Leading provider for wireless headphone events, Silent Disco King, recently partnered with Cineramageddon at Glastonbury festival for a debut screening of “Ibiza, The Silent Movie.”

Cineramageddon is curated by film director Julien Temple and returned to Glastonbury this year for its second outing after debuting in 2017.

The area has the UK’s largest outdoor cinema screen and includes 60 vehicles including Mad Max style cars, classic cars, fairground bumper cars and convertibles dug into the ground, which festival goers can rent out to watch an array of cult classic movies.  

The activation was opened this year with the premiere of “Ibiza, The Silent Movie” directed by Julien Temple and music curated by Fatboy Slim.The film is an exploration of the hedonistic history of the Ibiza island and was introduced by Glastonbury’s co-creator Michael Eavis, Julien Temple and Fatboy Slim himself. 2600 attendees enjoyed the two-hour long film on Silent Disco King headphones, followed by a live 45-minute DJ set from Fatboy Slim.

‘Ibiza, the Silent Movie’ was recorded in 7.1 Surround and Cineramageddon were passionate about attendees experiencing the movie in this format, just the way the producers intended in the studio. However, noise limitations on the cinema site meant that all audio must be relayed via headphones rather than a conventional cinema sound system. As a result, the technical brief for the silent cinema was far more demanding than the first year. HD Pro Audio approached Silent Disco King with a mutual solution.

The Silent Disco King headphones were used in conjunction with KLANG:vier Immersive Audio Processor, Midas M32 Surface, Shure Wireless microphone systems, and Dante Protocol Routing. These technologies allowed the film and DJ set to be consumed in 3D binaural audio, creating the effect of motion within the headphones.

Dan Morgan, Cineramageddon sound engineer, was responsible for the multi-disciplinary nature of the tech and realising the vision of the activation. He commented: “Considering the complexity, bandwidth and spacial dimension of the final product leaving the technical area, the Silent Disco King transmission not only worked faultlessly but actually translated the result highly effectively, providing a really enhanced listening experience. During and after the live set, I was able to continue to enhance the listening experience through spacial manipulation and the response from the crowd was fantastic. A great night was had by all with good critical acclaim for the film and Norman’s performance.” Fatboy Slim added; “Well done Silent Disco King! Thanks to Paul and his team, it worked in a field in Pilton!”

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HD Pro Audio is holding a Technology Workshop in the Oak Room of the h Club in London’s Covent Garden on Monday, 25 March.

Presentations on the day will include KLANG:technologies’ immersive IEM mix engine, and the Waves eMotion LV1 live mixing console, based on SoundGrid technology with industry-standard Waves plug-ins. This compact and customisable software-based mixer will be complemented by the latest Rupert Neve Designs RMP-D8 8ch preamp with Dante audio networking and remote control.

Lastly is the Green-GO networked digital intercom system, offering flexibility and routing using a traditional network infrastructure. The event will also provide the opportunity to evaluate the increasingly popular 10EaZy sound level monitoring and logging system, designed for venues and events of all shapes and sizes.

HD Pro Audio staff and manufacturers’ representatives will be on hand to provide a comprehensive overview of all technologies on show, as well as hands-on demonstrations.

The workshop will run from 11:00am to 5:00pm and lunch is provided. The event is free but numbers are limited, so anyone wishing to attend should book their place as soon as possible online at https://goo.gl/5ZGERk or by email to info@hdproaudio.co.uk

HD Pro Audio’s sales director, Andy Huffer, commented, “These popular workshops provide a relaxed environment in which attendees can familiarise themselves with new products and real life use of advanced technologies, with experienced professionals on hand to discuss and answer questions.”

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HD Pro Audio is holding a professional audio technology showcase featuring the latest developments from some of the world’s leading manufacturers, in conjunction with the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM).

The event will be held Monday July 2, 2018, from 12-5pm, at Guildford’s Electric Theatre where ACM is based.

Matt Russell, ACM lecturer, said: "At ACM we pride ourselves on offering real-world immersive learning experiences for our students. We are therefore thrilled to be working with HD Pro Audio to host this professional audio technology event where our students can meet those working in the industry right now."

The event will feature the dLive mixing console platform from Allen & Heath, the latest plugins from Waves, the revolutionary 3D in-ear mixing system from KLANG:technologies, Shure Axient digital wireless microphones and local, but globally renowned, loudspeakers from EM Acoustics.

Specialists from each manufacturer will be on hand to present their respective products and technologies, and assist with hands-on demonstrations.

This event is open to ACM students, as well as members of the wider professional audio community. Entry for the event is free and refreshments will be provided. Those wishing to attend need to register online. 

Andy Huffer, HD Pro Audio’s sales director, added: “With such a great line up of manufacturers and new technologies, demand is likely to be high so those wishing to join us should register as soon as possible.”

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Capital Sound, one of the UK’s largest live sound hire companies, has added a second SSL L500 and an Avid Venue S6L to its console inventory in a recent purchase from pro audio specialist HD Pro Audio.

"We purchased our first SSL L500 and L200 consoles earlier this year and have been pleased with their performance in every respect," said Paul Timmins, operations and development director at Capital Sound. “We buy high-end consoles for specific projects to form a solid foundation and the L500 is out on long-term hire with The Killers.

“Our decision to add the L200 has worked well with it proving very popular for shorter tours and enquiries have been strong.”

“The Killer’s monitor engineer, Marty Beath, has been so impressed with the L500 he wanted to use the same,” Timmins added. “With the tour still out for 18 months, we were able to invest in the second console and The Killers will now have L500’s for FOH and monitors.”

The Avid Venue S6L on the other hand has been purchased for an Emeli Sandé tour with sound engineer, Gerard Albo. “We first saw the S6L at an HD Pro Audio event at John Henry’s 12 months ago,” explained Timmins. “Andy Huffer of HD then brought one along for us to fully evaluate, so we had all the experience we needed. It was just a question of timing and when Gerard Albo wanted it for Emeli Sandé it provided the opening.

“Investing in new gear is changing, moving faster,” Timmins continued. “We’re finding that we’re keeping products a shorter time and are more active with ex-hire equipment sales, including current models. We were particularly busy with consoles at the end of September and find this increased turnover a big plus in our ability to respond in providing clients exactly what they want.

“Having a supplier like HD Pro Audio is a real bonus in this respect, keeping us properly informed on new products. We’ve had a very long-term relationship with Andy and value the back-up and service he provides. He’ll never tell us to ‘look in the manual’ as so many salesmen do, but will always turns out to explain and train with his outstanding knowledge of the products he sells.”

(Pictured: FOH engineer Kenny Kaiser with SSL L500 on tour with The Killers)

www.capital-sound.co.uk

www.hdproaudio.co.uk

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HD Pro Audio is taking to the road in July for a series of L-Acoustics Syva demonstration and evaluation days, in London, Birmingham and Manchester.

Showcasing the new Segment Source loudspeaker system, each of the events will run from 12pm to 4pm, with a programme consisting of a product and technology overview followed by listening and evaluation with a range of material. The products covered will be the Syva, Syva Low and Syva Sub.

The dates are Tuesday 18 July at fabric, London, Wednesday 19 July at Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Thursday 20 July at The Stoller Hall in Manchester. Refreshments will be provided.

Numbers are limited so anyone interested in attending should book as soon as possible, either by contacting HD Pro Audio on 01784 433687, or by email to info@hdproaudio.co.uk.

L-Acoustics Syva is a new format, high power loudspeaker system featuring a new transducer arrangement called Segment Source. The system is designed to be an outstanding choice for corporate events, fashion and trade shows, as well as for sound reinforcement in amphitheatres and performing arts centres. The modern, sleek design also makes it an attractive option for houses of worship as well as intimate settings such as home cinemas or lounge bars.

Syva features six medium-frequency and three high-frequency speakers in a J-shaped progressive curvature format. The transducer arrangement produces a horizontal/vertical 140 x 26 degree (+5/-21 degree) directivity pattern that is optimised for exceptional surface coverage and 35 meters of throw. Syva can be accompanied by the Syva Low high power subwoofer or Syva Sub infra extension to achieve 142 dB max SPL. Its companion Syva Low enclosure features two K2-grade 12in drivers that offer low frequency contour and extended bandwidth down to 40 Hz. Similarly, Syva Sub features one KS28-grade 12in driver to further extend the bandwidth of the system in the infrasound domain down to 27 Hz. One LA4X amplified controller can drive up to four Syva enclosures.

http://www.hdproaudio.co.uk

http://www.l-acoustics.com

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A KLANG:technologies 3D IEM demo and Audinate training event is due to be held at Metropolis Studios in London next week, in conjunction with supplier HD Pro Audio.

Jointly hosted by KLANG:technologies and Audinate, the event will combine an in-depth overview of KLANG’s 3D audio binaural IEM processors and Dante-based headphone amplifiers with full Audinate Dante training leading to Level 2 Dante Certification.

Taking place on Friday 12 May 2017 at Metropolis Studios, Studio B, the event will start with comprehensive Audinate Dante training and conclude with an overview and practical demonstration of KLANG software and hardware, with hands-on experience for all attendees.

The event is free and anyone interested in attending should contact HD Pro Audio as soon as possible at info@hdproaudio.co.uk or call 01784 433687.

Direct booking may be made online via this website.

http://www.audinate.com

http://hdproaudio.co.uk

http://www.klang.com

The post KLANG, Audinate announce training event at Metropolis appeared first on Audio Media International.

CS Audio recently engineered for Massive Attack’s British Summer Time gig in Hyde Park earlier this month, selecting a KLANG:fabrik for control of the monitoring system.

The 3D IEM system, which was reviewed in AMI earlier this year, was chosen by the sound equipment hire company’s MD Paul Hatt – also a monitor engineer – following a discussion with Andy Huffer of HD Pro Audio, the UK distributor of KLANG:technologies.

Although Hatt didn’t get a chance to fully audition the system, he was suitably impressed with both the overall sound and build quality of the unit, and commented: “It felt like a solidly engineered product, with dual redundancy and a generous amount of output mixes. Aside from the 3D possibilities of the system I could immediately see the benefit of musicians controlling their own mixes wirelessly via the KLANG:app.

“On the Massive Attack tour we were joined by the Heritage Orchestra for the Hyde Park show and were requested to provide sixteen personal monitor stations. So this was the ideal opportunity to fully prove the KLANG:technologies system and two KLANG:fabrik units were brought in, along with a router, sixteen iPads and sixteen Shure P6 hard-wire IEM systems, fully prepped and supported by HD Pro Audio’s Tom Turner.”

Hatt explained the simple operation: “System setup is very straightforward and it talked to my Soundcraft Vi console via the Dante interface with no issues. I sent a stereo band mix to the KLANG:fabrik along with groups of first and second violin, viola, cello and bass, and a direct out of each string line. This allowed each orchestra member to maintain control over their own level and get the desired blend with the rest of the string sections and the band.”

The weather on the day didn’t help, as Hatt explained: “What limited time we had for sound check and rehearsal on the day was delayed further by heavy rainfall in the morning. The musicians were understandably reluctant to get their valuable instruments out in less than ideal weather conditions, so overall I was very impressed with the speed with which the system achieved the desired results. After a short demonstration the musicians seemed to get acquainted with the system very quickly.

“I see it as two systems in one. It proved its worth to me as a high end wireless personal monitor control solution, but also the 3D image processing is quite something else. I solo’d a few output mixes by selecting the corresponding Dante return on a couple of free stereo input channels on the desk during the show. At one point I hit the cue bus and immediately physically spun around to look behind me as I was certain there was a group of cellos behind me; the spatial image was so real and beyond conventional stereo. It’s a great product – and lots of fun.”

http://www.klang.com/

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Subfrantic, the UK-based production company and hire firm that supports an array of areas in the live sound market – from touring and festivals to corporate and theatre work – is the latest company to add the Avid VENUE S6L live sound system to its product offering.

Headquartered in Bromley, Greater London, Subfrantic caters for sound, lighting, video, staging, rigging, special effects and logistics.

It is the first time that the firm has added Avid solutions to its inventory.

After heavily investing in every aspect of its business over the last 18 months, Subfrantic set about looking for a new flagship desk to offer its customers.

“As a production company, we face a large number of market challenges and the S6L confronts all of these head on,” said Steve Davies, managing director at Subfrantic. “Avid is the most exciting console manufacturer around at the moment and they have listened to what the industry wants. VENUE S6L’s integration with Pro Tools was an important part of our decision to invest, as was the console’s compact size and weight. Lighter equipment means we can make huge savings on transportation costs, so we expect the console to be a popular choice.”

Having kept a careful eye on the console’s progress since launch, Davies attended S6L reseller HD Pro Audio’s introductory seminar for the first opportunity for some hands-on time with the hardware and software, which confirmed his decision to purchase.

HD’s sales director Andy Huffer commented: “Having been involved with VENUE since the launch of the original D-Show console in 2004, we’re pleased to see the same level of excitement surrounding the S6L. We wish Steve and his team all the best with their significant investment.”

With the VENUE E6L engine integrated into the S6L live sound console, Subfrantic’s customers will now benefit from two ‘powerhouse technologies’ working in unison. The real-time processing engine handles all routing, channel, and mixing functions for maximum stability and power, while the HDX-powered DSP engine manages all AAX plug-in processing, enabling ‘bigger, better sounding mixes with ease.’

“We’d like to welcome Subfrantic to the Avid family. By adding VENUE S6L to its inventory, they join an elite league of hire firms supplying the industry’s most powerful live sound console and integrated processing engine for modern live sound workflows,” added Tom Cordiner, vice president of international sales at Avid.

https://www.avid.com/US/

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Selecting a console is a big decision so it pays to be clued up before committing to one. AMI caught up with Andy Huffer, director of sales for UK supplier HD Pro Audio, for his insight and advice on the current market.

How would you describe the state of the live console sector, and have you noticed any significant developments lately in terms of technology and the market itself?

It’s relatively healthy, with good levels of sales across the board from all manufacturers at all levels, although I think some areas may be reaching saturation point. There have been some significant advances at a range of price points, from the Yamaha TF and Midas M32 on the lower slopes, the DiGiCo S21 and then the Yamaha QL in the mid ranges, and the SSL Live and Avid S6L as you reach the peaks.

In terms of technology, there’s been much better integration of digital audio networking standards in the past couple of years.

What we’ve noticed most significantly in the rental market is an increased desire to minimise the range of brands that they invest in as they, like us, try to keep their focus on support and optimise in-house product knowledge.

How challenging is it for you, as a supplier, to keep up with all these developments, especially when you deal with so many brands?

We have to constantly evaluate our role in the supply of these consoles, what we add to the sales process and how we can continue to justify our existence. We’ve always prided ourselves on the level of support that we provide, adding an extra level of training and advice to that of the manufacturers and distributors, and so we have to be prepared to exclude some consoles and brands, however worthy, from our core console lineup (not that we can’t supply them if required) to maintain the HD Pro Audio brand and product focus.

In light of the rapid advancement in console tech recently, what are the main things to look out for when choosing a new live console?

More than anything else, it’s good backup. You can have the ultimate dream mixing console, but if it goes pop on show day and your system team lacks training, or there’s no one at the end of a phone to get you back up and running, or there’s no local supplier to get some vital spare widget out to you, then you’ll regret not doing your research into your console of choice and how it’s supported in the field.

Has there been much of a change in what users are demanding from their consoles, and if so has this made things more difficult for manufacturers do you think?

At the upper level, everything is expected to be minimum 96k, which has meant an increased demand on processing power (which is trickier on the older DSP platforms), coupled with stereo monitor mixes eating up mix busses, and then there’s the hosting of third-party plug-ins, which has meant that manufacturers are putting a large chunk of their console’s performance beyond their control.

Has the console market become more or less competitive over the past few years?

A lot more competitive – they all offer largely the same feature-set if you crudely boil it down to inputs and outputs at the relevant price-points, so it’s either aggressive pricing or focusing on their USPs that sets them apart. We prefer the latter approach.

What brands and models are you seeing a lot of interest in at the moment, and why do you think that is?

To pick a few, we’ve seen good business with Midas M32 at the lower level; there’s a very good buzz about the DiGiCo S21; Yamaha QL is doing good steady business, as is CL. Further up the chain the SSL Live console has shown incredible progress and huge interest since its launch in 2013, and our Avid S6L now has a very full demo diary, with sales back orders into 2016.

Why? Giving the already successful X32 a Midas sheen was a great move for Music Group, making it more acceptable in a professional environment. The S21 is feature-packed and comes in at an unheard-of price point for DiGiCo. Yamaha has always been and will continue to be the reliable workhorse console that everyone knows how to use, but now with flexible Dante integration. SSL has created arguably the best-sounding digital console on the market and is one of the few remaining truly UK-designed and manufactured live consoles, and Avid has now brought us not only a forward-thinking natural evolution of the Venue platform that looks and sounds great, but also one that offers complete file compatibility with the original generation, backwards and forwards.

How do you expect the live console market to evolve further in the future?

More features for less money. The challenge for us as well as our customers supplying these increasingly complex consoles to productions or installing them into venues is how to maintain a sustainable business model, as the end users still expect the same level of support despite there being less money available to do this than before. We enjoy a challenge…

Andy Huffer is director of sales at UK-based pro-audio, video and lighting supplier HD Pro Audio.

www.hdproaudio.co.uk

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HD Pro Audio has been named as a UK distributor for both SoundTools and Klang:technologies.

SoundTools, the range of products for professional audio engineers developed by Rat Sound, was started in 1996 by engineer Dave Rat, when faced with the need for a solution for troubleshooting bad mic lines during the heat of setting up a concert. His development resulted in the original XLR Sniffer/Sender (pictured below) and over the years SoundTools has expanded its range to provide a collection of products designed for the audio professional.

Andy Huffer, director of sales for HD Pro Audio, commented: “Having used SoundTools when working in the field, we know first-hand about the level of quality and attention to detail in the product, as well as the innovation that goes into them. HD Pro Audio is honoured to now be in a position to bring these great devices to a wider audience and open up the UK market for them. We’re particularly excited about the new Cat Tails and looking forward to getting our hands on them.”

"We too are excited to have HD Pro Audio join the SoundTools family of distributors," remarked Dave Rat, president of Rat Sound Systems in Camarillo, CA. "I am really proud to be a part of designing simple but useful products that are hand assembled here at Rat Sound. All of us in the SoundTools department stand behind our products the way I feel all manufacturers should. If any of our units break or fails for any reason, will send you an advance replacement and a prepaid envelope to return the old unit. We want to make products our fellow engineers and technicians will use and trust for years to come."

Klang:technologies, headquartered in Aachen, Germany, is the designer and manufacturer of a 3D In-Ear Monitoring system (pictured above) and associated Dante-enabled headphone products.

Commenting on the appointment, Huffer said: “If initial client reaction is anything to go by, Klang:technologies’ 3D IEM processing has the potential to be the next major step in the evolution of stage monitoring, so it’s great for HD Pro Audio to once again be at the forefront of bringing new live sound technology to the market. With multiple musicians able to control their own mix with standard touch-screen tablet devices plus the revolutionary effect of the 3D processing, bringing greater separation, clarity and, more importantly, reality, to their personal mix, the pioneers at Klang:technologies have come up with a truly unique addition to the monitor engineer’s tools at their disposal.”

“We also see wider applications for Klang:technologies design and streamed audio,” Huffer continued, “and the new Klang:quelle PoE Dante headphone amplifier makes distributed hardwired monitoring systems far more flexible. All in all, the perfect fit for us here at HD Pro Audio.”

Dr. Pascal Dietrich, founder and chief marketing officer of Klang:technologies added, “It’s all about unrivalled sound transparency for live and studio musicians. Our 3D audio technology lifts your stereo headphones and IEMs to the next level. We are looking into a promising future with HD Pro Audio as a strong partner with extensive industry expertise."

HD Pro Audio is launching Klang:technologies with two demo days: the first is on 9 November at Tour Supply, Manchester, followed by 16 November at John Henry’s Rehearsal Studio 4 in London. Staff from HD Pro Audio and Klang:technologies will be on hand at both events.

Anyone wishing to attend or learn more about 3D IEM and hear the system first hand can contact Huffer via email at andyh@hdproaudio.co.uk, or call 01784 433687. 

http://www.hdproaudio.co.uk

http://www.soundtools.co.uk

http://www.klang.com

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