Four of 12 Stages at the Recent New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Driven by Powersoft

NEW ORLEANS, LA – JUNE 29, 2009 – Powersoft, a world leading manufacturer of superior quality power amplifiers for the professional audio market, delivers amplifiers to the professional market that offer superior operating performance in difficult physical, climatic and electrical environments. Used by multiple sound companies to drive the rhythms and blues for four of the 12 stages at the recent 2009 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, presented by Shell, Powersoft amplifiers provided the clear, clean sound necessary to inspire the audiences from the Gospel Tent to the Gentilly Stage. Because of the low operating temperatures and performance reliability, Powersoft amplifiers were the perfect choice for the sometimes challenging conditions. more

Canyon Creek Chophouse, one of Toronto’s most popular restaurant chains, recently opened a new location at Carlson Court near the Toronto Pearson International Airport. The restaurant not only serves some of the best food in town, but with systems integration firm ET Group’s design and installation of a complete audio/video system featuring zoned audio with JBL Control® Contractor Series ceiling speakers, Canyon Creek also provides one of the most relaxed and elegant dining environments in Toronto.
Known for its outstanding steaks and chops, high-quality service and elegant décor, Canyon Creek Chophouse is quickly gaining popularity with Toronto residents and tourists alike. With that elegant décor in mind, the ET Group was contracted to design and install an audio system that would contribute to the restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere while blending smoothly within its design.

“We needed an audio system that was not clearly visible to the patrons, but most definitely could be heard,� said Dirk Propfe, Partner and Vice President of the ET Group. “We also wanted to be able to provide discrete control over the sound in each room, to help create an even more hospitable experience for diners and flexibility for the restaurant.�

The ET Group designed and installed a zoned ceiling speaker system, drawing from JBL’s industry-leading Control Contractor Series. ET Group installed 15 JBL Control 227CT ceiling speakers in the dining room, along with six JBL Control 19CS in-ceiling subwoofers. The patio area features six Control 227CT speakers and two Control 19CS subwoofers. ET Group installed an additional four Control 227CT speakers in the restaurant’s meeting room, while five Control 24CT Micro ceiling speakers were installed in the washroom and entry way. Two Crown CTs8200 amplifiers power the system, while a dbx ZonePro 1261 enables processing and EQ-ing of each audio zone in the restaurant.

In addition to Canyon Creek, the ET Group has provided high-end audio/video systems for many of the restaurants owned by the SIR Corporation, including other Canyon Creek locations and Jack Astor’s Bar and Grill locations, many of which also feature JBL Control Contractor ceiling speakers. “The Control Contractor speakers provide extremely smooth coverage and are highly controllable,� Propfe added. “The system has performed exceptionally to date and we look forward to future projects with JBL and the SIR Corp.�

For more information on the ET Group, please visit www.etgroup.ca

Fairfield, NJ–-Middle Atlantic Products is introducing the Vertical Rackmount System (VRS), a new rackmount shelf that vertically holds up to 7 satellite or cable boxes.

The VRS mounting system enables components to be clamped in vertical position, held in place by adjustable card slides on the bottom shelf. This high-density mounting system saves space in the rack compared to the less efficient alternative of placing each satellite or cable box on individual shelves.

Ideal for sports bars, restaurants, gyms, hotels, lounges or any location where multiple satellite or cable boxes are located in one enclosure, the VRS allows users to save money by only purchasing one model instead of multiple rackshelves.

The VRS design provides space around each component, which allows heat to rise between them for cooling. It also features an integral cable management system at the rear that ensures a neater installation and more space for air circulation. This can be further optimized when used in conjunction with Middle Atlantic’s multiple length SignalSafe™ power cords.

An optional power strip bracket can be mounted to the rear of the bottom VRS shelf for the convenient location of power.

For more information about Middle Atlantic Products, please call 1.800.266.7225, or click to www.middleatlantic.com.

KISSIMMEE, FL — Neutrik USA is helping Poinciana High School give its students real-world experience in connectivity, a vital component for setting up and wiring equipment for broadcast. The company donated several products to Poinciana High School’s TV Production class to help prepare its students for employment as television production operators, television broadcast technicians and camera operators, also as professional broadcast technicians, video recording engineers and audio recording engineers.

At Poinciana High School, students in the TV Production class are exposed to an overview of aspects of TV production, including scripts, lighting, filming and directing, electronic news gathering and field production. Hands-on activities are an integral part of this program and provide instruction in camera principles, audio and video control, lighting methods, control room operation, station operation and set preparation. more

OLD LYME, CONNECTICUT – JULY 2009: This summer, headphone manufacturer Sennheiser is connecting consumers across the U.S. and Canada to true sound with an innovative consumer campaign that will drive Sennheiser brand awareness and consideration through an integrated, efficient engagement program – The Sennheiser Sound Tour – and a confident new slogan – “Hear. I Am.”

THE SENNHEISER SOUND TOUR The Sennheiser Sound Tour is a North American road trip that pits a team of six girls against six guys. Their mission: to spread the word on the premium sound of Sennheiser headphones. Each week the teams will travel to a different city and stop at unique locations and events. They will be given a weekly task to accomplish ensuring fun antics along the way. The winning team will win great prizes! The teams will document their escapades online in their weekly webisode that can be viewed at: www.sennheisersoundtour.com. As they travel, the team members will connect with fans on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other online outlets.

“This concept harnesses the power of social media integrated with consumer activation. It provides the opportunity for listeners to actually ‘discover, try and buy’ Sennheiser headphones, says Anne Joyce, director of marketing, Sennheiser Canada. “Sound lovers will soon discover the reason why Sennheiser has been the professional’s choice in the audio and consumer electronics industries for decades.”

Both teams will converge in Milwaukee on July 2nd at Summerfest for the kick off. From there, they’ll pack up their Sennheiser-branded vehicles and head their separate ways. The sound team will spread the sound of Sennheiser to over thirty key cities throughout the summer. The guys will travel the west coast, while the girls will hit locations in the east. Whether you come out and see the team in a city near you or just follow them online from home, you will be entertained by their personable personalities, creative strengths and their antics. Log on to: www.sennheisersoundtour.com on July 2nd to view the full tour schedule.

AN INNOVATIVE BRAND DESERVES AN INNOVATIVE CAMPAIGN The Sennheiser Sound Tour is part of a large-scale marketing campaign developed by The Jetstar Group, a creative marketing agency out of Toronto, Canada, together with the marketing teams from Sennheiser’s subsidiaries in the U.S. and Canada.

“Sennheiser is already well established among serious music lovers, as the effective inventor of high-quality headphone listening,” says Stefanie Reichert, vice president of strategic marketing, Sennheiser USA. “But there are entire new generations of people who are not as aware of Sennheiser’s quality and diversity. This multi-dimensional campaign is designed to reaching out to these younger, tech-savvy, multimedia-minded consumers.”

The campaign’s slogan, “Hear. I am.” speaks to the confidence of these consumers and encourages listeners to ‘own’ their sound. It communicates a notion of arrival and achievement and the idea of personal empowerment and confidence.

The long-term branding campaign and activation will utilize popular social media applications and face-to-face interaction to truly forge a connection between the brand and its fans.

ABOUT SENNHEISER Sennheiser is a world-leading manufacturer of headphones, microphones, and wireless transmission systems. Established in 1945 in Wedemark, Germany, Sennheiser is now a global brand represented in over 100 countries. The Sennheiser Group is proud to be affiliated with Georg Neumann (world leading studio microphones), Klein + Hummel (studio monitors) and Sennheiser Communications that brings their innovative technology to headsets for PCs, offices, mobility and contact centers. Sennheiser’s pioneering excellence in technology has rewarded the company with numerous awards and accolades including an Emmy, a Grammy, and the Scientific and Engineering Award of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

www.sennheiserusa.com • www.sennheiser.ca

PHOTO CAPTION Remember these faces! This is the Sennheiser Sound Tour team that is crisscrossing the country this summer spreading the word on the premium sound of Sennheiser headphones. To follow their antics online in self-produced “webisodes” visit: www.sennheisersoundtour.com.

REDDITCH, England – June 2009 — UK rental company SSE has supplied an L-ACOUSTICS KUDO line source system for Maximo Park’s sellout UK academy tour.

The system needed to have a small footprint yet provide enough power and headroom for the band, while being flexible enough to handle venues of differing sizes. This ranged from six groundstacked KUDO per side for the smaller venues, through to 13 KUDO cabinets flown per side at the two Brixton Academy shows. This system — powered by nine LA8 amplified controllers in three LA-RAK units — also incorporated eight SB28 subwoofers, three dV-DOSC cabinets across the stage for front-fill, and four ARCS for in-fill around the venue. more

ASK Video Interactive Media, a leading creator of software tutorials on DVD, is now shipping the highly anticipated first installment of their Cubase 5 DVD tutorial series.

In Cubase 5 Level 1, ASK Video CEO and Cubase guru Steve Kostrey acquaints users with the latest version of Steinberg’s legendary Cubase Music Creation and Production software with more than 3 hours of high-quality video instruction. Watch all 32 videos consecutively or easily find specific topics for reference with ASK’s tried and true user interface.

“Cubase is one of the original music applications dating back to the eighties,� says Kostrey. “In addition to cultivating a huge user base over more than 20 years, Cubase has become deeper and more powerful than ever. This DVD is designed to help beginners and pros alike get up to speed quickly on this new version.�

Steinberg’s Cubase 5 Music Creation and Production software continues to build on its history of innovation with new features such as VariAudio pitch editing, REVerence convolution reverb, LoopMash and Beat Designer beat creation tools, and new functionality such as VSTExpression, Signature and Tempo Tracks, and advanced Automation.

Produced in English, Spanish, German, French and Italian, this first of a series of four Mac and Windows compatible DVD’s is accessible to Steinberg’s worldwide user base. Its 32 chapters begin with the basics of setting up Cubase, recording and editing and progresses into some advanced concepts like key commands, macros, and workspaces.

Pricing and Availability:
Cubase 5 Level 1 is available for $49.99 USD. Ordering information and video examples are available at http://www.askvideo.com.

New dual-screen filter designed especially for high SPL environments

CANOGA PARK, California – June 2009 — Pete’s Place Audio proudly announces the official introduction of its latest tool, the Blast Pad. Developed and handcrafted by Pan60 for Pete’s Place, the product is a unique filter designed to protect microphones used in high-SPL applications. more

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JUNE 2009: Delivering a successful sports broadcast for network television is as much art as it is science, but a confluence of forces are threatening to make it a lost art practiced only by a graying and ever-shrinking cadre of sages. Sennheiser has teamed up with FOX Sports to reverse that trend with an immensely practical, hands-on, trial-by-fire introduction to real-world sports broadcasting for promising students of telecommunications. David Missall, Sennheiser’s director of market development for the Eastern region, originated the program and selected its first student, junior Michael Stevens of Ball State University, to work with industry veteran Fred Aldous in the FOX Sports mix truck at the Coca Cola 600 NASCAR race in Charlotte, North Carolina. The experience was, in equal parts, demanding, eye-opening, and inspiring.

“I don’t see a lot of people coming up behind my generation,” said Aldous, who holds the dual titles of FOX Sports audio consultant and senior mixer. “Most students are fixated on breaking into the music, recording or live sound markets. I think it’s important to show students that there are careers outside of the music business – and good careers at that!”

At the same time, Missall kept hearing the same plea from the schools and universities he visited: help us find jobs for our talented students! “It’s well-known that the broadcast industry is struggling with a shallow talent pool,” said Missall. “With the contacts that we have at Sennheiser, I said why don’t we start connecting the broadcasters with the universities? Everyone would benefit!”

But Missall and Sennheiser did more than just come up with a good idea, they promised to fund it! Missall approached Ball State University communications professors to find the most promising student who would benefit from the experience of working at Aldous’ side for two frenetic days. After a series of phone interviews, Missall selected Stevens. In support of his expressed interest in broadcasting, the junior had already worked with the Ball State Sports Network as a utility technician, a camera operator, and as a technical director. Scaling that experience up to the level of FOX Sports at a NASCAR event would undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

In addition to his many technical accomplishments, Aldous is an avid and infectious teacher. “Fred has done everything, and he has the patience to teach,” said Missall. “He is one of those special people that you want to work with who will foster this relationship between the schools and the broadcasters.” Aldous promised, not only to instruct but, to give Stevens full access to the FOX Sports mobile complex.

Sennheiser paid for Stevens’ travel, hotel and expenses for the intense, two-day experience. “I was surprised at how much actually goes into that broadcast,” Stevens said. “I had the idea that there was a main TV and a sub switch for video replays, but it’s so much more than that. FOX had four trucks, and they were all equally important. It was really cool to see how all the components interacted.”

As it turned out, the production was held hostage by the weather, which provided its own unscripted education. Despite a forecast to the contrary, it rained buckets! “The problem with the rain is that we were still on the air doing rain fill and, even after the network on Sunday chose to go to alternate programming, we still did updates every 10-15 minutes,” Aldous explained. “There wasn’t a lot of time to go deep into a lot of things just because we had our obligations to do on-air updates. But the good thing for Michael was that he got to see us in full operating mode, which is total and controlled chaos.”

He continued: “Even though we originally wanted someone focused on audio, it was a benefit that he knew so much about so many different areas, because he got the big picture. I put him in the room with the producers and directors so he could get a better perspective on the interaction that they have. He sat with my effects mixer, the radio mixer. He saw how our graphics interact. It was to our benefit that he had a good basic understanding of television production.”

“What Sennheiser is doing with FOX is a blessing for people like me who want to get into this business,” Stevens said. “The experience really put into perspective what it takes to do a big show for a huge network like FOX. Without having seen it first-hand, I wouldn’t have appreciated its magnitude. If Sennheiser can keep doing this for students, there are going to be a lot of people – like me! – sold on the fact that they want to do live sports broadcasting.”

Based on this initial success, Sennheiser plans to repeat the unique internship program on an annual or semi-annual basis.

ABOUT SENNHEISER ELECTRONIC CORPORATION Sennheiser is a world-leading manufacturer of microphones, headphones and wireless transmission systems. Established in 1945 in Wedemark, Germany, Sennheiser is now a global brand represented in 60 countries around the world with U.S. headquarters in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Sennheiser’s pioneering excellence in technology has rewarded the company with numerous awards and accolades including an Emmy, a Grammy, and the Scientific and Engineering Award of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

For more information, please visit www.sennheiserusa.com

PHOTO CAPTION Sennheiser has teamed up with FOX Sports to introduce real-world sports broadcasting to promising students of telecommunications. The first student selected for the program was Michael Stevens, a junior at Ball State University, pictured here, standing, with his sports broadcasting mentor, Fred Aldous, FOX Sports audio consultant and senior mixer.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JUNE 2009: The 2009 CMT Music Awards from Nashville were a little bit country and a little bit rock ‘n roll this year, with guest appearances from, quirky new wavers, the B-52s and the new wave of British heavy metal pioneers, Def Leppard, among the night’s highlight performances. Sennheiser wireless microphones and personal monitor systems also made appearances throughout the night’s telecast, during which Sennheiser artists Sugarland and the Zac Brown Band took home awards for Video Duo of the Year and the USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year respectively.

Sugarland took the audience by surprise when, during a rendition of the B-52s’ big hit, “Love Shack,” the Athens, Georgia-based band joined them onstage. Sugarland’s Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles performed with Sennheiser SKM 5200 RF handhelds with MD 5235 dynamic capsules, with background vocals on evolution series e 935 wired mics.

Kevin Sanford of Wireless First, Inc. in New York, provided wireless coordination and equipment for the show and the red carpet area, including multiple channels of Sennheiser’s new fully digital EM 3732 receivers. “I love the new 3732s. It’s very user friendly,” comments Sanford, enumerating the system’s many superior features. “The sensitivity, the functionality, booster on/off, the power aspect. The readout is flawless, and its readability is exceptional compared to other systems.” Sanford is especially pleased with the antenna functionality of the new unit. “You can go into one 3732 unit and link eight units with two antennas with no need for a DA [distribution amplifier].”

Sanford oversaw in excess of 150 channels of wireless, including communications systems as well as microphones and wireless personal monitors. Onstage Sennheiser users, in addition to Sugarland, included Eric Church and Justin Moore, who both made use of the handheld SKM 5200/MD 5235 combination. The Eli Young Band also performed with the SKM 5200/MD 5235, as well as a new 2000 Series RF handheld vocal mic with a 935 capsule. Gloriana used a similar 2000/935 combination along with an SKM 5200 topped with a Neumann KK 105 capsule. Lady Antebellum made use of a wired MD 441 vocal mic for the trio’s performance of their 2008 single, “Lookin’ For A Good Time.”

Sanford, who fielded a half-dozen channels of the new Sennheiser 2000 Series wireless microphones, offers, “They’re beefy! They performed really well.” With everybody watching their dollars, he adds, “The 2000 Series is at a price point most of us rental boys can afford.”

Outside Nashville’s Sommet Center, Sanford maintained about a dozen channels of Sennheiser wireless. That included handheld SKM 5200/MD 5235 combinations plus ew 300 IEM G2 monitor/IFB systems for CMT’s red carpet arrival area hosts, Katie Cook and Lance Smith.

Although audio producer Michael Abbott notes that he was removed from the action, sitting in the audio remote truck, he was impressed with the performance of the new EM 3732 and 2000 Series receivers in a dynamic environment. Noting that lighting effects on the stage set, which covered two-thirds of the arena floor, generated “a high noise floor of unwanted RF,” he says, “The Sennheiser equipment worked really well. We didn’t have any dropouts.”

The 2009 CMT Music Awards, now entering its ninth year, is country music’s only fan-voted award show. The awards presentation was broadcast live from its original home at the Sommet Center in downtown Nashville on June 16th.

ABOUT SENNHEISER ELECTRONIC CORPORATION Sennheiser is a world-leading manufacturer of microphones, headphones and wireless transmission systems. Established in 1945 in Wedemark, Germany, Sennheiser is now a global brand represented in 60 countries around the world with U.S. headquarters in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Sennheiser’s pioneering excellence in technology has rewarded the company with numerous awards and accolades including an Emmy, a Grammy, and the Scientific and Engineering Award of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

For more information, please visit www.sennheiserusa.com

PHOTO CAPTION Sennheiser’s new SKM 2000 Series made it U.S. television debut at the CMT Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee with country music duo, Sugarland, who performed and walked away with the Duo of the Year Award. Singer-songwriters Kristian Bush (background vocals, lead vocals, mandolin, acoustic guitar, harmonica) and Jennifer Nettles (lead vocals) used the SKM 5200 RF handhelds with MD 5235 dynamic capsules PHOTO CREDIT: (c) 2009 Getty Images