HH Audio, the British proaudio brand with more than five decades of experience in the design and manufacture of audio solutions, has announced the launch of a significant number of new products, as well as updates to some of its existing ranges. The new products reflect the company’s drive to grow its business within the audio sector, with a focus on professional, commercial, and portable solutions which address the widest possible range of requirements. For commercial audio settings the elegant new Aptur range introduces ceiling, pendant, column array, and subwoofer loudspeakers, whilst the new CLSeries of passive column array loudspeakers places cutting edge technology in a sleek and unobtrusive enclosure for solutions in acoustically challenging areas. For the professional audio touring and installation sectors, HH Audio have introduced three new robust, reliable and competitive full system packages. The compact and ultra-versatile MP (Mini Power) Series is designed for small scale solutions, whilst the larger Prince Series can be configured for small to medium touring and installation applications. Also road-ready and primed for large scale touring and outdoor environments is the RoyalSeries, which is equally at home in medium to large club, auditorium and stadium installations. The scalable Prince and RoyalSeries’ comprise line array and point source enclosures, subwoofers and stage monitors. HH Audio has also made acoustic, mechanical and aesthetic upgrades to its existing Tessen line array (TNA). Finally, the new compact and versatile MZ-140DX has been added to HH Audio’s MZSeries of multi-zone amplifiers and can be deployed for smaller installations or expanding larger systems.
NADIA-Powered Dual System Delivers Seamless Sound
for Cinema and Live Performances
Grimstad Kulturhus, the cultural center at the heart of the beautiful Norwegian coastal town, has significantly expanded its audio capabilities with a groundbreaking Meyer Sound installation that integrates the Constellation® acoustic system and a Dolby Atmos cinema system in a single sound system.
This installation, which elevates the capabilities of Grimstad Kulturhus’ Pan Theatre cinema and live performance space, is the first in Europe to employ the new generation of Constellation alongside Meyer Sound’s NADIA™ integrated digital audio platform. This combination leverages the latest advancements in digital signal processing to enhance system power, flexibility, and scalability, enabling more discrete zones for greater resolution and more nuanced adaptability.
Central to the installation’s versatility is a sophisticated system of custom-designed mechanical speaker mounts developed by the project integrator, Lillehammer Tekniske Byrå (LTB), who have collaborated with Meyer Sound on several Constellation installs throughout Norway. These mounts enable the venue’s loudspeakers to instantly transform from Constellation active acoustic enhancement to theatrical Dolby Atmos presentation. The system is also capable of multichannel immersive surround and special effects, controlled by Meyer Sound’s Spacemap® Go spatial sound design and mixing tool.
Rolf Meyer Tallaksen, Grimstad Kulturhus’ manager, says he was interested in exploring the capabilities of Constellation to enhance concert performances of all genres. “As a musician, I’m thinking about having a good room for making different types of music. I checked out Constellation and some other acoustic systems, but when I heard Constellation, I said, ‘Yes, this is it.’”
When it came to the cinematic component, Tallaksen could have taken the traditional route and installed a separate Dolby Atmos-certified system but instead opted for a bolder approach. “I started thinking, why can’t we use the same loudspeakers for Constellation and build one system for both things? Many people said, ‘No, no, no. It will not work.’ But I said, ‘Yes, I want to try that.’ A colleague told me about the Constellation, which is the best system available for live performances, and Meyer Sound will guarantee that it will work.”
“To meet the speaker-aiming specification for both Atmos and Constellation, it was clear from the start that LTB had to develop a solution with motorized pan/tilt speaker mounts to be able to switch between the two positions at the touch of a button,” explains Børre Linberg. “The R&D team within LTB rose to the challenge and quickly developed a tailor-made solution.” The team built custom mounts for 30 speakers, each capable of rotating the speaker along two rotational axes.
The Meyer Sound Constellation installation, designed by the Meyer Sound Constellation team in collaboration with LTB, comprises 60 loudspeakers and 24 microphones. Speakers include four MM-4XP™ miniature self-powered loudspeakers, 16 UP-4slim™ ultracompact installation loudspeakers, 26 HMS-5™ cinema surround loudspeakers, four HMS-10™ cinema surround loudspeakers, and 10 MM-10™ miniature subwoofers.
The cinema system, which can be configured for Dolby Atmos and 5.1 or 7.1-channel surround, includes three ULTRA-X40™ compact point source loudspeakers, three 750-LFC™ low-frequency control elements, two USW-210P™ compact narrow subwoofers, and six X-400C™ compact cinema subwoofers.
Both system configurations are managed by a NADIA core processor along with a Galileo® GALAXY Network Platform. (The room, which seats 76 for cinema and 100 for live events, features an expansive LED wall used as a backdrop for performances and conferences; a traditional projector screen lowers from the ceiling for movie screenings.)
The multitasking system is complex in design but effortless to operate. “We have a Crestron panel, where everything is programmed,” Tallaksen explains. “It’s easy to use for everybody. We have one on the wall and one on the front of house, and one iPad that you can give to the musicians.”
The collaboration between Meyer Sound, LTB, and Grimstad Kulturhus not only vastly expands the center’s capabilities, it underscores a regional movement toward integrating cutting-edge technology in cultural venues. “Norway has ten venues that use the Constellation system, which, when considering the country’s population of just around five million, speaks clearly to the successful nature of the cooperation between LTB and Meyer Sound,” says Linberg.
Since its premiere just before the holiday season, the Dolby Atmos system has captivated moviegoers with its rich, dynamic sound. “People who have been to the cinema are amazed by the sound,” Tallaksen says. “It’s clear. There’s bottom in it, the bass.”
Tallaksen has demonstrated the venue’s capabilities for local musicians during concert rehearsals. “I have a choir that I’m conducting; it’s 45 singers. And they love the room,” he says. “When we sing classical a cappella stuff, it’s just ‘wow,’ everywhere.” The excitement culminated with a grand opening with a classical concert at the end of January, kicking off a three-week winter classical festival poised to showcase the venue’s sonic transformation.
With its unique ability to shift seamlessly between configurations for diverse audio experiences, Grimstad Kulturhus exemplifies the future of sound technology in cultural venues. “This Kulturhus is one of the best-equipped theaters that we’ve done,” says John Pellowe, Meyer Sound’s project director, Constellation Systems. “It can multitask when it comes to sound in a big way.”
Spatial Sound Tools Enhance Research, Learning, and Creative Expression
Meyer Sound has collaborated with Sonitus to design and oversee installation of a state-of-the-art immersive sound system at the Media Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center at Arizona State University (ASU). Powered by Meyer Sound’s Spacemap® Go spatial sound design and mixing tool, the system supports a range of academic, artistic, and research initiatives in immersive sound and sound art, furthering ASU’s mission to inspire innovation and creativity across disciplines.
A new frontier in immersive media education
The MIX Center, which opened in 2022, is a world-class facility for film, media arts, design, and emerging technology programs. Located in Mesa’s Innovation District, the 118,000-square-foot complex provides students with extensive resources to experiment with advanced media technologies, including two theatrical Dolby Atmos rooms (equipped with Meyer Sound systems), sound stages, editing rooms, a screening theater, VR education and experiences, and more.
A highlight of the MIX Center is the Enhanced Immersion Studio (EIS), a four-story, 3,200-square-foot, 150-person capacity facility that serves as both a performance venue and an experimental media space. The EIS joins an elite group of schools with sound design facilities, such as University of Virginia’s HYPERCUBE, Stanford University’s CCRMA and University of California San Diego’s Conrad Prebys Music Center Experimental Theater. The EIS is outfitted with cutting-edge rigging, lighting, and audiovisual systems, centered around Meyer Sound ULTRA™ family loudspeakers.
The Meyer Sound system comprises 49 ULTRA-X20, ULTRA-X22, and ULTRA-X23 compact point source loudspeakers, along with six USW-210P™ subwoofers. Speakers are configured in four vertical layers, including in catwalks, to project immersive sound from every angle. The system is supported by the NADIA-CP™ integrated digital audio platform and the Galileo® GALAXY Network Platform. Milan networking ensures connectivity and scalability throughout the MIX Center.
The installation supports a wide array of academic and artistic initiatives, including immersive audio classes, research projects, and a powerful sonic installation,Lamentation at the Liesbeek, all led by ASU Assistant Professor of Sound at the Sidney Poitier New American Film School Rodrigo Meirelles, an accomplished audio engineer and sonic artist whose interdisciplinary work combines spatial audio technology with storytelling, cultural resonance, and social impact.
Meirelles says Spacemap Go is redefining how he and his students approach immersive sound, thanks to its intuitive interface that simplifies complex spatial sound design: “Students can design complex soundscapes with ease, whether for installations, cinematic storytelling, or other diverse creative projects.”
Meirelles adds that Meyer Sound’s commitment to education and fostering exploration in spatial audio has had a significant impact on his work. “It’s not just about the technology itself but about how Meyer Sound fosters innovation, providing a platform for academic and creative exploration. Their support has enabled us to experiment with new ideas and push the boundaries of immersive and spatial audio in ways that enhance both research and artistry.”
Technical and creative collaboration
The design and integration of Meyer Sound technology was guided by Sonitus, a Los Angeles-based consultancy company specializing in acoustic theatrical sound design and high-performance audio and video presentation and broadcast systems. Phil Kearney and Mike Riordan of Sound Image/Clair Global were the integrators for the project.
“I learned that Arizona State University was looking for an exploratory sound room—a space where you could move sound forward, backward, all around, up and down,” explains Sonitus Principal Fred Vogler, a Grammy-winning engineer, sound designer, and mixer at the Hollywood Bowl and Walt Disney Concert Hall. “Of course, I reached out to Meyer Sound, because Meyer Sound has as great a commitment to those types of pursuits as any company I know. One of the things I love about Meyer Sound is the company’s ongoing exploration of sonic environments while always focusing on high-quality sound—‘What do you want to do? Let’s try to do it.’ That’s been my experience with Meyer Sound all along.”
“Spacemap Go is very user friendly,” he adds. “That democratization of immersive technology is wonderful. You don’t have to be an MIT grad to figure out how to put all the numbers together to move something around a very complex sound web. The idea that students can play with this using their iPad or laptop means the sky’s the limit.”
Empowering sonic activism: Lamentation at the Liesbeek
The system’s first public showcase was the interdisciplinary project Lamentation at the Liesbeek. Meirelles led the sound for the project, which he worked on in collaboration with ASU faculty, including Creative Director Micha Espinosa and Cinematographer Janaki Cedanna, sound-focused students Celia Yang and Masaran Keita, and international partners. The installation explored themes of colonial violence and ecological justice, focusing on Cape Town’s sacred Liesbeek River. Combining field recordings and ambient soundscapes, the installation transformed the story into a multidimensional experience.
A highlight of the installation was what Meirelles describes as a “click symphony,” a powerful sonic element derived from an endangered Khoisan language characterized by its use of click consonants. The clicks were recorded by members of the Khoisan community, thoughtfully arranged, and spatially distributed across the Meyer Sound loudspeaker system. This approach allowed the audience to be fully immersed in the sound, transforming the narrative into a deeply moving, multidimensional experience.
Inspiring future generations
Meirelles says that the Meyer Sound system’s potential is just beginning to unfold, with new opportunities for live performances, interactive sound art, and amplifying underrepresented voices. “It’s very important to have this system as one of the many ways that students can tell stories with immersive and spatial audio,” he explains. “I’m excited for the future, to investigate how these immersive formats can play that role when it comes to the listener’s perception.”
“These experimental rooms are opportunities for manufacturers to think outside the box and create products that future generations and future productions will enjoy,” adds Vogler. “And it’s a great thing to have a company like Meyer Sound participating, because they will take this experience and continue to upgrade and improve the technology to make it even more accessible. I think that’s wonderful.”
The choice of equipment is paramount in a world where every beam and hue must dance in perfect harmony. That is why ApexPro take pride in our role as the trusted supplier of top-tier lighting solutions. We’re empowering rental companies like Splitbeam with the tools they need to dazzle audiences night after night. Our partnership with ETC stands as a beacon of quality and innovation. It’s a partnership that benefits not just our clients, but the entire industry.
Splitbeam, a premier rental company, known for their commitment to excellence. They rely on us to supply them with ETC equipment that sets the stage ablaze with brilliance. From multitalented ColourSource Cyc washes to the powerful @5 fixtures, ETC’s products have become synonymous with reliability and performance. We are proud to be the conduit through which these cutting-edge technologies reach the hands of industry professionals.
What sets our collaboration apart is not just the exchange of equipment, but the promise of investment. Rental companies understand the value of quality equipment. Equipment that not only meets their immediate needs, but also pays dividends in the long run. By investing in our products, rental companies are assured that they’re not just purchasing tools – they’re investing in assets. It will continue to deliver exceptional performance and reliability, ultimately paying for themselves over time.
Consider the CYC washes, versatile fixtures that can paint the stage with an endless spectrum of colours. A fixture that creates atmospheres that captivate audiences and bring productions to life. Whether it’s a subtle wash to set the mood or a vibrant burst of light to punctuate a climactic moment, the CYC washes from ETC deliver stunning results every time. With their energy-efficient design, they not only enhance the visual experience, but also contribute to cost savings. It’s an investment that pays off with every performance.
Then there is the Gio@5. A powerhouse fixture that combines precision optics with unparalleled control, allowing lighting designers to sculpt light with incomparable precision. From sharp beams to soft washes, the @5 offers versatility that’s unmatched in its class. Once again giving rental companies the flexibility they need to tackle a wide range of productions with confidence. With features like advance colour mixing and seamless integration with lighting control systems, the @5 is a game-changer for any lighting designer seeking to push the boundaries of creativity.
Beyond the technical specifications and features, what truly sets ETC’s products apart is their reliability. In an industry where every moment counts and every performance is a testament to teamwork and dedication, rental companies need equipment they can trust. With ETC, they get more than just lighting fixtures – they get peace of mind, knowing that their productions are in good hands.
To all the rental companies out there looking to elevate their productions and delight audiences with unforgettable experiences, look no further than ApexPro. With our partnership with ETC, you not only get access to cutting-edge lighting solutions, but also a promise of quality, reliability, and performance that will illuminate every stage, every night.
In a harmonious partnership, Splitbeam, has chosen ApexPro for their audio needs. Splitbeam is the rental company behind the scenes of the current sensation, Mamma Mia! They have raised the bar yet again by integrating top-tier equipment into their arsenal.
Building on their dedication to delivering unparalleled sound experiences, Splitbeam has recently expanded their inventory. Concurrently, they now have a selection of Sennheiser and DPA equipment supplied by ApexPro. Among the additions and 16 dual-channel EW-DX receivers, 32 packs, and 4 additional handheld microphones. Completely kitted, they are consequently able to enhance their capability to cater to large-scale productions like Mamma Mia! with ease.
Joining forces with DPA Microphone, Splitbeam has already solidified their commitment to excellence. They have acquired 35 4061 DPA lapel microphones and 4 2028DPA handheld capsules. Evidently, this is the winning combination of DPA’s precision engineering and Sennheiser’s reliability. With unmatched clarity and fidelity, it captures every note; From the infectious melodies of ‘Honey Honey’ to the anthemic choruses of ‘The Winner Takes It All’.
“These miniature marvels,” Clifford Weilich from Splitbeam says, referring about the DPA4061’s, “have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric for most of our audio productions. Moreover, the DPA handheld capsules have now increased the variety of options available in our rental market.”
Splitbeam decided to trust us with their sound needs for Mamma Mia!. This is a testament to the unwavering quality and performance of our products. Together with Sennheiser and DPA, we are effectively setting new standards for sound excellence in musical theatre.
Dante enables network audio capability and integrates with Sennheiser equipment. This further underscores Splitbeam’s commitment to innovation and elevating the audience’s audio experience to new heights. Behind every electrifying note and heartfelt lyric of Mamma Mia! lies the meticulous attention to sound. This is all made possible by the seamless collaboration between ApexPro, Sennheiser, and DPA Microphones.
“DPA has become a household name of ours,” Clifford also remarks, “due to their transparent and natural sound reproduction. Currently, Mamma Mia is using it as a Forehand Worn Microphone Solution. As well as using the DPA 2028 Capsules for the infamous Donna and the Dynamos.”
As audiences immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Mamma Mia!, they can rest assured that ApexPro provides unparalleled quality and reliability, enhancing every moment. Together, we continue to bring the magic of musical theatre to life, one unforgettable performance at a time.
In the world of theatrical production, the choice of sound equipment can make or break the experience. Where every note and whisper must reach the audience with crystal clarity. At ApexPro, we’ve long been champions of quality. Our enduring partnership with Meyer Sound stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence.
For years, Eastern Acoustics and Splitbeam, two esteemed rental companies, have relied on us to supply them with Meyer Sound equipment for their stellar productions. According to David from Eastern Acoustics, “Meyer is our go-to PA system for multiple different things, especially theatre.” This echoes the sentiments of countless professionals in the industry who trust Meyer Sound to deliver unparalleled performances night after night. For timeless classics like The Sound of Music to electrifying hits of Mamma Mia, Meyer Sound has been the invisible force behind the scenes. It ensures that every performance resonates with perfection.
What sets our collaboration apart is not just the sheer longevity of our relationship, but the remarkable durability and reliability of Meyer Sound’s equipment. Take, for instance, the Meyer Heritage M1D’s – the backbone of productions like LAMTA’s Spring Awakening. These workhorses, supplemented by Eastern Acoustics’ own M1D’s, have been faithfully delivering flawless sound since 2006. It’s a verification of Meyer Sound’s craftmanship that these older models continue to reign supreme in an industry constantly seeking the latest innovations.
But our partnership extends beyond just the classics. For productions requiring deep, resonant bass, we’ve supplied the powerful 700-HP sub bass units. For more nuanced soundscapes, the UPQ-1P and UPQ-2P speakers have provided pristine audio reproduction. While the versatility of the UPM, UPJ, UP-Junior, and UPA series ensure that every corner of the stage and auditorium is bathed in perfect sound. And let’s not forget the MM-4, a compact marvel that packs a punch far beyond its size.
The story doesn’t end there. The MICA system, a veteran on the stage, has faithfully served multiple runs of We Will Rock You – not just the 2022 run, but also in 2005 before that. From South Africa to the latest rendition, the consistency and quality of Meyer Sound remains unwavering. And let’s not forget the M’elodie, which currently finds it’s voice in Mamma Mia, proving once again that age is no barrier to excellence.
While the classics hold a special place in our hearts, we also embrace the future with open arms. Modern technology meets timeless performance in Meyer Sound’s new line up. The LINA, a marvel of engineering, has found its home at Artscape Theatre, enchanting audiences with productions like Calling Us Home and The Buddy Holly Story. Investing in Meyer Sound isn’t just about preserving tradition; it’s about embracing innovation and ensuring that the magic of live performance continues to captivate audiences for generations to come.
Whether it’s the comfort of the M1D’s or the crisp clarity of the LINA, one thing remains clear; Meyer Sound is more than just equipment – it’s the promise of perfection, a guarantee of greatness, and a melody that never fades. Join us in our journey as we continue to elevate the art of sound, one performance at a time.
