DirectOut manufactures flexible audio solutions, and when Ricki Cook was employed as the systems architect for Linkin Park, he turned to the DirectOut PRODIGY and EXBOX Series to ensure his audio setup was compatible with any system, anywhere in the world. Whether the show is a fly-in gig in South America, a US TV show, or performing in a European stadium, the band’s audio system is ready for anything and fully redundant thanks to DirectOut’s solutions. Beginning his career in systems integration followed by live/touring sound, he then diversified into broadcast, where he discovered the flexibility of DirectOut, and has…
Author: Alicia Pollitt
Patch Productions Director, Toby Chevis, is a man on a mission to deliver the very finest outdoor events and theatrical sound possible. He started his rental company journey early in life, building a freelance career from the age of just 14. His first DiGiCo console was the SD8, which enabled him to supply the Cheltenham Jazz festival. He now supplies every Cheltenham Festival and, with his latest purchase of a pair of brand-new Quantum 326s, one with the T software installed, he is supplying an increasing number of theatrical and touring shows too. “As a kid, I was always into…
In the expert hands of sound designer Gareth Owen, the power of d&b Soundscape and the directivity of the new CCL loudspeaker system are playing their part in the heart-warming delivery of Paddington The Musical at the Savoy Theatre. This world-premiere production, produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, STUDIOCANAL and Eliza Lumley Productions on behalf of Universal Music UK, directed by Luke Sheppard and with music and lyrics by McFly’s Tom Fletcher and book by Jessica Swale, is a warm, luxurious, enveloping experience. As WhatsOnStage puts it, it is a show “so emotionally and tonally perfect that the entire audience is…
Avid has announced the launch of the Dante HD Option Card for its VENUE | S6L live sound systems, bringing 128×128 channels of Dante I/O at 96 kHz directly into the heart of Avid’s flagship audio platform. As the scale and complexity of live production continue to escalate, this new card delivers the large-scale distributed connectivity, flexible design, and uncompromising performance that audio professionals need to meet the fast-evolving demands of any stage or venue – without compromising workflow speed or sound quality. The Dante HD Option Card for Avid VENUE | S6L enables seamless audio routing for concerts, theatre,…
SMODE played a central role in delivering the striking visual universe for French rock band La Femme’s very first concert in France’s largest indoor venue: the Accor Arena in Paris. After starting in small Parisian clubs and performing at venues around the world, the band recently conquered one of the biggest stages in France to present its latest album and celebrate more than ten years of career with their fans. Working alongside long-time collaborator and lighting designer Rémi Deschamps, Quentin Brard, the SMODE operator on this tour, helped shape the show’s artistic direction using real-time video workflow that underpinned the…
Top national live event production and systems integration services provider 3G Productions has appointed Todd Liedahl to serve as its Chief Operating Officer (COO). Based at 3G’s Nashville location, Liedahl is now tasked with overseeing all company operations, with an emphasis on driving efficiency and scale as 3G continues to grow its presence into a national full-service provider. “We are thrilled to welcome Todd as our new Chief Operating Officer,” said 3G’s CEO, Keith Conrad. “His extensive experience in scaling operations and building high-performing teams is exactly what we need at this pivotal moment in our growth. I’m confident that…
Production Futures has announced that its first ON TOUR event of 2026 will see a return to the Roundhouse in central London on Monday, 9 March. The free-of-charge event will promote employability, transferable skills, diversity, free training and networking, and will present paid work opportunities to newcomers across the live event and broadcast production industry. Visitors to the show will enjoy a packed schedule, which includes special guests, talks and panels, careers advice, industry workshops, competitions, and hands-on experience of technologies. Hannah Eakins CEO at Production Futures commented: “Following the success of this year’s event at the Roundhouse, we are…
In 2025, Meyer Sound expanded its global portfolio of touring, installed, and immersive projects while debuting pioneering new integrated loudspeaker technologies for real-world production. Together, these efforts reflected a connected ecosystem shaped by creative and technical workflows across markets and disciplines. 2025 technology developments reinforced Meyer Sound’s continued evolution toward unified, networked ecosystems. The new flagship ASTRYA-140 screen channel loudspeaker cements the company’s leadership in premium exhibition sound and debuts GEN-1 technology, which brings networked connectivity and onboard signal processing directly to the loudspeaker. The new USW-121P high-power subwoofer is the first low-frequency product to launch with GEN-1. “Our focus…
Clair Global has announced the official opening of its new, purpose-built global headquarters and the expansion of its manufacturing capabilities in Lititz, PA. The company has reimagined its workspace to optimise operational efficiency and enhance unity across its Events, Integration and Product divisions, and has repurposed its previous site into a fully-fledged factory for the Cohesion brand and other internal manufacturing needs. Matt Clair, EVP Business Operations, commented: “Our new workflow in Lititz allows us to better adapt to the diverse solutions our teams deliver and the variety of markets we serve. The workforce can respond rapidly to urgent client…
Production Resource Group (PRG), the world’s leading provider of entertainment and live event technology solutions, has announced the expansion of its global LED inventory with the addition of ROE Visual’s Vanish V4ST panels, set to be available across all PRG markets beginning February 2026. The investment strengthens PRG’s ability to deliver broadcast-quality outdoor visuals at scale and reinforces its commitment to supplying clients with advanced, versatile video technology for live entertainment, festivals, broadcast, and experiential events. Engineered for large-scale applications, the Vanish V4ST offers 4.6mm pixel pitch, exceptional brightness, and a robust, tour-ready design. Its weather-resistant properties combined with an…
Follow-Me has announced that its Follow-Me 3D system successfully supported Alanis Morissette’s Las Vegas residency at Caesar’s Palace, delivering sophisticated lighting and performer tracking solutions for landmark performances celebrating the 30th anniversary of Jagged Little Pill. The residency, which took place in October and November, featured eight performances of classic hits including Ironic and You Oughta Know on Caesar’s Palace’s expansive 120-foot-wide stage. The production combined Morissette’s powerful rock performances with theatrical elements, including dancers, monologues, set pieces, and skits that told the stories behind her songs. The Follow-Me 3D system enabled approximately 120 fixtures to function as follow-spots throughout…
Britannia Row has supplied a compact control package to Jade Thirlwall on her first UK solo headline tour. Working with FOH Mixer Olly Nendick and Monitor Engineer Meghan MacAskill, Account Executive Jonathan ‘Jono’ Dunlop provided a small footprint touring system to transition from festival season into theatre-size venues, creating a comfortable stage environment for the singer’s solo journey. Nendick began: “Since the start of her career, Jade had only toured in arenas, going from the X Factor and straight into huge gigs with an army of fans. We knew it could be more of a challenge for her to play…
AV Stumpfl has announced the addition of Richard Baldinger as managing director of its US subsidiary with offices in Atlanta, Georgia, and Santa Monica, California. Baldinger brings more than 15 years of international leadership experience, with a strong track record of helping companies grow, scale and succeed in the US market. His professional background spans sales, marketing, service and product management, giving him a uniquely comprehensive perspective on building customer-centric organisations. Most recently, Baldinger served as director of sales and marketing at Fronius USA, where he played a pivotal role in building the US marketing and inside sales teams and…
GLP has announced the official sales launch of the new E-Frost filter for the GLP Creos at LDI in Las Vegas. The innovative filter is now available through GLP’s global distribution network. Based on modern Smart Glass technology and engineered specifically for the Creos, the E-Frost allows designers to manipulate the beam angle and the perceived appearance of the front lens in backlight situations via independently controllable frost segments – unlocking creative possibilities that conventional frost filters cannot achieve. The GLP Creos has established itself as one of the most versatile and powerful LED hybrid fixtures in its class. It…
eps has appointed Tom Bilsen as Chief Executive Officer of eps event holding, effective 1 December, 2025. This strategic addition to the leadership team signals a clear commitment to strengthening the group’s international growth and future readiness. With nearly three decades of experience in staging large-scale events, eps has earned a reputation for delivering cutting-edge site infrastructure to the world’s most iconic festivals, tours, and sporting events. The appointment of Bilsen marks a new chapter in eps’ global journey. “Tom knows the live business inside and out,” said Okan Tombulca, founder and Managing Director of eps. “He brings deep industry…
L-Acoustics has invited visitors to discover the next generation of residential and commercial audio innovation across three dedicated spaces at Integrated Systems Europe (3-6 February 2026, Gran Fira Barcelona). From immersive home cinema to cutting-edge installed sound solutions, the company will demonstrate how its technologies deliver extraordinary audio experiences for any application and environment. Visitors can explore L-Acoustics innovations across three distinct locations: Audio Hall – Hall 7, Booth #7B190 The L-Acoustics showcase in the Audio Hall features a comprehensive display of the company’s loudspeaker systems, electronics, software, and solutions. This is the destination for integrators and audio professionals seeking…
ETC has announced High End Systems Dataflash 5000, a strobe fixture capable of 52,000 lumens. With both an RGB LED array and a 3200-7500 K white light center, Dataflash 5000 offers bold colour capabilities to meet any artistic vision. An IP65 rating makes Dataflash 5000 an ideal choice for festivals and outdoor gigs. Dataflash 5000 has an LED engine that turns on and stays on. With the variable white light centre and the surrounding RGB LEDs, designers can achieve both warm and cool strobing while also painting the stage with vivid colour. Included dome accessories make Dataflash 5000 even more…
The Belgian festival summer of 2025 was defined by spectacular productions on the country’s largest stages. PRG Belgium, one of the leading providers of event and live productions, consistently turned to the powerful IP65-certified fixtures from German lighting innovator ROXX. In particular, the ROXX NEO and CLUSTER series were supplied in large numbers, delivering powerful looks, reliable outdoor performance, and broad creative freedom for lighting designers. By recognising the potential of ROXX early on and investing heavily in the NEO and CLUSTER series, the company, with the close support of distributor Luxillag, not only expanded its inventory with innovative, weatherproof…
