Full of Robe Flair

Flair Event Services based in Dubai designs and delivers full technical production for a range of cool, spectacular, and extraordinary projects corporates, industrials, concerts, clubs, social events and more, throughout the UAE and across the Middle East region.
Their designs are known for their style and innovation and Robe products are specified for around 85% of these.


The team, currently nearly 70 full-time, also engages in consultancy work and is headed by managing director Sameer “Sam” Rahman who has been in the industry since he was a teenager. He started working in a theatre in Dubai when at high school as well as DJ’ing and running his own lightshows, initially with 12 PAR cans and plenty of imagination!

Sam is now also an award-winning lighting designer who has worked worldwide on a diversity of shows. He is Flair’s head of lighting, and responsible for all investments, as well as MD of the company and is a big advocate for Robe. Flair has a large stock of Robe moving lights, and the venture has advanced rapidly since 2013 when he founded it, into a leading and award-winning enterprise.
Sam own appreciation of Robe started when he first ‘met’ the brand working as a freelance LD, and again when he was still a teenager in the mid-noughties. He recalls the first major Robe installation in Dubai which was at Chi @ the Lodge (now closed), an enormous venue complete with 4 different clubs in one setting.
The first season he worked there was 2007, after which he convinced management to dispense with several of the cheaper moving lights from other brands and upgrade with some Robe fixtures.


A bunch of Robe ColorSpot 575E ATs arrived and made a massive difference to the dynamics and drama of the club’s lighting. Sam recalls particularly liking the pink and white gobo. Flair has Robe MegaPointes, Spiider LED washbeams and LEDBeam 150s in its inventory plus access to large dry hire inventories of other Robe models which they are planning to replace with their own stock.
In 2019, Sam designed a stunning show for Pakistani superstar RFAK (Rahat Fateh Ali Khan)’s world tour which included over 300 Robe fixtures – 48 x FORTES, 96 Spiiders, 76 MegaPointes and 96 x LEDBeam 150s plus four RoboSpots running BMFL FS luminaires.

This gave him “incredible scope” and he likes Robe for its “reliability, good engineering, and creative features. Generally, he thinks the products are extremely robust, noting, “Robe is an industry leading brand, so there are many reasons to use it!”
As a designer, it’s important to be brand-neutral, but since the start of his professional career nearly 20 years ago, he thinks Robe consistently brought very relevant moving lights to the market, and that’s why he continues to use them.
Service, backup and support are other big things when specifying or investing, and Sam describes the team at Robe’s Middle East subsidiary – also based in Dubai – as “phenomenal. Their diligence is second to none, and the pricing structure is very fair.”


Sam first encountered Robe’s LEDBeam 150s when designing lighting for a 6-month festival in Dubai. On the original spec there was initially another LED wash fixture, but when the dry hire company offered LEDBeam 150s, he assessed the fixture and went with LEDBeam 150s. “When I saw them in situ, the quality and optics of the lights absolutely blew me away, especially for such a small size!” he declared. “When utilising the right type of haze, this luminaire gives a proper solid beam even in a large arena space.”

Flair’s head of Technical Marno Snyman joined in 2022 and was delighted that they used so much Robe, having himself had many great experiences with the brand working with top companies like Sound Stylists and others in South Africa. “I absolutely love Robe” he enthused, “the colours are always excellent and well-matched between the different fixture ranges, and they think about other practicalities like making them light in weight.”

At Flair, Marno oversees all the technical elements and oversees 90% of the shows, and in SA he worked on large projects like the SAMAs (South African Music Awards) and TV productions like Strictly, all with plenty of Robe, and he echoes Sam’s comments on the reliability and effectiveness of working with a quality brand.


Robe Middle East’s Elie Battah on the left with Flair’s MD Sameer “Sam” Rahman.

Elie Battah, MD of Robe Middle East, commented, “It is always a pleasure for me to work with the Flair team, their show designs are constantly innovative and pushing the boundaries creatively and in terms of what is possible with the technology. They are highly professional and consistent, and can always rely on our full support.”


For more information abour Robe lighting, you can visit www.robe.cz

 

TAF Tower 05 – TAF Tower 05, a compact and optimised tower

TAF T05

Truss Aluminium Factory, (TAF) based in the Czech Republic, is launching a new all-in-one, light-duty tower system for small roof systems, elevation of truss grids.

Transport, setup, and use are easy. Just roll out to your location, unfold the outriggers, and attach HT34 truss on top. With HT34’s quicklock connection system, buildup is extremely quick and easy.

Versatility is also ensured, with a welded sleeve block that allows for four-way connection of truss segments to suit a wide range of applications.
Tower 05 features a maximum lifting height of 6.5 m (21.3 ft) and a maximum loading of 500 kg (1,100 lbs).

New and improved features:

Steel, side-to-side rotating feet for improved leveling on a wide range of surfaces
Adjustable leg braces for increased stability
Modified sleeve block allows for smoother travel
Eight holes (two on each side of sleeve block) allow for convenient mounting of accessories
Chain hoist connection point on top section


Tower 05 comes with all components for immediate use:

HT34 truss segments (also compatible with FT34 and TT34 truss series’)
Aluminum baseplate with outriggers
Sleeve block
Top section
Wheels for trouble-free transport and handling
Hand winch with steel rope
Connection kit for truss segments and sleeve block


About Truss Aluminium Factory : TAF is a global manufacturer of aluminium truss, support structures and rigging accessories, with offices in the Czech Republic and the United States. All TAF products are manufactured at its advanced production facilities in the Czech Republic, which feature a full staff of highly experienced welders and a robotic welding machine. A team of specialized engineering and design professionals provide custom and technically demanding solutions for a wide range of projects.


More information on the TAF website and/or contact TAF by email to [email protected]

 

Starway Quasar, an IP65 wash, strobe, and effects fixture

The photo of the Quasar Starway prototype, made of cast aluminum to avoid corrosion.

Starway launches Quasar, an effects fixture combining colors, blinder, pixels, and strobe, all with tilt-controlled and capable of operating outdoors. It is presented on video by Tristan Kislig (Starway sales manager) who also talks about the WET range released at the ISE 2024.



Along the same line with other fixtures from the brand (Vega, Titan, Solar, etc.), Starway has set its sights on a name evoking the space theme for its latest product presented at Prolight+Sound 2024. In the process, it is creating a new, unique range for the French manufacturer, of controlled multifunction blinders/washes.


A macro view of the SMD RGB LEDs that generate the colors.

In reference to these ultra-luminous cosmic entities, the Quasar is a 1200W LED fixture motorized in 180° tilt, equipped with a rectangular LED panel incorporating two matrices of RGB sources, divided into 14 segments: 784 LEDs of 1 W at total for a flux of 15,100 lm.
In its center are 392 1.6 W white LEDs separated into two bars for the strobe part, also controllable pixel by pixel (28 segments). They produce a flux of 64,850 lm.

Although the concept of this type of fixture is not new, Starway chose to develop this product with the aim of optimization and also compatibility with what the competition offers on the market. It is distinguished by an optimized version of its library, the colors and dimmers for example having a 16-bit channel for greater precision and fluidity.

The Quasar also has a static mode, because, despite its obvious aptitude for effects, it will also be tempting, given its flow, to use it as a proximity “wall washer” on an architectural application.


A rotation of the tilt and there is the rear of the beast, sleek but very robust.

The fixture is equipped with DMX/network connections for Art-Net (with RDM). On the power side, only one input is present, the maximum power consumption of the fixture is (as a reminder) 1200 W did not seem to justify the possibility of daisy-chaining.
Wanting to emphasize reliability which was at the heart of the specifications during the development of the product, Starway announces a minimum availability of 10 years on spare parts (a 2-year product warranty).
Finally, the crux of the matter, the retail price for the fixture is €1,990 excluding tax. It incorporates thermoformed foam which will be directly integrated into the flight case.

Further information is available at  The Starway website

 

ETC ColorSource PAR Jr, ETC quality at a nice price

The ETC stand at PL+S 24.

Make a product more affordable without sacrificing quality. This is the motto of the ETC ColorSource range which welcomes the “Junior” version of the ColorSource PAR as Jonathan Grimaux and Eric Leroy from ETC France explain to us in this video.



The compact version of the ColorSource PAR and its eight output collimators, the Junior has a more cubic design than its big brother. With its featherweight of 2.5 kg, it is ultra-handy and easy to install. Its casing houses 16 Luxeon LEDs distributed behind only four collimators. It offers a beam opening of 15.3°.
This angle can be modified via several optional lenses which are inserted into the supports arranged around the optical output. The filters are varied (reducer, washer, linear, beam shaper, etc.) and can be combined.


The latest little addition to the ETC range, the ColorSource PAR Junior.

Like its “classic” ColorSource PAR ancestor, this little Junior is available in several versions, here there are two. The “basic” version is equipped with RGBL LEDs and will be more comfortable on pastels and “skin tone” (therefore higher CRI). The PAR Jr DB (for Deep Blue) uses a blue with a wavelength that leans towards Indigo and will favor the amplitude of the palette and saturated colors.

Like other ETC Led projectors, the PAR Jr benefits from the source management system (patented) which takes into account the temperature of the light source engine to better manage derating and the integrity of the color balance. This management also protects the sources on the power side.
To guarantee an optimal lifespan (10-year manufacturer’s warranty on the LED cluster), they are powered reasonably and never at maximum capacity.
We are told that the fixture could have been even brighter, even if with only four collimators it already delivers nearly 2,300 lumens. Another advantage of this intelligent management is cooling. The fixture, without fans, therefore uses a passive cooling system by natural convection, it is therefore completely silent.


The rear of the fixture :  connectors and the menu screen.

On the management and control side, simplification is essential. Just a few 7-segment displays and three buttons do the trick to address the fixture and navigate within the menu to choose one of its four operating modes (between 1 and 6 channels).

The fixture can be controlled in classic DMX with RDM, we also note the presence of a PowerCON Input will allow up to 18 Junior units to be daisy-chained on the same power line.
The last major argument is the price. The ColorSource PAR Jr is very affordable, which given the promises made on its technical sheet should hit the mark!


For more information check out The ETC website.

 

DTS Synergy 6 Profile and Alchemy Pro

The DTS team challenged itself. Create the worthy successor to the Synergy 5 Spot, almost twice as powerful, just as well equipped, all with the same dimensions and without the needle of the scale going crazy. It is presented here by Jean-Marc Jolivet, Technical Sales Representative of ESL France.



Synergy 6 Profile

We might as well not prolong the suspense, it seems that the contract has been fulfilled! So let’s compare our new moving light droid with its big brother. Incidentally, the new Synergy has been given the name Profile, which suggests an ability to frame the beam, but we will return to that later.

First visual contact with the new Synergy 6 Profile.

We start with its power. The Synergy 5 used a 450 W white LED engine, here we go up to 570 W.
The difference in electrical consumption is not a lot but the result is there. DTS claims the “6” reaches 25,100 lumens for 109,000 lux at 5 m. As a reminder, the Synergy 5 produced 16,500 lumens. For only 120 W more LEDs, the difference is obvious, hats off for that!

As mentioned above, the Synergy 6 enters the category of Profile moving heads which means the presence of a module of 4 framing shutters, independently movable through 60°, while the complete cassette rotates by a quarter of a turn (90°). The light beam meets on its way the only gobo wheel, obviously rotating and indexable.

The Synergy 6 is equipped, like its predecessor, with the “Dynamove FX engine”, an effects generator that uses the different functions of the fixture and combines them to offer a range of quickly accessible pre-programmed effects. These advanced macros even allow the “6” to do without an animation wheel.

To do this, the fixture has two rotating prisms, one circular with 24 facets, and the other linear with 6 positions. The optical system also accommodates a motorized frost filter, originally mounted in “light” attenuation. Two other frosts are available as options (“medium” and “heavy”). The zoom of the fixture reaches values comparable to a beam (4.6°). It can also open up to 43°.


The beast with its insides exposed, always interesting to be able to take a look inside.

Chromatically speaking, the Synergy 6 uses a CMY three-color process assisted by a progressive CTO (3000 to 7000 K) as well as a 6-position color wheel. As for the CRI, it can be selected as desired, favoring light output (CRI > 70) or colorimetric rendering (CRI > 90).
Almost silent, Silent mode will limit annoying noise emissions to 38 small decibels. To manage all these functions, the fixture offers DMX/RDM control, ArtNet 4, sACN, and only two management modes: simple and effective. Finally, the last promise announced by DTS is the weight of the fixture. The Synergy 5 weighed 35 kg, here we display 34.5 kg. Contract fulfilled!


Alchemy Pro

L’Alchemy Pro, the power of the “5” with the size of the “3”.

Another new product from DTS, the Alchemy Pro joins the popular range of Fresnel lens washes.
Here the specifications were simple and clear: to offer the power and functions of the Alchemy 5 in the housing of the Alchemy 3 and it is now done since the fixture will, within a few months, be available on the market, thus offering an additional technical solution combining power, functions and compactness to the DTS catalog.

For further information on the DTS website

 

ROE Visual Carbon LED screens Shines in Metallica M72 World Tour

Metal heads around the world are rejoicing as the legendary band, Metallica is on the road again amidst another record-setting tour. The heavy metal band is currently making history on its M72 World Tour, selling out stadiums and recently setting a new attendance record at SoFi Stadium. The tour boasts an impressive stage design, supported by ROE Visual technology.

The M72 World Tour kicked off on April 27, 2023, in Amsterdam and is currently scheduled to close on September 29, 2024, in Mexico City. The epic 46-show tour visits 22 cities internationally with just two shows per location. Each night comes with a new opening act and setlist, featuring the band’s latest record 72 Seasons. The ‘no repeat weekend’ mantra of the tour has kept concert-goers on their toes with new music and fresh musical guests.


Maximizing fan engagement, the stage design for M72 is in the round, including an “O” shaped stage with multiple elevation changes for the band. The “Snake Pit” was brought back in the M72 tour’s stage design, allowing roughly 1,000 Metallica fans to get up close and personal with the performers in the center of the stage. The Snake Pit has been a fan favorite feature of many Metallica tours dating back to the 1980-90s.

Eight ground-supported towers encircle the stage, soaring at 100 ft in the air and provide video, lighting, and audio. Each tower features three video walls, which form a curved, cylindrical design. In total, over 1,600 ROE Visual Carbon 5 MKII (CB5 MKII) panels were utilized to bring the stage design to realization. While the video panels used for the tour are owned by the band, 4Wall Entertainment was enlisted for all of the video.


Despite being highly engaging, the graphics displayed on the towers were purposely not overpowering, as to create a general aesthetic for the concert with gradual nods to music videos and band references without detracting from the performance. The Carbon panels performed brilliantly, with vibrant color representation and brightness.
The video content was supported by 16 Brompton SX40 LED processors and 11 disguise GX2C media servers. To complement the graphics on the LED walls, over 650 lights were incorporated into the show—a specific need for the stage design being in the round.

“It was a unique opportunity to see multiple variations of the initial stage design, and to be a part of the team seeing it through, from the different phases of technical drawings, system design, all the way through to the tour hitting the road,” explains ROE Visual Technical Director, Mike Smith. “The combination of a brand new product and custom manufactured rigging hardware presented a great opportunity for the technical team at ROE to provide high-level support for a tour of this magnitude.”


The band continues to set records on the M72 tour, with fans showing up for the legacy group in droves. On August 25th, the band made history by filling up SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA with nearly 80,000 attendees, a first since the stadium’s opening in 2020.
Creative Director & Production Designer, Dan Braun is responsible for supplying the fan-first feel to M72. His longstanding relationship with the band over the years has amounted to a dialed-in understanding of the creative needs each tour, with M72 as no exception.

“Working with Dan and his team on the design of M72 is a career high and a credit to ROE’s position in the live events space. Dan’s history with the band and overall dedication to perfection meant the Carbon panels were pushed to their peak performance capabilities” reflects Nick Jevons, VP of Business Development at ROE Visual. “This drive is palpable the moment fans walk into the tour venue and are immersed in the Metallica experience. Our team is thrilled to have contributed to what has become a sensational, history-making event.”


The last time the band released a new record was in 2016 with Hardwired…To Self-Destruct. Metallica’s latest album, 72 Seasons references the number of seasons an individual experiences in 18 years of life. This methodical detail, along with fresh setlists and musical guests, has translated into a theatrical feel, with many of the traditional touring components (visible cabling, flight cases, etc.) out of the audience’s sight.
And because the stage is in the round, it was crucial for fans to feel a certain proximity to the stage and naturally, the band. An attention to detail that keeps their devoted metal heads coming back each tour.

Learn more about Carbon 5 MKII

 

ETC FULL BOAR 4 CONTROLS RENGANEK TOUR

In the summer of 2024, Italian music legends Francesco Renga and Filippo Neviani, known as Nek, embarked on an electrifying tour that celebrated the best of their extensive discographies. This highly anticipated tour, aptly named Renganek Live 2024, masterfully blended Renga’s soulful rock with Nek’s dynamic pop-rock, offering audiences a unique musical experience grounded in a shared rock matrix.


Designed with flexibility and sustainability in mind, the tour utilises a semi-production setup that integrates essential aspects of a full-scale production with a more efficient and simplified approach. This combination ensures smooth execution across numerous tour dates, while also providing the adaptability to address the unique challenges and opportunities of each venue.

At the heart of the tour’s lighting setup is a sophisticated control system managed by renowned lighting designer Pietro Bardelli. Bardelli has employed two Full Boar 4 consoles from ETC’s Hog 4 family, one primary and one backup, to ensure flexibility, speed, and reliability throughout the tour.
This decision was driven by the need to adapt quickly to varying materials and conditions at each venue while maintaining high standards of visual consistency.


Bardelli, who has a long-standing reputation for excellence in live event production, explains, “This is a rock and roll tour, and with the semi-production setup, I encounter different fixtures at each stop. It was crucial to use a control setup that provides the flexibility, speed, and reliability required for this kind of tour. The ETC Full Boar 4 consoles, along with two DP8000 units for expanded DMX universes, offer significant advantages in terms of programming logic and console power.”


The lighting design for the Renganek Tour places a strong emphasis on clean and precise programming, particularly given the absence of an LED wall. The visuals rely heavily on the lighting design to create an impactful experience. Bardelli notes, “Practically at every date, I have to replace the fixtures while maintaining the same effects.

The palettes must be transported faithfully, and even with different lighting fixtures, the result closely matches my vision. Typically, within a couple of hours, I can set up new fixtures, adjust the patch, and recall palettes and colors efficiently.”


The tour’s concert experience is further enhanced by the integration of Time Code for most pieces, with Bardelli also retaining the flexibility to manually mix certain segments during performances.

The dynamic interplay between Renga and Nek, highlighted by a thrilling rock medley where Nek showcases his bass skills, adds to the tour’s excitement.

As the tour progresses, the synergy between Francesco Renga’s emotive rock style and Nek’s high energy performances remains a highlight.
The lighting design, which shines without the aid of an Led wall, ensures that the visuals are as captivating and precise as the music itself.

For more information about ETC

Ayrton launches Veloce Profile IP65 – the ultimate precision

Following the worldwide success of Rivale Profile which sold over 10,000 units in less than a year, Ayrton is proud to present its brand new Veloce Profile, the second ultra-equipped luminaire in its ‘Ultimate’ family, which has been specially designed for use in large spaces.
Veloce Profile is a versatile, IP65 rated, luminaire capable of operating in all conditions, indoors and outdoors, including saline-heavy environments.



High Performance : Veloce Profile pushes back the limits of integration with a brand new sealed monoblock 850W high efficiency LED module, calibrated at 6500K, which offers a luminous flux of 43,000 lumens with optimum positioning on the black body to achieve perfect light neutrality. Its proprietary 13-lens optical system offers a zoom ratio of 13:1 and a zoom range from 4° to 52°, its 180 mm front lens capable of delivering an ultra-intensive 4° beam.


Audacious HD colour mixing : Veloce Profile, like all the luminaires in the ‘Ultimate’ range, adopts a revolutionary new CMY colour mixing system with ultra-fast high-definition discs. This single-layer system provides a clear improvement in colour intensity during reproduction.
An ultra-fast, high-definition single-disc progressive CTO enables precise colour temperature adjustment from 2700 K to 6500 K. A 7-position colour wheel with special filters completes the palette of colour creation tools.

Refined and subtle : For specific applications requiring perfect colour reproduction, Veloce Profile offers a subtle adjustment of the colour rendering index from 70 to 86.

Precision and accuracy : A new, ultra-precise framing module makes it possible to isolate any object thanks to the surgical positioning of each shutter blade over 100% of the surface with +/- 90° rotation. A fast 15-blade iris diaphragm with an aperture range of 15-100% optimises the beam at tight angles. For greater freedom of movement and design flexibility, Veloce Profile comes as standard with infinite continuous rotation on both pan & tilt axes.


Inspiring and creative : Veloce Profile features two superimposed rotating gobo wheels, each equipped with 7 interchangeable high-definition glass gobos for creating spectacular effects. The effects section is equipped with a monochromatic animation wheel and two rotatable prisms that can be combined, including a circular 5-facet prism and a linear 4-facet prism for creating 3D effects.
Two Frost filters, one with low diffusion that erases the contours of the beam without changing its angle, and one with high diffusion for wash applications, complete the image section.

Powerful yet light : Veloce Profile is the lightest luminaire in its category, weighing just 40.5 kg. The use of new, lighter aluminium parts has resulted in a significant reduction in weight, with the aim of achieving the best weight to power ratio on the market without the use of expensive or unstable special alloys.

The ‘Ultimate’ range has broken the codes with its avant-garde design. A family of perfectly homothetic luminaires that reinforces the sense of unity between the different models. Veloce Profile provides the ultimate sensations. An accomplished luminaire synonymous with high performance, unbridled creativity, refinement and power. A luminaire you won’t want to do without.

For more information on Ayrton and its full range of LED and laser sourced products, visit www.ayrton.eu

 

The 6K UNITED 2024 with CODA immersive audio processor

The 6K UNITED 2024 ‘You are Precious’ tour took place recently at some of Germany’s foremost arena venues, including the Munich Olympic Hall and the Hamburg Barclay Arena.
This unique music project which has run for several years brought together the voices of six thousand children, who after months of independently rehearsing material specially created for them, came together as one to sing an entire concert repertoire for spellbound audiences.


Melodus co-Managing Director Oli Tschotow.

Accompanied by a sixteen-piece backing band, the huge choir delivered a wide range of musical styles prepared under the guidance of Professor Fabian Sennholz of Frankfurt University of Music.
Audio technology is clearly an essential element of an undertaking of this size and scale, and this year saw new standards set by specialists Melodus GmbH, a company created in 2023 by the merger of expert practitioners Tschotow Audio and Tobias Berlet Sound-Stage-Instruments.

Headed by co-Managing Director Oli Tschotow, the Melodus team introduced CODA Audio’s immersive audio system SPACE HUB, deploying the unit to implement near-field sound. SPACE HUB is a 19”/3U state-of-the-art immersive processor which allows designers to create stunning audio experiences in three dimensions, incorporating up to 128 audio sources rendered into 128 outputs to create an evolving, immersive listening experience.


SPACE HUB’s deployment was a great success according to Tschotow: “With an immersive audio system, you simply have more ‘space’ in the mix than with a traditional stereo or mono near-field sound system. The audience hears the artists at the position they occupy in the stage, that’s what characterizes the immersive 3D listening experience.”

For the 6K United tour, the Bad Hersfeld-based team used CODA Audio SPACE HUB as an immersive processor with 24 sources for near-field sound. No additional equipment such as audio converters was required.


The SPACE HUB processor topped by its Control Software.

Oli Tschotow explaining that what might appear technically demanding was made quite straightforward: “The HUB created an acoustic front from 11 front-fill loudspeakers on which we could position the artists. It was the perfect ‘plug and play’ solution, a Dante interface with 128/128 channels made integration a piece of cake! The processor enables a truly impressive sound experience and makes our job easier. My expectations of SPACE HUB were far exceeded.”


Sebastian Bahr, Head of Marketing and Product Specialist Coda Audio.

Sebastian Baehr, of CODA Audio adds: “One of the important qualities of SPACE HUB is the variety and simplicity of its integration options. On this occasion artists on the stage were equipped with zactrack SMART nodes that had been assigned to their respective audio objects.

As a result, the localisation of sources on the front fills was absolutely precise and coherent with what happened on stage without the need for an operator working within the HUB’s control software. In this way it was virtually latency-free as no-one had to respond to movement on stage and move objects correspondingly.
The integration of tracking systems via OSC interface is ultra-reliable and significantly reduces the burden on operators.”


Melodus GmbH is a relatively recent addition to the ever-growing family but Oli Tschotow is glad the company made the decision to embrace CODA Audio: “To begin with, we share a passion for great sound and it’s so easy to deal with like-minded easy-going professionals.

We love the loudspeakers because all CODA systems have the same phase response, and the wide range of available products means you can always find the optimal sound reinforcement for every application. Where SPACE HUB is concerned, it ‘speaks Dante’ and is superior to other processors because of its rich feature range.”

More on :

– CODA’s Space Hub
– Melodus
– 6K united

 

LSC & Avolites Announce Partnership for Australia & New Zealand

Two of the best-known brands in the global entertainment lighting technology industry have announced an exciting new partnership destined to change the landscape of the market in Australia & New Zealand.
With effect from 1 September, Melbourne-based manufacturer LSC Control Systems will become the Australia & New Zealand distributor for UK-based lighting controls and visual systems manufacturer, Avolites.


Paul Wong with Avolites sales director, Ron Carrington.

Both companies are owned by Czech Republic-based moving light and LED manufacturer, Robe lighting s.r.o. This significant development will be mutually beneficial to both brands in Australia & New Zealand – and to the market as it signals a new period of opportunity for the region’s professional lighting industry.
It also brings these two renowned brands full circle. Although in robust competition for more than 30 years, the two enjoyed a successful partnership back in the 1980s, when LSC provided certain products under OEM license to Avolites. Acquisition has changed the outlook once again.

As Robe businesses, both companies can now draw on each other’s strengths together with the resources and dynamics of the wider Robe group, to offer a new level of solutions and support to the thriving Australasian market. With LSC’s role as a provider of world-leading power and data distribution solutions, complemented by Avolites’ renowned visuals and lighting control products, the future is visibly bright.

Avolites’ Managing Director Paul Wong is thrilled by the development: “We’re all very happy to welcome LSC as our representative for Australia and New Zealand. Their years of industry experience and strong relationships will strengthen Avolites in the region. We all take great confidence from the natural alignment between the two brands!”


Gary Pritchard, LSC’s Founder & Managing Director.

Gary Pritchard, LSC’s Founder & Managing Director, agrees: “This is incredibly exciting news that allows us to provide a very attractive turnkey offering to the customers. Two manufacturers working together in their respective fields of expertise can only benefit the market.”
He adds, “Just a few short years ago, we wouldn’t have imagined that an opportunity like this was possible. But now, I’m delighted to say that some big, bold moves in this incredible industry have made it a reality!”

This new reality continues the long and interwoven stories of both brands and presents an optimistic future. “Avolites’ latest range of lighting control consoles and media servers perfectly complements our product portfolio,” says LSC’s business development manager, Darren McLanders, “It’s a powerful synergy and we’re looking forward to passing it on to our customers here in Australia and New Zealand.”

Darren continues, “The Avolites team has done an amazing job over the years, establishing a real presence, particularly in the UK, supporting and training console users at festivals and shows. It’s a model we’ll follow here, with regular training and direct product support from industry professionals, giving users the confidence and support they need to grow an advanced range of products.”

The Avolites brand will be officially relaunched to the Australia & New Zealand market during the 2024 Entech roadshow events, set to visit Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth during October.

For more information about LS Control and Avolites

 

RCF appoints Jim Reed Manager of Installed Sound & System Designs

Jim Reed

RCF, currently celebrating 75 years of authentic performance sound, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Reed to the newly created position Manager of Installed Sound and System Designs.

The announcement was made by Tarik Solangi, Vice President, RCF USA, Inc., and reflects the company’s ongoing future-focused business plan for long-term growth and expansion.

In his new position, Jim Reed will be spearheading business development in the permanent integration market sector, including working with integrators on system design, and serving as liaison between RCF’s U.S. operation and the headquarters in Italy, reinforcing the ongoing development of market-driven products for the system integration market sector.

Tarik Solangi

“Our growth is driven by cutting-edge products and a team of professionals who deeply understand the markets and customers we serve,” stated Tarik Solangi. “With his vast experience and deep expertise in the industry, along with his passion for sound system design, Jim is an ideal fit for this new role.
We are confident that he will contribute to our ongoing growth and help us deliver exceptional service to our customers while providing insights to our parent company in Italy as they develop products that align with market demands.”

From the start of his time with RCF in sales and products support, Reed drew upon his rich history in the audio industry working as an A1 audio technician, FOH engineer, and installation project manager for several A/V companies to quickly establish himself as the lead product specialist for the U.S.

With a primary focus on the installation and larger production company markets, he developed a range of training and instructional materials for RCF, including videos and in-person training seminars, covering topics from basic audio theory to comprehensive system design. His expertise extends to on-site product demonstrations and sales training seminars for some of the largest A/V retailers in the U.S.

Recognizing the company’s growing needs in the installation market, Reed took the initiative to create the first Installation Department for RCF-USA. Leveraging his hands-on knowledge and extensive field experience both on and off the stage, he has built a trusted reputation within the industry as he worked to continually expand RCF’s relationships with major integration and consultant firms.


Over several years with RCF, Jim has had the privilege of designing and managing over 1,500 sound systems for a diverse range of applications, from community theaters to Broadway productions, chapels to cathedrals, and community sporting facilities to professional stadiums and arenas.
Notably, he played a leading role in completing an audio system upgrade at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a project that now provides audio reinforcement for up to half a million attendees on a single day during the Indy 500, one of the largest sporting events in the world.

Commenting on his new position, Jim Reed stated, “Being a part of the growth and success of the RCF family is something I’m incredibly proud of. Every day, I’m excited to work and learn alongside colleagues and friend that are some of the most knowledgeable industry leaders.”

More information on the RCF USA website

 

Robe & Anolis for Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International’s new game-changing ship, is setting new jaw-dropping standards and records in the world of vacations. Built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Icon features more than 40 different entertainment, leisure, and retail spaces, including three primary entertainment venues.

The Royal Theater presents full-scale productions, including the first rendition of The Wizard of Oz at sea; Absolute Zero is a premium ice-skating arena; and the AquaTheater brings adrenaline and thrills centre stage with aqua shows put on by the first cast of aerialists, high divers, robots, synchronized swimmers and more.


Two of Icon’s main entertainment venues, Royal Theater and Absolute Zero, have Robe moving lights at the heart of their installed lighting rigs, while approximately 250 other Robe and Anolis LED fixtures are being used throughout the ship in 10 separate areas.
The various Robe fixtures include iForte, Forte FS and iForte FS, Esprite, Painte, Tetra2, and iSpiider moving lights, plus multiple RoboSpot remote follow spot systems throughout the different venues.
The entertainment lighting for Icon’s many different areas was specified by Christopher Vlassopulos who oversees all entertainment technology across Royal Caribbean’s ships, working closely with UK-based lighting consultant and maritime specialist Ben Couling from Tristwell Designs and Nick Mugnani from Skylight Services, together with integrators and installers Control AV based in Finland and also operating in Miami.

Royal Caribbean is committed to delivering the highest standard of entertainment and understands the role and importance of good production values and quality equipment.
The project was coordinated by Robe’s global maritime manager, Tony Perez, working closely with the vacation brand, Tristwell, Skylight, and Control AV in both Finland and Miami. The kit was delivered to Finland via Robe’s Finnish distributor, Lighthouse Entertainment, which played a key role in providing the best support to all involved!

Royal Theater

Seating more than 1,200 guests, the proscenium arch theater venue spans decks 4 and 5 at the forward end of Icon, and it currently stages two productions, The Wizard of Oz and SHOWBAND! Live.Music.Now. The music is played live by a 16-piece orchestra, split into two groups and positioned on both sides of the stage. Twenty-four Esprite PCs and 28 x Esprite Profiles were chosen as key fixtures, most flown in the overhead rig, with some deployed along the high sides of the stage.

Two Forte FS FollowSpots with motion cameras are running on two RoboSpot controllers positioned on the lighting bridges, with the Forte FS luminaires on the most downstage catwalk. There are also 32 x Paintes in the space, chosen for their small size and powerful output positioned front of house!
The perfect match of colors between all these Robe LED lights was a big bonus for production lighting designers Rui Rita and Matt Taylor who shaped the looks, drama, and narrative of this colorful and lively show, and even with many other fixtures involved, the Robe elements stand out from the rest and are at the heart of the storytelling.

Music Hall

Music Hall is a 2-story bar, night club and lounge that features a lineup of excellent tribute bands covering numerous genres from jazz to rock! Twenty-four TetraX units are used as one of the main effects due to their continuous pan rotation, stunning flower effects, and powerful output! Four LEDBeam 150s in the same venue are strategically positioned to hit the mirror ball!


Absolute Zero

Absolute Zero is an ice arena located at the aft end of deck 5 and is the largest at sea. It’s the first to feature an oval shape that provides excellent sightlines wherever guests are seated. Absolute Zero has four Forte FS FollowSpots running in pairs on two RoboSpot systems, which are each positioned at 90 degrees to one another around the rink, used for specials and highlighting soloists as they whizz around.

Royal Promenade

The Royal Promenade is the heart of Icon and a connector between the Royal Theater and Absolute Zero at opposite ends of deck 5. It has over 15 restaurants, bars, and lounges, including many flavours, atmospheres and favorite brands for numerous tastes.
Nine white Esprites and two RoboSpot systems with four white Motion cameras are rigged on both sides, port and starboard. The RoboSpot system was chosen for its unique flexibility with the BaseStations concealed in a remote room off site from the main Royal Promenade neighbourhood!


The Esprites are used to pick up various entertainment functions staged around the Royal Promenade’s variety of spaces and were chosen due to their intensity and multipurpose features. Several sets of Anolis Ambiane AP RGBW fixtures complete with 67-degree lenses are installed in The Attic, Schooner Bar, and Point & Feather.
The Ambiane AP was picked for its 90+ CRI to accentuate the architectural design. When dynamic colors are needed, the Ambiane AP bursts into vibrance with its unique patented RGBW color mixing system!

AquaTheater

AquaTheater hosts a high energy water-based extravaganza including 17m- and 10m-high diving platforms, synchronized swimming, robotic arms, and fountain shows. The two dive towers are lit with 12 white iSpiiders rigged underneath the towers and on the inner sides of the stage in between them to great effect.


Up lighting the towers are 12 x white Anolis Calumma L MC fixtures picked for their durability and quality of light. Six white iFortes, two RoboSpots and four IP65 motion cameras are in action for the high diving, slacklining, fountain shows and various other deck-defying entertainment in the AquaTheater.

The flexibility of the RoboSpots paired with the IP65 iForte units make the perfect match and a great long-term investment! The RoboSpot systems were specified because they can control up to 12 Robe moving lights per BaseStation, ideal for full coverage of the high diving in conjunction with the 40,000 Lumen iForte units!

Thrill Island and Chill Island

Throughout Icon’s Thrill Island and Chill Island where guests can choose between four pools, nine whirlpools, six record-breaking water slides, and the FlowRider surf simulator among other experiences are over 60 Anolis Calumma M MC RGBW fixtures, mainly used as accent lights for the structures and water features. The Calummas were supplied with Robe’s special Harsh Environment coating to withstand the salt, humidity, sea spray and UV conditions!

Tony enjoyed collaborating with Royal Caribbean’s creative team immensely. “Icon of the Seas was a once-in-a-lifetime endeavor, and the involvement of Robe and Anolis on this iconic vacation speaks volumes about the reputation of both brands,” stated Tony.

“Inventive lighting solutions including Robe’s Transferable Engine (TE) technology, the remote RoboSpot systems and fully weatherized IP65 rated products all made this job easier, and close communication with the factory in the Czech Republic ensured the delivery of top-notch lighting products for the entertainment industry.

“This achievement was a massive team effort from Robe’s side, with key contributors like Lorienn Cochenour, Peter Moore, the late Craig Burross, Tony Morin and Tal Janowitz from Robe North America, and international sales director, Ingo Dombrowski” he concluded.

For more information about Robe Lighting

 

ETC Lights the Biggest Stadiums for the Biggest Games

There’s a whole stadium around every halftime show. ETC makes the systems and products that let stadiums look great hosting the Super Bowl and every other gameday. So of course Gopher Stage Lighting worked with the electrical contractor to select and install an ETC system to handle lighting controls for Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, home to the Las Vegas Raiders and host of Super Bowl LVIII.
« “ETC is a great company for this kind of thing because they provide everything we need to make this stadium function,” says Josh Wood, Senior Project Manager at Gopher Stage Lighting and the person who oversaw every inch of the installation.

“They have everything from a centralized control system to individual button stations, relay panels to reverse-phase dimmers, touchscreens to lighting control consoles – everything we need for the stadium from one place.” Plus, ETC integrates nicely with every other system necessary to operate a modern stadium. “It’s easy to set up and keep moving forward.” »


Paradigm is the architectural control for the stadium, controlling back of house as well as general lighting for the stadium. But this is Vegas, which means the stadium is full of special VIP suites and clubs that demand special impact. Paradigm also shines there, allowing the lighting for these spaces to be run separately and dynamically.

“We have Paradigm processors and individualized power control in the clubs. They can act as islands unto themselves, individually running the clubs and bars behind the suites, doing 0-10 V loads, as well as reverse-phase dimming for LED tape and other LED sources,” says Wood. “You’re able to get clubs up and running without having to have the whole stadium system up and running.”

And because it’s Vegas, when Wood says clubs, he means plural. There are multiple clubs throughout the stadium, including the Wynn Field Club across the north end zone of the stadium that brings the nightlife experience to game day. “The lion’s share of that system is a large moving light package being controlled by ETC’s Eos entertainment system—but it’s still integrated into the stadium Paradigm controls,” explains Wood.

That’s not the only space where moving lights and color-changing fixtures are prominent. With the advent of color-changing LED fixtures powerful enough to light a field, stadium lights are part of the show now too. An ETC Gio console controls stadium lights and automated fixtures to entertain the crowd with color chases and flashy effects from moving automated fixtures throughout the game.


“LED stadium lights are a game changer,” says Wood. “They can blink, flash and chase. I can run color-chases around the stadium or paint the field with color. You saw that during the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. They were also using the color changes as well as the sports lights during the halftime show.”

The color changing lights are used throughout the season. Dawn Horstmann, a Field Service Engineer for ETC and Lighting Director for the Raiders, uses the entertainment capabilities of the Gio console integrated with the Paradigm system to dazzle the stadium throughout a game.
“When the Raiderettes cheerleaders go onto the field and perform, we have moving lights focused on the end zones, and then the sports lights twinkle, and moving lights bounce around in all directions,” says Horstmann. Because the NFL has strict rules banning entertainment light from the field for the game broadcast, Dawn leans on powerful Eos tools to make sure that all this sparkle never spills over onto the field during broadcast.

“For touchdowns, I have ballyhoos that run around the stadium on all the seating, but you’ll never see it on camera,” explains Horstmann. “One of the cool things about Eos is that I can make an absolute effect where I have different focus points in all four corners and I can actually run my moving lights all the way around the stadium and never worry about it hitting the field.”

The console isn’t the only control triggering special lighting effects either

The video team can synchronize lighting effects with video simply by generating SMPTE timecode. In similar stadiums with an ETC backbone, “a touchdown video can drive the stadium lights by sending a trigger to Paradigm and on to ETC’s Mosaic system,” says Wood. “This is a big thing that every stadium wants to do now: have video triggering lighting.
Once we integrated video into lighting in one of the stadiums we work with, every stadium had it added within the next year or two. We put it in the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota as well as Geodis Park in Nashville for the Nashville Soccer Club. It’s a really great feature that they like a lot. It allows them to trigger effects without having a dedicated lighting operator for game days.”


ETC’s Mosaic Show Controllers deliver lighting looks and color-changing capabilities for a variety of pixel-based lighting attractions around the stadium, including the Coke activation on the upper concourse and the color changing fixtures around the Al Davis Memorial Torch. “It’s an important feature to the building because they light it before every game and it stays on through the end of every game. They even lit it for the Super Bowl,” explains Wood.

Wood and Gopher Stage Lighting were proud of Allegiant’s Super Bowl moment, especially after all the care and attention they put into the installation. During construction of the stadium, Gopher Stage Lighting, based in Minnesota, even leased an apartment in Las Vegas to make sure their people could be onsite at a moment’s notice.
“Gopher works extra hard to be an amazing partner to stadiums and contractors, starting with how we even do our submittal paperwork all the way through working with the contractor to make sure they understand what wire needs to be pulled where and what needs to happen in what order,” says Wood.

Although only one team can win the Super Bowl, ETC is a winner in multiple stadiums and arenas, including U.S. Bank Stadium, Target Field, Xcel Energy Center, Target Center, and Allianz Field in Minnesota, Geodis Park in Nashville, SoFi stadium in Los Angeles (host of the 2022 Super Bowl), Sun Trust Park and Mercedes-Benz stadium in Atlanta, and many more. ETC handles building and entertainment lighting for the biggest stadiums and biggest games all over the country and all year round – not just at halftime.

For more information about ETC, please visit etcconnect.com

Ayrton Cobra lights David Guetta in an epic performance

Renowned DJ David Guetta delighted audiences with his show “The Monolith” on July 25 at the Ciutat de València Stadium. For more than four hours, the artist offered an unforgettable musical and visual performance, combining his characteristic electronic sound with dazzling visual effects that captivated the audience. The event brought together more than 18,000 spectators, consolidating itself as one of the major events of the year in the city.


Ayrton Cobra infuses David Guetta’s performance with a dazzling blend of innovation and spectacle.

“The Monolith” solidified its status as David Guetta’s premier show in Spain, an exclusive production crafted specifically for this event. This meticulously planned performance delivered a singular and unforgettable experience.
The impressive, large-scale set design seamlessly integrated the latest technology with breathtaking visual effects, creating a comprehensive sensory impact on the audience. Every detail was flawlessly synchronized, immersing the audience in a torrent of immersive, powerful sounds that harmonized perfectly with an awe-inspiring visual display of laser lights and special effects.


The show not only impressed with its visual design, but also with the inclusion of amazing pyrotechnics, which further elevated the excitement of the night. The explosions of lights and colours in the sky added an extra touch of adrenaline, creating a visual climax that complemented the music perfectly.
This level of production transformed the night into an unforgettable experience for the more than 18,000 attendees, who were immersed in an amazing show that will be hard to forget. The mixture of music, technology and sensory effects achieved a perfect balance, consolidating “The Monolith” as one of the most memorable events of the year in Valencia.

Together with Global Live Entertainment SL, producer of the event, and Fluge Audiovisuales, which was responsible for supplying the technical equipment, David Guetta’s show became a complete audiovisual masterpiece.
The stage set-up included a giant LED screen with a cube-shaped design that ruled the stage, creating an impressive and immersive visual presence. This impressive technological display, along with high-resolution sound, enabled each beat and melody to resonate throughout the audience’s body, creating a total immersive experience.


Ayrton Cobra

One of the most talked about aspects was the impressive lighting of the event. The 24 Ayrton Cobra laser-sourced fixtures were a standout highlight of the show, captivating the audience with a standing ovation and infusing the performance with a dazzling blend of innovation and spectacle.

These powerful moving lights, featuring laser phosphor technology, projected beams of light with mesmerizing clarity that danced in the air and sky with a hypnotic, fluid motion.

The meticulously crafted laser effects conjured a futuristic ambiance that immersed the audience, making them feel part of the show. The lights’ rapid movement and direction changes created the illusion of the light itself dancing to Guetta’s rhythm, forging a powerful visual and emotional connection that elevated the experience to new heights.


More details on Ayrton Cobra and the full range of Ayrton LED and laser-sourced lighting fixtures can be found at www.ayrton.eu

Ayrton is distributed exclusively in Spain by Stonex: www.stonexsl.com

 

SIXTY82 launches new TPM39 Series

The TPM39.

SIXTY82 is excited to announce the launch of the latest in its TPM Series of super-strong box truss, the TPM39 Series. Yes, the TPM29 Series has got a big – 39cm – brother! Sharing all the benefits and features of the TPM29 Series, the new TPM39 is up to 25% stronger – yet fully compatible and interchangeable with – M39 box truss, with all the reliability and versatility the industry expects from SIXTY82 products.


The TPM Series is renowned for its universal features of increased strength, stability and support, giving it the ability to withstand more load without deforming.


Designed and manufactured in Holland, the extrusion process ensures a precise and uniform shape that is 100% square with a perfect fit which, combined with stronger alloy truss spigots, are key factors in improved strength and endurance. The extruded end frame also makes the TPM Series bounce- and smash-proof.

SIXTY82 has introduced a new, unique feature to TPM39 by the removal of the end diagonal, an innovation which brings huge benefits. Removal of the end diagonal means the smaller TPM29 Series can fit inside TPM39 structures for more efficient transportation and storage options.


This simple adaptation reduces the volume of space required for shipping and maximises the quantity of truss that can be transported in shipping containers. This in turn ensures a cost-effective and more environmentally-friendly transport solution, especially over long distances.

The new TPM39 Series was given its first showing at the start of September when SIXTY82 revealed it to its expanding international distribution network at a bespoke event held for its exclusive dealers at the SIXTY82 head offices in Drachten.

Representatives from over 35 distributors attended the two days to enjoy a packed schedule that included a factory tour, a presentation focusing on the Future of SIXTY82, feedback sessions and discussions on market trends as well as technical product presentations.

Feedback on the new TPM39 Series was universally positive and excited: “The TPM39S truss is a game-changer,” says Richárd Pálfi, Sales Director of D.P. Music Kft. “Its increased strength and clever design, especially the removal of the end diagonal, will allow us to offer more efficient and cost-effective rigging solutions. We’re excited to introduce this to the Hungarian market.”

Giannis Tziakos, Owner of Omikron Control SA confirmed that the Dealer Day proved an ideal introduction to the new product stating: “SIXTY82’s new TPM39 Series truss impressed us with its strength and versatility. The distributor day gave us valuable insights into its capabilities. We’re particularly excited about how it integrates with existing M39 systems, offering our Greek customers a forward-thinking solution for their rigging needs.”


Available from September 2024, TPM39 Series offers a choice of four form factors: TPM39L Ladder truss, TPM39S Square truss, TPM39RP Rectangular truss and TPM39SMB Square Middle Beam truss.

TPM39 offers a stronger, better, future design for entertainment truss and is the perfect solution for anyone looking to expand their M39 series and take advantage of the latest innovations in truss technology. Contact SIXTY82 to find out more.


TPM39 main features:

– Up to 25% stronger
– Bounce and smash-proof
– 100% interchangeable with M39 series
– Perfect fit
– 100% square
– Storage or built in applications
– Easy placement of fixture in truss
– Very low lead times
– Constant high quality
– Designed and made in Holland
– Patented


For more information on Sixty82, visit www.sixty82.nl