Sound & Stage Middle East - July 2010 by ITP Business Publishing

MERGER MANIA PLASA and ESTA agree to merger deal p08 SUMMER HEAT Catching up with CT’s Damien McGurn p10 BUYER’S GUIDE The latest wireless audio tech in the spotlight p33

AIMING HIGH

HOUSE OF WISDOM

Sian Events establishes new office in Abu Dhabi

KAUST museum showcases cutting-edge AV technologies

BLOWING THEIR

TRUMPETS How World Cup stadium SIs tried to tame the dreaded Vuvuzela

Vol: 4 Issue: 7 July 2010

An ITP Business Publication 1 Licensed by Dubai Media City

CONTENTS 22

July 2010 Volume 4, Issue 07 07 Regional News PLASA and ESTA agree to merge; Mediapro opens new office in Qatar; Trott named head of AKG; Peavey debuts Commercial Audio division.

10 Rapid-fire interview We catch up with Creative Technology’s general manager, Damien McGurn.

12 Aiming high We chat with Claire McDonald from Sian Events about the company’s plans for its new Abu Dhabi office.

22 COVER STORY: Back of the net! Profiling the key stadium systems integrators and technologies involved in this month’s FIFA World Cup.

29 Hot products Studer releases Vista 9, Mackie debuts HDA loudspeaker system.

33 Buyer’s guide Showcasing the best wireless audio technologies in the business.

38 The Guide This month’s top events.

40 Backstage

JULY 2010 SAS

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WEB LOG DPme.com

JUNE’S TOP STORIES

MOST READ NEWS STORIES OVERALL

1 Al Jazeera to broadcast World Cup in 3D

2 World Cup sales struggle in the UAE

3 OSN to give away free Al Jazeera cards MOST READ SOUND& STAGE NEWS STORIES

Al Jazeera agrees to refund UAE customers Al Jazeera confirmed it would refund UAE-based World Cup fans who (a) paid over the odds for television subscription cards, (b) discovered they didn’t work; or (c) suffered both issues. However,

the broadcaster declined to compensate those who bore the brunt of signal losses during the early stages of the tournament, a calamity it claimed was the result of industrial sabotage.

1 Founding father of Sennheiser passes away

2 Live coverage from Infocomm 2010

3 AKG debuts new iPhone monitoring application

EDITOR’S CHOICES NEWS

NEWS

THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH Top broadcast tech featuring

BACKSTAGE: FLIP FLOP A look at some of the highest

at this year’s World Cup

profile recording disasters

SPOT POLL

AL JAZEERA WILL CHARGE NEW CUSTOMERS $130 TO SEE THE WORLD CUP, HOW MUCH WOULD YOU PAY?

38.1% IT’S FREE EVERYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD, I WON’T PAY A PENNY

02 SAS JULY 2010

23.8% SUB-$100 WOULD BE MORE REALISTIC

16.7% $130 SEEMS FAIR TO ME

11.9%

9.5%

I’D PAY WHATEVER THEY ASKED!

I’D RATHER PAY PER MATCH, NOT INTERESTED IN WHAT AJ IS OFFERING

EDITOR’S COMMENT

World Cup stadium stars With the 2010 FIFA World Cup in full swing in South Africa, this month’s cover story showcases the technical challenges facing the systems integrators involved in the installation of AV technologies in use at each of the 10 stadiums featuring at this year’s event. Despite initial fears that many of the venues planned for this year’s World Cup would not be completed to schedule, each of the companies involved have done a brilliant job installing the latest and greatest AV technologies, ensuring the spectacle on the pitch is faithfully reproduced for fans watching the massive screens within the stadium and also the collective billions viewing the games on TVs across the world. Johannesburg’s Soccer City stands as the country’s most impressive stadium and the site of the most complex AV installation in use at this year’s World Cup. A full HD IPTV network feeds multiple large screen presentation systems located within the stadium and in the immediate vicinity, while a fullscale EV networked loudspeaker installation offers more than enough grunt to challenge the dreaded vuvuzelas for audible output on match-day. Heeding the lessons learned at the 2006 World Cup staged in Germany and the Athens Olympic Games, the team of systems integrators involved in the massive project have excelled in putting together AV packages that not only meet but exceed the quality on display at these landmark major sporting events. Elsewhere in this issue, we turn the spotlight on the support offered by logistics specialists to

companies still operating in the region during the summer months. While businesses in our industry traditionally struggle during this period, many operators are increasingly finding success shipping inventory to markets for one-off events, making the support of freight carriers and logistics specialists essential. While most of these companies are headquartered outside the Middle East, many are hungrily eyeing opportunities in the region, spurred on by the rapid expansion of the live events industry, particularly in the GCC. We also check in with Damien McGurn of Creative Technology to see how the company is keeping busy during the summer period while gearing up for the cooler months, and also catch up with Claire McDonald of Sian Events to discuss the company’s plans for its new office in Abu Dhabi. Sian Events has forged a considerable reputation supplying events know-how to well-known Abu Dhabi-based clients including Mubadala in recent years, making its decision to establish a permanent presence in the capital a no-brainer. Meanwhile, this month’s buyer’s guide turns the spotlight on the latest developments in wireless audio networking and distribution. Wireless audio systems have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, driven by the increasing popularity of wireless miking and monitoring technologies. Enjoy this month’s issue!

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 Managing Director ITP Business Karam Awad 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 Senior Photographers: Efraim Evidor, Jovana Obradovic Staff Photographers: Isidora Bojovic, George Dipin, Murrindie Frew, Lyubov Galushko, Shruti Jagdesh, Mosh Lafuente, 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 Marketing Manager Annie Chinoy 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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THE BRIEFING

Mediapro opens new office in Qatar EXCLUSIVE AV rental house Mediapro has opened a new office in Doha. The new operation has been founded on the back of an investment of US$1 million. The company plans to invest a similar amount again over the next 12 months. Its inventory includes a JBL Vertec line array and desks from Soundcraft and Yamaha as well as wireless audio systems from Shure and Sennhe-

Mediapro’s Doha operation will target Qatar’s growing live events market.

iser. On the lighting front, Mediapro has a range of conventional, digital and LED lights. Its most recent purchase was a set of Clay Paky moving lights with MA Lighting and Avolites control systems. Projector stock includes high-end Barco and Christie Digital DLP projectors, a selection of media servers and a Dataton Watchout and Folsom Encore control.

THE MONTH IN NUMBERS – EAR-SPLITTING IRRITATIONS

105DB

127DB

130DB

144.2DB

FRONT ROW AT A STADIUM ROCK SHOW

THE SOUND OF A PASSENGER JET TAKING OFF

A MILITARY JET TAKING OFF AT FULL POWER

A WORLD CUP VUVUZELA AT FULL BLAST

NEWS BRIEFS

NO STONE LEFT UNTURNED IN WORLD CUP BID

Broken Stone Productions is on track to meet its target of hosting 75,000 guests over the course of its World Cup nights currently being staged at Dubai’s Palladium. Around 1500 guests have been cramming in to the venue to view each match on a massive HD screen spanning 16m x 9m – one of the largest in the Middle East.

DODSON NAMED AUDIO-TECHNICA GCC SALES REP

Audio-Technica has appointed wellknown industry identity John Dodson as a sales representative for GCC. Dodson boasts more than 20 years experience working with the likes of Yamaha and Bose. Most recently, he oversaw Bose’s export business in the Middle East and Africa. Dodson established his own independent representation company in 2009.

SENNHEISER STAGES COEMAR FINALISES AUDIO WORKSHOP TURKISH LIGHTING FOR UAE CLIENTS INSTALLATION Sennheiser recently staged a ‘Sound Academy’ workshop in Dubai. Leading the seminars were Klaus Willemsen, manager, Senior Projects – Wireless Engineering, and Norbert Hilbich, industry team leader of Application Engineering. Both executives travelled from Sennheiser’s headquarters in Wedemark, Germany, to attend the event.

Coemar recently completed the installation of a range of lighting fixtures in the Mardan Palace resort located in Antalya, Turkey. The hotel’s main auditorium features 110 Risalto projectors with PC and Fresnel lenses, eight Infinity Wash XL moving heads, eight I Spot 1200s, eight I Spot 575 MBs, 10 I Wash 575 MBs, and 10 Pro Spot 250 LXs. JULY 2010 SAS

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THE BRIEFING

PLASA and ESTA confirm merger plans MERGER The world’s two largest pro audio, lighting and live event industry bodies, PLASA and ESTA, have voted to merge their operations. Well over 90% of members from each association voted in support of the move, which will see ESTA and PLASA integrated to create a single international trade association operating under the PLASA name. The merger is a significant development for the industry as it will effectively create the first truly international industry-wide membership body of more than 1200 manufacturers, installers, dealers, serv-

More than 90% of PLASA and ESTA members voted in favour of the merger.

ice providers and consultants working across the entertainment and installation industries. This will also include

TROTT NAMED HEAD OF AKG Andy Trott, president of Harman’s mixer business Soundcraft Studer, has also been made responsible for the company’s microphone division, AKG. Trott replaces Stefan Gubi, who departs the company this month after five years at the helm. Trott, who has overseen the ‘digitalisation’ of Soundcraft Studer’s business since he joined in early 2003, has promised minimal disruption to the organisational structure of AKG. “We will obviously look for efficiencies and make sensible changes, but AKG is running well, much to the credit of Stefan’s [Gubi] work over the past four years,” he said. “Nigel Beaumont, our

08 SAS JULY 2010

members of PERA - the former Production Equipment Rental Association - which recently merged with ESTA. Both teams will now spend

the next six months putting in place the infrastructure behind the merger, the first formal stage of which will be completed by December 2010, allowing the new organisation to go live on 1 January, 2011. In a joint statement, PLASA CEO Matthew Griffiths and ESTA executive director Lori Rubinstein said: “We believe the logic driving the merger is sound. The strengths of both organisations are evident and we have an unequalled opportunity to increase value [for] members. A united approach to the challenges of our industry will provide major longterm benefits.”

PEAVEY DEBUTS COMMERCIAL AUDIO DIVISION

Pictured (L-R) James Kennedy, Andy Weingartner, Kevin Ivey, Chris Bennett and Clive Roberts.

VP of Operations, has been running our manufacturing operations across all three brands for almost a year now and the marketing teams, in line with all Harman Professional brands, work together on a daily basis so the businesses are comfortable working together.”

Pro audio specialist Peavey has launched its new Commercial Audio division, an umbrella organisation that will manage the company’s MediaMatrix, Crest Audio and Architectural Acoustics divisions. A new management structure has been put in place to run the organisation which is headed up by MD Clive Roberts based in Corby, UK, and Peavey

Commercial Audio general manager, Kevin Ivey, based out of Peavey HQ in the US. The new division was presented to EMEA distributors at a two-day distributor meeting recently staged at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains in Italy. “The meeting was a great opportunity to spend one-onone time with our team of distributors,” said Ivey.

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FOG 850FT

ColorSpot 250 AT

DigitalSpot 7000DT

FOG 1550 FT

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RAPID FIRE INTERVIEW

5 MINUTES WITH… Damien McGurn, general manager, Creative Technology Dubai. S&S: How is business shaping up for the summer months? Do you have any projects in the loop you can tell us about, either in the Middle East or internationally?

ist do you work with on a ists re regular basis? CM Predominately we use the servCM: ices ice of EFM who we trust to get the job done.

S& How challenging is it S&S: shifting gear around the resh gion? Are there any inhergi ent e risks involved?

DM: Business in the region during the summer months is as expected… slow. We are however extremely busy in Europe with the World Cup. A large proportion of our inventory based locally has been shipped back to the UK to cover a shortage of equipment for the World Cup fan parks.

C CM: I wouldn’t say it is particularly challenging as we have been movch ing in equipment around the region for many years. One of our biggest bug m bears is the quality of the local trucks, b which definitely don’t comply with w standards we are used to in Europe s and a America.

S&S: How have you planned for the summer months this year? DM: We are planning to spend a great deal of time quoting for events ts that are scheduled for after the sum-mer months, and we will service and d maintain the equipment we have remaining in the region [CT shifts in-ventory across the world depending g on demand] and perform our annual al PAT Testing. We will send some of our employees to Europe for training and support.

S&S: Do you agree the summer months are busier now than they were a decade ago? If so, what facts do you attribute to this trend? DM: I agree that the summer months are busier than a decade ago, however the region is still a harsh place to be during the heat of the summer. CT is involved in a great number of events outdoors, which are not staged in the hotter months, so we still send our big ticket items back to the UK where the commercial opportunities are greater.

10 SAS JULY 2010

S&S: How do the costs of logistics and shipping services in the Middle East compare to other markets worldwide? Are insurance premiums higher in the Middle East compared to international markets? S&S: Do you think there is still a shortage of indoor venues in the region catering to events during the summer months? What other challenges do you traditionally face during this period?

CM: Insurance costs in the region are comparable to the UK; however there are additional charges for attestation and CoE documentation. Creative Technology has a global insurance policy, so we wouldn’t know what the regional premiums would be.

CM: During the summer months there is not a huge call for venues and events in the region. Most of the bigger venues are empty as the main decision makers and executives are normally out of the country on annual leave during this period.

S&S: Do you think logistics companies need to provide greater support to live events businesses during the summer period? Do you think their priorities are focused too greatly on the busy European and US markets during this period?

S&S: Which logistics and associated transportation special-

CM: Logistics companies should focus on where the revenue streams are!

5 MINUTE INTERVIEW

AIMING HIGH Events management firm Sian Events recently opened a new office in Abu Dhabi in a bid to better o service its growing client base in the UAE capital. S&S recently caught up with Sian’s events director, S Claire McDonald, to discuss the company’s plans C for the future.

Sian Events’ dome has been used by

S&S: You recently opened a new office in Abu Dhabi. What prompted the decision? CM: After 14 years of trading in the UAE, the opening of our Abu Dhabi office represents a real milestone for [our business]. It demonstrates our growth from entertainment supplier to a full service boutique event management company.

S&S: Which clients are you working with in Abu Dhabi? CM: We work with a range of high-pro-

12 SAS JULY 2010

file clients, including Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Tourism Development and Investment Company, Al Fahim Group, Flash, Fast Track, FIFA CWC and Abu Dhabi Municipality.

S&S: Can you discuss any projects you are working on or have coming up? CM: We can’t mention our core corporate business due to client confidentiality agreements, however we have brought back our SIAN signature event, Picnic on the Park, which will take place on 19 November in the amphitheatre at Dubai Me-

clients including Mubadala.

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dia City. The event returns after a hiatus of 12 months and will once again feature as a 40-piece orchestra. This year’s Picnic show, entitled Bond to Bollywood, is a journey through 50 years of music from the movies. A full cast of artists, dancers and special guests will be in attendance. We’re encouraging guests to bring their picnic blankets and hampers and enjoy the best of London’s West End. We also have another very exciting project scheduled for December, which we’ll be releasing information about in the post-Ramadan period. We are looking forward to continuing our community engagement projects in 2011 as we enjoyed working with Flash on the Brazilian carnival, as well as Yasalam and also with FIFA in 2010.

S&S: How challenging has the recession been for your business? CM: Thankfully, as an established company in the UAE with more than 32 years experience in the industry, it has been tough but we have not felt the full brunt of the recession, compared to some other companies operating here.

changes this period has ultimately brought to the UAE. As a company, we are committed to Dubai and the UAE and feel very confident looking into the future. I am sure there are many other companies based t in i the UAE who are thankful for having been based here during the recession as opposed to elsewhere. o

S S&S: Have you noticed a disccernable drop in business in Dubai? D

SIAN EVENTS PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS Sian Events has been involved in a number of high-profile events across the region and internationally in recent years, including: Mubadala promotions for Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix Carnival. Mubadala Grand Prix promotions, Milan, Italy. Air Asia launch, Abu Dhabi. The Festival of the Sea, Kuwait. The Oil Barons Ball, Dubai. Jumeirah Festival of Taste, Dubai. Cliff Richard concert, Dubai.

It was fairly obvious that the rapid rate of development in the region could not be maintained. It had to stabilise. This trend always brings with it a period of change. However, now that the worst is over the UAE will grow at a more sustainable rate, which will create a more authentic working environment for businesses to operate in. This will in turn allow companies to deliver a superior product to their clients. We are confident that those Mubadala’s F1 event in Abu Dhabi. who have come through this period will benefit from the

C CM: There was a temporary slowdown iin business during the recession but nothiing substantial. A number of planned projects over the last two years have been ccancelled or shelved which has had an efffect on our business. We have also seen a tightening in regards to budgets for many of the projects we have been involved in during this period. Clients have increasingly relied on us to deliver cost-effective solutions through creativity without sacrificing the quality of the content or downgrading the product.

S&S: Are you looking to expand your business further across the region or elsewhere internationally? CM: We already work regionally and internationally and have no plans currently to open additional SIAN offices.

S&S: What challenges do you think the UAE live events industry faces overall? CM: Reality has hit us through this period and the challenges our industry faces now include coming up with cost-effective innovative solutions for our customers and unique platforms for their brands. Provided companies in our industry can demonstrate value they will continue to pick up work. As with all sectors at the moment it really is a matter of survival of the fittest. We must identify with the marketplace; we have to partner with our clients to develop relationships that allow innovation and creativity to survive in what is a very competitive environment. JULY 2010 SAS

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AV INSTALLATION

HOUSE OF WISDOM King Abdullah University of Science and Technology’s (KAUST) new Museum of Science and Technology in Islam (MOSTI) development showcases a raft of cutting-edge AV technologies.

The museum exhibit features a range of HD projectors and interactive technologies including touchscreen monitors.

he vision of MOSTI originated from King Abdullah’s ambition to establish KAUST on the banks of the Red Sea at Thuwal, north of Jeddah, as a modern ‘House of Wisdom’. His aim was to rekindle the great and noble virtue of learning and to celebrate the contributions of Muslim scholars to science and technology during the first Golden Age of Islam. The facility’s ‘Building 19’ (also known as ‘The Museum and

Conference Building’) was requisitioned for the purpose. Mahmoud Al-Hashem, head of Operation & Maintenance at the KAUST Museum, set about designing an interactive system and procuring the best AV technology available. Firstly, he contracted Dubai-based MTE Studios to develop the conceptual design for the facility within a limited time frame. Once development was underway, Al-Hashem advised MTE to turn to Jeddah-based Creative Data Systems (CDS), with whom SAS JULY 2010

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AV INSTALLATION

TECH TALK Christie’s DHD700 delivers high brightness in full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, outputting 6500 ANSI lumens. The DS+750 delivers 7500 ANSI lumens at SXGA+ (1400 x 1050) resolution and can be tailored either for high brightness or superior colour reproduction.

he had worked in the past, to complete the AV installation. “I wanted to have the AV supplied locally,” he said. “I knew CDS would be able to handle it. I discussed our requirements with them and because they are right up to date with the market and what technologies are available, they were able to offer [a range of solutions].” After this period of consultation, CDS project manager Mazen Kanawati specified eight Christie DHD700 single chip DLP HD projectors and a DS+750 for installation in the facility. Al-Hashem and his team are using the DHD700s to project HD video content as part of a multimedia presentation in conjunction with a range of interactive technologies including touchscreens, moving plasma monitors, interactive videos and lighting effects. The fully integrated media system is managed by Medialon show controllers, using Gefen KVM Extenders and 56 rack PCs for source material.

16 SAS JULY 2010

Elsewhere, the DS+750 is used to project images as part of a presentation involving a chemical hemisphere, while various DHD700s fire onto a rear glass screen and project a map on one of the walls. Al-Hashem says the projectors have to work a heavy duty cycle, switching on remotely at 8am and turning off manually at 5pm each day. Besides the theatres, MOSTI also relies on its state-of-the-art AV technology to present information via the touchscreens and touch tables, light projections and posters, at the same time preserving the features of a traditional museum by exhibiting replicas of manuscripts and artefacts. “Everyone who enters the museum is hit by the wow factor,” says Al-Hashem. “We have only been open two months and already received many tours and hosted visits by ambassadors, ministers and dignitaries.”

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LOGISTICS SERVICES

ON THE ROAD AGAIN With the rapid growth of the live events industry in the Middle East, sourcing quality freight and logistics services is becoming a major priority for pan-regional events management firms. Here, we profile some of the leading logistics specialists operating in the region.

DB Schenker Regional HQ: DB Schenker established its regional head office in Dubai in 2007. The company currently serves four countries in the MEA region: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kenya and Egypt, with more joint venture plans penned in elsewhere. Pitch: The company provides clients in the region a range of services, including logistics concepts for instruments and orchestra/concert equipment; global transport from venue to venue; combined passenger and freight charters; dedicated customs clearances; and 24/7 customer support and project management services. www.dbschenker.com (Turn over the page for more info).

EFM Regional HQ: Established regional offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2008. The company has been operating since 2000 and has five offices in the US, Europe and the Middle East. Pitch: EFM is a specialist freight project management company providing highend service to the sports, events, exhibition and entertainment industries. It brings European levels of service in the movement of stage and sound equipment. Events experience: EFM has provided logistics support services for world tours by the likes of Guns ‘N’ Roses, Bloc Party and Black Eye’d Peas. Locally, it has shifted kit for concert performances by George Michael and Christina Aguilera in Abu Dhabi, the Bahrain F1 GP, the Dubai World Cup and the Dubai Rugby Sevens. It counts a number of high-profile regional organisations, including the Qatar Foundation, among its clients. www.efm-worldwide.com

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Chapman Freeborn Regional HQ: Chapman Freeborn has been based in the UAE for 10 years and through its offices in Dubai and Sharjah, provides extensive services for both passenger and cargo charter flights within the region and globally. It works closely with event management logistics specialists including EFM. Pitch: While much of the equipment required for a concert can be moved by scheduled airline services, sometimes the amount of cargo and/ or the timeframe required to move it between concert venues requires a dedicated cargo aircraft. In this case Chapman Freeborn ensures that every item is moved safely and quickly regardless of the destination. The company recently landed the prestigious Air Cargo Charter Broker of the Year prize at the ACW World Air Cargo Awards. For the fourth consecutive year, worldwide freight forwarders and cargo airlines selected the organisation as their favourite provider following a round of independent voting. www.chapman-freeborn.com

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Agility Logistics Regional offices: Agility boasts multiple sales and support centres in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait. Service offering: Agility’s Event Services division specialises in handling shipments for live events. The company’s service package includes cost-saving logistics planning; completion of temporary or final customs clearance; storage, transportation, freight management and delivery coordination of production equipment; extensive insurance coverage and door-to-door delivery. Events experience: The company has been involved in a range of high-profile events, most notably supplying logistics services for the inaugural Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix last November. It also provided consultancy services to the previous two Summer Olympic Games staged in Athens and Beijing, as well as the HSBC Golf Championship. www.agilitylogistics.com

Rock-It Cargo Regional HQ: Headquartered

World Class Shipping Regional HQ: Regional head

in Surrey, UK, with extensive regional office network spanning the Middle East. Also operates offices in the US. Pitch: Rock-It Cargo provides logistics services to high-profile clients operating in the live music, theatre, TV, film and corporate events sectors. The company specialises in air and ocean freight charter services, tour planning and insurance. Events experience: One of the international touring industry’s big guns, Rock-It Cargo has worked with just about every major act over the past 20 years, including Nirvana, Rolling Stones, Radiohead and U2. www.rock-itcargo.com

office in Dubai with partners scattered across the region. Pitch: World Class Shipping is an international freight forwarder and customs broker with worldwide headquarters located in New York. The company utilises a network of more than 450 agents located worldwide and operates an online logistics tracking service. www.worldclassshipping.com

JULY 2010 SAS

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LOGISTICS SERVICES

5 MINUTES WITH… Michael Barber, regional sales manager, Schenker Middle East. How important is the Middle East to your business? The Near Middle East & East Africa contributes less than 1% towards the total revenue of the DB Schenker group worldwide. But this needs to be put into context, because it in no way diminishes the importance of the region to the group as a whole.

Which live events companies do you work with in the region? Our most recent partnership was the Abu Dhabi Classics sessions. We were involved in concert performances by Bayreuth Festival Orchestra and the Philharmonia Orchestra of London, among others. The logistics requirements were intensive with four concerts being staged in three countries over four days.

20 SAS JULY 2010

How does business in the summer compare to other periods of the year in the Middle East? The Middle East summer offers various opportunities, with some of the countries enjoying milder summers. In these territories more indoor events are planned and these offer great opportunities for our business. Nevertheless summer sees a slight drop off in terms of core competence events.

Do you offer your clients any special incentives or packages during the summer period? DB Schenker does not limit its service offerings to a season. Instead, we offer “Value in Kind” incentives based on mutual partnership over certain periods of time.

Do you face any particular challenges working in the region? The greatest challenges arise as a result of the extreme temperatures and customs procedures. Equipment is very sensitive to fluctuating temperatures, and more so to extreme heat. We offer a range of solutions for transporting temperature sensitive cargo.

What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on to date in the Middle East? The most challenging event from a logistics perspective was the Abu Dhabi Classics sessions, which involved shifting freight between Bahrain, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Paris. Logistics services were executed for the orchestra members and all their equipment.

WORLD CUP STAGING SPECIAL

BACK OF THE The first World Cup on African soil is not only showcasing the world’s best footballing talent but also the country’s cutting-edge sporting stadiums equipped with the latest professional AV technologies.

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Jo’burg’s Soccer City Stadium.

NET! POWERHOUSE SOUND Nine of the 10 World Cup stadiums were fitted out by South African pro audio specialist TDC Prosound. Mark Malherebe, technical director at Prosound, says the company was actively involved in the audio system specifications for the 2006 bid, experience which the task team was able to leverage to great effect when bidding for the 10 2010 contracts, each of which was individually specified and presented for each stadium. “Over the past thirty years we’ve worked closely with architects and contractors on most of the existing stadiums in South Africa and have the experience and knowhow to get involved in the design from the start,” he says. Highlights of the company’s work in this time include Wanderers and Ellis Park in the 1970s and 1980s respectively, as well as the first upgrade to Loftus Versfeld in 2004. In addition to Soccer City, the company scored SI contracts for Cape Town’s Green Point stadium, Johannesburg’s Coca Cola Park Ellis Park stadiums; Nelspruit’s Mbombela stadium; Bloemfontein’s Free State stadium; Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth; Loftus Versveld in Pretoria; the Royal Bafokeng near Rustenburg and the Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane. The company specified common kit across many of the stadiums, specifically

Peavey MediaMatrix audio processors, Electro-Voice and Dynacord loudspeakers, Electro-Voice microphones, Midas mixing consoles and Crest power amplifiers. More than 2,300 Electro-Voice and Dynacord loudspeakers and a variety of EV REV-D wireless microphone systems were installed across the nine venues. From compact, direct-radiating modules beneath balconies to line-array systems designed to cover long distances, a wide variety of enclosures have been installed, with all components fine-tuned to one another. Dynacord alone supplied more than 1000 loudspeakers from its DL800 series for the mammoth project. Each venue features a comprehensive FIFA-approved emergency response and voice evacuation audio system. “Long reverberation times, asymmetric architecture and boisterous fans require sound reinforcement systems and voice alarm systems to be combined, and strict TÜV-certified conformity with international standards is imperative to ensure that fans will be able not only to hear but also to understand safety announcements in case of emergency,” says Oliver Sahm, director of EVI Audio’s technical support team. “Our tech support team in Straubing, drawing on its many years of experience, developed solutions and honed them to the needs of this year’s tournament venues.” JULY 2010 SAS

WORLD CUP STAGING SPECIAL

JO’BURG SOCCER CITY: A LANDMARK AV INSTALLATION Johannesburg’s 88,000seat Soccer City stadium, which is hosting the opening and closing ceremonies and final match of this year’s World Cup, features a cutting-edge High Definition IPTV and digital signage video distribution system complete with outdoor LED screens. South African firm System Solutions was responsi-ble for the installation. For the network hub, the company specified Vista Spyder video control architecture, running in conjunction with Christie’s Vista Universal Routing Switcher (URS-1608), configured 16-in/8-out. The control system was designed for maximum flexibility, with all common formats accommodated at the input and output stages. The Vista devices feed two 86m² Lighthouse R16i/o-II screens, which relay live action, sponsorship graphics, ad stings and scoreboard info. In setting out the specification, a basic design brief had to be met incorporating HD displays throughout, and independent master control from a central touchscreen interface. An intuitive and compact distribution and signal processing solution was therefore required. “We specified the URS because it simplifies the routing and standards converting process,” says senior video technician Mike Tempest. “Without the URS, we would have had to install various matrix switchers, scalers and standards converters.” The URS is deployed as a matrix switcher/format converter, with the added functionality of layering four inputs onto an output, enabling the Spyder to be bypassed in the event of a failure. “Combining the matrices and scalers in a single unit reduced our rack space considerably, which coupled with the multiview monitor capabilities, makes

24 SAS JULY 2010

the URS [ideal] for a limited space installation.” The network interfacing capabilities of the Vista products means that the Spyder and URS can be controlled directly from any network point in the stadium, even wirelessly. “This has major advantages in the programming stages of the project as we have been able to literally sit on the field and design the layouts with the end client from the best possible viewing position,” says Tempest. The processors take a complex series of feeds. Eight HD SDI inputs are received from the OB compound and pitch, a further four HD DVI feeds from System Solutions’ AV Stumpfl Wings Platinum media servers and two HD component feeds from Blu-ray players. Meanwhile, four outputs from the URS feed the Spyder 344, two outputs feed a pair of HD IPTV encoders which broadcast two dedicated stadium channels, with live coverage of the game and infotainment/ emergency channels respectively. There are also further outputs dedicated to a Source multi-monitor and a utility output presently used for source configuration. However, this could be redeployed for use in other areas, such as scoreboards. Video is relayed to either the digital signage, for public information display, IPTV

in approximately 200 private suites — and to the LED big su screens in the stadium itself. s The relays to the concourse areas are handled directly a through the digital signage system, as this system can decode the IPTV streams generated within the stadium. AV Stumpfl ISEO was selected as the main control platform pulling all the elements of the installation into one master control system. ISEO also controls the video mixing and switching as well as all playback devices in the system and allows a single input to control the entire video flow to the main LED screens, digital signage and IPTV systems. Also controlled by the ISEO touch control system is a Christie HD 6K-M series projector, installed in the auditorium and used primarily for press debriefings. Lamp life is reported to the manager’s ISEO interface. Tempest believes the entire system places the stadium at the cutting-edge of modern AV technology. Approximately 130 digital signage systems are provided in all public areas of the stadium for general information and commercial advertising purposes. “The scale of the project and its locational logistics proved major challenges,” says Sally Penney, who led Systems Solutions’ systems integration team. “But it provided a great chance to work with some of South Africa’s leading suppliers in all fields, to help bring the stadium to life.”

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IN THE XONE South Africa became increasingly gripped by football fever in the weeks prior to the World Cup kick-off, with various events staged aimed at drumming up support for the country’s national football team, Bafana Bafana. At one such event staged in Johannesburg, more than 185,000 fans turned out to watch the team parade through the city’s streets atop a double-decker bus. The parade was followed by a set by local radio announcer and

DJ, Gavin ‘Vin’ Deysel, in the city’s Sandton business district. Deysel employed Allen & Heath’s new Xone:DX during the set, which was the first sold in South Africa.

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JULY 2010 SAS

WORLD CUP STAGING SPECIAL

TECHNICAL AUDIO HIGHLIGHTS LOFTUS VERSVELD STADIUM, TSHWANE/PRETORIA In 2006, Prosound completed an upgrade of Loftus Stadium’s original sound system, which consisted of Electro-Voice ZX5 and SX100 loudspeakers. The upgraded system featured a mix of EV Phoenix loudspeakers, ZX5 and SX100 loudspeakers, and Crest Audio Cki-series power amplifiers, upgraded for voice evacuation purposes. At the heart of the system is a Peavey MediaMatrix Neon 3 digital processing system, which distributes audio across the facility including its private boxes, which are fitted with EV EVID 4.2 loudspeakers. A new evacuation system featuring Dynacord installation-series loudspeakers also features. Control room highlights include an AEQ BC500 audio console and two EV RE20 microphones for commentary purposes. Unlike Cape Town Loftus Versveld Stadium. and Durban, which both feature an ADA Design, Loftus Stadium’s sound system was designed in-house by TDC Africa and Prosound’s Systems Engineering departments. SOCCER CITY, JOHANNESBURG A key technical highlight of Johannesburg’s Soccer City stadium is the installation of 128 EV Phoenix loudspeakers suspended 60 metres above the pitch. The speakers provide 325,000 watts of power with an average SPL of 105db. The colour-coordinated speakers are installed above the venue’s roof membrane. A challenging installation process saw six men crews suspended by harness above the pitch due to restricted weight load factors. NELSON MANDELA BAY STADIUM, PORT ELIZABETH The 50,000-seat Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, which was specially constructed for the World Cup, features the latest audio technology as a result. Prosound were contracted by Di-Data to do the full design, supply and installation of the sound system as per FIFA requirements. The design utilises ElectroVoice X56 FRX 15-inch Horn Loaded Coaxial loudspeaker systems driven in passive and Bi-Amped configurations. Crest Audio Cki-series power amplifiers fitted with NX-CobraNet cards and a total of 136 Electro-Voice FM4.2 speaker systems feature across the Nelson Mandela Stadium. venue. A Peavey Media Matrix provides control.

26 SAS JULY 2010

VUVUZELA OFF! The scourge of World Cup viewers across the world, the dreaded vuvuzelas pose an even greater hindrance to those watching the games inside the stadiums, not to mention ground announcers. Their omnipotence inside each stadium also presents potential safety issues in the case of an emergency announcement. EV’s experience in designing sound systems for the stadiums used in the 2004 Athens Olympics provided the company with valuable insight into the challenges presented by excessive crowd noise. The Athens Games, for example, saw the first deployment of EV’s remote amplifiers, and the solutions adopted in Greece formed the basis for the sound reinforcement designs implemented to impressive effect in Germany’s soccer stadiums in 2006. Here then, whilst the trumpeting of the vuvuzela may be a new factor, and the architecture of each stadium poses inevitably a set of problems uniquely its own, Prosound and EV were well aware of what would be required to address these issues. Each stadium’s pro audio installation was designed with this din in mind. For example, Soccer City’s audio installation pumps out an average SPL of 105db, providing more than enough grunt to challenge the cacophony of local supporters literally blowing their own trumpets during each game. “In these environments, sound reinforcement systems and voice alarm systems must be combined. Fans will be able not only to hear but also to understand safety announcements in case of emergency,” explains Oliver Sahm, director of EVI Audio’s Technical Support Team.

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THE STADIUMS OF THE 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP South Africa has constructed or refurbished 10 stadiums across the country specifically for the World Cup. They are: • Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Tshwane/Pretoria. Upgrades completed 2008. Capacity: 42,858 • Soccer City, Johannesburg. Upgrades completed 2009. Capacity: 88,460 • Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg. Completion 2009. Capacity: 55,686 • Green Point Stadium, Cape Town. Completion 2009. Capacity: 64,100 • Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth. Completion 2009. Capacity: 42,486 • Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban. Completion 2009. Capacity: 62,760 • Free State Stadium, Mangaung/Bloemfontein. Upgrades completed 2008. Capacity: 40,911 • Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace, Rustenburg. Upgrades completed 2010. Capacity: 38,646 • Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit. Completion 2009. Capacity: 40,929 • Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane. Completion 2010. Capacity: 41,733

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THE GUIDE

GUIDE

INSIDE This month’s hottest product releases, buyer’s guide and classifieds

PRODUCT: HDA loudspeaker system MANUFACTURER: Mackie WHAT’S THE STORY?

HOT PRODUCT: Vista 9 MANUFACTURER: Studer WHAT’S THE STORY? Following on from the Vista 5, 6, 7 and 8 desks, Studer claims the Vista 9 takes the operator experience to a higher level again, supplementing the Vistonics interface with radical and innovative ‘wide screen’ based TFT metering, FaderGlow and numerous other innovations. The new channel meters display mono through to 7.1 channel signals in the upper section of the screen, while the lower portion can show bus assignment or for surround channels an image of the surround composite, providing a clear and easily understandable display of the surround signal. Alternatively, a history mode records occur-

rences such as overloads in the audio path of each channel, and highlights them in red on the channel waveform. The operator can then review which channel suffered the overload, up to 30 seconds after the event has occurred. Furthermore, all stereo inputs and stereo masters have a correlation meter bar above the bargraph display. The Control Bay meter section can be configured to show any choice of output busses and input channels and displays up to 40 meters at the time. During a hectic live production, the context oriented FaderGlow provides the operator with an instant overview of the console status by illuminating each fader in one of eight freely-assignable colours. www.harmann.com

Mackie’s new HDA 12” two-way high-definition arrayable powered loudspeaker boasts 1200W of peak system power. With a coverage pattern of 110 x 20, Mackie claims the compact HDA loudspeakers are highly configurable. The system can scale from a highoutput pole-mounted PA to a flexible flown array incorporating up to four HDAs and two HD1801s per side, making it ideal for midsized venues. With acoustic and mechanical design by EAW and patented HD audio processing, HDA offers proven line array performance at a relatively affordable price. www.mackie.com

SAS JULY 2010

THE GUIDE

PRODUCT: F37L MANUFACTURER: PIXLED WHAT’S THE STORY? PIXLED has debuted its new flexible 37mm LED mesh display, which is designed for creating flexible LED displays and stage backdrops. The technology’s quick rollout design enables ultra-fast installation/breakdown with minimal and the 2300 Nit lilight delivers i l llabour, b d th ht output t td li mega-bright, high-impact, full-colour video images. PIXLED F-37L’s slim lightweight design provides numerous creative opportunities and also other key plus points like lower transportation costs. The high transparency factor enables video and lighting effects to be layered, as the surface becomes near invisible with lights shining through from behind. Other key features include a 37mm pixel pitch, 57% transparency factor, weight of just 6.4kg per square metre and a quick-rollout design. The frame can be finished in black or white and the product has an IP63 rating, making it ideal for outdoor and indoor applications. www.pixled.com

PRODUCT: X6R I/O card MANUFACTURER: Optocore WHAT’S THE STORY? Digital fibre network specialist Optocore has developed a new I/O card for its X6R 16-channel converter. The AES3 (AES/EBU) card provides 16 AES channels, with the ability to change the inputs or outputs in groups of eight. It complements the company’s existing mic/line conversion cards, and offers a variety of additional device options. “Aside from the I/O configuration, for devices fitted with the AES card combined with the software-selectable analogue converter card, there is enormous flexibility; whether the user wants to use all 16 AES channels (and no analogue I/O), or a combination of both, the AES card will switch from 16 chan-

30 SAS JULY 2010

nels to eight channels accordingly,” explained Optocore support engineer Christian Pötsch. “This combination would work particularly well in amplifier racks — allowing the amps to be connected by AES, but with the option to connect any analogue inputs as well.” www.optocore.com

PRODUCT: ADN discussion system MANUFACTURER: Sennheiser WHAT’S THE STORY? Sennheiser showcased its ADN discussion system at Infocomm 2010. The wired, digital discussion system comprises of an easy-to-use central unit and two conference terminal options: one for the conference manager and the other for the participants. The ADN conference unit uses a Sennheiser KE 10 capsule with a super-cardioid pick-up pattern. A DSP limiter ensures that the audio signal cannot over-amplify. Audio is reproduced by the terminal’s integrated twin loudspeakers. Thanks to the RJ-45 ports the system can be set up quickly and easily, ready to use. For fixed installations, a cable strain relief is available, ensuring added reliability. www.sennheiser.com

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PRODUCT: Artist 1100 OLED control panel MANUFACTURER: Riedel Communications WHAT’S THE STORY? Riedel showcased its new Artist 1100 Series OLED control panel at Infocomm 2010. The 1100 is Riedel’s new premium control key panel for Artist digital matrix intercoms. With 65,000 colours and a resolution of 140 dpi, these new displays provide excellent readability and are able to display eight detailed characters of up to 24x24 pixels. Definable marker colours for the keys complete the labeling options and provide instant function identification for incoming calls. The panel features individual rotary encoders to adjust the listen level of every talk key. Furthermore, all 1100 Series control key-panels provide five dedicated function keys, a built-in loudspeaker with improved audio quality, an XLR headset connector and a removable gooseneck microphone. Three GPIs and GPOs are available re-

PRODUCT: Portable lectern system MANUFACTURER: 5 Star Cases WHAT’S THE STORY? 5 Star Cases has

sepctively for system-wide programming. Two sets of balanced line level audio inputs and outputs are also provided as standard. An expansion slot is also included. For the entirely digital connection to the matrix via AES the panel provides both BNC and CAT-5 connectors as standard. The second audio channel of the AES signal allows the panel to transport broadcast quality audio in addition to the intercom application. An efficient circuit design also features an integrated power-supply. Riedel claims the panel consumes 50% less power than the 1000 Series while generating less heat. www.riedel.net

PRODUCT: Event Controllers updates MANUFACTURER: Analog Way WHAT’S THE STORY? Analog Way has revealed the latest additions to its Event Controllers range: the RK-300 and TRK-800. The two new remote control keypads are designed to control Analog Way’s latest multi-scaler seamless switchers, which include Eikos, Pulse and SmartVu LE. RK-300 and TRK-800 allow full control of menu and settings of the switchers and direct access to PIPs, logos, frames and sources selection. Layers properties can be de-

fined by the user and stored in the consoles’ memories. A mini joystick allows easy control of the displayed elements. RK-300 features a Graphic Fluorescent display that includes a high contrast menu, illuminated three-colour buttons and a mini T-Bar to control effects levels. Designed to control up to three switchers, TRK-800 features large and soft illuminated three-colour buttons, a T-Bar and an additional large-format VFD display. Fitted with an Ethernet LAN RJ45 connector, RK-300 and TRK-800 are easy to connect and use. www.analogway.com

begun shipping its new portable lectern system, which is supplied as standard with an integrated industrial grade case. The lectern is manufactured from birch plywood that is CNC machined. It features a sloping work area to accomodate laptops or papers, with easy cable access via a series of slots machined into its body. Two basic styles are available. The first incorporates a 12U 19 inch rack mount area for AV equipment such as radio mic transmitters, audio processing, DVDs and media players. The second option is more aesthetically appealing, but lacks the rackmounted area. Both are dimensionally identical, and so will fit in to the same standard case. Some customisation to the standard lectern design is also possible, such as extra cable slots or CNC machined logos, and three colours are currently available - black, grey and white. Optional flight cases are available in any one of seven standard colours. www.5star-cases.com

SAS JULY 2010

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WIRELESS AUDIO BUYER’S GUIDE

BUYER’S GUIDE (UN)WIRED FOR SOUND

New RF-based technologies are transforming what is possible when it comes to wireless audio and networking in live production environments. Here, we showcase the best wireless audio technologies available on the market. RIEDEL Rock on! Wireless audio and intercoms specialist Riedel presented its new RockNet 100 RN.102.IO module at last month’s Infocomm event in Las Vegas. The system is a flexible, digital snake solution that provides up to 80 digital audio channels over a single counter-rotating CAT-5 ring. It easily integrates analogue mixing consoles into the audio network or can be set up for a simple redundant multicore connection. The system is auto-addressing and can be easily configured via the frontpanel or – additionally – via the intuitive RockWorks software. RockNet’s rugged steel enclosures are made for heavy-duty road use and offer the distinct advantage of magnetic shielding. All connectors are gold plated. The circuit design is streamlined to ensure ultra-low noise and minimum distortion. RockNet is based on a redundant ring architecture with road-proof Neutrik

Trantec Quiet achievers

Ethercon cabling, which allows light, compact and redundant connection between FOH, stage and – if required – a monitor mixer. With its redundant ring topology, RockNet forms a self-healing network with no loss of audio in case of a connection fault between two devices. RockNet 100 modules can be seamlessly integrated into any RockNet 300 installation. The RN.141.MY expansion card enables full remote control of Yamaha mixers over all connected RockNet modules. In addition, the software and the front panel of each module provide easy configuration of the whole RockNet audio network. RockWorks allows extensive configuration and remote control of any device in the whole RockNet installation over a single USB connection. www.riedel.net

UK company Trantec is best known for supplying wireless audio technologies to some of the world’s biggest touring acts, including Radiohead and Razorlight. The company recently released the S-D7000, which it claims is the world’s first fully digital wireless microphone system. Key features include 24-bit audio resolution network monitoring for more than 60 channels. Another recent highlight is the upgraded S6 wireless system. The internal circuitry of the S6 beltpack and handheld transmitter has been redesigned and upgraded, extending the frequency capability to a massive 80MHz. www.trantec.co.uk

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WIRELESS AUDIO BUYER’S GUIDE

RTS Multichannel to the Max

AKG Going global AKG’s DMS 700 is the first professional digital wireless system that meets worldwide transmission regulations. Two frequency versions, each with up to 155 MHz frequency range of transmitter and receiver give the user the necessary flexibility even in a crowded RF environment. With this ultra-wide tuning range, AKG claims users can operate up to 100 channels simultaneously. An automatic encryption function offers

the necessary security to protect sensitive audio transmissions. AKG claims the digital audio transmission successfully eliminates distortions and significant noise levels at high audio frequencies. The DMS 700 can be integrated into an HiQnet system with the optional HUB 4000 Q. With the Harman PC control software System Architect the DMS 700 can be remote controlled and monitored from a PC. www.akg.com

Sennheiser Bigger and better Sennheiser recently introduced new versions of its professional wireless products. The EM 3732-II twin receiver and the SK 5212-II bodypack transmitter feature a switching bandwidth of up to 184 MHz and have a special mode for more interference-free transmission frequencies. Sennheiser claims this enables sound engineers to adapt to worldwide transmission conditions more easily and avoid interference from other transmitters. Sennheiser claims the doubled switching bandwidth has not impaired the reliability of the EM series models. “The receivers are fitted with high-quality linear amplifiers and auto-tuning filters,” explains Astrid Vettin, product manager, Professional Systems. “This reduces the amount of intermodulation products, ensuring reliable reception even in difficult RF environments.” www.sennheiser.com

34 SAS JULY 2010

Making its debut at NAB 2010 was RTS’ new MADI16+ scalable multichannel audio digital interface card. The card expands the configuration capabilities of the ADAM matrix frame and the ADAM-M very compact matrix frame by utilising up to 64 channels of MADI (Multichannel Audio Digital Interface) technology to connect AES10-compliant devices over coaxial and fibre connections. To ensure flexibility, the MADI-16+ operates at sampling rates of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz. It is fully scalable, allowing 16 to 64 channels of audio and fully compatible with AZedit configuration software. The MADI-16+ ties the entire system together by supporting audio connections between matrix frames. It can link frames using a variety of connector options including coaxial and fibre, with a range of more than 15 km between ADAM/ADAM-M frames. The MADI-16+ also supports ancillary data for RTS intelligent trunking between long-distance intercom systems. www.rtsintercoms.com

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Audio-Technica Better performance Audio-Technica debuted its upgraded range of wireless systems at this year’s P+S show in Frankfurt. Improvements across the range consist of both the functional and the ergonomic and are designed to boost performance and usability. The 2000a Series benefits from updates to receivers and transmitters. Receivers now offer 12v antenna power (to drive the ATW-B80 antenna booster or other active components), improved tone lock squelch and increased output level with -2dBV/+9dBV output selector switch. A new high RF power option on the 2000a Series beltpack and handheld transmitters delivers improved range (particularly in the case of the beltpack transmitter when body-worn), and transmitters now feature charging contacts for use with a new charging station. The improved 3000b Series features nine new pre-coordinated frequency scan groups that simplify selection of usable frequencies in a multi-channel wireless

Shure An oldie but a goldie An inaugural Sound & Stage Award winner way back in 2007, Shure’s flagship wireless system, the UHF-R, introduced a range of innovations at the time of its release, including automatic frequency and transmitter setup (using In-fra Red) and networkability (via a USB and Ethernet). The system’s networking function enables sound engineers to o easily position and monitor microphone setups involving an extensive number of channels, while the ‘frequency wizard’ opption in the Shure Wireless Workk-

system. The 3000b Series is available with either a dynamic or condenser handheld transmitter featuring robust metal construction and slim ergonomic design. The ATW-T341b handheld transmitter includes the stage-proven Artist Elite AE4100 cardioid dynamic element, while the ATWT371b handheld transmitter features the Artist Series ATM710 cardioid condenser element. Updates and improvements to the highperforming 4000a and 5000a Series include a new backlit LCD on transmitters and locking battery door on UniPak bodypack transmitters; two-colour (green/red) power/mute LED to indicate on/mute status; new 25 kHz spacing providing up to 996 selectable frequencies and a new v3.0 of the AEW Control Interface Software,

which now works with all popular operating systems. The 4000a and 5000a Series are available in C, D, E, F and G Bands across Europe. The 3000, 4000 and 5000 Series wireless systems are covered by the company’s Upgrade Pass scheme which allows wireless users a clear path through the challenges presented by Ofcom’s Digital Dividend Review. www.audio-technica.com

bench Software (Mac and PC ben friendly) simplifies the selecfrie tion of frequencies. tio Internationally, big name artInt ists ist such as Sir Paul McCartney ne at the Grammy Awards, Sean Se Paul in Dubai, Bruce Springsteen at the Bonaroo S Festival, and Jose Carreras F in i Istanbul, have all utilised UHF-R technology. The Middle East has proven one of the most lucrative markets in terms of sales of UHF-R systems, with regional sales estimated to be closing in on the 1000 mark in 2010. www.shure.com

SAS JULY 2010

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WIRELESS AUDIO BUYERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GUIDE

HOT WIRELESS MONITORING PRODUCT AKG iPhone App Want to check your wireless setup from your iPhone? With the AKG Wireless iPhone App, you can monitor and control an AKG wireless system from your iPhone or iPod touch via Wi-Fi. AKG claims the app is the fastest and easiest way to check the wireless connection between a transmitter and a receiver on stage. It allows users to check and detect radio shadow areas directly on the stage with the RF monitor. As the iPhone/iPod touch is rotated from portrait mode of a stripe into landscape mode, the RF Monitor graph

36 SAS JULY 2010

shows the Radio Frequency level over time. Each wireless channel is shown as a list item. The name, radio frequency, device type and connected HUB 4000 Q name are provided. The stripe shows details of the wireless device, such as the device name, the radio frequency, the radio frequency level, the audio level and the battery life time of the transmitter microphone. The app is free for download from AKGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website or the Apple iTunes store. www.apple.com/itunes

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Hitlist

The

THIS MONTH’S MUST-ATTEND EVENT

OR TRY THIS

PALME Vietnam 22 – 24 July m Ho Chi Minh City, Vietna

Professional Sound & Light Expo 23 – 25 July, Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai, India, www.buysellint.com One of India’s leading pro audio, lighting and live event production industry events returns to Chennai in 2010. The event will showcase the latest products and services from a host of local and international exhibitors.

ow rolls into The PALME Asia roadsh ion and ibit Vietnam’s Saigon Exh first time. the for e ntr Ce Convention le dd East, the Asian Similarly to PALME Mi Install component. an tes event incorpora

iPad app of the month YOUTUBE VIDEO GUIDE

MxNM LE

Traktor Pro – DJ Tech Tools Among the countless number of DJ tutorials available on YouTube, DJ Tech Tools’ Trakor Pro guide is one of the best… it’s even shot in HD! Youtube search term: DJ Tech Tools Traktor Pro tutorial

38 SAS JULY 2010

MxNM LE, which stands for Mix N Match MIDI Limited Edition, offers 135 virtual buttons sliders and knobs, providing fantastic levels of control for a huge variety of sound processing, sequencing and mixing software applications. Nifty pp y stuff.

BACK STAGE

World Cup shockers Forget the dismal performances dished up to date by the 2010 World Cup’s so-called big guns and revel in the joy delivered by the most memorable World Cup moments of the past 20 years.

BEST OF THE WORST HAIRCUTS Carlos Valderrama. C The undisputed T cchampion. Forget Colombia’s C performances at p tthe 1990 World Cup and revel in the eternal afterglow of Carlos Valderrama’s luscious locks.

A one-game 2002 WC substitute, Portuguese international Abel Xavier probably should have spent less time on his hair and more time focusing on his football.

W What was it with Colombians and C ‘unique’ hairstyles ‘ during successive d World Cups of W the 1990s? Rene Higuita gets in on the act, doing his best to upstage Arsenio Hall in the pony mullet stakes.

Holland’s Ruud Gullit (with England’s Gary Stevens running him a close second). Let’s hope he brings the perm back for his rumoured next gig as coach of the less than mighty Socceroos.

Swiss defender Philippe Senderos provides cutting insight into the tonal qualities of the vuvuzela compared to the Swiss Alpine horn. Thanks Philippe.

“ “Pele should go back g tto the museum. As m for Platini, he’s French, he believes he’s better than the rest of us.”

backsides. As you do.

Most memorable World Cup anthem

40 SAS JULY 2010

“I don’t think you can really compare thee two. But it is a noisy instrument.”

Argentina legend, former coke-fiend and budding diplomat Diego Maradona responds to criticism of his WC training strategies, which included at one point ordering opposing players to take penalty shots targeting other’s

Too fat, too slow, and the stupidest haircut of the 2002 World Cup. Come on down, Ronaldo!

FAR AWAY IN AMERICA, THE VILLAGE PEOPLE AND THE GERMAN FOOTBALL TEAM (AKA NATIONALMANNSCHAFT), WORLD CUP 1994. What do you get when you force a team consisting of mulletted East Germans, Euro-trash-loving West Germans and an innuendo-peddling all-male singing group well past their prime into a recording studio? A diabolically campy ode to the footballing prowess of the unfortunately known Nationalmannscaft and the joys

OFF THE RECORD WORLD CUP 2010 SPECIAL

of German reunifi cation, that’s reunification what! From the ensuing video, it is easy to understand why the Germans still worship David Hasselhoff.

“What really gave me pleasure was that at the Milan airport there were hundreds of people to see us off. We’re not used to this enthusiasm. Four years ago at our departure for Germany, there was just one person with a banner, and he was a friend of mine.” Italy coach Marcello Lippi. Don’t expectt much support for your homecoming, Marcello.