newsflash spring 2007 The EVI Audio Magazine

newsflash
spring 2007
www.telexcommunications.com
The EVI Audio Magazine
EDITORIAL
CONTENTS
During the press reception at our in-house trade fair, the
Hausmesse, Mathias von Heydekampf pointed out that "no second
passes without an event taking place somewhere in the world in
which we are in some way technically involved"; and a more graphic illustration of the global status of Bosch Communications
Systems/EVI Audio and the products of the brands Electro-Voice,
Dynacord, Midas, Klark Teknik, Telex/RTS and Telex would be
hard to find.
Instead, in this issue of Newsflash we have been content to
cite a few key references in support of the assertion, offering
along the way a glimpse behind the scenes at a number of highend productions in which our systems have seen action in recent
months (the current Reamonn tour, the Brit Awards, the Houston
Livestock Show and Rodeo), an illustration of the way they can
be used to resolve the most awkward of conundrums at international sporting events seen all round the world (such as the
Hahnenkamm downhill), and some indication of their diversity,
where in the fixed installation sector, for example, we offer the
best solutions on the market to the problems faced by venues as
diverse as sports stadiums and discotheques.
But these are only the tip of the iceberg, which is why we are
asking all who use our systems to keep us regularly informed of
projects in which they (personally) and we (technically) are involved. Thank you in advance for your input.
This issue, of course, is timed to coincide with the Musikmesse/ProLight+Sound in Frankfurt, where once again we'll be
providing a number of the musical highlights – whether on the
Agora Stage or at our booth (E70) in Hall 4.1 (see page 4/5).
page 3
MIX
News from the Pro Audio sector
page 4 – 5
HIGHLIGHTS
ProLight+Sound 2007 – The same … but different!
page 6 – 7
HIGHLIGHTS
Reamonn – On the road with Satis&Fy and EV
page 8 – 9
HIGHLIGHTS
Brit Awards – Love, Hate & EV
Atlanta Sound And Lighting – Success on the high seas
page 10
HIGHLIGHTS
Sister Act and the Midas XL8 – two new stars on broadway
page 11
HIGHLIGHTS
The Hahnenkamm Kitzbühel – the Mountain,
the race, the sound
page 12
WORLDWIDE
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2007
page 13
WORLDWIDE
Oslo Fashion Week; Club “Palazzo”, Greece;
Installation News
page 14 – 15 INSTALL
Eishalle Straubing – First Class Sound for the Eishalle
Amarillo National Center – EV rides the rodeo
page 16
BROADCAST
Cabsat, Dubai; Telegenic UK; Dubai TV
page 17
NEWS – NEW PRODUCTS TELEX/RTS
ARP-32, BP-319/BP-351, BP-325, RKP-4
Intercom Academy, London
page 18 – 19 NEWS – NEW PRODUCTS DYNACORD
VariLine, CMS 2200, PowerH, RCM-26; IRIS-Net
IMPRINT
PUBLISHER
EDITORIAL
EVI Audio GmbH
Gunther Matejka
page 20
NEWS – NEW PRODUCTS ELECTRO-VOICE
REV Wireless, XLC127DVX, ZXA5, EVM 12L Classic
page 21
INSIDE
Electro-Voice – A new home, new perspectives
James Edlund
COORDINATION
Guy Low
Robert Pletz
Rhea Marstaller
Hirschberger Ring 45
Daniel Kappla
D-94315 Straubing
Marla Dal Cero
Tel: +49 9421/706-0
Ulli Hoppert
page 22 – 23 INSIDE
Workshop in Amsterdam; Your Event & EVI Audio –
Training tour; Barma Professional Audio,
Spain – new distribution partner; 25 years of Auprosa,
Bosch – substantial investments; Merchandising hits
Fax: +49 9421/706-315
TRANSLATIONS
REALIZATION
Ewan Whyte
snapshot Redaktionsbüro
E-mail: [email protected]
Gunther Matejka
Tel: +49 89/74 65 36 63
GRAPHICS
Fax: +49 89/74 65 36 68
Sabine Bitterlich
E-Mail:
E-Mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
PRINTING
F&W Mediencenter, Kienberg
www.fw-medien.de
2
newsflash / spring 2007
NEWS…
MIX
WELCOME TO THE CLUB!
REAMONN-VIDEO ON THE WEB
While chatting with the EV crew at this year's NAMM show, legendary guitarist Albert Lee confessed that his incomparable tone has
long been tied to the
EVM-12L guitar speaker... So it was pretty
much a surefire certainty that, after testing the
new EVM-12L Classic,
Albert would be eager
to join the ranks of EV
endorsers... which he
did. The services of the
Grammy award winning virtuoso already
have been enlisted by
heavyweights like Eric
Clapton, Joe Cocker
and ex-Rolling Stone
Bill Wyman. Like his distinguished friends, we
are delighted to have
him aboard!
Their tour of Germany (see pages 6 and 7) was a complete success;
now the German band with the Irish singer, Rea Garvin, is setting out to
conquer the world's charts, the opening campaign being the group's current European tour, which is scheduled to last until August. For a look behind the scenes at the Reamonn show in Oberhausen on the 11th February,
visit the EV website (http://www.electrovoice.com/tv), where we fast-forward through the entire proceedings using time-lapse photography.
5 x XL8 IN FRANKFURT
At the Musikmesse/ProLight+Sound 2007 in Frankfurt, Midas is
deploying no fewer than five XL8 digital live performance systems: two
each in Hall 4.1 (Padco, Booth C55; Bosch Communications
Systems/EVI Audio, Booth E70) and the Agora marquee, and the fifth
in a private VIP cabin reserved by Midas for exclusive demos.
ZAKK IS COMING
EV endorser and guitar hero Zakk Wylde will be touring Europe with
heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne from the end of May until the end of June.
Before the wild men of rock leave for the legendary "Ozzfest" in the States
in July, they'll be stopping off in Germany for a concert at Munich's
Olympiahalle on the 28th June. As usual, prior to the main event, Zakk
Wylde will be taking to the stage
with his own group, Black Label
Society.
To find out more about Zakk &
Co., visit: www.electrovoice.com
KELLY WITH EV, KT & MIDAS
In the Fall of 2006, Angelo Kelly was touring Europe with the band
of ex-Stefan Raab bass player Claus Fischer – an occasion seized
upon by the scion of the Kelly family to demonstrate his musical maturity. Kelly was so enthusiastic about the performance of the ElectroVoice microphones, Klark Teknik equalizers and Midas consoles used
on the tour that he signed up as an EV endorser without hesitation!
newsflash / spring 2007
3
HIGHLIGHTS
PROLIGHT+SOUND 2007
THE SAME... BUT DIFFERENT!
For the first time since its acquisition by Bosch, EVI Audio GmbH will be appearing at ProLight+Sound show
in Frankfurt in 2007 as a member of the newly founded Business Unit Communications Systems
Despite the new context, the company's presentation at the show will, in all essential respects,
follow the same recipe as before: first class music, information presented in an entertaining
manner, and a large and attractively laid-out
booth. "We'll be lining up for the first time in new
colours," says Robert Pletz, Marketing Services
Europe, who is responsible for the company's
appearance at the fair, "with white, for the first
time, predominating." The colour, and indeed the
whole design of the booth (which will as usual
be in Hall 4.1, E70), are intended to symbolize the
fusion – or, as Pletz puts it, the 'coming together'
– of Bosch and EVI Audio.
Though the décor deliberately underlines the
fact that the company has entered a new era, visitors to the show will nonetheless encounter
many of the elements that have served EVI Audio
so well in the past: "The demo makes the sale,"
for example, will again be its watchword, with
workshops and live demonstrations round the
clock at the booth, and performances on the
Agora Stage in the large marquee in the central
piazza by the newly formed EV Funk Alliance (see
interview with the band's leader, Wolf Simon, on
4
page 5) certain to be among the musical highlights of the whole show.
In response to requests from a great many
people, the world's hardest working all-girl
AC/DC cover band, ThundHerStruck, will be performing once again at the Musikmesse. Last
year, the five American lasses caused a real sensation with their interpretations of the hits of the
legendary Australian rock band. Says Pletz:
"We're delighted to have succeeded in enticing
them back over the Pond to play for German fans
again." In terms of sound, a trip to the Agora
Stage is likely to prove a rewarding experience
at any time of the day, since as well as live music of a very high standard, state-of-the-art sound equipment will be very much in evidence, including two digital Midas XL8 Live Performance
Systems, and a DYNACORD Cobra-System.
The EV Funk Alliance on the Agora Stage
Wednesday/Thursday: 2.30 to 3 pm
and 5 to 6 pm;
Friday: 1 to 1.30 pm and 5 to 6pm;
Saturday : 11 to 11.30 am, 2.30 to 3 pm,
and 5 to 6pm
Thund Her Struck on the Agora Stage:
Daily from 4.30 to 5 pm
Jan Stürmer & Tiffany Kirkland
Pop, Soul and Jazz classics
daily at booth E70/hall 4.1
Responsible for the trade fair presentation:
Robert Pletz, Marketing Service Europe
newsflash / spring 2007
HIGHLIGHTS
INTERVIEW WITH WOLF SIMON
99 PER CENT FUNKY STUFF –
100 PER CENT POWER
In recent years, the Real Groove Band has succeeded in building up a considerable following
at the Musikmesse, by dint of excellent musicianship and guest stars of the calibre of Bobby
Kimball and Haddaway.
Nevertheless, drummer and leader Wolf
Simon is taking a bold step this year, drawing
a line under the core of the band with a view to
getting, as he puts it, "back to basics" – meaning funk and funk-rock. With top-flight instrumentalists and two recruits from Tower of
Power, the newly-formed EV Funk Alliance is a
sure-fire bet to generate the same excitement
as its predecessor
newsflash: Why will there be no Real Groove
Band as such at the Musikmesse 2007?
Wolf Simon: The innermost core of the old Real
Groove Band is still there. That said, the project
was always in constant flux from its inception:
the original vocalist, Kirk Douglas, for example,
left the band in early 2004 to pursue a career
with The Roots. Furthermore, our choice of material in the last few years was, to a great extent,
determined by the nature of our guests – Bobby
Kimball, Randy Hansen, Haddaway, Bonita,
Miller Anderson, We Will Rock You, etc. – which
meant following many different musical paths.
Now we're getting back to our roots, offering
our audience bona fide funk, but with a pronounced rock edge. We also aim to take advantage of new possibilities: there's a reason RealSon,
a much sought-after DJ, with us. So it's a fresh
new line-up – with plenty of power and enthusiasm.
newsflash: How was the contact with the top
musicians made?
Wolf Simon: The guys from Tower of Power had
already heard the second RGB album, Brand
New Live, and loved it, so I had things easy: when
I raised the subject of this year's Musikmesse,
the invitation immediately fell on receptive ears.
That, of course, was recognition at the highest
level for the work we'd already done, and highly gratifying!
newsflash: What kind of songs can we expect
to hear? Are you striking out in a new direction?
Wolf Simon: The concept this year is constructed – in line with the wishes of many of our fans
– on an unshakable foundation of groove: 99%
funky stuff. That means the music of Maceo,
Prince, Tower of Power, Kravitz, Chaka Khan and
others. But apart from that, the new line-up allows for a greater amount of improvisation,
showmanship and spontaneity. The kind of stuff,
in other words, that puts smiles on faces.
out in a new dimension – with a wild horn section, a DJ and an electrifying front line.
newsflash: How much rehearsal time do you
have?
Wolf Simon: This year, it's limited to four whole
days, of which the Americans can only make two
newsflash: Is this band just for the Musikmesse,
or might more come of it?
Wolf Simon: There are already a couple of other
shows planned for 2007, and I've been pleased
to discover that the line-up is creating a great
deal of interest.
Drummer… band leader… all-round nice guy:
Wolf Simon
Funk Alliance – New directions
of the Real Groove
Brent Carter (vocals), Tower of Power, Funk Filharmonic,
Norbert Stachel (sax), Tower of Power, Roger Waters, Omar
newsflash: With the new singers, there would
seem to be a greater emphasis upon vocals.
True?
Wolf Simon: I wouldn't say so – after all, our
guests Bobby Kimball, Kirk Douglas, Bonita and
Alex Melcher were also great singers, and in the
last few years, we pretty much built our shows
around them. It's just that this time we have Brent
Carter, Nina Hill and Jimi Wilkes, all of whom are
committed to celebrating the groove. And vocals
– of the highest calibre, naturally – are part and
parcel of that.
Kabir (trumpet, trombone, vocals), Groove Collective NY,
Fame, Jürgen Dahmen (keyboards), Harald Schmidt Band,
Temptations, Jimi Wilkes (guitar, vocals), Parliament, Hiram
Bullock, Frank Itt (bass), Real Groove Band, Pili Pili, Mario
Argandona (percussion, vocals), Real Groove Band, Jon
Lord, Nina Hill (vocals), Sasha, Ayman, Ike Turner RealSon
(turntables, loops), X-ecutioners, Masta Ace, Lone
Catalysts, Wolf Simon (drums, MD), Real Groove Band, Jon
Lord, T.M. Stevens
newsflash: Mario, Frank and yourself form the
hard core of the group. What makes the chemistry between you?
Wolf Simon: An important factor, no question, is
that we're all good friends. We've also worked
together on numerous other projects – Mario
and I, for example, play with Jon Lord – so as far
as playing is concerned, we understand one another perfectly, and this gives rise to a groove
chemistry that can't be explained. The gearwheels mesh, like those of a fairly sophisticated
mechanism, is the way I'd put it.
newsflash: Isn't there a risk involved in setting
aside the hallmark "Real Groove Band"? The
RGB had, after all, a good few fans…
Wolf Simon: That gave pause for a good deal of
thought, of course, but the sub-title "New directions of the Real Groove" makes it pretty clear
what tradition the EV Funk Alliance is continuing.
At the same time, it shows that we are breaking
newsflash / spring 2007
Groove in a new dimension: with Nina Hill, Brent Carter, Norbert
Stachel and Omar Kabir (clockwise from the top left)
5
HIGHLIGHTS
REAMONN-TOUR
REAMONN ON THE ROAD WITH SATIS&FY AND EV
22 dates in 3,000 to 12,000-capacity halls... Reamonn’s recent "Wish" tour reflects their status as the most
successful rock band in Germany. Satis&Fy deployed EV systems to ensure that the sound reinforcement
matched up.
Fronted by Irish singer Rae Garvin, Reamonn first
found fame in 2000 with the hit "Supergirl". With
the “Wish” tour, the band underlined its status
as a major force on the German rock scene.
Indeed, after chart and live successes in
England, Greece and Scandinavia, Reamonn
seems all set to break big with an international
career.
For the Satis&Fy sound crew, led by Sound
Engineer Sven Bonse and System Technician
Stefan Holtz, the huge disparities in size between
the different locations made theirs a far from
easy task. However, as Stefan Holtz pointed out,
"with preparation and the right material, we succeeded in mastering it completely." "Preparation"
in this context meant intensive cooperation bet-
6
ween sound engineers, system engineers and
the production riggers who toured with the crew.
Together they studied hall plans, facilitating the
design of suitable sound reinforcement systems
for each venue.
"In this way we were able to prepare at least
a rough sketch of the configuration with which
we would be working in each hall several days
before we got there," recounted Holtz. "In addition to the X-Line as the main PA, we had 16 XLC
127DVX modules on hand for use wherever the
X-Line would have been too big, or for out-fills
in the larger venues. Four additional EV QRx
112/75 boxes served as front-fills." In this way, the
team achieved a high degree of technical flexibility. "The business of adjusting each time to the
newsflash / spring 2007
current location went perfectly," he concluded.
Along with Sound Technician Sven Bonse, these preliminary discussions were invariably attended by Production Rigger Ralf "Tilly" Thiele.
This made it possible for the sound crew to map
out the physical – and therefore also the technical – framework requirements of each location in advance. Everything was also perfectly under control at Stefan Holtz's FOH workstation.
Particularly striking was how little material was
on view there: one EV NetMax 8000 accompanied by a computer and nothing else. All the processing and routing for the main system on the
tour took place in the amp racks, equipped with
EV TG-7 power amplifiers and RCM 26 DSP modules.
HIGHLIGHTS
"All I have left to do here is manage and supervise," explained Holtz with a satisfied grin as he
described the architecture of the sound reinforcement system, adding: "The NetMax 8000 functions as a matrix and distributes the signals to
both sides of the PA, as well as to the near-fills
and optional side-hangs." The processing for these differed from that of the main system, since,
for the side-hangs, conventional EV CP3000S power amplifiers were used without integrated processing. With NetMax, that was no problem. The
entire set-up was managed using IRIS-Net software, which also made comprehensive supervision possible. On the freely configurable desktop, in addition to the routing, all the important
parameters of the TG-7 amplifiers could be called up at any time; "even a complete system test
including all the drivers is possible at any time,"
said Holtz. "The graphic interface of the software
is simply perfect; the operation is intuitive and I
can design my own desktop – with the parameters I need – in a few easy steps. I can even design the look of the display to suit my own tastes,"
he added, indicating the monitor.
And there was another thing that convinced
Stefan Holtz: the support from EVI Audio. "When
there are problems, you just need to make one
call and you get qualified assistance immediately. The IRIS-Net software proved helpful here
too; we simply e-mailed the log file to Straubing
and the correct diagnosis–along with the solution–came back in no time at all. In addition to
all the operating parameters of the TG-7 amps,
when and where I've used the ground lifts is also
logged," says Holtz. "So these log files really do
put all relevant information at the disposal of the
technicians in Straubing. It is almost as though
they were here on site–only with a clearer overview."
Whilst Stefan Holtz relied on digital technology at his workstation, analog technology held
sway with tour soundman Sven Bonse, working
to Stefan's right. "I can actually hear the difference between analog and digital consoles,"
Sven said, explaining his choice of an analog
Midas XL4 for this tour. "Obviously digital consoles can't be beaten in certain respects; at festivals, for example, when you can save a great
deal of time by simply loading presets straight
into the console from a stick, giving yourself a
basis, at least, to work from. Nonetheless, I prefer analog desks." The XL4 from Midas is a particular favourite of Bonse's. "It sounds so genuine and influences the sound from the stage the
least; after all, when I'm mixing, I want to be able
to control the sound, not transform it."
Asked about the sound system, Bonse turned
out to be equally convinced: "The combination of
X-Line and XLC performs outstandingly, whatever
the configuration. It adjusts wonderfully to each
location and delivers a consistent sound without
much tweaking. For me it's a real relief. It means
all I really have to worry about in each venue is
the mix, because I know I have a functioning system. Even in venues with problematic acoustics—like the Zenith in Munich—we were able
to deliver perfect sound."
Equipment list (extract)
Reamonn-„Wish“-Tour 2007:
16 x EV X-Line Xvls
8 x EV X-Line Xvlt
20 x EV X-Line Xsub
16 x EV Xlc 127 DVX
4 x EV Rx 112/75
30 x EV TG-7 Amplifier incl. RCM-26 DSP Modul
10 x EV CP 3000S Amplifier
1 x EV NetMax N8000 DSP Matrix
1 x Midas XL4 44+4 (FoH Reamonn)
1 x Midas XL 200 (FoH Supportact)
Business before pleasure: the team from Satis&Fy
building up (top). Meticulous planners: system
engineer Stefan Holtz (l.) and sound engineer
Sven Bonse (r.), who handled Reamonn's "Wish"
tour. Ready for the sound check: the Reamonn
stage (l.) and an X-Line hang (r.)
newsflash / spring 2007
7
HIGHLIGHTS
BRIT AWARDS 2007
LOVE, HATE & EV
It's the annual big night out for the British music industry, and, for the first time, the 2007 BRIT Awards were
televised live on ITV. With eight acts performing live, this is now Europe's foremost music awards event,
and it was dominated once again by a massive Electro-Voice X-Line PA system, filling the cavernous space of London's Earls Court
The regular teaming of sound designer Derrick
Zieba and PA company Britannia Row created
an unusual system design, uniquely suited to the
structure of this year's event. For the first time,
the full width of the Earls Court arena was filled
by a double stage. The 'Love' stage was linked
to the 'Hate' stage by the presenters' podium,
overseen by a central heart-shaped video screen built into the main set.
With live performance flip-flopping between
the stages, all equipment had to be doubled up:
two sets of front-of-house consoles, two sets of
monitor desks, twice the stage monitors, and
crucially, twice the microphones and in-ear monitoring systems, placing tough demands on the
already crowded frequency spectrum.
However, Zieba chose to have just one sound
system. Left and right of the massive 70-meter
8
stage set, hangs of Electro-Voice X-Line fullrange tops and subs were flown some 17 meters in
the air. Unusually, the fullrange-top arrays were
positioned on the outside of the bass hangs, a
reversal of usual practice. "By keeping the shorter bass hangs on the inside, our speaker arrays
were a better match with the stage design," explains Zieba. "Because they were unobtrusive
and keeping a low profile on camera, we could
fly them a bit lower. Otherwise, to keep out of TV
sightlines, we'd have had to fly them 3 meters
higher."
Each of the main PA hangs carried 12x EV
XVLS cabinets, with 3x XVLT boxes. Adjacent,
nearer the center of the stage, the bass hangs
comprised 10x EV XSubs each. The stage system
was completed by a center hang with 6 small
cabinets squashed into a tiny space below the
newsflash / spring 2007
follow-spots. Zieba balanced levels and delay to
give a stereo image in the
center of the arena, "but
when you go off center,
you don't immediately feel
left out of things."
"This is my system of
choice for a big rock lineup," says Zieba, with a list
of live performers that included Oasis, Red Hot Chili
Peppers and The Killers.
"In a big auditorium, flown
bass is the only way to go,
and the only integrated flown bass system is X-Line.
Also the system generated
a really positive reaction
last year, especially in the
main part of the hall." The
Britannia Row system includes EV's Precision
Series remote amplifiers
powering the X-Line loudspeakers.
With the front-of-house mixing platform set
back some 150 meters
from the stage, to one side of the hall, Zieba configured the substantial delay system as a duplicate of the front system. With a L/R/L arrangement on the hangs, each with 8x EV XVLS cabinets, the engineers used the two delay hangs in
front of them as their reference.
Although the visual impact of the twin stages
is fantastic on television, "we've stretched the limits of where our stereo comes together," says
Zieba. To manage the Electro-Voice system, he
used EV's IRIS-Net V2.0 loudspeaker management system, "virtually an old friend."
"All the main control was via IRIS, the whole
system in one package on one screen. One of the
principal appeals is its complete resettability. I
can alter levels, EQs, delays, and store the changes, but very easily come back to what I did before. This allows me to be radical in my changes,
HIGHLIGHTS
because I know I can reset very quickly." Zieba
is one of the UK's most prominent users of the
IRIS-Net system, having pioneered its large-production use on the MOBO Awards in London.
"I've spent years working with EV, finessing IRIS
to build the virtually plug-and-play platform that
it is now. In my opinion, it's the only way to go:
it's a vital tool that we can and do use straight
out of the box."
Britannia Row Sound-Team:
Sound Designer: Derrick Zieba
FOH Engineers: Chris Morrison,
Maurizio Gennari, and band engineers
FOH (presentations):
Chris Coxhead
Monitor Engineers: Matt Napier,
Graham Blake,
Seamus Fenton,
Dorus Hummels
Crew Chief: John Gibbons
System Tech: Bob Lopes
Stage team:
Stef Thompson,
Pete McGlynn,
Stefan Krista,
Steve Donovan.
(Clockwise from the top left) : Amy Winehouse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, TakeThat, Oasis and Corinne Bailey Rae, who
conspired to make it an unforgettable night in London's Earls Court
ATLANTA SOUND AND LIGHTING: SUCCESS ON THE HIGH SEAS
Atlanta Sound and Lighting (ASL) handled the production for the "Gimme Three Days" 3-day cruise featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special, Sister Hazel and other top acts. For the main indoor stage, ASL deployed EV XLD line arrays in a ground-stacked configuration using EV’s ground support skids. ASL’s Steve “Dublin” Stapleton reported: “For Skynyrd we were on hand with stacks
and racks—eight XLD boxes per side, four EV MT2 manifold subs per side, and L-R EQ via a Klark
Teknik Helix master. Steve Kross, Skynyrd’s FOH Engineer, was very happy with the performance of the XLD. He commented that a lot of line array boxes suffer from lower efficiency at higher
SPLs, noting how uniform the characteristics of the XLD boxes were at any SPL.”. On the Main
Outdoor stage (the Lido Deck) ASL spec’d a three over four configuration: three EV X-Array Xn
boxes over four EV MT2 manifold subs. After dark, the ship’s smaller stages really came to life
in ASL’s hands, with the “Puttin’ on the Ritz” stage at the rear of the vessel featuring a Dynacord
Cobra-2 system powered by EV P3000 amps, Midas Verona (FOH) and Siena (foldback) consoles, and Klark Teknik Helix EQs.
Cruises are fun: especially when the on-board band is called "Lynyrd Skynyrd"
newsflash / spring 2007
9
➤
HIGHLIGHT
SISTER ACT AND THE MIDAS XL8
TWO NEW STARS ON BROADWAY
After a sold-out run at the Pasadena Playhouse, Alan Menken's new musical, Sister Act, has transferred
to the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta – accompanied by FOH Engineer Pierre Dupree and a brand new XL8
The Midas XL8 digital live performance system
is attracting rave reviews for its first live production run on the stage debut of Sister Act, a new
musical by Alan Menken that, critics concur, is
a Broadway-bound hit. Having completed a soldout run at the Pasadena Playhouse, the show
has transferred to the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta
accompanied by FOH Engineer Pierre Dupree
and an XL8 deployed by Sound Associates, Inc,
whose Carl Casella, Domonic Sack and Wallace
Flores completed sound design for the show.
Casella offers some thoughts on how Midas
has done digital differently, and for the better.
“Until now, I’d yet to hear a digital desk sound
as good as analog,” he says. “With the XL8,
Midas has accomplished that mission. And, from
a hands-on perspective, the XL8 is a really well
thought out. It’s a highly sophisticated piece of
equipment, with a vast range of practical features missing on other digital offerings.
“All digital desks ‘work’ in a controlled environment, but we, as engineers, do not. The XL8
was designed with that in mind. Around 175 cues
are written into the XL8 for this show, including
10
28 songs and all the cues for the orchestra. We’re
running over 80 inputs, including 24 lavalier
mics—it’s a pretty loud show. At any given moment there are no more than two vocal mics, so
you’re really mixing. As well as the storage, recall and redundancy power XL8 is packing, its design elements allow the hands-on element of mixing, including on the fly fine-tuning, to remain
part of the mix process.”
FOH engineer Pierre Dupree’s (picture) house console at the Pasadena Playhouse is a Midas
Heritage 2000. “Being a Midas fan, the XL8 completely blew me away: this is a digital console
that feels just as good as my favorite Midas,” he
says. “The layout and work surface design on
XL8 is so intuitive. For example, when I hit the
VCA buttons and see instantly what’s on those
VCAs, it makes it very easy to find and fix something way down in a mix. Having this much processing power not only means functions are immediate, it allows intuitive, quick recalls for more
intuitive blending and mixing. When dealing with
20-plus vocal mics, with many different vocal arrangements per song, it's very hard to get a con-
newsflash / spring 2007
sistent-sounding mix this quickly on other digital boards. XL8 allows me to get what I need
exactly when I need it, without the latency or
digging through screens you find on other digital boards. It has all the advantages of massive
memory and processing headroom, but still lets
me mix like a human being.”
“Ergonomically speaking, the desk is laid out
very nicely, and the colour-coding helps tremendously," says Casella, who reserves a special
mention for the digital dynamics designed by
Console Development Director Alex Cooper. “The
preamp and the compression algorithms are the
best I’ve ever heard on a digital console,” he
says. “The desk doesn’t have a ‘digital’ sound to
it at all. When we first powered up the system in
Pasadena, we actually stopped in our tracks—
the phase cohesiveness was breathtaking.
When we put in the first CD, it was as if we were
listening to a pair of near-field monitors. And with
the live musicians it was even better. If it sounds
good, it is good—I don’t need to see meters to
know that.”
WORLDWIDE
THE HAHNENKAMM 2007, KITZBÜHEL
THE MOUNTAIN, THE RACE, THE SOUND
For the second year running, it was Murdock Music Entertainment of
Fieberbrunn handling the sound reinforcement for the world's most famous ski race, the Hahnenkamm. A success with many fathers…
Given that both the organizers, the Skiclub
Kitzbühel, and Austria's national public-service
broadcaster, ORF, which had covered the event,
had been more than satisfied with the service
they provided at the Hahnenkamm 2006, and had
said so, it came as no great surprise to Murdock
Music's MD, Stefan Gieringer, when they were
invited to repeat the performance this year: "After
all," as he explained, "with our XLC from EV, we
have the ideal system for such jobs."
But as Gieringer well knew, no two years are
alike: the organizational and logistical ground
rules change – and so does the weather. "This
year," recounts Gieringer, "there was very little
snow; so for the first time ever, the same finish
was used for the slalom and the downhill." Rather
than simplifying the task, however, this created
an additional difficulty. "Having covered the event
before, we knew to begin our preparation early;
but we were working from the premise that the
weather conditions would be – at least – similar
to those in 2006. The idea that by the end of
January there would still be insufficient snow
hadn't entered our heads." In the final phase of
preparation, when Gieringer and seven other
technicians were on site virtually round the clock
(with further colleagues on standby in case they
were needed), they had (as they put it) "to stand
the whole installation on its head" no fewer than
six times in response to the changing geography,
as the Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) and
organizers scrabbled around desperately for a
formula for saving the event. "They were having
to bring in snow from everywhere," explains
Gieringer, "otherwise there'd have been no races at all; and suddenly we'd find a steep hillock
where there'd been a gentle slope the day before – all of which altered the acoustics, obviously, and we had to change our installation in response."
Nor were these the only factors complicating
the task for Murdock Music: "For the entire finish
area, where we could expect on average to see
somewhere between 30,000 and 40,000 spectators," continues Gieringer, "we only had two
masts at our disposition." Masts, it turned out,
with a limited load-bearing capacity that were
not even particularly high, but that had, somehow, to serve as a platform from which the sound could be projected over a considerable distance in opposite directions: uphill and down.
Just as well Murdock had an XLC! With it, they
were able to provide spectators in the finish area,
which was over 80 meters away, with perfect
coverage from a mast only seven meters high.
"What was needed above all," says Gieringer,
"was a high degree of intelligibility – combined,
obviously, with plenty of volume, since the announcements had to contend with the din of tens
of thousands of cheering fans shaking cowbells!"
Five XLC tops and four sub-woofers were installed here each side.
An even tougher task, in the event, was covering the spectators uphill from the installation.
"Here, the array had to be curved inwards to obtain a tight enough focus to reach the most distant fans," remembers Gieringer. The requisite
array geometry was achieved through the use of
C-Beams, these being rigging accessories originally designed for the XLD but modified by
Gieringer for use here with the XLC. "These gave
us the starting angle we needed, making it possible to array the ten XLC tops per mast at exactly the right angles to deliver a focused beam of
sound to the fans further up the mountain."
To drive the system for this year's Hahnenkamm,
a total of 32 EV CP3000 amps controlled by Klark
newsflash / spring 2007
Teknik 9848 controllers and DN 370 equalizers
were deployed. "This is the combination that worked so well last year. It seems as if these amps
are totally resistant to the cold: whether there's
ice, snow or sleet, they function equally flawlessly!"
In the control room, the team from Murdock
Music once again opted for an analog mixing
console: a Midas Verona 320. "This console, too,
performed marvellously for us last year. From the
control room, we weren't simply driving the PA:
ORF's OB vans were also taking their signals
from us, and contented smiles lit up the faces of
our radio and TV colleagues the instant they saw
the Midas."
Competent, in good spirits, and well wrapped up: Stefan
Gieringer (centre) and his team
Equipment list for the Hahnenkamm 2007
(extract)
30 x EV XLC tops
8 x EV X-Line subs
32 x EV CP 3000 amps
4 x Klark Teknik 9848 controllers
4 x Klark Teknik DN 370
1 x Midas Verona 320
11
WORLDWIDE
HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO 2007
SHOW IN XX L
Ich bin ein Blindtext. Bitte fülle mich mit Inhalt.
As befits a truly Texan tradition, Houston-based
LD Systems designs and deploys sound reinforcement and lighting on a massive scale for the
annual Houston Rodeo and Livestock Series,
held at the city’s Reliant Stadium, and celebrating its 75th birthday this year. .
LD Systems oversee what is probably the largest temporary installation of Electro-Voice
equipment in America for the HLSR, featuring of
108 EV X-Line boxes powered by an equal number of EV P3000RL remote control DSP amplifiers. Upping the ante again for 2007, LD Systems
incorporated EV’s NetMax networked matrix system controller into their system design for the
first time, bringing an unprecedented level of fully customizable, high-speed remote supervision
to this vast system. Running from February 27th
through March 18th this year, the HLSR celebrates western heritage, community and charitable
work, and features a world-class program of rodeo competitions and nightly musical entertainment from ‘A’ listers like Beyonce, Sheryl Crow,
Toby Keith and hometown heroes ZZ Top.
Everything about the HLSR is big: Annual general attendance averages of well over 1.5M make
it one of the highest-attended indoor event series in the world. Records were broken again
this year when over 73,000 people saw the soldout show by Disney star (and Billy Ray Cyrus’s
daughter) Hannah Montana. LD’s audio achieve-
12
➤
ments with their Electro-Voice rig have garnered rave reviews from HLSR audiences, production crews, local TV news networks and event
organizers alike. It requires some serious sound
reinforcement to come to terms with the cavernous reverb chamber that is Reliant Stadium: 54
P3000RL amps a side sit racked on two catwalks
200ft above the dirt, powering 12x eight and tenbox hangs of X-Line Xvls and Xvlt, with each array alternating left and right channel output for
a full coverage stereo image around the room.
Over 2400ft of fiber optic cable is used to simultaneously feed signal to the NetMax controllers
and 54 P3000RL amps racked on each catwalk.
Little surprise that one of the world's largest stereo systems is in Texas! "This is our third year
using X-Line for the rodeo," reports Robert
Ausmus, Director of Operations, LD Systems.
"The show used to receive complaints regarding
sound quality, due to the acoustical issues inherent in a large space like Reliant. The stereo
setup has increased intelligibility in the stadium
dramatically. This configuration is also helpful
when touring engineers are dialing in their mix
in this large space, as they can mute the rest of
the room and just keep the L&R arrays facing
them at FOH turned on. X-Line continues to perform just as brilliantly as an installed box for the
rodeo as when we're out on the road with bands
like 3 Doors Down. We’ve always received so-
newsflash / spring 2007
lid support from Electro-Voice for our work with
the rodeo, and, by incorporating new technologies like NetMax into our system designs, we
continue to achieve new heights of sonic performance and system control every year, all while streamlining the logistical end of operations."
Speaking of NetMax, Jeremiah Hamilton, Senior
Systems Engineers, LD Systems, is the lucky
guy who gets his hands on LD's new gear first,
including learning new software and making it
work for their needs. "The whole concept of
working with a network-based amplification system has been an exciting change," says
Hamilton, "and we've had hands-on involvement
with the RL amps and IRIS-Net/NetMax from
the beginning. For this year's rodeo, bringing
NetMax on board has fine-tuned our system
control even more, allowing us to respond to
our telemetry in real time, for immediate adjustment and monitoring of the minutest details from
any remote position. Every aspect of the whole X-Line system has really been a boost for LD
Systems, from the superb sound quality to the
complete Can-bus system control we have over
each of the 108 amps and boxes with NetMax.
It still sounds fantastic, but it's much, much
quicker now!"
WORLDWIDE
OSLO FASHION WEEK:
COBRA ON THE CATWALK
The most recent edition of the biannual "Oslo
Fashion Week" ran from February 13th--17th.
MultiTechnic AS was responsible for the production
The venue, DogA, was a huge brick building
with walls as high as a supermodel's cheekbones and a decidedly bizarre ambience. Once a
factory, the space now houses the Norwegian
Centre for Design and Architecture. At the most
recent "Oslo Fashion Week", attended by many
of the biggest names in haute couture, DogA
once again proved to be an impressive setting
from an aesthetic standpoint, while being a potential nightmare in terms of acoustics.
The company responsible for the sound, lighting
and multimedia for the event was MultiTechnic
AS of Oslo. After conducting a number of tests
in the run-up to the show, MultiTechnic's production team decided that the best way to bring
DogA to heel would be to enlist the aid of the
Dynacord Cobra. The two flown tops, two subs,
two flown F150 cabinets (for delay; controlled by
the Dynacord DDL 240) and two AM12 monitors
proved, in the course of the various fashion shows and other live performances during the week,
to be the perfect costume—acoustically speaking for DogA's gangling frame.
Supermodels, supersound: Oslo Fashion Week
➤
CLUB “PALAZZO“, CHIOS, GREECE:
ALPHA SOUNDS IN THE AEGEAN
Long considered one of the most beautiful
Aegean islands, Chios has just gained a further
attraction: the Palazzo, an elegant nightclub
capable of accommodating up to 1,200 guests at
a time
To ensure that the dance floors of the exquisitely furnished club remain packed at all times,
the management regularly brings in internationally famous DJs from abroad to relieve the house roster. With a capacity of 1,200 guests, the
club offers not only a first-class programme but
also an exceptional sound system to deliver it.
And this is the clincher, as the club's manager,
Tsatsalis Leonidas explains: "Whilst, in terms of
location and ambience, the Palazzo can easily
hold its own with the best in Greece, it's our sound system that really sets us apart. In that regard we are really setting new standards, as
we've been told repeatedly by visiting DJs. "
The sound system that gives the Palazzo the
edge is an alpha system from Dynacord. Now in
use at many of the world's top discotheques (in-
cluding the Pacha in New York), alpha emerged
as the clear leader from tests conducted by the
Palazzo team, and a trip to the company headquarters in Straubing convinced the Greek specialists in club management that the Dynacord
support team could be relied upon to the perform
at the same high level as the alpha system itself. At the conclusion of the planning phase, six
tops and six subs were installed in the main area
of the Palazzo. Two additional MX 12 boxes in the
upper gallery ensure that the sound pressure level is always ideal in that area. The overall planning and implementation of the installation was
entrusted to Dynacord's Greek distribution partner, Nedis S.A., and the service provider Focus
Studio, whilst a team of Dynacord technicians
flew in to apply the finishing touches. The result
is all the owners could have wished for: "We are
more than satisfied with the sound in every last
corner of the Palazzo," says Leonidas. "And so
are our guests and the DJs. The alpha was absolutely the right choice."
Successful teamwork: Chios Andreas Apessos and George
Pavlidakis from DYNACORD partner Focus Studio, Nedis
Sales Manager Nikos Paschalis and club owner Tsatsalis
Leonidas
INSTALLATION NEWS +++
Old and new: In Spains Hall, which has been a family home for ten centuries, audio installation specialists CGA Integration recently equipped the function rooms
with systems from Electro-Voice. The ballroom now boasts an Electro-Voice PA
(Rx115-75s, Rx118) driven by EV CP3000S amplifiers, whilst EVID ceiling speakers
deliver background sound evenly to the tables in the restaurant and bar. No wonder the venue is fast becoming one of Essex's most popular locations for weddings,
social and corporate functions! (see photo) +++ Two for Belgrade: ProMatrix audio distribution and evacuation systems from Dynacord were recently installed in
both the Expocentre, Belgrade's new trade fair and conference venue, and the newly opened four-star "In Hotel" in the Serbian capital. Components from ElectroVoice (RE-2, EVIDs, Q44 etc.) round off the installations in the two reference locations. +++
newsflash / spring 2007
Stately home, state-of-the-art sound: Spains Hall in the
county of Essex
13
I N STALL
EISHALLE STRAUBING
FIRST CLASS SOUND FOR THE EISHALLE
At the end of last season, the Straubing Tigers
won promotion to the highest division of the
German Ice Hockey League (or "Bundesliga").
To meet the increased technical demands at this
level of play, the team's management invested
in a new sound system for the Eishalle in
Straubing, where the team plays its home games. Assisted by a support team from EVI Audio,
they opted for state-of-the-art systems from
Electro-Voice and Dynacord—a sound upgrade
that, on January 25th, helped celebrate a stellar premiere performance: the Tigers beat
Berlin's Ice Bears 4:3.
The existing systems in the Eishalle—boxes
from EV's Sx series—were not sacrificed to the
new sound concept but rather intelligently repositioned. Now they serve as the delay line in the
newly created upper tier of the hall's south side.
All the other grandstands are served by
FRX+660PI systems from Electro-Voice driven in
bi-amping mode—speakers that demonstrated
their outstanding audio quality and absolute re-
14
liability at a number of stadiums (including those in Nuremberg, Frankfurt and Hanover) during
soccer's World Cup, and have already established an outstanding reputation in the fixed installation sector. Nineteen of these coaxial, hornloaded two-way systems now guarantee the
even distribution of direct sound to all spectators. The upshot is optimal intelligibility, despite
the long reverberation time typical of most ice
stadiums. Furthermore, the presence of a 15" driver to handle the LF/MF range makes full-range
music reproduction possible. Further investment
in sub-bass systems was therefore deemed
unnecessary.
The heart of the new system is a DYNACORD P64
signal processor. Behind it lies a 32 x 32 matrix
with a freely programmable DSP structure and
a processing capacity expandable to 1000 MIPS
(million instructions per second). Equipped with
a microphone input card and an audio output
card, the system allows input signals to be rou-
newsflash / spring 2007
ted flexibly, easily adaptable to whatever application the stadium needs at any given moment
(match venue, skating rink, discotheque…), and
distributed as dictated by the requirements of
the situation.
As is the case with an ice hockey team, the effectiveness of an audio system is dependent
upon the power it is capable of harnessing. To
supply the installed enclosures with the requisite power, system designers opted for a rack armed with six DYNACORD PowerH H2500 and four
DYNACORD PowerH H5000 power amplifiers. All
the amplifiers are equipped with RCM-26 Remote
Control Modules. The result is signal processing,
remote control and remote supervision of championship quality!
I N STALL
Straubing Tigers
Trained by German ice hockey legend Erich
Kühnhackl, the Straubing Tigers have put up a
tremendous show so far since their promotion to
the first division. Filled with young and ambitious
players, the team has managed some spectacular results against supposedly stronger opposition.
They're g-r-r-reat! The Straubing Tigers (l.) and their new EVI Audio sound system, which includes Electro-Voice FRX+660PI enclosures (top) and DYNACORD PowerH amplifiers
(centre). Sharpshooter extraordinaire: Mathias von Heydekampf (r.) and mascot (l.) at the commissioning before the Berlin game
"The outstanding results are due to the fact that we were able to bring the vast experience we have acquired in the course of numerous high-quality installations in
stadiums and other sports arenas to bear on the design of the system used here. In
fact, the same teams designed installed and commissioned the sound systems in
the Eishalle in Straubing is the same as the one responsible for the Allianz Arena in
Munich. The feedback from the management of the Eishalle and fans alike has been
highly positive."
AMARILLO NATIONAL CENTER
Oliver Sahm, Project and Sales Manager Permanent
Installation Europe, Bosch Communications Systems
EV RIDES THE RODEO
Appropriately enough for one of the top rodeo
venues in Texas, the new Electro-Voice sound
system at the Amarillo National Center TriState Fairgrounds delivers some serious kick
Designed by Little Orchard Sound, Inc.
(Newcastle, OK), the system sports (18) EV ZX5
15" 2-way speakers and (8) EV QRx218S dual-18"
subwoofers aimed over the audience bleachers, with (10) ZX5s aimed over the arena floor.
“Rather than opting for central clusters, we designed a system that would aim high-output
speakers, properly augmented with subs, closer to the audience around the perimeter of the
venue,” says Dennis Grigsby, who co-owns
Little Orchard Sound with John Ford. “This takes
a considerable load off the full range boxes,
making for a more energy efficient system that
enables the subs to do what they’re supposed
to do.” These boxes are interspersed with ten
additional ZX5s covering the main floor.
“The ZX5s precisely deliver smooth, intelligible
sound with tons of headroom to spare,” Grigsby
adds. “DVX woofers are in a class of their own—
there’s some serious power handling and high
SPL stability in these relatively small and lightweight enclosures. In addition, the tried and true
QRx subs seamlessly support the low end. This
adds up to a PA that is as perfect for speech as
it is for high volume playback—plenty of punch!
According to John Ford, “This is a large reverberant arena, but the audio inside is cohesive,
consistent and clean throughout with no delays.
On any given evening, there’s a combination of
horse event music routines, event commentary,
National Anthem singers and live performances,
and the audience high up in the bleachers hears
exactly the same thing as the folks on the floor.
The rodeo world has very specific audio needs,
and we spec’d the right equipment to address
those needs exactly—our clients are extremely
happy.”
Rodeo high riders: EV enclosures in
the Amarillo National Center
newsflash / spring 2007
➤
15
BROADCAST
CABSAT, DUBAI:
BOOMING REGION
The 13th CabSat ran from March 6th-8th in
Dubai's International Convention and Exhibition
Centre. For what was billed as "the Middle East's
largest Cable and Satellite Show", Bosch
Communications Systems despatched the team
of Nico Lewis, Mutaz Sakkejha and their new
colleague Ziad Soussou to demonstrate systems from Telex Audiocom, Telex Radiocom
and RTS TW as well as the Cronus Matrix system, and were delighted to find an extraordinarily high level of interest in the products they
were presenting. Nico Lewis, Sales Manager
TELEGENIC UK:
The fleet of outside broadcast vehicles maintained by the British OB operator Telegenic has
been expanded. The new HD truck, like
Telegenic's six existing vehicles, relies on equipment from TELEX/RTS to ensure reliable, highquality transmission. The nerve centre of communications is once again formed by an
Advanced Digital Audio Matrix (or ADAM). The
88-port matrix offers dual-bus expansion, twenty-two keypanels and an easy-to-use two-wire
communications system. In order to be able to
satisfy the transmission requirements of customers like Sky Sports, which involve broadcasting events like Premier League matches and
➤
the Ryder Cup, the new T14 HD truck is capable
of accepting the signals of up to 25 high-definition cameras simultaneously, as well as boasting a Dolby Surround-capable control room,
ten EVS units and eight videotape machines. If
further capacity is required for a particularly large production, the intercom systems of the various Telegenic trucks can be combined using
the RTS Dual-Bus Expansion System (DBX) to
create one huge matrix communications system
– an enormous advantage, as Dave Rowley, the
man responsible for sound quality at Telegenic,
is quick to recognize: "I like the enormous flexibility that TELEGENIC UK's TELEX/RTS systems
offer: you can assign any port to a four-wire, a
telephone or a normal keypanel, and this gives
you an enormous number of options. What's
more, the systems are unbeatable in terms of
reliability."
SEVENTH TELEX/RTS MATRIX
Just prior to the CabSat, a new outside broadcast truck was delivered to Dubai TV. The
British firm All Systems International (ASI) was
responsible for the configuration of the mobile
television studio, and installed systems from TELEX/RTS – the "house brand", one might say, of
Dubai TV, since as DTV's John Fee points out:
"The system installed in the new truck represents, in fact, our seventh TELEX/RTS matrix!"
This is no coincidence, of course. "We choose
16
Presence in a booming region: the Bosch
Communications Systems booth at the CabSat
NEVER CHANGE A WINNING TEAM
In its latest HD truck, British outside broadcast operator Telegenic is once again
relying on systems from TELEX/RTS – in
this case, an ADAM matrix complete
with keypanels
DUBAI TV:
Bosch Communications Systems reported: "In
addition to giving us a chance to present our products, the CabSat is important because it enables us to maintain a high profile in this booming
region. We also succeeded, once again, in establishing many valuable contacts with customers
and potential partners in Africa and the Middle
East."
TELEX/RTS systems," says Fee, "because they
are simple to operate, easy to configure and function with absolute reliability." In addition to the
Cronus-Matrix just purchased and the ADAM CS
it had already, Dubai TV's digital fleet boasts five
ZEUS II matrices.
Matrix Seven: Dubai TV voted TELEX/RTS
for the seventh time is succession
newsflash / spring 2007
➤
Truck Seven: Telegenic's latest outside broadcast vehicle
NEWS:
ARP-32
Equipped with 32 keys, the Audio
Router Panel (ARP-32) was conceived and developed in cooperation
with the highly-respected British
news broadcaster ITN. The system
makes it possible inter alia to switch
an incoming audio signal from the
satellite to the studio, whilst simultaneously switching the outgoing
signal from the studio to the satellite. The two sections of the router
panel ensure that the user can always discover the destination and
source of a signal at the simple
push of a button. The method of
construction of the ARP-32, which
can be expanded with a further 32
keys, corresponds to that of the
PAP-32.
TELEX/RTS
TELEX/RTS BP-319 TELEX/RTS BP-325 RKP-4
The BP-325 is a dual channel ste- The RTS® RKP-4 UHF wireless keyBP-351 black
Both the BP-319 and the BP-351 are
portable belt-packs designed for
use with the Two-Wire Intercom
System from RTS®. The BP-319 is
a microprocessor-controlled singlechannel intercom belt-pack, whilst
the BP-351 is the two-channel equivalent. Both models are equipped
with a headset connector with auto
sensing. The auto-sensing function
switches automatically between
dynamic and electret microphones.
Areas of application: the stage, the
theatre, broadcasting.
INTERCOM ACADEMY, LONDON
reo intercom belt-pack offering full
selectability and designed for use
with two-wire intercom systems
from RTS®. Areas of application:
the stage, the theater, broadcasting.
GREAT SUCCESS
From the 27th to the 28th February 2007, the Mitcham showrooms of Shuttle
Sound / Telex Communications Ltd in the London Borough of Merton provided
the setting for a two-day Intercom Academy, attended by twenty representatives of system houses, television broadcasting companies and operators of
outside broadcast vehicles, as well as high-calibre freelancers from the broadcasting sector, all anxious to increase their understanding of the functions
and functioning of RTS matrix intercoms, Telex Radiocom systems, the BTR700 and -800 wireless intercoms, the RTS TW Party Line and the AZedit configuration software. Other subjects included the use of VOIP by means of
RVON, the configuration of RVON using the RVONedit software and system
expansion through DBX or trunking. Such is the demand for them that further
such Academies are already being scheduled for the British Isles.
Crash course for fast learners:
the Intercom Academy in
London
panel system is the new reference
in coded full-duplex communication. The system includes the RKP4B base station, with which you can
set the frequencies and the RKP-4
belt pack. This makes the RKP-4 system ideal for all users wanting on
the one hand the freedom of a wireless keypanel and on the other full
access to the commonest keypanel
features. Operating in the UHF band
(482 to 746 MHz), the RKP-4 is aimed
at all users wishing to communicate via intercom with up to four partners at a time.
"Even in Europe, RTS TW belt-packs are as much
standard issue in theatres and concert halls as luminaries or sound systems. These belt packs are
now also available in black – at the request of many
customers. The same goes for the ARP-32. The
Router Panel rounds off the top end of what was already a virtually comprehensive product range. The
product is designed for larger productions and we
are expecting a great deal of demand from this sector of the market."
➤
Manuel Brico,
Product Manager Telex/RTS Intercom & ACT EAME
newsflash / spring 2007
17
NEWS:
DYNACORD
DYNACORD VARILINE
TOPS IN TOURING AND INSTALLATION
In sound reinforcement applications today, the
highest possible quality is required for the widest
variety of events. Speakers that are universally
applicable are therefore particularly prized. Both
the acoustic and the mechanical design of all
cabinets in the new VARILINE range have been
optimised for multi-functional applications. Their
wide range of mounting accessories and discreet styling make Variline speakers suitable for
even the most elegant surroundings
All Variline loudspeaker boxes are equipped
with premium components. Ideal for use as fullrange boxes capable of delivering top quality reproduction of music and the spoken word, the systems are just as suitable as satellites or delay
boxes in larger audio systems.
When used in horizontal format to cover a wider
variety of applications – particularly high-quality installations – the generously dimensioned midrange and high-frequency horns can be rotated through 90°; from the 12" two-way box upwards, all the full-range models can be switched
over to active two-way operation.
All loudspeaker components are reliably protected against thermal overload either by halogen protectors or Dynacord's fully electronic
Voice-Coil Tracking Protection.
Linear-phase FIR (Finite Impulse Response)
factory presets are available for use with
Dynacord Power-H power amplifiers with RCM
26 modules, as are presets for conventional digital controllers.
DYNACORD CMS 2200
CONVINCING UPGRADE
With its Compact Mixing System (CMS),
Dynacord defined a standard for practical complete solutions. Now, with the CMS 2200, the manufacturer is expanding the series to include a
system capable of meeting a wider range of requirements. The models hitherto available, the
CMS 1000 and CMS 1600, with six and twelve
mono channels respectively and four stereo
channels each, have delighted users not only
with their high quality but also with their versatility and lavish spec. With the CMS 2200,
Dynacord is taking things a step further in res-
ponding to user requests for additional input
channels without sacrificing the advantages of
the existing compact systems. Despite offering
six additional mono channels, the new flagship
of the CMS series therefore remains light, compact and a joy to use. Nonetheless, the CMS 2200
boasts an extensive feature set alongside its 18
mono and 4 stereo inputs, making it eminently
suitable for Top 40 bands and the ideal partner
for existing sound reinforcement systems such
as the Dynacord Xa2.
DYNACORD POWER-H
A NEW AMP AGE
Thanks to their three-level grounded bridge
Class H topology and floating switch-mode power supplies, Dynacord PowerH power amplifiers offer a very high, super-stable output level
and an exceptional degree of efficiency at an extremely high performance levels—all in an extremely lightweight package. Integrated microcontrollers offer coordinated protection against
short circuits, HF or DC at the output, whilst liquid crystal displays provide status informati-
18
on, error reports and measurements, as well as
facilitating the entry of basic settings. PowerH
amplifiers are ready for integration into audio
systems and networks based on IRIS-Net™. The
retrofitting of remote control modules such as the
RCM-26 brings further advantages, including full
system supervision and remote control, and digital controller functions including very precise
FIR filters and optimized algorithms for loudspeaker protection.
newsflash / spring 2007
NEWS:
DYNACORD
DYNACORD RCM-26
DIGITAL CONTROLLER FOR TWO CHANNELS
The RCM-26 is a dual-channel digital controller
module for live sound, PA and fixed installation.
It offers all conventional signal processing functions, such as parametric equalizers, crossovers, delays, compressors and limiters. It also offers linear phase FIR filters, zero-latency FIR filters and digital loudspeaker protection algorithms, permitting the dynamic range of the amplifier to be fully exploited. In addition to the electronically balanced analog inputs, digital inputs
in AES3(AES/EBU) format are on board. Using
the CAN-bus, networks of up to 250 power amplifiers can be realized. Additional interfaces include the RS-232 interface for medium control
and the Control Port with freely-programmable
control inputs and outputs (GPIO). The IRISNet™ Remote Control Module RCM-26 extends
the functionality of PowerH power amplifiers by
providing remote supervision and remote control, AES3 (AES/EBU) digital inputs, digital signal processing, loudspeaker protection algorithms, and system integration and networking.
Despite its compact dimensions, the capabilities and audio performance of the RCM-26 are
unmatched.
IRIS-NET
COMMON SOFTWARE DENOMINATOR
IRIS-Net™ is the integrated software platform
for all remote-controllable devices and systems
from Telex Communications, Inc. With it, complete audio systems comprised of multiple devices
of the same type, or even of different types, can
be configured, supervised and controlled centrally from a single user interface. IRIS-Net™
supports Ethernet, Cobra Net™, CAN-Bus and
USB as well as being open for whatever further
implementations the future may bring. IRIS-Net™
makes the complete remote supervision of power amplifiers and loudspeakers possible, including their connecting cables and interfaces.
System conditions are polled continuously, errors are detected immediately and reported, and
all problems and other events are logged along
with the date and time at which they occurred.
All the parameters and settings of all system
components can be saved and reloaded at the
push of a button using the Total Recall function.
Depending upon the application, the user can
create his or her own control panels, program
automatic sequences, and create device or function groups. IRIS-Net™ has been in use in hundreds of audio installations and systems for several years now, and has proved its worth in a
wide variety of applications. IRIS-Net™ has been
the platform for Electro-Voice Precision Series
power amplifiers since 2002; since 2005 it has
been the platform for the groundbreaking
NetMax N8000 networked matrix system.
“DYNACORD is setting further milestones in the pro audio sector. After its highend PowerH high-powered amplifier series, the company is extending its loudspeaker range with the multifunctional high-power Variline series, which features neodymium components, rotatable large-format HF horns and a biamping option as well as a wide range of mounting and flying accessories.
“EASE and Ulysses files for high-quality simulations and complete project
files for integration into the IRIS-Net™ software platform with RCM 26 controller modules are available for free download at the new DYNACORD web
site (www.dynacord.com).”
newsflash / spring 2007
Hans Bürger,, Product Manager, DYNACORD,
Bosch Communications Systems
19
NEWS:
ELECTRO-VOICE
REV WIRELESS SYSTEM XLC127DVX
EV's new REV professional wireless
system offers an array of new and
different features from its predecessor the RE-1. REV’s optimized
analog audio path was developed
with Digital Audio Labs® to provide the truest representation of a wired microphone sound possible in
a wireless system.
REV-Link™ PC software enables remote monitoring, control and programming over a CAN bus connection through an EV UCC-1 converter or EV Netmax N8000. Factory set
channel groups allow up to 16 systems to operate simultaneously in
one frequency band. Programmable in 25 kHz steps across 24 MHz
operating band width, there are
over 950 possible channels so you
can always find a clear channel.
Advanced ClearScan™ automatic
group and channel selection allows
quick, simple setup.
Based on the highly successful
XLC127+ Compact Line Array, the
XLC127DVX is a three-way, fullbandwidth line array element featuring EV’s newest DVX 3121 12inch and DVN2065 6.5-inch woofers. The XLC127DVX ships as
triamp-only model; a mid/high crossover network for biamp applications is an available option. When asked why EV has updated a product
that has established itself as industry standard, Christian Glueck,
Director, Product Management,
commented: “Shortly after the
launch of X-Line Very Compact and
its 12-inch DVX woofer-equipped
XS212-LF cabinet, we received customer requests about our plans to
use this new, very powerful speaker in the XLC. This led us to take a
deeper look at our transducer program, resulting in the development
of a brand new 12-inch LF driver—
the DVX3121—and a new mid-bass
driver, the DVN 6.5-inch. To support
all current customers of the
XLC127+, we will offer an upgrade
kit to turn an XLC127+ into an
XLC127DVX.”
ZXA5
EVM 12L
Perfect sound, maximum versatility, easy handling and compactness
are the qualities that make the new
ZXA5 powered two-way loudspeaker the new standard in professional sound reinforcement. At the
heart of the ZXA5 are state-of-theart transducers. To develop the
DVX3150 15” high performance
transducer, EV used advanced computer aided design techniques to
create forced-air, directional voice
coil cooling for high power and efficiency. Finite element analysis
was used to optimise the suspension and magnetic structure for long,
linear travel, providing low distortion and greater LF extension. Perfect
for an incredibly wide range of applications, the DVX3150 provides the
ultimate in lightweight reliability…
but with a heavyweight 500W power rating. Handling the HF is the
ND2, a two-inch voice coil compression driver based on a neodymium
motor structure that allows maximum output while keeping size and
weight to a minimum.
Endorsed by the world’s top guitarists, the EVM-12L Classic features
a high performance, heavy duty design that delivers unmatched sonic
reproduction at the critical final stage in the signal chain. Meticulously
voiced to duplicate the sound of the
legendary, long discontinued EVM12L, the Classic recaptures a tonality loved by guitarists in virtually
every genre. Original EVM-12L endorsers included guitar icons Stevie
Ray Vaughn and Steve Vai, the new
EVM-12L has already become the
speaker of choice for a wide range
of world class guitar talents, including David Hidalgo, Billy Duffy and
Kenny Wayne Shepherd. The EVM12L Classic’s high wattage assures
ample headroom, minimizing unwanted distortion. Its heavy duty
cast frame and magnet offer a high
level of efficiency and stable frequency response, against which
other manufacturers simply cannot
compete. Above all, this translates
into improved guitar sound night after night, on the road or in the
studio.
“Electro-Voice is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the brand with—among other things—a new highlight in its power loudspeaker range: the ZXA5. This pioneering 15" two-way box is based on transducer
and enclosure components from the tried-and-tested ZX5 series, driven by an integrated high-powered
dual-channel Class D amplifier. Capable of generating SPLs as high as 133 dB and weighing only 23 kg, the
ZXA5 sets new standards for powered full-range loudspeaker in terms of flexibility and acoustic output. In
the Concert Sound product group, Electro-Voice is presenting the full-range XLC127DVX, a version of the
successful XLC127+, upgraded with the new DVX woofers and neodymium midrange drivers. The new transducers increase the maximum power and precision of the touring cabinet, whilst at the same time upholding the general philosophy of the XLC family as regards mechanics and drivers. These measures will ensure that this Electro-Voice line array family, which is already extremely popular all over the world, enjoys
even greater success in the future.”
20
newsflash / spring 2007
➤
Peter Hallstein, Product Manager,
Electro-Voice, Bosch Communications
Systems
INSIDE
ELECTRO-VOICE
A NEW HOME, NEW PERSPECTIVES
Al Kahn and Lou Burroughs started ElectroVoice in 1927. Now, after eight decades of success and innovation, the company is assured of
a glittering future as part of the Bosch Group
The company Al Kahn and Lou Burroughs started all those years ago in South Bend, Indiana,
aspired to cover the growing needs of the new
radio medium, with their specialty being the development of new types of microphone. Soon after, legendary American football coach Knute
Rockne, who was looking for a portable sound
system, approached them. Rockne was so delighted by the solution Kahn and Burroughs delivered that he called it his "electric voice,” thus
inspiring the name the company was to carry all
the way into the next millennium. Electro-Voice
has proved to be one of the most innovative and
influential firms in the audio sector, and one that
can lay claim to a plethora of pioneering developments.
And it promises to be just as prolific in the future as in the past, since, in the summer of 2006,
the company of which Electro-Voice was a subsidiary, Telex Communications, was acquired by
the German giant Bosch. In 2005, the turnover of
the Bosch Group was in excess of 54.5 billion US
dollars (£27.5 bn) and the workforce some 250,000
strong. More importantly, Bosch invests, ploug-
hing back more than 7 per cent of turnover in
2005 into research and development—it filed
2,800 patent applications that year alone—and
the same amount into fixed assets. With its new
pro audio brands Electro-Voice and Dynacord,
Bosch is aiming for market leadership, and has
begun already to prepare the ground.
Acts and events for which
EV systems have been deployed
Elvis Presley
The Beatles
Stevie Wonder
Frank Sinatra
Electro-Voice milestones
Rolling Stones
ZZ Top
Bryan Adams
642 shotgun microphone
MTV Music Europe Awards
(recognized with an Oscar)
Brit Awards
RE-10 microphone
Live 8
EV constant directivity horns
Eliminator loudspeaker
X-Line array system
newsflash / spring 2007
21
INSIDE
WORKSHOP IN AMSTERDAM
In February, Electric Audio BV and Midas Consoles Holland
organized a high-caliber workshop for members of the EV
Europool User Group. The venue was the Brabant Hall in
Amsterdam, Tilburg. The theme of the workshop was "A
High-End Pro Audio Production”. In the 8,500-seater hall,
the performance of a fifteen XLC 127+ enclosure hang
was compared with that of a nine enclosure XLC 127 DVX
hang, and the professional applications of EV TG-7-amps,
Klark Teknik Show Command and Midas consoles demonstrated.
High-End workshop organized by Electric Audio
BV and Midas Consoles Holland
YOUREVENT & EVI AUDIO
➤
TRAINING TOUR
Conducted by YourEvent's Mario Klein, the series of seminars is designed to provide prospective events technicians with a basic grounding
in subjects such as the structure and functioning
of different types of power amplifiers, the way
line arrays work, the configuration of loudspeaker systems, and the positioning of enclosures:
subjects of which, you might suppose, every FOH
engineer would have a clear understanding. The
fact is, as Mario Klein has discovered in the course of his many years of experience as an events
and equipment consultant and adviser to a number of different institutions, "there is a serious deficit of information in this area, and this is often
painfully obvious at concerts and even largescale events". To give the information as practical an orientation as possible as well as making it easier to understand, Mr Klein simulates
the problems that confront sound engineers at
events of various types, and shows how they can
be solved using inter alia a complete Dynacord
VariLine system (4 x VL626, 2 x VL 122, VL Sub18),
PowerH power amplifiers, IRIS-Net software, a
Midas Venice console and an assortment of
Electro-Voice microphones. "By making the very
latest materials available, EVI Audio allows me
to give students a realistic insight into the way
a FOH engineer sets about analysing and solving
the problems of different applications and venues," he says. The level of interest and participation among students has been tremendous: the
response to the first seminars in Hanover and
Hamburg was so enthusiastic—each was attended by around 50 students—that the tour, which
costs the vocational schools nothing, is scheduled to resume in May, and will cover the entire
country.
BARMA PROFESSIONAL AUDIO, SPAIN
Barcelona-based Barma Professional Audio
(Barma Pro) has introduced the pro music products of Dynacord to its distribution portfolio.
The team from Barma Pro began distributing
professional audio products in Spain in the year
2000, concentrating initially upon DJ products.
Now, with the introduction of Dynacord to its
range, the company is expanding into the pro
audio sector.
22
NEW DISTRIBUTION PARTNER IN SPAIN
Seen here (l. to r.) are:
Juanjo Pérez (Area Manager,
Madrid), Joan Bové (Managing
Director), Joaquin Frasquet (Area
Manager,
Grounding vocational students in the basics: YourEvent
and EVI Audio staff
Levante),
Ramon
(Assistant), Daniel Colomer (Area
Manager, Catalunya).
➤
newsflash / spring 2007
INSIDE
BOSCH:
SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENTS
During the same financial quarter in which
Bosch completed their acquisition of pro audio
industry leader Telex Communications , substantial cash investments were put into effect
at the Straubing, Germany and Morrilton,
Arkansas facilities manufacturing the Dynacord
and Electro-Voice product lines.
Bosch’s immediate commitment to the improvement and expansion of these factories literally adds concrete to the common goals that brought Bosch and Telex together – high quality
without compromise, brand stability and longterm growth.
By keeping production rooted in each
brand’s country of origin, Bosch reinforces dedication to brand quality and, of course, the associates who live near and work at these plants.
Following millions of dollars of investment, construction of 43,000 additional sq. ft. of production
space is well underway at Dynacord HQ in
Straubing, with an additional 9600 sq. ft. of office space and a new 64,500 sq. ft. warehouse. A
6400 sq. ft. area will serve as a world-class
sound stage for audio testing and measurement,
highlighting the company’s commitment to rigorous R&D.
cision tooling uprades. When improvements are
complete, Morrilton will be one of the most modern and best-equipped loudspeaker manufacturing plants in the world.
At the Electro-Voice facility in Morrilton,
Bosch’s two million dollar plus investment will
improve throughput capability, build times and
production precision, with investments going
into the plant‘s wood mill and transducer production lines. Improvements include state of the art
CNC routers, very high-energy magnetizers, automated adhesive dispensing and numerous pre-
25 YEARS OF AUPROSA – CONGRATULATIONS!
Auprosa, the company that distributes the
brands Electro-Voice, Midas and KLARK TEKNIK
in Spain, will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of its founding this year. Based in Barcelona,
Auprosa has played a pioneering role in the development of the Spanish pro audio sector – inter alia through the development of professional
distribution channels; in fact, virtually everywhere in Spain today where professional audio performance is called for, there is a team from
Auprosa nearby with the necessary products,
so: Many congratulations!
MERCHANDISING HITS
Neat, hard-wearing, chic, and sufficiently capacious
and robust to offer safe transport to a laptop, the
Messenger Bag has quickly become one of the most
popular items in our merchandising range. Only 25 euro
and endorsed by Hermes himself, the Messenger Bag
comes in both DYNACORD (Order no. D153216) and
Electro-Voice (D153217) versions +++ Call 'em "flashlights" or "LED torches"; call 'em "flash drives" or "USB
sticks" - we have them all in both Electro-Voice and
Dynacord versions: the LEDs are 12 euro (EV: D153218 /
Dynacord: D153219) and the USBs 20 euro (EV: D150398 /
Dynacord: D150414).
For more information on our merchandising range,
visit http://onlineshop.telex.de or (during the ProLight+
Sound) Sandra Sagstetter, Hall 4.1; E70.
D153219
D153218
D150414
D150398
D153216
newsflash / spring 2007
23
© 2007 EVI Audio GmbH · Subject to change without prior notice · Printed in Germany (F&W/Snapshot) · Order#D164581 03/07/3500
www.boschcommunications.com