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 The ongoing “Somewhere Back in Time" world concert tour by Iron Maiden, featuring an all-EAW main loudspeaker line-up, has come to North America, with the major portion of this tour leg kicking off on May 21 in San Antonio. (Click here to view the latest itinerary.)
ML Group continues to serve as the sound company for the tour, with a very large EAW KF760 Series line array contingent - optimized with EAW UX8800 digital processing - being the primary components of the large-scale sound reinforcement system.
ML Group Managing Director Gary Marks is coordinating system issues with partner companies around the globe, such as Norwest Productions of Sydney, Australia and Brantley Sound Associates of Nashville. (Thanks to Norwest Productions for the photo that accompanies this report.)
 The upcoming concert tour by Pearl Jam will feature EAW MicroWedge MW12 stage monitors deployed by Monitor Engineer Karrie Keyes to provide monitor sound on stage for several band members.
The 2008 Pearl Jam tour kicks off in June, with the band serving as the headline act for the Bonnaroo Music Festival. They then move on to at least a dozen shows in the Eastern United States. The band is comprised of Eddie Vedder, (lead vocals, guitar), while Mike McCready (lead guitar), Jeff Ament (bass guitar), Stone Gossard (rhythm guitar), and Matt Cameron (drummer).
Keyes (pictured below) first deployed MicroWedge during Vedder’s just-concluded solo tour, using six MW12 for opening act Liam Finn.
 “When I fired them up in rehearsals, I was blown away. They had power, were clear and just kept going,” she says. As a result, dual MicroWedge MW12’s will be deployed with Pearl Jam for Eddie Vedder’s guitar mix, as well as for Jeff Ament’s mix.
“I’m also very excited to try MicroWedge on the drum mix, because again, we’re always looking for smaller options that deliver top quality,” Keyes adds. “In my evaluations, I came to believe this new version has the performance capabilities to more than keep up in arenas and sheds.”
(Click here to see the current Pearl Jam tour itinerary.) Thanks to Rat Sound Systems for the photos that accompany this report.
 Carlson Audio Systems of Seattle recently utilized the new EAW NTL720 small line array system to great effect for huge events featuring the Dalai Lama at both Qwest Field and Key Arena.
Mark Carlson notes that the NTL720, which supported larger systems featuring EAW KF760 Series line arrays, EAW KF750 Series concert loudspeakers, SB1000z subwoofers and other EAW components, performed exceptionally well in fulfilling their coverage roles at both venues. The NTL720's small size and fast, convenient rigging were quite beneficial as well, Mark adds.
We'll have more coverage of these interesting applications posted here soon. Thanks to Carlson Audio for the excellent photo above.
 A very good account of sound reinforcement for the European tour of the legendary Joe Cocker is provided in a recent issue of Die Referenz (The Reference), a leading German pro systems publication.
The report, presented in German language, was filed by Tom Becker, who also did the photo work. Tom details the system for the tour that was supplied by leading hire company Concert Sound, featuring EAW KF760 Series and KF730 Series line arrays, as well as other EAW loudspeakers. Click here to read the report. And, if you missed our initial report on the system for this tour, go here.
 The upcoming world concert tour by R.E.M. will feature EAW MicroWedge Series stage monitors deployed by Monitor Engineer George Squiers (pictured left) to provide monitor sound on stage for all band members.
The tour kicks off in late May with a month of North American dates before moving on to an extensive set of European dates over the summer. Rat Sound Systems Inc. is serving as the sound reinforcement company for the tour, and is supplying the 22 EAW MicroWedge MW12 wedges under the direction of Squiers.
 “The new EAW MicroWedge is a very loud and great-sounding design,” states Squiers. “I love the smooth natural high-end and the amazing low-end it reproduces. The low-end is leaps and bounds over any single 12-inch design I've run across, competing with and exceeding most single 15-inch designs. Single source point philosophy also goes very far in my book.”
Continue reading "EAW MicroWedge Chosen For R.E.M. World Tour" »
 A Valentine’s Day concert at the venerable Orpheum Theater in downtown Los Angeles by Don Was and the Was (Not Was) band, featuring legendary performers Brian Wilson and Kris Kristofferson, proved an excellent occasion for the public debut of EAW’s brand-new MicroWedge Series stage monitors. Oxnard, CA-based Rat Sound Systems Inc. supplied the sound reinforcement systems and support under the direction of crew chief Tom Caraisco.
The big news in system-land was the first-time live concert deployment of the EAW MicroWedge MW12 stage wedges for all performers, fueled by monitor engineer Andy Turner’s mixes. The wedges were driven by a combination of Chevin and Lab.gruppen power amplifiers.
 “We really, really like the performance of these new wedges,” notes Caraisco. “Once Andy got things going on stage, and we went through all of the mixes, he was genuinely pleased.”
“The old Microwedge was solid and performed well enough when compared to other wedges, but these new ones are night-and-day superior,” states Dave Rat. “This is a whole new deal. I knew the wedges were a big step forward, but what I did not expect was such an overwhelming embrace so quickly from our own engineers as well as the artists and band engineers."
Continue reading "MicroWedge Debuts With Brian Wilson, Was (Not Was) Live" »
 The March 2008 issue of
CX Magazine provides outstanding in-depth coverage of the systems technology being deployed for the current Iron Maiden "Somewhere Back In Time" world concert tour, in an article written by Andy MacKenzie.
The Iron Maiden concert system is headlined by EAW KF760 Series line arrays as well as UX8800 digital processing, with all sound design, equipment and technical support provided by ML Group. For the Australian shows, ML Group is working with Norwest Productions of Sydney, with Ewan McDonald of Norwest providing the first-hand system overview to MacKenzie.
Click here to read the entire article in pdf form. For more than 17 years, CX (short for Connections) Magazine has served as the leading voice of the entertainment technology industry in Australia and New Zealand. It is published by Juliusmedia, headed by Julius Grafton. We sincerely thank Juliusmedia for allowing us to present this coverage to you.
Yes, it was still "just" a concert gig, but we've got to admit - it sure is one with a bit of that extra cache. "It" is Super Bowl Saturday Night, the official National Football League celebration the night before the big game, held prior to this year's Super Bowl XLII in Phoenix at Tempe Town Lake, with thousands in attendance.
Sure, Earth Wind & Fire and other notable acts were on the bill. Sure, Jerry O'Connell was the host. Sure, there was a big fireworks show finale. But... the highlight (from our completely objective point of view) was the headline performance by Foreigner, mixed by the incomparable Don Dodge on the UMX.96 digital console. As its done over dozens of gigs around the world the past several months, the UMX.96 proved to be a superb tool in serving Don's needs in mixing Foreigner live.
"Things could not have gone better with the console, as usual," Don notes. "It's performance was fantastic, matching the stature of this high-profile show." And as EAW Business Director Jon Bosaw aptly points out: "It's not every team that makes the Super Bowl in its first year." (Thanks to Don for the photos of the board at the gig above. Don's shown with the UMX.96 at lower right.)
At the end of January, more than 300,000 descended upon Zocalo de la Ciudad de Mexico, the main square in Mexico City, to attend a rally regarding agricultural policies in Mexico - with leading sound company Consorcio Audiovisa S.A de C.V providing EAW KF730 Series line arrays as part of a comprehensive sound reinforcement package.
In fact, Consorcio Audiovisa of Mexico City - a member of ELAN and owned by Alejandro and José Luis Morales - deployed 56 EAW KF730 Series line array modules (driven by Crown I-Tech amplification) to serve six different regions/stages of the massive Zocalo area, including the four main streets leading to the square. Frontfill for one of the regions was supplied by EAW LA215 loudspeakers.
"We were able to attain great sound pressure levels throughout the square and its surrounding area, which was the primary goal," notes Alejandro Morales. Click here to see more of the system and event in photos supplied by Alejandro.
Continue reading "KF730 From Consorcio Serves Massive Mexico City Rally" »
 Charlotte, NC-based production company Event Productions USA recently added EAW KF730 line arrays, EAW UX8800 digital signal processors, and eight EAW SB1000z subwoofers to its growing audio system inventory. (The photo at left shows Event Productions' new KF730 arrays.)
Founded and owned by Tom Durban, Event Productions USA has specialized in serving the production needs of the corporate AV marketplace, nationwide, for almost 15 years. Providing video and lighting systems with expert staff services has been the company’s primary focus until recently, when Durban responded to customer requests for professional audio systems and services.
The foundation of this effort is the new EAW KF730 small-format line arrays, UX8800 dual-mode digital processors and SB1000z dual-18-loaded subwoofers. “We selected the EAW components based upon numerous recommendations from experienced audio professionals,” Durban explains. “Our customers demand clean, highly intelligible sound quality, and from equipment meeting the stringent aesthetic requirements of all high-end corporate-industrial systems.
Continue reading "Event Productions Expands With KF730, UX8800 Processing" »
 Leading hire company ML Group will be supplying the largest EAW KF760 Series line array contingent ever to tour Europe as key components of a large-scale sound reinforcement system for the upcoming Iron Maiden “Somewhere Back in Time" 2008 world tour.
Kicking off in India early in February, the tour will visit more than 30 countries on several continents in the coming months. ML Executives Managing Director Gary Marks is coordinating system issues with partner companies around the globe, such as Norwest Productions of Sydney, Australia and Brantley Sound Associates of Nashville. Michael Hackman (pictured below) is serving as the KF760 Series line array system technician for the tour, also performing system analysis and optimization at each stop with an assist from EAW Smaart.
 "For the stadium tour in Europe, we'll be supplying four main hangs of 18 EAW KF760 modules and two EAW KF761 wide dispersion modules," explains Marks. "So, that's a total of 80 cabinets on the main four hangs, plus 24 EAW SB1000 subwoofers per side. Also, because the stages will be very wide, we'll use six more KF761 modules flown in the center to serve as a vocal fill."
We'll be providing updates on the progress of the system and tour as it goes along. Click here for the official tour itinerary.
 Stage Audio & Lighting Productions of Longwood, Florida, recently provided sound reinforcement and technical support at all venues for this year’s Florida International Festival in Daytona Beach, highlighted by a performance by the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), featuring a concert system based upon a variety of EAW loudspeakers line arrays and EAW digital processing.
Headed by Phillip Kovacevich (pictured below), Stage Audio & Lighting Productions is a leading live event company celebrating its third decade of serving touring artists and corporate event planners in the Eastern U.S. and the Caribbean, and the company counts live orchestra sound reinforcement as one of its specialties.
 Veteran free-lance audio professional Jeremy Goldstein, based in Orlando, brought his talents to the event as well. In addition to helping with system management throughout the festival, he also provided the live mix of the first half of the LSO concert.
The LSO show featured a “Pops” style that paid tribute to motion picture soundtracks, with “Darth Vadar” making an appearance to guest-conduct the “Star Wars” theme.
 The large-scale system assembled to serve the audience filling the 46,000-square-foot, multi-level Ocean Center arena in Daytona included EAW KF760 Series large-format line arrays optimized with the new EAW UX8800 dual-mode digital processors with Gunness Focusing technology.
Continue reading "Stage Audio Serves London Symphony With EAW" »
 The campaign for the U.S. presidency kicked into high-octane mode last week as Oprah Winfrey joined Democratic candidate Barack Obama at Williams-Brice Football Stadium in Columbia, SC, where ACS Sound & Lighting delivered EAW-based sound reinforcement for the more than 30,000 people at the largest political rally in South Carolina history.
ACS Co-Owner Troy Gwin and his crew’s concert-level system effort was headed by EAW KF760 Series large-format line arrays joined by EAW KF730 Series small-format line arrays, with several EAW BH760 “SuperSubs” also on hand for pounding low-end for musical artists such as Arrested Development.
 ACS, also based in Columbia, provided “in the round” coverage of the audience surrounding the main stage at one end of the stadium, with organizers adamant that the PA stay out of crowd and TV camera sightlines.
The KF760 line arrays and BH760 subs were transported down to field level from the stadium scoreboard, supplied by ACS through the 2007 football season to deliver reinforcement at University of South Carolina Gamecocks home games. They were joined by KF730 Series line array inventory, with Gwin utilizing the EAW Wizard software program to help with initial system configuration and then doing his own detailed tailoring.
Continue reading "ACS Taps EAW For Largest Political Rally In SC History" »
 Noted harpist Vincenzo Zitello, recognized as one of the finest Italian musical artists, performs live in concert with sound reinforcement by EAW NT Series self-powered loudspeakers with Gunness Focusing.
Also widely respected for his skills as a composer, Zitello's compositions have often been played in Saint Peter’s Square in Rome to accompany special worship services.
 For live performances, Zitello utilizes his own custom sound reinforcement system that even includes special microphones installed in his harps, along with several premium Neumann overhead mics.
The system, under the direction of Vittorio Sorrentino, Zitello's sound engineer, is led by NT26 loudspeakers, sometimes joined by NTS22 subwoofers. Sorrentino (pictured below) selected the NT Series following an evaluation of numerous loudspeakers.
 "The EAW NT26's are very high quality loudspeakers, and are the only ones that can reproduce the unique sound of the harp with all the harmonics and the complete dynamic range, without any coloration or distortion," explains Sorrentino. "We use two or four NT26, depending on the venue size. They are coupled with NTS22 subwoofers when Vincenzo performs with other musicians.”
In January, 2008, Zitello will be performing at Théâtre Max Jacob in Bretagna-France, a high award for an Italian artist to play Breton music in its homeland. (To learn more about Vincenzo Zitello, click here. Our thanks to Edoardo Ravelli of Exhibo for this information and the photos.)
 Leading hire company Canegreen of London recently deployed its EAW KF760 Series line array inventory for a series of events at London's ExCel Arena, the largest indoor arena venue in the U.K.
The multi-day event series included a live festival for Islam television, followed by Tamil Remembrance Day and then the two-day Nigerian Festival of Life, with attendance sometimes approaching 30,000.
 Canegreen was able to achieve excellent sound reinforcement with a main system headed by left and right line array hangs comprised of 10 KF760 modules above two KF761 wide-dispersion modules, and a dozen SB1000z subwoofers on the deck.
Renowned FOH Engineer Roger Lindsay provided the house mix for all three events (as he did last year), with Canegreen's Paul "PK" Knight and Ace McGrogan on hand throughout to provide expert system engineering and technical support. (Roger, PK and Ace are pictured directly above, left to right.)
 EAW's Moray McMillan (UK Sales Manager) recently caught up with Foreigner FOH Engineer Don Dodge as he travels Europe with the UMX.96 digital console - the board's maiden voyage across the pond. Don reports all is going exceptionally well, both with the tour in general as well as the performance of the console. Moray sends along the recent photo he took at right, showing Don prior to a recent concert at Shepperds Bush.
More dates remain on the Foreigner swing through Europe. Click here to see where and when the tour is appearing in the coming weeks.
 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.
 Leading UK hire company Concert Sound continues to keep its EAW KF760 Series line arrays very busy, as evidenced by the recent two-day “Live ‘07” show by the Scout Association of the UK at the new 20,000-seat O2 Arena inside the London Millennium Dome. The dynamic event featured a wide range of live entertainment, including a 20-piece band, 90-piece orchestra and 30-plus member choir. (More than 140 inputs were required.)
Concert Sound elected to go with a main concert system headed by several arrays of KF760 Series modules, also including KF761 wide-coverage modules to attain extended dispersion in nearfield regions. The arrays easily delivered superb full-range output to every seat in the large-scale arena.
 Key system personnel working the event included Simon Wooler (FOH engineer), Matt Mannasse (orchestra engineer), Tim Peeling (system engineer) and Gary Sylvester (monitor engineer).
Concert Sound’s efforts at Live ’07 follows up their successful work with the Scout Association in support of the World Scout Jamboree this past summer, attended by more than 40,000 scouts from around the globe. (Credits for the excellent photos posted here to EAW’s Moray McMillan and the Scout Association.)
 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" »
 Performance Recording and Sound, founded by Marty Bilecki and based in the Chicago area, just finished up a very successful summer season in providing sound and support at a wide range of live concerts, festivals and events.
A member of EAW ELAN, Performance Sound has earned a reputation for quality equipment and personal service, serving local and national clients since 1991. The company’s A-Line live system is headed by up to 20 EAW KF730 Series small line array modules, and a bit earlier this year, the system was enhanced with the addition of new EAW UX8800 digital processing with Gunness Focusing. “All of the traveling engineers were impressed with the UX8800 processor and the 730 system,” notes Marty.
One highlight was providing sound for the Addision (Illinois) Community Days festival, which featured live performances by Eddie Money, .38 Special and Mickey Thomas of Starship. Images of the system for that gig, along with a picture of Marty, are shown above. Thanks to Marty and his team for providing these photos, and click here to find out more about Performance Sound.
 New England-based sound company SPL Systems recently added dual EAW UX8800 dual-mode digital processors with Gunness Focusing, as well as 12 EAW KF730small line array modules, to its live system inventory.
Located in West Springfield, Massachusetts and founded/owned by Bill Forbes, SPL Systems has been providing full production services for live concert performances, corporate events, fairs, festivals, and event promoters throughout New England for more than a decade. The company also performs top-notch system installation and integration services.
Continue reading "SPL Systems Bolsters Inventory With UX8800, KF730" »
 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!" »
 Big touring news in Europe, where EAW's Moray McMillin reports that four large-scale tours are set to hit the road with EAW concert components in the very near future. U.K. hire company Canegreen will be providing EAW KF760 Series line arrays, as well as new EAW UX8800 digital processing, for a tour by Harry Connick Jr.
Canegreen will also be supplying KF760 Series line arrays for the Gypsy Kings as they tour the U.K. Further, U.K. hire company Concert Sound is supplying the legendary Joe Cocker with an extensive loudspeaker set for his upcoming tour, including KF760 Series joined by KF730 Series compact line arrays and KF750 Series three-way concert loudspeakers.
And, the EAW UMX.96 will be making its European touring debut as Foreigner and FOH Engineer Don Dodge make their way across the pond for a series of dates. (Click here to read more about the UMX.96 with Foreigner.)
Updated itineraries for these tours should soon be available at Pollstar.
 “Smaart has been one of our best investments as a sound company - we call it 'audio for our eyes'. And new Smaart v.6 is even better. The 'Repeat' feature is great for obtaining polarity information, saving a lot of headaches. Easily storing snapshots of frequency response is another invaluable feature, allowing us to conveniently keep all of our inventory 'in check' from show to show, year after year.”
Brent Milton
Owner, Pacific West Sound
Bakersfield, CA
 The September '07 issue of
Front Of House (FOH) Magazine includes a "Road Test" review of new EAW Smaart v.6 filed by Mark Amundson, the publication's technical editor.
Mr. Amundson concisely spells out his favorite features on v.6, and doesn't find much fault. At the outset, he poses the apt question, "Why upgrade?" and then proceeds to inform readers in very clear terms about the numerous advantages, in his view, of v.6.
We thank FOH magazine and Editor Bill Evans for publishing the piece, and also thanks to Mark Amundson for taking the time to check out Smaart v.6 and share his observations. Click here to read the review.
 Creative Events, a leading sound reinforcement company serving the Middle East, recently added EAW UX8800 digital processors with Gunness Focusing technology, as well as EAW KF760 Series and KF730 Series line arrays, to its growing inventory of top-flight professional audio equipment.
Creative Events is one of several companies of Creative Communication Group (CCG), a thriving full-service event management and production venture based in Qatar. Under the direction of Managing Partner Jalal Dudin (shown in photo above), Creative Events provides sound reinforcement systems and services to numerous high-profile concerts, theatrical productions, festivals and other events held throughout the Middle East.
For example, a notable Creative Events project was supplying all audio, video and technical support at more than 110 sports venues during the 2006 Doha Asian Games. In addition, they’ve supported first-time concert tours in the Middle East by performers such as Lionel Richie, Jose Carreras and the late Luciano Pavarotti, among many.
 “After extensive research and consultancy from our experts in the events business, we decided not to waste our time or money with any brands other than EAW for our audio supply,” states Jalal Dudin. “EAW is a worldwide technological leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance professional loudspeaker systems.”
Creative Events is a member of ELAN (EAW Line Array Network), a valuable association network provided by the company that allows members to promote their inventories as well as secure additional EAW inventory when needed. The UX8800 and KF Series line arrays join other EAW components utilized by Creative Events, including SB Series subwoofers, LA Series loudspeakers, SM Series stage monitors and more.
 Last weekend (September 15, to be exact), Mexico celebrated its national independence day, and our friends at Consorcio Audiovisa S.A de C.V. of Mexico City were on hand to provide EAW KF730 Series line arrays as the primary components of a sound reinforcement system for a civic ceremony in Tlalnepantla, one of the most important cities in the state of Mexico.
More than 15,000 converged on Tlalnepantla's Plaza Cívica Dr. Gustavo Baz for the ceremony, which featured remarks by the city president as well as a host of traditional festivities. To provide coverage throughout the plaza, Consorcio Audiovisa, a member of ELAN and owned by Alex and José Luis Morales, supplied 24 KF730 modules as well as 16 EAW SB1000z subwoofers as the key aspects of the system, backed by full technical support.
 All of these EAW loudspeakers were divided evenly into four groundstacked sets of six line array modules and four subwoofers, spaced equidistantly across the front of the plaza.
They were the exclusive source for all spoken-word presentations, and were also used to significantly bolster coverage for various musical performances, including Mariachi bands.
"Sound pressure levels generated by our system measured 105 dB at 60 meters," notes Alex Morales. "Overall, the results were amazing, with perfect coverage to every zone in the plaza."
 Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) is pleased to announce that it will be the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of the renowned MicroWedge Series of stage monitor products under the terms of a new agreement between LOUD Technologies Inc. and MicroWedge developer Rat Sound Systems Inc. of Oxnard, CA.
The Perpetual License agreement between the two entities calls for current products to be branded “EAW MicroWedge,” fully supported by the resources of EAW. Further, Rat Sound Founder Dave “Rat” Levine, creator of MicroWedge and other acclaimed sound reinforcement designs, will be working closely with the EAW Engineering Department on the development of new MicroWedge models as well as other EAW touring products.
“In securing this preeminent floor monitor line for our worldwide customer base, EAW is once again demonstrating its commitment to true performance audio by bringing the best in both design and talent to the EAW brand,” explains Jeffrey Cox, Vice President of the EAW Brand Group, shown in the above photo with Dave Rat. “We continually populate the EAW family and brand relationships with experienced, talented visionaries who combine their unique skills to push audio forward. Our partnership with Dave is a prime example of this philosophy.”
Continue reading "EAW To Manufacture, Distribute MicroWedge Series" »
 Last week (September 9), Stock Audio & Light provided a high-end sound reinforcement system featuring dual EAW UX8800 digital processors in tandem with KF760 Series line arrays for a memorial concert by the Limburg Symphony Orchestra that marked the liberation of the Netherlands in World War II.
The concert, held on the grounds of the American Battle Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten, the Netherlands, was highlighted by a performance of Verdi’s Requiem, accompanied by the Vocal Collective, a 60-member choir from Belgium.
 Stock Audio, based in Geleen, the Netherlands, worked with the concert’s front-of-house engineer, Jo Smeets, to assemble a system providing enough headroom to reach a coverage area spanning beyond 150 meters (approximately 500 feet), while also capable of presenting a very natural sonic signature.
The sound team responded with a main system featuring dual line arrays, each comprised of six EAW KF760 modules above two KF761 wide-dispersion modules, flown stage left and right.
 Low-frequencies were reinforced with eight EAW LA400 subwoofers with bent horn technology, groundstacked in groups of four beneath the main arrays. All loudspeakers were driven with LabGruppen fp6400 power amplifiers, with a DiGiCo D1 serving as house console and a Midas XL4 for monitors, largely for pre-mixing string instruments.
Holland PA, EAW’s distributor for the region, supplied two EAW UX8800 digital processors with Gunness Focusing for evaluation with this system. During soundcheck the day prior to the concert, Stock Audio Owner Paul Pelen immediately noted the significant upgrade in sonic performance provided by the UX8800 units, and in fact, decided on the spot to purchase them.
Continue reading "Stock Audio: UX8800 Success Story At Orchestra Concert" »
 New England-based SPL (Sound Plus Lighting) Systems recently added dual EAW UX8800 digital processors with Gunness Focusing, as well as 12 EAW KF730 small line array modules, to its live system inventory.
Based in Agawam, Massachusetts and headed by Bill Forbes, SPL Systems has been providing full production services for corporate events, fairs, festivals, and to event promoters throughout New England for more than a decade. The company also performs top-notch system installation and integration services. (Photo credit to SPL Systems for use of the photo at right.)
The UX8800 and KF730 line arrays join numerous other EAW models in the SPL Systems stable, including KF850z, LA400, UB2199-WP, FR129z, and JF80z.
 "The promoter and band were so impressed with the sound that from this point on, they won't use another vendor." - Rafael Jaimes, Audiospectrum
It was sound in the round at its finest in New York's Madison Square Garden, where Audiospectrum recently provided a full 360 degrees of audio reinforcement for a concert by Dominican Republic band Aventura, presenting their unique blend of bachata, hip hop, r&b, and reggaeton for a sold-out crowd of more than 17,000. The show is in support of the wildly popular band's fifth album, KOB Live.
Headed by Rafael Jaimes, Boston-based Audiospectrum is frequently tapped to provide sound reinforcement for concerts and events in Madison Square Garden, and for Aventura, they deployed a total of 52 EAW KF760 Series line array loudspeakers - 40 KF760 and 12 KF761 - to provide front, side and out-fill coverage. Rear coverage came courtesy of dual clusters of venerable EAW KF850z full-range loudspeakers, each in a "2 over 2" configuration.
 And talk about low-end energy: Audiospectrum deployed 24 EAW BH760 bent-horn subwoofers. "This rocked the Garden like you would not believe - not only in terms of volume but the overall sound quality of the bass," Rafael says.
"Overall with the sound design, we made absolutely sure sound was in your face throughout the arena, all the way to the last seat in the house," he adds, also noting that both the FOH mix of Ramiro Samper and monitor mix by Peter Sawyer worked perfectly with the sound design in further enhancing the performance.
 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.
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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" »
 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.
Nissan Pavilion, Washington DC
August 17, 2007
I forgot to mention that the last show day was also the anniversary of the Ferrit’s hatching. The Foreigner crew surprised me with a birthday cake! The recording we did at the previous show went very well - the delay established on the UMX.96 outputs to line up the tracks was within two samples, so it was real easy to slip the tracks for perfect sync.
Today was hot and humid, and an afternoon rainstorm didn't help matters. We had the middle slot again, which was lucky since Mick Jones, lead guitar for Foreigner, was flying up from NY and the weather grounded his flight. He landed at the local airport, rushed to the venue and made it with moments to spare! Once again Foreigner played a blistering set and 50 minutes went by just like that.
 A bit of drama during the show - Tom Gimbel’s saxophone wireless mic wasn’t working but the onstage crew got the spare up and running before the solo in “Emergency”... and nobody noticed. The stage guys have a whole host of “what-if” procedures planned and it’s almost automatic, like a well-oiled machine, they just “clicked” into place.
We recorded the show again and the 25,000 screaming fans almost overloaded the mic tracks. As a result, the sample rate was upped to 96 kHz, and we also deployed a bigger hard drive.
Another rapid load out (under two hours), and on to Virginia Beach.
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.
PNC, Holmdel, NJ
August 15, 2007
After a quick breakfast we find our way to the FOH position and get the boards set up. Today we're also going to establish a small recording rig - taking a left and right line out from the UMX.96 digital console, along with two ambience mics at FOH. These four tracks are routed to a ProTools LE via a Digidesign interface and a firewire hard drive.
Don sets up a pair of Matrix outputs and assigns Mix L and R to them; a small amount of compression is applied. Using Smaart’s delay locator, the distance from the PA to the mics is found, and this delay is added to the Matrix outputs. Now all four tracks are in sync.
Tomorrow is another day off so we'll get a chance to hear the recorded tracks - I’ll be letting you know how they turned out.
 Click on the image at right to view a very cool time-lapse of the complete show build for the recent concert by the London Symphony Orchestra in Daytona Beach, where Stage Audio & Lighting Productions of Longwood, Florida, deployed a system featuring EAW KF Series line arrays and UX8800 digital processing.
The time-lapse video was done by Jeremy Goldstein of i.n.i.t.i.a.l., who works as a much sought after free-lance audio engineer and technician, based in central Florida. Jeremy was on hand to lend his audio talents throughout the week at numerous Daytona performances leading up to the LSO grand finale at the Ocean Center. We'll have more coverage of sound for the event posted here soon. Our thanks to Jeremy for capturing and posting the time-lapse, which is very instructive in showing just how much effort goes into a successful first-class production.
 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.
Jones Beach
August 14, 2007
After a day off, we’re all rested and ready to go. Today we have the middle slot, which means that once again we have only 20 minutes for changeover, and the first time Don gets to hear the system through the UMX.96 will be the intro track. How does he make sure that his system EQ is going to work for the room?
The trick is to check in with System Crew Chief Ted Bible and Def Leppard FOH Engineer Rowan McQue to see what’s happening during the system tune. There is an overall system EQ, and then each engineer puts his own personal preference curve, which in the case of the UMX.96 is the built-in RTA31 band available on each output.
Other good news - I think in all the years I’ve played this venue, it’s the first time it didn’t rain! Tomorrow we're going to set up a small recording rig and make a live recording - should be fun, interesting and instructive.
Special Report By Ben Olswang
In addition to being out on the road with Foreigner, another EAW UMX.96 digital console has just been put through its paces at the Capital Hill Block Party in Seattle, where it garnered high praise from all who used it under the most stressful of all mix positions: monitor world. The event also marked another successful run for the new EAW UX8800 digital processor with Gunness Focusing.
The Block Party featured three stages hosting live music, with sound provided by EAW and Mackie components. The main stage system, under the direction of Carlson Audio, offered coverage from two stacks (left and right) of EAW KF750s paired with four SB1000 subwoofers, with processing courtesy of the UX8800. A second, networked UX8800 provided delay lines feeding five towers made up of Mackie SA1232z and SWA2801z covering each of the four streets intersecting the stage.
 Also at the main stage, the UMX.96 ran eight stage mixes for EAW NT59 stage monitors, Mackie SA1232z/SWA1801z side fills, and an SA1521z plus SWA2801z combination for drum monitor. All processing was done in the console, including EQ, compressors, and gates on inputs, and limiters and graphic EQs on the outputs. This made load in a breeze - no patching required other than inputs and outputs.
Monitor Engineer Tom Meyers (who’s also a Mackie tech support guru) was at the controls of the console for the whole day through the hot summer sun. It was a true festival with five different bands throughout the day and only a half-hour changeover between acts. Each group was very different, ranging from a two-piece drum and keys combo to a hip-hop act with a full band to a power rock quartet.
Continue reading "UMX.96 & UX8800 Key To Systems For Seattle Block Party" »
 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.
Mansfield, Massachusetts
August 11, 2007
Today Foreigner joined up with Styx and Def Leppard, with Foreigner and Styx taking turns to play the opening or middle slot. Today was Foreigner's turn to open. At 4 p.m., after all the semis have unloaded and lights, sound, video and staging crews have done their thing, Def Leppard appears for a soundcheck after a 10-day break.
At about 5, it's time for Foreigner to set up - their stage setup is on rolling risers that have been pre-built backstage. In less than 10 minutes, there's very quick line check, and here’s where the comprehensive channel metering on the UMX.96 comes into play. Don Dodge is able to rapidly confirm visually every channel.
 Doors open and at 7 p.m. the intro is rolling. Tonight’s set is a 50-minute version, and before I realize it, it’s over. The crew has 20 minuntes to get Foreigner off and Styx set up (which they manage with a minute to spare).
The Foreigner crew get their truck loaded, and we get to see some of the Def Leppard set before we leave to beat the traffic. Tomorrow: Hershey, PA.
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. He's taking a break, but check back soon when he picks up the story.
Foxwoods Casino, Connecticut
August 5, 2007
Woke up outside the casino and stumble inside, looking for the Fox Theatre - this place is huge! We are greeted by the Production Manager, Robbie Price, and shown to catering and then it’s time for load in. Surprise - the Foxwoods crew have beat us to it, so everything’s already in, and it’s going to be an easy day. We chat with Steve Gamelin, Lead Audio Tech, and were soon hooked up, with the system purring along.
Once again I find myself giving extended tours of the console (maybe I should charge admission). We do the customary line-check with the roadie band - it’s an old Thin Lizzy tune today, then before I realize it, it’s show time. The band plays a blistering set, Jason seems intent on breaking the drum kit and songs like “Feels Like the First Time” and “Urgent” have the audience up and into the aisles.
 After the show tonight we part company with Don and the boys. They're off to do two fly dates without the desk, although “Digital Don Dodge” (D3) looked like he would check the console as baggage if he could take it with him. We meet up again in Boston for a run with Def Leppard and Styx, and I’ll tell you all about it here. (Thanks to Dana Bourke for these fine photos!)
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. Check back in daily for the latest from Ferrit on how it's going.
Trump Casino, Atlantic City
August 4, 2007
Today finds us indoors at the Grand Cayman ballroom in “The Donald’s” casino. I thought it would be nice to get in from the weather and humidity today - I live in Vegas where high humidity is low double-digits, but the A/C was so cold I noticed my hands were a little blue.
We actually had a real soundcheck, where the boys - Mick Jones, Jason Bonham, Kelly Hansen, Jeff Jacobs, Tom Gimbel and Jeff Pilson - treated us to an extended medley of Led Zeppelin riffs.
 The show was once again a flawless rendition of the hits - “Dirty White Boy” and “Jukebox Hero” amongst others.
Don now seems really at home on the console and is starting to explore some of the extended features, such as the Smaart integration. (Note the photo at the top of this post.)
The Trump Casino A/V crew got us out in record time, and we're off to the Foxwoods Casino. (And a big thanks to Dana Bourke for these excellent photos.)
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. Check back in daily for the latest from Ferrit on how it's going.
Senaca Niagara Casino Hotel, Niagara Falls
August 3, 2007
Wake up at about 9:00 am and scramble into the hotel for a quick shower and a spot of breakfast. My hotel room is on the 23rd floor and the view of the Falls is stunning. After I tear my eyes away, I notice a stage far below me in the corner of the parking lot and realize that it's going to be our new temporary home for today.
After setting up the UMX96, I spent about an hour going over the feature-set with various interested parties. I think someone is spreading the word because we even got some people from local sound companies who “heard” that the new EAW console was here and just popped along to have a quick look.
Today’s sound system, supplied by the Seneca Niagara Hotel and manned by their able crew, is an EAW730 rig with SB1000 subwoofers. After a quick system tune Don and his back line crew step through their paces and today’s rendition from the crew band appears to be a blues standard.
 The support band finishes up, the intro tape roles and Foreigner storms the stage. It’s during “Cold as Ice” I realize that these aren’t songs- they're anthems, and the 16,000 member audience are not only singing every word but are hanging on every guitar lick and keyboard solo. This puts immense pressure on the house engineer (that would be Don, pictured at right) to faithfully and accurately reproduce this for the audience - you cannot miss a single bit.
The layout of the UMX96, with a fader for every channel, means no hunting through pages to find what you want, everything is right under your fingertips. Another load-out and we're off to Atlantic City.
 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. Check back in daily for the latest from Ferrit on how it's going.
Charles Ives Center For The Arts, Danbury, CT
August 2, 2007
When we said we were going to do field trials of the UMX.96 console with Foreigner, I had no idea how literal that was. A picturesque meadow with a covered stage (gazebo?) perched in the edge of a lake was going to be our first outing on the current Foreigner World Tour 2007.
The EAW field team of Dana Bourke and myself were on hand to assist veteran FOH Engineer Don Dodge (pictured below) with a transition from analog to digital. After a team of stalwart chappies had hand carried/dragged the console up to the FOH position at about noon, the console was put up on it’s easy-tilt and the cover removed where it attracted a crowd.
 A demonstration of the feature set and user interface (the first of many that day) ensued. With the able assistance of the local sound provider, RKE Productions Inc, we were ready to start system tuning by about 2 pm. Don had pre-programmed the board on an earlier visit to Woodinville, so we were ready to commence line-check.
The band instruments were put through their paces and a couple of “standards” were bashed out by the roadie band of John Pelligrinelli, Ted Strain and Roy Kelly with Barry Foy on monitors. Later, a capacity crowd of over 3,500 were up on their feet and stayed that way.
 This year Jason Bonham is the driving force behind the drum kit, powering the endless succession of hits by Foreigner, and before I realized it , the encores were upon us and then the walk out music was playing.
A beaming Don Dodge accepted a stream of compliments “how great it sounded” from audience members as they passed the mix position. A one-hour load-out and then we piled on to the bus for the next show...
 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.
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