Richard Galliano, a musician widely regarded as the world’s greatest living accordionist, is currently touring the world with a quintet of musicians to celebrate the life and works of his mentor, Astor Piazolla.

In order to deliver the true acoustic feel of Piazolla’s acclaimed tango music, the tour’s sound engineer Rémi Bourcereau has chosen eight DPA d:vote™ 4099 Instrument Microphones, which his is using for Galliano’s accordion and bandoneón and also for the violins, viola, double bass and cello played by Galliano’s quintet. For the piano, Bourcereau is using two DPA 2011C twin diaphragm cardioid microphones, which are positioned on a stereo bar. All of these microphones were bought from DPA’s French distributor Audio².

“I first used DPA microphones a year ago on a different tour and was delighted with the results they gave me,� Bourcereau explains. “For this tour, we wanted the audience to feel as acoustically close to the instruments as possible and that is why I chose DPA. In close miking conditions they deliver a very natural sound, which is exactly what this type of music requires.�

Richard Galliano, who was born in 1950 of Italian/French parentage, was taught to play the accordion by his father when he was just four years old. In 1983 his musical talent was recognised by Argentine tango composer and bandoneón player Astor Piazolla, a man whose ability to integrate classical, modern and jazz music influences had elevated tango music to concert hall status and earned him the title of the ‘King of Tango’.

Piazolla invited Galliano to be the bandoneón soloist at the Comédie Française where his original music was being used to accompany William Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This was the starting point of their decade-long friendship that lasted until Piazzolla passed away in 1992.

Galliano’s current tour, which is designed to mark the 20th anniversary of Piazolla’s death, has already taken him to numerous concert halls in the USA, Canada, South America and Europe. Most recently he has been in China where he performed a number of concerts in Guangzhou, Changsha, Shanghai, Wuhan, Xi’an, Beijing and Shenzhen.

“We have attached the DPA d:vote 4099s to Richard’s accordion and bandoneón using magnetic piano holders with scratch tape wrapped around the clips for added security,� Rémi Bourcereau says. “Richard is really enjoying the sound he is getting from the DPA microphones and, because they are now his regular microphones, he is finding that he can always get the dynamic that he wants.�

The other musicians in the quintet also appreciate the audio quality delivered by their DPA microphones – and the fact that having the same microphone in every venue means they know exactly how they are going to sound and don’t face any nasty surprises.

“The d:vote 4099s are very easy for the musicians to use because they simply clip onto their instruments – something that is really helpful when you are on tour,� Bourcereau says. “From my point of view, I’m really happy with the sound the DPA microphones are delivering, especially with the strings. The d:vote 4099s have a good sounding off axis response and this brings a lot of acoustic coherence on strings.�

Richard Galliano’s Piazolla tribute tour will continue into 2013, taking in more European dates. DPA microphones are now a permanent feature of this tour, ensuring the highest possible audio quality in every venue.

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Editors’ information:
DPA Microphones is the leading Danish Professional Audio manufacturer of high quality condenser microphones and microphone solutions for professional applications in studio, broadcast, theatre, video/film and sound reinforcement environments. All DPA microphones and components are manufactured at the company’s purpose-built factory in Denmark.
For more information on DPA Microphones, please visit www.dpamicrophones.com

Dynamics processing specialist Jünger Audio is delighted to announce the appointment of Oliver Harms, who has joined the company to handle Technical Sales for the Asia region.

Harms has extensive experience in audio and hardware development, having previously worked for Native Instruments, GSP-Audiotechnologies and Formac. He also has a thorough knowledge of Asian culture and speaks and writes fluent Mandarin.

Peter Poers, Managing Director of Jünger Audio, says: “We have noticed a significant increase in sales to countries in Asia, in particular China, and this appointment reflects the importance we place on further developing our business in this region. Oliver’s experience in audio and hardware solutions, along with his impressive communication skills, will help our customers integrate Jünger Audio’s Level Magic™ Loudness control into their broadcast workflow in a simple and effective way.�

Oliver Harms adds: “I am very happy to be working for Jünger Audio and to have this opportunity to channel my audio and hardware experience into the new and challenging environment of technical sales. It is also a delight to be working with such a great team.�

Harms will primarily be based in Jünger Audio’s head office in Berlin but will be making regular trips to the Far East to support sales activity in the region.

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About Jünger Audio
Established in Berlin in 1990, Jünger Audio specialises in the design and manufacture of high-quality digital audio dynamics processors. It has developed a unique range of digital processors that are designed to meet the demands of the professional audio market. All of its products are easy to operate and are developed and manufactured in-house, ensuring that the highest standards are maintained throughout. Its customers include many of the world’s top radio and TV broadcasters, IPTV providers, music recording studios and audio post production facilities. www.junger-audio.com

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Symetrix, manufacturer of high-end professional audio solutions specializing in DSP hardware and software, announces that all products purchased on or after October 1, 2012 are covered by a three-year limited factory warranty. The new warranty period covers all Symetrix Edge, Radius, Solus, Jupiter, Integrator Series, AirTools, analog hardware, and user interfaces.

“We at Symetrix are proud of our reputation for building dependable equipment,� said Brooke Macomber, director of marketing. “The newly extended factory warranty period reflects the confidence we have in our product quality. Our equipment stands up to the stresses and strains of the working world with tremendous resilience. Consultants and contractors will find our warranty is clear-cut and devoid of loopholes. Even more importantly, Symetrix products are reliable, and are designed and manufactured to outperform industry product life expectations.�

ABOUT SYMETRIX Sound professionals rely upon the performance, value and reliability of audio mixing, routing and processing products from Symetrix. For more information on Symetrix professional audio products, please visit www.symetrix.co or call +1 (425) 778-7728.

STEWARTSTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 2012: The Eureka Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company serves the greater Stewartstown, Pennsylvania area, and although most of its glory and commitment is deservedly focused on helping neighbors in need, it also boasts a fine social hall that it rents for meetings, wedding receptions, and other events. At over 4,000 square-feet, the social hall can comfortably accommodate up to three hundred people. Until recently, however, its sound reinforcement system delivered poor coverage with marginal fidelity. The company hired Stage Masters, a local AV integration firm, to renovate the room’s A/V system. Stage Masters called on Ashly Audio processing, amplification, and user control to deliver a new system that is perfectly tuned, reliable, and easy to use.

The new system is configured to flexibly meet the needs of all potential users and renters. Shure wireless microphones provide users with a ready and convenient means of amplify voice and are joined by a stereo iPod input, a handful of mic- and line-level input jacks, and the outputs from the video playback system. Shawn Fife, owner of Stage Masters, selected the Ashly ne24.24M processor based on its flexibility. For example, its I/O count is modular, and he initially outfitted the social hall’s ne24.24M with twelve inputs and four outputs. “With the Ashly ne24.24M, I can scale the processing to the needs of a particular job,� said Fife. “Moreover, the unit is network ready, right out of the box, which makes it easy to help clients remotely.�

The Ashly ne24.24M’s modularity was especially useful in this instance, because the officials requested additional output channels after the system was already installed. “I gave them Shure headset microphones for use on bingo nights, among other things,� said Fife. “After they used the system a few times, they changed their minds and wanted to give the caller a monitor channel to listen for bingo calls. Since we were already using all four of the installed output channels, they would have been out of luck were it not for the ne24.24M’s modularity. We were able to meet their request at little expense simply by adding another output card together with a small powered monitor at the caller’s position.�

The original four outputs from the Ashly ne24.24M feed four zones: the entrance hall, the kitchen, main hall left, and main hall right. Because the room is always oriented the same way for video presentations, it was possible to enhance the experience with stereo. A new BenQ SH910 projector gives the room’s users crisp video presentations. Powered by an Ashly ne4250.70 amplifier, Pure Resonance SD4 Lay-In 2×2 drop ceiling speakers give the system impressive punch and clarity with no hot spots. “For the power that they deliver, the Ashly amplifiers are extremely cost-effective,â€� said Fife. Although he hasn’t yet hooked into them as he has the ne24.24M, the Ashly ne4250.70 is also network-ready right out of the box.

User control of the system is simple and intuitive. An Ashly WR-5 push-button wall remote placed at the front of the room provides volume control of an adjacent microphone jack and computer input, as well as volume control of the system’s four wireless microphones. A second Ashly WR-5 located in the kitchen provides volume control of two adjacent microphone jacks, as well as an adjacent iPod jack.

ABOUT ASHLY AUDIO Ashly Audio Inc. is recognized as a world leader in the design and manufacturing of high quality & high performance signal processing equipment and power amplification for use in the commercial sound contracting and professional audio markets. The 37-year old company is headquartered in Webster, New York U.S.A. www.ashly.com

BUENA PARK, Calif.—Today marks the international launch of a joint collaboration between Yamaha and Steinberg—a hardware and software system that adds the power of the Dante audio network to world-class recording, post production, live to tape broadcast, and house of worship recording for re-broadcast. NUAGE is a complete, flexible system that allows engineers to choose and combine components to perfectly match individual application and workflow requirements.

NUAGE is the first truly networkable recording system consisting of hardware work surface components, sleek interface, comprehensive visual feedback, networkable audio interface units, and a software-based digital audio workstation. It offers advanced processing capabilities and superior sonic quality. The Yamaha control surface features a combination of fader and main control units allowing for various system configurations, and the core of NUAGE is Steinberg’s award winning Nuendo digital audio workstation software. Coupled with the power of Dante, this advanced production system provides mix engineers a truly synergistic studio solution. Dante audio networking provides unrestricted system design and expandability both in the studio and in situations where audio is to be shared with live mixing systems.

A Dante Accelerator audio interface card can be installed in the computer running the Nuendo DAW to provide extra-low latency multi-channel audio data transfer capacity, advantageous when communicating with NUAGE I/O units. A secondary port can be used to provide redundant connections for failsafe reliability.

“The NUAGE system will provide our customers a quality experience consistent with the Yamaha brand,â€� states Marc Lopez, Marketing Manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. “We’re providing the best of all worlds – a scalable user friendly work surface, the superior workflow of Nuendo, and the power of Dante.â€�

NUAGE provides intuitive operation and visual organization for enhanced
efficiency. Any 24� monitor can be used with the system. The system incorporates the computer LCD displays for “Extensive Console View� channel strip extension, customizable Nuendo shortcuts that can be freely assigned to numerous User Assignable Keys, Touch Slider functionality for instant channel navigation, touch sensitive faders and encoders, Channel Name Display, and Channel Color Bar. A precision jog wheel supports accurate, error-free editing on the master section.

NUAGE modular architecture and network audio interface enable broad system flexibility. Two types of control surface units can be used individually or in combination, according to system needs. Three types of high-end audio interfaces are available, used individually or in combination for up to 128 channels. 16-channel analog, 16-channel digital, and 8-channel analog + 8-channel digital can be controlled at once with two encoders per channel, or all encoders can be mapped to one or two highlighted channels in the Channel Setting Mode. NUAGE I/O also features advanced JetPLLâ„¢ jitter reduction technology for extremely low jitter and superior AD/DA resolution.

NUAGE benefits lead to uncompromised product quality and include 32-bit/192 kHz support for superior sonic quality (Nuendo 6 supports sampling rates up to 384 kHz). Advanced audio interface DSP hardware offers “True Integrated Monitoring� for ultra-low-latency monitoring. The DSP surround processing capabilities provide all the essentials for state-of-the-art surround sound including speaker/level display adjustments and base management. The power of native system processing allows a large number of plug-ins to be used simultaneously across multiple channels/tracks. Nuendo Syncstation provides sample-accurate synchronization for audio and video.

The system’s space-saving keyboard/mouse editing capabilities as well as compact rack-mount dimensions round out the unique NUAGE system.

A basic NUAGE system starts at a targeted MSRP of $18,000 and has an expected availability of second quarter of 2013.

Computers and monitors are not included in the system components.

For more information on NUAGE, visit www.yamahaca.com.

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About Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc.:
Celebrating 125 years of Passion and Performance, and 25 years in the manufacturer of high quality digital audio consoles, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. (YCAS) provides a full line of integrated professional audio products offering complete systems solutions for the broadcast, sound reinforcement/installed sound, touring, commercial recording, and post production markets. With the addition of NEXO to the product line, the company remains the official U.S. and Canadian distributor for all NEXO speaker models. YCAS offers comprehensive in-house and field product training for its customers, a dedicated dealer network, and 24/7 technical support.

MILFORD, CONNECTICUT: When the owner of a high-end home theater sought professional help to update its components and improve its audio quality, he didn’t realize just how far cutting-edge technology and expertise could take things. As part of the process, the owner hired Connecticut-based SH Acoustics to give the room proper absorption and diffusion so as to optimize the cinematic effect. Recognizing that the room’s inherent architectural properties would create tremendous inconsistencies in the bass response from seat to seat, SH Acoustics engineered an eight-subwoofer solution using the powerful open-architecture processing of the Symetrix SymNet Edge system to effectively nullify the impact of the room modes at each of the room’s twelve seats.

“The room was built into a concrete bunker, which caused prominent room modes,� explained Marc Cote, director of design at SH Acoustics. “Moreover, the proposed design for the renovation, which originally called for two large subs at the front of the system, didn’t address bass management. Even the most advanced surround sound processors don’t begin to address such problems.� SH Acoustics’ Senior Consultant Jeremiah Flaherty served as project manager. “We used a combination of volume, equalization, delay and subwoofer placement to effectively manipulate the acoustical signature of the room for the better,� Flaherty said. The flexibility and massive processing power of three open-architecture Symetrix SymNet Edge frames gave the experts at SH Acoustics all of the tools they needed to dial in the ideal bass response, as well as proper fine-scale tuning of the system’s many full-range components.

The screen channels are traditional cinema screen channels, with left-center-right served by beefy biamped JBL units powered by QSC amplifiers. Four James Loudspeaker Power Pipes subwoofers are located at the front of the room under the stage, whereas six Pro Home Cinema subwoofers line the sidewalls for the purpose of balancing out the room response. Finally, four rbh D’Apollito loudspeakers serve each of the three rear channel positions for a total of twelve surround sound components. Because the Symetrix SymNet Edge system uses a modular I/O topology, Flaherty was able to outfit the three Edge frames with eight analog inputs (fed by the surround sound processor) and twenty-eight analog outputs.

As far as the end user is concerned, the three Symetrix SymNet Edge frames are simply magical black boxes, but using the Symetrix SymNet Composer software, Flaherty and Cote were able to use them like a comprehensive audio chemistry set. “We had complete control over each loudspeaker and subwoofer component,� said Cote. “Getting connected to the system with SymNet Composer was easy, and because the SymNet Edge system networks via the Dante protocol, dealing with eight inputs and twenty-eight outputs was no problem. All of the time-tested DSP modules from earlier-generation systems are still there, with some nice additions, such as Flex Filters.� Flaherty added, “Designing the system within SymNet Composer was straightforward, despite the complexity of the program we created. I really like having the ability to group modules with a common purpose into ‘super-modules.’ I could have four conceptually-simple super-modules, but within each might be fifty constituent modules. It’s a clean way to work.�

Apart from its simplicity, a key advantage of the Dante protocol is its almost un-measurable latency. “With earlier systems, we had to be careful to group common elements within a single processor, or the network latencies might mess with the tuning process,� said Cote. “Dante removes that concern and prevents us from chasing our tails.� With comprehensive programming that addresses every aspect of room tuning, the three SymNet Edge frames are only using 50% of their processing power, leaving plenty of room to address future requests. “You never know exactly what you’ll need until you get into a room and start tuning it,� said Cote. “With SymNet Edge, we were able to include all of the processing blocks that we thought we might possibly use, which made the tuning process much more efficient.�

He continued, “We appreciate that Symetrix is always conservative with its releases, such that there are no bugs or broken elements. Even though the SymNet Edge system is new, there was no problem in specifying it. Symetrix also provides excellent customer support, which can be critical when things get complicated and the client is watching. In addition, the audio quality of Symetrix equipment, including not only floating-point DSP and great algorithms, but also top-notch analog preamps and converters, makes its inclusion within high-end home theaters possible.�

ABOUT SYMETRIX Sound professionals rely upon the performance, value and reliability of audio mixing, routing and processing products from Symetrix. For more information on Symetrix professional audio products, please visit www.symetrix.co or call +1 (425) 778-7728.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA: Mastro’s stands among the nation’s premier steak and seafood houses, and its Beverly Hills location is one of its most celebrated. In fact, business was so brisk that the management decided to expand upward, literally. After renovating the third floor of its North Canon Drive location, Mastro’s Penthouse recently opened to offer drinks, sushi, and deck lounge dining. In addition, a private dining room with its own private balcony is sure to be well used by the restaurant’s upscale clientele. Mastro’s hired Clean Media – the same A/V integration company that helped create the ambiance in the first two floors – to design and install a video and audio system that would be consistent with Mastro’s exclusive aesthetic. Clean Media obliged, relying on Ashly Audio amplifiers with integrated Protea(tm) DSP to guarantee reliable performance with audio that is grilled – or rather, tuned – to perfection.

Clean Media is based in Scottsdale, Arizona and enthusiastically endorsed by well-known All-Pro football player, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen. He loved the home theater that Clean Media built for him so much that he’s been helping to promote the company ever since. Not that Clean Media is really hurting for business; it is the go-to company for many of the country’s high-end chains, including Eddie V’s Restaurants (owned by Darden Restaurants), Oreganos Pizza Bistro, Twin Peaks Restaurant, and, of course, Mastro’s Restaurants.

“A little over a year ago, Ashly Audio sent some engineers to give our company a presentation,” recalled Dylan Vicha, the owner of Clean Media. “We shared all of the problems and issues that we had run into with other manufacturers, and they clearly articulated how an Ashly-based system would circumvent them. We tried out Ashly at the Red Revolver Lounge in Scottsdale, a club that I also co-own, and everyone agreed that Ashly delivered tremendous processing power, great user control integration, reliability, and ready technical support – and all at a very fair price point. Having now used Ashly for almost every project initiated in the last year, we’re confident that Ashly gear will meet and exceed our clients’ needs and will uphold the reputation that we have earned for building easy-to-use, great-sounding, and bullet-proof A/V systems.”

Inputs to the new system include a PC, Blu-ray, two channels of DirecTV, a DJ/band jack, a live music feed from the second floor, an MP3 input from the second floor, and DirecTV from the second floor. A Crestron audio matrix switcher selects and routes the inputs appropriately, with a Crestron HDMI video matrix switcher doing the same for the associated video inputs. A Crestron Series 3 control processor with wall-mounted touchscreens and an iPad interface give the Penthouse staff intuitive control over relevant system parameters. One eight-channel Ashly ne8250.70pe and one four-channel Ashly ne4250.70pe, both with built-in Protea DSP matrix mixer & processor, handle signal amplification and signal processing duties simultaneously. JBL in-ceiling loudspeakers cover five output zones: the bar, the restrooms, the dining area, the hallway, and the private dining area. Atlas weather-resistant loudspeakers cover the patios.

“The Ashly amplification and processing has been extremely reliable in all our commercial 70-volt applications, and the clients always comment on how easy our systems are to use,” said John White, project manager with Clean Media. “We have used Ashly both as a standalone audio control system and as an amplifier/processor integrated with Crestron & RTI control systems. The Protea DSP control is easy to set up, and we’re always able to dial in great sound in each zone, no matter what the acoustic obstacles are. We will be using Ashly Audio products in all our future projects.” In the coming months, completed Ashly projects will include Federal Pizza (Owners of the Postino Wine Café chain), Hopdoddy Burger Bar (former owners of Eddie V’s Restaurants), and the additional Oreganos, Eddie V’s, and Twin Peaks locations.

ABOUT ASHLY AUDIO Ashly Audio Inc. is recognized as a world leader in the design and manufacturing of high quality & high performance signal processing equipment and power amplification for use in the commercial sound contracting and professional audio markets. The 37-year old company is headquartered in Webster, New York U.S.A. www.ashly.com

Click here to view the demonstration:
DIFFUSING / SCATTERING SOUND: Sound Diffusion Explained

Acoustics First has just released another in a series of videos to help explain acoustical principles using simple, easy to understand video demonstrations. This latest demonstration tackles the mystery of acoustic sound diffusion. Using an array of ping pong balls to represent sound visually, this video simply demonstrates what occurs when sound strikes the surface of an acoustic diffuser. First, you will see what happens when sound hits a flat reflective surface with no acoustical treatment. The balls all bounce at the same time and in the same direction. This represents what happens to the sound when it hits a flat reflective surface like a wall. Then you see what happens when sound hits an acoustic sound diffuser. You will immediately notice the energy of the wave of balls is scattered in all different directions as well as deflected at different time intervals. Diffusers, disperse or scatter the sound like crowd control, preserving the sound to maintain sound clarity without destructive interference. This is the basic principle behind acoustic sound diffusion.

Click here to view the demonstration: DIFFUSING / SCATTERING SOUND: Sound Diffusion Explained

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Acoustics First Corporation supplies acoustical panels and soundproofing materials to control sound and eliminate noise in commercial, residential, government, institutional applications worldwide. Products include the patented Art Diffusor®, sound absorbers, noise barriers, acoustical fabrics and accessories. Acoustics First® products are sold for O.E.M applications, direct, and through dealers. For more information on acoustical materials and their application, please visit www.AcousticsFirst.com or call Toll Free 1-888-765-2900 (US & Canada).