BSS Soundweb provides digital audio network at the new Darwin Centre at the Natural History Museum

Leading UK based system integrator Sysco has completed an extensive audio-visual interactive work in the new Darwin Centre at London’s Natural History Museum, with BSS Audio Soundweb components providing the entire digital audio networking backbone.

The £78 million Darwin Centre, a brand new extension to the museum, occupies a spectacular eight-storey-high concrete Cocoon suspended within a glass outer box. It allows museum visitors and scientists to share for the first time the excitement of exploring, studying and preserving the natural world.

Soundweb feeds nearly 30 exhibits site-wide from PC’s, Macs, HD video or local input panels — some exhibits requiring up to four separate sources. Soundweb can also switch between exhibition audio and presentation mode (for example with demonstrations using a visualiser).

About The Darwin Centre
The Darwin Centre represents the future for the Natural History Museum as a world leader in researching the burning issues facing humans and the natural world. It opens the doors on the Natural History Museum’s life as a major science infrastructure where, by using the Museum’s internationally important collections, scientists deliver research that has a global impact; develop tools for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources worldwide and research issues such as disease, climate change and threats to the Earth’s biodiversity.

Full story:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/bss/news/soundweb-networks-darwin-centre-cocoon

Win a Nord Wave worth £1949!

Nord Keyboards in Sweden, and UK distributor Sound Technology Ltd, are celebrating the release of the new Wave Super Sounds Library - over 1000 cutting edge presets for the Wave by some of the world's best programmers - with a competition to win a Nord Wave worth £1949!

The competition is open to residents of the UK and Republic of Ireland only, with no purchase necessary. The closing date is 7th January 2010.

To enter, simply visit www.soundtech.co.uk/nord/winawave and answer the simple question.

W1 Productions invest in Soundcraft Vi6 - "a genuine walk-on digital desk"

Sound Technology Ltd, UK distributor of Soundcraft, are pleased to announce that following a highly-demanding and successful evaluation of Soundcraft’s Vi6 during the recent iTunes Festival at the Camden Roundhouse, W1 Productions have now invested in their own 64-input digital desk, which will go straight into hire stock.

“The obvious reason for choosing the Vi6 then — and for purchasing it now — was because it is extremely straightforward to operate,” says W1 owner Stuart Turvill. “We had mainly used other digital brands until then, and although these have their strengths, the Vi6 is a genuine walk-on digital desk.”

Whether or not the Vi6 had been first choice for incoming sound engineers at the Roundhouse, Stuart Turvill acknowledges that “it was a console that everyone would comfortably work with — and that, given the current fragmented state of the desk market, is no small thing.”

Picture Caption: Stereophonics Engineer, David Roden, using the Vi6 at the i-Tunes Festival, Roundhouse, July 2009

More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/soundcraft/news/vi6-w1-productions

DigiTech RP500 gains 20 second looper in free software upgrade

DigiTech® has announced a free Version 2.0 software upgrade to the popular RP500 Multi-Effect Switching System.

“The free upgrade takes the RP500 to the next level by adding a 20-second looper. You can easily lay down a phrase, loop it, then change presets to a totally different sound and loop again. It’s a great way to create new songs or to perform by building the song right in front of the audience” says Jason Lamb, Marketing Manager for DigiTech.

The RP500 also features over 125 amps, cabinets, stompboxes and effects, including DigiTech’s famous Whammy, unique Pedalboard Mode that offers switching system on/off control over stompboxes and effects, and USB audio streaming to your PC or Mac.

The free 2.0 upgrade will be available for download at digitech.com on December 2, 2009.

Buy Record or Record Reason Duo and get new Propellerhead Soul School ReFill free (until 31/12/09)

Propellerhead Software is pleased to announce an especially soulful offer in the lead up to Christmas. Customers purchasing Reason or Record Reason Duo before the end of December 2009 will get the brand new Reason Soul School ReFill for free!

All users need to do is purchase a full version of Reason, Reason Record Duo, Reason Academic or Record Reason Duo Student / Teacher Edition and register it on www.propellerheads.se Valid until 31st December 2009 this promotion will give users access to download the brand new Reason Soul School ReFill that comes packed with REX files and multi-sampled instruments that just oozes of the soulful sound of the 60's and 70's.

More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/propellerhead/news/free-reason-soul-school-offer

Washburn D9 budget acoustic reviewed in Total Guitar

Just in time for Christmas the Washburn D9 is reviewed in the December Issue of Total Guitar magazine.

This Washburn D9 is perfect for people looking for their first acoustic guitar and budding ‘guitar heroes’ looking to make their step up to the real thing.

“Washburn has a squeezed a price-defying amount of great tone in here … A great first acoustic”.

More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/washburn/news/total-guitar-review-the-washburn-d9

Washburn ships Nuno Bettencourt N4XX 20th Anniversary Limited Edition

Sound Technology and Washburn Guitars are pleased to announce the UK shipping of the new Washburn Nuno Bettencourt Anniversary N4XX.

Crafted in the USA Custom Shop, each one of these works of art are hand signed by Nuno himself. Following the original designs from 1989, Washburn have recreated the same feel and specs of Nuno’s original N4 Neck combined with a highly figured Hawaiian Koa droptop and Exotic African Korina body, this guitar is a must have for any collector.

Although the Washburn N4XX is a Limited Edition production run of 100 pieces, three Prototype models were also crafted. Sound Technology are proud to have secured two of these exceptionally rare guitars for UK sale, Proto#2 and Proto#3.

Bettencourt is currently on world tour with Rihanna, using Washburn signature guitars and new striking Randall NBKing signature amp.

More information:
www.soundtech.co.uk/washburn

sonicstate.com posts amazing reviews of DigiTech HardWire

www.sonicstate.com have just published a brilliant video review of DigiTech's HardWire Series of boutique-style pedals.

Check out the video review (split into 2 parts) via the links below:

http://www.sonicstate.com/amped/2009/11/10/amped-tested-digitech-hardwire-rv-7-dl-8-and-cr-7/

http://www.sonicstate.com/amped/2009/11/05/amped-digitech-hardwire-pedals-ht-2-cm-2-sc-2/

JBL Pro, Crown and BSS Soundweb for new €750m Eircom HQ

Sound Technology Ltd, distributor of Harman Professional brands in the UK and ROI, are proud to announce JBL, BSS and Crown products have been installed in the new state-of-the-art international headquarters of eircom, Ireland’s largest telecommunications company.

The 1HSQ development is an eco-friendly environment designed to the highest level of energy efficiency, and an advanced multimedia infrastructure assumed top priority.

The audio visual sub-contract was worth around €1 million, and incorporated a wide range of multi-room and multi-purpose A/V systems.

Meritec, who were chosen from the six companies tendering, sourced most of their audio requirements from the Harman Pro catalogue.

Sound Technology's Irish sub-distributor, Reynolds of Raphoe, provided Meritec with a range of BSS Soundweb London BLU digital signal processors, Crown amplification and JBL Control Contractor series loudspeakers.

Full story here:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/jbl-bss-crown/news/eircom-install-harman-pro-dublin-hq

Arctic Monkey Alex Turner surprise guest at Little Noise gig

Mencap's Little Noise Sessions at the Islington Union Chapel is well under way. Co-sponsored by Sound Technology and Larrivée Guitars the events have been living up to their prestigious pedigree.

Last night had a surprise visit from Arctic Monkey Alex Turner who performed stripped down versions of Flourescent Adolescent, Secret Door and Cornerstone, together with two news as yet unnamed songs. We're pleased to see the Nord Electro 3 on stage too!

Turner also joined headline act Richard Hawley for a cover of the Arctic's The Only Ones Who Know.

Finally, congratulations to Rebecca Kilburn who won our competition to attend a Little Noise gig of her choice.

Propellerhead release new Soul School ReFill

Introducing the Reason Soul School ReFill. You won't find grooves rarer than these!

www.propellerheads.se

I.E. publishes detailed look at HiQnet System Architect v2 in use for Burnley FC stadium design.

Last month Installation Europe magazine reported in the first use of Harman HiQnet System Architect v2 software at Turf Moor, the home of Burnley Football club. This month (November 2009 edition) they take an in-depth look at how software engineer Martin Barbour used the new package to design the audio installation at the stadium.

Nuno Bettencourt joins Rihanna for world tour

Guitar virtuoso, Nuno Bettencourt, has joined forces with Rihanna and will be her 2010 world tour lead guitarist. The unexpected combination of Grammy Award winning R&B artist, Rihanna, and Rock guitarist, Nuno Bettencourt, has in fact become what Nuno says, "A great opportunity to blend our talents to create a high energy experience".

Nuno is best known for his work in the multiplatinum rock band Extreme, where they were Grammy nominated for their Billboard Chart topping hit, "More Than Words". Nuno has worked on many other projects including, multiple solo albums, film scores and has also worked with notable artists such as Janet Jackson, Perry Farrell, Robert Palmer and many others.

Streaming Live from London, November 16, Rihanna and Nuno will be performing tracks from her album, Rated R, to a free online audience. Join in on the largest free music event of the year at
http://nowplaying.nokia.com/join-us/. Rihanna's latest album drops November 23rd.

More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/washburn/news/nuno-bettencourt-rihanna-washburn-randall

Soundcraft Vi6 digital console for Lily Allen world tour

Soundcraft Vi6™ large-format digital live sound console has been used F.O.H. on Lily Allen's worldwide tour in support of her hit album It’s Not Me, It’s You.

Artist Photo Credit: Fay Woodford, faywoodford.co.uk

Front-of-house engineer Shan Hira has found the Soundcraft Vi6 to be a comprehensive mixing and processing platform: he’s using all onboard effects except for a Manley Voxbox and an XTA ⅓-octave graphic EQ on Allen's vocals. “I especially like the onboard effects package,” he says. “Having eight Lexicons to play with is a rare old treat!”

Hira, who has also mixed for the Chemical Brothers and The Streets, has been a fan of the Vi6 for some time. “I had used it before and liked the layout, ease of use, and most importantly the sound of the desk,” he says. The Vi6 delivers a lot of power and features, including 64 mono inputs into 35 outputs and a 32-group/aux matrix, plus main LCR Mix and LR Solo busses. But it does so in a very compact amount of space. “As we were doing a sold-out club tour, the footprint at FOH was an issue, as was truck space,” Hira explains. “So its small size fit the bill perfectly. It made FOH very quick to set up, and it was very reliable—never let me down once. It’s a great console.”

More information:

http://www.soundtech.co.uk/soundcraft/news/soundcraft-vi6-digital-live-console-lily-allen

TLT Theatre chooses JBL VRX, Crown and dbx DriveRack

The Tommy Leddy Theatre, which opened in September 2009, has been equipped by The Sound Shop, Drogheda, with state of the art systems purchased through Reynolds of Raphoe, and including a JBL VRX sound system, Crown amplification and a highly flexible, user-configurable dbx 4800 Drive Rack.

The entire €3.5m development included €1.5m of technical infrastructure, including mechanical seating, and Litestructures truss, stage drapes, acoustic insulation, generic and automated lighting … and a killer sound system.

The system consists of two left/right hangs of four VRX 932LA and two VRX918S subs, powered respectively by Crown I-Tech IT4000 and IT6000 amplifiers — all controlled from the Drive Rack 4800 configured four in, eight out.

“Everyone that’s come through so far has been delighted and the system has certainly been well received.” says Tommy Leddy.

More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/news/jbl-vrx-crown-dbx-4800-tlt-theatre-ireland

Soundcraft Vi4 for legendary Manchester venue

A Soundcraft Vi4 digital live console has been installed into legendary Manchester venue, Band on the Wall.

The landmark 350-capacity city centre venue dates back some 200 years and has been associated with live music for much of its rich cultural heritage. The name comes from the 1930s when musicians used to perform from precarious platforms strapped to the wall.

“I like the desk because it’s really tactile and therefore easy for analogue enginers to use. It's also sounds really nice, with the eight Lexicon FX engines and BSS graphics.”
Andy Williamson, Technical Manager

More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/soundcraft/news/soundcraft-vi4-band-on-the-wall

Massive savings on SSL Duende plug-ins until 23/11/09

Solid State Logic announces special pricing on Duende plug-ins until 23rd November 2009.

Whether you are an existing Duende user, or tempted by the pro-quality processing tools a Duende system offers, there has never been a better time to buy.

Find out more:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/ssl/news/autumn-special-duende-plug-in-sale

An Evening with SSL and Miloco

Sound Technology is pleased to announce an evening with Solid State Logic and Miloco Studio Group at Assault & Battery 2 in London (16th Nov) or The Chairworks in Castleford (9th Nov).

SSL studio events are a great opportunity for engineers, producers and musicians to visit some of the best-equipped commercial recording studios in the UK.

More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/ssl/news/an-evening-with-SSL

Nord Electro 3 OS update v2.06

The Nord Electro 3 operating system has been updated to v2.06.

This update addresses a few issues, some of which have been discovered by Electro 3 users. As always, we are very grateful for the reports that are sent in.

More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/nord/news/keyboards/electro-3-2_06-os-update

Propellerhead Record wins Guitarist Choice

“With its streamlined approach, Record gets straight to the nub of what recording your music should be all about – it just lets you get on with it.”

Propellerhead’s new audio-recording package ‘Record’ was designed for musicians - not audio engineers. Continuing a stream of glittering reviews, this month Record is reviewed in Guitarist Magazine where it receives a 4.5 out of 5 rating and the magazine’s ‘Guitarist Choice’ award.

“What you get with Record is comprehensive self-contained package with a host of features that are optimized for guitarists and a learning curve that’s not daunting”.

More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/propellerhead/news/propellerhead-record-awarded-guitarist-choice-award

Lexicon® Offers Pro Tools 8 Compatibility With Software Updates To The PCM96 And PCM96 Surround

Lexicon® recently updated the software to the PCM96 and PCM96 Surround to make them compatible with both Pro Tools 8 as well as Mac OS X 10.5.7. In addition, software version 3.2.0.1 represents a major effort towards the improvement of streaming audio and control functionality of both systems.

Featuring a wide array of rich, complex reverb algorithms with related delays and effects, the single rack-space PCM96 and PCM96 Surround processors integrate seamlessly into the modern studio as a control-only DAW insert or FireWire streaming hardware plug-in. The updated software for both the PCM96 and PCM96 Surround has been optimized to be less processor intensive when using the hardware plug-in functionality, and the Configuration display has been upgraded to handle multiple PCM96 and PCM96 Surround processors.

“As a daily user of the PCM96, I can tell you that it is a dramatic improvement,” said one Beta user. “I have noticed that the load time for the PCM96 plug-in is lightning fast, the latency is greatly decreased, and the overall burden on my system is greatly diminished.”

For more information on the software update, visit the downloads section of Lexicon’s website and sign up for the software update notification at

http://www.lexiconpro.com/downloads.php

Sound Technology announces Larrivée Guitars tie-up with Mencap's Little Noise Sessions

Sound Technology Ltd is very proud to announce a Larrivée Guitars tie-up with one of the country's leading acoustic events. Curated by BBC Radio 1's Jo Whiley, Mencap's Little Noise Sessions at the Islington Union Chapel, 16 - 24 November 2009, is well-known as an extraordinary event in the music calendar.

‘Coveted’ doesn’t begin to describe tickets to Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions. For people really plugged into London’s music scene, they are easily the hottest ticket of the year. Over 10 musically eclectic nights, big names join new talent and the occasional surprise megastar (previous ‘secret’ performances from The Killers, U2 and Chris Martin) to play sell-out acoustic shows to an audience of 700 people in the incredibly intimate setting of Islington’s Union Chapel.

Mencap and BBC Radio 1 DJ Jo Whiley have been hard at work putting this year’s line-up together and, as always, they’re promising a few surprises in addition to what’s already on the bill. Confirmed acts include Editors, Alexandra Burke, Mika, Richard Hawley, Lost Prophets, Taio Cruz and Florence + The Machine.

Sound Technology will be providing Larrivée Guitars for the events, with signed models auctioned at the end of the Sessions for Mencap. A Larrivée competition to win tickets for the Sessions is also launching next week.

For more details please visit www.soundtech.co.uk/larrivee

Freemasons use Propellerhead Record for Whitney Houston remix

We knew it was good, but here's proof of the stand-out quality of Propellerhead Record's timestretch algorithm.

Professional production outfit The Freemasons have used Propellerhead Record for their latest remix for Whitney Houston. In an interview with Paul Dakeyne for DV247.com James ‘Freemason’ Wiltshire reveals their use of Record and in particular its incredible real-time time stretch algorithm:

'Record’s [timestretch] were phenomenal compared to the other market leaders, having none of the ‘pre-note’ artifacts showed by, say, Serato, when dealing with material that needs all dynamics completely intact. Record’s algorithm managed to maintain a lot of information regarding depth and space which is normally the first thing that goes to pot when time stretching.'

To read the full story please click here.

Washburn ships new cracked mirror models

Sound Technology and Washburn Guitars are pleased to announce immediate shipping of new Washburn Cracked Mirror models.

Due to popular demand the Cracked Mirror top is now available on two production Washburn Guitars. Previously only available on the £7000 USA Custom shop Washburn PS2000 (Paul Stanley Model), this much sought after finish can now be found on the V-shaped WV1800CM and the award-winning Idol-shaped WI1800CM.

More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/washburn/news/washburn-cracked-mirror-models

Lexicon announces PCM92 processor

Lexicon is proud to introduce the PCM92 Stereo Reverb/Effects Processor.

The PCM92 utilizes the latest DSP technology and the finest collection of classic Lexicon algorithms to offer the ultimate processor for live and studio applications. Delivering 28 mono and stereo reverbs, delays, and modulation effects, flexible routing configurations, and a comprehensive library of over 700 factory presets, the PCM92 represents the most advanced audio processor in its class.

More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/lexicon/news/lexicon-introduces-pcm92