EdgeMax loudspeakers combine surface-mount performance with stealthy design to shatter the limitations of traditional in-ceiling loudspeakers.
Featuring patented PhaseGuide® technology, EdgeMax loudspeakers project powerful, focused sound asymmetrically from the room’s edges to the center. EdgeMax sounds like a surface-mount loudspeaker, looks like an in-ceiling loudspeaker, and directs sound into spaces where traditional loudspeakers can’t go.
Plus, new low-profile LP models make the perfect addition to the EdgeMax family, allowing integrators to bring big EdgeMax sound to smaller and more challenging spaces.
BARS & RESTAURANTS
CABLES, MICS & COMMS
X8i
Be spirited away to a magical wonderland at Waddesdon. To book tickets to see Christie HS Series in action visit waddesdon.org.uk
ADAMSON CONTINUES TO DRIVE THE EVOLUTION OF SOUND REINFORCEMENT WITH UNRIVALED POWER AND CLARITY.
adamson40.ai
Adamson Systems Engineering proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of innovations in sound reinforcement.
Founded by Brock Adamson, the company has consistently redefined audio technology with numerous patents and iconic products. From the legendary MH225 to the latest VGt Line Array, Adamson's loudspeakers have become the trusted choice for top touring engineers and prestigious venues worldwide.
The company’s dedication to in-house manufacturing ensures that every component meets the highest standards of quality and durability. As part of its ongoing evolution, Adamson has invested in advanced manufacturing technologies, including a $4 million electronics facility, to enhance production capacity and meet growing demand.
With a legacy built on passion and innovation, Adamson Systems Engineering is excited to shape the future of audio technology and reinforce its commitment to excellence as it embarks on the next chapter of its journey.
MONDO-DR 35.1
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024
ON THE COVER KALI Ultra Lounge, Orlando. Image by Adi Adinayev
EDITOR
Todd Staszko t.staszko@mondiale.co.uk
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Daisy Thorogood d.thorogood@mondiale.co.uk
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Cameron Crawford c.crawford@mondiale.co.uk
ACCOUNT MANAGER Katie Williams k.williams@mondiale.co.uk
MARKETING & EVENTS MANAGER Alice Clarke a.clarke@mondiale.co.uk
MARKETING & EVENTS ASSISTANT Charlie Moore c.moore@mondiale.co.uk
DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Mel Capper, Jez Reid, Dan Seaton
DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER
James Robertson j.robertson@mondiale.co.uk
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Peter Iantorno p.iantorno@mondiale.co.uk
CEO Justin Gawne j.gawne@mondiale.co.uk
FINANCE DIRECTOR Amanda Giles a.giles@mondiale.co.uk
CREDIT CONTROL ar@mondiale.co.uk
GROUP CHAIRMAN Damian Walsh
MONDIALE PUBLISHING Strawberry Studios, Watson Square, Stockport SK1 3AZ , UK
Two year rates are available on request. Subscribe online at www.mondiale.co.uk or call +44 (0)161 476 5580 ISSN: 1476 4067
Mondo DR (ISSN 1476 4067) is published in January, March, May, July, September, November and December by Mondiale Publishing Ltd, Strawberry Studios, Watson Square, Stockport, SK1 3AZ, UK
Subscription records are maintained at Mondiale Media Ltd, Strawberry Studios, Watson Square, Stockport, SK1 3AZ, UK
FROM THE EDITOR...
Welcome to MONDO-DR 35.1: the first issue in our 35th annual cycle. While I have only presided over a fraction of the many issues that have been published over the years, it’s a privilege to be a part of this team and this industry – and we couldn’t put this publication together without your participation. Our final issue of 2024 is one of the year’s biggest, with an abundance of industry insight, discussion and profiles, in addition to coverage of the latest venue updates and upgrades. The cover story comes from Orlando, with Daisy getting the lowdown on the new KALI Ultra Lounge which opened earlier this year. We also interview Richard Mead, Chairman of Pharos Architectural Controls, and have a company profile on Adamson as the companies celebrate their respective 20th and 40th anniversaries in 2024. This issue’s Venue Report casts an eye on the Bars & Restaurants segment, and we have detailed company updates from ADJ Group, d&b audiotechnik, Shure and Syncronorm. Enjoy the issue and, as ever, we welcome all feedback, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
TODD STASZKO EDITOR
mondo@mondiale.co.uk www.mondodr.com www.mondodrawards.com Printed by Buxton Press, Palace Road, Buxton, UK
IN THIS ISSUE...
Fira de Barcelona | Gran Vía
4 - 7 Feb 2025
RECONNECT WITH WONDER & WOW
Ready to challenge your senses with one BIG, virtually impossible experience? Bring an open mind, eyes and ears and you’ll see and hear the unthinkable. Hold the future of tech today and feel the possibility of tomorrow. Get a taste of the cosmopolitan capital of the world and the sweet smell of success. Reconnect with all six senses at ISE 2025.
IN BRIEF
Elation FUZE takes the Rijswijkse
Schouwburg Theater from static to dynamic
The Rijswijkse Schouwburg Theater in Rijswijk, Netherlands has successfully transitioned from conventional static lighting to dynamically versatile LED fixtures thanks to a two-phase installation of Elation FUZE fixtures. Following several not-entirely satisfactory fixture demos, Ronald de Blecourt, Head of Stage Technique at the venue was contacted by Bert Schmeits, Key Account Manager Benelux for Elation Europe, who believed that Elation’s offerings could meet the needs of the theatre.
Schmeits arranged a demonstration at the theater and took along Elation’s FUZE PROFILE LED framing fixture, and as the demo progressed, de Blecourt and his crew became increasingly enthusiastic.
“At Ronald’s request, I left the FUZE PROFILE with them, allowing them to get to know the product and also ask visiting companies their opinion,” said Schmeits. After 14 days of extensive testing, de Blecourt and his team agreed that the FUZE PROFILE was the foundation they wanted to build on.
The first phase of the project occurred in September 2023 with the installation of 21 x FUZE MAX PROFILE and 6 x FUZE PROFILE fixtures supplied through Elation’s Dutch distributor Rolight.
Positive responses from visiting lighting designers gave them the confidence to move forward with phase two of the project, which concerned the installation of 47 x FUZE PROFILE on the manteau of the portal bridge, and 8 x RAYZOR 760, a powerful RGBW wash fixture with extremely wide zoom, as stage lights, and was executed in July 2024.
The Rijswijkse Schouwburg Theater will use its new Elation LED lighting system across a diverse program of 200 performances yearly. “I have seldom seen a chief lighting technician with such a well-thought-out plan that was worked out in such detail, and in which it was known exactly what they had in mind,” Schmeits concluded. “It makes me proud that we were able to fully realise his plan with Elation.”
www.elationlighting.com
IN BRIEF
EAW ADAPTive audio solutions chosen for David Geffen Hall at NYC’s Lincoln Center
Photo: Michael Moran/OTTO.
The Wu Tsai Theater at David Geffen Hall has been recently modernised with an extensive redesign of its audio-visual systems, acoustical systems and major infrastructure, culminating in the installation of various Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) products.
AVI-SPL was responsible for the implementation of the PA and distributed audio, cinema systems and LED displays for closed captioning and projection, all supported by robust networking solutions, with acoustic consultants Akustiks working in collaboration.
EAW solutions were chosen by Akustiks’ Senior Consultant Sam Brandt, and having worked with EAW previously, both Akustiks and AVI-SPL knew that the brand’s ADAPTive technology would be ideal for the space.
A total of 18 x Anna ADAPTive loudspeakers, 6 x AC6 ADAPTive column loudspeakers and 4 x Otto subwoofers are installed, with the ADAPTive systems acting as one acoustic source that can electronically define vertical coverage using software. This allows the system to be reconfigured without physically moving or reconfiguring the arrays, making its flexibility perfect for the diverse range of applications hosted at the venue – which is the home of the New York Philharmonic.
“EAW’s Anna line array offers a powerful system for highly amplified events,” said AVI-SPL Design Engineer Ross Moretzsky. “The ability to electronically direct the audio with precision ensures even, coherent sound coverage for the designated listening area.”
The AC6 column loudspeakers were added to the system as fill speakers, with all three ADAPTive products working in unison to provide an ideal audience experience.
“An illustrious venue like the Wu Tsai Theater deserves a sound system that measures up,” said TJ Smith, President of EAW.
“ADAPTive products deliver superior sound quality for this state-of-the-art hall. The theater was designed with optimal sight lines in mind, and ADAPTive fits right in. The clean, straight-hang design minimises visual distraction and aids in creating an intimate relationship between audiences and performers.”
In addition to the speakers and subs, EAW’s Resolution Software was pivotal in the commissioning process, in order to build a full 3D model of the system using CAD. This allowed for precise coordination of speaker placement and integration with other technical teams, ensuring the best possible sonic performance and efficient use of space.
“The feedback from everyone, including the Lincoln Center and David Geffen Hall teams, has been overwhelmingly positive,” concluded Moretzsky. “The improved audio-visual experience has been noted by many, enhancing the hall’s reputation as a world leading performance venue.” www.eaw.com
IN BRIEF
PixMob illuminates the Intuit Dome with armrest LED install
The Intuit Dome is the new home of the NBA’s LA Clippers and features PixMob’s innovative NOVA Armrest installed directly into each seat. The NOVA Armrest turns each seat into an interactive pixel of light, transforming the entire arena into a vibrant canvas of live effects before, during and after games. The technology synchronises with music, game highlights, and on-court action, making fans an active participant in the event.
“We always want to make PixMob’s immersive activations feel like magic, hidden in plain sight, and when the venue lights up, it creates an unexpected, shared moment we call ‘Collective Joy’,” said J-O Dalphond, Partner and Chief Commercial Officer, PixMob.
PixMob were involved in the project from the early onset, which allowed them to develop the armrest technology in good time ahead of installation.
“We partnered with seating manufacturer Dreamseat and collaborated to install our NOVA Armrest technology into each of their seats for the project,” continued Dalphond. “It’s always great to get in early when integrating permanent immersive features into a venue, because it transforms the possibilities of what a venue can do, and how it can integrate with the other technology and architecture of a venue.”
The NOVA Armrest features customisable lighting effects, allowing for waves of team colours and vibrant visuals to flow across the venue during player introductions and other key moments. Each seat includes a USB charging port for mobile devices and an NFC reader that connects fans to event content, landing pages, and apps. The armrest is also equipped with four-button game controllers, enabling interaction with ingame entertainment, trivia, and contests. www.pixmob.com
IN BRIEF
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay invests in Ayrton for its Recital
Studio
Photos: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Singapore.
Renowned Singapore arts venue, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, has recently invested in its first consignment of Ayrton fixtures having purchased 21 x Argo 6 Wash and 12 x Rivale Profile units for its 245-seat Recital Studio.
The fixtures were chosen after a thorough evaluation process by Esplanade’s technical theatre managers and lighting team, who judged the Ayrton fixtures to be a good balance of performance and reliability which met all their technical requirements.
“Ayrton’s products stood out for their versatility, innovative features, and the positive feedback we received from other industry professionals,” said Heryadi Yusof, Head of Lighting, Technical Production, The Esplanade Co Ltd.
“The most useful features of the Argo 6 Wash include its wide zoom range and excellent colour rendering, which allow for a broad spectrum of lighting effects,” added Yusof. “The Rivale Profile’s framing system and high output make it ideal for highlighting specific areas or creating sharp, defined beams. Its compact size and weight, and features such as continuous rotation of the pan and tilt movement, provide us with the flexibility to adapt to all kinds of performance requirements.”
Ayrton is distributed exclusively in Singapore by Total Solution Marketing, and the Argo 6 Wash and Rivale Profile fixtures were supplied by Desisti. “Although we received the fixtures through the appointed contractor, Desisti, Total Solution Marketing has been professional and responsive throughout the process. Their support has been essential in ensuring our team was well-equipped and informed to maximise the potential of these new fixtures,” said Yusof.
Tevin Heng, Executive Director of Total Solution Marketing. Said: “We have worked with Esplanade for many years and always respected the lighting team for the attention to detail they put into their rigorous selection process for lighting fixtures, and we are thrilled that these Ayrton fixtures have been selected by them.”
www.ayrton.eu
www.tsm-int.com
NOVEMBER
NOV 6-7
MEET VIENNA, AUSTRIA www.meet-austria.at
DECEMBER
DEC 08-10
LDI LAS VEGAS, USA www.ldishow.com
NOV 13-15
INTERBEE TOKYO www.inter-bee.com
NOV 27-28
JTSE PARIS, FRANCE www.jtse.fr
JANUARY
JAN 23-25
NAMM ANAHEIM, USA www.namm.org/
FEBRUARY
FEB 04-07
ISE BARCELONA, SPAIN www.iseurope.org
FEB 24
FEB 24-27
TPI AWARDS LONDON, UK www.tpiawards.com
THE GET SHOW GUANGZHOU, CHINA www.getshow.com.cn
MAR 25-26
ISCVEx COVENTRY, UK https://iscve.org.uk/
MAR 05-08
USITT COLUMBUS, USA www.usitt.org
MAR 23-25
MUSIC INSIDE RIMINI RIMINI, ITALY www.musicinsiderimini.it
APR 06-09
NAB LAS VEGAS, USA www.nabshow.com
APR 08-11
PROLIGHT AND SOUND FRANKFURT, GERMANY www.pls.messefrankfurt.com
APR 16-18
INFOCOMM CHINA BEIJING, CHINA www.Infocomm-china.com
BARS & RESTAURANTS
Technological upgrades and enhancements in food and beverage establishments from around the world.
Tiger Bay
COMPANIES: KV2 Audio
LOCATION: London, UK
Tiger Bay, one of London’s late-night shisha lounges, has continued its expansion with the opening of a new venue in Enfield. Known for its dynamic fusion of Indian and Chinese cuisine, cocktails, and a wide array of shisha flavours, this new location marks the brand’s fourth UK branch, and its seventh internationally.
More than just a restaurant, Tiger Bay has built a reputation as an exclusive party destination that combines dining and entertainment in a vibrant, late-night setting, and in this new venue the owners wanted to create an environment that easily shifted from a dining experience to a lively party destination. To meet these requirements, a high-quality, scalable sound system was essential – leading Tiger Bay to KV2.
“The client reached out to us via word of mouth, bringing a set of detailed drawings,” explained Toby Jones, AV designer at Middlesex Sound & Lighting. “They were looking for a distributed audio system that could maintain impeccable sound quality whether at low levels during the dining hours or cranked up for DJ sets later in the night. Plus, it needed to cater to both indoor and outdoor spaces in the shisha lounge.”
Before finalising the decision, Middlesex arranged for the Tiger Bay team to attend a live demonstration of KV2’s ESD Series at one of their sister venues in Kingsbury, London. The team was instantly impressed by the power and clarity of the system, along with the sleek design of the loudspeakers. “KV2’s reputation for outstanding sound quality and reliability really speaks for itself,” added Jones. “Whether it’s a live event, nightclub, or a more intimate venue, KV2 consistently delivers rich, full-bodied
sound with no distortion, even at high volumes.” The venue features nine distinct audio zones, which allow for flexible sound management across different areas of the restaurant. These zones encompass the ground and first floors, as well as the reception area and mezzanines on each, ensuring that every part of the venue can maintain a high standard of audio quality without compromise. To achieve this, Middlesex selected KV2’s ultra-compact ESD5 loudspeakers for both the upper and lower floors. The ESD Cube was also used in the design for its ability to blend seamlessly into the venue’s décor, while delivering premium audio quality. “The ESD Cube is discreet but powerful,” stated Jones. “It is ideal for a venue like Tiger Bay, where aesthetics are just as important as performance.”
For the main ground-floor area, 8 x ESD25 loudspeakers were selected, which provide increased bass extension compared to the smaller ESD5, delivering deeper, more impactful sound, while 2 x KV2 ESD6 speakers were also specified as DJ monitors
“The ESD Series offers great versatility in terms of loudspeaker models, making it an ideal choice for a space like Tiger Bay,” Jones continues. “It’s affordable, easy to install, and there’s also a full range of subwoofers that we used on this project to ensure a fullrange system. We chose the ESD1.10 subwoofers to deliver tightly controlled bass, even at very high output levels.”
The end result is a sound system that enhances the guest experience at Tiger Bay, whether patrons are enjoying a quiet meal, a cocktail at the bar, or a dance into the early hours.
www.kv2audio.com
El Carlos Elegante
COMPANY: Fulcrum Acoustic
LOCATION: Dallas, USA
Photo: Douglas Friedman
Osteria
COMPANY: NEXO LOCATION: Caracas, Venezuela
With the desire to find beauty in simplicity beyond its food, drink and interior design, owners at Osteria in Caracas sought a sound system which would match its relaxed setting.
With the brief for the system to be unobtrusive in its design and powerful in its performance to contribute to the restaurant’s concepts, NEXO distributor Sun Music Pro designed a system based around the ultra-compact NEXO ID14, which measures 130mm wide, 130mm high and 120mm front to back, and uses a single coaxial 4-in driver with a 1.4-in Neodymium HF.
With processing and amplification from NEXO’s DTD-I and 3 x DTDAMP4X0.7, the system comprises 6 x ID14s with LF extension from 2 x IDS108 subs in the main restaurant, 5 x ID14 with 2 further IDS108 subs covering the terrace, a single ID14 in the VIP room and a pair of ID14s with 2 x IDS108 subs on the VIP terrace.
“NEXO solutions allow us to create the atmosphere we want to offer our diners so that they feel comfortable, with exceptional audio quality and convenience, as it is perfect when we play background music and also when we want a little more power to start the party,” said Project Manager Germán Tortosa. “Also, it is of great value to us that NEXO has speakers for outdoor use, and that the quality is never affected if it rains or if it’s sunny on our terrace.”
www.nexo-sa.com
El Carlos Elegante is a Mexican and South American inspired restaurant located in Dallas’ Design District and is the creation of the Duro Hospitality Group, featuring a Mexican hacienda styled interior design. The eclectic venue consists of multiple dining areas and building materials, with the front and back courtyards include retractable roofs creating flexible indoor/outdoor seating. The restaurant required a sound system that would work within its architecture and style of the space, and also withstand the extreme Texas weather in the outdoor dining areas. Integrator NX A/V chose a selection of Fulcrum Acoustic speakers because of their form factor, sound quality and reliability. The small-footprint of the coaxial CX8 loudspeakers created a space-efficient design, with 22 delpoyed throughout the venue. With all Fulcrum Acoustic speakers built-to-order, the customer was able to order unfinished boxes and custom stain them to match the space. The customer wanted the sound to enhance the dining experience without being too loud, as Ron Stanley, proprietor of NX A/V, explained. “The speakers envelop the space with a rich sound while staying intelligible at a low volume,” he said. With two outdoor patios spaces making up a significant portion of the dining areas, Fulcrum weather resistant speakers were deployed to withstand the Texas sun and heat. Installers were surprised that the Fulcrum Acoustic system required almost no EQ adjustment during setup and were impressed with the sound quality and coverage. Supplementing the CX8 loudspeakers are 5 x Sub112 12-in Direct-Radiating Subwoofers. www.fulcrum-acoustic.com
Aria
COMPANY: Fohhn Audio LOCATION: Sydney, Australia
Photo: Steven Woodburn
Having celebrated its 25th anniversary recently, owners of Sydney’s Aria restaurant, which overlooks the city’s harbour front, decided to upgrade its ageing 25-year-old audio set-up with a new Fohhn Audio system.
Aria is an institution frequented by regulars and tourists alike for its world-class food, ambience, and one of the best dining vistas in the world.
“It’s important that nothing detracts from the amazing views of the opera house and harbour bridge, or what is on the plate,” said Restaurant Manager, Toni Clayton.
However, Clayton had started to become concerned with the existing background music system, and so started to discuss new solutions with AV provider BeyondAV.
“We were responsible for the original AV install way back 25-plus years ago, and have been taking care of Aria’s requirements since,” explained BeyondAV Director, Christiaan van Schalkwyk. “We’ve noticed that Aria is increasingly being booked as an events space, and the old in-ceiling speaker system just wasn’t designed to meet that sort of challenge.
On those occasions we’ve had to bring in a portable PA which isn’t a great look – and another expense for the restaurant.” Clayton, came into the Restaurant Manager role late in 2023, and was quickly convinced of the need for an upgrade, and asked BeyondAV to scope out what a new audio solution might look like at Aria. After it was determined the existing in-ceiling loudspeaker setup couldn’t be directly replaced, alternatives were sought, and it had to be as low-profile as possible. BeyondAV’s Con Andrews gave the project some consideration and thought to himself: ‘this could be a job for a Fohhn Audio solution.’ He phoned the Fohhn distributor, Audio Brands, and spoke to Business Development Manager, Scott Angove, who was quickly on the same page.
“I immediately had a few thoughts and options for the space,” said Angove. “I knew Fohhn had a product that would work visually and acoustically, and once Toni and the team at Aria heard the demo, it was clear there was no turning back.”
Angove worked with BeyondAV to arrange an on-site listening session, with the small form factor Fohhn LXP-10 taking the spotlight.
“Moving into the dining area from the bar I transitioned from hearing the old audio system to a demonstration of the new Fohhn solution, and the difference was night and day,” recalled Clayton. “The conversation quickly changed from an
audio upgrade for the dining area to a venue-wide upgrade –the demonstration was that impressive.”
The passive LXP-10 might be the most visible new audio addition to the dining room, but its Fohhn’s ‘flat subs’ that are the unseen heroes of this installation. The Integrato IGS-4 is a passive subwoofer with a depth of 108mm and designed to be mounted to the ceiling or wall, but for this project the subs were concealed in the joinery behind the kickplate at the perimeter of the space.
“We needed a full-range, rich, hi-fi sound that wouldn’t overwhelm the space visually,” stated Angove. “Conventional subs would be too boxy for this setting, and so Fohhn’s flat subs, based on the Fohhn Mediascale speaker technology, were ideal. The fact we could place them under joinery worked perfectly without compromising the bass quality.”
The two private dining and events spaces were afforded a new Fohhn Mediascale solution, and while Mediascale is more widely found in corporate applications, it proved a good fit for this space. What made it a match for Aria, is its sonic signature is practically identical to the IPX-10/ IGS-4 combination, making the tonal transition between spaces seamless. The bar area features the same LXP-10/ IGS-4 combination as the dining room with the flat subs located under centrally-located banquette seating, while the foyer and bathrooms now have Fohhn Integrato in-ceiling speakers. Some 28 channels of Fohhn amplification handle the full-range, low-impedance setup, and the MA Series amplifiers also handle the DSP duties. All the modelling was done by Angove in Fohhn Designer, helping to ensure an even coverage throughout the venue.
“As every experienced restaurant operator knows, background music underpins the ambience,” concluded Clayton. “If it’s done well, no one notices it, but you’d be lost without it. The new Fohhn system balances that perfectly.
“More than that, we now have a far more capable audio system that can respond to the events that are a large part of our business. We recently celebrated the restaurant’s 25th birthday with a DJ and speeches. It was the first time in 25 years that we’ve been able to use the in-house loudspeakers for a DJ, and it sounded wonderful.” www.fohhn.com
* A version of this story was previously published on AV.technology
I‘M AN ARTIST
OLA MELZIG
PRODUCTION MANAGER
M&M PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
I just love the new generation of the Artist user interfaces. The SmartPanel‘s intuitive workflow and its very visual layout are simply fantastic.
I can customize it in any way I need, which is absolutely crucial for the big live events I typically work on.“
ARTIST INTERCOM
Professional and reliable live communications. Seamless integration of Riedel‘s SmartPanel and Bolero wireless intercom.
Easily scaling from 16 to 1024 ports with flexible licensing.
Photo by Ralph Larmann
La Cosso
COMPANY: Genelec
LOCATION: Shiga, Japan
Connected to the largest freshwater lake in Japan, Karahashi Deck is a multifunctional facility offering water sports, corporate training, education, and a glass-enclosed restaurant with a view of the water. Sitting on the banks of the Seta River, the new venue is operated by Biwako Rowing Club – an organisation that offers rowing classes to children with disabilities. The newly opened café and restaurant, La Cosso, offers a naturally serene environment, which is complemented by 6 x 4020 installation loudspeakers from Genelec. Alongside its water sports lessons and educational seminars, Karahashi Deck aims to provide employment support for people with disabilities, through work in the café, boat repairs and additional roles across the site.
Genelec helped to provide a relaxing environment where people with and without disabilities can interact without boundaries. “La Cosso was designed to offer a space with a natural atmosphere so that everyone who visits automatically feels at ease,” stated Shuichi Sakata, Manager of Biwako Rowing Club. “Sound within the space was an important factor in helping customers relax.
“Cafés are – of course – about eating, but I also think there’s an element of enjoying the space and time you spend there, and I think music plays a huge part in that. The music and the quality of the sound make a big difference to the atmosphere and the impression it leaves on our customers. We are very grateful that Genelec helped us to create a space like La Cosso.”
Biwako Rowing Club worked alongside Neighbor Food Co – who were the project consultants – on the design and implementation of the sound system inside La Cosso. It was Neighbor who suggested using Genelec, and the size, sound and design instantly impressed staff members. The loudspeakers are responsible for music distribution in
the café, and they’re simple enough to operate so that staff can manage the audio system with ease. The music source is typically a smartphone or tablet, connected via Bluetooth to a PreSonus StudioLive AR8c mixer. However, if a customer decides to bring in a Mac or PC for special events, a PreSonus AudioBox GO USB interface is then inserted between the computer and mixer.
“When I arrive in the morning, all I have to do is turn on the output device and start playing,” adds Sakata. “Genelec’s loudspeakers have built-in amplifiers, as well as Intelligent Signal Sensing technology that automatically turns on the power when music is played, so the products are really convenient. Even when you go home after work for the day, the power will automatically turn off after a certain period.”
Genelec loudspeakers in RAW aluminium finish were chosen to match the natural feel of the café, as Sakata explained: “The texture of recycled aluminium enclosures with a RAW finish was the best choice. When we installed the loudspeakers, the staff were surprised at how well they matched the interiors. I heard that Genelec values the natural environment, which makes them highly compatible with venues like ours where we encounter nature every day.”
Karahashi Deck’s La Cosso restaurant brings together the natural beauty of Japan. Not only does it sit alongside one of the most stunning freshwater lakes in the country, but it also showcases the best in humanity, offering permanent work for people with disabilities. Genelec’s 4020 installation loudspeakers offer a relaxing soundscape that ensures La Cosso can continue its mission by providing a space in which everyone can learn and work comfortably.
www.genelec.com
LOA and Aki
COMPANY: L-Acoustics
LOCATION: Malta
Two of Malta’s most distinctive dining establishments have elevated their culinary experiences with the installation of bespoke L-Acoustics sound systems. LOA, a South American-inspired seaside venue in St. Paul’s Bay (above), and Aki, an Asian fusion restaurant in Valletta (below), now boast audio environments that perfectly complement their respective atmospheres and cuisine. LOA, nestled near the historic Wignacourt Tower, is a bright seaside venue which has become a favourite among locals and tourists alike. Aki, situated in Valletta, is part of a franchise with an additional venue in London and has quickly become a go-to spot for those seeking a sophisticated dining experience in the capital.
Both venues required bespoke audio solutions to enhance their distinct characteristics and accommodate their transition from background music during dining hours to energetic DJ performances in the evening.
The DB Group, owners of both restaurants, sought a versatile, highquality sound system to meet these varying needs, and so partnered with Black Box, L-Acoustics System Integrator Partner in Malta since 2017. After an impressive demonstration at the Black Box showroom, where the dynamic range and sound quality of L-Acoustics systems stood out even at low volumes, the project moved forward.
David Zammit, Technical and Sales Director at Black Box, led the project, leveraging his expertise and using L-Acoustics Soundvision software to precisely model the acoustic environments of both restaurants. His designs ensured optimal speaker placement and coverage to give every guest, regardless of their location, or time of day, an exceptional experience. The installation at LOA features a combination of 34 x 5XT coaxial enclosures and 10 x SB15M subwoofers, providing balanced coverage both indoors and outdoors in the restaurant and lounge. Aki’s system includes 6 x X4i and 12 x 5XT coaxial enclosures, 6 x X8 coaxial point source speakers, and 4 x SB15M subwoofers, strategically placed to cater to different areas of the restaurant, bar, lounge and private dining room. The venues are powered by 6 x LA4X and 4 x LA2Xi amplified controllers respectively, with LOA also utilising an LA12X for additional power and control.
“Working with L-Acoustics products allowed us to deliver audio experiences that truly complement the atmosphere these restaurants have carefully created,” said Zammit. “The dynamic range and sound quality of L-Acoustics systems, even at low volumes, set them apart from other brands in the industry.” www.l-acoustics.com
Zelva Rooftop
COMPANY: Bose Professional LOCATION: Pereira, Colombia
Zelva Rooftop stands out as one of the trendiest places in the thriving Colombian city of Pereira. Located atop the contemporary Oko Tower building and benefiting from a prime location in the thriving Eje Cafetero region, Zelva Rooftop is divided into three main areas: the rooftop restaurant, a private lounge and an outdoor terrace. The venue owners desired a superior sound system that is customised to accommodate its layout, and for ultimate flexibility and control, the project was divided into the space’s three zones where music genre and volume variability would be required. The architect responsible for the project, Maria del Pilar Nieto, sought the help of an integrator in audio solutions with whom he had worked successfully before. Thus, MovilPlay Importaciones, a local AV integrator led by General Manager Germán Valencia, became an integral part of the Zelva Rooftop project from its initial stages.
The MovilPlay team realised that the challenges of the project were two-fold, striking a delicate balance between limiting the sound’s coverage area and volume to lessen the noise disturbance risk outside of Zelva’s parameters, while simultaneously ensuring enough sound pressure so that patrons could experience the festive atmosphere that the owners envisioned.
Considering the project’s requirements, the MovilPlay team determined Bose Professional’s technology and products were the best solution for the problem. First, MovilPlay utilised Bose Professional Modeler acoustic analysis and design software to assist with selecting the optimal loudspeaker that would deliver sufficient sound pressure and de-limit the coverage area.
To assist, MovilPlay enlisted the expertise of Automa: a technical specialist, authorised Colombian Bose Professional distributor and Bose Professional regional technical support engineer. Together, the expanded team reviewed the system’s design in detail to further guarantee optimal performance.
Armed with the project’s specifications, Bose Professional DesignMax loudspeakers were selected, with 13 x DesignMax
DM5SE loudspeakers were installed facing inwards 2.5m apart, suspended from custom-made poles on which brackets are used to adjust the correct tilt of each speaker. In the second zone, encompassing the bar and tables inside the restaurant, an arrangement of 5 x DesignMax DM5SE loudspeakers and 3 x DesignMax DM10S Subwoofers were installed, while the VIP room, which has a capacity of 15 people, is the third zone and 2 x DesignMax DM5SE loudspeakers and a single DesignMax DM10S Subwoofer are deployed.
In addition, realising that the DJ is a prominent aspect of the venue, MovilPlay installed a DJ booth using 2 x L1 Pro 16 portable line array systems and a single T8S ToneMatch mixer, allowing easy transportability with studio-quality audio. As the resident DJ oversees Zelva Rooftop’s musical curation and sound system operation, having a system that was intuitive and high quality was a must. Thus, MovilPlay also installed ControlCenter CC-3D zone controllers for effortless volume control and seamless audio source selection.
MovilPlay’s custom-designed audio system now meets the expectations of not only Zelva Rooftop’s owners, but also its guests and — equally as important — the neighbours of the nearby buildings. The final result is an example of excellent analysis, design and integration, so that no matter where a guest might be seated, they can enjoy music at the appropriate volume, further adding to the rooftop experience.
The Zelva Rooftop audio system is the largest and most complex MovilPlay has installed in a restaurant and it remains one of their most satisfied customers. “Bose Professional is a recognised brand with an authentic and warm sound that our customers perceive and make us notice,” said Gabriel Montoya, a founding partner of Zelva Rooftop. “In addition, MovilPlay is always near to us; they support us when we organise a special event or receive a guest DJ, which generates a climate of trust that we appreciate.”
www.boseprofessional.com
Muse Monte Carlo
COMPANY: K-array
LOCATION: Monte Carlo, Monaco
Muse Monte Carlo is an all-day dining spot, offering a warm atmosphere, creative cocktails and refined cuisine located within the prestigious Méridien Beach Plaza Hotel.
To add to the overall ambience of the restaurant, an audio system for background music was required, and the teams at Envy Soul and AEI Tech provided a solution from K-array loudspeaker brand, KGEAR. “The restaurant comprises both inside and outside zones, with adjustable awnings to facilitate dining throughout the seasons,” explained Thomas Fabbri, Business and Development Director at AEI Tech. “KGEAR’s GH4 point source loudspeaker was ideal as a great all-rounder, appropriate for both enclosed and open spaces with its IP64 rating.”
Within the covered section of Muse, 20 x GH4 loudspeakers are installed in pairs and fixed to the top of floor-to-ceiling posts throughout the restaurant, ensuring optimal sound coverage, with 3 x GS12 subwoofers positioned at the bottom of three of the posts to provide the low-frequency reinforcement required for the restaurant’s regular DJ sessions. In the outdoor dining area, four more pairs of GH4 were affixed to the courtyard’s characteristic pine trees. The complete system is driven by KGEAR’s 4-channel GA43 amplifiers.
“Even in challenging acoustic environments, such as the open-air setting of Muse, GH4s are capable of delivering powerful and clear audio,” continued Fabbri. “Being compact, they are easy to install and are perfectly suited for overall background audio ambience as well as acting as a performance system for poolside DJ performances.”
With a total of 28 x GH4s, Muse Montecarlo can provide visitors with a consistent listening experience, whether seated in the covered restaurant, on the terrace or beneath the atmospheric canopy of the pine trees.
“Muse Monte Carlo represents an ideal example of the reliability and ease of integration of our GH Series loudspeakers,” confirmed Lorenzo De Poi, Brand Manager at K-array. “The scalability of the range means that the restaurant has the flexibility to add more audio reinforcement should they need to, and the stainless steel weatherproof cabinets ensure the system at Muse can continue delivering in all seasons.”
www.kgear.it
20 YEARS IN CONTROL
Pharos Architectural Controls - celebrating its 20th anniversary year in 2024 - is an award-winning and independently owned British manufacturer of dynamic lighting control solutions for architecture, themed entertainment, and other specialist industries. Our hardware and software solutions are designed and built in-house, backed by a 5-year warranty, and supported by an experienced technical team. Pharos products are trusted to run day and night, illuminating iconic installations around the world. pharoscontrols.com
Pearl River Guangzhou 2018
LEGOLAND Woodland Village
COMPANY: EM Acoustics
LOCATION: Windsor, UK
Opened in May 2024, Woodland Village is an accommodation site at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. A focal point of the venue is The Clubhouse Restaurant and Bar, which features a newly implemented immersive, zoned audio sound system featuring EM Acoustics EMS Series producs.
David Shepherd of DS Audio led the sound design on the project, having worked with LEGOLAND Windsor Resort on previous areas within the park. Shepherd collaborated closely with the internal technical team and integrators, JPSL, to design and install a full EM Acoustics system that would provide immersive background audio and sound reinforcement for onstage performances.
“The Clubhouse required highly intelligible, zoned audio and an entertainment system to support a small stage area that sits alongside the restaurant and bar,” explained Shepherd. “They wanted to bring the ‘woodland feel’ inside, so we used the sound design to produce a soundscape that could play different bird and wildlife sounds in a realistic, immersive way. The system also needed to be able to switch to a performance system for audiences to enjoy the on-stage entertainment, so versatility was key.”
Shepherd is familiar with EM Acoustics, having worked with their products for several years and praised the quality and clarity of EM Acoustics loudspeakers.
One of the key requirements for the park was that the system would integrate into the site-wide Q-SYS infrastructure – which the EM Acoustics amplifier range offers – whilst the LEGOLAND team were already confident in EM Acoustics loudspeakers as they have been used on several installations within the resort in previous years.
“When working with EM Acoustics and DS Audio, we can always be confident of not only a high-quality final product that sounds amazing, but also one that is reliable, and importantly, integrates seamlessly with our other systems across the Resort,” confirmed Mark Boyce, Innovations Manager at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. “The Woodland
Village was a different project, in that we were not just aiming for simple mono or stereo playback, but an immersive soundscape that really transported guests into the right environment.”
The Clubhouse space was split into four audio zones for the purpose of the sound design. Zone 1 comprises the bar and open entertainment area, which features a small stage area equipped with a pair of EMS-81Xs and an S-48 subwoofer. Stage foldback for monitoring is through a single EMS-61 loudspeaker, while an Allen and Heath mixing console and Sennheiser EWDx head-worn and handheld mics provide a complete toolkit for hosting a variety of performances at The Clubhouse.
The remainder of zones 2-4 are installed with a total of 48 x EMS41 loudspeakers to facilitate the immersive system, with low-end reinforcement from a further 3 x S-48 subs. Four DiQ10D amplifiers from EM Acoustics complete the system, with each loudspeaker on its own channel to allow for the independent control needed in an immersive installation.
“All loudspeakers are hidden behind foliage in the ceiling,” explained Shepherd. “Of course, this has benefits for the overall audience experience and helps create a sense of surprise, but it can be challenging to find products that still deliver clarity when installed in such a way. The form factor of the EMS-41 allows us to maintain that clarity of sound.”
Since its recent inauguration, the sound system at The Clubhouse has already garnered significant attention and positive feedback. “With a great atmospheric track and system design by DS Audio, brilliant audio quality from EM Acoustics’ loudspeakers and installation amps, and full integration into our existing Resort-wide Q-SYS ecosystem, we have a system that not only creates the perfect background atmosphere but can also deliver the audio for nightly entertainment, as well as bigger events should we need it,” concluded Boyce. www.emacoustics.com
Coyote Ugly
COMPANY: Powersoft
LOCATION: Bristol, UK
Bringing a slice of the Big Apple to south-west England, Coyote Ugly features with a high-energy audio installation powered by Powersoft T Series amplifiers.
Inspired by the original Coyote Ugly bar in New York, immortalised in the 2000 film which bears its name, the first UK Coyote Ugly Saloon opened its doors in 2016 and instantly proved popular with revellers in Liverpool and Birmingham.
The newest venue, which also has sister bars in London, Cardiff and Swansea, brings the franchise’s trademark lively atmosphere, choreographed countertop dancing and high-energy parties to a harbourfront location on Bristol’s Bordeaux Quay, with long-time integration partner Spartan Audio Visual once again bringing the audio muscle key to the raucous Coyote Ugly experience.
“We’ve worked with the UK franchise owner for a long time and understand a lot about how they like to work in order to deliver maximum value without compromising the overall AV product,” explained Dave Morgan, Spartan Audio Visual’s sales and installations director. The Cardiff-based company previously designed and installed audio systems for other Coyote Ugly Saloon locations, including Piccadilly and Camden (London), Cardiff, and Swansea.
Spartan is a regular user of Powersoft amplification and in Bristol, Morgan and his team, in partnership with UK distributor CUK Group, selected the Italian company’s T Series amplifiers to meet a brief emphasising both high performance and budget friendliness. Designed for smalland medium-scale systems, T Series delivers premiumquality sound in a cost-effective, 1RU package, with onboard DSP and both analogue and Dante inputs.
At Coyote Ugly Saloon Bristol, 1 x 3,000W T302 amplifier is powering 6 x AUDAC VEXO110 loudspeakers installed directly above the bar, with a higher-power (6,000W) T602 connected to 4 x AUDAC BASO18 subs. A Symetrix Radius
processor and SymVue interface (operated by the Coyote Ugly performers) and four channels of MIPRO ACT58 microphones complete the new set-up.
Besides their cost effectiveness, another key factor in the choice of the T Series amplifiers was their efficiency, according to Morgan, who explained how the Powersoft amps deal with the demands of the Coyote Ugly Saloon experience: “The bars require the ability to provide live music-level dynamics with nightclub SPL and coverage, combined with a very high uptime,” said Morgan. “We are able to use very few amplifiers compared to other brands –using not just the efficiency of the amp models themselves, but squeezing out every bit of headroom using power sharing, too.”
This efficiency, coupled with their high reliability even under heavy use, mean Powersoft amplifiers have become the goto for all Coyote Ugly Saloon bars, as Morgan stated: “They are used across all of this client’s sites as the ’standard’ due to their reliability when used continuously, as this is a highenergy environment.”
All sites outside Bristol feature some combination of Duecanali and Quattrocanali amplifiers, with two Quattrocanali Q4804 (along with one X4) installed in Piccadilly, one Q4804 and one Duecanali 4804 in Camden, one Q4804 (along with one K20 DSP and one K3 DSP) in Swansea, and two D804, plus one X4 and two K3 DSP, in Cardiff.
Having been designed to amplify the lively energy of the venue, provide clarity and depth to music and announcements, and offer the client value for money, the Bristol system succeeds on all fronts. “The end result is a reliable and great sounding system that punches well above its price tag overall,” concluded Morgan.
www.powersoft.com
Piraña
COMPANY: d&b audiotechnik
LOCATION: London, UK
A top-end dining destination in London’s exclusive Mayfair, Piraña is one of the latest additions to the city’s dynamic restaurant scene, with owners Strongarm Hospitality familiar with the needs of high-end destinations.
“We’re used to owning and operating nightclubs, so the quality of the sound in Piraña had to be at the highest level to meet our expectations,” said Scott Chester, Co-Founder and Operations Director. “It has to be warm and enjoyable, regardless of the decibel level at which it’s being played.”
Indeed, Piraña is more than just another restaurant with great background music coverage. Over the course of an evening, customers are transported from a relaxed dining ambience to a livelier party atmosphere with bottle service.
Sound levels increase accordingly, plus there are what Chester calls “bursts of energy” to encourage clients to start singing and celebrating in style. But there were also strict aesthetic requirements: as a luxury restaurant first and foremost, Piraña had to have compact and discreet speakers, able to blend unobtrusively with the exquisite interior design. Cue specialist installer Middlesex Sound & Lighting (MSL), a company well-versed in the demands of this hospitality standard. Led by Project Manager Toby Jones, the MSL team came up with a design to meet all such requirements. They were supported by d&b audiotechnik with review and confirmation of the system design, plus on-site assistance during commissioning, ensuring optimal performance for the client.
“Our goal is always to deliver the best audio experience for our clients,” said Jones. “d&b is known for its exceptional quality, so it was
an obvious choice.” The design sees Piraña’s multiple zones covered by units from d&b’s installation-specific xS Series – the compact, point source 5S loudspeakers, with low-end reinforcement from the ultracompact, Bi8 sub.
“The subs are strategically placed under the fixed seating to remain nearly invisible,” said Jones. Stage sound was boosted with 8S speakers and 12S subwoofers.
Jones continued: “This configuration creates a consistent, immersive sound experience for guests, regardless of their seating location. The system is designed to deliver high-quality sound at low volumes while providing ample headroom for higher levels when necessary.”
Amplification is via d&b’s 5D 4-channel amplifiers, while all input processing and zoning is done via a BSS Soundweb London audio processor with iPad control and several localised wall audio controllers.
Summing up the process, Jones said, “d&b offers an exceptional sound experience, perfectly suited for upscale hospitality venues like Piraña. The speakers deliver clear audio plus a sleek, compact design that integrates seamlessly with the décor. Their advanced technology ensures consistent sound quality throughout the venue, enhancing the guest experience without overwhelming the ambiance.”
And for the client, the result is a sound win. “We’re very happy with the outcome of our d&b sound system,” said Chester. “We’ve had many compliments from clients – the system is powerful, discreet, well balanced, warm and impressive when the time is right.”
www.dbaudio.com
Photo: Johnny Stephens
Made in DR
COMPANY: Pioneer PRO AUDIO
LOCATION: Miami, USA
Made in DR is a lively restaurant and bar bringing Dominican Republic cuisine, energy and music to Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, and to help transport visitors to the restaurant’s island theme and immerse them in the Dominican lifestyle, the venue deployed a sound system utilising Pioneer PRO AUDIO’s technology. Before opening, owners of Made in DR, Ray Cuevas, Lex Prez and Wilkens, made it a goal to reflect Dominican roots in every aspect of the venue, and to create a pleasant and memorable atmosphere throughout its diverse spaces, including a nightclub, lunch spot and dining area, the owners understood the importance of having a sound system that balances energy and versatility.
To ensure this standard would be met, they enlisted Mike Piscitelli, CEO at Soundworx Pro Audio, and his partners Keith Macaluso and Michael Zielny, to provide their knowledge and experience for the installation.
Piscitelli and his team combined Pioneer PRO AUDIO’s XY Series and CM Series, with its K Series amplifiers throughout the venue to create a high-quality sound system by utilising the product’s audio capabilities to combine power and technology.
“With such a versatile space, we knew we needed an audio system that could adapt,” Piscitelli explained. “We had used Pioneer PRO AUDIO’s technology in previous projects and recognised its flexibility to adjust to the ever-changing landscapes of multi-zoned venues would be a great solution for Made in DR’s audio needs.”
Given the venue’s various audio requirements, Piscitelli chose Pioneer PRO AUDIO’s XY loudspeaker series as an essential element of the solution. The series’ high- and mid-range blended design produces a tightly-controlled sound dispersion for a natural sound. This powerful wave throws a great distance, filling all corners of a room with bass, punch, and clarity for the audience.
Additionally, Piscitelli’s team utilised Pioneer PRO AUDIO’s K Series Amplifiers to optimise the performance of the club’s loudspeaker system with presets and networked DSP. The compact 2-Channel professional power amplifiers with DSP and AESOP ethernet interface amps combine energy efficiency with high power output for maximum performance.
“Choosing the right combination of products for the audio system can get complicated, especially in this type of venue,” Piscitelli added. “That was a huge reason we selected Pioneer PRO AUDIO because it is durable and reliable. The technology complements each other, making it user-friendly for the staff, while providing peace of mind to the installer.”
To meet the venue’s need to conceal systems in certain areas, Pioneer PRO AUDIO’s CM loudspeaker series was the ideal addition to complement the XY Series. Strategically placed throughout the venue the 4-in surface mount loudspeakers made for a decreet installation in a variety of indoor or outdoor spaces where reliability is crucial.
“The Made in DR installation is an opportunity for visitors to experience the magic that can come from combining sound, conversation, and movement to form an environment that celebrates culture and identity,” noted David Sullivan, Director of Business Development at Pioneer PRO AUDIO. “We are proud that our products were able to aid in creating perfect chemistry between sound and presence in each space.”
www.pioneerproaudio.com
Carpe Diem
COMPANY: Electro-Voice / Dynacord
LOCATION: Kolkata, India
Having undergone a series of on-site shootouts for a new site-wide audio system, owners of the Carpe Diem restaurant and bar in Kolkata elected for a solution comprising Electro-Voice loudspeakers and Dynacord electronics.
“Carpe Diem is located in a premium spot near to some of the best clubs in town,” explained Dipankar Sengupta of Bosch, who led the project from the manufacturer side. “The owners wanted to be able to compete at that high level, and the right sound system was obviously a key factor in achieving that goal.
“They were also new to the world of pro audio and had a specific budget in hand, so we shared a range of Electro-Voice and Dynacord options and suggested that a product shootout with a leading competitor’s product would be the best way to arrive at a solution. The competitors were invited to a shootout, and we won the project.”
Loudspeaker models from across the Electro-Voice product portfolio were selected to precisely complement the needs of different spaces in the venue, ranging from compact EVID and ZX1i surface-mounted models in the bar and dining areas, to higher-output EKX and EVF models for the main room, which hosts DJ sets along with big-screen sports/event coverage.
Covering the lounge and dancefloor are 4 x EKX-15 15-in full-range loudspeakers combined with 2 x EVF-2151D dual-15-in subwoofers, which serve as the main system in the venue.
Upstairs, a mezzanine area with theatre-style seating features 4 x ZX1i 8-in two-way full-range loudspeakers, and a further private dining room features 4 x EKX-12 12-in loudspeakers with low-end support via a pair of EKX-18S 18-in subwoofers. Finally, a ‘chillout’ area has lighter sound reinforcement via a pair of compact EVID 6.2 enclosures, while a ZLX-15P 15-in powered loudspeaker serves as a monitor in the DJ booth. The system is powered by Dynacord L Series two-channel amplifiers, with 4 x L3600FD (2x 1800 W) amplifiers driving most of the venue, with an L1800FD (2x 900 W) and an L1300FD (2x 650 W) joining them in the rack to complete the solution. With the system installed, the decision to select Electro-Voice and Dynacord has been fully validated. “Working with the system integrator, we were able to deliver exactly what the owners had in mind for their venue and their brand,” added Sengupta, “and, on top of all, it perfectly fitted their budget. We are confident that Electro-Voice and Dynacord will be the first choice as they expand their operations.”
www.electrovoice.com / www.dynacord.com
Da’s Lupo
COMPANY: Optimal Audio
LOCATION: Cologne, Germany
Da’s Lupo is one of five establishments under the management of restaurateur Gabriel Zanchetti, and the restaurant’s Mediterranean-themed menu is served in a large dining room divided into two areas with a separate bar; with the venue also boasting a function room with dancefloor.
With music an integral part of the restaurant experience, Da’s Lupo was recently fitted with a new sound system featuring an array of Optimal Audio speakers and control units, supplied by AV specialists Starpoint.
From the earliest planning stages, the focus of the dining room’s new system design was on three key challenges: firstly, the sound had to be customisable to different areas of the venue. Secondly, day-to-day operation had to be intuitive so that any untrained staff can simply and effectively control the volume levels in the different areas. Finally, the central requirement for the entire project was that it should deliver exceptional sound quality. Similar requirements applied to the basement’s function space, with the additional need for significantly higher volume levels for events.
Optimal Audio’s Cuboid 5 and Cuboid 6 loudspeakers (two-way, full-range models with 5-in and 6.5-in drivers respectively) were installed in the restaurant area, four of each model were used, powered by the company’s Amp 100 amplifiers with an output of 2 x 350 watts each. In the basement, 4 x Cuboid 8 loudspeakers and a single
passive Sub 15 subwoofer are used as loudspeakers, driven by Amp 300 amplifiers with 2 x 1,350 watts of power to deliver nightclub-level sound.
An Optimal Audio Zone 8 DSP-equipped audio controller sits at the heart of the system with a single ZonePad 4 wall panel allowing staff easy hands-on control of each zone in the restaurant and function room.
The Zone 8 has a total of eight inputs: four line inputs, two microphone inputs and two HDMI inputs for TV and video sound, with signals able to be output to eight configurable zones. At the same time, EQ, speaker presets and daily routines can be set via Zone 8. The ZonePad 4 gives users easy access to the volume settings and all other necessary controls for the complete Optimal Audio system and can be controlled remotely via the WebApp app if required.
“The main advantage of the new music system at Da’s Lupo is the simple, intuitive operation of the ZonePad 4,” explained Starpoint’s Sönke Klan, “The customer approached us with the wish to modernise the sound system and install a simple control system adapted to the needs of the restaurant, and we were able to realise these requirements perfectly with the products from Optimal Audio.
“In addition, the new system offers linear sound reproduction and thus enables an all-round discreet but full sound, which benefits the acoustics in the restaurant.” www.optimal-audio.co.uk
Vapiano
COMPANY: Audiologic LOCATION: London, UK
Vapiano Restaurants are known for serving up pizzas and pastas in an ambiance of relaxed sophistication, with relaxing dining spaces full of natural lightm, with open kitchens with laid back vibes. Essential to this ambience is a quality audio system, and Vapiano reached out to professional audio, visual and lighting installer Marquee AV to upgrade the audio system in their Paddington Restaurant. Offering customers the option to ‘stay as long as you want’, Vapiano have recognised that curating an environment conducive to relaxation and enjoyment directly correlates with increased dwell time and enhanced spend.
After reviewing the client request and specifications, Stacey Tough, Project Director at Marquee AV, contacted Audiologic regarding the supply of the audio system. Through discussions with Paul Simpson, Business Manager at Audiologic, 11 x Ecler Drop6 pendant loudspeakers and 3 x Ecler Arqis SB10i subwoofers were specified for the project.
Clarifying the choice, Paul Simpson said: “The Ecler Drop6 2-way pendant speaker suits this setting perfectly. It boasts a 6.5-in woofer and a 1-in silk dome tweeter, along with a 70/100V line transformer offering power options of 60/30/15 and 7.5 watts. These selections are available in both high and low impedance levels. Crafted from reinforced ABS thermoplastic with fibreglass, the speaker offers a sleek design, completed with a paintable grille, ensuring effortless integration into the environment.”
The Ecler ARQIS SB10i wooden subwoofer reinforcement cabinet offers a compact format, stylish aesthetics, excellent sound quality and long-term reliability, featuring a 10-in LF driver and internal LPF with two frequency settings. The ARQIS series has been specifically designed to fulfil permanent installation requirements where a perfect balance between sound performance and architectural/interior’s design matching is a must.
On working with Audiologic on the project, Tough said: “We are lucky to work so closely with Audiologic, they are a trusted supplier who we have a good relationship with that goes back a long time, and we enjoy working with them – they delivered on time as requested, as always. This helped further with a smooth, efficient installation, and boosted customer satisfaction with this job even more.”
Navigating the intricate spatial layout of the restaurant posed a unique challenge, requiring the even dispersion of sound throughout the expansive area. The strategic placement of the subwoofer presented a particular conundrum, artfully addressed by Marquee AV through the creation of custom brackets. This ingenious solution ensures that the subwoofer remains concealed from view, preserving the restaurant’s aesthetic allure.
“The clients were highly satisfied with the project, underscoring our exceptional work,” enthused Tough. “Their resounding approval has led to subsequent project requests and repairs, a testament to the resounding success of this installation.” www.audiologic.co.uk
Ful
COMPANY: 1 SOUND
LOCATION: Kyoto, Japan
FUL is a restaurant, bar, and lounge in Kyoto which has quickly become known for its ability to offer an experience like no other. In addition to the venue’s large collection of plants from South and Central America, customers are surrounded by gentle sounds to create its ambiance, with a selection of 1 Sound loudspeakers discreetly deployed around the venue to deliver exceptional audio quality.
The venue’s ‘Sound Forest’ concept is the brainchild of multidisciplinary producer Tomoyuki Tanaka, better known as Fantastic Plastic Machine, who was the music director for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. When Tanaka conceived the idea for Ful, he consulted with Satoru ‘Tocci’ Tochibori, of Tokyo Sound System Laboratory (TSSL), and came across 1 SOUND.
GizaGiza Inc., the official 1 SOUND distributor in Japan, worked with Tomoyuki and TSSL to make custom 1 SOUND loudspeakers that would fit into the physical aesthetic of the ‘Sound Forest’ concept, and
commissioned customised wood finish loudspeakers which are strategically installed by TSSL to bring his vision to life.
“The concept of ‘Sound Forest’ was born when the intelligent sound and craftsmanship of 1 SOUND was combined with the lushly planted interior of the store,” explained Tanaka. “Without 1 SOUND, this restaurant would not have been complete.”
The venue features various custom 1 SOUND speakers to encapsulate the ‘Sound Forest’, each with a special walnut stain and sandy beige grilles. 4 C5i, 2 C8i, 2 WSUB45i,
Around the venue are 4 x 1 Sound C5i, 2 x 1 Sound C8i loudspeakers with low frequency support from 2 x 1 Sound WSUB45i subwoofers. Both the C5i’s and C8i’s were installed using L-Brackets and C-Clamp accessories, with the WSUB45i boxes mounted to the ceiling using C-Clamps. This trio of speakers combine to produce the premium audio experience sought out to complete FUL’s vision. www.1-sound.com
Amza
COMPANY: Adam Hall Group
LOCATION: Sibiu, Romania
Located in rural Transylvania, Amza features over 100 tables in a large, spacious dining area, an open kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows, and lots of wood panels and plants. To meet the challenges of the restaurant’s acoustically troublesome environment, AV service provider SET-UP chose a combination of products from the LD Systems CURV 500 and DQOR speaker series.
“The customer wanted a sound system that sounded like hi-fi and also offered sufficient power in the bass range for occasional lounge events with a DJ, in addition to its normal restaurant operations,” explained SETUP CEO Grunca Ovidiu.
With an indoor floor area of around 25m x 30m, the open room design required precise selection and alignment of the speakers – not least because the restaurant has a lot of sound-reflecting surfaces.
“Consequently, it was important to have the vertical sound dispersion under control,” said Ovidiu.
For the indoor area, SET-UP’s long-time LD Systems users were confident of the advantages of the CURV 500 array system in this respect: “The scalable CURV 500 satellites, with their narrow vertical dispersion, cause fewer reflections on the ceiling and floor,” confirmed Ovidiu. “This means more direct sound, and a better sound, than when using conventional installation speakers.”
In the restaurant dining area the SET-UP team distributed a total of 16 arrays, each with 3 x S2 array satellites, which are supplemented by two individual S2s in the restrooms.
The desired low-frequency pressure is provided by 16 x CURV 500 I SUB 10-in bass reflex subwoofers, which, thanks to their slim profile, could be elegantly mounted in groups of two on the side walls. The entire speaker setup is powered by several CURV 500 I AMP 4-channel Class-D installation power amplifiers.
In the outdoor area on the terrace, 8 x DQOR 8 T IP65 installation speakers with 100V technology ensure optimum sound coverage via an IPA 424 T 4-channel DSP installation power amplifier.
“The DQOR series continues to impress us with its combination of consistent frequency reproduction, IP65 weather resistance and modern design,” said Ovidiu.
In addition to smartphones and tablets, an LD Systems RSMP universal media player is used for convenient playback of internet radio stations.
The audio content is distributed to the two zones – indoor and outdoor –including source selection and volume control via the ZONE X 1208 DSP audio matrix and a tablet control interface specially programmed for Amza staff.
www.ld-systems.com
Pitfire Pizza
COMPANY: AVI-SPL LOCATION: Dubai, UAE
In order to create a full and enjoyable dining experience, Pitfire Pizza required a sophisticated audio system with five independently controlled zones throughout the restaurant to allow for tailored soundscapes in its different areas, ensuring a perfect ambiance for every occasion.
AVI-SPL installed a comprehensive audio setup featuring 29 x Fulcrum Acoustic 5.25-in coaxial speakers and 4 x 12-in subwoofers, which were integrated seamlessly into the venue’s specially designed rafters to complement the overall aesthetic.For seamless operation and flexibility, a QSC core system was also integrated, which links the audio with the network and fire alarm systems and can be controlled via a wall-mounted panel or any Bluetoothconnected device.
Nick Hartshorn, Business Development Manager at AVI-SPL Middle East, said: “Creating this sophisticated and adaptable audio environment involved detailed consultations with Bill Johnson, the venue owner, to understand his vision and specific requirements.
“The installation and calibration of the audio equipment ensured optimal sound distribution across different zones. The QSC core system, integrated with networking capabilities and a fire alarm system, provided safety and ease of control. The system’s operability from wall plates and remotely via Bluetooth allowed staff to manage the audio environment based on crowd sizes and event types.”
Each zone allows for different audio settings across various sections of the restaurant, enhancing the dining experience. The entrance area can play energizing, welcoming music, while the dining area maintains a softer, more intimate ambiance.
The integration of high-quality speakers and subwoofers with advanced control systems has proven reliable during peak operations, ensuring continuous quality without disruptions. The project faced two primary challenges: a
quick turnaround due to the venue’s scheduled opening, and achieving optimal audio balance, especially considering the varying capacity levels.
AVI-SPL tackled these challenges with strong project management, deploying an experienced team that excelled in fast-track project delivery. This ensured that every phase, from procurement through testing, was expedited without compromising quality.
Expert acoustic engineering involved close collaboration with Johnson and his team to initially set the audio environment.
Further refinement was achieved by engaging Val Gilbert from Fulcrum Acoustic, which was crucial in adjusting the sound system to be highly responsive to changes in venue capacity, ensuring optimal sound distribution and clarity at all times.
“The project culminated in a state-of-the-art audio system installation that not only met but exceeded the expectations set forth by PitFire Pizza,” said Hartshorn.
“The system provides precise control over audio levels across different zones, enhancing the ambiance and overall customer experience. This tailored audio environment supports varying dynamics, from lively dinner rushes to quieter, intimate dining experiences, making it adaptable to any situation.”
Bill Johnson, Owner of Pitfire Pizza International, concluded: “The audio system has truly elevated the atmosphere of our Dubai Hills location. Our customers are loving the new vibe, and we’ve noticed they tend to stay longer and enjoy their time more. AVI-SPL has enhanced our entire sensory experience, and the flexible audio zones allow us to host multiple events – from sports nights to corporate celebrations – focusing on certain areas without disruption, which is fantastic for our business.”
www.avispl.ae
Qavalli
COMPANY: Alphatec
LOCATION: New Delhi, India
Könige Mataró
COMPANY: Silence Electroacústica
LOCATION: Barcelona, Spain
The new Könige restaurant in Barcelona is designed in the aesthetic of 1950s America, with the vision of transporting visitors to vintage New York as they walk through the door. With the need for an audio system for background music, Silence Electroacústica installed the premises’ audio and video system, designed to meet the requiments of the premises, with simplification and useability at its heart.
To cover the seating area, Silence Electroacústica installed 4 x Vieta DO-5 full-range loudspeaker cabinets, powered by a single Tecshow APX-II 600 power amplifier with an AUDAC Pre116 control pre amplifier.
“With this system, Silence Electroacústica provided the restaurant with the necessary tools for each specific application, seeking not only to offer quality equipment and installation, but also to ensure that they are exactly what it needed,” said Jose Luis Rosales, owner and CEO at Silence Electroacústica.
“We opted for a simple installation to initially cover the restaurant’s sound needs, but taking into account the future expansion of the system (with new equipment and additional wiring) for applications of small events with live music, and so this equipment optimised the economic resources available for the opening of the premises.”
www.silence.com.es
Qavalli is a vibrant Indian restaurant renowned for its dining experience which is centered around live Qawwali performances. The Moroccaninspired design of the restaurant features high ceilings, intricate patterns, plush furnishings, and captivating arches, and while visually stunning, the design elements presented significant acoustic challenges. To maintain the integrity of Qawwali performances, it was crucial for the restaurant to have an acoustically optimised environment.
The area designated for live performances had a ceiling height of 16ft, which needed to be addressed to prevent sound distortion. Moreover, Qawwali music, known for its high notes, required a sound system that could handle these frequencies without causing discomfort to the audience.
To overcome these challenges, the restaurant management consulted with system integrator Sandeep Duggal, who collaborated with distributors Alphatec. After a thorough assessment, a combination of Tannoy speakers, TurboSound subwoofers, and Lab Gruppen amplification was recommended.
Installed across the venue are 2 x Tannoy VX 15HP, 3 x Tannoy VH 8 and 4 x Tannoy VX 6 loudspeakers, with a TurboSound NuQ118b 18in subwoofer selected to provide robust bass support and ensure a balanced sound spectrum. To power and control the speaker system, a Lab Gruppen PD 3000 and E12:2 amplifier was chosen.
The selected speakers were strategically installed to address the height and architectural constraints of the 16ft ceiling. The implementation of the new sound system dramatically improved the acoustic experience at Qavalli and the collaboration between Qavalli, Sandeep Duggal, and Alphatec proved highly successful. The restaurant’s founders expressed great satisfaction with the results, noting a significant improvement in the overall dining and entertainment experience. The system integrators are looking forward to similar partnerships in the future, recognising the value of such collaborations in delivering sonic solutions.
www.alphatec.com
Shōtō
COMPANY: DAS Audio
LOCATION: Washington D.C., USA
Shōtō is the newest addition to famed UK restauranteur Arjun Waney’s collective of brands, which includes Zuma, a high-end Japanese fusion concept with 18 locations worldwide.
Based in D.C.’s new Midtown Center, once the home of the Washington Post, Shōtō’s stunning interior was created by world-renowned designer Noriyoshi Murmatsu of Tokyobased Studio Glit. The ambience is a contemporary take on traditional Japanese casual, with tight, punchy audio provided by a compact but powerful DAS Audio sound system.
Audio in the main dining area is handled by 27 x DAS
Audio Quantum Series Q-23-T two-way full-range systems. According to Managing Partner Arman Naqi, the Q-23T’s compact look and short-throw design is exactly what the room called for. “We wanted a system that would deliver full sound, very musical sound, but not overpower people’s conversations,” said Naqi. “And we wanted it to look great, yet blend in seamlessly with the rest of the room’s décor.”
To round out the coverage, 20 x DECO-6-TB two-way inceiling speakers are distributed and 8 x Q-10 ultracompact
10-in subwoofers are discreetly placed around the room. The state-of-the-art system was designed and commissioned by John Fiorito, DAS Audio’s Hospitality and Nightclub National Sales Manager, and installed by 305AV with support from the DAS Audio applications engineering team.
Geovanni Ortiz, the lead applications engineer on the project, explained: “As always, when we received this type of design request via our website, we sat down with the integrator to determine the best solution for the venue. The Quantum series was an ideal choice, providing uniform coverage and consistent speech intelligibility across the room’s unique dimensions.”
For Naqi, the results speak for themselves. “Shōtō represents a high-end, global brand, and we chose DAS Audio because it’s also a high-end, high-quality brand,” Naqi asserted. “We have live DJs three nights a week, and our goal right from the start was to be THE best sounding restaurant in D.C., and we have truly accomplished that. There’s no bad seat in the restaurant. No matter where you’re sitting you get great sound and a great experience.” www.dasaudio.com
Photo: Ray Lopez
InsideOUT
COMPANY: LEA Professional LOCATION: San Diego, USA
Located within an apartment building in the lively Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego is an enchanted dining experience known as InsideOUT, which recently underwent an audio system overhaul to create an immersive environment for diners, while remaining conscious of the apartment complex’s residents.
InsideOUT called up Ramiro Valenzuela, Founder of R-TECH Productions, and his team to provide an audio solution that fit the multi-format venue, and they decided on the combination of the smart technology of LEA Professional’s Connect Series 354 and Pioneer PRO AUDIO’s discreet CM Series to fulfill the venue’s needs.
“I had a walkthrough with the InsideOUT team, and it was clear the original audio system had not been well-maintained,” stated Valenzuela. “They were looking for a reliable sound design that wasn’t overpowering to the guest experience, and also allowed for adjustments for different areas inside the restaurant.
“I knew LEA Professional would be a great fit for this project as the technology allows you to easily install amplifiers in the correct profile and then adjust them accordingly with no other hands touching it.”
LEA Professional’s Connect Series 354 was installed to handle several banks of ceiling loudspeakers. The amplifier’s smart capabilities can delay the audio or adjust the volume by channel.
LEA’s Connect Series 354 smart amplifiers feature 350 watts per channel and are well-suited for multi-format installations such as InsideOUT. The four and eightchannel amps support HiZ (70V or 100V) or LoZ loudspeakers, selectable by channel. With three ways to connect, the installer can engage the built-in Wi-Fi
access point, connect to the room’s Wi-Fi, or connect to any local area network via Cat5 or Cat6 cable. LEA Professional’s Network Connect Series is also the first amplifier family to offer cloud connectivity, providing an additional layer of reliability through remote troubleshooting and support.
“Pioneer PRO AUDIO came into play once I replaced the patio loudspeakers because the original speakers had experienced a lot of wear due to outdoor exposure. Around 60 per cent of the seating is outdoors, so having a durable audio system was a necessity,” Valenzuela explained. “InsideOUT had a seasonal event planned and wanted the system to be done prior, and I was able to get the Pioneer PRO AUDIO products, install them, and have the system fully up and running in time. Enjoying the sound throughout the venue made for a great addition to the event.”
R-TECH Productions utilised Pioneer PRO AUDIO’s black CM-S58T throughout the patio. The 8-in surface mount loudspeakers draw from Pioneer PRO AUDIO’s club audio manufacturing heritage to produce premium-quality audio. The commercial units are ideal for discreet installation in a variety of spaces where reliability is crucial, especially in outdoor environments.
“InsideOUT is a great example of how flexible LEA Professional’s technology is,” added Scott Robbins, Vice President of Sales at LEA Professional. “Harnessing our revolutionary cloud capabilities and combining it with Pioneer PRO AUDIO’s superior loudspeaker technology was the perfect combination for this multiformat venue. We are confident that this new system will provide an immersive experience for InsideOUT’s guests.”
www.leaprofessional.com
Raise the Bar
Daroco Soho
COMPANY: Martin Audio LOCATION: London, UK
Photo: Julie Spicy
A new Martin Audio CDD sound reinforcement system has helped boost the atmosphere at new Italian restaurant Daroco Soho in London’s West End. Having been introduced to the project by design and construction consultant, Cotton Thompson Cole, AV installers Marquee AV’s Project Director Stacey Tough stated that the preference for Martin Audio had been a joint decision between him and the clients themselves, who had specifically requested the brand.
“The fact that they knew, and liked Martin Audio helped the process considerably,” said Tough. “As they already knew they were getting a first-class product we didn’t have to arrange a demo.”
The brief was to provide a system that would deliver quality sound with even coverage throughout, within the two-storey architecturally led environment.
This includes the ‘Wacky Wombat’ cocktail bar in the basement with a DJ booth, providing a club-like atmosphere.
Marquee AV provided separate DJ input facilities on both floors, which operate on separate zones, accessed by a number of background music players. Programmable wall controllers on each floor allow for local volume control and independent source selection.
The sound system comprises 6 x CDD8B and 4 x
SX210 subs in the basement (Wacky Wombat) and 8 x CDD6B, underpinned by four discreetly concealed SX210 subwoofers on the ground floor, and a single CDD5B in reception. With sound needing to remain consistent through stairwells, corridors and toilets, 9 xMartin Audio ADORN A55T were detailed to function as infills in these ancillary areas.
Explaining the logic behind this selection, the Tough explained that the ceiling height had been the reason for selecting wall mounted CDD6s for the ground floor, with anti-vibration mounts on both floors. “The subs are recessed into furniture and seating on both floors, while the ADORN speakers serve the corridors” he said. “In the basement bar the CDD8s are ceiling mounted, and a further four of the SX210s are incorporated into the seating, to support the DJ Set up.”
Praising the work carried out, Julien Ross, co-founder of Daroco, said: “We are delighted with the success of the recent audio installation at Daroco Soho.
Working with Stacey and the Marquee AV team was a seamless experience, and their dedication to excellence truly shone through. The result of the installation exceeded our expectations, enhancing the overall audio experience at our venue.”
www.martin-audio.com
Nosh and Chow
COMPANY: Adamson
LOCATION: Stockholm, Sweden
After being impressed by the performance of an Adamson sound system in its ATRIUM nightclub, hospitality group Stureplansgruppen, who own establishments across Sweden, turned to Benum to plan another Adamson solution for the courtyard bar at its Nosh and Chow location in Stockholm.
On the first floor at Nosh and Chow, upstairs from the restaurant area, are several bars which surround the inner courtyard, with the courtyard itself including a cocktail bar and a space for DJs to take the volume up a notch. The surrounding buildings are not residential, allowing for the venue to deliver entertainment well into the early hours.
“Due to its slightly smaller footprint than your average nightclub, this space required a smaller system than we would usually specify for a nightclub, but it is the one area of the restaurant which demanded the most from its sound system, because they have DJs spinning records late into the night,” explained Douglas Poppelman, Application Specialist at Benum.
“And with that in mind, when the time came to upgrade its smaller existing system, we went with Adamson as we knew that these products could easily achieve what the venue required.”
Having visited the space to diagnose its layout and audio requirements, Poppelman identified the Adamson Point 8 loudspeakers and S118 subwoofers as the ideal solution.
“In addition to being pleased with the sound of the new system, the venue were expressly keen on the look of the speakers, believing that they fit with the style of the space with minimal intrusion,” he said.
To provide ample coverage of the space, 6 x Adamson Point 8 loudspeakers are deployed above head height around the perimeter, with low end support provided by 4 x S118 subwoofers, which are arranged in pairs, stacked on top of each other and enclosed from view in wooden decking, in keeping with the venue’s décor.
Also supplied for the venue’s rack were two Lab Gruppen amplifiers to power the system, with 1 x D 80 and 1 x D 120 providing ample headroom.
The installation was completed by Soundcity, a company with a longstanding relationship with Stureplansgruppen, having supplied them with sound throughout Stockholm.
“The system is performing well and the client is really happy with its performance, especially the subs which are really well hidden and provide a real warmth,” concluded Poppelman.
www.adamson.ai
White
COMPANY: HH Audio
LOCATION: Johannesburg, South Africa
Situated in Melville, Johannesburg’s epicentre of urban culture, the high-end dining and entertainment venue White stands out with its custom-designed audio system, featuring speakers from HH Audio. The first iteration of White opened its doors in Sunninghill, Sandton, where it rapidly gained popularity and its owners decided to recreate the winning formula in Melville, bringing their unique interpretation of a luxury lounge to one of the city’s trendiest suburbs.
As a brand, White is built on combining luxury dining with lively entertainment. To achieve this vision, the venue owners reached out to Pieter de Vrye from De Vrye Automation and tasked him with developing an audio system tailored to the venue’s specific needs.
The challenge for De Vrye lay in creating an audio system versatile enough to deliver both the nuanced clarity required for ambient dinner music and the robust intensity suitable for lively post-dinner events.
In addition, he had to factor in the strict parameters set by Campus Square centre management, to ensure that other tenants in the mall are not negatively affected by audio spill over from the venue.
De Vrye emphasises that the primary aim in creating an audio system for the White premium lounge is to produce high-quality, evenly distributed ambient music.
“The system should enhance the atmosphere while still allowing for comfortable conversation,” noted De Vrye. Additionally, he highlighted the need for versatility, as the venue becomes more vibrant in the evenings, especially with live DJ sets following dinner service on weekends.
To achieve a balance of quality, power, and durability, De Vrye specified 8 x HH Audio Tessen TNi-W8Pro wall mount loudspeakers to serve as the heart of the system.
“We wanted to ensure that we achieved even coverage
throughout the interior of the lounge, including across the bar area, the dining booths on the outer edges and the more open atrium at the front of the restaurant,” De Vrye explained. “One might argue that eight loudspeakers are a lot for a venue of its size, however, we wanted to achieve a very clean, even coverage, and therefore decided to go with more loudspeakers distributed strategically across the venue. As a result, the system can be played at very low levels, while still being heard everywhere, with no hot or dead spots.”
De Vrye also included 5 x HH Audio TRS-1500 Tensor Series powered sub-woofers to achieve the optimal soundscape at low levels.
“Once we achieved the distribution and clarity we were after at low levels, we knew the system had the room to achieve the high-energy vibe we wanted after dinner,” De Vrye confirmed.
“I was introduced to the HH Audio brand about a year ago by ApexPro, the brand’s distribution partner in Southern Africa. I was immediately impressed with the high quality and robust design of the installation speakers on offer, which come at a surprisingly competitive price point for the quality they deliver.”
De Vrye explained that, as an audiophile, HH Audio’s frequency response is of a much higher quality than one would expect for a loudspeaker in its price range. “When I specify HH Audio for clients that are accustomed to the cost of professional level audio equipment of comparable quality, they are often sceptical at first,” said De Vrye. “However, once the owners of White heard the system for the first time, they were immediately sold.”
www.hhaudio.com
Baseline Social
COMPANY: MAXHUB LOCATION: New Jersey, USA
Baseline Social is a state-of-the-art, full-service bar with the opportunity to watch myriad sports and teams across its various video displays. Also included are simulators for golf, American football, association football, and more, which enable enthusiasts to play their favorite games in a cutting-edge environment.
Recently, the venue added a massive 600 ft diagonal LED video wall over the rear of the bar, with the ability to handle upwards of 32 feeds at once, thanks to the technological prowess of the M27 Series from MAXHUB. Infinite AV Solutions, a fullservice residential and commercial AV design and integration firm, was contracted to deploy the new MAXHUB M2719 LED video wall. With a background as both a technician and programmer, Infinite AV Solutions Owner and CEO Daniel Tapolow took a hands-on approach to the Baseline Social project.
“This massive, 50 ft wide by 12.5 ft high (600 feet) video wall is installed above the main bar in the main dining room of Baseline Social,” Tapolow stated. “This sports bar spans over 17,000 sq ft and features three bars, a 2nd floor mezzanine, an outdoor area, and five golf simulators.
“Being a sports bar, the display is tiled to show as many as 15 different programs at once. Our client can change how the screen is split up depending on what programming they want to show at any given time.
“One of the display’s main tiling options has 3 x 220-in diagonal screens across the top and 9 x 80-in diagonal screens across the bottom. The ability to see such a wide range of vivid 4K imagery on a single large screen is something that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.”
A standardised cabinet ratio design makes the M27 Series ideal for a host of contentsharing use cases, and the display’s ultra-slim, lightweight structure takes up minimal space, without compromising on visual impact.
“The combination of the 1.9mm pixel pitch and the 4K resolution really make this display the centerpiece of the entire sports bar,” said Tapolow. “Running the sources through the video processor gives our client the freedom to get creative and come up with new viewing options that can really wow their patrons and keep the space feeling fresh.” Accompanying the video wall is a Novistar H9 Enhanced video processor. “This enables us to split the screen up with a tremendous amount of freedom to facilitate a wide range of viewing options,” continued Tapolow. “With this installation, you can have one massive screen or 15 separate programs. The flexibility is amazing. Equally notable, MAXHUB’s Jason Seas, who is Novistar certified, did a terrific job with the programming. His skills made a huge impact on this project.”
With many installations encompassing today’s high-tech electronics, responsive and capable technical and customer support services are crucial. Here too, Tapolow hailed the support he received from MAXHUB. “Having the full support of MAXHUB on site with us during the installation week was amazing,” he said. “MAXHUB’s presence enabled us to focus on the physical installation and overall project demands. We love working with the MAXHUB team and lean on their expertise to give our clients the best overall experience.”
www.maxhub.com
POWER IN STYLE DMH-640
_ Moving spotlight with 640 watt COB LED _ CMY color mixing for infinite color variety _ Zoom from 10° to 47° _ Frost filter + 2 gobo wheels
“RELIABILITY OF OUR PRODUCTS IS CRUCIAL; HAVING A UK-BASED MANUFACTURING SETUP HAS PLAYED A BIG PART IN MAINTAINING THAT LEVEL OF QUALITY, AND WE’RE PROUD OF THAT.”
RICHARD MEAD Chairman, Pharos Architectural Controls
All pictures courtesy of Pharos, lead image: Florian Thess
As Pharos Architectural Controls celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024, co-founder and Chairman Richard Mead happily acknowledges that without a passionate staff and a little bit of serendipity along the way, the company would not be in the position it currently enjoys as one of the world’s leading lighting control manufacturers.
With the company’s flagship LPC (Lighting Playback Controller) and intuitive software suites, Designer and Expert, Pharos has seen its products used around the world in a variety of stunning applications, from enhancing building façades with colour-changing LED, to controlling theme park rides across renowned attractions in the United States and beyond.
“The company has been on quite a fun journey, and I was living and breathing it every day for most of its 20 years,” reflected Mead from the firm’s HQ in West London. Pharos began life as part of the Carallon group and was started in November 2004. Carallon itself began as a consultancy firm, set up by Mead, Chris Hunt and Nick Archdale with four other former members of Flying Pig / High End Systems (Archdale being one of the co-founders of Flying Pig) who had worked together on developing the Wholehog lighting console before wanting to move onto something new.
“Carallon was founded on the basis of it having a very strong R&D team for developing control systems for the entertainment industry – and we began by going out to market to see if there were clients that we could develop specific control systems for,” explained Mead. Alongside working closely with ETC, Martin Professional and Kinesys, Carallon’s team had also started to develop its own ideas, and to avoid muddying the waters by being a consultancy firm that also developed and sold products, separate brands were set up as Carallon spin-offs to take
Above: The ‘Cloud’ installation inside Terminal 5 at London’s Heathrow Airport.
Below left: Pharos controls at the heart of illuminating the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur.
those products to market. Pharos was the first of those brands, with Brompton Technology following in 2012.
Mead recalled that those early days of Pharos were very much a developmental phase as it looked to establish an identity. “Back then, we were a very small company, and I remembered conversations that I’d had a few years earlier with the US team responsible for developing the world’s leading destination theme parks, who were using Wholehog moving light consoles for controlling theme park rides that weren’t hugely suitable for fixed install,” said Mead.
“They would feedback: ‘we need something that does most of what this Wholehog console does, but it needs to be in a smaller box, with show control capabilities built into it and designed for 24/7 operation’. Using that information, I worked on some specifications, and we started developing a product as described, because we had that in-house expertise.”
The first ever Pharos product was the LPC, which rolled out in 2005. According to Mead, it is exactly what was described by that world-leading theme park developer and is still used across its theme park installations to this day.
“We designed a product that we believed would meet a need for a hugely successful business, and when they actually started using it, we realised that we were on to something, and it was worth developing further,” he continued.
“That niche market might have been a little too small to get the attention of a large manufacturer because, let’s face it,
“PHILOSOPHY-WISE, PHAROS GREW OUT OF A STRONG TEAM OF PASSIONATE INDIVIDUALS, AND THE GROWTH HAS BEEN OVERSEEN IN A WAY THAT MAINTAINS THAT PASSION FOR PRODUCING RELIABLE PRODUCTS.”
not that many theme park rides get built each year, so it was hard to make the business case to deliver a bespoke product. However, because we were a small startup and in a relatively nimble position, we could develop it.”
Good timing
It turned out to be a well-timed development, as Mead explained: “From that point, rather serendipitously, LED started to change the landscape for architectural lighting, and from nowhere projects were wanting to utilise those effects on the front of buildings, or to light up large structures, and there was no existing control system that could do that job adeptly.
“Suddenly, this controller that we had developed specifically for the niche application of a theme park install was a good fit for people wanting to control large patterns of LED. We rode that wave of colour changing LED, moving into decorative architectural projects; a great example of that was illuminating the London Eye, which was a very important early project that used the LPC.”
As the company Chairman, Mead is a little more ‘hands off’ when it comes to Pharos these days, as his current role as CEO of Brompton Technology takes up his day-to-day focus, but he remains a consistent sounding board for current Pharos CEO, Simon Hicks.
“From a user-scenario aspect, Pharos and Brompton Technology are very different, but I think there are a surprising number of common themes,” said Mead. “Both companies started out by identifying a niche application that wasn’t being well served by bigger players, and believing that by delivering a high-quality bespoke product, we can meet the needs of people in that space.
“Pharos currently has a small team of fewer than 30 around the world, and we see the family of companies of Carallon, Pharos Architectural Controls and Brompton Technology as a big strength, as there is opportunity to cross-pollinate talent from company to company and share expertise.
“Philosophy-wise, Pharos grew out of a strong team of passionate individuals, and the growth has been overseen in a way that maintains that passion for producing reliable products. Customer support is so important to us, and part of the philosophy we share is that when someone comes to us asking for help, that becomes an opportunity for us to make a friend going forward.”
Another important element to the company is quality control, which remains a deep commitment as Pharos moves into its third decade of operation.
“All the controllers are built here in the UK, with Carallon having a
Below: The Designer and Expert ranges. The LPC and LPC X form part of the Designer control solution (left), and the Expert package includes Control and the Touch mobile app (right).
whole network of suppliers of components, many of which are UK based,” said Mead. “Our assembly line is in-house, and everything is tested here at our London HQ, which has been vital because reliability is such a huge part of the Pharos proposition, with every product having a five-year warranty.
“Clearly, we wouldn’t last very long if products didn’t last longer than that, and we have had products out there, in use, for almost as long as our 20-year history, which is a testament to their quality.
“Reliability is crucial; having a UK-based manufacturing setup has played a big part in maintaining that level of quality, and we’re proud of that.”
Another important factor in the success and growth of the company’s products and functionality is its independence from other lighting brands, making the controllers compatible with all manner and make of lighting fixtures.
“A strong decision was made early on to be brand agnostic – we believed that the only way to remain profitable and base our company solely on control was by staying independent of the lighting fixtures. If we were allied to the control of one specific manufacturer, that would have limited our potential.
“In a market where most of our competitors are owned by a light fixture brand, we have made an art of being compatible with everyone, and because we don’t sell fixtures we’re not really a threat – we are a safe partner that specialises just in lighting control.”
Organic growth
With lighting control the sole focus of Pharos since its inception, and a newly developed product with software being updated and improved on a regular basis, the company grew as the uses for its solutions grew.
“The way that applications using lighting control have grown, that was serendipitous to how the business developed – and we couldn’t really anticipate that,” said Mead.
“It’s a similar thing for Brompton Technology; we couldn’t have anticipated the sudden rise in using large LED screens as an alternative to green screen. We didn’t set out expecting that to happen, but it has, and we were ready to ride that wave when it arrived.
“If you have a good team, a quality product and are good with customer support and always listening to feedback, then you will always be well placed to ride those waves when they come along. That’s a key point – being ready to respond.”
Mead grew up with an interest in electronics and theatrical lighting, which he enjoyed as a hobby throughout his school years and time at university, and while his professional path took him down a differently illuminated path, he notes that
Above: The London Eye, one of the first major projects to utilise Pharos controls, still used to this day, nearly 20 years later.
Above right: Buildings illuminated alongside the Pearl River in Guangzhou, China, controlled by Pharos solutions.
a lot of his Pharos colleagues also have backgrounds in lighting up the stage. “I’ve been a member of The Association for Lighting and Production Design for nearly 30 years and it is something of a trend for members of the Pharos team to have come from having an interest in theatre and lighting design, and it seems to be a good place to come from – to have that understanding of lighting and take it to different applications,” said Mead.
“At school I was always interested in electronics, and I entered a few ‘young inventor’ type competitions, so there was an interest in engineering and developing ideas. In those competitions there was the added element of presenting the inventions to judges and to tell them why your project solved a real need – so I learned early on that I had skills in both building and presenting ideas.
“Using that experience, I had developed a sense that I wanted to go into inventing things. My other interest was theatre lighting, and I did that from around the age of 10 in junior school, right through to attending Oxford University where I was very active while completing a physics degree. I recall one eight-week term during which I lit 10 different shows, so I was doing a lot.
“That time at university proved to be a turning point, because I was doing so much extracurricular theatre lighting that I was in danger of not progressing to get the level of degree I wanted. So, I reached a decision to knuckle down, as lighting design wasn’t something I wanted to commit to as a full-time profession, and I focussed on completing my degree and using that to move into engineering.
“I’m still very involved in the running of The Questors Theatre in Ealing, one of the largest amateur theatres in Europe, which I find really invigorating. It’s a two-theatre building with an extensive programme, and I was its Chairman for quite a number of years. I met my wife at the theatre, and now our daughter is also involved, with a part acting in this year’s Christmas pantomime. It’s been a big part of my life outside of work.”
Future challenges
With Pharos well-established and clear markets and target users for its Designer and Expert control and software products, Mead is confident about the future of the company, while remaining wary of potential bumps in the road ahead.
“The direction of the company is very exciting. However, it is a challenging world at the moment, and still to this day we are dealing with the after-effects of the pandemic, and that’s at the heart of a lot of the component shortages that many companies across myriad
industries have had,” explained Mead. “The biggest danger to the business is current geo-politics and a lack of stability in the world. Businesses like to know that they are working on a stable base, knowing that long-term plans can be made with the understanding that the world isn’t going to get turned upside-down, but recently the world has become less stable and safe, and that’s a concern for anyone trying to run a business.
“The general proliferation of conflict around the world is very worrying, and plenty to be concerned about in terms of geo-politics. As a small business we can’t influence those things, but we have to be aware of them and alert to what might happen.”
Looking back
While the future is yet to be written, Pharos’s past is something that Mead likes to look back on – an opportunity he doesn’t get that often with his current day-to-day focus on Brompton Technology’s progress. “Internally, we have been reflecting on 20 years of Pharos and looking at some of the weird and wonderful projects that we have been involved in,” he said. “Often it is the ones where we’ve adapted the product to suit the projects that stick out as being memorable, such as the kinetic sculpture ‘Cloud’ inside Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport.”
For this, Mead explained that the art collective Troika positioned around 5,000 controllable ‘flip dots’, which flip between black and silver sides, over the surface of a hanging sculpture, and a Pharos LPC X controlled the motion of each ‘dot’ to display patterns and generate stunning visual effects.
“That is one specific example, and it sticks out because it isn’t a light or LED that is being controlled, but it is difficult to single out specific projects, because there are so many creative people around the world putting our product to use in such a wide variety of applications, which makes the future extremely exciting.
“In addition, the direction of the company is also very exciting, having found itself in a position where people have high expectations of lighting, and we have a team in place able to adapt and progress to meet those demands.”
www.pharoscontrols.com
Above: The façade of the Copacabana Palace Hotel in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
THE PROSPECT BUILDING
BRISTOL / UK EMEA
In a significant addition to Bristol’s entertainment landscape, The Prospect Building has opened its doors, converting a former torpedo testing site into a modern multipurpose venue. Transformed and subsequently operated by AMAAD, the venue refuses to showcase just one category of entertainment, with its future lineup promising everything from heavy metal shows and futuristic raves to family-friendly food festivals and circus performances. Will Harold and Paul Jack, Directors and Founders of AMAAD, describe The Prospect Building as “a blank canvas.”
The AMAAD team re-envisioned The Prospect Building as a venue deeply rooted in collaboration with the local scene. Working closely with Bristolian promoters like Team Love, AMAAD aims to integrate with rather than disrupt the city’s music ecosystem. According to Jack and Harold, the goal was “to create a venue that supports both the local community and international talent, shaping the area’s cultural landscape.”
Stage Modes’ Loz Poulton, taking on the role of Production Designer and Consultant for AMAAD, explained: “When opening a new space, the first thing we do is get together on site as a team and discuss venue requirements and our ideas. After the initial stage and dance platform locations are selected, the technical process begins, which always starts with audio design. We feel sound should be the priority of any live music event, so we typically start here.”
The team’s concept for The Prospect Building’s sound solution was built around their first-hand knowledge of entertainment venues. Jack said: “We all love live events, gigs, clubbing, and raving, so the audiovisual systems we design are born from imagining ourselves in the space and analysing what will create the most exciting experience.”
Poulton added: “We build venues with the audience in mind.”
The chosen PA system, confirmed after designing rigging solutions within Vectorworks and review by a structural engineer, relies on L-Acoustics products.
This recently opened multipurpose venue proudly celebrates the vibrant culture of its home city, serving as an artistic space that values the impact of quality audiovisual equipment in supporting and elevating both local and global art.
This page and opposite: Photos by LJ Jones.
Poulton revealed: “We’ve explored several speaker manufacturers over the years and found L-Acoustics to deliver the best fidelity among those.” He expressed that AMAAD and L-Acoustics’ strong relationship has been “invaluable,” with the manufacturer providing speaker placement support during the creation of Prospect.
“For electronic music, where bass, kick, snare, clap, and hi-hats dominate, we look for a solid kick drum, a tight low end, and exceptional clarity in the high-mid and highfrequency regions – without any harshness. L-Acoustics has consistently delivered this in not just these areas, but across the entire frequency spectrum, which is crucial to our mission for adaptable sound,” Poulton continued.
The main room’s PA system is an L-Acoustics K2 system with 2 x hangs of 6 x K2 both stage left and right, and 2 x hangs of 3 x K2 for left and right delay fills. L-Acoustics’ SB series takes on the subwoofer role, with 5 x stacks of 2 x SB28, 2 x hangs of 3 x SB18, and 2 x hangs of 2 x SB15m delays. Further deployed were 2 x stacks of 3 x KARA II for the front fill, and 2 x hangs of 2 x A15 for the out fill. As amplifiers, 13 x LA12x and 2 x LA4x were brought in.
The secondary room within The Prospect Building has a different L-Acoustics PA solution; this more intimate space has 2 x ARCS Wide, 2 x ARCS Focus, and 4 x hangs of the 12xt.
For control, 1 x DiGiCo SD12 FOH mixing desk and 1 x DiGiCo MQ Rack stage box are utilised. Asked why AMAAD turned to these consoles, Poulton said: “DiGiCo always has quality digital consoles, so there was no question whether these would be suitable choices for each room.”
AMAAD knew that with their plans for colourful raves and clubbing events down the line, they needed to bring in lasers. Poulton explained: “We are utilising 8x Kvant Clubmax FB4 lasers within the venue. These are controlled by a combination of BEYOND software from Pangolin Laser Systems and Mad Mapper.”
“These control solutions have enabled us to map the lasers to the architectural elements of the building. I have always been keen to use lasers in unique ways; we’ve been able to create really impactful visuals.”
To design a lighting solution capable of underscoring a diverse range of performances, Poulton and Wolf Lighting worked in collaboration for AMAAD.
This team deployed 26 x Cameo Opus SP5 and 16 x Otos H5 to add depth to the dance floor with powerful beams. To provide striking washes and colours, they chose 7 x Martin Lighting MAC Aura XIP, 8 x CHAUVET COLORado 1, and 22 x CHAUVET Color Strike. For precision and flexibility in spotlighting, they integrated 8 x Robe Robin DL4S Profile. Finishing the luminary solution, 32 x Prolights StudioCOB FC create ambient lighting, while 2 x Look Solutions Viper 2.6 deliver rich atmospheric effects, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere crafted by the lasers. The advantage of repurposing an ex-torpedo storage facility is that its robust industrial architecture, with strong steel beam supports, allows it to carry heavy loads, providing unique flexibility. However, the venue’s past use also means it spans a huge 25,000 sq ft, making it more likely to have areas where audio is less clear or lighting is insufficient.
Above and right: Photos by Plaster Creative Communications.
Harold stated: “Specifying technology for a venue of this size is an art form. We were lucky with our great team and quality chosen systems, as we’ve managed to design The Prospect Building in such a way that all technology has an even reach across the whole space, instead of being front loaded. The vibrant atmosphere is felt by everyone!”
One main success that AMAAD sees with The Prospect Building is its success in paying tribute to artists and art fans alike.
The Prospect Building addresses worries about the future of UK entertainment venues with AMAAD’s passionate team who look at the live events industry as creatives instead of as businessmen, ensuring that promoting the enjoyment of art is at the forefront of their mission. Harold affirmed: “Many UK live music and entertainment venues have been forced into closure recently. We want to dedicate this space to keeping an artistic, cultural space alive.”
Further, he expressed the importance of investing in the live event industry, explaining how providing a venue with state-of-the-art technology benefits its city: “Despite what might be said, improving an area isn’t all about building new, expensive buildings and homes; supporting the community and its artists by providing a quality cultural hub is important.”
The AMAAD team concluded by asserting that The Prospect Building will continue to promote regional and non-local entertainers by giving them a modern venue to perform in, now fitted with innovative audiovisual solutions.
Merging industrial grit with high-end audiovisual equipment, LDN East’s recent investment in FunktionOne equipment guarantees an unmatched experience for promoters, artists, and attendees alike.
Housed in upcycled shipping containers against the raw backdrop of a scrapyard, this edgy East London venue has established itself as a space for dynamic and diverse events. From pride celebrations and charity initiatives to high-energy club nights, LDN East embodies the openness and acceptance at the heart of London’s vibrant nightlife. After a recent audio overhaul from Sound Services Ltd, the underground music spaces now delivers high-quality sound as part of the deal.
Prior to LDN East contacting Sound Services to upgrade its audio systems, the venue was already showing a technologically savvy approach with its luminary setup.
“Lighting is often underestimated in how much it can transform an event experience,” commented LDN East Marketing Manager, Kamile Montvilaite.
With a rig featuring 8 x SGM G-1 and 8 x G-4 moving heads alongside 4 x BEAMZ 360 LED floods, LDN East’s lighting system enables dynamic visual effects, adaptable for colourful nighttime parties or more relaxed daytime events. Appropriately for the venue that hosts musicreliant experiences, the G-1 and G-4 are both silent in operation, meaning they have no audible impact on the environment.
At the start of 2024, the team behind LDN East decided it was time to upgrade its sound system. Zackeria Geraci, Creative Director and Event Manager at LDN East, explained: “To compete with highly regarded, established clubs, we knew we needed the best quality sound system. When a promoter approaches your venue to host an event, one of the first questions they ask is, ‘What does it sound like?’ And the answer needs to be ‘perfect’.”
“Coming from many years of dance floor raving experience myself,” he continued, “I know how important sound is. It’s the most fundamental aspect of any club. To help realise quality audio, we brought in Sound Services alongside Audio Consultant Flynn McBurney, a frequent collaborator of both Sound Services and ourselves.”
To both McBurney and Sound Services, the manufacturer to rely on for this sound transformation was obvious: Funktion-One.
McBurney revealed: “I’ve worked with Sound Services for years, and Funktion-One is our go-to for audio when we collaborate on a design. The quality is undeniable.”
The chosen PA system consists of 4 x Funktion-One Evolution X and 3 x F124 subs, whilst the DJ booth monitoring solution is made of 1 x BR118 subs and 2 x F1201.2 loudspeakers.
McBurney stated: “I knew that the wide horizontal dispersion that Evolution X has would be a great way for the venue to get really even coverage with a low number of boxes.”
Geraci added: “For a venue of this size, the Evolution X is perfect. It balances powerful, loud performance and 90-degree dispersion, which is known to be difficult.”
One non-negotiable feature of LDN East’s new sound system was that it could not disturb the surrounding environment. Thanks to Evolution X’s controlled and focused dispersion, low distortion, and high efficiency, alongside a well-executed installation, any fears of disturbing neighbouring residences were alleviated.
“Our first night of operation with the new system was the 28th of October,” Geraci said. “We had absolutely no complaints from neighbouring spaces, and our readings showed that decibel levels were ideal. The tuning of the system provides much more clarity and warmth on the dance floor while significantly reducing sound pollution outside.”
“COMING FROM MANY YEARS OF DANCE FLOOR RAVING EXPERIENCE MYSELF, I KNOW HOW IMPORTANT SOUND IS. IT’S THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL ASPECT OF ANY CLUB.”
Previous and right: Photos – Isabelle Dohmen. Above: The Funktion-One system in the club’s main area.
Montvilaite explained: “Another positive about this new solution is that it works with the structure of LDN East. This club is unique in that it can be either open-air or covered. Depending on the weather, we can remove or add the roof.”
“Whilst this is undoubtedly an exciting feature of the space that means LDN East can cater to a diverse range of events, it did pose a potential problem in fitting a system that would provide quality audio for both an indoor and outdoor venue.
“However,” Montvilaite continued, “the Funktion-One equipment works equally as well for both setups of the venue; because of the speakers’ flexibility, if we want to remove or accommodate for the roof, Flynn can retune the system for us easily and instantly.”
The Funktion-One system has prompted positive feedback, explained Geraci: “Artists who have performed at LDN East in the past have noticed a significant difference with this new system. One client even told us that the DJ booth was the best they’d ever played in!”
One key success of the sound revamp at LDN East is that it enables the venue team to further its mission of creating a high-quality space that continues the rich legacy of house and club culture in London.
“I think it’s important to use our venue to pay tribute to the queer community who’ve been at the forefront of the clubbing scene,” said Geraci. “We want LDN East to be welcoming and open to everyone. We are so passionate about consistently improving the venue as it is crucial to invest in spaces that keep house culture alive.”
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
AUDIO
4 x Funktion-One Evolution X 3 x Funktion-One F124
The design team at NeonBlack were the innovators behind a cutting-edge public art and lighting installation at the Cardiff Music City Festival 2024, with LED and wireless control technology integral to the realising its vision.
The light art installation, called ‘CYFARTALWR/ EQUALISER’, transformed the whole side of a building into a dynamic graphic equaliser, which reacted in real-time to the beats of a playlist and the sounds of the city.
Each window of the building was lit with individually controlled colour-changing LED lights to create a large format light canvas to spectacular affect.
To create the visuals, NeonBlack ran LumenRadio’s Stardust into a large number of Astera AX2 Wireless PixelBar LED fixtures (which each feature a built-in CRMX receiver from LumenRadio), and utilised MADRIX software within the workflow.
Stardust is an eight universe, DMX/RDM transmitter widely used across the entertainment lighting industry for its highly reliable wireless performance.
The installation was carried out together with NeonBlack’s technical partners, SR Production Services.
“We chose Stardust wireless DMX for the CYFARTALWR/ EQUALISER project because it offers unmatched reliability and flexibility,” said Jon Barker, Project Lead at NeonBlack. “With 3,360 LED pixels spanning seven floors, this technology ensured seamless synchronisation with the music.
“The low latency and robust signal strength of Stardust enabled us to create a stunning experience without the constraints of traditional wiring, allowing us to fully unleash our creativity in this dynamic urban space.”
Barker also relied heavily on the capability of MADRIX software to create the successful project.
“With built-in audio analysis features, MADRIX can react in real-time to audio input, allowing for captivating light shows that synchronise perfectly with music,” continued Barker.
“This responsiveness is achieved through various settings that analyse sound frequencies and amplitude, translating them into vivid lighting effects.”
To integrate MADRIX with the wireless lighting system, Barker sent sACN data to LumenRadio, which acts as a wireless transmitter.
“After configuring MADRIX to output sACN data, I connected it to the LumenRadio interface, effectively bridging the software with the wireless network,” stated Barker.
“Once the sACN data was transmitted via LumenRadio, it was wirelessly received by the ASTERA lighting fixtures, which we chose for their robust performance and versatility. They seamlessly picked up the signals, allowing them to execute the light patterns dictated by MADRIX.
“Overall, the combination of MADRIX’s sound responsiveness, LumenRadio’s wireless transmission, and ASTERA AX2’s powerful lighting capabilities resulted in an impressive, synchronised light show that captivated the audience.
“CYFARTALWR/EQUALISER is a celebration of the vibrant interplay of life in cities, and using this advanced LED control technology, it transformed the building into a dynamic light canvas and produces a real-time, music-responsive light show that invites viewers to see urban structures as dynamic and interactive.
“It’s a visual and auditory experience that mirrors the city’s rhythm, blending the rigidity of buildings with the fluidity of music and light, and this awesome project was months in the making and took a massive team effort to conceive and deliver.”
www.neonblack.design
ready to out perform
Geffen Hall’s reputation demanded a high-performance loudspeaker system that did not draw attention to itself. Several professionals at all levels throughout the install and specification process, including AVI-SPL integrators, demonstrated their full trust in EAW by choosing ADAPTive technologies such as Anna.
Like NYC’s Geffen Hall, ADAPTive’s capabilities are rooted in exceptional acoustic design, not heavy-handed DSP. By working with the laws of physics, ADAPTive technology gives audio professionals precise, full band control of the vertical coverage pattern, meaning everyone in the listening area hears even and coherent sound. Whether for stadiums and arenas of any scale, concert halls, or smaller venues, ADAPTive technology puts you in control.
Learn more about EAW’s Anna loudspeaker at https://eaw.com/products/anna/
Following the advice of consultants, this live-performance venue has upgraded with a 1 SOUND point source system, ensuring the show can go on for years to come.
Located within upstate New York’s Del Lago Resort and Casino, The Vine Theater has become a notable stop on the circuit for touring bands, comedians, and other performers since its inception. The 1,600-seat proscenium theatre hosts large names and typically sells out every event, so when it became apparent that modernisation was overdue, the venue acted quickly to keep its strong reputation.
As its long legacy has progressed, The Vine’s chosen audiovisual technology has become outdated. Concerns regarding system reliability and sound quality were rising, which led the venue team to bring in Tom Knauss, Principal Consultant at NV5 Consultants Inc. to review the solution and provide advice on how to advance.
Knauss’ long-standing relationship with the venue owners meant he was a trusted, easy choice to assess the space. On hearing the theatre’s solution, Knauss commented: “It was clear that the existing system had reached a point where many components were beyond repair, which was causing damage to the overall sound quality.”
Knauss explained how the original improvement plan involved a replacement of the old line array system with new line array components. “However,” he added, “I saw the potential for something different and perhaps more effective. I had recently overseen the success of several recent proscenium theatre upgrades that had implemented point source systems instead. I told them I would be remiss if I didn’t mention this non-line array option, which could possibly be a burgeoning trend for performance venues.”
Knauss explained how a properly designed and integrated point source system can significantly decrease the quantity of loudspeaker devices without degrading performance. “A point source approach can lead to decreased system costs, diminished aesthetic impact, and more importantly, a dramatically improved sound experience to the audience,” he said.
He immediately recommended 1 SOUND as a point source system provider, thanks to many previous positive experiences with the manufacturer. “Most recently, I had advised another performance space to invest in a 1 SOUND point source system, and around six weeks after the new setup was up and running, 1 SOUND contacted me to say they had been receiving many calls from similar venues who wanted the same solution!” Knauss affirmed.
Del Lago’s management was intrigued by this alternative approach, motivated by a desire for a permanent solution that would not deteriorate and require replacement. The venue consequently requested a demonstration of a point source system from 1 SOUND.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
AUDIO
9 x 1 SOUND CT212 loudspeaker
14 x 1 SOUND CT28 loudspeaker
5 x 1 SOUND SUB2112 subwoofer
10 x 1 SOUND L38 loudspeaker
14 x 1 SOUND CM38 stage monitor
4 x 1 SOUND CSUB610 subwoofer
3 x 1 SOUND SUB215 subwoofer
15 x Powersoft T904 amplifier
2 x Powersoft T904A amplifier
2 x Powersoft T604 amplifier
www.dellagoresort.com www.1-sound.com
1 SOUND’s Founder and Designer, Lou Mannarino, conducted the on-site demonstration based on a preliminary digital model in Auralis, 1 SOUND’s 3D prediction software, utilising multiple full-range point source devices and carefully located subwoofer devices.
Mannarino said: “The Vine’s physical dimensions initially presented unusual challenges as it is nearly 100 ft tall and only 100 deep. Using point sources rather than a line array worked much better with the width and depth of the space here, though.”
The demonstration system consisted of just a left and right stack of a SUB2112 with a Contour CT212 on top. The theatre management was impressed, so they decided to implement this demo system over their current system as a temporary PA for upcoming events.
Mike Richards, Front of House Engineer at the Vine, commented: “After the demo, I was blown away by what I was hearing out of what little speakers were in the room. We wanted new technology that would cover our room and give us the sound pressure levels we needed for large concerts. 1 SOUND fit that bill.”
Anthem Productions, 1 SOUND dealer and integrator, was then awarded the contract to complete the full installation of the system.
The visible PA as the main left and right were 2 x Contour CT212s mounted on either side with their dedicated wall bracket. The CT212 has a max SPL of 145dB with 3-way crossover, resulting in a pronounced and powerful, controlled sound. 4 x CSUB610s were then placed in front of the stage, and 5 x SUB2112s were flown by truss, providing impactful lower frequency that the venue needed.
For the mezzanine, a further 2 x CT212s were flown on each side, and 14 x CT28 were mounted for the third balcony level coverage.
For the under-balcony fills, 10 x of 1 SOUND’s new Level L38 loudspeakers were flush mounted to the ceiling.
“The biggest difference about using the Level L38 is the cardioid pattern. If you stand one foot behind it, you can’t tell if it is on. Then, you move into the fill zone, and they sound amazing!” explained Richards.
The whole system is amplified by Powersoft T904, T904A, and T604 amps; these products have the flexibility that The Vine needs for its diverse events that vary in amplification needs, from large bands to solo comedy acts.
Regarding the sound on stage, The Vine is the first theatre to install 1 SOUND’s new cardioid concert monitor, the CM38. The venue benefits from this monitor, as CM38s have a progressive horn design that focuses the energy farther back while progressively narrowing the dispersion, granting more control. Richards said: “The control and isolation of these monitors is great. Everybody who has come in and seen them in action has been blown away.”
After experiencing the new 1 SOUND solution, Knauss feels confident that The Vine now has a system that is not only modern and impressive but will continue to perform well for years to come. “It’s working great; both the owners’ and visitor’s reports are positive, and there’s been a lot of compliments from guest engineers using the system, too,” he noted.
Richards concluded on the makeover with an anecdote: “With the completed 1 SOUND system, we have even coverage with + or - 2dB in every seat of the house. This is huge. When guest engineers first walk into front of house, they’re shocked, asking, ‘Is that all the PA I’ve got?’ surprised by how discreet the setup is. But by the time they leave, they’re asking how they can get the same system for themselves!”
Right: Lou Mannarino of 1 SOUND (right) alongside The Vine’s Audio Engineer Mike Richards.
KALI ULTRA LOUNGE
ORLANDO / USA AMERICAS
Adi Adinayev
AV technology is used to its fullest in the creation of this lively new nightclub, with the idesign team delivering a comprehensive lighting and video solution, following prior audio integration from MTI Sound, Lighting, & Staging; now, KALI sets a high standard for sensory engagement in modern clubs.
As nightclubs continue to surface in abundance in large, busy cities, the teams crafting these party venues are being consistently pushed to find new, exciting ways to entertain customers. Respecting this, the teams behind the creation of KALI Ultra Lounge in Orlando collaborated to bring a nightclub to life that not only stands out on the streets of this Floridian city but also disrupts the traditional entertainment venue scene as a whole.
Located on the second level of the 55,000 sq ft Mango’s Tropical Café, KALI attracts attention thanks to its combination of eye-catching technology and a vibrant, abstract aesthetic. Developing this futuristic gem meant a large investment in equipment, and to spearhead the installation and design of a system flexible and powerful enough for the space, idesign and MTI Sound, Lighting, & Staging were separately contacted by the venue.
idesign – Lighting and Video
Embodying the essence of Orlando’s nightlife, which thrives on freshness and flamboyance, Owner David Wallack’s visual inspiration for KALI can best be described as ‘extravagant artistic luxury’ Integrating lighting and video elements, the Florida-based idesign expertly realised this aesthetic without the result appearing messy or overcrowded.
Micheal Meacham, Owner of idesign, underlined his team’s process of designing, stating: “We are not maximalists, nor are we minimalists; everything we install has intention. The distinction between negative space and contrast is what imparts depth and dimensionality to the design. As visual artists, all our work is very calculated and thoughtful.” The project began for idesign after proving their potential to KALI’s owners. “It was a courting process,” Meacham began. “The owner of Mango’s knew of our solid reputation and previous work. What secured our contract was providing the client with an Oculus Quest headset, which is something we typically do.
Photos:
“VIDEO INSTALLATION INVOLVES EXPERIMENTATION WITH CONTRAST AND NEGATIVE SPACE, WHICH IS WHERE OUR ARTISTIC FLAIR MANIFESTS.”
This VR headset gave him the ability to view our Vectorworks and Syncronorm Depence-developed renders of the design through VR.”
Both the client and idesign wanted to concoct an immersive venue that customers could turn to for escapism, manufacturing a new, more colourful world. This led Meacham to begin the design by focusing on video elements with intentional placement.
“Video installation involves experimentation with contrast and negative space, which is where our artistic flair manifests,” he explained. “We refrained from integrating a mere flat LED wall. Instead, we explored innovative approaches to the common video screen and created something more unique for this space.”
A centrepiece of the lounge is a series of custom transparent video cubes with lighting fixtures situated within, creating a 3D, layered lighting effect that surrounds guests.
A distinctive feature of KALI, this innovative use of visual technology demonstrates the effectiveness of examining traditional fixtures and exploring how they can be creatively repurposed to reach their fullest potential. To control the video, idesign turned to Avolites Q4 media server and its accompanying Avolites Ai media software, set up and mapped by Ruben Laine of Creative Integration Studio.
“Avolites has strong, powerful media servers that never break,” Meacham commented. “We put one in a club in Miami that’s been running for ten years, and I’ve never
had any issues with it. It’s constantly churning out video for 18 hours a day, five days a week. That’s where picking the right tool for the job comes in.”
“Furthermore, one of my favourite tricks that Avolites Ai software has is being able to surface map; I can turn an LED video surface, in this case, the 3D video cubes, into an RGB fixture,” he continued. “Avolites Ai makes exciting visuals come easy, whereas, without the software, some of the effects we produce in KALI would be mind-bogglingly challenging.”
To program some of the more complex visual effects using Avolites Ai, idesign works extensively with Ruben Laine of Creative Integration Studio. Meacham noted that this collaboration with Laine was key to the KALI project.
“I realise my own limits in mapping – Ruben Laine is able to dive deep into Ai, unlocking its full potential and producing some amazing effects,” he stated.
Inside the 30 video cubes, 30 x Cameo w3 compact moving heads were integrated. Chosen in part because the fixture’s small form factor can fit inside the small half-metre cubes, and also thanks to the product’s performance.
Meacham also specified 10 x Cameo Azor S2 spots and 24 x Sabor spots for both ambient and colourful lighting. “It’s easy to go overboard, choosing only fixtures to produce wild effects. It’s important to add warm lighting alongside colourful light, so that it is vibrant but never muddy,” he said. With blacklights being a staple in popular modern clubs, 8 x Martin RUSH PAR 4 UV lights were installed, ensuring KALI customers recognise the venue as a leader in night-time entertainment trends.
The atmosphere of the club also called for special effects, leading to Meacham deploying 4 x Kvant RGB 6-watt lasers. He noted the convenience of relying on a laser company based in Orlando, “If support is needed, Justin Perry, Kvant Partner, and his team are always close by,” Meacham said. For haze, two Smoke Factory smoke machines were installed to enhance the atmosphere, ensuring complete sensory engagement for visitors. “You have to take every sense into account to achieve full immersion,” Meacham commented, reiterating idesign’s mission to facilitate escapism.
“However,” he continued, “special effects shouldn’t be overused. Sometimes venues excessively utilise lasers and smoke. This is where our intentional use of negative space comes in; when special effects are employed sparingly, they
become more noticeable.”
Meacham stressed how finding the right processors and control system is key; idesign specified 1 x Novastar R5 and 2 x MCTRL4K for LED display control and 1 x MA Lighting grandMA2 Light for lighting control, alongside 2 x MA Lighting MA NPU for network processing. Finishing up the huge system is 2 x Elation EN12, providing data distribution. Evidently, the system for this lounge contains products from a wide variety of manufacturers. This is, again, on account of idesign’s calculated integration process. Meacham clarified how he specifies fixtures by “picking the right product for the right situation.”
“I don’t want to build a finite install or something that could break,” he continued. “Everything we choose is powerful, strong, and trusted.”
Though the visual success of KALI Ultra Lounge is undoubtedly due in part to the technology integrated, Meacham doesn’t hesitate to identify the crucial part having a tight-knit team plays in creating a great venue. “I’m only 33.3% of the idesign operation,” he noted. “With Christine Wilhite, who deals with shipping, logistics, and accounts, alongside Project Manager Holmes Ives, I always know that the company will finish a project to the highest of standards. We had an outstanding install team with Grant Mills, Nick Gonsman, Yesid Pena, and Jeff Giancaspro” Meacham concluded on idesign’s KALI project, stating: “The owners were ecstatic with our choices. In every install, I try to create something exciting and special that my team and I enjoy; if we’re able to do that, then we know the client will share the same feeling.”
MTI Sound, Lighting, and Staging – Audio
While idesign set the visual tone, MTI Sound, Lighting, and Staging created an equally compelling and innovative audio experience. “I am pleased that KALI’s desire for an intricate and creative sound solution was placed in the capable hands of MTI,” Meacham asserted.
MTI was initially brought on to install and service the audio setup at Mango’s Tropical Café in 2016, and following their successful work, the company was the clear choice for sound integrator when the concept for KALI Ultra Lounge was created.
Alongside his team, MTI Sound, Lighting, and Staging President Scott Shryock was given one simple directive
by Owner David
Wallack: create the best sound system in Orlando.
Armed with positive system experiences from previous integrations in music venues, MTI chose DAS Audio products for the space, with Shryock confirming: “From our past projects, we know that DAS Audio equipment is suitably accommodating for any genre of music, and its power and trustworthiness means the brand is the right fit for a nightclub that will be in heavy operation, seven days a week.”
Beginning the integration, the team turned to DAS Audio’s E11EVEN Sound series. This product line was a clear choice, being that it was manufactured purely for nightclubs in collaboration with entertainment provider E11EVEN Group.
The E11EVEN Sound by DAS Audio kit within the club includes 12 x ES-158 3-way point source systems, which are flown around the room and powered by two DAS Audio DX-80i amplifiers. 4 x ES-221 subs were also flown, powered by 2 x DAS D-100 amplifiers maximising low-frequency coverage. Furthermore, to cover the perimeters of the VIP space and the audience area, 4 x ES-10 and 4 x ES-26 were specified, with another 8 x ES-10 deployed on the outside balcony and stair wall, ensuring uniform sound throughout the whole space.
“The venue is now basically a DAS Audio house,” Shryock explained, revealing that, once again, MTI Sound’s experience with the company’s products was excellent, with clear, powerful sound filling every corner of the lounge.
With this full venue coverage, KALI’s audio provides an immersive experience that perfectly complements idesign’s visual setup.
The audiovisual installations from both MTI Sound, Lighting, and Staging and idesign have propelled KALI Ultra Lounge to the top of the Floridian nightlife ranks, equipping the club with cutting-edge technology that draws large crowds while incorporating unique, artistic choices to stand out from competitors.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
LIGHTING
1 x Avolites Q4 media server
30 x Cameo w3
10 x Cameo Azor S2 spot
24 x Cameo Sabor spots
8 x Martin Rush UV light
1 x MA Lighting grandMA
2 x MA Lighting MA NPU
AUDIO
12 x E11EVEN Sound by DAS Audio ES-158
4 x E11EVEN Sound by DAS Audio ES-221
12 x E11EVEN Sound by DAS Audio ES-10
4 x E11EVEN Sound by DAS Audio ES-26
2 x DAS Audio DX-80i
1 x DAS Audio DSP-4080
2 x DAS Audio D-100
3 x DAS Audio D-10
1 x DAS Audio EP-2K4
SPECIAL EFFECTS
4 x Kvant RGB 6-watt lasers
2 x Smoke Factory Smoke Machines 1 x Beyond Essentials laser software
The IP-rated Ci series by Blaze Audio, available in black and white variants, is a unique line of high-performance loudspeakers designed in Denmark for indoor and outdoor commercial applications that blend into any space while providing exceptional sound quality for speech and background music. The top box’s modular 90° cabinet—equipped with built-in mounting sliders and hidden cabling—ensures a smooth, integrated look in vertical or horizontal corners and surfaces, as well as the coupling of up to three cabinets to meet the characteristics of free-standing corners and other unique setups. For enhanced low-end performance, the Ci series’ 2”, 4”, and 5” models—with optional high-impedance versions—can be paired indoors with the C8S and C12S subwoofers.
RHYTHM AND BLUES
COLOMBO / SRI LANKA APAC
Long-standing Sri Lankan nightspot updates its sound system with Void Acoustics after detailed consultation with Digital Ear.
A collaboration between Digital Ear and Void Acoustics has breathed new life into Rhythm and Blues, located in the heart of Colombo, after the venue management sought to update its ageing sound system.
The club has cemented its reputation as one of the city’s hottest nightspots by offering a wide selection of tunes in a vibrant, atmospheric setting, and after management noticed the quality of the audio gradually diminishing in different areas of the room, they called on Digital Ear for advice on what direction to take.
“The club management was seeking a new audio solution that would elevate the overall sound quality and create a more enjoyable experience for their guests,” said Haren Perera, Managing Director at Digital Ear. “Their goal was to achieve a consistent and immersive audio experience throughout the venue, ensuring that the music was clear, balanced, and impactful in every area of the club.”
Perera noted the shortcomings of the previous system, and after visiting the venue identified a selection of Void Acoustics products that would work best in the space.
“The previous system’s sound was harsh and didn’t provide an even sound, which made it uncomfortable for
patrons due to incorrect speaker placement,” said Perera.
“The inconsistent sound distribution across the venue greatly diminished the overall audio quality and enjoyment, which is why the upgrade was necessary.”
Perera identified a total of six speakers to server the venue, with 2 x Air Vantage and 2 x Venu 12 V2 loudspeakers complemented by 2 x Stasys 218 subwoofers. The amps supplied for the system was 1 x Bias Q2 and 1 x Bias Q1.5.
“To fulfill the brief for high-quality audio, it was crucial to strategically place and optimise the Void speakers to ensure consistent and balanced sound throughout the club,” said Perera. “The speakers were positioned to deliver even and clear audio across all areas of the venue, eliminating the uneven distribution issues of the previous system.
“This careful placement and tuning of the speakers was aimed at enhancing the overall enjoyment and comfort of guests during their visit, with clear sound resonating well in every corner of the space.”
To get the sound to cover all areas, Perera did have to overcome the challenging layout of the venue.
“The existing layout of the club posed a challenge and needed strategic placement of the speakers to achieve optimal sound distribution,” said Perera. “We thoroughly analysed the venue’s layout, considering acoustics, guest areas, and architectural features, to identify the best locations for each speaker.
“Through meticulous planning and testing, we successfully designed a sound system that delivers a balanced and immersive audio experience for all patrons, regardless of where they are in the club.”
In order to match the aesthetics of the club, Perera placed a special order with Void Acoustics for white finishes for the Air Vantage and Venu 12 loudspeakers, while Perera was also careful in configuring the systems amplification.
“The Bias Q2 amp is bridged and dedicated to powering both Stasys 218 subwoofers, while the Bias Q1.5 amplifier powers the two Air Vantage speakers as well as the Venu 12 speakers,” he said. “This setup ensures optimal performance for each component in the audio system.”
Once installed and commissioned, the feedback on the new system from venue owner Russel Fernando has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We had many problems with our previous sound setup – with issues almost every day,” commented Fernando. “After Digital Ear demoed a Void Acoustics system, I was convinced it would be the right solution for us, and since switching to Void, the sound quality at the club has been excellent.
“There is a noticeable improvement in clarity and detail, allowing even a pin drop to be heard. The atmosphere in the club has also vastly improved, and we have received a lot of positive feedback from our guests, who can really feel and hear the difference now. Our new Void Acoustics system has truly transformed my club, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.”
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
AUDIO:
2 x Void Acoustics Air Vantage
2 x Void Acoustics Stasys 218 Subwoofer
2 x Void Acoustics Venu 12 V2
1 x Void Acoustics Bias Q2 Amplifier
1 x Void Acoustics Bias Q1.5 Amplifier
www.voidacoustics.com www.digitalearsl.com
Right and below: The R6 loudspeaker, demonstrated at EM Acoustics’ Surrey facility.
EM ACOUSTICS
At its factory in Surrey, UK, EM Acoustics welcomed MONDO-DR alongside other industry members to its multi-day demonstration event, showing off both its new product and the recently completed building extension.
Following the success of its 2023 R5 unveiling, EM Acoustics once again opened its factory doors for a demo event from 15-18 October, 2024. Attendees were invited to experience the company’s latest addition to the Reference Series, explore the rest of its product portfolio, tour the factory’s new facilities, and participate in open discussions about the manufacturer’s equipment and the audiovisual industry as a whole.
Present for the 15 October session, the MONDO-DR team arrived at the Dunsfold Aerodrome, a huge airfield in Surrey housing the EM Acoustics facility. The EM Acoustics team then began the morning session with a factory tour of the 26,000 sq ft grounds. Visitors were led through the building’s woodworking, cabinet assembly, preparation, and paint spraying sectors, amongst other, actively operational spaces, allowing the group to closely observe exactly how each piece of equipment comes into fruition. This tour included the new areas of the factory, which were constructed due to the company outgrowing the old floorspace after business expansion. This new space doubled EM Acoustics’ machining capacity, leading to investment in a second Computer Numerical Control machine. The team explained how this second machine allows for the handling of increasing demand whilst retaining quick R&D processes.
Suitably, the highlight of the event was also its main purpose: the demonstration of the R6 loudspeaker. The introduction of the R6, which sits between the compact R5 and the R8, was a logical next step for the brand in the expansion of its Reference Series family.
Greg Clarke, Brand Manager at EM Acoustics, said: “Designers and integrators are looking to create complete Reference ecosystems and the R6 is another powerful, creative tool in the design process.”
After hearing the R6 at the demo session, attendees agreed that the product delivers high-calibre point-source audio, consistent with the quality of the rest of the series.
The demonstration event was an ideal space for attendees to experience the new product, as Roger Harpum, Business Development Manager at EM Acoustics, explained: “When we launch new products, bringing them to market can be quite a difficult thing. Trade shows are great, but for a confirmed, accurate listening environment, these in-house demos are perfect. These sessions also mean we have further opportunities to sit down with visitors and discuss what EM Acoustics can provide for their specific situation.”
Clarke concluded: “We love having people visit the factory. It’s a relaxed and informal way for people to essentially ‘look under the bonnet’ of EM Acoustics!” www.emacoustics.co.uk
WATER SHOWS: DESIGN AND OPERATION GO HAND-IN-HAND
WITH MULTISENSES AND SYNCRONORM
For the past eight years, multisenses gmbh, based in Lage, Germany has been demonstrating its expertise in the design, installation and operation of international water shows, and an ever-present tool in those projects is Depence design software from Syncronorm gmbh. Water show projects involve meticulously detailed planning and application, and the role of the correct operating technology is key to delivering a successful, inspiring display.
The foundation of every show is water
The water basin is the most essential part in building a fountain installation and the slightest level of unevenness can make installation and operation difficult.
The question of whether the show is to be implemented in a flowing stream or a steady pool, which is the case with theme parks or large mall projects, has to be clarified in advance. Once this issue is answered, things get going, and the show, which may include fire, light, water and laser technology to be coordinated with the desired music, begins to take shape.
Planning and Design
The show designers at multisenses gmbh begin working on the design, keeping in mind the brief from the client and the requirements based on the planned or existing environment. At this stage, the Depence system is already involved. To create a visualisation, all the fountains, air shooters, flame throwers, lasers and lights (which are already configured by standard in the Depence system) are selected. The water basin is then visualised virtually, and each element is given its temporary position. Up to now, the show has only been in the designer’s mind – in order to create the desired images, the designer has to test positions
and take many parameters into consideration. For example, the time it takes for a water fountain to rise and fall, which should be synchronised with the music. In this way, isolated water formations, laser designs, lighting effects and fire fountains are transformed into coherent moving images.
“Depence supports me significantly in bringing the ideas I have in my mind for the show to life, virtually,” said Alexander Köhnen, water show designer at multisenses gmbh. “This makes the design process easier for me and also inspires the customers when they see the first concepts.”
Never without Depence
Depence is Syncronorm’s powerful software solution for designing and controlling multimedia shows, and covers all levels of complex fountain installations. Coming from the water show industry, Germany-based software and hardware developers Syncronorm can look back on over 20 years of experience, as Depence is a worldwide standard in planning and realising musical fountain projects. It combines real-time 3D visualisation with precise control over fountains, lighting, lasers, fireworks and other effects, allowing users to simulate and program complex shows even long before the physical realisation. With its intuitive interface and advanced integration capabilities, Depence is widely used in the entertainment, architectural, and event industries for creating stunning, synchronised performances and is favoured by professionals around the world. Its real-time and high-quality visualisations provide users with the confidence to make creative and technical decisions, minimising the need for costly adjustments during installation. The software’s ability to manage and co-ordinate complex multimedia shows positions it as an essential tool for delivering immersive performances.
In the field of water show creation, Depence is also able to offer a complete programming suite in which all relevant show elements can be programmed in an intuitive user interface. Especially in combination with Syncronorm’s own hardware products, which are specially adapted to the fountain market, meaning unique installations can be built. This is also the case with Syncronorm’s long-standing business partner, multisenses.
“We have been working with Depence for around eight years and are always impressed with how it makes our work easier - both creatively and in terms of technical implementation,” said Christoph Grauting, Managing Director of multisenses gmbh. “The great support – and the fact that we are constantly developing together – make multisenses and Depence an incredible team.
“Furthermore, for some time now we have also been able to present real mega projects using simulations with VR technology. This expands our sales opportunities immensely. It allows investors, executives and our future customers to emotionally immerse themselves in the entire planned environment (including the buildings and infrastructure) and the atmosphere created by our show. And that as early as during the development phase.”
The installation
Once any required construction work has been completed, the water basin and cabling are prepared - the installation can begin. The individual elements of light, laser, fire and water technology are positioned and connected. After setting up the signal paths to the Depence control unit, V:Server4, and completing functional tests, the water is pumped in. The V:Server hardware units are Syncronorm’s most powerful control and show synchronization units, which come with multiple features, developed to run large fountain installations and guarantee a flawless water show experience for the audience. The unit also includes automation and coordination features, which simplify running any water show and increase operational flexibility and stability of the installation, e.g. by providing remote control and monitoring capabilities.
Operation and customer requirements
With the user-friendliness of the Depence control system, what designers, technicians and numerous helping hands have created and built can be controlled in daily operation by trained customer personnel or fully automatically, and even adapted to parameters such as weather conditions. One press of the button and away it goes. If the customer wants a special show for an intended event this is possible within the existing equipment positions. Thanks to Depence, the multisenses show designers can program the new water movements, laser designs or lighting effects at the multisenses office. Once the design has been approved, the new show is installed by multisenses at the customer’s location and can be activated automatically.
multisenses and Depence - joining forces for the future
In the future, multisenses gmbh will continue to rely on the Depence software system, which will in turn help to develop new possibilities and functions to realise more and more spectacular fountain installations. The development team at Syncronorm gmbh works relentlessly to expand the software in order to offer users software that is tailored to their needs. They often rely on great feedback from the global community as well as selected software testers, including multisenses. A foretaste of the next software iteration of the Depence system, which will be Major Release 4, will be available soon via Syncronorm gmbh’s social channels, while the release of the latest Depence version can be expected at the turn of the year.
www.syncronorm.com https://multisenses.de
Opposite page: A large musical fountain show in full bloom at night.
Above (top): A rendering of a fountain design using Depence.
Above (middle) : a fountain basin under construction.
Above (bottom) : The V:Server4 by Syncronorm with 48 DMX Universes.
D&B AUDIOTECHNIK
From a core of developing loudspeakers since its inception in 1981, d&b audiotechnik evolved into a marketleading audio technology company. Now part of the newly formed d&b group, with the overarching vision of becoming a broader experience technology company offering audio, visual, lighting and media solutions. Melanie Stegemann, VP Brand and Corporate Communications, d&b group, and Sebastian Schubnell, VP Product Management, d&b audiotechnik, detail how the company is looking to the future through company expansion and product development.
1. Melanie Stegemann, VP Brand and Corporate Communications, d&b group (left), and Sebastian Schubnell, VP Product Management, d&b audiotechnik.
2. The Immersive Technology Experience Centre (ITEC) at London’s Science Museum opened in April 2024.
3-4. d&b audiotechnik loudspeakers are hand built at its global HQ in Backnang, Germany.
5. The main stage at this year’s Jazzopen Stuttgart equipped with a d&b Soundscape system. Photo by Stephan Kwiecinski.
6. The new D90 amplifier, unveiled at NAMM and ISE in 2024.
Via internal growth and several external acquisitions, the d&b group of companies forms a team of over 1000 people around the world and features a wide business portfolio throughout audio, video, lighting and media –something the company refers to as AVLM.
“We formed the d&b group to expand our business from being a purely audio focussed technology provider to becoming a provider of professional AVLM solutions, with the purpose of transforming life experiences,” explained Melanie Stegemann, VP Brand and Corporate Communications. “The company is evolving into an experience technology company, which is our vision for the future.
“The next step is connecting places, spaces and people, and we want to capture experiences and replicate them around the world, so that an experience can happen without being present at the event itself.”
“With our customer-facing brands our mission is to create memorable experiences that touch every sense – and using d&b Soundscape in large music festivals and beyond is an example of that – but there is a lot more to what we want to achieve.
“The benefits to having customer-facing brands is that we get end user feedback directly, and conversations evolve, and new projects are realised. The result can also come from the customer not knowing exactly what they need, and we can guide them with our expertise.”
Earlier this year the company established an immersive business unit, something that Sebastian Schubnell, VP Product Management, referred to as an ‘incubation chamber for immersive solutions’ within d&b group.
“This is where we develop solutions for spatial audio, virtual acoustics and content creation,” said Schubnell. “beside ‘Immersive’, d&b audiotechnik particularly focuses on innovating in the areas of system efficiency, our software tools supporting the ‘d&b workflow’, broadband directivity and noise management, to which we refer under the narrative “more art – less noise”, as well as audio networks. Whenever we design and develop new products or solutions, the first thought is ‘which of our core technology pillars does it play into’.”
The opening of its new Immersive Technology Experience Centre (ITEC) at London’s Science Museum in April is something Stegemann sees as a stepping stone to helping creatives reach new heights through technology.
“The ITEC is a place for artists, creatives, installers and integrators to use the technologies that we offer, explore the opportunities, and open up dialogues,” said Stegemann. “As a company, this ties in with us looking beyond the event realm, and into experiences, and as an example, with d&b Soundscape, we are looking beyond where you might expect to see it used, such as festivals and events, and moving into conference centres and educational facilities. There are opportunities to change the world with technology, and each step forward we take is a small step towards big changes.”
Developments are taking place at a pace within d&b group, with Schubnell excited the show the
industry what d&b audiotechnik has been diligently working on behind the scenes.
“One of the main focusses of the company this year was audio networks and developing products that integrate Milan-AVB networking,” stated Schubnell.
“This includes the launch of the Milan Manager, a user-friendly Milan controller software which was developed for the industry in collaboration with L-Acoustics, and the release of our D90 amplifier, which is the most powerful amp in our portfolio, and shares the newest state-of-the-art DSP platform. The D90 represents a big step as it is our first amp with the Milan interface included.”
Next year, Schubnell states, will see some more exciting product launches, particularly – but not exclusively – linked to the above mentioned “more art – less noise” narrative.
“Our acoustic engineers are driven to deliver the best directivity over the whole bandwidth, from low to high frequency. It’s quite a challenge to control the low frequencies, but with our technology, providing a broadband cardioid sound propagation behaviour, we can,” stated Schubnell. “It’s our key ambition to develop this further, to not just reducing noise where you do not want it, but also to control precisely what happens at or inside a venue.
“Simply spoken, better directivity reduces unwanted reflections and distributes the sound exactly where it’s needed. For the audience, this leads high listening experiences and at the same time, you need less energy.
“Launching new loudspeakers is always very exciting for us,” continued Schubnell. “What we will introduce next year will be unique to the market and will feature a strong drive of innovation from acoustics and beyond. In parallel, we’ll continue to improve and develop our software tools further as well as enhance usability and the user experience.
“Development of new products takes its time because the products we make are designed to have a long use life, and they stay in the market for a good number of years, which is important for the end user because it maintains the value of the product.
“The innovations we make must provide dedicated benefits to the users, which is why we maintain a close relationship with the market and gather feedback as often as possible.
“In addition, a focus of 2025 will be on further developing our role in immersive audio, specifically user interfaces, operation, planning and creation, with some crucial software updates related to Soundscape coming in the new year.
“Looking at our dedication to improving our immersive offerings, one key aspect is to make setting up and designing a Soundscape system as easy as possible, be it in a fixed installation setting, or at the main stage of a festival.
“One of our ambitions is to provide ways for creatives to design a Soundscape system fully virtual in order to be able to get the desired results – it is a crucial topic for us.”
With an holistic vision of delivering next-level experiences through technology, d&b group has developed an extensive business portfolio which has the company well-placed to fulfil its goals in the not too distant future.
www.dbaudio.com
ADJ GROUP
On Friday 11 October 2024, ADJ Group invited customers, distributors, press members, and industry professionals to its European headquarters in Kerkrade for an evening of celebration, officially unveiling a significant expansion to the facility.
The headquarters’ new building, ‘Hall 4,’ adds 4,371 sq m to the space, and represents a significant investment in quality control, product development, and ADJ Group employees. This hall houses an all-new 1,250 sq m quality control (QC) space, purpose-built R&D labs for ADJ, Elation, and Obsidian Control Systems, a dedicated service area, an expanded spare parts department, and more space for future expansion.
Bart Wehrens, ADJ Group Europe’s Service and Support Manager, explained: “All of our technical departments (QC, Service & Support, R&D, Spare Parts) are now centralised in one building; this has created more efficient communication channels between the departments and allow for faster processing times.”
This enhancement of communication channels is part of ADJ Group’s commitment to collaboration.
Wehrens continued: “It was important for us that Hall 4 further improved collaboration; the resultant boost in workplace collaboration means we can solve problems more quickly. This has been especially beneficial for R&D, who now have QC and Service closer at hand.”
“Additionally, we are seeing improved efficiency due to the increased space, better organisation, and the central location of the Spare Parts department, which streamlines the entire process. The large and modern building also contributes to a very good work environment.”
Both distributors and customers of ADJ Group will benefit from Hall 4’s opening.
Toby Velazquez, ADJ Group President, commented: “This is a significant project for the ADJ Group in Europe, but one that we feel is essential to allow our brands to continue to serve customers with the highest possible standard.
This investment shows our commitment to excellent customer service not just through words but through actions – building new infrastructure and investing in our people – to ensure we continue meeting, and exceeding, the needs of our customers.”
The modifications made to the building do not only impact end-users and ADJ workers, however. ADJ Group is proving a commitment to environmental friendliness with its installation of 424 solar panels that can generate up to 214Kw of electricity, offsetting the production of 100 tonnes of carbon annually.
Velazquez added: “The inclusion of a solar-powered energy system will simultaneously help us to improve our energy efficiency and reduce our carbon footprint.”
After the short period of celebration signalling the formal opening of Hall 4, Wehrens concluded: “The opening of the expansion has been a lot of fun – we’ve been able to mark the milestone with so many industry friends and partners. We are very enthusiastic about the new space and were glad to share that with guests, who hopefully came away with a better understanding of how this expansion will drive innovation and growth for the ADJ Group moving forward.”
www.adj.com www.elationlighting.eu
2 & 3. Visitors to the
4 & 5. Areas
1. The outside of the Kerkrade factory, lit up for the Hall 4 celebrations.
factory enjoy a tour through the facilities
of the new Hall 4 expansion.
SHURE
MONDO-DR catches up with James Hill, Director of Sales at Shure UK, following a visit to Shure’s ‘Rose Experience Centre’ in London – a space designed by the brand to deepen its connection with customers. As well as detailing the benefits the brand has felt from the experience centre so far, Hill discusses Shure’s plans for its upcoming 100th anniversary, which will be celebrated in 2025.
What were Shure’s goals behind the creation of the Rose Experience Centre; do you feel that the space has achieved these objectives?
Hill: We recognised some years ago that a high percentage of our conferencing customers, consultants, and end users were either based in London or carried out most of their work there.
The idea for an experience centre came about after we realised the benefits of a convenient location where people could visit us and really see what it is that we do. We wanted to provide real-life demonstrations that helped visitors fully understand the performance and potential of Shure products.
The centre is now used by a much wider audience than we ever envisaged, with multiple events, including training sessions, workshops, launch events, and round tables that enable knowledge exchange and business opportunities whilst also helping us bring the brand close to our visitors.
We also have a podcast studio that has been used for numerous recording purposes, hosting podcasts discussing everything from Cloud technology to blockchain. We welcome around 150 unique visitors every month to the Shure Rose Experience Centre.
Can you tell me about the harmonisation between the London experience centre and Shure’s other hubs around the world?
We currently have five experience centres in Chicago, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, and London, and we receive very positive feedback for the experiences and events we deliver.
We want to ensure each centre reflects the same standard of excellence while offering unique, localised experiences that resonate with the specific environment’s communities.
What importance does Shure place on having a UK-based facility?
London is incredibly important for many reasons – many global corporations are HQ’ed in the city, and AV room standards are often defined in London. Furthermore, we are on the doorstep of the West End, and theatre is a big part of our business. The live music scene is where our heritage lies, and being in London means we are close to artists, engineers, and venues.
The Shure Rose Experience Centre is not the only facility we have in the UK. We have an additional facility in Waltham Abbey, which is focused on supporting our distribution and technical service in the region.
During MONDO-DR’s visit to the Rose Experience Centre, Shure’s team highlighted its focus on high-tech microphones for new demands, especially those driven by remote work and entertainment. Could you tell me more about how Shure is addressing these needs?
No matter the customer’s needs, Shure works with them to completely understand their demands. For conferencing, what customers need today are audio solutions that ensure the highest standards but are easy to install and use and seamlessly connect with video conferencing and UC platforms. Our Microflex Ecosystem, which is Microsoft Teams and Zoom certified, meets these needs and beyond. There are also rising demands for AI productivity tools like Microsoft Copilot, which can only work with exceptional audio in place.
To ensure these integrations, we collaborate with various tech partners, creating streamlined solutions that adapt to the evolving customer demands. On the podcasting and content creation side, users also look for ease of use and plug-and-play solutions without sacrificing audio quality. We recently launched the MV6 USB Gaming Microphone, which provides pro-level audio thanks to cutting-edge DSP technology at an affordable price point.
We have an exciting roadmap of audio solutions that will address most of the key customer challenges, and we’ll continue to innovate to deliver what they need the most.
Left: James Hill, Director of Sales at Shure UK.
Middle and right: The Rose Experience Centre, London.
Are there any other emerging customer demands that Shure is particularly focused on at the moment?
Customers’ demands depend heavily on the different professional fields, but there are common aspects we see across all industries: ease of use, simplicity in installation and integration and streamlined solutions that won’t sacrifice audio quality and reliability. Content creators require plug-and-play solutions, ready to use out-of-the-box and on the go. We’ve addressed this need by launching MoveMic earlier in the year – a compact, dual-channel, direct-to-phone solution. Its versatility and simplicity meet what videographers and mobile creators require today: broadcast-quality audio accessible in a microphone no larger than a USB drive. In the pro audio field, engineers request solutions that maximise stability, reliability, quality, and control in the most demanding situations, but also that are spectrum efficient. Shure’s Axient Digital Wireless System has become an industry standard here because it’s a system that professionals can trust in complex productions.
How can we expect to see Shure celebrate its upcoming centennial anniversary? Are there any special initiatives, products, or events that will mark the occasion?
We are thrilled about our 100th anniversary next year. We are proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish, but also about what’s yet to come. There are plans in place for initiatives and events that will allow us to celebrate with our customers, partners, employees, and audio professionals. You’ll need to stay tuned to find out what they are, though!
Shure has undoubtedly had a huge impact on the audio industry over the past century. Among its many innovations, are there any that you would like to highlight or commemorate as particularly influential?
We couldn’t say one in particular. To name only a few, the Shure SM58 vocal microphone, the SM7b, which is popular nowadays in podcasting, and the Super 55 have all been proud creations. Another product I’d like to highlight is the Axient Digital system for touring and live. This solution has been part of the most complex events and world’s biggest stages like the Super Bowl, Eurovision, and even the Coronation celebrations in London.
What factors do you think have helped Shure maintain its relevance over the past 100 years, and how will the company ensure that future years of operation are just as impactful as the past century?
There are multiple factors contributing to our success: our customer-centric mindset, our principles based on diversity and equity, and our passion for innovation.
We are committed to another 100 years of success by continuing to work close to our customers and partners, by ensuring our industry is as diverse as possible where everyone has a voice, and by loving what we do to help the world sound extraordinary! www.shure.com
Above
The Rose Experience Centre.
ADAMSON
HAVING STARTED INITIALLY AS A ONE-MAN OPERATION IN VANCOUVER, ADAMSON SYSTEMS ENGINEERING HAS GROWN INTO A GLOBAL COMPANY WITH OVER 160 EMPLOYEES IN VARIOUS ROLES AROUND THE WORLD. NOW HEADQUARTERED IN PORT PERRY ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF TORONTO, ADAMSON CELEBRATES ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2024 AND HAS BIG PLANS FOR THE FUTURE AS IT STEPS INTO ITS FIFTH DECADE OF OPERATION. HERE PIETER VAN HOOGDALEM, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIST, ADAMSON, TALKS US THROUGH THE COMPANY’S RECENT ENHANCEMENTS AND EXPANSIONS, STARTING WITH THE RELEASE OF THE VGT LARGE FORMAT LINE ARRAY SYSTEM FROM ITS VERGENCE GROUP RANGE OF SONIC SOLUTIONS.
Forty years is a long time, and a lot has happened at Adamson since it was founded by Brock Adamson back in 1984. His vision of reproducing sound which retains the integrity of the original waveform, even at extreme levels, remains a founding principal, and is at the cornerstone of our latest development, the Vergence Group.
The culmination of 40 years of product development, the Vergence Group is where our expertise in speaker manufacturing, driver development, amplification, rigging efficiency and digital connectivity come together in a range of products that are all controllable through our proprietary software, ArrayIntelligence.
At the core of the Vergence Group is the development of the M140 mid-range compression driver, and advancement in transducer technology that introduces freeedge topology, which eliminates modal behaviour associated with cone suspensions, resulting in a mid-range with a broad frequency range, unmatched sensitivity and near-zero distortion. Other advancements such as convertible cardioid technology, drastically increased headroom and a host of quality-of-life features made possible by having a powered system, make the Vergence Group of products an offering that is unmatched in the pro audio market today.
The Vergence Group represents a new milestone for Adamson. Back in 2012, the E-Series, which was followed by the IS-Series in 2017 and the powered CS-Series in 2020, all helped put the company on the map, and after years of growth, the last fiscal year represents the most successful in our history.
At the same time, the technology that we have invested in has raised the opportunity for further growth considerably, and we are responding to this by expanding our manufacturing facility in Port Perry.
We started planning the most recent expansion as we moved out of the pandemic to deal with the increased demand we were facing. We
have moved our electronics production into this new space with a brand-new Fuji high speed SMT assembly line, greatly increasing our production capacity. The manufacturing of our drivers will also be housed in this space, which means that a lot of space becomes available in the existing building, which we are optimising for further capacity and efficiency.
Developing and manufacturing all components in house allows us to directly control our carbon footprint in all steps of the manufacturing process, contrary to competitors who assemble pre-fabricated parts. Our electricity is sourced from both nuclear and solar power – zero emissions. We source our Baltic birch ply from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified suppliers. FSC certification ensures that products are obtained from responsibly managed forests, and we recycle paper, plastic, and metal products as well as electronics.
Both our manufacturing facility and offices are purposely designed and built to be environmentally sustainable. We use in-floor heating to heat the factory, as well as ICF insulated walls and ceilings. Our insulation has an R-Value of 35-40, which ensures that there are few temperature fluctuations in the building and minimizes our energy input.
A further expansion is planned behind the current building, which would be the third expansion in our history. This will allow us to expand our assembly lines and have a dedicated inventory warehouse space.
While this expansion takes place, and we develop and release new products in the Vergance Group range, it’s hugely important for us to engage and inform our network partners. And, perhaps more importantly, to let them hear what we have been working on. We consider ourselves very lucky with such a loyal customer base, and having them all together in Canada in October to hear the VGt and look around as our factory capacity increases has been equally inspiring for us as a manufacturer.
www.adamson.ai
1
4
3
2
1
Pieter Van Hoogdalem, Business Development Strategist, Adamson.
Four VGt line array on a VGt Dolly.
Rapper Jelly Roll took the VGt on the road in the summer, including a stop at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The new M140 mid-range compression driver, which is at the heart of the VGt line array.
ALPHATEC
DEVASIS BARKATAKI, FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, ALPHATEC, DISCUSSES THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF ONE OF INDIA’S LEADING DISTRIBUTORS OF PRO AV SOLUTIONS.
Alphatec was founded with a clear vision to offer world-class AV solutions to the Indian market by integrating cutting-edge technology with unmatched service. This vision was rooted in the desire to fill a gap in the Indian market, where we saw need for high-quality, reliable AV solutions across various verticals. Our vision was to bring the best of professional AV technologies to the fingertips of Indian creators and users. A key aspect of our approach has been balancing price and performance. Understanding that Indian consumers are highly sensitive to both, we strive to deliver products that offer excellent value at competitive prices. Over the years, we have curated a diverse portfolio of 33 brands, which took time and careful selection, and we believe our range of products reflects our commitment to offering comprehensive solutions that cater to a variety of needs and preferences.
In our mission to reach out to customers effectively, we have built a robust application and service team. We currently operate over 32 service centres and plan to expand this to 50 to further enhance our ability to provide exceptional service and support. Our growth has been marked by establishing a strong network of over 2000 dealers nationwide, expanding our team, and continuously evolving our capabilities.
Our relationships with brands are founded on three core principles: cutting-edge research and development, price-performance balance, and a comprehensive range of products that cater to diverse verticals. We seek brands that are leaders in their domain and offer state-ofthe-art solutions at the forefront of technology, and we are currently preparing to expand our product portfolio to include broadcast solutions, an area we are missing at the moment.
Our diverse portfolio, which includes Genelec, CODA Audio, Tannoy, Midas, Turbosound, Pequod, Lab Gruppen, Symetrix, AtlasIED, Renkus-
Heinz, Christie and Audio-Technica, enables us to cater to a wide range of requirements, from small-scale venues such as bars and restaurants to larger facilities such as shopping malls and convention centres. We maintain a very close relationship with our brand partners, which involves continuous training and exposure to the latest products and technologies. Alphatec has been involved in several significant projects over the past few years, including the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in Delhi, which presented a unique challenge with its extensive glass facade, which created reflective surfaces that could have compromised sound quality. We addressed this by using special speakers designed to reduce reflection, ensuring optimal acoustics without sacrificing aesthetics. Other marquee projects include the Jio World Center in Mumbai, and the Biswa Bangla Convention Center, in Kolkata, where we executed large-scale installations that showcase our ability to deliver comprehensive AV solutions across a range of environments.
In recent years, we have made significant strides in enhancing our operations. We have expanded our workforce, growing from a small team to over 111 staff members in just nine years, reflecting our rapid growth. Additionally, we have continuously upgraded our infrastructure, including adding new office spaces to accommodate our expanding business needs.
Alphatec has seen remarkable growth in recent years. In the fiscal year 2021-2022, we recorded a 78 per cent growth, followed by an 80 per cent growth in 2022-2023. As we move through 2024, we are on track for another year of substantial growth, with a projected increase of 50 per cent for 2024-2025. This growth is a testament to our strategic expansion, our strong brand partnerships, and our ability to deliver high-quality AV solutions across diverse sectors. www.alphatec.co.in
Members of the Alphatec team pictured on its stand at the 2024 PALM Expo show in Mumbai.
AUDIOVISUAL ACTIVISM – LIGHTING PRACTICES BENEFITTING THE INDUSTRY
AND THE PEOPLE WITHIN IT.
While the idea of audiovisual improvement often suggests technological, practical advances, some industry groups emphasise that true progress in lighting, sound, and visuals depends on inclusive and responsible practices.
The Light Collective team, in its creation of the ‘Women in Lighting’ project and its collaboration with Traverso-Vighy Architetti producing ‘Going Dark’, continues to demonstrate how the discourse around lighting should extend beyond functionality in order to foster social change and raise environmental awareness.
In conversation with MONDO-DR, the founders of Light Collective and Traverso-Vighy discussed the significance of their projects and the overall benefits of disruptive organisations within the AV community.
Women in Lighting
Put simply, Light Collective, led by co-founders Sharon Stammers and Martin Lupton, is a UK-based lighting consultancy. However, with projects spanning community outreach, exhibitions, book design, filmmaking, and more, their portfolio is far from standard. While light remains at the core of everything they do, their work extends well beyond traditional consultancy.
The duo launched the Light Collective project ‘Women in Lighting’ in 2019, after noticing an imbalance in the industry. “In 2017 we released a film called The Perfect Light,” Stammers began. “It contained interviews with lighting designers from around the world. After one showing, a group of designers came up to us and said, ‘We loved your film, but where were the women in it?’ We realised that, completely unintentionally, we had only interviewed four women for the piece, as opposed to the 19 men included.”
Stammers and Lupton began further research into the issue, realising that perhaps this was indicative of a larger issue. They found that despite making up a notable percentage of the industry, most major events and committees were male-oriented; at its worst, one conference platformed 42 speakers and only one was female.
Becoming aware of the extent to which women are overlooked in audiovisual spaces and their own unconscious biases, Light Collective created Women in Lighting (WIL) as a project working on profiling and supporting women working in all luminary-related fields.
Previous page, above: A Women in Lighting meet up at ISE 2024.
Previous page, below: Cara Hood for Women in Lighting on stage at Prolight & Sound 2024.
This page: Women in Lighting’s five year celebration at Light & Building.
Next page: Light Collective and Traverso-Vighy at Going Dark.
Stammers said: “Our initial mission had a basic aim. We wanted to get more women speaking publicly about their work, at conferences as keynotes and on judging panels. This is because our early research showed that these sorts of events were typically male-heavy.”
Lupton added: “It’s evolved so far from just this beginning concept, though. The community has grown extensively, with 80 ambassadors in countries across the globe. We are consistently being fired up and inspired by people creating worldwide events in support of WIL.”
Stammers stated: “We’ve definitely been able to create a shift in some areas of the industry. Through our WIL events, digital platforms, and presence at trade shows, we’ve been spotlighting the success of women in the lighting industry. This not only makes the issue of inequity more visible, but also – through a non-activist lens – creates connections and a network that potential clients can turn to when seeking light creatives.”
One recent development in the project is the release of its latest book, ‘Collected Light Volume Three: Women in Entertainment Lighting’. Lupton explained: “This book was born from the ‘Women in Entertainment Lighting’ branch of WIL, supported by Ayrton, and will focus on profiling the female presence in lighting theatre, concerts, events, and more.”
Light Collective recognises that WIL’s global expansion is essential for promoting intersectionality within the project.
Lupton explained: “It might be tough to be a woman in lighting, but in some of the countries involved, it’s challenging to be a woman at all. It’s important to elevate stories from lighting industry members facing daily bigotry due to gender, sexuality, or race, so we aren’t limited to a UK-centric view of struggles and successes.”
Stammers concluded by looking towards 2024’s LDI Show in Las Vegas. “As we do at many trade shows, we’re running a lighting panel and conferences at the event. In a way this encapsulates our whole ethos; we wanted to get more women on the stage, so we created our own stage.”
Going Dark
Light Collective’s broad focus also includes non-social issues. In collaboration with Traverso-Vighy Architetti, an architectural firm based in Italy and specialising in daylight, the Going Dark project was created.
From the 3 – 5 October 2024, Light Collective and Traverso-Vighy ran Going Dark, a workshop in Monteriggioni, a medieval castle town in the heart of Tuscany. The workshop was centred around participants collaborating in the study of environmentally responsible lighting techniques.
Giovanni Traverso and Paola Vighy, Co-founders of Traverso-Vighy, began Going Dark due to their love of lighting and simultaneous respect for natural darkness.
“It’s part of our responsibility as daylight experts to respect the night sky,” Traverso said. “We created Going Dark due to our sadness surrounding Italy’s current environmental climate; Italy is full of light pollution, and in most places, the Milky Way is not visible anymore.”
Vighy explained: “After noticing that the Milky Way was still visible on a trip to Tuscany, we came up with the idea to bring together lighting designers, audiovisual experts, students, and astronomers, among many others, to create a collaborative exploration into ways in which we can deploy high-quality lighting to illuminate historical venues, whilst still being able to see the stars above.”
With a concept in place, Traverso-Vighy contacted Light Collective, seeing them as perfect partners for the workshop thanks to a long-standing relationship and a mutual interest in challenging the lighting industry.
Over the workshop’s three days, participants from extremely diverse professional and personal backgrounds were put into groups, with these teams given the task of studying environmentally friendly lighting solutions. At the end of the project, each group presented their findings.
The closing group presentations showed that each participant had managed to effectively and powerfully illuminate the facade of a historical building in Monteriggioni, whilst keeping environmentally-kind methods at the forefront of their minds, so both the building and the surrounding stars were visible.
“It was quite an emotional workshop,” Vighy explained.
“Some of the attendees were from places with extremely high light pollution levels, like the Middle East. This meant that our experience was the first time they’d ever seen the stars. Their emotional reactions to the natural night sky alongside careful illumination further proved to us that thoughtful, nondestructive lighting is well worth investing time and effort into.”
Though Going Dark is just a ‘drop in the bucket’ in the effort to stop light pollution, Traverso-Vighy and Light Collective’s championing of environmentally friendly audiovisual applications shows a promising future for thoughtful design. www.lightcollective.net www.womeninlighting.com www.ayrton.eu www.traverso-vighy.com
VELOCE PROFILE
the ultimate precision
After the worldwide success of the RIVALE PROFILE and more than 10,000 units in service in less than a year, AYRTON is proud to present its brand new VELOCE PROFILE, the second ultra-equipped luminaire in the "ULTIMATE" range, specially designed for large spaces.
The ULTIMATE range has broken the codes with its avant-garde design. A family of perfectly homothetic luminaires that reinforces the sense of unity between the different models.
VELOCE PROFILE provides the ultimate sensations. An accomplished luminaire synonymous with high performance, unbridled creativity, refinement and power. A luminaire you won’t want to do without.
LLB EXPO
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN / 01 – 03 OCT, 2024 EMEA
Taking place biennially at the Stockholmsmässan, LLB is the largest AV expo in the Nordics, and this year’s event saw a distinctive upturn in stand design and engagement from its previous edition in 2022.
Taking place from Tuesday – Thursday in early October, the event is nicely placed in the calendar and was well attended, with the majority of Sweden’s major distributors showcasing their latest solutions. Septon Pro displayed products from its brands, including AMX, BSS, Crown, JBL, Televic, RTS Intercom Systems and TiGHT AV, while its stand neighbours LiteNordic were showcasing the latest products from Martin Professional and Elation Lighting Amplitude Audio demonstrated an immersive audio system on its stand utilising Vue Audiotechnik loudspeakers, with spatial audio provided by
New Audio Technology and amplification from Innosonix. Presentations also took place throughout the show from representatives from Peavey Commercial Audio, Innosonix and New Audio Technology. Interlite displayed a wide array of fixtures from CHAUVET Professional, Claypaky and Portman Lights on its stand and featured hands-on demos with ChamSys MagicQ and QuickQ consoles on its stand, while also demonstrating Milos trussing solutions. There was a consistently busy buzz on Sennheiser’s stand as the company showcased its newly announced Spectera wireless ecosystem. Also making its global debut was the MD 421 Kompakt, a new dynamic cardioid microphone designed to provide the same performance as its larger predecessor in a multipurpose package that includes a re-designed mounting clip. Starfelt was showcasing the Audac VEXO208 3-way loudspeaker for the first time in the region, while Bose Professional was displaying the EdgeMax EM90-LP and EdgeMax EM180-LP in-ceiling speakers. Benum featured products from Shure, Funktion-One and Adamson on its stand, while Winther Sound Solutions displayed a wide array of Martin Audio products, including the new FlexPoint loudspeeakers, and Standard Audio Systems featured solutions
from Renkus-Heinz, Electro-Voice, Bluesound Professional, Cloud Electronics and Symetrix. The new compact 3440A Smart IP active subwoofer was demonstrated on Genelec’s stand, while distributors Arva displayed products from its portfolio of brands, including d&b audiotechnik, DPA Microphones, Solid State Logic and K-array, and held demos of d&b Soundscape in a purpose built arena, and demonstrated d&b sub packages in the 2000-seater Victoria Hall, across from the expo hall. Audio Vision were highlighting QSC Pro Audio products having started distributing the brand in June, and also featured products from Void Acoustics and LEA Professional
“Visiting the fair is a unique opportunity to explore and be inspired by the latest developments and innovations in the industry. Here you can build a strong network, exchange ideas and make important contacts,” said Niclas Arvidsson, CEO of Interlite and chairman of the board of the industry organisation LLB. The only minor surprise among exhibitors of lighting equipment was the absence of distributors Bellalite, which would have meant a higher number of leading pro lighting manufacturers having representation on the show floor. The show will return to Stockholmsmässan on 6 – 8 October, 2026.
1. Pierre Mollerstedt of Soundware and Oskar Meijer of L-Acoustics. 2. Fia Larsson and My Johansson of ARNO
James Harrison of ChamSys with Simon Hansen of Interlite.
Eija and Miko Nurkki of Electro Waves.
Åke Larsson of Special-Elektronik.
Fredrik Setterberg of Genelec.
Uffe Pedersen and Per Ryberg of Adam Hall. 8. Matthias Winther of Winther Sound Solutions and Flemming Bjerke of Martin Audio. 9. Lovisa and Linnea Ljungmark of Topstage with Marten Rijkeboer of Follow-Me Tracking and Markus Kowalewsky of Ayrton.
Jeroen Woolderink and Andreas Bergman of BeamZ Lighting.
Nico Lewis of RTS Intercoms.
Raphael Suarez and Jarle Felin of LAWO.
Karl Kahlau of Standard Audio Systems.
Richard Van Nairn of Innosonix and Daniel Ravald of Amplitude Audio.
Bjorn Starfelt of Starfelt.
Olof Arvidsson of Arva Trading.
Ronny ‘Rompa’ Bernstrom of Soundside.
Mikael Thorsen of Bose Professional.
1. The Optocore and BroaMan teams.
2. Stuart Watson of MarCam Europe.
3. The Lawo stand .
4. Mat Wandless and Helga Volha Somava of DPA Microphones.
5. Gary Rosen of Pliant Technologies.
6. Jason Rajack, Gareth Franklin, and Tracy Cox of Neutrik.
7. Mercedes Frígols Ballester of Shure.
8. The outside of RAI Convention Centre, Amsterdam.
IBC2024
EMEA
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS / 13-16 SEPTEMBER, 2024
Each year, IBC ensures that its visitors and exhibitors leave the event with a broader perspective on the entertainment, technology, and media industries. Held at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, 2024’s edition had a notable impact on this year’s trade show calendar. Shure returned to IBC and showcased its new SLX-D Portable Digital Wireless Systems, MoveMic Wireless Lavalier System for creators on the go, and other audio solutions and software, in advance of its upcoming 100th anniversary. Nick Wood, Senior Director, Global Marketing and Product Management at Shure, expressed: “IBC is the perfect platform to explore and discuss the latest advancements and emerging technologies.”
The Chauvet family of brands: Kino Flo, ChamSys and CHAUVET Professional also attended the show. CHAUVET Professional was represented at the booth by the Maverick Silens family of completely fanless, silent fixtures, and its new COLORado Solo Bar series of LED battens. Visitors looking for powerful lighting system control solutions were invited to check out the ChamSys display as a variety of GeNetix products including the GN10, GN5, GN2, GW2’s, and MQ Rack, as well as the new MagicQ MQ500M+ Stadium console, were shown.
Partnering with Brompton Technology, Disguise, Cuebric, ICT AG, and RED Digital Cinema, INFiLED’s stand hosted three days of informative talks on some of the most relevant topics in the AV industry at present. These presentations included everything from a behind-the-scenes look at the making of 2023’s ‘Poor Things’, to a discussion on generative AI’s role in media. Furthermore, Disguise displayed its Porta graphics controller in action at the INFiLED stand. Blackmagic Design unveiled
the URSA Cine 12K, boasting a high-resolution sensor and seamless integration into post-production workflows. Genelec was also exhibiting and introduced its 9320A Reference Controller as part of its UNIO Audio Monitoring Service Platform. Integrating with Smart Active Monitors and GLM 5.0 software, UNIO offers a compact audio monitoring hub, bringing enhanced in-room and headphone monitoring solutions for professionals.
Another unveiling took place at Sennheiser’s stand, where the new Spectera was exhibited as the first wideband, bidirectional digital wireless system using WMAS (Wireless Multichannel Audio Systems) technology.
Riedel launched the Virtual SmartPanel (VSP), which enables remote intercom operations through mobile devices. This software solution extends flexibility and mobility in communications, further integrating with Riedel’s Artist-1024 platform to create a secure, accessible intercom solution. At its stand, DPA Microphones presented its 2061 Miniature Omnidirectional Microphone. This lavalier microphone targets professionals focused on capturing the full nuance of the human voice, making it ideal for various settings, from studios to live events, offering a high-quality audio solution. Pliant Technologies was present to showcase its updated SmartBoom LITE Headset, which has improved flexibility, stability and a more comfortable fit, as well as its new CrewWare 2.0 software update, the brand’s software tool created specifically for CrewCom system construction, device control, and live monitoring.
According to organisers, 45,085 visitors from 170 countries attended IBC2024. Michael Crimp, IBC’s Chief Executive Officer, concluded: “There was an extremely positive buzz at the IBC2024. This year’s show addressed soaring interest in trends such as AI’s leap from theory to real-world applications, how the industry is fighting disinformation, and the need to foster talent and diversity across media, entertainment, and technology.” The show will return to the RAI on 12-15 September 2025.
Cameo Lighting OPUS X4 Profile Stand: 1454
High-performance moving head with robust LED engine with 1400W LED white light engine
High-intensity illumination with 50,000 lumens output and wide zoom range: 5° - 55°
• Advanced colour mixing with CMY colour mixing & linear CTO correction
• Creative colour transitions with 2 x colour wheels
• Visual effects with 2 x gobo wheels & animation wheel www.cameolight.com
Broadweigh Stand: 2019
• Know your best work; wireless load monitoring for festivals, touring shows, theatres and hospitality.
• Monitor outdoor structures during weather events with the Wireless Anemometer Wind Speed Sensor
• Check out 2025’s Load Monitoring innovations before release. Load Monitoring for extreme loads, introducing the 9T Load Cell making its North American show debut. Meet local distributors and find out how you can use Broadweigh to push innovation in your live events. www.broadweigh.com
LDI 2024 PREVIEW
Analog Way CorePlay Solo media player Stand: 2756
• Robust single-channel 4K@60Hz media player
• Perfect for live-operated applications
• Intuitive Program-Preview-Take interface: fast to learn, easy to operate
• Seamless, high-quality full-screen video playback Multi-channel audio processing www.analogway.com
HOF
MLT Pre Rig Truss Stand: 2637
Europe’s market leader in pre rig truss Ideal for tours, festivals and concerts; handling with 1 person only
MLT THREE & MLT TWO with rotatable forks with counter locking system
MLT THREE & MLT TWO dolly with folding and telescopic legs Come say hi to Dennis, Edwin & Tim www.h.of.de
PRODUCT GUIDE: CABLES, MICS & COMMS
SPONSORED BY
In today’s fast-paced world of global production, the need for robust, flexible, and secure communication solutions has never been greater. Riedel’s Virtual SmartPanel (VSP) steps up to meet this demand, transforming interconnectivity and redefining remote collaboration for professionals worldwide. Designed for users of Riedel’s Artist intercom systems, the VSP allows production teams to communicate seamlessly, anytime and anywhere, via their mobile devices. Whether in traditional broadcast environments or cutting-edge remote setups, this innovation brings flexibility and resilience to production communication in ways that were once unimaginable.
The VSP offers a hybrid infrastructure that blends virtual capabilities with COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) equipment, making it accessible across various platforms, including iOS, Android, and multiple web browsers. This broad compatibility opens up new possibilities for production teams, who can now perform vital communication tasks from virtually any device. One of the most notable features of the VSP is its intuitive interface, inspired by Riedel’s 1200 Series SmartPanel, which ensures ease of use and a smooth transition for existing users. The platform adapts to different screen sizes, providing 16 keys for smartphones, 48 keys for tablets, and up to 64 for browsers, making it an ideal choice for any user, from camera operators to audio engineers.
The VSP’s licensing model is designed with flexibility in mind. With a single license, users can switch seamlessly between devices, enabling fluid transitions between roles within a production team. Each user can also manage multiple profiles, tailoring their communication setup for different projects or tasks. For instance, a user could effortlessly switch from managing sound in one production to overseeing camera operations in another, without any additional configuration by the engineering team. This modularity saves time, reduces costs, and adds an unparalleled layer of flexibility for both users and administrators.
Riedel places a strong emphasis on security and redundancy, making the VSP a standout in terms of reliable communication. Built on secured IT standards, the VSP supports peer-to-peer connections via STUN (Session Traversal Utilities for NAT) and TURN (Traversal Using Relays around NAT) servers, both critical for secure
data transmission in real-time. It employs WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) to ensure that audio streams are encrypted, offering peace of mind to users who need secure communications, especially for sensitive productions.
To enhance reliability, the VSP offers several layers of redundancy. The system integrates with Riedel’s STAGE software for management and configuration, allowing redundant data connections between the Artist-1024 and STAGE systems, as well as audio redundancy through the WebRTC Gateway. For environments that demand robust load balancing, STAGE and WebRTC servers can be clustered to facilitate load-sharing for higher resiliency. This level of security and redundancy positions the VSP as a reliable choice for teams working in high-stakes production settings.
The power behind the VSP lies in Riedel’s STAGE software, a comprehensive platform for configuration, monitoring, and management. By integrating with third-party identity providers, STAGE streamlines the user experience, enabling secure access through familiar credentials. For administrators, STAGE provides enhanced monitoring through metrics aggregation, system event tracking, and customisable permission controls, all of which align with EBU143 security recommendations for encrypted connections, modern password policies, and certificate authorisation. This ensures that communication is not only efficient but also adheres to stringent security standards required in today’s professional production environments. The flexibility of the VSP makes it suitable for a wide array of production scenarios. It’s ideal for outside broadcasting or remote production, and presents valuable advantages for freelancers, as it allows them to participate in productions without the need for costly, dedicated hardware. The app, available for free in app stores, supports multiple company profiles, enabling freelancers to switch between projects effortlessly. This capability not only adds flexibility for freelancers but also empowers production companies to incorporate freelance talent without additional infrastructure investments. The addition of live view and remote control support ensures that administrators can monitor and manage communication workflows in real time, further enhancing team coordination and efficiency. www.riedel.net
Virtual SmartPanel
Adam Hall Cables 5 STAR Palmer Cable Timbre
This ‘Adam Hall Cables’ 5 STAR product is a professional cable which delivers outstanding sound quality for the most demanding players. With musicians in mind who are seeking the full sound spectrum of their instruments, the Palmer crew developed this super low resistance and low capacitance cable, and a braided shielding to avoid magnetic interferences to nearly 100%. The result of this Adam Hall Cables X Palmer cooperation is an unaltered and balanced sound. In order to reach the superior quality, original Neutrik connectors with gold plated contacts are use. Palmer products, as well as Adam Hall Cables, are engineered in Germany. www.adamhall.com
Audio-Technica System 20 PRO wireless microphone system
Audio-Technica’s System 20 PRO is a self-managing, plug-and-play 2.4 GHz digital wireless system that is scalable to 20 channels and delivers dependable, high-quality audio. Capable of receiving up to four transmitters, the system’s ATW-R1440 receiver makes installation extremely simple. Receiver units can remain docked in the half-rack chassis or – for added versatility – be mounted remotely and connected via Ethernet-standard cabling. 24-bit/48 kHz digital audio operation delivers outstanding sound quality and received audio can be sub mixed within each receiver for situations with limited mixer input channels.
Setup and management are controlled via Audio-Technica’s Wireless Manager software, which is capable of managing multiple UHF, 2.4 GHz and DECT wireless systems from a single screen. In addition, AES128 encryption comes standard for security.
System 20 Pro transmitters are available in body-pack and handheld microphone configurations for performance and presentation. Both have two antennas built into the transmitters, OLED displays and slide-to-mute switches. There are also two transmitter options for conference applications, a boundary microphone transmitter with a cardioid polar pattern and a desk stand transmitter with XLR gooseneck microphone connectivity. www.audio-technica.com
Blackmagic Design ATEM Microphone Converter
Now it is easy to expand the MADI input on ATEM switchers so you can add multiple microphones or external audio mixers. The ATEM Microphone Converter simply plugs into the ATEM Television Studio MADI port, so there’s no complex setup required and additional units can be daisy-chained for more sources. Each converter has four analogue inputs that are mic/line selectable, and have 48V phantom power. The design features amazing audio quality with an extremely low noise floor, a wide dynamic range and very low distortion. The design even uses eight separate ADCs on each separate input that work together to extend dynamic range. There is also an HDMI monitoring output with scrolling audio waveforms.
www.blackmagicdesign.com
Arcadia Central Station
Clear-Com’s latest updates to Arcadia Central Station is transforming the entertainment and live events industry with new features designed to deliver unmatched connectivity and flexibility. This updated 1RU intercom platform now supports seamless integration with a wider range of devices, making it ideal for complex productions. One of Arcadia’s standout features is I.V. Direct Interfacing, allowing easy connection with Clear-Com’s LQ and Eclipse HX E-IPA systems over LAN, WAN, or the Internet. This ensures robust and adaptable connectivity, enabling teams to communicate efficiently across vast distances or different network setups. Additionally, Arcadia now supports more HelixNet HXII-DPL Powerline Devices, increasing flexibility and simplifying large-scale productions with multiple intercom users. The update also doubles the capacity for HelixNet User Stations and expands the number of FreeSpeak II digital wireless beltpacks and IP transceivers supported. This expanded capacity accommodates larger teams and more complex communication requirements, making Arcadia the go-to solution for large live events, broadcasts, and theater productions. Delivering superior audio quality, high reliability, and extensive connectivity options, the latest Arcadia update is a powerful tool for professionals seeking efficient, scalable communication. www.clearcom.com
PRODUCT GUIDE: CABLES, MICS & COMMS
SPONSORED BY
Part of the Evolution Wireless Digital family, which also includes EW-D and EW-DP, the EW-DX wireless microphone systems are powerful and flexible enough for even the most demanding business and professional applications. With their straightforward installation and integration, these digital UHF systems can be scaled with ease, whether for small or big live audio productions, educational settings, and corporate installations. EW-DX is network-ready, integrates seamlessly and has been designed to simplify your professional workflow. The EW-DX digital wireless microphone series lets you choose between three receiver types, the EW-DX EM 2 two-channel receiver, the EW-DX EM 2 Dante two-channel receiver and the latest EW-DX EM 4 Dante four-channel receiver, which is an ideal choice for anybody specifying large multichannel systems in live audio, touring, broadcasting, theatre, and system integration applications. It offers versatile connectivity via Dante (including AES 67 support) for audio over IP, as well as balanced XLR-3 audio outputs and unbalanced ¼-in jacks. On the transmitter side, EW-DX features handheld and bodypack transmitters (3-pin or 3.5mm connector) with various mic options, a wireless table stand, remote and wall mount antennas, as well as a variety of table-top and rackmount charging solutions for the environmentally friendly, rechargeable transmitter batteries. The bodypack transmitters can be used with any digital-proof Sennheiser clip-on and headset mic, the Neumann MCM system and digital-proof third-party microphones, while the handheld can be fitted with a wide range of 14 Sennheiser and Neumann microphone heads with standard Sennheiser capsule interface.
Bringing exciting features to any wireless microphone application EW-DX is fitted with various compelling functions that make the setup of a professional wireless microphone system as easy as possible. For example, EW-DX reliably scans your wireless environment and uses an automatic multi-channel RF set-up to deploy transmission frequencies in an equidistant grid. This eliminates the need for tedious
frequency calculation. EW-DX offers a switching bandwidth of up to 88 MHz, enabling up to 146 links to be accommodated within its switching bandwidth. When the available spectrum is scarce, the system gives you the option to switch to Link Density (LD) Mode with up to 293 frequencies. This just comes at the expense of approximately 10% of the range, so you will have the same great audio quality and transmission power in LD mode, too. Further features include AES-256 encryption for the secure transmission of contents, in-device charging contacts, and persistent displays, where you can still read off all essential device data even when a transmitter is switched off.
Scalable remote control and monitoring, application-specific charging options
For corporate and education environments, Sennheiser Control Cockpit software enables monitoring, control and firmware updates for EW-DX devices. The easy-to-use software continuously provides a global overview of all network-enabled devices. It shows all status information at a glance and makes setting adjustments for one or multiple devices at the same time very easy. For multi-channel applications in live audio, the Wireless Systems Manager software provides a comprehensive monitoring and control, while for smaller deployment with up to 16 channels, the Smart Assist app presents an interesting alternative. When it comes to charging equipment in a business or educational context, where more often than not individual rooms have to be fitted out with a set of mics, the CHG 70N network-enabled charger is a great choice. It features two charging bays for the EW-DX, each can charge an EW-DX handheld, bodypack or battery. For pro audio applications such as live sound, a rack-mount charging solution is in place with the L 6000. In a nutshell, EW-DX provides an advanced feature set and hardware options, making this UHF wireless system an ideal tool for diverse wireless microphone requirements.
www.sennheiser.com
Highlite DAP EDGE EHS-2
The DAP EDGE EHS-2 is a wireless dual handheld microphone system that operates in the 610-670 MHz UHF band to provide clear, interference-free sound. Equipped with high-quality cardioid condenser capsules, the two microphones are ideal for live performances, presentations and conferences. The system features a true-diversity receiver with a full-colour LCD display and an integrated antenna distributor, allowing multiple receivers to share the same antenna setup. The EDGE EHS-2 also features a Band Scan function to eliminate interference and ensure reliable reception, while the infrared sensor makes pairing and frequency setup quick and easy. Additional features such as battery status indicators on the microphones and receiver, along with colour coding for easy identification when using multiple microphones, enhance its practicality. As part of the DAP EDGE Series, which offers a complete range of wireless microphones, belt pack transmitters, antenna solutions and accessories, this set is an ideal choice for any professional audio setup.
www.highlite.com
Pliant Technologies
PHS-IEHU Universal In-ear Headset
Pliant Technologies’ new PHS-IEHU is a miniature in-ear headset that incorporates various professionallevel features into a small, lightweight design perfect for enhanced comfort, mobility, and flexibility. With the ability to be fully customised, the headset is made to fit the personal preferences of those working in the field. The PHS-IEHU utilises silicone ear concha locks and earbuds for either left- or rightear orientation. The new headset also allows for the use of custom ear molds designed specifically for the individual user’s ear from custom ear mold manufacturers Coda Room Audio and Sensaphonics. With mobility in mind, the PHS-IEHU features an unobtrusive, miniature electret microphone and windscreen with a small flexible boom. Varying models based on connectivity needs allow for it to be used with most industry-standard intercom beltpacks via 4-pin or 5-pin XLR connections, as well as 6-pin female Mini XLRs. There is also an option for dual 3.5mm connectivity allowing for its use with Pliant’s MicroCom M or MicroCom XR models. An optional PTT (Push-to-Talk) button is also made available for applications where external remote momentary talk on/off operation is required. www.plianttechnologies.com
DPA Microphones
2061
Miniature Omnidirectional Microphone
The 2061 is a high-quality, easy-to-use solution, great for any live or recording application. Borrowing several design elements and principles from other DPA lavaliers, it features a new, simplified 5mm capsule construction that targets superior performance in the 50 Hz – 16 kHz frequency range, with 128dB peak SPL. Like its predecessors, the 2061 has best-in-class speech intelligibility via the clear, natural DPA sound, as well as a robust mechanical construction. With an omnidirectional pickup pattern, this microphone is designed to accurately capture the human voice with minimal coloration and a high level of fidelity and intelligibility, from any direction. It has a flat frequency curve with a soft 3dB boost at 8 kHz – 16 kHz. The mic is not pre-tailored to compensate for any specific position in which a lavalier is commonly placed, allowing a sound engineer to capture authentic sound from any arrangement. Additionally, it features the same durability, reliability and repairability that users have come to expect from DPA. This is best exemplified in the 1.5m, Kevlar reinforced cable, with long, flexible strain relief for resilience against physical stress, along with its advanced sweat-repelling capabilities and IP57 certification for exposure to the elements.
www.dpamicrophones.com
Neutrik NA-4I4O-AES72
The NA-4I4O-AES72 is a 4-channel stagebox for transmitting microphone levels, analogue line levels, AES3, DMX or even intercom, via one single CAT cable. The device has male and female XLRs in the same housing and can be used directly as a splitter for monitoring. An additional etherCON serves as feedthrough and allows further looping of the signals to other devices. A ground lift at each input prevents possible ground loops. In addition, each input connector offers the possibility to invert the signal.
www.neutrik.com
Prolight Hollyvox Comms Systems
Hollyvox G51 is a full-duplex wireless intercom system recognised for its unparalleled professional performance. With advanced dual-mic Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology, this system ensures unparalleled communication clarity, ideal for production teams working in loud environments. Its super cardioid primary mic captures the speaker’s voice and environmental noise accurately, while the omnidirectional secondary mic collects environmental noise from various directions as noise samples. Through advanced ENC algorithms, the audio signal is processed in the belt pack, successfully eliminating the environmental noise and ensuring high-quality clear audio. The ergonomic headset design offers optimal stability and comfort, allowing you to stay focused on your tasks. With an impressive line of sight range of 1,300ft (400m), it is the ideal choice for small and medium applications such as stage performances and sports events, enabling seamless team coordination through extensive and interference-free communication. With its versatile range of interfaces, the Hollyvox G51 boasts unparalleled cascade connection capabilities. This means that users can expand their system to include virtually unlimited base stations. To connect two G51 base stations, a straightforward option is to use either IP or 4-wire cascade connection. To connect more than two base stations, a combination of IP and 4-wire cascade connections can be employed. This user-friendly approach empowers users to effortlessly expand thier communication network according to requirements.
www.prolight.co.uk
The DMX512 cable is made up of two pairs of 0.34mm² section multi-stranded tinned copper conductors, with aluminium foil shielding and tinned copper braid, and a Grey FRNC sheath with a diameter of 7.00mm. It allows the transmission of DMX512 signals but also AES/EBU digital audio signals thanks to its impedance of 110 Ohms. Its 0.34mm² section allows transmissions over long lengths and thanks to its double shielding, it is ideal for fixed installations. It is used for the manufacture of DMX light cords (110 Ohms) with 3 or 5-point XLR connectors for installation. www.cae-groupe.com
RTS Intercom Systems ROAMEO
The ROAMEO wireless intercom system from RTS is a professional, easy-to-use and future-proof solution based on the license-free DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) standard. ROAMEO provides high-quality audio and a large number of simultaneous users across wide areas over a seamlessly integrated digital wireless beltpack and associated access points. ROAMEO can solve a series of communication challenges by operating like a wireless keypanel in the field which is easy to use and easy to expand. Additionally, wireless beltpacks can be directly addressed as part of a wired RTS matrix intercom system.
www.rtsintercoms.com
SE Electronics V7
PTT
The V7 PTT is a talk-back version of the company’s best-selling V7, a dynamic hand-held microphone with a supercardioid polar pattern. It delivers the same open sound as the V7 with a virtually noiseless Push To Talk button for live sound engineers, tech crew and general purpose paging applications. It is housed completely in metal and its patented shockmount efficiently decouples the capsule from mechanical vibration, providing exceptionally low handling noise as compared to other mics in its class. The V7 PTT’s gold-plated XLR connector ensures a loss-free and reliable signal connection. www.seelectronics.com
Tasker
The TSK1038 is the digital version of Tasker’s C128 cable – one of the most sold and appreciated microphone audio cables on the market. The TSK1038 is the ideal solution for audio installations over long distances, in large spaces such as airports, megastores and public buildings. This cable is manufactured with the most modern raw materials and construction techniques to guarantee the highest safety standards on the market without compromising flexibility. www.tasker.it
The MTH610 Handheld Wireless Microphone Transmitter is the latest addition to Wisycom’s Symphony line. Designed for professional wireless microphone applications, it features dual-band capability in the 470-1260 MHz range, ideal for global events that cover a wide range of locations and frequency spectrums based on specific country regulations. The transmitter is suited to any live sound production, including broadcast, theatre, concert, and house of worship applications. The MTH610 It features an ergonomic, light design and offers remote control via Bluetooth using the Wisycom app for complete access to the device, enabling quick adjustments without having the unit in hand. In addition to the on-unit control, the system’s dedicated docking and charging station provides PC and Wisycom Manager connectivity. A proprietary, waterproof, magnetic five-pin connector provides USB high-speed connection, power, battery charging and linear timecode (LTC) sync. Its advanced linear technology eliminates intermodulation distortion for a more robust signal, extended range, and the ability to operate multiple transmitters in close proximity. The DSPbased signal processing allows easy switching between wide- and narrow-band operation.
www.wisycom.com
BLAZE AUDIO
Ci SERIES
Blaze Audio’s new Ci series loudspeaker product line, which was acquired earlier this year from Cornered Audio ApS of Denmark, is now available globally. The loudspeaker range makes for an ideal match for use with Blaze Audio’s PowerZone amplifiers, software, and controllers. The new Ci series of products – the Ci2, Ci4, Ci4-V, Ci5, Ci5-V, and CS8 and CS12 subwoofers – are designed for use in commercial and hospitality locations. These surface-mounted loudspeakers make for a discrete and elegant installation while offering superior sound reproduction with wide and uniform coverage, clarity, and reliability. The IP-rated Ci series is a feature-packed family of acoustically superior 2-way full-range loudspeakers that are designed for a wide range of indoor and outdoor commercial applications such as retail stores, restaurants, cafes, and meeting rooms. The patented 90° triangular ABS cabinet with built-in sliders fits perfectly into vertical and horizontal corners and can be coupled together to increase coverage to 180°or 270°. For enhanced bass performance, the Ci series’ loudspeakers can be teamed indoors with the series’ C8S and C12S subwoofers. George Tennet, VP of Sales and Marketing at Blaze Audio, said: “Our new Ci series loudspeaker line, combined with our PowerZone amplifiers, software, and controllers, create an ideal combination of products that are designed from the ground up to address the various challenges
of installed sound for a wide range of environments. The Ci series loudspeakers represent Blaze Audio’s unwavering commitment to delivering superior products for the installed sound market, and we are delighted to say they are available now.”
Ci series by Blaze Audio key features:
• Triangular ABS cabinet design for vertical and horizontal corners.
• Outdoor IP65 rating on loudspeakers (IP64 for Ci2).
• Switchable limiting circuit for tweeter (model dependent).
• 100° vertical and horizontal dispersion.
• Couples together for 180° or 270° coverage (model dependent).
• Bracket-free or hidden slider mounting for easy one-person installation (model dependent).
• Hidden cable terminals.
• Metal grille.
• Compatible with Blaze Audio’s C8S and C12S subwoofers.
• Designed in Denmark.
• Available in black and white.
www.blaze-audio.com
1. Expolite TourCyc Sirius
With the TourCyc Sirius, Expolite expands its product range with a powerful IP65-rated floodlight. The Sirius excels in RGB color mixing, controllable across 14 segments, and features two white flash LED strips, also segmented for dynamic lighting effects. Its motorized 180° tilt ensures flexibility for various stage scenarios. Equipped with 392 x 1.5W CW LEDs and 784 x 0.8W RGB LEDs, it produces an impressive 63,880 lumens with a 110° beam angle.
The TourCyc Sirius has a maximum power consumption of 1,200W, and features DMX, RDM, and Art-Net control, along with a 2.4-in TFT display and 7 x DMX modes. Its die-cast aluminum housing and IP65 protection class ensure durability, while a special feature of the Sirius is its pre-assembled and foldable couplers, allowing for quick and easy setup.
www.focon-showtechnic.com
2. MEGA-LITE ZIP Strip C40
The ZIP Strip C40 features 40 pixels of red, green and blue narrow beam LEDs is a powerful tool which allows for multicolour light curtain effects. Lightweight, compact, easily mountable and with no moving parts, the fixture can create the illusion of high-speed movement with chasing colours in various combinations and speeds. It features four control profiles, a simple DMX controller or more advanced RBG pixel matrix systems to take control of the pixels.
www.mega.lighting
3. SHOWVEN Bubble Machine
The Bubble Machine is a compact and battery powered bubble generator which produces a high bubble output with an optimised air duct, which can be controlled manually via a wireless remote or via DMX. Its compact molding structure is leak proof and can support continuous use for 3 hours. www.showven.cn
4. Starway WET
The WET (Weather Exterior Technology) range is the latest innovation from Starway in terms of its IP65 rated products. The first product introduced in the WET range was the BARACCA WET, a beam searchlight powered by new 260W white Laser LED technology. They were followed by MODENA WET and DAYTONA WET, which come with more light power of 7 x 60W and 19 x 60W to match the requirements of outdoor projects. The outdoor version of the latest spot ENZO comes also in WET mode and features a more powerful LED (600W) and an extra medium progressive frost in addition to its existing medium frost, and a full curtain framing blade system. Lastly, the BARACCA 360 is also available in WET mode, this beam comes with a 260W white laser LED and an infinite Pan&Tilt which comes with CK EFFECT technology to create complex and original effects at speed. www.en.starway.eu
