direct from: www.etnow.com Regulars Contents this month News and Features Web Directory Features Issue: 396 DiGiCo Quantum 326 Consoles for The Kooks on Tour page 19 February 2026 page: 12page: 14 page: 31 Elation Fuze Wash 250 Now Shipping: Velvety- Smooth, Full-Spectrum Soft-Field Lighting Elation expands its Fuze family of high-performance/high-value lights with the Fuze Wash 250, a punchy, full-spectrum LED Fresnel moving head built to deliver a beautifully crafted, ultra-smooth wash in theatres, studios, event spaces and wherever designers demand it. Compact, powerful and ready to perform, it’s shipping now. More on page 5 page: 24 Britannia Row Productions designed and supplied audio services to the tour, which included a four-night residency at London’s O2 Arena. The complete stage lighting and video concept included nearly 300 Robe moving lights as part of a lighting rig of nearly 800 fixtures. Currently playing at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, The BFG features a lighting design by Zoe Spurr, who partnered with WL to supply the lighting rig. Junior Eurovision Hits a High Note with Robe Britannia Row Streamlines Radiohead’s Comeback The BFG Caught the Dream Rig with WL page: 4 to 30 page: 2contents this month February 2026 page no. Features page : 6 page : 8 page : 10 page : 9 News This Month Pages 4-11 Register for Keep up to date by signing up at www.etnow.com/etexpress Weekly News Headlines 22Janik Hensen and Dekor-Event Make Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ferris Wheel Soar with Chauvet 23KV2 Audio Delivers World-Class Sound to Three Major Musicals Across Madrid and Barcelona 24 The BFG Caught the Dream Rig with White Light 25 Around 100 Martin Audio Speakers Populate Latest Multi-Zone Fairgame City 26INFiLED and al-media are a Match Made in Theatre Heaven for Himmel und Kölle 27 JDC Burst 1 and MAD MAXX Star in West End Movie Premiere Double Header 28 Neil Austin Chooses Robert Juliat SpotMe for Paddington the Musical World Premiere 30 K-array Breathes New Life into Hidden Masterpiece from 20th Century Italian Greats in Musica per una Fine 12Britannia Row Streamlines Radiohead’s Audio for In-The-Round Comeback 14Junior Eurovision 2025 Hits a High Note with Robe 16Closing the Loop: Maroon 5 and the End of the Analogue Era 17Unusual Rigging Delivers Complex Flying Solution for Othello at Theatre Royal Haymarket 18Ed Warren Thinks Big with Chauvet Professional for Four Tet at Alexandra Palace 19DiGiCo Quantum 326 Consoles Provide Sonic Consistency for The Kooks on Tour 20ADI Set to Transform Preston City Centre with Digital Art Telephone Box Installation 21Eden Project Adds Audio Sparkle to its Christmas Light Experience with TiMax panLab www.protos-one.com ATLASSeries Electricchainhoists D8&D8+Compliant|IP65Rated 3-YearWarranty Availableinfourliftingcapacities (250–2000kg) Discoverthenewliftingstandardfrom 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. Subscription Rates: Annual Subscription for 12 issues (UK): £27.50 Annual Subscription (overseas): £50.00 Subject to acceptance, subscription is free to UK based industry professionals. Subscribe online at: www.etnow.com/etmag/ Opinions expressed in Entertainment Technology are not necessarily those of the publishers. All rights are reserved and reproduction of any part in whatever form is prohibited without the prior permission of the publishers. etnow.com (entertainment technology news on web) is the industry portal site with news from around the world added daily under various sector headings coupled to an extensive archive. The site also features a books section where titles from ET Press can be ordered online via our secure Sage Pay credit card services. Issue: 396 MAKE A DiFFERENCE 2026: ABTT’s Fourth Conference Puts Lifelong Learning Centre Stage The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) has announce the fourth edition of its MAKE A DiFFERENCE Conference, an annual, action-focused event dedicated to addressing key challenges facing the theatre and live events industry. MAKE A DiFFERENCE 2026 takes place on Thursday 16 April 2026 at the Bathway Theatre, University of Greenwich, Woolwich. The theme is Continuing to Learn Beyond Education: Exploring lifelong learning and professional development beyond formal education. The MAKE A DiFFERENCE Conference is designed to move beyond discussion. This is a fully participatory event where delegates actively contribute ideas, develop strategies and commit to practical actions that can drive real change across the industry. Building on the success of previous conferences: •2023: Recruitment and retention •2024: Bridging the gap between education and employment •2025: Rethinking backstage technical teaching and apprenticeships the 2026 conference continues this progression by focusing on learning and development within employment. By bringing together educators, trainers and employers, the conference aims to strengthen collaboration across the sector, improve workplace learning and support the long-term career development of backstage professionals. It is a day dedicated to joined-up thinking, communication and sustaining the vital link between education and industry practice. The conference will explore five core themes: •Rethinking Workplace Inductions – moving beyond health and safety to support long-term integration •Supporting Continued Personal Development – enabling skills transfer across venues and sectors •Understanding Generational Dynamics – addressing intergenerational learning challenges and opportunities •Establishing and Evolving Industry Standards – creating shared understanding between employers and educators •Envisioning Lifelong Learning – redefining training as an ongoing journey, not a one-off process The 2026 event is supported by academic staff from Guildford School of Acting (GSA) and the Centre for Creative Futures at the University of Greenwich, helping to shape and facilitate discussions that lead to practical, industry-relevant outcomes. Mig Walsh, founder of MAKE A DiFFERENCE and senior lecturer at Guildford School of Acting, said: “This year’s topic is a vital and provocative one. As educators, we prepare people for the industry, but we cannot train the nuances of every venue or role, that responsibility lies with employers. The MAKE A DiFFERENCE Conference is where we come together to develop a truly lifelong approach to learning and professional development.” Liz Sillett, ABTT chief executive, commented: “We are delighted to present the fourth MAKE A DiFFERENCE Conference and to partner with GSA once again along with the University of Greenwich this year. Previous conferences have delivered meaningful impact and this year’s topic is relevant to cross-sector discussions we are part of and feeds into broader work we are embarking on in the coming year. I am confident the 2026 event will continue to shape positive change in how our industry supports learning beyond education.” David Hockham SFHEA, NTF, associate professor in higher education and scenography at the University of Greenwich, added: “I am delighted to co-host this conference at the University of Greenwich’s Bathway Theatre. It provides an important opportunity to challenge assumptions and rethink how continued learning is supported across our industry.” Places are limited and the ABTT encourages employers, educators, training providers and industry professionals to register their interest early. Interested delegates are invited to complete the MAKE A DiFFERENCE Conference 2026 Expression of Interest form at:https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/7R9FZL6 As part of the process, attendees will be asked to commit to the MAKE A DiFFERENCE participation agreement, which encourages all delegates to leave the conference with a clear and achievable action plan to support recruitment, retention and professional development across the industry. Registered attendees will also be invited to attend a pre-conference online briefing onWednesday 1 April 2026 from 12:30 to 1:30pm. This session will outline what to expect from the day and how to prepare for active participation. ALPD Lumière Scheme 2026 The ALPD has announced that the successful candidate for its Design Lumière Scheme 2026 is Harriet White. A pathway scheme for emerging lighting designers, the Design Lumière Scheme gives the successful candidate valuable experience of working professionally as an assistant lighting designer for six months. The scheme begins with three months spent at Glyndebourne Opera House and this is followed by a further three months working with several different lighting designers on a variety of productions. Harriet is a freelance lighting designer; her creative credits include work at the Bush Theatre, Park Theatre, Cockpit Theatre, Riverside Studios, Southwark Playhouse and Criterion Theatre as well as working on West End productions like Merchant of Venice, Two Strangers Carry A Cake Across New York and Titanique. Lighting design credits include Mona Loser, Replica (Southwark Playhouse), Dick (Riverside Studios), Whale (Lion and Unicorn Theatre), Conversations We Never Had, As People We’ll Never Be (Cockpit Theatre), Mulatto Boy (Omnibus Theatre), I am Gavrilo Princip (Bush Theatre). Assistant lighting designer credits include When We Are Married (Donmar Warehouse). Current lighting design works include UK tour of An Orchestral Tribute to Tim Burton & Dark Fantasy By Moonlight, venues include Alexandra Theatre Birmingham, Opera House Manchester, Edinburgh Playhouse and others. Harriet said: “I’m thrilled to be part of the Lumière Scheme, which values mentorship, shared knowledge and care for craft, and I’m excited to learn and develop within such skilled and collaborative environments.” The ALPD would like to thank Glyndebourne, Chauvet, Christie Lites, Vectorworks and all who donate to the scheme. The ALPD interviewed some great candidates for this placement and would love to be able to extend its work to include production placements. If anyone reading this would be interested in offering sponsorship to the Lumière Scheme in future years, please contact office@thealpd.org.ukFebruary 2026 news 4 digiLED Partners with Content Creatures to Elevate Creative Storytelling Global LED Screen Expert digiLED has teamed up with creative agency Content Creatures in a new strategic partnership. With an international presence including operations in the UK, Las Vegas and Shenzhen, digiLED brings deep hardware expertise to the table, while Content Creatures adds top-tier content creation skills. Together, they’re offering clients a full turnkey LED experience that combines best in class design, screen technology, content and service. Graham Burgess, CEO of digiLED, said: “Everyone knows the phrase ‘content is king’, but we’ve seen far too many LED screens fall flat because the content just isn’t up to scratch. As screens get larger in size, shape and complexity, getting the content right should be as crucial as choosing the hardware. This partnership means we can bring content experts into the mix from the very beginning, if and when required. It lets system integrators and end users discuss content ideas during the sales stage and test it on different LED screens at The Pixel Depot before anything goes live. Working with a talented local team makes collaboration easy and I’m genuinely excited about where this will take us in 2026 and beyond.” Content Creatures specialise in strategic storytelling with a focus on design, motion graphics and turning insights into stories that resonate. As part of the partnership, they’ll help create a fully immersive experience at The Pixel Depot following ISE 2026. Brett Davey, co-founder and strategy partner, said: “We’re really looking forward to working closely with the digiLED team. Now we can get involved in creative decisions for large screens right from the start, rather than coming in late, often as an afterthought, which happens all too often. On top of that, taking clients to The Pixel Depot to preview their content on various pixel pitches and viewing distances is incredibly powerful in helping with the decision-making process. It gives them a proper real-world view to make better- informed choices.” The partnership gets a soft launch with Content Creatures joining digiLED at ISE 2026, ahead of a full launch event at The Pixel Depot in Q2 2026. Come along to Hall 3, Booth 3N640 to meet both teams, find out about ‘The digiLED difference’ and chat content. Robe Launches Major RoboSpot Software Updates Robe has announced a comprehensive suite of software updates for its RoboSpot remote followspot system. Building on the momentum of recent technical milestones such as the integration of sACN and RDM Net support, combining the recent v7.4 “New Year, New Features” release with the previous v7.3 “Operator’s Picks” update, these software enhancements directly address feedback from lighting designers and operators worldwide, delivering unprecedented precision, customisation and workflow efficiency. These updates reinforce Robe’s commitment to continuous platform development, ensuring RoboSpot remains the industry’s endgame for remote followspotting. sACN and RDM Net support: Productions can now use RoboSpot and supported devices purely on Ethernet networks, eliminating the need for running XLR-based DMX cables to the BaseStation. The system offers immense flexibility: XLR DMX and sACN output can be combined within a shared addressing space, allowing some fixtures to run on DMX and others on sACN simultaneously. Device discovery is handled seamlessly via RDM Net, ensuring robust and scalable set-ups for any venue size. Position and Channel Fade Times: Operators can now define fade times for position buttons (up to ten seconds) for silky smooth automatic tracking between two points. If they need to stop the transition, they can double-press the button for an instant snap to final destination. Additionally, new Channel Fade Control (up to one second) for dimmer, iris, zoom and focus channels eliminate manual jitter, enabling new possibilities when operating in standalone mode without a console. Expanded Preset Storage: Storage capacity has been significantly increased to four pages of slots for both colours (up to 32 slots) and positions (up to 36 slots), giving the user even more freedom to organise their workflow. Enhanced Colour Buttons: The colour system is now smarter. A long press opens a context menu where operators can manually select desired colour or directly input precise hue and saturation values for maximum precision. This makes it easier to reproduce identical colours across multiple units, eliminating visual mismatches and ensuring consistent output during programming and live operation. Additionally, they can assign specific colour either to the fixture, the pixel follower, or both. Furthermore, a new “Edit” function has been added to colour buttons for quick adjustments on the fly. Dedicated Long Throw (LT) Button: When compatible fixtures like the iFORTE LTX WB, iESPRITE LTL WB or iPAINTE LTM WB are connected, the system automatically detects them and displays a dedicated LT button, allowing for instant mode switching without menu diving. Fixture and MAPS Reset: A new feature called Fixture Reset waits for operators under the Wrench menu. It reads all connected devices, displays them in a group by fixture type and allows operators to trigger quick, specific feature resets or complete unit resets for an entire group of identical fixtures simultaneously (for example, resetting all connected iFORTE fixtures at once). This now also includes the ability to remotely enable/disable static reset for MAPS-enabled fixtures, significantly speeding up the troubleshooting process. Refined MDC Setup: The Multi Device Control setup process is now more intuitive. The wording of the wizard has been reworded to reduce misunderstandings and the reference fixture is no longer highlighted to prevent confusion. Additionally, operators can now utilise colours during the MDC set up process, helping them to visually distinguish which fixtures are being used for the set up. Dynamic Crosshair: Through a new and simple set up wizard, operators can configure the crosshair to dynamically change its size in real time. By defining minimum and maximum values, the crosshair scales automatically based on the current fader or wheel input for either zoom or iris.Additionally, users can toggle the Target Cross Sensitivity feature, which changes the crosshair colour (green/orange/red) to visually indicate the current handle sensitivity level. Enhanced Visibility: Users can now adjust GUI Transparency to maximise screen real estate and also enable a Value Change overlay to briefly see what channel is changing and its value, so they can keep their focus on the main monitor screen. Connectivity and DMX Feedback: A long-requested feature that shows the RoboSpot is receiving a signal from the console has been implemented. Now the operators will see a new icon in the top right corner, letting them know that they are connected to the console. The Enhanced DMX Dimmers/Iris window has also been improved. It has better and more precise responsiveness and now displays more information, like Iris values and clear status indicators (white, orange, red) to instantly show which parameters are active for that particular fixture. The followspotting community is constantly growing and discovering new ideas. Robe hopes that with these software updates, it shows that it listened. The goal at Robe is to provide the best tools and to shape what is happening with the RoboSpot. RoboSpot is a highly innovative, leading-edge remote followspot system that enhances safety and boosts value for any production; a system that allows operators to work in safe, comfortable environments and productions to achieve spectacular visuals, no matter what. And this is just the beginning. image: courtesy Robe lightingIssue: 396 news 5 DirectOut announces the USB.MADI, the world’s smallest multichannel soundcard powered by RME DirectOut is renowned for manufacturing highly effective audio devices for use across multiple applications. From broadcast studios to arenas, DirectOut solutions are the choice of high-end audio engineers across the globe. The USB.MADI has been designed with RME, a German company that engineers reliable and stable audio interfaces that are equally trusted by audio professionals, maintaining an unwavering focus on audio quality. The USB.MADI is effectively a fully-fledged computer interface shrunk into a SFP (small formfactor pluggable) module which makes it the world’s smallest multi-channel soundcard. It can be directly installed in any compatible DirectOut MADI SFP slot and connects via USB-C to Windows and Mac computers. Based on the proven USB core by RME, the USB.MADI delivers 64 channels of I/O at standard sample rate. RME’s high performance drivers for macOS and Windows ensure low-latency interfacing between DirectOut devices and the user’s favourite DAW software. Driverless operation is also possible thanks to the Class Compliant (CC) firmware, making the interface instantly compatible with portable devices, such as the iPad, supporting seamless audio production, whether in a venue or on the road. Using the USB.MADI unlocks features from both RME and DirectOut, such as EARS (enhanced automatic redundancy switching), DirectOut’s proprietary technology, ensuring continuous audio playback with automatic switching in the event of signal loss. A true life-saver in any mission critical show application, be it on festivals or theatre productions. Also included is RME’s TotalMixFX, giving the user comprehensive control over all I/Os on the computer, including zero- latency sub-mixes. The USB.MADI SFP module is another manifestation of the fruitful collaboration DirectOut started with RME a few years ago with their USB.IO module with both companies offering a wealth of expertise to make this an exciting addition to DirectOut’s existing solutions. Luca Giaroli, strategy manager at DirectOut comments: “This new module is a testament of the mindset we have at DirectOut. Creating solutions that do not only enhance a particular product but improve workflows and interoperability throughout all our platforms making sure that all our customers can benefit. I’m looking forward to seeing what the USB.MADI will enable in all the vertical markets and I am happy that we can again rely on the expertise of RME to provide high performanceion, resilience and undoubted audio quality.” Matthias Carstens, head of development at RME, adds: “At RME we can look back at more than 30 years of experience in computer audio interfacing. Our passion is to provide reliable and unquestionable audio performance to our users. Combining our battle-tested USB stack with the modular platforms of DirectOut is a perfect match.” The DirectOut team would like to invite all customers and partners to join it at ISE, from 3 February, Booth 7C710 where visitors will be able to find out more about the USB.MADI soundcard and discovereven moreupdates for 2026. Elation Fuze Wash 250 Now Shipping: Velvety- Smooth, Full-Spectrum Soft-Field Lighting Elation expands its Fuze family of high-performance/high-value lights with the Fuze Wash 250, a punchy, full-spectrum LED Fresnel moving head built to deliver a beautifully crafted, ultra-smooth wash in theatres, studios, event spaces and wherever designers demand it. Compact, powerful and ready to perform, it’s shipping now. The compact companion to the powerful Fuze Wash 500, the Fuze Wash 250 delivers the velvety, homogenous field that lighting professionals rely on to make performers and scenery look their best. Its 92 CRI, 250W RGBMA LED engine provides the same premium colour quality found across the Fuze and KL Series for a perfectly calibrated colour match. The RGBMA engine, calibrated at a native colour temperature of 6500 Kelvin, produces bold yet beautifully diffused saturates, soft- field pastels and a refined range of tuneable white light. The carefully tuned LEDs ensure accurate colour reproduction both to the eye and to the camera while delivering a powerful output of up to 8,500 lumens. Remarkably silent, it can be used in any noise-sensitive environment, from intimate theatres to broadcast environments. Fine-tune every look with green/magenta shift, a virtual gel library and precise colour correction from 2400K–8500K. Capable of matching camera white balance, users can easily shift the colour temperature without the use of plus/minus green gels or filters. CMY and RGB emulation modes support familiar programming styles, while an adjustable LED refresh rate keeps on-camera performance flicker-free, even for high-speed capture. A motorised zoom from 6° to 50° allows easy adjustments from tight beams to wide washes, while an included snoot provides even tighter control of the beam. Smooth 16-bit dimming curves and a high-speed electronic shutter/strobe provide nuance and punch for further impression. Compact and lightweight yet built to endure on-the-road handling or years of service in a permanent installation, the Fuze Wash 250 creates beautiful bright washes on any stage, delivering reliable performance with all the longevity and low-maintenance perks of LED technology. Ayrton Rivale Profile Brings the Magic of Cinderella, The Musical to Madrid’s Gran Vía Some classics never fade, they simply evolve. Cinderella, The Musical has arrived at Madrid’s iconic Teatro Coliseum with a contemporary and visually striking production that confirms Stage Entertainment Spain’s ability to reinvent timeless stories for today’s audiences. Featuring a modern, empowered Cinderella, 34 performers on stage, 20 live musicians and a fast-paced, ever-changing choreography, the show demands a lighting design capable of supporting the narrative at every moment. In this production, lighting is not just decorative: it plays a key role in shaping the visual storytelling. To bring this ambitious vision to life, Fluge Audiovisuales has deployed a lighting system built around 115 Ayrton Rivale Profile luminaires, which form the backbone of the show’s dynamic lighting design. The Rivale fixtures are responsible for creating atmosphere, defining space and guiding the audience’s focus throughout each performance. The Ayrton Rivale Profile proves to be an ideal solution for a large-scale musical. Its combination of output, precision and flexibility allows seamless transitions between intimate scenes and large ensemble numbers, while maintaining full control over colour, framing and consistency. This versatility is especially valuable in a production with constant changes in rhythm, mood and visual language. Throughout the show, Rivale’s advanced optical system and precise framing capabilities enable clean scene composition, even in the presence of complex scenery and costumes. Its effects and colour transitions add depth and movement without overwhelming the stage, supporting the storytelling rather than competing with it. Cinderella, The Musical is a strong example of how today’s lighting technology can elevate a theatrical production, giving designers the tools to push creativity further while maintaining reliability in a demanding, daily performance environment. With Rivale Profile at its core, the lighting design plays a decisive role in bringing this modern fairytale to life on Madrid’s Gran Vía. photo: © Cinderella, the Musical – MadridFebruary 2026 news 6 X-Laser Launches New Website, Showcasing New Brand Identity and Refreshed User Experience X-Laser recently launched its new website, xlaser.com, marking a major milestone in the brand’s evolution as part of Elation and reinforcing its commitment to a clearer, more intuitive experience for those exploring lasers. Completed in just under three months and launched in time for LDI 2025, the new platform is cleaner, smoother and better aligned with how users research and purchase laser systems today. “We’re really pleased with how our team came together and delivered this on a firm deadline,” said Eric Loader, global vice president of sales and marketing at Elation. “The new site strengthens the X-Laser brand and gives users a clear, practical way to explore the systems and see how they fit into real-world projects and productions.” Together, the teams focused on improving structure, navigation and content while maintaining technical accuracy and depth. A key objective was to fully replace the legacy site and eliminate the fragmented “split” navigation. The result is a simpler structure that makes it easier for visitors to understand X-Laser’s product categories and quickly find exactly what they’re looking for with fewer clicks. One of the most noticeable improvements is application-based navigation. Whether users are searching for production-grade laser fixtures or systems designed for beginner-level mobile entertainers, the site guides them to the right products, right away. The interface has also been refined for mobile use, supporting entertainment professionals who often browse while out on the road. The new X-Laser site also introduces optimised purchasing options tailored to different product types. Accessories, LaserCube and Aurora models can be purchased directly online, while more advanced Skywriter and Triton systems – now distributed by Elation – offer request-based pricing and configuration support. This approach reflects how different customers prefer to evaluate and procure equipment, while remaining approachable for those new to professional laser fixtures. Visually, the site showcases updated branding and upgraded collateral designed to better support the promotion of X-Laser. New product photography across the line-up provides greater clarity around form factor, build quality, IP ratings and mounting and control options. Product detail pages have been rebuilt to include downloadable resources such as console fixture profiles, demo files and other technical assets. Redesigned specification sheets now highlight key data points such as power draw, laser diode output and fixture weight, making comparisons faster and easier. The launch also lays the groundwork for future enhancements, including a new variance application page, a variance and US FDA compliance guide powered by LLM technology and an improved dealer map to help users connect with authorised X-Laser retail partners. Together, these updates support X-Laser’s ongoing goal of making professional laser systems more accessible, endlessly compliant and easier to deploy. NEXT-proaudio Unveils C8 Pro NEXT Audiocom announces the launch of the C8 PRO, the newest and most powerful model in its successful C PRO ceiling speaker range. Following the strong market adoption of the C5 PRO and C6 PRO, the C8 PRO expands the series with an 8” solution designed for installations that demand fuller sound, higher output and greater low-frequency presence. The C8 PRO is a high-performance ceiling speaker with a clean, elegant design, engineered for installation in false ceilings, walls or panels. It delivers a powerful, warm and richly detailed sound, making it ideal for commercial spaces, hospitality venues and professional background or foreground music applications where impact and clarity matter. A low-profile magnetic grille ensures a smooth, frameless appearance and fast installation. The grille can be easily painted to match or contrast with the surrounding surface, preserving architectural intent. For projects requiring a completely discreet look, the detachable logo allows a fully unobtrusive finish. The integrated transformer enables operation on both 100V line systems and low-impedance 8Ω installations, allowing seamless adaptation to different system requirements. The adjustable tweeter provides precise control over high-frequency coverage, ensuring sound is directed exactly where it is needed. To simplify acoustic optimisation, the C8 PRO supports environment equaliser adjustment, allowing automatic sound tuning based on the installation area. The HF driver protection circuit safeguards the high-frequency driver against unexpected audio peaks, increasing long-term reliability in demanding environments. Together, the C5 PRO, C6 PRO and new C8 PRO form a complete ceiling speaker family, offering premium sound performance across three sizes. With 80W RMS power and 112dB maximum SPL (programme/peak), the C8 PRO sets a new benchmark for high-output ceiling speakers, combining power, control and refined design in a single solution. HTS Creative Production Design Custom Audio for a Historic Icon One of Britain’s most recognisable landmarks, the Tower of London, has never sounded better thanks to a fully bespoke audio solution designed and deployed by HTS Creative Production (HTS). The team at the Tower of London was looking for a portable but discreet PA system to roll out for their upcoming outdoor events around the site. Given the diversity of activities held within the historic grounds, an off-the-shelf solution simply couldn’t meet the unique technical requirements. Matt Case, HTS’s project manager commented: “This project required us to think beyond traditional PA design. The site has unique architectural and operational challenges and nothing on the market provided the flexibility, discretion and performance needed. By working closely with the client, we engineered a solution from the ground up.” HTS delivered a flexible, high-performance audio system built around a suite of industry-leading technologies. At the heart of the system is the Allen & Heath SQ digital mixer, enabling precise control, intuitive remote operation and an excellent automatic mic mixing (AMM) function, allowing the team to manage their actors’ radio microphones with ease. The set- up features Sennheiser EW-DX wireless microphones, providing secure, low- latency digital transmission and excellent clarity, paired with discreet Countryman hairline mics for natural speech pickup. The newly released Dynacord IX 1U amplifier completes the rack by providing four channels of amplification and 96khz DSP processing. Paired with the class leading EV LRC column arrays, the team delivered an IP-rated system that suits the demands of a temporary deployable set- up, while maintaining a clean aesthetic. Together, these components form a robust and versatile solution tailored to the client’s exact needs, with all control equipment housed neatly within an IP-rated rack for durability and flexibility. Kate Hutchinson, creative producer at Historic Royal Palaces, commented: “The team at HTS are knowledgeable and professional and we are very happy with the custom audio solution they designed for us. We can’t wait to roll it out across site. A special thanks to Matt who led the project and worked closely alongside us to truly understand our needs and create something to meet our requirements exactly.” “Creating a bespoke PA system for a site as iconic as the Tower of London was an honour for our team,” concluded Matt.Issue: 396 news 7 Winchester Audio Barn Opens with PMC January 2026: Winchester Audio Barn has chosen PMC’s flagship BB5 XBD reference loudspeakers as its main monitors. The newly built recording studio has been created from the ground up to deliver a premium experience for artists and engineers, making PMC an obvious choice for its control room. Situated in the picturesque Hampshire countryside, around 55-miles from London, Winchester Audio Barn is a purpose-built recording space that would be the envy of many studios all over the world. With a philosophy of getting things right from the very beginning, studio owner Niall Holden brought in some of the finest minds in the UK recording industry to make the studio the best it could be. This saw Bill Ward from Langdale Technical design and install Winchester Audio Barn while Chris Walls from Level Acoustic Design took on responsibility for the acoustics and engineer, producer, musician and educator, Stuart Bruce added his input and experience to the technical side of the project. “Having the right team was always important and thanks to their skill and knowledge, we have built something outstanding,” explains Holden. “We wanted to make sure that we invested in the right quality of equipment to do the space justice, so PMC monitors were always the first choice.” The result is a unique recording space filled with vintage equipment and beautiful design touches. This stunning addition to the UK’s commercial studio landscape features a galleried main live room with perfect acoustics and three acoustically isolated booths. Critically, each of these spaces has a direct line of sight to the main control room, ensuring the band and engineer are always connected. The control room itself is home to an infrastructure based on Van Damme cabling and Neutrik connectors, an SSL Duality Fuse console and a vast array of vintage outboard gear that all has a story to tell. However, pride of place is taken by the BB5-XBD-A main monitors. Featuring PMC’s 34mm high-frequency driver, 75mm mid-range dome driver and two 15-inch radial bass units in twin ATL (Advanced Transmission Line) cabinets, the BB5-XBD-A produce the ultimate low-distortion response and audio window for any professional. “PMC are one of a very limited number of monitor brands that I would consider using,” says Bruce. “I’ve always been impressed by the BB5-XBD-A. They’re flat all the way down to 20Hz and you get incredible detail from them.” Joining the main monitors are a pair of PMC nearfield monitors. These neutral nearfields stand head and shoulders ahead of their competition in all areas of performance, helping engineers to hear the truth of their mix. With Winchester Audio Barn now open, it’s already proving popular with artists and engineers alike. “This has really been a passion project built a group of music lovers,” concludes Holden. “We want this to be a place where people come to create their art. The quality of the equipment we have invested in speaks volumes for what artists can expect from the studio. PMC is a big part of the draw and we are proud to rely on their monitoring solutions.” Kingfishr Harness Irish Nature To sell out two nights at the Dublin 3 Arena is no small achievement by any measure. To do so just five days before Christmas, a marvel. Home grown heroes, Kingfishr, a band founded on Irish folk with a pleasing contemporary edge, did so with unconcealed joy. Musically unexpected yet warmly familiar, show designer Oli Metcalfe exploited those two key traits to bring a fresh naturalistic presentation for their first venture onto the arena stage. “It was Eddie [Keogh] from the band who came to me with the basis of an idea; he saw the band cast in a setting of Irish landscapes and coastlines. ‘Magoo’ [Eoghan McGrath] the banjo player (actually, he plays loads of instruments) was raised on a farm so that earthy, rural influence needed to filter in as well.” Metcalfe has an established reputation for pushing the boundaries of the possible, marshalling cutting edge technology to provide spectacular effect and harmony in a visual sense. A risk taker by nature, this show took him into unknown territory. “I’m enjoying being more restrained than my usual way of working,” he said with a grin, “It’s such happening music.” “I went over to Ireland to visit the band playing some smaller shows in the summer, staying on to walk around the countryside with a camera and gather footage that I thought would suit their needs. It was enough of an environment for me to present to them. As with Craig David earlier in 2025, we’re using Unreal Engine quite extensively, positioning the band within the context of their own video content live on stage. Sounds simple but loose concentration and it’s full of pitfalls, that’s one good reason I returned to Video Design for that certainty of delivery I needed. “What I did with it was – in part fictional alterations – some purely creative from the stimulus of the music and some natural, untouched. A bit abstract, it drove the stage lighting, the overarching statement was simplicity in all cases. I use Depence to develop ideas and to program, it’s a software tool for visualising the subtle marriage of video and lighting I wanted to achieve. Don’t forget, this is six guys playing live, no playback, it means it’s strong enough for me to fall back on what is coming from the stage, especially with the lighting. Often the client just wanted a lot of raw camera images. Sometimes that’s all you need.” “Both Neg Earth and Video Design have been generous to me in their support for an emerging talent. Negs especially for giving us a couple of days in LH3 to programme and build the show. Thanks to Lindsey [Markham]. And thanks as well to Oz [James Ross] at Video Design for giving me Paul ‘Eggy’ Edgerton for the camera cut. He’s a bankable director with a great eye and ear for their music. Video Design and Neg worked tirelessly to help me out in the two days I had to add final polish.” photo: Oli Metcalfe HK Audio Announces New Filter Templates for ASHLY AquaControl and FX Control HK Audio has made new filter templates available for ASHLY AquaControl and FX Control. These presets have been specially developed for selected HK Audio loudspeaker and subwoofer series and enable fast, precise and reliable system configuration. HK Audio has created the presets to work with its FINEO, SI seies and LINEAR 5 series. The new presets can be seamlessly integrated into existing ASHLY systems and provide a reliable basis for professional audio installations and live applications. Thanks to the preconfigured filter settings, users benefit from optimised sound tuning, greater operational reliability and significantly reduced set up effort. The templates are suitable for both fixed installations and mobile sound reinforcement applications and ensure consistent performance across different set-ups. “These new settings are the result of HK Audio listening to user requests,” said Andreas Mayerl, chief product officer at HK Audio. “The filter templates will help our users get their systems up and running quickly and provide the control they need to deliver the pristine sound that HK Audio is known for.” The new filter templates for the FINEO, SI series, and LINEAR 5 series, including LINEAR SUB, are available in the download area for the products at www. hkaudio.com.February 2026 news 8 GLP Launches Nexus Lights – a New Era of Portable, App- Controlled Lighting Responding to the surge in demand for battery-powered and app-controlled lighting, GLP is entering a new market segment with the launch of its latest brand: Nexus Lights. Designed for a new generation of mobile and flexible users, Nexus Lights delivers professional lighting quality with consumer- level simplicity. The Nexus Lights range consists of fully wireless, IP65-rated, battery-powered LED fixtures that combine creative freedom with practical reliability. A high-capacity battery offers up to 24 hours of runtime, freeing users from the constraints of cables and constant power concerns. Recharging is fast and efficient via USB-C power delivery, ensuring quick turnaround times between uses, whether in live performance, broadcast or fixed installations. From mobile DJs and weddings to bars, clubs and touring productions, Nexus Lights brings dynamic colour and atmosphere to any space. The fixtures are equally at home in theatres, TV studios, sports arenas, cruise ships and houses of worship, offering an ideal blend of affordability, flexibility and professional performance. “We officially unveiled the line-up at Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt last year and it immediately resonated with a wide audience, from mobile DJs to large-scale event productions,” says Manuel Paulus, Nexus Lights division manager. “We’re especially proud of the partnerships we’ve secured with Thomann, one of the biggest names in event technology distribution. Thomann began carrying Nexus Lights across Europe in May 2025, and Full Compass Systems joined in December to handle North America. Both partners bring decades of experience and a deep understanding of their markets. Together, we’re making Nexus Lights widely accessible and setting a new standard for convenience and quality.” Thomann, Based in Treppendorf, Germany, is one of the world’s largest online retailers for musical instruments, pro audio and event technology. Family-owned since 1954, the company is renowned for its competitive pricing, expert support and fast logistics across Europe. Full Compass Systems, Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, brings nearly 50 years of experience in professional audio, video and lighting. The company offers competitive pricing and a broad product selection representing more than 800 brands. www.glp.de Showlight Speakers Class of 2025 – Video Releases Part 2 What better way to start the new year than with the release of two more speaker videos from Showlight 2025? One of the highlights of the industry, with an ongoing commitment to showcasing the work from some of the most inspiring lighting practitioners today, it won’t be long before the next Showlight is on the horizon! Bryan Raven: Not the End of the World Climate change and sustainability are hot topics these days and high on the agenda for the industry. Inspired by Hannah Ritchie’s book of the same name, Bryan Raven presented a more positive and optimistic view of the battle against climate change and the wider sustainability topic with examples taken from his experiences with White Light and working with organisers in the live events sector. Since stepping back from White Light and d&b in early 2024, Bryan has been working as an independent consultant as well as a number of organisations like PLASA, ABTT and Theatre Green Book on sustainability issues and power of events on advocacy for the wider events industry. David Gray:Creating Light without Electricity and an 828m Facelift, 14 years on David took delegates on a journey through fictitious worlds where the original IP has no ‘electricity’, introducing custom character fixtures created for Smurfs, HTTYD, Kung Fu Panda and Shrek, and closing with the story of the 1000 exterior strobe Burj Khalifa installation, construction challenges, andwatching it still going after 14 years. A highly experienced project director with a career in themed entertainment spanning over 34 years and five continents, David has a unique ability to work across cultures and industries and brings originality and quality to every project. Notable projects include the large-scale systems integration for the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, themed projects including Disneyland Paris, Motiongate (Dubai) and Genting Highlands (Malaysia) balanced with Teatro La Fenice (Venice) and Royal Opera House (London). Having recently moved to Montreal, David is dedicating his time mentoring young people on his area of expertise and supporting his daughter who has launchedhttps://www.instagram.com/ thegrayspxce/creative workshop for artistic play in London. These videos are part of a series of periodic releases, with more speaker presentation videos going live towards the next Showlight. A taste of this perennial lighting networking event can be seen by viewing the showreel and some of the speaker presentation videos from 2025 on the Showlight website: https://www.showlight.org/videos Ever wondered what Showlight is about? Well, here’s what some of the industry’s leading publications say about Showlight 2025; just pop over to https://www.showlight.org/press to read their reviews and reports. Bring Light Back to Ukraine Several months ago, Zinteco, one of Ukraine’s leading live event production companies, lost its Kyiv workshops after Russian Shahed drones struck the area. Decades of investment in lighting, audio, staging equipment and tools were completely destroyed. What followed, however, was a clear reminder of how connected this industry really is. Zinteco never talked about stopping. The work it does – especially since the war began – has provided moments of normality and relief for audiences across Ukraine. When news of the damage spread, companies throughout the live events community stepped in. Equipment was donated, cables and truss were shipped and people sent what they could. TMB co-ordinated with Company NA to donate thousands of pieces of truss and cable, and covered the shipping costs. They also brought 40 of Zinteco’s Flare fixtures to the US, refurbished them and added custom Ukraine-flag labels. Mainlight has been renting those fixtures, with all rental proceeds going directly back to Zinteco. There are many similar efforts, most of them done quietly. These companies aren’t looking for recognition, they’re helping because it feels like the right thing to do. Those who met Olga Kushpitovska from Zinteco at LDI may already be familiar with the situation and may be looking for ways to help. Sharing the story felt like the most useful place to start. Between LDI, the holidays and sorting out a simple way to collect support, things moved slowly, but with the new year it’s time to move forward and raise awareness. This is a story worth sharing beyond a single crowdfunding page. For anyone unfamiliar with Zinteco: if you’ve attended a major show in Ukraine, you’ve likely seen their work. They support everything from arena concerts to official state events. They’re the kind of crew you rely on when things get complicated. In live production, everyone depends on each other. That’s how the industry works. And when one of our own is hit hard, people step in to help where they can. A website is now live at bringlightback.org, which explains the effort and how individuals or companies can participate. If this resonates, please consider sharing the story. Every bit of awareness helps Zinteco get back to doing what they do best: supporting live events that bring people together, even under very difficult circumstances.Issue: 396 news 9 Elation Brings Back Popular Coffee Break Livestream Elation’s European office has announced the return ofTheElation Coffee Break, a Facebook livestream series that takes an up-close look at some of the company’s most popular products and product families. Each episode goes beyond specification sheets and standard product overviews, sharing practical tips and tricks that lighting professionals can directly apply in real-world scenarios. The sessions are open to everyone and include live questions from viewers. Hosted by Elation’s Alistair Smyth and Frederik Afif, the first episode streamed live on Thursday, 8 January on Elation Europe’s Facebook page. The first Coffee Break episode explored the innovative qualities of the Rebel Profile, a powerful and compact LED profile moving head in Elation’s bold new breed of intelligent lighting. Designed for attention-grabbing visuals in both indoor and outdoor applications, Rebel invites lighting professionals to break the rules and blaze their own path. The session dived deep into real-life use cases, clever workflows and hidden features not listed on any spec sheet, focusing on what truly delivers value on site. While technically in-depth, the Coffee Break remains hands-on and practice-oriented, translating advanced capabilities into tangible benefits for designers, programmers and operators. The Elation Coffee Break series continued on Thursday, 22 January, with a closer look at the award-winning Paragon Series of cutting-edge LED profile luminaires. Additional livestreams will follow every two to three weeks. Mark your calendars, grab your favourite cup of coffee and join Elation for future Coffee Breaks! To view past Elation Coffee Break livestreams, please visit Elation’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRwE- Dk2CQxnBp8_2WC6fGEIbuwQWD0Rr In picture: Alistair Smyth and Frederik Afif. Eurotruss Appoints Eddie Slotboom as CEO of Structures and Stages Eurotruss announces the expansion of its executive leadership team with the appointment of Eddie Slotboom as CEO of the structures and stages division, effective January 2026. This strategic step reinforces Eurotruss’s ambitions for continued international growth and further strengthens its position as a global leader in high-end roof, staging and truss solutions. Eddie Slotboom is a highly respected professional within the international entertainment and events industry. With senior leadership roles at renowned companies such as Stageco and Mojo Rental, and related work experience at other established truss manufacturers, he brings decades of experience and in-depth expertise. His career spans the full scope of the truss and rigging system, from production environments to complex, large-scale event builds worldwide. Eddie’s passion and understanding of both technical engineering requirements and the realities of live event production allows him to connect seamlessly with engineers, production teams and end-users alike. Known for his pragmatic and hands-on leadership style, Eddie focuses on solutions that work in practice. At Eurotruss, he will play a key role in aligning in-house engineering with on-site application, ensuring that innovation is driven by real-world customer needs. As CEO of structures and stages, Eddie will focus on enabling customers to realise ambitious and complex projects. By guiding partners through structural challenges and pushing technical boundaries, he will help ensure Eurotruss continues to support some of the world’s most spectacular productions. Eddie Slotboom on his appointment: “Eurotruss stands for quality, innovation and reliability. I’m excited to work with the team to develop new structures, push boundaries and support clients in taking their productions to the next level.” Follow-Me Announces Sales Partnership with Rolight in The Netherlands Follow-Me, a leader in performer tracking solutions, has agreed a strategic sales partnership with Rolight, a prominent provider of stage lighting technology in The Netherlands. The new partnership positions Rolight as the exclusive sales partner for Follow-Me in the Dutch market, expanding access to performer tracking systems for theatres, festivals, TV productions and touring shows across The Netherlands. “At Rolight, we are proud of our new partnership with Follow-Me. This innovative brand perfectly aligns with our vision to provide our customers with the most advanced and proven performer tracking technology for lighting, audio and video,” says Robin Eijlders, owner at Rolight. “Follow- Me’s performer tracking solutions enable us to offer even more flexibility and creativity to lighting designers and technicians in the Dutch market. The partnership strengthens our portfolio of premium brands with a solution that perfectly responds to the growing demand for remote followspots and tracking technology.” The collaboration aligns perfectly with Rolight’s existing portfolio of stage technology and lighting solutions. According to Eijlders, “For years, Rolight has been providing high-quality lighting fixtures, control systems and infrastructure for the entertainment industry. With Follow-Me, we now add a powerful tracking solution that fully integrates with the systems we already offer. This allows us to provide our customers with a complete solution, from design to execution.” “Follow-Me has proven itself as a pioneer in performer tracking technology with powerful, flexible systems compatible with any moving light,” says Eijlders. “Their user-friendly, designer-focused approach aligns with our philosophy of customer-oriented support and innovation.” Rolight will provide training and technical support, with their team assisting with installation, system integration and application support. The partnership aims to establish Follow-Me throughout the Dutch market in theatres, festivals, TV productions and touring shows, leveraging the ability to track multiple performers simultaneously with a compact and scalable system. “In the coming months, we want to clearly present ourselves by bringing Follow-Me to our customers,” Eijlders confirms. “We’re aiming to build long-term relationships with customers who embrace this technology and want to contribute to standout productions where Follow-Me plays a key role. Ultimately, our goal is to work together with Follow-Me to support further development and innovation in the Dutch lighting and stage sector.” “Rolight’s reputation for technical excellence and their philosophy of customer-oriented support makes this an exciting partnership for Follow-Me,” concludes Marc van der Wel, managing director at Follow-Me. “With the introduction of Rolight as distributor in the Dutch market, we’re adding the required manpower to much better support our fast-growing client base in The Netherlands. Rolight has the expertise and relationships to help us serve lighting designers and technicians who want to push creative boundaries with our performer tracking solutions.” The first public presentation of Follow-Me by Rolight was at the CUE trade show at Rotterdam Ahoy, which took place from 12th to 14th January.Next >