HALL DWELLERS New Abu Dhabi venue touts for business p08 PALME PILOTS The best images from this year’s show p10 EYE ON ECLIPSE Dubai production house showcases top kit p12
STAGE STARS
TOP TRENDS IN STAGING TECH IN THE FRAME
LOUD AND PROUD
InHouse Productions reveals its international growth plans
Our buyer’s guide to the latest loudspeakers on the market
Vol: 4 Issue: 6 Ju Jun ne 2010
An ITP Business Publication 1 Licensed by Dubai Media City
CONTENTS 22
June 2010 Volume 4, Issue 06 07 Regional News Tannoy targets new biz with HQ launch; Abu Dhabi venue touts for business; Robe Lighting appoints Jordanian distributor; DMI installs SSL consoles.
10 PALME pilots The best images from this year’s PALME Middle East convention.
16 In the frame We catch up with Nick Groves from InHouse Productions about the company’s international expansion plans.
22 COVER STORY: Stage stars Profiling the top suppliers and key technologies in the stage rigging and dressing sectors.
35 Hot products Analog Way ships Eikos; Solar fresnels from Litepanels; i-Pix debuts BB2.
40 Buyer’s guide Showcasing the best loudspeaker technologies in the business.
46 The Guide This month’s top events.
48 Backstage
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WEB LOG DPme.com
MAY’S TOP STORIES
MOST READ NEWS STORIES OVERALL
1 Thomson employees occupy factories
2 Al Jazeera to broadcast World Cup in 3D
CT expands technology inventory
3 Inventor awarded millions in Etisalat lawsuit
AV rental firm Creative Technology (CT) has boosted its supply of LED displays and projector systems as it prepares to meet regional post-recession demand. “Despite the industry facing many challenges over the past 18 months, CT has continued to see rapid development in the sports and entertainment
sectors,” said Dave Crump, managing director of Creative Technology. “These new products are a first step in our development of a unique family of high-performance LED systems.” The new additions include Flyer 12 modular LED and Spider 30 LED video displays.
MOST READ SOUND& STAGE NEWS STORIES
1 CT expands tech inventory 2 Adobe Creative Suite launch
3 Mix matters
EDITOR’S CHOICES NEWS
NEWS
FILMING THE WORLD CUP
LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE
Showcasing the technology that will feature at this month’s competition.
Our in-depth look at the DMX-512 lighting protocol.
SPOT POLL
HOW CONFIDENT HAS THIS YEAR’S NAB LEFT YOU FEELING FOR THE YEAR AHEAD?
48.0% VERY, LOTS OF DEALS BEING DONE, LOOKING FORWARD TO IMPLEMENTING SOME OF THE NEW TECH ON SHOW
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28.0%
20.0%
4.0%
REASONABLY CONFIDENT, TRAFFIC WAS OK AND SOME EXHIBITS WERE INTERESTING
DEPRESSED. UNLESS YOU’RE INTERESTED IN 3DTV THE SHOW WAS DULL AND FAR TOO QUIET
NOT ESPECIALLY, NO SIGNS OF A DRASTIC RECOVERY IN THE NORTH AMERICAN MARKET
EDITOR’S COMMENT
Rigging marvelous! This month’s cover story, which profiles the leading companies and latest technologies to emerge from the stage rigging and dressing industries, perfectly illustrates the advances that have been made in sectors often viewed as somewhat less glamorous sides of the events business. Motion control has transformed what is mechanically possible in regards to stage design, while LED starcloths and drapes have radically altered the industry’s perceptions of high-impact visual stage presentations. Each major supplier featured in this month’s cover story has not only carved a successful niche in the marketplace, but in many cases they’ve been solely responsible for the development of groundbreaking technologies. While Europe and North America remain their priorities, it is interesting to note how many either boast a permanent presence in the Middle East or at the very least work with a partner in the region, and their impressions of what many of them still describe as a boom market. Elsewhere in this issue, we showcase the best images from the recent PALME Middle East convention in Dubai, which did a good job of emulating the success of recent installments of the event, as well as a comprehensive buyer’s guide to the latest loudspeaker technologies available on the market. We also turn the spotlight on boom Dubai-based events production firm and laser lighting specialist Eclipse Staging Services. The company has enjoyed significant success in recent years, supplying kit to a range of
high-profile events, including the launch of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. The company has also earned significant business supplying laser and lighting technologies to clients in the region, as well as LED display equipment and the latest RFID technologies. Eclipse’s expansive warehouse facility located in Al Quoz Industrial Estate in Dubai houses an extensive range of technologies, in addition to laser testing facilities. In this issue of Sound & Stage we also feature an interview with Nick Groves, the entrepreneurial founder of Dubai-based InHouse Productions. Groves has taken a sometimes eclectic approach to the business and earned major commercial dividends in the process. His company has carved a successful niche in the events industry, recently launched a new division in the UK, and developed innovative solutions for clients including venue domes, venue viewing platforms and F1 simulators utilising the latest telematic technologies. Groves’ latest project is designing a new 40,000 seat stadium on behalf of AS Monaco FC, one of Europe’s most successful football clubs. As Groves himself says, working in the events industry often leads you into industries and roles you may never have otherwise thought possible. Food for thought, really.
Registered at Dubai Media City PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: 00 971 4 210 8000, Fax: 00 971 4 210 8080 Web: www.itp.com Offices in Dubai & London ITP Business Publishing CEO Walid Akawi Managing Director Neil Davies Deputy Managing Director Matthew Southwell Editorial Director David Ingham VP Sales Wayne Lowery Editorial Editorial Consultant Aaron Greenwood Tel: +971 4 210 8795 aaron.greenwood@itp.com Contributor John Parnell Tel: +971 4 210 8665 email: john.parnell@itp.com Advertising Commercial Director Fareed Dubery Tel: +971 4 210 8381 email: fred@itp.com Sales Manager Jennifer Marto Tel: +971 4 210 8685 email: jennifer.marto@itp.com Japan Representative Mikio Tsuchiya Tel: + 81 354 568230 email: ua9m-tcy@asahi-net.or.jp Studio Group Art Editor Daniel Prescott Art Editor Nadia Puma Photography Director of Photography: Sevag Davidian Chief Photographer: Khatuna Khutsishvili Senior Photographers: G-nie Arambulo, Efraim Evidor, Thanos Lazopoulos Staff Photographers: Isidora Bojovic, George Dipin, Lyubov Galushko, Jovana Obradovic, Ruel Pableo, Rajesh Raghav Production & Distribution Group Production Manager Kyle Smith Deputy Production Manager Matthew Grant Production Coordinator Nelly Pereira Managing Picture Editor Patrick Littlejohn Image Retoucher Emmalyn Robles Distribution Manager Karima Ashwell Distribution Executive Nada Al Alami Circulation Head of Circulation and Database Gaurav Gulati Marketing Head of Marketing Daniel Fewtrell ITP Digital Director Peter Conmy ITP Group Chairman Andrew Neil Managing Director Robert Serafin Finance Director Toby Jay Spencer-Davies Board of Directors K.M. Jamieson, Mike Bayman, Walid Akawi, Neil Davies, Rob Corder, Mary Serafin
Editor soundandstage@itp.com
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Published by and © 2010 ITP Business Publishing, a division of the ITP Publishing Group Ltd. Registered in the B.V.I. under Company Number 1402846
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THE BRIEFING
Tannoy targets new biz with HQ launch EXCLUSIVE Tannoy has appointed Graham Lawton manager of its new dedicated Middle East headquarters, located in Dubai Media City. The decision to establish the new sales office follows many years of sustained growth for the company, particularly in the booming Gulf markets. Tannoy speakers are currently installed in a number of landmark developments in the
UAE, including Burj Khalifa, Atlantis Resort, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Yas Marina Hotel and Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal 3. More than 6,000 Tannoy speakers are installed in the Burj Khalifa alone. Lawton has extensive industry experience having previously worked for PMK International Consulting in their Dubai office, Northern Light (UK) and Glantre Engineering (UK). Commenting on the open-
Tannoy recently supplied more than 6,000 loudspeakers for installation in the Burj Khalifa.
ing of the HQ, Lawton said it provided Tannoy with “a base to develop new business opportunities in the local market as well as deliver even higher levels of support to our existing key customers. “At a time when business in general has been challenging, it says a lot that Tannoy is bucking the trend, demonstrating that there are still serious growth opportunities in the GCC region.”
BY THE NUMBERS – PROLIGHT + SOUND 2010
33,631
31,472
829
108
2009 ATTENDANCE
2010 ATTENDANCE
2010 EXHIBITORS
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED
NEWS BRIEFS
SSL COMPLETES DMI SIAN EVENTS OPENS GREENHIPPO BOOSTS L’ACOUSTICS MAKES CONSOLE INSTALL ABU DHABI OFFICE HIPPOTIZER HD TECH NEW APPOINTMENT Dubai Media Inc has installed two 32-fader Solid State Logic C100 HDS consoles in two new remote OB vans. The C100 HDS consoles support live coverage of events at the massive new Meydan Racecourse and other local and international sporting events. DMI already had a C100 HD installed in its main permanent studio, which helped sway its decision to use the C100 HDS consoles in the new vans.
UAE event management firm SIAN Events will look to consolidate its position in Abu Dhabi with the opening of its first office in the capital. “After 14 years of trading in the UAE, the opening of our Abu Dhabi office is a real milestone,” said Simon McDonald, MD of SIAN Events. ‘Strategically it makes sense for us to be in Abu Dhabi, with the enormous growth of events in the emirate.”
GreenHippo has begun shipping all Hippotizer HDs with extensive hardware revisions designed to boost performance. Based on Intel’s i7 processor-equipped servers, the HDs are faster and allow for more video playback layers. Previous models ran two to five layers depending on the specification, while the new i7 based units are capable of eight layers of full HD playback simultaneously.
L’Acoustics has appointed Marc Bénard to the newly-created role of technical support manager, amplified controllers. Bénard joins the company with 10 years’ experience in the pro audio industry, working mainly in digital product management and technical support. His new role will be to educate clients in the use of the company’s amplified controllers and LA Network Manager.
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THE BRIEFING
New Abu Dhabi venue touts for business EXCLUSIVE Following the success of recent performances by Tom Jones and Harry Connick Jr staged at Abu Dhabi Hall, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) have committed to working together to lure large-scale entertainment events to the venue. The government authorities will look to partner with regional and international promoters in their quest to fill the facility, which has eclipsed The Palladium as the country’s largest indoor venue and is capable of accommodating up to 6,000 seated and 8,000 standing guests. “There is an insatiable demand for a multi-purpose events arena of this calibre to meet the interest previously shown by event organisers,” said Ahmed Hussein, deputy director General, ADTA. “Abu Dhabi Hall gives us
An interior image of ADNEC’s new Abu Dhabi Hall. the leverage we need to attract more big-name acts and innovative events.” ADTA and ADNEC is inviting event promoters to submit “unique and viable entertainment event concepts”, which will be evaluated for financial and non-financial support by a joint steering committee. Upcoming events already confirmed at the venue include Lord of the Dance from
June 23-26 and Iranian singing legend Googoosh, who will perform on September 12. “We hope the ADTA-ADNEC joint venture will produce at least 10 major entertainment events by the end of this year,” said Simon Horgan, ADNEC Group CEO. “We are looking at delivering a compelling year-round programme of entertainment events, including international
concerts, sporting competitions and demonstrations.” ADNEC’s Abu Dhabi Hall is the largest facility of its type in the UAE to house a permanent, retractable seating system; can be configured for a variety of set-ups; and is equipped with artists’ dressing rooms, green rooms and full backstage facilities. The ADTA-ADNEC joint venture will also be marketed through ADNEC’s new Box Office facility – a state-ofthe-art ticketing system accessible to more than 35,000 travel agents in Europe, North America and Australasia, and 25,000 entertainment industry promoters worldwide. “Our message to event promoters and organisers is to come and see the venue for themselves and then partner us in delivering a compelling and sustainable events and entertainment proposition for the emirate,” added Hussein.
ROBE APPOINTS JORDANIAN DISTRIBUTOR Robe Lighting has appointed Amman-based Tarkeeb AVL as its new Jordanian distributor. Tarkeeb AVL is a new division of leading rental company Pro4 that has been established to supply lighting, video and audio solutions, design, consultation, sales and installations for all types of projects and venues, including restaurants, hotels, multi-purpose and live entertainment venues. Robe’s Middle East regional sales manager Elie Battah said the company’s experience with Robe products made it a logical fit. “Pro4 has been using Robe moving lights exclusively for the past eight years, and so the brand already has an excellent track record in the country. When they decided to set up the new division, it made real sense to offer a distribution deal.” Through their work with Pro4, the Tarkeeb team has also received the latest Robe product training, Battah explained.
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Robe and Tarkeeb AVL representatives pictured at the signing of the distribution agreement.
PALME 2010 PICTORIAL GSL Professional showcased the latest products from the likes of Soundcraft and Crown.
IN THE SHADOW OF THE RECESSION This year’s PALME Middle East convention featured more than 200 exhibitors from 30 countries showcasing 800 pro audio, lighting and staging brands from across the world. Dee espite being staged in the aftermath of the worst economic recession in living memory, the event came close to emulating the success of previous instalments. Christie Digital.
Allen & Heath.
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LED displays dominated the show floor.
Avid was out in force at this year’s show.
The Protec crew.
ys Laser technology displat. were a show highligh
V.V. & Sons range of microphones from its partner suppliers.
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KITTED OUT
TOTAL ECLIPSE Dubai-based Eclipse Staging Services, steered by industry identity and laser guru Mark Brown, is forging a reputation as one of the Gulf’s leading event production specialists. Here, Brown and his team showcase the company’s latest kit available to Middle East customers.
Al Quoz dreaming Eclipse’s warehouse facility in Al Quoz, Dubai, is the beating heart of the company’s GCC operations. As well as providing a storage location for the company’s extensive inventory, staff use the facility to carry out equipment testing and repairs, and prepare kit destined for use in regional projects.
Touchscreen talents Eclipse boasts an impressive collection of interactive touchscreen technologies, which have been used extensively in corporate events, exhibitions and launches across the region. Highlights include multi-touch computer tables, single touch Holoscreens, Interactive Floor and Walls, and interactive golf putting systems. Company CEO Mark Brown says the company has also established itself as a pioneer in the development of commercial RFID technologies in the Middle East. “The technology enables us to customise product presentations and other marketing material on behalf of our clients, providing their customers with a personalised interactive experience,” he explains.
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Power distribution Eclipse also boasts an extensive array of power distribution solutions, including mains power distribution, powerlocks and splitters.
Stock inventory Eclipse boasts an extensive inventory of sound, lighting, video and visual effects technologies in its Al Quoz warehouse. Audio highlights include L’acoustics linearrays, Funktion One speakers and eight different mixing desks, while LED display technology features prominently on the video side of the company’s business.
Laser works Eclipse is well-known as one of the region’s leading suppliers of laser lighting technologies. Mark Brown is also recognised as an innovator in his own right, developing various technologies throughout the years through his UK-based company Laser Grafix. The company has supplied laser tech to events commissioned by a variety of high-profile clients, including the British royal family.
Superstar clientele Mark Brown’s UK-based company Laser Grafix has designed lasers for high-profile artists including Coldplay, Rihanna, Muse (pictured), and Manic Street Preachers, as well as productions such as the D Day Landing Commemorative Services, the Royal Military Tattoo and the launch of the London Eye Millennium Night.
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KITTED OUT
Mark Brown bio Mark Brown has more than 25 years experience in the laser display industry having worked with prestigious clients including British royalty. He also developed a unique laser / lighting product known as Starlaser, which was specified on world tours with bands such as Deep Purple and Elton John. Brown established Eclipse Staging Services in Dubai in 2003, with the help of PROCON AG – the world’s largest lighting, sound, rigging and video company (since taken over by PRG, the world’s largest lighting company). Eclipse has overseen a range of high-profile events across the region in the interim, including the launch of Dubailand (UAE) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KSA).
ECLIPSE KIT LIST Lighting Generic and Martin intelligent lighting, 301s, 401s, Mac 575s, 600s & 2000 Wash and Spots, and Atomics James Thomas LED Pixel Pars & 1044s Clay Paky Alpha Beam 1500s, Par cans 36 Birdies, 56, 64, 1.2k – 2k Fresnels, Source 4s, Cycloramas, UV Spots and Floods, Gladiator & Lyceum Xenon follow spots
Lighting Control & Dimming WholeHog IPC, Road HOG, Avolite Pearl, GrandMA Lite2, Avolight Art 2000 52 Channel Dimmers
Sound L’Acoustics Line Array sound systems and Yamaha / Midas mixing desks, HME wireless and Clearcom wired communications Full range of Shure & Sennheiser wired and wireless mics and stands
Video LCD video screens, virtually seamless plasma video walls High-powered 8K- 18K HD Christie projectors Fastfold, Circular, Motorised, Water and customised projection screens
SDI, DVI RGBHV Matrix, Ventuz, Watchout 4, Triple Head to go, seamless switchers, DVI Fibreline cabling
Barco Folsom, Encore VP3ME, Image Pro, Screen Pro,
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PIGI 7Kw Xenon double scrolling static and panorama projectors
Lasers High-powered Yag and multicoloured diode laser systems, with pangolin control, remote target mirrors, 1m diameter mirrorballs, 6m motorised gauze screens for 3D-type graphic and animation sequences
Plant Layher Stages, raked seating blocks, steel decks, and Zip up aluminium towers
Rigging 30cm, 52cm and circular trussing systems, rigging steels, shackles
Interactivity 50” surface multi-touch computer tables, 52” Panasonic single touch, HP 29” Touch Smart, 65” single touch Holoscreens, Interactive Floor and Walls, Laser Graffiti, Airwand, Lasermaze, interactive golf / putting systems, Helicopter and Aircraft flight and F1 car simulators, voting systems, RFID tagging, interactive Musical Wall.
LED screens Video Control
Monumental building projection
Daylight viewable Unitek 17.5mm, and Martin LC2140 + 40mm transparent LED curtain
Searchlights High-powered 7Kw Xenon Hollywood searchlights
Starcloth and Draping systems LED starcloth, black, white and full range of coloured draping on a Showtex 5.2m high, easy drape system, with tunnel capability
Power distribution, cable & cable management systems 400 amp powerlock TPN professional MCB protected distribution boards with TPN+E 400 powerlock, 125, 63, 32 amp Cee form connectors, and SPN+E 60, 30, 16, Cee Form, 13 amp and soccopex connectors Full range of 400 amp powerlocks, TPN+E 125, 63, 32 Amp, SPN+E 60, 30 and 16amp cee form cable and connectors 5-way 0.8m length cable ramps
Smoke, Bubble and Haze effects JEM smoke machines, Look Viper smoke machines, DF50 Haze machines, Martin Glaciator low fog (dry ice effect), bubble machines.
INTERVIEW
One of Dubai’s leading event production specialists, InHouse Productions, steered by Nick Groves, is looking to untapped vertical markets to spearhead its growth internationally. Here, he chats about the company’s plans for the remainder of 2010.
IN THE FRAME
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S&S: You recently set up a new division, InHouse Event Solutions, in the UK. Can you explain how that came about? NG: Well, we’d been getting a lot of requests for kit from our UK clients. The gear available in Dubai is generally much better quality than the equivalent in the UK. It goes against the trend, but we decided to do it anyway. Straight away we picked up a coup ple p of big corporate ra clients including Vodafone, and in we’re also managw ing a couple of up in and coming artists in an the UK.
Nick Groves.
S&S: What adS& vantages do va you believe this strategy has str provided? pro
The Spandau Ballet-Rod Stewart double-bill in Dubai proved a massive success.
NG: We’ve managed introduce cost structo int tures and packages weren’t previously that w available in the UK maravaila Our clients have reket. O sponded very positively spond these measures. It’s to thes interesting to gauge peointeres responses when you ple’s re them the company’s tell the actually headquartered in the UAE rather than the UK. I’ve been here more decade and I have than a d no plans to leave. We’re looking to expand into also look Africa Asia Dubai. Af A i and dA i ffrom D
S S&S: How do you think the UK and GCC markets compare at a tthe moment in terms of commercial opportunities? m NG: Things are still fairly tough here in tterms of available budgets. The kit and the expertise are here and tthe quality’s as good as the UK, but the budgets that were available in the past just aaren’t there anymore.
S&S: You signed an exclusive UAE production partner agreement with AEG Live Middle East around 12 months ago. How is that going? NG: Things are going really well with AEG. I’ve always had a great working relationship with Thomas (Ovesen, MD of AEG Live Middle East). We’ve already done a number of gigs together, including the recent Paolo Nutini gig and the Spandau Ballet/Rod Stewart double-header in Dubai, and have quite a few more planned for the coming months. I’ve actually been having meetings with the AEG guys in the UK about trying to negotiate an access deal with them for the O2 Arena in London. They don’t have a preferred supplier and they probably never will, but we believe we can offer them services at a rate that can beat most rivals. The same goes for Wembley. If we can get a foot in the door, well, that’s all we can ask for.
S&S: Has the AEG deal in the Middle East opened doors with other clients in the region? NG: Absolutely. It’s raised our profile and provided us access to key venue operators such as the Palladium in Dubai and ADNEC in Abu Dhabi. It’s given us a foot in the door and we’ll pursue that.
S&S: How do you source crew for the projects you are involved in? NG: Within the organisation we employ project managers, technical managers, graphic designers, etc. I’m trying to take a backseat, but I still get involved, particularly on the technical side. We can put together an entire show and do all the planning, then we get the specialists in that we require to fill the gaps. Any specific sound, video or lighting we can source from our third-party suppliers. Because we are doing a lot of shows, we can demand a bigger discount from these guys. We can negotiate a bigger discount for our clients than they could get direct from the supplier, because of the relationships we’ve developed over a long period. JUNE 2010 SAS
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INTERVIEW
Groves and his team are currently negotiating to develop a football stadium in Monaco.
S&S: Are you securing more business in Abu Dhabi than Dubai? NG: Last year was a massive year for us in terms of business in Abu Dhabi, but we expect things to slow down considerably towards the end of the year. 2009 was a massive year for Abu Dhabi as well, given the number of large-scale entertainment events that were staged in the capital.
S&S: You seem to be gradually transitioning away from the corporate events market in favour of these big one-off events. Would you agree? NG: Well, it’s more a case of us going where the work is. The corporate side of the business has fallen away since the recession, and the deal al with AEG has opened many doors, so basically we’re chasing business wherever we can find it. The MICE business has suffered hugely, particularly in the UAE. But in saying that, we have been involved in a couple of big corporate events over the past 12 months, such as the Mubadala F1 Signature Dinner, the F1 experience on the Abu Dhabi corniche, and the Yas Island launch.
S&S: Mubadala is one of your highest-profile clients. How did you forge that relationship? NG: We’ve been working with Mubadala since it was Dolphin Energy and employed 25 staff. It’s grown into such a massive company now with so many divisions, but we still do a huge amount of work with them, particularly around the F1 events. We went down to Abu Dhabi with three events and ended up doing six during the F1 carnival.
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KICKING GOALS Among Inhouse’s more eclectic projects in development is a 40,000 seat football stadium the company is currently pitching to AS Monaco FC, one of the most successful football clubs in France’s premier Ligue 1 competition, to replace its existing 18,000 seater stadium. “The initial idea came from us designing a 2,000 seat floating stadium for a Manchester City FC-Chelsea FC exhibition match that was planned to take place in Abu Dhabi but never came off. “AS Monaco FC’s existing stadium is located on reclaimed land positioned over a carpark in the middle of Monaco, but it’s prime real estate. So we’re proposing a new stadium designed to actually float in Monaco Harbour. We’ve got dive teams ready to do the environmental assessment work but we’re very confident with this design there won’t be any such issues of concern. “What we’re going to try and do is create an environmental ecosystem under the stadium platform. We’re talking to a couple of guys who designed the stadiums in South Africa for the FIFA World Cup. What we’ve designed is very much conceptual, but we know it’ll work. “The design we’ve conceived is one in which the walls of the stadium will be as transparent as they possibly can be. We’ve also conceived a design for a marina to be constructed adjacent to the stadium. “AS Monaco FC’s already sent across club branding so we can incorporate it into our pitch. “The beauty of this job and this industry is that it takes you places you would otherwise never imagine.”
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INTERVIEW S&S: You also developed your own F1 simulators for the Corniche event.
Rockin’ Rod on stage at Dubai Sevens Rugby Ground.
NG: Yeah, we did. We took Red Bull [Racing’s] simulators and developed them further. We incorporated D-Box technology, which at the time was used primarily in interactive cinemas. Instead of just using the sound, we used the telemetry in the game and developed it further. We travelled from Canada to Thailand to Dubai to develop the simulators and we got Ferrari to spray paint and put their logos on them.
S&S: Have you found competition for live events contracts has gotten more cutthroat in recent years?
A world of technical solutions As a supplier of rigging and technical solutions to the entertainment, exhibition, architectural, event, TV and film industries in the Middle East, we move things, suspend them and lift them. Whether it’s a permanent installation, a temporary suspension or something that requires repetitive motion, our expertise is second to none.
T. +971 (0) 4 885 9009 info@unusualrigging.com www.unusualrigging.com Regional sales and service partner for Doughty Engineering & Wybron
20 SAS JUNE 2010
NG: We rarely lose an event to a competitor unless it comes down to cost. We try to be consistent in terms of our pricing, so once you work with us you know what to expect from us. I’d rather lose a job on cost, but I won’t lose it on design or quality. In saying that, we have had previous situations where we have designed a show to spec only for the client to walk away at the last minute and employ a cheaper supplier who will try and deliver the same show. Or on other occasions I’ve had plans for a show fall across my desk from a potential client asking me to price a show only to realise they’re the same plans I’ve conceived and designed earlier for another client. It happens all the time.
S&S: You’ve advocated the creation of an organisation to represent the interests of the industry in dealings with government. Are you any closer to seeing this come to fruition? NG: No, not really. To be honest, I can’t see it happening anytime soon.
S&S: Why is that? NG: I think the government would welcome the creation of an industry body but there are too many competing interests within the industry to see this happen. I’ve tried to talk to other production companies about it but they have no interest. They have their own agenda. Many are here for two years then they disappear. The benefits would far outweigh the
putting together. It wo would challenges of p tting it together ld standardise production, it would formulate occupational health and safety (OHS) standards, and it would provide clarity and transparency in dealings with authorities. A lot of companies would fall by the wayside but the ones who remained would be committed to promoting the best interests of the industry in this region.
S&S: You’ve earned a reputation as something of an innovator when it comes to developing new staging and rigging designs, particularly in regards to the dome venue. Can you tell us more about that? NG: We already stock one dome which is hugely popular with our clients, but we’re looking to develop another one and take the design further, by incorporating a mezzanine floor and other internal structures, so it is flexible enough to accommodate specific requests from customers. We’ve also designed a viewing platform for outdoor events, such as the F1. It has a transparent floor and can even be suspended over the track if a client requests it. We’re expecting it to be very popular with our F1 clients not just in the Gulf but also internationally. It’s semipermanent, but it can be installed permanently if they want it. I can reveal that [UK F1 circuit] Silverstone is very interested in it.
STAGING TECHNOLOGY SPECIAL
Technological innovations in the stage rigging and dressing sectors is transforming the live events industry and opening up a whole new world of possibilities for production teams in the GCC. Here, we profile the key players and technologies changing the way crews are doing business in the Middle East.
PRG’s Britney Spears world tour automation prep.
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Kings of Leon live.
° stage.
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h rapid he id d developl ment of stage rigging technologies has had a profound effect on the way live events have been presented in recent years. Whether it be a small theatre production or a major stadium-style concert event, the introduction of automated technologies such as motion control systems and motorised rigging structures has not only simplified the tasks facing production crews but also revolutionised the experience for audiences, opening up a whole world of production possibilities as a result. Coinciding with this has been the development of new stage dressing materials such as starcloths and drapes, and the applicasta tion of LED-based technologies in tratio ditional stage designs, which have in di turn revolutionised AV presentations, tu particularly at large-scale rock concerts pa aand festivals. The vast majority of the industry’s leading suppliers are based in the UK le aand Europe, but most boast a preseence, whether directly or indirectly tthrough a distribution partner, in the Middle East. M
Sta age etecch One of the top companies in the sector is London-based Stage Technologies, otherwise known as Stagetech. While the company does not have a permanent presence in the Middle East, it has completed a number of high-profile projects in the region, including the Dubai Mall in the UAE and other venues in Qatar. Stagetech marcoms manager Louise Sheffield says the company may consider opening an office in the region in the future or at the least, securing a partnership with a local supplier. “We currently do not have a direct presence but our staff base of more than 160 engineers and support crew means that we have the capability to deliver numerous projects simultaneously in different parts of the globe,” she says. “We have enjoyed working in more than 30 different countries and there is always something new to inspire us. “We feel that there is a huge scope to share our technology and knowledge to provide Middle East-based performance venues a competitive edge.” Sheffield explains Stagetech’s roots lie in West End London theatre projects, providing theatre automation technoloJUNE 2010 SAS
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STAGING TECHNOLOGY SPECIAL gies to venues such as the Adelphi. It now operates a “thriving” rentals department that caters to worldwide events from rock shows to corporate launches and touring theatre productions. Recent projects include Viva ELVIS in Las Vegas (Cirque du Soleil), Love Never Dies in London’s West End (Andrew Lloyd Webber), the P!nk Funhouse tour 2009/10, Grammys and MTV Music Awards, Mika and Katherine Jenkins. The company’s product range includes plug-and-play style touring control technologies, and advanced wireless control and rigging systems. “We also supply a range of portable control desks and handheld controllers; advanced wireless control technology (including stage trucks, tracks and trolleys, seating wagons and lifts); eChameleon software and optional joystick programming control for precision 3D performer flying and complex motion plotting; and a wide range of winches and point hoists built specifically for the stage environment with robustness, longevity and safety in mind,” says Sheffield.
Oman. ShowLED starcloths featured onstage at the Mawazine Festival in Morocco, the Miss World pageant in South Africa, the Star Awards on Al Watan TV, and the Dubai International Film Festival. According to Peeters, the live staging market accounts for at least half of ShowTex’s overall business. “We’ve focused on fabrics all these years because the possibilities onstage are endless. Designers keep coming up with amazing concepts and innovative textiles are the perfect medium for making them a reality. ShowLED starcloths have quickly become the standard here for everything from stage backdrops to venue animation,” he claims. ShowTex Middle East recently moved to a significantly larger workshop and office space, Peeters explains .
Showtex x Another company that has carved a formidable niche in the Middle East market is Showtex, whose local operation based in Dubai is steered by industry veteran Sven Peeters. The company’s ShowLED starcloths and extensive range of draping technologies are impressive in terms of quality and are particularly well-designed for outdoor applications, making them ideal for use in the Middle East. Showtex has found considerable sucShowtex’s ShowLED Animation in action cess supplying kit to recent high-prooat the Mawazine 2009 festival. file events staged in the region. It supplied all custom-printed Showtex kit at the UFC and decorative fabrics for the venue in Abu Dhabi. Meydan opening ceremony at the Dubai World Cup, projection screens and a 1000 m2 roof covering in printed banner drape for the recent Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) in Abu Dhabi, and printed inflatable start and finish banners for the Tour of
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“We are extending our focus to export sales and will soon have a regional manager who knows the ShowTex product range inside and out as well as being a ShowLED specialist,” he says. “ShowTex’s roots lie in Europe. The European offices have been operating for 150 years. This means we’ve already established good relationships with many of the other companies in the industry that are now operating in the Middle East.” Peeters stresses that it was essential ShowTex Middle East be a full service location and “not a distributorship”. “Our giant projection screens and ShowLED starcloth systems have done very well in the region,” he claims. “The climate and open spaces in the Middle East lend themselves to outdoor performances and grand scale productions in a
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STAGING TECHNOLOGY CH HNOLO OGY T TRENDS REND DS LEDS TO THE FORE “We’re seeing more and more performances that integrate giant glassless mirrors, HiSpeed roll ups with spaghetti string curtains, and digitally printed backdrops and canvases,” says Showtex’s Sven Peeters. “Our workshop is now able to print screens up to five metres in width, which creates an infinite number of imaging possibilities for stage or trade show decoration. n. “The ShowLED commponents can be added to all kinds of fabrics, drapes, or three dimensional soft goods and we’ve achieved some amazing results combining sheer- and semi-sheer fabrics and foils with the ShowLED system. “So customers can use LEDS in the traditional way, or alter the definition of light and colours with other fabrics like our X-Foil and CycloLED, or even use DropPaper and Voile oile to achieve softer light effects.” AUTOMATED CONTROL IS KEY “We’re seeing more and more shows with automated controls and expanded use of automation,” says Anne Johnston. “Also the use of variable speed chain motors is increasing. If someone can dream it up, we can automate or fly it. We pride ourselves on pushing the technology to provide solutions, with both custom and stock components that act as building blocks. By having key
can be achieved with automation will improve auto as a new generation of technical theatre stutec dents and set designden ers join the professional market. In the world of ma virtual reality and invir teractive gaming, perte formers and producers fo will w want to compete for f audiences with more daring and som to sic rin int LEDs are becoming sse ns. tio nta phisticated entertainp pre g gin sta modern ment me technology.”
stock components, we can engineer a more cost cost-effecnents effec tive solution. Many of these technologies are becoming increasingly smaller.” WIRELESS WONDERS “More venues and production companies are embracing wireless technology for improved safety and flexibility,” says Louise Sheffield. “More companies will move towards standard components. For example, we use Siemens industrial components in our control racks to ensure repeatability and availability of parts 24/7). “Education and understanding what
CONVERGENCE IS I THE FUTURE “With the ongoing “ ‘convergence’ be‘c tween lighting and tw video, automation vi is also becoming a highly creative tool hig for visual designers of all types, and ‘movement’ is emerging as me an imaginative show element in its own elem right, particularly in rerigh lation to lighting, video latio and scenic/set pieces,” claims Kinesys’ Dave claim Weatherhead. Wea “The ability of digital “T media servers to now render and map video rende content in real time and keep pace with moving screens is also opening up many exciting possibilities. “Stage automation has reached a level of sophistication where it can be viewed as an essential component by any production team.” Weartherhead adds that staging automation technologies also help reduce demands on venue staff in certain areas, reducing stress, enhancing safety standards and facilitating faster turnarounds between shows.
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STAGING TECHNOLOGY SPECIAL
TOP TO OP TE TECH ECH H
more pronounced way in com comparison to a market like Europe. “The architectural el“ ement eme and many building projects in the region gio are also an exciting aspect of the Middle asp East Eas market. Instead of designing for existing venues, we’re often involved at the concept inv stage sta of a project.”
Rigging technology has improve. d remarkably in the past decade
Pro oducttion Ressourcce Grroup (PR (P RG)
PRODUCTION RESOURCE GROUP (PRG) PRG is best known for its work in theatre environments, particularly in regards to automation technologies. Its Stage Command system, which automates scenery and effects, has found favour in a number of major theatres, particularly on Broadway and London’s West End. The company claims the technology currently controls more than 2,000 scenic effects every day for Broadway and touring shows, Las Vegas spectaculars, corporate industrial shows, theme park attractions and special events. “It was designed by stage technicians for live performance environments and provides the greatest degree of precision and reliability for the widest range of applications,” claims PRG’s Johnston. “The cue-based system can create precise and seamless cinematic transitions in full view of the audience. “We have created an easy-to-operate system that features an intuitive user in-
26 SAS JUNE 2010
terface, user user-friendly software, auto auto-folterface friendly software fol low cueing for seamless transitions and proven safety and reliability.” SHOWTEX According to Sven Peeters, Showtex recently upgraded its workshop enabling it to manufacture “the world’s largest projection screens”. “We’re bringing out six new screens with even more precise light yield and viewing angle capabilities,” he explains. “Along with the basic Classic system for white LED backdrops, the Chameleon system for full colour LEDs, and the Animation for video loops and graphics, we can now offer high output LEDs, LEDnets, and waterproof LEDs. Combined with deco fabrics and studio cycs, you can achieve almost any effect with the ShowLED components, both indoors and out. Our range of starcloths are plug and play, controllable by DMX and now, with the v-box interface, they’re compatible with any media server.”
L London-based Production Resource Group ti (PRG) is also making ( its it mark in the Middle d East. “It is a market that is i very important to our long-term strategy,” says PRG’s VP of Marketing, Anne JJohnston. “Through our acquisition of Procon last acqu year, we have expanded our presence in Europe, which handles much of the business for markets in the Middle East. PRG is very committed to developing and continuing to support our staging partners in the region.” PRG supplies a range of stage automation solutions, including winches, turntables and lifts. “We work with the latest technology and have an in-house staff that handles all of the design, engineering and fabrication for scenery, effects and automation,” explains Johnston. “One of the more recent products we have developed is our Commander automation control console, which can control flying automation and effects with much greater precision and repeatability coupled with the highest levels of safety. “It is designed to replace older automation and flying effects that many in the live staging business have been accomplishing with chain motors or other less refined methods.
Vodafone Launch by HQ creative
MEIFF by Avantgarde Brand Services Arabia FZLLC
The Quality We Deliver Sets Standards For almost 30 years our name has stood for professional event technology. With our highly specialised technicians and well qualified engineers we are able to offer our customers the whole spectrum of technical services, including competent advice and planning in the run-up to a production, the rental of equipment and the complete implementation of events. Though founded in Germany N&M has been operating in Dubai since 2005 and has the necessary local knowledge to realise high-quality events and creative productions successfully. Sound · Lighting · Video · Conferencing · Staging · Rigging · Content Production
Neumann&Müller Event Technology UAE Office 304 · Liberty Building · PO Box 76828 · Al Garhoud · Phone: +971 4 2 83 00 62 www.neumannmueller.com
NEUMANN & MÜLLER EVENT TECHNOLOGY
STAGING TECHNOLOGY CHNOLOGY SPECIAL ting the Kinesys played a key role in crea ld tour. wor ree deg 360 s U2’ for e stag . greater precision and repeatability coupled with the highest levels of safety. “It is designed to replace older automation and flying effects that many in the live staging business have been accomplishing with chain motors or other less refined methods. “A chain motor is great for lifting truss into place on a temporary basis; it is not the best method to fly a member of the cast or crew on a repeatable basis.” PRG has numerous projects in the works including casinos and
Kinesys Libra Ce load mechanism.ll
Kinesys Libra Cell controller.
Kinesys K2 W
MUTUAL INTERESTS In the market for discounted or rare rigging equipment? US tech distributor Mutual Hardware recently went global with the launch of its improved e-commerce website catering to international markets. The company specialises in supplying hard to find staging materials and other equipment for live events. “We have only recently started supplying international markets,” says company representative Mary Piotrowski. “Because of the time difference with the US, the website is critical for
28 SAS JUNE 2010
placing orders. We typically send parcels via the post, but for those in a rush, UPS and FedEx service deliveries are available. “We are hoping to build on our initial success internationally.” The company also distributes a catalogue of hard-to-find items which can be downloaded from its website, located at www.mutualhardware.com. “We sell all kinds of crazy, hard to find hardware,” says Piotrowski. “We have an extensive catalogue that can be downloaded or we can send it via snail mail to clients anywhere in the world.”
ing.
theme parks located around the world. “We are handling all of the flying and automation on multiple theatrical productions including Mary Poppins; Shrek, The Musical; The Million Dollar Quartet; Memphis; and South Pacific,” explains Johnston. “We also work in the concert touring industry where we handled all the flying automation for Britney Spears’ last world tour, The Circus.”
Kin nessys UK-based Kinesys is a leading manufacturer of specialised automation systems. The company was formed in 2003 by Dave Weatherhead and Andy Cave, who spotted a gap in the market for standard automation products that were compatible with other products in the range and therefore expandable. “Until then, automation had been very much focussed on customised solutions to everything, which was expensive and limited your options in terms of future-proofing,” says Weatherhead. Kinesys is based in London, and currently has a full time staff of eight, work-
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J&C JOEL AND IBS DECOR J&C Joel is recognised as one of the world’s leading theatrical drape manufacturers. In May 2009, in partnership with IBS Decor, the company established its first overseas office in Dubai, in a bid to tap into the booming GCC market. As well as expanding geographically, J&C Joel has broadened its customer base and now caters for live events, product launches and exhibitions. In January 2004, IBS Decor (in association with S+H Technical Support Ltd. UK), introduced starcloths and other lighting effects from the S+H range to the UAE and Middle East. Since then the companies have merged under the IBS Decor banner and
welcomed three new partners: Alan Scoley, Terry Murtha and Nigel Smith. The wealth of knowledge and experience each individual brings to the company provides an opportunity for future growth and long term development, a company spokesperson says.
plier of chain hoist technology – both fixed and variable speed motors. “We produce everything from the computer software to the conversion kits designed to update all the leading models of existing hoists. The process is a quick and seamless operation that integrates automation into existing productions as well venues,” says Weatherhead. The company’s highest profile project to date is U2’s ongoing 360 world tour. It has also been involved in major concert productions by other international artists including Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Depeche Mode, Take That, Snow Patrol and Kings of Leon. For the recent 2010 Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo, 80 Kinesys hoists and K2 control were employed. Kinesys is currently working to establish a global dealer network and is on the hunt for a suitable partner in the Middle East, says Weatherhead. “Service and support are central to our
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philosophy, so it’s vital we collabborate with a partner who shares these values,” he says.
Archiiten n La andrelll and One of the best known innovators in the high-tensile design industry, Architen Landrell has worked on a range of high profile projects, including world tours for U2, Muse and Madonna. For U2’s 360 Degree world tour, the company designed a tensile ensile fabric structure that formed the major ajor element of the band’s eye catching stage set. In addition to the dramatic fabric membrane, the centre of the stage structure also housed a vertical LED-covered pylon and an elliptical, retractable highresolution video screen, both designed to act as interactive elements during the live show.
Architen Lindrel provided kit to Robbie Williams’ recent concert tour (pictured below).
According to Architen Landrell’s sales and marketL ing manager, Amy Wilson, in rock and pop concerts conro tribute 15% of the compatrib ny’s business worldwide. ny’ “It’s generally repeat work “ making it highly efficient and mak cost effective and as a result very important to our resul business,” she says. Wilson describes the Middle East as “of meM dium importance” to Ard cchiten Landrell’s business. “The Middle East has aalways been an important market to us and continm ues to be so, [however] u we do not anticipate a w drive to expand our d business there at present,” b she says. sh
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THE
THE GUIDE
GUIDE
INSIDE This month’s hottest product releases, buyer’s guide and classifieds
MANUFACTURER: TURER: i-Pix PRODUCT: BB2 WHAT’S THE STORY?
MANUFACTURER: Analog Way PRODUCT: Eikos WHAT’S THE STORY? Set to debut at this month’s InfoComm 2010 event in Las Vegas, the Eikos is a high-res mixer and seamless switcher with four scalers (geddit?). Analog Way claims the technology is particularly well suited to rental and staging applications. Eikos offers up to 12 inputs including four fitted with SDI and two fitted with DVI-D. Equipped with digital processing, Eikos outputs digital and analogue signals in DVI and
VGA (RGBHV) simultaneously with a selection of many formats from HDTV to computer 2K. Eikos offers three different operating modes: multi-layer mixer, 12 by two seamless native matrix and QuadraVision modes. In multi layer mixer mode, Eikos can display up to six layers. In seamless native matrix mode, Eikos offers a 12 x 2 scaled native matrix with true seamless switching. In QuadraVision mode, Eikos supports the display of four computer or video sources on the main output. www.analogway.com
NEW SOLAR FRESNELS FROM LITEPANELS N O Offering beam control of 70° to 10°, Litepanels’ new daylight-balanced Solas provide the controllability and single-shadow properan ties tie inherent in a Fresnel light, but utilise just a fraction of the power of conventional fixtures. Like all Litepanels, Sola Fresnels feature instant dimming from 100% to 0 with no noticeable colour shift. The st SolaENG provides manual focus and dimming control via camera lens S style st ergonomic controls. www.litepanels.com w
Specialist UK LED manufacturer i-Pix showcased ased its latest products at PLASA Focus in Leeds, UK, last month. Standouts among the pack included the company’s new range of white LED engines; the BB2, which is a self contained 2-cell fixture; and the BB 2x2, which consists of a pair of BB2s. The Warm White LED engine has a colour temperature of 3000 degrees Kelvin; the Cold white of 5700 degrees Kelvin; and the tuneable white ranges between both these colour temperatures. The source is 25 Watts over 2000 Lumens from each light engine. The BB2 and BB 2x2 both come with removable fronts, providing users the option of mixing up the optical systems. The choice of quick-change optics includes the 10-degree optic popular with the BB7 or the 20 degree optic as used in the BB4. The range is now increased to offer the two additional beam angles of 35 and 45 degrees. www.i-pix.uk.com
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THE GUIDE
MANUFACTURER: BTX PRODUCT: HDMI technologies WHAT’S THE STORY? At InfoComm 2010, BTX will showcase the industry’s first field-terminatable HDMI caable-mount male connector. The innovative device allows installstallers to quickly and easily create custom-length HDMI assemblies blies of up to 39 feet at resolutions of 1080p, 12-bit deep colour.. For A/V, home theatre, digital signage, or any other application requiring HDMI, the device resolves the issue of fitting a connector through hrough conduit, and eliminates excess cable behind the rack or inside a wall. Compatible with HDMI 1.4, the connector is terminated through the e insulation displacement connection (IDC) process, which provides an extremely remely secure and reliable connection, only requires a blade and a HDMI hand tool, and can easily be accomplished with minimal training or skill. BTX’s new plenum enum HDMI assemblies allow installers to run a plenum HDMI signal without having aving to worry about powering a Cat5 transmitter or receiver. Available in lengthss of 25, 33, 40, and 49 feet, each assembly features 24AWG oxygen-free, pure copper pper conductors, triple shielding to reject EMI and RFI interference, and gold-plated d connectors. The CMP-certified jacket and Teflon inner insulators provide fire protection n to run the cables in the walls or air plenums without a conduit. www.btx.com
MANUFACTURER: Ableton PRODUCT: Live samples WHAT’S THE STORY? Ableton has released a new raft of customised instrument samples designed for its Live mixing software. Available for download from the Ableton webstore, the diverse range of samples includes grand pianos, Balinese gamelan, an Ebow guitar, boutique vintage synthesisers, found objects, acoustic and electronic percussion, atmospheres, and soundscapes. All partner instruments work with Suite 8, Live 8 or Live Intro, and many of them are exclusive to Ableton Live. Most of the instruments use Live’s Rack format, with the eight Macro Controls carefully mapped to provide powerful, top-level control for immediate tweakability. Within the Racks, carefully selected Ableton effects provide additional sound design options. This tight integration also means that the partner instruments all provide instant mapping to controller hardware. Many of the apps have been designed by long-standing Ableton partners, including Puremagnetik, e-instruments and SonArte, as well as newcomers such as Sample Logic, Toontrack, Soniccouture and Flatpack. www.ableton.com
36 SAS JUNE 2010
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THE GUIDE MANUFACTURER: Allen & Heath PRODUCT: iDR-64 WHAT’S THE STORY? Allen & Heath will introduce its iDR-64 larger format fixed I/O MixRack at InfoComm 2010, offering high I/O capacity and a lower cost alternative to its flagship modular iDR10 MixRack. The new iDR-64 comprises 64 mic/line inputs and 32 XLR outputs in a 9U frame, and features the iLive 64x32 RackExtra DSP mix engine, providing full processing (dynamics, EQ) for all 64 channels and 32 mixes. The RackFX DSP framework provides eight stereo processors capable of high-quality FX emulation of industry classics. Each rack has flexible I/O routing with EQ and Dynamik FXShaper on every dedicated return. With the addition of the iDR-64, the iLive Series now includes a total of six MixRack and seven Control Surface variants, which can
MANUFACTURER: Technomad PRODUCT: Oslo WHAT’S THE STORY? Relative newcomer Technomad will debut a new compact, high-power, all-environment 18-inch subwoofer at the 2010 InfoComm Show. Technomad says the Oslo is designed specifically for the demanding requirements of themed entertainment applications. It is one of the most powerful subwoofers available due to its very low frequency response (below 100Hz) and high power rating (1250 W continuous). The Oslo also offers excellent performance in the mid-size subwoofer class due to its single 18-inch low-frequency driver, making it the only completely weatherproof subwoofer currently available in the 18-inch format. Technomad will also offer the Oslo in a powered configuration featuring a 1600 W weatherproof amplifier module based on the company’s PowerChiton amplifier technology. www.technomad.com
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be mixed and matched in any combination, and share the co same firmware, so that show sa files le are transferable between systems via a USB key. sy Using standard Ethernet, the th iDR-64 can be controlled with w one of the iLive Control Surfaces, ranging from the Su rackmount iLive-R72 to the ra iLive-176. iL iDR-64 also has a built-in network switch and MIDI n ports allowing remote conp trol t using a wide variety of technologies. t There is a Port B option slot s for further audio networking possibilities – such w as a system expansion, digital mic m splitting and multi-track recording – via plug-in cards interfaces, including EtherSound, MADI, d for f various i i t f i l d ADAT and Aviom. www.allen-heath.co.uk
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LOUDSPEAKERS BUYER’S GUIDE
BUYER’S GUIDE PLANET OF SOUND Loudspeaker design has progressed enormously in recent years, thanks to the efforts of leading manufacturers including those featured on these ‘ere pages.
TOURING APPLICATIONS Electro-Voice (EV)
Vulture culture
One of the best-known suppliers of touring-spec line-arrays, EV currently markets six distinct loudspeaker ranges designed specifically for this purpose, ranging from the classic X-Array horizontal array speakers to the XLC compact tour sound arrays. One of the most versatile is the X-Line system, which EV claims was developed for high-level concert touring and combines the sonic impact and vocal intelligibility of its renowned X-Array system with the uniform, predictable coverage that only a line-array configuration can deliver. The X-Line system provides wide horizontal dispersion from a single, vertical linearray with exceptional coherent wavefront summation in the vertical plane. Extended low-frequency polo lar la control produces more uniform d power response, po further enhancing fu overall intelligibility. o The X-line is also a available in compact (XLC) c and a very compact (XLvC) configura( tions. t S S&S Verdict: Still up there with the t best.
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EV’s X-Line line array has found considerable success since its release a few years back. The X-Line has proven a popular addition to various festivals around the world, including the American Austin City Limits Fest, where it has been used for the past six years. Fans of the system reportedly include recent supergroup Them Crooked Vultures, manned by Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, Paul Jones of Led Zep and Queens’ Josh Homme. The group put the X-Line to good use headlining Austin City Limits in 2009.
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CELESTION Legendary manufacturer Celestion debuted its newest professional loudspeaker at the recent Prolight+Sound expo in Germany. The NTR21-5010JD is a bass/ sub-bass driver, designed for high-quality sound reinforcement and medium to large-scale touring applications. Offering a substantial 1600watt power handling alongside 98dB sensitivity, NTR21-5010JD features ve-inch copper voice coil wet-wound eatures a fi five-inch inside/outside voice coil for superior heat management. Additionally, the loudspeaker has been designed with a double suspension and a ‘multi-roll’ surround to provide exceptional linearity at extremes of excursion. A lightweight cast-aluminium chassis design, combined with an efficient magnet assembly, results in an impressive power-to-weight ratio.
JBL VERTEC VT4886/VT4883 JBL recently introduced the smallest system enclosures in its hugely popular Vertec product family, the VT4886 passive 3-way high-directivity line array element and its companion VT4883 cardioid-arrayable subwoofer. The new subcompact models are suitable for use in a broad range of suspended-array, groundbased and fill speaker applications. Given its very compact dimensions, JBL claims the VT4886 is ideal for distributed front fill or underbalcony use. VT4886 line array elements can also be suspended in large multibox arrays or groundstacked, either standalone or with its companion VT4883 low-frequency extension for FOH, offstage fill, stereo in-fill, center cluster or delay cluster use. Mixed VT4883/VT4886 arrays can be suspended and supplemented with additional, large-format groundstacked Vertec subwoofers for extended-range FOH use.
Unique to the subcompact line array category, the VT4886 features eight transducers with 10 separate voice coils. Each VT4886 also includes a total of four new 2103G 2.5” midrange transducers with neodymium magnets, combined with the high-frequency drivers in the new proprietary, integrated mid/high waveguide assembly. The midrange transducers utilise JBL’s Thermomaster technology, paired in thermo-coupled back-cover heatsink structures for improved heat transfer, which results in reduced power compression. A multi-band passive network is designed to minimise insertion loss and lower distortion while ensuring precise impedance matching between the low, midrange and high-frequency component sets.
DOING THE NUMBERS JBL INTRODUCED ITS MUCH-ANTICIPATED SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR ITS POPULAR LINE ARRAY CALCULATOR AT P+S 2010. The new Line Array Calculator II duplicates previous LAC functionality with a similar look and feel, but is now a more refined work tool that enables system designers and setup technicians to simulate mixedmodel VERTEC arrays. Enhanced acoustical modeling with colourised graphical representation of results includes SPL mapping, 0 dB Isobar, and SPL attenuation modes. Frequency response and SPL based on the tonal balance of JBL’s V4 DSP presets can be selected or, alternatively, maximum SPL compatible with EASE modeling predictions can be examined. Up to four frequencies can be simultaneously displayed, and up to six frequency response probes can be entered on up to four defined audience planes. Additionally, subwoofer modeling is now offered.
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LOUDSPEAKERS BUYER’S GUIDE NEW ARRIVAL - L’ACOUSTICS KARA Widely accepted as the benchmark in line-array speaker design, legendary French manufacturer L’Acoustics’ V-DOSC system is one of the most popular among engineers and rental companies based in the Middle East. Since its introduction in 1993, the V-DOSC system has spawned a number of iterations, not to mention rival designs that have sought inspiration from the array’s curved configuration. L-Acoustics says the design follows the principles of ‘Wavefront Sculpture Technology’ (WST).The company’s latest product is the KARA modular line source system. With a design inspired by the K1 stadium system, KARA features a compact size and lightweight enclosure complying with rigging and visual limitations and the complementary SB18 subwoofer for reinforced LF contour applications. KARA delivers a considerable number of improvements over its predecessor: added LF resources for increased bandwidth and coherence, improved directivity control in the horizontal plane, vertical coverage capability and improved ergonomics thanks to an integrated rigging system and lighter weight. With a horizontal directivity of 110° and a vertical inter-element variation up to 10°, KARA is configurable to match any audience geometry.
SPEAKER DESIGN INNOVATION GENELEC TO THE FORE Typical to all current coaxial designs is somewhat ragged frequency response due to inherent diffraction problems. However, crossover issues due to non-coincident location of sources can be solved with a coaxial configuration. Here lay the seeds of Finnish speaker manufacturer Genelec’s Minimum Diffraction Coaxial (MDC) solution. The main structure of the MDC tweeter-midrange coaxial design consists of an integrated MF diaphragm-suspension-tweeter. The visible part of the coaxial driver is formed by the curved flexible foam surface with the coaxial dome tweeter assembly in its centre. There is no conventional spider and the suspension is made of foam over the entire cone. The inner and outer suspensions are designed in such a way that their possible non-linearities cancel each other out, thus forming a very linear total suspension system.The inner section joins the cone to the
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tweeter structure without any acoustical discontinuity, and the outer one does the same between the cone and the driver chassis. As there are no acoustically observable discontinuities between the tweeter b aand the cone, just a smooth surface, there is no diffracth tion either. The cone ti profile is carefully p optimised to form an o integrated directivity in ccontrol waveguide ffor the tweeter radiattion. The driver outer edge is terminated to e an a advanced DCW waveguide in order w to t control the dispersion of midrange p radiation.Genelec r has h incorporated the design into a range d of o products, including the 8260A DSP Loudspeaker sysL tem, which combines a coaxial driver within a modern waveguide, ensuring drivers to couple coherently over their operating bandwidth.
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LOUDSPEAKERS BUYER’S GUIDE
TOP LOUDSPEAKER PIONEERS MEYER SOUND Top speaker California-based speaker manufacturer renowned for its pioneering efforts resulting in patents for processorcontrolled loudspeaker systems, self-powered loudspeakers, curvilinear arraying, cardioid subwoofers, and source independent measurement. www.meyersound.com
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RENKUS- HEINZ Founded in 1979 by Harro K. Heinz and Algis Renkus, the company currently holds a number of loudspeaker patents including the CoEntrant Transducer multiple driver horn. www.renkus-heinz.com
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THIS MONTH’S MUST-ATTEND EVENT INFOCOMM 2010 9 – 11 June, Las Vegas Convention Centre, Las Vegas, USA www.infocomm.org
DER ALSO CONSI sign Summit America’s premier audio-visual, information and communication technology event, Infocomm, returns to the Las Vegas Convention Centre for another year. More than 900 exhibitors will showcase their latest products and services on the showfloor, attracting more than 32,000 professionals from more than 90 countries.
YOUTUBE VIDEO GUIDE Hey Brian! Self-described ‘Tech Guru’ and DJ Brian S Redd brings his unique take on pro audio, mixing, lighting techniques to the masses, or at least those watching YouTube. Redd makes some interesting points and is well worth checking out if you have a lazy five minutes. His character-led home videos, featuring DJ Pimp, on the other hand… www.youtube.com/briansredd
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OLED Lighting De 21 - 22 June Hilton Kensington Hotel, London, UK www.oledinsider.com aker lineA world-renowned spe latest the of ase wc up and a sho kes this an ma ns tio ova inn ct du pro OLED techs. indispensable event for
COMING UP IN NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE… The Heat is On: How tech suppliers and their customers are surviving the summer, PLUS our buyer’s guide to the latest wireless networked audio technologies.
BACK STAGE
Flip flop
OFF THE RECORD
News that ultra annoying reality TV star Heidi Montag spent more than $2 million recording her debut album only for it to sell 700 copies got us thinking about some other more high-profile commercial recording disasters of recent years. (ed’s note: Some of these albums still rock in our opinion!) U2, POP (1997) Pop represented the culmination of U2’s flirtation with electronica. Despite the commercial success of Achtung Baby and Zooropa Zooropa, Pop appeared a beat too far for an increasingly estranged public. The meat and two veg sound of the album’s follow-up All That You Can’t Leave Behind dragged the band back into the mainstream. Sales: Joshua Tree (15 million +); Pop (1.5 million). BEASTIE BOYS, PAUL’S BOUTIQUE (1989) Later recognised as marking the Beastie Boys’ seminal transformation mation from frat prats to artistes, Paul’s Boutique was the commercially disastrous follow-up to Licensed to Ill. Still a great album. Sales: Licensed to Ill (9 million); Paul’s Boutique (2 million). MICHAEL JACKSON, HISTORY (1995) Jackson’s ‘90s comeback album was an unmitigated stinker that was also overshadowed by sordid child molestation charges brought against the singer at the time. Jackson’s career – and reputation – never recovered from either catastrophe. Sales: Thriller (35 Sa million); HIStory (4 mi million). m OASIS, BE HERE O NOW (1997) N The album that Th
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cconfirmed our worst-kept w ssuspicions of the Brothers Gallagher B aand relegated Oasis tto also-rans after tthe all-conquering Glory. The ((What’s the Story) Morning Glory aalbum’s failure saw the brothers trade on tabloid fodder in a desperate attempt to maintain their flagging profiles. Sales: (What’s the Story) Morning Glory (11 million); Be Here Now (3m). GUNS ‘N’ ROSES, CHINESE DEMOCRACY (2008) Axl Rose’s (note not ‘G ‘n’ R’s) critically panned comeback special was the subject of much derision after such anticipation. The album, which endured one of the longest gestations of any in history, was a major embarrassment, not to mention a sales shocker. Sales: Appetite for Destruction (20 million); Chinese Democracy (1 million). MIND BLOWIN’, VANILLA ICE (1994) He of the recently aborted Barasti’s gig sank without a trace with this stinker after the success of his Ice, Ice Baby-anchored predecessor, To the Extreme. Bob Van Winkle’s (aka Vanilla Ice) street cred also disappeared, leaving him little choice but to reinvent himself as a tattooed hiphopper. Sales: To the Extreme (10 million); Mind Blowin’ (125,000).
“He possessed one of the greatest voices in heavy metal and had a heart to match it. He was the nicest, classiest person.” Twisted Sister guitarist Jay Jay French on Ronnie James Dio, who passed away last month of stomach cancer. The former Black Sabbath singer was 67.
“In Egypt getting ready to go on stage and suddenly there’s a surge of power and an electrical fire starts under my feet! WTF?!” Mariah Carey... welcome to Egpyt! She of octaves only dolphins understand took time out from self-immolation to tweet live updates of her Cairo experience to fans.
“If I’m going out, I want to go out rockin.” Brett Michaels discusses his brush with death on Oprah. Despite suffering a brain haemorrhage, the former Poison singer insisted on wearing his trademark bandana and hat throughout the ordeal. As one does.
“N he “No, wanted w to go out trying tr to hide his male h patterned p baldness.” b A blogger gets to the crux of Michaels’ dilemma.
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