Canadian singer-songwriter k.d. lang recently wrapped up a 21-date tour across the US. Playing theatre-sized venues throughout, an Alcons Audio LR18 compact mid-size line-array was requested to satisfy FOH engineer Gary Stokes’ desire to precisely reproduce the purity of sound that is k.d. lang. “Ever since the first time I experienced Alcons systems, I heard the difference. The pro-ribbon drivers are so accurate, having the system makes my job so much easier and a real pleasure,” he said. “The power and clarity of Alcons systems is perfect for k.d.’s musical style and dynamic range.” Complementing the main hangs of LR18…
Author: James Robertson
This year’s Production Futures took place at Production Park in Wakefield on the 7th November. The event, which included the TPi Breakthrough Talent Awards was an opportunity for students and freelancers to get their first taste of the industry, through exhibitors, talks from industry professionals and a series of training sessions. www.productionfutures.co.uk
Shure, a leading manufacturer of microphones and audio electronics is announcing their support of the Baton Project, a project that redefines orchestra for Visually Impaired Musicians. Currently, Visually Impaired Musicians around the world are much less able to play with traditional conducted orchestras as they cannot physically see the conductor to follow their lead. This is a huge missed opportunity for all of music lovers, conductors, orchestra members and listeners alike as it is well known that Visually Impaired Musicians are some of the best musicians around, they are often unique in their playing styles and unparalleled in their abilities.…
Martin Tremblay, president and CEO of Group Solotech has announced that Solotech has acquired SSE Audio Group. This is the most important transaction in Solotech’s history. With the addition of SSE Audio, Solotech becomes one of the world’s largest audiovisual and entertainment technology companies. The acquisition will generate growth opportunities and operational synergies, in addition to expanding the services available to current and future clients. “We are thrilled that SSE is joining the Solotech team, especially given their well-known expertise in audio services. The transaction will enable us to definitively pursue our expansion strategy in the European market and consolidate…
When KLANG:technologies, the German-based manufacturer of immersive 3D in-ear mixing technologies, appointed AEM of Tel Aviv, as its exclusive distributor in Israel earlier this year, both parties expressed confidence that the partnership would be fruitful. As the go-to specialist in this sector for Israeli musicians, producers and engineers, AEM’s founder and owner Alon Eitan was convinced that KLANG:technologies were game-changers and that his customers would share that enthusiasm. AEM immediately began its delivery of the KLANG message through a series of seminars and product demonstrations, which included discussions on best-practice for in-ear monitor mixing and quickly established strong interest amongst…
Automation Engineer, Sam Augustus demonstrates Blacktrax real-time tracking software on David Byrne’s latest American Utopia tour. The video, narrated by David Byrne, shows how all lights are programmed follow a performer in the middle, moving in a straight line, using the software’s offset feature to create a veritable real-life, real-time follow the leader scenario. Watch the video to hear a bit more about what’s happening. davidbyrne.com blacktrax.cast-soft.com
Audio Performance has introduced the compact DLA3 mini line array & MX15HD-Amp Series. Two new solution solving loudspeaker systems developed and manufactured in Echallens (Switzerland),The DLA3 and MX Series deliver a complete sound reinforcement solution to fulfill the highest demands of audio professionals for both the fixed installation and rental production markets. They both deliver ultimate sonic performance in a compact, lightweight and multi-purpose package. The DLA3 Compact Micro Line Array Loudspeaker is a light, simple and versatile product designed to deliver great sound into small and even large venues. The DLA3 is a one way full range Line Array consisting of…
ADJ has expanded the AV Series of LED video panels with a new model that offers the highest resolution in the range so far. Each of the flexible AV2 panels features a configuration of 3-in-1 RGB SMD2121 LEDs with a dense pixel pitch of 2.97mm (0.17”) allowing for vivid video display and a low minimum viewing distance. With a brightness of 1000NITS and black face LEDs for outstanding contrast, the AV2 features a pixel density of 168 x 168, which is equivalent to 112,896 per square meter. It offers a wide viewing angle of 160-degrees (horizontal) and 60-degrees (vertical –…
Grand Performances turns to Allen & Heath digital mixers as a key part of their highly successful mix. With the mission to “inspire the community, celebrate diversity, and unite Los Angeles through free access to global performing arts,” Grand Performances has grown to become one of Southern California’s largest presenters of free performing arts programs and an important summer destination in the Grand Avenue Arts District of downtown Los Angeles. Most recently utilized as part of GRAND AVE ARTS: ALL ACCESS, the Allen & Heath Qu-16 covered front-of-house, monitors and recording duties for the all-day community cultural event. “I really…
Packing arenas at every stop on their Bandito Tour, Twenty One Pilots (TOP) frontman Tyler Joseph and drummer Josh Dun underscored the show’s physical acrobatics and visual pyrotechnics with potent audio delivered by a 138-loudspeaker Meyer Sound LEO Family system supplied by VER Tour Sound in partnership with Concert Investor. The duo’s show is full of dynamic staging that includes soaring risers, the magical teleporting of Joseph to the rear of the arena, platform crowd-surfing by Dun with his drum set, and performing on an audience bridge and B stage far in front of the arrays. Riding herd on the myriad…
SXS Events, using Current RMS to manage their rental and production business, have recently used Current RMS’ Open API to create a number of exciting and useful integrations to streamline their workflow. The Open API is available for any of their software users to access and build with, for them to develop exciting and useful integrations that utilise their data within Current RMS. Established in 1998, UK-based SXS Events specialise in event production and dry hire and have grown to be a multi-million-pound event production company. Using the Current RMS Open API, they created X Hire, a platform for their clients to view…
Lighting designer Theis Wemuth of design company Create This was asked to produce a production design – lighting, video and set – for Danish alt-rockers Nephew’s 2018 reunion shows which will be followed by an extensive arena tour in 2019. For this, he specified 149 Robe MegaPointes as the main moving light fixtures. They were chosen multiple reasons, including their multifunctionality and brightness which Wemuth knew would be a perfect complement and contrast to the epic 420 square metre widescreen video backdrop that was central to the look and aesthetics of the stage. 8 Robe BMFL Spots were on the front…
Lights Control Rigging (LCR) have provided 20 Chroma-Q Color Force II fixtures for Bloc Party’s Silent Alarm Tour, to create a spectacular back wall wash. As the climax to the European leg of the current tour, Bloc Party played a sell-out show at London’s Alexandra Palace. The tour revisit’s Bloc Party’s debut album Silent Alarm, which is being performed in full, as well as fan favourites including ‘Two More Years’ and ‘Flux’ completing the encore. The set design for the show features five individual cyc panels spaced apart, which together display the iconic Silent Alarm album artwork. Ryan Hopkins, LD…
11th Hour enjoyed the summer sunshine at a range of UK festivals, providing a host of services across a diverse programme of events. Here are some of the highlights… The festival scene in the UK is in great health, with more people attending music and wider cultural events than ever before. Last year it was reported that overall attendance had increased by around 12% in 2016 to over 30 million, contributing £4 billion to the economy. The figures continue to rise, meaning that demand for support services is high, something that brings a smile to the face of (and a…
To address growing demand, Pearce Hire’s latest addition to its extensive hire stock has been a Prolyte Arc Roof staging system, supplied by Stage Electrics. Pearce Hire provides full technical production services for outdoor events around the UK, regularly supplying over 2,000 events per year on Greenfield sites, at festivals, for tours, exhibitions, architectural installations, sporting and entertainment productions. And so the demand for easy-to-construct, versatile staging structures are something Pearce Hire are frequently asked to specify. Stage Electrics are the premier UK stockist of Prolyte products, distributing Prolyte for over 15 years. With an in-depth understanding of the product,…
Formed at the turn of the millennium, with the aim of providing lighting and production services to the theatre and events industry, Edinburgh-based Blue Parrot has enjoyed a long association with Martin lighting over the years. This has taken them from MAC 500’s and 600’s right through to today’s Auras and Vipers. As their own theatre work increased, with MD Jonnie Clough himself a theatre lighting designer in his own right, the love affair continued, and just over a year ago the company invested in 12 Martin MAC Encore Performance WRM moving heads specifically for a Christmas show at the local Royal Lyceum…
