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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 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!’
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.”
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.
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 announces the launch of training courses for audio technicians and system engineers
Outline has announced that at the end of November (29th and 30th) near Rome, Mods Art – which was recently appointed exclusive distributor for the Italian market – will hold the first training course addressing rental firms, system engineers, sound designers, audio technicians and others working in the professional Sound reinforcement world.
The courses, called O.C.S.E. (Outline Certified System Engineer), foresee two levels. The first is intended for professionals wishing to update their current knowledge, as well as aspiring engineers and technicians at the start of their career.
The second level (O.C.S.E. 2) is for those who already have a first-level certificate, as well as recognized professional technicians already working in the sector.
“In our opinion, the work of a system engineer, the person responsible for the fine-tuning of sound reinforcement systems, has undergone a rapid evolution in recent years, a change due to the spread of often revolutionary audio technology and the need for a more professional approach to the job, now considered as vital for events' success. This is why training is an indispensable aspect,” – comments Mods Art product specialist Davide Lombardi.
Passing the second level exam enables candidates to enter the O.T.N. (Outline Technicians Network), a group of qualified technicians at the disposal of all the rental companies in the Outline network.
Being part of the O.T.N. means having acquired specific preparation as far as Outline sound reinforcement systems are concerned. The certificate obtained after passing the exam will be an official guarantee of the level of professionalism achieved.
Mods Art sales manager Luigi Lombardi explains: “For audio technicians, certification and being a member of the network will have two main consequences - on one hand, an increase in their professional skills and, on the other, greater opportunities of work in the live sector.”
The tutors will include Outline engineer Giulio Gandini.
Level 1 O.C.S.E. courses (each open to a limited number of participants) will be held throughout Italy. The first will be on November 29th and 30th 2010 in a suggestive location near Rome.
Full details of the program and other important information can be found on the Web site: www.modsart.it.
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.
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/
L to R: Francesco Ferretti (Outline), Luigi and Davide Lombardi (Mods Art), Giorgio Biffi and Michele Noselli (Outline)
Outline: a turning point for the Italian market
Outline appoints Mods Art as its exclusive Italian distributor
Flero (Brescia) Italy – Outline announces the inking of an important agreement for the distribution of its range of products throughout Italy.
The foundation of Mods Art, a very young company that from April 2010 is Outline’s reference point in the country, is no coincidence.
Founded and run by the Lombardi brothers, Mods Art will undertake exclusive distribution of the famous Italian brand, which continues to meet with great success in the rest of the world, from the United States, across Europe, Africa and the Middle East to Australia.
At the helm of the newly founded Mods Art, the Lombardibrothers combine different but complementary professional experiences. Luigi, a Lighting Designer and founding partner of Blackout srl, has in-depth knowledge of the expectations and requirements of the Italian rental and entertainment markets, whereas Davide – already a well known esteemed system engineer and sound engineer – has enviable high-profile references at international level.
To mention a just a few, Davide has worked as system engineer or sound engineer on concerts and events by Andrea Bocelli, Peter Gabriel, Foo Fighters, Oasis, Robbie Williams, Pet Shop Boys, Amy Winehouse, James Taylor, The Verve, Live Earth, concerts in memory of Lady Diana and more.
Outline’sGiorgio Biffi explains, “The aim of this operation is very simple -we want to boost our business activity at domestic level, creating a real reference point as far as Outline products are concerned. We decided to apply the policy we use successfully in other countries, in other words entrusting the job to a reliable distributor able to count on the collaboration of really expert people. This choice enables us to avoid the investment - inevitable when setting up a sales organization from scratch - which would have had a negative effect on our products’ prices, and therefore their sales potential. In recent years, we wisely preferred to concentrate on investing in export, but now believe the time is right to reposition our brand on the domestic market, with the role that our products’ quality is theirs by right. We think it’s no longer a secret to anyone that abroad our systems are regularly compared to those of the world’s top five brands and often preferred to them. The time has come to show trade members how much Outline technology is worth in Italy too! The decision to entrust our distribution to Mods Art has already been seen to be the right one, since the company has excellent facilities and can count on technical and sales staff that has worked with the Lombardi brothers for some time, knows the country and its key players and has undisputed technical skills, accumulated through the years with other quality brands.”
Outline’sMichele Noselli continues, “No matter what the profession or trade, the people make the great difference. When the opportunity occurs of finding serious reliable professionals who also have excellent hands-on experience built up in a sector as complicated as ours, this is without doubt a good start for setting up an organization that is efficient and professional from every point of view.”
Davide Lombardi comments: “I have worked abroad for years and was immediately impressed by Outline products. I followed their development with interest and saw how successful they were with the major sound engineers at world level. The products - all the products in the range - regularly astonish for their power, combined with the obvious ‘small form factor’, but also for their practicality, light weight and above all their sonic quality, so much so that people have said to me that its vocal reproduction is so crystal-clear that the Butterfly actually seems to ‘breathe’. I clearly remember what one of the best known most respected opinion leaders said to me a few years ago following a concert in England: ‘After you hear the Butterfly, you realize for the first time that, as well as cars, bikes, boats, food, fashion and the rest, Italians also know how to make loudspeaker enclosures!’. As from today, our intent is to finally make sure the brand’s greatness is known in Italy too.”
Southern Italy’s most important amusement park chooses Outline
Molfetta (Bari), Italy – The latest reference point for amusement fans in Southern Italy is called Miragica, Terra di Giganti (www.miragica.it), a large theme park open eight months a year and covering and area of 100,000 square metres.
Miragica boasts nineteen attractions, which are a combination of shows and rides – some of which are “firsts” – including a Launch Coaster and a 4Dcinema, which are the largest in Italy. For the park’s more courageous visitors, there’s the “Torre di Caduta” drop tower (almost 50 metres in free-fall, with 2G acceleration) and the Diskò Coaster, a rotating platform that oscillates in all directions. There are also countless opportunities for amusement for families and kiddies, such as the classic trunks or the “Spaccatempo” spinning coaster.
As far as water attractions are concerned, Miragica is equally exciting: the Strozzagorgo River Ride astonishes with its ride aboard trunks with a 14-metre rise and then “The Rapids” (Mangiabiglie), with rafts at the mercy of the swirling current.
Excitement of another type is guaranteed by the performances of internationally famous Stuntmen, as well as shows in the indoor 700-seat theatre (Gran Teatro) by famous artists from all over the world. There is also a large outdoor theatre, which hosts events with a high scenographic and artistic profile.
The permanently installed sound reinforcement systems at Miragica are byOutline, whose staff also provided direct consultancy for the audio project’s design.
Starting precisely with the theatre, the main loudspeaker system consists in eight Outline Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. (four per side) and two Subtech 218 SP subwoofers (all self-powered enclosures). Four compact (self-powered) Micra II SP cover the front rows of the audience and four (self-powered) H.A.R.D. 115 SP are used as stage monitors.
For the Launch Coaster, eight enclosures from the DVS series (DVS 8) and two due Outline T4 power amplifiers are installed.
Ten more DVS 8 are used to reinforce the sound for attractions such as the Fiume Ride, Torre di Caduta, Diskò Coaster, Spinning Coaster and the 4D Cinema.
At the Dancing Fountains and the Show Area, there are four OutlineKanguro 1215 NET SP (a patented system consisting in a 15” sub able to contain another enclosure fitted with a 12” mid-woofer and 1.75” compression driver).
For the restaurant, rehearsal rooms, Fast Food Court, bars and shops there are twenty-six Outline IS 8 enclosures, eight ultra-compact IS 6T enclosures, eight ceiling-recessed IC 5T loudspeakers and three Outline (four-channel) D4-3K power amplifiers.
Outline, which has considerable experience in this sector, thanks to installations carried out at Gardaland (Northern Italy) and various foreign theme parks, decided to provide acoustic consultancy directly and, more in general, find the optimal audio solutions for Miragica’s various specific requirements.
The Outline equipment was installed and fine-tuned by Giancarlo Paladini of GP Tecnologie, another Brescia company.
The Outline kanguro system is a brilliant idea that sounds brilliant too! This video has no sound but demonstrates how easy it is to setup and a complete front setup can fit in a new fiat 500!
Outline unveils EIDOS and numerous other world previews at Frankfurt’s Musikmesse
2010 will be another year for launching new products and world previews for Outline: in fact, there will be a series of products and innovations that the Italian manufacturer will exhibit in its stand at Frankfurt’s “Prolight+Sound” (stand F80, hall 8.0) from March 24th to 27th.
The new products involve a vast range of categories in the sound reinforcement world. They go from an infra-sub with very high transduction efficiency (the LAB 21 HS SP) through a 3D acoustic simulation software package able to import dxf files (OPENARRAY) to new amplifiers fitted with a USB interface and processor (DPA Series). Even more unique on the international scenario the Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. VLA is now equipped with i-Mode technology and designed to offer “Power over Ethernet”. Outline is also unexpectedly unveiling EIDOS, an original series of loudspeaker enclosures conceived for fixed installations.
The Flero company is pleased to announce that in Frankfurt visitors will be able to listen to its Butterfly and Mantas VLA in the special outdoor demo area, called Concert Sound Area (CSA 06, F 130).
Outline also informs that it has updated general catalogue and prepared specific brochures product (Butterfly and Mantas), soon available in pdf format on the firm’s Web site www.outline.it.
EIDOS
Conceived and manufactured to provide clients an initial approach to the world of Outline products, the EIDOS series is the result of the desire to offer an even wider public the quality and distinctive lines that have made the Brescia brand a reference point in the sound reinforcement world at international level.
At the moment, there are four models in the EIDOS range (but there will eventually be seven) equipped respectively with 10, 12 and 15 inch speakers, and a subwoofer with twin 15 inch speakers. The ideal field of application of the units is in the wide variety of so-called permanent installations (clubs, lounge bars, pubs, music-cafés, theatres, conference rooms, stores, shopping centres and malls,…).
The lines of all the cabinets enable them to be also 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 1-inch diaphragm) and the waveguide are the same on all three. The latter (90° x 60°), offers a great advantage for installation in small rooms or those with low headroom, as it can be rotated through 90° to ensure the required dispersion no matter what position the cabinet is installed in (horizontal or vertical). The mouth’s ample dimensions ensure remarkable directivity control.
The quality of the transducers gives 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 is concerned, without been afflicted by annoying distortion phenomena.
The EIDOS 215 subwoofer is equipped with 15 inch long-throw loudspeakers that are also fitted with demodulating rings, in order to handle (peak) power values that exceed the loudspeakers’ (electrical) power capacity.
The cabinets of the EIDOS series, fully respecting the high quality standards to which Outline users are accustomed, are built in 15mm (phenolic-glued) birch plywood and included bracing to dampen internal resonance. There is no lack of flying points (including the sub) of the metric screw type (M8 thread), enabling them to be easily fitted with flying hardware.
The high-end reproduction, great directivity control (in spite of the dimensions), astonishing headroom and impeccable finish will help EIDOS become one of the Italian manufacturer’s best sellers.
Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. with Outline i-Mode technology and “Power over Ethernet”
The well known Mini-COM.P.A.S.S.,the only self-powered compact VLA on the international market offering variable directivity (from 60° to 150°), now incorporates the exclusive i-Mode (Intelligent Loudspeaker Platform) technology presented in September 2009 and for which Outline provides in-depth details on its Web site www.outline.it.
In a few words, thanks to its powerful on-board PC/server, Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. is controllable via Web applications, ensuring “universal” access (Microsoft Windows, Apple MAC, Linux, etc.).
Every parameter of the loudspeaker system, even the most complex, can be set via Web browser. The powerful i-Mode audio architecture – which features digital audio inputs and outputs – enables to eliminate all other devices (common DSP, matrices etc.) normally used to control loudspeaker enclosures, thus in fact establishing a new reference point.
Moreover, the Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. – and this makes it even more unique at international level – is ready to offer “Power over Ethernet”: in fact, it is possible to provide the power supply for a series of accessories (e.g. display, potentiometers, levels, etc.) with just an Ethernet cable.
All these features, concentrated in a single product that in itself is as innovative as the Mini-COM.P.A.S.S., fully respect the mission Outline set itself over ten years ago, which can be summed up with a phrase that is very brief and to the point: “from a PC to speaker enclosures” or “from a mixer to speaker enclosures”.
LAB 21 HS SP
The self-powered version of the LAB 21 infra-sub (also available in a passive version), equipped with a 21-inch woofer able to handle (peak) power levels of 8,000 Watts. The addition of the abbreviation “HS” (High Strength) indicates the exceptional sturdiness of the cabinet, able to stand up to the high stress involved in live use, as well as ensuring an unbeatable acoustic response in terms of precision on the infra-low frequencies.
Considered as an overall system, the LAB 21 HS SP ensures very high electro-acoustic transduction efficiency, thanks to its excellent integration of the various domains: electrical (power), mechanical and acoustic.
The coordination of these aspects - electrical, mechanical and acoustic - along with feedback control of the output pressure by means of a powerful DSP enables maximum energy transfer and output power control that fully respects input signals’ dynamics.
In spite of the 600 litres occupied by the unit, end results can be summed up with the following figures: 148 dB at 1m (peak)for a frequency range from 23 to 165 Hz. The unit’s weight and measurements are also world records.
DPA Series (Digitally Processed Amplifier)
This series of Class D high efficiency power amplifiers (2/4 channels) is particularly versatile and manufactured with the most advanced technology at present available. All fitted with DSP (96 kHz) and USB interface, the DPA series power amplifiers are ideal for permanent installations and have an excellent quality:price ratio.
Two models are available (2/4 channels): DPA 1002 and DPA 1004, with a power of respectively 2 x 1250W @ 2 Ohms or 2500W (bridged) @ 4 Ohms (DPA 1002); 4 x 1250W @ 2 Ohms or 2 x 2500W (bridged) @ 4 Ohms (DPA 1004). Extremely light-weight and compact (9 kg, two 19” rack units) and universal operation (115V/230V +/-10%).
OPENARRAY 3D Software
3D acoustic modelling software package able to predict the acoustic results expected from a live show or permanent installation.
OPENARRAY uses “OpenGL”, the cross-platform standard for 3D computer graphics. The most interesting features of this program – conceived and written in Outline’s Brescia laboratories – include a higher computing speed when carrying out simulation and, consequently, rendering time (display of the result) is equally rapid.
OPENARRAY’s user files include those for the three VLA manufactured by Outline (Butterfly, Mini-COM.P.A.S.S. and Mantas), as well as the Subtech 218 and Micra II. Those for the point-source systems and the rest of the product range will soon also be available.
OPENARRAY provides sound designers another precious feature: the ability to directly import dxf files (a standard CAD data file format), with the obvious benefits this gives. This and many other special characteristics make OPENARRAY an even more exclusive product on the international scenario.
Please note Outline’s coordinates at Prolight+Sound: Stand F80 (Hall 8.0) and F130 (CSA 06) for the outdoor demos in the Concert Sound Area.
‘Butterflies’ at the service of the world’s major leaders and CEOs, fromTony Blairto Michael Dell
Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), January 24/27 2010 – Among the corporate events of considerable international importance, Outline informs that its loudspeaker systems were used to amplify the 2010 edition of the Global Competitiveness Forum, held at the Four Seasons Hotel, in the Kingdom Centre (winner of an award as the best skyscraper of the world for design).
Founded by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) in 2006, the Global Competitiveness Forum, a meeting held annually, is regularly transmitted by TV broadcastersAl Jazeera, NBC and Bloomberg, as well as the world’s best-known news media.
Through the years, the GCF has attracted thousands of eminent political leaders, multinational company CEOs, ministers, government officials, intellectuals and academicians from every corner of the globe, with the sole aim of meeting and exchanging ideas.
The event’s mission is to increase awareness and enthusiasm on the challenges of competitiveness, critically assessing its aspects in relation to international trade, innovation, the environment (new forms of energy), development of human resources and sustainability; in short, at GCF 2010, talk focussed on the consequences that determine the fact of “becoming competitive” on a global scale.
Among the most illustrious speakers, Tony Blair (UK Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007), Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell Inc., Jeffrey R. Immelt, Chief Executive Officer of General Electric, John Chambers, Chairman and CEO of Cisco Systems, James Wolfensohn, 9thPresident of the World Bank Group, Robert Greifeld, Chief Executive Officer of the NASDAQ OMX Group, Alessandro Profumo, Chief Executive Officer of the UniCredit Group and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Bank Austria, Paolo Pininfarina, Chairman of Pininfarina S.p.A., Enrico D’Onofrio, Corporate General Manager of MV Agusta, Daniel Esty, Hillhouse Professor of Environmental Law and Policy at Yale University, Delos M. Cosgrove M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cleveland Clinic, Stephen D. Pryor, CEO of ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Glenn Lowry, Director MOMA (the Museum of Modern Art, NY) and many other outstanding personalities.
Due to the event’s importance at international level, Events AVP, whose chairman is Mr. Sharif Tabbara – exclusive Outline distributor for Jordan – was selected, as it is a company with the necessary experience for supplying the sound reinforcement system and audio equipment necessary for the multiple applications required in situations of this type.
Moreover, in November 2009, Events AVP – again with Outline material – was called in for the sound reinforcement of another equally prestigious event, the World Economic Forum in Dubai.
As far as the audio at GFC 2010 was concerned, sound reinforcement in the conference hall (50 x 40 x 9 metres), involved the use of just 6+6 Butterfly Hi-Packs and 2+2 Subtech 218 SP. Control and power were courtesy of a YAMAHA M7CL console, XTA processor and Outline T series amplifiers.
As monitors, the illustrious speakers alternating on stage had at their disposal two compact Outline Micra II SP enclosures, whereas six units were used on front-fill duty to cover the first rows of seats.
The rooms allocated to interviews by Al Jazeera, NBC and Bloomberg were equipped with six more Micra II SP, whereas four Outline DVS 12 enclosures (in pairs) were used to reinforce the sound in other two halls (each seating sixty people), hosting the academicians and university professors.
Audio chief and FOH engineer, Carlo Gennaro, commented: “In this case, there was no need to work at 135 dB, but to cover the audience perfectly with a very ‘well-mannered’ SPL. There again, we had no alternative, considering the position of the microphones compared to the PA. But, as I’ve repeated for years, with a minimum of energy, the Butterfly gives a wonderful intelligibility – it almost seems to ‘breathe’, and it doesn’t matter at what distance. It goes exactly where I point it and you can feel the sound ‘in your face’. I give the merit for this to its waveguide, one of the few that works superbly…in fact, I’ll go as far as to put in writing a thought I have in common with several of my colleagues: on the world market, there are numerous line arrays, but on the ‘mid-high’ frequencies there are only two items able to give the same performance are this device …”
32 ‘Butterflies’ in concert in Vietnam’s largest stadium
Hanoi (Vietnam), 10th January 2010 – A Vertical Line Array Outline comprising 32 Butterfly CDH 483 Hi-Packs, supported by 16 SubTech 218, was chosen as the FOH system for “Happy New Year 2010”, a concert for 35,000 people staged in the country’s largest stadium: My Dinh National Stadium.
Sponsored by the Maritime Bank and organized by Vietnam’s VTV3 TV (also on the Web), the show attracted a vast audience thanks to performances by the country’s best-known artists: My Tam, Lam Truong, Dam Vinh Hung and Hong Nhung. A wide range of music genres was reproduced: pop, dance, hip-hop and country.
Vietnam’s Outline distributor, Fantasies Show Light of Hanoi, was also the rental company that had the task of providing and installing the Butterfly rig at My Dinh National Stadium.
The event’s FOH engineer, Mr. Nguyen The Ngoc, commented: “Among the best-known high-end line arrays, I think the Butterfly is also one of the fastest and easiest to install; its prediction software is very accurate and provides further support. I always feel very secure with this object in my hands.”
Control and power were courtesy of a Midas XL3 console, XTA processor and Outline T7 amplifiers.
Bearing in mind the number of concerts that have been scheduled for some time for the present year, Fantasies Show Light has just purchased twelve of Outline’s new Mantas, with 120° dispersion, a VLA weighing just 24 kg (52.9 pounds) mechanically compatible with the Butterfly, for front-fill applications, and able to push out 147 dB (peak SPL, 4 modules). The order also includes four Subtech 218 and ten DVS 15 (1x15” - 1x3”) multi-purpose enclosures, as well as four T7 power amplifiers.
The Vietnamese company, from January 30th, will supply the Outlinearrays to reinforce the sound at “Rockstorm 2010“, the first of a series of nine mega-concerts for the year that has just begun.
The firm’s owner, Mr. Dinh Viet Hung, stated, “VTV3 needed to ensure all-round coverage of an audience of 35,000 people, but with a loudspeaker system that was compact, due to television broadcast requirements. Fortunately, the technology incorporated in the Butterfly also manages to satisfy these aspects too, as well as those involving FOH engineers; the result is everybody is always happy. We are waiting for them to consign us the new Mantas, which are very light weight and shall be used along with the Butterflies, specially in the concerts and the numerous average sized applications, for which we are called in increasingly frequently.”
Italian pro audio manufacturer Outline has appointed Steinbild Media GmbH as its sole distributor for the German market, with effect from September 1st 2009.
Steinbild Media GmbH was founded in 2009 by engineer Guido Steinbild,previously Key Account manager with several professional audio distributors in Germany.
In 2009, the company started distributing brands such as Xilica loudspeaker processors and system controllers, PanBeam steerable Loudspeakers, IDAL interactive MP3 Player, Vity remote control system and, lastly, Outline.
Steinbild Media GmbH has extended its distribution business to the professional rental market, installers and system integrators.
The company is also able to offer clients of all sizes specific solutions for environmental acoustics, by means of well-proven skilful use of numerous simulation programs (e.g. EASE, Ulysses, Catt) and design facilities, thanks to which it is possible to accurately forecast the acoustic results that will be achieved in an environment with any specific loudspeaker system.
Guido Steinbild, CEO of Steinbild Media GmbH, says: "With Outline we’ve finally found a European loudspeaker manufacturer that is totally ideal as a professional business partner, with the same attitudes regarding strategy and quality.”
The Outlinearray amplifies the Italian tenor’s concert at the Buta Palace in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan – A system made up of twenty Outline Butterfly CDH 483 Hi-Packs and eight SubTech 218 was recently involved in a prestigious permanent installation for sound reinforcement at the “Buta” Palace, in the city of Baku, Azerbaijan.
Precisely at the “Buta” Palace in May 2009, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and soprano Paola Sanguinetti – accompanied by the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Orchestra – held a concert on the occasion of the 5th Anniversary of the “Heydar Aliyev” Foundation.
Regarding the use of the Outlinearray, the event’s FOH engineer, Andrea Taglia, comments: “Although I’m Italian, I’d never had the opportunity before of working with Outline’s Butterfly with the necessary calm. Using it for this concert with Andrea Bocelli and soprano Paola Sanguinetti, accompanied by the orchestra, was a really pleasant surprise: as well as its well known extremely compact dimensions, which in venues with such carefully designed architecture are always a great help when positioning sound reinforcement systems in the best way, I was considerably struck by the timbre and very uniform frequency response, as well as the simply perfect acoustic coverage angle. I have rarely worked with a rig able to ensure dispersion that is so well controlled and true to the manufacturer’s specifications: thanks to this, the job of aligning the rig was easy and very satisfying. I hope to be able to work with this system again in the future, as I’m sure I’ll obtain the best results.”
“Buta” Palace is a venue hosting concerts, conferences and other important events. Designed and built with no compromises from the point of view of aesthetics and technically speaking, it is used by the government and Azerbaijan’s president’s family.
As well as the Butterfly systems, this permanent installation – by Sofit Light (www.sofitlight.ru), one of Outline’s Russian dealers - includes a series of Micra II and Micra II SP (self-powered) enclosures for medium/short throw distribution of highly intelligible sound during banquets. These enclosures areinstalled in groups of four in the chandeliers.
The power amplifiers driving the Butterfly VLA are also Outline (T7), as are the Genius 26 signal processors. The digital mixing consoles are by Innovason
