File-Based Audio/Video Recorder Ideal For OB, In-Studio and Post-Production Environments

LAS VEGAS, APRIL 2, 2013 — Sound Devices, experts in portable audio and video products for field production, is taking its proven field technology into the studio with its PIX 260i Production Video Recorder at the 2013 NAB Show (Booth C2849). Based on Sound Devices’ PIX 240i Recorder, the rack-mounted PIX 260i is a file-based audio/video recorder that seamlessly replaces tape-based video decks in production and post-production environments. Currently shipping, PIX 260i also offers 32 tracks of audio record/playback as well as control functionality from browser-capable computers and tablets.

The PIX 260i brings the features and tools needed by production companies and broadcasters looking to migrate to file-based recording and playback environments. The PIX 260i records QuickTime files in either Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHD video formats. Files recorded in these intra-frame codecs are ready for editing directly from the recorder in common editing environments, such as Avid, Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere, eliminating time-consuming transferring and transcoding. For color-critical applications, the PIX 260i supports Apple ProRes 4444 through its 12-bit, 4:4:4 3G-SDI I/O. Users can also play out files from the PIX 260i for real-time applications.

PIX 260i recorders can be controlled from browser-capable computers and tablets. When connected to a data network, transport controls and setup menu controls are available on the Sound Devices PIXNET, which offers IP-addressable control of one or multiple PIX 260i recorders. Users can group multiple units for simultaneous control. Data drives connected to PIX 260i are also accessible on Ethernet-based networks as read-only SMB shares, opening up endless possibilities for file sharing. Files can be copied from any PIX 260i located on a network, enabling access from across a room or the globe.

Up to four SATA drives can be connected to the PIX 260i simultaneously. For RAID-type redundancy and to eliminate the need for post-record copying when multiple copies are required, users can record to all four drives simultaneously.

Building on the company’s deep heritage in production sound, Sound Devices has infused the PIX 260i with 32-track record/playback capabilities. In addition to 16 channels of embedded SDI audio and eight channels of HDMI audio, the PIX 260i also accepts eight channels of line-level analog I/O and eight channels of AES digital audio. Using Dante, the PIX 260i can accept and transmit up to 32 channels of audio over Ethernet.

With its extensive control capabilities, the PIX 260i is a flexible video playback source. The PIX 260i can be controlled by both external RS-422 and via Ethernet through PIXNet.

The PIX 260i includes a built-in Ambient Clockit time-code generator/reader with genlock output for rock-steady, multi-camera and double-system sound applications. In addition to generating ultra-stable time code, time codes can be read from the SDI stream, the HDMI stream or from an external source.

Like the PIX 220i and PIX 240i, the PIX 260i includes a sophisticated scaler and frame-rate converter. Regardless of the incoming signal, the PIX recorders can record the signal after up-, down- or cross-conversion at the same or a different rate. Hardware-based 3:2 pull-down removal and anamorphic conversion is also available.

PIX 260i’s convenient half-rack, 2U chassis dimension allows it to be easily integrated into any existing environment. It is powered by 10-27 VDC through its four-pin XLR connector. Sound Devices’ PIX-RACK accessory includes one full 2U rack, which can hold two PIX 260is.

Sound Devices, LLC designs and manufactures portable audio mixers, digital audio recorders, and digital video recorders and related equipment for feature film, episodic television, documentary, news-gathering, and acoustical test and measurement applications. The fourteen-year old company designs and manufactures from their Reedsburg, Wisconsin headquarters with additional offices in Madison, WI and Highland Park, IL. For more information, visit the Sound Devices website, www.sounddevices.com.

Fiber Solution Streamlines Workflow for State-Owned Public Broadcaster in Norway

BroaMan (NAB booth C8443), a leading German manufacturer of professional digital video, audio and data network solutions providing routing, format conversion and management for a variety of markets, including broadcast, post production and AV, is pleased to announce that German media and broadcast specialists Studio Hamburg MCI recently outfitted a BroaMan automatic routing system into an OB van, owned by NRK, a public broadcast station in Norway.

According to MCI Project Manager Götz Ahlert, his company had the BroaMan fiber solution in mind since the beginning of the installation. “The task was to set up a reliable connection between up to four TV cameras and an OB van-which in turn was connected via satellite to the broadcast center in Oslo-quickly and with minimal cabling. The BroaMan fiber units are located in a stage box on the camera side and on the corresponding side inside the OB truck.”

BroaMan supplied a unique solution for NRK, a small custom box with an SDI input and fiber output to house a single camera on one side, mechanically connected to a camera battery on the other. “Designed that way, the fiber connection is made directly with the camera unit, without any additional cables or separate boxes, providing maximum flexibility to the operator,” explains Ahlert.

In addition, BroaMan’s V3R-FX-IC444-SDI, a 4LI/4LO board with four GPIOs (general purpose input/output), enables four camera signals to be routed via a single fiber connection to the vehicle and then uplinked to the broadcast center. Transmitted in the opposite direction, a monitor picture can be sent to the camera set, which is required if a speaker is communicating with the studio.

“NRK’s aim was to have a simple and easy-to-operate connection between camera and OB van for distances in excess of 100m. This is not possible with coax cables,” says Ahlert. “BroaMan provided us with a small, cost-effective solution with the ability to transport video, audio, data and GPIOs on one fiber cable.”

The new VW T5 vehicle is one of two, more compact OB vans fitted by MCI for NRK. The vehicles are used for brief news reports, sports and cultural events. One operates in the north of Norway, and the other in the Oslo region. In addition to the BroaMan signal transport, MCI also supplied a small video mixer and 16×16 matrix, a Lawo audio mixer and self-positioning satellite system with a carbon antenna as part of the installation.

About BroaMan
BroaMan, (Broadcast Manufactur GmbH) based in München-Gräfelfing, Germany, manufactures infrastructure solutions for broadcast applications such as studios, OB-vans or sporting events. The turnkey solutions convert, transport and route all types of commonly used broadcast signals, including digital and analogue video, audio, intercom, and control data, over a high bandwidth fiber infrastructure. If required, this includes format conversions, e.g. from copper to fiber or from analogue to digital, as well as routing of signals based on automatic or manual rules, up/downscalers, frame synchronisers, and many more features. The company offers customized solutions for every application that requires 3G/HD/SD-SDI video transport or routing – whether a big and complex system for broadcast studio or OB Van, or a simple point to point for a small church or conference hall. For more information visit: www.broaman.com.

PRG Las Vegas Production Team Meets Exacting and Demanding System Specification for Inaugural U.S. Concert at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida

SUNRISE, FL, APRIL 1, 2013 – The Production Resource Group (PRG), one of the largest production services companies in North America, employed a massive Outline GTO Line Array, MANTAS and Butterfly-driven sound system for the recent Andrea Bocelli performance in the BB&T Center, the largest indoor arena in Florida. Principally used for live sporting events and with occasional high-end pop concerts, the challenge for Outline and PRG was to transform the sonic space of this multi-purpose arena into a world-class symphonic hall capable of delivering the subtle nuance and gripping power of a Bocelli performance. Outline’s exclusive OPENARRAY-3D prediction software was employed to guide the installation of the system.

“I decided to specify Outline for Maestro Bocelli’s 2013 U.S. tour based on my first hand experience with the GTO at the 2012 Worker’s Day concert in Rome,� said Bocelli’s system sound designer, Andrea Taglia, who was tasked with the audio design for the BB&T Center. “After mixing the orchestras for that event on the GTO, I was truly surprised and very pleased with the system’s performance, coverage and headroom, making Outline’s GTO the system of choice for this critical application. The GTO is among an exclusive club of the finest systems available on the market today.�

While fully capable of earth-shattering SPL, the massive sound system was designed to deliver uniform, smooth and even coverage throughout the arena to enhance the nature of the performance. Outline’s proprietary 3-D prediction software, OPENARRAY, was used by Taglia to construct a precise and exacting model of this complex coordination of Outline’s innovative technology with the acoustic environment of the arena. The integrated architecture included 45 GTOs in an L-C-R configuration, with each hang complemented by Outline’s unique and patent pending GTO-DF dedicated down-fill cabinet. An array of 20 point source MANTAS on each side provided the off-axis out fills, while three arrays of 12 Butterfly speakers were deployed as the down-field delays.

Outline’s latest addition to the GTO family of products, the LipFill-082, designed to complement the GTO-DF and MANTAS, provided the critical front/lip fill coverage for the VIP seats. A total of six DVS12-P 12-inch two-way trapezoidal cabinets were pole mounted three per side, off stage left and right, to augment the coverage for the VIP and patron seating areas. Beneath it all were 16 GTO-SUBs, with Outline’s innovative Decoupled Baffle Subwoofer (DBS) technology, delivering the warm and musical low frequency response critical for classical orchestral music. The entire system was powered by Outline’s T-11, single rack space, highly efficient, lightweight, Class-D amplifiers.

“The results of the event speak for themselves,� says Tom Bensen, Outline North America Sr. VP/Managing Director. “PRG’s team of production professionals skillfully deployed the GTO and related line array products as designed, precisely delivering the predicted response and coverage that was simulated in Outline’s exclusive Openarray 3D sound modeling software. The complete system sounded simply magnificent. We certainly enlisted many new members to the Outline and GTO ‘fan club’ that night.�

The February concert in Florida was the first date of the U.S. 2013 tour. The Andrea Bocelli U.S. Tour resumes in June of this year. For more information about the Andrea Bocelli Tour please visit: www.andreabocellitour.net.

About Outline
Outline s.r.l., based in Brescia, Italy, is a leading manufacturer of high quality loudspeaker systems of both powered and un-powered formats. Founded in 1973 by Guido Noselli, the company has a rich history in the development of high quality loudspeaker enclosures, test and measurement systems, and holds numerous technology patents. With offices in Italy, The UK and the USA, and over 50 distributors on five continents with more than 4200 venues and users to its credit, Outline has assumed its place among the leaders on the professional audio market.

About Production Resource Group
Production Resource Group, L.L.C., (PRG) is the world’s leading supplier of entertainment and event technology to a wide range of markets, including corporate and automotive events, concerts, special events, theatre, television and film, trade shows, and installations, such as theme parks, museums, retail stores and performing arts centers. PRG provides integrated services and equipment, including audio, video, lighting, rigging, staging, and scenery and automation systems, for these markets from more than 40 offices in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. For more information on PRG, please visit www.prg.com.

Hofland Will Utilize His Pro Audio Experience to Further Expand the Worldwide Distribution of RTW Devices

COLOGNE, GERMANY, 1 APRIL, 2013 ─ RTW (NAB Booth C1844), a leading vendor of visual audio meters and monitoring devices for professional broadcast, production, post production and quality control, is pleased to announce the appointment of Arjen Hofland as the company’s new International Sales Manager. Based at RTW’s headquarters in Cologne, Germany, Hofland will oversee all of RTW’s international sales in different regions around the world.

In its more than 45-year history, RTW has consistently experienced increasing global customer demand, especially as more countries adopt loudness regulations. In his new role, Hofland will work to further this success in markets beyond Germany and the surrounding European countries, working with current customers in South America, Canada, Australia, the Asia-Pacific regions and parts of Europe. He will also endeavour to introduce new distributors and dealers to the benefits of the RTW product line.

With his 25 years of experience in the pro audio and video industry, Hofland brings to RTW a thorough knowledge of, and familiarity with, the pro audio and broadcast industries. He has spent time at several top-tier audio and video companies in and around Europe as a manager and in other sales and technical support positions.

“With Arjen joining the RTW team, we are gaining an expert with a deep understanding of the current needs of the pro audio community, whether in the broadcast, post-production or other markets around the world,� says Mahmoud Chatah, RTW director of marketing and sales. “RTW’s current goal is to strengthen the RTW brand internationally, and we are confident that he will lend the support necessary to the RTW sales team to do this.�

For his part, Hofland is excited about coming aboard at RTW. “I am honored to join RTW, a company with such an excellent reputation and commitment to bringing its customers innovative solutions that are reliable, technologically advanced and set standards in the pro audio market,� he says. “I look forward to working with such a talented, knowledgeable group of people, as we all strive toward the common goal of maintaining and further strengthening the popularity of RTW products around the world.�

ABOUT RTW
For more than 45 years, Cologne-based RTW has accompanied the steady technological progress in the professional audio industry with innovative instruments and technologies for visual audio monitoring in broadcast, production, post production and quality control. Its state-of-the-art audio and loudness metering systems have an excellent reputation throughout the world. With groundbreaking products such as the Surround Sound Analyzer, the company has been a key vendor of professional broadcast and audio metering equipment for decades.

RTW’s ranges of products currently include the SurroundControl series for monitoring, controlling and routing stereo, multichannel and surround audio and the TouchMonitor range, which truly marks a paradigm shift in visual audio monitoring and loudness metering. Combining maximum flexibility and modularity with an intuitive touch-enabled surface and multichannel signal analysis, the TM7 and TM9 units are the essence of many years of experience. The attractively priced TouchMonitor TM3 entry-level system opens new markets, targeting applications such as journalist cubicles, edit suites and small control rooms.

As part of its expansion into the U.S. market, in 2013 RTW established RTW International Corp. in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The new office is the first U.S. location launched by RTW, showing the company’s dedication to supporting its customers and dealer networks in the U.S. The new U.S. office will house all customer service, repair and final product assembly activities for U.S.-based RTW customers.

For more information on RTW, visit www.rtw.de, www.facebook.com/rtw.de or call +49 221 709130. For more information on RTW International Corp., visit www.rtw.com or call 877-938-7221.

Continued Sponsorship Highlights Company’s Commitment to the Live Sound/Theater Industry

ALAMEDA, CA, MARCH 25, 2012 ─ Clear-Com®, a global leader in critical voice communications systems, continues to demonstrate its dedication to the live sound industry through its ongoing support of the USITT (United States Institute for Theater Technology) Young Designers & Technicians (YD&T) Awards. This year, as the sponsor of the organization’s Stage Management Award, Clear-Com and USITT honored University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) senior, Peyton Becker, for her excellence in stage management and dedication to the performing arts. The award is part of USITT’s annual Conference & Stage Expo, which attracts roughly 4,000 design and production technology professionals each year.

Clear-Com's Regional Sales Manager-Northwest USA and Canada Jay Wallace along with USITT Stage Management Award Recipient and University of North Carolina School of the Arts senior Peyton Becker.

The YD&T Awards are presented to young designers and technicians in the industry who are beginning their careers and who demonstrate outstanding potential in areas such as stage management, technical production, makeup design, lighting design and more. In recognition of her contributions, Becker, like all past winners, received a cash reward and registration to the 2013 USITT Annual Conference and Stage Expo, where she was provided the opportunity to meet privately with the award adjudicators and sponsors during the conference.

“As the Stage Management Award sponsor for more than a decade, Clear-Com is proud to be a part of the USITT. We are glad to support students in their early successes as well as honor their exceptional skills,� says Judy Cheng, Clear-Com’s Director of Marketing. “One of the standout portions of Peyton Becker’s submission was her unique use of technology to enhance live productions, which is a key goal of Clear-Com. We congratulate Peyton on her achievements in the area of stage management. We know that she and the rest of this year’s winners will continue to accomplish amazing things in the field.�

From the company’s creation of the first beltpack to the innovation of advanced digital matrix systems, integrated wireless systems and intercom-over-IP, Clear-Com has been a key leader in the live sound/theater industry since 1968. Performance professionals and production crews around the world have rapidly embraced Clear-Com products, which have transformed their production workflows for the better. Clear-Com continues to develop best-in-class intercoms to help customers perform their jobs with greater ease and efficiency.

The United States Institute for Theater Technology (USITT) is an association for design, production and technology professionals in the performing arts and entertainment industry to connect, create and communicate their craft with each other. It has served the industry since 1960, effectively highlighting the work and dedication that goes into set design, lighting, costumes, sound, make-up and stage managing. USITT first launched its annual awards ceremony in 1995.

About Clear-Com
Clear-Com, an HME company, is a global provider in professional voice communications systems since 1968. We develop and market proven intercom technologies such as Analog & Digital Partyline, Digital Matrix, Wireless and Intercom-over-IP systems for critical communication applications in broadcast, performance venues, military, government and enterprise markets. Recognized for our legacy of intercom innovations, production teams around the world have come to depend on Clear-Com for clear, reliable and scalable communications solutions. For more information, please visit www.clearcom.com.

Spahr Will Oversee and Develop U.S.-Based Sales and Marketing Strategies for RTW

LANCASTER, PA, MARCH 25, 2013 ─ RTW, a leading vendor of visual audio meters for professional broadcast, production, post production and quality control, is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Spahr as the company’s new U.S. Director of Sales and Operations in the United States. Spahr, who began his new role on March 1, 2013, will be based out of RTW’s new U.S. facility, located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He will work along with Group One, RTW’s exclusive U.S. distributor, to support the company’s dealer base in the United States. In his new position, Spahr will draw upon his extensive professional background in audio sales and engineering to establish the new sales and service protocols at the U.S. facility.

“The opening of our new U.S. facility marks quite a milestone for RTW,� says Andreas Tweitmann, CEO, RTW. “Our customers in the United States are very important to us. With his expertise in sales and business development and his years spent as a recording engineer, Christopher has the background and passion necessary to support our customers and dealers and to help expand RTW’s brand further. We are thrilled to have Christopher join our team!�

Spahr joins RTW from Sennheiser, where he served as that company’s market development manager. Prior to this, he held sales positions at various companies, including Richard S. Pass Associates, Inc., Peirce-Phelps, Inc. and Swank Audio Visual. In addition, he has spent time as a recording engineer, providing audio engineering and production services to a roster of top-tier record companies and artists, including a Grammy-winning Latin jazz CD with Arturo Sandoval. Spahr holds a Recording Arts Specialized Associate’s Degree from Full Sail University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Barry University.

Having Spahr in place to head up the U.S. sales force will be a key factor in the company’s continued success and future international expansion. With the experience he has gained in different segments of the pro audio market in the U.S. over the past 20 years, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this position. Chris Spahr will stay in close contact with RTW’s U.S. customers and navigate their needs, especially since the demand for RTW products has increased in the U.S. over the last years.

“I am honored to join RTW as part of its U.S. expansion plans,� says Spahr. “With its portfolio of innovative audio solutions, team of expert engineers and commitment to value, RTW is a wonderful fit for the pro audio industry here in the United States. “I look forward to working with my new colleagues to build up RTW’s stellar reputation further and ensure the company continues to maintain that success.�

To view a video interview with Christopher Spahr, please visit RTW’s YouTube channel via the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMD8SY5_1UM&feature=youtu.be

ABOUT RTW
For more than 45 years, Cologne-based RTW has accompanied the steady technological progress in the professional audio industry with innovative instruments and technologies for visual audio monitoring in broadcast, production, post production and quality control. Its state-of-the-art audio and loudness metering systems have an excellent reputation throughout the world. With groundbreaking products such as the Surround Sound Analyzer, the company has been a key vendor of professional broadcast and audio metering equipment for decades.

RTW’s ranges of products currently includes the SurroundControl series for monitoring, controlling and routing stereo, multichannel and surround audio and the TouchMonitor range, which truly marks a paradigm shift in visual audio monitoring and loudness metering. Combining maximum flexibility and modularity with an intuitive touch-enabled surface and multichannel signal analysis, the TM7 and TM9 units are the essence of many years of experience. The attractively priced TouchMonitor TM3 entry-level system opens new markets, targeting applications such as journalist cubicles, edit suites and small control rooms.

As part of its expansion into the U.S. market, in 2013 RTW established RTW International, Corp. in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The new office is the first U.S. location launched by RTW, showing the company’s dedication to supporting its customers and dealer networks in the U.S. The new U.S. office will house all customer service, repair and final product assembly activities for U.S.-based RTW customers.

For more information on RTW, visit www.rtw.de, www.facebook.com/rtw.de or call +49 221 709130. For more information on RTW International, Corp., visit www.rtw.com or call 877-938-7221.

LOS ANGELES, MARCH 21, 2013 – Pacific Television Center (PacTV), a Los Angeles-based independent global transmission and production company, recently equipped its mobile microwave truck with a Vislink wireless camera system, providing its clients with instantaneous live video from the various red carpets during the 2013 awards season. The Canadian Broadcasting Channel (CBC) and Channel 7 Australia were among the broadcasters that used the PacTV service to transmit live red-carpet interviews during the major U.S. film awards that took place in Los Angeles last month.
“What’s nice about using the Vislink wireless camera system with our ENG truck is that it increases our geographical coverage and allows us to perform a single encode throughout our network,” says George Lopez, vice president of operations, PacTV. “Even if a client covering the red carpet action doesn’t have cabling access to our truck, the new camera system allows them to shoot wirelessly and send an ASI feed to Canada, Australia, the Asia-Pacific region or anywhere else. We are excited to offer our clients this upgrade in service.”
The dual band Vislink L1500 is a 5.8-/6.4-Ghz wireless camera system that provides SD/HD with MPEG-2 encoding and offers ultra-low latency with selectable DVB-T and LMS-T digital modulation. PacTV has successfully tested and used the transmitter to reach distances, more than a quarter mile without a drop in signal. A crew can certainly be confident that they will achieve a wireless connection to PacTV’s mobile microwave truck.
“We were thrilled to have PacTV utilize the Vislink system for its awards season coverage,” says Kevin Dennis, regional sales manager, Vislink. “The combination of the diversity receive system and untethered wireless camera operation provided the team with the reliability it needed to capture live events as they unfolded, without interference. By combining the technical strengths of PacTV and Vislink, both companies have been able to come together to offer quality services to clients.”

NEW YORK, MARCH 21, 2013—When Broadway’s newest musical, Kinky Boots, strutted into the Hirschfeld Theatre earlier this month, it earned rave reviews from preview audiences. To bring the show’s music-and-dance-filled score to life for audiences, Sound Designer John Shivers, along with his long-time associate and collaborator, David Patridge, turned to Masque Sound, a leading theatrical sound reinforcement, installation and design company, for a custom audio equipment package.

Kinky Boots enjoyed its pre-Broadway world premiere this past October at Chicago’s Bank of America Theatre. Based on the 2005 film and inspired by a true story, Kinky Boots follows Charlie Price, an aspiring young businessman forced to give up his dreams of living in London in order to save his late father’s shoe factory in Northern England. Charlie finds inspiration in Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of sturdy stilettos. As the unlikely pair works to turn the factory around, they find they have more in common than they thought. Their story, directed and choreographed by the Tony award-winning Jerry Mitchell, is brought to life by music and lyrics from Grammy award-winner Cyndi Lauper and a book by Tony-winner Harvey Fierstein.

When Shivers designed the audio system for Kinky Boots, he wanted to ensure the sound was evenly distributed to every seat in the theater. To do so, he worked with Masque Sound, which provided him with a custom equipment package, including a DiGiCo SD7-T digital mixing console, Sennheiser 5212 transmitters, d&b speakers for surrounds, L-Acoustics 108Ps for the foldback and TC Electronics 6000 for reverb. He also utilized Meyer M’elodie and Mina ultracompact high-power curvilinear array loudspeakers for left, right and center systems and 500 and 700HP- subwoofers.

Shivers, who has worked with Masque Sound since the early 1990s, collaborated with the company for Kinky Boots’ Chicago run, so moving the show to Broadway was a comfortable transition, though not without its challenges. “The box seats in the Hirschfeld Theatre pretty much tuck right up against the proscenium, so the seats running along the sides of the orchestra seating section are very much shaded from the side arrays, says Shivers. “The team at Masque was able to provide additional speakers to make sure those seats were covered, so we were able to overcome that obstacle.â€�

Since Kinky Boots is a pop-music show, Shivers wanted to make sure he had a fair amount of control over the musical instruments. “When working with pop music, if you can achieve good isolation between instruments, you can really get a lot of clarity from them,� says Shivers. “For Kinky Boots, we are quite isolated. In fact, the drummer is up on the fifth floor, completely isolated from the rest of the band. We provided monitoring for him so he can hear and see what is going on, along with a video camera allowing the conductor to see him. He still feels like part of the band because they are connected musically. We achieved isolation and clarity quite nicely with this system.�

Also important to the production was a streamlined equipment setup, ensuring the proscenium was kept as clean as possible for the audience. “We did everything we could to keep the speakers as unobtrusive as possible on the proscenium, so we tucked them as far off and up stage as possible to keep them out of sightlines and the visual picture in general,� he notes.

“I’ve had a long working relationship with Masque Sound, and in that time, have built a lot of trust and familiarity with its team,� concludes Shivers. “Gary Stocker is truly a genius in all things audio and Scott Kalata and Dennis Short always stays on top of managing logistics. In addition, the company provides customized gear and fabrication for any sort of unusual rigging components that we might need, it’s really a full-service shop. The entire team provides excellent service. For this show, once again, Masque Sound did a great job.�

Kinky Boots is currently in previews at Broadway’s Al Hirschfeld Theatre. The production’s opening night is slated for April 4.

About Masque Sound
Founded in 1936 by a trio of Broadway stagehands, Masque Sound evolved into one of NYC’s most successful theatrical sound reinforcement, installation and design companies specializing in theatrical, house of worship, sporting, corporate, TV broadcast and live concert events. Celebrating more than 75 years in the industry, the company is lead by Geoff Shearing, the firm’s 3rd generation owner, and General Manager Stephanie Hansen. The company also operates Florida-based Professional Wireless Systems, a leader in the development and implementation of wireless technology. Credits range from major Broadway shows and tours including “Phantom of the Opera,� “Mamma Mia!,� “Lion King,� “Jersey Boys,� “Memphis,� “The Book of Mormon,� “Newsies� and “Once� to yearly Super Bowl broadcasts and installations of varying sizes, including New York’s New Victory Theater and historic St. Bartholomew’s Church. Masque Sound’s 70,000 sq. ft. corporate headquarters and main assembly facility is located at 21 East Union Ave., East Rutherford, NJ, 20 minutes from midtown Manhattan. For more information, call (201) 939-8666 or visit www.MasqueSound.com.

New East Coast Location, U.S. Team Supports Company’s Commitment to U.S. Market

LANCASTER, PA, MARCH 20, 2013 — As part of its expansion into the U.S. market, RTW, a leading vendor of visual audio meters and monitoring devices for professional broadcast, production, post production and quality control, is proud to announce today the opening of its new facility in the United States. RTW’s U.S. branch, RTW International, Corp., is officially open for business in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The new office is the first U.S. location launched by the Cologne, Germany-based RTW, offering further proof of the company’s continued dedication to supporting its customers and dealer networks in the U.S.

You’ve got to trust your meters. A user needs to trust in the device he is using for measuring and, therefore, trust its manufacturer. RTW has been a reliable source of innovative audio measurement tools for more than 45 years, bringing its pedigree of precise German engineering to each of its innovative solutions. Along with the company’s ground-breaking products comes a commitment to service. RTW has a longstanding reputation of working with its customers to ensure their experience with RTW products is a positive one.

Over the years, countless audio engineers and mixers have relied on RTW products to meet critical audio standards all over the world. With the advent of the CALM Act, RTW has recognized a clear need in the U.S. marketplace for its loudness metering tools and has now, based on that need, planned to further expand its operations and customer reach in the United States. RTW prides itself on providing the best customer service it possibly can and recognizes the importance of location to its customers, which is why the company has opened its Lancaster, Pennsylvania office.

The new U.S. office will house all customer service, repair and final product assembly activities for U.S.-based RTW customers, further reducing product delivery lead times. To lead the office, RTW has hired Christopher Spahr to be its new U.S. Director of Sales and Operations. In this new role, Spahr will oversee all brand, sales and market development in the United States. In addition, Werner Haase, from the RTW development team in Cologne, will join Spahr in Lancaster, overseeing product service and final assembly.

To view a video interview with Christopher Spahr, please visit RTW’s YouTube channel via the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMD8SY5_1UM&feature=youtu.be

“Our U.S. customers are very important to us,� says Andreas Tweitmann, CEO, RTW. “The goal for the new production facility in Lancaster is to focus our efforts on the U.S. market. Not only does this help us support our growing network of dealers, led by Group One, but ultimately, it benefits our end users, as we will be able to provide them with the best services and availability of products possible. With Christopher heading up RTW’s U.S. team, we will be able to stay in close contact with all of the dealers in this network, helping them to understand and anticipate current and future needs of the North American market so that we can produce devices specifically for U.S. needs.�

Guided by its thorough research, knowledge and commitment to quality, RTW has produced a range of products for the professional audio community that are reliable, easy-to-use and compatible with a variety of leading audio equipment available in today’s marketplace. Over the last few years, it has significantly expanded its product offerings with the successful TouchMonitor series of audio meters. Its award-winning TouchMonitors, the TM7 and TM9, debuted in 2010; since then, RTW has introduced updated versions of those products, as well as the latest additions to this family including the TMR7 for radio stations, and the TM3, which is the entry-level device of the TouchMonitor series.

The unique operating concept behind the TouchMonitor family is based on a 16:9 touch-sensitive screen, allowing a user to simply swipe a finger to interact with the graphical user interface. It offers not only a built-in online help function, but also allows for monitoring separate signal groups using multiple instruments at the same time.

All TouchMonitor meters are built from a state-of-the-art hardware platform. Depending on the user’s preferences, he can choose a device with analogue or digital connectors, or both, including 3G. In addition to the standard versions featuring desktop enclosures, external power supplies and an integrated stand, RTW also offers OEM versions that can be integrated into mixing-console surfaces.

The modular software concept of the TM7 and TM9 provides excellent value for money. Based on a user’s specific needs, he can purchase only those features that are necessary. Some of these options include Loudness meters, the Surround Sound Analyzer and VU meters (the addition of other available instruments that a user may be interested in, is always possible). The user can then individualize his view on the display to see only those instruments he needs in the size and arrangement he prefers. Both in terms of measuring devices and view, the TM7 and TM9 are entirely customizable.

The success of the TouchMonitor series has broadened RTW’s market reach, providing connectivity solutions to numerous professional markets. Now with a stronger presence in the United States, RTW plans to further that reach, supporting the professional audio community with its stellar German engineering, expertise and customer service.

ABOUT RTW
For more than 45 years, Cologne-based RTW has accompanied the steady technological progress in the professional audio industry with innovative instruments and technologies for visual audio monitoring in broadcast, production, post production and quality control. Its state-of-the-art audio and loudness metering systems have an excellent reputation throughout the world. With groundbreaking products such as the Surround Sound Analyzer, the company has been a key vendor of professional broadcast and audio metering equipment for decades.

RTW’s ranges of products currently includes the SurroundControl series for monitoring, controlling and routing stereo, multichannel and surround audio and the TouchMonitor range, which truly marks a paradigm shift in visual audio monitoring and loudness metering. Combining maximum flexibility and modularity with an intuitive touch-enabled surface and multichannel signal analysis, the TM7 and TM9 units are the essence of many years of experience. The attractively priced TouchMonitor TM3 entry-level system opens new markets, targeting applications such as journalist cubicles, edit suites and small control rooms.

For more information on RTW, visit www.rtw.de, www.facebook.com/rtw.de or call +49 221 709130.

New Addition Furthers Company’s Commitment to Creating Cutting-Edge Products

REEDSBURG, WI, MARCH 19, 2013 — Sound Devices, experts in audio and video products for field production, is pleased to announce that industry veteran Dr. Steve Popovich has joined its engineering team as Staff Firmware/Algorithm Engineer. Popovich will work directly with the Sound Devices research and development team to further enhance the company’s range of firmware and software algorithms for its audio and video products. Popovich brings with him a strong background in audio, systems engineering and software algorithm creation—a unique skill set that will further bolster Sound Devices’ software development efforts.

“Steve is a very talented software coder whom we’ve had the privilege of working with in the past. He has made big contributions with MixAssist on the 788T and other important algorithm developments,� says Matt Anderson, President of Sound Devices. “With more than two decades of experience in the industry, he is a welcome addition to the Sound Devices family. We look forward to his future contributions.�

Popovich’s background in acoustical signal processing began at Digisonix LLC, where he was Director of Research, developing active sound and vibration control technologies applied to silencing HVAC, automotive, aerospace and industrial noise. Since then, he has served in a diverse set of technical and engineering roles in electronic circuit manufacturing, DSP algorithms and embedded software applied to sound, electric motors and vehicle system electronics. His past work has also included supporting audio-related algorithm and software development for videoconferencing products at VTEL.

Popovich most recently served as a faculty member in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin, Platteville (UWP), where he participated in the creation of a collaborative program between UWP and UW-Fox Valley in Menasha, Wisconsin. During this time, Popovich also provided DSP-related consulting services, including work for Sound Devices.
Popovich holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and has been named as inventor on 11 patents.

Sound Devices, LLC designs and manufactures portable audio mixers, digital audio recorders, and digital video recorders and related equipment for feature film, episodic television, documentary, news-gathering, and acoustical test and measurement applications. The fourteen-year old company designs and manufactures from their Reedsburg, Wisconsin headquarters with additional offices in Madison, WI and Highland Park, IL. For more information, visit the Sound Devices website, www.sounddevices.com.