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News
Osaka's Theatre BRAVA! debuts
Feb 12, 2006 3:16 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
 Theatre BRAVA! in Osaka, Japan. |
The theatre is owned by the Mainichi Broadcasting System, one of Japan's first commercial broadcast networks, which reaches more than 22 million viewers in the country's Kansai region, an area that includes the cities of Osaka and Kobe. Theatre BRAVA!, named for an Italian eulogy for women, is a multipurpose venue that offers a wide range of presentations, including drama, dance, concerts, opera and performance art.
The diversity of presentations was a prime consideration in the theatre's redesign and renovation. The stage was designed as a flexible, movable structure that is capable of adjusting to various models, depending on the production needs. Even the theatre's logo, described by Mainichi as "a visualization of the cheers and applause featured in the letters 'Brava!'" can be transformed into a myriad of colors and compositions to suit the mood of different presentations. The theatre seats just more than 1100, with slightly more than 700 patrons seated on the orchestra level and an additional 400 in the balcony.
Osaka-based Native Audio Company provided the audio system, which is based around a line array of eight M1D loudspeakers suspended at the center of the proscenium and two CQ-2 narrow-coverage boxes hung on either side. A pair of floor-standing 700-HP subs covers low-frequency content. Two more CQ-2 cabinets are positioned atop each subwoofer. The system is designed to be flexible, so the groundstacked CQ-2 units can be used to localize voices at stage level, or to serve as front fill.
The main M1D/CQ-2 rig is augmented with a smaller system comprising four flown UPA-2P boxes, as well as two UPA-1P cabinets on stands. The UPA-1P units are designed for easy mobility, so that they can be placed in any of several locations as needed.
A 48-channel Yamaha PM4000 console handles the front-of-house mix, with effects processing provided by Yamaha and TC Electronic reverbs and delays. System equalization is focused around two Meyer CP-10 complementary phase parametric EQs. A selection of Ramsa wireless microphones, as well as wired mics from Shure, AKG and Sennheiser complete the audio chain.
Since its grand reopening the theatre has played host to several sold-out productions, including director/choreographer Jo Kanamori, Noism05's critically acclaimed Triple Bill, playwright David Leveaux's musical Nine, and a two-week run of a modern Noh play.
For more information, visit www.meyersound.com.
Real World’s facility gets the big desk
Feb 12, 2006 3:20 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
Real World Studios, owned by international artist Peter Gabriel, has installed a custom-designed XL 9000 K console from Solid State Logic. The residential recording facility had targeted its main studio, The Big Room, for a major redesign nearly a year ago, and had begun negotiating the purchase of the new SSL desk when the company revealed it was up for sale. Rather than cancel the order, Gabriel and partner Dave Engleke promptly purchased the company.
The Big Room’s remodeling also included upgrading the monitoring system and room acoustics for 5.1 surround mixing and high-resolution audio to handle more complex production projects. Gabriel, whose works are primarily created in surround, is currently working on music for the 2006 World Cup, as well as a variety of movie scores.
As part of Real World’s massive facelift project, the facility is also updating a smaller second studio, The Production Room, with the installation of an SSL AWS900 workstation. The AWS900 was chosen to integrate with the studio’s existing workstation systems. Its compact dimensions also afford space for building a voice-over booth in the room.
A demo studio is also being constructed adjacent to the facility’s existing rehearsal studios. Studio manager Owen Leech points to the facility’s ability to handle a project from planning and pre-production through final release.
For more information, visit www.realworldstudios.com and Back to the top
A runaway success
Feb 12, 2006 3:22 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
 Ebreichsdorf’s Magna Racino, located roughly 18mi south of the Austrian capital of Vienna, is the brainchild of the legendary rags-to-riches entrepreneur Frank Stronach, founder and chairman of Magna International, an automotive parts manufacturer. |
Ebreichsdorf’s Magna Racino is the brainchild of the legendary rags-to-riches entrepreneur Frank Stronach, founder and chairman of Magna International, an automotive parts manufacturer. The Austrian-born Stronach has long been an enthusiastic fan of horses and horse racing, and his Magna Entertainment division is an owner and operator of horse racetracks in North America, boasting such thoroughbred tracks as Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields, Thistledown, Portland Meadows and Great Lakes Downs.
Though Stronach has based his home and business in Canada since the 1950s, he has always maintained strong ties to his native Austria, and Magna Racino is clearly designed to exceed the provincial and reflect a world-class sensibility. The venue, located on over 660 acres of lush grounds, opened its doors in April 2004 to rave reviews from the media and populace alike. Since then, the owners have continued to expand and upgrade the facilities. Far more than a typical racetrack, Magna Racino is evolving into a massive, multifaceted meeting and entertainment venue, with something on offer for just about everyone.
The racetrack itself is, of course, still a focal point with its massive 100sq meter Barco Slite 22 LED display and 100V distributed speaker system. The main screen, as well as the other displays in the house, are all networked together, affording a flexible array of configuration options.
Professional horse race announcers hold court throughout the laps, addressing the crowd through a pair of Audio Technica ES915 cardioid condenser microphones, connected to a Korg TP2 two-channel desktop preamp.
In addition to the racetrack itself, there are two other main gathering points, the Sports Bar and the Entertainment Center, as well as numerous other smaller meeting places, including the Panorama Restaurant, VIP Lounge, Derby Bar, Santa Anita Sall, Jackpot Bar and the Foyer. A sophisticated audio and video network ties the entire facility together, providing for a wide selection of program material throughout the venue’s more than two hundred displays.
The newest addition to Magna Racino is the Sports Bar, a veritable sports fans’ paradise, ideally designed for watching and wagering on as many simultaneous events as one’s budget and attention can handle. The lion’s share of LED and plasma displays are situated here, networked to a multitude of satellite feeds. Flexible routing and split screen configurations allow patrons to view a wide array of events, including games and events from numerous worldwide sporting networks, as well as live broadcasting from many of Magna’s other race venues. Incoming signals from the various satellite receivers and tuners are routed through an Extron audio/video matrix, and individual displays’ programs are selected via infrared remotes, using a Remote-X system.
Audio for the Sports Bar is provided by a selection of QSC Audio AcousticDesign full range surface mount loudspeakers, including two AD-S282H, four AD-S82 and two AD-S52 models, powered by QSC CX-series amplifiers. A Rane RPM88 audio controller provides EQ and delay.
The Entertainment Center hosts a wide range of performance events, from live music and comedy shows to Las Vegas style dance and musical productions, acrobats, clowns and more. It’s also well suited for larger assemblies, conventions and corporate gatherings.
A Yamaha DM1000 console performs front of house mixing duties, with a Yamaha DME-24 digital mix engine for audio system control. An HK line array provides 5.1 surround using six Cohedra cabinets on left and right mains and a combination of BR-8, Saturn and Lunary boxes on center and rear channels. On stage, a selection of wireless microphone systems includes four AKG 4000 series and eight Sennheiser 300 series. HK Lucas cabinets perform monitor duties.
Three Barco SLM 12+ projectors are controlled by a Barco Events Controller, providing softedge imaging and positioning. Three Barco Viewscape units equipped with SDI, composite, S-VHS and RGBHV slots offer a wide range of effects including alpha blending, chroma keying, edge blending and other options, played out on 160sq meters of video screen real estate.
Also on site is an internal TV studio equipped with Viewscape3D and SGI modeling software to create composite sources to augment the productions. A Grass Valley Kayak DD2 mixer is central to the studio, with a Grass Valley hard disk system and an Apple G4 running Final Cut Pro. Five JVC cameras (including one with a Gigawave wireless system), and Sony IMX camcorder.
For more information, visit www.magnaracino.com, www.qscaudio.com, www.yamaha.com,www.sennheiser.com, www.audiotechnica.com, www.akg.com, www.hkaudio.com.
Community powers Calgary Stampede
Feb 12, 2006 3:29 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
 The recently completed first phase of Canada's Calgary Stampede's audio system redesign addresses a previously problematic audience area that had developed over time. |
The Calgary Stampede is one of western Canada’s longest running traditions, an annual party that has continued to change and grow since its beginnings back in the early 1900s. The once-annual event has morphed into a year-round celebration of western culture and tradition, and Stampede Park offers a steady calendar of agricultural fairs, horse racing, livestock exhibitions and a full-time casino.
As the park has evolved, so have its needs. Larger audiences demand increased seating, more facilities, better audio and a host of other issues. The park is presently in the midst of a long-term, multi-phase renovation project, expanding and revamping everything from the grounds and seating to the audio, video and lighting infrastructure.
The recently completed first phase of the audio system redesign addresses a previously problematic audience area that had developed over time. The original grandstand seating was augmented by additional infield seating and bleachers. Audio to these new seats suffered from poor intelligibility and multiple arrival delays. A new upgraded system was added, based around Community M4 coaxial loudspeakers and R6 Basshorn subwoofer.
A pair of Community R2 covers the standing room only section, with Crown CTS-series amps powering the system. Speaker processing and distribution for the full house PA is courtesy Biamp Audia DSP.
For more information, visit www.calgarystampede.com www.loudspeakers.net, www.biamp.com and www.crownaudio.com.
Studer reaches new latitudes
Feb 12, 2006 3:34 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
 Three of Studer’s OnAir 3000 digital mixing consoles have been installed by Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa. |
KNR is one of Greenland’s major media networks, and has been investing heavily in updating its technologies and infrastructure over the past few years. A new TV building was recently purchased, and its radio broadcast facilities have begun to invest in digital technologies. Copenhagen-based Kinovox A/S has recently delivered the OnAir 3000 consoles as part of three digital radio studios. The studios were assembled in Denmark and delivered as full pre-wired, turnkey systems.
KNR’s music and news broadcasts cover Greenland in both Greenlandic and Danish languages.
Kinovox A/S reports they have also delivered another OnAir 3000 desk to Kringvarp, the national TV and radio broadcaster of the Faeroe Islands, located midway between Iceland and Scotland.
For more information, visit www.studer.com.
Business Announcements
Vertec covers the Super Bowl
Feb 12, 2006 3:38 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
A full JBL Vertec line array was provided by Burbank-based ATK/Audiotek for the Rolling Stones’ performance at the Sprint-sponsored Super Bowl XL halftime show, broadcast live from Detroit’s Ford Field last Sunday. Stringent constraints in both time and space made the installation all the more challenging.
The three-song performance was mixed by veteran FOH engineer Dave Natale, using JBL’s Vertec VT4889 line array system. ATK/Audiotek provided a 38-person crew for the 12-minute production, which was viewed by an estimated 100 million people. The crew, along with more than 50 volunteers, had just five minutes to move the system into position and connect it.
For more information, visit www.jblpro.com and www.atkcorp.com.
Legendary DVD available
Feb 12, 2006 3:41 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
Texas-based Legendary Audio has announced the release of a free DVD showcasing the features of its new Masterpiece analog mixing and mastering system, designed by audio pioneer Rupert Neve.
The half-hour presentation offers a full overview of the Masterpiece’s control surface and functionality, as well as a videotaped session with engineer Billy Stull where the veteran mastering engineer uses the Masterpiece to master a track.
Professional mastering engineers recently purchasing the Masterpiece include Rob Fraboni (Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton) and Alan Silverman (Norah Jones, Chaka Khan, the Kinks). Producer Ron Saint Germain also reportedly used the Masterpiece on the most recent 311 album.
For more information, visit www.legendaryaudio.com.
T-Bone Burnett walks the line
Feb 12, 2006 3:43 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
Grammy-award winner T-Bone Burnett composed and recorded the score for the new Johnny Cash biography “Walk the Line” in the legendary Studio D at Los Angeles’ Village Recorder.
Executive music producer Burnett worked with engineer Michael Piersante and assistant engineer Jason Wormer, tracking and mixing the sessions on the studio’s Neve 88R analog desk. Vocals were tracked with actor Joaquin Phoenix, who plays Cash in the film, for some of the pre-recorded source music used for the movie’s live and in-studio performances. Musicians on the dates included guitarists Burnett, Bill Frisell and Marc Ribot, bassist Dennis Crouch, drummer Jim Keltner and keyboardist Keith Ciancia. Phoenix learned guitar for the sessions, while his co-star Reese Witherspoon, who plays Cash’s wife June Carter in the film, learned the autoharp and received extensive vocal training for the sessions.
Frank Wolf, whose credits include “The Producers” and “Seabiscuit” created an additional 5.1 surround music mix in the Village’s Studio B, working on the studio’s Neve VR desk. Ghian Wright assisted Wolf on those sessions.
For more information, visit www.villagerecorder.com.
Technology/Applications
Sensaphonics intros 3-D system
Feb 12, 2006 3:46 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
 Active ambient in-ear monitoring rolled out at NAMM. |
The 3-D body pack acts as both preamplifier and mixer, offering the user full control of the ambient sound input level via two selectable modes. In performance mode, the mix is controlled normally, with ambient level set within the body pack by the user. In full ambient mode, the ambient sound is delivered at unity gain, effectively bypassing the earpieces, while monitor levels are dynamically reduced to allow conversation.
For more information, visit www.sensaphonics.com.
GC Pro to distribute Euphonix controller
Feb 12, 2006 3:50 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
Guitar Center’s GC Pro division has finalized an agreement with Euphonix to distribute the company’s Euphonix MC media application controller. The controller will be demoed and displayed at several Guitar Center retail locations, and marketed through a U.S. tour of a Euphonix ‘Break Free’ mobile demo truck.
The MC is designed to provide network control of any application on multiple workstations via a fast Ethernet connection. The unit contains a high-resolution touch screen, four moving faders, nine touch sensitive knobs, 56 SmartSwitches, jog wheel, keyboard and trackball. It also includes a professional grade surround sound monitor application, controllable via the MC’s control surface. Its SmartSwitches can be programmed to transmit keystroke commands, and are designed with custom name and graphic icon designation. Mackie Control and HUI emulation modes are supported for seamless integration with ProTools, Logic Pro, Digital Performer and Final Cut, and EuCon Ethernet control protocol support is offered for integration with Steinberg’s Nuendo and Merging Technologies’ Pyramix.
For more information, visit www.gcpro.com and www.euphonix.com.
Seattle Station broadcasts 5.1, 24/7
Feb 12, 2006 3:52 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
Seattle CBS affilliate KIRO-TV has reached a new milestone, marking a full year of broadcasting in 5.1 surround sound for 24 hours a day. The station’s use of Neural Audio’s MultiMerge, 5225 DownMix and 5225 UpMix technologies has earned it a “Broadcast Brain” award from the company.
Neural’s MultiMerge uses automatic content detection to merge 2.0 and 5.1 sources by categorizing the spatial characteristics of the source material, allowing an uninterrupted stream of 5.1 content regardless of the content origin.
For more information, visit www.neuralaudio.com.
Soundfield goes to Sky
Feb 12, 2006 3:54 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
The United Kingdom’s Sky Sports network, BSKYB, has chosen SoundField microphones for use in its 5.1 surround sound HD broadcast coverage of Premiership Football series, beginning in early 2006.
The SoundField SPS422B microphone was picked to capture crowd ambience, both for its clarity and its ability to easily collapse the 5.1 surround mix to stereo or mono with no phase issues or loss of clarity. SoundField systems will be installed at the arenas of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.
For more information, visit www.soundfield.com.
Zaxcom integrates digital recording into wireless mics
Feb 12, 2006 3:58 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
Zaxcom’s TRX900 and TRX990 are digital wireless microphones with an internal Flash memory card to provide integrated recording capability of up to six hours. The resulting .WAV files can be downloaded to any Windows or Mac computer for editing and postproduction. Various flavors of time-code sync are generated during recording.
The TRX900 and TRX990 can transmit a separate time code channel to a receiving camera unit, eliminating the need for separate receivers. The TRX900 also offers a built-in receiver that enables the user to receive cues and other information, combining transmission and receiving into a single body pack. Both units feature integrated RF remote control to change mic gain, high-pass filter and other parameters from up to 200 feet away.
For more information, visit www.zaxcom.com.
Audio Products
Azden rolls out new products
Feb 12, 2006 4:01 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
 Azden's three-channel FMX-32 mixer |
Azden has introduced several new products including its latest field mixer, the three-channel FMX-32. The diminutive battery operated mixer is targeted toward mobile professional videographers, and offers three balanced XLR inputs with individual level controls and +48VDC phantom power.
The company also announced the newest addition to its wireless powered speaker series. The APS25b is powered by a rechargeable battery that can operate the speaker for 6-8 hours between rechargings. The speaker can also be powered via AC, and will operate while being recharged.
The APS25b includes mic and line level inputs, as well as user-installable wireless microphone receiver modules for UHF, VHF or infrared. Inputs have individual volume controls, and a line output is available for multi-speaker operation. A mounting bracket is also included.
For more information, visit www.azdencorp.com.
Lexicon launches Lambda
Feb 12, 2006 4:08 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
 The Lambda USB mixer |
The Lambda can stream four channels of 24-bit audio at 44.1 or 48kHz, and is PC and Mac compatible.
The unit comes bundled with Steinberg’s Cubase LE digital audio workstation software for Mac OS X and Windows, as well as Lexicon’s Pantheon reverb VST plug-in.
For more information, visit www.lexiconpro.com.
Crown rolls out new amps
Feb 12, 2006 4:12 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
 Crown has launched two new amplifier lines: the Xti and XLS Series. |
The Xti 1000, Xti 2000 and Xti 4000 models offer 500-, 700- and 1200W per channel at four ohms, using switch-mode power supplies and lightweight design. DSP is integrated into the design, and USB computer connectivity allows the amps to be set up using a computer and Crown’s HiQnew software.
The XLS series includes four models: the XLS 202, XLS 402, XLS 602 and XLS 802 are rated at 300-, 450-, 600- and 800W per channel at four ohms, respectively. Features include a Bridge/Mono switch and front-panel indicators.
For more information, visit www.crownaudio.com.
Mackie offers new products at NAMM
Feb 12, 2006 4:15 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
Mackie has introduced several new products at the Anaheim NAMM show. The Onyx 24.4 and 32.4 live consoles offer fully balanced signal chains for lower noise and wider frequency range, as well as Mackie’s Cal Perkins-designed four-band “British” EQ circuitry. The desks also feature a fully assignable onboard stereo compressor/limiter section, as well as a full complement of its Onyx mic preamps.
The company also announced its new Quad Series line of rack-mount processors, offering 24-bit processing and intuitive user interfaces. The Quad Comp/Gate is a four-channel compressor/limiter/gate offering key filtering and auto input monitoring, while the Quad EQ is a four-channel, 30-band equalizer featuring an integrated real time analyzer and SPL meter, and includes an SIA reference microphone. Both products were designed in partnership with Acuma Labs.
Mackie also announced its new Satellite System, a modular desktop recording system including the Satellite Pod two-channel FireWire interface and optional Base Station. The Pod unit features Onyx preamps, 24/96 A/D and D/A operation, eight inputs, six outputs and portable design. The Pod can be snapped into the Base Station, which provides expanded capabilities such as an advanced routing matrix, built-in talkback microphone, advanced monitoring functions and surround speaker control. The system is packaged with Mackie’s Tracktion2 software for PC and Mac.
For more information, visit www.mackie.com.
Sonifex shows new products at CABSAT
Feb 12, 2006 4:17 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
Sonifex is unveiling several new products as part of its first appearance at Dubai’s CABSAT exhibition. The RB-DS2 is a stereo audio delay synchronizer designed for resynchronizing audio to video to compensate for delays introduced by transmissions and standards conversion. The unit offers balanced analog and AES/EBU digital I/O, and can perform as both an A/D and D/A converter simultaneously. It provides up to 10.5 seconds of delay at 96kHz sampling rates. An internal Compact Flash expansion card increases delay times to beyond 3.5 hours, useful for delaying broadcasts across multiple time zones or shifting broadcast time for satellite rebroadcasting.
Sonifex has also announced an updated version of its RB-ADDA A/D and D/A converter. The RB-ADDA2 offers an extended frequency range with sampling rates of up to 192kHz, optical I/O, front panel controls and separate AES/EBU and word-clock sync inputs.
For more information, visit www.sonifex.com.
