Distributed in 94 countries, Mix is the world's leading magazine for the professional recording and sound production technology industry. Mix covers a wide range of topics including: recording, live sound and production, broadcast production, audio for film and video, and music technology.
Daly City — Two Digidesign® VENUE live sound systems set sail recently on Cunard’s newest state-of-the-art international vessel, the Queen Victoria. The majestic ocean liner’s twelve decks are replete with some of the most luxurious and modern accoutrements on water, including a grand, multilevel lobby, casino, restaurants, and two theaters.
Nautilus Entertainment Design Inc. of San Diego provided the audio and video designs for the ship’s 30 individual entertainment venues, which range from intimate lounges, fitness centers, and recreational areas to the palatial Royal Court Theatre and Queens Room ballroom. The theater and ballroom are each outfitted with high-tech sound systems that feature a Digidesign VENUE system.
As Nautilus’ principal sound designer Alan Edwards explains, dependability was a key factor in choosing the VENUE systems: “Reliability is a key component to any installation, but even more so for one that is in the middle of the ocean. In the unlikely event that something does go down at sea, you can’t just call the local technical shop for a repair. With the VENUE, it’s as simple as swapping out a component. VENUE gives us the confidence that the show will go on every night.”
The Royal Court Theatre is outfitted with a 96-channel D-Show® system comprised of a D-Show Main unit, two D-show Sidecars, and a sliding script tray. In addition, the system features two 48 input stage racks, a FOH Rack with five DSP Mix Engine cards and additional option cards that provide FireWire interface to Pro Tools LE® for recording and playback and Ethernet connection for remote control of the system. This large setup handles 72 analog/24 digital inputs and 32 analog/64 digital outputs. The Queens Room features a smaller D-Show Profile™ system with similar options to manage 48 analog inputs and 16 analog/16 digital output channels.
Edwards cites the VENUE system’s exceptional audio quality and user-friendly interface as key features, as well as the console’s instant recall capabilities. “These rooms are used for multiple events, from production shows to lectures, and they’re always busy,” he explains. “The engineers typically have less than an hour between shows to do a changeover, and that’s pretty much impossible with an analog desk. VENUE’s snapshot automation gives the engineer the freedom to concentrate on the quality of the mix, rather than worrying about what cue has to happen next. And it’s such an intuitive interface, which really streamlines the workflow. In a busy live situation, that’s invaluable.”
Having a vast array of studio-quality TDM plug-ins available natively to the system is another tremendous advantage, Edwards observes. “There was no need to specify a lot of outboard gear, which was ideal in terms of reducing our overall footprint and cabling runs. We were able to go from five racks of processing gear down to only two.”
Flexibility is also key in the ship’s busy environment. “The system is really adaptable to just about any situation,” Edwards notes. “It’s a really powerful tool.”
About VENUE
Digidesign’s VENUE live sound environment is revolutionizing the art and profession of live sound mixing with studio-quality sound, TDM plug-in effects processing, and direct connectivity to industry-standard Pro Tools® recording and playback systems. For more information about the VENUE line of products, visit www.digidesign.com/venue.
About Digidesign
Digidesign is a worldwide leading manufacturer of digital audio production systems and the winner of the 2001 Technical Grammy® Award and 2003 Oscar® statuette representing the Academy Scientific and Technical Award for the design, development, and implementation of the Pro Tools® digital audio workstation. Digidesign provides the professional music, film, video, multimedia, and radio broadcast industries with tools for digital recording, MIDI sequencing, editing, signal processing, and surround mixing. Digidesign products are marketed in more than 40 countries worldwide through a distribution network of value-added dealers, distributors, and OEM relationships. Digidesign is a part of Avid Technology, Inc. For more information, visit www.digidesign.com.
About Avid Technology, Inc.
Avid (Nasdaq: AVID) is a worldwide leader in tools for film, video, audio, 3D animation, gaming and broadcast professionals – as well as for home audio and video enthusiasts. Avid professional and consumer brands include Avid, Digidesign, M-Audio, Pinnacle Systems, Sibelius, Softimage and Sundance Digital. The vast majority of primetime television shows, feature films, commercials and chart-topping music hits are made using one or more Avid products. Whether used by seasoned professionals or beginning students, Avid’s products and services enable customers to work more efficiently, productively and creatively. Avid received an Oscar statuette representing the 1998 Scientific and Technical Award for the concept, design, and engineering of the Avid® Film Composer® system for motion picture editing. For more information about the company’s Oscar, Grammy and Emmy® award-winning products and services, visit www.avid.com.
Mixers from both Studer and Soundcraft appear at numerous events and broadcast facilities at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Digital consoles from both Harman companies have been chosen and purchased by local Chinese broadcasters as well as worldwide companies who are installing or providing facilities at the events. The increased attention to HD broadcasting and surround has been one of the reasons Studer consoles particularly have been bought by numerous Broadcasters for their games coverage.
By far the largest consumer of Studer consoles for the games is China’s premier Broadcaster, CCTV (China Central Television). Their English-speaking International channel, CCTV-9, is using a Studer Vista 7 in its on-air studio, while the main studios of CCTV have been equipped with four Vista 5’s and five OnAir 3000’s. Quindao Radio has purchased an OnAir 3000 for the games, and Hong Kong’s TVB has purchased a total of five Vista 5’s, three for its studio for the games and two for OB vans.
Studer Vista consoles are particularly popular in OB vehicles because of their compact size, weight, simple user interface and functionality (including surround management and integral Dolby E and SDI decoding capabilities), and local broadcasters Guangdong TV, Beijing TV and Shanghai Media Group all feature Vista 8’s in their trucks. The Shanghai Media Group also fitted a dedicated 5.1 audio truck with a Vista 5. CCTV’s HD OB van is equipped with a Vista 8 and an OnAir 3000, while TJTV’s HD truck is now equipped with a Vista 8. HLJTV’s HD van comes with both a Vista 5 and an OnAir 3000, BTV’s HD truck is fitted with a Vista 8 and an OnAir 3000. Jinan TV and Dalian TV are sending HD trucks, both fitted with Vista 5 consoles.
From outside China, Spain’s TVE is constructing its own studio in Beijing, where three Studer Vista 5’s handle all the mixing tasks, as will the Vista 5 in the studio of Hungary’s MTV. Danmarks Radio’s facilities include a Studer OnAir 3000 (the corporation operates some 90+ Studer OnAir mixers in Copenhagen), and an OnAir 3000 will be at the heart of Brazil’s TV Bandeirantes’ system, while OB vehicles from France (SFP and VCF) and Norway (NRK’s HD-1) will run with Studer D950’s, Vista 5’s and Vista 8’s. Finally, the OnAir 3000 infrastructure of the Swiss SRG Media Services (MSC) will also be in Beijing, feeding all the radio programs of SRG, 13 networks in all.
For the opening and closing ceremonies, Soundcraft Vi6™ digital consoles are part of a large Harman-based system, while a Soundcraft Vi6 is at the heart of the system in the National Aquatics Centre. Two Soundcraft Vi4™’s are installed at the National Olympic Conference Centre, and numerous Soundcraft analogue mixers ranging from CompAct mixers up to MH4’s are installed in Olympic venues such as the Fengtai Softball Field, Chang Ping Indoor Stadium, Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium, Beijing Foreign Language University Stadium, Ditan Park Indoor Stadium, Shanghai 80k Stadium, Hong Kong Equestrian Venues and the Honk Kong Olympic House Conference Room.
Studer and Soundcraft are units of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com). Harman International designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets, and maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, employing more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”
Front of House Engineer Jon Garber and monitor engineer Stuart Delk discuss how the Studer Vista 5SR Digital Console has made the Rascal Flatts “Still Feels Good” tour such a major success.
BUENA PARK, Calif.─ This summer marks number 10 for Ringo Starr’s All Starr outing and includes returning All Starr members (in alphabetical order): Colin Hay, Billy Squier, Hamish Stuart, and Edgar Winter, and first timers Gary Wright and Gregg Bissonette. The All Starr tour is currently bringing its newest chart-topping lineup to 31 cities in the U.S. and Canada, including New York, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles.
For close to 20 years, Audio Analysts (Colorado Springs, Col.) has provided full audio production for Ringo Starr tours. This year, the All Starr monitor rig is centered around a Yamaha PM5D digital console and 20 of the company’s new T5n amplifiers. Manned by monitor engineer Aaron Goldstein and front of house engineer Brian Bravido, the monitor rig also boasts Audio Analysts-designed wedges, wedge cabinets, sub woofers and three-way cabinets.
“We did several listening tests comparing other manufacturers’ amplifiers to the T5n,” states Mario Leccese, VP of Operations for Audio Analysts. “We found that the low end was tighter and the high frequency was more present and ‘in your face’ than any other amplifiers we have tested through the years.”
Leccese said the design of the rig was determined by the size of the band, and the musicians’ needs. “We chose the T5n amp because it was the largest of the power amps and would be able to power all the different cabinets out on the tour,” adds Leccese. “By keeping all the amps the same, you only have to stock one type of spare.”
Goldstein is using a Yamaha PM5D at monitors based on Audio Analyst’s previous experience with the band and their requirements. “Basically, this package makes the monitor rig light, compact, feature-packed and very reliable,” notes Leccese.”
No other single stage produces the hits like Ringo’s All Starrs, each singularly accomplished in their own right. All of the All Starr artists complement Starr’s musical style and share his message of peace and love. As Ringo said in a recent interview, “My live shows are a peace-and-love fest. That’s my main promotion, really.”
Starr’s latest album, Liverpool 8, was released on CD, digitally and on USB wristband on January 15 by Capitol/EMI. His most personal release in years, Liverpool 8’s songs are a reflective journey through Ringo’s storied life and career and feature some of his greatest songwriting to date. Co-produced and co-written with Dave Stewart, Liverpool 8’s resounding message of peace and love will continue to resonate with All Starr audiences across the country while Ringo hits the road this summer for his first tour since 2006.
For more information on Audio Analysts, telephone (719) 632-8855 or visit www.audioanalysts.com.
For more information on the Yamaha T5n amplifiers or PM5D console, telephone (714) 522-9011 or visit www.yamahaca.com.
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About Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc.:
Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. offers a complete line of integrated professional audio products for the commercial recording, production, broadcast, live sound, and sound reinforcement markets. The company has a dedicated dealer network, intensive field training, and 24-7 tech support in the U.S. and Canada.
Aldie, VA – June 2008… While comedian/guitarist Mike Rayburn’s concert appearances generate lots of laughs from his audience, there’s nothing humorous about his dependency on his wireless equipment. Based in a suburb of greater Washington, DC, Rayburn’s antics keep him in the spotlight during more than 120 performances a year—with a schedule that takes him not only throughout the Americas, but throughout Europe as well as Caribbean and Hawaiian destinations. Wherever he may be, his Lectrosonics wireless systems provide the freedom of movement and the sound quality he requires to keep his act at the cutting edge. more
BUENA PARK, Calif.─Yamaha Corporation Japan has announced that its Board of Directors, at their meeting held on June 19, 2008, has decided to make an offer to the founders of NEXO S.A. (Headquarters: Parc du Pré de la Dame Jeanne, 60128 Plailly, France; Registered with the Senlis Trade and Companies Registry [“Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés”] under number 317 272 540; President: Michael Johnson; Hereinafter, NEXO) to acquire all of their shares of NEXO.
Yamaha has 40 years of experience in the development of professional audio systems, and was one of the first companies to commercialize digital mixing consoles. Products such as the Yamaha PM1D and PM5D have become global standards in the industry. Yamaha has worked to drive steady growth of its Professional/Commercial Audio business segment with their digital mixing consoles, signal processors, and power amplifiers.
In June 2005, Yamaha purchased a 10.22% interest in NEXO, a leading brand in the field of high-output speaker systems for professional use in large concert venues, halls, and theaters, and entered into a strategic alliance with the company. NEXO and Yamaha combined their know-how to develop the NXAMP Powered Digital TD controller and joined forces to strengthen their capabilities for providing better system solutions for their clients.
“The offer to purchase NEXO by our parent company Yamaha Corporation Japan, is a very positive move for both companies,” states Larry Italia, Vice President/General Manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. “Right now, it is business as usual for us, our dealers and our customers.”
Yamaha came to the conclusion that its joint activities with NEXO would generate results at a substantially accelerated pace if the two companies could work in closer cooperation. Accordingly, Yamaha decided to take steps toward making NEXO a wholly owned subsidiary of the Yamaha Group by offering to acquire the shares of the founders and, thereafter, launching a tender offer to acquire the remainder of NEXO’s shares on the market.
After NEXO becomes a subsidiary, Yamaha will continue and further develop the NEXO brand as well as its know-how, and strengthen capabilities for creating system solutions by advancing the position of NEXO and Yamaha in speaker technology. Yamaha will also work to enhance its development capabilities in existing product lines and strengthen its production capacity through the use of NEXO’s production facilities.
If agreed upon, the sale would be concluded later this year.
For more information on this intent to purchase, please contact Larry Italia, Vice President/General Manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. directly.
(714) 522-9011.
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About Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc.:
Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. offers a complete line of integrated professional audio products for the commercial recording, production, broadcast, live sound, and sound reinforcement markets. The company has a dedicated dealer network, intensive field training, and 24-7 tech support in the U.S. and Canada.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada – June 24, 2008 … There’s been no shortage of talking points so far: arguments with the fourth official, German coach Joachim Löw’s touchline ban, Bastian Schweinsteiger’s red card and his tremendous comeback in the quarter final against Portugal; and then, of course, the usual transfer gossip… And when the journalists assemble just after 12 o’clock for the German Football Federation (DFB)’s daily press conference, it’s the SWR (Südwestrundfunk, “Southwest Broadcasting”) that’s responsible for transmitting the sound and images from its HDTV OB truck FÜ2HD – in which an mc²66 console from Lawo resides at the nerve center of operations. more
As the world counts down to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Summer Games, the companies from the Harman Pro Group will consider their biggest challenges behind them with the successful sale and integration of comprehensive AV systems for 12 of the most prestigious venues for the games. Just as venues like the Beijing National Aquatics Centre, known popularly as the “Water Cube” or the remarkable Beijing National Stadium have already gained worldwide attention for their architectural design, these buildings feature Harman Pro Group components to ensure they sound as good as they look!
The Beijing National Aquatics Centre, which will host 17,000 spectators for the swimming, diving and synchronized swimming events, features JBL Professional PD Series loudspeakers and LSR Series studio monitors, a Soundcraft Vi6 console, Crown CTs amplifiers and BSS Audio Soundweb processing.
At the 10,000-seat Fengtai Softball Field, the Harman Pro Group sound system is comprised of Soundcraft GB4 consoles, JBL Professional AE Series and PD Series loudspeakers and LSR monitors, dbx DriveRack 260 EQ/Controls and Crown CTs amplifiers. Many of the same Harman companies are featured 10,000-seat Chang Ping indoor arena that will host Tae Kwon Do competitions. The arena’s audio system features JBL Professional AE Series and SRX Series loudspeakers driven by Crown CTs amplifiers, managed by dbx DriveRack 4800 processing and Soundcraft GB4/GB8 consoles.
The 33,572-seat Beijing Foreign Language University Stadium, host to the games’ football competitions, is a recipient of a comprehensive Harman Pro Group sound system comprising BSS Soundweb processing, Crown CTs amplifiers, dbx DriveRack patchbays, Lexicon MX400 processors and Soundcraft GB4 consoles. In Shanghai, the impressive 80,000-capacity Shanghai Stadium will host some preliminary group-stage football matches. It features an arsenal of JBL AE Series, Control Series, PD Series, VERTEC Series loudspeakers and LSR studio monitors. The system here also features BSS Audio BLU-16 signal processing, Crown PZM Series microphones, Lexicon MX300 processor and Soundcraft MH2/FX/FX16 consoles.
Basketball competitions will be held at 18,000-seat Wukesong Indoor Stadium, home to an AV system that features Crown CTs amplifiers and JBL Professional LSR studio monitors and Control Series loudspeakers.
In Hong Kong, the remarkable Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue, complete with JBL Professional EON Series loudspeakers and Soundcraft Compact4/Compact10 mixers, will welcome 18,000 spectators to view the world’s best equestrian competitors and their mounts. Shifting from four-leg to two-wheeled events, the 9,000-seat Laoshoan Velodrome will host cycling events at the 2008 Summer Games. The velodrome sound system features JBL AE Series loudspeakers, Crown CTs amplifiers, BSS Soundweb processing and dbx DriveRack 260 Control.
In addition to hosting the fencing events and elements of the modern pentathlon, the Olympic Green Convention Centre will also serve as the International Broadcast Centre and the Main Press Centre. It features Soundcraft Vi4 consoles, Crown CTs amplifiers, BSS BLU-80 processors and JBL AE Series, SRX Series, VRX Series and VERTEC Series loudspeakers.
Serving as the stage for the opening and closing ceremonies and for the main track and field competitions, the 90,000-seating Beijing National Stadium became one of the world’s most recognizable buildings even before its completion. Now, Crown I-Tech amplifiers will ensure that the 90,000 spectators enjoy every word and note from the ceremonies and hear and cheer every announcement from the competitions!
Commenting on the array of facilities in which the Harman Pro Group is helping ensure great sound accompanies great spectacle, Michael MacDonald, Executive Vice President of Marketing & Sales noted, “Just as athletes and spectators from around the world will travel to the games, the products and IP from the Harman Pro Group shipped from Los Angeles, London, Indiana, Mexico, Salt Lake City, Regensdorf and Vienna. It is a tribute to the global community of Harman employees that whenever the world gathers to celebrate and compete, that our audio technologies are the systems of choice. The people that comprise our companies literally equip the world stage!”
Today at InfoComm 08, AKG Acoustics announced the release of the new D7 vocal microphone. Like its popular predecessor the D5, the D7 is a dynamic microphone that delivers incredibly clear sound for lead and backing vocals for live sound applications. The D7 additionally features an improved capsule design with a humbucking coil and a high-pass filter along with a sleek new look.
AKG`s newest dynamic microphone features a humbucking coil that greatly reduces electrical interference and stage feedback—ensuring that only pure vocal sounds come through. The D7 also features an integrated high-pass filter that cuts out low frequencies, eliminates handling noise, and provides better audio clarity. The result is a higher-quality microphone that offers complete control for singers and announcers and, therefore, a better audio experience for audiences.
“Our goal in creating the D7 was to build upon the success of our D5 microphone and take microphone performance and reliability to the next level,” explained Thomas Umbauer, Product Manager, AKG Acoustics. “The humbucking coil and high-pass filtering featured in the D7 design ensure that musicians and presenters alike will experience unsurpassed sound quality and lasting durability.”
The D7 delivers high-end sonic performance thanks to its new Laminated Varimotion diaphragm. This design allows the diaphragm to be fine-tuned without extra tuning resonators and represents a giant leap forward in audio performance. The D7 response evokes the subtle, open sound of a condenser microphone, while maintaining the rugged reliability of a dynamic microphone.
The D7 comes complete with a carrying case, mounting clamp, and a replacement windscreen, ensuring long life for the microphone. Two additional models are also available: the D7-S, which features an on/off switch; and the D7-WL1 microphone capsule for use with AKG wireless systems.
“We designed the D7 microphone to be the best hand-held microphone for vocals, with performance that stands on the leading edge of dynamic microphone technology,” added Umbauer. ”The D7 illustrates AKG’s commitment to innovation and our dedication to providing the very best microphones in the industry.”
When New York City’s Highline Ballroom opened its doors in April 2007, concert-goers entered what appeared to be a bare-bones, no frills venue—a departure from the high-profile, ambiance-heavy clubs that have sprung up in the city in recent years. This fresh take quickly earned the venue a reputation as one of the hottest new clubs in the city. Boasting a state-of-the-art sound system and a room completely devoid of any obstructed sightlines, it is not hard to see why.
When Amit Peleg, President of Peltrix was hired for consulting, design and installation of the Highline’s high-end sound system, he turned to AKG microphones. “I have been using AKG mics for over 30 years and love the way they perform,” explains Peleg. “The versatility of a microphone like the AKG C 414 B-XLS is perfect for this type of venue. You can use it to mic a piano at a softer show and then use it as an overhead on the drums for a rock show. I also love how the AKG microphones stand the test of time. I’m using two AKG 451 EBs for overheads and they came out almost 30 years ago!”
AKG microphones were brought in primarily for the drum setup. In addition to the C 414 B-XLS and AKG 451 B microphones used for overhead pickup, Amit Peleg uses a pair of AKG D112s and five AKG C418 MicroMics. The AKG D112s handle the kick drums while the AKG C418s capture the toms. The audio system at Highline Ballroom also includes six JBL VERTEC® VT4888DP midsize self-powered line array elements for the main PA system, two VT4888DP and two VT48882DP self-powered arrayable subwoofers for balcony delays. Outboard gear at front of house includes two dbx DriveRack 4800’s, with another DriveRack 4800 at the monitor console.
Since the club’s April 2007 opening, the Highline has gained a stellar reputation—not only with audiences but with musicians as well. In the first month alone, it hosted performances from Lou Reed, Mos Def, Amy Winehouse, Talib Kweli, Moe, and Disco Biscuits. Since then, other high profile artists such as Paul McCartney, Carlos Santana, Queen Latifah, Moby, and the Wailers have graced its stage. And at every show, AKG microphones are there to offer the best possible sound for the Highline Ballroom’s demanding audiences.
Attention game sound developers: We're guessing you didn't always work in videogames; we know a lot of you have roots in music and post. Tell us why you made the switch to the game world, and the name of the first title you worked on by e-mailing mixeditorial@mixonline.com.
