MUSIC (formerly Music Group) has revealed its intention to "conquer the live sound touring market" with the appointment of Paul Bauman as director of product portfolio – Touring Sound.

Bauman’s previous positions include key roles at JBL Professional, L-Acoustics and Adamson.

“My priority is to reawaken Turbosound by leveraging the incredible power and passion of MUSIC’s 4,000-people organisation together with its industry leading technologies of Lab.gruppen, Lake and Midas. I am extremely excited to be part of a mission to design the most innovative and end-to-end solutions for our customers.

“For years I’ve been following MUSIC’s incredible growth and admired the company’s philosophy to reinvest all earnings back into the business. The company’s state-of-the-art in-house manufacturing facility and the world-class 400-people engineering teams are something I have never seen before.”

Andy Trott, MUSIC’s SVP of Enterprise, added: “Paul has the most phenomenal track record in the industry, spanning three decades. He helped revolutionize the live sound market at companies such as Harman JBL and L-Acoustics, and his incredible passion and knowledge means that Turbosound and the Touring Sound Division is set for an amazingly exciting future. We are proud to have legendary Paul Bauman leading our Los Angeles Innovation Centre, and to design the line array systems and customer solutions of the future.”

http://www.music-group.com

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FACE, a long-term strategic partner of Tannoy parent company MUSIC, is now distributing the brand’s Reveal studio monitors throughout Germany and Austria.

The deal also sees the supplier take on TC Electronic’s guitar and bass solutions and TC Helicon vocal effects products for the region.

With Tannoy’s Reveal series, FACE says it has added a fresh line of ‘great sounding but affordable studio monitors to its portfolio.’

Thomas Hübner, division manager MI retail at FACE explained: “FACE has an extensive network in the MI Retail market. We serve customers all across the EMEA region from our central headquarters in Boom and have a dedicated team operating in Germany.

“TC and Tannoy products are a great addition to our existing mix of products, and we see tremendous potential in the MI Retail market. We are convinced that the combination of local presence, our experience in international distribution and our e-commerce solutions along with great products will be a recipe for success.”

Picture (L-R): Mario Van Helden, sales development specialist at FACE with Thomas Hübner.

http://face.be

http://www.tannoy.com

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MUSIC (formerly Music Group) has appointed Alphatec Audio Video as the exclusive distributor for Lab.gruppen, Lake and Tannoy products in India.

The company says the appointment adds to its successful relationship with fellow MUSIC brands Midas, Klark Teknik, Turbosound, Behringer and Bugera.

The deal sees Alphatec, located in Kolkata, become the primary contact for all eight brands in the country and now offers exclusive access to Lab.gruppen and Lake amplification and processing products along with Tannoy’s professional loudspeakers.

Mr Mayank Gaurav, director of sales (Installed) for Alphatec Audio Video, commented: “Tannoy and Lab.gruppen are amongst the most recognised brands in the Indian pro audio industry. They have diverse applications in both the install and tour markets. We are very glad to be given this opportunity to represent such globally recognised brands. We will ensure our best efforts in both sales and post-sales support to the Indian market, taking these brands to the next level.”

MUSIC’s director of touchpoint, Karan Kathuria, added: “Alphatec Audio Video Pvt Ltd. have been one of our strongest partners for some time, it makes complete business sense to now align our brands with them. We are extremely confident that they will do a fantastic job serving Lab.gruppen, Lake and Tannoy customers in India.”

http://www.music-group.com/

http://www.alphatec.co.in/

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Tannoy parent company MUSIC (formerly Music Group) has today announced that it proposes to dismiss as redundant around 70 staff at its manufacturing and office facility in Coatbridge, Scotland.

The company is about to enter into a process of collective consultation with all affected employees, and in the event that these redundancies are confirmed following consultation, the Coatbridge facility would cease operations completely.

If this were to happen, Tannoy loudspeaker production would be transferred to MUSIC’s new manufacturing plant in Zhongshan, China, with its R&D and marketing activities being relocated to MUSIC’s Innovation Center in Manchester, UK.

The announcement was made to employees today by MUSIC’s SVP, Lifestyle & Home, Peter Sommer.

“Following an extensive evaluation of our operational and financial structure, we have taken the difficult decision to propose that the staff in our Tannoy manufacturing and office facility in Coatbridge are dismissed as redundant, which, if confirmed would see the facility closed," Sommer said. "Whilst this is a challenging time, I would like to thank our Tannoy employees for their immense dedication and loyalty over the years, which I feel confident, will not be diminished even as we approach the forthcoming period of collective consultation.”

Following today’s announcement, MUSIC has stressed that all sales, order and delivery processes will remain unaffected.

http://www.music-group.com
http://www.tannoy.com

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Turbosound’s new iNSPIRE Series of powered modular column loudspeakers is now shipping.

The iNSPIRE iP1000 and iP2000 offer 1,000 watts of ‘incredible sonic performance’ in a ‘lightweight, easy to use, all-in-one, ultra-portable form factor’.

The iP1000 features 8 x 2.75” neodymium drivers, a horn-loaded ‘super tweeter’ and a dual 8” subwoofer, while the larger iP2000 comes with 16 x 2.75” neodymium drivers and a 12” sub.

Equipped with an onboard two-channel, digital mixer fully controllable via the dedicated iPhone/iPad app or locally using the dedicated LCD-based user interface, the range also delivers wireless Bluetooth stereo audio streaming.

"The market response for a lightweight, portable, vertical array has been overwhelming. We’ve developed an industry-leading product which exhibits powerful, high-quality sound and optimised dispersion – perfect for small to medium sized venues,” said Andy Trott, SVP of Turbosound parent company MUSIC’s Enterprise & Entertainment Division.

iNSPIRE iP1000 & iP2000 models are available at a suggested price of $599 and $799 (US) respectively and are covered by MUSIC’s 3-Year Limited Warranty Program.

http://www.turbosound.com

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With 2015 now drawing to close, we thought we’d see the year off by looking back at some of the most-read articles posted on Audio Media International over the past 12 months.

As you’ll see, it’s a nicely varied list, featuring reviews, opinion pieces, How To articles and in-depth features, as well as a story on a certain bit of business that was always going to make it in to our Top Ten due to its sheer magnitude.

We think it’s quite an interesting mix of content, and hopefully you’ll agree…

1. How to prevent audio feedback

Harman engineer Brandon Graham’s tips on setting up and EQing a system to avoid this common problem, as well as the best way to use suppressors, went down a storm with readers.

2. Music Group announces TC Group acquisition

It’s hardly surprising to see a story on the biggest pro-audio business deal of the year near the top of the list.

3. Mastered for iTunes – friend or foe?

Engineer Wes Maebe’s thoughts on Apple’s MFiT concept were clearly well received.

4. Review: Audio-Technica ATH-M70x

Our most-read review of the year saw Alistair McGhee get his hands on A-T new flagship M Series headphones.

5. The importance of accurate engineering

Audio engineer and technician Aston Fearon offered some interesting advice on how to ensure the highest levels of precision when tuning a system or mixing a live show back in April.

6. Live sound: The practicality vs. quality debate

The onus on touring sound equipment manufacturers to produce gear that is compact, practical and – perhaps above all – cost efficient is now greater than ever. But is there a danger that these pressures are having an impact on sound quality? We put David Davies on the case in the Spring.

7. Review: Steinberg Cubase Pro 8

The latest version of ‘one of the icons of audio production’, according to our reviewer, was released at the start of the year, and we were among the first to give it a test run.

8. Could monitor engineers soon be a thing of the past?

FOH engineer, studio owner and now live sound and touring ambassador for Audio-Technica UK Ben Hammond sparked debate when he asked whether more musicians taking care of their own mixes is putting the role of the traditional monitor engineer at risk.

9. DPA hits the Fury Road for new Mad Max movie

A detailed look at how production sound mixer Ben Osmo dealt with the threat of extreme wind and vehicle noise and harsh conditions to capture pristine dialogue for the one of the year’s most critically-acclaimed films.

10. Do broadcast loudness meters matter in mixing and mastering?

Engineer, Dynamic Range Day founder and plug-in developer Ian Shepherd was our Expert Witness back in February, and chose an intriguing topic to discuss.

The post TOP TEN: AMI’s most popular articles of 2015 appeared first on Audio Media International.

Dynaudio has revealed that it will be distributing its studio monitor products from the firm’s headquarters in Skanderborg, Denmark from 1 November 2015.

The brand has been distributed by TC Group since 1999, but following the acquisition of TC by Music Group back in April, Dynaudio has taken the opportunity to move its distribution operation in-house.

Ole Jensen, who has been working closely with Dynaudio from within TC Group since the original distribution agreement was signed, has moved to Dynaudio as VP of sales for its studio monitors, and will continue to be the main contact for distribution.

“We have enjoyed a long and mutually rewarding relationship with TC Group. The parting is amicable and we wish them every success in the future,” said Claus Rasmussen, sales director at Dynaudio.

“For Dynaudio, this is the start of an exciting new chapter. We are very pleased to be working more closely with our international distribution partners in the professional arena. The move reflects our renewed commitment to the audio industry and will provide us with greater market insight, to deliver an improved service to our partners and customers.

“We are also investing heavily in developing new technology for our loudspeakers, which will be presented to the market in the near future, ensuring that Dynaudio’s position in the top league of professional monitoring continues.”

http://www.dynaudio.com

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New version G3.2.1 firmware for Midas’ PRO1 and PRO2 digital mixer consoles is now available.

G3.2.1 brings a whole host of new features, as well as a series of updates to ‘guarantee a more satisfying user experience,’ Midas says.

The new upgrade for the PRO1 and PRO2 – both equipped with built-in DPS and Midas mic preamps, and designed to be lightweight, versatile and easy to use – replaces G2.5.3, and brings with it a number of benefits, according to the manufacturer.

For example, in VCA/POP group user mode, users can now reorder channels within a group, while G3.2.1 also introduces a Spectrum Analyser and Loudspeaker Processor built in. The DL231 MIDI ports are now active, and a new effects automation ‘safe button’ is in place (in GUI). Users can now easily connect second ports to DL151/DL153 devices, and turn off bulkhead fans with auto on for temperature-sensitive diagnostic purposes thanks to the new upgrade too.

“Enhancing the user experience is – and always will be – our number one goal,” stated Music Group’s Pete Sadler, AVP, Software. “Our new version G3.2.1 firmware gives the audio engineer a powerful new set of tools, and provides a significant enhancement to the application’s already spectacular feature set – and this is just the beginning.”

www.midasconsoles.com

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Midas announced today it has shipped the first 100 PRO X consoles, with another 400 pre-ordered units due to follow immediately.

Labelled by the firm as one of the most powerful Midas digital consoles of all time, the PRO X was originally launched at Prolight & Sound 2014 in Frankfurt.

With 168 simultaneous inputs, 99 buses and a 96 kHz sample rate, the PRO X ‘sets the new standard for performance and value’, the company says. The powerhouse at the centre of the system is the new NEUTRON Audio System Engine – the result of a three-year research and development program by Midas engineers. The PRO X is the first console from the manufacturer to utilise the technology.

The desk is designed for touring concert productions, permanent installations, houses of worship, theatre venues and much more. Remote control apps for iPhone and iPad are available, as well as a dedicated Mac OS X Offline Editor that enables programming shows away from the console.

“The PRO X is a particularly impressive addition to our PRO Series offerings,” said Music Group’s SVP of customer management Graham Rowlands. “Equipped with an enormous channel count, the NEUTRON Audio System Engine, unparalleled flexibility, and Midas’ legendary sound quality, the PRO X is a sound engineer’s dream console. All this and much more – at a price point that puts concert-grade sound well within virtually any production budget!”

www.midasconsoles.com

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The PLASA Professional Development Programme will once again bring a number of global experts together to share their insight and experience at the next PLASA Show from 4-6 October 2015.

The first seminar sessions, on an array of topics, have now been announced for the London Excel event.

One of the PLASA Show’s new initiatives for 2015 is a zoned layout designed to make navigation around the show easier than in previous years. The show’s seminars feature a similarly zoned theme, with sector-specific stages hosting over 150 speakers throughout the three days, highlighting case studies and advice on audio, broadcast, AV, lighting and staging.

The first 16 sessions will cover subjects ranging from high profile productions and technical best practice, through to business sense and sustainability.

Scott Willsallen, who has been the audio systems director and/or designer for many of the world’s highest profile sporting events, including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, will host two sessions discussing the presentation of sport to stadium audiences and the challenges of sound design for Olympics ceremonies.

“PLASA remains a very important platform for the exchange of experiences and ideas in our industry,” he said. “Many of the design principles I employ on major international events and stadium installations are equally relevant to smaller scale projects, so I hope to provide the PLASA audience with an interesting insight into the evolution of major event and stadium audio design.”

At the other end of the audio industry scale, Soulsound will present a session on whether freelance sound engineers should set up as a small business, and there will also be seminars on time aligning inputs/outputs and the thorny issue of whether live sound should be a ‘neutral’ process or open to interpretation. Visitors can also look forward to panel sessions on ‘digital mixing for the real world’, featuring compact mixer experts from Soundcraft, Allen & Heath, PreSonus and Music Group; and digital audio networking with representatives from Dante, Riedel, the Media Networking Alliance, the Open Control Architecture Alliance and independent consultant Roland Hemming.

Sustainability – social, economic and environmental – has in recent years become a key theme throughout the technical production industry, and will be the subject of three sessions hosted by industry alliance SIPA, while an After Dark Events session looking at the evolution of live production from the first rock’n’roll shows onwards will offer an insight into how far the industry has come in six decades.

More seminars will be announced over the coming weeks.

www.plasashow.com

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