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China Film Group Completes Huge Monitoring Upgrade with Genelec
China Film Group is a forward-thinking production house that has consistently embraced new technology and never shied away from investing in the right equipment. The latest example of this has seen its Sound and Picture Production Center install 147 Genelec monitors across 28 recording studios, editing rooms and production studios.
China Film upgraded due to the increased importance that is placed on audio by consumers. “In film and television, sound is greater than visuals, where ‘greater’ refers to the spatial extension,” states China Film Sound Director, Wang Danrong. “Sound fills the entire space, while visuals are confined to the screen.”
This shift has placed different demands on the monitoring environment, with engineers placing more emphasis on precision and uniformity. “When evaluating a piece of equipment, we usually consider its technology, parameters, and more,” continues Wang Danrong. “Personally, I believe it’s essential to look at the brand’s history and its pursuit of sound. I find Genelec’s pursuit of ‘real’ sound quite reliable.”
Supporting China Film through the process was Digital Media Technology Co. Ltd. (DMT). It took on the responsibility for the design and integration of the monitoring system. “Genelec’s outstanding product quality and stable performance have always been our guarantee of confidence in system design,” states Wang Yufei, the project’s overall supervisor and Technical Director of DMT. “When you recommend a professional product to a client, you don’t want it to have any issues. Nowadays, the production cycle for filmmaking is tight, and the importance of delivering projects on time is comparable to live television broadcasts. Any flaws in sound could potentially delay the film’s release, so the entire range of Genelec solutions can be said to help films meet their scheduled release dates.”
The staggering breadth of the project has seen China Film equip four 7.1.4 immersive rooms, twenty rooms with either 5.0 or 5.1 surround systems, and a further four stereo rooms – entirely with Genelec Smart Active Monitoring. Rooms 212, 311 and 312 all serve as 7.1.4 immersive pre-mix stages, while Room 412 is a dedicated Atmos mixing stage largely powered by 8361 three-way coaxial monitors from The Ones series – complemented by 8350 two-way models in the overhead positions, with a 7380 subwoofer handling the LFE content.
All the studios in the complex have benefitted from system calibration via Genelec’s GLM software. “Using GLM, there’s almost no need for extensive manual operations,” notes Wang Guanghou, Mixing Engineer at China Film. “Just running GLM once covers most aspects. The consistency of the L-C-R channels after GLM calibration is better. Moreover, GLM allows for precise adjustment of the subwoofer’s phase. In the past, adjusting 90° and then listening, adjusting 180° and listening again… doing this for every angle consumed a lot of time. So, with GLM, it’s quite user-friendly now, and the calibration methods are indeed more numerous and effective than before.”
With the rooms installed and calibrated, one of the ma
jor advantages has been the consistency of sound throughout its Sound and Picture Production Center. “Although the models in each room may differ, there is a basic consistency in all Genelec monitors,” explains Wang Danrong.
“The mixes I do on Genelecs translate well to other places,” adds Zhu Yanfeng, Mixing Engineer at China Film. “There won’t be a situation where the performance of the monitors is too exaggerated, leading to the discovery of missing elements when changing the listening environment. I think Genelec’s response curve is relatively smooth and flat. The sound coming out of Genelec monitors, I feel, is relatively guaranteed.”
The result of this is the ability to hear more details earlier in the process, creating a speedier transition to the final mix, and ultimately a more efficient workflow. Wang Guanghou has his own metaphor for the sound characteristics of the new monitoring environment. “Genelec’s sound is like lightly roasted coffee, preserving its original and authentic aroma – without any additives or miscellaneous flavors!”
Trade Regrets: Merle Johnson
Merle Johnson, longtime owner and CEO of E. K. Blessing Co. Inc., passed away at his Elkhart, Indiana, home on March 2nd, 2024, surrounded by family. He was 92. Merle is survived by his wife, Virginia, sons Randall (Randy) and David, and a daughter, Karleen.
E.K.Blessing Co. Inc. was founded in 1906 by German immigrant Emil K. Blessing, and was known as a maker of quality trumpets and cornets. In 1964 Merle joined Blessing. Under his direction the company expanded on its brasswind line, and eventually added flute manufacturing. The Blessing brand came to be distributed and recognized worldwide. Merle retired in 1998, and was succeeded by Randy.
A private family funeral was held on March 6th, and included a military (Naval) ceremony.
Make Music Day Rings in the Summer with a Worldwide Celebration of Music
Make Music Day, the worldwide festival of making music held annually on the summer solstice, today announced the return of its vast program with over 5,000 live, free music-making events across the United States on Friday, June 21.
Launched in France in 1982 as the Fête de la Musique, Make Music Day has become a global phenomenon, celebrated by millions of people in more than 2,000 cities around the world, including 154 cities in the U.S., where it has spread widely after debuting in New York in 2007. Held on the longest day of the year, the world’s largest annual music event celebrates and promotes the natural music maker in everyone, regardless of age or skill level.
Last year, 117 U.S. cities organized 4,791 free Make Music events on June 21, with more than 100 concerts each in Cincinnati, Philadelphia, New York, Madison, Wisconsin and Salem, Oregon. In 2024, another 50 U.S. communities will join Make Music Day for the first time. New Jersey is launching new Make Music Day initiatives in Englewood, Newark, Ocean City, and Paterson, sponsored by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority; Wisconsin has grown to encompass 24 Make Music chapters throughout the state; Connecticut oversees 14 citywide celebrations supported by the CT Office of the Arts; North Carolina, through the North Carolina Arts Council, has initiated new chapters in 13 counties; and Texas, through its Music Friendly Texas initiative, will feature 14 celebrations, from Laredo to Dallas. Other cities like Orlando, Tallahassee, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City are also beginning this year, bringing the total to more than 150 Make Music celebrations across the country, and over 2,000 around the world.
Completely different from a traditional music festival, Make Music Day activities are free and open to anyone wanting to participate. Reimagining their cities and towns as stages, every kind of musician — young and old, amateur, and professional, of every musical persuasion — fills streets, parks, plazas, porches, rooftops, gardens, and other public spaces to celebrate, create and share their music with friends, neighbors, and strangers.
Make Music Day is presented in the U.S. by the NAMM Foundation. “We are thrilled with the continued growth of our Make Music Day partnership that celebrates the joy of making music worldwide,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO. “The collaborative efforts of NAMM member companies and local partnerships all over the globe reach hundreds of thousands of music makers and deliver an amplified message that creating music is a precious element of daily living that unites communities around the world.”
Among the many thousands of grassroots music events on June 21, opportunities for everyone to participate will abound.
In a collaboration announced last month with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and music technology company MakeMusic Inc., school and community bands across all 50 states will premiere the new piece Earthgroove by renowned composer Randall Standridge in free, public concerts. In the spirit of Make Music Day, the piece is radically inclusive, with optional parts to accommodate any kind of school musician. The music will be provided to each participating band at no cost, available as a PDF download or on the MakeMusic Cloud platform.
In Milwaukee, Make Music Day will feature the world premiere of Baby You, a public art event commissioned by the Przekrój Foundation of Warsaw, Poland, in which a massive 112-foot long hot air balloon in the shape of a sleeping newborn will be inflated and rise on the shore of Lake Michigan, accompanied by a new a cappella choral work by composer Michael Schachter for hundreds of amateur singers.
And in a returning global highlight, Make Music, Make Friends will connect 60 classes of school children aged 7-13 from Australia, Germany, Ghana, Mexico, Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, U.K., and the U.S. on Make Music Day. Classes from each country will create musical greeting videos and share them with students from other countries. The students will watch the musical messages on June 21 and gain exposure to different regions and cultures.
Other national highlights of Make Music Day 2024 will include:
Flowerpot Music — For the fifth year, participants around the country will be invited to perform a composition by celebrated composer Elliot Cole and directed by percussionist Peter Ferry using an unlikely but beautiful percussion instrument: the flowerpot. Appropriate for musicians and non-musicians alike, participants can join a group and create outdoor soundscapes through easy-to-learn games.
Mass Appeal — People of all ages and skill levels will band together to make music in large, single-instrument groups. This year, leading music brands such as Hohner, Rhythm Band Instruments, and Vic Firth are donating thousands of free instruments so that any member of the public can stop by these events and join the band.
#MySongIsYourSong — Songwriters and composers of all styles and walks of life will join in a global song swap where they will learn a song by another artist and hear theirs covered in return.
Roomful of Pianos — Roomful of Pianos was originally featured at The NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, bringing spectacular performances of music arranged for 10 pianos, 20 pianos, or even 40 pianos to the show’s music industry attendees. Inspired by the NAMM Show experience, more than a dozen piano dealers and music schools are now bringing Roomfuls of Pianos across the country for Make Music Day, creating personalized colossal piano events for each local piano community.
Sousapalooza — In multiple cities, large groups of brass and wind musicians will assemble in parks and plazas to play the music of “March King” John Philip Sousa. Anyone is invited to download the music, bring their horn, and join the band.
Stridulations — For the second year, Make Music Day will feature “Stridulations for the Good Luck Feast,” a set of interlocking rhythmic pieces by Billy Martin (of Medeski Martin & Wood) that anyone can join, whether or not they read music. Following an ingenious system of Xs and dots, participants can sing rhythmic patterns or play them on any instrument, locking together like a samba band, or stretching out to sound like crickets calling to each other across a field. (The word “stridulations” refers to the sound that crickets make. The project will be especially relevant in the U.S. this year, when another singing insect, the periodic cicada, will emerge from Brood XIII and Brood XIX simultaneously for the first time in 221 years.)
String Together — One of the best and easiest ways to improve the sound of your guitar is putting on a fresh set of strings. For Make Music Day, dozens of music retailers are hosting a free string-changing session that comes with a free set of acoustic guitar strings from Elixir Strings (for the first 12 registrants at each store). All are welcome, from complete newbies who have never changed their strings, to more experienced players looking for a few tips from a pro guitar tech.
City-specific highlights around the U.S. will include:
Aberdeen (WA): In the hometown of Kurt Cobain, Aberdeen’s Make Music Day will feature a flash mob performance of Nirvana’s song “Come As You Are,” along with performances by local musicians, from amateurs to Hall of Fame guitarist Roger Fisher from Heart.
Fair Lawn (NJ): A unique “Mobile Car-aoke” offers the public the chance to live out their rockstar dreams by singing their favorite song in a karaoke-style setup right from the comfort of their own vehicle, and win prizes.
Macon (GA): Dr. Seuss will be on the loose at a “Green Eggs and Ham Open Mic Jam” at Riverside Branch Library.
Madison (WI): A “Flamenco Flamingo” performance will present flamenco dancers accompanied by live guitar on the State Street pedestrian mall, and the audience is encouraged to dress like flamingos.
New York (NY): The 18th annual Make Music New York features new projects like composer/conductor Matt Lavelle’s monumental “12 Houses: 100 Musicians for Peace & Unity” in Astoria Park, and the musical theater showcase “Broadway @ Bella Abzug” in Hell’s Kitchen – along with returning favorites, including: the newest version of Improv Everywhere’s audio adventure “The Mp3 Experiment Nineteen” from Pier 84 at Hudson River Park; the “Plaza by Plaza” series presented with a variety of community partners across all five boroughs; and the 11th annual Porch Stomp! featuring 100+ bluegrass and old-time musicians on Governors Island on the special date of June 15.
Palm Beach County (FL): Singers from Masterworks Chorus, the Choral Society of the Palm Beaches, the Ebony Chorale and the Young Singer of the Palm Beaches will combine forces for a large “interactive sing.”
Philadelphia (PA): Over 75 different musical instruments will be available to try out at an afternoon “Musical Instrument Petting Zoo” at Shakespeare Park, in partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia and Keep Music Alive.
All Make Music Day events are free and open to the public. Participants who wish to perform, or host musical events, may register at www.makemusicday.org. A full schedule of events will be posted on the website in early June.
Make Music Day is presented in the U.S. by The NAMM Foundation and coordinated by the nonprofit Make Music Alliance. The official hashtag is #MakeMusicDay.
Make Music Day 2024 will take place in the following states and cities:
Alabama: Decatur, Florence, Gulf Shores, Huntsville, Mobile; Arizona: Phoenix; California: Anaheim, Auburn, Big Bear, Claremont, Fresno, Fullerton, Los Angeles, Oakland, Orange, San Diego, San Jose, Topanga; Colorado: Denver; Connecticut: Bethel, Bridgeport, Danbury, Fairfield, Hebron, Middletown, New Canaan, New Haven, Northwest CT, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Southbury, Southeast CT, Waterbury; Florida: Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach, Tallahassee; Georgia: Atlanta, Macon; Illinois: Chicago, Wheaton; Hawai’i: statewide; Indiana: Indianapolis; Massachusetts: Boston; Michigan: Albion, Ann Arbor, Lansing; Minnesota: Hastings; Missouri: Columbia, Kansas City, Liberty, Neosho, Rolla, Springfield, St. Louis; North Carolina: Bertie County, Brunswick County, Catawba County, Kinston, McDowell County, Raleigh, Stanly County, Statesville, Stokes County, Surry County, Vance County, Wilmington, Winston-Salem; New Jersey: Englewood, Fair Lawn, Montclair, Newark, Ocean City, Paterson; New York: Albany, Auburn, Central NY, Huntington, New York City, Ossining, Poughkeepsie, Troy, Yonkers; Ohio: Avon Lake, Cincinnati, Darke County, Lakewood; Oklahoma: Muskogee; Oregon: Clatsop County, McMinnville, Polk County, Salem; Pennsylvania: Easton, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, York County; South Carolina: Columbia; Tennessee: Chattanooga, Germantown, Nashville; Texas: College Station, Dallas, Denton, Frisco, Houston, Hutto, Laredo, Round Rock, Salado, San Antonio, San Marcos, Sugar Land, Tyler, Waxahachie; Utah: Salt Lake City, Utah County; Vermont: statewide; Washington: Aberdeen, Gig Harbor, Issaquah, Seattle; Wisconsin: Appleton, Barron, Beloit, Cambridge, Chequamegon Bay, DeForest, Eau Claire, Green Bay, Kenosha, La Crosse, Land O’ Lakes, Madison, Marshfield, Middleton, Milwaukee, Monona, Oshkosh, Platteville, Shell Lake-Spooner, Sparta, Stevens Point, Superior, Waunakee.
Ritmüller Marks 25 Years of Renewed Prominence
Ritmüller pianos announces plans to celebrate the 25th Anniversary(Silver Jubilee) of its relaunch with a series of concerts throughout 2024 featuring David Syme, (June 2,June 16,July 21, August 18, September 22, October 20, November 10, December 15), who will host his famous West Cork Living Room Concerts with a program highlighting the music of Johannes Brahms.
Syme, a distinguished Ritmüller ambassador known for his extensive tours in North America, will present his “From Brahms to Syme” performances at his country home in Cork County, Ireland. He will play on a hand-built, 9-foot-2-inch Ritmüller RS280 full concert grand piano provided by Dublin-based Thornton Pianos.
The Ritmüller story began in 1795, and soon after Brahms became the first of many 19th-century famous composers who became devoted to the pianos. In 1999, the iconic piano line was revived when a team of Europe’s top piano designers joined together to create instruments that blend traditional German craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies. Today Ritmüller has developed into a premier worldwide brand, exporting to over 112 countries worldwide.
As an American piano virtuoso living in Ireland since 2005, Syme has had a long, colorful career and has performed in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Wigmore Hall, and in major venues in 17 European countries, Canada, and Mexico. In addition, he has recorded two dozen CDs with top orchestras, including the Royal Philharmonic, Czech National Symphony, and the Mexico City Symphony. Syme was previously the Ritmüller Classical Artist in Residence at the University College Cork in Ireland.
“From studying at Juilliard up to today, David Syme has enthralled audiences with his musical talent, personal anecdotes, and stories of life on the concert stage,” said Pearl River’s Global Director of Sales & Marketing Leng Tshua. “We are very fortunate to have him play an important part in the 25th anniversary of partnering with the Ritmüller brand to offer excellent instruments at a great value to musicians, educators, and families.”
Since its relaunch, industry critics and musicians alike have lauded Ritmüller’s extensive German character, sweet, warm tone, and exquisite touch. Today, Ritmüller grand and upright pianos are firmly established in rivaling the best in the world.
MMR Dealer Survey: Drum Microphone Packages
Setting up a mic for a singer in the studio or onstage? Not so terribly complicated. Same applies to guitar, bass, keys, brass & woodwind — nearly everything except DRUMS. With multiple components in most kits, multiple microphones are required. As such, Drum Microphone Packages (kits, packs, sets) are popular items with both live and studio sound engineers. If you stock these microphone packages, please take a few moments to share your thoughts on this market segment by clicking here!
Danelectro Introduces the 6-12 Double Neck in Ltd Ed. White Pearl
Whilst the body shape of a twin neck guitar is often more about functionality than the aesthetics, the Danelectro 6-12 Double Neck combines both — the company’s classic ‘Dano’ art deco guise, with even more of the unmistakable soulful jangle from one guitar.
Based on the early Dano 59 short horn body style, the new Danelectro 6-12 string looks super cool in a beautiful Limited Edition White Pearl finish, offset with cream/black stacked Volume and Tone controls and chrome hardware.
Hardware that includes smooth operative chrome tuners on the standard 6 and larger 12 string ‘coke bottle’ headstocks, offering straight string-pull the full length of the 21-fret, polished rosewood fingerboards, via aluminium nuts to the fully adjustable bridges, with individual saddles for the octave 12 string.
Danelectro 12 string guitars have been described in the media as ‘one of the best sounding models available for the price’ and, now combined with a 6, complete with a quartet of high output lipstick pickups enhancing the natural acoustic characteristics of the semi-hollow body construction, the new Danelectro Twin Neck delivers serious single coil jangle, with twang, clarity and fast attack in abundance, that’s perfect for a host of styles, from surf to country, rockabilly to blues, pop and rock.
With its robust, size-defying lightweight construction and exceptional playability, the Dano 6-12 is perfect for studio sessions or live stage and arguably the lightest, affordable electric double neck guitar you can literally perform with all night.
Little did Nathan Daniel know when he started to produce electric guitars in the early 1950’s, just how many bona fide Rock Gods would owe their career move to Danelectro guitars, one of the few guitar brands that can truly be described as legendary, classic, iconic, retro, cool, hip and trendy.
Danelectro 6-12 Double Neck Electric Guitar: Est. U.S. Street: $899, rrp £1.199
PlayDrums.com/PMC Gears Up for International Drum Month
May marks the celebration of International Drum Month, a time to honor drummers and the rich history and culture of drums and percussion instruments. To celebrate, drum manufacturers, music stores, and educators can host events like drum clinics, workshops, concerts, and performances that highlight the diversity and versatility of drums and percussion instruments.
Regardless of age or skill level, drummers everywhere are encouraged to come together and share their love of rhythm and music.
In support of International Drum Month, PlayDrums.com is offering a “Drum Lesson with a Pro” giveaway for retailers to attract new students. Your store can promote and share this free giveaway to expand your drumming audience.
From now until May 31, drummers nationwide can register at PlayDrums.com/giveaway-entry for a chance to win a personalized one-hour lesson with this year’s artists: , Jason Gianni, Sherri Maricle, Mike Mangini, or Todd Sucherman!
Winners will also receive $200 to spend on new gear or drum lessons at their local music store or drum shop. PlayDrums.com will contact stores to introduce winners and provide them with a $200 gift card.
Join PlayDrums.com with your own International Drum Month promotions
Retailers interested in participating can receive free national exposure for their lesson-program offerings by joining the promotion, thereby increasing their lesson programs’ visibility. To be listed on the PlayDrums.com website, Click Here or contact [email protected].
Check out the Retailer Toolkit with sample press releases, social media posts, and graphics to help you publicize your store, celebrate International Drum Month, and encourage students to participate.
For more information on partnering with this promotion and being listed on the website, contact [email protected]
PlayDrums.com will be partnering with Make Music Day on group bucket drumming events. The events will range from structured classes to free-flowing bucket drumming circles, according to the concept of each local organizer.
The goal is to spread the message that to make music, all you need is a beat in your heart… and a pair of sticks. More details to come!
The success and ongoing development of the percussion industry is a direct result of the commitment and support of PlayDrums.com’s current membership roster.
‘Courage,’ the Latest Offering from Music & Arts Project Imagine, Exceeds Request Limit in Under Four Hours
Music & Arts announces the latest developments regarding Project Imagine. In an equal partnership with the Guitar Center Music Foundation, Project Imagine addresses issues related to access and equity by providing underserved music programs the opportunity to perform high-quality pieces entirely free of charge. Crafted by noted film and television composer JoAnne Harris, Courage is the series’ fourth composition (and second work for band), and is an inspirational, educational, and accessible work that will challenge any young musician. Demand for the piece exceeded previous compositions, with requests for the score exceeding capacity in only four hours following launch. The piece has been distributed to 250 band programs nationwide and will impact over ten thousand students this year alone.
Scott Lang, Director of Advocacy, Music & Arts, remarks, “The reach of Project Imagine cannot be overstated. The works associated with this important program have impacted over sixty thousand students in eight hundred schools and in forty-seven states. When coupled with our teaching tips, rehearsal suggestions, and personal development activities, Courage provides a meaningful and memorable experience for the teacher, student, and parent.”
Composer JoAnn Harris shares her inspiration for the work in the following way: “I wrote Courage in response to myriad events in the world, but particularly in the U.S., that give me anxiety. It helps me to remember that acts of courage can be small and seemingly insignificant in the beginning (like a tiny motif), but that sometimes a good idea can catch on and grow. A deep breath, a commitment to peace making, and a confidence that there are others deeply wanting to build community rooted in justice – systems that seek to value our neighbors as significantly as we value ourselves. This is the headspace I was in when I wrote Courage.”
About the composer: JoAnne Harris has conducted and recorded film scores at Abbey Road, East West, The Village, and Avatar with artists such as GRAMMY® winner Kurt Elling and members of the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. Her television work includes scores for Mal de Ojo (HBO), 20/20, Primetime and Dateline. She has orchestrated and conducted scores for feature films City of Lies and The Infiltrator. Most recently, she conducted and orchestrated the score for season 2 of Life and Beth (Hulu). Other highlights include conducting ensembles for the Shinnyo-En Lantern Lighting Festival at Lincoln Center, writing string arrangements for Chris Cester (of the band Jet), working on the music team of Sylvia (Broadway), and a summer in Shenzhen, China, writing music for an aerial circus show. She is a 2020 Vandoren Emerging Artist Composer, a 2015 ASCAP “Composer to Watch” and a 2016 winner of the Dallas Winds Fanfare Competition. Her concert music has been played by Manhattan Wind Ensemble, Met Winds, ensembles at Arizona State, Oregon State University, South Dakota State University, UT Austin, Cal State Fullerton, UW Eau Claire and the University of Northern Iowa, among others. A graduate of Concordia College, JoAnne studied choral music with René Clausen. She teaches media scoring at Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema (CUNY Brooklyn College) and orchestration at Catholic University of America, and is a steering committee member of the Society of Composers and Lyricists in New York. JoAnne is a student of the organ and spends her free time working through the Orgelbüchlein. She is thankful that her formative years were spent in the company of her father’s eclectic CD collection.
More about Project Imagine:
Project Imagine features a series of compositions (classified as grade/difficulty level 2-3 out of 5) intended for middle school and high school ensembles. Each piece is accompanied by optional rehearsal suggestions / tips and personal growth curricula, creating a comprehensive nine-week thematic instructional unit that will create a memorable experience for directors and their students.
Sennheiser and Neumann Microphones are an ‘Absolute Game Changer’ for Sydney’s Hot Potato Band
Equipped with Sennheiser and Neumann equipment, Hot Potato Band are giving the students a live demonstration at Killara High School
The impressive nine-piece brass band, Hot Potato Band has been using Sennheiser and Neumann equipment as an integral part of their live gigs and school workshops. Neumann and Sennheiser were fortunate enough to speak with Simon Ghali, the Founder and band leader of Hot Potato Band and Pete Orenstein, the Director of Hot Potato Band in Schools Program and the band’s saxophone player about their experience with the audio solutions. Having been playing together since 2009, beginning as a New Orleans inspired roaming band on the street, the group has since expanded to playing, writing and touring original music alongside their educational initiative of performing in schools and providing workshops. Wireless audio systems like Sennheiser’s Evolution Wireless Digital family – particularly the EW-DX – and the Neumann Miniature Clip Microphone System (MCM) have enabled them to move freely in their performances, wherever they play, without worry.
As a group that got their start with dynamic, organic street performances, Pete and Simon’s journey into utilising wireless microphones began with a desire to bring the vibrancy of their acoustic busking performances onto the stage. Pete recalls, “We had our first show with a lot of wired microphones and sound setups, which restricted our movement. We couldn’t bring the same energy we were known for. That’s when I suggested, ‘Why don’t we get some wireless mics?’ We wanted to create the same spirit and atmosphere we had on the street in our acoustic format.” This realisation marked the beginning of their exploration into wireless technology, looking for a way that gave them the freedom to move without sacrificing sound quality.
The Seamless Magic of Sennheiser Wireless Audio
In the band’s journey, they eventually landed on the Sennheiser EW-DX wireless systems. According to Pete, the EW-DX has been “really incredible” technology for the band. They are impressed by the consistent performance of Sennheiser’s latest wireless microphone solution, even in unconventional venues with RF signal challenges. Simon echoed Pete’s sentiment, praising how Sennheiser gear effortlessly integrates into their gigs, “The technology isn’t obvious, and that’s the magic of it – whether it’s attaching onto a sax or grabbing a wireless mic, They’re free to rock the stage or classroom.”
With Sennheiser’s “plug and play” functionality, the band can effortlessly integrate their equipment, allowing them to focus solely on delivering exceptional performances without any technical distractions. Where it used to take the band about 90 minutes every gig to set up the tech, it has now gotten a lot faster, with their quickest set-up being at 20 minutes – this is impressive for any artist, let alone a nine-piece band.
Sennheiser’s reliability has been so consistent for the band that the concept of technology has become invisible. Rather than fixating on the technology itself, it’s all about the seamless execution. Pete expressed his astonishment, saying, “I can’t believe how quick it is for us to get on a stage and play these days… and when the tech can all work seamlessly together. It’s just amazing.”
Pete and Simon emphasise how technology can be a game-changer for musicians. As Pete states, “Technology is an enabler for us to tell that story.” It’s not about flashy gadgets—it’s about using the right tools to tell your story and connect with your audience. Their journey shows how technology has been vital in enhancing their storytelling and performance setup, without overshadowing their artistic vision. Advances in technology such as monitoring systems have streamlined processes, making life easier for the band members, and elevating their collective musical experience to new heights.
From the Stage to School, with Neumann
Neumann’s new line of Miniature Clip Microphones for close-miking instruments have been transformative for the band, especially in their performances at school programs. Simon reflects on how the low-profile, clip-on microphones enabled them to maintain their New Orleans-like street band identity, stating “We faced a challenge because we love to move around on stage. Wireless technology became our solution. It enabled us to maintain our identity as roaming musicians while performing on stage.”
The Hot Potato Band brings a lively energy to the Killara High School students during their Workshops & School Concerts program, cheering and playing music alongside them.
The Hot Potato Band Workshops & School Concerts program was a natural progression for the band, and they found themselves engaging with their local communities while responding to invitations from schools. Simon explains, “We didn’t plan it, but the community directed us. Schools asked, ‘Can you come?’ And we said yes”. After the pandemic, they noticed a lot of arts programs were cut from schools, and discovered a massive need not only to inspire students but offer the skills and knowledge that come from playing live music. “So, we started offering workshops and teaching them skills we learned on stage, like how to put on a gig. Our close connection with fans guided us through this path, and now, we collaborate with schools to bring music and inspiration to students.”
Pete shares his enthusiasm for Neumann’s MCMs, particularly praising their quality in the studio and during performances. With six MCMs in the band’s setup, he describes the MCM as “fantastic for live performance”, thanks to their beautiful capsule that adds a unique sizzle and ensures they blend effortlessly into the mix. Plus, with the KK 13 (omni) and KK 14 (cardioid) capsules as options, they capture the distinct sound of each unique instrument flawlessly. Simon shares Pete’s enthusiasm, emphasising the reliability of this setup and how great it is.
The MCM System’s versatility has been crucial for their nine-piece brass band, offering nine instrument-specific mounting clips tailored for various acoustic instruments. These clips provide straightforward and dependable mounting options, easily positioned on any instrument. Pete especially praises the MCM 114’s durability and its ability to stay in place throughout lively performances with various instruments in the band, like the saxophone, percussion instruments, trombone and trumpets. He even notes, “Where you set it at the beginning of the show is where it stays till the end.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Musicians
Pete and Simon’s work is nothing short of inspiring, not only for the students they work with but also for themselves. Their hands-on approach yields immediate results, with even initially disinterested students leaving eager to play more. The workshops’ structure accelerates learning, with students quickly improving and feeling confident. Recently, Hot Potato Band collaborated with Sennheiser to film a dynamic School Program episode at Killara High School, delivering an engaging music experience and a memorable performance for the entire school.
Before starting these workshops, Pete had spent eight years as a full-time teacher, so he knows firsthand the impact they can have and how much they’ve contributed to their musical journey. Over time, they’ve seen former students go on to study music at the Conservatory of Music, join bands and even come back to collaborate with them. Pete says, “It’s quite amazing to watch and be able to perform with them,” showing how proud they are of their students’ success.
At Killara High School, Hot Potato Band performed with the MCM attachment on the saxophone, trombone, and sousaphone during their workshop.
Their goal goes beyond just teaching music; it’s about sparking a love for it that lasts a lifetime. While recognising their approach isn’t the only one, they aspire to cultivate curiosity and enthusiasm in their students’ path in music. As Simon quotes American jazz legend Herbie Hancock, “Life is music, and music is life,” echoing the sentiment to live fully and be curious. He adds, “have music as something that doesn’t only gets you through life but enhances it tremendously. This way, you will have the best experiences, for the music can take you all around the world.” Hot Potato Band want to encourage students to let music enrich and enhance their lives in whatever form that may take, whether as a performer, teacher, or simply a passionate enthusiast.
Leveraging seamless integration of wireless audio technologies, the band has been on transformative tours, captivating audiences with energetic gigs, and engaging students through collaborative workshops in schools across Australia. Hot Potato Band heads off for a European tour in June 2024, with their trusted Sennheiser and Neumann audio equipment in tow.
Roland announces FANTOM EX, a new flagship synthesizer series for professional musicians and producers. Updating and expanding the popular FANTOM platform with the latest Roland technologies, the next-generation FANTOM EX delivers a complete creative ecosystem for sound design, sequencing, and performance. In addition to the FANTOM 6 EX, FANTOM 7 EX, and FANTOM 8 EX models available to new purchasers, current FANTOM owners can expand their instruments with all EX sounds and features through the FANTOM EX Upgrade for sale on Roland Cloud.
Introduced in 2019, the Roland FANTOM has received worldwide acclaim for its diverse range of high-quality sounds, powerful synthesis tools, premium playability, and free-flowing user interface. FANTOM EX builds on the original’s foundation, supplementing the core feature set with Roland’s Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) engine and numerous sound expansion titles, including the recently developed JX-3P ACB Expansion. New effects and a host of fresh workflow enhancements are also included.
Each FANTOM EX model provides the most expansive collection of premium sound engines available in a hardware instrument. Roland’s ACB, ZEN-Core, V-Piano, SuperNATURAL, and Virtual ToneWheel technologies spark inspiration at every turn, providing expressive and inspiring sounds for every musical style.
With FANTOM EX, users can compose and perform with over 7000 genre-defining Roland sounds and go further with premium sound content on Roland Cloud. Eleven sound expansion titles come as standard, including JUPITER-8, SH-101, and JX-3P ACB Expansions; n/zyme, JD-800, JUNO-106, JUPITER-8, JX-8P, and SH-101 Model Expansions; the German Concert V-Piano Expansion 01; and the SuperNATURAL Acoustic Piano 3 Expansion.
The powerful custom processors in FANTOM EX provide smooth and precise operation with plenty of overhead, enabling loads of polyphony and full patch remain for seamless transitions. There are dozens of simultaneous effects, including new studio-grade reverbs and updated Master FX for shaping the overall sound. A characterful analog filter is also available, perfect for infusing tones with extra warmth and grit.
FANTOM EX is primed to be the center of any production universe. Users can directly shape sounds and develop musical ideas with a friendly, ergonomic panel filled with buttons, knobs, and sliders. The color touchscreen dynamically changes to support the task at hand, and it’s now possible to personalize the look by importing custom images for the screensaver and startup view.
The deep onboard sampling and composition tools in FANTOM EX support fast sound creation and quick arrangement of song ideas. Multiple workflow options include the classic Roland TR-REC step sequencer, real-time recording with piano roll editing, and 16 RGB pads for triggering sounds, samples, and clips.
FANTOM EX flows effortlessly into any computer-based production setup. There are dedicated modes for popular software platforms, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, MainStage, Cubase, and Studio One. With the built-in 16×3 audio/MIDI USB interface, users can mix and layer soft synths with hardware sounds, send sequencer parts to computer tracks, route DAW sources through FANTOM EX effects, and more.
The loaded FANTOM EX rear panel supports connections with a wide range of gear. There are XLR combo connectors for mics and instruments and eight 1/4-inch outputs to route sounds to external destinations. MIDI I/O is also available, along with dual CV/Gate outputs for driving modular and analog synths.
Each FANTOM EX model comes equipped with a premium keyboard and aftertouch support. The FANTOM 8 EX offers the ultimate weighted experience with 88 hammer-action keys, while the 61-note FANTOM 6 EX and 76-note FANTOM 7 EX feature semi-weighted synth action. Precision-crafted with decades of Roland development knowledge, these inspiring keyboards deliver the most expressive playability available.
Released in November 2023, the FANTOM EX Upgrade on Roland Cloud allows owners of the original FANTOM 6/7/8 models to outfit their instruments with the newly added EX features, including JUPITER-8, SH-101, and JX-3P ACB Expansions, n/zyme and JD-800 Model Expansions, two new grand pianos, and all other EX enhancements.
Availability & Pricing
The Roland FANTOM 6 EX, FANTOM 7 EX, and FANTOM 8 EX will be available in the U.S. in April for $3,199.99, $3,699.99, and $4,199.99 respectively.*
*Price at the time of publishing.
Duke Kunshan University Deploys 116 Sennheiser TCC 2 Ceiling Array Microphones to Significantly Enhance Campus Audio Experience
TCC 2 synchronizes the monitored speaker’s position to the camera, thus switching footage in real time, making teaching and conferencing more realistic, efficient and immersive
Duke Kunshan University, a world-class university that brings together the best educational resources from around the world, has a team of faculty members located all over the world and has high quality requirements for blended smart education. Duke Kunshan University has installed 116 Sennheiser TCC 2 Ceiling Array Microphones in 50 classrooms and various other spaces across its campus, providing students and faculty with an immersive blended learning experience that is both superior in sound quality and easy to operate, helping to create a world-class educational environment at Duke Kunshan University.
Located in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, Duke Kunshan University (DKU) is a 1,200-acre campus dedicated to creating a world-class educational and research university characterized by liberal arts education, offering a range of high-quality, innovative academic programs and a diverse, inclusive culture to students from around the globe in order to cultivate well-educated and enthusiastic future global leaders.
This audio-video project is part of the university’s second phase, covering 22 buildings on campus, including 29 classrooms, 20 conference rooms, and a visitor center, and is characterized by large scale, advanced technology, and high complexity. Duke Kunshan University set its sights on a number of top global brands. In the end, the Sennheiser TCC 2 ceiling array microphone stood out due to its superior audio technology, open technology path and rich success experience. Duke Kunshan University chose to install a total of 116 TCC 2s so that every space can enjoy the trusted Sennheiser audio quality.
Enlightenment through sound Excellent sound quality escort immersive intelligent education
Duke Kunshan University offers courses taught by faculty from Duke University in the United States as well as other locations around the world. As a result, the university requires each classroom to provide an immersive online learning experience as if it were face-to-face. Audio equipment, in particular, not only needs to be clear in sound quality, stable in transmission, and easy to operate, but it also needs to fit seamlessly into different room types and teaching scenarios.
The TCC 2 utilizes patented Dynamic Beamforming technology, which automatically tracks the position of speakers and switches between speakers in real time, ensuring that their voices are clearly captured. Teachers are able to move around and communicate freely with students while teaching, and the layout of desks and chairs in the classroom can be flexibly adjusted to greatly enhance the classroom experience. The microphone’s built-in 28 broadcast-quality microphone heads make the sound clear and natural, and remote teachers and students can also listen to the speakers clearly as if they were in the room.
n addition to classrooms, schools also place a high value on the design of audio systems in conference rooms. In teleconferencing, the seamless integration of audio and video is very important. In this project, TCC 2 integrates Biamp DSP and Sony PTZ camera tracking to synchronize the monitored speaker’s position to the camera, thus realizing real-time switching of the speaker’s footage, which makes the meeting more realistic, efficient and immersive.
The Visitor Center is another highlight of this project. In order to provide excellent conditions for teachers and students to communicate, display and hold activities and exhibitions, the Visitor Center built by the school has a flexible layout and a bright and spacious space, with an area of 400 square meters and a height of 4.8 meters, in addition to the need for high-quality sound pickup, the site of the local sound reinforcement is also a very high demand. Three TCC 2s were installed in the Visitor Center, whose TruVoicelift acoustic enhancement feature delivers everyone’s speeches clearly to every corner, with natural, full sound quality and no distortion or delay, making for a truly immersive audio experience.
Minimalist operational processes and an open audio ecosystem
The Duke Kunshan University Phase II project, which took three years to design and deploy and complete, was not only large in scale but also in complexity. The project’s audio/video system includes many types of products including Biamp DSP, Bose loudspeakers and Crestron control systems. Therefore, for the success of the whole project, easy operation process and seamless integration of products of each link are crucial, which is also the main challenge of the project manager.
Wan Li is the chief engineer at Duke Kunshan University and the university’s technical lead for the audio system design. His team adopted an all-digital and fully distributed AV-over-IP architecture for Duke Kunshan University. the TCC 2 can be seamlessly integrated into the campus network with all brands of audio equipment via Dante, allowing IT managers to monitor and control the communication, interaction and control of various devices on campus in real time via cell phones, tablets or computers, greatly simplifying the workflow and providing excellent reliability. Excellent reliability.
Sennheiser’s business communication solutions have an open audio/video ecosystem with strong compatibility and can be integrated with different brands of devices and platforms. TCC 2 has been certified by Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Tencent Conference and Nail Conference to meet the preferences and needs of all types of users.
Customer-focused professional services to help smooth project implementation
During the implementation of the project, Sennheiser’s technical engineers went to Duke Kunshan University several times to carry out on-site investigation and debugging work room by room to ensure that the installation position and angle of each TCC 2 could achieve the optimal effect and realize the best voice clarity. This was highly recognized by Wanli.
“The exceptional quality of the TCC 2 is unquestionable, and the Sennheiser team has been instrumental in the smooth implementation of the project. They provided full technical and training support and helped us make great progress in commissioning and optimizing the system.” Miles praised, “In the school’s future development plan, we look forward to continuing to work with Sennheiser to further optimize the performance of the audio/video facilities and continue to enhance the immersive learning and collaborative experience for teachers and students.”
In the future, Sennheiser will continue to pay attention to the development trend and changing needs of the education industry and continue to innovate and shape the future of audio for intelligent education with more outstanding audio products and technologies.
Mandarins Ensemble Coordinator, Benjamin Pyles, Joins Mapex Marching Artist Roster
Benjamin Pyles, one of Texas’s premier percussion educators, is set to make his mark as the newest addition to the Mapex Marching artist roster. With an illustrious career and current roles at the University of Texas at San Antonio, UTSA Indoor, The Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps, and Monarch Independent Percussion, Pyles stands as a trendsetter in the marching arts community.
Pyles is the current Ensemble Coordinator and Battery Designer for Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps, a fan-favorite on any field they step on, continually pushing boundaries each year. According to Pyles, that tendency to push the envelope is something that he has in common with the Mapex team. “Along with the incredible instruments they offer, the people behind the products are some of the best in the activity. They’re constantly searching for ways to improve their products and push what is possible in the marching percussion activity,” he says.
In addition to his work with The Mandarins and University of Texas at San Antonio, Pyles holds key education positions as the battery instructor at Ronald Reagan High School and Music Designer for Monarch Independent Percussion, further solidifying his influence and impact on the next generation of percussionists.
With over two decades of experience as a performer, designer, and instructor, Pyles has left an indelible mark on the drum corps world in his time with renowned groups such as Glassmen, Bluecoats, Crossmen, Spirit of Atlanta, and the Colts Drum & Bugle Corps.
That wealth of experience ultimately led him to Mapex as the perfect fit for all his marching drum needs. “All of the Mapex drums have such a unique characteristic sound,” says Pyles. “Pair that with the entire catalog of options available and the combinations become almost limitless.”
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