante network.
The unHX2D can be controlled over the Dante network for ease of
integration with control systems. Ideal for applications including conferencing, control rooms, video teleconferencing, presentation rooms, classrooms and instructional facilities, the device offers a simple network control protocol for integration with third-party control systems. Features include front panel indications of Dante status,
via Attero Tech unify Control Panel
www.atterotech.com
XLR audio inputs and 4K-capableROBE HAS customised its BMFL WashBeam luminaire to provide motorised movement and manual operation with follow-spot
FollowSpot.
With a wide 160mm front lens of emitting 250 lux at 5m and has a zoom range of 5° to 55° with precise focusing. Smooth pulsing iris all feature and can be installation of a digital camera that can be connected via the RoboSpot base station.
Adding to the BMFL range is
programmable follow-spot handles with a control panel and two as a follow spot.
mounting options and two programmable faders can be assigned as dimmer or iris. The
programmable jog-wheels and 10
among other parameters.
super-fast bursts of high-powered pulses that can be adjusted in
with 60 white LED chips and the same number of UV LED chips
WyreStorm to showcase multiple 4K Pro AV solutions, including Modular HDBaseT and three AV over IP technologies over 1Gb and 10Gb.
WyreStorm will debut at InfoComm India by demonstrating exactly what we mean by providing “The Right
The power of three AV over IP technologies gives options
Over three years AV over IP experience and SDVoE Alliance membership enables us to offer
bright strobe wash for outdoor installations and
compact unit produces bursts of high-powered pulses that can
LED chips. The Czech manufacturer has also released the ColorStrobe difference being that its 60 LED
and clear white beam with smooth continuous colour and no fringing. Its 350W white LED light engine is described as being reaches 40° at its widest and can be softened up with variable frost.
www.robe.cz
WITH ITS IP65 rating, Chauvet Professional’s Épix Strip IP to engage in pixel mapping both features a quick programming to set up pixel mapping programs by giving access to several prebuilt Square Milk – capable of creating
connectors that link them to the www.chauvetprofessional.com
ZYLIGHT’S PRO-PALETTE
ELATION PROFESSIONAL
is built for truss mounting or can
www.zylight.com
enabling full beam control from
WorkCAD 3
install an application on any external
smaller setups or collaborate in
up to eight DMX universes, suiting its use in theme park, www.elationlighting.com
WORK PRO is claiming to have lighting console’ that changes the
The console can connect up to three
no programming or scripting www.workproaudio.com www.workprolighting.com
RUSHWORKS HAS responded to customer calls for a control panel with a T-bar with the release of the VDX T-Bar control surface. The
the live TV production environment by integrating robust robotic camera and Rushworks president Rush Beesley.
DESIGNED AS a basis for providing advanced A/V systems capabilities particularly in meeting and presentation environments, the MT302-121 Digital MultiTasker from Altinex is a 3U, rack-mountable that can be remotely controlled either via a network or wireless setup. Supporting up to 12 Digital MultiTasker cards and equipped with two Ethernet ports, an IR receiver/ IR blaster and an LCD front panel, the MT302-121 is ideal for smaller projects requiring fewer than 20 slots rather than the larger MT302-201. Control – using TCP/IP commands or via an easy-to-use, web-based interface – is accomplished via a PC, a control system or any device capable of establishing a standard TCP socket to the MT302-121’s IP address.
The LCD on the front panel displays
information pertaining to the system and the installed cards, including the IP address of the MultiTasker on the network. The MultiTasker uses an ASCII-based command set to control the individual cards installed inside the enclosure, whilst individual cards are referenced using their slot available for use with the system include the MT312-104 Control Card, the MT305-804 8x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher, the MT315-101 HDMI over Anywire Transmit Card, the MT315-
102 HDMI over Anywire Receive Card, the MT317-101 HDMI Over Fiber Optic Transmit Card, the MT317-102 HDMI Over Fiber Optic Receive Card and the MT310-104 16x16 Stereo Audio Matrix Switcher. Additional options for the system include the MT399-102 Enclosure Rack-Mount Bracket Kit and the MT399-105 5-Piece Multitasker Card Slot Blanks for creating a clean, streamlined appearance over unused/open slots.
www.altinex.com
T-bar allows users to make manual transitions as well as use short-cut keys for effects. The VDX integrates with Rushworks’ VDesk and Remo.
‘The T-bar, in concert with multiple transition and effect controls, and access to more than 100 PTZ/PTX presets using the keypad, make this a real productivity enhancement in
In a related development, Rushworks has also announced the addition of Dynamic Auto Zoom (DAZ) into its robotic camera control platform. Ctrl+R, the company’s software-only camera control application, also supports DAZ.
www.rushworks.tv
ADHERING TO the new DIN56950 and DGUV V17/18 standards, Work Lifters has released its new WTS Series.
Keeping to the safety standards, Work Lifters has developed three new patents that it has applied
FURMAN’S BLUEBOLT CV-2 interface has been developed to provide control of the energy management features of the manufacturer’s F1500-UPS and certain Panamax Pro products over IP without the need for a cloud connection. It essentially offers the same remote energy management functionality as the BlueBolt cloud solution.
MA LIGHTING has credited feedback from its grandMA2 user community as driving hundreds of improvements to the desk’s control software. Alongside these user-driven upgrades Version 3.3 also has a new
With the new software, the MA available online via the Fixture Share service. After logging in, or download the latest versions of the software release.
With it comes the WTS 1206 line array lifter, which is billed supports 1,200kg of load at 6.5m of height, working in structural mode’.
To accomplish this feat, the Spanish manufacturer has redesigned the base of its lifters to increase their stability with new telescopic lift braces that can be
to the WTS Series: WireDrive, a system that directs the cable from one side of the winch’s drum to the other, avoiding wire crossing; Dynamic Overlap, which is designed to increase structural capacity and robustness; and Dynsys, which limits elevation to prevent overloads.
www.worklifters.com
‘For many commercial installations, a cloud connection is either impractical or not recommended for security reasons,’ said Mike Jordan, VP of product management at Furman parent company Core Brands. ‘The new CV-2 gives these installations the BlueBolt scheduling and management control, but accessed locally through a set of embedded web pages.’
www.furmansound.com
Additional search and rating functionality allows users to generate
The release also adds link aggregation (LAG) functionality. This functionality is fully compatible with any standard Ethernet network switch and can be used in meshed installations. Furthermore, the RSTP
information about the link status of any port.
Another major feature of Version 3.3 is the fully re-worked partial show-read functionality. Offset for all Pan/Tilt functionality is now
incorporated and several MIB added. Further new features include several new modes of DMX output function for the MA Network Nodes, RDM via Art-Net, reworked MA VPU Warper functionality including pixelexact U/V mapping and much higher resolution, more creative layer mixing modes to allow different ways of blending between layers, snapshot/ masking tools and a completely reworked help system.
Changing consoles, MA Lighting has also released version 1.3.1.4 for its dot2 system. The new release includes a web remote facility, more master speed faders, increased effects functionality with instant access to groups and blocks, higharrangement for houselights or key lights, freely assignable sACN and Art-Net universes for DMX over Ethernet output as well as for DMX remote in, a new version of the Fixture builder, additional pre-
www.malighting.com
VIO S318
Active semi-horn loaded bassreflex subwoofer
LF 3x18” Frequency Response (-10dB) from 35 Hz
3x DIGIPRO® G3 Class D 2700W/RMS Amplifier
Max SPL 143 dB Delay control up to 9.9 ms
On-board cardioid array configuration preset
info@dbtechnologies-aeb.com
www.dbtechnologies.com
VIO L210
Active 2-way line array module HF 1x1.4” Neodymium LF 2x10” Neodymium
DIGIPRO® G3 Class D 900W/RMS Amplifier
Max SPL 135 dB On-board double rotary EQ Control System
VIO S118 NEW
Active horn-loaded flyable subwoofer LF 1x18”
Neodymium Frequency Response (-10 dB) 33 Hz
DIGIPRO® G4 Class D 1600 W/RMS Amplifier with PFC
Max SPL 139 dB Modular slot for expansion cards System auto-test for quick diagnostics
A sensitive restoration project has given Mumbai’s historic Royal Opera House a new lease of life while adding discrete sound reinforcement. Caroline Moss takes a tour
the stalls gave the best view of the stage, and the gilded ceiling was designed to relay onstage sound up through the three
European elite then living in the city, together with members of the local Parsi community who also enjoyed the genre. However, as the century progressed, falling demand for opera coincided with the rise of cinema in India. In 1935, screenings and fashion shows, but, by the 1980s, singletheatre cinemas had taken a downturn and the opera house
The fate of the opera house took a happy turn in 2010, when the royal family of Gondal, who have owned it since 1952, commissioned its restoration under the guidance of
Now with The New S-Series. A Snap To Use. Stunning Value. DiGiCo Sound. The DiGiCo S-Series. Starting from $6,999.
conservationist Abha
inherited a To ensure the building’s ongoing relevance in the 21st under the balcony to ensure even coverage. The system is lobby and ticketing area.
www.harman.in
http://nzp.me/a/GO/DRP
Narain Lambah. Ms Lambah
New Music from the Ends of the Silk Route
The Epic The Ramayana
husband Mark Troop to come along and do a small opera
and creative city.
HOME TO AROUND 10,000 UNDERGRADUATE, postgraduate, executive and professional, full- and parttime students, SMU is comprised of six schools: School of Accountancy; Lee Kong Chian School of Business; School of Economics; School of Information Systems School of Law and School of Social Sciences. SMU offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with the six schools, as well as in interdisciplinary combinations of these areas. Designed, integrated and constructed into the very heart of the cityscape in 2005, the unique SMU campus blends in with surrounding museums, theatres, art galleries, cafés, restaurants and retail outlets. Similarly, it has married A/V and IT technologies that intertwine with one another in the newly-opened School of Law building. Following three years of construction, the wraps of SMU’s School of Law have now been removed. Located at the junction of Armenian Street and Stamford Road/Fort Canning Link, the new seven-storey, 23,000m2 building integrates the latest A/V technology aimed at enriching the learning experience of SMU law students. Working closely with a team of consultants, contractors and A/V sub-contractors, SMU’s senior assistant director Jan Setyawan leads the design and implementation of learning space technology in the new building. ‘I come from an IT background, so my knowledge of audio and video isn’t that extensive,’ he confesses. However, during the two-hour tour of these impressive facilities, it would appear that Mr Setyawan is either being humble in his approach or has simply put himself on a steep A/V learning curve in the run up to its
With a combined capacity of 1,400, the three function halls in the basement can be entered individually or from a pre-function area when all halls are joined. While the individual halls share the same 7m ceiling height and 27m length, halls 2 and 3 are slightly smaller in width – 13.5m in comparison to 18m. Divided by two Dorma doors, each hall has been acoustically treated with ceiling absorbers and was dispensed with, although a 900mm service duct allows some servicing to be carried out in the ceiling for those brave enough to enter.
Interfaced to the Crestron AV3 control system that operates throughout the campus using Apple iPad touchscreens, individual DM-MD8x8 matrix units located in the three overhead control rooms are programmed with various A/V
A Dante digital network has been created from Audio-Technica and Shure microphone sources to Nexo loudspeakers. Equipped with its own integrated processing, a Yamaha QL5
console with large touch-panel displays lies at the heart of the audio operations, providing ease of use for the A/V technicians.
particularly useful feature,’ says Mr Setyawan. The ability to create a Dante IP network capable of handling multiple audio channels on a single cable was a major consideration in the design of the system. While negating the need to physically patch connections for each channel,
the venue’s DSP presets have been stored in a Dante-enabled enhances remote conferencing systems, ensuring automatic mixing for multiple microphone inputs. In addition to adjusting
player and other inputs and processes them with internal EQ and effects such as feedback suppression, before distributing
stage boxes are then mixed by the QL5 console, processed speaker output.
For events requiring a higher SPL output, each function hall comes equipped with a stereo pair of arrays combining
subwoofers suspended on separate hangs adjacent to the L-R Geo cabinets provide extended bass extension. The power and signal cables are routed through a void in the
messages are clearly heard.
with six facility panels for connecting audio, USB, VGA and HDMI devices on a portable podium, which is further equipped
Wireless Control Software and the Dante digital networked with handheld Beta 87A models in addition to two SM35TQG headworn models are available in each function hall, for Workbench software. The Dante network is further extended with six Audio-Technica ES915C24 cardioid goosenecks the network PoE models built into the bases come with a
AS PRO AVL ASIA ASCENDS THE ELEVATORS OF ATRIA Mall in Mumbai’s Worli district, it’s clear the centre has seen better days. Having experienced an exodus of shop owners in recent years, a suite of outlets have now opened at the top of the mall – a cinema, nightclub and restaurant – all with the hope of returning footfall to those housed below. One of these is Matahaari, a nightclub inspired by the famous Dutch dancer later convicted of being a World War One spy – an apt theme for a club nestled out of sight but hoping to make a big impact on the local entertainment scene.
‘The centre was not doing very well,’ explains Vipul Patel of Systems Architect and Engineers, the audio integrator for the project, as he shows PAVLA around. ‘So they started this concept of clubs and restaurants to increase activity in the mall.’
The interior features a spacious lounge formed from a large with golden frames, chandeliers laden with crystal and large glass walls. Owned jointly by BR Shetty of B R Restaurants and architect Bobby Mukherjee, it is one of a long list of successful nightclubs in Mr Shetty’s portfolio.
‘When I saw this space, I realised what great business potential there was,’ says the owner. ‘Having decided I wanted it to be a nightclub, I read a magazine story about Mata Hari and the concept really appealed to me.
‘I first became involved in the project because my brother-in-law used to work very closely with Bobby,’ adds Mr Patel. ‘When I saw the concept and vision it had, we decided to go all out in terms of sound and make sure that we could deliver the best experience possible. Of course, there were budget constraints, but we have worked very closely with Bosch, which helped us get a great system to fit this space.’
Starting with a warehouse space devoid of any features, a main arena, VIP lounge, champagne bar and what the management calls a ‘loo lounge’ were constructed, with the necessary acoustic isolation carried out.
‘The only place there isn’t sound is in the toilets because the management wanted it to be quieter in there,’ furthers Mr Patel. ‘They’ve made an entire feature out of the bathroom. You can go in there and chat and hang out away from the music.’
Following demos of products from several different brands, of Electro-Voice X1 cabinets driven by EV Q1212 amps with processing from a Dx46 FIR-Drive sound system processor.
‘We always had Electro-Voice speakers in mind when we were designing this space,’ shares Mr Patel.
‘I’ve been involved in this project quite heavily as well from the OEM side, helping Vipul with the system design, pricing and product development,’ adds Bhushan Karandikar, manager, communications systems at Bosch India. ‘I have a long relationship with Vipul, having worked on numerous projects with him before. I would say that this is probably one of the best Bosch installs we have in Mumbai at the moment.’
Music at Matahaari is primarily high-energy EDM, and six EV subs are kick-ass, but we didn’t really have space for them, this way and the mains the other way, the time alignment was not ideal,’ says Mr Patel. ‘We’ve completely time- and phasealigned the system so that now everything is in sync. That was all done in the same six days that we installed the equipment; it was quite a challenge.
‘These guys here do go a little crazy. They go to an average of about 118dB and at times they’ll go higher than that, so I’ve kept a lot of headroom in the system – about 12dB in the main arena.’
bookcase hides its true purpose. ‘If you’ve seen the Mata Hari movie, this place was supposed to be like a little hidden room,’ says Mr Patel. ‘You really can’t make out that anything is behind here when the door is closed.’
The hidden room forms a VIP area for special guests, which as well as its own bar possesses a Dynacord TS 400 sound system comprised of a pair of columns and subs installed on either side wall. Audio between the main and VIP area can be zoned and fully controlled by the resident DJs via an EV N8000 processor installed in the DJ booth.
‘The owner already owns some other clubs and he knows that he needs a club that sounds good if he wants to do good business. So he left the technical decisions to us,’ says Mr Patel.
However, having taken a back seat during the project, Mr Shetty is pleased with the end result. ‘I always give every
department a free hand as they are the experts – I never interfere,’ he says. ‘Vipul shared his plans with me and I said go ahead. I’m very happy with the result.’
Several months since the doors of Matahaari opened to the public, new life is returning to the Atria Mall. ‘We’ve had a lot of really great parties in here and it can get really crowded. We are also currently working on a new programme to get acts into the venue and this is something that I’m even starting to get involved with,’ says Mr Patel. ‘The mall is starting to see a lot of people coming in and asking for shops. It’s a positive start but it will take some time though to fully rejuvenate the entire place.’
www.boschindia.com
www.facebook.com/matahaarinightclub
Zhi Yin Hao drama by the local government, which intends to establish it as the city’s calling card as well as a ‘moving museum’. A 1920s steam ship and two piers have been built to reproduce Wuhan during an era when it was the second largest of China’s cities after Shanghai, dubbed the ‘Eastern Chicago’
The two-year, RMB 400 million project has been developed by the Wuhan Tourism Development Investment Group together with director Fan Yue. From the start, the director’s for the production, and approached different companies. EZpro International took the invitation to bid very seriously. Vice president Zhang Tao, who worked for Community for including the London 2012 Olympics, took on the role of chief designer. After discussion with the shipyard and the director’s
a warehouse in Beijing and built a 1:1 steel structure to simulate a section of the ship, putting the speakers, including the director, composer and the sound engineers, were blown away, and cooperation began in earnest.
Mr Zhang. ‘There were enormous challenges such as the complicated system structure, limitations of the construction environment and uncontrollable architectural acoustics. Meanwhile, it’s a very creative project, requiring a highly redundancy were also crucial.
EZpro designed a system consisting of Community, Powersoft, Symetrix, Allen & Heath, EAW, Apart Audio and optic transmission and full redundancy.
The show has three separate performance areas. Audience members walk down a pier and onto a pontoon, from here entering the ship itself and becoming actors in the process, as well as being transported back to the Wuhan of 100 years ago.
A total of 39 Community R.15COAX speakers with an IP55 IP rating have been installed along the left and right sides of
the 220m-long pier, while the 140m-long, 20m-wide pontoon is equipped with 12 Community R.5COAX-99s together with four weather-resistant Community WX-218SDF subs. Being
the sound quality requirements for the pontoon. Both pier and pontoon have independent control rooms, where Allen & Heath Qu Chrome consoles, Symetrix processors and Powersoft
Based on an early 19th-century vessel called Jianghua, the ship is 120m long, 22m wide and 15m high, with four decks and 98 cabins, a bar, entertainment area and a dance hall. During the nightly shows, different stories take place on each deck.
More than 470 speakers have been installed around the EZpro installed them along a strict L-R stereo principle, demands. ‘There is only a 40cm space in the ceiling of each deck level, with all cables and services for the ship itself occupying half of the space,’ says Chi Yan, manager of EZpro’s system application department. ‘The rest needed to
accommodate the stage lighting and mechanisms as well as audio and video transmission.’
we used coaxial speakers and models with HF compression
ship gets close.
www.ezprointl.com
Zhi Yin Hao
THE MUMBAI FACILITY OF SONY PICTURES NETWORKS (SPN) is an ever-evolving technological hub. In 2014, the building became the second major studio in Mumbai to offer 5.1 and stereo facilities for TV as older studios were ripped out and replaced. Upgrading is a near-constant process and one that is driven by senior vice president and head of postproduction, Kingshuk Bhattacharya, and his department.
SPN now has a total of 31 entertainment and sports channels, But the network was lacking a proper screening theatre. So one of Mr Bhattacharya’s latest projects was to recruit audio distributor Rivera International and acoustician Milind Raorane to design and equip a private Dolby Atmos cinema at the facility.
Rivera’s Rajesh Sadarangani had worked with Mr Raorane on Dolby Atmos cinema Center Stage at the National Sports Club of India. The pair again designed and provided a Kling & Freitag sound system which consists of 20 CA 106 and three CA 1515-9 full range speakers with two SW 112 and two SW115E
subwoofers, powered by three Lab.gruppen C 28:4 and three C Mr Bhattacharya was clear that the speakers had to be concealed. ‘If you can see them, it creates an expectation of where the sound will come from,’ he says. This requirement, together with the small, 55m2 room size, plus its location next challenges. Two of the originally planned 21 seats had to be and everything, down to the reclining seats themselves, was bespoke and tailored for the facility. ‘Almost two months went into conceptualising the look and feel,’ says Mr Raorane. Once the audio design had gained Dolby Atmos approval, the team appointed System AD Corporation, which specialises in studios and theatres, to integrate the project, including the electrical, lighting and air conditioning services. ‘The biggest challenge was working in a building that was already operational,’ says Mr Raorane, who handled project management. ‘We had to clean everything up, then mess it up again the next night. up, so we would put everything in one corner and work around
space, and contractors wanted to be working in the same place at the same time. It sometimes got heated!’
Mr Raorane constructed an interior shell 45cm inside the outer from local company, Sound & About. A projection room to house the Sony SRX-R510 digital 4K projector, Sony XCT-S10 digital cinema server with XCT-M10 integrated media block, Oppo Blu-ray player, Dolby Atmos CP850 cinema processor and Tata Sky DTH set top box also had to be accommodated in the room. Provision has also been made to set up a small podium for presentations in one corner.
Visuals were equally as important as sound. ‘The idea was space constraints meant I couldn’t have two screens,’ says Mr Bhattacharya. ‘Then Milind came up with an American company installed.
alongside all the other services. This included a starry lighting effect that, although subtle, required eight lamp sources and attendant bracketing.
‘Kingshuk knew what he wanted and it was a challenging project, but I’m very pleased with how it’s turned out,’ says Mr Raorane. ‘I think we did a fair job of conceptualising the sound and video properly, as well as the interior detail.’
‘Now we can show Dolby Atmos presentations here, as well as stereo, 5.1 and 7.1,’ adds Mr Bhattacharya. ‘We currently have are being considered for release. The theatre has been designed a weekend, the theatre can be used without having to switch on the other equipment.’
Sony Pictures Networks now has the screening facility it deserves as the company’s expansion continues apace.
www.sonypicturesnetworks.com
www.riverainternational.com
Sony Pictures Networks has opened a new Dolby Atmos screening room at its Mumbai HQ. Caroline Moss visits
Beijing now boasts a world-class recording facility designed by the Walters-Storyk Design Group. Pro AVL Asia visits
BEIJING CBD IS A HIGHLY ASPIRATIONAL LOCATION WHERE
producer Paul Epworth. They were our only choice.’ China, a 32-channel 1608. The sale marked Budee’s debut as and slotted metal wall and ceiling panelling, with a custom rear wall diffuser and window overlooking the live room. The control producer’s desk housing a selection of outboard equipment. compare in my car or back home, because the tone, sound quality and low frequencies weren’t good enough. With the production process.’
three racks in the main control room are a collection of vintage EQP-1A equaliser.
55TEC also has a large collection of microphones including an U67s and U64s. ‘All these mics have their own characteristics, and the quality of the mics determines the tone of the recording,’ he says.
mastering limiter designed by 55TEC in conjunction with Polish manufacturer Bettermaker. Other equipment includes a Weiss
career, and carried out his research very thoroughly prior to the market, both in its acoustic design and in its choice of hardware,’ he says. ‘Many Chinese artists and producers have
to train up new people and to realise many dreams. For me it’s
the studio in shades of warm earth colours and perforated wooden wall panels that were acoustically tuned for recording
‘We were honoured to have been selected to design this important new studio, and to have had the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to China’s thriving pro audio industry,’
their enthusiasm and realistic business plan. They have built a world-class studio, and are developing an incredible group of artists. We will watch their success with great interest and pride in having helped them create their wonderful new studio.’
www.55rec.com
www.budee.com
S&V STUDIO IN MUMBAI IS THE LATEST BIG-BUDGET postproduction facility to open in the city. Conceived and headed up by one of the industry’s longest-serving recording engineers, Daman Sood, S&V has been designed by US acoustic consultancy Pilchner Schoustal Associates. The two-studio facility has a large, Dolby Atmos-approved mix room and smaller 5.1 audio post and ADR room, both equipped with Avid S6 consoles and Pro Tools HDX rigs supplied by local distributor, Ansata.
That S&V offers such cutting-edge technology should come as no surprise, as Mr Sood has always been a pioneer of India’s recording industry. Having graduated with a gold medal in 1969
from the Film and Television Institute in Pune – alma mater Bombay Sound Services in Dadar. At the time this was one of in Tardeo and Mehboob in Bandra – that handled all aspects of Bollywood soundtracks, from background music through to mixing, dubbing and ADR.
‘In that world you could be an assistant for many years, until the boss decided to leave,’ he recalls. ‘There was no chance of doing any independent engineering. But in 1973 I received an offer from Western Outdoor, a TV and radio studio. These studios
Outdoor, it was a completely different thing. I had to learn to edit on quarter-inch tape machines.’
This move was the beginning of a three-decade run at Western Outdoor where he remained until 2003, using his studio to learn and develop his talents. ‘I started promoting my studio there to
then eight-track Otari tape machines, learning how to lock them together with an Audio Kinetics Q-Lock synchroniser imported from the UK in order to work with more channels. An avid reader, he learned about the progression from mono to stereo, recording Qurbani which featured the popular song, Laila O Laila Mr Sood’s voracious reading habits, together with regular kept him updated on technological developments in pro audio. ‘When I heard that Bruce Swedien was using Mitsubishi two-
Legendary Bollywood recording engineer Daman Sood is heading up a new studio in Mumbai. Caroline Moss out how he got there5.1 multipurpose room Daman Sood in Dolby Atmos mix room
track digital machines for Michael Jackson, I knew I had to get one for radio and commercials,’ he says. ‘I also used to attend workshops and panel discussions with producers and engineers like George Massenburg, Alan Parsons and Al Schmitt. I read all the trade magazines, and I still keep a big library today, with all the latest writing on audio.’
Over the years, this knowledge allowed Mr Sood to raise his game, moving through Akai Adam digital 12-track recording and onto a 24-track Studer with Dolby SR when that technology arrived on the subcontinent. With the rising channel count came advertising work.
By 2003, changes were afoot at Western Outdoor, and Mr Sood decided to leave to plan his next move. Western Outdoor closed its doors eight months later.
His next move turned out to be a big one. In 2004 he joined forces with Martin Pilchner of Pilchner Schoustal Associates producer, Yash Chopra.
‘Mr Chopra used to talk about the dream of creating his own ‘I’ve designed around 100 studios myself, including 50–60 here in Mumbai, and he thought I would design it, but I told him he needed an international–quality studio designed an acoustician. There needed to be good isolation between the studios. I was wondering who to contact, and I talked to some acousticians, then my son Shiv Sood saw a feature about Angel Mountain studios in the US that had been designed by Martin Pilchner. When we saw that I said “Fantastic! Let’s get in touch with him, he’s the right guy.” I started communicating with him and we
sent him a plane ticket to come to India.’
He showed his portfolio to Mr Chopra who liked what he saw, and green-lit the design. Construction of the Yash Raj six-studio complex was completed in 2007, and it remains one of the leading studios on the subcontinent to this day.
Mr Pilchner was again at the top of Mr Sood’s list when it came to designing a new studio. But with studios opening on a seemingly daily basis in Mumbai, why did he decide to go down this road again?
‘The one thing everyone needs that they can’t do at home or in a small studio is to mix,’ explains Mr Sood. ‘Many Bollywood has been approved by Dolby in the UK.’
The main mix studio has been installed with JBL’s M2 series speakers for the L-C-R channels, with 28 JBL SCS8 coaxial surround speakers, two JBL 4642A cinema subwoofers and two AC115S subs.
The main room, which features curved walls and ceiling clouds concealing diaphragmatic absorbers, has been designed to offer a comfortable screening area for clients.
A diffusive wood surface around the boundary of the room is highlighted by the use of multi-colour LED strips. Pride of place is a 32-fader Avid S6 digital console with M40 Master Touch
HDX3 system with two MADI interfaces and a Sync HD master clock for playback, and Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt system with MADI interface and Sync HD for dubbing and recording.
A similar setup has been installed into the second multipurpose studio, though here the S6 is a smaller, 16-fader version. This is joined by a Genelec 5.1 system with three 8260A SAM three-way coaxial studio monitors forming the L-C-R channels, with two 8351 SAM coaxials for surround and a 7271A subwoofer, all supplied by Sound Team. Adjacent to this studio is a dubbing booth complete with Manley microphone and Chandler TG EMI mic channel strip.
House engineer Hitendra Ghosh is another industry veteran, having worked at Mumbai’s renowned Rajkamal Studios for 35 years. ‘It’s very good to see new studios coming up, and I’ve learned a lot already by working here,’ he says. ‘The Avid S6 is very easy to use; the control surface is better than a regular mixer, and whatever you’re doing goes directly into Pro Tools. The acoustics of the new studio are very good too.’
progressing India’s recording scene to where it is today. ‘Engineers of our generation paved the way for today’s engineers,’ he muses. And looking at S&V Studios, he’s not wrong.
Permata Selatan, which operates under the umbrella of state broadcaster Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), has upgraded its facilities in Johor Bahru, in the south of the country. The switch to digital has automated the entire facility, preparing
Engineering (Malaysia), has upgraded all of the previous throughout the facility.
Surindar Kumar is manager of the broadcasting division of
a few weeks extra to shift the standby on-air studio,’ explains
1993 to do the testing and commissioning of the last install, so the equipment we were replacing was more than 20 years old.’ The station broadcasts a wide selection of programming, which includes current and traditional Malaysian music alongside an offering of local news, entertainment and talk shows. Much of the broadcast content goes out live, including productions
SSL Asia with three SSL Live consoles.
Malaysia-based broadcast supplier Stagetec Asia, working alongside main contractor, Commissioning and Maintenance Services, was awarded the contract to upgrade the station to digital radio solutions. This includes a facility-wide Riedel intercom system, networked DHD on-air consoles, main and backup networked radio routers via AES/EBU and Dante and time, all studios and production areas at Johor RM are now
RTM’s master control room has been installed with a powerful DHD 52/XC2 Core 3k x 3k audio routing matrix to facilitate and this along with a DHD MCR studio information touch display
AX series active studio monitors. The company also provided a Riedel digital intercom system to facilitate communication throughout the building, and 10 intercom key panel units can be found in all on-air locations, together with Riedel intercom
RTM’s Johor FM facility in Malaysia has undergone a transformation to bring it into the digital age. Caroline Moss visits
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headsets with mics. The newly-equipped control room is also equipped with Sennheiser headphones and a TASCAM CD player. Two on-air studios share identical equipment setups and are rotated on a monthly basis to ensure the equipment is maintained in good working order. At the centre of the large interviewers’ desks in both studios is a 16-channel DHD 52 series on-air digital mixer, a TASCAM CD player, a selection of Sennheiser MK4 microphones, Sennheiser HD380 Pro headphones, a pair of ADAM Audio AX series monitors and Sonifex cue light indicators.
Another DHD 52 series mixer has been installed into the larger talk studio control room, which has been designed to accommodate one to one interviews and group discussions for up to eight participants. The equipment setup here is very similar to the on-air studios, with ADAM AX series monitors,
Sonifex cue light indicators and Sennheiser E935 dynamic vocal microphones. This studio is used the most frequently, hosting discussions on politics, current affairs and education. It can also be used for editing, though there is also a separate edit suit installed with an 8-channel DHD 52 series digital mixer, Sennheiser and K&M mics, a TASCAM DVD player and ADAM AX series monitors, providing continuity throughout.
RTM is also in the process of uploading its entire music library of CDs and vinyl, which goes right back to 78rpm discs. This is taking place in the ingest room, which has been installed with an 8-channel DHD 52 series console and DAW running Zenon software, a TASCAM DVD recorder/player and ADAM AX series monitors. All of the studios are now able to access the music library from the server as opposed to playing the physical CD, tape or record, as was the case before the upgrade.
The provision of Zenon Media Version 8 radio automation software throughout the facility has allowed Johor FM to quickly ‘The Zenon software has an “automated task” feature which the new system.’
This was one of the new features the station particularly appreciated. ‘Our biggest challenge was to migrate our entire audio database from previous radio automation to the current platform and I am amazed at how smooth this phase was, using Zenon Media,’ says Azmi bin Ahmad, head engineer of RTM Johor. A multipurpose studio has been installed with an Avid S6 console and Pro Tools HD12 rig, and Genelec 8350A SAM includes Lexicon PCM92 and MX400XL digital multi effects and reverb units, dbx 1231 graphic equalisers, Focusrite ISA430 recording channel and Wharton precision clock. The spacious control room overlooks the live studio, but can also be used to monitor the auditorium. The studio itself is equipped with a selection of Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, Shure and AKG microphones, a pair of ADAM Audio AX series monitors, Klark Teknik DN100 DI boxes, Sonifex cue light indicators and a Wharton precision clock.
In another part of the building is an auditorium which is used for live music shows, and here no fewer than three SSL Live digital production consoles have been installed. Two L300s with remote expander modules have been supplied for FOH and the production recording room, with a 36-channel L500 onstage for monitoring, plus an ML 32.32 stagebox.
‘The client was used to working with more faders, so the expander modules were an ideal solution, as they also give the possibility of working in dual operator mode,’ explains Malcolm Chan, general manager of SSL Asia.
Kumar. ‘It has the latest equipment right across the board, and having these three SSL consoles together is a very unique setup. If one of them should fail, another automatically becomes the master. This provides very good backup and
be no break in transmission.’
The auditorium, which is being used for live bands, orchestras and other musical programming, has also been installed with an RCF line array system comprising four RCF HDL 20-A speakers per side, with two RCF SUB 8006-AS subwoofers and 10 C5212 system. A selection of effects units from Lexicon, dbx, Focusrite and Bel has been provided, together with Sennheiser headphones and Klark Teknik DI boxes.
Onstage are eight JBL PRX400 monitors powered by Crown XTi and production engineers to communicate, and Sennheiser EW335 G3 and EW352 G3 wireless vocal microphones are being used for performances.
‘The RTM staff are happy with the upgraded equipment. The SSL desk is very user-friendly and reliable,’ says RTM engineer, Mohammed Zaki, who works on the L300 console in the production room. ‘It was a very steep curve moving from the previous analogue console up to high-end digital, and we are still learning. But in the long run my job will be easier.’
it because it has lots of new features and is much more complicated. Its extra features do provide many advantages though,’ adds Zarina Bt Abd Raji, who operates the monitor console.
The upgrade doesn’t end inside the Johor FM building, as Stagetec has also supplied the broadcaster with WMT audio reporters from Mobile Viewpoint to assist in transmitting live news back to the radio studio via up to four 3G/4G data SIM cards, Wi-Fi or internet. ‘Mobile Viewpoint is easy to operate, rugged and lightweight,’ explains Stagetec Asia managing director, Advon Tan. ‘As well as catering to outside broadcast applications, it also meets other requirements of Johor FM.’ The new studios opened in March, affording the radio station a smooth transition into the digital age. ‘The difference between the previous and the new equipment is really big, says senior assistant engineer, Haji Johari bin Ibrahim. ‘We have employed new staff and undergone training on the new equipment.’
AFS Engineering (Malaysia) carried out 12 days of training on the DSD consoles and software, with an extra four days training in the auditorium on the SSL consoles and lighting system. ‘We wanted to be sure they were familiar with the new equipment,’ explains Mr Kumar. ‘One of our engineers is stationed here for the moment, to assist RTM with anything he can help with. We
‘We were very happy when the project was completed and handed over to us on time,’ concludes Mr bin Ahmad. ‘We are content with the performance of all the equipment, and we look forward to using it for many years ahead.’
www.afsengineering.com
www.ssl-sg.com
www.stagetecasia.com
Right from the start, it was clear that the CF1025C was going to be something special. Using laser interferometry early in the development phase, Celestion’s engineers built an accurate picture of the cone’s movement across the frequency spectrum, providing the essential data needed to achieve extraordinary mid-band clarity.
From a range of small-diameter, high performance Celestion professional drivers
MANUFACTURERS
Contact Celestion to request a sample
SOUTH KOREA IS THE FIRST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD to implement terrestrial 4K video with 3D audio. MPEG-H 3D offering unparalleled user control and unprecedented sound surround sound took a while to migrate into the home, MPEG-H 3D will take time as well. However, the implementation and
channel count for the most advanced immersive format – 22.2 plus capacity for commentators, interactive channels and user control. The key differentiator is that MPEG-H 3D audio offers far more than immersive sound – it offers interactivity that is not a ‘must have’ for the new audio format – helped along with a little infrastructure for 4K and MPEG-H 3D. They are also working on production hardware and software with help from MPEG-H 3D Fraunhofer prompted several manufacturers to start working
complete MPEG-H 3D signal chain from the location production to home at the NAB show. Fraunhofer partnered with Jünger
partner in the implementation of MPEG-H 3D.
a Korean staff of MPEG-H 3D practitioners as well as training
you have to hear immersive sound.
highly interconnected and interactive nation.
has personalisation features that provide the viewer with the data stream.
different approaches to presenting the games.
32 discrete channels plus a simple toolset for the audio producer to control user parameters. All audio tracks and
control data are bundled in a single data stream with selection control on the consumer’s remote control device.
An extremely useful feature of MPEG-H 3D is the ability to rebalance the programme. This feature permits the volume of the programme track and the volume of the commentator track to be independently adjusted. Everyone has
to-undersand dialogue – either from listening in a noisy environment or the results of a bad mixing process. By simply turning the voice track up, improved. Additionally, individual voice listener with equalisation if necessary. Interactivity can go beyond the ability to select a different language. As a sound producer I may want to use audio from the athletes and coaches, but in reality this can be dangerous because of concerns over transmitting offensive language. With interactive channels, the coach’s audio can be put on a separate channel that the user can choose to hear or not. Additionally, these interactive channels can be monetised through sponsorships or fees.
Any or all of MPEG-H 3D’s interactive features can be deployed by a broadcaster or content producer, allowing them to control the implementation process and respond to the interests of their customers.
Clearly, MPEG-H 3D brings a new level of content production options: most notably enough discrete channels to create and support a range of immersive
compliance standards and performance statistics for speakers. Perhaps someone should consider some meaningful performance evaluation of soundbars so that producers, using MPEG-H 3D
intelligent interface that reads the metadata and adjusts to the rendering of the audio to the particular soundbar characteristics.
The implementation of MPEG-H 3D is well underway but broadcasters, equipment manufacturers and practitioners are still working things out.
basics with encoders and decoders to get the implementation started, but still have work to do. One of the problems is demand and market size. Mixing console manufacturers have been looking for guidance from the big content producers and big content consumers, while the needs of more advanced broadcasters, such as those in South Korea, have not been fully met for a major roll-out of the format.
sound formats, several of which have different and not particularly compatible is capable of audio reproduction for soundbars. MPEG-H 3D is also capable of reproducing audio elements (or objects) plus ambisonics.
There is little doubt that audio production will advance beyond stereo and 5.1 surround, but home reproduction is getting started. For the audiophile and home theatre enthusiast, the addition of speakers above the listener is doable and probable. But for the average home consumer, soundbars are going to be the only option, and immersive soundbars are still expensive.
Ambisonics offers some interesting playback possibilities because it is capable of rendering to the particular immersive formats up to 22.2 and more. This capability has interesting possibilities when trying to optimise the sound for a wide variety of soundbar manufacturers. The audio industry tried to maintain high standards for speaker manufacturers
coding technologies and formats. The codec wars are not over, but I have always believed that MPEG-H 3D is a technology purposed for the broadcasting and broadband industries and not a repurposing of technology designed for
Beyond all this technology development, implementation and integration are the content producers who are developing strategies to utilise the features of MPEG-H 3D. Interactivity is an obvious place to start because all interactive features and controls reside in the set top box or smart television. Consumers already have an appetite for immersive sound, as evidenced by the number of has large audiences for baseball and golf. With the Winter Olympics in February 2018, It seems possible that the 2018 Winter Olympics and the new MPEG-H format will herald a new and exceptional entertainment experience.
www.fraunhofer.de
www.junger-audio.com
WHEN ROY MILLINGTON FIRST MET ANDREW COLLEY IN equipment store called Johnson Soundround, a plan to grow a global pro audio brand was never on the agenda. However, their joint interest in gigging, discotheques and electronics lured them away from their respective trades in TV today simply as Cloud. The year was 1980 and the economic the weather following the decision by Margaret Thatcher’s government to cease subsidising the steel mills and foundries. store, repair centre and nationwide installation service. They soon came to the conclusion that their efforts were best placed in manufacturing following the successes of the Disco
development was heading towards a growth in gyms, retail outlets and restaurants/bars. ‘We initially developed our audio,’ Mr Millington reveals. ‘It served us well as we could apply the same principles to other applications where users also products through their paces.’
Over the following two decades, Mr Millington and his engineers created the CMX mixers, zone mixers and a series of zoning by a number of Bose business music system dealers in countries the Cloud founders opted to pursue their preferred exit strategy of an MBO, ensuring the ongoing survival of their legacy as opposed to the more common approach of a trade sale. Both Mr Millington and Simon Curtis were acquaintances of old, and having bumped into one other at the Palme exhibition in Dubai, they shared a beer and the rest is history.
buy-out, the recession had a dramatic impact for the private sector in North America and particularly the UK,’ he recalls. ‘We experienced a 30% decline in revenue sales year-on-year and immediately hit reverse gear.’
existed and so survival was paramount. ‘At this time when many other businesses were defaulting and breaching covenants, the the failing business. At that time Cloud couldn’t service its debts
the storm. To simplify, you
Despite having accrued invaluable management experience
that simply engineer artisan products anymore. One of the things that excites me most is our close relationship with contractors being the manufacturer that supplies DJ products alongside
products were battered and abused in those discotheques by these end users.’
With the recession gradually disappearing in the rear view mirror, attention could be turned to the emerging pro A/V landscape. ‘It’s now either a tech-race to the top or a cost-race to the bottom. At one end of the scale, you have the global
little left in the vacuum in between, with only a little space for In addition to inheriting a renowned audio manufacturer, with no price tag attached to them. ‘Roy and Andrew taught me the importance of sound tests and I feel that I have not only
The recent history of Cloud Electronics has seen its founders hand over to a new generation and the weathering of that Richard Lawn charts the progress
Simon Curtis
adopted those values, but I have enhanced them. When our Cloud has adapted to develop products and solutions that are sympathetic to this trend.’
there’s a talent pool here to match,’ says Mr Curtis. ‘However, in trouble.’
A/V, transportation and corporate applications. ‘But that’s where I come in – we try to listen carefully to our customers values resonate.’ development has shaped a new Cloud, based on userwe developed the new speaker models to operate with our reliability and usability credentials. Our speaker development
friendly functionality and ease of use.’
as Bluetooth audio interfaces, which are often an audio our products for the real world.’
his team and the company’s achievement but remains bemused by the current economic climate – one in which Cloud doesn’t
that are relevant to customer demands in this business. You and admired British brand. To own your own brand and business
For now, the storm clouds of the recession have scattered, economic climate. ‘We’ve experienced a cycle of opportunity, product development.’
‘Cloud must remain relevant and competitive.’
www.cloud.co.uk
www.cloudusa.com
Much like Tony Andrews himself, Phoenix Audio has made the transition from Turbosound to Funktion One and seen great success in the process
Demonstrations, training and communication are the most www.phoenix-audio.com
TWO DECADES AGO, WHILE WORKING on the touring concert circuit in mainland China and HK, friends Chris Zhang and Mac Lo
Tony Andrews from Funktion One with the Phoenix team
Even though the CVE series is driven by advanced DSP and loaded with lot´s of technology, the simplified yet effective control panel allows for quick, efficient setup. There is no complicated display, dial-knob or endless menus to scroll through. Just access all controls with the push of a button. Stream audio from any smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, even stereo paired. With 3 full-range Polymer enclosure tops and one 18" Plywood subwoofer, the 1000 Watt Class D Amplifier delivers professional, accurate sound with exceptional clarity, wide dispersion, rich bass, and plenty of headroom when the party gets hot.
Listen for yourself to Cerwin Vega’s 65 years of experience.
Find out more at www.cerwin-vega.com
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MOST AUDIO TEST AND MEASUREMENT IS DONE BY running test tones of known frequency and amplitude through a device under test (or DUT) and looking at how the tones are altered at the device’s output across the audible frequency spectrum. Usually the gain of a device is relatively consistent and does not change based on the level and duration of the test tones. But how do you test a device where the gain is not consistent?
This is the problem at the heart of testing any audio device recorders, signal processors, codecs, PA systems, audio workstations and hearing aids. AGC is typically used to limit the dynamic range of audio signals in a variety of applications: in electronics, to prevent overload due to clipping; in broadcast, to prevent over-modulation; in music production, to facilitate balancing the levels of different tracks, or to increase the overall perception of volume; in recorders, to eliminate the need to manually set levels; or in PA systems, to help maximise intelligibility in noisy environments. AGC may also be used to expand dynamic range, often to increase sonic impact or to remove background noise.
AGC is referred to by many different names, depending on the exact application, device and convention in the particular industry that is manufacturing the device. Common variations include compressor, limiter, ALC (automatic level control), AVC (automatic volume control), leveler, expander or gate.
The presence of AGC means that additional tests need to be included in the test routine to characterise the AGC action and how it affects the signal. This article explains how to go about such testing.
The audio analyser that is used must be able to generate a level instantly without instability or artefacts. To analyse the attack and release times, it must be capable of measuring the RMS level over very small time increments. Alternatively, of the acquisition. For measuring frequency response during compression, the instrument needs to include multi-tone analysis.
The effect of AGC may clearly be seen and measured by applying a step function and creating a graph showing level versus time.
Figure 1 shows the source signal produced by the generator of an audio analyser, and Figure 2 shows the analysed signal after it has passed through a compressor.
All AGCs are variations of the same basic topology, shown
detector/control circuit, which controls the gain of the VGA. More elaborate variations on this basic design include an dependent control and multiple thresholds. Some older analogue compressors use a feedback instead of feedforward design, where the sidechain input is taken after the VGA instead of before it.
AGC settings or properties can be divided into two categories: dynamic properties, which are time-related, and static properties, which are not time-related. All AGCs have these properties, although not all devices allow them to be adjusted. The dynamic properties of attack and release time
Attack time: The time interval between onset of an increase in level and the point when the output level has stabilised to
Release (recovery) time: The time interval between onset of a reduction in level and the point when the output level has
applicable standard (2 to 4dB). Figure 4 and Figure 5 show zoomed-in portions of the RMS Envelope from Figure 2, illustrating the time calculation points.
To test the dynamic operation of an AGC, we provide a stepped level function to its input, where the high level causes compression to engage and the low level does not. The static properties of threshold, ratio and knee are begins to alter gain. The meaning of ‘begins to’ here is change in input over change in output, expressed in decibels, for an increase in level over the threshold. Knee is the region on the curve where the input–output function changes from linear to compressed. A ‘hard knee’ denotes a sudden change, while a ‘soft knee’ denotes a more gradual transition. Although some devices maintain a constant ratio once outside of the knee region, others do not. This is not an indication of quality, as this characteristic may be desirable
Both dynamic and static AGC properties can be measured at different frequencies to see if the AGC action is frequencydependent.
The international standards that apply to AGC devices do not cover dynamic range expansion, but can be used to test such devices with similar results. All the standards utilise a lowhigh-low step function, similar to the one shown in Figure 1. General-purpose AGC devices are covered by IEC standard 60268-8:1973. It is written to be applied to a broad variety of devices, and allows quite a bit of user discretion in choosing test settings. It should be noted that since many devices do not specify the standard and conditions used to derive their results that you get for a DUT may differ considerably from those in its published specs.
the standards. For hearing aids, the standards also specify how the equipment should be positioned and how references should be set. It is essential therefore to read and follow those guidelines before attempting to make measurements. The parameters for the standards: frequency (required and/or optional test frequencies); step size (the difference between the high and low level steps in the test signal), and
The test and measurement of audio devices that feature built-in automatic gain control, also known as AGC, requires special care and attention. Adam Liberman explains whyAdam Liberman Figure 1 step function, source Figure 2 step function, after passing through a compressor Figure 3 compressor block diagram Figure 4 attack time calculation (using 2dB stabilisation) Figure 5 release time calculation (using 2dB stabilisation)
Generator settings for IEC 60268-8 measurements
Frequency response of the compression sidechain
signal path.
www.ap.com
input level (high and low – applies only to hearing aids).
at a steady and surprisingly rapid clip. There are the glass-and-steel homages, like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum in Cleveland, the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles and the Frank Gehry-designed/ Paul Allen-funded Experience Music Project Museum in Seattle.
Then we have the ‘organic’ establishments, often sited in the very recording studios that once produced the music the new galleries purport to honour. These include the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis and the Motown Museum in Detroit. A few of these could be called hybrid: Sun Studios is a museum by day and a working recording
has also been applied to RCA Studio B in Nashville.
If it feels like music is losing some cultural traction, take solace in the fact that the A/V it uses in the amber it’s lately being preserved
in seems to be more than adequately replacing the Marshalls and Fenders of the past. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum underwent a US$7-million makeover upgrade, and about US$1.5 million of that is going into the A/V systems. One could imagine Buddy Holly’s spirit arching an eyebrow over the technology.
audio installations a decade and a half ago,
audio players, along with the inclusion of fullrange speakers to more accurately reproduce music’s broader bandwidth. When walking through a museum dedicated to music that arrived in the vinyl era, older visitors (most museumgoers) will quickly ear-check substandard sound when it comes to records they were brought up on.
Music museums are raising the quality bar for all audio at all museums. At a gathering of the American Association of Museums
TO ALIENS LANDING FROM THE PLANET Zarg, the Glastonbury Festival – held most years at the end of June in England’s pastoral Hang on; scratch that. Aliens from any quadrant would land at Glastonbury and feel right at home. In fact, they might well be how they’d ended up back where they started, even though all navigational systems indicated of unhinging weirdness would only become necessary, as they slithered quietly further
Shepton Mallet.
Despite or because of this, Glastonbury has become a British institution and national treasure in the manner of late DJ John Peel, cross-dressing author Quentin Crisp and sticky food paste Marmite: that is to say, its perverse oddness is celebrated with relish. And despite or because of that, it’s become an annual
battleground for pro audio bragging rights. If you’ve done a load-in at Glastonbury, you’ve not only earned your spurs but also generated enough kudos to last a lifetime, or at least a few rounds of cider in The King Arthur. With bragging rights comes marketing potential, so over the years the claims and counter claims of most leading brands in sound reinforcement have echoed around the gently sloping relief of Worthy Farm, whose owner Michael Eavis has been welcoming Glastonbury’s alternative constituency on and off since 1970. In those days, renowned loudspeaker designer Tony Andrews, now of UK-based manufacturer Funktion One, could be found tinkering with mid-range, coneloading techniques that would eventually surface in the famous Turbosound TMS-3, so that when Mr Andrews persuaded Mr Eavis to revive the Glastonbury Festival as an annual event in 1979, it triggered a point-scoring relationship between Glastonbury, Turbosound
that took place at the Grammy Museum in 2009, Sue Lepp, vice president at Design & Production, which did the original systems installations at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, recalled how art museum directors were cocking their ears with envy at the facility’s sound. ‘They come to a place like the Grammy Museum and it makes them want the same for their museums,’ she told me. ‘There’s a kind of one-upmanship that drives that industry, and music museums have helped propel audio quality throughout it.’ The most recent, and certainly most effective, example of how music museums are driving audio is found at Their Mortal Remains, the Pink Floyd retrospective exhibition running this year at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. It’s also a showcase for Sennheiser’s Ambeo 3D immersive sound platform, which is used to recreate a song performed during the band’s 2005 Live 8 concert in London. The
remix of the song, Comfortably Numb, plays monitor loudspeakers and eight Neumann KH 870 subwoofers. The ‘performance’ is a coda to the trip through Pink Floyd’s history, via carefully curated artefacts while listening to interviews and music played on Sennheiser’s GuidePort wireless system while wearing Sennheiser model HD 2.20s wireless headphones.
Sennheiser is happy to point out that Pink Floyd were using Sennheiser’s microphones back in the day, but that’s a detail that would be lost on most of those who view the exhibit. More to the point, pro audio systems and
of music is a fast track for this. Seeing and hearing your music in an institutional setting may be either satisfying or disturbing, but take heart that, at least, it’s sounding better than ever once it’s in there.
Britannia Row that lasted 23 years. Then in 2003 it all changed. Detractors of line array will say that environmental noise complaints surrounding Glastonbury only began after Nexo’s Geo-T was brought in by new contractor SSE Audio that year –contrasting it with a trimmable top row of point source clusters such as Turbosound’s Flashlight. Since then, an extremely high-
for the supremacy of rigging the Pyramid Stage has ensued. In 2007, Mr Andrews himself returned with a Funktion One Res 5 system, but trouble followed when acoustics, to compromise the system’s performance – a situation fully exploited by festival outsider RG Jones, a rental company based in London, which turned to UK brand and ancient Turbosound rival Martin Audio for help, beginning the following year with the Longbow line array.
By 2014, a new kit on the block had
persuaded Glastonbury organisers that it could deliver the Holy Grail and King Arthur could rest in his sarcophagus: Martin Audio’s Multi-Cellular Loudspeaker Array, which has helped to consolidate RG Jones’ position in the pecking order ahead of several festival veterans. But not Skan PA: ever-present supplier to the second-largest stage at Glastonbury since 1989. It’s a broad church, Glastonbury.
One of my favourite memories of being there involves the father of Paul and Phil Hartnoll, who was watching his two sons in their guise as pioneering techno duo Orbital; an industry market leader Linea Research and the editor of Pro AVL Asia. No more needs to be said, other than this: the aliens who landed that night – and followed us to an all-night Glastonbury Festival fringe encampment called Lost Vagueness – had their minds expanded beyond Alpha Centauri. As I recall,
Is the improved sound quality demanded at music museums raising A/V standards at other establishments? asks Dan Daley
Phil Ward muses on how Glastonbury provides some serious bragging rights for the UK’s audio industry
Consultancy (GIEC), Pro AVL Asia (not to be confused with the new title of this esteemed publication) took place for the second time in conjunction with Tourism Technology Asia and the newly added Systems Expo. All three aim to target market sectors ranging from hospitality and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions) all the way to events and entertainment organisations, all of which are expected to grow in the South East Asia region, not least in terms of investment in technology. Set alongside the separate MICE Forum, the event enjoys backing from a number of government- and industry-related organisations.
Over its three-day course, two dozen seminars and panel discussions on technology, processes and jobs were held, many of which were well attended. Presenters included Gert Sanner of d&b audiotechnik, lighting designer Michael Chan and Alcons Audio’s Tom Back. ‘It was a good opportunity to talk about our pro-ribbon technology,’ said Mr Back. ‘There’s a growing interest, and I was pleased with the attendance during my two presentations.’
surrounded by just over 40 stands displaying products and services for all three targeted segments. Part of Systems Expo, an area labelled ‘iExperience of Tomorrow’, showcased a widely automated, ‘smart’ hotel/hospitality scenario. Most prominent was the Pro Arena, which featured three
stages equipped by exhibitors and hosted twice-daily live product demonstrations and brief introductory speeches.
‘We responded to the changing expectations of the audience to include such key features, which provided experiential “mini” events for visitors to see the products in action,’ said Rosalind Ng, managing director of GIEC. ‘This allowed visitors to see, hear and feel how the products can add value to their organisations, whether for entertainment or corporate applications.’
New exhibitors this year included Consolidated Audio Networks (CAN), which set up one of the largest displays. ‘Many people are still unaware of the wide range of products we offer,’ explained CAN’s Colin Oliveiro, ‘so here we’re showing them all.’ Also new was Loud Technologies Asia (LTA) displaying K-array, Chauvet, Doughty and other rigging hardware. Audio-Technica had set up a relatively spacious stand. ‘Instead of showing each and every product, we’re focusing on complete solutions including networking,’ said pro audio sales team leader Chen Jinfu. ‘We’re also sponsoring all seminars and panel stages by providing microphones.’
with last year, Swee Lee being one example. Other regional players such as Harman and Electronics & Engineering (E&E) had pulled out, or had never taken part as exhibitors. This also included Sennheiser, Team 108 and others that rely on conducting their own individual networking, product launch and
training events throughout the year. This being said, personnel attendance.
According to GIEC, an average of just over 1,000 people entered the exhibition hall per day. However the aisles and booths appeared fairly empty at times. Maybe visitors were distracted by the seminars, many of which were held in a different part of the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. Attendance was also somewhat confused by exhibitors being given visitors’ badges to wear.
Nevertheless, some exhibitors expressed overall satisfaction, particularly the sponsors of the Pro Arena stages. ‘We had positive reactions after taking on Kinesys and presenting it here,’ said Total Solution’s Glenn Wong. ‘As a sole distributor of video, lighting and rigging, we teamed up with Sindo Exports for the Pro Arena demos.’
contacts, making it all worthwhile,’ stated Lighting & Sound Distribution (LSD)’s Louis Teo, which used its Pro Arena stage to demo recently acquired brands Minuit Une and EK Lights Seemingly against trends, Eugene Yeo of Acoustic & Lighting, which shared a Pro Arena stage with Creator’s Solution presenting Alcons Audio, defended the trade show concept. ‘Instead of several “open house” events, this show enables us to show our complete range of video, sound and lighting in the promote Avolites as a newly added brand.’
2017 Dates: 26 – 28 July
2018 Dates: 25 – 27 July
Venue: Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore
Total exhibitors: TBC
Attendance: TBC
Contact: www.proavlasia.com www.systems-expo.com www.tourismtechnologyasia.com
IT HAS BEEN THREE YEARS SINCE YAMAHA ACQUIRED Revolabs. In that time it has very much been business as usual for both companies. But the CS-700 has changed that. This the two companies have worked together on a single product and the DNA of both is clearly evident.
The start of the development process saw the companies identify a growing market where they both had strengths: the huddle space. ‘A number of us at Revolabs, myself included, actually come from the video conferencing business, so we could see some trends in the market,’ begins Mark Reid, Revolabs’ vice president of engineering. ‘If you look back 20 years, people created big purpose-built room systems which came from one vendor. As the markets progressed, two things have happened. First, a move to commodity hardware; people can deploy systems in rooms on an Intel NUC. Second, you see a lot more companies using Google Hangouts, Zoom or Skype for Business, where people bring their laptop to the room and that is the host. The way people use rooms now, they go in and they want to click and join a meeting. It’s not really important to them which app they use, they just want an easy way to use the room.’
The companies recognised that this change in approach created opportunities, particularly within the smaller end of these spaces. ‘Lots of companies have small rooms where people get together for meetings,’ observes Mr Reid. ‘There are a lot of names for them, but huddle room seems to be the one
that’s sticking in this industry. We put all our market research together and looked at what we could build that would make this use case incredibly easy for people. We wanted people to walk into a room and plug one USB cable into a laptop and have a camera, speakers and a microphone of great quality on the wall and then you can get to the display. That was the
We basically OEM’d parts of the camera and built that into the CS-700. The process was really to get the elements of a camera optimised for a huddle room. So it was different from developing a video codec or something like that.’
The resulting product drew on the relative skill-sets of both manufacturers. ‘Yamaha builds soundbars and if you look at the design, the CS-700 is a soundbar that has been beefed up a little bit,’ says Mr Reid. ‘It has a camera in it and an SIP stack so it can act as a phone. It also has the speakers, microphone and echo cancellation present in our traditional audio conference products. We took Yamaha’s speakers and their audio technology and connected it with our conferencing and phone technology. We added the camera technology (that’s new for both companies) and built it into a form factor that we call a video soundbar.
‘This product is not a video conferencing system because we are not processing the video,’ continues the vice president. ‘We essentially built a web camera. That camera is very similar to any camera that you might plug into a USB port. What we did
While the product drew on familiar ground for both companies, the process itself was highly collaborative. ‘The biggest accomplishment reached by this product for the newly-created Yamaha UC department was to combine Yamaha’s quality process with Revolabs’ development and product that we are building as part of the Yamaha UC team that has the Yamaha name on it, so the biggest collaboration that we had was learning what Revolabs had to change in our development and testing processes to earn the Yamaha name.
‘We had to do a very extensive set of tests for all the standards that are in many cases well beyond what would be required by the industry,’ he continues. ‘Any standard Yamaha’s products have requirements that are above what the standards bodies require of you. It does add some cost and it adds some time in design and development, but in the end the product is going to be more reliable and more robust for the customer. That is the Yamaha brand right there. It’s a
different approach. US companies tend to drive to market as will see other elements come to the fore. ‘We are getting really makes sense from a go-to-market perspective and
especially in companies where they’ve created a lot of these smaller conference rooms.’
phones and they have USB phones so there are a lot of places
www.revolabs.com
www.yamahacommercialaudio.com
CRYPTOCURRENCIES LIKE BITCOIN HAVE garnered a lot of negative press over the years. Their perceived anonymity and association with ransomware payments and transactions on the dark web have cast suspicion over their use. Add to this the wide why their progress into the payments market has been slow.
But progress has been made. There is a sense of positivity growing behind them with a viable payment option. Former US Federal Reserve chairman, Ben Bernanke, can see their long-term promise ‘particularly if the innovations promote a faster, more secure
Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, described
Away from soundbites, there is increasing evidence of these cryptocurrencies gaining a foothold in the real world. Bitcoin exchanges, where you can transfer physical money into the cryptocurrency and vice versa, while still not common, are a less unfamiliar sight. Added to this, an increasing number of respected retailers are now accepting payment through this method. Around the world, brands as well known and varied as Expedia, Subway, Virgin Galactic and Dell all see cryptocurrencies as a valid way to pay for their services.
company from the events services industry. Dubai-based rental company, Subsonic, is the global pioneer in accepting Bitcoin as a payment method, but why has it made this choice and should other players in the global industry follow its lead?
‘We see cryptocurrencies as the future
Subsonic co-founder, Bruno Vitanza. ‘There are companies in the UAE that are already accepting Bitcoin and there are now two Bitcoin exchanges in the country. The UAE
has said it wants to lead the world for cryptocurrencies by 2020 and it is going to offer the option to pay for all services in Bitcoin. There are other cryptocurrencies that are interesting at the moment, but Bitcoin was
‘We feel that our international clients and suppliers who adopt this payment system will speed of Bitcoin over the blockchain other co-founder. ‘More importantly, the international remittance fee of 1% on transactions is substantially lower than that with other money transfer methods, which bear much higher costs. We believe this to be
While Mr Vitanza admits that no one has yet in this way, he believes it is only a matter of time. More importantly, he can see one of user of Bitcoin.
‘It is individuals rather than companies that currently have trust in Bitcoin, so I can see local bands who want to hire something reasons. ‘Subsonic at the moment has a lot of single or dual in-ears and microphone sets for bands. We have started to receive calls from nightclubs and individual singers or bands who just want one thing for two nights sometimes they give us a cheque or it could
be a bank transfer. We wanted to add another option, so that is why we decided to accept
Importantly, Mr Vitanza also believes there is no risk to offering this option. ‘It costs us a 1% fee to the exchange house to accept this kind
technically robust the currency is. ‘Bitcoin is offers. ‘You put money in and it is a long-term investment. When you send the invoice, the worry about a change in value when your
company in the world to accept payment this way, through his research, Mr Vitanza has found other related businesses that are also active in this market. ‘There is a company in Russia that allows concert-goers to pay for their tickets More importantly though, he can see other players in the industry taking the same route.
‘We see it as an investment in the movement. It is not rocket science to implement Bitcoin movement.
‘When you accept a payment using Bitcoins, you have the option to keep everything in Bitcoins or you could have it all in a traditional currency by moving it straight into a traditional keep a good chunk in Bitcoins but we still need turnover to pay suppliers in Dirhams, so
advantages to the payment method. ‘The
Vitanza. ‘BitPay is the largest operator and takes one day to process a transaction. However, you have to send the invoice through While Mr Vitanza makes a strong case for accepting cryptocurrencies, there are still
‘I have the feeling that backline companies and maybe music shops will follow the lead individuals. Equally, ticket sales and event food
Mr Vitanza sees more than just a novelty value in offering the service. ‘If we offer this alternative, there are two positives. First it is an option for our customers and second, and most importantly, we are part of the movement showing that there is more to cryptocurrencies than just the bad impressions people have at the moment. People might question our move right now, but if we can help the cryptocurrency movement and encourage others in the industry to follow, hopefully we will be sending invoices with a QR www.subsonic.ae
‘ It is individuals rather than companies that currently have trust in Bitcoin, so I can see local bands who want to hire something for their gig paying with the currency ’
