ETA OCTOBER 2022

WORDS

The Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix F1 race has helped boost the events industry in the country with several large-scale meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) making their debut. The Singapore Tourism Board in August said nearly 90,000 delegates were expected to attend about 25 Mice events held around the same time as the F1 race. The programmes around the F1 race itself featured concerts that together with the race drew over 300,000 spectators and party-goers. The rental & staging businesses in Singapore were certainly kept busy with all the events, and it is with a sincere hope that we all look forward to the continued flow of work.

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Dream Inc. Deploys Riedel in New Mini OB Van for Live Event Coverage

JAPAN: Dream Inc., a Japanese audio equipment rental company, has expanded its service offering with a new mini OB van featuring a Riedel MediorNet signal distribution and processing system and a Bolero wireless intercom system. Providing video and infrastructure capabilities, the Riedel solutions allow Dream Inc. customers to transmit audio, video, intercom, and data over a single optical cable at concerts, exhibitions, and other live events.

“Riedel was an easy choice when it came to outfitting our OB van with a communications infrastructure,” said Kei Koyama, intercom operator at Dream Inc. “The company’s products are very popular worldwide and have a proven track record of delivering low latency, reliability, and stable transmission — all of which are critical for the events industry. With the MediorNet and Bolero systems in place, we’ve greatly expanded our business by going from being an audio-only company to one that allows our customers to deliver all aspects of live event coverage.”

Dream Inc.’s MediorNet system consists of two MediorNet MicroN high-density media distribution network devices and two MediorNet Compact real-time

networking stage boxes. Five Blackmagic cameras and return monitors are connected to the MicroN devices. Audio, intercom, remote cameras, and the ethernet control signal for remote cameras are connected to the MediorNet Compact devices.

By enabling the use of a single optical cable instead of separate cables for audio, video, and data, Riedel’s MediorNet system speeds up the workflow for Dream Inc. customers, allowing for easier equipment management, a cleaner workspace, and a reduction in labour costs. For intercom capabilities, the OB van is equipped with four Bolero antennas and 18 beltpacks.

“Dream Inc. has been using our Bolero wireless intercom system for several years, and we couldn’t be more excited that the company has branched out into other aspects of live event coverage with MediorNet,” said Takako Konishi, senior sales manager, Japan, at Riedel Communications. “The company’s new OB van has already been successfully utilized at several high-profile events — including the world sports events in Japan — and we can’t wait to see where it’s deployed next.”

Dream Inc. team, from left to right: Kei Koyama, Audio and Live Streaming Engineer; Julien Loretan, International Sales and Marketing; and Tsubura Kojima, Marketing

SPREAD THE WORD

Pro-AVL Selected to be Exclusive Distributor of Ayrton Products in Vietnam

Pro-AVL is extremely enthusiastic about Ayrton’s products and philosophy: “LED technology really overcomes the limitations of products using traditional lamps,” continued Thang. “However, in order to truly replace the old products, new products must be continuously researched and developed, and Ayrton’s strength lies in its leading position in the development of intelligent LED products.”

Pro-AVL is ready to roll and keen to develop its market and promote Ayrton. “Our initial plan is to distribute lines that are considered suitable for the majority of the Vietnamese market, in addition to which we will also select other Ayrton models to suit specific project requirements,” said Thang.

“We will invite our famous lighting designers to record videos for product review and have a series of open demo programmes planned in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh. We are eager and ready to spread the word about Ayrton products on all our projects, with the aim of really improving the quality of shows around the country.”

VIETNAM: Established in 2011 by Le Manh Thang, Pro-AVL is the sole distributor for several well-known sound and lighting manufacturers in the Vietnamese market. Leading theatres, television networks, event venues, entertainment complexes, and rental and event firms are among the clients the company serves with consultations, designs, supplies, installations, and aftersales services.

Ayrton products are well-known and respected by Pro-AVL which was part of the reason behind the new agreement. “For a long time, Ayrton has been a wellknown quality brand used by many lighting designers,” said Thang. “Part of AVL’s mission statement is always to aim for the highest quality products for our customers, which makes the Ayrton brand and their products the perfect addition to our portfolio.”

“We are thrilled to have Pro-AVL as the exclusive distributor in Vietnam as they are excellent to work with,” noted Ayrton’s Vijay Thaygarajoo. “The Pro-AVL team is very reputable in the market and will bring Ayrton headfirst to the vibrant Vietnamese market with their professional and hard-work approach. We are looking forward to a dynamic partnership.”

Ayrton

Ayrton's Vijay Thaygarajoo, ProAVL's Huong Nguyen, Ngoc Truong and Loan Tran on the Ayrton booth at Prolight and Sound 22

TDC Partners with NIDA to Train and Support Students

© NIDA

AUSTRALIA: TDC – Technical Direction Company has launched a training and support initiative that will give students and graduates, at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, practical experience with a variety of today’s video technologies and entertainment industry best practices.

“TDC is one of NIDA’s major partners,” explained Graham Henstock, director, Centre for Technology, Production and Management at NIDA. “TDC regularly provide us with teaching assistance, technical expertise, and access to video equipment for live performance. TDC supports an annual scholarship for a student. TDC’s valued support has allowed all our students to learn and experience technology and new ways of working that wouldn’t otherwise be accessible.”

As the events industry was once worth 36 billion dollars it is now returning to in-person and online events after the COVID pandemic, TDC highlights its strengthened training and development programme aimed at generating new talent and business opportunities.

Industry-led training and development NIDA’s BFA (Technical Theatre and Stage Management) is a fifteen-month course which emphasizes practical experience. Within the course, a 3-month module focuses on the theory and art of video design, basic video design principles in display technology and systems as well as planning, pre-visualisation and programming.

For the course’s final module, in which students complete their individual creative projects, designs, and work experience, TDC conducts additional training sessions, master workshops, and collaboration with loaned equipment. “We’ve seen some wonderful, refreshing and creative applications of technology from some genius minds who are so eager to learn – some methods even we haven’t discovered or experimented with yet,” explained Drew Ferors, technical manager at TDC.

Ferors explained that even after NIDA graduation: “TDC delivers technical training to graduates and new recruits using a classroom-based environment with support and assessments developed in-house by TDC giving

RIG

further access to the best entertainment technology and expertise to develop skills long after graduation.”

Growing TDC production crew

Working at TDC is an attractive career prospect for aspiring technicians looking to start their careers in creative technology. Talented technician Declan Lodge joined TDC working alongside Harrison Dow who joined TDC in 2019. Both are graduates of the VET (Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services) course at NIDA. In their new roles, Lodge and Dow worked on the latest projection mapping and LED technology across 27 sites at the biggest ever Vivid Sydney 2022.

Harrison Dow said: “The NIDA course puts you in front of the right people and a job. I’m really pleased to have joined TDC to pursue my ambitions there.”

“We work really closely with NIDA with training, lessons and technical support all the time. This year, we ended up taking on some secondments who were lucky enough to also secure a technical role within our ranks here at TDC. We pride ourselves on our training that we conduct at TDC and we are actively supporting and bringing in fresh talent into the industry,” explained Drew Ferors.

“People are our most important asset,” echoed Michael Hassett, founder and managing director at TDC. “We’re delighted to bring two new NIDA graduates on board who have excellent skills and practical understanding. Once at TDC, we continue to train staff on the job and give them experience in using the latest, groundbreaking visual display technologies in a range of projects.”

Harrison Dow, a technician at TDC added: “TDC has a really nice culture of trying to teach anyone anything - if you’re willing to learn, they’ll probably teach you.”

Numerous students sign up for the 12-month NIDA VET course each year, and TDC chooses one of its students to sponsor. Those looking to enter the technical arena can benefit from the wise words of Declan Lodge: “If you are looking to be a technician or project manager who loves coordinating and working as part of a dedicated team, then TDC is the right place to start.”

Star Dimensions Expands Lighting Control Inventory with Addition of grandMA Consoles

INDIA: Star Dimensions India Pvt Ltd – one of India’s leading technology service providers for live events in India – have expanded their already impressive lighting control inventory with the recent additions of two new units of the grandMA3 full size control desks and one unit of the grandMA 3 lite control desk. The new addi tions have allowed the company to improvise its existing inventory of grandMA products which also includes multiple grandMa 2 consoles (full size and lite), grand MA2 fader wing, grandMA3 PU-L, and grandMA Network switches.

“We’ve consistently invested in MA Lighting over the years as we found that their range of products, especial ly the grandMA range, have always been able to meet the growing demands of a constantly evolving events cape. I believe we were among the first in the country to invest in the grandMA3 console when it first released. And soon after deploying the console for various events, we realized that we definitely needed to add more units of the console to our inventory” shares Jay Mathuria, director of Star Dimensions India Pvt Ltd.

From a technical point of view, Jay explains that one of key positives about the grandMA3 range of consoles that influenced the investment decision is the fact that they provide an excellent continuity from the grandMA2 range, which makes it easy for any operator or lighting

to familiarize themselves with the desk and have it set up efficiently to meet their individual needs.

“The grandMA3 grandMA3 preserves the syntax along with the 30-fader layout and three large touchscreens of the full-sized grandMA2; while also being lighter in weight and relatively compact for the kind of per formance output it provides. This by itself makes the grandMA3 more endearing to lighting designers and op erators. And when you consider additional features like access to 12,288 control parameters via 120 physical playbacks and 16 assignable x-keys, new palette attri butes with multiple executors and knobs, new dual en coders, themed screen looks, LED lined faders, 250,000 DMX parameters on one desk and so much more – in vesting into the grandMA 3 range was quite inevitable for us; and we’re really glad that we did!” exclaims Jay.

Jay informs that soon after taking delivery of the newly purchased gear, the two grandMA3 full size consoles were immediately deployed for two separate large scale corporate functions, while the grandMA3 lite console was commissioned for a high-profile private function – with only positive feedback and praise coming in for the value add that the grandMA3 consoles contributed to each of the three events.

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Mahesh Sounds Gujarat Expands JBL Inventory with the Addition of a Brand New VTX A12 System

INDIA: Ahmedabad based equipment service provider

Mahesh Sound has recently added a brand new JBL VTX A12 line array system to its rental inventory as part of its continual investment into new gear from Harman Professional. The rental production company has been fulfilling the technical needs of live events across the state of Gujarat for several years; featuring some of the most prominent live events across Bollywood music, award ceremonies, political rallies, and other major large-scale events among its list of credits.

‘We’ve been a loyal customer of Harman Professional ever since we started off our business; and JBL has been our go-to brand when it comes to sound. We previously invested extensively into the JBL Vertec system by acquiring multiple units of the VT4888, VT4889, and VT4880A subs, which we’ve consistently used for various music concerts and large events; while using our inventory of the VRX system for conferences and other such mid to small scale events” explains Mahesh Patani, director of Mahesh Sound, as he discloses that the company’s entire inventory of sound rental systems are comprised of JBL

We’d been wanting to expand our inventory for quite some time now, and when I found the opportunity to experience the latest VTX A12 line array system; I knew right then that this system would be the perfect addition to our existing inventory. I was extremely impressed with the quality of sound and the sheer impact that the system delivered; and this experience really helped me make the decision to go ahead with the product.’

In total, Mahesh Sound has added 24 units of the VTX A12 line array modules, along with 18 units of VTX S28 subwoofers and 24 units of Crown’s I-Tech 12000HD, as part of the recent investment. The purchase proceedings was facilitated by Mumbai based solutions company Upen Enterprise, who is the designated master dealer for JBL’s touring sound products in the country.

“Mahesh Sound has been a dedicated user of Harman Professional touring products, and their investment into the new VTX A12 system will equip them with the flexibility and versatility that is required to further consolidate their position as true trendsetters and market leaders in their region.” said Ketan Shetty, head of sales at Upen Enterprise.

Apparently, Mahesh Sound wasted no time in deploying their newly acquired VTX A12 system on the field, as it commissioned the new system for a large scale private musical event that took place in the city; with Mahesh Patani sharing his views about the true performance value of the system in action as he asserts, “Using the new VTX A12 system on-field makes one thing amply clear that the JBL platform has progressed forward considerably in terms of not just the mechanical aspect, but also the overall working experience. The entire rigging system is far more advanced, and the software experience is absolutely smooth. Moreover, the A12 is a compact and light weight system, and is pretty much ready to rock any event right out of the box, with very minimal tweaks required.”

Ankit Shetty, partner-director of Upen Enterprise, shares his views as he concludes, “It gives us immense happiness in announcing Mahesh Sound as the first rental services company in Gujarat to acquire a JBL VTX A12 line array system. We’re extremely pleased to have had the opportunity to serve them – and are confident that our working relationship will only continue to blossom. At the same time, we’re also forecasting an increased demand of the VTX A12 system thanks to an expected busy time ahead with many events lined up all through the upcoming winter and summer. We’re expecting more and more users across the country to gravitate towards the JBL VTX A12 system in the near future thanks to an increased number of engineers that are already specifying it on their touring riders.”

Harman Professional

PROTOS Sales Department Receives a Significant Boost

GLOBAL: Ben Weijters has been hired as senior business development manager for all three of PROTOS' subbrands, including AEGIS Force Measuring Systems, ADJUTOR Rigging Gear, and the recently introduced VOYAGER Electrical Chain Hoists and Controllers.

Jasper van der Sluis, MD of PROTOS is excited to have Ben on board, stating, “Ben is very well known in the entertainment industry, has many decades of experience in our business and is very familiar with what PROTOS

is doing and stands for. This is a big bonus for a young and strongly growing company.”

Ben will lead the continuous expansion of PROTOS' reseller network in Europe and will begin his operations right away from bases in both France and the Netherlands.

PROTOS

ETC Lights Up Massive Suzhou Bay Cultural Center

CHINA: A milestone of the city’s success, Suzhou Bay Cultural Center is one of the landmark developmental projects initiated by Suzhou city through the Wujiang Lakefront Masterplan. It is situated along the shore of Lake Tai, one of the largest freshwater lakes in China. The Suzhou Opera House is located in the north of the 215,000 m2 centre, and the Wujiang Exhibition Center is located in the south.

A lengthy rooftop ribbon-like arch connects the two magnificent buildings. From the North wing to the South wing, this enormous ribbon ripples and intertwines, creating a massive figure eight. The ribbon displays the cultural diversity of the city and stands in for the silk and water sleeves of the Kunqu Opera. It also functions as a pedestrian bridge so that people can walk across it and take in the breathtaking view of Lake Tai and the Suzhou CBD.

The Opera House, a black-box theatre, rehearsal spaces, an art gallery, cinemas, and restaurants are all located in the North wing. An international opera house with 1600 seats, the Opera House uses asymmetrical architecture in contrast to the orderly auditoriums of

a regular theatre. The upper deck’s seating space is shaped like multiple little petals stacked on top of one another. The petal-like auditorium is a one-ofa-kind, design that offers audiences a relaxing, allencompassing experience. The theatre hall performs as a multi-purpose black-box theatre with a 600seat capacity. The stage and auditorium will be set up specifically based on the requirement of each performance.

In the Opera House and theatre hall, ETC gear such as consoles, luminaires, dimmers, and networking systems has been installed. The Opera House has two GIO consoles with 24K outputs, while the lighting in the theatre hall is managed by two GIO @5 consoles with 4K outputs. The sophisticated magic sheet capability, which facilitates management of the fixture layout as well as control and programming of buttons, faders, colours, and gobos, impressed the venue’s owner. Additionally, the magic sheets provide the user with the flexibility to modify the control to meet the demands of various performances.

The venues are equipped with ETC’s Sensor3 ThruPower Dimmer and Relay modules to provide top-notch power and dimming control. These modules are wellknown in the theatre sector for their dependability and consistency in smoothly regulating the intensity of all different types of fixtures. Users can effortlessly choose between constant circuits, on/off switching with real airgap relays and dimming the lighting loads by utilising the Sensor3 ThruPower module. Theatres frequently employ luminaires from ETC because they “have been recognised as the standard lighting fixtures in the industry.” For the stage lighting of the Opera House and theatre hall, Suzhou Bay Cultural Center chose Source Four LED Series 2 and ColorSource Spot fixture with CYC adapters.

The LD considered Source Four LED Series 2 to be advantageous since, thanks to its LED light engine, it provides excellent brightness from a variety of positions while consuming less power. The rich and supple wash of colour provided by ColorSource, which can improve the moods of every scene, astounded the LD as well.

Response Mk2 DMX Gateways from ETC are deployed to securely connect the sACN network to the DMX runs to have dependable data distribution for all lighting equipment in the venue. Given that they employ common Ethernet cabling and equipment and comply with industry standards like ANSI E1.31 (sACN) and ANSI E1.20 (RDM), they are also compatible. The owner of the venue was once more amazed by Response Mk2 DMX Gateways since they leverage ETC’s network technology to provide a strong, quick, and stable data delivery.

ETC representatives said the company “was honoured to be selected to offer a comprehensive range of lighting technology to Suzhou Bay Cultural Center and be part of the city’s cultural and artistic development journey”.

ETC

Display Colours of the Air Force Museum Take Flight with Vari-Lite

NEW ZEALAND: Visitors to The Air Force Museum of New Zealand are seeing its collection of vintage planes in a whole new light, thanks to a new LED rig and Strand control solution from Vari-Lite, the “originators of the modern moving head”.

The museum took the opportunity during a rearrangement of the main Aircraft Hall display area to replace the existing lighting system with an LED rig to dramatically reduce power consumption and provide a more flexible, long-lasting and dynamic solution. More than 100 powerful, honeycomb-lens SL Punchlite 220 fixtures are now installed, beaming rich, blended and saturated colours onto classic aeroplanes such as a Spitfire, Hudson and Avenger, and washing the space with hues.

To control the luminaires in the Aircraft Hall, and for multi-room control of six other spaces including further display areas, lecture theatres, restrooms and the main atrium, the technical team invested in a Neo Compact 10 Console. A Vision.Net architectural control system has

also been installed for a seamless, integrated lighting control experience across all the sites to help the team manage looks, power lighting scenes and simplify management.

“We needed a replacement control system that would be able to manage a large number of fixtures, run multiple cue lists, accept inputs from a variety of sources, and run time-based events,” said museum staff David Nicholson, who oversaw the project. “The Neo and Vision.Net combination offers this solution and we are now using the C10 for programming the lighting states in the Aircraft Hall with great success. There were many benefits, including the C10’s compact size enabling us to easily move around the museum doing programming as we moved from plane to plane.”

In addition to the lighting, the Neo C10 and Vision.Net duo are also being used to run timeclock-based events such as audio announcements, video playback via screens around the venue, as well as building start-up and closedown each day. The museum’s technical team

© Dillon Anderson courtesy of The Light Site

is using the full-featured Neo operating system software on a PC to control more than 500 desk channels, with regular events activated by its internal timeclock scheduler.

“Vision.Net screens provide all the human interface requirements around the complex,” Nicholson explained. “There are touchscreens in five locations and three physical button panels. The panels allow local control of some features, as well as more general functionality such as turning full complex on or off, putting the system into Event Mode to disable or play announcements and activating on-demand display features.”

The Vision.Net system’s preset commands are all monitored by Neo, which in turn runs shortcuts to turn on and off required cue lists. Commands that Neo initiates are run back through the Vision.Net system to keep all Vision.Net screens in sync with the real-world system status. The Vision.Net system also facilitates the customization of each screen depending on its location,

as well as password-locked and hidden screens for additional setup and maintenance options.

The new rig was designed by Nicholson in collaboration with lighting designer Joe Hayes, as well as Grant Robertson from Christchurch-based Vari-Lite supplier

The Light Site, who also managed the initial design concepts of the Vision.Net and Neo setup. Glenn Stewart from Kenderdine Electrical supplied the Neo and Vision.Net hardware and conducted all the Vision.Net programming. Darren McKane from The Light Site did all the Neo cue and integration programming.

Vari-Lite

© Dillon Anderson courtesy of The Light Site

EAW Welcomes Technical Sales Veteran Steve Badham back To EMEA Division

EMEA: Steve Badham will be returning to Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) and will be responsible for Technical Sales across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Badham has a lengthy relationship with EAW and the professional audio sector in general.

Nearly 20 years ago, Badham started working with EAW as the company’s European Technical Sales Engineer. During his tenure, Badham oversaw the construction of several well-known projects in the area, including the Camp Nou Stadium for the Barcelona Football Club and EAW’s first multiplex theatres in the UK. With the EAW sales team depending on him for technical advice and knowledge in his new position, Badham will play a crucial role in the sales process. As a liaison, Badham will also give customers direct advice on the configurations and features of products.

“We are excited to welcome Steve back to the EAW family,” said EAW president, TJ Smith. “Steve’s experience, product knowledge and technical savvy make him a great addition back to our team. With

Steve’s contributions and hard work, we look forward to continuing to grow the EAW brand in the EMEA territories.”

Throughout his illustrious career, Badham has worked for companies like Alcons Audio, Clearvoice Systems GmbH, and Community Loudspeakers in the pro audio and integration sectors. He is also a member of the Institute of Acoustics (MIOA).

On his return, Badham explained, “I have always liked the engineering aspect of EAW and am excited to be back with such a forward-thinking company. I firmly agree with EAW’s core design philosophies such as focusing, symmetry of sources and spaced woofers for exemplary pattern control, and the broad product range gives me an enormous audio toolbox to work with. Adding, “It’s fantastic to be working with this talented and passionate group of professionals once again.”

EAW

New ETC Library App Makes Technical Documentation More Accessible

GLOBAL: A new ETC Library App has been made available by ETC, making it easier than ever to access ETC documentation. Users of the app can quickly access and distribute all standard technical material for ETC products, including datasheets, brochures, and other documents. The ETC Library App, which is hosted on a brand-new platform, has taken the place of the previous ETC Product Portfolio.

Users should anticipate faster app performance and enhanced search capabilities, including the option to look up documents by part numbers and more. Users of the cloud-based platform can immediately download only the files they require, saving storage space. Making a collection of papers and sharing them via email, text message, and other methods are made simple with the new app.

The ETC Library App is now available with all ETC product datasheets and brochures, with plans to continue expanding documentation and language options. The new ETC Library App must be downloaded by users who previously downloaded the ETC Product Portfolio software on their desktops to access the most recent documentation. Users who already have the Product Portfolio app installed on their mobile devices only need to update it.

ETC/Library App

Captivate AV Improves Production Standards with DiGiCo’s Quantum 338

AUSTRALIA: Since 2016, Captivate AV has been a proud provider of full production services on the Gold Coast, utilising a variety of high-end audio, lighting, and video systems to create immersive experiences. The company specialises in events and installations, meticulously designing custom audio-visual solutions for business events, schools, places of worship, festivals, artists, and other venues.

Enjoying vast accomplishments in the events space, the business’s expanding system requirements prompted investment in a DiGiCo Quantum 338 mixing console to raise production values.

Spearheaded by founders Chris Lang and Russell Baker, Captivate AV’s wealth of industry experience and attentive client care informs its reputable approach. Bolstered by the robust foundation of their existing DiGiCo eco-system, and the company’s enthusiasm for cutting-edge technology, director Chris Lang outlines Captivate AV’s seamless integration of the Quantum 338.

“When we started Captivate AV, [the directors] each had our own SD11i console with D-Racks. As our need to supply larger systems grew, we added an SD8-24, SD10-24 and S21 to our inventory, along with various racks and connection accessories,” he explained. “When the Quantum series was released, it was clear this was a new era of audio consoles and we wanted to be on the leading edge. With the high demand for fibre systems from the touring market, this was a must and integrates nicely with our SD10 which is already on fibre. The Quantum’s I/O capacity is unmatched, and we can safely put the console in any situation with confidence that audio will make it to its destination - wherever needed, and by whatever means required.”

Offering a generous array of features that meld DiGiCo’s hallmark workflows with increased processing power and connectivity, the Quantum 338 packs an innovative punch. Despite all the onboard technical enhancements, the console remains notably compact.

“Upon first firing up the Quantum 338 and running some multi tracks through it, we were pleasantly surprised by how much nicer the effects processing came across. We also enjoyed applying some of the new Mustard compressors, which bring new life to traditional band instruments. Adding in the Chilli 6 on the Spice Rack was really the icing on the cake for what can now be achieved on board.

“After running it through some gigs, we really got used to having channels across three bright and responsive touch screens - something hard to go back from! Nodal processing came in handy on some effects busses, being able to EQ and compress things a little differently through different wedges, without having to duplicate channels for particular sends was a really impressive touch.”

Taking full advantage of the 338’s extensive DMI interface options, Captivate AV have loaded their console’s DMI ports with Dante connectivity and KLANG immersive in-ear mixing. “We have been using KLANG IEM processing since it became a part of the DiGiCo infrastructure and love being able to roll out great sounding in-ear mixes with ease,” Chris explains. “The KLANG DMI card is a useful tool and we have recently added a KLANG:konductor to our inventory, which we can also loop in via HMA fibre. We are looking forward to deploying it with our larger multi-console setups.”

Hillcrest Christian College, a Gold Coast-based education centre and Captivate AV client, were equally impressed with the Quantum 338. Recently employing the system for use in a school production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Theatre Manager Anthony Kissick was elated at the opportunity to use the console.

“I have personally been a DiGiCo user for more than a decade and we currently have an SD11 as the primary console for our College theatre,” he acknowledged.

“Knowing that Captivate AV had acquired a Quantum 338, I was overjoyed when we were able to use it for our College’s musical theatre production.”

With the show encompassing hundreds of Snapshots to manage a considerable number of inputs and outputs, Anthony was able to pre-program the production using DiGiCo’s offline editor during rehearsals. Consisting of

36 channels of headset microphones, plus an 11-piece orchestra (all individually miked with reed doubling parts and an expansive percussion section) along with multiple channels of playback, the show’s engineering requirements were significant. The Quantum 338 kept Anthony on top of these complex demands, with its trio of screens allowing efficient and flexible operation of channels.

Utilising the Quantum 338’s comprehensive feature set to efficiently manage production, Anthony’s encounter with the console resulted in a genuinely positive experience for the season.

“With young singers, it was important to keep stage volume low to allow their voices the space to be heard and captured by their headset mics,” he noted. “The KLANG processing integration on the Quantum 338 allowed the orchestra and myself to have a seamless in-ear mix, and allowed the volume to be reduced on stage and in the orchestra pit, while not compromising the experience of the musicians. The season was a huge success. The powerful snapshot and control group capability permitted easy automation of the input channels, while the Mustard channel processing and effects engine allowed us to creatively design a spectacular mix.”

Demonstrated in both Captivate AV and Hillcrest Christian College’s implementation of the console to enhance and refine production, the Quantum 338’s capabilities bring a welcome boost in workflow, enjoyed by engineers and performers alike. Expanding his system with another solid DiGiCo offering has proved a perfect fit for Chris Lang and his clients. “We have a growing team of passionate and dedicated technicians, and we love good gear!” he concluded.

DiGiCo

Ayrton’s Diablo S Proves Total Solution for Trio AV

SINGAPORE: Total Solution Marketing, Ayrton’s exclusive distributor for the Singapore region, is pleased to announce that Trio AV has purchased 24 x Ayrton Diablo S LED profile fixtures.

Trio AV has a solid reputation for providing the right products and technological know-how for any conceivable occasion, from galas, special events, and parties to exhibits, seminars, conferences, and product launches. With offices in Singapore, Thailand, Shanghai and Vietnam, Trio AV offers a wide range of services from conceptualisation to full consultation and supply.

Trio AV’s John Tang explained why the company had chosen Diablo S, one of Ayrton’s most innovative, ultracompact luminaires: “We were seeking a small size and lightweight LED moving light profile fixture with framing shutter to replace our older fixtures. We had heard a lot of positive feedback and seen the popularity of the Ayrton Diablo S on the market, so we approached local distributor Total Solution Marketing to get a demo unit for our own evaluation.”

Adding, “We compared it against other similar fixtures and the Diablo really stood out from other brands. It has a great zoom range, is very bright for 300W LED engine, with smooth dimming and good shutters. It is compact and lightweight, so easy for our technicians to rig. It meets all our requirements.

“Also, we have received great service support from Total Solution Marketing for many years, so all this made our decision easy.”

In designing Diablo, Ayrton took on the challenge of making the “smallest, lightest and most efficient luminaire of its category”. To achieve this, Ayrton miniaturised the framing system whilst maximising the performance level, and packed a wealth of features into a fixture that weighs just 21.8kg with a record output of 19,000 lumens.

Tang was enthusiastic about Diablo’s many uses and his technicians’ response to working with the fixtures. “The team love the versatility of Diablo S because we can use them for various market segments, including corporate, live events, TV and theatre. The build quality and performance have proved excellent so far. It has exceeded our expectations and is very popular with our clients due to the many great features, good output, great zoom range and the compact size and weight.”

Looking to the future Tang is certain of success with this fixture. “We plan to add more Diablo S luminaires to our stock. It has proven to be a great investment and is getting ever more popular in our region.”

Ayrton/Diablo

Trio AV team with Ayrton Diablo S

Over 1000sqm of Esdlumen LED Video Walls Grace the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad Inauguration Ceremony

INDIA: The grand opening ceremony of 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad took place in the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, India on July 28, 2022; and it comes as no surprise that this ceremony offered a truly spell-binding audio-visual spectacle.

Chennai-based equipment services provider Poweron Automations deployed a staggering 1000m2 of Esdlumen stage LED walls for the event; which enveloped the entire venue – encompassing the performance stage as well as the seating areas and common areas of the auditorium. Working in flawless unison, the screens conspired to provide a truly unparalleled and breathtaking visual extravaganza under the gaze of chess players and spectators from 186 countries.

The Chess Olympiad, one of the top-tier chess team competitions in the world, is organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE); and the 44th Chess Olympiad was inaugurated by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the marquee event being hosted by India for the very first time. The event attracted more than 20000 players, coaches, and local chess enthusiasts; thereby making it the world’s largest chess championship ever.

A massive embossment-style stage grabbed most of the audience’s attention; embedding an irregular checkerboard-like video wall along with two other smaller screens on both sides of the stage. These LED walls comprised Esdlumen Wing Plus Series rental LED displays, which were surrounded by numerous king-sized chess pieces such as king, bishop, queen, and knight – thereby adding a truly grandiose aura to the stage. Dispersed around the stadium were also an extra 11 sets of LED walls that hosted the live streaming of all the performances that took place during the event. The fact that the high-performance Esdlumen LED walls offers not just high-refresh rates but also an impressive 160° ultra-wide viewing angle; allowed the Poweron Automations team to facilitate a comfortable visual experience for the audience even from different and irregular viewing angles, while assuring exquisitely smooth image reproduction.

The audience seated at the second tier of the venue were also surrounded by ribbon board displays from Esdlumen that were synced in perfect harmony with the music and lighting, thereby creating an absolute visual treat that enhanced the impact of the music and performances that graced the event.

Poweron Automations

VIDEO FILES

Land Of Drama Brought to Life With World-Class Dante Network Design

Introducing the MAC Aura XIP Premium Wash Light with Filament Effect from Martin

The magnificent 5,000-year history of Chinese culture in and around the Henan region was brought to life in a self-guided, multi-media, and immersive live performance experience. Numerous components of the overall sound system and numerous standalone systems at Unique Henan: Land of Drama are all constructed on Dante audio networks that are controlled and monitored by the Dante Domain Manager.

AVIXA Updates Contrast Ratio Standard for Presentation Technology

Featured in our Ennovations column this month, the Martin MAC Aura XIP extends the Martin Mac family of moving heads. With its aura filament effect, narrower beam, and increased light engine control, the MAC Aura XIP gives lighting designers a variety of options. It has a soft edge, an even wash field, little stray light, and highintensity mid-air beams with almost no compromises in weight, size, or aesthetic.

Christie Brings Dead Puppets to Life

The original Projected Image System Contrast Ratio from AVIXA has been updated to reflect advancements in presentation technology. The new ISCR standard defines acceptable minimum contrast ratios for AV presentation systems. By offering display solutions that match or exceed the performance requirements for key applications, AVIXA hopes to create a better user experience.

Christie projection and integrated solutions helped Dead Puppet Society, an international production business and creative firm with Australian roots, bring its theatre shows to life. David Morton, creative director of Dead Puppet Society, has been deeply impacted by the use of high-performance GS Series 1DLP laser projectors in conjunction with Christie Mystique, Pandora’s Box and Widget Designer.

ALEX

The Importance of Audio

So this last month, I had the chance to go on my first overseas trip after a twoand-a-half-year pandemic break. Besides all the strange things involved in going on such a trip after such a long break, I made it forth and back and managed to get my planned workload done. One of my stops was in Amsterdam for the 2022 IBC Convention. The IBC was historically always rather video-centric since broadcast is considered to be mostly TV, despite thousands of Radio stations doing great and meaningful work. I was able to reconnect with many colleagues and catch up and get a feel of where the industry is as a whole.

I want to use the column in this issue to share my view and impressions with you. More and more people recognize the importance of audio, even in the Broadcast or TV environment. Proper and full immersion is not created by more cool video but by envelopment into immersive audio solutions. This is great to see and opens up many opportunities for us in Pro Audio. To put this into a bigger picture, the upcoming Soccer World Cup in Qatar will see HBS host broadcasting systems using a complete set of immersive audio solutions for the global broadcast of the event. There is a dedicated team allocated to manage this and to make this happen in a very consistent way.

reminds everyone very strongly of the AURO 3D system and format. I am still wondering which special DOLBY ingredient is in this DOLBY ATMOS Format for TV.

So how do you pick up and produce great audio for such an application and this specific reproduction environment? It’s complicated; the general idea is to make the viewer at home feel that they are “in” the stadium, fully immersed in the vibe there. At the same time, you have to be very sensitive to not collapse the front stereo signal by having too much signal on the surround and the rear channels. The localization result gets better with the more separation you can achieve between the channels while still maintaining a viable stereo image between correlated channels. When an audio source moves between your pick-up points, you want to hear a realistic reproduction of the move in between.

The challenge is to make this compatible with how we perceive the audio in our ears and brain system. Good channel separation and sound localization seem to be some key ingredients. Then there is the fact that for this particular series of games this is now harmonized throughout the entire event so that all games are broadcast with a very similar result no matter how different the sound inside the stadium will be. From the technical perspective and the understanding that there is a massive audience for this event, the fact that they are going immersive is important from a strategic point of view.

Here is where it all gets interesting and also a bit scary. From all the discussions, you get the impression that, as an industry, we are not fully ready for this. The debate about the best 3D and immersive audio solutions is just beginning. I am not talking about people trying to sell you gear and products and software, but an accepted standard and how to professionally go about this. DOLBY has somewhat become a standard in the broadcast and reproduction framework with its version of a 5.1.4 system. This is the traditional DOLBY 5.1 Surround System, enhanced by four height channels for front left and right and rear left and right. No wonder this Join the conversation and share your thoughts with Alex. Alex can be reached at alex@asaudio.de

What I like about the idea and approach is that this is not artificially created content with little merits, but it is to catch the actual atmosphere inside the stadium and to deliver this at home with the most realistic result in reproduction. That is a reasonable approach, not something created purely to sell products - the actual event, with all its emotion being brought to a much wider audience at home. Even though I am not a big soccer fan, I am excited to hear how this will sound and work out in Qatar later this year. Please have a listen.

SHOW REVIEW

PLASA Show 2022 Celebrates in Style at Olympia London

PLASA Show 2022 took centre stage in Olympia London's Grand Hall from September 4-6, and there was a sense of celebration in the air. After a gruelling couple of years for the industry, live events and entertainment have become more popular and ambitious than ever. This upward trend was reflected in the impressive 41% increase in visitors.

The bustling show floor saw the introduction of a slew of new products from the pro audio, AV, lighting, and staging technology industries. Many of which were officially introduced at the PLASA Show:

outdoor-ready fixtures made its international trade show debut at the exhibition. Thanks to their IP65 rating, the new fixtures are also easy to maintain, as their insides remain dust and debris free.

Maverick Storm 2 BeamWash

The Maverick Storm 2 BeamWash is the first in the next generation of Maverick IP65-rated moving heads (profile fixtures are waiting to delight on the horizon). Intensely bright, with an output close to 10,000 lumens, this newcomer, which features 19 50-watt RGBW LEDs in its centre pixel array and an outer ring of 0.2-watt RGB LEDs, can light up even the largest stadium or amphitheatre.

With a zoom range that goes down to 3.60, the Maverick Storm 2 BeamWash can create searingly tight aerial beams. Then, when it’s time for a wide wash, that range can go up to a generous 53.40-- all in a rigging-friendly package that weighs in under 22 kgs (less than 50 lbs.).

Rogue Outcast 2X Wash

Expanding the Rogue Outcast family, the Outcast 2X Wash builds on the success of the Rogue R2X Wash and offers the same strong feature set. However, thanks to its innovative and durable aluminium/magnesium alloy body, it now offers IP-65 protection for superior indoor and outdoor performance at a mere 11 kgs (23 lbs).

CHAUVET Professional Responds to “What’s New at PLASA?”

“What's new?" According to unscientific research, those are the most common words uttered by visitors when they first enter a trade show stand. Those who asked that question of the CHAUVET Professional team at PLASA received some exciting answers, as the company continues to build on its recent impressive string of IP65-rated product introductions, particularly in terms of class-leading weight.

Among the highlights of the booth were the Maverick Storm 2 BeamWash, the Rogue Outcast 2X Wash, and the Ovation Rêve E-3 IP. Each of these fully-featured

Ovation Rêve E-3 IP

“Unrivalled” in output and performance, the Ovation Rêve E-3 IP has raised the bar by offering the same full spectrum and tunable white capabilities with classleading output as the original Rêve E-3, along with 2800K to 8000K colour temperature presets to deliver unparalleled quality of light. An emulated "red shift" for a tungsten-like look and four 16-bit dimming curves add to its versatility, while its adjustable yoke makes it easy to mount in a wide range of spaces.

CHAUVET/Rogue Outcast 2X Wash

SHOW REVIEW

Claypaky Welcomes International Visitors with Innovative Additions to Popular Product Families

Claypaky’s sales director, Alberico D’Amato considered PLASA a 'must-attend' event for the British market but was pleasantly surprised by the number of customers from Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Prepared to present to an international crowd, Claypaky showcased all the products that have been recently launched by the company.

The growing Xtylos family of laser-source moving heads received the addition of the Xtylos Aqua which features marine-grade C5-M protection and the Mini Xtylos HPE. Claypaky has been focused on developing new, pioneering technologies that offer new ways to motivate designers to reach further to inspire audiences since the introduction of the XTYLOS fixture. The new MINI XTYLOS HPE provides opportunities to bring this unique technology to venues and events that require smaller, energy-efficient, yet powerful fixtures.

The Claypaky MINI XTYLOS HPE (CJ3002) is a small form factor fixture with a 20,000-hour RGB laser source that produces saturated, deep colours with no visible hotspots thanks to its exclusive TURBO colour system. In addition to the standard XTYLOS family features,

the MINI XTYLOS HPE adds some new and exciting features: The unit has an infinite pan rotation in both directions that can be controlled at different speeds.

Also showcased was the CloudIO. A compact IoT device, CloudIO opens up an entire world of information, diagnostics and remote assistance for most Claypaky fixtures. A user-friendly interface gives you more power, increasing the speed of the operations and reducing the maintenance process cost. Starting from version 1.4.1.2, CloudIO can also read the parameters of all RDM-compliant fixtures regardless of brand. CloudIO provides a quick overview of all fixture data, as well as comprehensive diagnostics and management of all routine tasks. The fixtures can be thoroughly examined, giving the user complete control and knowledge of the fixture you’re handling.

Claypaky also organised a series of daily workshops to detail the features of its products: one was devoted to laser technology in entertainment lighting, with a focus on the Xtylos family; another to the next generation of truly advanced lights for theatres, with a focus on the Sinfonya Profile 600, a unique, low-noise LED-based unit, conceived and developed exclusively for the theatre market; and yet another to the new Claypaky effect lines Tambora and the Volero Batten Aqua, a highperformance IP66 LED moving batten.

SHOW REVIEW

Obsidian Control Systems

Demos New NX1 Portable Lighting Controller

Visitors to the tradeshow had a chance to demo Obsidian Control Systems’ new portable yet full-featured NX1 lighting console. The newest member of Obsidian Control Systems’ ONYX family of lighting consoles, the NX1 offers the complete ONYX experience without compromises in a full-featured yet low-profile design package.

The NX1 is a portable yet full-featured lighting console running Obsidian’s powerful ONYX platform. Utilizing the full ONYX Operating System, the NX1 offers a slate of professional features like a high-brightness 10.1" HD multi-touch screen; 4 assignable parameter encoders; 10 full motorized playbacks with four freely assignable buttons plus an extra playback and function key hybrid array. A dedicated Master Go section rounds out the efficient front panel design. The latest in industrial components allows for fast boot times, instant operation and the ability to process 8 Universes right inside the console.

With four DMX ports, a Gigabit network port for up to 8 Universes of Art-Net, sACN plus the ONYX X-Net protocol, the NX 1 has ample connectivity and power for a wide variety of shows and applications. One additional touch monitor is supported for even more direct access at any time. The NX1 is expandable with the NX P

motorized playback wing and dedicated NX K keypad. A simple magnetic alignment system allows attachment on any side of the NX1.

Also on display were the NX P, a compact, motorized fader wing, as well as a small USB-powered control surface for ONYX, and the NX K, both ideal companions to the NX1 console.

The NX P is a compact, motorized fader wing for the ONYX platform. The ideal expansion for any ONYX console and ONYX PC system, it replicates the full playback section of the NX1. Four integrated DMX ports provide instant connectivity to the lighting system. Multiple NX P wings can be connected to any ONYX console or PC system, expanding direct access with 20 playbacks at a time. The flexible button array can be mapped to playback control or powerful function keys. The NX P replicates the layout and all functionality of the NX1 and NX4 console surfaces so all operation is seamless and intuitive. A simple magnetic alignment system allows attachment on any side of the NX1 console or NX K command pad.

The NX K is a small USB-powered control surface for ONYX. The ideal companion for the NX1 console and ONYX PC systems, it replicates the full keypad and command section of larger consoles. Four encoders complete the programming experience for fast and direct parameter access. A simple magnetic alignment system allows attachment on any side of the NX1 console or NX P motorized fader wing.

SHOW REVIEW

Moreover, the ONYX user experience has recently been enhanced with the release of ONYX 4.8 Version software. Several other new lighting control products under the ONYX lighting control platform were also highlighted, including new devices in Obsidian's NETRON data distribution line.

The NETRON EP2 is a no-nonsense, no-compromise Ethernet to DMX gateway solution for the professional lighting and AV markets. Part of the NETRON family of easy-to-use EtherDMX nodes, it offers a high-value solution for any type of system that requires rugged hardware, flexible configuration and a reliable Ethernet to DMX gateway solution at an affordable price. The NETRON DMX10 is a flexible, rackmount, 10-port DMX splitter with dual inputs and freely assignable XLR DMX outputs. Available with 5-pin XLR connectors or as a 3-pin unit, the DMX10 is easy to configure and is ideally suited for installations and live event applications that do not require RDM communication. It is a highvalue solution for simpler systems that require rugged hardware, flexible configuration and reliable DMX traffic management at an affordable price point.

Obsidian Control Systems products are distributed exclusively by Elation Professional worldwide and are available in various sizes to accommodate any scale and budget.

Obsidian/NX1

Elation Showcases Cutting-Edge

Luminaires alongside Visually Flexible Proteus Rayzor Blade

Elation's new Fuze MAX Profile full-colour LED moving head has received a lot of attention since its début at

Prolight + Sound. A 21,000-lumen full-spectrum LED framing fixture, the Fuze MAX Profile has been designed for theatre, television and a wide array of other precision lighting applications.

It houses an 800W RGBMA LED engine (92 CRI) with a full blackout framing system and four rotating blades and +/- 60° indexing. Useful wherever a wide chromatic spectrum (including dynamic whites) and outstanding quality is required, other features include a rotating gobo wheel, fixed gobo wheel, animation wheel, dual frost, prism and iris in a quiet and extremely powerful automated framing fixture.

Also on display for the demonstration were the new KL Panel XL, a bigger, brighter, and bolder version of Elation's popular colour temperature-adjustable, fullspectrum KL Panel LED soft light and KL Fresnel 6 FC, a full-colour soft light from Elation's KL "Key Light" series.

Designers have turned to Elation's colour temperatureadjustable KL Panel full-colour-spectrum LED soft light for live streams and broadcasts of all types and now the company offers an XL version that extends the size of the original while emitting nearly twice the power and offering multi-zone control for dynamic effects. The new KL Panel XL soft light delivers superior output, precise colour temperature control, full-spectrum colour rendering and an even wash coverage. Optimized for the tunable white light requirements of broadcast, it is an ideal soft light source for many situations requiring outstanding performance and colour quality.

The KL Fresnel 6 FC is a full-colour soft light optimized for light-critical and noise-sensitive venues like broadcast and theatre. It is an ideal key and fill light source that projects a uniform wash of soft field light across the full-colour spectrum, including dynamic white light. It houses a highly efficient 220W RGBMA LED engine and produces up to 8,000 field lumens. A 10 to 32-degree zoom and 8-leaf barn doors allow for customized shaping of the beam.

Various models from the Proteus family of luminaires made their presence felt at the show as well. New to the family, the Proteus Rayzor 1960 is a compact yet extremely powerful LED wash effects luminaire with 5.6 to 44° zoom. It projects intense, well-

SHOW REVIEW

defined mid-air beams, as well as an exceptionally wide and even wash coverage. Driven by 19 x independently controlled 60W RGBW LEDs, the Proteus Rayzor 1960 provides a powerful beam (over 17,000 lumens) that stands out on any stage. The oversized front lenses create a large surface enhanced by Elation's SparkLED technology for a unique additional layer of effect. Continuous, speed-adjustable pan/tilt rotation adds another layer of dynamic effect to this versatile fixture.

For shows that require flexibility, the Proteus Rayzor Blade is a combination of linear wash, high-intensity strobe line and SparkLED FX inside a compact IP65 linear fixture design. Available with 6 or 12 independently controlled 60W RGBW LEDs, Proteus Rayzor Blade provides well-defined mid-air beams up to 12,500 lumens or exceptionally wide and even wash coverage. Two high-intensity strobe lines of cool white LED dots along with Elation’s exclusive SparkLED effects add depth and visual impact. Finally, the wide zoom and dynamic tilt axis only serve to add visual flexibility.

Elation/Proteus Rayzor Blade L

Robe Stuns Audiences with “All Environments” Show

Robe fully revelled in the buzz and vitality of a production industry that’s back to full speed. The brand stunned

audiences with its eye-catching “All Environments” live performance show - the only one at the 2022 PLASA expo; launched its new iFORTE high powered IP rated LED moving light in style; and introduced its brand new TX1 Profile which was presented live for the first time.

“All Environments” is the first of a trilogy of performances that will premier at leading international trade shows throughout 2022 and 2023. It was conceived, storyboarded, designed, and produced by Robe’s talented in-house creative team led by Nathan Wan and Andy Webb with Jordan Tinniswood and Tomáš Kohout. The 6-minute timecoded show involved approximately 100 iSeries fixtures programmed to show off their amazing features in addition to their toughness and proper weather resistance.

Whilst showing off the durability and multiple creative features of these impressive new market-leading 'iSeries' products – iBeam 250s and iSpiiders joining the iFORTE as stars of the show – Robe also delivered a strong environmental message, underlining the company's long-term commitment to sustainability.

A T1 Profile running on a RoboSpot remote follow system was used for key lighting, and a large upstage LED video screen assisted with the narrative by showing dramatic images and illustrating the close integration of lighting and video in stylish creative shows. The main screen was augmented with LED cladding on the stage front for additional signage and messaging content.

This substantial video aesthetic also showed off the sheer brightness of all the Robe iSeries products, and the atmospherics were boosted with the help of MDG theONE fog/hazer and ICE FOG Compack low fog generator products! A 3000-litre water tank and a mix of programmable pumps and jets produced a spectacular rain curtain and funky water effects as dancer TJ added freestyle bodywork to the fluidity with a specially choreographed show.

A bespoke soundtrack was infused with voicedover statements carefully curated from the work of

Photo by Louise Stickland

SHOW REVIEW

broadcaster, biologist, natural historian, and author, Sir David Attenborough and his compelling broadcasts over the years, drawing attention to climate change. The theme brought a real-world contemporary and thoughtprovoking quality to the show as well as entertaining visitors and ramping up the atmosphere at the show.

Robe also produced dramatic new VOG presentations – snappy, theatrical, and informative complete with their own lighting effects – that captured people’s attention, and visitors were gathering both to listen to these as well as to enjoy and appreciate the “All Environments” show.

Robe was thrilled to win a PLASA Innovation award for its new iFORTE, which was the star of the All Environments show. The judges commented that this luminaire “features genuine innovation to help reduce service intervals and to mitigate failure by introducing precise moisture control” inside an IP65-rated fixture. The show was the official launch of the iFORTE moving light, an IP65 version of FORTE, the brand’s current highest-powered TE (TRANSFERABLE ENGINE) LED luminaire.

Additionally, Robe’s new TX1 Profile received a 'special commendation' with judges noting that it is a "novel hybrid of moving light and generic fixture" with multiple uses, particularly in restricted space scenarios.

Also attracting a lot of interest at the show was Robe’s new T11 Profile MFS (Manual Follow Spot) which completes the current T11 range, offering a practical, flexible, fully functional and compact follow spot solution. Sideways mounting handles are ergonomically designed to allow access to the control buttons on the rear-mounted display panel. Dimmer control is via a dedicated fader mounted on the handles, leaving the operator free to focus on positioning and following the object.

In addition to hosting the liveliest and one of the most consistently busy booths on the show floor, Robe also hosted the RoboSpot‘Taster Sessions’, illustrating the advantages of its flexible remote follow spot system in Theatre 1 on the exhibition show floor throughout the event.

Robe was proud to continue the company’s longstanding relationship with PLASA as headline sponsor and was delighted to see the vast range of educational, inspirational and insightful talks and seminars on offer, delivered by some of the best industry specialists.

ChamSys Seeks to Connect with World Preview of MagicQ Compact Connect Console

Trade shows are widely regarded as a forum for making and nurturing connections. The ChamSys team took this to heart quite literally at PLASA as they expanded their popular Connect family of products with the world preview of the MagicQ Compact Connect and MagicQ Compact Mini Connect.

The new MagicQ Compact Connect products are PC / MAC / Linux-based programming interfaces that offer programmers, operators, and LDs a convenient, "controlon-the-go" solution. Simply by connecting to a PC or Mac via a USB-C Connector, the user can run up to 64-universe shows on the MagicQ Compact Connect or MagicQ Compact Mini Connect, either of which fits easily within airline carry-on limits.

Sleek and lightweight, the new products feature the same contemporary styling as the MagicQ MQ70 and MQ50 Compact Consoles. Both allow access to the powerful MagicQ software package. The MagicQ

Robe/T11 Profile

SHOW REVIEW

Compact Connect also features 10 Playback Faders, eight Attribute Encoders, and cue stack control buttons, as well as Network and 10Scene ports. In addition to the new Compact Connect products, ChamSys showcased its popular MagicQ MQ500M Stadium Console which is capable of supporting 256 universes without the need for external processors, as well as the workhorse MagicQ MQ70 Compact Console.

ChamSys consoles weren’t the only ones connecting to visitors at PLASA. The company also conducted a series of hands-on training courses on a variety of topics throughout the show. At the end of each day, the ChamSys presenters were joined by James Harrison, the company’s product and support manager, in a Q&A session. The daily sessions gave PLASA attendees an excellent opportunity to connect with the products and information they require to take their shows to the next level.

chip – which was quickly revered by LDs everywhere. An accompanying campaign entitled “Our Lime makes the Difference” helped reinforce the message about the expanded colour palette.

And, of course, the GLP UK team (hereafter known as the Limeys) – never ones to miss an opportunity –replaced their familiar baristas with mixologists, and all things that could be accompanied by lime, at this year’s PLASA Show. In fact, in the run-up to the show, they were engaging in some social media activity with a fun giveaway of a lime green Pelican case(pictured) containing glasses, a juicer… and, yes, some limes.

On the more serious subject of products, the focus this year was on the X5 series. In addition to the impression X5 and X5 Compact, GLP unveiled the next prototype of the IP65-rated impression X5 IP Bar, a linear LED batten, and the XDC1 – a fusion of the high-calibre impression X5 and raw JDC1 strobe power which made its début on Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics world tour. Also on the stand were the impression FR10 Bar and JDC Line.

Aside from the lime chip, the next-generation X5 platform is differentiated by its extremely fast movement and new super-fast zoom. Incorporating a brand-new algorithm, called iQ.Gamut, all X5 products deliver accuracy, quality and colour consistency every time.

Visitors were unlikely to miss the bright citrus green as they entered PLASA, as GLP was prominently displayed right inside the main entrance.

Peavey Electronics Stacks Up Convenience with LN 1063 Column Array

GLP Centres Everything Around the Colour Lime

When GLP gave a world premiere of its impression X5 at 2022’s Prolight + Sound, it established the new lime

Peavey Electronics introduced the LN 1063 Column Array, a compact, powerful, lightweight, and low-profile portable unit. Weighing 10 pounds less than its nearest competitor, the LN1063 offers a durable design and is extremely easy to carry, amounting to an entire PA system that can be moved by one person in one trip.

ChamSys/MagicQ

SHOW REVIEW

The LN 1063 delivers 120 dB maximum SPL (sound pressure level) and a frequency response ranging from 55 Hz to 18 kHz. Powerful yet discrete, the self-contained LN 1063 has no visible cables in mono operation, and its clean design is well-suited for applications where speakers should be heard and not seen. The LN 1063 column array is an ideal solution for church, convention, DJ, or club applications, and with a list price under $1000, it offers best-in-class feature-to-value and performance.

Peavey/ LN 1063 Column Array

Final Note: For the industry, by the industry

With unrelenting financial and workload pressures, the need for assistance is more important than ever. The #WeMakeEvents Wellbeing & Support Hub, which hosted industry charities Backup Tech and Music Support, addressed this at the show. Throughout the show, Backup ran a clinic, and Music Support was on hand with Mental Health First-Aiders. In addition, the PLASA team provided information on PLASA membership, the National Rigging Certificate (NRC), and the #WeMakeEvents campaign.

The LN 1063 utilizes 500 Watts of potential maximum power, housing six 2.75-inch custom drivers for the midhigh column and a custom 8’’ driver for the subwoofer. The satellite speakers feature rugged housing and a quick attachment design that makes setup a breeze, complete with a carrying bag. The subwoofer is similarly durable and lightweight for easy and efficient load-in/out.

An onboard six-channel mixer features two combi inputs, each with the option of selecting a guitar input, making the LN 1063 the "first" column array designed specifically with the acoustic guitar performer in mind. Two additional media channels have stereo quarter-inch inputs and streaming audio Bluetooth in. A 3.5 mm input, to hook up a music player or phone, and a mix-out for additional units give players all the connectivity they need.

After the 'come-back' 2021 show, PLASA organisers knew expectations for 2022 were high. However, the response has exceeded their expectations. The PLASA team is already hard at work planning and developing the show for next year.

PLASA will return to Olympia London from September 3-5, 2023.

Register your interest

ADJ Ultra LB18 Lime-Infused Linear LED Wash Offers Tunable White and High CRI

The Ultra LB18 is ADJ’s latest addition to its range of LED-powered wash fixtures utilizing enhanced limeinfused colour mixing. Producing vibrant and punchy colour mixing output, the Ultra LB18 features 18 x 10-Watt 5-in-1 (Red, Green, Blue, Amber and Lime) colour mixing long-life LEDs. It offers a large gamut of colour possibilities, including white light with a colour temperature variable between 2,300K and 9,900K.

The inclusion of a lime LED chip not only increases the palette of colours but also boasts the CRI to in excess of 90, making it ideal for illuminating performers on stage. A high CRI indicates that the fixture will render colours more accurately when used to illuminate scenery, décor, or performers, which is particularly important to ensure natural skin tones and enhanced depth.

The fixture’s 18 LEDs are grouped into six separate zones of three LEDs, each offering independent colour mixing control. This facilitates the creation of ‘eye candy’ chase effects, with a useful Pixel Flip function allowing the order of the zones to be reversed for convenient programming. For added convenience when programming, the fixture offers tunable control from a single DMX channel, making it extremely easy to select precisely the right colour temperature of white light for any given application.

The unit is also preprogrammed with 15 separate colour temperature presets as well as 64 built-in colour macros, which allow an easy selection of common colour

options. The fixture can also be calibrated for different applications and user preferences, with a choice of six selectable Dim Modes (Standard, Stage, TV, Architectural, Theatre and Stage 2) and four selectable Dim Curves (Square, Linear, Inv. Square and S. Curve) available.

The unit is supplied with brackets that can be used to set it directly on the ground or attach it to a clamp for truss mounting. Its ends are also magnetic, which allows adjacent fixtures to be quickly and easily aligned to create longer continuous bars of LEDs to uniformly wash larger areas. A compact and lightweight fixture, it is supplied with a removable glare shield that blocks the LEDs from view, ideal for when the fixture is used as either a footlight or front light to illuminate a stage.

The glare shield is also hinged, locking quickly and easily in place using latches at either side, which allows it to fold down flat for transportation to protect the lens and LEDs during transportation. In addition, there are magnets on each end of the unit which allows adjacent fixtures to be quickly and easily aligned to create longer continuous bars of LEDs to uniformly wash larger areas.

The Ultra LB18 offers six operational modes: Auto Run, Program Mode, Sound Trigger (utilizing an inbuilt microphone), RGBAL Manual, Static colour and DMX. It offers a variety of DMX modes, using between 5 and 71 control channels, and is also compatible with ADJ’s UC IR wireless remote. A digital display with a

ENNOVATION

4-button menu interface on the rear panel allows easy mode selection, DMX addressing and configuration of operating parameters, while a USB port facilitates quick and easy future firmware updates.

A robust metal housing makes the Ultra LB18 suitable for touring and event production applications, while its low weight of 12.13lbs (5.5 kg) means that it is easy to lift, carry and rig. The fixture also offers compact dimensions of 3.39” x 39.3” x 7.42” / 86 x 996 x 188.4mm (L x W x H), minimizing truck space for transportation and making it suitable for installation in low-ceilinged venues. As well as 5-pin DMX input and output sockets – located on either side of the unit for convenient and neat cable runs – it also features similarly positioned locking power input

and output sockets that can be used to link the power supply for multiple fixtures from a single outlet (up to 12 Ultra LB18s can be linked @120V or up to 25 fixtures @240V).

With a beam angle of 17 x 40°, the fixture has been designed to illuminate stages, dance floors, décor, and sections of wall. It is ideal for permanent installation in bars, clubs, lounges, theatres, concert venues and churches, as well as temporary event production projects.

The Ultra LB18 is shipping now from ADJ distributors and dealers worldwide.

ADJ/Ultra LB18

PROLIGHTS ArcPod Now Available in Three White Variations

The new ArcPod 15VW, ArcPod 27VW, and ArcPod 48VW exterior flood lights with a tunable white range between 2,700K to 6,500K. This allows them to benefit from their bi-colour capabilities to deliver a punchy white output whilst preserving a high CRI and TM30 value.

The ArcPod 15VW has a 15,000lm output, while the ArcPod 27VW has a 26,000lm output. As for the bigger version, the ArcPod 48VW, it has an outstanding bright ness of 46,000lm.

Together, the new ArcPods are IP66-rated and pos sess slim weatherproofed die-cast aluminium bodies and fanless designs, making them adaptable for any permanent outdoor installation.

While the native beam angles of the ArcPod fixtures are diverse, PROLIGHTS has created extra optics that may be installed in front of the floods to change the angles of the units.

PROLIGHTS/ArcPod

Obsidian Control Systems Synchronizes Shipping of NX1 Lighting Console with ONYX 4.8 Software Release

Following the successful launch of the NX1 lighting control system at the Prolight + Sound tradeshow, the NX1 console along with the add-on NX P playback wing and NX K keypad are now being delivered in large quantities to customers around the world.

The NX1 is the newest member of Obsidian Control Systems’ ONYX family of lighting consoles. Ultracompact yet fully featured, it is designed to handle a huge variety of shows where an intuitive console is needed without a PC.

The NX1 offers a slate of professional features in a lowprofile design like a high-brightness 10.1” HD multitouch screen, 4 assignable parameter encoders, 10 full motorized playbacks with four freely assignable buttons plus an extra playback and function key hybrid array. A dedicated Master Go section rounds out the efficient front panel design.

Made of rock-solid construction, the latest in industrial grade components allows for fast boot times, instant operation and the ability to process 8 Universes right inside the console. Measuring only 298.5 mm x 636 mm x 71 mm (11.75 x 25 x 2.8 in.) and weighing a light 4.5 kg (9.9 lbs), the NX1 fits under one arm and is portable enough to carry on commercial flights.

The NX1 offers a pair of easy-to-add companion tools that when combined with the console create an even more powerful and flexible control solution. The NX1 is expandable with the dedicated NX P motorized playback wing, which replicates the full playback section of the NX1, and the compact USB-powered NX K keypad, which replicates the full keypad and command section of larger consoles. A simple magnetic alignment system allows attachment to either side of the NX1. The keypad and playback wing are part of the ONYX platform and can be utilized with all other NX devices or ONYX PC control systems.

ONYX 4.8 Software

Aligned with the shipping release of the NX1 is the newly released ONYX 4.8 Version software, which enhances the user experience of the ONYX platform. The new version of the software adds support for up to 16 NX P playback wing modules, improves visual colour mixing feedback, and ensures full compatibility up to the latest Windows 11 Operating System.

ONYX Version 4.8 can be downloaded for all ONYX consoles and PC systems at the link below.

Obsidian Control Systems/ONYX

Radical Filament Effect and Full Pixel Control have been Added to Martin MAC Aura Family

theatre, television and corporate events. While being robust and waterproof for use at outdoor festivals, concerts and events, it breaks the barriers of previous workhorse fixtures with its sealed design requiring less maintenance.

MAC Aura XIP is the “first” fixture in its class to feature innovative smart outdoor-proofing technology. The fixture is fully waterproof for weather conditions such as rain, snow, sand or ice with close to zero impact on the fixture’s size, weight, output, noise and aesthetics, making it a truly versatile workhorse that can avoid “indoor-only” and “outdoor-only” labels.

The Martin MAC Aura XIP is a premium moving head wash light aimed at raising the bar for optical quality. It features an even wash field with a soft edge, minimal stray light, and high-intensity mid-air beams with close to zero compromises in weight, size and aesthetics.

MAC Aura XIP’s 12 Radical RGBW filaments deliver a brighter aura backlight effect as well as the ability to show iconic aura filaments, promising new and exciting stage effects. The extensive feature package covers both indoor and outdoor applications with optional high CRI / TM-30 / TLCI modes, LED frequency control for a flicker-free even wash light, RGBW colour mixing and multiple control options. Also included are variable calibrated colour temperature control, 200+ built-in FX macros, rapid movement and 8.8 – 49.3˚ zoom range, and weighing just 8.9 kilograms.

Featuring pixel control with video mapping capabilities onto beam, aura, or both with easy setup mapping and addressing via a Martin P3 controller, the MAC Aura XIP is also lightweight, compact and silent enough for the most demanding indoor applications such as

While the MAC Aura XIP is very similar to the MAC Aura XB in size and output, it has remarkable upgrades such as a narrower zoom creating a higher intensity beam and less stray light. The optional high CRI / TM30 / TLCI mode is ideal for better rendering of people and costumes in demanding broadcast and theatre applications, plus LED frequency control for flicker-free projection in broadcasting. It also has additional plus/ minus green control over white point which helps to match additional lights and cameras in its vicinity as well as improve skin tone optical performance.

An extremely even wash field with zero hotspots and a soft edge allow the MAC Aura XIP to create a better stage wash. The lack of stray light removes the need for beam control accessories such as top hats in many applications. It has the cleanest wash field in its class, emitting rich, saturated colours with RGBW colour mixing to deliver very bright and vibrant colours, soft pastels, and white tones.

The MAC Aura XIP is built to be a workhorse with handles on the head and base and Omega bracket attachments for easier handling and rigging. It also includes a battery-powered control panel on the base for easy fixture addressing in pre-flight. Its sealed design requires less maintenance (as less dust and pollution can enter the product) than IP20 alternatives.

Audio Gets an Upgrade with DiGiCo Quantum 338s at the Yun Hall Culture and Art Centre

The engineers of the theatre chose the Quantum 338 because of its size, the benefit of having three displays, and its 38 touch-sensitive faders.

Located in the Songjiang District of Shanghai, the Yun Hall Cultural Art Centre is a major community and economic project of the district party committee and district government. It aims to build a comprehensive, high-quality cultural landmark, providing one-stop public cultural services such as art exhibitions, cultural performances, group activities and reading for all.

A pair of DiGiCo Quantum 338 consoles form part of its high-end technical infrastructure, designed and installed by DiGiCo distributor, Rightway Audio Consultants (Racpro)

Designed by Xing Tonghe, chief architect at Shanghai Xian Dai Architecture, whose works encompass an organic combination of the spirit of the times and national

tradition, modern technology, and history and culture, the Yun Hall Culture and Art Centre communicates a strong sense of innovation and highlights the ‘new Chinese’ aesthetic style.

The Centre includes the Yun Theatre, which extends to approximately 10,000 sqm, can accommodate a 1,200-capacity audience, and can meet the needs of a variety of performances including dance, opera, drama, symphonic concerts, Chinese opera and variety shows.

To complement a substantial L-Acoustics PA system, Racpro recommended DiGiCo consoles, specifying two Quantum 338s, their size, the advantage of a trio of screens and 38 touch-sensitive faders making it perfect for the theatre’s engineers. The consoles are situated in a control room at the rear of the auditorium, which is ideal the ideal position for the theatre’s engineers and those visiting productions to mix from.

“As the venue doesn’t have a separate monitor desk, the Q338’s Nodal Processing is also a big advantage,” said Fang Hongsen, sound technology director. “And realtime data synchronization ensures stable audio output during performances.”

Yun Theatre’s premier was the G60 Shanghai Songjiang Spring Festival Concert, presented by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, with traditional pieces such as Spring Festival Overture and The Butterfly Lovers, as well as excerpts from Classic of Mountains and Seas, and Fathers, a specially commissioned work to celebrate

the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, and the first movement of The Light of G60, a symphony praising for Songjiang, composed by a renowned composer Qiang Weihao.

“The advanced design of the Q338 fits perfectly with the technical vision for Yun Hall Culture and Art Centre,” concluded Racpro’s brand manager, Li Feng. “We have had great feedback from the venue and we are very proud to have been involved in such a prestigious project.”

DiGiCo

National Folk Museum’s Christie Laser Projection Shines Light on the Mythical Realm

The immersive digital exhibition “The Mysterious Village” has six themed zones that are all fully illuminated by 17 x Christie D20WU-HS laser projectors, showcasing rich visuals from Design Silverfish.

Within the National Folk Museum of Korea, which showcases the daily life and culture of Korean people over the millennia, Christie laser projectors have brilliantly brought to life several deities from old Korean folktales. Cutting-edge technology such as projection mapping and Augmented Reality (AR) have been utilized for various displays to invoke a greater sense of realism and immerse visitors in the mythical world.

Titled “The Mysterious Village”, the immersive digital exhibition consists of six fascinating themed zones that are each dedicated to a specific deity that has lived among people from the past to the present.

Renowned media production firm Design Silverfish was responsible for the content and projection design, as well as the installation of 17 x Christie D20WU-HS 1DLP laser projectors across all exhibition zones. Known for its masterful space direction and media content production, Design Silverfish had previously mesmerized guests with enchanting visuals at the Delight Seoul, Curious 12 Tales and Delight Seongnam multimedia exhibitions – also executed with Christie laser projection.

Gyeongtae Hong, CEO of Design Silverfish, said, “This exhibition has been meticulously planned with the active participation of our UK branch as a new immersive and realistic content production that goes beyond conventional methods of expression used by existing

national museums. In particular, the direction was conceived through data collection on various European exhibitions by our London-based designer Younsook Im.”

“In order for these unique contents to be realistically displayed on multiple surfaces, we require a highperformance projection system that can deliver excellent colour and contrast and yet provide us with the installation flexibility to set up multi-projector arrays quickly and reliably. The Christie D20WU-HS, with its high lumen output, enhanced colour accuracy, compact footprint and omnidirectional capabilities, easily emerged as our top choice,” Hong added.

Visitors enjoyed amazingly detailed images displayed on numerous large screens and surfaces by the Christie D20WU-HS laser projectors fitted discreetly overhead in all exhibition zones, namely “Jangseung and Sotdae Protect Their Town”, “Sansin Gives Peace”, “Jeoseungsin Works Together with the Death”, “Gasin Protects Their Home”, “Yongsin Brings Rain”, and “Dokkaebi Returns with a Big Catch”.

In “Jangseung and Sotdae Protect Their Town”, the deities that dwell in Jangseung (village guardian posts) and Sotdae (sacred poles) to guard and protect villagers are given a new lease of life through vibrant displays achieved using 2 x D20WU-HS projectors. Other crowd favourites include the “Yongsin Brings Rain”, and “Dokkaebi Returns with a Big Catch”, which are each lit by 4 x D20WU-HS projectors. The former features floor and curved screen projections to provide a highly immersive viewing experience of a tale about two dragons. The latter showcases a mischievous goblin set against images of the sea and night sky on an ultra-wide screen that is so lifelike, visitors feel as if their feet could get drenched by the splashing sea waves.

Paul Lee, sales manager for Korea, Enterprise, Christie, commented, “‘The Mysterious Village’ immersive digital exhibition has brilliantly combined state-of-the-art projection and AR technology with a passion for the retelling of classic Korean folktales. Design Silverfish has once again demonstrated its expertise in the creation and execution of innovative and stunning visual contents that are flawlessly displayed using our D20WU-HS laser projectors to provide visitors with an extraordinary museum experience.”

SPOTLIGHT

ETA SPOTLIGHT is a heart-to-heart with industry professionals from across Asia, as they discuss their foray into the business and their journey thus far, while sharing their honest opinions about key aspects like market trends, technology, upskilling and more…

Brief about yourself.

SS: My name is Satvinder Singh, and I am a lighting designer and programmer by profession. I started my career 15 years ago as a technician, And at present I work with Ground Control – which is a technology service provider specializing in bespoke lighting and visual effects for performing artists from various musical backgrounds.

What got you interested in getting into the industry?

SS: Honestly, I loved the fact that this craft presented me with the opportunity and more importantly, the freedom, to showcase my creativity in designing and programming captivating scenes through the play of light. Just the fact that I could create a visually breathtaking aura on stage got me hooked; and before I could know it, I already had both feet into this industry.

What do you feel about the industry?

SS: In all reality, ours is still a burgeoning industry. Technologies are rapidly evolving, and with this we’re

noticing an increasing number of individuals wanting to create their mark within our industry. This in turn is upping the game in total – where we’re noticing ever evolving landscape - both technologically as well as in terms of newer challenges and possibilities. In a nutshell, the industry as it stands today is more competitive than it has perhaps ever been; and definitely more fun.

What is your most memorable experience and why?

SS: We were part of this amazing festival called The Magnetic Fields Festival; and were pretty much locked in at the ‘Red Bull Stage’, and this by far was one of the most memorable experiences of my career. I was told that I pretty much had free-reign to create ‘something amazing’, although the catch was that I had to use very minimal lighting. Needless to say, the situation was very challenging indeed – however, since I could take creative liberties in terms of creating the design, the challenge was even more fun to work on and overcome. At the end of it all, everyone was happy with what they saw on stage – and the rest is history.

SPOTLIGHT

improvement in technology, there’s been a consistent improvement in the latency factor, which has now made several workflows almost buttery smooth.

What are the products / technologies that are absolutely crucial to your workflow? Do you have a personal favourite among them?

SS: For me personally, a good piece of hardware like the grandMA 2 console is a blessing. In fact, I strongly feel that most of my peers would also agree with this. As a lighting designer, you need to have access to gear that facilitates easy communication with multiple softwares, without the hassle of glitches and drops. And in my opinion, the grandMA 2 performs exceedingly well in this particular aspect. That’s why it’s one of my favourite consoles to work on.

What was your worst experience and why?

SS: Well honestly, there are few things worse than having to work with faulty / malfunctioning equipment. There was this one particular event that we were doing, where I reached the venue ready with all my pre-programmed files and all set to get into lighting check. However, when we began, we realized that none of the lighting fixtures were responding to any of the commands correctly, which is how we understood that the installed fixtures weren’t actually authentic. This meant that I had to spend an extra few hours reconfiguring the command set to ensure that the fixtures worked correctly during the show. Any situation where you end up wasting crucial time over instances that can be easily avoided is always bound to be a bad experience

How exactly has the evolution in technologies impacted your line of work?

SS: The frequency of new softwares and hardwares entering into the market has increased exponentially in the past decade or so, and many of these new technologies introduce features and capabilities that the older ones didn’t have. This turns out to be really good for professionals like me since most of the time it makes our work much easier. Also, with the constant

In your line of work (specialization), have you noticed any new trends in terms of workflow / technologies etc that you feel could revolutionize the future for specialists like yourself?

SS: In more recent times, there’s been an influx of new 3d softwares that helps you create a near-perfect virtual stage sitting in the comfort of your home or office space; and you can then forward this to your team and collaborate on various different aspects of the design so that when you finally reach the venue, you’re completely prepared with every single aspect of the stage and how it needs to be setup to assure maximum accuracy and deliver a flawless lighting experience.

Do you have any hobbies outside of work and what is it?

SS: In my free time I love to travel and explore new places.

What did you do during the COVID-19 period?

SS: During the free time that we all had thanks to covid; I primarily kept myself busy in updating my portfolio of showfiles. In addition to this, I made it a point to learn new facets about my craft, and this involved a deep-dive into exploring the hidden facets of different consoles, and practicing all of the new stuff that I’ve learnt, and just general brush-ups of skills and techniques to that I could improve my workflow.