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 EAW will introduce 20 new products to the European market at PLASA 2010 in London. Visit Stand 1-F4 to check out the following new products:
The new JF Series of 2-way loudspeakers redefine the concept of application flexibility. All JF models feature premium neodymium components and legendary crossover design in an ingeniously adaptable package that offers unprecedented utility. The JFNT models additionally feature 1500W of amplification, EAW Focusing processing, software-accessible DSP and the proprietary U-Net network.
 The new KF Series of ultra-compact, three-way loudspeakers deliver premium performance in designs that offer a lightweight solution. The complete range includes two externally powered models (90 × 45 and 60 × 45) and three comprehensively integrated models (NT versions of the two previously described, and a 10 inch / 8 inch coaxial model). At the heart of the new KF Series product line is a core cabinet philosophy that allows users to utilize universal hardware accessories to tailor their KF product to meet the specific needs of their application.
 The new QX Series is the optimal solution for installed system applications that require precise directivity in a powerful compact form. This series is comprised of the QX544, QX564, QX566, QX594 and QX596. All full-range models have squared, symmetrical, dual-trapezoidal enclosures to provide unlimited array flexibility. A centrally located MF/HF horn and a quartet of 12-inch low frequency transducers team together to ensure that the entire frontal area contributes to horizontal and vertical pattern control capability.
Visit space 1-F4 at PLASA 2010 to see these new products.
Click Here to Register Now!
 The official cheering club of South Korean soccer, "The Red Devils," named Seoul's COEX Mall as its official 2010 FIFA World Cup cheer venue. To accommodate the 100,000+ fans, Seoul officials closed off The COEX to automobile traffic and installed LED screens, stages and sound systems. Despite the inner-city venue's challenges, crowds enjoyed great sound, thanks to EAW®'s critically acclaimed KF740 and KF760 loudspeakers systems.
Elan Korea and TFOS Plus, two leading touring companies in Korea, called upon Chung-Bo Sound Inc., EAW's Korean distributor, to provide sound for the event. "EAW was used on two of the three stages. We needed to provide an incredibly high-output system that could intelligibly broadcast play-by-play action to the sea of red-faced fans," stated Hyungjoon Jee, General Manager for Chung-Bo Sound. "These EAW units delivered beautifully."
To meet the demands, TFOS Plus used EAW's new KF740, eight per side, all powered by EAW's UX8800 Digital Processor. Elan Korea, on another stage, deployed an EAW KF760 line array rig consisting of eight KF760's per side (left and right) and six EAW BH760 Bent Horn Subwoofers per side (left and right). They also used two EAW KF730's for center fill and 10 EAW SM84's as monitors, all powered by 12 Lab.gruppen FP1000Q's.
 "Everyone doesn't just watch the game on TV at home. They go out to the streets to support their teams as a family," remarked Jee. "The attendees deserve great sound, and we are happy to service them with great EAW loudspeakers. Both Elan Korea and TFOS Plus are great fans of EAW and agree that the equipment is very easy to set-up, especially the KF740."
 EAW was recently selected as the loudspeaker of choice for Melbourne, Victoria, Australia's Moomba Festival. The Festival is the continent's largest and longest-running event of its type, held annually since 1954. While the Moomba Festival is not a music festival, in recent years, the show organizers have introduced a free music stage where popular Australian acts play for those attending the festival. This year, performers included popular recording artists Vanessa Amorosi and GRAMMY® winner Colin Hay. For event P.A., organizers selected several EAW models for their durability and sound quality. As it turned out, the 2010 Moomba Festival saw some particularly bad weather conditions, but EAW loudspeakers more than passed the test, keeping the music going after Melbourne's worst storm in half a century and performing flawlessly well after the weather had moved on.
The loudspeaker configuration included 16 EAW KF740 3-Way Full Range Line Array Modules, arranged eight per side, and eight EAW SB1002 Large Format Flyable Subwoofers, arranged four per side. The entire P.A. was powered by Powersoft K10 amplifiers. Ben Clarke, System & Projects Manager for Production Audio, EAW's Australian distributor, stated "We ran the KF740 system completely full range, and deployed the SB1002 array in a cardioid fashion on the deck. The system ran in true stereo, with no aux-fed subs or other enhancements. There was much concern and disbelief about our placement instructions, but when the system was phase aligned and balanced, which took less than 10 minutes, it resulted in unanimous jaw-dropping - a very effective festival configuration."
 Graeme Stevenson, Managing Director for Production Audio, stated, "During the festival, Melbourne had its worst 'superstorm' in 50-plus years. Hailstones up to four inches in diameter, flash flooding and up to three inches of rain fell within a few hours on Saturday. Still, the festival stage was a big success, despite the storm, and everyone was impressed and thrilled that the system performed so perfectly while being subjected to these conditions,"
Colin Hay's FOH Engineer Mike "Ace" Baker, who has also worked with Sammy Hagar, Aretha Franklin and Hay's former band Men at Work, was impressed with the durability of the system. He stated, "Wow. We had no sound check, it was pouring rain and it was the first day of our tour. But who cares?! The rig sounded amazing and seemed to chase the rain away. EAW once again retains its spot on the top of my riders."
As the popular saying goes, the show must go on. Stated Stevenson, "After the system was dried out from Saturday's storm, it performed flawlessly on Sunday and Monday, running for a good ten hours straight on both days."
Soccer fans at four official FIFA Fan Fest™ venues in South Africa followed the games taking place at the main stadiums in the World Cup competition via EAW® speaker systems provided by Surgesound, EAW's South African distributor. The systems consisted of 48 KF760 and 12 KF761 line array modules, including a complement of 48 SB1000z subs, with 48 KF730 compact line array modules and 48 SB730 subs providing in-fill. Monitoring was performed with EAW SM12 units, and 24 UX8800 Digital Signal Processor units provided processing. Surgesound recently delivered a large complement of EAW speakers to Johannesburg-based The Sound Corporation, one of the biggest professional audio production houses in South Africa, in time for installation at the fan parks.
The Sound Corporation installed EAW speaker systems at Soweto (Johannesburg), Rustenburg, Bloemfontein and Nelspruit. It was the only production company to be awarded more than two official FIFA Fan Fest sites out of the total of nine fan parks across South Africa.
For the thousands of eager football fans not lucky enough to get tickets for the big matches, FIFA Fan Fest areas provided the perfect alternative, allowing people to share in the football fever and take in the match on giant screens supported with world-class audio systems. According to official FIFA attendance figures, 300,000 fans gathered at the country's Fan Fest venues, including 75,000 just at the Soweto Johannesburg location, for the month-long competition's opening match between South Africa and Mexico.
Andrew Rowan, Founder of Surgesound, commented, "The Sound Corporation has been a great client for many years and currently has the biggest EAW system in Africa." The Sound Corporation recently welcomed the arrival of 60 EAW KF760 large-format line array speakers and 48 EAW SB1000z subwoofers.
Surgesound additionally supplied amplifiers from Lab.gruppen, with whom EAW recently announced a strategic partnership, to power the EAW speaker systems at the four fan zones. "We are extremely proud that a production house of The Sound Corporation's caliber can trust EAW and Lab.gruppen products with their high-profile gigs," said Rowan.
EAW®, a world leader in audio system solutions, had exactly the solution needed by Norwest Productions, Australia's largest audio services provider, for this year's Playground Weekender music festival. The renowned EAW KF740 line array was used for one of the festival's six main stages, hosting artists including Bjorn Again and Orbital, and was chosen for its combination of great sound, pinpoint accuracy and ease of rigging.
The Playground Weekender is a uniquely Australian music festival that has emerged as an eclectic gathering featuring a diverse mix of international and local artists, coupled with a relaxed outdoor atmosphere featuring multiple music stages, cabaret acts, a cocktail bar, a healing area, yoga and an array of international food and market stalls. The P.A. system had to cover a large area with great sound but also needed to be well integrated into the visual presentation, and to go up quickly. The KF740 fit all of these requirements.
The main system consisted of 24, high output, 3-way KF740 modules flown in two line arrays on either side of the stage using 12 KF740 modules each. These were augmented with eight EAW SB1002 Large Format dual-18 Subwoofers and 16 EAW SB1000z Large Format Subwoofers, as well as four EAW KF650z Compact Array Loudspeakers offering 60-degree horizontal dispersion used as front fills. Powersoft DIGAM K10 amplifiers powered the KF740s, and Lab.gruppen FP6400 amps were used to power the system's subs. The Norwest crew had the entire system flown in under and hour.
"One of the advantages of using this array is that it isn't as heavy as some other arrays, and still packs a lot of punch," observes Scott Harrison, Audio Systems Engineer at Norwest Productions. "As we were hanging [the system off] of the stage roof superstructure, weight was very important. Given the short time frame we had to get the P.A. in the air, the easy rigging was a great advantage. With input from EAW's Resolution software, we got a hang that looked like what the computer said it should, and covered all the area it needed to. From start to finish we had both of our 12-box hangs flown in under an hour." The KF740's highly efficient use of power also helped keep weight down. "We were also able to keep the rig down to one amp rack per side, plus a sub rack," says Harrison.
Every mixer and technician who worked that stage at Playground Weekender had nothing but positive comments about it. "All the engineers who came to mix were impressed with the sound of the P.A.," says Harrison. "In particular, I had comments about how even the sound was, in both planes - left to right, and the transitions between boxes front to back - how it had a great presence without being overpowering, and how well it carried right out past 250 feet from the stage." And the KF740 worked as hard and flawlessly as the performers themselves - Harrison notes that the rig operated at medium-to-high SPL during the weekend for an estimated crowd of approximately 10,000 people. "We never saw a sign of a clip light or any signs of speaker stress," he says, noting the diversity of artists using the system, ranging from 3-piece bands to 25-piece orchestras, as well a choir. "The tonal character of the system was considered excellent. I thought the SPL and clarity of the boxes was great, and when combined with the weight/size combo and the easy rigging, it goes up fast, and doesn't disappoint. I'd definitely use it again."
The Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival has become one of the world's largest and most comprehensive music festivals. The 2010 event, which took place March 5th through March 7th, saw over 100,000 music fans come to hear almost 200 performances by artists including John Legend, Bob James, Lee Ritenour, Toni Braxton, George Duke, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and more. Regardless of the genre of music, the EAW® stages sounded full and clear thanks to world-class sound from the renowned KF series of line arrays.
This year, the festival took place at the Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran (JIE), which presented an acoustical challenge. But those challenges were overcome by the exceptional sound offered by the KF Series speakers. "JIE is an exhibition venue," Andre Supryanata from Sumber Ria Sound, the pro audio rental company in charge, was quoted as saying. "But it fits perfectly to accommodate the festival's growing audience. What we have to do now is present the best audio system that can cover up the lacking acoustic treatment of the building."
In total, P.T. Kairos Multi Jaya, EAW's Indonesian distributor, working closely with Sumber Ria Rental Company, outfitted six of the event's eight stages with over 88 EAW KF760 Line Array Modules, which included the recently-unveiled KF740 3-Way Full Range Line Array Loudspeakers as delays at two of the stages. Halls D1 and D2 were the main stages of the event, using the KF760s configured in L-R clusters of 12 cabinets per side, and 20 EAW SB550L vented subwoofers provided massive amounts of clear and punchy bass. In Halls A2 and A3, Sumber Ria slightly altered that configuration, using 10 KF760s per side. Jonathan Steiner, the FOH mix engineer for the opening night at Hall D1, notes that, "The show went on brilliantly, possibly better than ever." Pratama Budiman, also with Sumber Ria, echoed that sentiment, adding, "The EAW KF Series simply sounds great. That's the way the FOH mixers and everyone else felt."
 Join VP, Jeffrey Cox, Engineers Kenton Forsythe, Jeff Rocha, Nathan Butler and Dan Boothe and Technical Training Manager, Bernie Broderick as EAW introduces 20 new loudspeakers to the market at InfoComm 2010.
Swing by Demo Room N114 and be one of the first to check out the latest additions to EAW's critically-acclaimed product line. New products include the JF8, JF10, JF26, JF29, JF56, JF59, JF26NT, JF29NT, JF56NT and JF59NT, KF200NT, KF364, KF396, KF364NT, KF394NT, QX544, QX564, QX566, QX594 and QX596.
Location:
Las Vegas Convention Center / Demo Room N114
Dates:
Wednesday, June 9 - Friday, June 11
Demo Times:
9:00AM - 10:00AM
11:00AM - 12:00PM
1:00PM - 2:00PM
3:00 - 4:00 PM
We look forward to seeing you here!
 Strengthening ties between students and the pro audio industry, Republic Polytechnic of Singapore and ProAktiv Systems recently invited local audio professionals and students to presentations from the Mackie and EAW design teams, and to visit the Republic Polytechnic facilities.
RP's desire to forge relationships with local businesses was well timed for Mackie and EAW, who had planned a roadshow encompassing Bangkok, Singapore and various venues in Malaysia, and ending in Jakarta at the Java Jazz Festival. With Republic Polytechnic and ProAktiv Systems keen to collaborate on bringing students and the industry together, the event was a good platform and a promising beginning to more of its kind.
Damien Lock, assistant director, School of Technology for the Arts, Republic Polytechnic, said: 'We run a diploma course called Sonic Arts, which is music technology blended with audio engineering. Our aim is to graduate students who are trained problem solvers who can hit the ground running when they start work. To this end, students are encouraged to work in the industry as part of their pre-employment training.'
There are a number of industry attachments and hands-on training in the workplace to achieve this goal, and RP actively solicits feedback from the pro audio industry as to what skills are needed, so the course syllabus can be adjusted accordingly to meet the changing requirements of the industry.
Having worked closely with RP on a number of projects including the installation of five recording studios, ProAktiv Systems was delighted to coordinate the event and create a forum of networking and discussion and education. ProAktiv Systems MD, Chandan Mahtani, explained: 'We are always keen to have the opportunity to meet industry professionals to get a better understanding of their needs and what products and technology they are looking for. We also want to meet students as well, as these are the industry professionals of tomorrow. We hope this will be the first of many joint educational product promotion events, where we can introduce products and technology in a relaxed and informal environment.'
More than 50 audio engineers, systems integrators, students and industry professionals attended the event; headlining the presentations were Mackie product specialist James 'Woody' Woodburn, and Dave Raneses, product manager for EAW Commercial. Mr Woodburn did AB comparisons of the TH-15A, TH-18S with JBL's Eon 315 and 518S, and SRM450 V2 with QSC's K12 and K Sub. The audience was then treated to a demonstration of the top-of-the-range HD series, HD1521 and HD1531, HD1801 and HD1501. The HD 'high-definition' series is a flagship range, boasting high-definition audio processing providing clarity and performance. The processing combined with class-D amplifier technology means they have significant power, and have an efficient switch-mode power so the amplifiers are always well fed.
Mr Raneses introduced the EAW DX1208 matrix mixer, the JFL210 line array module and the companion JFL118 sub, which were all carefully chosen for their relevance to the local markets. He showcased the DX1208 feature set and demonstrated its high flexibility. For many installations, the DX1208 addresses DSP/matrixing needs while providing auto-mixing capabilities in the same fixed-architecture device. It is simple to programme, via DX Navigator software, which means installers can quickly set up a DSP solution. Equally, the JFL210/118 is a flexible solution for installations that require line array technology. The JFL210 is regarded as one of EAW's innovative line array technologies in a compact, light weight package and thus a suitable solution for small and medium-sized applications, and portable and installed audio solutions.
Whilst last year was tough for many, Loud Technologies swam against the tide by expanding operations in the Asia-Pacific and delivering double-digit growth. Davwinder Sheena, director of international sales (Asia-Pacific), said: 'Loud is showing its commitment to Asia Pacific by participating in events like this one at RP, and running the first of many road shows throughout the region'.
Article Courtesy of Pro Audio Asia Magazine:
http://www.proaudio-central.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1821:mackieeaw-roadshow-at-republic-polytechnic-singapore&catid=7:news&Itemid=17
 EAW was recently chosen as the loudspeaker of choice for the Russia-based Zapashny Brothers Circus, the current incarnation of the beloved world-famous family act dating back to the 1800s. MS-Max Company, EAW's Russian distributor, put together a sound system package featuring several EAW loudspeakers, and this configuration was selected over a number of packages featuring other manufacturers' products, to provide the sound for the Brothers' recent tour dates throughout Russia and to other countries.
The package assembled by MS-Max Company included 12 EAW JFL210 Compact Line Array Modules and four EAW JFL118 Subwoofers. Processing is handled by the EAW UX8800 Digital Signal Processor, and the system is powered by Crown MT-series amplifiers.
The circus, which features such spectacles as tigers, lions and other large animals, is performed "in the round," with the audience surrounding the performers in a complete circle. The biggest issue with the sound system was that it evenly cover the 360-degree audience area with clear, uniform dispersion. When approaching the installation and implementation of the new system, MS-Max Specialists Serge Velichko and Ilya Samoletov placed the loudspeakers in four separate arrays in the circus ring's center, under a dome. By all accounts - including audience members, project supervisors, technical personnel, performers and even tigers - the system has provided transparent, rich sound with the right coverage to project the show's thrilling energy to every seat in the house.
EAW will be onsite at ISCEx on March 2, 2010 at The Park Inn Hotel in Watford, UK. The exhibition will take place in the Hertfordshire Suite, the Cassiobury Park and Leavesden Park Suite on the first floor and the seminars will be held in the adjacent Aldenham Park Suite.
Stop by and meet UK Sales Manager, Kevin McNally and learn about the latest offerings from EAW including the KF740, MicroSub, SB Series subwoofers and more!
We look forward to seeing you there!
 Come visit EAW's booth at ISE (February 2-4, 2010) at Amersterdam's RAI.
Be one of the first to experience EAW's latest innovation, the KF740, which offers unbelievable low-frequency extension in an ultra-compact design perfect for touring and install. Also, check out the new DX1208 Digital Matrix Mixer from EAW's Commerical line of products.
EAW staff will be available on-site at Booth # 1H106 for demos and training.
Click Here to register for a free badge! Click on "New Registrations" and enter invitation code 832280.
We look forward to seeing you there!
 Flamingo Audio Owner Brad Walker comes from a music recording background, and his company still does plenty of that at their Seattle-area facility. But their real bread and butter these days comes from systems installation and live sound. As Walker puts it, "The installation work keeps us smart, and the live sound work makes us fast." And for a company that has to cover as many categories of events as Flamingo Audio - from concerts to corporate, from government to tribal - the EAW® NTL720 Self-Powered Line Array Loudspeaker System has been a versatile solution. Walker first acquired his NTL720 boxes a year-and-a-half ago, and they've been in constant use ever since.
"We really like the physical form factor of the NTL720, as well as the way it sounds," says Walker, who notes that the NTL720's compact dimensions, flexible mounting possibilities and scalable deployment let it be used in a wide range of situations. For instance, at the Kitsap Arts & Crafts Festival, which attracts over 50,000 people each year, Flamingo Audio used 16 NTL720 boxes, set up eight per side on a stage that hosted music acts ranging from brass bands to rock bands to a flamenco guitarist. "The system had to cover a music performance area of about 1,000 people and cover all these types of music without sounding hyped," he explains. "The NTL720 performed flawlessly for every genre on that stage." For the University of Puget Sound's last two annual commencement ceremonies, 12 NTL720 boxes per side easily covered an event attended by an estimated 8,000 people, with EAW NT29 Self-Powered Full-Range Loudspeakers used as fills. "The last two years with NTL720s required very minor system EQ during setup, which is a good thing - we never get a soundcheck with the actual people speaking, and hear them for the first time with the rest of the audience." he says.
The NTL720 turned in the same flawless performance when the Suquamish Tribe hosted the 2009 Tribal Canoe Journey, where eight NTL720s covered a 5-acre food and gathering area with a single cluster, and for U.S. Navy change-of-command ceremonies, where, as Walker jokes, "You cannot even think of making a mistake." Citing the NTL720's consistently great sound in such varied environments and how its captive rigging allows it go up quickly and safely, Walker says the NTL720 has been a huge help for his business. "It's a great box for so many reasons," he says. "I can't imagine where we can't use them."
Doha, Qatar-based Creative Communication Group (often known as "CCG") is a thriving full-service event management/Production Company and a major player in Qatar and the Middle East for live pro light and sound rental requirements. CCG recently supplied the Doha Tribeca Film Festival with light and sound equipment, including KF760 Long-Throw Line Array Modules from EAW®, a world leader in audio system technology.
The Doha Tribeca Film Festival kicked off on October 29 and lasted for four days, with activities and screening held at several venues. The venue Souq Waqif hosted a special screening of The Mummy (Al-Momia), recently restored by Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Foundation.
Jalal Dudin, Managing Partner of CCG, stated, "We used EAW KF760 at Souq Waqif to provide the sound for the screening of The Mummy. The sound quality and surround-sound configuration of EAW speakers projected the movie's sound effects magnificently, especially since it was an open air screening." Dudin added, "We have also used EAW KF730 Compact Line Array Modules at the auditorium, which was set up at the Qatar Museum of Islamic Art gallery for special screenings of the festival movies for celebrities and VIP invitees."
"We have worked in association with Michael Rome from Boston Sound and Light, and it was a successful collaboration," commented Philip Venter, CCG Sound Engineer, adding, "All set-up was up to the standards of Dolby Surround Cinema specifications."
Inside the Gallery over the festival's four days, there were screenings and premieres of such films as Cairo Time, Coco Before Chanel and Team Qatar, which won a best film audience award of $50,000, presented by legendary actor and Tribeca co-founder Robert De Niro.
 The Soundquest Exhibition was held in Hungary October 2 - 4 2009. EAW's Hungarian distributor, D.P. Music represented EAW with a live sound stage. Robert Fehrer of D.P. Music said of the show, "It was a hard week, but very successful!"
D.P. Music's stage was one of four stages in Hall C that hosted fully sound reinforced live performances. Guest performers included Emiliana Torrini, an Icelandic singer best known for performing "Gollum's Song", during the ending credits of Peter Jackson's film The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers ; the world-class jazz/blues harmonica performer, Matyas Pribojszki and SID, a front-liner band on the Hungarian music scene.
 The stage was outfitted with a JFL Series rig made up of two JFL210 loudspeakers and two JFL118 component subwoofers. Two SB1000's and four JFX290's provided additional coverage on the stage. Four MicroWedge12's provided monitoring for the musicians. "The other stages were outfitted with larger systems but everyone was impressed by the output that the smaller EAW rig produced. Additionally, the performers were astounded with the powerful sound that the four MicroWedge12's on stage produced with no feedback," commented Robert.
 It is no secret that Pearl Jam puts on intense, expansive live shows, and that they have a very loyal fan base, as proven by recent sold out tour dates across the U.S. in support of their new release, Backspacer. The band is now back on the road, with their long time sound provider Rat Sound Systems Inc. For the band's on-stage mixes, monitor engineer Karrie Keyes again selected MicroWedge MW12 Stage Monitors from EAW, a world leader in audio system solutions.
Easily one of the most influential bands of the past 20 years, Pearl Jam continues to be a top concert act, noted for their dynamic, deeply compelling live performances. The legendary band is fronted by Eddie Vedder, (lead vocals, guitar), with Mike McCready (lead guitar), Jeff Ament (bass guitar), Stone Gossard (rhythm guitar) and Matt Cameron (drums) generating a tight, cohesive, truly one-of-a-kind rock sound.
Keyes met the band in 1991 as she was working for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, whom Pearl Jam was supporting as an opening act at the time. She has been with them ever since and knows their needs extremely well. Among the challenges she faces this tour are the sheer volume on the stage, small stage space and each band member's different sound needs, including individual monitor mixes or occasional crossfire sound patterns. The goal is to have no pockets on stage without sound, with Eddie Vedder being the loudest and the clearest, as he thrives on the volume. For this reason, Keyes chose to once again use the EAW MicroWedge MW12's,which she had previously used for Vedder's and Ament's mixes in 2008.
Keyes notes that for Pearl Jam, the monitor system is straightforward, elegant in its simplicity, and devoid of gates, compressors and elaborate effects packages. She notes that, in the past, she utilized previous MicroWedge models to a limited extent, but that's changed given the significantly upgraded performance of the new EAW MicroWedge Series.
"I am using the MicroWedge MW12 for Ed's guitar mix," explains Keyes. "They are wonderful and I can get them to sound very close to his guitar rig's sound without much EQ or trouble! So far I have found no other wedge that comes as close. The small footprint helps as well, as we have limited stage space. We are also using MicroWedge 12's for Matt's drumfill, with a left and right mix plus a sub. We have had challenges in the past with Matt getting his drumfill world right, so finding the right combo has been a crucial hurdle we have overcome. Large drumfills and in-ear systems left him fatigued and with ears ringing! They need very little EQ and the smooth high end does not add to ear fatigue! The band thrives on the stage volume, which provides the energy to rock. We are all very happy!"
Pearl Jam are just completing their tour's U.S. and Canada leg and will soon be going to Australia and New Zealand, where EAW MicroWedge MW12's will again be the stage monitor of choice. Keyes notes, "There are two types of wedges: those that are loud, and those that sound good. Usually a wedge is not both, but the new EAW MicroWedge is the exception."
 Britain's Top of the Pops (TOTP) has been a BBC institution since 1964, broadcast weekly until 2006 and occasionally as one-off specials in the years since. The latest such TOTP special, broadcast on BBC2 in spring 2009, featured performances from Franz Ferdinand, Flo-Rida, Oasis, Take That, Tom Jones, James Morrison and more, live from BBC's Studio 4, as part of this year's Comic Relief charity fundraising special. Aside from the significance marked by convergence of these great artists, a TOTP revival and the world-renowned Comic Relief organization, this program was notable for being the U.K. television debut of the JFL210 Line Array from EAW, a world leader in audio system technology. The JFL210s were supplied and installed by John Henry's Ltd. (JHL), a leading multi-media sound reinforcement provider for the entertainment industry in the U.K. and Europe.
 "Rigging the JFL210 hangs was a breeze," commented JHL staff engineer Simon Panos, who looked after the audience sound for the show. "The studio hoists have a maximum capacity of 112 kg, so each hang of four including a flybar came in at a total of 109 kg, which made everyone happy. Additionally, once the four hangs were in the air, the sound was pin sharp and needed very little additional tuning. The FB121 flybar gave us the flexibility to rake the hang just how we needed it. The system was very versatile and had amazing coverage in spite of the cluttered ceiling space it inhabited."
Panos' fellow engineers Robin Tombs and Aden Gregory were equally enthusiastic about the system's hi-fi sound and ease of use, pronouncing it perfect for the job at hand.
Leading Spanish multi-media/audio provider FOCUS, S.A. was recently contracted to furnish sound reinforcement for Pride Barcelona 09, a huge GLBT event attended by an estimated 15,000 people. The event was held June 28 at Avenida Maria Cristina in Barcelona, Spain. As they often do, FOCUS turned to EAW, a world leader in audio system solutions, for loudspeakers and processors for the night's main stage concert, which featured several live musical artists and DJs performing well into the early hours of the morning.
The main P.A. system consisted of 16 EAW KF760 Line Array Modules (eight on each side of the stage), eight EAW KF730 Compact Line Array Modules (four on each side) and 16 EAW SB1000z Large Format Subwoofers, all processed by EAW UX8800 Digital Signal Processors. Onstage sound for the bands was accomplished with eight EAW JFX260i Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers, and for stage monitoring for the DJs, FOCUS used two side fills formed by one EAW SB730 Compact Line Array Subwoofer and two JFX260i modules per side. All components were amplified by Lab.gruppen FP Series amplifiers, and FOCUS used Smaart Live 5.4 for the adjustment and alignment of the system.
Pepe Ferrer of FOCUS, S.A., stated, "We are big supporters of EAW's products and technological innovations. For this event, we were particularly delighted that the UX8800 gave us access to EAW's proprietary Gunness Focusing Technology. That allowed us to phase all of the EAW speakers in very specific ways, giving us the possibility of multiple configurations."
 The Vera Project (Vera) is a Seattle music-arts center run by and for youth. By engaging participants at all levels of music production and community organizing, Vera strives to fulfill its mission to foster a participatory creative culture through popular music concerts, arts programs, experiential learning and volunteer opportunities for all ages, especially young people. This year’s concert calendar boasts performances from singer-songwriter Maria Taylor, electronic musician Dan Deacon and neo-folk act Iron & Wine, among others. EAW, a world leader in sound system technology, is a proud sponsor of the program and recently donated some products to this worthwhile cause.
In 2008, EAW assisted the Vera Project by providing a selection of LA460 Full-Range Loudspeakers, subwoofers and power amplifiers. Following that, the Vera staff saw an opportunity to upgrade their stage monitors. “EAW was kind enough to donate some SM12’s and an SM15,” notes Jeffery McNulty, Tech-Facilities Manager for the Vera Project. “I had contacted Jon [Bosaw, EAW Director of Sales] to see about us purchasing some monitors, and he instead got really excited about helping us out in a very kind and generous way with a great donation.” McNulty is thrilled with the EAW products and what it has meant for the Vera Project. He stated, “We have a great Live Sound program here, and we are so happy to be able to teach people how to use this excellent EAW gear. We continuously place engineers into other clubs around Seattle, and they are usually well seasoned by the time they make it through our system. We like to foster a new attitude here at the Vera where the artist comes first, with the audience a close second, so that touring acts have an enjoyable experience, and that of course starts with great gear and well trained volunteers. The Danielson Family was here recently, and the drummer wrote on his blog that the Vera Project was his favorite venue of the whole tour, in large part because of the great P.A. sound and monitor mix.”
 The tenth Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April saw hundreds of performers across five stages, with a wide range of artists include Sir Paul McCartney, Leonard Cohen, The Cure, The Killers and hip hop pioneers Public Enemy, among many others. These artists thrilled the assembled throngs of eager music fans, and the artists themselves were thrilled by great-sounding stage monitors: MicroWedge (MW) units from EAW, a world leader in sound system solutions.
More than 50 EAW MicroWedge Series MW12 Stage Monitors were employed over four Coachella stages by sound reinforcement vendor Rat Sound Systems Inc. To date, this was the largest outlay of MW units ever for a single event, according to Rat Sound President Dave Rat, who was the co-designer of the MicroWedge 12 (along with the EAW engineering team). For the last 18 months, the MicroWedge Series has been exclusively manufactured and distributed by EAW, under license from Rat Sound Systems. Covering Coachella took a lot of monitors and a lot of manpower. A 30-member crew from Rat Sound was employed to ensure that the concert’s sound was flawless day after day, night after night. The MicroWedge was a key component of the sound reinforcement system. “The MicroWedge is a great monitor under any circumstances, and I’m proud to have been intimately involved in its design,” stated Rat. “It especially offers an advantage for festival sound because it’s plug-and-play. And the sound is great – it’s full range.” As Rat notes, the MicroWedge is versatile for different artists’ monitoring preferences: “When you have so many artists constantly playing on all these stages, there’s little time to mess around with tuning the monitors. The MicroWedge has great sound from the moment you plug it in. All artists want their monitor sound slightly different, and the MicroWedge has the range to accommodate that and it can do it at very high volume without feeding back. That combination of tonality and volume is incredible. Plus they’re small, light and easy to carry and position on stage. Not to mention how cool they look.”
India’s leading professional audio, lighting and truss rental Company Rich Audio delivered superior audio quality for recently staged “I Have a Dream” concert held at the Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai. Rich Audio was chosen amongst other well-known rental companies to provide complete system solution which comprised of the EAW KF760 line array, 38 Sennheiser wireless microphones, four Sennheiser in-ear monitors and complete communication systems comprising of a dozen walky talkies and multi channel intercom system. 
Rich Audio has been working with theatrical productions for many years. It was only a matter of putting the right techniques that were learnt over the years and the right products to use. The event was produced and directed by Raell Padamsee’s ACE Production. Through various discussions with the ACE Productions team, Rich Audio’s Senior Engineer Lee Braganza understood their requirements of multiple scenes and dialogue deliveries, thus creating a need for a large quantity of wireless microphones. Not only was the cast of the concert a whooping 1000 children, there were dialogue deliveries within 30 seconds of each scene change, thus not leaving even the slightest space for error. After perfect timing and scene management with respect to act and use of microphones, Lee Braganza decided to use a total of 34 Sennheiser head-worn wireless microphones, four handheld wireless microphones and four in-ear monitors for the event. "For FOH, we used the Sound-Craft MH-2 audio mixing console for main system mix and the EAW KF 760 line array system controlled by the EAW UX8800 system processor and powered by crown Macro-Tech I amplifiers. The EAW KF760 system like always delivers even coverage and excellent sound quality through out the audience area," added Zura Braganza. Rich Audio executed the show with outstanding precision, thanks to the quick and accurate management by FOH engineer Lee Braganza, who with his team of engineers Constansio D’souza and Amnish Lohire controlled 42 wireless devices and multiple change overs at the same time without any glitches. Every performer’s dialogue was clearly audible even at the last row, thus making the event a grand experience for audience and crew. The event was a running success with compliments from all sides of the ground comprising of the audience, production crew and the Ambani’s.
 Extremely popular Austrian folk music band Lechner Buam recently chose to purchase a new system headed by EAW NT Series self-powered loudspeakers to utilize for sound reinforcement at all of their public performances - up to 70 concerts a year. The new rig was recently used at two distinctly different events by the band, with similarly excellent results.
The first event was a concert for more than 3,000 in a huge hall, while the second event, marking the band's 25th anniversary, was held in a tent with about 1,500 in attendance. EAW's distributor for Austria, SAC Schneider Audio Concept Vertriebs, headed by Christian Muhm, worked closely with the band on the new system, including providing NT Series systems for live evaluations that confirmed the band's decision to make the upgrade. Specifically, the band utilizes 2 x NT59, 2 x NT56 and 4 x NTS22 subwoofers.
 "We're so happy - we've been searching for just such a PA over many years," states Willi Grafeneder, the band's leader. "Every instrument and the vocals are so clear, exact and transparent. It's amazing that these small and lightweight speakers bring such a punchy, fresh, and airy sound. And, this is achieved with no laborious DSP programming and EQing for different environments - just plug and play. The sound - from the front to the back - is always the same, and since we've starting using the system, no audience has argued that sound is either too loud or too low."
 The Solar Stage for the upcoming 2008 Vans Warped Tour, scheduled for at least 46 dates starting later in June through August, will feature a concert sound reinforcement system featuring EAW KF730 Series line arrays and other premium EAW components.
We'll have more news regarding this exciting development posted here soon, but in the meantime, this 14th edition of the tour will feature performances by more than 100 top artists - Paramore, Gym Class Heroes, Jack's Mannequin, Against Me!, Pennywise, Reel Big Fish, Cobra Starship, Every Time I Die, Angels and Airwaves, Aggrolites, As I Lay Dying, the All-American Rejects, and the Academy Is... among many others.
Click here for the current slate of artists, and go here for the current Vans Warped Tour '08 schedule. Last year's tour sold 622,467 tickets to 45 shows, under the direction of tour founder and producer Kevin Lyman of 4fini Productions.
 The latest concert tour by Foreigner has officially launched, but despite his hectic schedule, veteran engineer Don “Dodger” Dodge took the time to share more of his thoughts on the EAW UMX.96, which he's chosen again as his FOH console. (A UMX.96 will also be used with Bryan Adams and his band when they join the tour a bit later this year.)
Don's comments:
“Things could not have gone better with the UMX.96 during the dozens of shows we did all over the world on the previous tour. I utilized the console in the scorching heat of North America sheds in the summer and the deep freeze of Eastern Europe in winter, but flawless performance remained a constant."
“I had previously not been a fan of digital boards, but the UMX is so good that it erased that viewpoint. This console is not just competitive with others - it’s a clear winner."
"It has an analog mix feel, while the intuitive, comprehensive digital design cuts my workload in half - no more tape layouts of input mods, labeling outboard racks of comps and gates, or routing of verbs and effects. And, every setting can be stored and instantly recalled at the push of a button, which is also extremely helpful.”
Thanks, Dodger! (And, click here for the current Foreigner itinerary.)
 The upcoming U.S. concert tour by legendary rock band Foreigner will feature veteran engineer Don “Dodger” Dodge providing his mix exclusively with an EAW UMX.96 digital console, revisiting the highly successful formula employed during the band’s 2007-08 world concert tour.
“Things could not have gone better with the UMX.96 console during the dozens of shows we did all over the world last year,” states Dodge. “I had previously not been a fan of digital boards, but the UMX is so good that it erased that viewpoint.
 "There’s a very analog feel to the layout, and it quickly becomes an intuitive extension of the engineer’s goals for his mix,” he adds.
Foreigner kicks off its upcoming U.S. tour in California in late May, performing across the country for several months. In addition, Bryan Adams and his band are slated to join the tour as a featured act over the summer, where Dodge also expects to utilize the UMX.96.
(Click here to see the latest Foreigner and Bryan Adams 2008 tour itinerary.)
 EAW MicroWedge MW12 stage monitors were out in force at the recent Coachella Festival, the annual three-day music and arts celebration held in the desert region of Indio, CA, that this year featured more than 60 top musical artists on six stages.
Numerous MicroWedge MW12 monitors were deployed at the Outdoor Theatre, which hosted a wide range of live rock and related music performances, as well as at the Sahara Tent, a dance venue. Rat Sound Systems of Oxnard, CA, the sound reinforcement supplier for the entire event, choose to utilize the MW12's to meet monitoring and related requirements at both venues.
 The ongoing “Somewhere Back in Time" world concert tour by Iron Maiden, featuring an all-EAW main loudspeaker line-up, has come to North America, with the major portion of this tour leg kicking off on May 21 in San Antonio. (Click here to view the latest itinerary.)
ML Group continues to serve as the sound company for the tour, with a very large EAW KF760 Series line array contingent - optimized with EAW UX8800 digital processing - being the primary components of the large-scale sound reinforcement system.
ML Group Managing Director Gary Marks is coordinating system issues with partner companies around the globe, such as Norwest Productions of Sydney, Australia and Brantley Sound Associates of Nashville. (Thanks to Norwest Productions for the photo that accompanies this report.)
 The upcoming concert tour by Pearl Jam will feature EAW MicroWedge MW12 stage monitors deployed by Monitor Engineer Karrie Keyes to provide monitor sound on stage for several band members.
The 2008 Pearl Jam tour kicks off in June, with the band serving as the headline act for the Bonnaroo Music Festival. They then move on to at least a dozen shows in the Eastern United States. The band is comprised of Eddie Vedder, (lead vocals, guitar), while Mike McCready (lead guitar), Jeff Ament (bass guitar), Stone Gossard (rhythm guitar), and Matt Cameron (drummer).
Keyes (pictured below) first deployed MicroWedge during Vedder’s just-concluded solo tour, using six MW12 for opening act Liam Finn.
 “When I fired them up in rehearsals, I was blown away. They had power, were clear and just kept going,” she says. As a result, dual MicroWedge MW12’s will be deployed with Pearl Jam for Eddie Vedder’s guitar mix, as well as for Jeff Ament’s mix.
“I’m also very excited to try MicroWedge on the drum mix, because again, we’re always looking for smaller options that deliver top quality,” Keyes adds. “In my evaluations, I came to believe this new version has the performance capabilities to more than keep up in arenas and sheds.”
(Click here to see the current Pearl Jam tour itinerary.) Thanks to Rat Sound Systems for the photos that accompany this report.
 Carlson Audio Systems of Seattle recently utilized the new EAW NTL720 small line array system to great effect for huge events featuring the Dalai Lama at both Qwest Field and Key Arena.
Mark Carlson notes that the NTL720, which supported larger systems featuring EAW KF760 Series line arrays, EAW KF750 Series concert loudspeakers, SB1000z subwoofers and other EAW components, performed exceptionally well in fulfilling their coverage roles at both venues. The NTL720's small size and fast, convenient rigging were quite beneficial as well, Mark adds.
We'll have more coverage of these interesting applications posted here soon. Thanks to Carlson Audio for the excellent photo above.
 A very good account of sound reinforcement for the European tour of the legendary Joe Cocker is provided in a recent issue of Die Referenz (The Reference), a leading German pro systems publication.
The report, presented in German language, was filed by Tom Becker, who also did the photo work. Tom details the system for the tour that was supplied by leading hire company Concert Sound, featuring EAW KF760 Series and KF730 Series line arrays, as well as other EAW loudspeakers. Click here to read the report. And, if you missed our initial report on the system for this tour, go here.
 The upcoming world concert tour by R.E.M. will feature EAW MicroWedge Series stage monitors deployed by Monitor Engineer George Squiers (pictured left) to provide monitor sound on stage for all band members.
The tour kicks off in late May with a month of North American dates before moving on to an extensive set of European dates over the summer. Rat Sound Systems Inc. is serving as the sound reinforcement company for the tour, and is supplying the 22 EAW MicroWedge MW12 wedges under the direction of Squiers.
 “The new EAW MicroWedge is a very loud and great-sounding design,” states Squiers. “I love the smooth natural high-end and the amazing low-end it reproduces. The low-end is leaps and bounds over any single 12-inch design I've run across, competing with and exceeding most single 15-inch designs. Single source point philosophy also goes very far in my book.”
Continue reading "EAW MicroWedge Chosen For R.E.M. World Tour" »
 A Valentine’s Day concert at the venerable Orpheum Theater in downtown Los Angeles by Don Was and the Was (Not Was) band, featuring legendary performers Brian Wilson and Kris Kristofferson, proved an excellent occasion for the public debut of EAW’s brand-new MicroWedge Series stage monitors. Oxnard, CA-based Rat Sound Systems Inc. supplied the sound reinforcement systems and support under the direction of crew chief Tom Caraisco.
The big news in system-land was the first-time live concert deployment of the EAW MicroWedge MW12 stage wedges for all performers, fueled by monitor engineer Andy Turner’s mixes. The wedges were driven by a combination of Chevin and Lab.gruppen power amplifiers.
 “We really, really like the performance of these new wedges,” notes Caraisco. “Once Andy got things going on stage, and we went through all of the mixes, he was genuinely pleased.”
“The old Microwedge was solid and performed well enough when compared to other wedges, but these new ones are night-and-day superior,” states Dave Rat. “This is a whole new deal. I knew the wedges were a big step forward, but what I did not expect was such an overwhelming embrace so quickly from our own engineers as well as the artists and band engineers."
Continue reading "MicroWedge Debuts With Brian Wilson, Was (Not Was) Live" »
 The March 2008 issue of
CX Magazine provides outstanding in-depth coverage of the systems technology being deployed for the current Iron Maiden "Somewhere Back In Time" world concert tour, in an article written by Andy MacKenzie.
The Iron Maiden concert system is headlined by EAW KF760 Series line arrays as well as UX8800 digital processing, with all sound design, equipment and technical support provided by ML Group. For the Australian shows, ML Group is working with Norwest Productions of Sydney, with Ewan McDonald of Norwest providing the first-hand system overview to MacKenzie.
Click here to read the entire article in pdf form. For more than 17 years, CX (short for Connections) Magazine has served as the leading voice of the entertainment technology industry in Australia and New Zealand. It is published by Juliusmedia, headed by Julius Grafton. We sincerely thank Juliusmedia for allowing us to present this coverage to you.
Yes, it was still "just" a concert gig, but we've got to admit - it sure is one with a bit of that extra cache. "It" is Super Bowl Saturday Night, the official National Football League celebration the night before the big game, held prior to this year's Super Bowl XLII in Phoenix at Tempe Town Lake, with thousands in attendance.
Sure, Earth Wind & Fire and other notable acts were on the bill. Sure, Jerry O'Connell was the host. Sure, there was a big fireworks show finale. But... the highlight (from our completely objective point of view) was the headline performance by Foreigner, mixed by the incomparable Don Dodge on the UMX.96 digital console. As its done over dozens of gigs around the world the past several months, the UMX.96 proved to be a superb tool in serving Don's needs in mixing Foreigner live.
"Things could not have gone better with the console, as usual," Don notes. "It's performance was fantastic, matching the stature of this high-profile show." And as EAW Business Director Jon Bosaw aptly points out: "It's not every team that makes the Super Bowl in its first year." (Thanks to Don for the photos of the board at the gig above. Don's shown with the UMX.96 at lower right.)
At the end of January, more than 300,000 descended upon Zocalo de la Ciudad de Mexico, the main square in Mexico City, to attend a rally regarding agricultural policies in Mexico - with leading sound company Consorcio Audiovisa S.A de C.V providing EAW KF730 Series line arrays as part of a comprehensive sound reinforcement package.
In fact, Consorcio Audiovisa of Mexico City - a member of ELAN and owned by Alejandro and José Luis Morales - deployed 56 EAW KF730 Series line array modules (driven by Crown I-Tech amplification) to serve six different regions/stages of the massive Zocalo area, including the four main streets leading to the square. Frontfill for one of the regions was supplied by EAW LA215 loudspeakers.
"We were able to attain great sound pressure levels throughout the square and its surrounding area, which was the primary goal," notes Alejandro Morales. Click here to see more of the system and event in photos supplied by Alejandro.
Continue reading "KF730 From Consorcio Serves Massive Mexico City Rally" »
 Charlotte, NC-based production company Event Productions USA recently added EAW KF730 line arrays, EAW UX8800 digital signal processors, and eight EAW SB1000z subwoofers to its growing audio system inventory. (The photo at left shows Event Productions' new KF730 arrays.)
Founded and owned by Tom Durban, Event Productions USA has specialized in serving the production needs of the corporate AV marketplace, nationwide, for almost 15 years. Providing video and lighting systems with expert staff services has been the company’s primary focus until recently, when Durban responded to customer requests for professional audio systems and services.
The foundation of this effort is the new EAW KF730 small-format line arrays, UX8800 dual-mode digital processors and SB1000z dual-18-loaded subwoofers. “We selected the EAW components based upon numerous recommendations from experienced audio professionals,” Durban explains. “Our customers demand clean, highly intelligible sound quality, and from equipment meeting the stringent aesthetic requirements of all high-end corporate-industrial systems.
Continue reading "Event Productions Expands With KF730, UX8800 Processing" »
 Leading hire company ML Group will be supplying the largest EAW KF760 Series line array contingent ever to tour Europe as key components of a large-scale sound reinforcement system for the upcoming Iron Maiden “Somewhere Back in Time" 2008 world tour.
Kicking off in India early in February, the tour will visit more than 30 countries on several continents in the coming months. ML Executives Managing Director Gary Marks is coordinating system issues with partner companies around the globe, such as Norwest Productions of Sydney, Australia and Brantley Sound Associates of Nashville. Michael Hackman (pictured below) is serving as the KF760 Series line array system technician for the tour, also performing system analysis and optimization at each stop with an assist from EAW Smaart.
 "For the stadium tour in Europe, we'll be supplying four main hangs of 18 EAW KF760 modules and two EAW KF761 wide dispersion modules," explains Marks. "So, that's a total of 80 cabinets on the main four hangs, plus 24 EAW SB1000 subwoofers per side. Also, because the stages will be very wide, we'll use six more KF761 modules flown in the center to serve as a vocal fill."
We'll be providing updates on the progress of the system and tour as it goes along. Click here for the official tour itinerary.
 Stage Audio & Lighting Productions of Longwood, Florida, recently provided sound reinforcement and technical support at all venues for this year’s Florida International Festival in Daytona Beach, highlighted by a performance by the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), featuring a concert system based upon a variety of EAW loudspeakers line arrays and EAW digital processing.
Headed by Phillip Kovacevich (pictured below), Stage Audio & Lighting Productions is a leading live event company celebrating its third decade of serving touring artists and corporate event planners in the Eastern U.S. and the Caribbean, and the company counts live orchestra sound reinforcement as one of its specialties.
 Veteran free-lance audio professional Jeremy Goldstein, based in Orlando, brought his talents to the event as well. In addition to helping with system management throughout the festival, he also provided the live mix of the first half of the LSO concert.
The LSO show featured a “Pops” style that paid tribute to motion picture soundtracks, with “Darth Vadar” making an appearance to guest-conduct the “Star Wars” theme.
 The large-scale system assembled to serve the audience filling the 46,000-square-foot, multi-level Ocean Center arena in Daytona included EAW KF760 Series large-format line arrays optimized with the new EAW UX8800 dual-mode digital processors with Gunness Focusing technology.
Continue reading "Stage Audio Serves London Symphony With EAW" »
 The campaign for the U.S. presidency kicked into high-octane mode last week as Oprah Winfrey joined Democratic candidate Barack Obama at Williams-Brice Football Stadium in Columbia, SC, where ACS Sound & Lighting delivered EAW-based sound reinforcement for the more than 30,000 people at the largest political rally in South Carolina history.
ACS Co-Owner Troy Gwin and his crew’s concert-level system effort was headed by EAW KF760 Series large-format line arrays joined by EAW KF730 Series small-format line arrays, with several EAW BH760 “SuperSubs” also on hand for pounding low-end for musical artists such as Arrested Development.
 ACS, also based in Columbia, provided “in the round” coverage of the audience surrounding the main stage at one end of the stadium, with organizers adamant that the PA stay out of crowd and TV camera sightlines.
The KF760 line arrays and BH760 subs were transported down to field level from the stadium scoreboard, supplied by ACS through the 2007 football season to deliver reinforcement at University of South Carolina Gamecocks home games. They were joined by KF730 Series line array inventory, with Gwin utilizing the EAW Wizard software program to help with initial system configuration and then doing his own detailed tailoring.
Continue reading "ACS Taps EAW For Largest Political Rally In SC History" »
 Noted harpist Vincenzo Zitello, recognized as one of the finest Italian musical artists, performs live in concert with sound reinforcement by EAW NT Series self-powered loudspeakers with Gunness Focusing.
Also widely respected for his skills as a composer, Zitello's compositions have often been played in Saint Peter’s Square in Rome to accompany special worship services.
 For live performances, Zitello utilizes his own custom sound reinforcement system that even includes special microphones installed in his harps, along with several premium Neumann overhead mics.
The system, under the direction of Vittorio Sorrentino, Zitello's sound engineer, is led by NT26 loudspeakers, sometimes joined by NTS22 subwoofers. Sorrentino (pictured below) selected the NT Series following an evaluation of numerous loudspeakers.
 "The EAW NT26's are very high quality loudspeakers, and are the only ones that can reproduce the unique sound of the harp with all the harmonics and the complete dynamic range, without any coloration or distortion," explains Sorrentino. "We use two or four NT26, depending on the venue size. They are coupled with NTS22 subwoofers when Vincenzo performs with other musicians.”
In January, 2008, Zitello will be performing at Théâtre Max Jacob in Bretagna-France, a high award for an Italian artist to play Breton music in its homeland. (To learn more about Vincenzo Zitello, click here. Our thanks to Edoardo Ravelli of Exhibo for this information and the photos.)
 Leading hire company Canegreen of London recently deployed its EAW KF760 Series line array inventory for a series of events at London's ExCel Arena, the largest indoor arena venue in the U.K.
The multi-day event series included a live festival for Islam television, followed by Tamil Remembrance Day and then the two-day Nigerian Festival of Life, with attendance sometimes approaching 30,000.
 Canegreen was able to achieve excellent sound reinforcement with a main system headed by left and right line array hangs comprised of 10 KF760 modules above two KF761 wide-dispersion modules, and a dozen SB1000z subwoofers on the deck.
Renowned FOH Engineer Roger Lindsay provided the house mix for all three events (as he did last year), with Canegreen's Paul "PK" Knight and Ace McGrogan on hand throughout to provide expert system engineering and technical support. (Roger, PK and Ace are pictured directly above, left to right.)
 EAW's Moray McMillan (UK Sales Manager) recently caught up with Foreigner FOH Engineer Don Dodge as he travels Europe with the UMX.96 digital console - the board's maiden voyage across the pond. Don reports all is going exceptionally well, both with the tour in general as well as the performance of the console. Moray sends along the recent photo he took at right, showing Don prior to a recent concert at Shepperds Bush.
More dates remain on the Foreigner swing through Europe. Click here to see where and when the tour is appearing in the coming weeks.
 At the recent 2007 ET Live in Orlando, Dave Rat provided the live mix at the EAW stage on an EAW UMX.96 digital console. During a break, the folks at Mix magazine (Editorial Director Tom Kenny and Managing Editor Sarah Benzuly) stopped by to talk with Dave about his experiences this first time out with the board.
Dave notes right up front that overall, he's not too keen on the digital mixing format, still preferring analog. Yet he did find a lot to like about the UMX.96, topped by a demonstration of one of the board's more unique (and fun) features...
In part 2 of the interview, Dave discusses the new EAW MicroWedge line, providing some context as well as his reasons for working with EAW on this coming product series. Click here to go directly to the videos.
 Leading UK hire company Concert Sound continues to keep its EAW KF760 Series line arrays very busy, as evidenced by the recent two-day “Live ‘07” show by the Scout Association of the UK at the new 20,000-seat O2 Arena inside the London Millennium Dome. The dynamic event featured a wide range of live entertainment, including a 20-piece band, 90-piece orchestra and 30-plus member choir. (More than 140 inputs were required.)
Concert Sound elected to go with a main concert system headed by several arrays of KF760 Series modules, also including KF761 wide-coverage modules to attain extended dispersion in nearfield regions. The arrays easily delivered superb full-range output to every seat in the large-scale arena.
 Key system personnel working the event included Simon Wooler (FOH engineer), Matt Mannasse (orchestra engineer), Tim Peeling (system engineer) and Gary Sylvester (monitor engineer).
Concert Sound’s efforts at Live ’07 follows up their successful work with the Scout Association in support of the World Scout Jamboree this past summer, attended by more than 40,000 scouts from around the globe. (Credits for the excellent photos posted here to EAW’s Moray McMillan and the Scout Association.)
 ET Live 2007 in Orlando was a whole lot of fun, but it was also highly productive as well, as thousands turned out in the beautiful weather to get a first-hand look at the numerous EAW advancements in action.
The huge stage, with live performances by Led Zeppelin tribute band Physical Graffiti, featured the new NTL720 "baby" line array modules (BLAM) making a laudable debut. The output-to-size ratio of this exciting new self-powered loudspeaker product proved most impressive, as well as high vocal intelligibility in evidence both with musical programming as well as during introductory remarks by EAW Brand Group Vice President Jeffrey Cox.
 Dave Rat (pictured left) was on hand to provide the mix on an EAW UMX.96 digital console, and he also saw the preliminary introduction of the first of the new EAW MicroWedge products in prototype form. (The new wedges and the console attracted quite the traffic at the house mix position.)
Meanwhile, new KF737 modules, bringing high-Q capabilities while fitting seamlessly within KF730 Series arrays, drew a wide range of rave reviews. Many in attendance also got their first look (and listen) at the new UX8800 digital processor with Gunness Focusing, utilized with the KF730 arrays. (The NTL720's have onboard DSP that includes Gunness Focusing.)
 And, yet another debut came in the form of the new SB1002 subwoofer, featuring convenient flying capabilities and much more.
Filling out the system, which was under the highly capable direction of Howard Burke, were KF650z sidefills and SM12 stage monitors. Harry Brill Jr. ran Smaart throughout the event, with Smaart designated as the official measurement system for the entire event. Stage Audio & Lighting Productions of Longwood, Florida, headed by Phil Kovacevich, provided systems and on-site support throughout the event.
For a photographic look at ET Live '07, click on the link directly below.
Continue reading "Product Debuts & Fun Both In Adundance At ET Live '07" »
 Performance Recording and Sound, founded by Marty Bilecki and based in the Chicago area, just finished up a very successful summer season in providing sound and support at a wide range of live concerts, festivals and events.
A member of EAW ELAN, Performance Sound has earned a reputation for quality equipment and personal service, serving local and national clients since 1991. The company’s A-Line live system is headed by up to 20 EAW KF730 Series small line array modules, and a bit earlier this year, the system was enhanced with the addition of new EAW UX8800 digital processing with Gunness Focusing. “All of the traveling engineers were impressed with the UX8800 processor and the 730 system,” notes Marty.
One highlight was providing sound for the Addision (Illinois) Community Days festival, which featured live performances by Eddie Money, .38 Special and Mickey Thomas of Starship. Images of the system for that gig, along with a picture of Marty, are shown above. Thanks to Marty and his team for providing these photos, and click here to find out more about Performance Sound.
 New England-based sound company SPL Systems recently added dual EAW UX8800 dual-mode digital processors with Gunness Focusing, as well as 12 EAW KF730small line array modules, to its live system inventory.
Located in West Springfield, Massachusetts and founded/owned by Bill Forbes, SPL Systems has been providing full production services for live concert performances, corporate events, fairs, festivals, and event promoters throughout New England for more than a decade. The company also performs top-notch system installation and integration services.
Continue reading "SPL Systems Bolsters Inventory With UX8800, KF730" »
 At ET Live, held in conjunction with LDI 2007 in Orlando next month (November), EAW will be unveiling a wide range of exciting new and pending product developments – all working together as a full-scale live concert reinforcement system!
The fun starts with the newest loudspeaker design from EAW (more about this soon), which will be joined by flown KF730 Series line arrays as well as prototypes of another new loudspeaker, with Gunness Focusing and all other DSP courtesy of UX8800 dual-mode digital processors.
 Low-end will be provided with new, soon-to-be-released EAW SB Series subwoofers. Filling out the loudspeaker complement will be KF650z sidefills and SM12 stage monitoring. The entire system will be driven by Lab.gruppen amplification and tuned with new Smaart v.6; in fact, Smaart has been designated as the official measurement system for the entire event. (The scene at ET Live in Las Vegas last year is shown in the photo at left.)
Continue reading "Dynamic New EAW Developments At Upcoming ET Live!" »
 Big touring news in Europe, where EAW's Moray McMillin reports that four large-scale tours are set to hit the road with EAW concert components in the very near future. U.K. hire company Canegreen will be providing EAW KF760 Series line arrays, as well as new EAW UX8800 digital processing, for a tour by Harry Connick Jr.
Canegreen will also be supplying KF760 Series line arrays for the Gypsy Kings as they tour the U.K. Further, U.K. hire company Concert Sound is supplying the legendary Joe Cocker with an extensive loudspeaker set for his upcoming tour, including KF760 Series joined by KF730 Series compact line arrays and KF750 Series three-way concert loudspeakers.
And, the EAW UMX.96 will be making its European touring debut as Foreigner and FOH Engineer Don Dodge make their way across the pond for a series of dates. (Click here to read more about the UMX.96 with Foreigner.)
Updated itineraries for these tours should soon be available at Pollstar.
 “Smaart has been one of our best investments as a sound company - we call it 'audio for our eyes'. And new Smaart v.6 is even better. The 'Repeat' feature is great for obtaining polarity information, saving a lot of headaches. Easily storing snapshots of frequency response is another invaluable feature, allowing us to conveniently keep all of our inventory 'in check' from show to show, year after year.”
Brent Milton
Owner, Pacific West Sound
Bakersfield, CA
 The September '07 issue of
Front Of House (FOH) Magazine includes a "Road Test" review of new EAW Smaart v.6 filed by Mark Amundson, the publication's technical editor.
Mr. Amundson concisely spells out his favorite features on v.6, and doesn't find much fault. At the outset, he poses the apt question, "Why upgrade?" and then proceeds to inform readers in very clear terms about the numerous advantages, in his view, of v.6.
We thank FOH magazine and Editor Bill Evans for publishing the piece, and also thanks to Mark Amundson for taking the time to check out Smaart v.6 and share his observations. Click here to read the review.
 Creative Events, a leading sound reinforcement company serving the Middle East, recently added EAW UX8800 digital processors with Gunness Focusing technology, as well as EAW KF760 Series and KF730 Series line arrays, to its growing inventory of top-flight professional audio equipment.
Creative Events is one of several companies of Creative Communication Group (CCG), a thriving full-service event management and production venture based in Qatar. Under the direction of Managing Partner Jalal Dudin (shown in photo above), Creative Events provides sound reinforcement systems and services to numerous high-profile concerts, theatrical productions, festivals and other events held throughout the Middle East.
For example, a notable Creative Events project was supplying all audio, video and technical support at more than 110 sports venues during the 2006 Doha Asian Games. In addition, they’ve supported first-time concert tours in the Middle East by performers such as Lionel Richie, Jose Carreras and the late Luciano Pavarotti, among many.
 “After extensive research and consultancy from our experts in the events business, we decided not to waste our time or money with any brands other than EAW for our audio supply,” states Jalal Dudin. “EAW is a worldwide technological leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance professional loudspeaker systems.”
Creative Events is a member of ELAN (EAW Line Array Network), a valuable association network provided by the company that allows members to promote their inventories as well as secure additional EAW inventory when needed. The UX8800 and KF Series line arrays join other EAW components utilized by Creative Events, including SB Series subwoofers, LA Series loudspeakers, SM Series stage monitors and more.
 Last weekend (September 15, to be exact), Mexico celebrated its national independence day, and our friends at Consorcio Audiovisa S.A de C.V. of Mexico City were on hand to provide EAW KF730 Series line arrays as the primary components of a sound reinforcement system for a civic ceremony in Tlalnepantla, one of the most important cities in the state of Mexico.
More than 15,000 converged on Tlalnepantla's Plaza Cívica Dr. Gustavo Baz for the ceremony, which featured remarks by the city president as well as a host of traditional festivities. To provide coverage throughout the plaza, Consorcio Audiovisa, a member of ELAN and owned by Alex and José Luis Morales, supplied 24 KF730 modules as well as 16 EAW SB1000z subwoofers as the key aspects of the system, backed by full technical support.
 All of these EAW loudspeakers were divided evenly into four groundstacked sets of six line array modules and four subwoofers, spaced equidistantly across the front of the plaza.
They were the exclusive source for all spoken-word presentations, and were also used to significantly bolster coverage for various musical performances, including Mariachi bands.
"Sound pressure levels generated by our system measured 105 dB at 60 meters," notes Alex Morales. "Overall, the results were amazing, with perfect coverage to every zone in the plaza."
 Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) is pleased to announce that it will be the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of the renowned MicroWedge Series of stage monitor products under the terms of a new agreement between LOUD Technologies Inc. and MicroWedge developer Rat Sound Systems Inc. of Oxnard, CA.
The Perpetual License agreement between the two entities calls for current products to be branded “EAW MicroWedge,” fully supported by the resources of EAW. Further, Rat Sound Founder Dave “Rat” Levine, creator of MicroWedge and other acclaimed sound reinforcement designs, will be working closely with the EAW Engineering Department on the development of new MicroWedge models as well as other EAW touring products.
“In securing this preeminent floor monitor line for our worldwide customer base, EAW is once again demonstrating its commitment to true performance audio by bringing the best in both design and talent to the EAW brand,” explains Jeffrey Cox, Vice President of the EAW Brand Group, shown in the above photo with Dave Rat. “We continually populate the EAW family and brand relationships with experienced, talented visionaries who combine their unique skills to push audio forward. Our partnership with Dave is a prime example of this philosophy.”
Continue reading "EAW To Manufacture, Distribute MicroWedge Series" »
 Last week (September 9), Stock Audio & Light provided a high-end sound reinforcement system featuring dual EAW UX8800 digital processors in tandem with KF760 Series line arrays for a memorial concert by the Limburg Symphony Orchestra that marked the liberation of the Netherlands in World War II.
The concert, held on the grounds of the American Battle Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten, the Netherlands, was highlighted by a performance of Verdi’s Requiem, accompanied by the Vocal Collective, a 60-member choir from Belgium.
 Stock Audio, based in Geleen, the Netherlands, worked with the concert’s front-of-house engineer, Jo Smeets, to assemble a system providing enough headroom to reach a coverage area spanning beyond 150 meters (approximately 500 feet), while also capable of presenting a very natural sonic signature.
The sound team responded with a main system featuring dual line arrays, each comprised of six EAW KF760 modules above two KF761 wide-dispersion modules, flown stage left and right.
 Low-frequencies were reinforced with eight EAW LA400 subwoofers with bent horn technology, groundstacked in groups of four beneath the main arrays. All loudspeakers were driven with LabGruppen fp6400 power amplifiers, with a DiGiCo D1 serving as house console and a Midas XL4 for monitors, largely for pre-mixing string instruments.
Holland PA, EAW’s distributor for the region, supplied two EAW UX8800 digital processors with Gunness Focusing for evaluation with this system. During soundcheck the day prior to the concert, Stock Audio Owner Paul Pelen immediately noted the significant upgrade in sonic performance provided by the UX8800 units, and in fact, decided on the spot to purchase them.
Continue reading "Stock Audio: UX8800 Success Story At Orchestra Concert" »
 New England-based SPL (Sound Plus Lighting) Systems recently added dual EAW UX8800 digital processors with Gunness Focusing, as well as 12 EAW KF730 small line array modules, to its live system inventory.
Based in Agawam, Massachusetts and headed by Bill Forbes, SPL Systems has been providing full production services for corporate events, fairs, festivals, and to event promoters throughout New England for more than a decade. The company also performs top-notch system installation and integration services. (Photo credit to SPL Systems for use of the photo at right.)
The UX8800 and KF730 line arrays join numerous other EAW models in the SPL Systems stable, including KF850z, LA400, UB2199-WP, FR129z, and JF80z.
 "The promoter and band were so impressed with the sound that from this point on, they won't use another vendor." - Rafael Jaimes, Audiospectrum
It was sound in the round at its finest in New York's Madison Square Garden, where Audiospectrum recently provided a full 360 degrees of audio reinforcement for a concert by Dominican Republic band Aventura, presenting their unique blend of bachata, hip hop, r&b, and reggaeton for a sold-out crowd of more than 17,000. The show is in support of the wildly popular band's fifth album, KOB Live.
Headed by Rafael Jaimes, Boston-based Audiospectrum is frequently tapped to provide sound reinforcement for concerts and events in Madison Square Garden, and for Aventura, they deployed a total of 52 EAW KF760 Series line array loudspeakers - 40 KF760 and 12 KF761 - to provide front, side and out-fill coverage. Rear coverage came courtesy of dual clusters of venerable EAW KF850z full-range loudspeakers, each in a "2 over 2" configuration.
 And talk about low-end energy: Audiospectrum deployed 24 EAW BH760 bent-horn subwoofers. "This rocked the Garden like you would not believe - not only in terms of volume but the overall sound quality of the bass," Rafael says.
"Overall with the sound design, we made absolutely sure sound was in your face throughout the arena, all the way to the last seat in the house," he adds, also noting that both the FOH mix of Ramiro Samper and monitor mix by Peter Sawyer worked perfectly with the sound design in further enhancing the performance.
 Here's a handy roster of links to access Martyn "Ferrit" Rowe's blog entries as an EAW UMX.96 digital console makes its inaugural tour with Foreigner and FOH Engineer Don Dodge.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Note From Don Dodge
 We just received the following note from FOH Engineer Don Dodge, who's been utilizing the EAW UMX.96 digital console on its maiden touring voyage with Foreigner this summer. Don and Ferrit are pictured at left.
"The console is working out like a dream - I’m totally loving it! We’re blowing everyone’s mind with this board. It just sings. So many people coming up after shows to tell me how good it sounded.
"Ferrit has been incredible - what a fantastic guy. It’s really easy to learn from him, and he’s so smart it blows your mind. He’s been such a great help.
"Thanks very much to EAW and Jeffrey for trusting in me enough to run with your new 'baby'."
- Don Dodge
 EAW's Martyn "Ferrit" Rowe is providing us with live reports as an EAW UMX.96 digital console makes its inaugural tour with Foreigner and FOH Engineer Don Dodge.
Verizon Center, VA Beach
August 18, 2007
I’m writing this from the front lounge of the Foreigner crew bus that has been my home for a couple of weeks, and I thought I’d include some pics of the folks working so hard on this traveling show. (Click here to see more photos.) Nine buses, nine 53-foot semi’s and over 50 production and support people.
I’d like to give a shout out to some of the great people who make it happen out here. So, in no particular order: Don Dodge, Robbie Price, Rocko, Gary Luizzo (Styx FOH), Pilgrim (Leppard’s monitor engineer), Alphonso, Dave the bus driver, Dan the truck driver, the FOH Karaoke crew (Ted Bible, Ronan and the lovely Leslie), LD’s Kenji-san, Libby, and Cosmo. And - the Foreigner crew: Jody, John, Roy, Ted and Barry. Sorry in advance if I left anyone out. Rock on, my brothers and sisters.
Foreigner has the opening slot today, and for a bit of a change, they've updated the set list to include “I Wanna Know What Love Is" and "Feels Like The First Time". After the set, the Foreigner crew is driving down to Florida for a corporate gig while Def Leppard is taking a two-day break. So as soon as the gear is packed, it’s a tearful goodbye and then they're off.
I stayed until the end of the show to get the UMX.96 packed and onto Foreigner's truck, and then I’m off with the runner to catch a 7 am flight home. I’ll be catching back up with the tour when it comes to my home town, Las Vegas, in about a week’s time. In the meantime, click the link directly below to check more photos.
Continue reading "Ferrit's Blog - UMX.96 On Tour With Foreigner, Day 10" »
 EAW's Martyn "Ferrit" Rowe is providing us with live reports as an EAW UMX.96 digital console makes its inaugural tour with Foreigner and FOH Engineer Don Dodge.
Nissan Pavilion, Washington DC
August 17, 2007
I forgot to mention that the last show day was also the anniversary of the Ferrit’s hatching. The Foreigner crew surprised me with a birthday cake! The recording we did at the previous show went very well - the delay established on the UMX.96 outputs to line up the tracks was within two samples, so it was real easy to slip the tracks for perfect sync.
Today was hot and humid, and an afternoon rainstorm didn't help matters. We had the middle slot again, which was lucky since Mick Jones, lead guitar for Foreigner, was flying up from NY and the weather grounded his flight. He landed at the local airport, rushed to the venue and made it with moments to spare! Once again Foreigner played a blistering set and 50 minutes went by just like that.
 A bit of drama during the show - Tom Gimbel’s saxophone wireless mic wasn’t working but the onstage crew got the spare up and running before the solo in “Emergency”... and nobody noticed. The stage guys have a whole host of “what-if” procedures planned and it’s almost automatic, like a well-oiled machine, they just “clicked” into place.
We recorded the show again and the 25,000 screaming fans almost overloaded the mic tracks. As a result, the sample rate was upped to 96 kHz, and we also deployed a bigger hard drive.
Another rapid load out (under two hours), and on to Virginia Beach.
EAW's Martyn "Ferrit" Rowe is providing us with live reports as an EAW UMX.96 digital console makes its inaugural tour with Foreigner and FOH Engineer Don Dodge.
PNC, Holmdel, NJ
August 15, 2007
After a quick breakfast we find our way to the FOH position and get the boards set up. Today we're also going to establish a small recording rig - taking a left and right line out from the UMX.96 digital console, along with two ambience mics at FOH. These four tracks are routed to a ProTools LE via a Digidesign interface and a firewire hard drive.
Don sets up a pair of Matrix outputs and assigns Mix L and R to them; a small amount of compression is applied. Using Smaart’s delay locator, the distance from the PA to the mics is found, and this delay is added to the Matrix outputs. Now all four tracks are in sync.
Tomorrow is another day off so we'll get a chance to hear the recorded tracks - I’ll be letting you know how they turned out.
 Click on the image at right to view a very cool time-lapse of the complete show build for the recent concert by the London Symphony Orchestra in Daytona Beach, where Stage Audio & Lighting Productions of Longwood, Florida, deployed a system featuring EAW KF Series line arrays and UX8800 digital processing.
The time-lapse video was done by Jeremy Goldstein of i.n.i.t.i.a.l., who works as a much sought after free-lance audio engineer and technician, based in central Florida. Jeremy was on hand to lend his audio talents throughout the week at numerous Daytona performances leading up to the LSO grand finale at the Ocean Center. We'll have more coverage of sound for the event posted here soon. Our thanks to Jeremy for capturing and posting the time-lapse, which is very instructive in showing just how much effort goes into a successful first-class production.
 EAW's Martyn "Ferrit" Rowe is providing us with live reports as an EAW UMX.96 digital console makes its inaugural tour with Foreigner and FOH Engineer Don Dodge.
Jones Beach
August 14, 2007
After a day off, we’re all rested and ready to go. Today we have the middle slot, which means that once again we have only 20 minutes for changeover, and the first time Don gets to hear the system through the UMX.96 will be the intro track. How does he make sure that his system EQ is going to work for the room?
The trick is to check in with System Crew Chief Ted Bible and Def Leppard FOH Engineer Rowan McQue to see what’s happening during the system tune. There is an overall system EQ, and then each engineer puts his own personal preference curve, which in the case of the UMX.96 is the built-in RTA31 band available on each output.
Other good news - I think in all the years I’ve played this venue, it’s the first time it didn’t rain! Tomorrow we're going to set up a small recording rig and make a live recording - should be fun, interesting and instructive.
Special Report By Ben Olswang
In addition to being out on the road with Foreigner, another EAW UMX.96 digital console has just been put through its paces at the Capital Hill Block Party in Seattle, where it garnered high praise from all who used it under the most stressful of all mix positions: monitor world. The event also marked another successful run for the new EAW UX8800 digital processor with Gunness Focusing.
The Block Party featured three stages hosting live music, with sound provided by EAW and Mackie components. The main stage system, under the direction of Carlson Audio, offered coverage from two stacks (left and right) of EAW KF750s paired with four SB1000 subwoofers, with processing courtesy of the UX8800. A second, networked UX8800 provided delay lines feeding five towers made up of Mackie SA1232z and SWA2801z covering each of the four streets intersecting the stage.
 Also at the main stage, the UMX.96 ran eight stage mixes for EAW NT59 stage monitors, Mackie SA1232z/SWA1801z side fills, and an SA1521z plus SWA2801z combination for drum monitor. All processing was done in the console, including EQ, compressors, and gates on inputs, and limiters and graphic EQs on the outputs. This made load in a breeze - no patching required other than inputs and outputs.
Monitor Engineer Tom Meyers (who’s also a Mackie tech support guru) was at the controls of the console for the whole day through the hot summer sun. It was a true festival with five different bands throughout the day and only a half-hour changeover between acts. Each group was very different, ranging from a two-piece drum and keys combo to a hip-hop act with a full band to a power rock quartet.
Continue reading "UMX.96 & UX8800 Key To Systems For Seattle Block Party" »
 EAW's Martyn "Ferrit" Rowe is providing us with live reports as an EAW UMX.96 digital console makes its inaugural tour with Foreigner and FOH Engineer Don Dodge.
Mansfield, Massachusetts
August 11, 2007
Today Foreigner joined up with Styx and Def Leppard, with Foreigner and Styx taking turns to play the opening or middle slot. Today was Foreigner's turn to open. At 4 p.m., after all the semis have unloaded and lights, sound, video and staging crews have done their thing, Def Leppard appears for a soundcheck after a 10-day break.
At about 5, it's time for Foreigner to set up - their stage setup is on rolling risers that have been pre-built backstage. In less than 10 minutes, there's very quick line check, and here’s where the comprehensive channel metering on the UMX.96 comes into play. Don Dodge is able to rapidly confirm visually every channel.
 Doors open and at 7 p.m. the intro is rolling. Tonight’s set is a 50-minute version, and before I realize it, it’s over. The crew has 20 minuntes to get Foreigner off and Styx set up (which they manage with a minute to spare).
The Foreigner crew get their truck loaded, and we get to see some of the Def Leppard set before we leave to beat the traffic. Tomorrow: Hershey, PA.
EAW's Martyn "Ferrit" Rowe is providing us with live reports as an EAW UMX.96 digital console makes its inaugural tour with Foreigner and FOH Engineer Don Dodge. He's taking a break, but check back soon when he picks up the story.
Foxwoods Casino, Connecticut
August 5, 2007
Woke up outside the casino and stumble inside, looking for the Fox Theatre - this place is huge! We are greeted by the Production Manager, Robbie Price, and shown to catering and then it’s time for load in. Surprise - the Foxwoods crew have beat us to it, so everything’s already in, and it’s going to be an easy day. We chat with Steve Gamelin, Lead Audio Tech, and were soon hooked up, with the system purring along.
Once again I find myself giving extended tours of the console (maybe I should charge admission). We do the customary line-check with the roadie band - it’s an old Thin Lizzy tune today, then before I realize it, it’s show time. The band plays a blistering set, Jason seems intent on breaking the drum kit and songs like “Feels Like the First Time” and “Urgent” have the audience up and into the aisles.
 After the show tonight we part company with Don and the boys. They're off to do two fly dates without the desk, although “Digital Don Dodge” (D3) looked like he would check the console as baggage if he could take it with him. We meet up again in Boston for a run with Def Leppard and Styx, and I’ll tell you all about it here. (Thanks to Dana Bourke for these fine photos!)
EAW's Martyn "Ferrit" Rowe is providing us with live reports as an EAW UMX.96 digital console makes its inaugural tour with Foreigner and FOH Engineer Don Dodge. Check back in daily for the latest from Ferrit on how it's going.
Trump Casino, Atlantic City
August 4, 2007
Today finds us indoors at the Grand Cayman ballroom in “The Donald’s” casino. I thought it would be nice to get in from the weather and humidity today - I live in Vegas where high humidity is low double-digits, but the A/C was so cold I noticed my hands were a little blue.
We actually had a real soundcheck, where the boys - Mick Jones, Jason Bonham, Kelly Hansen, Jeff Jacobs, Tom Gimbel and Jeff Pilson - treated us to an extended medley of Led Zeppelin riffs.
 The show was once again a flawless rendition of the hits - “Dirty White Boy” and “Jukebox Hero” amongst others.
Don now seems really at home on the console and is starting to explore some of the extended features, such as the Smaart integration. (Note the photo at the top of this post.)
The Trump Casino A/V crew got us out in record time, and we're off to the Foxwoods Casino. (And a big thanks to Dana Bourke for these excellent photos.)
EAW's Martyn "Ferrit" Rowe is providing us with live reports as an EAW UMX.96 digital console makes its inaugural tour with Foreigner and FOH Engineer Don Dodge. Check back in daily for the latest from Ferrit on how it's going.
Senaca Niagara Casino Hotel, Niagara Falls
August 3, 2007
Wake up at about 9:00 am and scramble into the hotel for a quick shower and a spot of breakfast. My hotel room is on the 23rd floor and the view of the Falls is stunning. After I tear my eyes away, I notice a stage far below me in the corner of the parking lot and realize that it's going to be our new temporary home for today.
After setting up the UMX96, I spent about an hour going over the feature-set with various interested parties. I think someone is spreading the word because we even got some people from local sound companies who “heard” that the new EAW console was here and just popped along to have a quick look.
Today’s sound system, supplied by the Seneca Niagara Hotel and manned by their able crew, is an EAW730 rig with SB1000 subwoofers. After a quick system tune Don and his back line crew step through their paces and today’s rendition from the crew band appears to be a blues standard.
 The support band finishes up, the intro tape roles and Foreigner storms the stage. It’s during “Cold as Ice” I realize that these aren’t songs- they're anthems, and the 16,000 member audience are not only singing every word but are hanging on every guitar lick and keyboard solo. This puts immense pressure on the house engineer (that would be Don, pictured at right) to faithfully and accurately reproduce this for the audience - you cannot miss a single bit.
The layout of the UMX96, with a fader for every channel, means no hunting through pages to find what you want, everything is right under your fingertips. Another load-out and we're off to Atlantic City.
 EAW's Martyn "Ferrit" Rowe is providing us with live reports as an EAW UMX.96 digital console makes its inaugural tour with Foreigner and FOH Engineer Don Dodge. Check back in daily for the latest from Ferrit on how it's going.
Charles Ives Center For The Arts, Danbury, CT
August 2, 2007
When we said we were going to do field trials of the UMX.96 console with Foreigner, I had no idea how literal that was. A picturesque meadow with a covered stage (gazebo?) perched in the edge of a lake was going to be our first outing on the current Foreigner World Tour 2007.
The EAW field team of Dana Bourke and myself were on hand to assist veteran FOH Engineer Don Dodge (pictured below) with a transition from analog to digital. After a team of stalwart chappies had hand carried/dragged the console up to the FOH position at about noon, the console was put up on it’s easy-tilt and the cover removed where it attracted a crowd.
 A demonstration of the feature set and user interface (the first of many that day) ensued. With the able assistance of the local sound provider, RKE Productions Inc, we were ready to start system tuning by about 2 pm. Don had pre-programmed the board on an earlier visit to Woodinville, so we were ready to commence line-check.
The band instruments were put through their paces and a couple of “standards” were bashed out by the roadie band of John Pelligrinelli, Ted Strain and Roy Kelly with Barry Foy on monitors. Later, a capacity crowd of over 3,500 were up on their feet and stayed that way.
 This year Jason Bonham is the driving force behind the drum kit, powering the endless succession of hits by Foreigner, and before I realized it , the encores were upon us and then the walk out music was playing.
A beaming Don Dodge accepted a stream of compliments “how great it sounded” from audience members as they passed the mix position. A one-hour load-out and then we piled on to the bus for the next show...
 EAW Smaart Version 6 (v.6) has been nominated for a 2007 Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Award in the category of Outstanding Technical Achievement, Ancillary Equipment, with online voting now open to Mix magazine subscribers. Click here to go directly to the voting location.
Smaart v.6 sound system measurement and analysis software features a comprehensive re-write of its underlying architecture that dramatically enhances multi-tasking, in addition to a new streamlined interface for simpler operation and for the first time ever, full compatibility with Macintosh OS X
 The TEC Awards was established by Mix in 1985 to honor outstanding achievement in the professional recording and sound production industry. The nominations are made by a panel of approximately 165 audio industry professionals.
The winners of the 23rd Annual TEC Awards will be announced at a ceremony at the Marriott Marquis during the 2007 AES Convention in New York City.
 Stage Audio & Lighting Productions of Longwood, Florida is providing a top-shelf sound system, including EAW line arrays and UX8800 processing, for an exclusive "Pops" concert performance by the London Symphony Orchestra this coming weekend (7/28) in Daytona Beach.
Headed by Phil Kovacevich, Stage Audio & Lighting Productions is a leading live event company noted for its work in providing systems and superior technical support to touring and corporate clients. They will be supplying sound reinforcement to the 46,000-square-foot main arena at the Ocean Center in Daytona with a rig featuring EAW KF760 line arrays over KF730 line arrays, all finely tuned via UX8800 processing with Gunness Focusing. EAW's Jamie Anderson will also be on hand to support Stage Audio's efforts, including working with the company on optimization of the system utilizing EAW Smaart v.6.
In addition, a mix of EAW NT56 and NT59 self-powered loudspeakers with Gunness Focusing, as well as NTS22 subwoofers, will be deployed for various smaller events throughout the area, including live performances by string quartets and small ensembles. NT Series loudspeaker might also be utilized for supplemental fill during the main concert.
 Leading UK-based hire company Concert Sound will be providing concert sound systems for all stages - many of them headlined by EAW KF760 Series line arrays in addition to the new UX8800 digital processor - for the upcoming World Scout Jamboree to be held in Essex, UK, over the course of more than a week.
More than 40,000 scouts and event volunteers from in excess of 250 countries (more than the Olympic Games!) will be in attendance at the jamboree, with opening ceremonies in late July featuring an appearance by Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth. A diverse assortment of programming will be presented throughout the run of the event on several stages.
 The jamboree main stage will be outfitted with three hangs of EAW KF760 (the arena is very asymetrical), joined by SB1000z subwoofers. These will be enhanced by center-, in- and out-fills of KF750 Series full-range loudspeakers, with KF750/755 also extending coverage on delay. New UX8800 processors will also be deployed with this system. The two primary smaller stages will feature KF761/SB1000 and KF730/SB730/SB1000 combinations. (We'll be presenting more info and photos from the jamboree soon.)
 It’s often noted that audio is not “rocket science.” True enough - unless, of course, it is. Troy Gwin and his team at ACS Sound and Lighting, based in Columbia, S.C., recently took on an “audio as rocket science” challenge presented by the University of Sound Carolina on behalf of Lockheed Martin Corporation and NASA (U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration), utilizing sound reinforcement technology to test a Space Shuttle rocket component.
ACS was tasked with duplicating the acoustic noise conditions found inside of rocket fuel tanks during liftoff, specifically, testing the effects of high sound pressure levels on tiny (less than quarter-inch diameter) acoustic sensors designed by Lockheed Martin to monitor SPL within the tanks.
 The test required generating electro-acoustic output (in this case, pink noise) matching a NASA response curve depicting constant SPL above 120 dB at 30 Hz to 10 kHz, with a peak in excess of 135 dB at 400 Hz. This output, conforming to the response curve, needed to be sustained for a period of three minutes at a distance of two feet.
To generate the output, ACS assembled a system comprised of three cart-stacked EAW KF760 large-format line array modules joined by two EAW BH760 horn-loaded subwoofers (a.k.a. “SuperSubs”), with the loudspeakers aimed outdoors through a large back door at the ACS warehouse to avoid slap-back and reverberation generated by wall surfaces. (Troy Gwin and Travis Banks of ACS are shown above right with the rig.)
Continue reading "ACS Deploys EAW System, Smaart In Rocket Science Quest" »
The new UX8800 4-input x 8-output digital processor has been created expressly to provide revolutionary Gunness Focusing alignment and driver processing algorithms and protection technology to an ever-growing number of conventional EAW loudspeakers. And with true dual-mode capability, the UX8800 operates either as a standard system processor, or, using the uploadable Gunness Focusing settings, as a loudspeaker-specific processor. Get the full scoop here and here.
The UX8800 provides an unprecedented degree of consistency and interoperability between EAW systems. Users can be confident that cross-rented systems will all have the same starting processing settings. And because of Gunness Focusing, that starting point is phenomenal clarity and fidelity.
Another notable aspect is that in its dual role as a comprehensive digital system processor, the UX8800 is intimately linked to EAW Smaart and FChart acoustic measurement and analysis systems. This is crucial to users and engineers in that it guarantees both standard and “Grey Box” processing exactly matches the processor settings determined in the laboratory by EAW engineers.
Again, more details here and here.
 Once again, Consorcio Audiovisa S.A de C.V. of Mexico City supplied and supported a large-scale rig featuring EAW KF730 compact line arrays and EAW SB1000 subwoofers - as well as EAW LA Series loudspeakers for stage monitoring - for the annual Festival Internacional Ollin Kan.
The lively month-long music festival is held in Bosque de Tlalpan before culminating with shows in Zocalo, the main square in Mexico City. The 2007 version featured 72 musical groups and artists from around the globe, celebrating music and dance of the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America, Asia and Europe, Africa and America.
 Consorcio Audiovisa, a member of ELAN and owned by José Luis and Alex Morales, supplied sound reinforcement and support for all Festival Ollin Kan dates. They deployed arrays made up of KF730 line array modules to each side of the stage (flown or stacked, depending upon facilities), with SB1000 sub stacks beneath each array. In Mexico City, which presents an extremely wide coverage area, the main arrays were supplemented by two more KF730 arrays posted to the very far left and right of the stage, again with SB1000 subs underneath.
Continue reading "Another Festival Ollin Kan Success For Audiovisa In Mexico" »
 Premier PA hire company Pronorte Sonido of Asturias, Spain, is supplying EAW KF730 compact line arrays as the key components of a full sound reinforcement system and technical support for Madrid concert performances by Argentinian comedy-musical group Les Luthiers.
Formed in 1967, Les Luthiers is very popular among numerous Spanish speaking countries in both Europe and South/Central America. The five-member group is known for its hommade musical instruments (the term “luthiers” is French for "musical instrument maker"), which are employed in their performances, accompanied by refined humor.
 The sold-out Madrid shows by Les Luthiers, titled “Las Obras de Ayer,” are being held in the 1,900-seat Palacio Municipal de Congresos. And, as they have in several trips to Spain, the group has once again selected Pronorte Sonido to provide the concert sound system and support.
Miguel Zagorodny of Buenos Aires, sound technician for Les Luthiers over the past 10-plus years, is most concerned with exceptional intelligibility and solid coverage throughout the entire listening area. Working with Pronorte, he has formulated a left-center-right main loudspeaker rig to meet these goals for the Madrid dates.
Continue reading "KF730 From Pronorte For Les Luthiers Live In Madrid" »
This just in: EAW Smaart Version 6 (v.6) has been nominated for a 2007 Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Award in the category of Outstanding Technical Achievement, Ancillary Equipment.
Smaart v.6 sound system measurement and analysis software features a comprehensive re-write of its underlying architecture that dramatically enhances multi-tasking, in addition to a new streamlined interface for simpler operation and for the first time ever, full compatibility with Macintosh OS X
The TEC Awards was established by Mix magazine in 1985 to honor outstanding achievement in the professional recording and sound production industry. The nominations are made by a panel of approximately 165 audio industry professionals.
Qualified Mix subscribers will make the final determination via an online ballot beginning August 1. (Don't forget to vote!) The winners of the 23rd Annual TEC Awards will be announced at a ceremony at the Marriott Marquis during the 2007 AES Convention in New York City.
 U.K.-based Peak Sound and Light has recently chosen to invest in EAW KF730 Series SLAM line arrays (16 KF730 full-range modules and eight SB730 subwoofers) as the latest addition to the Cheltenham-based lighting and sound rental company’s inventory.
“I’ve been a big fan of EAW for a number of years, and when the need for a new system arose, my first thoughts turned to the SLAM (Small Line Array Module) system from EAW,” says Karl Ashman, managing director of Peak. “The company and products have always impressed me.”
 Peak selected the KF730 Series primarily due to its scalability and modular design, as Karl explains. “As a company we work on a wide variety of events – everything from a small conference to large outdoor events – the system we have bought will give us the capability to cover all of the events we work on.”
Peak's new KF730 arrays are shown in the two photos with this post, serving the recent "Making our Mark" event in London. For more about this application, as well as photos of another recent Peak application of the rig and additional commentary, click on the link directly below.
Continue reading "Peak Sound Invests In KF730 Series To Bolster Inventory" »
 Pop divas the Sugababes have just completed a concert tour of the UK, Ireland and Europe to promote their new release Overloaded, with the EAW KF760 Series-led PA provided by top-flight UK-based touring company Concert Sound.
The tour appeared in a range of venues offering different sizes and configurations, dictating a flexible system approach. The largest iteration of the system, deployed at London's Wembley Arena, included 14 KF760 full-range line array modules and three KF761 wide coverage modules per side, joined by six KF750 full-range concert loudspeakers, three KF755 downfill loudspeakers and 12 SB1000 subwoofers on each side.
 Supplemental coverage came courtesy of medium-format KF300 loudspeakers for infill and compact JF80 for lipfill. Loudspeaker processing and control was provided by XTA DP448s and DP226s which were operated via XTA AudioCore software and a WISER wireless network. (All photos with this post were provided by Aron Ross of Concert Sound, who served as system technician for the tour. Thanks Aron! Also, our thanks to Gasoline Media for their editorial contributions.)
 Long-time EAW user Carlson Audio of Seattle is providing the sound reinforcement system and experienced support for the current concert tour by Billboard chart toppers Modest Mouse, with the system headlined by EAW KF760 Series line arrays. The tour just kicked off last week and is currently crossing the U.S. and Canada before heading on to Europe for an extensive set of dates.
 Carlson Audio, headed by company founder Mark Carlson, has dispatched veteran sound engineer Allan Bagley (shown at left) to serve as head system tech, where he rides herd over a rig that varies from show to show due to the diverse styles of venues being visited by the tour. Generally, the flown main arrays are made up of several KF760 full-range line array modules above two to three KF761 specialized downfill/wide dispersion modules that help meet coverage needs at the front of the audience areas.
 "The KF760 rig is doing its usual fine job of meeting and exceeding whatever full-range coverage needs that happen to come up along the way," Bagley noted during system setup prior to a sold-out show at Chicago's Auditorium Theatre. The system is enhanced with EAW SB1000 dual-18-inch-loaded subwoofers as well as compact EAW loudspeakers placed at the front of the stage when needed to offer additional front-fill to the very first rows. Further, venerable EAW KF850 full-range loudspeakers are supplying stage fill.
To check out the system at an upcoming date of the Modest Mouse tour, click here.
By Tim Millkan, Production Audio Services
The Leeuwin Estate Summer Concert is an annual highlight of Australia’s cultural calendar, featuring a top musical artist performing in a beautiful open-air concert setting outside the small town of Margaret River. The Leeuwin Estate being a winery (and a very good one by the way) makes the event quite nice indeed, with talent that is top shelf as well. Sting, Ray Charles, Tom Jones are some of the featured performers of past concerts, and this year, Simply Red took the stage for two consecutive nights in front of audiences numbering 14,000 each show.
I had the opportunity to support the long-time sound company for the event, Audex Concert Sound of Northbridge, West Australia, fulfilling the role of chief systems engineer. My duties included implementing the new EAW UX8800 digital processor in its maiden voyage on a live show, along with aligning, tuning and anything else related to getting the system ready for Gary Bradshaw, Simply Red’s front-of-house engineer. (Click here for more information about the UX8800)
 Audex Concert Sound does an excellent job – supplying gear of the highest quality and audio people to match. Joining company owner Keith Crammond were Alan Thompson (FOH assistant), Ryan Fallis (monitor rigger) and Dave Keys (general audio assistant). Meanwhile, my own experience with professional audio is diverse and dates back about 25 years, from all stripes of work to recording to broadcast to live sound. Now working as an audio engineer with Production Audio Services based in Blackburn, Victoria, my preference lies with live FOH and broadcast.
Continue reading "Audex Deploys New UX8800 For Simply Red In Concert" »
 Anderson Audio of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania has added 20 EAW KF760 Series line array loudspeakers to its diverse audio system inventory. The new KF760 full-range and KF761 down-fill modules are capable of providing high-impact sound reinforcement for arena and stadium applications.
In addition, Anderson Audio has further bolstered its concert sound capabilities with the addition of 16 EAW SB1000 double-18-inch subwoofers. All of these new components join EAW KF730 compact line array loudspeakers as well as EAW JF80 compact loudspeakers and EAW SM200 stage monitors already in the company’s inventory.
Continue reading "Anderson Audio Adds KF760 Series, SB1000 To Inventory" »
 A recent concert by venerable rock band Foreigner at the Emerald Queen Casino (EQC) I-5 in Tacoma, Washington entertained a sold-out crowd of more than 2,500 - and the show was heard via an EAW UMX.96 Digital Live Console (pdf) in its first-ever public application. By the way, it passed with flying colors!
The UMX.96 was patched into a house system at the EQC I-5 Showroom that also features EAW KF850z Series concert loudspeakers in a design provided by Carlson Audio of Seattle. Foreigner Front-Of-House Engineer Don Dodge (shown in the accompany photos at the board) took the helm and quickly got comfortable with the layout and functionality of the UMX.96, with EAW's Martyn "Ferrit" Rowe on hand to provide support, joined by Ben Olswang and Dana Bourke as well as Jeffrey Cox, VP of the EAW Brand Group.
 "Don had spent a bit of time with the UMX prior to the show, and had built some of his mix into it," reports Ferrit. "So certainly by the end of soundcheck at the show, he was quite comfortable and confident in the board, its operation and capabilities. And as the show went on, you could see that comfort level only increase."
The UMX.96 also provided an exciting preview of its multifaceted capabilities, supplying all onboard effects for the show as well. The only exception proved to be one outboard unit patched in to generate an exceptionally long effect on a couple of Foreigner songs.
"We were 'taking the temperature' of the UMX, so to speak, and it passed with flying colors," Ferrit adds. "The board proved very easy to set up and understand, and it functioned seamlessly - there wasn't a single 'hiccup' in the entire show. It was great to hear the compliments directed Don's way by several people, particularly in regard to the sound quality."
 The new UMX.96 digital mixing console re-defines performance benchmarks, offering more power, control and integration than any digital live console on the market today. With its open-ended architecture and next-generation processing, the UMX.96 is nothing less than an integrated live sound control system, providing end-to-end control of the signal chain.
 A recent two-day ministry outreach by Nicky Cruz in Sydney, Australia drew thousands to Acer Arena, served by a large-scale sound system provided by Norwest Productions that featured an impressive collection of loudspeakers highlighting the depth and versatility of the EAW KF Series line. And, the event also served as a demo of the soon-coming EAW UX8800 digital processor outfitted with Gunness Focusing technology.
The large-scale system consisted of a mix of KF760/761 line arrays as well as KF730small line arrays, KF750 full-range concert system and SB1000 subwoofers. Expertly put together by Norwest Productions, working closely with the event sound designer, these components provided their usual top-notch performance in supplying dynamic coverage to the entire 21,000-plus capacity arena.
 But the biggest news was the UX8800 evaluation. EAW's James Bamlett, on hand with the new EAW processors, provides this first-hand account: "The sound designer and system engineer agreed to allow the running of one side of the KF760's on the UX8800's on the morning of the second show. The other side was processed on premium processing units, and had been tuned for the show. It was sounding very good as it was, and the designer was very pleased with the system."
Continue reading "Big KF System Down Under... And A UX8800 Trial Run!" »
 In 2006, sound company Consorcio Audiovisa S.A de C.V. of Mexico City supplied and supported a large-scale rig featuring EAW KF730 compact line arrays as well as EAW SB1000 subwoofers for Festival Internacional Ollin Kan 2006. The lively music festival, held in Zocalo, the main square in Mexico City, offered performances by diverse artists from Mexico, Europe and South Africa.
Consorcio Audiovisa S.A. de C.V., owned by José Luis and Alex Morales and an EAW ELAN member company, deployed main arrays made up of KF730 modules to the left and right of the large stage, with SB1000 sub stacks beneath each array. Two more KF730 arrays were posted to the very far left and right of the stage to bolster coverage to the extremely wide audience area. In total, the system was comprised of 48 KF730 modules and 24 SB1000 subwoofers.
 "There are numerous things to like about KF730's, starting with their great response," explains Alex Morales. "They provide huge SPL from such small boxes, so the size-to-power relationship is outstanding. Further, the mid/high signature is excellent. KF730's are also very easy to transport due to their compact size and low weight, and they're really easy to fly. Finally, there is the advantage of connection versatility and the impedance relationship, where we're able to drive four boxes with one power amplifier."
Morales adds that Consorcio Audiovisa was selected to provide sound for the festival because of its reputation for excellent service and equipment, and the KF730 has played a significant role in that strategy. "The KF730 has helped us enhance the events we work, and has opened doors to expand our client base. I'm also happy to report that we have already been invited to return to provide sound at this same festival in 2007."
 A new ELAN (EAW Line Array Network) section is now posted at eaw.com - check it our here. The section offers a streamlined look and feel, more services, and all information has been updated to better serve the ELAN membership. But the coolest part is a new database with listings for more than 200 member companies.
ELAN is a convenient one-stop online shop for members to promote the availability of their EAW inventory - and - to secure additional EAW inventory from other members when needed. Want your EAW products to stay busier? Got a big show coming up where you need to temporarily bolster your EAW inventory? Utilize ELAN to take advantage of the power of working with more than 200 member sound companies around the globe! All company with EAW line array inventory are eligible for membership. If you're not a member, click here to access the easy-to-use sign-up page.
 The first-ever U.S. concert by legendary Italian composer Ennio Morricone, who recently received an Academy Award for his film score work, was held at New York City's famed Radio City Music Hall with sound reinforcement supplied by Audiospectrum. The Boston-based sound company chose to deploy its EAW KF760 Series line arrays for the sold-out concert, which featured Morricone (probably best known for the iconic score for The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly) conducting a 200-piece orchestra on the Radio City stage.
The Audiospectrum team, headed by Rafael Jaimes, put together a system offering dual arrays comprised of 10 KF760 modules above dual KF761 modules that provided wider coverage for the front seating regions. A dozen EAW SB1000z concert subwoofers were stacked to each side, with several EAW JFX260 compact loudspeakers posted on stage for supplemental front fill.
 "The room presents many challenges - a limited amount of rigging points, with these points also very close to walls and seats right underneath them, as well as an LED wall that can block the arrays and a mixing position under a low balcony," explains Jaimes. "Despite it all, we addressed every challenge and came up with solutions that resulted in excellent reinforcement." Fine tuning of the system within the space was done with an assist from the EAW Smaart tuning and optimization platform. (By the way, Audiospectrum recently added several more KF760 modules to its inventory. Click here to find out more about the company.)
 At the recent 2007 National Hockey League (NHL) All-Star Game, Gemini Sound of Dallas was called upon to provide a full-scale concert sound reinforcement system - headed by EAW KF760 Series line arrays - in support of several live music performances.
The event, held at the American Airlines Center arena in Dallas, was highlighted by two fully stocked stages that actually lowered from the ceiling to the hockey rink playing surface during the game’s period breaks for mini-concerts by country act The Wreckers (featuring Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp) and emerging alternative rockers Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.
Gemini Sound emerged from a competitive field as the choice of the NHL to provide sound reinforcement and support for the event, with company president Tim Cain and his team formulated a dynamic main system based upon EAW KF760 line arrays, with two arrays covering the two “sides” of the arena joined by single arrays to handle each “end.” (One of the "end" arrays and two of the "side" arrays can be seen in the photo above, with the existing house loudspeakers clustered above the scoreboard.)
Continue reading "Gemini Sound & KF760 Team Up For NHL All-Star Game" »
 Sound Systems Plus, a Halifax, Nova Scotia-based A/V solution company, recently provided sound reinforcement for the QEII Excellence in Research Dinner, deploying its EAW KF730 line arrays as well as NT Series self-powered loudspeakers featuring Gunness Focusing.
The annual fundraiser, recognizing outstanding achievement in health research, was held at the newest event venue in Halifax, the Cunard Centre, and featured live entertainment for a crowd of more than 1,000. Dave Corkum, president of Sound Systems Plus, also served as the sound designer for the show, utilizing KF730 arrays and NT Series loudspeakers to supply all coverage.
“The system sounded flawless," Corkum reports. "The NT Series worked as an important part of a perfect solution to provide quality sound to every seat in the house.” Sound Systems Plus provides Atlantic Canada with sales, service, rentals and installation of sound, lighting and audio/visual products. In addition, they also provide flexible solutions to meet a variety of needs including concerts, worship gatherings, special effects and more. Thanks much to SF Marketing, distributor of EAW in Canada, for this information and the photo.
 Dynamic artists Thomas Dolby (pictured in concert at right) and BT are currently touring the U.S., providing audiences with an enhanced sonic experience by presenting their live performances in 5.1 surround. The specialized system features EAW NT Series full-range loudspeakers and subwoofers as well as dual Mackie TT24 digital consoles.
Veteran sound engineer Scott "Goody" Goodwine (pictured below) is riding herd over a dynamic sound system expressly designed to provide the surround experience in venues of up to 1,500 capacity. It includes numerous NT59 full-range loudspeakers supplying reinforcement at the stage as well as dual pairs of NT56 loudspeakers with NTS22 subwoofers established behind the audience to provide two rows of surround.
 In addition, several NT29 loudspeakers are positioned around stage for monitoring in surround. Goody notes that the NT Series loudspeakers are ideal for this application, presenting extraordinarily high output-to-size ratio, easily capable of blanketing entire rooms with pristine output. The entire system, which usually is set up to work in combination with the house systems at venues on the tour, takes less than two hours to load in and optimize, while fitting within a small trailer for transport. "The NT Series is simply amazing. It's the whole package in terms of a high-end professional loudspeaker," he adds. Click on the link directly below for a photo look at the system deployed at a recent gig at Mercy Lounge in Nashville.)
Continue reading "Science! Thomas Dolby & BT In Surround With NT Series" »
 Now that the sun is finally beginning to sink lower in the sky, premier Spanish rental company Pronorte Sonido in Asturias, Spain has found the time between events to report a highly successful summer/autumn festival season with EAW line arrays.
Pronorte put their EAWKF760 and KF730 line array systems through their paces at several shows this summer, including a concert for veteran UK rock band Simple Minds as well as several major festivals. Among the biggest were the Bilbao Live Festival that took place in Bilbao in July, the Noroeste Pop Rock festival, a huge four-day free gig held in a spectacular beach setting in La Coruna at the northwestern tip of Spain (pictured above), and the Azkena Rock Festival in Mendizabala, Vittoria, also in northern Spain.
Continue reading "Pronorte Chooses EAW For Hot Events In Spain" »
 Carlson Audio was on hand with the system and support - including EAW KF761 line arrays - for the official launch gig of Microsoft's new Zune digital media player held at Westlake Center in downtown Seattle. Popular indie band The Secret Machines (pictured here with EAW KF750's in the background) provided the entertainment for a large crowd that also heard introductory remarks from Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates.
Carlson Audio Production Manager Chez Stock also said that in addition to the four-box KF761 line arrays flanking the stage, the system also featured KF750 full-range loudspeakers for fill applications, while EAW SM Series stage monitors were the choice on stage.
 Carlson Audio is one of the leading sound providers in the Pacific Northwest and regularly handles many of the region's highest profile live sound events. Upcoming shows for the company include "Deck The Halls Ball" at Key Arena and "Jingle Bell Bash" at the Tacoma (Washington) Dome. Go here for more about Carlson Audio, and go here for the scoop on Zune. (Photo credits: MS Zune website)
 Peter Brüning of EAW-Mackie in Germany sent along the following. For those who speak the German language, enjoy. For those who don't, legendary band Deep Purple is currently on tour in Germany with an EAW rig supplied by TDA Rental while up-and-coming band Bullet For My Valentine toured Germany with an EAW-based system provided by GO AUDIO.
Nicht nur DEEP PURPLE, sondern auch die Newcomer BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE setzten jüngst auf den Sound von EAW. DEEP PURPLE, die Urgesteine der Rockmusik, vertrauten auf Ihrer Frankreichtour Anfang September auf die Erfahrung von TDA Rental aus Essen. Inhaber Steve Todeskino verwendete für die insgesamt 9 Gigs 22 x KF760/761 (Main PA), 8 x KF730 (Out fill) und 2 x KF650z (Near fill). Auch die aus England stammenden BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE waren Anfang November auf Tour. 7 Shows in Deutschland wurden von GO AUDIO aus Halver durchgeführt. Insgesamt waren 18 x KF730, 16 x SB1000 subwoofers und 4 x JFX260i im Einsatz.
 Skylands Professional Audio recently provided all sound reinforcement systems, including EAW KF730 line arrays and EAW SB730 flyable subwoofers, to serve the main performance stage for the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival, the largest poetry event in North America.
Marking its 20th year, the 2006 Dodge Poetry Festival returned to its birthplace of Waterloo Village, a National Historic Site in Stanhope, New Jersey, offering more than 60 live performances on 13 stages over the course of four days with more than 17,000 in attendance. Each stage featured accomplished poets, storytellers and often musicians, with one highlight being a “word jazz” performance by the renowned Sekou Sundiata accompanied by a dynamic live band.
Continue reading "Skylands Pro Audio Finds KF730 To Be A "Poetic" Solution" »
 Audio isn't usually a matter of life or death, but leave it to Iron Maiden to be the exception, with the veteran metal band's current "Matter Of Life Or Death" world concert tour driven by EAW KF760/761 line arrays, as well as EAW SB1000 subwoofers and KF750 loudspeakers. (Interesting note: In 2005, Iron Maiden celebrated its 30th year as a band.)
ML Executives is the sound company for the tour, and for the U.S. leg, they provided the house control and monitoring system while Brantley Sound of Nashville supplied the house sound system featuring EAW line arrays and loudspeakers. The tour kicked off in Europe, followed by dates in the U.S. before moving along to Japan and then returning to Europe, ending with two shows at London's Earls Court in late December.
 Michael Hackman, a true line array specialist with more than a decade of experience in the genre, is the ace line array technician for the tour, backed up in the U.S. by Brantley Sound's Joe Calabrese and John Roberson. The rig they hand off each night to Iron Maiden's long-time FOH engineer is finely tuned and optimized, with Hackman noting, "this EAW line array system does a great job in terms of coverage, and also in reproducing the specific sonic signature of Iron Maiden in concert."
Continue reading "KF Series For Iron Maiden's "Matter Of Life Or Death" Tour" »
 "NT Series loudspeakers are simply outstanding for reinforcing whatever style of music is being presented. They’re able to bring out both the subtlety and the impact of more delicate acoustic music like bluegrass, but they’re equally adept with rock ‘n’ roll and any other style you can name.” – John Senior
John Senior didn't get into the sound reinforcement business until last year, but he's making up for lost time by doing it right. Among the first gear joining the inventory of John Senior Sound, based in Paradise, California, is six EAW NT Series loudspeakers.
Senior (pictured above along with an NT Series array deployed at a recent festival) is a performing bluegrass musician who decided to provide live sound reinforcement for the specialized needs of acoustic instrument music forms such as bluegrass. Rather than blindly making the leap to invest in the first gear that came along, instead he did a good deal of research and also worked with Leo Gunther, head of Leo Gunther Enterprises of Orland, California, who recommended evaluating the EAW NT Series.
Continue reading "NT Series Is "Simply Outstanding" For John Senior Sound" »
 Iron Maiden is out on the "A Matter Of Life Or Death" concert tour and EAW is there as well, in the form of a house sound system headlined by KF760 and KF761 line arrays joined by SB1000 subwoofers and KF750 loudspeakers. SM200 wedges also grace the Iron Maiden stage.
ML Executives of the U.K. is the sound company for the tour, and for the ongoing U.S. leg, they've provided the house control and monitoring system while Brantley Sound of Nashville is supplying the house sound system featuring EAW. The tour kicked off in Europe, followed by the current dates in the U.S. before moving along soon to Japan and then returning to Europe, ending with two shows at London's Earls Court in late December. We'll have more coverage of the system and sound team soon, and click here for the full tour itinerary.
 “NT is something really special. The first time I heard these loudspeakers, I had to have them, and my six NT boxes have stayed busy almost non-stop since they arrived.” – Mike Goodreau, Ace Audio
Ace Audio, a growing regional sound reinforcement company based in Middletown, Connecticut recently added EAW NT Series and KF Series loudspeakers to its inventory.
Headed by Mike Goodreau (pictured right), Ace Audio has been serving the central Connecticut area for more than 23 years and is currently enjoying increasing business prospects. In addition to working with a host of music festivals, the company also provides systems and support for a growing roster of civic organizations, corporate clients and political fundraisers.
Continue reading "NT Series A Portable Gem For Ace Audio" »
 For several years, Gemini Sound of Dallas has had a great business relationship with Dallas-based Texas Instruments (TI), particularly in support of the company’s trade show efforts. In an extension of that work, Gemini is currently providing a high-end surround sound system - featuring EAW JFX260 compact loudspeakers and SB180 subwoofers - for a traveling exhibition highlighting TI DLP Technology that’s appearing at NASCAR tracks around the U.S. during the 2006 racing season. The effort is tied into TI’s sponsorship of Hall of Fame Racing’s number 96 car driven by Tony Raines. (Image courtesy of Gemini Sound)
Gemini, headed by Tim Cain, also provides an extensive inventory of EAW KF760/761 line array systems for notable touring artists such as Usher, Willie Nelson, Pearl Jam and numerous others. And, Tim and crew are currently in the midst of installing a huge (28-box) KF761-based system at a university. More on that project coming up soon…
 “From my point of view the KF760 is the perfect line array for these large outdoor festivals.” – Oz Bagnall, ML Executives
Creamfields, the number one UK dance event of the year, traditionally heralds the end of summer for the dance community. Celebrating its ninth anniversary, Creamfields drew a record crowd of 45,000 that made its way to the festival’s new home of Daresbury Estate in the heart of the Cheshire countryside.
Headlining the main stage this year were the The Prodigy, and as headline act, the audio system was designed to meet the specification on their rider. This included EAW KF760 line arrays from UK rental specialists and long-term Prodigy suppliers ML Executives, which is based just outside of London.
Continue reading "A Raving Success At UK Creamfields 2006" »
An unlikely combination, one might think, but one that is nevertheless finding great success as guitar legend Mark Knopfler and US country diva Emmylou Harris wend their dreamy way across Europe and North America with their collaborative album, All the Roadrunning.
Knopfler, as demanding as ever in his choice of supplier and equipment for his live sound requirements, turned to the company, and with it the loudspeaker brand, he has relied on since the beginning of his solo career; that is Luton-based Concert Sound and EAW.
Continue reading "Mark Knopfler, Emmylou Harris Tour With KF Series" »
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