Willow SoundVision, a specialist integrator of audio visual systems and digital media solutions, has recently completed the audio and video installations for The Hippodrome Casino in London’s Leicester Square, incorporating over two hundred Community loudspeakers.

The former Hippodrome Theater and adjacent buildings have been transformed into The Hippodrome Casino by father and son team Jimmy and Simon Thomas, who have invested more than £40 million ($60.4 million) creating a high-end, opulent casino, blending theatrical history with contemporary, luxurious furnishings. The complex comprises three floors of gaming with the main gaming floor based in the original 60-foot theater atrium. What truly sets the venue apart is its further facilities, which include a 180-seat cabaret theater, an impressive restaurant, four private dining rooms, five bars and a number of lounges and events spaces.

With around 40 networked zones, Willow SoundVision carefully selected every audio product to be the best solution for the building and the multi-purpose way it is used.

One hundred and forty-six Community Distributed Design D4 ceiling loudspeakers, twenty-two DS5 surface mount loudspeakers and seven Community D10 ceiling Subs provide the main music and public address system for the gaming areas, restaurant, bars and event spaces. They were chosen for their audio quality and high intelligibility above ambient noise levels. Well controlled dispersion was also a critical factor in avoiding spill, as many zones are open to adjacent areas.

Fourteen Community VERIS 6T loudspeakers, six VERIS 26T loudspeakers and six VERIS 210S subwoofers were used for their powerful, high quality music ability in the lower ceiling height multi-purpose lounges. Symetrix SymNet provides the system networking and Media Technology Systems PAG amplifiers power the Community loudspeakers. Custom control software by Willow SoundVision allows complete system control via mobile phones or iPads.

Michael Brammer and Jim Brammer, President of SES

Asked about the decision, SES spokesperson Michael Brammer responded, “The addition of 24 MLA, 24 MLX, and 48 MLA Compact enclosures gives us more flexibility in creating system configurations, and the ability to serve multiple tours with MLA at the same time. MLA is without question one of the finest sounding PA systems in the world, if not the finest.�

After coming off a sold-out weekend that included the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York’s Madison Square Garden and the Prudential Center in Newark, the consensus was that sound coverage at all of the shows was exceptional.

In Syracuse, tickets sold so well that the stage was moved further and further back until there was virtually no more space on the field. At this point, the distance from the PA to the rear seats had reached 465 feet with no delays, and coverage still wasn’t a problem.

At Madison Square Garden, an on site decision was made to reconfigure the system to get additional enclosures in the air, which proved to have a beneficial impact on the overall coverage. The sound at Prudential was also stellar.

With a total inventory of 72 MLA, 8 MLD, 48 MLX and 48 MLA Compact enclosures, SES is a leader in the growing MLA North American network of production companies.

“MLA has definitely paved the way toward new possibilities for us and I’m excited to see where it takes us moving forward,� concluded SES President Jim Brammer.

For more about Martin Audio, please click to www.martin-audio.com.

MARCOUSSIS, France — L-ACOUSTICS’ headquarters in France announces that it has strengthened its marketing team with the appointment of Emma Beer to the newly created position of communications manager.

Tasked with overseeing L-ACOUSTICS’ press and media-related activities, Beer has developed a communications career in both the private and public sectors, previously focusing on digital technologies and publishing for the higher education sector, as well as green growth and private sector development at the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In her new role as communications manager at L-ACOUSTICS in Marcoussis, Beer will be responsible for strategic communications – developing media relations, external communications, and launching a new social media strategy for 2013. more

Martyn ‘Ferrit’ Rowe with sound engineers at Max Production

Following the recent purchase of an MLA Compact 24, both Martin Audio Regional Application Support Engineer Chris Pyne and Technical Training Manager Martyn (Ferrit) Rowe arrived at Max Production’s HQ in Sha Tin district to carry out the intensive three day training course afforded all Martin Audio MLA network partners.

The course was conducted by Ferrit and attended by ten of Max Production’s senior and junior staff as well as technicians and an interpreter from Budee, the MLA territorial distributor.

Chris Pyne, who conducted the introduction and initiation course, explained the content of the workshop. “The formal class room audio theory and system functions plus software and venue design studies take place over two days. The third day is dedicated to system rigging and safety, with system optimizations, listening tests and problem solving. We also do a sub bass array and system design class.�

He confirms that he will be returning in March to support Max Production with a major concert at the Asia World Arena utilizing the company’s entire MLA and MLA Compact inventory.

Summing up, Pine adds, “It was an enjoyable experience, with the Max management clearly pleased and excited by owning the first MLA system in Hong Kong. South-east Asia is proving a very strong growth area for both MLA and MLA Compact.�

Photo caption: Martyn ‘Ferrit’ Rowe with sound engineers at Max Production

For more about Martin Audio, please click to www.martin-audio.com.

About MLAâ„¢ (Multi-cellular Loudspeaker Array)
The result of many years of intensive R&D, MLA’s methodology replaces trial-and-error array design with intelligent numerical optimization of the array’s output based on a highly accurate acoustic model. The multi-cellular format has six individual cells in each enclosure, each with its own DSP and amplification.

With up to 24 enclosures, each MLA array has up to 144 cells — too great a number to optimize manually, or by ear. Instead, Martin Audio’s proprietary Display2â„¢ system design software automatically calculates FIR DSP filters for each cell and a redundant-ring audio network (U-NETâ„¢) downloads the settings into each array enclosure. Martin Audio’s VU-NETâ„¢ software provides real-time control and monitoring of the system.

MLA delivers a frequency response and SPL consistency never before achievable; a very high system output (140dB peak, per cabinet @1m); Automatic optimization of the array, both physically (splay angles) and electronically (DSP); Computer control and monitoring of the entire system, and total control of sound system balance for engineers and sound technicians.

MLA is fully integrated, with Class D amplification, DSP and U-NET digital audio
network built into each enclosure. MLA complete systems are ready-to-use, with MLA, MLD and MLX enclosures, flying hardware, software, cabling and training all supplied. Everything needed is included. All ancillary items — from tablet PC and Merlin™ controller to network interconnects and mains distro — are also included in the complete system package. This ensures full compatibility worldwide, down to cabling and accessories.

Additional features include 90° x 7.5° dispersion; a compact size (1136mm wide x 372mm high x 675mm deep), one-box-fits-all (festivals to theaters) application range and a global voltage, power factor corrected power supply.

MLA’s compact size and very high output allows it to be shipped using smaller trucks, offering considerable savings and reduced carbon footprint. The system also includes the MLX powered, flyable subwoofer capable of an unprecedented measured peak output of 150dB @ 1m; MLD downfill cabinet, and Merlin 4-in/10-out system controller and network hub. Audio input is via analog, AES3 or U-NET.

By adopting these principles and system components MLA is optimized for every member of the audience — from a 2,000 capacity theater, to a 20,000-seat arena, to a 100,000-person festival site. It will deliver the engineer’s exact mix to every seat (up to over 150 meters) with precision, exceptional power and clarity.

About Martin Audio®
Founded by audio engineer David Martin in 1971, Martin Audio pioneered the use of all-horn-loaded bass designs in world-class touring loudspeaker systems for groups such as Pink Floyd, ELP and Supertramp. Located outside of London, Martin Audio now embodies a sophisticated mix of acoustic design, research, mathematical modeling and software engineering for a wide range of products in the installation, cinema and touring sound markets.

Sound systems are normally associated with venues or sites, but occasionally for public safety this can expand to a need for a system which covers whole cities and regions. Such is the case with Marghera City, in the province of Venice, Italy, which has recently had an audio warning system installed utilizing Community loudspeakers.

Marghera is situated on the area of dry land facing Venice. It arose in its present form in the early 20th century to provide Venice with an industrial area and port, essential for competing with the other centers of the Mediterranean. The project was crowned by the building of a residential district inspired by the city-garden model, to merge life, work and the natural environment.

Port Marghera was bombed in World War II which stopped its operation, but after the war it resumed activities and development throughout the 1950’s to become one of the best known industrial hubs of Italy. In the 1960’s it experienced its greatest expansion, reaching an impressive number of production activities including chemical and aluminum, naval shipyard, petroleum refinery, metallurgy, electricity and the commerce of petroleum products.

The proximity of the industrial port Marghera to the residential Marghera City has been a subject of concern and even legal action for decades. Inside the industrial facility there are different types of warnings and alarms, both acoustic and non-acoustic, for employees and visitors in the event of any problem, typically the leakage of toxic and harmful chemical material from the processing and storage plants. The Servizio di Protezione Civile of the City of Venice has now wisely implemented the provision of an acoustic alarm system for the residents of the neighboring city, to warn them quickly of toxic pollutants in the air and allow residents and the relevant authorities to operate pre-planned actions and counter-measures

The Consorzio Venezia Ricerche (CVR, Venice Research Consortium) was charged with the design of the system and defining and managing the various installation stages. Having recently completed the large scale audio warning system that forms part of the flood defense system for Venice, all of the experience the project would demand was available to tackle the new project. The CVR established a Marghera Acoustical Warning System Task Force, consisting of internal staff and specialized professionals. The installation was managed by Sofitel from Treviso, while the acoustic simulation activities were carried out in full within the CVR. The Task Force included Marco Ferrari for the architecture of the communication system and Gianluca Sorbara for the electrical aspects, coordinated by the acoustic and electro-acoustic expert Umberto Nicolao, who also managed the overall design.

The system designed by Nicolao utilized the water tower of Marghera, one of the highest buildings available, as a central ‘acoustic lighthouse’. The tower is fitted with thirty Community PC1542M loudspeakers with M4 drivers, covering a precise 220 degrees horizontal. Critical coverage angles were calculated and implemented to avoid nearby ‘Cita skyscrapers’ from excessive SPL. In addition to the central tower, and to create an acoustic umbrella of typically higher than 75 dB-A over the city, Nicolao designed five additional sub-locations each using four Community RSH462 loudspeakers.

A Biamp Vocia system VA8600 system controls the audio network and automated monitoring, while AM600C power modules drive the Community loudspeaker systems.

Building on and adapting the extensive acoustic transmission and perception work carried out on the Venice system, the warning tones of the system have been finely tuned to give appropriate warnings without creating undue alarm.

The sophisticated warning system combined with the appropriate counter-measures has given the residents of Marghera City the level of security they have sought for many decades.

Electronics & Engineering (E&E) has recently completed the installation of a Community sound system at Singapore’s ï¬�rst Olympic-size ice rink at JCube.

Owned by CapitaMall Trust, JCube is located out of town in Jurong East. Managed by CapitaMall Asia, JCube differentiates itself from the usual shopping and dining mall experience with the ice rink in the center of the building. The 60 x 30 meter rink has a 460-seat gallery and can be used simply for community skating, or for more competitive sporting events including speed or �gure skating and ice hockey. It can also host live streaming events and concerts in the space.

The sound system at JCube rink provides both high intelligibility speech and entertainment quality music, and additionally allows for the multi-use requirements of the venue. To meet the specifications of the rinks management, E&E worked closely with Community’s Singapore-based Director of Business Development, Thomas Mittelmann, who liaised with the technical team at Community’s HQ in the US.

Seventeen Community WET W2-2W8 loudspeakers are mounted around the rink edge. The W2-2W8’s dual 8-inch horizontal drivers with centrally located 1-inch horn provide the optimum 120-degree wide horizontal dispersion required for the venue. Additionally the W2-2W8’s extreme all-weather capabilities handle the environmental conditions of the rink and its provision in white ensured the loudspeakers blended perfectly with the venue’s aesthetics.

In addition to the distributed W2-2W8 system, the audio design includes a ceiling loudspeaker system for the audience areas. The upper spectator stand comprises thirteen Community D8 8-inch coaxial ceiling loudspeakers. The D8 loudspeakers deliver consistent coverage with their Tru-Phase high frequency waveguide providing a wide uniform dispersion. In the lower stand there are thirteen Community D6 ceiling loudspeakers, providing the same consistent quality as their larger sibling, but equipped with a 6.5-inch low frequency driver. A further ten Community D4 ceiling loudspeakers and four Community DS8 surface mount loudspeakers are installed at back of house.

Five Ashly Audio NE2400 2-channel ampli�ers power the Community loudspeakers. The network enabled ampli�ers feature full control and monitoring capabilities via standard 10/100 Ethernet protocol and Protea software. An Ashly Audio NE4250 ampli�er powers the back of house system.

Processing is provided by a Symetrix Symnet 8×8 digital signal processor, supplied with SymNet Designer software which equips the rink with more than 300 DSP modules, including feedback elimination, loudspeaker management and auto mixing. The built-in modules enable the audio engineer at the rink to switch quickly and easily from one processing mode to another depending on the function of the rink at any given time.

Completing the audio system are a Mackie 1642-VLZ3 I6-channel compact recording mixer and Shure SLX24/SM58 handheld wireless microphones for concert type events.

BUENA PARK, Calif.—An early adopter of NEXO loudspeaker systems, Nashville-based Morris Light & Sound is the first in North America to take delivery of the new, flagship NEXO STM loudspeaker system, it was announced today by the Company and Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. (YCAS).

The 200+-box STM system includes 68 STM M46, 80 STM B112 bass, 48 STM S118 subs, 22 NUAR Racks, 12 PS10R2 speakers, 18 RS18 Ray Subs, and 16 GEO S12 loudspeakers. Two Yamaha DME64N Digital Mix Engines have also been purchased to run 16 channels of Lake Mesa EQ for zone control when required. The company also owns 24 NEXO 45-N12 line monitors.

Morris Light and Sound is a full service production and integration company with more than 25 years experience in the entertainment industry providing professional audio, video, and lighting services for live events, tours and the fixed installation marketplace throughout North America.

We are extremely pleased to be collaborating with Morris Light & Sound on the new STM system and excited to introduce them as our first NEXO STM associate in North America,� states Paul Furtkamp, National Sales Manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. “Involved with STM since its early stages, Morris L & S has provided very valuable input to NEXO on its development. Both NEXO and YCAS are very proud to be aligned with a company like Morris Light & Sound that truly define what it means to be on the cutting edge of a new technology like NEXO STM. We look forward to a very long and productive relationship between our two companies.�

The NEXO STM Series (Scale Through Modularity) loudspeaker cabinets are the first of its kind on the market. Ideal for touring, festivals, and sound company rental, the new system combines the best of Alpha functionality with the technical innovation of NEXO’s patented Hyperbolic Reflector and venting design in which all radiating surfaces are in phase, delivering a powerful, flexible, and easy to use system. STM enables line array systems to scale up or down depending on event audience size, from 1,000 to 100,000 people.

The STM system can be configured from three discrete loudspeaker elements: M46 main, B112 bass, S118 sub-bass modules with plans to release addition STM components in the near future. System configurations can comprise arrays of main cabinets only, main plus bass, or bass plus main plus bass. STM is unique in that it is the first vertical array system to offer scalable LF, making it easy to add extra bass cabinets for increased power and headroom, without introducing unwanted phase anomalies makes STM unique, as it is the first vertical array system to offer scalable LF. Deploying the dedicated subbass cabinets, either in the arrays or as ground-stacks, further increases the system’s options. The ‘Omni’ fill speakers complete the coverage pattern, whatever the scale of the system. STM also features a very innovative “one-man� rigging system that allows quick and safe construction of STM configurations. PistonRigTM allows pre-setting of inter-cabinet angle values. REDLockTM handle locks front rigging points from rear of cabinet. All adjustments made from one position at rear of cluster.

“From our first trip to NEXO headquarters over a year ago, we immediately embraced the concept of STM,� states David Haskell, President, Morris Light & Sound. “The ability to scale the system for audiences from 1,000 to 100,000 got our attention. And, after working closely with the NEXO team, I can proudly say they have delivered the most flexible and best sounding system I have heard in many years. We are proud to be a developmental partner with NEXO and YCAS in bringing this wonderful new product to the market and look forward to a lasting relationship.�

For more information on Morris Light & Sound, visit www.morrislightandsound.com.

For more information on the NEXO STM system, visit www.yamahaca.com.

-END-

PHOTO ID: L to R: Morris L&S V.P, John Mills; Paul Furtkamp, YCAS National Sales Manager; David Haskell, President, Morris L&S

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.

The new L-ACOUSTICS KARA system (above the 1995 banner at left) in use during a Miami RedHawks versus UMass Minutemen basketball game (photo credit: Andy Wittry)

OXFORD, Ohio – March 2013 — John D. Millett Hall on the campus of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio is best recognized as home to the school’s popular RedHawks basketball and volleyball teams. But the 9,200-capacity venue is also well known as the site for the school’s commencement exercises, as well as concerts and other events from a list of guests as varied as Yo-Yo Ma, Beck, Bill Cosby, The Fray, O.A.R., Bela Fleck, Jay Leno and the Dalai Lama.

With the facility’s aging distributed PA system struggling to even accommodate announcements at sporting events, the school hired Cincinnati-based L-ACOUSTICS Certified Provider Loud & Clear, Inc. to supply a sound reinforcement system each time it hosted a concert. Now, Loud & Clear has turned a satisfied rental client into an even happier fixed install client with the recent installation of an L-ACOUSTICS KARA system. more

InfoComm 2013 will introduce the latest trends, best practices and solutions for the Live Events industry, at the annual show, June 8-14 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. InfoComm 2013 will feature exhibitor pavilions, technology demonstrations and educational programming for live events professionals including access and hands-on training for the newest and most advanced in rigging equipment, LEDs and projection systems, large-venue audio systems, lighting fixtures and controllers and more.

Live events have become more intricately designed, with demand for spectacular visual effects and stunning sound clarity. “Whether for a concert or a product launch, audiovisual professionals are tasked with putting on an engaging, exciting event,� said David Labuskes, CTS, RCDD, Executive Director and CEO, InfoComm International. “The training, sharing of best practices and access to all the top manufacturers at InfoComm 2013 will aid today’s AV professionals in exceeding their customers’ expectations for excellence.�

Lighting & Staging Pavilion
The Lighting & Staging Pavilion, located on the show floor, is the hotspot for equipment demonstration and testing, presentations and interactive trainings geared toward live events professionals. The Production Camera Showcase, featuring the latest video cameras, will allow attendees to participate in a post-production experience with feeds from the showcase stage, and the Rigging and Staging Demo will find IATSE professionals demonstrating safe rigging practices using truss, motors, hardware, lights, line arrays, LEDs and safety harnesses.

InfoComm 2013 Lighting and Staging Exhibitors include:

â—� A.C. Lighting
â—� Christie Digital
â—� Daktronics
â—� JBL
â—� Elation
â—� Chauvet
â—� Barco
â—� Dataton
â—� TMB

Staging and Live Events SuperTrack

InfoComm University™ is offering education for business and operations managers, including Staging and Live Events Management; Digital Image Content in Live Event Production; Business Trends in Rental & Staging; Must-Have Technology for Your Next Event; Principles of Live Mixing; Audio 401: Limiters, Equalization, and Multi-Zone (Distributed) PA Systems; and Mix it Up — Live Audio Workshop.

InfoComm 2013, the largest commercial audiovisual show, expects more than 35,000 attendees, including commercial service providers and end-user technology managers from wide-ranging market sectors, including business, government, military, education, worship, healthcare, hospitality, retail and entertainment. Along with a trade show floor that exhibits the latest from all of the industry leaders in audiovisual, staging, signage and more, the educational programming provides attendees with opportunities to develop skills and update certifications during the conference.

For more news on InfoComm 2013 before, during and after the show, visit infocommshow.org
or follow the show on Facebook, and Twitter and the InfoComm 2013 Blog.

InfoComm is sponsored by Blackmagic Design, Christie, Crestron, Panasonic and Samsung.

Fort Worth, TX––The mission for Diavolo Systems owner Tim Hannum was “to build a top-of-the-line dance floor sound system and light show in a combination restaurant/lounge, and not have it look like you’re walking into a cavernous nightclub.�

A real challenge since the 13,434 square foot venue for Vee Lounge that formerly served as a live club for cover bands is located on the main floor of a parking garage. The space wasn’t designed for acoustics and suffered from significant acoustic challenges like a sloped roof higher on one side of the room than the other.

The plan for owner Rick’s Cabaret International—a longstanding Diavolo client–– was to create a high-end Tapas restaurant that could easily transition into a full on dance club featuring local and well-known national/international touring DJs playing Electronic Dance Music on weekends.

Hannum, who named his company in part based on the expression, “the devil’s in the details,� approached the challenges implicit in the Vee Lounge project with his customary mix of thoroughness, precision and creativity.

“We put in a reinforced wood DJ stage built out of cabinet-grade lumber instead of metal studs and covered it with a 3/8� recycled rubber floor normally used for workout facilities,� he explains. “With the custom steel Vee Lounge performance stage from Red Bull, we end up with a really nice EDM performance stage.

“In front of the DJ booth, we put in a really huge custom oval shaped dance floor made out of hard oak and raised with enough clearance off the ground to make you feel more of the low end through your feet,� Tim continues.� When it comes to sound, we designed a true left-right speaker system with three Martin Audio Blackline H3H+ enclosures on each side at different heights to reach every corner of the room. You can hear the system pan left and right and, overall, the system is very clean, precise and oh so sexy.�

According to Hannum, “in addition to four S218+ subs, we floor-mounted two of Martin Audio’s new high-powered X15+ subs as monitors at either side of the booth on yokes so DJs can position them any way they want. The X15s are separately powered and processed with their own DSP in the booth.

“As it turns out, the setup transforms pretty well from controlled restaurant sound allowing lower volumes from the perimeter speakers to a high impact club system running full on from the mains. We have plenty of horsepower with the Martin Audio. And as difficult as the room is, the sound is really good, that’s all I can say.�

Vee Lounge also features a sophisticated LED-based lighting system by Chauvet Professional, which Hannum says is “very effects-driven and all operated from Martin Professional’s Light Jockey. The video system is run via Mac Minis with Arkaos video software where we can access different background imagery for all the displays in the room which includes the new 90� Sharp TVs on either side of the DJ booth.�

Underscoring his out-of-the-box approach, Tim explains, “I used a plethora of inexpensive lighting effects that people wouldn’t normally think of for a big club but I’m using them differently for stuff like an expanded ceiling effect that’s very sexy. In fact, it’s a very sexy room with all of the round columns and rounded curvatures of the bar and faciae of the drop-down ceiling pieces. Everything is very curved and sexy, like the sound system.�

Open just over a month after a grand opening featuring an extended hour and a half set by Australian DJ Havana Brown of “We Run the Night� fame, Vee Lounge is rapidly becoming a essential component of Fort Worth nightlife.

Asked about the reaction to the sound system, Hannum concludes, “The owners expect the best and that’s what they get with Martin Audio. The regional DJs were absolutely floored by the sound on the floor and in the booth. When they’re in the booth, they’re immersed in a blanket of sound, so anybody can mix anything at any time. Everything about it helps the DJ do his or her job better and it really sounds good. That works for me.�

For more about Martin Audio, please click to www.martin-audio.com.

For more about Diavolo Systems, please click to www.diavolosystems.com

About Martin Audio®
Founded by audio engineer David Martin in 1971, Martin Audio pioneered the use of all-horn-loaded bass designs in world-class touring loudspeaker systems for groups such as Pink Floyd, ELP and Supertramp. Located outside of London, Martin Audio now embodies a sophisticated mix of acoustic design, research, mathematical modeling and software engineering for a wide range of products in the installation, cinema and touring sound markets.