direct from: www.etnow.com Regulars Contents this month News and Features Web Directory Features Issue: 394 German TV AR-enhanced Visuals Powered by Hippotizer page 18 December 2025 page: 15page: 25 page: 35 GLP expands its portfolio with the new Matrix Eye series With the Matrix Eye 2 and Matrix Eye 4, GLP launches its new Matrix Series, a modular LED blinder system that combines the classic tungsten look with the flexibility and efficiency of LED technology. Both models can be mechanically linked within a smart frame system, allowing multiple fixtures to form seamless clusters. This modular approach offers rental companies and designers maximum versatility, whether building linear arrays, vertical stacks or custom configurations. More on page 8 page: 26 Crystal Sound deployed 32 JDC Burst 1, 32 Matrix Eye 4 and impression X5 units on the main stage, plus 12 Matrix Eye 2 fixtures on the Lake stage. Underpinning the technical elements is an unparalleled cabling infrastructure from Van Damme that ensures anything can be achieved. White Light Supports English Touring Opera, Traitors Live Immersive Experience, Sunny Afternoon and The Orange Tree Theatre. Van Damme fuels The Filling Station GLP Fixtures Bring Energy to DAS FEST 2025 White Light Special Feature page: 4 to 34 page: 2contents this month December 2025 page no. Features page : 4 page : 6 page : 9 page : 6 TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR PLACES OF ENTERTAINMENT Revised in July 2020 Available now from www.etbooks.co.uk 24Europe’s Largest Ever X-Line Advance System Powers Sud de France Arena Anniversary Party Tribal Sound deployed Europe’s largest ever X-Line Advance X2 system for the recent 15th anniversary celebrations at the Sud de France. 25Van Damme Fuels The Filling Station Underpinning the technical elements is an unparalleled cabling infrastructure from Van Damme that ensures anything can be achieved. 26White Light Special Feature A busy season for White Light on tours and fixed installations. 31Alive Connected Relies on HK Audio for London Zoo Nights HK Audio’s LINEAR 5 MK2 speakers were the right tool for Alive Connected to please both the animals and the crowds at this year’s London Zoo Nights. 32 Erwin Van Lokeren Reflects Personality of Songs on Racoon Tour with Chauvet Professional Reflecting the uniqueness of each Racoon song is a series of moving video walls co- ordinated with light from Chauvet fixtures. 33 Tateside Crafts and Installs a K-array Audio System Befitting of Lilibet’s Royal Heritage Tateside was responsible for a complete background audio system based on K-array’s Vyper family of loudspeakers. 34 ETC Sensor3 Power Control Selected for Kings Cross Central Development Control Lighting Ltd has selected ETC equipment as the solution for the large- scale Kings Cross Central development. 12Jesus Christ Superstar in Hangar 4: Sound Revelation with Sennheiser Spectera A key role in ensuring the best sound quality for Jesus Christ Superstar was played by the brand-new SennheiserSpecterawideband ecosystem. 15GLP Fixtures Bring Sparkling Energy to DAS FEST 2025 Crystal Sound deployed 32 JDC Burst 1, 32 Matrix Eye 4 and impression X5 units on the main stage, plus 12 Matrix Eye 2 fixtures on the Lake stage. 16Oasis Live 25: Britannia Row and Urban Audio Sound out Rock & Roll’s Remarkable Reunion Leaning on relationships that go back decades, Britannia Row Productions and Urban Audio have joined forces to design and deploy the live audio requirements of Oasis’s historical return. 18Millions Watch Live German TV AR- enhanced Visuals Powered by Hippotizer Multimedia visual production house LUPIXX GmbH tackled a combination of AR, large-format LED design and synchronised playback for this year’s Goldene Henne entertainment gala, harnessing the power of Green Hippo Hippotizer media servers. 20Coldplay Circles the Globe with DiGiCo on Music of the Spheres World Tour In November 2024, when the tour headed to Australia, Dan Green and Tony Smith had the opportunity to switch the FOH mix over to a brand new Solotech- supplied DiGiCo Quantum852 and they jumped at the chance. 22Angus Cha weaves his magic with Ayrton fixtures for Cambridge European Theatre Group’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream Angus Cha and Chris Wordsworth toured with six Ayrton Rivale Profiles and four Ayrton Zonda 3 Wash fixtures as their critical workhorse fixtures.from the editor direct from: www.etnow.com Entertainment Technology is published 12 times a year in conjunction with the leading industry portal www.etnow.com Editor: Jackie Staines Production: Jackie Staines Published by: ET Press Ltd The Studio, High Green Great Shelford Cambridge CB22 5EG Telephone: +44 (0)1223 550805 Fax: +44 (0)1223 550806 Website: www.etnow.com email: editor@etnow.com © ET Press Ltd. 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Issue: 394 LSI Projects: Delivering the Technical Fabric of Sadler’s Wells East The striking new dance theatre in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Sadler’s Wells East officially opened its doors earlier this year as part of the £1.1 billion East Bank development. Built for contemporary dance, the new 550-seat theatre is joined by six state-of-the-art studios and a welcoming public foyer designed for pop-up performances, community events and creative exchange. Behind the scenes, LSI Projects delivered the full stage lighting, AV and networking systems; designing, supplying, installing and commissioning a complex infrastructure that allows every space in the building to communicate seamlessly. Working closely with architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, theatre consultants Charcoalblue and construction manager Mace, the team balanced architectural intent with highly technical performance requirements from the earliest design stages. A key priority was to create a system that felt unified; something that could scale easily from a solo rehearsal in the studios to a full-scale dance production in the main house. “We knew this was always meant to be a more intimate space than the main theatre on Rosebery Avenue,” explains Alex Wardle, senior consultant at Charcoalblue, who led the theatre consultancy for the project. “That meant rethinking how the lighting, audio and video networks interacted across the performance spaces. Everything ties back to a single central rack room, which gives the venue complete control and future flexibility. It’s a small building doing big things.” The centralised system design meant that all technical signals (including show relay, paging, control data and Dante audio), are routed through a unified Q-SYS backbone, with hundreds of tie-lines distributing connectivity across the theatre, studios and foyer. LSI’s Liam Hawes and Ian Thomas led the technical delivery, co-ordinating closely with Charcoalblue to ensure that performance infrastructure and architectural design worked hand-in-hand. “We built the system around a philosophy of over-provision,” says Hawes. “In practice, that means more connection points, more flexibility and fewer compromises. From day one, the goal was to create a network where everything could seamlessly talk to everything else. Whether it’s a touring company or a local community project, we wanted to be sure the building could handle it. Forming the backbone of the lighting network, ETC Sensor dimming and Paradigm architectural control tie the whole system together. Both theatrical and house lighting run across hybrid DMX/data lines to ensure reliability and speed, while secondary control points give the team the flexibility to run shows or rehearsals from multiple positions. Patching options are available at every level, making it easy to reconfigure and keep the system moving as fast as the people using it. “We’ve designed plenty of venues, but the challenge here was scale,” adds Thomas. “There’s no substage and storage is tight, so everything had to be modelled and planned in detail.” Requiring serious co-ordination between disciplines, the team landed on a series of smart architectural solutions that kept the building’s technical demands beautifully hidden. To achieve this, LSI and Charcoalblue used Revit and BIM from the earliest stages, ensuring technical services and architectural features could be developed together without clashes. That digital precision allowed both teams to plan every millimetre of space while maintaining the aesthetic vision. Acoustic slatted walls double as concealment for future rigging points, lighting positions are built seamlessly into the architecture and cable management routes were planned to keep sightlines clean and the space visually open. “It’s the kind of project where every centimetre matters,” says Wardle. “You walk into the auditorium and it looks beautifully simple, but that simplicity hides an incredibly sophisticated backbone.” At the heart of the control system, the stage manager’s desk was custom-built in-house by LSI to bring communication, control and monitoring together in one ergonomic unit. Q-SYS processing is fully integrated within the desk, allowing paging and relay configurations to evolve as the venue’s needs change. The adjustable height control makes it comfortable for seated, standing or wheelchair users. “It’s not just a desk,” says Jamie McIntyre, senior theatre consultant at Charcoalblue, who oversaw commissioning and testing. “It’s the control hub for the entire theatre. From there, you can talk to every part of the system: lighting, audio, video, stage management. It’s an elegant bit of engineering, but it’s also intuitive for the operators who’ll use it every day.” To keep signal integrity rock solid, LSI built dual Dante networks running over Cisco switching, with redundant fibre routes linking the main rack room and satellite positions. Tie-lines for analogue audio, data, fibre and loudspeaker circuits add another layer of resilience, allowing the entire building to function as one coherent system. “There’s a lot of power under one roof,” McIntyre adds. “We wanted the infrastructure to be bulletproof but invisible, something that gives artists total confidence because they know it’s all just going to work.” The attention to detail behind this project truly showed its worth during the opening performance. In Act 1, the audience sat in a traditional tiered seating arrangement; before Act 2, the seating was quickly retracted and guests were invited onto the stage to celebrate alongside the design and engineering teams, showcasing the venue’s flexibility. “That felt like a real moment that captured the building’s purpose,” adds McIntyre. “That connection between performance, people and place.” Now home to the UK’s first hip-hop theatre academy and the internationally acclaimed Breakin’ Convention festival, Sadler’s Wells East has already proven itself as one of London’s most adaptable performance spaces. “It’s been brilliant to see how quickly the theatre team have made the space their own,” adds McIntyre. “From our side, we’re proud that the technology supports that freedom; that it enables the art, rather than dictating it.”December 2025 news 4 ISCVEx 2026 Announces Seminar Programme The Institute of Sound, Communications & Visual Engineers (ISCVE) has announced the seminar line-up for ISCVEx 2026, taking place at Coombe Abbey on 17-18 March 2026. This year’s programme brings together leading voices from across the AV, communications and security sectors, tackling some of the most pressing topics facing professionals today. Industry Forum – Tuesday 17 March 2026 Paul Davidson, Teams 9 The Criticality of Cybersecurity in Voice Communication: Preparing for Martyn’s Law Drawing on a distinguished career in the Metropolitan Police and UK security services, Paul Davidson will explore the implications of Martyn’s Law for ISCVE members, focusing on cybersecurity risks in voice communication and practical steps organisations can take to prepare. ISCVEx Seminars – Wednesday 18 March 2026 The Hopkins-Baldwin Seminar Dr Brian Shannan, University of Edinburgh Integrating Deaf Voices in Educational Design: An Automated Alternative to Loop and Auracast Systems for the AI Era Dr Shannan presents a new approach to assistive listening that integrates digital sound, speech- to-text and AI tools, showing how embedding deaf perspectives into design ensures truly inclusive educational environments. The Warren-Barnett Seminar Mark Bailey MInstSCVE, MBAV Ltd Specifications – Truth or Lie? From exaggerated product claims to misleading specifications, Mark Bailey highlights the challenges AV professionals face in separating fact from fiction and offers guidance on how to evaluate manufacturers’ credentials with confidence. The Walker Seminar Adam Page, Vanguardia (a Buro Happold Company) UNVRS Nightclub Ibiza – Venue Acoustics and Audio Design Adam Page takes us inside the design of UNVRS, a state-of-the-art nightclub that redefines the Ibiza experience with world-class audio and acoustic performance. The project demanded an immersive, high-impact sound environment within a venue that remains virtually inaudible beyond its walls. This presentation explores the key stages of the design process, including: •Audio system design and technology implementation •Acoustic finishes design and modelling •Sound insulation and noise egress control Registration is nowopen. Obsidian Introduces Netron V3 – The Latest Evolution in Data Distribution For Entertainment Obsidian Control Systems has announced the release of Netron V3, the third major update to its acclaimed Netron data distribution platform for entertainment. Netron V3 represents a significant evolution, delivering enhanced protocols, improved stability and powerful new management tools that simplify deployment and ensure flawless performance across concerts, live events, film and permanent installations. “With Netron V3, we’re providing lighting professionals with a future-proof ecosystem that streamlines set up, enhances performance and adapts to every application,” said Koy Neminathan, business development director at Obsidian Control Systems. “With V3, we’ve taken a major step forward by unifying every device under one consistent platform. It includes smarter features and a host of user-requested improvements from lighting professionals worldwide that strengthen its role as the trusted backbone of any lighting system.” As the latest firmware update for all of Netron’s EtherDMX nodes, Netron V3 unifies the entire line under one consistent platform, delivering tangible benefits for every stakeholder in the production chain. With improved protocol support, advanced device monitoring and centralised management through the Netron Central Utility (CLU), V3 makes every system more stable, reliable and easier to manage. Paired with user-driven enhancements, V3 ensures every Netron device delivers predictable, professional performance across concerts, live events, film and permanent installations. Enhancements with V3 include: Unified Platform – Consistent functions and menu layouts across all Netron devices allow for faster set up and intuitive operation. Smarter Features – Improved protocols keep data flowing smoothly with greater reliability and control while implementing the most requested tools from lighting professionals. Simplified Management – Update, monitor and troubleshoot devices more easily via CLU for less downtime and smoother-running shows. Enhanced Reliability – Fixes bugs and improves stability across the line. Netron V3 also supports the recent expansion into integrator-friendly products and solutions for permanent installations. With an IP66-rated line of signal devices also available, Netron now offers one of the widest ranges of data distribution products on the market. Upgrade your Netron nodes to V3 firmware and bring consistency, reliability and more intelligent control to every Netron device. Users can upgrade to Netron V3 by downloading the latest version of Netron CLU at https://www.obsidiancontrol.com/collections/utilities TascamIntroduces Mixing Station App Support for Sonicview Consoles Audiologic Tascam has announced that its Sonicview digital mixing consoles are now fully compatible with the popular Mixing Station app. This provides users with an additional option for controlling the consoles remotely from mobile devices, in addition to the in-house Sonicview Control app. The integration opens up new possibilities for live concerts, discussion events and other demanding environments. Mixing Station enables musicians and sound engineers to control their monitor mixes wirelessly using smartphones or tablets. This speeds up sound checks, increases efficiency and improves the experience for everyone on stage and behind the console during performances. The Ember+ protocol, introduced in Sonicview firmware v2.2, can address up to 12 Mixing Stations simultaneously, offering scalable control options for small to mid-sized productions. Users can quickly and easily adjust levels, EQ, aux sends and more from their own devices and monitor them in real time. Set up is straightforward, requiring only a network connection to the console and no additional hardware. Mixing Station can now be used with the latest Sonicview software update (v2.2.3 or later). The app is available for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS and Linux and can be purchased and downloaded at mixingstation.app.Issue: 394 news 5 Push The Button is Now 100% Employee Owned Push The Button (PTB) has transitioned to 100% employee ownership, securing the company’s long-term independence and rewarding the team that has driven its success. The transition was announced to staff on the 20th October 2025 with managing director Nick Ewins confirming that he will remain in place to guide the company and leadership team going forward. Ewins said: “In simple terms, this means the business is now owned collectively by the people who know it best: our amazing team. This isn’t just recognition of their hard work, commitment and care for our customers, it’s an investment in our future. Employee ownership will strengthen our ability to deliver innovative solutions for our clients, whilst maintaining the collaborative culture that defines us.” Ayrton Releases EagleStrike LT – its New Ultra- powerful Followspot for the Biggest Venues Ayrton has launched its new, ultra-powerful followspot, EagleStrike LT, designed for maximum output, speed and precision in stadiums, arenas, major events and other extraordinary venues. Originating from a bespoke request for a signature luminaire, EagleStrike LT is a fast, weatherproof followspot distinguished by phenomenal power, unmatched precision at extraordinary throw distances and genuinely expressive graphic performance. The first LED-source followspot in Ayrton’s range, EagleStrike LT is engineered for intensive outdoor use across long distances where precision is paramount. An optional camera transforms EagleStrike LT into a fully automated tracking spotlight. To create this uncompromising and unmatched extreme-luminaire, Ayrton has developed an oversized 270mm front lens capable of delivering an ultra-intense 2.9° beam; its 13-lens optical system with 15:1 zoom ratio gives working range of 2.9° to 43°, with dedicated gobo reducers able to narrow the beam to 0.9° or 2.5° Equipped with a brand-new high-efficiency 1,200W LED module, EagleStrike LT outputs a luminous flux of 55,000 lumens at a colour temperature of 6500K. It easily achieves a record- breaking light output of over 100,000 lux at ten metres and 6250 lux over 40 metres. EagleStrike LT introduces an entirely new ultra-fast CMY flag-based colour mixing system, capable of matching the speed of Ayrton’s ‘Ultimate’ series luminaires. A progressive CTO offers subtle tuning from 2900K to 6500K. The colour section includes six complementary colour filters, two CRI enhancement filters, one minus green, one gobo correction and one multi-colour filter. More than a followspot, EagleStrike LT also offers a range of optical tools for sculpting the light: precision full-framing across 100% of the file and +/- 90° rotation, two overlaying rotating gobo wheels, each with seven gobos, a 15-blade iris diaphragm, a single-colour effects wheel and two frost filters, as well as two combinable rotating image-multiplier prisms: a four-facet linear and a five-facet circular. Continuous rotation on the pan axis expands EagleStrike LT’s creative potential and facilitates use in automatic followspot mode. A next-generation oversized cooling system ensures high efficiency and is particularly quiet. EagleStrike LT’s minimalist design integrates all waterproofing features while maintaining full access to internal components. Its remarkable versatility rests on the experience and excellence of Ayrton’s R&D team, who have perfectly balanced this Series 9 IP65 fixture. Weighing in at 54.7kg, EagleStrike LT is a followspot of absolute precision that will exceed your expectations. Agile, graphic and powerful, it opens new creative horizons. A future classic, made for truly spectacular shows. DirectOut Launches Native Plug-in for Companion DirectOut manufactures high-end smart platforms for many types of professional applications. The company is passionate about third party integration and has announced its native plug-in for Bitfocus’ Companion, the outcome of a collaboration between DirectOut, its German distributor sphereo and Dorian Meid, a highly experienced Companion module programmer. Compatible with Companion 4.0.0 or later, the plug-in automatically detects the PRODIGY and MAVEN Series devices. It can be used with any Stream Deck hardware interface to enable greater control with fully programmable presets and parameters. Companion is an open-source control surface software that can control multiple devices across the live and broadcast industries and can be used with or without a physical interface. Buttons can be programmed with many different outcomes, from simple selections, to fully stacked sequences of commands. The end result is a customisable interface that can take the guess work out of complex commands and manage several hardware devices from a single control panel. DirectOut’s module for Companion allows access to the majority of PRODIGY and MAVEN functions, including in/out routing, configuration and status reporting (for example, for EARS) and much more. Each parameter control features a learn button, which enables the plug-in to read out the currently handled parameter and its value. This is useful if the function is not part of a preset and the user wishes to add a particular command without knowledge of the actual control protocol. The Action Recorder allows the user to capture sophisticated operations for triggering, so a series of actions can be inputted quickly and efficiently. Companion also benefits from a web-admin emulator, so actions can be triggered without setting up the hardware controller devices. The button position on Stream Deck can be customised and perfected for any application. Pages of buttons can be saved and quickly accessed as required. There is also a list of presets provided within the module, which can be used as a starting point to edit from and adjusted within the module configuration. Claudio Becker-Foss, chief technology officer (CTO) of DirectOut is keen to continue the company’s support of third-party integrations, citing the positive feedback at September’s IBC as proof of the industry’s excitement for cross-platform integration. “Our company mission has always been to develop streamlined, reliable and flexible audio solutions, whatever the application. Our new Companion plug-in is a great example of the power of third-party collaboration to help us reach that goal and deliver the best possible results for our end users, creating a seamless integration experience for their projects.” The DirectOut Companion plug-in was released under the MIT open-source licence and can be downloaded from the Companion repository of Bitfocus on GitHub. https://bitfocus.io/connections/directout-audioprocessorsDecember 2025 news 6 Sontronics Announces the Launch of ARIA 2 A Next-Generation Valve Microphone for Vocals, Voice and Instruments British microphone manufacturer Sontronics has announced the release of ARIA 2, a completely redesigned valve condenser microphone for vocals, voiceover and acoustic instruments. The new model builds on the legacy of the original ARIA, one of Sontronics’ most successful and best-loved microphones, used in studios around the world by artists including Adele and Ed Sheeran. “ARIA was one of our most-loved microphones, but we knew we could push things even further,” said Miles, product manager at Sontronics. “With ARIA 2, we’ve retained the soul of the original while refining every element of its design and performance.” At the heart of ARIA 2 is a brand new large- diaphragm capsule, developed in-house to deliver a smoother, more open sound with beautifully balanced mids and detailed high frequencies. This new capsule captures vocals and instruments with clarity and warmth, making it ideal for studio use. The upgraded internal circuitry has been tuned for higher polarisation voltage, resulting in greater sensitivity, lower self- noise and a cleaner, more dynamic signal straight out of the box. Whether you’re recording vocals, spoken word or acoustic instruments, ARIA 2 helps your sound sit naturally in the mix with minimal post- processing. Its new black finish with gold accents gives ARIA 2 a sleek, refined look, while the engraved detailing and robust metal body reflect the quality of its build. Each mic is supplied in a custom ABS flightcase with laser-cut foam for secure storage and transport. The ARIA 2 is designed, engineered and hand-built at the company’s headquarters on the south coast of England. Plus, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty, giving professionals and creators long-term confidence in their sound. From high-end recording studios to remote VO set-ups, ARIA 2 is designed to deliver exceptional results across a wide range of applications. It’s already being used on records, albums and video game scores, proof of its adaptability and world-class quality. tarm VANQUISH Revealed: New Benchmark Set with 2.4 Million Lux The Laserworld Group presented the tarm VANQUISH on 10 October, 2025, during its Open House Event at Monopol in Berlin. The moving head uses a 500W RGB direct diode laser engine and achieves an illuminance of 2.4 million lux at 20 metres. Martin Werner, CEO of tarm AG, announced the market launch of the tarm VANQUISH. The technical basis is a new technology featuring a 500W RGB direct diode laser engine, which was co- developed by tarm and LaserAnimation Sollinger. The tarm VANQUISH redefines the optical performance limits in the moving head sector. Due to its extremely efficient optics, the fixture achieves an illuminance of an enormous 2,400,000 lux at 20 metres. These values significantly outperform current market standards. The tarm VANQUISH is the first high- powered laser-based RGB moving head to feature a complete hybrid optical system. The direct RGB laser source generates intense colours across the entire colour spectrum with up to 16.5 million hues. Conventional colour wheels or CTO filters are rendered obsolete by the direct RGB source modulation. The unit boasts a wide zoom range, enabling both narrow, parallel beams with minimal beam angle of just 0.29° as well as wide, wash-like applications at an angle of up to 45°. Versatility is enhanced by 25 static and 12 rotating gobos (with gobo-shake function), as well as two prism wheels with three radial and four linear prisms. The prism wheels are stackable, the prisms are bi-directionally rotatable and three frost filters are integrated in the prism wheels. For dynamic shows, the tarm VANQUISH offers fast, unlimited pan rotation and 270° tilt functionality and can be controlled via DMX512, Art-Net, RDM, sACN and W-DMX. The high-quality magnalium housing and the IP66 rating perfectly protect the tarm VANQUISH for both indoor and outdoor applications, as well as for tough touring conditions and permanent installations. A further advantage is the tarm VANQUISH’s rating as Laser Class 1 - RG 3, allowing it to be used like a classic moving head. Delivery of the first units is scheduled for January 2026. INFiLED Opens New UK Experience Centre INFiLED, a leading manufacturer of high- quality LED displays, has announced its newest showroom in the UK. The grand opening and official inauguration took place on Thursday 20th November, welcoming INFiLED clients, partners and friends in the brand-new facility. The UK Experience Centre is the latest addition to INFiLED showrooms in the EMEA region, with experiential venues already in operation in Barcelona, Dubai and Frankfurt. Situated in Crawley, close to London Gatwick Airport, the UK experience centre will serve as a central hub for sales, technical support and project consultation, enabling INFiLED to deliver faster, more responsive service to the growing markets across the UK and Ireland. The expansion also underlines the company’s dedication to advancing closer relationships with local customers and providing hands-on access to its latest LED technologies. Further expanding the company’s presence across UK and Ireland markets, the new location marks a significant milestone in the company’s long-term growth strategy and reflects its commitment to supporting partners, integrators and end users across the region. As a dedicated space designed to inspire, the UK office showcases INFiLED’s latest LED technologies in real- life applications, giving customers the opportunity to experience first-hand the latest developments in LED technologies, as well as a showcase of performance, colour accuracy and design flexibility. Full-scale LED installations for corporate, education, DOOH and sports environments are showcased across the new office, alongside rental and staging solutions for events, entertainment and theatre productions. Visitors will be able to experience hands-on demos and visualise real-world set-ups that show how LED can transform any space. The new facility will allow INFiLED to showcase the full range of creative possibilities for both corporate and live events to UK customers, with a team of local experts on hand to assist in helping them create a vision of how its advanced LED solutions can enhance any project. Whether developing an iconic installation or exploring technology for the next big event, the new UK Experience Centre aims to foster collaboration and discovery with personalised consultations, live demonstrations and training and workshop initiatives.Issue: 394 news 7 Point Source Audio Grows UK Distribution Through Leisuretec Point Source Audio has named Leisuretec as a new distribution partner for the United Kingdom. The partnership, which launched on 4th November, brings the microphone manufacturer’s innovative solutions and patented technology to the distributor’s high-level portfolio of professional audio brands. “We are delighted to be partnering with Leisuretec for the UK,” says Gerry Forde, business development manager, EMEA at Point Source Audio. “Their reputation in the UK industry is second to none and we look forward to seeing them grow our reach and market share across the country.” “We’re always looking to partner with innovative brands like Point Source Audio that offer real value and performance benefits to our customers,” adds Mike Henden, managing director at Leisuretec. “We see our customers benefiting from many of their patented features and thoughtful engineering, including the EMBRACE range of innovative on-ear lavalier microphones, unbreakable boom arms, IP57 waterproof rating and paint-friendly surfaces, reversible headframes and dual-element mic options.” Henden continues: “These clever design solutions not only make life easier and deliver better results for our audio customers but also help to minimise repair and maintenance costs thanks to their tour-ready build quality and exceptional robustness.” As specialist trade distributors of pro audio, lighting and video equipment, Leisuretec has deep connections within the UK’s live events, installation and broadcast markets. The new distributor will be targeting its wide network of AV hire and production companies, installers and resellers, and plans to support the brand with strong stock holding, competitive trade pricing, knowledgeable technical support and attentive after-sales care. “Point Source Audio’s dedication to delivering premium, application-driven solutions aligns perfectly with our ethos of supplying professional and reliable equipment to the UK trade,” states Henden. “They strengthen our audio offering and give our customer a cutting-edge solution to many of their wearable microphone challenges in live events, theatre and broadcast.” As one of the UK’s leading entertainment technology distributors, Leisuretec represents a large portfolio of high-end pro audio brands. This is something that the new distribution partner sees as a strength for the relationship going forward. “Point Source Audio complements our existing portfolio perfectly,” explains Henden. “Their innovative range of wearable microphones delivers mission-critical reliability and durability, and they’re compatible with our leading wireless microphone system brands, enabling our customers to easily integrate Point Source Audio products into their hire inventories. Whether it’s for live theatre, corporate presentations or broadcast productions, Point Source Audio’s products broaden the solutions we can offer and further strengthen our position as a go-to distributor for professional audio technology in the UK.” “The UK is a vibrant and busy market, and we see real opportunities for Point Source Audio going forward,” concludes Forde. “Whether it’s live theatre, broadcast or corporate events, our patented technology and practical, innovative solutions can help make audio professionals’ lives easier. By partnering with Leisuretec, we know we have the right partner in place to find the right opportunities across the whole UK market. We are looking forward to a great future together.” In picture: Mike Henden, managing director Leisuretec and Gerry Forde, business development manager EMEA Point Source Audio. Adlib and Triplex Strengthen UK Operations with Strategic London Expansion Adlib continues to expand its UK footprint with the official opening of a new 8,000 sq ft base in Wimbledon, London. The new facility has been created to further support clients’ needs across London-based theatre, live venues and touring sectors. Building on Adlib’s acquisition of triplex in 2021, this latest move marks an important next step in their combined growth and reinforces the group’s commitment to delivering comprehensive support across the UK. The new Wimbledon office and warehouse is home to dedicated teams delivering Adlib and triplex operations, product specialists, account managers and project managers supporting rental, integration and sales services. This new premises also provides flexible workspace for group staff and freelancers alike, adding to the flexible working, prep and support now offered by Adlib’s locations in Liverpool, Glasgow and Los Angeles. John Hughes, managing director, comments: “The opening of our new southern base is a significant milestone for Adlib and the next logical step in our continued growth. London and the south of England has always been a core market for us and having a larger presence here allows us to respond faster to our clients’ needs across theatre, live venues and touring. It also gives us the space to collaborate more closely with our triplex colleagues and deliver an even higher level of service and support across all disciplines. What’s exciting is that this isn’t just about a new building, it’s about strengthening the bridge between our regional teams and continuing to invest in the people, equipment and infrastructure that keep our clients’ projects running smoothly.” Ross Cornwall, general manager (south), adds: “This next phase of the plan marks a significant investment into our southern operation, it not only gives us the ability to facilitate the current and future growth of triplex, it also gives a much-needed home to the growing Adlib team down here. The ability for both brands to have a space to collaborate and ultimately deliver more of what our clients want from us. Alongside the warehouse and offices, we are expanding the team and increasing our already successful transfer to twice weekly, this will continue to be at no cost to clients, giving everyone access to the full range of services the group has to offer.” With more space, Adlib is also able to expand the company’s training and demonstration capabilities, building on the success of the Liverpool and Glasgow facilities. They will continue to partner with leading manufacturers to host hands-on technical workshops and product demonstrations with industry partners including L-Acoustics, CODA Audio, DiGiCo, Allen & Heath, SSL, Yamaha, MA Lighting, Avolites, ETC, Martin Professional, Ayrton, Robe, GLP, Shure, Sennheiser, ROE, Disguise and Panasonic. The space features an open-plan office with hot desks and meeting rooms, alongside warehouse and logistics areas. Since 2013, the triplex team has specialised in bespoke audio control packages for touring professionals, offering custom solutions with a personal, global service. Following Adlib’s acquisition of triplex in 2021, the two companies have continued to deliver an integrated approach for large-scale arena shows, providing the best of both worlds for clients. Together, Adlib and triplex now deliver a comprehensive range of technical production services for multiple sectors. Adlib’s full-service offer spans sales, rental and integration across its three UK sites. Born from four specialist departments, Adlib’s reputation within the touring market has grown into that of a world-leading supplier of integrated audio, lighting, video and rigging solutions. Through Adlib Sales, the company provides flexible purchasing options of products from leading brands supported by a team of experienced representatives with the backup and support the live industry needs. Adlib Integration delivers turnkey system solutions for venues, theatres, museums, public spaces, educational facilities and corporate environments, managing every stage from design to final installation, commissioning and training. Recent projects include O2 Academy Brixton, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Dreamland Margate, Royal Institution and Royal Maritime Museum and service and support work with the Barbican.December 2025 news 8 GLP Expands its Portfolio with the New Matrix Eye series With the Matrix Eye 2 and Matrix Eye 4, GLP launches its new Matrix Series, a modular LED blinder system that combines the classic tungsten look with the flexibility and efficiency of LED technology. Both models can be mechanically linked within a smart frame system, allowing multiple fixtures to form seamless clusters. This modular approach offers rental companies and designers maximum versatility, whether building linear arrays, vertical stacks, or custom configurations. Both models of the Matrix Eye Series are ready for immediate delivery. The Matrix Eye is powered by high-efficiency 500W RGBAL LED heads, operated at 180W in constant mode or 350W in boost mode. Unlike many products that rely on overdriven sources, the Matrix Eye is designed for long-term reliability by running each LED at optimal power levels. This prevents premature ageing and ensures consistent performance over time. Each head features a RGBAL LED engine, giving the fixture not only authentic tungsten emulation but also full-colour capability. GLP’s iQ.Gamut colour algorithm delivers vivid saturated colours, natural pastels and high-quality whites with excellent rendering across the spectrum. A dedicated tungsten dimming algorithm follows the physical black-body line rather than relying on simple red-shift effects. The result is a highly realistic emulation of tungsten behaviour, with selectable dimming curves both with and without defined CCT. A core design goal was exceptionally smooth, stepless dimming, particularly in the lowest output ranges. Because blinders are often viewed directly, any flicker or brightness steps become immediately noticeable. The Matrix Eye avoids this with precision dimming down to blackout, flicker-free and free of colour shifts, even in the ultra-low range. This accuracy places the Matrix Eye among the most natural-looking LED blinders available today. The Matrix Eye 2 delivers more than 22,600 lumens of output, while the Matrix Eye 4 exceeds 45,200 lumens. Both versions use a 60° beam angle and 100° field angle, making them ideal replacements for traditional tungsten blinders in both colour and white light applications. The clusterable frame construction features a smart locking mechanism that ensures quick, secure connections between units. Designers can build horizontal lines, vertical columns, or large-scale arrays with uniform spacing. Despite its flexibility, the construction remains lightweight, minimising stress on truss systems while maximising creative potential. At just 9.5kg for the Matrix Eye 2 and 13.5kg for the Matrix Eye 4 (without yoke), the fixtures are easy to handle and rig. Each head offers an individual +/-20° pan adjustment for flexible focusing. For all-weather reliability, the Matrix Eye is IP65-rated, protecting against rain, wind, dust, mud, confetti, pyrotechnic residue and fog. This makes it a strong choice for festivals, outdoor shows and other demanding environments. GLP has kept control simple, focusing on the most relevant DMX modes rather than overwhelming users with unnecessary options. This makes patching, cloning and fixture swaps straightforward, saving time in production and touring workflows. For configuration and servicing, the Matrix Eye integrates GLP iQ.Mesh and the GLP iQ.Service App, enabling wireless firmware updates, access to status and diagnostic data, and advanced service options via mobile device. This removes the need for dedicated update tools and provides fast, on-site access to all functions. The LED blinder market is fragmented, with multiple variants ranging from cool white to RGB, multichip LEDs and different head configurations. GLP simplifies this landscape with a clear product concept: two models, both full-colour RGBAL. This strategy streamlines investment decisions, optimises rental inventories and ensures consistent global cross-rental availability. With the Matrix Eye Series, GLP delivers a dedicated LED blinder platform that merges authentic tungsten emulation with modern LED efficiency, robust construction and modular design. Offering just two globally standardised models, the series is built to meet the demands of today’s touring and rental markets while providing the creative flexibility designers expect from GLP. www.glp.de HIVE Announces Dante Audio-over-IP Integration HIVE, a specialist provider of compact media servers, has announced the addition of Dante audio-over-IP networking to its award-winning Beeblade media engine range, further strengthening the company’s ecosystem for synchronised, networked AV delivery. The new integration enables HIVE players to transmit high-quality, multi-channel audio directly over standard Ethernet, eliminating the need for complex cabling or external routing hardware. HIVE’s Dante implementation features a bespoke, custom-built HIVE-Dante driver, designed and compiled in- house to deliver seamless performance and reliability. Unlike third-party add-ons, the integration requires zero set up, licensing or configuration. Every Beeblade unit ships with Dante pre-installed and ready to go, fully embedded into the HIVE software platform. “Dante allows our customers to treat audio just like video, as another stream on the network,” said Ciaran Abrams, lead software developer at HIVE. “By building our own custom driver, we’ve made it effortless to use. There’s no set up or configuration needed, just plug in, select Dante in the HIVE app and you’re ready to transmit up to 16 channels of high-quality audio across your network.” Supporting up to 16 output channels per device, the integration gives creators and integrators precise control over multi-layered soundscapes for immersive experiences, exhibitions and large-scale installations. Each channel can be routed independently to networked speakers, enabling dynamic, spatial audio design without the complexity of traditional signal distribution. “This integration marks another important step in our mission to deliver a complete, distributed media server platform, where the playback hardware lives at the edge,” adds Dave Green, CTO at HIVE. “By bringing Dante audio-over-IP into the Beeblade family, we’re giving creators and integrators even more power and flexibility, all within a compact, scalable system.” The HIVE-Dante integration mirrors the same distributed workflow methodology that underpins HIVE’s media control architecture, operating entirely on the IP network stack for unified communication between devices. This consistency allows users to manage video, lighting and now audio from a single connected environment. “The synergy between HIVE and Dante is clear,” said Joshua Rush, CMO at Audinate. “Our mission has always been to make audio networking simple, scalable and interoperable. HIVE’s native Dante integration extends that simplicity into media playback and synchronisation, enabling a new generation of fully networked AV experiences.” With audio, video and lighting now all controllable over IP, HIVE continues to blur the boundaries between disciplines in live and fixed AV environments. From immersive art spaces and museums to theme parks and projection-mapped venues, the update empowers creators to design richer, more responsive experiences with fewer cables, devices and points of failure. The Dante integration will make its public debut at LDI Show 2025, taking place 7–9 December at the Las Vegas Convention Center (West Hall). Join HIVE on Booth 801 to see Dante in action and discover what’s next in networked media. Register for free at https://www.xpressreg.net/register/ ldix1225/start.asp?sc=10046Issue: 394 news 9 Electro-Voice Unveils EVIVA Elevated Essential Portable Powered Loudspeaker Family Electro-Voice has launched the EVIVA family of portable powered loudspeakers to deliver the level of performance that next-generation professionals dream of. Perfect for aspiring DJs, musicians, houses of worship, small venues and startup production and rental companies, EVIVA gives users a best-in-class starting point for a long relationship with Electro-Voice. EVIVA is made for the early stage of a career, where passion, price and performance deliver the most impact. The family comprises the 12” EVIVA 12P and 15” EVIVA 15P two-way loudspeakers and the EVIVA 18SP 18” subwoofer. With streamlined features and uncompromised quality, these solutions combine to form class-leading systems where simplicity meets superior sound. To ensure the legendary Electro-Voice performance, the two-way models rely on a custom-designed, high-energy neodymium high frequency compression driver, as well as Electro-Voice’s patented SST (signal synchronised transducers). The performance of the EVIVA family delivers everything people aspire to when choosing Electro-Voice equipment. Both the EVIVA 12P and EVIVA 15P offer a 90° x 60° (horizontal x vertical) coverage pattern, delivering clean, even sound across the audience area. The 12” EVIVA 12P has a frequency range of 50Hz – 20kHz (-10dB) and a maximum SPL of 125dB to provide an impressive sonic performance that will delight audiences. The 15” EVIVA 15P has a wider frequency range of 45Hz – 20kHz (-10dB) and has a higher maximum SPL of 126dB delivering class-leading sonic performance. Supplementing the low frequencies is the EVIVA 18SP which takes the frequency response down to 38 – 200Hz (-10dB) and has a maximum SPL of 132dB to deliver deep, powerful bass across the audience area. The 12” and 15” two-way full range models with robust composite enclosures and the 18” plywood subwoofer all feature a 1000W amplifier with two-channel analogue input section. The intuitive control comes with gain knobs for level adjustment and switches for mode changes between MUSIC and LIVE. With the 12P and 15P there are also switches for high pass changes between NO SUB and WITH SUB EVIVA 18SP, while with the 18SP there are switches for low pass between 100Hz EVIVA 12P/15P and 150Hz, and polarity between NORMAL and REVERSE. The loudspeakers feature an auto- switching universal 100V ~ 240V mains voltage input and are powered via an IEC mains input. The EVIVA family offers industry standard connectivity to make setting up any gig as fast as possible. The EVIVA 18SP offers two XLR/TRS combo jack line inputs as well as a pair of XLR pass throughs. Meanwhile the EVIVA 12P and EVIVA 15P are equipped with two XLR/TRS combo jack mic/line inputs, an XLR mix output and Bluetooth audio streaming with switchable mono/stereo mix output. The user-friendly control and easy connectivity combine well with a lightweight design and rapid set up process to ensure that fast, single person set up is possible. EVIVA 12P weighs just 12kg, while the larger EVIVA 15P is 14.6kg and the EVIVA 18P subwoofer is only 30.7kg. The family also benefits from prestigious Electro-Voice industrial design with side and top handles, bottom grab pocket and anti-skid bottom feet. EVIVA features a stylish, modern heritage look and is built from high-quality materials ensuring a premium feel. The half-face powder-coated grille adds a striking appearance, ensuring events benefit from a superior sound and premium styling. Electro-Voice offers a range of existing accessories compatible with the EVIVA family further improving its appeal to any user. The BRKT-POLE-L wall mount brackets for the EVIVA 12P and EVIVA 15P will support installations while M20 poles, tripod stands and transport duffel bag support mobile deployment. “We have created EVIVA as a portable, powered solution that will be perfect for a wide range of users,” said Andrew Cho, director of product management, portable sound at Electro-Voice. “We have taken every step to make the family as simple to use and accessible as possible while still delivering the best performance and reliability in its class. EVIVA is the gateway to the rest of the Electro-Voice family and we see it as the starting point in the exciting, lifelong journey that users will take with Electro-Voice.” EVIVA is now available to customers. HK Audio Expands International Team: Thomas Garin Takes on New Role as Business Development Manager for France HK Audio has continued its international growth strategy with the appointment of Thomas Garin as its new business development manager for France. Garin is the first business development manager of this kind to take on a key role within the long-standing collaboration between HK Audio and Algam, and will play a key role in further strengthening the brand in France. In his new position, Garin will work closely with the French partner’s sales team to tap into new market potential, further expand HK Audio’s presence and create additional visibility, particularly in France’s rental and installation segment. He will work directly with Marco Zeidler, head of sales Western Europe, who is responsible for HK Audio’s activities in France and within the Algam Group. It was Garin’s technical expertise and international experience that made him the ideal candidate for this newly created role. He has many years of experience in the pro audio and lighting technology sector, alongside extensive expertise in B-2-B sales, distribution management and strategic business development. “I have known HK Audio and its competitors for over 20 years, from my first Lucas 600 to mixing FOH for events with up to 1,000 people,” says Garin. “Representing this brand today feels like coming full circle.” “With Thomas joining our team, we are taking the long-standing relationship between Algam and HK Audio to the next level, also in strategic terms,” notes Gérard Garnier, president of Algam. Stephane Pataud, division director Algam Audio, adds: “After a long and careful search, we are delighted to welcome Thomas to our team. His personality, experience and skills will help us to further develop the market together with HK Audio, especially in the rental and installation sector.” HK Audio’s management team is also very confident about the collaboration. “Thomas Garin brings exactly the right mix of market knowledge, strategic vision and practical experience that we need for the next phase of growth in France,” says Christian Jordan, head of sales and marketing at HK Audio. “We are very pleased to have him on board and are convinced that he will significantly advance the HK Audio brand.” In picture: front row – Benjamin Garnier (CEO Algam), Gérard Garnier (president Algam) andStephane Pataud (division director Algam Audia); back row – Marco Zeidler (head of sales Western Europe), Thomas Garin (BDM HK Audio) and Christian Jordan (CEO/CMO HK Audio).Next >