News Archive for February 2021

Broadweigh introduces SensorSpace

26/02/2021 - Equipment News

SensorSpace, a new cloud-based platform, is set to revolutionise the way riggers can access and manage data from Broadweigh's wireless sensors. Launched this month, SensorSpace can be used to remotely monitor the status of any Broadweigh sensor – load or wind speed – and help site managers and rigging managers make decisions or take action before, and during a show.

Live Company Invests in Robe ESPRITES

26/02/2021 - Production News

Denmark – Danish rental operation Live Company made a massive investment in Robe ESPRITE and LEDWash 300X moving lights, together with a RoboSpot remote followspot system, in March 2020 just before the pandemic hit effectively closing the live concert and event industry worldwide.

Allen & Heath's acclaimed Dante I/O expanders can now be used within any Dante audio network, thanks to the release of the DT Preamp Control app

26/02/2021 - Equipment News

The free application, compatible with Windows and macOS, allows control of multiple DT168 and DT164-W expanders connected to Dante-equipped third-party digital mixers and sound management systems, bringing the acclaimed sound of Allen & Heath’s preamps and best-in-class 96kHz conversion to a host of new users in live, broadcast, install and studio applications.

Die Glocke Enhances Lighting System with Chauvet Professional

26/02/2021 - Project News

Germany – Critics rarely review a concert at Die Glocke without commenting on the exquisite acoustics of the historic venue. The meticulously detailed space inside the Walter Görig-designed building reflects sound with such clarity and purity that leading artists have sought it out for their performances. Even the legendary conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic Herbert von Karajan, who performed at the world’s finest venues, singled out Die Glocke as one of the three finest concert halls in all of Europe.

Online Reunion Concert by Legendary Russian Rock Band KINO Marks World Debut of Claypaky Tambora Batten Fixtures

26/02/2021 - Production News

Russia – One of the first and arguably the greatest of Russian rock bands, KINO celebrated its reunion with an online concert, which wowed the Russian rock community and teased KINO’s big stadium tour planned for this spring. The online performance was the first show to use Claypaky’s new Tambora Batten fixtures, which were selected by lighting designer Marina Larikova.

Anolis Specified for leading London Venues

26/02/2021 - Project News

UK – Anolis Divine 160 LED lighting fixtures are providing mood and house lighting for two of London’s leading multi-functional venues: Magazine London on the Greenwich Peninsula and Exhibition London in White City, West London, both initiated and operated by Broadwick Live and Venue Lab.

Hive Inspires with Chauvet Professional at Winterlicht

26/02/2021 - Production News

Belgium – Even in these times of technological wonders, few things stir the imagination like a lighthouse. Since the era of the ancient Egyptians, these towering structures with their glowing tops have guided mariners through uncertain waters. Perhaps that is why they have become a universal symbol of hope and reassurance.

DiGiCo supports WOŚP’s 29th Grand Finale Fundraiser

26/02/2021 - Production News

Poland – The name of Jerzy Owsiak and The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (GOCC, Polish Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy, WOŚP) rings a bell in the minds and hearts of millions. In the 29 years of its charitable work, one of Poland’s largest non-profits has raised over 250 million Euro for health protection and saving children’s lives through providing over 65,200 pieces of medical equipment to public hospitals and clinics in Poland, as well as running six medical programmes and one educational course aimed at improving public healthcare in the country. This year’s Grand Finale Fundraiser event, held on 31st January and restructured due to COVID restrictions, saw DiGiCo SD5, SD11, SD12 and Quantum 5 consoles from multiple rental companies, supported by DiGiCo’s Polish distributor Polsound, deployed in key locations in Warsaw, Góra Kalwaria, Radom, Katowice, Gliwice, and Krakow for live streaming and band monitors of the local musical shows and events.

GLP Streamer Duo Launched with Vastly Expanded Remote Functionality

26/02/2021 - Equipment News

Building on the instant success of the Streamer, GLP’s new LED light for video conferencing, live streaming and home office work, the company has announced a new packaging variant for those wanting multiple sources, called the Streamer Duo Kit. Simultaneously, the free-to-download app has been updated, offering significant expansion of the remote-control capabilities of all Streamer units.

Elation expands KL “Key Light” Series with full-colour KL Fresnel 8 FC

26/02/2021 - Equipment News

Elation Professional is expanding its KL “Key Light” Series of LED Fresnel luminaires with the full-colour spectrum KL Fresnel 8 FC. With creativity at its heart and quality as its fabric, the new KL Fresnel 8 FC meets the strict standards of performance venues that are light critical and noise sensitive.

Two original, one revision: new American National Standards projects

26/02/2021 - Standards News

Three new projects have been filed with ANSI. Two are for new standards, while one is for the revision of an existing standard. The projects are;

Ambience Addition with Image Production Services and Chauvet Professional at Annie Brobst Livestream

26/02/2021 - Production News

USA – Over 1,700 miles separate Image Productions Services from Ryman Auditorium, but that didn’t matter much on Saturday January 23 when Annie Brobst and The Jake Ash Band took the stage at the improvised livestream studio in the company’s warehouse.

Ayrton Perseo fixtures provide lighting effects for Chevelle’s new Self Destructor music video from So Midwest

26/02/2021 - Production News

USA – So Midwest, Inc. provided turnkey creative and technical services for Self Destructor, the new music video for rock band Chevelle. Executive producer and production designer, Robb Jibson, selected Ayrton Perseo fixtures for the video, which So Midwest conceived, designed, directed, produced and edited.

David Bissett-Powell leaves Void Acoustics

24/02/2021 - People News

Having guided Void through four years of profitable growth and structural change followed by a profitable 'Covid' year, David Bissett-Powell has stepped down as chairman of Void Acoustics.

Niagara Falls Lighting Control

24/02/2021 - Project News

Canada & USA – Often referred to as a Wonder of the World, Niagara Falls is a breath-taking collection of three individual waterfalls: the American Falls the Bridal Veil Falls and the largest of the trio, the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Attracting millions of visitors each year, the waterfalls bridge the border between the aptly named cities, Niagara Falls, NY and Niagara Falls, Ontario. Niagara Falls brings together natural beauty, flora and fauna, with a host of attractions, hotels and restaurants that have entertained families for decades.

Cinema Teatro Lolek’s Outline sound – inside and out

24/02/2021 - Project News

Italy – The Cinema Teatro Lolek stands in Italy’s first oratory with NZEB (nearly zero-energy building) classification and extremely modern as far as its structure, technology and systems are concerned.

Deutsches Theater Berlin Invests in Robe

23/02/2021 - Project News

Germany – The Deutsches Theater in Berlin is one of Germany’s foremost producing houses, highly acclaimed for its cutting-edge work. In the last year, the venue has added 20 Robe T1 Profiles which are available across its stages, a move specified and overseen by head of lighting Robert Grauel and his team including Linus Zahn (pictured) who is the lighting systems technician and person in charge of new technologies.

Audiosales Calls on Chauvet Professional for Papa Watch Me Fly

23/02/2021 - Production News

Italy – Much of the story of a life can be told in music. The songs that lift the spirit in joy and comfort it in sorrow, resonate through the years that mark our time on earth. Claudio Mazzucchelli was inspired by this great voice to create “Papa Watch My Fly” a livestreamed multi-media operatic work performed at the historic Teatro Coccia.

Bandit Brings the Lights to NorthField Church Night to Shine ‘Shine-Thru’

23/02/2021 - Production News

USA – The Tim Tebow Foundation held its seventh annual Night to Shine event on 12 February, celebrating people with special needs over the age of 14. Bandit Lites donated lighting to the NorthField Church gathering. The evening normally features a gala, complete with a mirror ball and swaths of lighting, but due to Covid-19, volunteers made the evening as festive as possible while pivoting to a 'shine-thru' celebration.

Void Acoustics and Aura Visual System join forces in Thailand

23/02/2021 - Business News

Thailand – Void Acoustics has announced a new partnership with brand new company Aura Visual System based in Bangkok, Thailand. This bold appointment reflects the long-term plans Void Acoustics has to focus on the development and expansion of the brand in the region. Aura Visual System is headed up by Pankom Klaykum (pictured) who has an extensive career in AV product distribution across the region as well as a strong knowledge of Void products.
“We share a similar drive for the provision of excellent audio to our customers, and my team and I are excited to be aligning with Void Acoustics as their exclusive distributor for Thailand,” comments Pankom.

Swiss Producer Patrik Schwitter Extols the Virtues of His PMC Monitors

23/02/2021 - Production News

Switzerland – Since upgrading his studio to incorporate a pair of PMC IB2S XBD-A monitors, Swiss producer and engineer Patrik Schwitter (pictured) has undertaken a steady stream of high end projects at his Zurich-based facility.

Powersoft Extends Free Warranty to Five Years on all Rack Amplifiers

23/02/2021 - Business News

Italian audio manufacturer Powersoft has announced a further 12-month warranty on their renowned rack amplifiers for all customers who register their product for free to MyPowersoft, Powersoft’s online portal. This free extension brings the total warranty length, including the four years standard warranty, to five years.

ASP8024-HE Gives Delaware Studio Complex Flexibility

23/02/2021 - Project News

USA – Introducing Mid South Audio, the pandemic-defying recording studio which opened in September 2020 to great fanfare. A number of A-list musicians were flown in from Nashville to be recorded on the brand new ASP8024-HE Audient console, whilst the facility showcased its stage, sound and lighting abilities.

Optocore announces flexible M-series MADI routing upgrade for DiGiCo consoles

23/02/2021 - Equipment News

Optocore has announced that it has upgraded its popular M-series MADI interfaces further, making it compatible with DiGiCo premium consoles, and providing additional functionality.

Rhythm & Alps Festival closes 2020 with Hippotizer Karst

23/02/2021 - Production News

New Zealand – It’s a comfort to know that somewhere in the world, 2020 ended with a music festival. That’s what happened in the shadow of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, where the Rhythm & Alps Festival saw off the year with a celebratory vibe enhanced by TomTom Productions, whose Hippotizer media servers from Green Hippo delivered the visuals for three separate stages.

Martin Audio Sound Adventures Supports INSPIRE Onmyoji Theatre Production

23/02/2021 - Production News

Japan – The theatre production of INSPIRE Onmyoji, starring famous Japanese actor Takao Osawa, ran at the 1,300-capacity Nissei Theatre in Tokyo from 31st December 2020 to 6th January 2021. This number was reduced slightly to conform to the Government’s COVID regulations at that time.

Elation key light solution for Traders Point Christian Church in Indianapolis

23/02/2021 - Project News

USA – Traders Point Christian Church is an Indiana-based church with multiple locations around Indianapolis. In 2020, the church presented their local AVL integrator, Force Tech, with the need for a new keylight solution for one of their new mobile campus locations. “We wanted a fixture that had an LED engine, a full framing system, variable white control and the ability to fully pan and tilt. The fixture also needed to be road-worthy because our campus had to load in and out on a weekly basis,” states Alex Holt, creative experience director at Traders Point.

Gerry Dintelman Calls on Chauvet Professional to Match Firepower of Fister

22/02/2021 - Production News

USA – There is no sugar coating it. An unapologetic, brutal intensity tears its way through the music of sludge icons Fister, exhilarating fans bold enough to brace themselves for the wild ride. Reflecting the hardcore essence of this menacing metallic sound in light requires pushing beyond brightness and colour, believes Gerry Dintelman, and coming up with ways to pierce through common perceptions with sharp, aggressive angles, unsettling silhouettes and dark shadows.

Neutrik UK appointments David Morbey to new product marketing role

22/02/2021 - People News

UK – Neutrik UK has announced the appointment of David Morbey to the newly created position of product marketing manager, creating a full marketing role at management level for the first time within the company.

DiGiCo Plays a Major Role at the New Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts

22/02/2021 - Project News

USA – When the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Greensboro, North Carolina opens for regular performances later this year, the $91 million, 3,023-seat performing arts facility will give a city with more than its share of arts and culture a new crown jewel. Named for Steven Tanger, CEO of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, who pledged $7.5 million toward the project, the new venue will host performances by the Greensboro Symphony and Guilford College's Bryan Series of acclaimed lectures, as well as touring Broadway productions and concerts.

Frost School of Music at the University of Miami Warmly Welcomes L-Acoustics A10 System

19/02/2021 - Project News

USA – The acclaimed Frost School of Music at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida has a rich history, stretching back nearly a century to the campus’s founding in 1926. Today, it is widely regarded as one of the nation’s most innovative and comprehensive music schools.

Summer of the 17th Doll

19/02/2021 - Production News

Australia – Australian lighting designer Trudy Dalgleish appreciated the quietness and other features of Robe T1 Profiles and T1 Fresnels that are part of the new house rig at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Adelaide, which reopened in June 2020 after a major two-year redevelopment.

Events United Produces Governor’s Inaugural Address with Chauvet Professional

19/02/2021 - Production News

USA – How far have livestream studios come since the start of the pandemic? For Tim Messina and his team at Events United, the answer is all the way to the top elected official in their state. This January, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu passed up a long list of other possible sites, and delivered his inaugural address at Studio Lab, a world class production facility created by Events United.

Solid State Logic’s ORIGIN Pulls the Sonic Pieces Together for Metal / Hardcore Producer Will Putney

19/02/2021 - Project News

USA – Metal and hardcore producer, engineer, mixer and musician Will Putney started to transition his Graphic Nature Audio recording studio in Kinnelon, New Jersey to a new location toward the end of 2020. As a part of the relocation, to a larger, rural property about 20 miles west, Putney has installed a new 32-channel Solid State Logic ORIGIN analogue in-line mixing console, acquired from Vintage King.

Mexico’s Auditorio Nacional cultivates its legacy with new L-Acoustics sound system

19/02/2021 - Project News

Mexico – Widely recognised as one of the best concert venues in the world, Auditorio Nacional’s (AN) was built in 1952 as a site for equestrian events. The building is made of riveted iron (the same technique featured on the Eiffel Tower) and has undergone extensive redesigns throughout the years. The Auditorio Nacional is known equally for its intriguing architectural design and for housing the largest pipe organ in Latin America. The venue’s main hall consists of nearly 10,000 seats raised above and around its enormous 23-metre stage, primarily used for national and international music concerts, song, dance and film festivals. Since 2013, the Auditorio Nacional has been ranked top selling venue in the world according to Pollstar Magazine.

Stage Electrics Delivers Despite Covid-19 Restrictions

19/02/2021 - Project News

UK – Stage Electrics has completed the installation of sound, lighting and theatrical control systems at Les Quennevais School on the island of Jersey. Project managed by Chris Brant, the contract, worth in excess of £220K, was delivered while adhering to COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions.

Janowitz chooses Ayrton Mistral-S for Trey Anastasio’s The Beacon Jams

19/02/2021 - Production News

USA – Marc Janowitz, of e26 design, chose 30 Mistral-S – Ayrton’s highly compact, lightweight and powerful LED spot fixtures – as key features of his lighting design for Trey Anastasio’s The Beacon Jams. The eight-week ‘virtual residency’ was live-streamed weekly from New York’s historic Beacon Theatre throughout October and November 2020.

Alcons Hits the High Notes Again in The Joan

19/02/2021 - Project News

Australia – N amed after Australia’s famous coloratura soprano, Dame Joan Sutherland, the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith, New South Wales, is one of Sydney’s busiest performing arts complexes.

Hard hitting new campaign launched by #WeMakeEvents, as survey shows live event supply chain on verge of collapse

19/02/2021 - Business News

UK – #WeMakeEvents has launched a hard-hitting campaign, rallying the UK Government to provide urgent relief to a struggling live events sector. The Government Can’t See Us, Can You? shows the devastation the pandemic has wrought on the live event supply chain, told through the stories of the highly-skilled professionals whose livelihoods have been seriously damaged.

Brompton Technology S8 processor supports Mvision’s evolution in event practices

19/02/2021 - Project News

France – For more than 20 years, Mvision has been providing its service as a leading audiovisual technical expert to its customer base in France and beyond. From equipment rental to full-scale integration, Mvision’s team of technical specialists can respond to all of its clients’ video, sound, light and simultaneous interpretation needs. The company’s regular investments in state-of-the-art equipment allow it to set up innovative solutions, such as its studio for filming, capturing and dissemination of events, etc., at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, which is the third space Mvision has equipped for creative content production in France. The 300sq.m set features a beautiful, curved LED wall, controlled by two Brompton Technology Tessera S8 LED processors.

Crt Birsa and ChamSys Power End-to-End Looks for 40 Fingers Livestream

18/02/2021 - Production News

Italy – With its exquisitely light and airy Neo-Renaissance forms, the Nicolò Bruno-designed Politeama Rossetti theatre affords excellent views from each of its 1,531 seats. Regardless of where visitors find themselves in the historic venue, however, they can only see the stage from one angle at a time.

PLASA and ABTT join forces for 2021 event

18/02/2021 - Event News

UK - PLASA, the association for the live entertainment technology industry, and the ABTT (Association of British Theatre Technicians) have announced a collaboration that will bring the 2021 editions of both the PLASA Show and the ABTT Theatre Show under one roof from 5-7 September at Olympia London.

Roy Bickel to Receive 2021 ESTA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award

18/02/2021 - People News

USA – Roy Bickel will receive the ESTA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award on 6 April, 2021, at the virtual New World Rigging Symposium. The ESTA board of directors and technical standards council created this award in 2017 to recognise individuals whose technical contributions have had a significant impact on our industry. The criteria include significant and sustained technical contributions for at least 25 years. The 2021 award will be presented by Rocky Paulson and Chris Schmidt, who have made the following statements about this year’s winner.

DiGiGrid at Home with Weirdog

18/02/2021 - Project News

Australia – Dave Weir (pictured) has worked as a freelance professional audio engineer and educator for the last ten years. As a teacher, he draws upon wide experience of the industry to deliver audio courses at Oxygen College, a multi-disciplinary training organisation in Geelong West, Victoria, Australia, that specialises in the creative arts. His role as an educator dovetails neatly with a full spectrum of audio duties, from studio mixing to live sound engineering, including touring the length and breadth of the country with notable bands such as Thirsty Merc, Rival Fire and Teramaze. In addition to his work with bands on the road and in the studio, Dave also runs arena audio for the Australian Open Tennis tournament, controlling court audio feeds for broadcast, running music between points and managing post-match interview audio.

Germany’s Iconic Landesfunkhaus Nierdersachsen Invests in RIVAGE PM7

18/02/2021 - Project News

Germany – Part of the German public broadcasting service, Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR), the historic Landesfunkhaus Nierdersachsen (Lower Saxony State Broadcasting Station) in Hannover includes two concert halls. The installation of a RIVAGE PM7 digital mixing system in the larger venue marks nearly 30 years of relying on Yamaha mixers.

KLOTZ – XLR mixing adapter AB-MM and XLR-BMP

18/02/2021 - Equipment News

With the KLOTZ AB-MM and XLR-BMP stereo-to-mono mixing adapters, it is possible to easily reproduce a stereo signal via a 3.5mm or 6.35mm stereo jack through an XLR mono input of a mixing console or an active loudspeaker as a mono signal without distortion.

GLP launches market’s first Creative Light wireless, battery powered systems

18/02/2021 - Equipment News

GLP's Creative Light 1 (CL1) and Creative Light 1 Plus (CL1+) are the first battery-powered and completely wireless creative LED systems on the market. They are designed for maximum flexibility in an almost unlimited range of applications for professional and semi-professional users alike.

Crt Birsa Calls On ChamSys for Mesmerising RTV Design

17/02/2021 - Production News

Slovenia – The marriage between lighting and set design is never far from Crt Birsa’s mind. Only when light absorbs itself completely in its surroundings, can it exert its full power to transform. This is always true, he believes, but especially so when lighting television productions, where the limited and less forgiving eye of the camera replaces live human vision.

Elation house lighting solution gives Tennessee church a fresh new look

17/02/2021 - Project News

USA – A fresh wash of dynamic light from Elation Fuze Pendant house downlights has helped transform The First Family/ First Baptist Church’s sanctuary from a more ordinary space with uneven illumination to a modern-looking house of worship more reflective of today’s contemporary worship.

Liberty University adds Ayrton Khamsin-S fixtures to new sports arena to enhance fan experience

17/02/2021 - Project News

USA – Liberty University has invested in a complement of 20 Ayrton Khamsin-S LED profile luminaires for the new Liberty Arena on the Lynchburg, Virginia campus.

KLOTZ – DMC Series

17/02/2021 - Equipment News

With the new DMC series, KLOTZ provides professional DMX to CAT adapter cables with KLOTZ XLR and either Hirose RJ45 or Neutrik etherCON connectors.

Just washing or need a little extra? Paladin Range to feature on February 18th Elation Coffee Break

17/02/2021 - Event News

Elation continues the Elation Coffee Break webinar series on Thursday, 18th February at 11am CEST with technical sales specialist Alistair Smyth and international sales manager Frederik Afif looking at the innovative qualities of the Paladin series of versatile wash/blinder/effect lights

Robe Joins The Beacon Jams

16/02/2021 - Production News

USA - The Beacon Jams were a hugely successful eight-week ‘virtual residency’ presented by guitarist and singer-songwriter Trey Anastasio (AKA lead singer of Phish) and MSG Entertainment in New York City’s iconic Beacon Theatre.

And the Academy Award goes to … UK audio tech company Synchro Arts

15/02/2021 - Event News

USA – UK film and music audio technology company Synchro Arts received a coveted Academy Award in Los Angeles on 13 February 2021.

Astera for ‘Field of Dreams’ at Sydney New Year Celebrations

15/02/2021 - Production News

Australia – Lighting designer Hugh Taranto lit a vibrant array of artists performing on the Sydney Stage for the 2020-21 Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)’s New Year’s Eve broadcast. The high-profile event culminated in a jaw-dropping pyro spectacular fired off the Sydney Harbour Bridge, stretching right across Sydney Harbour and watched in awe by millions across Australia and worldwide.

A Tribute to Marco Bartolini

15/02/2021 - People News

Italy – The Robe Family is heartbroken to announce the death of Marco Bartolini, a hugely popular and well-known industry face in Italy and internationally, who passed away on 10th February 2021 following a short battle with cancer.

Rupert Neve, GRAMMY-Winning Audio Industry Icon, Dies at 94

15/02/2021 - People News

USA – It is with great sadness that RND announces that Rupert Neve, whose name is synonymous with quality audio recording equipment worldwide, has died. He remained in great spirits to the end, enjoying his life in Wimberley, Texas, where he and his wife Evelyn have lived for 27 years. At 94, Rupert remained engaged and passionate about his work, spending most days on a perpetual series of audio electronics projects and continuing to mentor our engineering team on numerous design and development projects.

PROTONES Calls on Chauvet Professional to Set Mood for Netflix Special

15/02/2021 - Production News

Germany – Built in 1908, the Laeiszhalle concert hall enchants visitors with its many unique architectural features, such as the towering organ integrated into the back wall of its stage. This made the historic venue an ideal setting for “Hype,” an on-demand Netflix production by and about the award-winning comedian and author Felix Lobrecht.

ABTT Stephen Joseph Award

15/02/2021 - Event News

UK - To mark the centenary of Stephen Joseph’s birth and the 60th anniversary of the founding of ABTT, the ABTT Stephen Joseph Committee has announced an Award to commemorate the life and work of this maverick theatrical genius.

KLANG makes it personal with new immersive Kontroller for musicians

15/02/2021 - Equipment News

KLANG has announced the combined release of its new KLANG:kontroller, a hardware controller that is compatible with all KLANG immersive in-ear mixing processors, and its new processor, KLANG:vokal, bringing a whole new level of personal monitoring to musicians. KLANG:kontroller Serial Number 1 – along with a new DiGiCo Quantum225console and a DiGiGrid MGB MADI to SoundGrid Interface – is also one of three great gifts that three lucky winners received today as part of DiGiCo’s New Year New Hope competition.

New Compact DiGiCo Quantum225 Brings Power and New Opportunity

15/02/2021 - Equipment News

In January, DiGiCo announced New Year New Hope, giving three lucky winners three great gifts: a DiGiGrid MGB MADI to SoundGrid Interface, the first of the newly launched KLANG:kontrollers – Serial Number 1 and a DiGiCo Quantum Range console. What those entering did not know at the time was that this was an opportunity to own one of the first Quantum225 consoles, designed to bring the Quantum Processing power and features in a compact and robust worksurface.

Two ESTA standards in public review for reaffirmation and two new published

15/02/2021 - Standards News

USA - Two existing standards are being considered for reaffirmation and are posted for public review on the ESTA website at https://tsp.esta.org/tsp/documents/public_review_docs.php. Comments are due before the end of the day on 5 April 2021. The standards are:

ESTA Announces the Technical Standards Program's Above & Beyond Award Recipients

15/02/2021 - Business News

USA - The Entertainment Services and Technology Association's (ESTA's) Technical Standards Program (TSP) has announced the 2020 recipients of the annual Above & Beyond Awards.

Full Drama for Idols South Africa

12/02/2021 - Production News

South Africa – The challenges of producing entertainment in the pandemic have seen some incredible imagination and resourcefulness from the industry in creating Covid-safe working environments so at least some sectors have been able to keep working, one of which is television.

Squeek Lights Calls on Chauvet Professional for Expanded Ruby Stage 2

12/02/2021 - Production News

USA – Studying your customers is the surest way to improve what you’re doing. This guiding principle from Apple’s earliest days rings just as true in these challenging times as it did then, as Squeek Lights owner Victor Zeiser recently demonstrated.

Highlite International expands the DMT Fixed Install series

12/02/2021 - Equipment News

Highlite International BV introduces a new range of LED panels, available as indoor or outdoor versions. Its clever mounting options and service-friendly design make it the ideal candidate for permanent installation.

Zero 88 Presents New Free Online Training Sessions

12/02/2021 - Standards News

Back by popular demand, Zero 88 – renowned for its accessible and informative free training support – announces a new array of online product training sessions running through February and March 2021 presented in-person by product specialist Edward Smith.

L-Acoustics Creations Contour XO In-Ear Headphones are the new Gold Standard in Live Sound

12/02/2021 - Equipment News

While the live music scene has been on pause for the past year, two live sound innovators, Dr. Christian Heil, president and founder of L-Acoustics, and Jerry Harvey, president and founder of JH Audio, came up with the spectacular idea to combine their technologies into Contour XO in-ear headphones.

Modern Illumination Productions invests in Elation IP-rated lighting

12/02/2021 - Production News

USA – Full-service production company Modern Illumination Productions (MIP) of California recently made an investment in IP-rated LED lighting fixtures from Elation Professional, an acquisition that includes Elation’s 50,000-lumen power moving head, the Proteus Maximus, as well as KL Panel soft lights and Seven PAR IP colour changers. The purchase joins other state-of-the-art Elation fixtures in MIP’s inventory.

dLive Gives Polished Performance at Vernissa

12/02/2021 - Project News

Finland – Vernissa Culture Factory in the city of Vantaa, Finland, has gone all-in with a full dLive digital mixing system to support its busy events schedule.

Christine Whelan Sharp and Chauvet Professional Reign at Palace Theatre Livestream

11/02/2021 - Production News

USA – The Palace Theatre is Christine Whelan Sharp’s favourite venue to light in and not just for its graceful Art Deco architecture with its gleaming exterior and stylised accents. Nor is it for the theatre’s rich 91-year history that has seen greats like Bruce Springsteen and The Rolling Stones grace its stage.

From Two Men in a Garage to 30 Years of the Biggest Movie Soundtracks and Albums in the World

11/02/2021 - Business News

UK – PMC is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, marking three decades of ‘Best of British’ loudspeaker design and manufacture for both the international professional music production and audiophile markets.

Anolis Looks Grand in Brighton

11/02/2021 - Project News

UK – The Grand Brighton hotel, an iconic landmark on the seafront in this popular south coast city and resort, is highlighted tastefully by an Anolis LED lighting installation illuminating its majestic front façade.

TCF Sprinkles Magic From Chauvet Professional Along Stad Herentals Atmospheric Walk Path

10/02/2021 - Project News

Belgium – Walking is exercise for the soul, or so the ancient philosophers advised. The wisdom of these words ring true for anyone who has traversed the winding roads and paths of the medieval town of Herentals. Rich in history, culture and natural aesthetics, they allow one to cover not only distances, but also realms of imagination.

ZDF New Year's Eve show at Brandenburg Gate with weatherproof Elation lighting

10/02/2021 - Production News

Germany – The annual New Year's Eve show on broadcaster ZDF (Silvestershow) is a fixture of the German TV calendar. Moderator duo Andrea Kiewel and Johannes B. Kerner welcomed the New Year with numerous musical guests, yet this year everything was different. Instead of the traditional fireworks display, a stage light show with no audience took place.

Kim Walker-Smith Tours with Twin DiGiCo SD12 96 Desks

10/02/2021 - Production News

USA – Since 2008’s Here Is My Song, Jesus Culture worship leader Kim Walker-Smith has risen up the Contemporary Christian music charts, with her 2017 studio release, On My Side, and its “Thone Room” single ultimately earning her the top spot. To support her latest live release, Wild Heart, the singer/songwriter has recently been out on three “Worship Nights” mini-tours of large churches and Christian universities, all of which have been sold out to half-capacity per COVID protocols.

CT Supports Performing Arts Students

10/02/2021 - Business News

UAE – Creative Technology Middle East (CTME) supports Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) in its mission to train undergraduate students in performing arts sectors, with a particular focus on supporting students in the Production Arts.

Hippotizer Reveals Visual Superpowers on The Masked Singer Finland

09/02/2021 - Production News

Finland – Helsinki’s Visual Monkeys design agency ramped up the visuals for Finland’s popular The Masked Singer TV show using Hippotizer Montane+ RTX and Karst+ media servers in December.

Robe Precision for Downtown Shakedown

09/02/2021 - Production News

New Zealand – Ten thousand lucky music fans in New Zealand were delighted to be able to kick off their 2020-21 summer festival season with the Downtown Shakedown event in Wellington where a lively and diverse line-up included dub-tastic Fat Freddy’s Drop and rising star singer-songwriter BENEE who joined popular favourites L.A.B., Ladi6, Sola Rosa and Sunshine Sound System to welcome everyone to Waitangi Park.

Stagehand Covid-19 Crew Relief Fund Reaches Over £1M

09/02/2021 - Business News

UK – The Stagehand Covid-19 Crew Relief Fund, launched in September 2020, achieved its target of raising £1m by the end of 2020 and now looks to building on the £1.17 million raised in order to continue supporting live events industry workers experiencing hardship in 2021.

Claypaky Sharpy Plus Fixtures Deliver Stunning Lighting Effects for Mexico City TD Bank Commercial

09/02/2021 - Production News

Mexico – Mexican lighting designer Delher López harnessed the power of 50 Claypaky Sharpy Plus fixtures to create striking spot/beam lighting effects for a TD Bank commercial for the Mexico City region.

Manufacturing: Canford expands reputation as the supplier of choice for connector panels and custom metalwork

09/02/2021 - Business News

UK – Despite the difficulties brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic, the team at Canford has remained steadfast in its commitment to supporting customers, new and old.

Prism Sound Appoints SSL Asia as its Distributor

09/02/2021 - Business News

South East Asia – Audio conversion specialist, Prism Sound, has appointed SSL Asia Pte Ltd as its new distributor for Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar, with responsibility for its entire product range including the recently launched ADA-128 modular audio conversion system and its award-winning range of audio interfaces such as Lyra, Titan and Atlas.

L-Acoustics K Series Positions Exhibition London as New Cultural Hub

09/02/2021 - Project News

UK – The recently launched Exhibition London event space is situated in the heart of London’s White City and Westfield London, one of the capital’s premier shopping destinations. This multi-purpose venue is housed in a stunning Grade II listed building built in 1899 and originally used as an engine house for Central London Railways. A complete renovation of the space combines sensitive architectural restoration with 21st-century technology, which features an L-Acoustics K Series loudspeaker system, to help establish the new space as a major music venue and cultural hub.

Showlight Announces Virtual Event – Save the Date!

09/02/2021 - Event News

Following the postponement of Showlight 2021, Showlight has announced that a one-day 'Virtual Showlight' will be held in its place as a temporary interlude. The live online event will take place on Tuesday 25 May 2021 between the hours of 15:00 and 23:00 BST.

Lighting one of the highest buildings in the world: Canton Tower with grandMA3 system equipped

09/02/2021 - Project News

China – Canton Tower, formerly known as Guangzhou TV and Sightseeing Tower, is a 604 metre observation tower in Guangzhou, China and now the second tallest tower in the country and the fourth-tallest free-standing structure in the world. It was topped-out in 2009 and became operational in 2010 for the Asian Games. The tower briefly held the title of ‘tallest completed tower’ in the world, replacing the CN Tower before being surpassed by Tokyo Sky Tree in 2011. It reined as the tallest structure in China prior to the topping out of the Shanghai Tower in 2013.

Gilles Pétrotey and Audio-Technica France join forces to represent Genelec

09/02/2021 - Business News

France – Genelec has announced the appointment of Audio-Technica France to handle the French distribution of its studio and AV loudspeaker ranges, with Gilles Pétrotey joining the Audio-Technica team to spearhead Genelec sales in the region. This new distribution partnership is effective from 1 March 2021.

10 out of 10 Productions Installs Chauvet Professional Force Fixtures in Grove Theatre

08/02/2021 - Project News

UK – On 21 April, 2007, the Grove Theatre held its opening gala hosted by legendary actor Brian Blessed. The following day, its first show, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, began a one-week run. From that point on, the 750-seat venue looked like it would never slow down, staging over 5,000 shows and events in a 13-year period. Then the COVID-19 pandemic brought its busy schedule to an abrupt halt.

#WeMakeEvents gives evidence at DCMS hearing on UK festivals

08/02/2021 - Business News

UK – On Tuesday 2 February, #WeMakeEvents gave evidence during a DCMS Select Committee inquiry into the future of UK festivals, represented by the leader of the campaign’s political group Duncan Bell who detailed the ongoing challenges faced by the live events and entertainment industry.

Shoreline City Church Celebrates Christmas in Style

05/02/2021 - Production News

USA – Shoreline City Church (SCC) held a fully social distanced and masked Covid-safe Christmas Eve service and celebration at the American Airlines Center (AAC) in Dallas which featured a diversity of performances by multiple artists and a flurry of different vocalists from the church, all backed by their highly talented house band.

Michael T. Strickland Awarded NAMM Believe in Music Award

05/02/2021 - People News

USA – Michael T. Strickland, Bandit Lites chair and founder, was recently awarded the NAMM Believe in Music Award, an honour bestowed to individuals and businesses who have made a lasting and positive impact on both the NAMM Oral History Collection and the global music products industry. Strickland received the award for his continued efforts to Congress on behalf of the Live Music Industry.

Mason Felps Relies on Rogues to Reach Billy Bob’s Crowd for Josh Turner

05/02/2021 - Production News

USA – Like many things in the Lone Star State, Billy Bob’s is nothing, if not big. Billing itself as the “world’s largest honky tonk,” a claim no one is likely to dispute, the former World War II aeroplane factory in Fort Worth’s Stockyard District, covers over 100,000 square feet, features a 2,000 sq. ft dance floor, 20-acre parking lot and 30 bar stations.

Catching the Beats of Leuven

05/02/2021 - Production News

Belgium – Creative lighting and multimedia design specialist Painting with Light (PWL) was commissioned by the city of Leuven in Belgium to imagine and realise an eye-catching, living, breathing light artwork to tie in with popular Belgian Radio station StuBru (Studio Brussel)’s 2020 De Warmste Week (Music for Life).

Elation lights New Radicals “Parade Across America” Inauguration performance

05/02/2021 - Production News

USA – When the new Biden-Harris administration asked New Radicals frontman Gregg Alexander to play “You Get What You Give” at their 20th January virtual “Parade Across America,” producers ESM Productions and A/V provider Synergetic stepped in to help make it happen.

Brompton Technology unleashes multiple new features with Tessera V3.1 software

05/02/2021 - Equipment News

Leading LED processor manufacturer, Brompton Technology, has announced the release of its new Tessera V3.1 software, providing users of Tessera SX40 and S8 LED processors with a host of features including HFR+ and Frame Remapping that deliver key benefits for creatives working in virtual production and cinematography, as well as for markets such as sports broadcast, simulation and virtual reality.

Solid State Logic Introduces UF8 Advanced Studio DAW Controller

05/02/2021 - Equipment News

The culmination of 40 years of mastering studio ergonomics experience, the new Solid State Logic UF8 controller delivers a new level of user focused design: insightful displays, intelligent fader and control access and function, multiple stand angles for user defined placement and a production workflow enhancing control layout. The high-spec touch sensitive faders, encoders, and high-resolution colour displays, complement the premium build quality that belie this new price point for an SSL controller.

Creative Technology UK Formalises Systems Integration Market

05/02/2021 - Business News

UK – As part of its ongoing strategic growth-plan, Creative Technology (CT) UK, has announced the formalisation of its new dedicated systems integration team for the UK and European integration market.

Tim Jones Augments Audient Console Team in US

04/02/2021 - People News

USA – British audio brand, Audient augments its team with the recent hire of Tim Jones (pictured), who will provide business development and support for its consoles in the US.

Astera for Idols SA

04/02/2021 - Production News

South Africa – The South African State Theatre in Pretoria’s 550 seat Drama Stage hosted both the rounds and finale of the 2020 edition of Idols SA, complete with a lighting design by Joshua Cutts of Visual Frontier and technical production delivered by Dream Sets for SIC Entertainment. This, the 16th series of Idols SA was directed by Gavin Wratten and broadcast on the Mzansi Magic network.

Nicolas Murphy Reflects Gentri’s Sweeping Sound with ChamSys

04/02/2021 - Production News

USA – Words like “soaring” and “inspirational” come up often when critics write about Gentri. It’s easy to see why. With its sweet harmonies and lush orchestration, the music of these three Utah-based tenors gives wings to the imagination.

Renkus-Heinz Promotes Senior Staff to Provide Additional Support and Collaboration Across North America

04/02/2021 - People News

USA – Renkus-Heinz, manufacturer of premium professional loudspeakers, has appointed Dudley McLaughlin to the position of national sales manager and Garrison Parkin to the position of western regional sales manager effective 1 February. The positions both cover the North American region.

Alcons Audio and Pulse Cinemas Forge New UK Partnership

04/02/2021 - Business News

UK – Alcons Audio has teamed up with high-end UK home cinema company Pulse Cinemas to bring its industry-leading pro-ribbon audio systems to British home cinema aficionados.

L-Acoustics Shines at Adelaide’s Summer Sounds Festival 2021

04/02/2021 - Production News

Australia South Australia’s Summer Sounds Festival was a four-week outdoor concert series offering the joy of live sound to a 2,100-capacity audience. Eighteen shows ran the whole month of January, with festival-goers safely and comfortably spaced in ‘Party Pods’ that accommodated four to six people each. The festival celebrated Australian artistes such as Bernard Fanning, Spiderbait, and Hayden James. Through the collaboration of Five Four Entertainment, Groove Events, and Secret Sounds, the festival promoters looked to Adelaide-based L-Acoustics rental network partner Novatech to provide that dynamic live sound festival-goers have been craving.

iMAG and Treehouse Digital deliver state-of-the-art mobile Virtual Production facility

04/02/2021 - Production News

UK – In October last year, technical production and LED screen hire company, iMAG, joined forces with film production company Treehouse Digital, to pioneer a state-of-the-art mobile LED virtual production facility. When the pandemic flipped the events landscape on its head, they were ready to help the film and live events industries navigate through the global restrictions. The result is a mobile facility that offers a 360-degree LED workflow, which includes an in-house drawing team, rigging specialists and full LED set-up.

ETC for ITV

04/02/2021 - Project News

UK – ITV’s ‘This Morning’ is one of the longest running daytime programmes on British television. A regular award-winner at the National Television Awards and TV Choice Awards, the show is broadcast from Television Centre in White City, West London and is hosted by some of the UK’s leading presenters. Airing live, ‘This Morning’ features a wide spectrum of topical material, from current affairs to showbiz, health, style and beauty, food, gardening and more. The show attracts around one million viewers per day, and this year reached its highest ever audience share of just under 30% of viewing.

J.studio in Taiwan Installs a Neve 8424 Console

04/02/2021 - Project News

Taiwan – J.studio, a commercial recording studio in the centre of Taipei, has made a Neve 8424 console the centrepiece of its main control room because it gives the facility the routing flexibility, modularity and freedom it needs to combine a modern, digital workflow with its extensive collection of analogue outboard equipment.

Martin Audio SXCF118 and SXC115 Now Shipping

04/02/2021 - Equipment News

Martin Audio has confirmed that the previously announced SXCF118 and SXC115 compact, high performance cardioid subwoofers are now shipping.

Mansion nightclub houses Void Acoustics

03/02/2021 - Project News

UK – The city of Liverpool has a long standing history for its vibrant nightlife and club scene. And so the opening of the refurbished Mansion nightclub was met with eager anticipation and much hype by locals and tourists alike in early Autumn 2020.

Rupert Neve Designs Launches New 5057 Orbit Summing Mixer

03/02/2021 - Equipment News

On the heels of updating their 5059 Satellite and 5060 Centerpiece summing mixers, Rupert Neve Designs has announced the 5057 Orbit 16 x 2 Summing Mixer, the latest addition to the company’s award-winning family of summing products.

Eclipse and Claypaky light up Museum of the Future for the 49th UAE National Day celebrations

03/02/2021 - Production News

UAE – “Dubai is open for business”, a very clear message from the Government, as the UAE celebrated its 49th National Day in style. Eclipse Staging Services LLC were proud to support its long-term partner, People, with one of the most visually spectacular installations in recent years. Museum of the Future, a 255ft architectural masterpiece, set to open in 2021, was activated for the National Day celebrations with the temporary installation of 49 Claypaky Mythos within its central void.

Wiltshire Creative Adds Chauvet Professional to Salisbury Playhouse Rig for Little Robin Redbreast

03/02/2021 - Production News

UK – The term “every year” was shredded in 2020, as COVID-19 played havoc with the best laid plans and forced the cancellation of annual events. The beloved children’s Christmas show at the Salberg Theatre might well have met this sad, but all-too familiar, fate last month were it not for the resourcefulness and determination of the Wiltshire Creative team.

Le Plan’s culturally diverse music programme sounds better than ever thanks to L-Acoustics

03/02/2021 - Project News

France – Based in Ris-Orangis and owned by Communauté d’Agglomeration Grand Paris Sud, Le Plan opened in 1984, with a new venue built in 2014, and was recently awarded the prestigious contemporary music scenes label (SMAC) by the French Ministry of Culture. A hub for Parisian music lovers and a reference venue for first-class sound quality, Le Plan’s audio system has recently been upgraded with L-Acoustics K and X Series delivered by Audiolive, replacing its previous 17-year-old system.

Neutrik NA2-IO-DPRO Mic Preamp Control Added to Yamaha CL/QL Series

03/02/2021 - Equipment News

Neutrik, the leading supplier of robust and reliable professional connectivity solutions for audio, video, and data, has announced that with the recent version 5.6 firmware update for its CL/QL digital mixing console series, Yamaha has added preamp remote control options for Neutrik’s new NA2-IO-DPRO DANTE audio network device.

Chroma-Q Color Force II Sheds Light on Climate Change for “My Name is Greta”

03/02/2021 - Production News

Denmark – Leading rental and production supplier, Live Company, has further invested in Chroma-Q’s award-winning Color Force II LED battens, following an increasing demand for the product within the Danish rental market.

Chris Lisle lights Inauguration ‘Field of Flags’ on National Mall with Elation

03/02/2021 - Production News

USA – Close to 200,000 flags on the National Mall in Washington D.C. were lit by lighting designer Chris Lisle during the recent Presidential Inauguration, many using LED luminaires from Elation Professional. Field of Flags, an art display representing the people who were unable to attend the event due to the coronavirus pandemic, made for a spectacular sight and powerful message of unity.

KLANG is Key to Gateway Church’s New Model for Satellite Campus Audio Design

03/02/2021 - Project News

USA – When Gateway Church, the largest congregation in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and one of the largest churches in the US opened its new satellite location in suburban Prosper, it chose the KLANG:fabrik Immersive IEM mixing system not only as its critical monitoring solution for the nearly one dozen musicians and vocalists on stage there but also as a keystone component of its audio-systems model for new satellite locations going forward.

Good Shepherd Church Scales Up to Avantis

02/02/2021 - Project News

South Korea – Good Shepherd Church in Bokjeong-dong, South Korea, has recently scaled up the mixing system in its Glory Hall, adding an Allen & Heath Avantis console, along with a set of ME-1 personal mixers for the praise team.

Laser Lights show in Brussels Welcomes 2021

02/02/2021 - Production News

Belgium – Countries worldwide welcomed 2021 in many different, creative and Covid-safe ways, recognising the highly symbolic temporal roll-over from a year where everyone everywhere has been impacted dramatically by the pandemic.

Sirkus Finlandia keeps the show on the road with Ayrton

02/02/2021 - Project News

Finland – Finland’s biggest touring circus, Sirkus Finlandia, completed a successful tour of the country late last year with a lighting rig composed almost entirely of Ayrton fixtures. The Ayrton products were supplied and supported by Ayrton’s exclusive distributor for Finland, Oy Lafoy Ltd of Helsinki.

World Debut for Robert Juliat Arthur Followspots in South Korea

02/02/2021 - Project News

South Korea – Arthur, Robert Juliat’s new 800W LED followspot, made its global debut at Big Eoul Madang (Yongin Cultural Foundation) in Seoul, South Korea, which was proud to be the world’s first venue to receive the new followspot.

CUK Group to distribute Sound Control Technologies in the UK

02/02/2021 - Business News

UK – Sound Control Technologies (SCT), the Connecticut, USA-based manufacturer best known for its camera extension solutions, has appointed CUK Group to distribute its products in the UK where distribution was previously handled by ScanSource.

World’s biggest esports event, League of Legends World Championship 2020, relies on Brompton LED processing

02/02/2021 - Production News

China – The World Championship (Worlds) is the crowning event of Riot Games’ League of Legends. Last year, like many other productions, the world’s most watched esports event migrated to the virtual realm and was broadcast live for over 240 hours using the most advanced and pioneering XR (Extended Reality) and MR (Mixed Reality) technologies, relying heavily on Brompton’s Tessera 4K SX40 LED processors to ensure perfect image reproduction on its LED video set.

Mejor Sonido Become Martin Audio’s First Distributor in Ecuador

02/02/2021 - Business News

Ecuador – Martin Audio has appointed Quito-based Mejor Sonido as its new distributor for Ecuador, the first time the British brand has had direct representation in this South American country.

NEP Group Invests in Outdoor LED Panels from ROE Visual

01/02/2021 - Production News

The Netherlands – ROE Visual has announced that the NEP Group, including European businesses Faber Audiovisuals and Creative Technology, have made a significant joint investment in the new Black Quartz outdoor LED panel.

Chauvet Professional Unleashes New Force

01/02/2021 - Equipment News

Chauvet Professional has turned the notion that 'size matters' on its head with the new Maverick Force 2 Profile and Maverick Force 1 Spot. Developed after extensive R&D and with input from leading designers, this new family of high-performance, LED moving heads, pack arena-sized punch in lightweight frames.