event news

Outline at Frankfurt with EIDOS

2010 will be another year for launching new products and world previews for Outline: in fact, there will be a series of products and innovations that the Italian manufacturer will exhibit in its stand at Frankfurt's ProLight+Sound (stand F80, hall 8.0) from March 24 - 27.

The new products involve a vast range of categories in the sound reinforcement world. They go from an infra-sub with very high transduction efficiency (the LAB 21 HS SP) through a 3D acoustic simulation software package able to import dxf files (OPENARRAY) to new amplifiers fitted with a USB interface and processor (DPA Series).

Even more unique on the international scenario the Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. VLA is now equipped with i-Mode technology and designed to offer ‘Power over Ethernet'.

Outline is also unexpectedly unveiling EIDOS, an original series of loudspeaker enclosures conceived for fixed installations.

The Flero company has announced that in Frankfurt visitors will be able to listen to its Butterfly and Mantas VLA in the special outdoor demo area, the Concert Sound Area (CSA 06, F 130).

Outline also announces that it has updated its general catalogue and prepared specific product brochures (Butterfly and Mantas), which will soon be available in pdf format on their website.

AC-ET Unveils Broad Line up of Innovative Film Lighting at BSC Show

The AC-ET stand (408) at this year's British Society of Cinematographers (BSC) show features the latest conventional film lighting products from leading brands Manfrotto / Avenger, QuartzColor and Balcar alongside new LED film lighting innovations from City Theatrical, Dynacore and Chroma-Q.

As a UK distributor for the Manfrotto / Avenger range of film and, broadcast and entertainment lighting supports, AC-ET will showcase products from their comprehensive range of stands, arms and brackets.

As a UK reseller for Groupe FOKIA, AC-ET will display a selection of products from the French group's portfolio of world-renowned brands. The QuartzColor line up includes the famous Redhead and Blonde portable focusing floodlights plus the Bambino location Fresnel range, which provide the ideal solution for studio and location lighting requirements. The Balcar range includes the new Roundy fluorescent lighting interview kit. Lightweight and easy to set up, it provides the ideal portable studio to create a powerful direct light without any shadows or hotspots. Other Groupe FOKIA brands available from AC-ET include LTM, IFF and Cokin.

AC-ET is also the UK distributor for the long established Mole Richardson product range, which includes the Molebeam discharge and tungsten fixtures.

A growing range of innovative LED solutions specifically designed for the film industry complements AC-ET's conventional lighting portfolio. The new City Theatrical iW Blast TR LED lighting kit provides a variable colour temperature adjustment from 2700K to 6500K, selectable on the unit's controller, and comes with interchangeable lenses, barndoors and louvres.

The new Dynacore DLPR-100D LED flicker free lighting fixture is designed to replace conventional industry fluorescent lighting. The unit features high CRI LEDs, a choice of DMX and standard local control, and a beam spread of 60° for a soft even output with low infrared and ultraviolet properties.

The LED line-up also includes the Chroma-Q Color Block 2 fixture, which features four large single colour RGBA cells to provide a camera friendly beam output, a high CRI of 90 for tungsten emulation and a radically increased colour palette.

www.ac-et.com

Compulite at ProLight & Sound

The Compulite team will be showing their new compact and powerful Vector Violet and Vector Ultra Violet.consoles with their German distributor Feiner Lichttechnik, in Hall 11.0 on stand B70.

The Vector Violet line offers the power, versatility and flexibility of the Vector consoles in a sleek, compact and affordable packaging. They will also be displaying the new 3.18 Beta "candidate release" software.

HSL/Kinesys Workshop a Huge Success

HSL and automation specialist Kinesys recently collaborated to stage a two-day Technical Training Workshop on Kinesys' systems at HSL's HQ in Blackburn.

Designed to work as a one or a two-day course to suit all levels of interest, the response was extremely positive, and all the places were filled, predominantly with working riggers. Some also had lighting experience and were keen to further their knowledge of the system from a creative production angle so automation can be worked in to future visual designs.

HSL's Mike Oates was delighted with the results. "We'll definitely be running further Kinesys training in the future," he said. "The demand for knowledge is certainly there and we could have filled this course over again with no problem. I also feel very confident that I now have access to a pool of crew who understand the workings and capabilities of Kinesys for the many tours and events on which we use it. This was another reason we were keen to run the course."

HSL has invested heavily in Kinesys over the last three years, and it is renowned as a well respected, high quality, industry standard brand.

The first day of the course covered general Technical Training elements including an overview of the basic Kinesys system, while Day 2 was dedicated to the philosophies and working of the Kinesys' Vector control software, complete with practical sessions allowing attendees to get hands-on with the controllers in HSL's large demo area.

Kinesys' founder Dave Weatherhead led the training on both days, with Andy Hicks supporting the classroom sections and hands-on sessions on both days. Four complete systems were set up, each with four Kinesys motors, and one system also featured the Kinesys beam-trolley tracking system. The Kinesys team was completed by business development manager Mark de Gruyter.

In addition to the product range introduction and overview, other essential topics covered included the theory of electric motors, RCDs, emergency stops and communications. Detail on key products like the Elevation 1+ variable speed hoist controller and Smart 8 positioning fixed speed was also included. Other aspects covered included system interconnections, system building, troubleshooting and Vector control training, both in the classroom and hands on with moving trusses and trolleys.

The Kinesys team echoed the enthusiasm of Mike Oates, with de Gruyter commenting: "We're aiming to run more courses in the future so more people can familiarise themselves with using the system and also interact and exchange ideas with other interested Kinesys users."

In picture: A training session in progress.

Alutruss with Own Booth at ProLight+Sound 2010

For the first time in its 19-year history, Alutruss will have its own booth at ProLight+Sound in Frankfurt (A11 in Hall 11.0). With around 40 square metres, all the current range can be examined and a company expert will be on stand to answer any questions

Alutruss is a trademark of Steinigke Showtechnic and was launched in 1991 and as suggested by the name, the trussing is made of aluminum. Safety has always been the most important attribute, and for this reason, all components are manufactured in Europe. The exceptionally high quality is permanently reviewed via TÜV (Technical Inspection Agency) controls and welding certificates, thus maintaining state-of-the-art technology. The range includes trussing of all kinds and ample accessories. It includes: 2-point, 3-point, or 4-point systems, circles, corners, T-pieces, crosses, base and wall-mounting plates, safety pins or tower systems - an extensive range. Also. the the trussing is available in all sizes and RAL colours as well as special finishes.

PLASA International Rigging Conference Announced

In a world first for the entertainment rigging industry, PLASA Events has announced the launch of the PLASA International Rigging Conference, to be held alongside two days of PLASA 2010, at Earls Court, London on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 September.

The aim of this technical conference, the first of its kind in the world, is to provide a unique specialist forum that will bring together entertainment rigging companies, riggers, venue operators, tour and event production managers and more. It is the latest industry-specific forum to be presented by PLASA Events and reflects the PLASA organisation's stated intent to reinvest in the entertainment and installation technology industries and deliver bespoke industry relevant events.

Chris Higgs of Total Solutions Group, consultant on the conference, comments: "This is one of those ideas that when you mention it, everyone says ‘what a fantastic idea - it's long overdue'. There has been a lot of demand from the rigging community for an opportunity - one that doesn't exist anywhere else in the world - for production professionals, whose work either directly involves rigging, or working with riggers, to come together and discuss the many issues that affect us all.

"It's a forum for the rigging industry, venues and production companies, working nationally or internationally, to be able to talk together and discuss working practices and to try to even out some of the differences that exist between venues and productions. Anyone who is directly involved with shows will benefit from the conference. To cite just one example, there is much confusion out there about the requirements and desirability of secondary suspensions - we would hope to start to clear up that issue alone."

The PLASA International Rigging Conference will focus specifically on entertainment rigging and working at height for temporary installations, and will be technically focused, with presentations from respected industry individuals and companies together with leading industry safety advisory groups from around the world.

The full programme will be announced shortly, but will include a packed agenda of conference sessions, panel discussions and some exciting practical demonstrations all of direct relevance to the entertainment rigging community. It will allow delegates to review best practice, dispel some myths, discuss standards and share expertise. A provisional conference agenda is already listed on the website, and developments will be announced as the content evolves.

The event will be held in the Earls Court Conference Centre adjoining the exhibition halls and delegate passes will include free admission to all four days of PLASA 2010.

Delegates already declaring interest in attending include major broadcast organisations and venues, union and trade association representatives, venue management personnel, freelance riggers and manufacturers and distributors of equipment used in rigging.

Director of Events for PLASA, Nicola Rowland comments: "The idea has been incredibly well received already, especially as we are running it alongside PLASA 2010 to give delegates the opportunity to take in the show as well as the conference, and therefore maximise their own business opportunities. The panel already includes an impressive array of international rigging experts and other production professionals and we are talking to more every day."

There is a heavily discounted early booking rate for delegate passes which can be booked online now at www.plasariggingconference.com

A.C. Special Projects Supplies DALD Winners at Lighting Design Awards

David Atkinson Lighting Design (DALD) picked up two awards at the prestigious 2010 Lighting Design Awards, for projects that were supplied by A.C. Special Projects Ltd.

DALD won the Lighting for Leisure award for The British Music Experience (BME) at The O2 in London, a spectacular interactive music exhibition within one of the world's most popular music venues. The BME enables music lovers to trace historic moments and trends through the decades, learn about music's influence on art, fashion & politics and tailor the experience to their own music tastes through interactive elements. A.C. Special Projects assisted DALD with the specification and supply of the exhibition's theatrical based lighting fixtures and a cutting-edge lighting control system for the immersive exit show; a virtual concert featuring performances from some of the biggest UK acts.

DALD won the Low Carbon award for the Centre of the Cell at Whitechapel in London, a unique interactive science education centre housed inside a giant orange ‘pod'. The centre offers children and teenagers a fascinating insight into what scientists actually do and how their work influences real life, through a series of exciting interactive games. A.C. Special Projects assisted DALD with the specification and supply of the pod's dynamic, immersive and energy saving LED lighting system.

Both exhibitions were designed by Land Design Studio.

A.C. Special Projects managing director, Peter Keiderling, commented: "I would like to congratulate David Atkinson on winning these prestigious awards. A.C. Special Projects has worked with DALD on a number of high profile projects and it's always a pleasure to help bring to life David's innovative lighting schemes."

In picture: Ben Fox (programmer, Centre of the Cell), LD David Atkinson and Peter Keiderling of A.C. Special Projects. photo: Stephen Ambrose, Lighting Design Awards 2010.

www.acspecialprojects.com

Showsec Communicate at ILMC 2010

Showsec continued their long-term partnership with the 2010 International Live Music Conference. Communication was a recurring theme as company directors sat on three expert panels debating issues and discussing best practice.

The four-day London conference began with a production day, attended by several hundred international suppliers to venue, tours and festivals. Showsec managing director Mark Harding participated in a panel about how to deal with emergency incidents arising from inclement weather. Every year there are a significant number of casualties caused by bad weather related incidents at outdoor events and members of the esteemed panel recounted personal instances and experiences as to how to avoid or overcoming these. Responding to questions from members of the audience, Mark explained the value of effective planning and communications infrastructures from managing stewards to ELT and show-stop scenarios, giving examples of creating good procedures to deal with a range of challenges.

Over 1,000 international music business promoters, agents and managers joined the event for the following three day programme of conference and networking opportunities.

Mark Logan (Showsec operations director) sat on the opening Saturday morning ‘Engine Room' panel alongside international contemporaries who focussed on achieving standardised best practice for event and touring security. Differences across a range of countries were highlighted, where licensing and production management present very varied levels of sophistication. Mark contributed valuable thoughts on dealing with these discrepancies, drawing on his international touring and festival security experience.

Saturday's conference programme closed with a lively Festival Forum. Mark Harding was invited to join his second ILMC panel, participating in topics ranging from health and safety, licensing conditions, PRS rates and emergency incidents.

Ensuring the global delegates enjoyed their conference in the exclusively secured environment of the Royal Gardens Hotel, Showsec's London office supplied licensed conference security, who performed in an assured professional manner, managed by Tracey McCarthy.

In picture: Mark Harding (centre) and fellow panellists.

TiMax SoundHub and Tracker at Frankfurt ProLight & Sound 2010

Out Board will be at Frankfurt Pro-Light & Sound in Hall 5.1, Stand A01, showing a preview of the TiMax SoundHub's imminent S-Version audio showcontrol software. Aimed at theatre and live events sound designers, new features include multitrack timeline cue programming, clip editing, looping and volume-profiling plus waveform-based pan programming.

TiMax SoundHub will be demonstrated with the revolutionary TiMax Tracker real-time location system for tracking presenters, performers, attraction visitors and conference delegates to control audio localisation, playback, lighting and media servers.

TiMax SoundHub is a multichannel system matrix and audio playback server for theatre, live events, AV installations, attractions, corporate, retail and themed environment. It comprises a scaleable audio system matrix from 16 to 64 channels in/out with up to 64-tracks of random access audio playback in a single 2U chassis. Its powerful feature-set includes parametric EQ, assignable control and routing groups plus dynamic delay-matrixing to allow precise 3D audio localisation for or performers, presenters, exhibits, signage and attractions.

Simple auto-config plug 'n play networking allows control from multiple PC and Mac clients or touch-panels such as Crestron or AMX. Optional modules provide compatibility with industry-standard audio networking such as MADI, Ethersound, Cobranet and Dante.

A Sell Out at ISCEx2010

There was excellent attendance at ISCEx2010 in Watford recently. All possible exhibition spaces were taken up and the seminars were filled with keen listeners almost to bursting.

Terry Baldwin, President of ISCE, said: "What a day! I thought this year's exhibition was probably the very best yet. There was a full house regarding seminars and an excellent number of casual visitors. Well done to Ros Wigmore for organising the event and to the many exhibitors without whom it wouldn't have been the same."

Nicky Spiers, of Voice Perfect Ltd, said: "This year's exhibition was Voice Perfect's first with the ISCE. We were pleasantly surprised by the friendly and relaxed environment that they created which allowed us to demonstrate our new products to interested members. We met many friends, old and new and hope to have at least re-established contacts and leads, if not made some new ones."

The popular seminars, which ran alongside the exhibition, covered a variety of topics. Andy Scott, of SigNET AC Ltd, talked about The Regulatory Reform Order (Fire Safety) 2005. This was followed a seminar by Rupert Moon, of ProAudium (pictured), who gave a fascinating insight into the pitfalls of voice alarm contract project management and how to overcome them.

In the afternoon, Anthony Smith, of Current Thinking Ltd, spoke about 'Switching amplifier topologies and exposing the sub-classes' and the day concluded with a presentation from James Kennedy, of Peavey Electronics, who covered digital audio networking.

Peter Alberry-King, of Penton UK Ltd, said: "ISCEx2010 proved to be a real a success with more exhibitors and visitors than before. It had a real buzz and captured my interest for the whole day. The content and quality of the lectures were very good, offering something for everyone. With some of the larger shows loosing favour with many exhibitors it was great to see so many Companies represented at the show. It was a real treat to meet up with so many people and continue to build relationships for the future. Thank you to all those hard-working individuals who made the day such a success."

Yet again the ISCE has demonstrated its value to its members and to the wider industry by staging another successful event. Companies have already started booking up for ISCEx2011 on 1 March 2011, and the organisers welcome suggestions for next year's technical seminars.

Alcons to Make "the next step" at Frankfurt

The annual ProLight + Sound show in Frankfurt gives Alcons Audio the opportunity to introduce and demonstrate its latest innovations.

As shown already on the recent ISE show in Amsterdam, the CRMS 3-way reference cinema sound system will be shown for the first time in Frankfurt. Alcons developed the Cinema Ribbon Monitor System as reference-quality sound reproduction system for sound-for-picture applications, with fully matched loudspeaker, processing and amplifier components. The first system has already been installed in the Norwegian Film Institute.

A selection of products from Alcons' portfolio will be on show, including the very successful LR7 micro line-array, which received great acclaim in different international reviews and tests.

But the main attention will be on a significant new development, making Alcons' presence at Frankfurt as "the most important in its seven years' existence": Tom Back, Alcons Audio MD: "Following our tremendous success in our current markets worldwide, the time has come to make our entrance into a completely new market segment for Alcons and to make our pro-ribbon technology available there. We've been working on this for the last three years and, with the current market status in mind, we thought the time had come to turn this research into development of a new range of solutions. We see the result as "the evolution of sound reinforcement" and it marks the next step in the position of Alcons in the pro-audio market."

The announcement of this will be made in a press conference at the beginning of the show.

Those interested are invited in Hall 8.0 on stand G50, or for more information on: www.alconsaudio.com and www.wymiwyg.info

LTM and COW Join Forces at ProLight and Sound

A newly combined force will come together as one at Prolight & Sound 2010. This year's exhibition will see Lift Turn Move Ltd (LTM) and COW Lifting Technology (COW) use the show to present their combined portfolio of lifting, control and rigging equipment products.

LTM recently purchased 100% of the shares in COW Lifting Technology - the Aichach (near Munich, Germany) based manufacturer of BGV C1 and SIL 3 chain hoists, winch and control systems.

Together the two companies can offer solutions for most lifting and control applications within the entertainment industry. From a standard theatre hand winch to an automated BGV C1 hoist and control solution with variable speed, positional control and load monitoring - LTM can meet all needs.

LTM will show the LoadGuard electric chain hoists in capacities from 250kg to 5 tonnes as standard rigging hoists and to all current European entertainment standards, e.g. the British Hoisting Entertainment Standard BS 7906: Part 1, Category A, and German Standard BGV D8 Plus.

COW Lifting Technology will show the C-Force range of hoists, winches and control systems. C-Force products specialise in fixed or variable speed hoist and control systems to BGV C1 and up to SIL 3 performance standards.

Both companies offer spares for various manufacturers, repairs and routine servicing across Europe, staff are fully trained in both standard rigging and higher integrity equipment and can offer honest advice at all stages of a project.

Both COW and LTM will be actively seeking to increase their dealer network across Europe and would welcome visitors to discuss this further at the exhibition.

LTM will be in Hall 11.1 Stand C651. They will have the usual hospitality including the LTM Teapot!

In picture: COW lifting equipment at the O2 Arena Berlin.

www.liftturnmove.co.uk

Rosco Supports PSA Benevolent Fund

Roscolab Ltd supported the PSA Welfare & Benevolent Fund with its recent sponsorship of Philip Norfolk (pictured) of MA Lighting who, along with a team of 10 led by PSA's Andy Lenthall, ran the Bath Half Marathon at the beginning of March. President, Mark Engel, and senior sales manager UK, Paul de Ville each pledged £150, on behalf of Roscolab USA and UK respectively, towards sponsoring the runners.

The PSA Welfare & Benevolent Fund exists to help people working in the UK entertainment production industry in times of hardship, providing emergency relief when injury or illness prevents working or forces an unplanned change of career.

"When Phil approached us and said he was to attempt a Half Marathon on behalf of the PSA Welfare & Benevolent Fund, I told him that only people over a certain age would know what he was talking about and that I would normally eat the whole thing!" says Paul de Ville. "However, when he explained that he was actually referring to a sponsored run and outlined the work that the Fund does, we felt it was a very worthwhile cause and pledged our support immediately. We are very proud of what Phil and Team PSA have achieved."

Philip Norfolk rose to the occasion, completing the 13.1 mile course in an ‘extraordinary' time of 1 hour 38.5 minutes, knocking an impressive 23 minutes off his running time of 2 hours 1.5 minutes at last year's event.

"I was delighted with my result," says Norfolk, "and delighted with the amount of money we raised and with how incredibly well the whole team did. There were those of us who had only run a couple of races before and others who had never done so at all. But everyone put in an incredible amount of effort to raise money for this worthy cause."

Norfolk was the fastest runner of Team PSA which consists of Dave Bigg, Sarah James, John Jones, Lindsey Markham, Andy Lenthall, Claire House, Steve Warren, Philip Norfolk, Glyn O'Donoghue and Angela Tippett. The total raised by the team so far is in excess of £6500.

"People recognise the importance of the PSA Welfare & Benevolent Fund and it is thanks to the generosity of companies like Rosco that we are able to keep on supporting it," concludes Norfolk.

Anyone wishing to contribute to their fundraising efforts can do so by visiting the Just Giving website at www.justgiving.com/Team-PSA

For more information on PSA Welfare & Benevolent Fund visit: www.psa.org.uk/welfare-benevolent-fund.asp  

www.rosco.com

www.malighting.com

UK Début for New Allen & Heath Products at PLASA Focus

Allen & Heath will be showing several new products at PLASA Focus, Leeds 2010, following their introduction at NAMM and Pro Light + Sound, Frankfurt.

A highlight will be the newly launched iDR-16 3U MixRack and iLive-R72 rackmountable control surface, which together provide a space saving, lightweight digital live mixing system, bringing the same power, sonic performance and flexibility of the larger touring iLive systems to a significantly lower price point.

With these additions, the iLive Series now includes a total of 6 Surface and 5 MixRack variants, which can be mixed and matched in any combination, and share the same firmware, so that show files are transferable between systems via a USB key.

The compact ZED-10 and ZED-10FX mini mixers will also have their first UK showing. The new additions feature two ultra high impedance discrete Class A FET inputs, which allow an instrument to be plugged directly into the mixer. A 26dB gain boost switch caters for instruments with very low output pickups.

The ZED-10 and 10FX can also manage up to four microphones and two stereo sources with MP3 player compatibility, provide separate 2-track record outputs and a stereo playback input for 2-track replay or interval music from a CD player, XLR main stereo outputs with inserts, comprehensive monitoring with headphones and separate monitor speaker outputs, 48V microphone phantom power, and DI level switching for sub mixing.

There is also a USB send and return for PC or Mac recording, playback and effects. In addition, the ZED-10FX has a built-in FX processor with TAP tempo delay settings and a 24 bit/48kHz conversion rate. The ZED-10FX uses digital effects algorithms derived from Allen & Heath's pro touring digital mixing system, ranging from classic reverbs and cascaded delay plus reverbs to shimmering flanger and chorus effects.

In picture: the ZED-10FX and the iDR-16/iLive-R72.

AC Support PSA Welfare & Benevolent Fund

Last weekend A.C. Entertainment Technologies' Glyn O'Donoghue joined up with nine industry colleagues to run the Bath Half Marathon. Following over 500 miles of training he managed to struggle around the 13.1mile course in 1hour 54min. The point of the exercise was to raise money for a very worthy production industry cause; the PSA Welfare and Benevolent Fund, which was set up to provide financial relief in cases of need, hardship or distress to people who are, or have been, members of the PSA, and their dependants.

"So far we have raised over £6,500 between us," says Glyn, "with my main personal sponsors being AC and HSL - thanks chaps!"

This result to date is fantastic but more would be even better, so if you would like to help support a production industry charity please visit http://www.justgiving.com/Team-PSA to donate.

TOA Meets EN-54 European Fire Alarm Standards at prolight+sound

Helping to make audio systems designed for the future, specialist audio manufacturer TOA Europe will reveal their eagerly awaited EN-54 European standard fire alarm audio products at this year's prolight+sound. TOA is one of the first companies that can offer a complete audio control and speaker system with EN-54 compliance.

The new products that meet EN-54 standards include the VM-3000 series PA/VA system that combines digital audio PA, paging and BGM functionality. In the speaker range, the PC-1867 FC 12-cm flush ceiling mounted speakers and BS-680FC public address speakers are also EN-54 compliant. More compliant products from TOA will be revealed at the show.

"The European EN-54 standard is set to be a hot topic at prolight+sound. We expect the new standard to change the voice alarm industry, what equipment you can use and how voice alarm systems are installed," says Brett Downing, Sales & Marketing Director at TOA Europe.

"Demonstrating our commitment to the industry, we look forward to introducing our new compliant products at prolight+sound and expect them to greatly appeal to installers, users, consultants and even third-party manufacturers. We will also be offering guidance on this standard for future projects so that we can help our customers plan future bud gets and investments in compliant products when the legislation comes into effect in March 2011."

AXYS Beam Shaping Subwoofers to be Launched at Prolight and Sound

Having started the beam steering revolution back in the 1990s with their Intellivox range, audio industry pioneer Duran Audio is once again embarking on another adventure with a range of Beam Shaping Subwoofers which will be launched at Prolight and Sound in Frankfurt.

The AXYS range of Beam Shaping Subwoofers is designed to be totally versatile, scalable and easy to use. Those who invest in the technology can achieve maximum control for the minimum of investment. One day you could use a huge array of subs to control the low end at a large arena or stadium gig and the next day you could use one unit on its own in a simple conference setup or three units combined in a hyper cardioid set up in a theatre.

Being able to control the dispersion of the bass array in a reverberant space, such as a large indoor arena or concert hall you can add more definition and punch to the low end and banish that flabby undefined bass sound that you normally experience due to the poor the direct to reverberant ratio at low frequencies. Basically you can aim the bass where you want it, at the audience, and excite them and not the room.

Controlling the dispersion of a bass array can also help deal with the tricky problem of noise pollution at large outdoor events. By shaping and steering the dispersion of the array you can really maximise the experience for the audience whilst keeping the neighbours happy too! At last bass with fewer complaints.

Find out more about AXYS Beam Shaping Subwoofers on Stand D70, Hall 8 at Prolight and Sound.

 

 

Education & Learning Programme Attracts Top Names

Visitors to PLASA Focus: Leeds 2010 - which takes place on Tuesday 27 & Wednesday 28 April at the Royal Armouries - are invited to take part in a series of seminars presented by some of the industry's leading bodies.

The two-day Education & Learning Programme, which runs alongside the sell-out exhibition, proved a major success last year and this year will cover an equally diverse range of topics.

Beginning with The Theatres Trust Annual Conference, this year's debate focuses on the principles of School Theatre Design. That's followed by the Production Managers Forum with the SMA (Stage Management Association) and a session entitled 'Preparing for the Future' with the NSA (National Skills Academy), who, as part of their quest to give people access to careers in the backstage industries, will explore why accreditation in the industry is important. It will also address changes to legislation, in particular issues surrounding 'green' legislation.

The second day opens with two regional case studies. David Stuttard, for the past 12 years the technical director of Wexford Opera House will discuss the rebuilding of this landmark venue which has been one of Ireland's most important cultural projects of recent times, employing many innovations, both architecturally and technically. David will reflect on how the acclaimed new venue came into being, exploring the relationships between client, architect and consultants during the build and on to the completed reality.

The second case study is an insight into the ground-breaking installation that's putting Manchester's iconic music scene back on the map. The Warehouse Project is the UK's largest and most successful temporary clubbing and live music phenomenon. Located in the industrial arches deep beneath Manchester's Piccadilly train station, all lighting, sound and live production has been supplied, built and managed by live events and communications agency Ear To The Ground. They will be explaining how they turn a working car park into a club capable of attracting the world's most famous DJs and bands ... in four hours!

The importance of safety in rigging will be addressed by UK Rigging and Total Solutions Group in a workshop on the topic 'What's the Damage?' - exploring the legal requirements and practicalities of inspecting work equipment used in the entertainment industry. The session will concentrate on lifting accessories and PPE for work at height - principles which can be applied equally well to other areas: for example, access equipment. The talk will also offer an opportunity to apply the knowledge and decide whether gear is safe to use, requires a second opinion or should be destined for the skip!

A seminar by InfoComm International entitled 'Realising the Value of Project Management' will explore how effective project management and efficient processes can help retain margin and add value - a topic of relevance to all disciplines.

The Education & Learning programme will close with a seminar from Julie's Bicycle, a not-for-profit organisation helping the music industry cut its greenhouse gas emissions and build climate responsible businesses. The session will address key sustainability issues in the creative industries and how Julie's Bicycle has approached these challenges. The session will examine the opportunities, and the limitations, and what is needed to base cultural experiences on a low carbon infrastructure.

The seminar programme is now live at www.plasafocus.com/leeds. Like the show, admission to all seminars is free, however visitors must register to reserve a place as space is limited.

Harlequin and RAD present MOVE-IT seminar

British Harlequin plc will once again be exhibiting at MOVE-IT 2010 and providing flooring for the main performance stage and Harlequin Masterclass Studio. Harlequin will also be a co-presenter of the 'Preventing Injury and Creating a Safe Dance Environment Seminar'.

The seminar - Preventing Injury and Creating a Safe Dance Environment - takes place on Sunday 14th March at 11.45 am.

The presenters are: Guy Dagger of British Harlequin plc, Chloë Naalchigar of RAD and Luke Hopper, an ex-dancer from Western Australia.

The event is described as: "an essential session for dancers, teachers and choreographers, outlining some important ways to help you prevent injury and make sure you and your dancers remain safe while performing and rehearsing. From the low-down on what to look for in studio space and the latest in dance floor technology to top tips from a leading expert in dance science."

RMS at ProLight and Sound 2010

At the upcoming ProLight and Sound show, RMS will demonstrate some exiting new features of their well-established rental software, RMS25.

The first new feature is CrewCommunicator. This allows for easy planning and allocating of crew, both freelance and own staff. When allocating a crew member in RMS, the CrewCommunicator automatically sends an email containing a link to a webpage to the crew member. This webpage shows the job details, and allows the crewmember to respond whether he/she accepts the job, together with additional notes. The response is automatically processed by RMS. The webpage can be on the company's own website, or anywhere else and the layout of the webpage is customiseable by the end-user.

The next new feature is RFID and bar-coding. RMS25 now allows both RFID and bar-coding for checking items out and in. When using RFID, RMS can store the code of the RFID-tag into the database. When using RFID or barcodes, RMS will record which serial number of a specific item has been taken on a specific job.

Also new is the Multisites-option in RMS25. This option has been completely re-written. Together with an existing users, RMS has set up an installation with 22 sites, all over the world. Moving items between sites is very simple, and RMS keeps track

of all inventories, and can also make predictions of the various stocks, taking the upcoming stock moves from and to a site into account.

Finally, RMS will show a sneak preview of their future plans...

RMS will be on booth A58 in Hall 9.0.

www.rmsplanning.com

Stage Electrics Sponsors Team PSA

Stage Electrics is sponsoring Zero 88's brand manager, Claire House, who is taking part in the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday March 7. Claire is one of a group of industry professionals that have come together as ‘Team PSA' to run the 13.1 miles of this gruelling, yet rewarding challenge, on behalf of Production Services Association (PSA) in aid of their Welfare and Benevolent Fund.

This is the first year that Stage Electrics have sponsored the PSA and is delighted that Team PSA are raising money for such an important and beneficial charity. The Charity was first registered in April 2000, on behalf of people who work in the UK entertainment and production Industry. The charity is able to offer support in many ways, such as, providing small grants for emergency relief and support towards re-training when an unexpected injury, or illness, prevents an individual from working, or forces an unplanned change in their career.

Adam Blaxill, marketing and strategic sales manager at Stage Electrics said: "We are really pleased to be supporting Claire in this event. I know that she has put an enormous amount of effort into her training. We have a long and close relationship with Zero 88 which has grown from strength to strength over the years and we wish Claire the very best of luck!"

Claire, commenting on the challenge ahead said: "After a discussion at PLASA last year myself, Andy Lenthall from PSA and a number of familiar industry faces decided to run the Bath Half marathon to help raise money for the PSA, which is one of our few industry related charities. It seemed like a good idea at the time! The whole team has worked extremely hard to get this far, each putting in 100's of miles of training over a very cold and icy winter. I'm not sure if we are looking forward to the run on Sunday but we are all looking forward to finishing! I am delighted that Stage Electrics are sponsoring me for this event, which I am hoping to achieve in under two hours".

If you would like to support Team PSA and donate to the PSA Welfare and Benevolent Fund please visit: www.justgiving.com/Team-PSA

In picture: Claire House in a Cardiff 10k run and Team PSA.

www.stage-electrics.co.uk

 

 

Kling & Freitag Workshop at LIPA with VME

On February 4, Dion Davie, head of VME,.British agents for Kling & Freitag sound systems, organised the first K&F workshop at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, famous for its Sir Paul McCartney and producer George Martin connections.

The workshop actually took place in the Paul McCartney Theatre within the renovated and venerable old school complex attended by Paul. All LIPA students specialising in technology were invited to attend.

Lecturer David Ludz was in charge of the technical support for Kling & Freitag and was assisted actively by VME with the substantial equipment of K&F systems - the brand new NOMOS XLC was contributed by Hanover-based K&F.

The training focused on the recent Kling & Freitag products: Sequenza 10 line array, Sequenza 10B subwoofer, Con:Sequenza simulation software, CD 44 digital controller, CD 44 remote software and the Nomos XLC 3x18" cardioid subwoofer.

The K&F workshop ran for nearly seven hours and included detail of practical experience with the systems. Chris Layton, lecturer at LIPA, confirmed that the workshop had been received enthusiastically by both the participants and the organisers, and that this was certainly not the last workshop to include Kling & Freitag sound systems at LIPA.

In picture: David Ludz, Chris Layton and Dion Davie at LIPA.

CAST Software's Vivien2010 Wins at Confex

CAST Software won Best Exhibition and Conference Service for Vivien2010 at Confex on Wednesday, February 24 at Earls Court in London. The award, accepted by Bruce Freeman, chairman of CAST Software, was presented for the most significant innovation in a product or service that will impact the industry.

International Confex is the UK's leading trade show for event organizers, bringing together the top industry professionals who organize any kind of special event with event support services and venues both in the UK and across the world.

This was the first year for Vivien to appear at Confex and the response was overwhelming. The all-new Vivien2010 was innovated from wysiwyg, the software of choice of designers in the entertainment industry for 15 years for movie/stage/TV and special event productions, including the Harry Potter series, Spiderman, Disney, Cirque du Soleil, U2 360° Tour, Nobel Prize Banquet, and the Vancouver Olympics. Vivien2010 is the most affordable special event planning/design, 3D previsualization software tool designed by/for the full spectrum of professionals in the meetings and special events industry. Vivien's accurate 3D images mean that event planners, designers, venue sales teams, caterers, furniture rental specialists and everyone else in the chain can go way beyond the typical 2D plans. Using Vivien's tools and wizards, they can make their creative ideas come to life in colourful 3D Virtual Views which impress clients by creating a customized, virtual model to meet customers' specifications, turn around RFPs quickly and inexpensively, incorporate eye-popping visuals and close sales at higher margins. What's more, all this information can be sent electronically or via webcast.

"We just keep hearing that Vivien2010 is an absolute must for event planners and obviously a super sales tool," said Freeman, "I have been approached non stop with the positive response to Vivien. I've been told how first-time users not only secured a significant project as a result of their first use, but how Vivien actually got them additional work from the same client - all within a week! I was told of a London venue that used Vivien's previsualizations (of their unfinished space) to presell the new venue! And one particular London event industry guru said to me an hour before the awards: ‘I've seen nothing that is so fast, so flexible, and so powerful!' It reinforces our belief that Vivien2010 is something that can change the way organizers work today. We're extremely pleased."

As with all CAST Software products, the developments and innovations for Vivien are ongoing, with new releases and Library updates always on the horizon and free to current Members. CAST will be releasing a huge addition to the Vivien Library in early Summer 2010, including new backdrops, linen, drapes, and furniture - adding 1000s of new objects that can be used in the planning and designing process.

In picture: Bruce Freeman accepts the award at Confex.

Cadac Continues Expansion Across Production Sectors at ProLight + Sound

Cadac continues its expansion across all areas of sound production - including sound touring, theatre sound, event production, location and studio recording - with the ongoing diversification of its product portfolio and core technologies, resulting in the presentation of a range of new products in final production form at this year's ProLight + Sound exhibition.

The new products exploit the company's unique analogue engineering heritage and advanced digital signal processing technologies to provide a range of fully digital and hybrid designs; the fruition of renewed investment in R&D and production facilities from its Soundking Group parent company. At the apex of Cadac's digital development programme is the S-Digital mixing system. Designed from the ground up for the theatre and live sound markets, the S-Digital console uniquely combines the audio character, tools, features and surface architecture of the long standing industry standard Cadac J-Type analogue theatre console, with all of the operational and creative benefits of the most advanced digital live production console yet designed.

Being shown at ProLlight + Sound in it's final production version, the S-Digital console has already attracted a substantial number of pre-orders, with the first of these currently being delivered. The S-Digital console on the exhibition floor will be complemented by a 'live' console in the Ronnie Lane Mobile Studio Airstream caravan parked on the stand.

Also now in final production form, the LIVE1 series is a fully specified, fully Cadac budget console that exploits the company's heritage engineering to provide exceptional functionality and quality at a competitive price. Designed by the company's analogue console team to offer an affordable Cadac Sound console for FOH applications, the LIVE1 series is based on Cadac's traditional audio circuits and available in 16/4/2, 24/4/2 and 32/4/2 formats. The LIVE1 combines many of the high end features associated with large format Cadac concert and theatre desks with an innovative digital I/O and networking interface unique to any console at this price point.

A further development derived from Cadac's heritage console designs is a new series of outboard processors, making the classic Cadac sound available in 19 inch rack mount outboard form and offering sound engineers a highly affordable upgrade path for any live or location mixing set up, or music production suite. The first of these is the ME2, a dual channel Mic Pre-Amplifier Mixer / EQ with analogue outs and, like the LIVE1, a digital I/O and networking interface unique on a product at this price point.

In picture: the Cadac S-Digital.

Avolites Titan V3 Debuts at ProLight + Sound

With an impressive exhibitor list and billed as the leading international trade fair, Pro Light + Sound has come round yet again and will be running from 24 - 27 March. As ever, the Avolites team will be there in force at the Messe Frankfurt centre with Trendco, their German distributors. Find them in Hall 11.0, booth A81 and be the first to see Titan V3, as well as get up close and personal with their hot new hybrids - the white Pearl Titan Expert, Pearl Tiger Touch and Expert Touch Wing with V3 operating system.

Launching Titan V3 for the first time, the Avo team will be on hand to answer any questions as well as demonstrate the full capabilities of the sensational touch screen operating system. Features such as the new Quad view, which allows multiple user defined views, will be available. Plus, Colour Controller and Channel List viewer can be seen in addition to a Dynamic Function window - offering context sensitive functions and direct access to 100 extra Playbacks.

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