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Outline s.r.l, the leading European manufacturers of loudspeaker systems and associated technologies for professional audio, are delighted to announce the appointment of The Audio Specialists b.v. as their exclusive distribution partners for Benelux and Germany, with immediate effect (www.theaudiospecialists.eu).
TAS is the brainchild and property of former E-Audio Benelux Managing Director Axel Nagtegaal, under whom the company achieved spectacular results for a number of leading pro-audio brands in Benelux, including Midas, Klark Teknik, Electrovoice and others. Mr. Nagtegaal and his team pioneered the concept of 'service hatch' distribution in pro-audio, where a territorial distributor effectively becomes the local office for the manufacturer(s) they represent. This unique model was instrumental in his prior successes in Benelux and will be re-applied to his new distribution venture.
Mr. Nagtegaal explains his choice of Outline as a distributed line for his company: ‘The Outline product portfolio contains a whole raft of innovative and relevant technologies that really make it so much more than just another ‘me too’ brand. The MiniCompass system, as just one example, is simply brilliant in its approach to dealing with challenging acoustic spaces. In fact the whole Outline product range is packed with clever and practical ideas for solving everyday sound reinforcement problems’. He continues, ‘Needless to say we will be providing a full pre-and-post-sales service for all categories of pro-audio customers, including extensive demonstration capabilities for the whole Outline range, as well as flexible finance packages for qualifying professional rental companies'.
Chris Hinds, Outline’s Sales Director for Europe said, ‘Outline has so much potential in so many markets, we just need first-class distribution partners to help us realise those possibilities. We are very lucky indeed to have secured the services of someone whom many consider to be the best pro-audio distributor in Europe, especially when that partnership covers such important territories. The future is bright, the future is TAS!’
With offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Macao, LAB (www.lab-labour.com) is one of the leading sound equipment rental companies in China. It provides audio infrastructure, personnel and technical support for a wide range of projects, from major live productions and sporting occasions to corporate events and press conferences
LAB’s many successful projects include Sir Elton John’s Shanghai Concert, The Robert Gallup Extreme Magic China Tour, the 5th Anniversary of Macau Return Evening, the 2007 Special Olympics Opening Ceremony and many more.
The company’s choice of hire inventory reflects their philosophy of providing a totally professional service to both local and international clients, which has led to a major investment in Outline sound reinforcement products, centered around the new flagship GTO line-source system. Their purchase also includes GTO-LOW bass extension modules as well as a number of Mantas compact line-source cabinets, high-power LAB 21 HS subwoofers, T 11 lightweight power amplifiers and numerous other accessories.
Two of Outline’s training staff, Francesco Ferretti and Davide Lombardi, recently visited LAB in Beijing to introduce the new products to LAB’s technicians, and also share some practical road-knowledge and experiences with them. The training focused mainly on deployment of the new GTO system as its unrivalled far-field performance is ideally suited to many of the large-scale projects undertaken by the LAB team.
Giorgio Biffi, CEO of Outline said, ‘To forge a new partnership with such a well-respected company in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets is a very exciting development for our company. The quality of LAB’s work speaks for itself and I believe that their investment in GTO and Mantas will give them much greater choice and flexibility when specifying their larger projects. We are delighted to welcome LAB to the Outline family’.
LAB’s Technical Director Don Lo said, ‘We are very pleased to partner with Outline, whose people and products (particularly the amazing GTO system) will make a major contribution to our company and business’.
OUTLINE MINI-COM.P.A.S.S. LINE ARRAY TAKES CENTER STAGE FOR BROADWAY SMASH ‘RELATIVELY SPEAKING’
Double Parabolic Reflective Wave Guide (DPRWG) Ensures Even Coverage of Highs NEW YORK, October 21, 2011 ? Outline, the maker of high quality, industry leading speaker systems for touring, installation and studio applications, is proud to announce its Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. powered line array speakers were chosen as the center stage, primary front-of-house speakers for the Broadway hit Relatively Speaking, playing at the Brookes-Atkinson Theater in Manhattan. The play, directed by actor/director John Turturro and penned by Ethan Coen, Elaine May and Woody Allen, consists of three one-act plays that deal with the topic of family relationships. As each play is essentially dialogue-driven, clarity is of great importance for the success of the production. Mini-COM.P.A.S.S., with its patented Double Parabolic Reflective Wave Guide (DPRWG) technology and integrated power amplifiers, allows for extremely directed high frequencies, ensuring intelligibility throughout the main audience areas.
“The challenge for designing the audio system was finding a speaker/amplifier system capable of capturing the articulation and emotions of the dialogue and delivering it to the audience,” says Carl Casella, the sound designer for Relatively Speaking. “Outline Mini-COM.P.A.S.S., which is comprised of four 5-inch loudspeakers for low/mid range and two 1.75-inch compression drivers on the proprietary DPRWG wave guide, lends itself perfectly to vocal articulation, whether sung or spoken. The loudspeaker is incredibly smooth in its frequency response and the sound is very consistent from cabinet to cabinet, so the quality control is there. Using Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. allows the audience to relax and get involved with the play, rather than straining to hear or understand the dialogue.”
Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. is capable of up to 150 degrees of coverage, but the ideal for the Brookes-Atkinson Theater is 120 degrees on all the different cabinets, according to Outline’s open-array 3D prediction software. A single array of seven cabinets does the job. The top of the array consists of four cabinets covering the balcony area with a spacer break at the bottom. Three more cabinets are hung below to cover the main seating area. The software accurately provided a map of the coverage that the loudspeakers should provide and the array was set accordingly.
“Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. is a self-powered, steerable loudspeaker that goes from 60 to 150 degrees of coverage in 15-degree increments, symmetrically or asymmetrically, so it can be used in a very wide range of applications,” continues Casella. “I’ve used the Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. in a number of different situations, from outdoor portable stage applications for music, to college commencements and other applications, where the ability to vary the high frequency pattern from loudspeaker to loudspeaker maximized the sound quality for each project. Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. is also lightweight, as it only weighs 52 pounds with its flying hardware. Each cabinet is able to deliver up to 1000 watts of clean sound from the integrated power amplifier without significant power draw on the theatre’s AC mains. This is remarkable for a cabinet of this size.”
According to Casella, the expectations for the success for Relatively Speaking are very high, with tickets already selling out months in advance. “This is a very special play that demands the very best from everyone involved. Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. delivers a sound quality commensurate with the expectations.”
The twelfth annual Classic Brit Awards took place on May 12th at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. Hosted my Myleene Klass and in the presence of the Duchess Of Cornwall, the award presentations were interspersed with performances by Il Divo, Katherine Jenkins and the cast of Les Miserables.
Closing the show in tribute to the late songwriter John Barry, who was honoured posthumously with the Outstanding Contribution To Music Award, the incomparable Dame Shirley Bassey sang the theme to ‘Goldfinger’, just one of many instantly recognisable Barry compositions.
Despite the extensive technical demands of a complex and sometimes unpredictable event, the flawless production proved the capabilities of the design and engineering crew. The audio side was handled exclusively by Britannia Row Productions who deployed a 30-element Outline GTO system flown in three ten-deep columns, each with three Outline Mantas underhung for nearfills. The two side hangs comprised ten Outline Butterfly elements each, and the whole system was driven by Outline T-Series amplifiers run from Dolby Lake system controllers.
The Midas XL8 at FOH was operated by engineer Colin Pink, with Chris Coxhead handling the orchestra mix on a Midas Pro 6, while Dee Miller mixed monitors on a Yamaha PM-5D.
FOH engineer Colin Pink said, ‘The power of the Outline GTO system provided a very large dynamic range whilst keeping exceptional detail and intelligibility. It managed to retain its warmth and subtlety at all volume levels and never became harsh’. He continued, ‘Although the system looked like a normal left/centre/right arrangement, in fact the three hangs were time-aligned to four separate zones. The orchestra layout was over fifteen metres wide, so I split this into three areas across the width of the stage and timed each area separately to the PA hangs. The fourth zone was the stage itself, for the solo performers and singers. This gave us a much more natural sound with improved detail and imaging, and allowed us to get the most out of the GTO system’.
The overall audio design was done by special-event veteran Derrick Zieba who commented, 'For this event I would normally have specified another system, but a recommendation from my pal Richard Sharratt who has been using GTO for orchestral work made me want to try it. I liked it's basic character as soon as I heard it, and as we tuned the system I couldn't help but compare it with another high-profile loudspeaker brand I've been using recently, and I have to say that the comparison was very favourable. The GTO rig made it easy for Colin and I to get the sound we were looking for, which for this gig is not always so simple as we're actually trying to augment the acoustic output of a large orchestra to produce a totally natural response throughout a difficult room. The L/C/R speaker arrangement, with each hang time-aligned to separate zones, worked extremely well and the acoustic blend between the separate hangs was as good as I've ever heard. I really enjoyed using GTO and I look forward to doing so again'.
Britannia Row’s Bryan Grant said, ‘There’s only one way to do complex and challenging shows like this, and that is to combine a highly skilled and creative crew with the professional tools they need. The success of this year’s Classic Brits suggests that we and our team did just that’.
The presence of royalty and so many famous faces attracted much attention from the British media with both BBC and ITV giving significant airtime to coverage of the event the following morning The Classic BRIT awards 2011 will be broadcast in full on ITV1 on May 29th at 10:00pm.
Across the weekend of July 16th and 17th, Leeds Castle near Maidstone in Kent (‘The Loveliest Castle In The World’) hosted a major two-day musical event, with large Outline GTO and Butterfly systems deployed by SRD Group for both concerts.
On Saturday the Heritage Events Leeds Castle Open Air Classical Concert 2011 featured the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra conducted by John Rigby, playing a wide selection of popular classics. Sunday saw a complete change of pace with ‘Live At The Castle 2011’, featuring Europe’s No.1 boy band The Wanted alongside performances from Alexandra Burke, new girl-band Fanfare, Stacey Solomon, Eliza Doolittle and Aggro Santos amongst others.
The main L&R system was Outline’s new flagship GTO line-source enclosure, flown twelve-deep each side of the stage. Dual delay towers, each comprising twelve Outline Butterfly elements, were also deployed and combined seamlessly with the main system to provide the necessary coverage of a very large and awkwardly-shaped audience area. A further six ground-stacked Outline Butterfly elements per side provided front of stage fill. All the systems were powered by Outline T11 amplifiers and controlled by Lake LM26 processors via Dante networks.
On Saturday the primary orchestra mix of 128 channels was handled by Ian Barfoot with ten digital stems sent to FOH, handled by Chris Beddall mixing on an Allen and Heath iLive digital console. A further iLive handled the complex on-stage monitor mix. Sunday headliners The Wanted were mixed at FOH by Andrew Thornton on a Digidesign Profile, with all other acts mixed used an iLive 112 surface.
Barfoot also designed the system using Outline’s proprietary 'OPEN ARRAY' prediction software, and commented that, ‘The software predicted exactly what we consequently achieved and was flawless in its execution’.
After the show Chris Beddall commented, ‘The GTO system can certainly handle the subtleties of orchestral music as well as rock with its huge dynamic range, and has long throw capabilties without compare. I am truly impressed!’
Stuart Roberts of SRD GROUP said, ‘The GTO system is amazing and throws an incredible distance with even coverage and excellent intelligibility - what we experienced at Leeds Castle totally substantiates Outlines’ claims of unparalleled far-field performance’.
After Germany, United States and Italy, Outline’s large-format line-source system will be on show in London, on stand G35 at the Plasa Show, from 11th to 14th September.
The result of a positive two-year cooperation between Outline and some of the world’s best-known rental companies, GTO - Grand Touring Outline - can boast a successful feature right from its origin: the first systems that left the factory (summer 2010) were already sold and earmarked for immediate use on high-profile concerts and tours, initially in the USA and then Europe. Those systems were not prototypes, but already standard production models, the same as those officially presented in Frankfurt just four months ago.
Currently, thanks also to the evolution of a market on which loudspeakers are increasingly sturdy and efficient, there is no doubt that almost all PAs effectively sound "loud". This has led to exaggerated use of sensational expressions such as "incredible output power" on behalf of more or less famous audio manufacturers - expressions that in many cases are backed up by facts.
One certain prerogative attributed in writing to GTO by authoritative trade members is its ability to ensure intelligible output over long distances: higher than any competitor in the market’s large-format PA sector. An advantage that can be ascribed to Outline’s D.P.R.W.G. waveguide.
However, the GTO family continues to grow. At Plasa 2011 the Italian company is unveiling its GTO-DF (Down-fill).This is an element that is mechanically compatible with GTO and conceived and designed with a sole aim: providing audio coverage for the first rows of the audience in every type of event at which GTO systems are used (an explicatory photo is attached).
From the point of view of design,the GTO-DF is definitely eye-catching, with its aperture (120°) gradually flaring out downwards. As opposed to the GTO, which has ten loudspeakers, this element uses six: four 8-inch mid-woofers and two 3-inch compression drivers.
Let’s take a look at the software sector. At Plasa 2011 Outline will present an APP for Apple iPads - written entirely in its in-house labs - with which it is possible to control the self-powered loudspeaker enclosures manufactured by the company (http://itunes.apple.com/uk/app/mini-com-p-a-s-s-linearray/id435900890?mt=8).
In fact, followingin-depth research carried out in collaboration with the University of Brescia, Outline believes that man/loudspeaker enclosureinteraction can be revolutionized with software interfaces on tablet computers.
Therefore, no more hardware interfaces with displays, pots and buttons, but a channel to communicate with the dynamic outside world of IT. This APP is not intended to be a "marketing accessory", but an enjoyable, efficient and precise tool for the rapid easy control of Outline’s self-powered systems.In short, the systems’ all-round remote controller.
It must be remembered that this is a native iOS APP, not a mere Web link. For example, the APP gives all-round control of Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. systems - including the complex group management that a line-array with adjustable horizontal dispersion implies - and the brand-new iSM series of stage monitors.
By means of just an APP and relative tablet computer, Outline offers end users (FOH and system engineers, etc.) real all-round man/loudspeaker enclosure interaction.
Tablet computers have been with us, in one form or another, for some years. The launch of the original Apple iPad in April 2010, (followed by the sale of three million iPads within 80 days and almost 15 million by the end of that year), marked the point where tablet computing morphed into a mature technology suitable for professional use. The launch of iPad 2, with a range of upgraded features and an ever-growing selection of available applications for every conceivable purpose, takes tablet computing even further.
Here at Outline, we believe that we are witnessing a ground-breaking moment in technology history, comparable to the arrival of CDs or mobile phones on the consumer market.
The combination of a uniquely intuitive user interface, long battery life, wireless and 3G connectivity, light weight and compact size, plus a robust and stable operating system, means that the iPad can be almost anything you want it to be, from a gaming platform to a serious tool for commercial use.
“On the one hand, iPad might seem to be simply a toy for ‘geeks’. Then, when you use it, you stay up late at night and discover that, as well for playing games, it makes even serious work enjoyable. You can also leaf through books, navigate, keep the house under control from a distance, check the weather forecast, make video calls, record videos, take photographs, enjoy a film or a nice cartoon (ideal for the kids on the back seat of the car during long journeys), watch the TV news and do thousands - literally thousands - of other things…they all have an app available on the Apple Store”, comments Outline’s Michele Noselli.
Remote access to system control devices is a crucial part of the modern system technician's toolbox, and the massive global success of iPad as the user interface of choice for so many applications makes it the obvious choice as a remote control platform for Outline products.
Consequently, Outline’s development team have written a dedicated app to control its Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. iMode line array and, shortly, also the new iSM series of stage monitors (112, 212 and 115) ? which will facilitate full wireless control. The app is available on the Apple Store by following this link: http://itunes.apple.com/it/app/mini-com-p-a-s-s-linearray/id435900890?mt=8
“A direct connection between consoles and enclosures is the facility that enabled us to win an Award for Product Innovation at PLASA in London last year. Climbing aboard the ‘magic tablet’ was inevitable and relatively simple for our R&D team, thanks mainly to the iMode technology we launched in 2009 and which is gradually being incorporated in all our self-powered loudspeaker systems”, comments Noselli.
“iMode means having a computer in every enclosure, complete with web server and specific IP address. Users don’t access an enclosure, but a web page. And from that page they can control whatever they want, even from the other side of the globe, since the web knows no frontiers. Thanks to the eclectic iMode platform ? which is genuinely avant-garde ? it is now possible to do all this from an iPad, with a touch of the screen. This is what I’d call maximum digital interaction”, concludes Noselli.
At Frankfurt’s Prolight+Sound and Bergamo’s Show-Way, Outline showed clients and visitors what can be done with an iPad.
“In Frankfurt, we wanted to see the reactions of the public to this unique possibility. We didn’t expect to arouse so much interest and even a sort of physical pleasure ? even for ‘laymen’ ? regarding the control of an enclosure in real time by means of a tablet computer that can be carried around as easily as a diary”, comments Outline engineer Daniele Pagani, responsible for the project.
“Even using sophisticated FIR filters and carrying out complex operations really is child’s play…but the most enjoyable spectacle was seeing the look on people’s faces as they watched the ‘wings’ of our Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. move on the screen of the iPad a moment after having moved them by hand… this definitely enabled the concept of sensor technology to be instantly understood…”, concludes Pagani.
To discover more about the Outline app’s performance, write to info@outline.it
A very special tribute to the life and work of legendary American singer, songwriter, activist, poet and photographer John Denver recently took place at the 1STBankCenter in Broomfield, Colorado. To mark his commitments to humanitarian, sustainability and conservation causes the event was held on Earth Day, April 21st.
Hosted by Olivia Newton-John, a close friend of Denver and his family, the evening featured performances from a large roster of artists including Lee Ann Womack, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Oates, Trace Bundy and the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra. The show opened with Denver’s induction into the Colorado Music Hall Of Fame, the first artist to be so honoured, and also included performances from his first wife and his widow. The conclusion was a stirring finale where all the artists gathered onstage for a massed rendition of Denver’s most iconic song, ‘Rocky Mountain High’.
Sound production for the event was handled by Colorado natives Dowlen Sound who deployed a combination of Outline GTO, Butterfly and Mantas loudspeaker modules in the 6500-capacity venue. The main L&R system comprised 12 GTO plus four underhung Mantas modules per side while 16 Dowlen Sound subwoofers provided low frequency reinforcement. Eight Butterfly modules were deployed each side as ‘wraps’ to provide the necessary coverage width for seats near the stage sides.
Eric Satre of Dowlen Sound said, ‘For us and many sound providers like us, shows like this are an important part of our work but as one-offs they can be hard to do profitably. The fact that our Outline systems are quick to rig and de-rig with minimal crew, plus the ability to combine them seamlessly as required, really contributes to our operational efficiency in this type of event’.
Company owner Bret Dowlen mixed FOH for the entire show and commented afterwards, ‘Gigs like this are always a challenge because of the number of artists, the sheer quantity of instruments and the fact that there is always an element of the unknown! The only way to do it well is to use a flexible and accurate PA that can handle anything we throw at it, and that describes our Outline GTO, Butterfly and Mantas systems perfectly. With 105 inputs from the stage and the PA flown 8 feet upstage of the downstage edge the rear rejection and coherence of GTO has proven to be unrivalled, in fact this show may not have been possible with any other system. On a personal note it was very nice to hear John’s music again after a long absence. I was his system engineer for his dates in this region for about 10 years. Making it sound like it was supposed to was much easier with GTO and the amazing engineering that has gone into this box’.
Outline launches major new loudspeaker system at Musikmesse 2011, combining Italian design flair with cutting-edge technology
Another show, another line-array? No, not quite...read on...
Line-source systems have become ubiquitous in professional sound reinforcement circles with the vast majority of touring applications now using them, usually in tandem with some point-source elements. Their dominant position has been achieved by delivering a combination of predictable, controllable acoustic performance and a range of operational advantages, including reduced truck space and crew requirements, speed of deployment and reduced impact on sight lines.
The physical principles of line-source technology are now well understood, and manufacturers are currently producing the third or possibly even fourth generation of products which exploit them. The new Outline GTO is a classic line-source loudspeaker product which adds a further dimension to the capabilities of contemporary systems by providing far-field SPL and coverage capabilities that are presently unequalled.
The principal advantage of this is the elimination of the need for delay systems, even for very large audiences, thus eradicating any possibility of phase incoherence between loudspeaker clusters. This allows the system technician to create a single, well-defined coverage area delivering incomparable seat-to-seat consistency, stereo imaging and intelligibility, particularly in the vocal range.
How is this power developed? Simply put, by harnessing the combined output of a large number of individual transducers which have been engineered into a compact cabinet. A GTO element contains ten separate drive units, (four high-frequency compression drivers each mounted on a patented DPRWG device, four eight-inch midrange drivers and two fifteen-inch low frequency drivers) which produce staggering sound pressure levels in tightly-controlled horizontal and vertical dispersion patterns.
Although Frankfurt Musikmesse 2011 is the official launch for this new system (which also includes the GTO-LOW bass extension cabinet), GTO is already a road-proven rig, having been very successfully deployed on several European and American tours and events. Artists as diverse as BB King, Peter Gabriel, Willie Nelson, Rufus Wainwright, and their production companies, have piloted the new system with consistently impressive results.
Dowlen Sound Inc. of Arvada, Colorado used their new GTO system for the first time at Colorado’s Mile High Music Festival in August 2010, as part of Outline’s ‘Early Adopter’ product introduction program. ‘Outline GTO continues to exceed our expectations, and has really established Outline as one of the top players in the large format line array market’ said Eric Satre, Dowlen’s Sales Executive and director of the company’s operations at the Mile High Festival.
‘We have a lot experience working in the high altitude, low humidity, and high temperature conditions of the Rocky Mountains’ commented Dowlen Sound President Bret Dowlen. ‘The GTO has output the likes of which we have never experienced before, especially under these harsh conditions. We have since used the GTO multiple times at Red Rocks, large arenas and theaters with excellent results. We are very excited about the future of Outline, and we are glad to be among the early adopters and key partners in bringing the GTO to the world’.
Also in the United States, leading eastern production company Special Event Services (SES) of Winston-Salem, NC, have been busy with their GTO rig. ‘We have been working behind the scenes for several years with Outline in the development of this speaker system’ says Jason Farah, SES Vice President. ‘It’s a good feeling to see it come from concept to completion and know that we helped influence the creation of the product and the culture of the company. We were the first sound company in the US to take delivery of the Outline LAB 21 HS subwoofer. With the combination of the GTO and this sub, the two-year search for our next generation large format PA is over. This truly establishes Outline as a leading innovator in the professional PA market’. The versatility of GTO was underlined when SES recently deployed their system at ‘A Night Of Hope’ with Pastor Joel Osteen at the 20,000-capacity Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. This was a major Christian event featuring a combination of praise and worship music for which SES used 15 GTO cabinets plus 4 LAB 21 subwoofers per side.
In Europe the GTO achieved a high-profile debut as one of the biggest and most respected names in global production, London-based Britannia Row Productions, deployed a large GTO system on the final leg of the 2010 Peter Gabriel ‘New Blood’ tour.
‘This tour was a wonderful proving ground for the GTO’ said Bryan Grant, MD and founding partner of Britannia Row Productions. ‘The system faithfully reproduced the complex orchestral arrangements of Peter Gabriel’s work in a variety of venues of different sizes and configurations. Having had several years of experience already with Outline product, notably the Butterfly line array, we were confident that the Outline team would deliver a great new product, which they indeed did. We were very impressed with GTO’s performance straight out of the box’.
Please be sure to come and visit us during Frankfurt Musikmesse. You can find us at Booth F80 in Hall 8.0.
About Outline… Outline S.r.l., based in Brescia, Italy, is a leading manufacturer of high quality loudspeakers of both powered and un-powered configurations. Founded in 1973, the company has a rich history in the development of high quality loudspeaker systems, test and measurement systems, and holds numerous technology patents. With offices in Italy and the USA and over 50 distributors on five continents with more than 4000 venues and users to its credit, Outline has assumed its place among the leaders in the professional audio market.
Outline s.r.l., leading European manufacturers of loudspeaker systems and associated products for professional audio, are delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Hinds as Director Of Sales for EMEA.
Chris is one of the most well-known personalities in European pro-audio distribution and joins Outline following some years as European Sales Manager at Turbosound. His market experience is informed by a varied career that includes running a busy PA hire company, hands-on experience in manufacturing, and national brand management for a major UK distributor.
In addition to direct responsibility for European sales, Chris will be proactively developing the distributor network throughout the region.
Chris said,‘This is a really exciting opportunity to work with a company who are genuinely innovative, very progressive and with a clear vision of the future. Obviously I’ve been aware of Outline for years, particularly because of their relationship with Britannia Row, but when I visited them I was just astounded. Their R&D and manufacturing technology, their knowledge and experience, and most of all their products are just so impressive. I’ve very proud to be joining the team’.
Giorgio Biffi, Outline CEO said, ‘Finding the right person is never easy but Chris feels like a very natural fit for us, and his wide experience and many contacts throughout Europe are a valuable contribution to our company. We welcome him to the Outline family!’
About Outline… Outline S.r.l., based in Brescia, Italy, is a leading manufacturer of high quality loudspeakers of both powered and un-powered configurations. Founded in 1973, the company has a rich history in the development of high quality loudspeaker systems, test and measurement systems, and holds numerous technology patents. With offices in Italy and the USA and over 50 distributors on five continents with more than 4000 venues and users to its credit, Outline has assumed its place among the leaders in the professional audio market.
Elton John, Robert Plant and Neil Diamond perform on the Electric Proms stage at the Roundhouse. For 5 years, the “resident PA” has been Brit Row’s Butterfly.
Camden Town, London (October/November 2010) – The BBC, Britain’s largest and most authoritative TV broadcaster, put Elton John, Robert Plant e Neil Diamond on stage for its 2010 Electric Proms. It was therefore only to be expected that the latest edition of this famous showcase of great talent attracted impressive media coverage with enthusiastic reviews.
The setting for the event was once again the Roundhouse, London’s legendary theatre and cultural facility. The venue, which hosts festivals featuring the best of new UK music, has also staged performance by Rock icons such as the Doors, the Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix, as well as shows by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Peter Brook and The Living Theatre. In 1966, it was also the scene of the first real live concert by Pink Floyd.
As the name suggests, the 3,000-capacity auditorium is circular. From an acoustic point of view, the Roundhouse is “unforgiving” – as many authoritativ sound engineers can confirm. In fact, the theatre is well known for not being one of the easiest venues as far as this aspect is concerned.
For five consecutive seasons, the Roundhouse management has specified Butterfly, the vertical line array by Outline, supplied by London audio rental company Britannia Row Productions.
This system has been used by Paul McCartney, James Brown, Sting and Robbie Williams, to mention just a few.
It is interesting to note that none of the numerous stars appearing at the Roundhouse during the last five BBC Electric Proms seasons have ever performed with systems by other manufacturers. Another very unusual fact is that from 2006 to the present day, i.e. from when the Butterfly system began to be submitted to intense use by Brit Row, it has never required repair.
Britannia Row and Robert Lawrence keep American football fans partying with Italian audio systems
London, Wembley Stadium (Oct. 25th 2010) – The event was the USA coming to London in the shape of total American indulgence and razzmatazz - yes - American football. A sport that’s not just tough, but combines a good day out with a full day’s entertainment. October 25th 2010 saw the San Francisco 49ers taking on the Denver Broncos. To make this extravaganza work, two production companies were engaged to provide sound for the 83,000 revellers.
Britannia Row Productions covered pitch-side entertainment with 14 individual stacks of Outline’s Butterfly Line Array consisting of 4 x CDH 483 hi-packs and 1 x Subtech sub bass powered by T9 amplifiers strategically placed on the pitch’s perimeter.
A further two arrays were deployed for the tailgate stage placed at one end of the pitch for pre-match entertainment. This system consisted of two arrays of 8 CDH 483s and 4 x Subtechs either side.
Pre-match entertainment was provided by New Jersey rockers My Chemical Romance, closely followed by Blues legend Jeff Beck, who played the UK’s national anthem in his own inimitable style.
Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child then took to the stage and performed the US national anthem “The Star-Spangled banner”.
After the match, the party for VIPs moved up to the fifth level of Wembley Stadium, where Robert Lawrence Creative Solutions built a stage and backdrop for the NFL/Virgin Atlantic event.
Audio supplied by Robert Lawrence Creative Solutions - a long-time fan and deployer of Outline systems - consisted of Doppia 9075 point source cabinets and Subtechs powered by T7 amplifiers.
Robert Lawrence Creative Solutions also covered all the outside entertainment, with many marquees and outside stages covered by Outline’s DVS series, LAB15s and Kangaroo systems. All in all, Outline had it covered!
The match ended with the San Francisco 49ers beating the Denver Broncos 24-16.
Massive installation of Outline point source enclosures in Poland’s major stadiums
Poznan’s City Stadium is currently the largest sports arena in Poland and home to the country’s national soccer champions, Lech Poznan. In 2012, the stadium will be one of the venues hosting the Euro championship.
The official reopening of the venue after its modernization work was held on September 20th 2010. The event featured a concert by Sting (a date on his celebrated Symphonicity world tour).
The stadium has a seating capacity of 43,741 and the venue’s architecture comprises three new stands and a small historical stand that has been integrated into the new building.
Lech played its first international match at the stadium on September 30th against Red Bull Salzburg (in the UEFA Europa League), which the club won 2-0 with goals by Arboleda and Peszko.
All tickets for the match were sold out and the venue was full. The next international matches will be on November 4th (against Manchester City FC) and December 1st (versus Juventus).
Poznan’s City Stadium was supposed to be the first Euro 2012 object opened in Poland. Because of this, investors demanded the highest standards from all the contractors working on technical installations.
The audio team had the task of ensuring even coverage in the wide seating areas and high speech intelligibility. This was achieved using a quantity of high performance loudspeakers.
The system’s designers - with experience from the Legia Warsaw project - were Ambient System’s Krzysztof Mludzik and Kamil Slowikowski, who chose Outline to provide the loudspeaker system not only because of the products’ high quality, but also for the company’s professional support on the project.
For example, together with Outline’s engineers, the designers specified a list of modifications of the basic products, made to ensure the speakers high reliability and resistance to harsh weather conditions.
To reproduce speech and music in the stadium, Outline’s sole distributor for Poland, Ambient System, used a sound reinforcement system based on 52Tripla II 9075 loudspeakers and 64Micra II loudspeakers (covering the stands), as well as 6Doppia II 9075 P loudspeaker systems (for the pitch). Power was courtesy of 34 T Five and 8 T Seven amplifiers, also Outline.
The speaker setup used in this project was also tested by the means of acoustic simulations (i.e. EASE software packages). The simulations confirmed that for this large venue, only a fully professional set-up based on speakers such as Outline’s could have met the necessary standards.
The Vittoriale Amphitheatre sold-out. An Outline audio system for the only Italian date on the US artist’s world tour
Gardone Riviera (Brescia, Italy), 3rd August 2010 – Michael Bolton, one of the last thirty years’ most popular pop-rock artists, definitely chose a breathtaking venue for the only Italian date on his world tour: the amphitheatre at the “Vittoriale degli Italiani” (Shrine of Italian Victories), which overlooks Lake Garda (the largest in Italy) and was Italian poet Gabriele d’Annunzio’s favourite place and his home until his death.
The US singer/songwriter – who has sold 53 million records, won six American Music Awards, two Grammys and even has a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame –will end an exceptional season in December, after holding no less than 110 concerts.
In Gardone Riviera, where Bolton presented his latest album, One world one love (released in September 2009), the Vittoriale’s amphitheatre was sold-out and an Outline audio system was used.
The local press commented: “A perfect performance that ended to triumphant applause and will remain in the hearts of a lot of people for a long time”.
Cipiesse Produzioni per lo Spettacolo was the Brescia rental company that supplied and installed the sound reinforcement system for Bolton’s show.
The main rig comprised 6+6 Outline Butterfly Hi-packs and 2+2 Mantas modules for down-fill (120°), hung below the main Butterfly arrays, as well as 5 Subtech 218, installed on the ground for the reproduction of infra-low frequencies.Five ultra-slim (self-powered) H.A.R.D. 115 SP monitors were positioned on stage and the set-up’s processors and power amps were also Outline.
Outline’s all-in-one concept, pushed to the maximum - from console to enclosures in just one step.
The products Outline will exhibit on its stand (G35) at London’s PLASA Show from September 12th to 15th 2010 have a wide variety of applications.
Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. iMode
Outline presents its “Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. iMode” and receives a nomination for the famous “Plasa Awards for Innovation”.
Presenting a standard of loudspeaker enclosure control that has never before been achieved, Outline is proud to announce it has succeeded in an undertaking that was anything but easy, i.e. that of incorporating its most sophisticated technology - named “iMode” - in the most compact VLA in its range (what’s more, the only self-powered VLA on the market able to offer horizontal directivity that can be varied from 60 to 150 degrees).
In fact, in the latest generation of its Mini-COM.P.A.S.S., Outline has fitted an ”embedded” computer, complete with Web server and sophisticated network facilities, for a control that could be described as “geographically limitless”. Christened ‘iMode’, this innovative, continually evolving proprietary Outline platform is the company’s technological top as far as the specific sector of IT applied to loudspeaker systems is concerned.
Outline’s R&D team has put into concrete form the idea of equipping each enclosure with its own “intelligence”, which, thanks to the Web, is able to receive all kinds of feedback from users (FOH and system engineers, audio consultants, etc.). For example, a setting, or any other parameter they need to “communicate” to the enclosure.
The system is also able to send feedback to users, providing them information on its operating status, with an unprecedented level of precision, data quantity and quality.
To understand Outline’s iMode’s potential, it’s sufficient to imagine the operation of a Web site, which can be consulted and updated in every aspect (parameter) from anywhere in the world using a normal Web browser. Exactly same principle holds for the Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. iMode - each enclosure operates by exploiting its own on-board Web site.
Everything “runs” on a Linux operating system, with the advantages (well known in the most important IT applications, from military to hospitals) that this logic means in terms of stability and interoperability. In fact, Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. iMode is a highly flexible product looking to the future, ready to “interact” with modern digital consoles, smartphones and “intelligent” devices of today and tomorrow.
For just one practical example, let’s consider a live concert. Then a modern digital console, i.e. the main signal control centre. Thanks to its digital inputs and the use of plug-ins, the desk will be able to control all Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. iMode’s parameters.
The system has everything on-board: no software, matrix, DSP, amplifier or any other device is required in the audio chain, with obvious advantages in terms of costs and practicality. Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. iMode ensures top grade audio (24bit/192kHz) - the highest quality currently available - and its key features include FIR filters and IIR filters with a resolution of up to 64 bit, a delay time of up to 2 seconds for each channel (normally only possible with a matrix), as well as a twin dynamic processor (peak/RMS), to ensure reliability.
As can be understood from the above, Outline has given concrete form to the “all-in-one” concept, pushing it to the limits of its expression. All-in-one, because it goes from console to enclosures in just one step.
Numerous other important details and unique characteristics of Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. iMode can be found in the dedicated catalogue, a printed copy of which can be picked up at the Outline stand (G35) and will shortly be available on the Web site www.outline.it).
EIDOS
Presented in prototype form at Frankfurt, the EIDOS range met with even greater success than expected in terms of customer acceptance. It is now being launched at London’s PLASA Show in its definitive form, ready for sale.
The range features five models, equipped respectively with 10”, 12” and 15” loudspeakers, a sub with twin 15” speakers and one with a single 18”.
The lines of all the cabinets enable them to also be used as stage monitors. The wide-range models - EIDOS 10, EIDOS 12 and EIDOS 15 - are two-way units fitted with a passive crossover manufactured with top grade components (coils with very low resistance and metallized polypropylene capacitors).
The compression driver (with a 44 mm diaphragm) and the waveguide are the same on all three. The latter (90° x 60°) offers a great advantage for installations in small rooms or those with low headroom, as it can be rotated through 90° to ensure the necessary dispersion no matter what position the cabinet is installed in (horizontal or vertical). The mouth’s ample dimensions ensure effective directivity control.
The quality of the transducers used ensures excellent sonic performance when compared with the price bracket, in terms of overall timbre quality and as far as the ability to handle high power levels is concerned.
The two subwoofers are equipped with long-excursion loudspeakers fitted with demodulating rings, in order to handle (peak) power values that exceed the loudspeakers’ (electrical) power capacity. All the cabinets (including the subs) have integrated flying points for rapid suspension.
DVS 8-10 SP
PLASA visitors will be able to view the recently presented DVS 8 SP and DVS 10 SP models, both self-powered two-way enclosures. The 2010 release introduces a series of upgrades that put these units at the top of their class, not only in terms of sonic quality, but also as far as ergonomic lines and user-friendliness are concerned.
They reach 123 and 127.5 dB SPL respectively and, in spite of their dimensions, ensure unexpected dynamics with an insignificant distortion level.
Signal processing is handled by a modern (24 bit) DSP which also offers four presets (selectable at the press of a button), useful in the event of the EQ curve having to be changed during a show.
As far as electro-acoustic aspects are concerned, the cutting edge technology adopted by Outline in the molding sector has enabled the company to manufacture horns that are more rigid and lighter, with obvious benefits in terms of distortion and weight reduction.
Able to be used as stage monitors with two inclinations (25° and 45°), DVS 8 SP and DVS 10 SP also feature flying points with (M8) metric threads to facilitate suspension.
Outline will be on stand G35 and in the Innovation Gallery at London’s Plasa Show, from 12th to 15th September 2010.
Oscar-winning composer Nicola Piovani amplified by “Mantas Outlinearray” at Villa Fenaroli
Brescia (Italy), 1st July 2010 – World-famous pianist, composer and orchestra conductor Nicola Piovani has composed hundreds of soundtracks for films and television transmissions in over forty years of career.
Even if objectively the list would be long, the most famous is without doubt the score of the Roberto Benigni film "Life is beautiful", winner of an Oscar as best music and also nominated for a “Grammy Award”, one of the most important awards in the United States for results achieved in the music industry sector. The maestro also composed the music for the last three films by Federico Fellini.
As well as in Italy, Piovani has also worked considerably abroad, thanks to projects realized along with film directors such as Bigas Luna, Joe Stelling, John Irving, Ben Von Verbong, Maria Luisa Bemberg, Sergei Bodrov and John Harrison.
OnJuly1st, the splendid setting of Villa Fenaroli – one of the most prestigious 18th century Lombard villas and a national monument (located 5 km. from the centre of Brescia) – hosted his “Concerto in quintetto”, a work proposing music written for the cinema, theatre and concerts, specially rearranged by Nicola Piovani, in a version for a small group of soloists, in which the piano, played by the composer himself, has a particularly outstanding role.
Once again, where nuances made the difference, there was an Outline sound reinforcement system.
Cipiesse Produzioni per lo Spettacolo (www.cipiesse-bs.it)– owner of the Outlinearray system – was the Brescia rental firm handling the operation.
The Outline rig used for the “Concerto in quintetto” included 9+9 VLA Mantas, 2+2 Subtech 218 and T7 power amplifiers.
Logo restyling: Outline increases its “brand-appeal”
Flero (Brescia) Italy – Almost forty years from its foundation, Outline has renewed its logo, without radically changing it. The aim is to increase the brand-appeal, combining innovation and tradition.
Since the early seventies, Outline has always had a distinctive feature – a stylized auricle – but has always coupled it with the name “Outline” written in its entirety, on the right.
From now on, from Q2 2010 to be precise, the auricle will appear on its own, without any writing after it (“Outline” will appear in its entirety on the rear panel, or in any case on other parts of the product).
To recognize an item with the Outline brand, it will be sufficient to look at the front panel. The (steel) logo will be perfectly set into the metal front grille – which will therefore also have a new look – forming a harmonic combination.
The renewal process will be gradual and through time will involve the majority of the current and future range.
“In our opinion, the renewed ‘ear’ has the great advantage of conferring the products stylish incisive lines, while maintaining a discrete look, as befits professional equipment. With this small but important revolution, we believe we have succeed in our intent to make the logo easy to recognize and remember, giving an idea of compactness, power and dynamism, with a pronounced personality, worthy of top Italian-made products”, comments Outline’s Michele Noselli.
Baton Rouge, LA, USA – Healing Place Church (featured as “One of America’s Most Innovative Churches” in Outreach Magazine) has recently moved into its brand new worship facility, the HPC Arena (http://www.healingplacechurch.com/). To serve the 3,000-seat Sanctuary, SIA Acoustics, responsible for sound system and acoustical design, selected Outline products to reliably reproduce the word and music of the church’s worship leaders, as well as numerous visiting groups.
The main sound system is comprised of 42 C.D.H. 483 “Butterfly” loudspeakers, divided into three arrays (two of 13 elements and one of 16) to cover the floor seating area, with ten Subtech 218 SP’s for low-frequency reproduction and 11 Micra II SP loudspeakers for front fill. The raised seating area is served by six delay arrays, each composed of six Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. elements and two C.D.L. 1815 cardioid “Low Packs”, connected via a custom-built spreader bar to suspend the subwoofers directly behind the full-range arrays. This arrangement permitted the most consistent alignment between components and minimized sightline obstructions, while extending full-range impact to the most distant seats.
Regarding the sound system design, Adam Shulman, Consultant and System Designer with SIA Acoustics explains, “It was extremely important to the Church that the worship experience was consistent across all 3,000 seats in the space. Sonically, this meant very careful sound system design and judicious use of acoustical treatments. Visually, it was critical that sightlines from every location were preserved to the entire stage and projection screens. Though the ability of the system to ‘throw’ was not such a concern, utilizing main and delay loudspeakers allowed us to hide the substantial arrays in the ceiling structure while preserving the needed pattern control and consistency. And since opening, the Church leadership has received compliments about the sound and overall experience from what might, in other facilities, be considered the ‘nosebleeds’ – but not here. We worked hard to ensure that there are no ‘cheap seats’ in this facility”.
For this project, the decision to specify Outline products was the result of a market-wide survey of many manufacturers and products. SIA Acoustics first measured the performance of each product individually to assess critical acoustical issues such as off-axis consistency and the effectiveness of special pattern-control techniques. Based on this, SIA met extensively with Outline staff in Italy to fully understand the R&D process and manufacturing facilities, as well as Outline’s plans for meeting the Church’s production requirements and providing continued customer support.
“Our evaluation process takes us through all of a manufacturer’s disciplines in detail – including not only a thorough look at the technical performance of the product, but also their ability to fully support the customer before, during and particularly after installation” – explains Steve Sockey, partner at SIA Acoustics, “Out of the manufacturers we surveyed, Outline best fulfilled the needs of the Church for this project. We are thrilled about the out come”.
For components that are not already self-powered, Outline T7 amplifiers were installed adjacent to each loudspeaker array, suspended adjacent to the catwalk (a total of 33 were used). All T7 amplifiers (powering C.D.H. 483 and C.D.L. 1815 loudspeakers), as well as every Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. loudspeaker contains DSP and is networked for control and monitoring.
“We are confident that this system and supporting infrastructure will fully meet the Church’s technical needs, as well as those of any guest worship groups that they host, for the foreseeable future. The entire Healing Place Church team – including pastors and worship leaders, musicians, technicians and administrators – already operated at a very high level. Since moving into their new worship facility, however, they now have the opportunity to really grow without technical restriction. We are very excited to see where they go in the coming years”, adds Shulman.
For further information:
SIA Contact:
Steve Sockey ssockey@siaacoustics.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Adam Shulman ashulman@siaacoustics.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
(323) 969-0700 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (323) 969-0700end_of_the_skype_highlighting - Los Angeles (212) 387-9105 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (212) 387-9105end_of_the_skype_highlighting - New York
About SIA Acoustics LLC
SIA Acoustics LLC is an acoustical design firm that specializes in projects where great sound is critical. Serving the architectural, production, performing arts and special event communities, they are experienced consultants offering services in acoustics, technical systems design, facility planning, and special event design. Founded in 1989 and based in New York City and Los Angeles, SIA Acoustics solves difficult acoustical and technical challenges and is also known for developing SIA-SMAART, the industry-leading acoustical measurement and sound system optimization software system. http://www.siaacoustics.com/
