Electro-Voice X2 supports everything from solo artists to festival stages at Nottingham’s Island Quarter regeneration project.
The regeneration project at Nottingham’s Island Quarter is turning a 36-acre former industrial site into a mixed-use space with multi-functional public spaces as well as areas to live, work and relax. As one of the first examples of what the new district will bring to the city, the Canal Turn performance space has set a high bar for what people can expect with a stage that can handle everything from solo artists to full festivals, thanks to its Electro-Voice X2 line array system driven and controlled by Dynacord amplifiers and electronics.
Canal Turn is set to be the cultural centrepiece of the Island Quarter development, with plans in place for the venue to host everything from world-class music and live theatre to locally created art and open-air public speaking. The job of creating the solution for this space fell to local AV installers Music Gear Installations, part of the MGD Group. A versatile yet powerful sound system has been one of the keys to enabling this aspiration, with the combined strengths of Electro-Voice and Dynacord an obvious choice.
“We’ve pushed the boundaries of technology a bit, and everything is built around being futureproof,” explains Mick Whittemore, from Music Gear Installations. “The idea was the owner could put anyone on – we had to get to a certain level for the tribute acts and mid-level touring bands, but also have the infrastructure to enable major acts to play there. It needs to handle literally anything from a solo acoustic performer who can simply plug and play (with their own mixing desk if required) to a potential full-on music festival.”
To achieve this, Music Gear Installations enlisted the help of Bosch consultant Neal Allen, who suggested a solution he knows well from his time as a touring FOH engineer, the X2 line array systems for live sound applications from the X-Line Advance line array family. “I know the product really well,” says Allen. “The owners liked the heritage of where I had been with it and what I had done with it. When they heard it, they really liked the sound of it too.”
The open-air stage at Canal Turn is covered by six X2-212/90 line-array elements per side, with two X12-128 subwoofers delivering the low frequencies. “X2 provides the detail this kind of project needs,” states Allen. “It’s a nice sounding box that can do multiple styles of music. They can run it full range, which sometimes they do when they are just doing the screen and it will cope well with whatever they need it to do.” On stage, artists are supported by eight Electro-Voice MFX-15MC multi-functional coax monitors.
The system is powered by Dynacord amplifiers, with IPX units handling the MFX stage monitors and TGX models responsible for the main PA. An MXE5 Matrix Mix Engine delivers the routing and mixing capabilities while SONICUE Sound System Software provides precise and user-friendly control and configuration for the solution.
“It was simple to tune the system with SONICUE and the latest upgrade version has also made it very user-friendly for the venue staff and students, especially for general system operation,” says Allen. “They only use the parts of SONICUE that they need – such as presets and level changes – which means that the system can be just as easily run by a sound engineer or by students on a day-to-day basis.”
Reflecting on the overall project and the futureproof solution he has delivered, Whittemore is very pleased with the results. “The whole feel of the place is great and they have some really big plans,” he reflects. “We’ve made a futureproof venue that integrates well into the surrounding environment and the plans for this area. Most importantly, everybody is pleased with the way it sounds.”
“This was a future-proof selection that I was more than happy to recommend,” concluded Ben Hicklin, project manager from Canal Turn. “I’ve been delighted with the results. Everything I have been promised has been delivered, together with the added bonus of working with local specialists.”
DPA Microphones has launched the DDK4000, the company’s first-ever Drum Microphone Kit, to help deliver a clear and natural reproduction of the low-frequency, high SPL instrument. Comprised of the brand’s acclaimed 4055 Kick Drum Mic, as well as the new 2012 Cardioid and a stereo pair of the new 2015 Wide Cardioid, the kit also features three of the brand’s renowned 4099 CORE Instrument Mics. With consideration for durability at the forefront of this solution, the kit has been rigorously tested to perform flawlessly for all types of music genres and is designed to withstand the demands of life on the road.
“We are ecstatic to offer sound engineers a perfect drum miking solution with the DDK4000 Drum Microphone Kit, comprised of several instrument mics with similar sonic characteristics that allows users to capture a uniform, uncolored sound of the entire drum setup,”
– Bo Brinck, Product Specialist/Sound Engineer, DPA Microphones.
“Every mic in the kit is designed with linear on- and off-axis response, which helps the sound designer keep the natural direct sound as well as the organic bleed between the drums and cymbals. Beginning with the clear, true sound of the entire kit gives engineers the best starting point to shape the sound. We are very excited for the creative possibilities and high-quality sound that this microphone kit will provide to the industry.”
With an intentional use for kick drum-specific applications, the 4055 Kick Drum Microphone offers a very tight, natural, well-defined sound that is not pre-tailored like traditional kick mics. Also, unlike other kick drum mics, the DPA 4055 will provide different sounds depending on its placement relative to the kick drum. Owing to its condenser mic capabilities, the 4055 produces a tight, fast and clean sound even at very high SPL (max SPL is 164 dB). Additionally, its asymmetric design is easy to position both inside and outside the kick drum, making it quick and effortless to find the ideal placement. Its large housing and wind-damping foam in front of the capsule, behind the grille, help minimize the pick-up of the air turbulence in front of the hole in the kick drum.
The 2012 Compact Cardioid Microphone acts as a reliable, all-around, generalist pencil mic that can capture crystal clear, single-instrument pickup with ease. Unlike dynamic mics, the 2012 combines a robust design with intricate sound pickup, extended frequency range and flat frequency response in a small-form-factor for accurate close miking on any live stage setup. The exceptional transient response of the 2012 allows it to cope with high SPLs while also capturing the most delicate of sounds.
Designed for use as an overhead stereo pair on drum kits, the 2015 Compact Wide Cardioid Microphone features uniform, wide cardioid directionality and a linear frequency response. This stereo pair can be positioned closer to the drum kit than normal and captures the balanced sound of the entire instrument with less bleed from the stage. Additionally, the compact design of the 2015 allows for unobtrusive placement at venues of any size, while its durable, reinforced construction means it will last from stage to stage. Both the 2012 and 2015 are pre-polarized condenser mics, each with a specifically designed 17mm (0.67-inch) capsule that is perfectly tailored for its intended application.
Featuring the company’s renowned CORE by DPA amplification technology, the award-winning 4099 CORE Instrument Mics are designed to minimize distortion and increase dynamic range ― from the highest of highs to the lowest of the lows. The kit features the 4099 CORE “Extreme SPL” (109 dB dynamic range) version, which is perfect for drum miking applications. Known for its discreet size and versatile mounting/clip options, this longstanding member of the DPA microphone lineup is a great fit for a variety of applications ranging from the studio and theatre to live performances. Like most DPA solutions, the DDK4000 Drum Microphone Kit comes in a sturdy Peli case, which includes microphone holders and adapters. Additional accessories, such as a stereo boom, gooseneck mount and corresponding shock mounts, are also available.
ApexPro is the sole distributor of DPA Microphones in Southern Africa. Contact Us to find out more.
Constellation® by Meyer Sound, widely recognized as the premier system for active acoustics, will be featured in one of the most extensive live demonstrations of the technology implemented at InfoComm 2023. Occupying the lion’s share of a large exhibit room (W231ABC), a Constellation system will create natural-sounding acoustical environments for the live vocal and instrumental music performed in the demo sessions.
Constellation® by Meyer Sound, widely recognized as the premier system for active acoustics, will be featured in one of the most extensive live demonstrations of the technology implemented at a trade show. Occupying the lion’s share of a large exhibit room (W231ABC), a Constellation system will create natural-sounding acoustical environments for the live vocal and instrumental music performed in the demo sessions.
InfoComm 2023 will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, with exhibits open June 14–16. The Meyer Sound demo room sessions, which also will highlight the new 2100-LFC™ low-frequency control element and the Spacemap® Go spatial sound design and mixing tool, will be held June 13–16.
“We set exceptionally high standards for our demo room presentations. This year, we’re setting the bar even higher with a comprehensive Constellation listening experience.”
Meyer Sound Senior Vice President John McMahon.
Constellation Director for Meyer Sound Pierre Germain says it’s been a few years since a large Constellation demo system has been implemented at a trade show. “We think it’s vital that consultants and integrators experience why Constellation is still regarded as the ‘gold standard’ in active acoustic systems. While some other systems — particularly those offering only in-line reverberators — may come in at a lower bid, it’s still money not well spent if the client is disappointed with the results.”
Unique in the industry since 2006, Constellation is a dedicated system for active acoustics with all components and services supplied by Meyer Sound, including a dedicated acoustics team leading the design and commissioning. Constellation has transformed hundreds of venues worldwide through temporary installs and touring systems.
“Constellation is respected and trusted by the most demanding and discerning clientele worldwide,” adds John McMahon. “We have a rigorous set of standards that must be met for every project, and the difference is appreciated by everybody who — knowingly or unknowingly — has experienced Constellation acoustical environments.”
The demo room system also will offer the first trade show opportunity to experience in person the power and clarity of the 2100-LFC™ low-frequency control element. Incorporating technologies introduced in the phenomenally successful PANTHER™ large-format linear line array loudspeaker, including direct connection to Milan AVB networks, the 2100-LFC employs a single 21-inch driver and a new Class D power amplifier to produce prodigious acoustic output from 30 Hz to 125 Hz from a relatively compact and lightweight enclosure.
Adjoining the demo space will be the popular Sonic Lounge, offering an opportunity for attendees to relax and enjoy light refreshments while engaging with Meyer Sound sales and engineering staff. Meyer Sound also will have a floor booth, #5143, with the Tech Bar open for hands-on interaction with Meyer Sound’s suite of digital tools, including the award-winning Nebra™ software platform.
Across the demo space, Sonic Lounge, and booth presence, attendees at this year’s InfoComm will be able to experience adaptive acoustics, loudspeakers from Meyer Sound’s ULTRA-X, Intelligent DC, and LFC ranges, spatial audio products, Milan connectivity, and have the opportunity to meet members of the worldwide teams supporting and developing these class-leading solutions.
“This year’s InfoComm will reveal a vision of Meyer Sound’s future, a vision that is rooted in the DNA of the company,” continues McMahon. “We put exceptional effort into the design and craftsmanship of all our products. We are constantly striving to apply the latest science to further the art of sound reproduction. This has been a lifetime quest of John Meyer, and the result is a product line that sets industry benchmarks across nearly all market verticals. The latest developments can be auditioned this year in Orlando.”
ETC will be returning to Frankfurt for Prolight + Sound 2023 with a showcase of the latest in lighting technology, stage machinery, product seminars and more from the 25th-28th of April at the Messe Frankfurt.
On stands C53 and C45 in Hall 12.0, ETC will present a selection of its newest entertainment fixtures and controls, including the next generation of ETC’s automated framing luminaires: High End Systems Halcyon. This best-in-class range consists of Halcyon Gold, Titanium, and Platinum, offering matching feature sets, exceptional colours, and increased output at a reduced cost.
Visitors will also see the new ColorSource V family featuring both Spot and Fresnel fixtures. With many of the features from premiere fixtures at an accessible price point, venues around the world are already excited by their possibilities. With Multiverse® wireless, NFC, and a five-colour array that brings both soft pastels and bold, punchy colours, all that’s left is to choose between spot or wash!
Having received much attention at the recent USITT Expo in St Louis, the newly launched Source 4WRD Color II will be on the stand. The powerful, new version of the colour-mixing LED retrofit offers an intensity increase of 36% in warm whites and unlocks the world of additive colour mixing for your existing Source Four incandescent profiles.
The latest in lighting control will be available for visitors to interact with, including the powerful Eos Apex 10, Apex 5 and Gio @5 as well as High End Systems Hog 4-18. The new line of Eos consoles offers an innovative programming surface with advanced technology and award-winning software.
ETC product specialists will be on hand to share further information on the latest releases as well as presenting several new seminars during the four-day show. On Tuesday 25th, ETC Product Manager for Entertainment Fixtures Jim Uphoff will present ‘LED Variance and the need for Calibration’ from 12:00 – 13:00 CEST in the Manufacturer’s Forum, Halle 11.0. This will be followed by ‘Hands-on Hog – Myths, Shortcuts, Tips and Tricks’ at 15:00 – 17:00 CEST (in German) by Lighting Designer Andreas Fink in the same space.
ETC Senior Technical Product Manager Michael Lichter will present an overview of a modern hoist and control system and its benefits on Thursday 27th. His session will be presented in German at 13:00 – 13:50 CEST on the Theatre + Light Stage in Hall 12.0. Attendees to stands C53 and C45 will also get a chance to explore the latest rigging solutions with ETC’s stage machinery specialists at the show.
This year, ETC will be supporting the Future Talents Day on 28th April at Prolight + Sound, a day for students, trainees and interns to network with industry colleagues.
“Prolight + Sound is always a highlight of our tradeshow calendar, and we can’t wait to get back on the show floor and reconnect with our partners and customers. We look forward to sharing in their excitement about these fantastic products and the strength of the industry as it rebounds from the difficulties of the past few years.”
Contacta Systems, UK leaders in assistive listening technology, have appointed Prosound Pty as their South African distributor to help manage and drive growing demand for their products in the region.
With a near 50-year history in the supply, design and integration of AV technology, Johannesburg-based Prosound Pty will supply integrators, installers and venues across the country, and parts of central Africa, with Contacta’s hearing loops, RF, IR and window intercom systems.
Prosound Pty is the oldest audio specialist in the region. Founded in 1973 to support the live events scene, they were South Africa’s first dedicated audio specialists. They supplied AV equipment to the country’s biggest events, including Nelson Mandela’s homecoming and the 2010 World Cup, and now focus solely on the installation of high-quality audio, AV, lighting and staging systems. Their distribution arm, ApexPro, will stock Contacta products and support sales to the channel throughout the region.
Prosound Pty Technical Director, Mark Malherbe, said: “We are excited to have established this partnership with Contacta. Assistive listening technology is a new market for us and it was important that we enter into it with a quality brand in terms of both product and support. “Interest in assistive listening systems in this region is growing and this relationship gives us a real opportunity to spearhead accessibility for people with hearing loss.”
Contacta has a 52-year history in the assistive hearing sector. The Kent-based company design, manufacture, supply and install a unique range of high-quality British-made products worldwide.
Head of Business Development at Contacta, Ran Meyrav, said, “The history and experience Mark and his team have behind them make Prosound Pty the perfect choice for us. As companies, we are both focused on the experience for the end-user and ensuring that installations give them the very best listening experience.
“Through ApexPro, we are hoping to gain ideal access into this market. We know the demand is there and will now be able to reach out to it.
“It will be hugely beneficial to have a distributor on the ground and we look forward to a successful relationship.”
Ran Meyrav, James Ferrett and David Nordberg will be at booth 7B350 to talk visitors through our assistive listening product range, our window intercom systems and answer questions on installation.
A must-see on the booth will be our brand new VLD1 vehicle loop driver, a design created in response to demand from bus and coach operators needing to comply with new accessibility standards.
With challenging operation conditions in these vehicles, the VLD1 and its unique set-up software needed thoughtful design to mitigate signal loss. It has undergone rigorous vibration and temperature testing to make sure it complies with the relevant standards for electronic products installed in such a challenging environment.
ISE 2023, which takes place 31 January – 3 February 2023 in Barcelona and brings together more than 700 exhibitors from the global AV and systems integration industry, will also be the first opportunity customers will have had to get close-up to our V22 large area loop driver.
Launched in 2022, the V22 is the latest addition to our flagship V Series range and is a powerful constant current, single output driver packed with new additional features. It’s designed for loop systems in medium to large venues for perimeter and figure-eight loop layouts.
New to visitors will also be our STS-K009IP rated window intercom call systems as well as a brand-new IP rated screen-mounted system.
This IP55 range has been designed for outdoor environments; think delivery points, ski resorts or security checkpoints. The IP rating means it protects against water, dust and dirt ingress.
Visitors can get hands on at booth 7B350 this year too. As well as being able to experience a live demo of our market-leading window intercom systems, there will be the chance to design a large area hearing loop system to the IEC60118-4 standard on Contacta’s all-new and improved Loop Design 3D Visualiser.
