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KYGO’S
DUBAI DEBUT
THE WORLD RENOWNED DJ,
MUSICIAN AND PRODUCER
GRACES THE STAGE AT BURJ PARK
UAE’S NATIONAL DAY • FUNKTION-ONE & AUDIO SANS FRONTIERES BREAK WEST AFRICA • KSA OPENS UP
TO LIVE EVENTS • PRODUCTION MANAGER JOEL STANLEY • FIRST LOOK MIDDLE EAST: EFM’S LISA RYAN
Excellent events and nothing less.
N&M was commissioned to do the technical implementation of the „Astana Sphere“, the
German and Austrian pavilions, Energy Best Practice and Shell at the Expo 2017 Astana.
Come and see our Expo Specialist at the Middle East Special Event & Exhibition Show 2018,
stand C20, on the 22nd to 23rd April at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.
WELCOME...
TO TPMEA
Dear readers,
In what seems like the blink of an eye, we are back for another issue… and what a jam-
packed issue it is!
Our cover story sees globe-trotting EDM extraordinaire Kygo mark his Dubai debut in
the shadow of the Burj Khalifa, before we head down E 11 to go behind the scenes at the
46th UAE National Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi.
In Africa, we hear about the 30-year relationship that culminated in a fairly well-
attended [1.7 million people!] event in Nigeria thanks to a sound package delivery
from Wigwam Acoustics, and speak to Audio Sans Frontieres about their philanthropic
endeavours across the continent with a Funktion-One sound system in tow.
As I leave you to enjoy this bountiful anthology of live production splendour, please
do remember to stay in touch with us about all of your upcoming events - it’s the best
way to ensure safe passage into our next printed edition as the concert season gets into
full swing!
CONTENTS
MIDDLE EAST
08 - REGIONAL ROUND-UP
16 22
The latest news from the Middle East.
14 - ILEA COLUMN
Vice President of Strategy, Lisa Pennington, on
shaping Dubai’s future.
16 - TECH PROFILE
The Norwegian DJ, record producer, musician
and songwriter played his first ever show in the
region, in the shadow of the mighty Burj Khalifa.
22 - TECH PROFILE
30 46
Event Producer Done + Dusted UK created a
3-scene spectacle for the 46th National Day
featuring an L-Acoustics L-ISA system.
26 - TECH PROFILE
TPMEA speaks to the team behind a temporary
addition to the Dubai nightlife scene - White at
Meydan Racecourse.
42 - TECH PROFILE
30 - INTERVIEW 34 - PRODUCT FOCUS TPMEA talks to the team behind Christ for all
CEO of Squares Event Management, Mark TPMEA profiles some of the innovative hardware Nations.
Satchell, discusses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s coming to the live events market in 2018.
burgeoning entertainment industry. 46 - INTERVIEW
AFRICA Federico Pirzio-Biroli and Oz Jefferies landed in
32 - INTERVIEW Kenya with a Funktion-One system in tow, and
UK-based Production Mangaer, Joel Stanley, talks 38 - REGIONAL ROUND-UP now they plan to take West Africa to new audio
about touring in the Middle East. The latest news stories from the region. heights.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is a promising events and entertainment growth
market. EFM has always been strong here, however the gradual relaxation of many KSA
regulations, including the first ever women’s motor show in January in Jeddah, has already
delivered an upturn in the events market. KSA will continue to deliver a sizeable growth
opportunity throughout 2018 for us and our customers, building on a successful 2017 for
us, handling many live performances, corporate events and automotive roadshows here.
Orchestral performances and performing arts are increasing in the region, with an ever-
growing number of visitors attracted to venues such as the popular Dubai Opera House. We
also have several international orchestras planning tours in Iran, Kuwait and UAE.
We’ve experienced an uplift in car shows and regional MENA tours with brand new
models launching in the automotive market. We’ve just been awarded a 12 month contract by
one of the leading luxury car manufacturers - touring 20 new marketing cars through Bahrain,
KSA, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and South Africa.
It’s FIFA World Cup year in Russia and we’re also working on the prestigious World Cup
Trophy Tour, which will also visit UAE, Jordan, Sudan and Egypt; following hot on the heels of
the Arabian Gulf Cup tour that we handled in December.
EFM has been operating across the MENA region since it launched in 2000. This year
marks the 10th anniversary of our EFM office opening in the UAE. The event industry in the
region has changed hugely since then; it’s been a fascinating time to be on the ground. We’ve
been involved in transporting equipment (via air, road, sea) for some of the biggest events in
the region, including some of the first major international touring acts bought into Abu Dhabi
by Flash Entertainment; the KAUST Opening in Jeddah (2009); Oman National Day (2010); Pan
Arab Games, Arab Cup and Vangelis Concert in Doha (2011); Royal Weddings in Abu Dhabi,
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar; Kuwait Constitution event (2012); car roadshows throughout
MENA; National Days, Dubai Motor Shows, and the opening of the Abu Dhabi Louvre towards
the end of 2017.
Roll on EXPO 2020, we’re ready and waiting!
www.efm.global
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FIRST LOOK MIDDLE EAST 07
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08 REGIONAL ROUND UP
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10 REGIONAL ROUND UP
Protec has strengthened its presence in the across the UK and Europe. The company offers “Aventeq, which of course I’m thrilled to say,
UK with its acquisition of Birmingham-based a comprehensive suite of services including is now Protec European Events, has a similar
Aventeq. creative and technical design, production, passion to Protec,” commented Bramwell. “We
With this agreement, Aventeq - which will lighting, audio, video, staging, rigging and venue focus on delivering fantastic experiences for our
now be known as Protec European Events - will support services. It has been known for its slick clients and audiences. We are very excited to
have access to a much larger palette of event productions for events of a variety of categories be a part of one of the world’s most respected
production resources, including state of the and sizes. industry leaders and now be able to offer our
art technology, equipment and highly skilled Commenting on this announcement, Stephen clients a more creative and technological palette
staff. It will be in a stronger position to extend Lakin, Protec’s Founder and CEO, said: “I have a with a wider market reach.”
its services to a larger client base and offer a lot of time for Chris Bramwell and the team. They Lakin added: “Technology in the events
more comprehensive and creative approach to have built up a strong business and I’m thrilled industry has seen exponential growth, creativity
its technical productions. The joining of these 2 to welcome them into the Protec family. I am has become bolder and audience engagement
companies delivers on Protec’s vision of inspiring looking forward to the opportunity to introduce now plays a crucial role in every event. Our clients
the entire events industry with extraordinary their customers to a wider global reach and more are spending more time on developing bespoke
and impactful experiences through its technical exciting tools & technology to create unique and events, creatively using content with technology
expertise and deliveries. memorable event experiences.” to immerse and involve their audiences into their
Established in 2008 by an industry Bramwell will continue to lead the company story’s environment. Technology continues to
experienced team led by Chris Bramwell, Aventeq to execute on their growth plans but with the play an important role and new technologies
has prided itself in delivering quality projects all backing of the vast resources of Protec. are guiding content developers to dig deeper
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REGIONAL ROUND UP 11
into their creative talents to make full use of the the world, in my mind, our creative approach to all or a mega-show) with the same dedication
technical resources to deliver with impact and to our projects and the ability to consistently create and commitment. This approach, he added, has
stay current. extraordinary experiences through clever use of cemented Protec’s relationships with its clients
“There is greater demand for a break from the technology is what sets us apart. It’s this approach and has also played its part in the growth of the
typical sit and listen conference format to a more that Protec European Events will take on which company as well as the industry in the Middle East.
imaginative, dynamic, immersive and involving I’m sure will be an important factor to ensure that “Protec European Events shares our passion
experience. This spurs us to continually think their clients are thrilled with every event delivery.” and I’m looking forward to extending this
creatively and develop new ways of delivering our Lakin claimed a key factor that contributed commitment across the UK and Europe,” Lakin
productions. So although we are one of the largest to the company’s success is that it treats every concluded.
events technical and staging solutions company in event (whether it is the smallest of small events www.productiontec.com
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12 REGIONAL ROUND UP
AUDIOLAB-LB INVESTS
IN THE AVID VENUE S6L
AudioLab-lb is a relatively new sound “We only use Avid equipment at AudioLab- so you can go directly to EQ or the fader on the
production and rental company in Lebanon. lb. We have an Avid VENUE SC48 and an Avid screen - it’s all right there.”
In just a couple of years it has grown to VENUE Profile which are still very busy, but as we AudioLab-lb’s S6L first console - the largest
become one of the country’s biggest and most continue to grow we need additional equipment of its kind in Lebanon with 2 Stage 64 boxes
successful audio businesses. - and of course we want to stay up to date with giving 128 inputs and 64 outs - was installed in
The company was founded by Imad Mrad, the latest technology,” commented Mrad. “The July 2017 and was busy from day one on a variety
a well-known and respected live and broadcast S6L is the best choice on the market. The sound of broadcast and live project. It proved its worth
sound engineer, not just in Lebanon but across quality is absolutely superb, unbeatable. It’s an very quickly, on a live concert with a very short
the entire Middle East region. He was Head easy and fast console to work with. It also has set-up time and almost no rehearsal, thanks to
of Sound at the leading Middle East media good studio plug-ins – and added to Avid’s plug- one of S6L’s software features.
production house Studiovision for nearly 14 ins, we have a lot of choices without needing “The Virtual Soundcheck function meant
years, working on big live TV shows including the any external hardware or software for that. The that we could get a head-start on the mix from
Middle East editions of Taratata, Dancing with the dynamics and pre-amps are also very good.” our offices, then once we got to the venue we
Stars and The X Factor among others. Mrad is also Mrad finds the system intuitive and easy to only needed around 15 minutes with the band,”
the sound engineer for Rotana, which produces use. “The whole team was already very familiar Mrad explained. “Without this function - which
concerts across the Gulf region for well-known with the Avid VENUE system so it was simple worked perfectly and smoothly in just one click
Arabic singers and bands including Mohamed to get going straight away,” he said. “The S6L - we would have faced a lot of problems. I would
Abdo, Rabeh Sakr, Rashed al Majid, Hussein al communicates easily with Avid Pro Tools, which certainly say that the S6L saved the day.”
Jassmi, Wael Kfouri, Kazem Al Saher, Najwa Karam is important as we often need to record concerts The success of the console led swiftly to the
and Assi Al Hallani. on multitrack directly into Pro Tools. I also find purchase of the second S6L in December 2017,
As a user of Avid audio equipment for more the Spill function very handy because you can which looks set to be kept just as busy as the
than 10 years, Imad recently purchased 2 Avid choose whatever channels you want in your bay first.
VENUE S6L live mixing systems from Litewaves, and have them all in front of you. I like to work www.audiolab-lb.com
Avid’s audio reseller in Lebanon. with several screens, and it’s easy to set this up www.avid.com
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REGIONAL ROUND UP 13
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14 ILEA COLUMN
LISA PENNINGTON:
SHAPING DUBAI’S FUTURE
BACK IN DECEMBER 2017, ILEA PARTICIPATED IN THE DUBAI ECONOMIC
DEPARTMENT (DED) 2ND BUSINESS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FORUM, WHERE
DUBAI ECONOMY AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR DISCUSSED FUTURE-READINESS.
Above: Darshan Shetty, DED Principal Business Analyst; Lisa Pennington, ILEA VP Strategy; Kholoud Ali, ILEA Operations Manager;
Alexandar Williams, DED Director, Future Economy; Dan Bolton, President of ILEA.
The Business Community Engagement (BCE) initiative further into the future. ILEA’s strategic partnership with
was launched in 2016 to deepen Dubai Economy’s DED and this important interaction supporting their
cooperation with the private sector. The aims of BCE business community events further strengthens ILEA’s
are to share government initiatives, as well as serve as ability to fulfil this objective and will help us to enable
a platform for business groups and business councils, our members to deliver the very best work to their
to provide feedback and ideas on how Dubai’s clients through collaboration, thought-leadership and
businesses and industry can work together with the idea sharing.
government for a happier business future. This year, the theme of BCE was; Enabling a Future-
Part of ILEA’s objectives are to work more closely Ready Business Environment. We believe this is very
with the government and ILEA’s interactions and relevant and vital now, as global economic, social and
support of government departments and initiatives are especially technological changes are sweeping and
key to helping evolve the Middle East events industry altering the global economic landscape. Governments,
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ILEA COLUMN 15
businesses and industry must always be prepared for • Legal Status for Business Groups and Councils.
change; better still, be in a position to shape change and
create the future. • Future industry and foresight initiative to serve as a
A selection of government departments and resource for business groups.
business groups were invited to attend and participate
in the panel discussions. I participated in a panel ILEA’s collaboration with DED continues throughout
session titled Enabling a Future-Ready Organisation and 2018, where we will look to discuss topics that have
Industry, where we shared ILEA’s initiatives in embracing significant impact on the event industry and how we
and shaping change in events industry. We enlightened can work to improve processes and influence change in
the business community on ILEA’s role and highlighted important areas such as immigration and mission visas,
the talent of SMEs in the event industry, which are freelancer trade licences and visas, and the associated
available here within the region. costs. Freelancers’ contribution to the GDP is another
During the event, DED also launched several key area, as are event permits and licensing, along with a
initiatives to sustain the engagement with the business joint workshop with different business groups, councils
community. The new initiatives include: and associations.
• The Dubai Quality Appreciation Award for Business For details on ILEA membership please email:
Groups and Councils, which ILEA are proud to have admin@ilea-me.com
been nominated for. www.ilea-me.com
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16 TECH PROFILE
KYGO
FOR HIS FIRST PERFORMANCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST, WORLD RENOWNED
DJ, MUSICIAN AND PRODUCER, KYGO, GRACED THE STAGE AT DUBAI’S
BURJ PARK. TPMEA SPOKE TO A COLLECTION OF THE SHOW’S SUPPLIERS
WHO MADE SURE THE TROPICAL HOUSE STAR’S PREMIER PERFORMANCE
IN THE REGION WENT OFF WITHOUT A HITCH.
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Over the years Dubai has certainly become and logistical challenges as well as contracting able to get everything in and ready for doors to
a hotspot for EDM, with most of the genre’s out the various departments to a selection of open. Being an island park, access was carefully
biggest names often stopping off in the city as suppliers from across the region. “Technical controlled to ensure smooth operations.”
part of their world tours. Last year Kygo added suppliers were awarded based on capabilities “The evening had a great atmosphere,”
his name to long list of DJs who have brought and working ethics. We had already worked with concluded Mikaelian. “You could see people from
their brand of dance music to the region, our key suppliers previously on other events,” all over the downtown area making their way to
playing a sold out show in the shadow of the commented Mikaelian. “It’s important to have the main entrance. Getting a large high school
tallest building in the world in Burj Park. good working energy on-site which we believe and young adult crowd always makes for a fun
The event was presented by digital music we had at this gig.” Suppliers for the show party, with everyone visible having a great time.”
platform, Anghami, in partnership with Emaar. included; Al Laith for staging, Delta Sound for
To help the company out on all aspects of the audio, SLS Production for lighting and video and LIGHTING & VIDEO
concert was JK58. TPMEA sat down with JK58’s Stage FX for pyrotechnics and lasers. As with all EDM shows, lighting and video was
Senior Production Manager, Mike Mikaelian, to Mikaelian commented on the collaboration an integral part of the experience. Keeping up
discuss this latest collaboration. with the Kygo crew: “His team were really with the fast paced music was SLS Production.
“JK58 started out in the region 7 years ago good and easy to work with,” stated the Senior Edwin Cheeran, Associate Director for Sales
and quickly launched into the regional event Production Manager. “There were only a few back and Marketing talked through the company’s
industry,” began Mikaelian walking TPMEA and forths before we locked down and elements involvement with the show. As Kygo and the
through the company’s history. “Founder Jean on site and faced no issues once they arrived. rest the crew were in the midst of a world tour,
Carl Saliba helped launch the events industry Stage design was as per their rider, with only the production had a fairy solid tour rider that
within the UAE, taking part and leading in many minor changes made based on the available kit in SLS catered for. “With our experience of working
AAA shows and events across the region. After the region.” with many international acts, we were more
opening JK58 in 2011, he found his partner Despite being well prepared for the show, than prepared to accommodate any last minute
Ryan Marginson and they quickly positioned both JK58 and its team of suppliers had the issue changes,” commented Cheeran. In fact prior to
themselves as key players in event production of dealing with a less the conventional venue the show, Kygo’s LD, Alex Hesse, opted to move
and management, supporting a variety of groups space. “Burj Park is iconic with a view of the Burj some of the positions of the lights on the day of
and clients.” Khalifa. But it’s a park and not a venue with very setup. In total the lighting rig included 20 Martin
With a wealth of experience, it made limited access points,” commented Mikaelian. by Harman MAC Viper Performances, 16 Atomic
sense why Anghami chose JK58 to work on “Getting everything in presented challenges 3000 Strobes, 48 Claypaky Mythos, 40 Sharpys,
this latest venture. JK58 led up all technical but everyone worked together and we were 24 B-EYE K20’s and 80 Showtec LED Pixel Tracks.
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20 TECH PROFILE
Controlling the impressive rig was a full size MA Phaenon Lasers and 4W RGB Starbeams with a of year. “Around November we had a really high
Lighting grandMA2. Pangolin Beyond Laser System for control. Finally, demand to supply audio for a variety of events,”
The company also supplied the production’s to ensure stunning laser looks, the SFX suppliers stated Eatock. “This meant it was just myself
video needs with 100sqm of 3.9mm Absen LED also deployed several MDG M3e Fog Machines. representing Delta on site aided with a couple of
screen for the DJ booth and side towers along Hopkins continued by elaborating on Stage a regular freelancers and local crew.”
with 75sqm of 6mm Absen LED screen for the FX’s experience with EDM star’s production Eatock continued to explain the concept of
back wall. Also on the rider was an IMAG package team. “Everything for the show was specified the PA design. “The main system we installed
with 2 8.9mm Uniview LED screens. Finally for by Kygo’s touring production,” he stated. was designed based on our knowledge of the
control SLS opted for a Dataton WATCHOUT racks. “Contrary to the misconception that Dubai venue,” began the Project Manger. Due to the
“The lighting rig itself was mainly distributed does not have the local availability of the latest near by residential buildings that surround Burj
on the sub hangs with a few on the LED towers SFX and laser equipment, we had everything Park, Delta opted to not install side hangs or
with the rest set out on the floor,” commented requested in stock and more. They left very flown subs to “isolated the sound to the venue
Cheeran. “The overall look was just great! We happy!” Luke Hammond, Kygo’s Touring VJ, was perimeter,” according to Eatock.
were very happy to see the lights and video especially pleased with the service they received, As for on-stage audio and backline, Delta
being used in the best way. The crowd was also commenting to Hopkins that the, “lasers were supplied a package as per Kygo’s rider received
amazing. We were very proud to be part of the absolutely on point!” from the touring production. “Stage fills included
event, especially as it was a sold out show. We While on the subject of lasers, Hopkins SB18 subs, KARA and X15 wedges,” stated Eatock.
hope to do more shows of the same kind.” discussed some of the challenges working in “I’m glad to say there were no substitutions made
Burj Park: “Prior to the show we planned a laser on the audio!”
SFX termination surface to be constructed across Eatock concluded by giving his final thoughts
Adding to the visual feast was Stage FX. The the back of the entire VIP platform. It worked on the show: “At Delta, maintenance of our
special effects specialist provided a selection of perfectly as a shield to the local residential equipment is key and by adhering to stringent
effects including Magic FX CO2 Jets, Stage Flames, properties.” But despite a stellar show, there was testing procedures, we keep our systems in top
Flamaniacs and Sparkulars. Control for all the one aspect that was missing for the SFX arsenal. working order at all times. The artist’s content
effects came courtesy of a ChamSys MQ80 SFX. “Sadly were not allowed to use our Xstream was well produced and sounded great through
Arran Hopkins, General Manager for Stage Streamer Cannons and XL Confetti Blasters. This the L-Acoustics K1, KARA and SB28 enclosures.
FX discussed his involvement with the show: due to worries of contaminating the Burj Khalifa “The show itself was very well received by
“We integrated the SFX fixtures into the DJ booth lake and fountains, which was understandable the audience, which were in their thousands till
and in various up and down stage positions to really!” the early hours of the morning.”
give the effects some depth. All too often we From all reports, both from the crew and
see effects just placed across the downstage AUDIO critics alike, it seemed that Kygo’s first time in
edge, which we wanted to get away from on this Delta Sound provided the audio backbone for the city was an unmitigated success. Once again
show,” explained Hopkins. “At Stage FX we try the show. Based on the venue layout, Delta used proof not only of the city’s love for the EDM
to give each show a unique look as much as we a slightly smaller set up for the event; consisting genre, but how prepared the UAE suppliers are
can while maintaining our firm health and safety of an L-Acoustics K1 left and right hang, 12 per for handling the ambitious show designs of the
procedures.” side along, with 12 KARA evenly distributed along world’s greatest DJs...
Stage FX also ensured that Kygo was the downstage edge for front fills. The Delta Photos: Waleed Shah
supplied with a healthy laser package, which system also consisted of 24 SB28 ground stack www.kygomusic.com
was integrated into the DJ booth as well as the subs. All cabinets were driven using L-Acoustics www.jk58.co
LED screens. “The lasers were operated by one LA8 amplifiers together with LA Network www.anghami.com
of our in-house LSO-qualified live operators, Manager. www.slspro.net
who is very experienced in EDM events using Delta Sound’s Rob Eatock discussed some of www.stagefx.ae
the latest Pangolin control system,” commented the challenges faced by the audio supplier for the www.allaith.com
Hopkins. Stage Effected provided both 24W RYGB show, the first of which came down to the time www.deltalive.com
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The Here is the Future event programme design.” unprecedented spatialised audio for an audience
developed by event producers Done + Dusted The stage for the UAE National Day event was of 1,800 people.
UK featured a 3-scene, 11-chapter spectacle 40m wide, with 20m from its front edge to the The preparation process for the show was
showcasing a future that will benefit from front row, while the audience area was around straightforward, with Willsallen finding the L-ISA
innovations such as artificial intelligence, space 50m wide x 50m deep. The system designed by system easy and intuitive to use. “The software
sciences and renewable energy, all slated to Willsallen and the L-ISA team comprised a Scene provides lots of information for fault finding
enhance the living standards and happiness System consisting of 7 L-Acoustics line source and signal metering,” he said. “We found the
of the citizens and residents of the UAE. It was arrays, spaced 5m apart across the proscenium hardware reliable and the team at L-ISA were only
attended by the UAE royal family and leaders, arch and masked by a projection surface. The a phone call away if we had any questions. We
senior state officials, heads of government, centre array was 9 K2 cabinets, with 3 arrays of 9 worked on 1 mix for all music stems and another
representatives of the armed forces and police, KARA either side. for all sound effects, then we recorded it all
as well as local citizens. In addition to the Scene System, an together for playback.”
“With an event themed on the future and extension system of 4 arrays of KARA, 2 per A DiGiCo SD5 digital mixing console was
innovation, Done + Dusted logically wanted side, was deployed. Sub-bass was provided by used to provide the EQ, dynamics and bussing
to feature the very latest technology in their a single block of 18 SB28’s (3 wide x 6 high) just resources needed to deliver 80 outputs to the
proposal,” said Auditoria’s Scott Willsallen. “This off-centre, behind the rear LED screen. L-ISA processor. The processor then delivered
was the ideal environment to deliver something “We also added a surround system of 10 40 outputs back to the console (1 output for
really special from a sound perspective, so I arrays of 6 KARA - 4 each on either side of the each loudspeaker array, plus a few mix-downs)
briefed them on the L-ISA immersive system and audience area, plus 2 at the rear,” Willsallen for monitoring and delivery to the audio nodes
how it can be used to create a perfect match continued. “But the most impressive part of around the site.
between the show image and sound, enhancing the system was the arrangement of overhead “The event was a huge success and the L-ISA
the connection between the audience and the loudspeakers, which were suspended from 4 system was outstanding,” concluded Willsallen.
performance.” catenary lines strung across the seating, each “Pierre Mussche, Musical Director for the event
Willsallen’s proposal was accepted and, in supporting multiple X8 coaxial clusters. The and Co-Founder of Musicom Sound Design
late summer last year, he set about designing overhead system was fed with 12 outputs from and Music, commented that it was the best
the L-ISA system for the event, collaborating L-ISA and allowed us to use multiple reverb sound he’s ever heard. Nick Levitt, the event’s
with L-Acoustics’ Founder and L-ISA creator, Dr outputs to effectively add a ceiling to the Production Director, said it was even better than
Christian Heil, along with Guillaume Le Nost, outdoor venue. he had imagined it would be, and the team at
Director of R&D at L-ISA. “I spent a few weeks “The effect of these overhead loudspeakers Done + Dusted were thrilled with the way the
with the team to understand the system in was remarkable and easy to take for granted, ‘ sound and vision worked together to deliver a
detail and how it could be used in different said Willsallen. “But when they were switched off, truly unprecedented immersive experience.”
environments,” Willsallen recalled. “I created it was like watching a performance ‘over there’ Photos courtesy of L-Acoustics
the system using L-Acoustics 3D acoustical somewhere, but when they were on, it was like www.l-acoustics.com
simulation programme Soundvision, which being inside the performance.” www.doneanddusted.com
includes the qualification tools to certify an L-ISA All told, 226 speakers were used to provide www.auditoria.systems
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WHITE
WITH A SOLID REPUTATION ACROSS THE MIDDLE EAST, ADDMIND HAS MASTERED
THE ART OF DELIVERING A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR ITS GUESTS IN EACH AND
EVERY OUTLET IT MANAGES. FROM BEACH CLUBS AND BARS TO LOUNGES,
NIGHTCLUBS AND RESTAURANTS, THE HOSPITALITY OPERATOR KNOWS HOW TO
TICK ALL THE BOXES. THE LATEST VENUE TO UNDERGO A MAKEOVER TO ENSURE
ADDMIND CONTINUES TO DELIVER IS WHITE IN DUBAI. ITS OLDER SIBLING IN
BEIRUT SET THE STAGE BACK IN 2006 - MOVING LOCATION IN 2011 - BEFORE THE
DUBAI OUTLET WAS ADDED TO THE LINE UP A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO.
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Being an outdoor club, White, located at the to coordinate that with the PA, the position of the subwoofers, and some tuning was carried out on
Meydan Racecourse Grandstand Rooftop, is subwoofers and the lighting fixtures too. At the the clusters to ensure a pleasant sound even at
fully exposed to the elements of The Gulf - same time the changes had to be achievable in really high SPLs - the average is 132dB across the
humidity, sand, water, heat - none of which a 12-15 hour time period - the turn around time venue, when playing at nominal power.
are ideal conditions for audio, lighting or video the venue closing at night and reopening for the The system is self-powered with each
technology. So when it came to reinstalling the next - and had to be simple and straightforward loudspeaker driven by a 4 2,000W amplifier and
equipment earlier in 2017 - in time for the new enough for the in-house staff to manage. 4 channels of output DSP. The simulation was
season - Addmind turned to Procom, a supplier “Because the DJ changes position, we had to carried out with EASE FOCUS 3 and Firmaker
it had an existing relationship with through go for a homogeneous high SPL sound solution,” (AFMG) - essential tools to create the 4 FIR filters
previous projects. stated Harfouch. “It couldn’t be focussed on that were uploaded in each KH7 DSP to optimise
Addmind sees a full support solution as coming from one area or another. So for that the coverage and ensure homogeneous SPL and
a very important factor - ensuring design, experience, K-array, specifically the Firenze frequency response distribution across the entire
operation and execution goes smoothly. “We Series, was not only superior in our eyes but with venue.
have a good relationship with them because of its digital steering ability and SAT technology, Harfouch continued: “White wanted
the support we provide, it’s not just about selling was the only answer for this project.” The array surround sound with uniform distribution that
the product. We provide a solution, ensure the elements are virtually invisible, sitting vertically would be invisible. The Firenze Series for K-array
operation is good and do after sales support. on the different sides of the club. They have been was the perfect solution. Since we completed
For a company, which is focussed on hospitality, digitally steered to provide a constant sound level White, we’ve had great feedback and we’ve now
not audiovisual, they obviously want all of this around the venue, as have the subwoofers. got a fantastic reference. One of the DJs from
from a provider,” said Rami Harfouch, Business A total of 16 K-array Firenze-KH7 mid- opening week said it was the best sound system
Development Manager for Procom. hi loudspeakers and 8 K-array Firenze-KS8 he’d ever played on too. Having validation from a
The nightlife industry in Dubai is based subwoofers have been installed at White, which DJ that has toured the world is a great feeling.”
largely on novelty, with outlets constantly together provide 360-degree coverage. The KH7’s Alongside the new audio installation came a
needing a fresh look. But White went all out and are flown in vertical clusters - measuring 3.6m - new lighting design too. This features a grid of 80
opted for not just 1 new look but 3. Each night making it possible to achieve a long throw with hoists, which holds a kinetic structure of hanging
- Thursday, Friday and Saturday - has a concept very even coverage. The KS8 is a very powerful RGB bulbs comprising LED balls and tubes
and the audiovisual design to match. Thursday is subwoofer that is able to reproduce very low working homogenously together. They are in
known as BIZAAAR, Friday as WHITEHOUSE and frequencies and provides a strong punch. Some operation every night but in a different way - for
Saturday as URBN and the DJ booth is located in a delay was applied to the subwoofers, due to BIZAAAR it is mainly used as decoration, Fridays
different place every night, so it was no easy task the distance between the top clusters and for WHITEHOUSE makes use of the RGB balls and
ME
TECH PROFILE 29
on Saturday at URBN it’s the RGB tubes. separate concept took place. But thanks to their experience and expertise
It’s all DMX controlled motors, so the balls / tubes move up and down and everything ran smoothly and they are exceptionally pleased with the
change colours. outcome. Judging by the photos on White’s social media pages, which sees
Over 500sqm of LED screen has also been installed at White for which the venue jammed packed night after night, it would seems the clubbers
MADRIX software is used for control. “The MADRIX control is used for agree too.
WHITEHOUSE when the DJ booth moves to the main entrance. Above the www.whitedubai.com
booth is a striking triangular shape LED screen, plus some diagonal side www.add-mind.com
screens. And from that structure the screens go out in a W shape, where www.procom-me.com
we have installed RGB LED strips. It’s all pixel-by-pixel controlled running
on MADRIX. All the shapes are generated by MADRIX, even the Art-Net
connectivity is all from the MADRIX hardware and software,” said Wiam
Boutine, Technical Support for Procom. The grid has been designed to be
developed from an LED pixel mapping perspective. So when we start to
discuss the next season, the discussion will most likely begin with the pixel
mapping.
Intelligent lighting fixtures are courtesy of Cyclops, and there are
more than 300 moving heads in the inventory. Many were existing stock
that were taken out during the summer season to be serviced - normal
procedure for an outdoor club where the technology is exposed to the
dust, the wind, the sun, the humidity - and then reinstalled for the new
season. There are a number of wash and beam fixtures, as well as hybrids
combining wash, beam and spot all in one fixture.
“The signature fixture, which always goes down a storm is the Philips
Showline strobe. The effect electrifies the audience, and because they are
LED, they are energy efficient as well,” said Harfouch. “There’s a laser show
every night too.” An MA Lighting grandMA console is currently used to
control the moving lights and effects.
The key aspect holding of all this technology together is the
humongous truss structure, which was once again provided and installed
by Procom. The truss structure from Eurotruss has been at White for
the last 2 seasons but for this installation 2 towers have been added,
1 on either end of the original structure. The new Eurotruss TT truss
has expanded the venue slightly, meaning audio and lighting product
placement had to be carefully considered. All areas in which the audience
may be seated or standing had to be within the polygon truss structure, to
ensure each and every club goer has an immersive experience. The truss
is 2 polygon shapes repeated so that its symmetrical and creates the W
shape for White. “The original truss design was very clever, it was always
destined to be changed, adapted or expanded. We worked with Eurotruss
on calculations, design and precision as everything has to be perfect when
it comes to truss, it can’t even be as little as 10mm out, it must be spot on,”
said Boutine.
With less than 2 weeks to install, programme and fine tune the
entire system at White, the Procom team had quite a task on their hands,
which couldn’t even be properly tested until the first night of each
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30 INSIDE LOOK
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INSIDE LOOK 31
Can you discuss how both Squares Events What kinds of venues are available in Saudi support the Saudi Vision 2030 plan to the fullest.
Management and Live Nation Middle East Arabia and which ones were chosen for the Our Mission was new to the market and we saw
became involved with the ILuminate and events? this as an opportunity to support local Saudi
Barney shows? What did the productions entail? The Kingdom is blessed with some fantastic businesses.
The relationship between Live Nation and Squares venues. However, trying to secure somewhere in
was first born when Live Nation was looking for a such a short space of time reduces your options, How significant are these events in terms of
local partner in the Saudi market. Squares is one and the introduction of GEA means venues are breaking new ground in Saudi Arabia? Do you
of the leading event management companies in now being occupied with so much content on see this as an area for potential growth?
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with several self- a weekly basis. Both shows were very flexible in This is a very exciting time for Saudi Arabia, and
produced festivals and large-scale events to its terms of the space they required, so for Al Hasa the Vision 2030 lead by His Royal Highness Prince
name, Magical Squares being the most famous. and Dammam we used a sports hall and created Mohammed bin Salman, who has had such a
Squares had previously produced several projects a fully functional theatre. For the remaining cities positive impact on the country; not just in terms
for the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi we used a mixture of university theatres and of entertainment but all areas. The entertainment
Arabia (GEA), so the combination of Squares and purpose-built theatres, such as Riyadh School in industry is still very new and will, like any new
Live Nation working together on these 2 projects Riyadh. industry, take time to mature. However, I believe
seemed a natural match. we are certainly on the right track and with the
The GEA had requested international support of GEA this will only continue to grow.
shows for December 2017, to which Live Nation All of the comments I received on ground while
suggested Barney and ILuminate. Both of these “The limited time we had to attending both shows were extremely positive.
shows are represented and managed by Live The public are so proud and happy that now they
Nation in the Middle East, and the schedule present these 2 productions can see international shows such as ILuminate
was to present them in Saudi Arabia over a 4 meant that we had to ensure and Barney in the Kingdom, rather than having to
week period. Barney was presented in Al Hasa, travel to another country in the region.
Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah and ILuminate was we used a supplier that we
presented in Dammam, Al Hasa, Abha and Tabuk. could trust to deliver in the What are your final impressions of both of the
Squares managed the entire project from A to Z, shows and what feedback did you have from
providing the full technical rider, visas, marketing,
time required.” clients and suppliers?
front of house and ticketing. Mark Satchell, Both productions were very different and
CEO, Squares Events Management engaged with different audiences. Barney was
How much lead time did you have and what very much aimed at a young audience from 2-6
challenges did you face during that period? Did year olds, whereas ILuminate was very much a
your experience in the region assist with this? younger adult audience (14+). We produced a
The lead time was short, with only 2 weeks Who were the technical suppliers for each job fun, entertaining but most importantly a safe
before the first show. Naturally, a fortnight for any and how were they selected? Were logistics environment where our audience were able to
international show is challenging, but with the ever an issue for them? spend time as a family or with friends and be
support of the GEA the entire process was made The limited time we had to present these 2 entertained. We don’t see the suppliers as just
easier. productions meant that we had to ensure we ‘suppliers’ at Squares; what is really important to
Our experience in Saudi Arabia was a huge used a supplier that we could trust to deliver us is that we are one team. That way, we are all
benefit as we already had several contacts in in the time required. We selected eclipse as working towards the same goal and that makes
Kingdom who were able to provide assistance. they had recently set up an operation in Saudi it easier to achieve. As for our ‘client’ we would
Fly Aked, which is a transportation company and Arabia and had a solid reputation for technically say that, apart from the GEA whose feedback
one of our sister companies, was able to provide producing some of the best shows in the Middle was positive and supportive, our clients are
all the flights and hotels for the cast and crew, East. They also have a wide range of experience the people who bought the tickets and their
which meant our team could concentrate on the with live theatre shows, so for us they were feedback and reaction to both shows were more
production of both shows. The most challenging the obvious choice. For front of house staff we than we could have ever asked for.
element was not the lead time but that the tasks contracted a local company called Our Mission. Photos courtacy of Squares Events Management
were doubled; given we had 2 international It’s Squares’ policy to try and engage with as www.squaresevent.com
productions to deliver at the same time. many local companies as possible, ensuring we www.livenation.ae
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32 INTERVIEW
PRODUCTION
MANAGER
JOEL STANLEY
ME
JOEL STANLEY 33
PRODUCTION MANAGER JOEL STANLEY, OF PRODUCTION VALUE, HAS WORKED WITH THE LIKES OF GORILLAZ,
BASTILLE, KANYE WEST & RECENTLY, NORWEGIAN DJ, KYGO. HE TALKS TO TPMEA ABOUT INTERNATIONAL
ACTS VISITING THE MIDDLE EAST AND REVEALS WHY HE ENJOYS WORKING IN THE REGION’S BLOSSOMING
LIVE EVENTS COMMUNITY...
When did you first start touring the Middle wall, with an 8ft high DJ riser featuring an LED [British festival] Secret Garden Party, where he
East for work, and had you visitied the region facade and 4 ground-stacked LED fingers to was working as an audio technician. In Dubai,
beforehand? represent the keys of a piano. Delta Sound have always been great to me for
After going on holiday to Dubai in 2007 I first As much as Kygo is branded as a DJ, he also my audio needs. From supplying my local radios
worked in the UAE in 2010, with the Brand New incorporates piano, keyboards, electronic drum (when mine have been stuck at customs!) to a
Heavies’ tour. After that initial show, I think I’ve pads and other instruments in his setup, which local audio control packages, I always opt for
lost count of the amount of times I’ve returned in I personally feel separates him from other EDM their services.
the last 7 or 8 years; let’s just say it’s a lot! Mainly style acts. The set is designed to be turnkey, and
I’ll be with an act who is part of a festival bill, or using common products, fixtures and special Were there any logistical hurdles?
an event like the F1 shows in Abu Dhabi. effects helps as I only have 2 crew in my party on On a recent trip to Dubai with Gorillaz, I had
that type of fly festival show. 20 tonnes of cargo stuck in customs due to
The recent Kygo show you came to Dubai for travelling from the US using carnets instead of
[see cover story!] didn’t take place in a typical You travelled to Beirut following the UAE show. the traditional manifest route that Dubai is used
gig venue… did that create any challenges for How did playing here with Kygo differ from to. Eventually it cleared and the show went on,
you? your experience in Dubai? but there was a little bit of stress on my part as,
As with any show, having technical equipment Beirut was amazing! It was first time for me, so although we had the whole night to set up prior
provided locally will always bring challenges. I had absolutely no expectations. As Lebanon is to our show day, our load-in ate into valuable
Add to that the fact that it’s typically almost 50 slightly less versed than some other countries in programming time and any potential issues with
degrees Celsius in the summer, you can have the Middle East when it comes to putting on big the gear would be found out much later on. If the
some issues during long hours. I’m always so live productions for international acts, you have act is due to sound check the following morning,
impressed with the local crew working in that to re-work your standard advancing. In general, obviously that makes me nervous! Luckily it all
heat night and day! The sand and dust is another I’m used to huge volumes of freight waiting for arrived safe and sound… if just a little bit late.
factor. As far international touring goes, Dubai me, but in this case I didn’t have the luxury. If
is a relatively new territory and whenever that’s a promoter or local production rep is willing to What are your thoughts on the future of
the case, it sometimes causes minor nerves. help despite limited resources, that’s all you can concerts in the region?
Luckily, everything worked out fine with Kygo’s really ask for and I’m grateful for the help we It’s certainly is well on its way to becoming
performance and the local festival package was recieved. a destination on the international touring
as per the rider requests. A challenge outside of the UK can be H&S. map; there’s venues popping up all over the
Kygo is a very pyrotechnics and special effects- place & I’m looking forward to the continued
How did Kygo’s UAE performance & production heavy show, so coming from the UK myself improvement in H&S, especially on festival sites.
differ to the rest of the tour, if at all? (which our industry affectionately calls Safety It’s always very rewarding putting on shows
We currently have 3 types of show: a festival DJ Island!) I am used to a certain protocol. Next time there, from working with the locals, and the
set, our full touring production, and a touring I’ll consider taking additional crew for this aspect. regional suppliers, to adapting to the customs
festival production. As this was an on-the-fly & cultures, especially during prayer time. I think
show, it was the first type; a locally supplied Did you have pre-existing relationships with experiencing so many different countries as part
festival date. The design is different, in that we any of the vendors you used in the Middle East? of your touring job is what often makes it so
simplified it due to the lack of crew with us. From doing multiple shows in the UAE, I certainly interesting.
This restriction meant we couldn’t add any did. I have done shows with ex-pat colleagues Photos: Waleed Shah
set pieces to our show, but at each festival we such as Malcolm Giles of 117 Live. He even www.productionvalue.co
are able to build an upstage high-res LED video worked with me when I was a Stage Manager at
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34 PRODUCT FOCUS
PRODUCT FOCUS
TPMEA TAKES A LOOK AT SOME OF THE LATEST PRODUCTS TO HIT THE ENTERTAINMENT
TECHNOLOGY MARKET.
FACT FILE:
• High wattage moving head LED spotlight
• 880W white LED engine with custom lens solution:
- Lumen: 46,000 (24,000 lumen output)
- Colour temperature: 6500 K
- CRI >70
• Optional 880W white LED engine:
- Lumen: 34,000 (17,500 lumen output)
- Colour temperature: 5600 K
- CRI > 90
• 7°- 40° linear zoom
• Focus tracking system
• Color system: 16-bit CMY + linear CTO + 6-color wheel
• 6 HD interchangeable gobos
• Animation wheel
• 4-facet rotating prism
• Variable soft edge and flood frost
• Iris with multiple macros (random, pulsing…)
• Electronic linear dimmer, 16 bit + electronic strobe
• Framing System, 4 focal planes and 90° rotation
• Protocols/Functions: RDM, Web Server and ArtNet
The Claypaky Axcor Profile 900 LED profile spot zoom range of 7-40 degrees, and its CMY color include 6 interchangeable high-definition
utilises the very finest components throughout, mixing system uses gradual-insertion dichroic rotating gobos, an animation wheel, a 4-facet
from its colour system to its pin-sharp optics wheels, supported by a linear CTO correction rotating prism, 2 variable frost options and an
and the high precision micro-mechanics of its device, to produce perfectly smooth transitions iris with multiple built-in macros. The 16-bit
beam-shaping system. Its powerful and highly between colours. In addition, a separate colour electronic dimmer enables smooth transitions,
efficient 880W white LED light engine achieves wheel carries 6 carefully selected professional while its completely flicker-free performance
46,000 lumen (24,000 lumen output) with a colour filters, including a custom-designed CRI and low-noise cooling system makes it ideal for
6,500 K color temperature, while an optional enhancement filter. television use, as well as for the highest level of
high-CRI (>90) light engine produces 34,000 The spot profile device produces a perfect live events and concert touring productions.
lumen (17,500 lumen output) and a 5,600 K projection and achieves the highest quality light Claypaky CEO, Pio Nahum, said: “As our very
color temperature. beam currently obtainable. The patented framing first LED spot fixture the Axcor Profile 900 sets
Claypaky has been able to produce a high system works on 4 different focal planes and a new course for Claypaky, and we are proud to
performance LED fixture with a light emission can generate sharp shapes of different sizes and say it is the finest LED spot fixture on the market.
comparable to a previous generation 1500W proportions. The system is not affected by any This is an achievement that underlines our
fixture but with a power consumption of around shaping distortions even at wide beam angles, absolute commitment to enhancing the art of
1kW. where significant distortions normally occur. lighting and we look forward to seeing what our
The beam produced by the Axcor Profile 900 The Axcor Profile 900 also provides lighting friends in the lighting design world can achieve
is dense and evenly distributed for the entire designers with a perfect projection and an with it!”
length of the beam, at any beam angle in its extremely versatile effects package. Features www.claypaky.it
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PRODUCT FOCUS 35
AUDIO-TECHNICA:
5000 SERIES
Audio-Technica is to launch the third ground-lift switch and a front-panel headphone controls, and switchable RF power (2 mW/10
generation of its 5000 Series frequency- jack. mW/50 mW). They are available in 2 different
agile true diversity UHF wireless systems set Other new features include an antenna frequency ranges - DE1 (470–590 MHz) and EG1
to be available by summer 2018. Designed cascade output that connects up to 8 receivers (580–700 MHz) - to provide complete coverage
for use on professional tours, in stadiums, so a single pair of antennas can feed up to 16 of the receiver’s bandwidth. The compact
concert halls, festivals, houses of worship channels of wireless (these connectors also ATW-T5201 is equipped with Audio-Technica’s
and other demanding audio environments, provide an RF cable check feature to aid in RF new cH-style screw-down 4-pin connector
the Audio-Technica 5000 Series continues to troubleshooting), an auto squelch feature that for secure connection to A-T’s cH-style lavalier
provide incredible audio quality and proven, automatically adjusts the squelch setting to and headworn microphones, or cables. The
critically acclaimed performance for artists, maximise operating range while minimising ATW-T5202 offers extremely low handling noise
broadcasters and presenters worldwide. potential interference, and a backup frequency and includes a high-pass filter. Its industry-
The new 5000 Series dual receiver offers that can be quickly swapped by pressing the standard thread mount allows for the use of
the highest-quality wireless live sound, with transmitter’s multifunction button in the event six interchangeable A-T microphone capsules,
Audio-Technica’s dual-compander circuitry that of unexpected interference. Software enables as well as other compatible capsules. The
processes high and low frequencies separately remote monitoring and control of the wireless advanced digital Tone Lock squelch effectively
and True Diversity operation. The receiver has system. blocks stray RF; the digitally encoded tone also
been updated with a tuning bandwidth of 230 Two transmitters are available for use with communicates transmitter data for receiver
MHz: 470–700 MHz and users now have the the 5000 Series; the ATW-T5201 body-pack display.
option of selecting a standard receiver with transmitter and the ATW-T5202 handheld 5000 Series components and compatible
two balanced XLR outputs (ATW-R5220) or a transmitter. Both transmitters feature rugged, accessories are offered as individual, à la carte
receiver that also includes a Dante output (ATW- ergonomic metal bodies, highly visible dual- products to give users the greatest possible
R5220DAN). The full-rack receiver chassis holds mode OLED screens (switchable between flexibility in constructing a system that fits their
two independent receivers and offers antenna standard or performance views to highlight key needs.
power, frequency scan, IR sync functionality, a metering), programmable features, soft-touch www.audio-technica.com
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36 PRODUCT FOCUS
COMPONENTS:
• 8K Resolution - 7680 X 4320
• 25,000 Lumens / 3 CHIP DLP
• 20,000 hours illumination
Set to be the world’s first commercially characteristics when matching projectors in include the simplification of blending
available DLP laser 8K projector, the INSIGHT tiled or blended applications. multiple projectors, as laser projectors are
Dual Laser 8K sits in a class of its own when it From simulation and visualisation closely matched ‘out of the box’ for colour
comes to performance. Providing an ultra-high projects requiring unmatched details, to elite and brightness, with predictable and stable
8K resolution (7680 x 4320) of 33 million pixels entertainment venues that demand the most brightness providing close tracking in matched
through 25,000 ANSI lumens of solid-state immersive experience through large-scale systems over the long-term.
laser-phosphor illumination, the new flagship imagery, the INSIGHT Dual Laser 8K provides a Featuring MultiAxis orientation capability
projector is the ultimate solution for the most new performance benchmark in the industry. of portrait or landscape use and every angle in
elaborate medical, scientific and immersive Lamp replacements are never required due to between, the INSIGHT Dual Laser 8K also boasts
visualisation and large-venue applications. the solid-state laser illumination system. By a multitude of optional high-performance lenses,
In addition to the resolution and lumen eliminating regular lamp replacement cycles, ensuring it serves as a powerful and flexible
performance, it uses proven DLP technology system operation is never interrupted, making imaging tool for venues requiring the most
incorporating 3 1.38 inch DarkChip DMD chips long-term maintenance costs virtually non- incredible projection solution, regardless of the
and Digital Projection’s ColorMax technology existent. This means dramatically lower cost of installation footprint.
to ensure superb colour accuracy and black ownership over the lifespan of the projector.
levels. These are especially vital imaging Other key benefits of laser illumination www.digitalprojection.com
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PRODUCT FOCUS 37
ELATION PROFESSIONAL:
SMARTY HYBRID
FACT FILE:
• 3-in-1 Smart Hybrid Beam, Spot, Wash Luminaire
• 9,000 Total Fixture Lumens
• New Philips Platinum Flex 200 240W 7,800K Lamp
• 14,000 Lamp Lumens and 10,000 Average Lamp Hours*
• FLEX Lamp Technology and Lamp Hibernation Mode
• 2° to 20° Beam and 3° to 25° Spot Motorized Zoom
• Full CMY Colour Mixing System
• Frost Filter for Wash Effects
• 13 Colours including CTB, CTO, and UV
• 8 Rotating Interchangeable Glass Gobos
• 12 Static-Stamped Metal Gobos
• 16 and 8 Facet Linear Independent Rotating Prisms
• Multiple CMY Colour, Gobo, and Prism Macros
• Motorised Focus and Auto-Focus
• DMX, RDM, Art-NET, and sACN Support
• Elation’s E-FLY Internal Wireless DMX Transceiver
Making its debut in Amsterdam at ISE, Elation package to produce high output and compact
Professional’s Smarty Hybrid is a full featured performance at an efficient, long life solution of
Spot, Beam and Wash fixture and the most up to 10,000 hours.
compact CMY colour mixing hybrid the Features include motorised zoom ranges
company has released to date. At the heart of 2° to 20° in beam mode and 3° to 25° in spot
of the fixture is the new Philips Platinum Flex mode, a full CMY colour mixing system, and a
200 lamp with “FLEX” technology, which uses frost filter for wash effects.
a smartly designed discharge lamp/ballast www.elationlighting.com
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38 REGIONAL ROUND UP
Af
REGIONAL ROUND UP 39
Af
40 REGIONAL ROUND UP
Af
REGIONAL ROUND UP 41
Af
42 TECH PROFILE
Dating back to 1974, Christ for all Nations (CfaN) The November event was no different, with The CfaN gigs in Africa can always be
was created by German Missionary, Reinhard Wigwam adding to the CfaN system with a new challenging due to the conditions, as Murray
Bonnke. Since then, the organisation has radio microphone package and monitor control. explained: “The event site was situated on a
attracted millions of worshipers to its large-scale TPMEA spoke to Technical Director, Derek Murray, swamp. The trying weather meant that creative
events. With the founder close to retirement, about some of the challenges of putting on an measures had to be taken to ensure the safety
the organisation opted to set up a 5-day event of this scale. of the people and gear involved. After truck-
extravaganza in Lagos, Nigeria in November 2017. “Initial pre-production started a year ahead loads of sand, large rocks and pebbles were
The event was set to be Bonnke’s final African of the event when the idea was first conceived, laid; the whole stage and sound structure was
Gospel campaign before officially passing the but the main work started 3 months later,” began still sinking 6 inches into the ground. With
torch to evangelist Daniel Kolenda. Murray. “Site location was the biggest problem weight adjustments and jacks to lift the front of
For the past 30 years CfaN has collaborated we had to face. So much of the work was based the stage, the setup was finally stabilised.” He
with Wigwam Acoustics since the audio around an idealised layout. Handling production continued by describing how Wigwam aided
specialist first supplied CfaN with a sound managment was Paul ‘Boyo’ Manuel, who has a the preparation process. “Assisted by David
system and has provided its services ever since. long-time CfaN and Wigwam connection.” Hopkinson from Wigwam, we visited the site a
Af
TECH PROFILE 43
month before the event to see what the layout local crew, who we take time to encourage and 8 of which were supplied new by Wigwam for
would be and how we needed to modify the get them involved,” said Murray. this gig along with 4 new 8-way Remote motor
technical concept to fit,” he said. “There’s often lots of laughter and fun with controllers. Also present were 6 Stagemakers.
“In general, our local administrator and the local crew but we are always strict about “For most of our events the sound design is
organiser would feed us information about the health and safety and risk assessments to protect a collaboration between David Hopkinson and
location and we would get more details when the locals, who sometimes place themselves at myself,” commented Murray. “Having worked
our transport team would arrive on site. We have risk - not understanding the potential dangers together for so long, we know what is needed
a list of parameters which we would use to layout involved.” and what the system can achieve. No 2 sites are
the site, based on access for the local population The PA system that was deployed was ever the same, so the design, while being fairly
and vehicle access. Sun and wind directions Meyer Sound across the board. The PA was an standard from event to event, had to be tweaked
would all be considered and whether there are amalgamation of kit provided by Wigwam and and adjusted to suit the conditions such as the
any obstructions around the site that would boxes that were owned by CfaN. Collectively topography and ground conditions. The general
hamper the sound.” the array consisted of 24 Meyer Sound M3Ds, 18 mandate is that the sound should cover all the
The audio team consisted of 9 crewmembers, LEO, 16 LYON and 20 MICA. Also present were 16 available space. For the event we don’t have fixed
4 of which were either employed through MSL-4’s, 8 UPA-1Ps and 16 1100-LFC. For onstage boundaries around the field and people are free
Wigwam or trained by Wigwam. Additional sound sound the monitor system consisted of 10 Martin to wander, stand or sit wherever they prefer. In
crew were also brought in from CfaN’s pool of Audio LE400 wedges, 4 Meyer Sound MJF-210 general this could be 200m or beyond!”
regular freelancers. “We mostly use experienced Wedges and 2 Meyer UM-100Ps. Finally, helping Murray went on to express the importance
trained crew, but we do use a large number of fly the system were 28 CM-ET Lodestar Motors, of flexibility with the sound system too, in case
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44 TECH PROFILE
the crowd sizes were to grow throughout the loudspeakers, we added a new LYON Line array equipment. Dust and dirt, high humidity and
performance: “While these events are free for to replace out our older MSL4 speakers which heat can have detrimental effects on equipment
those who attend, all our Gospel and music were then used as infill boxes around the stage, especially where used in the open,” stated Murray
events we endeavor to produce as best a as well as being available to make delay clusters while discussing the consoles used for the show.
speech response as possible over the whole area if needed,” commented Murray. “As we had “Over the years we have used various mixing
available. It would be counter-productive as a limitations on weight loading on the ground consoles, amplifiers and control equipment. It
Preaching Ministry to fail to convey the message support systems, we knew we would need 4 used to be that average consoles and electronics
we wish to share. Using high quality sound towers to effectively carry all the weight and would survive for about 4 years before needing
systems such as the Meyer Sound Line arrays give the coverage angles needed, and given the to be changed out, and that’s with scrupulous
we achieve good vocal reproduction over a very ground conditions it was a necessity!” In the daily cleaning. However, now that we are using
large area, and the music quality is also very end, while the site wasn’t filled to capacity, the digital desks, wear and tear isn’t so intense. We
good.” production had sufficient coverage over the area, still need to keep the desks clean and kept out of
For Lagos, the production was faced with a without the need to set up delays. the elements just the same. Initially the concern
site that was predicted to be 1km wide and 1km For control, CfaN and Wigwam opted for was the heat would be a problem with digital
deep. Knowing this ahead of time, they knew a package consisting of 5 DiGiCo SD9’s on equipment but having run our DiGiCo SD9’s now
the challenge ahead of them. This prompted Optocore with 2 DiGiCo SD-Racks. For the for many years, the only failures we have seen are
the need to bring in CfaN’s East Africa System. performance, Wigwam also upgraded to the power supplies - and some of the SD9‘s are now
“Additionally, to supplement the existing Stealth Core2. “Africa can be very tough on 7 years old with no faults!”
Af
45
For microphones, Murray relied on the Productions handled Stage Lighting duties.
“the good old” Shure SM58, a mainstay on The largest team was the video crew as
the CfaN show. However, for the 5-day show, we had 4 separate productions going on
CfaN opted to utilise the new Shure Axient around the event. The video teams were
Digital Radio Microphone System. led by Carlos Flores from our US office, with
Due to the scale of the event it was Kai-Uwe Bonnke from our Frankfurt Office
not just the audio for the live audience but directing.” Besides its African events, CfaN
Towers & Archways
feeds for the video production that were also hold regional events in Europe and America,
present throughout the 5 days. “In total we where it has held arena and stadium events.
had 4 separate video productions running “As we had previously worked with most of
as well as visiting TV stations on site with a the crew either in the US or Europe we had a
large amount of feeds going around the site,” good working relationship already in place,”
commented Murray. “In addition of having added Murray.
2 monitor setups as well as the FOH we also Finally, Murray wanted to give a special
had a SD9 handling video related mixes and mention to the ground team of truck drivers
feeds as well as running a ProTools recording led by Winfried Wentland. “The team also
Health & Safety
system in the video control container. We handle a large part of the initial site layout
also had another SD9 and ProTools system and heavy construction, such as stage
running over MADI as a back-up in the audio building, installing field lighting, prepping the Fruition Events is a creative and innovative
event delivery partner, specialising in the
control container.” Also onsite throughout electrical systems with the generators as well design, delivery, and management of site and
the show in Lagos was GOD TV. The as organising the unloading of the various infrastructure solutions to the event industry.
network ran a live broadcast from on site. containers,” enthused Murray. “For Lagos, the Focussed on offering a professional and full
service, through continuous investment into a
Additionally, CfaN, using an uplink that fed initial site work started a month earlier, with
world class team and equipment.
directly to the headquarters in Orlando, Live preparation of the technical area starting 2.5
Streamed online so viewers from around the weeks before of the event. • Custom Structures for any Event Space
world could be involved with the event. “Overall, given the difficulties we faced • Venue & Event Management / Consultancy
• Scaffolding, Archways, and Towers
Murray discussed one of the other with a ‘less than perfect’ field and bringing • Strategic International Event Partnerships
major undertakings for the show - the equipment in from various countries and
visual department. “New for this event was continents, and manning the event with Did you know?
Fruition Events offer turnkey Health and Safety
the use of large LED screens and lighting a crew from all over the world, the event consultancy to events and venue owners
along with new additions to the field lights,” was a success,” concluded Murray. “All
commented Murray. “We had a new team the objectives we set for the technical +971 (0) 4 243 8711
for the LED screens, which were supplied production were fulfilled.”
info@fruitionevents.ae
by PRG XL Video out of the UK, with Percy Photos: Olek Volyk and CfaN
Vermeulen as the LED technician and www.cfan.org.uk www.fruitionevents.ae
instructor. Steve Shaw from Levitating www.sseaudiogroup.com/wigwam
Af
46 INSIDE LOOK
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INSIDE LOOK 47
IN DECEMBER 2016, FEDERICO PIRZIO-BIROLI AND OZ JEFFERIES LANDED IN KENYA FOR THE KILIFI NEW YEAR’S
EVE FESTIVAL ARMED WITH A FUNKTION-ONE SOUND SYSTEM AND A PASSION FOR SHARING HIGH-QUALITY
AUDIO WITH OTHERS. THROUGH PIRZIO-BIROLI’S PHILANTHROPY AND JEFFERIES’ TECHNICAL EXPERTISE,
AUDIO SANS FRONTIERES WAS BORN, AND CONTINUES TO BLOSSOM, AS TPMEA DISCOVERS…
“The goal is to take sound systems to places According to Pirzio-Biroli the incentive was help with!”
that don’t have access to it,” Oz Jefferies [of born after he attended the Kilifi New Year’s Pirzio-Biroli and Jefferies’ have a long-
UK-based Audio Feed] told TPMEA while talking festival in 2015. He reminisced: “I remember standing relationship with British manufacturer
through the business plan for his new project, thinking that everything was just right at that Funktion-One, all of which started at Burning
Audio Sans Frontieres. The new venture, set up event... well, almost,” he laughed. Man. He continued: “We actually purchased a
with partner Federico Pirzio-Biroli, has already “The location is beautiful, it had good DJs and system several years ago for Burning Man festival
enjoyed quite the journey into Africa’s live a great crowd; it would have been the perfect in the US, which we then kept and maintained in
events industry. The duo’s goal? To take world festival if it wasn’t for the awful sound. We found the UK.” It was with this same system that Pirzio-
class sound systems to places that potentially out it was using a 30 year-old system! Naturally, Biroli thought the pair could make a valuable
don’t have easy access to them. this was something I thought I could probably difference to Kilifi New Year’s festival - and show
ME
48 INSIDE LOOK
people what they’d been missing. “Personally, Pirzio-Biroli. “They were all in their mid-20’s and the oldest inhabited towns in Africa. It has also
I was getting quite tired of the business side of all very humble.” Jefferies agreed: “We picked been seen at Soysambu in the Wild, a festival on
things in the UK,” admitted Jefferies. “This is by far a manager and 3 technicians and then started a wildlife conservation area and NYEGY NYEGY
the greatest reaction I’ve ever seen at a festival. a training period to make sure they used the festival in Uganda.
We provided the system and have never been system to the correct standard. This then meant However, when commercial events began
met with so much excitement, appreciation and that we could continue to provide the system to enquire about the new system in town,
happiness in anything we’ve ever done before to other charitable events in Kenya and the Jefferies explained their next steps: “As a charity,
- I’ve got pictures of the musicians playing their neighbouring countries when we weren’t there.” we didn’t want to donate systems to money-
live instruments and hearing them back like The Audio Sans Frontieres inventory currently making enterprises. It was decided that we’d
never before. The overriding response was clarity comprises of 6 F121 bass enclosures; 4 Resolution start a commercial wing of the charity that would
and clearness, with people hearing new sounds 4T mid-high 3-way loudspeakers; 2 compact F101 charge for hire. Any profits could then be used to
and their instruments in a new way.” loudspeakers, ultra-high fidelity E100 and E25 further fund the charity.”
After providing the sound system for this amplifiers (by MC2 Audio) and an XTA Electronics’ In November 2017, this new commercial
event, Pirzio-Biroli and Jefferies decided to keep DP448 processing platform. arm installed a new system into legendary bar,
it in Kenya, and set up Audio Sans Frontieres Jefferies commented on their relationships 40 Thieves. It comprised 2 compact F101’s, 4
to manage the system and its African projects. with manufacturers: “We have long standing F81’s, BR118 Bass Reflex bass enclosures and
“We arrived with this sound system, but our relationships with Funktion-One, XTA and the MC2 Audio’s Delta 80 amplifiers [along with
intentions of leaving Kenya to return to festival MC2 family, which makes my job as a sound lighting and truss elements]. January 2018 saw yet
season elsewhere relied upon us finding the right designer & installer take shape easily; I know I can another install, this time for The Alchemist, one
team to look after it,” he confirmed, noting that rely on them should we ever need international of Nairobi’s biggest outdoor live music venues.
they cannot simply be left in the hands of people support.” Audio Sans Frontiers is proud to have trained the
using guess work. “Luckily, we’ve landed on our The year 2017 saw the system donated to engineers, and invited other local engineers to
feet with the sound engineers,” commented the Lamu Arts Festival on Lamu Island, one of learn how to use Funktion-One systems to their
ME
power
to scale.
We created the pro range with one thing in
mind: to play huge video content across massive
canvases, in the toughest of live environments.
www.disguise.one/en/products/pro/
50 INSIDE LOOK
full potential. even though they’re on the same continent. local artists and children from local war torn
Pirzio-Biroli explained how things differed “The number of times you see a really countries.” Obviously an offer he couldn’t refuse.
in his neck of the global woods when it came talented artist do an amazing live performance Speaking of their other goals for 2018, Pirzio-
to what audiences expect. He said: “In the UK, and then listen to it on the CD afterwards, you Biroli added: “From a business perspective, I’d
for example, people are so used to good quality can barley recognise it.” He continued. “It’s like to do 4 or 5 more installs, but personally, my
sound that they feel cheated by anything less shocking. The production value is just so low main goals will be with the non-profit side of the
at an event, free or not. Here, the systems are or the equipment just isn’t sufficiently high business, pushing the boat out and seeing how
typically decades old and don’t represent sound quality as it is in West Africa. But now, with the far we can take this rig. No matter what your
the way the events deserve to be heard. From the high quality sound, the local artists are really education or economic position, appreciation of
perspective of the musicians here, they’ve never appreciating the importance of good production good sound is universal.”
heard themselves through anything of notable for high end mastering. We’ll be able to help The team certainly seem to have a lot on their
quality.” He also talked about how, due to a lack develop these artists to a point where we can to-do list for the coming months. In fact, when
of quality sound systems & production expertise finally bring them to Europe.” TPMEA spoke to the duo, they were organising
in some areas, East African music has been at a In 2018, Audio Sans Frontieres have been a prison tour with local artists to entertain the
disadvantage - but that’s about to change. tasked with providing the system to the highest inmates. TPMEA HQ can’t wait to see what’s next!
“East African music doesn’t really have a DJ set world record attempt atop Mount www.audiosansfrontieres.com
voice in Europe or the West, whereas West African Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Jefferies elaborated: “The www.funktion-one.com
music has been established for at least 20 years. charity Last Night A DJ Saved My Life asked us to www.mc2-audio.co.uk
East African artists don’t reap the same rewards, help to raise money and equipment to support www.audiocore.co.uk
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SAVE THE DATE
9 MAY 2018
Lock Stock & Barrel JBR The Walk
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