Vol: 4 Issue: 7 July 2010 An ITP Business Publication 1 Licensed by Dubai Media City

MERGER MANIA
PLASA and ESTA agree
to merger deal p08
SUMMER HEAT
Catching up with CTs
Damien McGurn p10
BUYERS GUIDE
The latest wireless audio
tech in the spotlight p33
AIMING HIGH
Sian Events establishes
new ofce in Abu Dhabi
HOUSE OF WISDOM
KAUST museum showcases
cutting-edge AV technologies
BLOWING THEIR
TRUMPETS
How World Cup stadium SIs tried to tame
the dreaded Vuvuzela
How World Cup stadium SIs tried to tame
the dreaded Vuvuzela
CONTENTS
01
JULY 2010 SAS
July 2010
Volume 4, Issue 07
07 Regional News
PLASA and ESTA agree to merge; Me-
diapro opens new ofce in Qatar; Trott
named head of AKG; Peavey debuts
Commercial Audio division.
10 Rapid-re interview
We catch up with Creative Technologys
general manager, Damien McGurn.
12 Aiming high
We chat with Claire McDonald from
Sian Events about the companys plans
for its new Abu Dhabi ofce.
22 COVER STORY:
Back of the net!
Proling the key stadium systems in-
tegrators and technologies involved
in this months FIFA World Cup.
29 Hot products
Studer releases Vista 9, Mackie debuts
HDA loudspeaker system.
33 Buyers guide
Showcasing the best wireless audio
technologies in the business.
38 The Guide
This months top events.
40 Backstage
22
10 12
WEB LOG DPme.com
www.digitalproductionme.com
02
SAS JULY 2010
MOST READ NEWS
STORIES OVERALL
1 Al Jazeera to broadcast
World Cup in 3D
2 World Cup sales struggle
in the UAE
3 OSN to give away free Al
Jazeera cards
MOST READ SOUND&
STAGE NEWS STORIES
1 Founding father of
Sennheiser passes away
2 Live coverage from
Infocomm 2010
3 AKG debuts new iPhone
monitoring application
EDITORS CHOICES

SPOT POLL
JUNES TOP STORIES
AL JAZEERA WILL CHARGE NEW CUSTOMERS $130 TO SEE THE WORLD CUP, HOW MUCH WOULD YOU PAY?
38.1%
NEWS
BACKSTAGE:
FLIP FLOP
A look at some of the highest
prole recording disasters
NEWS
THE GREATEST
SHOW ON EARTH
Top broadcast tech featuring
at this years World Cup
Al Jazeera conrmed it would refund UAE-based
World Cup fans who (a) paid over the odds for
television subscription cards, (b) discovered they
didnt work; or (c) suffered both issues. However,
the broadcaster declined to compensate those
who bore the brunt of signal losses during the ear-
ly stages of the tournament, a calamity it claimed
was the result of industrial sabotage.
ITS FREE
EVERYWHERE ELSE IN
THE WORLD, I WONT
PAY A PENNY
23.8%
SUB-$100 WOULD BE
MORE REALISTIC
16.7% 11.9% 9.5%
$130 SEEMS FAIR
TO ME
ID PAY WHATEVER
THEY ASKED!
ID RATHER PAY
PER MATCH, NOT
INTERESTED IN WHAT
AJ IS OFFERING
Al Jazeera agrees to refund UAE customers
EDITORS COMMENT
04
SAS JULY 2010
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companies still operating in the region during the
summer months.
While businesses in our industry traditionally
struggle during this period, many operators are
increasingly nding success shipping inventory to
markets for one-off events, making the support of
freight carriers and logistics specialists essential.
While most of these companies are
headquartered outside the Middle East, many
are hungrily eyeing opportunities in the region,
spurred on by the rapid expansion of the live events
industry, particularly in the GCC.
We also check in with Damien McGurn of
Creative Technology to see how the company is
keeping busy during the summer period while
gearing up for the cooler months, and also catch up
with Claire McDonald of Sian Events to discuss the
companys plans for its new ofce in Abu Dhabi.
Sian Events has forged a considerable reputation
supplying events know-how to well-known Abu
Dhabi-based clients including Mubadala in recent
years, making its decision to establish a permanent
presence in the capital a no-brainer.
Meanwhile, this months buyers guide turns the
spotlight on the latest developments in wireless
audio networking and distribution. Wireless audio
systems have come on in leaps and bounds in
recent years, driven by the increasing popularity of
wireless miking and monitoring technologies.
Enjoy this months issue!
With the 2010 FIFA World Cup in full swing in
South Africa, this months cover story showcases
the technical challenges facing the systems
integrators involved in the installation of AV
technologies in use at each of the 10 stadiums
featuring at this years event.
Despite initial fears that many of the venues
planned for this years World Cup would not be
completed to schedule, each of the companies
involved have done a brilliant job installing the
latest and greatest AV technologies, ensuring the
spectacle on the pitch is faithfully reproduced
for fans watching the massive screens within the
stadium and also the collective billions viewing the
games on TVs across the world.
Johannesburgs Soccer City stands as the
countrys most impressive stadium and the site
of the most complex AV installation in use at this
years World Cup.
A full HD IPTV network feeds multiple large
screen presentation systems located within the
stadium and in the immediate vicinity, while a full-
scale EV networked loudspeaker installation offers
more than enough grunt to challenge the dreaded
vuvuzelas for audible output on match-day.
Heeding the lessons learned at the 2006 World
Cup staged in Germany and the Athens Olympic
Games, the team of systems integrators involved
in the massive project have excelled in putting
together AV packages that not only meet but
exceed the quality on display at these landmark
major sporting events.
Elsewhere in this issue, we turn the spotlight
on the support offered by logistics specialists to
World Cup stadium stars
Editor
soundandstage@itp.com
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SCAFFOLDING IS JUST THE
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07
THE BRIEFING
JULY 2010 SAS
Mediapro opens new ofce in Qatar
AV rental house Mediapro has
opened a new ofce in Doha.
The new operation has been
founded on the back of an in-
vestment of US$1 million.
The company plans to invest
a similar amount again over
the next 12 months.
Its inventory includes a JBL
Vertec line array and desks
from Soundcraft and Yamaha
as well as wireless audio sys-
tems from Shure and Sennhe-
Broken Stone Productions is on track
to meet its target of hosting 75,000
guests over the course of its World
Cup nights currently being staged at
Dubais Palladium.
Around 1500 guests have been
cramming in to the venue to view
each match on a massive HD screen
spanning 16m x 9m one of the
largest in the Middle East.
EXCLUSIVE
Audio-Technica has appointed well-
known industry identity John Dodson
as a sales representative for GCC.
Dodson boasts more than 20 years
experience working with the likes of
Yamaha and Bose. Most recently, he
oversaw Boses export business in
the Middle East and Africa. Dodson
established his own independent
representation company in 2009.
DODSON NAMED
AUDIO-TECHNICA
GCC SALES REP
Sennheiser recently staged a Sound
Academy workshop in Dubai.
Leading the seminars were Klaus
Willemsen, manager, Senior Projects
Wireless Engineering, and Norbert
Hilbich, industry team leader of
Application Engineering. Both
executives travelled from Sennheisers
headquarters in Wedemark, Germany,
to attend the event.
SENNHEISER STAGES
AUDIO WORKSHOP
FOR UAE CLIENTS
Coemar recently completed the
installation of a range of lighting
xtures in the Mardan Palace resort
located in Antalya, Turkey.
The hotels main auditorium features
110 Risalto projectors with PC and
Fresnel lenses, eight Innity Wash XL
moving heads, eight I Spot 1200s,
eight I Spot 575 MBs, 10 I Wash 575
MBs, and 10 Pro Spot 250 LXs.
COEMAR FINALISES
TURKISH LIGHTING
INSTALLATION
NEWS BRIEFS
Mediapros Doha operation will target Qatars growing live events market.
NO STONE LEFT
UNTURNED IN
WORLD CUP BID
THE MONTH IN NUMBERS EAR-SPLITTING IRRITATIONS
105DB
FRONT ROW AT A
STADIUM ROCK
SHOW
127DB 130DB 144.2DB
THE SOUND OF A
PASSENGER JET
TAKING OFF
A MILITARY JET
TAKING OFF AT
FULL POWER
A WORLD CUP
VUVUZELA AT
FULL BLAST
iser. On the lighting front, Me-
diapro has a range of conven-
tional, digital and LED lights.
Its most recent purchase was a
set of Clay Paky moving lights
with MA Lighting and Avolites
control systems.
Projector stock includes
high-end Barco and Christie
Digital DLP projectors, a se-
lection of media servers and a
Dataton Watchout and Folsom
Encore control.
08
SAS JULY 2010
THE BRIEFING
www.digitalproductionme.com
Andy Trott, president of Har-
mans mixer business Sound-
craft Studer, has also been
made responsible for the
companys microphone divi-
sion, AKG.
Trott replaces Stefan Gubi,
who departs the company
this month after ve years at
the helm.
Trott, who has overseen
the digitalisation of Sound-
craft Studers business since
he joined in early 2003, has
promised minimal disruption
to the organisational struc-
ture of AKG.
We will obviously look
for efciencies and make
sensible changes, but AKG
is running well, much to the
credit of Stefans [Gubi] work
over the past four years, he
said. Nigel Beaumont, our
TROTT NAMED HEAD OF AKG
VP of Operations, has been
running our manufacturing
operations across all three
brands for almost a year now
and the marketing teams, in
line with all Harman Profes-
sional brands, work together
on a daily basis so the busi-
nesses are comfortable work-
ing together.
The worlds two largest pro
audio, lighting and live event
industry bodies, PLASA and
ESTA, have voted to merge
their operations. Well over
90% of members from each
association voted in support of
the move, which will see ESTA
and PLASA integrated to cre-
ate a single international trade
association operating under
the PLASA name.
The merger is a signicant
development for the industry
as it will effectively create the
rst truly international indus-
try-wide membership body of
more than 1200 manufactur-
ers, installers, dealers, serv-
members of PERA - the former
Production Equipment Rental
Association - which recently
merged with ESTA.
Both teams will now spend
the next six months putting in
place the infrastructure behind
the merger, the rst formal
stage of which will be com-
pleted by December 2010,
allowing the new organisation
to go live on 1 January, 2011.
In a joint statement, PLASA
CEO Matthew Grifths and
ESTA executive director Lori
Rubinstein said: We believe
the logic driving the merger is
sound. The strengths of both
organisations are evident and
we have an unequalled oppor-
tunity to increase value [for]
members. A united approach
to the challenges of our indus-
try will provide major long-
term benets.
Pro audio specialist Peavey has
launched its new Commercial
Audio division, an umbrella
organisation that will manage
the companys MediaMatrix,
Crest Audio and Architectural
Acoustics divisions. A new
management structure has
been put in place to run the
organisation which is headed
up by MD Clive Roberts based
in Corby, UK, and Peavey
PEAVEY DEBUTS COMMERCIAL
AUDIO DIVISION
Commercial Audio general
manager, Kevin Ivey, based
out of Peavey HQ in the US.
The new division was pre-
sented to EMEA distributors at
a two-day distributor meeting
recently staged at the foot of
the Sibillini Mountains in Italy.
The meeting was a great
opportunity to spend one-on-
one time with our team of dis-
tributors, said Ivey.
More than 90% of
PLASA and ESTA
members voted in favour
of the merger.
MERGER
PLASA and ESTA conrm merger plans
ice providers and consultants
working across the entertain-
ment and installation indus-
tries. This will also include
Pictured (L-R) James Kennedy, Andy Weingartner, Kevin Ivey, Chris Bennett and Clive Roberts.
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10
SAS JULY 2010
RAPID FIRE INTERVIEW
www.digitalproductionme.com
S&S: How is business
shaping up for the sum-
mer months? Do you
have any projects in
the loop you can tell us
about, either in the Mid-
dle East or internation-
ally?
DM: Business in the region dur-
ing the summer months is as ex-
pected slow. We are however
extremely busy in Europe with the
World Cup. A large proportion of
our inventory based locally has
been shipped back to the UK to
cover a shortage of equipment for
the World Cup fan parks.
S&S: How have you
planned for the summer
months this year?
DM: We are planning to spend a
great deal of time quoting for events
that are scheduled for after the sum-
mer months, and we will service and
maintain the equipment we have
remaining in the region [CT shifts in-
ventory across the world depending
on demand] and perform our annual
PAT Testing.
We will send some of our employ-
ees to Europe for training and support.
S&S: Do you agree the sum-
mer months are busier now
than they were a decade ago?
If so, what facts do you at-
tribute to this trend?
DM: I agree that the summer months are
busier than a decade ago, however the
region is still a harsh place to be during
the heat of the summer.
CT is involved in a great number of
events outdoors, which are not staged in
the hotter months, so we still send our
big ticket items back to the UK where the
commercial opportunities are greater.
S&S: Do you think there is
still a shortage of indoor ven-
ues in the region catering to
events during the summer
months? What other challeng-
es do you traditionally face
during this period?
CM: During the summer months there is
not a huge call for venues and events in
the region.
Most of the bigger venues are empty as
the main decision makers and executives
are normally out of the country on annual
leave during this period.
S&S: Which logistics and asso-
ciated transportation special-
ists do you work with on a
regular basis?
CM: Predominately we use the serv-
ices of EFM who we trust to get the
job done.
S&S: How challenging is it
shifting gear around the re-
gion? Are there any inher-
ent risks involved?
CM: I wouldnt say it is particularly
challenging as we have been mov-
ing equipment around the region for
many years. One of our biggest bug
bears is the quality of the local trucks,
which denitely dont comply with
standards we are used to in Europe
and America.
S&S: How do the costs of
logistics and shipping
services in the Middle
East compare to other
markets worldwide? Are
insurance premiums
higher in the Middle East
compared to interna-
tional markets?
CM: Insurance costs in the region
are comparable to the UK; howev-
er there are additional charges for attes-
tation and CoE documentation. Creative
Technology has a global insurance policy,
so we wouldnt know what the regional
premiums would be.
S&S: Do you think logistics
companies need to provide
greater support to live events
businesses during the sum-
mer period? Do you think
their priorities are focused too
greatly on the busy European
and US markets during this
period?
CM: Logistics companies should focus on
where the revenue streams are!
ts
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job
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5 MINUTES WITH
Damien McGurn, general manager, Creative Technology Dubai.
12
SAS JULY 2010
5 MINUTE INTERVIEW
AIMING HIGH
Events management rm Sian Events recently
opened a new ofce in Abu Dhabi in a bid to better
service its growing client base in the UAE capital.
S&S recently caught up with Sians events director,
Claire McDonald, to discuss the companys plans
for the future.
5 MINUTE INTERVIEW
S&S: You recently opened a
new ofce in Abu Dhabi. What
prompted the decision?
CM: After 14 years of trading in the UAE,
the opening of our Abu Dhabi ofce rep-
resents a real milestone for [our business].
It demonstrates our growth from enter-
tainment supplier to a full service bou-
tique event management company.
S&S: Which clients are you
working with in Abu Dhabi?
CM: We work with a range of high-pro-
le clients, includ-
ing Abu Dhabi
Airports Company
(ADAC), Mu-
badala, Abu Dhabi
Tourism Develop-
ment and Invest-
ment Company, Al Fa-
him Group, Flash, Fast Track, FIFA
CWC and Abu Dhabi Municipality.
S&S: Can you discuss any
projects you are working
on or have coming up?
CM: We cant mention our
core corporate business due to cli-
ent condentiality agreements, how-
ever we have brought back our SIAN
signature event, Picnic on the Park,
which will take place on 19 Novem-
ber in the amphitheatre at Dubai Me-
for the future.
o
S
C
Sian Events dome has been used by clients including Mubadala.
13
JULY 2010 SAS
www.digitalproductionme.com
dia City. The event returns after a hiatus
of 12 months and will once again feature
as a 40-piece orchestra. This years Pic-
nic show, entitled Bond to Bollywood, is
a journey through 50 years of music from
the movies. A full cast of artists, dancers
and special guests will be in attendance.
Were encouraging guests to bring their
picnic blankets and hampers and enjoy
the best of Londons West End.
We also have another very exciting
project scheduled for December, which
well be releasing information about in
the post-Ramadan period. We are look-
ing forward to continuing our commu-
nity engagement projects in 2011 as we
enjoyed working with Flash on the Bra-
zilian carnival, as well as Yasalam and
also with FIFA in 2010.
S&S: How challenging has the
recession been for your busi-
ness?
CM: Thankfully, as an established com-
pany in the UAE with more than 32 years
experience in the industry, it has been
tough but we have not felt the full brunt
of the recession, compared to some other
companies operating here.
changes this period has ultimately
brought to the UAE.
As a company, we are committed to
Dubai and the UAE and feel very con-
dent looking into the future. I am sure
there are many other companies based
in the UAE who are thankful for having
been based here during the recession as
opposed to elsewhere.
S&S: Have you noticed a dis-
cernable drop in business in
Dubai?
CM: There was a temporary slowdown
in business during the recession but noth-
ing substantial. A number of planned
projects over the last two years have been
cancelled or shelved which has had an ef-
fect on our business.
We have also seen a tightening in re-
gards to budgets for many of the projects
we have been involved in during this pe-
riod. Clients have increasingly relied on us
to deliver cost-effective solutions through
creativity without sacricing the quality of
the content or downgrading the product.
S&S: Are you looking to ex-
pand your business further
across the region or else-
where internationally?
CM: We already work regionally and in-
ternationally and have no plans currently
to open additional SIAN ofces.
S&S: What challenges do you
think the UAE live events in-
dustry faces overall?
CM: Reality has hit us through this period
and the challenges our industry faces now
include coming up with cost-effective in-
novative solutions for our customers and
unique platforms for their brands.
Provided companies in our industry can
demonstrate value they will continue to
pick up work. As with all sectors at the
moment it really is a matter of survival of
the ttest.
We must identify with the marketplace;
we have to partner with our clients to de-
velop relationships that allow innovation
and creativity to survive in what is a very
competitive environment.
Sian Events has been involved in a
number of high-prole events across
the region and internationally in recent
years, including:
Mubadala promotions for Abu Dhabi
Formula 1 Grand Prix Carnival.
Mubadala Grand Prix promotions, Mi-
lan, Italy.
Air Asia launch, Abu Dhabi.
The Festival of the Sea, Kuwait.
The Oil Barons Ball, Dubai.
Jumeirah Festival of Taste, Dubai.
Cliff Richard concert, Dubai.

t
i
o
S
c
D
C
i
i
c
f
SIAN EVENTS
PROJECT
HIGHLIGHTS
It was fairly obvious that the rapid rate
of development in the region could not
be maintained. It had to stabilise.
This trend always brings with it
a period of change. However,
now that the worst is over the
UAE will grow at a more sus-
tainable rate, which will create
a more authentic working envi-
ronment for businesses to op-
erate in. This will in turn allow
companies to deliver a superior
product to their clients.
We are condent that those
who have come through this
period will benet from the
Mubadalas F1 event in Abu Dhabi.
15
SAS JULY 2010
AV INSTALLATION
www.digitalproductionme.com
T
he vision of MOSTI originated from King Abdullahs
ambition to establish KAUST on the banks of the Red
Sea at Thuwal, north of Jeddah, as a modern House
of Wisdom. His aim was to rekindle the great and
noble virtue of learning and to celebrate the contri-
butions of Muslim scholars to science and technology during the
rst Golden Age of Islam.
The facilitys Building 19 (also known as The Museum and
King Abdullah University of Science and Technologys (KAUST) new Museum of Science and
Technology in Islam (MOSTI) development showcases a raft of cutting-edge AV technologies.
HOUSE OF WISDOM
Conference Building) was requisitioned for the purpose. Mah-
moud Al-Hashem, head of Operation & Maintenance at the
KAUST Museum, set about designing an interactive system and
procuring the best AV technology available.
Firstly, he contracted Dubai-based MTE Studios to develop the
conceptual design for the facility within a limited time frame.
Once development was underway, Al-Hashem advised MTE to
turn to Jeddah-based Creative Data Systems (CDS), with whom
The museum exhibit features a range of HD projectors and interactive
technologies including touchscreen monitors.
AV INSTALLATION
16
SAS JULY 2010
www.digitalproductionme.com
he had worked in the past, to complete the AV installation.
I wanted to have the AV supplied locally, he said. I knew
CDS would be able to handle it. I discussed our requirements
with them and because they are right up to date with the market
and what technologies are available, they were able to offer [a
range of solutions].
After this period of consultation, CDS project manager Mazen
Kanawati specied eight Christie DHD700 single chip DLP HD
projectors and a DS+750 for installation in the facility.
Al-Hashem and his team are using the DHD700s to project HD
video content as part of a multimedia presentation in conjunction
with a range of interactive technologies including touchscreens,
moving plasma monitors, interactive videos and lighting effects.
The fully integrated media system is managed by Medialon
show controllers, using Gefen KVM Extenders and 56 rack PCs
for source material.
Elsewhere, the DS+750 is used to project images as part of
a presentation involving a chemical hemisphere, while various
DHD700s re onto a rear glass screen and project a map on one
of the walls.
Al-Hashem says the projectors have to work a heavy duty cy-
cle, switching on remotely at 8am and turning off manually at
5pm each day.
Besides the theatres, MOSTI also relies on its state-of-the-art
AV technology to present information via the touchscreens and
touch tables, light projections and posters, at the same time pre-
serving the features of a traditional museum by exhibiting replicas
of manuscripts and artefacts.
Everyone who enters the museum is hit by the wow factor,
says Al-Hashem. We have only been open two months and al-
ready received many tours and hosted visits by ambassadors,
ministers and dignitaries.
Christies DHD700 delivers high brightness in full HD
(1920 x 1080) resolution, outputting 6500 ANSI lumens.
The DS+750 delivers 7500 ANSI lumens at SXGA+ (1400
x 1050) resolution and can be tailored either for high
brightness or superior colour reproduction.
TECH TALK
SECTOR 4 BY SUNDANCE
WORLD CLASS A/V RENTALS
T & email: sector4@sundance-hq.com www.sundance-hq.com
18
LOGISTICS SERVICES
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
With the rapid growth of the live events industry
in the Middle East, sourcing quality freight and
logistics services is becoming a major priority
for pan-regional events management
rms. Here, we prole some of the
leading logistics specialists
operating in the region.
With the rapid growth of the live events industry
in the Middle East, sourcing quality freight and
logistics services is becoming a major priority
for pan-regional events management
rms. Here, we prole some of the
leading logistics specialists
operating in the region.
SAS JULY 2010
DB Schenker
Regional HQ: DB Schenker estab-
lished its regional head ofce in Dubai
in 2007. The company currently serves
four countries in the MEA region: Saudi
Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kenya
and Egypt, with more joint venture
plans penned in elsewhere.
Pitch: The company provides cli-
ents in the region a range of services,
including logistics concepts for instru-
ments and orchestra/concert equip-
ment; global transport from venue to
venue; combined passenger and freight
charters; dedicated customs clearances;
and 24/7 customer support and project
management services.
www.dbschenker.com
(Turn over the page for more info).
EFM
Regional HQ: Established regional ofces in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2008.
The company has been operating since 2000 and has ve ofces in the US, Europe
and the Middle East.
Pitch: EFM is a specialist freight project management company providing high-
end service to the sports, events, exhibition and entertainment industries. It brings
European levels of service in the movement of stage and sound equipment.
Events experience: EFM has provided logistics support services for world
tours by the likes of Guns N Roses, Bloc Party and Black Eyed Peas. Locally, it
has shifted kit for concert performances by George Michael and Christina Aguilera
in Abu Dhabi, the Bahrain F1 GP, the Dubai World Cup and the Dubai Rugby Sev-
ens. It counts a number of high-prole regional organisations, including the Qatar
Foundation, among its clients.
www.efm-worldwide.com
Chapman Freeborn
Regional HQ: Chapman Free-
born has been based in the UAE for
10 years and through its ofces in
Dubai and Sharjah, provides exten-
sive services for both passenger and
cargo charter ights within the region
and globally. It works closely with
event management logistics special-
ists including EFM.
Pitch: While much of the equip-
ment required for a concert can be
moved by scheduled airline services,
sometimes the amount of cargo and/
or the timeframe required to move
it between concert venues requires
a dedicated cargo aircraft. In this
case Chapman Freeborn ensures
that every item is moved safely and
quickly regardless of the destination.
The company recently landed the
prestigious Air Cargo Charter Broker
of the Year prize at the ACW World
Air Cargo Awards. For the fourth
consecutive year, worldwide freight
forwarders and cargo airlines selected
the organisation as their favourite
provider following a round of inde-
pendent voting.
www.chapman-freeborn.com
19
www.digitalproductionme.com
JULY 2010 SAS
Agility Logistics
Regional ofces: Agility boasts multiple sales and support centres in Saudi Arabia,
Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait.
Service offering: Agilitys Event Services division specialises in handling shipments
for live events. The companys service package includes cost-saving logistics planning;
completion of temporary or nal customs clearance; storage, transportation, freight man-
agement and delivery coordination of production equipment; extensive insurance cover-
age and door-to-door delivery.
Events experience: The company has been involved in a range of high-prole
events, most notably supplying logistics services for the inaugural Abu Dhabi F1 Grand
Prix last November. It also provided consultancy services to the previous two Summer
Olympic Games staged in Athens and Beijing, as well as the HSBC Golf Championship.
www.agilitylogistics.com
Rock-It Cargo
Regional HQ: Headquartered
in Surrey, UK, with extensive regional
ofce network spanning the Middle
East. Also operates ofces in the US.
Pitch: Rock-It Cargo provides lo-
gistics services to high-prole clients
operating in the live music, theatre,
TV, lm and corporate events sec-
tors. The company specialises in air
and ocean freight charter services,
tour planning and insurance.
Events experience: One of
the international touring industrys
big guns, Rock-It Cargo has worked
with just about every major act over
the past 20 years, including Nirvana,
Rolling Stones, Radiohead and U2.
www.rock-itcargo.com
World Class Shipping
Regional HQ: Regional head
ofce in Dubai with partners scat-
tered across the region.
Pitch: World Class Shipping is
an international freight forwarder
and customs broker with worldwide
headquarters located in New York.
The company utilises a network of
more than 450 agents located world-
wide and operates an online logistics
tracking service.
www.worldclassshipping.com
20
SAS JULY 2010
LOGISTICS SERVICES
www.digitalproductionme.com
How important is the Middle
East to your business?
The Near Middle East & East Africa contrib-
utes less than 1% towards the total revenue
of the DB Schenker group worldwide. But
this needs to be put into context, because it
in no way diminishes the importance of the
region to the group as a whole.
Which live events companies do
you work with in the region?
Our most recent partnership was the Abu
Dhabi Classics sessions. We were involved in
concert performances by Bayreuth Festival
Orchestra and the Philharmonia Orchestra of
London, among others. The logistics require-
ments were intensive with four concerts be-
ing staged in three countries over four days.
How does business in the sum-
mer compare to other periods of
the year in the Middle East?
The Middle East summer offers various op-
portunities, with some of the countries en-
joying milder summers. In these territories
more indoor events are planned and these
offer great opportunities for our business.
Nevertheless summer sees a slight drop off in
terms of core competence events.
Do you offer your clients any
special incentives or packages
during the summer period?
DB Schenker does not limit its service offer-
ings to a season. Instead, we offer Value in
Kind incentives based on mutual partner-
ship over certain periods of time.
Do you face any particular chal-
lenges working in the region?
The greatest challenges arise as a result of
the extreme temperatures and customs pro-
cedures. Equipment is very sensitive to uc-
tuating temperatures, and more so to ex-
treme heat. We offer a range of solutions for
transporting temperature sensitive cargo.
What is the most challenging
project youve worked on to
date in the Middle East?
The most challenging event from a logis-
tics perspective was the Abu Dhabi Classics
sessions, which involved shifting freight be-
tween Bahrain, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Paris.
Logistics services were executed for the or-
chestra members and all their equipment.
5 MINUTES WITH
Michael Barber, regional sales manager, Schenker Middle East.
22
SAS JULY 2010
WORLD CUP STAGING SPECIAL
The rst World Cup on African soil is not only showcasing the worlds
best footballing talent but also the countrys cutting-edge sporting
stadiums equipped with the latest professional AV technologies.
The rst World Cup on African soil is not only showcasing the worlds
best footballing talent but also the countrys cutting-edge sporting
stadiums equipped with the latest professional AV technologies.
BACK OF THE
23
JULY 2010 SAS
www.digitalproductionme.com
POWERHOUSE SOUND
Nine of the 10 World Cup stadiums were
tted out by South African pro audio spe-
cialist TDC Prosound.
Mark Malherebe, technical director at
Prosound, says the company was actively
involved in the audio system specica-
tions for the 2006 bid, experience which
the task team was able to leverage to
great effect when bidding for the 10 2010
contracts, each of which was individually
specied and presented for each stadium.
Over the past thirty years weve
worked closely with architects and con-
tractors on most of the existing stadiums
in South Africa and have the experience
and knowhow to get involved in the de-
sign from the start, he says.
Highlights of the companys work in
this time include Wanderers and Ellis Park
in the 1970s and 1980s respectively, as
well as the rst upgrade to Loftus Versfeld
in 2004.
In addition to Soccer City, the com-
pany scored SI contracts for Cape Towns
Green Point stadium, Johannesburgs
Coca Cola Park Ellis Park stadiums; Nel-
spruits Mbombela stadium; Bloemfon-
teins Free State stadium; Nelson Man-
dela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth; Loftus
Versveld in Pretoria; the Royal Bafokeng
near Rustenburg and the Peter Mokaba
stadium in Polokwane.
The company specied common kit
across many of the stadiums, specically
Joburgs Soccer City Stadium.
NET!
Peavey MediaMatrix audio processors,
Electro-Voice and Dynacord loudspeakers,
Electro-Voice microphones, Midas mixing
consoles and Crest power ampliers.
More than 2,300 Electro-Voice and Dy-
nacord loudspeakers and a variety of EV
REV-D wireless microphone systems were
installed across the nine venues.
From compact, direct-radiating modules
beneath balconies to line-array systems
designed to cover long distances, a wide
variety of enclosures have been installed,
with all components ne-tuned to one
another. Dynacord alone supplied more
than 1000 loudspeakers from its DL800
series for the mammoth project.
Each venue features a comprehensive
FIFA-approved emergency response and
voice evacuation audio system.
Long reverberation times, asymmetric
architecture and boisterous fans require
sound reinforcement systems and voice
alarm systems to be combined, and strict
TV-certied conformity with interna-
tional standards is imperative to ensure
that fans will be able not only to hear but
also to understand safety announcements
in case of emergency, says Oliver Sahm,
director of EVI Audios technical support
team. Our tech support team in Straub-
ing, drawing on its many years of expe-
rience, developed solutions and honed
them to the needs of this years tourna-
ment venues.
24
SAS JULY 2010
WORLD CUP STAGING SPECIAL
Johannesburgs 88,000-
seat Soccer City stadi-
um, which is hosting the
opening and closing cer-
emonies and nal match
of this years World Cup,
features a cutting-edge
High Denition IPTV and
digital signage video dis-
tribution system complete
with outdoor LED screens.
South African rm Sys-
tem Solutions was responsi-
ble for the installation.
For the network hub, the
company specied Vista Spyder video
control architecture, running in conjunc-
tion with Christies Vista Universal Rout-
ing Switcher (URS-1608), congured
16-in/8-out. The control system was
designed for maximum exibility, with
all common formats accommodated at
the input and output stages.
The Vista devices feed two 86m
Lighthouse R16i/o-II screens, which re-
lay live action, sponsorship graphics, ad
stings and scoreboard info.
In setting out the specication, a ba-
sic design brief had to be met incor-
porating HD displays throughout, and
independent master control from a cen-
tral touchscreen interface.
An intuitive and compact distribu-
tion and signal processing solution was
therefore required. We specied the
URS because it simplies the routing
and standards converting process, says
senior video technician Mike Tempest.
Without the URS, we would have had
to install various matrix switchers, scal-
ers and standards converters.
The URS is deployed as a matrix
switcher/format converter, with the add-
ed functionality of layering four inputs
onto an output, enabling the Spyder to
be bypassed in the event of a failure.
Combining the matrices and scalers
in a single unit reduced our rack space
considerably, which coupled with the
multiview monitor capabilities, makes
the URS [ideal] for a limited
space installation.
The network interfac-
ing capabilities of the Vista
products means that the
Spyder and URS can be
controlled directly from any
network point in the stadi-
um, even wirelessly.
This has major advan-
tages in the programming
stages of the project as we
have been able to literally sit on the eld
and design the layouts with the end client
from the best possible viewing position,
says Tempest.
The processors take a complex series of
feeds. Eight HD SDI inputs are received
from the OB compound and pitch, a fur-
ther four HD DVI feeds from System Solu-
tions AV Stump Wings Platinum media
servers and two HD component feeds from
Blu-ray players.
Meanwhile, four outputs from the URS
feed the Spyder 344, two outputs feed a
pair of HD IPTV encoders which broadcast
two dedicated stadium channels, with live
coverage of the game and infotainment/
emergency channels respectively. There
are also further outputs dedicated to a
Source multi-monitor and a utility output
presently used for source conguration.
However, this could be redeployed for use
in other areas, such as scoreboards.
Video is relayed to either the digital sig-
nage, for public information display, IPTV
in approximately 200 private
suites and to the LED big
screens in the stadium itself.
The relays to the concourse
areas are handled directly
through the digital signage
system, as this system can
decode the IPTV streams
generated with-
in the stadium.
AV Stump
ISEO was select-
ed as the main
control platform
pulling all the
elements of the
installation into
one master con-
trol system.
ISEO also con-
trols the video
mixing and
switching as well
as all playback
devices in the
system and al-
lows a single input to control the entire
video ow to the main LED screens,
digital signage and IPTV systems.
Also controlled by the ISEO touch
control system is a Christie HD 6K-M
series projector, installed in the auditori-
um and used primarily for press debrief-
ings. Lamp life is reported to the man-
agers ISEO interface.
Tempest believes the entire system
places the stadium at the cutting-edge
of modern AV technology. Approxi-
mately 130 digital signage systems are
provided in all public areas of the sta-
dium for general information and com-
mercial advertising purposes.
The scale of the project and its loca-
tional logistics proved major challeng-
es, says Sally Penney, who led Systems
Solutions systems integration team.
But it provided a great chance to work
with some of South Africas leading
suppliers in all elds, to help bring the
stadium to life.
-
in
su
s
a
JOBURG SOCCER CITY: A LANDMARK AV INSTALLATION
25
JULY 2010 SAS
www.digitalproductionme.com
IN THE XONE
South Africa became increasingly
gripped by football fever in the weeks
prior to the World Cup kick-off, with
various events staged aimed at
drumming up support for the
countrys nation-
al football team,
Bafana Bafana.
At one such
event staged in Jo-
hannesburg, more
than 185,000 fans
turned out to watch
the team parade
through the citys
streets atop a dou-
ble-decker bus. The
parade was followed
by a set by local ra-
dio announcer and
DJ, Gavin Vin Deysel, in the citys
Sandton business district. Deysel em-
ployed Allen & Heaths new Xone:DX
during the set, which was the rst
sold in South Africa.
52&.1(73(5)250$1&($8',21(7:25.6
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26
SAS JULY 2010
WORLD CUP STAGING SPECIAL
TECHNICAL AUDIO HIGHLIGHTS
LOFTUS VERSVELD STADIUM, TSHWANE/PRETORIA
In 2006, Prosound completed an upgrade of Loftus Stadiums original sound system,
which consisted of Electro-Voice ZX5 and SX100 loudspeakers.
The upgraded system featured a mix of EV Phoenix loudspeakers, ZX5 and SX100
loudspeakers, and Crest Audio Cki-series power ampliers, upgraded for voice evacu-
ation purposes. At the heart of the system is a Peavey MediaMatrix Neon 3 digital
processing system, which distributes audio across the facility including its private boxes,
which are tted with EV
EVID 4.2 loudspeakers.
A new evacuation sys-
tem featuring Dynacord
installation-series loud-
speakers also features.
Control room high-
lights include an AEQ
BC500 audio console
and two EV RE20 micro-
phones for commentary
purposes.
Unlike Cape Town
and Durban, which
both feature an ADA
Design, Loftus Stadiums sound system was designed in-house by TDC Africa and Pro-
sounds Systems Engineering departments.
SOCCER CITY, JOHANNESBURG
A key technical highlight of Johannesburgs Soccer City stadium is the installation of
128 EV Phoenix loudspeakers suspended 60 metres above the pitch. The speakers pro-
vide 325,000 watts of power with an average SPL of 105db.
The colour-coordinated speakers are installed above the venues roof membrane. A
challenging installation process saw six men crews suspended by harness above the
pitch due to restricted weight load factors.
NELSON MANDELA BAY STADIUM, PORT ELIZABETH
The 50,000-seat Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, which was specially constructed for the
World Cup, features the latest audio technology as a result.
Prosound were contracted by Di-Data to do the full design, supply and installation of
the sound system as per FIFA requirements.
The design utilises Electro-
Voice X56 FRX 15-inch
Horn Loaded Coaxial loud-
speaker systems driven in
passive and Bi-Amped con-
gurations. Crest Audio
Cki-series power ampliers
tted with NX-CobraNet
cards and a total of 136
Electro-Voice FM4.2 speaker
systems feature across the
venue. A Peavey Media Ma-
trix provides control.
requirements.
VUVUZELA
OFF!
The scourge of World Cup viewers across
the world, the dreaded vuvuzelas pose an
even greater hindrance to those watch-
ing the games inside the stadiums, not to
mention ground announcers.
Their omnipotence inside each stadium
also presents potential safety issues in the
case of an emergency announcement.
EVs experience in designing sound sys-
tems for the stadiums used in the 2004
Athens Olympics provided the company
with valuable insight into the challenges
presented by excessive crowd noise.
The Athens Games, for example, saw
the rst deployment of EVs remote am-
pliers, and the solutions adopted in
Greece formed the basis for the sound re-
inforcement designs implemented to im-
pressive effect in Germanys soccer stadi-
ums in 2006. Here then, whilst the trum-
peting of the vuvuzela may be a new
factor, and the architecture of each sta-
dium poses inevitably a set of problems
uniquely its own, Prosound and EV were
well aware of what would be required to
address these issues.
Each stadiums pro audio installation
was designed with this din in mind. For
example, Soccer Citys audio installation
pumps out an average SPL of 105db,
providing more than enough grunt to
challenge the cacophony of local sup-
porters literally blowing their own trum-
pets during each game.
In these environments, sound rein-
forcement systems and voice alarm sys-
tems must be combined. Fans will be able
not only to hear but also to understand
safety announcements in case of emer-
gency, explains Oliver Sahm, director of
EVI Audios Technical Support Team.
Loftus Versveld Stadium.
Nelson Mandela Stadium.
27
JULY 2010 SAS
www.digitalproductionme.com
THE STADIUMS OF THE 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP
South Africa has constructed or refurbished 10 stadiums across the country specically for the World Cup. They are:
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Tshwane/Pretoria. Upgrades completed 2008. Capacity: 42,858
Soccer City, Johannesburg. Upgrades completed 2009. Capacity: 88,460
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg. Completion 2009. Capacity: 55,686
Green Point Stadium, Cape Town. Completion 2009. Capacity: 64,100
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth. Completion 2009. Capacity: 42,486
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban. Completion 2009. Capacity: 62,760
Free State Stadium, Mangaung/Bloemfontein. Upgrades completed 2008. Capacity: 40,911
Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace, Rustenburg. Upgrades completed 2010. Capacity: 38,646
Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit. Completion 2009. Capacity: 40,929
Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane. Completion 2010. Capacity: 41,733
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29
SAS JULY 2010
THE GUIDE
GUIDE
T
H
E
INSIDE
This months hottest product releases, buyers guide and classieds
HOT PRODUCT: Vista 9
MANUFACTURER: Studer
WHATS THE STORY?
Following on from the Vista 5, 6, 7 and 8
desks, Studer claims the Vista 9 takes the
operator experience to a higher level again,
supplementing the Vistonics interface with
radical and innovative wide screen based
TFT metering, FaderGlow and numerous
other innovations.
The new channel meters display mono
through to 7.1 channel signals in the upper
section of the screen, while the lower por-
tion can show bus assignment or for sur-
round channels an image of the surround
composite, providing a clear and easily un-
derstandable display of the surround signal.
Alternatively, a history mode records occur-
PRODUCT: HDA
loudspeaker system
MANUFACTURER:
Mackie
WHATS THE STORY?
Mackies new HDA 12 two-way
high-denition arrayable powered
loudspeaker boasts 1200W of
peak system power. With a cover-
age pattern of 110 x 20, Mackie
claims the compact HDA loud-
speakers are highly congurable.
The system can scale from a high-
output pole-mounted PA to a ex-
ible own array incorporating up
to four HDAs and two HD1801s
per side, making it ideal for mid-
sized venues.
With acoustic and mechani-
cal design by EAW and patented
HD audio processing, HDA offers
proven line array performance at a
relatively affordable price.
www.mackie.com
rences such as overloads in the audio path
of each channel, and highlights them in red
on the channel waveform. The operator
can then review which channel suffered the
overload, up to 30 seconds after the event
has occurred. Furthermore, all stereo inputs
and stereo masters have a correlation meter
bar above the bargraph display.
The Control Bay meter section can be
congured to show any choice of output
busses and input channels and displays up
to 40 meters at the time.
During a hectic live production, the con-
text oriented FaderGlow provides the oper-
ator with an instant overview of the console
status by illuminating each fader in one of
eight freely-assignable colours.
www.harmann.com
www.digitalproductionme.com
THE GUIDE
30
SAS JULY 2010
PRODUCT: F37L
MANUFACTURER:
PIXLED
WHATS THE
STORY? PIXLED has de-
buted its new exible 37mm
LED mesh display, which is de-
signed for creating exible LED
displays and stage backdrops.
The technologys quick roll-
out design enables ultra-fast
installation/breakdown with minimal labour, and the 2300 Nit light output delivers
mega-bright, high-impact, full-colour video images.
PIXLED F-37Ls slim lightweight design provides numerous creative opportunities
and also other key plus points like lower transportation costs. The high transparency
factor enables video and lighting effects to be layered, as the surface becomes near
invisible with lights shining through from behind.
Other key features include a 37mm pixel pitch, 57% transparency factor, weight
of just 6.4kg per square metre and a quick-rollout design.
The frame can be nished in black or white and the product has an IP63 rating,
making it ideal for outdoor and indoor applications.
www.pixled.com
PRODUCT:
X6R I/O card
MANUFACTURER:
Optocore
WHATS THE STORY?
Digital bre network specialist
Optocore has developed a new
I/O card for its X6R 16-channel
converter.
The AES3 (AES/EBU) card pro-
vides 16 AES channels, with the
ability to change the inputs or
outputs in groups of eight.
It complements the companys
existing mic/line conversion cards,
and offers a variety of additional
device options.
Aside from the I/O conguration, for
devices tted with the AES card com-
bined with the software-selectable ana-
logue converter card, there is enormous
exibility; whether the user wants to
use all 16 AES channels (and no ana-
logue I/O), or a combination of both,
the AES card will switch from 16 chan-
nels to eight channels accordingly,
explained Optocore support engineer
Christian Ptsch.
This combination would work partic-
ularly well in amplier racks allowing
the amps to be connected by AES, but
with the option to connect any analogue
inputs as well.
www.optocore.com
i ll l b d th 2300 Nit li ht t t d li
PRODUCT:
ADN discussion
system
MANUFACTURER:
Sennheiser
WHATS THE
STORY? Sennheiser show-
cased its ADN discussion system
at Infocomm 2010. The wired,
digital discussion system com-
prises of an easy-to-use central
unit and two conference termi-
nal options: one for the confer-
ence manager and the other for
the participants.
The ADN conference unit
uses a Sennheiser KE 10 capsule
with a super-cardioid pick-up
pattern. A DSP limiter ensures
that the audio signal cannot
over-amplify. Audio is repro-
duced by the terminals inte-
grated twin loudspeakers.
Thanks to the RJ-45 ports the
system can be set up quickly
and easily, ready to use. For
xed installations, a cable strain
relief is available, ensuring
added reliability.
www.sennheiser.com
31
SAS JULY 2010
www.digitalproductionme.com
PRODUCT: Artist 1100
OLED control panel
MANUFACTURER:
Riedel Communications
WHATS THE STORY?
Riedel showcased its new Artist 1100
Series OLED control panel at Info-
comm 2010. The 1100 is Riedels
new premium control key panel for
Artist digital matrix intercoms.
With 65,000 colours and a resolu-
tion of 140 dpi, these new displays
provide excellent readability and are able
to display eight detailed characters of up to
24x24 pixels. Denable marker colours for
the keys complete the labeling options and
provide instant function identication for
incoming calls.
The panel features individual rotary en-
coders to adjust the listen level of every talk
key. Furthermore, all 1100 Series control
key-panels provide ve dedicated function
keys, a built-in loudspeaker with improved
audio quality, an XLR headset connector
and a removable gooseneck microphone.
Three GPIs and GPOs are available re-
sepctively for system-wide programming.
Two sets of balanced line level audio inputs
and outputs are also provided as standard.
An expansion slot is also included.
For the entirely digital connection to the
matrix via AES the panel provides both BNC
and CAT-5 connectors as standard. The sec-
ond audio channel of the AES signal allows
the panel to transport broadcast quality au-
dio in addition to the intercom application.
An efcient circuit design also features an
integrated power-supply. Riedel claims the
panel consumes 50% less power than the
1000 Series while generating less heat.
www.riedel.net
PRODUCT: Event
Controllers updates
MANUFACTURER:
Analog Way
WHATS THE
STORY? Analog Way has
revealed the latest additions to
its Event Controllers range: the
RK-300 and TRK-800.
The two new remote con-
trol keypads are designed to
control Analog Ways latest
multi-scaler seamless switch-
ers, which include Eikos, Pulse
and SmartVu LE.
RK-300 and TRK-800 al-
low full control of menu and
settings of the switchers and
direct access to PIPs, logos,
frames and sources selection.
Layers properties can be de-
ned by the user and stored
in the consoles memories. A
mini joystick allows easy con-
trol of the displayed elements.
RK-300 features a Graphic
Fluorescent display that in-
cludes a high contrast menu,
illuminated three-colour but-
tons and a mini T-Bar to con-
trol effects levels.
Designed to control up to
three switchers, TRK-800 fea-
tures large and soft illuminated
three-colour buttons, a T-Bar
and an additional large-format
VFD display.
Fitted with an Ethernet LAN
RJ45 connector, RK-300 and
TRK-800 are easy to connect
and use.
www.analogway.com
PRODUCT: Portable
lectern system
MANUFACTURER:
5 Star Cases
WHATS THE
STORY? 5 Star Cases has
begun shipping its new port-
able lectern system, which is
supplied as standard with an in-
tegrated industrial grade case.
The lectern is manufactured
from birch plywood that is CNC
machined. It features a sloping
work area to accomodate lap-
tops or papers, with easy cable
access via a series of slots ma-
chined into its body.
Two basic styles are available.
The rst incorporates a 12U 19
inch rack mount area for AV
equipment such as radio mic
transmitters, audio processing,
DVDs and media players.
The second option is more
aesthetically appealing, but
lacks the rackmounted area.
Both are dimensionally identi-
cal, and so will t in to the same
standard case.
Some customisation to the
standard lectern design is also
possible, such as extra cable
slots or CNC machined logos,
and three colours are currently
available - black, grey and
white. Optional ight cases are
available in any one of seven
standard colours.
www.5star-cases.com
33
SAS JULY 2010
www.digitalproductionme.com
BUYERS GUIDE
(UN)WIRED FOR SOUND
RIEDEL
Rock on!
Wireless audio and
intercoms specialist
Riedel presented its
new RockNet 100
RN.102.IO module
at last months Info-
comm event in Las Vegas. The system is
a exible, digital snake solution that pro-
vides up to 80 digital audio channels over
a single counter-rotating CAT-5 ring.
It easily integrates analogue mixing con-
soles into the audio network or can be set
up for a simple redundant multicore con-
nection. The system is auto-addressing
and can be easily congured via the front-
panel or additionally via the intuitive
RockWorks software.
RockNets rugged steel enclosures are
made for heavy-duty road use and offer
the distinct advantage of magnetic shield-
ing. All connectors are gold plated. The
circuit design is streamlined to ensure ul-
tra-low noise and minimum distortion.
RockNet is based on a redundant ring
architecture with road-proof Neutrik
Ethercon cabling, which allows light, com-
pact and redundant connection between
FOH, stage and if required a moni-
tor mixer. With its redundant ring topol-
ogy, RockNet forms a self-healing network
with no loss of audio in case of a connec-
tion fault between two devices.
RockNet 100 modules can be seamlessly
integrated into any RockNet 300 installa-
tion. The RN.141.MY expansion card ena-
bles full remote control of Yamaha mixers
over all connected RockNet modules. In
addition, the software and the front panel
of each module provide easy congura-
tion of the whole RockNet audio network.
RockWorks allows extensive conguration
and remote control of any device in the
whole RockNet installation over a single
USB connection.
www.riedel.net
New RF-based technologies are
transforming what is possible when it
comes to wireless audio and networking
in live production environments. Here,
we showcase the best wireless audio
technologies available on the market.
Trantec
Quiet
achievers
UK company Tran-
tec is best known
for supplying wire-
less audio technol-
ogies to some of
the worlds biggest
touring acts, in-
cluding Radiohead and Razorlight.
The company recently released
the S-D7000, which it claims is the
worlds rst fully digital wireless mi-
crophone system. Key features in-
clude 24-bit audio resolution net-
work monitoring for more than 60
channels. Another recent highlight
is the upgraded S6 wireless system.
The internal circuitry of the S6 belt-
pack and handheld transmitter has
been redesigned and upgraded, ex-
tending the frequency capability to a
massive 80MHz.
www.trantec.co.uk
WIRELESS AUDIO BUYERS GUIDE
WIRELESS AUDIO BUYERS GUIDE
34
SAS JULY 2010
Sennheiser
Bigger and better
Sennheiser recently introduced new versions of its professional wireless products.
The EM 3732-II twin receiver and the SK 5212-II bodypack transmitter feature a
switching bandwidth of up to 184 MHz and have a special mode for more inter-
ference-free transmission frequencies. Sennheiser claims this enables sound engi-
neers to adapt to worldwide transmission conditions more easily and avoid inter-
ference from other transmitters. Sennheiser claims the doubled switching band-
width has not impaired the reliability of the EM series models.
The receivers are tted with high-quality linear ampliers and auto-tuning l-
ters, explains Astrid Vettin, product manager, Professional Systems.
This reduces the amount of intermodulation products, ensuring reliable recep-
tion even in difcult RF environments.
www.sennheiser.com
RTS
Multichannel
to the Max
Making its
debut at
NAB 2010
was RTS
new MADI-
16+ scalable
multichan-
nel audio
digital inter-
face card.
The card
expands the
congura-
tion capabil-
ities of the
ADAM ma-
trix frame
and the
ADAM-M very compact ma-
trix frame by utilising up to 64
channels of MADI (Multichan-
nel Audio Digital Interface)
technology to connect AES-
10-compliant devices over co-
axial and bre connections.
To ensure exibility, the
MADI-16+ operates at sam-
pling rates of 44.1 kHz and 48
kHz. It is fully scalable, allow-
ing 16 to 64 channels of au-
dio and fully compatible with
AZedit conguration software.
The MADI-16+ ties the en-
tire system together by sup-
porting audio connections be-
tween matrix frames. It can
link frames using a variety of
connector options including
coaxial and bre, with a range
of more than 15 km between
ADAM/ADAM-M frames. The
MADI-16+ also supports an-
cillary data for RTS intelligent
trunking between long-dis-
tance intercom systems.
www.rtsintercoms.com
AKG
Going global
AKGs DMS 700 is the rst professional
digital wireless system that meets world-
wide transmission regulations. Two fre-
quency versions, each with up to 155
MHz frequency range of transmitter and
receiver give the user the necessary ex-
ibility even in a crowded RF environment.
With this ultra-wide tuning range, AKG
claims users can operate up to 100 chan-
nels simultaneously.
An automatic encryption function offers
the necessary security to protect sensitive
audio transmissions. AKG claims the digital
audio transmission successfully eliminates
distortions and signicant noise levels at
high audio frequencies.
The DMS 700 can be integrated into
an HiQnet system with the optional
HUB 4000 Q. With the Harman PC
control software System Architect the
DMS 700 can be remote controlled and
monitored from a PC.
www.akg.com
35
SAS JULY 2010
www.digitalproductionme.com
Shure
An oldie but a
goldie
An inaugural Sound & Stage
Award winner way back in
2007, Shures agship wire-
less system, the UHF-R, in-
troduced a range of innova-
tions at the time of its release,
including automatic frequency
and transmitter setup (using In-
fra Red) and networkability (via
USB and Ethernet).
The systems networking func-
tion enables sound engineers to
easily position and monitor mi-
crophone setups involving an
extensive number of channels,
while the frequency wizard op-
tion in the Shure Wireless Work-
bench Software (Mac and PC
friendly) simplies the selec-
tion of frequencies.
Internationally, big name art-
ists such as Sir Paul McCart-
ney at the Grammy Awards,
Sean Paul in Dubai, Bruce
Springsteen at the Bonaroo
Festival, and Jose Carreras
in Istanbul, have all utilised
UHF-R technology.
The Middle East has
proven one of the most
lucrative markets in terms
of sales of UHF-R sys-
tems, with regional sales
estimated to be closing
in on the 1000 mark in
2010.
www.shure.com
Audio-Technica
Better performance
Audio-Technica debuted its upgraded
range of wireless systems at this years P+S
show in Frankfurt.
Improvements across the range consist
of both the functional and the ergonomic
and are designed to boost performance
and usability.
The 2000a Series benets from updates
to receivers and transmitters. Receivers
now offer 12v antenna power (to drive
the ATW-B80 antenna booster or other
active components), improved tone lock
squelch and increased output level with
-2dBV/+9dBV output selector switch.
A new high RF power option on the
2000a Series beltpack and handheld trans-
mitters delivers improved range (particu-
larly in the case of the beltpack transmitter
when body-worn), and transmitters now
feature charging contacts for use with a
new charging station.
The improved 3000b Series features
nine new pre-coordinated frequency scan
groups that simplify selection of usable
frequencies in a multi-channel wireless
-
a
o
p-
k-
ben
frie
tio
Int
ist
ne
Se
S
F
i
system. The 3000b
Series is available with
either a dynamic or
condenser handheld
transmitter featur-
ing robust
metal
construc-
tion and slim ergo-
nomic design. The
ATW-T341b handheld
transmitter includes the
stage-proven Artist Elite
AE4100 cardioid dynamic
element, while the ATW-
T371b handheld transmit-
ter features the Artist Series ATM710 car-
dioid condenser element.
Updates and improvements to the high-
performing 4000a and 5000a Series in-
clude a new backlit LCD on transmitters
and locking battery door on UniPak body-
pack transmitters; two-colour (green/red)
power/mute LED to indicate on/mute sta-
tus; new 25 kHz spacing providing up to
996 selectable frequencies and a new v3.0
of the AEW Control Interface Software,
which now works with all popular operat-
ing systems. The 4000a and 5000a Series
are available in C, D, E, F and G Bands
across Europe.
The 3000, 4000 and 5000 Series wire-
less systems are covered by the companys
Upgrade Pass scheme which allows wire-
less users a clear path through the chal-
lenges presented by Ofcoms Digital Divi-
dend Review.
www.audio-technica.com
WIRELESS AUDIO BUYERS GUIDE
36
SAS JULY 2010
www.digitalproductionme.com
AKG iPhone App
Want to check your wireless set-
up from your iPhone? With the
AKG Wireless iPhone App, you
can monitor and control an AKG
wireless system from your iPhone
or iPod touch via Wi-Fi.
AKG claims the app is the fastest
and easiest way to check the wire-
less connection between a trans-
mitter and a receiver on stage. It
allows users to check and detect
radio shadow areas directly on the
stage with the RF monitor. As the
iPhone/iPod touch is rotated from
portrait mode of a stripe into land-
scape mode, the RF Monitor graph
shows the Radio Frequency
level over time.
Each wireless channel is
shown as a list item. The name,
radio frequency, device type
and connected HUB 4000 Q
name are provided. The stripe
shows details of the wireless de-
vice, such as the device name,
the radio frequency, the radio
frequency level, the audio level
and the battery life time of the
transmitter microphone.
The app is free for download
from AKGs website or the Ap-
ple iTunes store.
www.apple.com/itunes
HOT WIRELESS MONITORING PRODUCT
The Middle East & North Africas
ONLY monthly magazine for the
broadcast and production industry
Official Title
FOR ADVERTISING CONTACT:
Fareed Dubery
Tel: +971 4 2108 632
Email: fareed.dubery@itp.com
FOR EDITORIAL CONTACT:
David Ingham
Tel: +971 4 2108 312
Email: david.ingham@itp.com
TO SUBSCRIBE:
Subscription is FREE for industry
professionals. Simply visit:
www.itp.com/subscriptions today.
THE GUIDE
www.digitalproductionme.com
38
SAS JULY 2010
Hitlist
The
YOUTUBE VIDEO GUIDE
Traktor Pro DJ Tech Tools
Among the
countless
number of
DJ tutorials
available on
YouTube, DJ
Tech Tools
Trakor Pro
guide is one
of the best
its even shot
in HD!
Youtube
search term:
DJ Tech
Tools Traktor
Pro tutorial
THIS MONTHS MUST-ATTEND EVENT
OR TRY THIS
PALME Vietnam
22 24 July
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The PALME Asia roadshow rolls into
Vietnams Saigon Exhibition and
Convention Centre for the rst time.
Similarly to PALME Middle East, the Asian
event incorporates an Install component.
Traktor Pro DJ Tech Tools
iPad app of the month
MxNM LE
MxNM LE, which stands for Mix N
Match MIDI Limited Edition, offers
135 virtual buttons sliders and knobs,
providing fantastic levels of control for
a huge variety of sound processing,
sequencing and mixing software
applications. Nifty stuff. pp y
One of Indias leading pro audio, lighting and live event production industry
events returns to Chennai in 2010. The event will showcase the latest products
and services from a host of local and international exhibitors.
Professional Sound & Light Expo
23 25 July, Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai, India, www.buysellint.com
BACK STAGE
40
SAS JULY 2010
OFF THE RECORD
WORLD CUP 2010
SPECIAL
Most memorable World Cup anthem
BEST OF THE WORST HAIRCUTS
Carlos Valderrama.
The undisputed
champion. Forget
Colombias
performances at
the 1990 World
Cup and revel
in the eternal
afterglow of
Carlos Valderramas luscious locks.
I dont
think you
can really
compare the
two. But it
is a noisy instrument.
Swiss defender Philippe Senderos provides cutting insight
into the tonal qualities of the vuvuzela compared to the
Swiss Alpine horn. Thanks Philippe.
Pele should
go back
to the
museum. As
for Platini,
hes French, he
believes hes better
than the rest of us.
Argentina legend, former coke-end and budding diplomat
Diego Maradona responds to criticism of his WC
training strategies, which included at one point ordering
opposing players to take penalty shots targeting others
backsides. As you do.
What really gave me
pleasure was that
at the Milan airport
there were hundreds
of people to see us
off. Were not used
to this enthusiasm.
Four years ago at
our departure
for Germany,
there was just
one person
with a banner,
and he was a
friend of mine.
Italy coach Marcello Lippi. Dont expect
much support for your homecoming, Marcello.
C
T
c
C
p
t
e

g
t
m
t
Forget the dismal performances dished up to date by the 2010 World Cups so-called
big guns and revel in the joy delivered by the most memorable World Cup moments of
the past 20 years.
World Cup shockers
What was it with
Colombians and
unique hairstyles
during successive
World Cups of
the 1990s? Rene
Higuita gets in on
the act, doing his
best to upstage
Arsenio Hall in the pony mullet stakes.
W
C

d
W
A one-game 2002 WC
substitute, Portuguese
international Abel Xavier
probably should have
spent less time on his
hair and more time
focusing on his football.
Too fat, too slow,
and the stupidest
haircut of the
2002 World Cup.
Come on down,
Ronaldo!
Hollands Ruud Gullit (with Englands
Gary Stevens running him a close second).
Lets hope he brings the perm back for his
rumoured next gig as coach of the less
than mighty Socceroos.
FAR AWAY IN AMERICA, THE
VILLAGE PEOPLE AND THE
GERMAN FOOTBALL TEAM
(AKA NATIONALMANNSCHAFT),
WORLD CUP 1994.
What do you get when you force
a team consisting of mulletted East
Germans, Euro-trash-loving West
Germans and an innuendo-peddling
all-male singing group well past
their prime into a recording studio?
A diabolically campy ode to the
footballing prowess of the unfortunately
known Nationalmannscaft and the joys
of German reunication, thats
what! From the ensuing video, it is easy
to understand why the Germans still
worship David Hasselhoff.
of German reunication thats