Recent conversations that play into the current economic climate affecting our industry
First, a conversation with a soundco owner in the Midwest who said he was busy but broke. “Not a box or an amp in the shop — everything is rented. But cash flow is down significantly.” As we talked we figured out that clients are not paying as quickly as he would like and that “some checks are better than others.”
Read More »The editors of FOH recently received an interesting e-mail from a gentleman who informed us that he was a university student studying computer programming and networking, and that he also did live sound on a part-time basis. He wanted to know if we had any ideas about how he might be able to apply his knowledge in the computer field to audio, enabling him to combine his two interests as a career. If this question was raised barely 10 or 12 years ago, the answer to that question would be an emphatic “no.” However, we’ve seen a long-term trend that goes something like this: Computer hardware and software developers create technology for moving data from place to place, and then the audio industry adapts that technology for use in moving audio from place to place.
Read More »Scientific protocol calls for lots of testing before a product is finally assembled. However, in the highly subjective and opinionated realm of loudspeakers, testing has become not so much an afterthought as an after-the-fact proposition in some instances. The transducer and cabinet assembly of each component in a line array are subjected to plenty of testing as each element is developed and connected, but the dynamic and incrementally minute nature of the line array itself tends to get its final checks in situ, flying above the crowd.
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So, I bid on this gig — the sound, the lighting and the generator. It was a relatively large area with a wide stage backed by a waterfall. The client wanted to make the waterfall change in colors; he also wanted a followspot for a performer who goes into the audience. I took the initial meeting with a buddy who does amazing set design work and brings very cool ideas to the table, fitting every size budget including zero. I sent this client the old package price bid and he proceeded to cherry pick what he wanted and the prices. That usually only irritates me a little, but then I sent over a contract with the description “client didn’t take package, but took package pricing” written in bold font. Childish, but it made me feel better.
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ENGLAND — ADLIB Audio is supplying sound for the UK leg of Hot Chip’s “Made In the Dark” world tour, debuting their new Lab.gruppen PLM1000 amplifiers used to drive 12 ADLIB MP3 low-profile monitor wedges. ADLIB’s Richy Nicholson (FOH) and Marc Peers (monitors) are working closely with band engineers Steve Revitte and Mary Alafetich.
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LAKE FOREST, Ill. — As part of a three-phase facility upgrade of the church’s audio system, First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, Ill., recently completed the installation of a new wireless microphone system. Placed into service to coincide with the church’s 150th anniversary, the new equipment was installed by Sound Vision, Inc. of Elgin, Ill., and is comprised of components from Lectrosonics.
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NEW YORK — Engineer Chris Rabold has guided rock band Widespread Panic’s sonic path live on tour since 2001. A total of 60-plus inputs accommodate everything from the six-piece band’s gear (the percussionist uses 21 alone), triggers and audience mics for recording — plus an allotted six lines for guest artists, so there’s a lot to manage at all times. Given the opportunity, Rabold jumped at the chance to take an SD7 out for a spin on Panic’s U.S. fall dates.
BUENA PARK, Calif. — Beginning in January 2009, Yamaha Commercial Audio Training Seminars (YCATS) will offer Digital Sound Reinforcement 101 (DSR101) as part of the course selection now offered throughout the year both regionally and at the Buena Park, Calif. headquarters.
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LAS VEGAS – This is your shot to have your mug in the next issue of FOH! All you have to do is take five… Read More »Get Your Face in Our Next Issue!
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CROATIA — The Tuborg Green Festival in Zagreb, Croatia, brought together acts including Kaiser Chiefs, Edo Maajka, Kiril and Lollobrigida, who performed with Croatian rental company Lite Prom’s Turbosound loudspeaker system.
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PARIS — Pope Benedict XVI recently made his first visit as pontiff to Paris, praying together with more than a quarter million followers on the massive lawns of the Esplanade des Invalides. Sound Designer Fred Goguet created an audio system for the momentous event using Meyer Sound components provided by a coterie of French audio firms, including Dispatch, Ateliers Lumiere, Projectis and Audio-Technique.
Read More »WOODINVILLE, Wash. — LOUD Technologies Inc. has announced a reorganization of its marketing, sales and engineering functions. Under the new organization, product strategy, development and marketing for the company’s MI and Pro businesses will be managed by separate, dedicated product management teams, while marketing communications for all LOUD brands will be consolidated and managed by a shared marketing support team.
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