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 The new Shuttle Launch Experience at Kennedy Space Center in Florida was recently awarded a TEA (Themed Entertainment Association) Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement, with EAW selected to play a significant role in sound reinforcement for the attraction.
Conceived and designed by BRC Imagination Arts, the Shuttle Launch Experience is a $60-million project incorporating a wide range of production elements. Techno-media Solutions LLC provided technical AV systems integration, with the Shuttle Simulation Theater featuring an audio system incorporating EAW SB850z subwoofers, three EAW KF695z main loudspeakers, two more KF695z's joined by two EAW KF300z's for four surround sound channels, and an overhead channel with two EAW MK Series loudspeakers.
The project is the subject of an in-depth feature article written by Judith Rubin that appeared in the March 2008 issue of Sound & Communications magazine. Click here to check it out.
 The craze already starting to sweep the globe: MicroWedgin'!
It's about taking a stand (literally) to make a definitive statement of exuberant solidarity with the world's greatest stage monitors - the new EAW MicroWedge Series.
Inventor Dave Rat set the MicroWedgin' standard (at left), and others have taken the stand, as seen at the recent Prolight+Sound and Musikmesse convention in Frankfurt, Germany.
(Click to get a bigger view of the images.)
Make your MicroWedgin' stand and we'll feature it here on EAW.com, as well as the other web home for MicroWedge on Myspace. (Send your images via e-mail to EAW's Keith Clark by clicking here.)
 Adam Howarth is the most recent addition to the Application Support Group (ASG), our multifaceted team offering a wide range of specialized technical services to EAW customers worldwide. The appointment was announced by Joe Fustolo, manager of ASG.
As an Application Support Specialist based at our Whitinsville, MA facilities, Howarth provides in-depth support for all EAW professional audio products, including the Smaart tuning and analysis platform. He joins the ASG team with a background in live event system design and engineering, and has served as a live and recording engineer, an audio instructor, and as a design consultant for theaters, production companies, and educational institutions.
Continue reading "Adam Howarth Joins EAW As ASG Support Specialist" »
A new website within EAW.com has just gone live, providing a wealth of information about the new EAW MicroWedge Series product line that's now making its debut with the launch of the MW12 stage monitor. Click here to check it out. (www.eaw.com/products/MicroWedge/)
 Beyond product insight, the new MicroWedge site also offers a range of reference materials, including design history, configurations, tips and tricks, and insight into maximizing vocal clarity in mixes, penned by MicroWedge Inventor Dave Rat.
Also be sure to visit the new MicroWedge Myspace Page for even more information and to connect with the growing MicroWedge community.
 EAW reps and distributors were treated to the LOUD Technologies "Peek-a-Boo Review" at the recent Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, featuring up-close looks at several new EAW products such as the NTL720 self-powered line array, MicroWedge 12 stage monitor, the UMX.96 digital console and UX8800 dual-mode digital processor. EAW's Bernie Broderick is seen above, presenting the new products, while below, we treated to additional photos at the UMX.96 and NTL720.
 At the recent 2007 ET Live in Orlando, Dave Rat provided the live mix at the EAW stage on an EAW UMX.96 digital console. During a break, the folks at Mix magazine (Editorial Director Tom Kenny and Managing Editor Sarah Benzuly) stopped by to talk with Dave about his experiences this first time out with the board.
Dave notes right up front that overall, he's not too keen on the digital mixing format, still preferring analog. Yet he did find a lot to like about the UMX.96, topped by a demonstration of one of the board's more unique (and fun) features...
In part 2 of the interview, Dave discusses the new EAW MicroWedge line, providing some context as well as his reasons for working with EAW on this coming product series. Click here to go directly to the videos.
 ET Live 2007 in Orlando was a whole lot of fun, but it was also highly productive as well, as thousands turned out in the beautiful weather to get a first-hand look at the numerous EAW advancements in action.
The huge stage, with live performances by Led Zeppelin tribute band Physical Graffiti, featured the new NTL720 "baby" line array modules (BLAM) making a laudable debut. The output-to-size ratio of this exciting new self-powered loudspeaker product proved most impressive, as well as high vocal intelligibility in evidence both with musical programming as well as during introductory remarks by EAW Brand Group Vice President Jeffrey Cox.
 Dave Rat (pictured left) was on hand to provide the mix on an EAW UMX.96 digital console, and he also saw the preliminary introduction of the first of the new EAW MicroWedge products in prototype form. (The new wedges and the console attracted quite the traffic at the house mix position.)
Meanwhile, new KF737 modules, bringing high-Q capabilities while fitting seamlessly within KF730 Series arrays, drew a wide range of rave reviews. Many in attendance also got their first look (and listen) at the new UX8800 digital processor with Gunness Focusing, utilized with the KF730 arrays. (The NTL720's have onboard DSP that includes Gunness Focusing.)
 And, yet another debut came in the form of the new SB1002 subwoofer, featuring convenient flying capabilities and much more.
Filling out the system, which was under the highly capable direction of Howard Burke, were KF650z sidefills and SM12 stage monitors. Harry Brill Jr. ran Smaart throughout the event, with Smaart designated as the official measurement system for the entire event. Stage Audio & Lighting Productions of Longwood, Florida, headed by Phil Kovacevich, provided systems and on-site support throughout the event.
For a photographic look at ET Live '07, click on the link directly below.
Continue reading "Product Debuts & Fun Both In Adundance At ET Live '07" »
 Attention all UX8800 users: a new version of EAWPilot software (v1.0.46.52) has been posted and is now available via the Downloads page here at EAW.com.
With this new version, the "Reset Input Channel Settings" dialog only comes up if the greybox selection is changed - not for amplifier or listening distance adjustments. Also, spin controls are fixed on both delay and greybox high-pass and low-pass filters (for real, this time), while disabled low-pass filters now have the frequency "greyed" out.
Further, compressor threshold handles are once again available in system mode, front panel setting changes now display correctly, and auto-assign works in several more scenarios. Click here to go directly to the Downloads page.
NOTE: Several of these fixes will only work if you update to firmware
build 52!
 At ET Live, held in conjunction with LDI 2007 in Orlando next month (November), EAW will be unveiling a wide range of exciting new and pending product developments – all working together as a full-scale live concert reinforcement system!
The fun starts with the newest loudspeaker design from EAW (more about this soon), which will be joined by flown KF730 Series line arrays as well as prototypes of another new loudspeaker, with Gunness Focusing and all other DSP courtesy of UX8800 dual-mode digital processors.
 Low-end will be provided with new, soon-to-be-released EAW SB Series subwoofers. Filling out the loudspeaker complement will be KF650z sidefills and SM12 stage monitoring. The entire system will be driven by Lab.gruppen amplification and tuned with new Smaart v.6; in fact, Smaart has been designated as the official measurement system for the entire event. (The scene at ET Live in Las Vegas last year is shown in the photo at left.)
Continue reading "Dynamic New EAW Developments At Upcoming ET Live!" »
 Karl Reed has joined us as the new EAW art director. He brings more than 15 years of professional graphic design experience to the position, working for a variety of leading advertising agencies and corporations, Honeywell among them.
Karl is responsible for graphic design and production for all facets of the EAW Brand Group (EAW, EAW Commercial and so on) including ads, collateral pieces, logos, web graphics, tradeshow graphics, and more.
Welcome aboard, Karl!
 So, just how many ties does EAW's Jeffrey Cox have in his closet? Answers to these and other pressing questions are featured in the October '07 issue of Front Of House (FOH) magazine's "Vital Stats" feature.
The interview, by writer Kevin Mitchell, covers a wide range of topics, both business and personal, offering a glimpse into some of the things EAW is working on now and for the future, as well as Jeffrey's unique and interesting background and perspective. Click here to go directly to the interview.
 We're saddened to hear the news that Avalon Boston is closing its doors. The club, and of course, its owner John Lyons, were extremely instrumental in the development of EAW's landmark Avalon Series purpose-designed club loudspeakers. (Some of the original Avalon loudspeakers at the club are pictured at right.)
Based on design criteria developed by Lyons, the Avalon Series offers a fresh look at the balance of subsystems within a loudspeaker system. Techno-industrial dance music presents a relentless, pounding beat, so to address this issue, the Avalon line comprises bottom-heavy systems with double the number of woofers per system to deliver the beat as a physical concussion.
"We took a blank sheet of paper, began with technologies that we knew would be an excellent starting point, and then developed new ideas that would result in superior dance club loudspeakers," explains Jeff Rocha, EAW vice president of engineering. "The fact that a lot of meaningful input came from club professionals, and that the products were created and critically evaluated in real conditions at Avalon Boston, resulted in something special."
 Jeffrey Cox, Vice President of the EAW Brand Group, is the subject of an exclusive interview in the current issue of Production Partner, the noted German professional audio publication. (Jeffrey is shown at left with Jürgen Bachthaler, who heads up EAW's offices in Germany.)
The discussion covers a wide range of topics, and is also tied into the recent EAW B4 Roadshow and educational training sessions that appeared across Europe.
Our thanks to Peter Brüning for arranging and coordinating this interview, conducted by Detlef Hoepfner.
There's only one catch - readers fluent in the German language will really enjoy the interview, while those of us who are not must be content with the nice photos. Click on the pdf links below to access the full interview.
Jeffrey Cox-Production Partner Interview, Page 1
Jeffery Cox-Production Partner Interview, Page 2
Jeffrey Cox-Production Partner Interview, Page 3
 Joe Fustolo, Manager of the EAW Application Support Group, notes that Michael Perry (left) and Justin Walker have joined the ASG team as Application Support Specialists, a move that further enhances the pro audio industry's top customer technical support effort.
Michael comes to us from LOUD Technologies technical support and service, and based in Woodinville, he adds additional hours to our U.S. support basis. Also an active musician and sound system operator, he brings a great deal of relevant real-world experience to the table, not to mention also being very fluent in Spanish. Michael's primary focus is providing full technical support for all EAW Commercial products, in addition to assisting with the entire EAW line.
Justin, a previous employee with the EAW Service Department (not to mention an active musician), offers a good deal of experience and enthusiasm in pro audio customer support. He is based in Whitinsville, handling the bulk of service requests and product RMA's as well as providing basic technical support for all EAW loudspeakers.
Welcome aboard, Michael and Justin!
 Here's a handy roster of links to access Martyn "Ferrit" Rowe's blog entries as an EAW UMX.96 digital console makes its inaugural tour with Foreigner and FOH Engineer Don Dodge.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Note From Don Dodge
 We just received the following note from FOH Engineer Don Dodge, who's been utilizing the EAW UMX.96 digital console on its maiden touring voyage with Foreigner this summer. Don and Ferrit are pictured at left.
"The console is working out like a dream - I’m totally loving it! We’re blowing everyone’s mind with this board. It just sings. So many people coming up after shows to tell me how good it sounded.
"Ferrit has been incredible - what a fantastic guy. It’s really easy to learn from him, and he’s so smart it blows your mind. He’s been such a great help.
"Thanks very much to EAW and Jeffrey for trusting in me enough to run with your new 'baby'."
- Don Dodge
 EAW's Martyn "Ferrit" Rowe is providing us with live reports as an EAW UMX.96 digital console makes its inaugural tour with Foreigner and FOH Engineer Don Dodge.
Verizon Center, VA Beach
August 18, 2007
I’m writing this from the front lounge of the Foreigner crew bus that has been my home for a couple of weeks, and I thought I’d include some pics of the folks working so hard on this traveling show. (Click here to see more photos.) Nine buses, nine 53-foot semi’s and over 50 production and support people.
I’d like to give a shout out to some of the great people who make it happen out here. So, in no particular order: Don Dodge, Robbie Price, Rocko, Gary Luizzo (Styx FOH), Pilgrim (Leppard’s monitor engineer), Alphonso, Dave the bus driver, Dan the truck driver, the FOH Karaoke crew (Ted Bible, Ronan and the lovely Leslie), LD’s Kenji-san, Libby, and Cosmo. And - the Foreigner crew: Jody, John, Roy, Ted and Barry. Sorry in advance if I left anyone out. Rock on, my brothers and sisters.
Foreigner has the opening slot today, and for a bit of a change, they've updated the set list to include “I Wanna Know What Love Is" and "Feels Like The First Time". After the set, the Foreigner crew is driving down to Florida for a corporate gig while Def Leppard is taking a two-day break. So as soon as the gear is packed, it’s a tearful goodbye and then they're off.
I stayed until the end of the show to get the UMX.96 packed and onto Foreigner's truck, and then I’m off with the runner to catch a 7 am flight home. I’ll be catching back up with the tour when it comes to my home town, Las Vegas, in about a week’s time. In the meantime, click the link directly below to check more photos.
Continue reading "Ferrit's Blog - UMX.96 On Tour With Foreigner, Day 10" »
 A new UX8800 and EAWPilot user forum has just launched on the forums section of EAW.com. The new forum, moderated by Joe Fustolo and Dave Gunness, was created because both UX and Pilot are evolving and maturing at a rapid rate, making it vital that users be well informed, and as completely and quickly as possible. Click here to go to the EAW forums.
 A big welcome aboard to Kati Naish, who’s joined the EAW team as Brand Administrative Coordinator. Based in the Woodinville facility, she has a wide range of responsibilities, including overall administrative support, meeting scheduling and planning, marketing project logistics, tradeshow and event planning, rep and distributor support - and just generally keeping the marketing department in line.
Kati offers a great background in administration and marketing, coming to EAW from previous stints at Microsoft as a Corporate Event Manager, as well as serving as a paralegal for a law firm and doing marketing work for a medical staffing company. Other vitals you should know: she plays softball, is a huge Seattle Seahawks fan, and her last name is correctly pronounced “Nash”.
 A completely reorganized Downloads section has just launched on EAW.com. Not only does the new section consolidate all EAW software, documents and other files for download to one location, but it also provides a very clear, easy-to-read navigation structure so you can access exactly what you're looking for - fast.
Click here to check it out or access it via the "Downloads" tab in the main site navigation.
 EAW Smaart Version 6 (v.6) has been nominated for a 2007 Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Award in the category of Outstanding Technical Achievement, Ancillary Equipment, with online voting now open to Mix magazine subscribers. Click here to go directly to the voting location.
Smaart v.6 sound system measurement and analysis software features a comprehensive re-write of its underlying architecture that dramatically enhances multi-tasking, in addition to a new streamlined interface for simpler operation and for the first time ever, full compatibility with Macintosh OS X
 The TEC Awards was established by Mix in 1985 to honor outstanding achievement in the professional recording and sound production industry. The nominations are made by a panel of approximately 165 audio industry professionals.
The winners of the 23rd Annual TEC Awards will be announced at a ceremony at the Marriott Marquis during the 2007 AES Convention in New York City.
 It’s often noted that audio is not “rocket science.” True enough - unless, of course, it is. Troy Gwin and his team at ACS Sound and Lighting, based in Columbia, S.C., recently took on an “audio as rocket science” challenge presented by the University of Sound Carolina on behalf of Lockheed Martin Corporation and NASA (U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration), utilizing sound reinforcement technology to test a Space Shuttle rocket component.
ACS was tasked with duplicating the acoustic noise conditions found inside of rocket fuel tanks during liftoff, specifically, testing the effects of high sound pressure levels on tiny (less than quarter-inch diameter) acoustic sensors designed by Lockheed Martin to monitor SPL within the tanks.
 The test required generating electro-acoustic output (in this case, pink noise) matching a NASA response curve depicting constant SPL above 120 dB at 30 Hz to 10 kHz, with a peak in excess of 135 dB at 400 Hz. This output, conforming to the response curve, needed to be sustained for a period of three minutes at a distance of two feet.
To generate the output, ACS assembled a system comprised of three cart-stacked EAW KF760 large-format line array modules joined by two EAW BH760 horn-loaded subwoofers (a.k.a. “SuperSubs”), with the loudspeakers aimed outdoors through a large back door at the ACS warehouse to avoid slap-back and reverberation generated by wall surfaces. (Troy Gwin and Travis Banks of ACS are shown above right with the rig.)
Continue reading "ACS Deploys EAW System, Smaart In Rocket Science Quest" »
 "New Smaart v.6, simply, is an audio professional's dream come true. Start with the fact that it works natively in Mac OS X - no more lugging around two computers (separate Mac and Windows computers) to project sites!
“It's also extraordinarily fast, the new interface is a lot cleaner and makes the program a breeze to use, while the new ASIO/Core Audio driver compatibility shows forward thinking.
 "The kicker to all of this is the ability to acquire unlimited snapshots, the ability to have a combination of any two traces being viewed simultaneously, as well as the new zoom feature. The ultimate tool we've been waiting for has definitely arrived.”
Arthur Skudra, Consultant
Hamilton, Ontario
 EAW is pleased to welcome Cowser-Lee Marketing as its new sales representative firm for Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Headed by professional systems veterans Jim Cowser and Pat Lee, the team also includes Brendan Bishop, Greg Labruzzi, Chris Stephens and Kathy Cowser.
“We’re quite happy to be working with a firm offering such an excellent track record in the professional systems marketplace,” notes Scott Pizzo, EAW director of U.S. sales.
Find out more about Cowser-Lee Marketing www.cowserleemarketing.com.
 The word on the street regarding the new UX8800: nicely done, and then some. A wide range of users have been involved in beta testing, with reports filed by these audio professionals overwhelmingly positive.
For example, check out the application of UX8800 with a KF750 rig for concerts by Simply Red in Australia, with audio engineer Tim Millikan (pictured at left with UX8800) providing the details and commentary.
And take a look at this recent thread on the Live Audio Board (LAB) of ProSoundWeb, where again, users in the pro audio community who've been involved with beta testing weigh in with their observations, thoughts and comments.
More details on the UX8800 are available here and here.
 When the EAW engineering team formulated the MK Series of loudspeakers, to say they hit the mark would be a dramatic understatement. Introduced 10 years ago, this series of compact two-way systems has proven itself time and again, with thousands and thousands of units providing exceptional audio quality in diverse installations worldwide. (At right, MK Series loudspeakers installed by Boston Light & Sound at historic Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox.)
The MK Series began humbly, with four models shown at the 1997 NSCA Expo, all offering a design that eliminated the uneven coverage associated with "typical" two-way loudspeakers. During the engineering team's research, they discovered that the problem is the mismatch in the coverage angles at crossover between the woofer and the high frequency horn/compression driver.
 The key is careful matching of the coverage patterns of high and low frequency subsystems at the crossover point to produce smooth power response. The optimal crossover point for any given coverage pattern is at, or near, the frequency where the woofer's pattern matches the coverage goal. Obviously, the design does what it's intended to do, and then some. (At left, MK Series loudspeakers installed by Parkway Electric for the chapel at Resurrection Life Church in Michigan.)
The MK Series is now comprised of 14 models, all continuing to set the standard for compact 2-way installation loudspeakers, with a plethora of coverage patterns and three woofer sizes available in a clever "mix and match" format.
 MK products are ideal to use as the main PA for smaller venues, including houses of worship, A/V systems, hotel ballrooms, and meeting rooms. The series is also equally well-suited for distributed or fill purposes in larger venues, including houses of worship, auditoriums, theaters, arenas, stadiums, nightclubs, themed entertainment complexes... You name the application, and MK Series is up to it! (At right, an MK Series installation by Quiet Voice Audio at the San Diego Aerospace Museum.)
The soon-to-be-released EAW UX8800 digital processor, bringing revolutionary Gunness Focusing technology to an ever-increasing number of conventional EAW loudspeakers, is making the testing rounds, where some audio professionals putting it through its paces at live gigs as well as doing evaluations in the shop. With true dual-mode capability, the 4-input by 8-output unit is equally adept as a loudspeaker processor or an overall system processor.
The EAW General Discussion Forum offers several threads with commentary on various aspects of the UX8800, including first impressions, operational issues, how it's working with various EAW loudspeakers, and so on. Want to get a glimpse of a future that's just about arrived? Click here to view and take part in the discussions currently ongoing in the forum.
An example: "We were able to listen to a side-by-side comparison of our previous processing against the UX8800. It sounded so much better that I almost felt bad for ever using them without the UX8800." - Troy Gwin, ACS Sound & Lighting, Columbia, SC
 Joe Fustolo is definitely someone at EAW you should know. This professional audio industry veteran was recently tapped to head up the EAW Application Support Group (ASG), our multifaceted team offering a wide range of specialized technical services to the EAW customer base.
What does your work with EAW entail?
Joe: As the manager of ASG, I handle loudspeaker designs for a lot of medium- and large-scale venues, worldwide. I also aid in teaching of our customers about how to best utilize our products to suit their needs. Another important part of the job is insuring that ASG maintains its very high standards in working with our clients to provide the best technical support in the industry.
What's your favorite aspect of working with EAW?
Joe: The people of EAW, and the best engineering team in professional audio, bar none.
Tell us about your previous audio-related experiences.
Joe: Well, let's see. Here's the list: recording engineer, monitor and FOH engineer, stage hand, technical director for the Lowell Auditorium in Lowell, MA, rigger, theatrical rigging installer, sound system sales/designer/installer...
What's your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Joe: Spend time with my family and kids.
Any hobbies?
Joe: Archery, hunting, target shooting, riding my motorcycle.
Best rock n' roll band ever?
Joe: Hmm.... that's a tough one, there are so many to choose from. How about this, or this, or this? Uh... just kidding! But "The Hoff" is something else, no? Just exactly what that something is, we can't be sure...
What's the best live show you've heard/seen, and why?
Joe: The most recent was Iron Maiden. It was truly amazing to see what the KF760/761 Series can do for a show of that nature.
What's your favorite EAW product?
Joe: The MQH1344e, due its sonic clarity, horsepower, and low-frequency pattern control. Truly one of the best loudspeakers ever, ahead of its time.
What's the most common audio/system question asked of you?
Joe: How does it sound? How can I make it sound better?
What's the most overlooked yet beneficial aspect of EAW?
Joe: We have the widest range of application specific loudspeakers in the industry, and the capabilities of designing any loudspeaker to fit any need required.
Last question. Why did the audio engineer cross the road?
Joe: Because the lighting guys wanted him to count to 3...
 EAW products and systems are utilized in thousands of demanding professional applications around the world, equally adept at exceeding expectations in both live and installed realms.
Now, the new EAW Application Reference Lists provide you with the opportunity to check out the venues and sound companies that utilize EAW products and systems. Not only are these lists updated and fresh and new, but they’re also available in handy printable pdf format by simply clicking a link at the top of each page. Click here to access the lists.
 EAW has named Scott Pizzo to the position of Director, U.S. Sales, with the appointment announced by Jeffrey Cox, Vice President of the EAW Brand Group.
Scott brings 20-plus years of pro audio experience to the position, where he will lead the company’s overall sales efforts in addition to directing EAW’s team of 17 U.S.-based independent sales rep firms. He will be based at theWhitinsville offices.
Scott joined EAW nearly five years ago as a member of the technical sales team working in the install, touring and retail channels with the company’s sales rep network. Previously he held a position in Technical Sales for Lexicon, and prior to that, he worked as an independent sound engineer.
“During his tenure with EAW, Scott has consistently demonstrated great responsiveness in serving the needs of our growing customer base,” Jeffrey noted. “His in-depth understanding of the market and technology are also a huge asset both for the company and our customers.” (Click here for more about Scott.)
 The B4 Roadshow team arrived in Milan, Italy around
1 pm, and upon figuring out that our hotel was near the famous Monza Motor Raceway, we set out on what we thought would be a quick stroll over to see it.
I should mention here that Bernie is a huge racing fan (shown here with Ferrit at a statue at the track), so for him this was more like a pilgrimage. After about and hour and a half of walking, it started to feel like Gilligan's Island to the rest of us: "A three-hour tour, a three-hour tour..."
 Actually, we ended up walking though the Monza city park and it was absolutely gorgeous. We saw the Royal Palace at Monza, built by the Hapsburgs in 1777, and then, the location where the last king of Italy, Umberto I, was assasinated in 1900. We also saw some interesting art in the park that the boys promptly named "The Wicker Bundt Cake." (Pretty accurate description, according to the photo at left.)
Continue reading "B4 In Milan: Setting Up, Smaart School & Racing Fun" »
 All of us at EAW wish to express our sincerest condolences on the passing of Justin Warren, a valued member of the PCM Marketing team. Just 30 years of age, Justin died tragically in a motorcycle accident on April 19 while traveling to work.
"Justin was a great person and made us all better too," stated Alan Thiele of PCM Marketing. Justin started his career in the pro audio world by playing guitar in and mixing live bands throughout the Baltimore/Washington DC area, spent four years at the largest MI retailer running the audio department both inside and outside the store, and was providing excellent outside sales services for PCM Marketing at the time of his passing.
"From my perspective, Justin was on the ball and a pleasure to work with. He was eager to jump in and learn about our products," added Scott Jordan, EAW ASG Specialist. "When you establish relationships with reps, you start to not see them as a separate company, but more an extension of your own co-workers. Justin was certainly someone (along with the rest of PCM) who personified this. His loss is one that is certainly felt by all those who had a chance to work with him."
A trust fund has been established for Justin's family. Anyone wishing to contribute should make checks payable to “Justin Warren & Shawna Dixon’s Children Fund." Checks can be mailed to:
Justin is survived by his parents, Penny Todd and Jim Warren; brother, Gavin Warren; sister, Caitlin Warren; his long-term partner, Shawna Dixon; and their four children, Dashawn, Ahmad, Khalil and Hasaun.
 The ongoing B4 Roadshow, currently appearing at several locations across Europe before moving on to North America, has drawn the attention of the Live Audio Board (LAB) community on ProSoundWeb.
Click here to check out the LAB discussion, including comments from attendees.
From EAW Marketing Director Karen Anderson
The B4 Roadshow team set off from Wolfach in the morning and drove south through the Black Forest and into the Swiss Alps. Absolutely gorgeous.
We didn't have an actual destination or any hotel reservations, but thanks to Bluetooth technology,we were able to hook into the Internet from the bus. Wiith Moray translating into Italian, we were able to find a hotel with six rooms available at the last minute. (May 1 is a national holiday in Italy so most everything was booked.)
The hotel is in a little town called Ispra, on Lake Maggiore in the Lombardy region of Italy. It took about eight hours to get there, as well as some expert driving from Werner as he navigated our 48-foot tour bus through mountain passes and narrow Italian hillside streets.
Continue reading "B4 In Europe: Through The Alps And On To Italy" »
 April 29, 07
On the bus
One of those memorable moments: 12:45 pm and everyone is upstairs in the rear lounge watching the Bourne Identity. Moray is sleeping in his bunk. I came down to watch the drive for a bit, and as I came down the stairs I could hear a bit of whistling coming from the forward cabin. It’s a bright balmy, lovely afternoon and we’ve just passed immigrations into Switzerland. We’re motoring down the Bahn, passing through the entrance into the Alps. It’s gorgeous, a storybook day.
I sat down in the forward/lower lounge and could hear Werner, our intrepid and wonderful driver (every bit Austrian) whistling along with something. Delightful, delicate, precise, joyful whistling. Not like passive, mumbling, meandering whistling, but flutelike, percussive, trilling Alpine whistling.
Suddenly he turns up his stereo in the driver’s compartment and I realize he’s whistling along with a classical concert on the stereo. Not just some soft, sweet, beautiful concert piece, but one of those Austrian masterpieces, loaded with flourish, undoubtedly written on just such a spring afternoon, where the sun bathes the countryside in clear light and the new leaves on the trees radiate a green that we only get to see in April in the mountains. The panorama is actually postcard.
So I sit quietly, slide down in a lounge recliner and watch with wonderment as the Swiss countryside glides by in a rolling slideshow of hills and church spires, cows and fences, chalets and Swiss flags, yellow mustard fields erupting in full voice, punctuating the rise and fall of Werner’s whistling concerto. He’s hitting every note. He knows this piece. As the concert rises to crescendo, Werner pushes his participation, steadfastly remaining part of the orchestra. Big Finish! Wow!! That was cool…
People can be so happy, so positive.
Life is good. Really good.
From EAW Marketing Director Karen Anderson
On our way via the tour bus to Milan for the next stop of the B4 Roadshow, we stopped for the evening in Wolfach, Germany. All I can say is WOW - this place unbelievably gorgeous! It's a 1,000-year-old walled city on the Kinsig river. I can't really describe how lovely it is, so check out the pictures.
Besides that, it's Jurgen's hometown, and he and his wife Christiane hosted us for a great day of sightseeing and dinner.
Continue reading "B4 In Europe: The Journey To Milan" »
From EAW Marketing Director Karen Anderson
Day two of the B4 Roadshow stop in Cologne was Smaart School day, and Jamie and Ferrit had a full class of 17 people at the Gahrens and Batterman training academy.
A huge thanks to G&B for letting us use their facility! (It's pictured below.)
 While Jamie and Ferrit busily made the world a little "Smaarter" (sorry!), Bernie and Moray headed over to the Cologne Arena to visit Marcus from Gahrens and Batterman as they loaded in a huge corporate event for DHL, utilizing a KF730-based system.
Continue reading "B4 In Germany: Smaart School & Wireless Cafe Search!" »
From EAW Marketing Director Karen Anderson
The DJP facility in Cologne (shown at left), site of this stop of the B4 Roadshow, was a great old factory which used to make boilers for steam engines. And, although cool to look at… it also came with about 7 seconds of reverb at 125 hz. That was cause for incredulous gasps from the group gathered around Jamie’s Smaart rig.
Bad for sound, but it sure makes a pretty Smaart screen. True to form, Jamie and the guys managed to make the best of the venue and get the rig sounding good.
So what do a bunch of audio guys do when they have a giant old factory, some empty roadcases and time on their hands? Invent the sport of case-luging, of course! Jamie also tried a little case surfing. We were working hard… honest!
Continue reading "B4 In Germany: Fun With Set-Up & Day One" »
 From EAW Marketing Director Karen Anderson
After a much needed change of clothes and some well-earned beers, the B4 Roadshow crew hopped on our tour bus, and with our trusty driver Werner at the wheel, took off for Cologne, Germany. Much merriment was had that first night on the bus… Most of which I can’t post on the web.
But suffice to say it included Moray, Ferrit and Steve practicing their moose mating calls (see picture above) learned the night before from a pair of comely, and drunk, Swedish gals.
 We crossed from Dover to Calais on the ferry sometime around midnight, and after a meal of ship-food and a really bad nap on hard plastic ferry chairs, we landed on the continent about 2 AM. At left we see Ferrit passing his new remote controlled Dalek to Bernie. (Doctor Who fans know what we're talking about.)
Then everyone hit their bunks, and tried to learn how to sleep on a moving, swaying bus. Someone’s Blackberry alarm went off around 6:30 AM and beeped incessantly for the next 90 minutes. Thus instigating the “cell phones off in the bunk area” rule.
 We pulled into the DJP facility in Cologne at about 9:00 in the morning, and met Jurgen, our German Sales Manager. The venue was a great old factory, which used to make the boilers for steam engines. More about this venue in my next post...
As we were all a little sleepy and bus-ruffled, Jurgen met us there with a car full of coffee and Marcus, Uli who helped us load in. Big thanks guys! (Jurgen's "coffee car" is shown below.)
The EAW team had a great time this week presenting the first B4 Roadshow at Bray Studios outside of London. After a full day of Smaart School followed by another full day of System Bootcamp and the EAW Tradeshow, it was time to go. In road-dog fashion, the team broke it all down, loaded it all on the truck, and then boarded the bus to move along to the next B4 Roadshow stop: Cologne, Germany.
Some final notes on the England stop from Karen Anderson: Bray Studios is a great film studio out in the English countryside near Windsor Castle. The facilities were wonderful and the staff could not have been nicer. Big thanks to Nathan Hendricks and everyone at Bray. Highly recommended for anyone looking to do a large format demo in England.
Load-in was relatively painless with the help of four of our pals from Concert Sound, and big high fives to them for all of their help.. not only during load in, but on the Roadshow in general. Couldn’t have done it without them!
With the help of more fine folks from Peak Sound and Concert Sound, who stuck around after the Tradeshow to help us load out, we were torn down and had the truck loaded in less than two hours! Everyone pitched in…. as evidenced by the pictures of Jeffrey and Sean (Martin) humping crates up into the truck. Who says execs don’t get their hands dirty?
 Day two of the B4 Roadshow in England featured System Bootcamp, led by EAW Technical Training Manager Bernie Broderick, as well as the EAW Tradeshow, where everyone got a look at current and coming-soon products and technologies. The Bray Studios facility (shown here) proved exceptional for hosting both of these facets.
 Interesting notes from EAW Marketing Director Karen Anderson: "Andrew Rowan owns SurgeSound, the EAW distributor for South Africa, and he came all the way up from there for the event. And Terje Engedahl is from Lyd-Systemer, our distributor for Norway. He brought two of his customers all the way from Norway (his customers are Eivind Boganes and Oyvind Aasen).
 Attendees also had plenty of opportunities to network and get the most up-close looks at all products, including SB Series subwoofers and KF Series line arrays shown here.
Next Up:
Cologne, April 26-27
Full schedule
 OK, we admit it: this post is largely an excuse to post the crazy photo of Ferrit (below).
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 After an intense full day of Smaart School, and with System Bootcamp and the EAW Tradeshow all set for tomorrow at Bray Studios, there proved to be a bit of time for the gang to visit a local establishment and blow off some steam. Well, that is, after Bernie got done spooling his cables.
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 Just one question: Does Ferrit's expression have anything to do with the empty glass in front of him? (Actually, thanks to him for being such a good sport.)
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Below is Jamie Anderson with EAW's Moray McMillin and Steve Badham.
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 April 23, 07
London
1:30pm
Peas and Chips! From mighty ‘ol England!!
First day of B4 European Roadshow and it’s actually working out beautifully. Wow!!
We all made it in on time, luggage arrived, hotel is “reasonable”, had a pint, Fish and Chips, drove on the wrong side of the road, got into the wrong side of the car, sitting by The River Thames, all the stations of the cross…
Today is the Smaart v.6 class, with Jamie Anderson conducting. Well attended and we’re at Bray Film Studios, out near Windsor Castle (Mum’s not in, the flags not waving). This studio is where a bunch of 50’s and 60’s British horror movies were filmed, including Dracula with Christopher Lee. Perfect location to assemble the tour and conduct the first presentations. This is where a lot of tours do pre-production rehearsals. Clapton usually sets up here.
8:00pm: Completed the set up, tested, checked and done for the night. Really good day. This is a wonderful bunch of people to work with.
G’night!!
-Jeffrey
Veteran concert sound professional Martyn “Ferrit” Rowe has joined EAW as Product Specialist, where he will apply more than 25 years of professional audio experience to EAW’s rapidly expanding training and educational initiatives.
 Ferrit’s first focus will be providing hands-on training for operation of the new EAW UMX.96 large-format digital mixing console. He will also play a key role in developing relevant, real-world-based curriculum and presentations for other company educational programs such as the highly successful “Brains, Boxes & Beyond” (B3) sessions and the coming, expanded B4 program.
Continue reading "Martyn "Ferrit" Rowe Bolsters EAW Educational Initiative" »
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