If you were to drop an audio engineer from the ’80s or early ’90s in front of a modern FOH or monitor setup, they would undoubtedly be surprised at what they saw, with their familiar giant real-estate of knobs and channel faders scaled down to a far more modest footprint of a digital console alongside numerous LED screens. There is no doubt that pro audio has come an incredibly long way since those days – from the PAs flown in the air to the tuning systems and mixing tools – but while systems have advanced massively, many engineers have been…
Author: Alicia Pollitt
What first got you into education? “My personal experience of training in technical theatre was in an FE college and I loved every minute. The teachers all worked in the industry and gave an insight that to this day has served me well and inspired me. So, when I had the opportunity to train others back at the college I had trained in I was honoured and from there I decided to make sure everyone’s journey was like mine and led to employment in the industry.” Why is education so vital in forming careers? “Live events as a whole is…
Having debuted at the BRIT Awards with Britannia Row Productions, part of Clair Global; on tour with Helene Fischer with Solotech; at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival with support from Rat Sound Systems; and with multiple pilot phase partners including Tokyo Sanko, Novelty, Winly and PRG, L-Acoustics L Series brings a host of benefits to those on the road. With the range becoming available on the market at the end of 2023, TPi checked in with L-Acoustics Director of Product Management, Loudspeakers, Germain Simon to discover more about the system. Key to the creation of L Series is the…
Jumping off the train and taking the short walk towards TAIT’s Wakefield base, it was staggering just how much this industrial park has changed over the years. From Production Park and XPLOR’s new buildings to the number of international companies now having offices on the campus – including ROE Visual, 4Wall Entertainment, and of course, live experiences specialist TAIT following the acquisition of Brilliant Stages back in 2019 – the area has been completely transformed. Finding ourselves in the familiar reception area, we were greeted warmly by UK Managing Director of TAIT, Ben Brooks, along with VP Global Marketing, Jane…
In recent years, Vectorworks has undergone several software updates, refinements, and enhancements to benefit end users in the transient nature of the live entertainment sector – consolidating a new standard for computer-aided design (CAD). At LDI Show 2023 in Las Vegas, TPi sat down with Vectorworks CEO Dr. Biplab Sarkar, Chief Marketing Officer Jeremy Powell, and All Access Staging and Productions Technical Designer and Development Manager Joey Brennan, to discover more about the updated software. “It is the foundation of the software which needs to be enhanced to encourage innovation,” began Sarkar, speaking to TPi following the release of the…
Why is Rock-it repositioning itself under its original name – Rock-it Cargo? “Rock-it has spent the past 45 years creating a legacy brand for our employees and our clients and we have decided to mark this occasion by going back to our roots and re-embracing the original name of the company – Rock-it Cargo – and by relaunching a logo that so many employees and clients recognise as both iconic and nostalgic.” What are some of your 2023 highlights? “We had another incredible year in 2023. We saw some of the world’s largest touring productions return to the stage and…
What were the initial goals of the MAC One when it came to designing the fixture? “Our goal was to create an extremely compact and lightweight fixture that fits truly everywhere. and gives designers freedom to have a moving head in places typically not possible. We also wanted to create a fixture that can easily be used in large quantities, thanks to its weight, size and price-point. Development of the accessories (fourbar system and grid mount system) was also aimed at facilitating easy deployment in large quantities. it was crucial to have a fixture with an impressive narrow beam and…
PK Sound will present its new T8 robotic line source element at the 2024 NAMM Show (ACT Entertainment Booth 11513). Featuring PK’s patented multi-axis robotics, T8 is precisely controlled down to 400 Hz in both the vertical and horizontal planes. The result is a degree of flexibility and precision in system dispersion for designers or operators in virtually any application. ACT Entertainment is the official North American distributor of PK Sound solutions. The T8 system delivers PK Sound’s patented remote and real-time multi-axis robotic coverage control to a wider range of users and applications in the touring and rental, performance…
Renaissance Tour Monitor Engineer James Berry had high expectations for his sound setup to impress the live shows, but also for the concert film, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé. Berry turned to DPA Microphones for a number of versatile solutions that would hold up rain or shine, including the new 2017 Shotgun Microphone. “We did some beta testing with the 2017 and it ended up being a great crowd mic,” Berry explained. “The clarity and range of it was so full; we were able to cover more area with no distortion through the PA. I didn’t get any of that…
With the new UK Show Space in England, Adam Hall Group headquartered in Neu-Anspach, Hesse, is opening its next show space in January 2024. At the NicLen UK premises, customers from the UK will have the opportunity to experience the product solutions of Cameo, LD Systems and DEFENDER brands in detail on-site and test them hands-on. The opening ceremony will take place on 10 January 2024. First appointments are already possible for the opening day. The Adam Hall Group’s new UK Show Space comprises around 100m2 of exhibition space. The focus is particularly on lighting solutions from Cameo. The Cameo…
Dutch pro lighting sales and technical specialist Jeroen van Aalst has joined the Robe International sales team as a key account manager. He will be energising and coordinating sales in several important markets. van Aalst will work closely with the Robe distributors in all these regions, overseeing and supporting their initiatives, coordinating information, ensuring all communications channels are fluid and fully functional, assisting in client relations and exploring new ideas and markets with their teams. van Aalst has made many friends and contacts working long-term for the dynamic sales, distribution, installation, and project management company, Controllux, which is also Robe’s…
NXTGENbps announced a partnership with Green Kit. The NXTGENbps Meerkat and Goat batteries, along with the Goat expansion battery Billy Goat, are portable and sustainable power solutions and are now available to hire with Green Kit. “We are thrilled to partner with Green Kit to introduce the NXTGENbps Meerkat, Goat and Billy Goat batteries to the film and broadcast industry,” said Lesley Marr, Director of Sustainability at NXTGENbps. “This partnership signifies our commitment to making sustainable power solutions available for everyone. Hiring batteries from Green Kit will allow crews to reduce their carbon emissions whilst ensuring a seamless, silent production…
The City of Paramount in California started the holiday season at the end of November 2023 with the 25th instalment of its annual Tree Lighting Celebration. Lit by a variety of ADJ luminaires, the free event was attended by thousands of locals and featured live musical and dance performances. Technical production for the event was provided by Ambient Pro, with the principal, Victor Nava, serving as Production Manager. The company was responsible for building the stage as well as providing all audio, lighting, video, and special effects equipment for the celebration. Due to the landmark anniversary, the whole production was…
RCF has bid goodbye to Bertrand Delbar who steps down from his role as France Sales Manager to pursue new projects after 25 successful years of service. Starting with RCF in 1999 in a commercial audio role, Bertrand dedicated a quarter of a century to the brand. In 2006, he took on the role of Sales Agent, becoming later Sales Manager and the main point of contact for customers and dealers across France. Alberto Ruozzi, RCF Commercial Director, declared: “We praise his passion, expertise and relationships within the industry. Bertrand leaves behind a legacy of success having established RCF as a…
ASM Global enters the new year with a new appointment, Andy O’Sullivan joins ASM’s growing team as the new Chief Executive Officer of Olympia London. O’Sullivan is vastly experienced in the live industry, including events, venues, sports and entertainment, he joins ASM Global at a transformative time for Olympia London. Previously Vice President for IMG’s European Stadium & Arena business, O’Sullivan has worked on many global events and world-class venues including the opening of Wembley National Stadium, delivering 1 Billion in sales through Club Wembley. His most recent role has been as Venue Director of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – Tottenham…
The latest addition to ADJ’s popular COB Cannon Series of LED wash lighting fixtures, the COB Cannon LP200, offers colour mixing from a full-size fixture that is for use as a pendant-style house light as well as many other applications. Featuring a powerful lime-infused COB LED light source, this fixture offers an output with a high CRI and delivers a spectrum of colour options including white light with variable colour temperature. At the heart of the COB Cannon LP200 is a high output 200-Watt COB (Chip On Board) LED engine, which combines red, green, blue, amber and lime LED chips…
Established in 2002, MagicSnow specialises in the development and production of snow-making technology and services. The company’s founding vision is to bring the enchantment of snow to any location. With over two decades of experience, MagicSnow has transformed into a leading provider of lifelike snow special effects and comprehensive snow experiences within the live entertainment industry. After a successful festive season, founder and President of MagicSnow, Adam Williams sits down with TPi’s Alicia Pollitt to delve into the company’s innovative approach and MagicSnow formula, having solidified its status as the preferred snowmaking resource for the entertainment industry. What events have…
Building on the momentum from last year’s launch of the PANTHER, Meyer Sound closed out 2023 as yet another banner year marked by new product introductions, user accolades, and record-breaking sales figures. “We’ve been on an exhilarating journey these past two years,” said Senior Vice President John McMahon. “It’s been a transformative time for Meyer Sound. What started last year with PANTHER and continued this year with the introduction of the 2100-LFC has inaugurated a new era for our company.” Meyer Sound PANTHER systems were shuttling across continents throughout 2023 on stadium and arena tours. Ed Sheeran’s “+ – =…
