Richmond Sound Design Ltd. - Show Control & Virtual Sound System Software for Theatre Sound Design & Control Applications For Press Releases after October 2000, please go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rsd-pr/messages ============================================================== AUDIOBOX(TM) HONORED AT THEA AWARDS "Themed Entertainment's Gala Night Honors the AudioBox" Beverly Hills, CA - Themed recreation venues and attractions took center stage on the evening of Saturday, September 16th as the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) celebrated its seventh annual Thea Awards Gala in the Grand Ballroom of the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel. According to the President of the internationally recognized organization, Brian Edwards, "The Thea Awards were established in 1994 to honor excellence and outstanding achievement in themed entertainment design and production. Certainly, our 15 exceptional award recipients this evening did much to add credence to that goal. And, this year's Thea Award recipients represent three continents and a multitude of countries. The TEA has now truly achieved a worldwide presence." The AudioBox from Richmond Sound Design (RSD) received the Breakthrough Technology Award and was represented at the ceremony by Tim Bartoo of Harmonic Functions and Susanne Clampett of RSD. In his acceptance address, Tim explained "Technology, even breakthrough technology, seldom finds a straight, direct path from concept to finished product." But in this case the path resulted in success as the TEA's own press release attests, "Richmond Sound Design Ltd. developed a special version of its AudioBox for The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Islands of Adventure. This fully digital playback and control system, designed to withstand shock and vibration of 15 Gs, finally solves the problem of on-board audio. It is now available as a standard unit, predicted to make a significant impact on the quality of the guest experience industry-wide." As well, the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man received the Best Attraction Award and Universal Studios Islands of Adventure received the Best Theme Park Award and RSD is extremely pleased and proud to have contributed to the excellence of these superb themed properties. The Themed Entertainmant Association (TEA), based in Burbank, CA, is an international alliance of the world's most experienced professionals in the leisure entertainment industry today. Its member companies, located in 16 countries on 5 continents, have played key roles in the development and/or production of the most successful theme parks, entertainment centers, museums, and themed hotels, restaurants and retail on the planet. Among its biggest supporters are major Hollywood studios with interests in location-based entertainment, including Paramount, 20th Century Fox, Universal Studios and The Walt Disney Company. ============================================================== AudioBox(TM) Key to EXPO Exhibit at Frankfurt Airport "Frankfurt Airport Showcases 'Mobility in the Future'" Frankfurt/Main, Germany, 2000 July 10. Richmond Sound Design Ltd. (RSD) is pleased to announce that our AudioBox sound and show controller has been installed as the key diffusion element to the 'Mobility in the Future' exhibit at the Frankfurt Airport. This exhibit is one of the 700 registered "Projects around the World" that accompany EXPO 2000. This multimedia installation was designed jointly by the AIRail Partners, Satis&Fy and Supreme Particles. The high-tech interactive concepts using camera motion tracking and non-linear show control were designed and installed by Michael Saup and Louis-Philippe Demers of Supreme Particles. For more detailed technical information about this exhibit and other projects by Supreme Particles and Satis&Fy please visit their web sites: http://www.processing-plant.com http://www.particles.de http://www.satis-fy.de About the AIRail Partners' "Mobility in the Future" exhibit The AIRail Partners? That's the Frankfurt Airport company, FAG (short for Flughafen Frankfurt/Main AG), Deutsche Bahn AG (the German railway service), and Deutsche Lufthansa AG. Together they are working in partnership to develop new approaches to integrated transport systems. At the launch, guests from the worlds of politics, business, the arts, and journalism were welcomed by the German Transport Minister, Reinhard Klimmt; the Hesse state premier, Roland Koch; and the mayor of the city of Frankfurt, Joachim Vandreike. This was followed by presentations on the AIRail partnership and the exhibition concept by Dr. Wilhelm Bender, the chairman of FAG's Executive Board; Dr. Christoph Franz, in charge of passenger transport at Deutsche Bahn AG; and Dr. Karl-Friedrich Rausch, head of Lufthansa's Passage Airline division. World of Mobility The Exhibition "Mobility in the Future", located in the connector building between Terminal 1 and the Long-distance Train Station/AIRail Terminal, is part of one of the 700 "Projects around the World" that are accompanying EXPO 2000. These exhibitions explore the EXPO theme, "Humankind-Nature-Technology", through local connections and topics. The AIRail Partners' exhibition creates a link right from Frankfurt Airport - one of Europe's key transport hubs and the gateway to EXPO 2000 for visitors from all over the world - to the "Mobility" project at EXPO in Hanover, which is in Hall 4 of the Theme Park. The exhibition space presents a "mobile" multimedia world that explores the theme of networked transport by means of light effects, film and sound. Meanwhile, the attached "Chill-out Zone" focuses on comfort, relaxation and information. There's also a stage for a program of events to be held over the five months of the exhibition. Details of upcoming events will be flagged in press releases and on the AIRail Partners' web site, www.airail-partners.com Facts, Dates and Figures on the AIRail Partners' Exhibition "Mobility in the Future" When? During EXPO 2000, from June 1 to October 31, 2000 Opening hours: daily, except Mondays, from 10:00 to 18:00 Admission free Where? Frankfurt Airport, in the connector building between Terminal 1 and the AIRail Terminal (Long-distance Train Station) Theme: Transport systems integration for improved mobility Frankfurt Airport as an integrated transportation hub Comfortable, seamless, environmentally friendly travel, amid growing passenger and freight volumes Exhibits: Interactive "Travel World": Diameter: 12 m, 31 Plexiglas pillars in a circular array in the AIRail Partners' colors: red (DB), yellow (LH), blue (FAG: central pillar) Visitors pass through light barriers, triggering light effects, video images and sounds "Suitcase Cinema": Booth in the shape of a giant RIMOWA suitcase presenting the Railway Check-in pilot program for Stuttgart-Frankfurt. Visitors enter the suitcase for a video presentation on baggage transfer "Chill-Out Zone": Relaxation zone with comfortable armchairs. Varying light and sound effects create alternately speedy and peaceful atmosphere. Three globe counters with touch-screen terminals provide information on AIRail Partners, transport systems integration, Railway Check-in pilot project, environment ============================================================== AudioBox(TM) at ACMC2000 interFACES "Richmond Sound Design AudioBox Workshop in Australia" Brisbane, Australia, 2000 July 5 to 8 -- Richmond Sound Design (RSD) is pleased to announce that, as part of the Australasian Computer Music Conference: interFACES, a workshop on the Richmond Sound Design AudioBox will be conducted. The Australasian Computer Music Conference 2000 will take place Wednesday 5 July to Saturday 8 July 2000 and is sponsored by Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. For further information please visit the Conference web site: http://acma.asn.au/ The RSD AudioBox and Third Monk Software's ABControl Macintosh software provide an ideal platform for the design and presentation of multi-channel, multi-speaker electro-acoustic music diffusion. The AudioBox is a hardware system which provides 16 channels of asynchronous hard disc audio playback and a 16 X 16 real-time DSP based matrix mixer. The matrix provides level control on all inputs and outputs and individual level control of each of the 256 crosspoints. In addition, delay and equalisation is available for all inputs and outputs. All level control parameters are dynamically adjustable in real-time providing the facility for complex spatial gestures and dynamic moves. ABControl software provides an intuitive user interface for the AudioBox. This software has been designed with electro-acoustic music diffusion in mind and has been employed on a number of electro-acoustic concert programs in Canada and elsewhere. ABControl provides facilities for diffusion cue lists, real-time diffusion control with movement capture, algorithmic diffusion generators, and vector based physical-speaker-independent speaker maps. Speaker maps allow for some degree of translation of a diffusion from one speaker set-up to another. This workshop presentation will introduce the AudioBox and ABControl as a one-box solution for concert diffusion. The presentation will also consider the application of this system to soundscape installations, and sound effects and music playback for theatre. The workshop will address issues of performance, improvisation and compositional process. The related topics of human computer interaction, acoustics, psycho-acoustics and spatialisation will also be considered. Samples of various electro-acoustic compositions realised with the AudioBox will be presented during the workshop. Workshop presenter Ian Stevenson will highlight the application of the AudioBox to refined diffusion of acousmatic and electroacoustic music in concert performance situations. Ian Stevenson brings experience from the use of the AudioBox in theatrical and soundscape installation projects as well as extensive experiments in music spatialisation. ============================================================== SOUND TRAVELS WITH AUDIOBOX "Sarah Peebles' Comments on using the AudioBox" Toronto, Canada, 2000 June 17 -- The SOUND TRAVELS Concert was a great success at Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts on Toronto Island. It was a weekend of outdoor walks, discussions and electroacoustic concerts. Please go to www.interlog.com/~cansound for more information. Canadian composer Sarah Peebles presented "Where the Wild Things Went," an eight channel surround sound diffusion piece using Richmond Sound Design's AudioBox(TM) as an essential presentation element. Here is what Sarah says about this composition: 'Where the Wild Things Went' was originally created in stereo for 'The Female of the Species' CD compilation, and was amended for surround sound performance at the Banff Centre for Sound Travels in September, 1999. It is a "comprovisation" - a series of predetermined, memorized moves which allow for some improvisation by myself as well as for some chance operations within the computer. This piece features samples of birds, insects and strange creatures which I've gathered in N. America and Japan over the years (which are accessed from within my computer). It was performed live: between one and eight discrete channels of sound move through any combination of eight loudspeakers at the same time. These sounds are guided by my perceptions of multiple events moving around me in space which I amended on the fly: using a mouse and keypad on my right (attached to ABControl and The AudioBox), I choose when to stop, start and modify pre-set stereo spatial movements (e.g., counter-rotations, slow crossfades, quasi-random movements - all pre-sets which I developed for the piece); at the same time, using a mouse and keypad on my left (attached to my Macintosh), I control volumes, choose groups of sampled materials, and select between one and five (simultaneous) "patches" from within a framework I have created using Max programming language - simple algorithms which create cyclic, random walk, and multiple delay patterns. Max is an object-oriented programming environment which sends either MIDI or SMPTE information to other applications either within the computer or to an external source. ABControl software and The Richmond Sound Design AudioBox work together as a sound spatialization system. "Where the Wild Things Went" in surround sound was premiered in 1999 at the Banff Centre for the Arts and New Works Calgary (Alberta), and received additional performances at the Logos Foundation (Ghent), and City University (London) in Winter, 2000. "The Female of the Species" CD compilation (law and auder records, 3/99 /email: PEarle@compuserve.com or inquire with Verge Distribution: TEL/FAX 905-852-9745 [www.vergemusic.com] [verge@durham.igs.net] ============================================================== 'PAN' FLIES WITH AUDIOBOX(TM) "'Pan' Production Prevails in Sydney" Sydney, Australia, 2000 June 22 -- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. (RSD) today announced the use of their AudioBox in 'Pan,' described by Connections Magazine in their May 2000 issue as "the most ambitious theatre production yet undertaken in the southern hemisphere." 'Pan' opened May 14th after almost three months pre production in Sydney's largest and grandest theatre, the Capitol. 'Pan' includes more than 50 tunes and over 200 sound effects. Associate Sound Designer Kelvin Gedye, says "There's a lot of under scoring, it's more a film approach." Sound Operator Alix Campbell uses ABControl(TM) software on a Macintosh computer to control the AudioBox, a 16 channel, 16 output multi track hard disk playback and matrixed control system specifically designed for theatrical sound control. The ABControl software interface includes a mixer, matrix, and dynamic controls like EQ and time delay. The complete article 'Pan Fights to get in the Air' is available on RSD's web site, by kind permission of Connections Magazine. For the text version, please go to: http://www.richmondsounddesign.com/txt/pan.txt ============================================================== AME PROVIDES PROGRAMMING SERVICES FOR EXPO 2000 IN HANOVER Hannover, Germany, 2000 May 24 -- Associates in Media Engineering (Glendale, California) is providing show control programming services for the Korea Pavilion at Expo 2000 in Hanover, Germany.  Show producer, Last Communication Company of Seoul engaged AME to provide programming and technical support for Korea's cutting-edge Multi Dimension Cinema Hall. The show, presented by the Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency, conveys a message of environmental responsibility.  A thirty minute film presentation, coupled with special effects, lasers, show action, and exquisitely costumed performers, interact with the images on the screen and demonstrate a harmonious co-existence of nature and technology. AME worked closely with the show producers to provide event programming using Richmond Sound Design's "ShowMan" show control software. AME also provided technical support for integrating all of the show elements on site. "ShowMan" is one of the many show control programming protocols AME is fluent with! Expo 2000  is an impressive world-class event running from June through October. For more information on this project, please contact Ken Wheatley at ken@media-engine.com or at (818) 662-9120. ============================================================== CHARLIE RICHMOND HONOURED AT USITT "CEO of RSD Receives Distinguished Achievement Award" Denver, 2000 March 25 -- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. (RSD) is pleased to report that their President and CEO, Charlie Richmond, was presented the 'Distinguished Achievement Award in Sound Design 2000' by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) at their annual Awards Banquet. Professor Richard K. Thomas of Purdue University presented the award which states "Through your leadership and creativity, the sound designer is recognized as an essential member of the production design team, and the areas of computerized sound and show control have been revolutionized." Upon acceptance of the award Charlie stated "I accept this as a challenge to ensure Sound Design and Show Control are recognized as design elements in every single theatre." ============================================================== AUDIOBOX(TM) GETS EVEN BETTER "Award Winning AudioBox now has 16 Channel Playback" Vancouver, 2000 March 17 -- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. (RSD) today announced that the AudioBox, winner of the 1997 TCI Magazine Sound Product of the Year Award, now has full 16 channel synchronous and non-synchronous audio playback capability. This doubles the playback capacity of the original AudioBox without diminishing any of its other capabilities. Current owners of the original version of the AudioBox, the Model 1616HD, can update it to the capabilities of the new Model AB1616 by simply exchanging their mother board with the new Model AB1616MB mother board, available at nominal cost. All other components remain compatible with the new mother board. The AudioBox has gained enormous popularity in the short time it has been available to the theatre and themed entertainment industry. It was chosen for the Universal Islands of Adventure Theme park as the multi-channel sound and show control system for all ride vehicles in their 1999 EDDY Award Winning 'Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man' multimedia dark ride which opened in May 1999. To read the Wired Magazine article about this ride entitled 'SCREAM MACHINE' please go here: http://www.orlandorocks.com/ioa/pages/wired_article_on_spidy.htm ============================================================== AURA ACCOMPANY ALMEIDA TO THE GAINSBOROUGH London, 2000 March 15 Continuing their long, close relationship with the celebrated north-London theatre company, Aura Sound Design are delighted to have been invited to work with the Almeida on their most ambitious and adventurous project to date: a season of Shakespeare in the ruined shell of the historic Gainsborough Film Studios in Shoreditch. The season, which commenced on March 30th and will run for four months, features Ralph Fiennes in the lead roles of Coriolanus and Richard II in productions directed by Jonathan Kent. Kent and Fiennes previously collaborated on the Almeida's acclaimed productions of Ivanov and the Hackney Hamlet which subsequently transferred to Broadway. Both productions feature sound designs by Aura's John A Leonard, who will be continuing this collaboration at the Gainsborough Studios. The creative team for the shows also includes composer Jonathan Dove, lighting designer Mark Henderson and set designer Paul Brown. The Gainsborough Studios, which border Islington and the City in London, enjoyed their heyday in the 1920s and '30s, providing a London home for the making of Alfred Hitchcock's early works, including The Lodger and The Lady Vanishes. This former power generating station is due to be re-developed: prior to this, the Almeida have installed a temporary auditorium complete with bars and restaurant until the building gets demolished after the company leaves. As well as designing the sound for the shows, Aura, as sound advisors to the Almeida, have been asked to specify a sound and communications rig which will serve the Gainsborough season, but which will then form the core of a new sound rig in the refurbished Almeida Theatre. Aura's recommended equipment list, produced with the Almeida's head of sound, Scott George, is based on many years of working on shows in the theatre. For loudspeakers, it includes twelve Meyer UPM-1P, four Meyer UPA-1Ps, two Meyer USW-1Ps powered loudspeakers and two Meyer MSL-2as, four Tannoy i12 and two Tannoy T12s passive loudspeakers. Amplification includes four Amcron MA1200 amplifiers . Replay features Tascam minidisk recorders, Denon CD players and an Akai S6000 sampler along with a Yamaha SPX1000 effects processor, while the system will be controlled from a Yamaha 02R computerised mixing console. Richmond Sound Design Ltd Showman NT Show Control Software handles all the control; whilst the audio routing is manipulated by Richmond Sound Design AudioBox. The system also includes a comprehensive RTS communications system complete with Motorola radio stations and a variety of video cameras and monitors. The system is being supplied to the Almeida by Marquee Audio. "We are all looking forward to this demanding yet exciting project," commented Aura's John Owens. "Given the exceptional shows produced by this creative team in the past, these new Almeida shows promise to be very special, especially given the dramatic surroundings the Gainsborough Studios provide. They will give their new sound rig a thorough workout before it reaches its final home!" For more information on the Almeida and their season at the Gainsborough Studios, visit their website at www.almeida.co.uk. For more information on Aura Sound Design, visit their website at www.aurasound.co.uk. Contact: John Owens Tel: 020 7739 6057 Fax: 020 7729 1820 Email: johnowens@aurasound.co.uk Web: http://www.aurasound.co.uk ============================================================== BUSCH GARDENS' NEW ICE SHOW Thomas Gregor Associates Audio and Lighting Adds Excitement to Busch Gardens' World Rhythms on Ice" Los Angeles, 2000 February 29 -- Thomas Gregor Associates has completed the audio, lighting and show control for World Rhythms on Ice at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Opened to the public on November 6th, this exciting new ice-skating spectacular takes the audience on a 36-minute whirlwind tour of seven countries. The show represents a new, innovative level of family-oriented shows, where a 16-member cast combines with state-of-the-art technology to produce a truly world-class spectacle. Thomas Gregor Associates created a lighting design that embellished each scene. "The Moroccan Palace Theater is a unique space in that the entire stage floor is covered with ice," says Garrett Caine, the lighting designer for Thomas Gregor Associates, "it acts as a clean canvas which we can paint with light." Caine used Cyberlights to create a kaleidoscope of patterns on the ice. Special effects add sparkle to the show, including black light, scent cannons, streamers and "sneeze" cannons controlled by Richmond Sound Design's ShowMan(TM) show control software to create a true "one button push" control system. Once started the system automatically runs the show and resets to the top of the show. "This show will have over 7000 performances, so we wanted a system they could rely on," said Caine. Thomas Gregor Associates develops integrated audio, video, lighting and show control systems for live performances, theme parks, retail developments, arenas, cruise ships and gaming establishments. Recent projects include Lost Continent at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure; Sam's Town Hotel & Casino; The Studio Store at Universal's City Walk, and the Grand Princess cruise ship. For more information, please call 310-535-9140 or visit the website at www.thomasgregor.com ============================================================== MASQUE BUILDS AudioBox(TM) INVENTORY "Major Broadway Rental House acquires more AudioBoxes" New York, 2000 February 16 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd (RSD) announced today the delivery of two more AudioBoxes to Masque Sound and Recording Corporation of New York and New Jersey. This further increases the number of AudioBoxes Masque has available for rental and indicates their increasing popularity in the rental market for integrated Sound and Show Control equipment. The AudioBox represents the latest in this integrated approach, incorporating a full-featured two-list show controller along with an eight-track hard disk audio playback system coupled with an automated 16X16 matrix, 96 bands of computer controlled parametric equalization and a total of 5.2 seconds of programmable and assignable audio delays. The AudioBox includes free Windows and Macintosh software for a variety of theatrical and audio visual applications and a large amount of third party application software for Windows, WindowsNT, Macintosh, BeOS and Amiga operating systems is available, plus major standalone control system verdors such as Dataton, AMX and Crestron provide AudioBox support in their product range. Since its recent introduction the AudioBox has attracted significant recognition, being awarded the 1998 TCI Sound Product of the Year award and chosen by Universal Studios Florida as the digital sound and playback control system for each of the ride vehicles on the EDDY Award winning 'Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man' ride at their new Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando. ============================================================== E-SHOW(TM) RECEIVES EDDY AWARD "1999 Show Control/Sound Product of the Year" New York, 1999 December 10 --- At a gala ceremony hosted by Entertainment DesignTM Magazine (an Intertec(R)/Primedia Publication) and attended by over 200 entertainment industry notables, Richmond Sound Design's E-Show Control Network Software received the prestigious Sound Product of the Year EDDY Award for 1999. Accepting the award on behalf of RSD was John Huntington, author of "Control Systems for Live Entertainment," otherwise known as the standard reference book for Show Control. Mr. Huntington claimed to be connected to Charlie Richmond, President of RSD, via a brain-implanted fibre optic port for the purpose of delivering the acceptance speech - a show control industry first - but this was not confirmed by independent investigation. E-Show provides real time sound and show control over standard networks and is licensed Windows NT multimedia device software which transmits MIDI over any TCP/IP network, typically Ethernet. E-Show uses industry standard industrial computer cards to make sourcing and configuring easy. Any number of MIDI IN and OUT and standard serial and parallel ports are easily handled. E-Show is compatible with all Windows NT based MIDI software including RSD's powerful ShowMan(TM) show control program. It is fully compatible with industrial control devices, PLC's and multiple port hubs which connect via Ethernet. For example, a standard serial hub can be connected to an E-Show ethernet network cable at any point along its run to provide any number of serial ports anywhere you need them. Other compatible protocols are: USB, IEEE1394, Infrared interfaces and all other devices with a Windows NT driver. When brain-implated fibre optic ports become available, E-Show will provide the network interface for them. Fully functional, time-limited demonstration versions of E-Show and all of its currently available virtual control devices as well as ShowMan and all currently available virtual device editors can be downloaded for evalution at no charge from Richmond Sound Design's web site at: http://www.richmondsounddesign.com/ ============================================================== VOLKSOPER UPDATES WITH AUDIOBOX(TM) "Vienna Landmark gets Advanced Audio Installation" Vienna, Austria, 1999 December 22 - Richmond Sound Design (RSD) today announced the installation of its AudioBox(TM) 1616HD matrix sound source in the world famous Wiener Volksoper (Vienna People's Opera House). The Volksoper has 1489 seats and celebrated its 100th anniversary last year (1998). The Volksoper has a web site at http://www.volksoper.at The Volksoper operates as a repertory theatre, performing everything from operas, operettas and dance to special events (such as TV and Rock'n'Roll Shows) and needs extremely flexible audio equipment. Every day sees a new show, with rehearsals starting at 10AM! Shows currently in production include the opera 'Hansel and Gretel,' the modern dance production 'Swan Lake Remixed,' and the musical 'My Fair Lady,' while 'La Cage aux Folles' waits in the wings. Resident sound designer Martin Lukesch (martin.lukesch@volksoper.at) and Harald Steindl (harald_steindl@mocom.via.at) of Mocom Communication Systems, Vienna recently searched for a replacement of equipment no longer applicable to modern sound design. Their requirements for a new playback system were: - Cost effective - Hard disk playback using a popular audio format - Easy production with a hard disk recording system - Automated/programmable matrix w/EQ & delay at input and output - Cue based Windows automation software for - hard disk playback - matrix - mixing desk - MiniDisc backup system - outboard equipment - Remote control via Laptop computer and PCAnywhere software - Compatible with an existing high speed network and two DAW's RSD's AudioBox and Stage Research's SFX Show Control software was chosen to successfully meet these needs. In addition, the operator can also sit with a laptop computer in an optimal listening position during rehearsals and control all aspects of the sound system. Martin Lukesch states "AudioBox with SFX is a very good playback system for theatre use. I am very happy that RSD and Stage Research have such good support - very important for a software based system) and both companies react to my wishes with new software versions and new functions." Photographs of the Volksoper and its audio installation are available upon request from RSD. ============================================================== DRAMATIC AudioBox PRICE REDUCTION Vancouver, Canada, 1999 September 1 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. (RSD), manufacturer and developer of sound and show control systems, announced today a major price reduction for the popular AudioBox Theatrical Sound Playback Matrix and Show Controller. Effective immediately, the AudioBox now sports a list price of $4995 (US Funds). Charlie Richmond, President of RSD, explained how such a major reduction could be obtained: "We have accomplished this in three basic ways: 1. Reducing fixed overheads, 2. Volume production, and 3. Making the Hard Drive an option since many users may prefer to source their own." RSD recently moved to new premises - our first move in 28 years. We now have considerably more space but are in an industrial park instead of our former downtown location. Our sales team has been reduced as most of our sales are now generated by the Web Site and far less time is required to explain our capabilities and distribute information and software, yet our service remains unparalleled. After two years, we have a great deal of experience producing AudioBoxes and have streamlined production and considerably increased assembly efficiency. The AudioBox is now available without Hard Drive. Since the AudioBox requires a standard SCSI hard drive, it can be upgraded or replaced at any time as convenient. Of course RSD can supply AudioBoxes with Hard Drives installed at very competitive prices. We expect this change will now make the AudioBox accessible to many who have desired one but could not afford it. ============================================================== AURA BRING THE ULTIMATE IN SHOW CONTROL TO THE UK "Aura Sound Design appointed UK Dealers for Richmond Sound Design acclaimed show control products" London, UK, 1999 August 16 -- Aura Sound Design are pleased to announce their appointment as UK distributors for the powerful and highly acclaimed range of show control products from Richmond Sound Design Ltd. (RSD) of Vancouver, Canada. As one of the leading sound design companies in the UK, Aura Sound Design have many years of experience with using MIDI to control audio equipment, and have often turned to Richmond Sound Design's Stage Manager control software to facilitate the operation of even the most complex theatrical productions. Aura are therefore delighted to have been appointed by Richmond Sound Design as UK distributors for all of RSD's products. These include the Stage Manager(R) show control software for the Amiga computer, the ShowMan(TM) show control software for Windows NT computers and the acclaimed AudioBox digital playback system. AudioBox offers sound designers 8-tracks of audio replay, a 16x16 matrix, built-in delay and equalisation and programmable fades in a 2u-high rackmount box. Aura have already used AudioBox on shows such as 'Alarms and Excursions,' 'Brittanicus' and 'The Iceman Cometh' while elsewhere in the world the system has been used on such compex shows as the new 'Adventures of Spiderman' ride at Universal Studios in America. Aura's long relationship with Richmond Sound Design's products, will allow them to supply anyone interested in using these products in the UK with practical advice earnt from years of using the products in shows. "We haven't traditionally sold equipment" comments Aura's John Owens, "but we felt that the Richmond Sound Design products deserved a wider audience in the UK - and to be represented by people who actually use the products. We are delighted to continue our long working relationship with Charlie Richmond and his company and look forward to introducing many more British sound people to these powerful tools." Contact: John Owens Tel: 020 7739 6057 Fax: 020 7729 1820 Email: AuraSound@aol.com Web: http://www.aurasound.co.uk ============================================================== RICHMOND SOUND DESIGN'S ADDRESS CHANGES Vancouver, Canada, Effective 1999 August 17 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd., manufacturer and developer of sound and show control systems, announced the final step in our move to new and larger premises. Effective 1999 August 17, our new mailing address is: Richmond Sound Design Ltd. 205-11780 River Road Richmond, BC V6X 1Z7 Canada The following new telephone numbers are also effective as of the same date: Our new direct Administration number is +1-604/718-0860 Our new direct Sales number is +1-604/718-0861 Our new direct Support number is +1-604/718-0862 Our World Wide Web domain remains the same: www.RichmondSoundDesign.com ============================================================== FIRST E-SHOW(TM) CONTROL NETWORK DEVICES RELEASED Three WindowsNT Multimedia Device Drivers Now Available Vancouver, Canada, 1999 August 3 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd., manufacturer and developer of sound and show control systems, announced today release of our first three E-Show Control Network Multimedia Device Drivers for Windows NT and ShowMan(TM) Show Control Software. The E-Show Network is based on industry standard WindowsNT computers interconnected via a TCP/IP-based network, normally Ethernet. The _NetMIDI_ device is a configurable set of 32 MIDI OUT ports and 32 merging MIDI IN ports. Each OUT and IN port can be named and selected much like a MIDI patchbay or OMS on the Macintosh platform. Individual IN and OUT ports can even be on different computers in the E-Show network! The _MTS-232_ device provides MIDI-to-Serial and Serial-to-MIDI interfaces just like the RSD model MTS-232 legacy hardware device. Make as many MTS-232 devices as you have standard PC serial ports in your E-Show network. It uses standard MTS-232 MIDI messages (shows written on Stage Manager(R) using MTS-232's can be imported and used directly) and handles ASCII serial input like an MTS-232. A configuration panel defines devices and sets serial port parameters. This setup panel has even more flexibility than an old style rack mount MTS-232! The _MIDISerial_ device sends raw MIDI via serial and accepts correctly formatted serial data for delivery to a virtual MIDI IN port. Again, devices are defined via a setup panel. This is great for fast cheap MIDI using baud rates of 115200 baud or higher depending on the serial card. Fully functioning demonstration versions of these new Devices are available at the following URL: http://www.richmondsounddesign.com/demos/E-Show.zip ============================================================== SPIDER-MAN'S ADVENTURES WITH THE AUDIOBOX(TM) 'Adventures of Spider-Man' Ride Opens at USIOA Vancouver, 1999 July 2 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. announced today the official opening of Universal Studios Islands of Adventure's 'Adventures of Spider-Man' ride featuring synchronized 3-D sound and visuals utilizing a specially-developed version of the AudioBox, now available as a standard unit designed specifically for themed attractions. Carl Hartzler, A/V Manager of Universal Studios Islands of Adventure's Super Hero Island stated, "The Adventures of Spider-Man has redefined the benchmark for theme park attractions. Many concepts that make up this attraction have never been done before including the audio system. I'm grateful to Richmond Sound Design for the tremendous support they have given to bring The Adventures of Spider-Man to life. Their product, the AudioBox, is the heart of this unique audio system and their support was a major factor in the success of this attraction." Richmond Sound Design would also like to take this opportunity to thank Carl Hartzler and the whole crew at USIOA for their superb support and assistance throughout the construction process. ============================================================== RSD'S PHONE NUMBERS CHANGE Vancouver, 1999 June 23 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. announced today the first step in our move to new and larger premises which will happen later this year. The following telephone numbers are in effect as of June 23, 1999: Our new direct Administration number is +1-604/718-0860 Our new direct Sales number is +1-604/718-0861 Our new direct Support number is +1-604/718-0862 Our North American toll-free sales number remain the same for the time being. Our World Wide Web domain also remains the same: www.RichmondSoundDesign.com ============================================================== STORIES OF VALOR TOLD AT CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR MEMORIAL SITE Indianapolis, 1999 June 17 -- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. announced today that Stage Tech Inc., a leading supplier of light, sound and staging in the Midwest played a key role in the construction of the nation's first memorial honoring all 3,410 Medal of Honor recipients. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for military valor awarded by the USA. The new memorial was dedicated on May 28, 1999. Located in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, the memorial is composed of 27 curved walls of glass, each between 7 and 10 feet high and representing specific conflicts in which the medal was awarded. The glass walls feature the names of the recipients, along with their branch of service and the location of their heroic action. Each day at dusk, the memorial's sound system plays recorded stories of valor. The voices heard are those of Medal of Honor recipients. Stage Tech Inc. designed a presentation structure to provide a unique sound and lighting tour through the memorial on each of four successive nights. Using RSD AudioBox(TM) Model DM1616HD's, Crest CA-400 amplifiers, JBL Control 23 loudspeakers and an Alcorn-McBride control interface, the entire system was installed in record time, with show programs installed in a single afternoon. Caboose Audio Production Services provided the audio content. Miller-Eads was the electrical contractor for the project. IPALCO Enterprises, an Indianapolis-based energy company, contributed $2.5 million --- including the design, construction and future maintenance --- as a gift to the recipients and to the country. "The memorial results from the grateful participation of hundreds of men and women...painstakingly built by contractors and union workers. Each step toward completion was marked by extraordinary effort toward a greater cause. We are indebted to everyone at Stage Tech who was involved," said John Hodowal, chairman of the board and president of IPALCO Enterprises. Bob Golobish, IPALCO's Director of Corporate Relations, who coordinated the memorial's audio/video features said "Stage Tech and Miller-Eads brought in the right people and the right technology to create an outstanding audio and light program." Stage Tech Inc. provides lighting, sound and staging for the largest festivals and corporate clients in the Midwest. For more information, visit their website at www.stagetechinc.com ============================================================== AUDIOBOX IN WORLD PREMIERE AT A.C.T. New Musical "The First Picture Show" uses ABControl Macintosh Software for system tuning San Francisco, 1999 May 4 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. today announced the use of an RSD AudioBoxTM 1616HD moving matrix sound source and ABControl Macintosh software from Third Monk Software in American Conservatory Theatre's world premiere presentation of "The First Picture Show," a musical theatre piece about the beginning of the film industry, opening at the Geary Theater May 12, 1999, at 8 p.m. and running through Sunday, June 6. The AudioBox and ABControl provide individual equalization, delay and output matrix sound distribution for musical and effects reinforcement loudspeakers throughout the theatre. Garth Hemphill of GLH Design and A.C.T. Resident Sound Designer states "The AudioBox seems a very good complement to the Mackie Digital 8 Bus. I like using the ABControl software so I can make quick intuitive adjustments to the system EQ and Delay, and I have some great ideas for future software updates, but it has been a very painless setup. The system was tuned using SMAART PRO, and it was nice to know that when I needed a cut at 1523 hz, and I typed in 1523 hz, I actually was getting the cut right where I wanted it." ============================================================== A SHOW WITH DEPTH Immersive sound propels underwater experience Vancouver, 1999 April 22. Richmond Sound Design Ltd. today announced the use of an AudioBox(TM) 1616HD moving matrix sound source in the 'Deep Link' feature show, the centre piece of the new attraction 'Mysteries of the Deep' at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California. Conducted in a 299-seat auditorium, the hourly show combines automated lighting, video and moving soundscapes with live presentation. At one point in the the show, the onstage presenter is linked with an offshore research vessel. Acoustic and Audiovisual Consultant Steve Thorburn of Thorburn Associates (Castro Valley, CA +1-510/886-7826) was looking for a single box solution. "The presentation uses a stereo front image with subwoofers and twelve surround channels" says Steve. "The AudioBox provided the perfect combination of live playback channels and mixing outputs for this project." ============================================================== THE ICEMAN COMETH TO BROADWAY Hit London Show Moves to New York New York, 1999 April 20. Howard Davies' acclaimed production of "The Iceman Cometh" starring Kevin Spacey, originally at The Almeida Theatre in London, opened at The Brooks Atkinson Theatre on Broadway in April 1999 to rave reviews. Audio and MIDI control were handled by Richmond Sound Design's AudioBox(TM) coupled with ShowMan(TM) Eight cue list show control software with a Yamaha 02R front end supplied, along with the rest of the audio equipment, by Masque Sound Corp., Dennis Short and Gary Stocker co-ordinating. Aura Sound Design's John A. Leonard converted the show's original Stage Manager(R) 3000 cues to ShowMan format in the U.K. by running Showman on his Macintosh G3 Powerbook using Connectix Virtual PC V2.1 to emulate a Windows NT system! Leonard reports that "..the transfer went extremely smoothly, despite the need to modify lengthy MIDI sequences to cope with the very new Yamaha Disklavier MIDI player piano that provides all of the show's music. Using the latest version of Showman to set up the matrix and delays in the AudioBox was very simple and the show's operator, Viktor Vaituzis, was quick to grasp the operation of ShowMan. Support from Richmond Sound Design and Masque Sound was, as always, superb." The show caused some controversy when box-office opened with top seat prices at $100, but as producer Manny Azenberg commented "Given that the show lasts over four hours, it's effectively the most play for the money on Broadway at the moment..." For more information on Aura Sound Design, please contact: John A Leonard Aura Sound Design Ltd. 23 Charlotte Road Shoreditch London EC2A 3PB Phone: +44-171/739 6057 Fax: +44-171/729 1820 http://www.auracle.com ------------------------ Asked to further explain the "Iceman Cometh" design process, John Leonard posted the following message on the Theatre-Sound Mailing List: From john@SOUNDMAN.DEMON.CO.UK Thu Apr 22 08:26:40 1999 Date: Thu, 22 Apr 1999 13:12:44 +0100 From: John A. Leonard Reply-To: Discussion list for people working in sound for live theatre. To: THEATRE-SOUND@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Subject: Re: Showman/02R & AudioBox Ronald, First, declared interest - Aura Sound Design are U.K. dealers for RSD products, so you can, if you like, regard this an an advertising post; however, I've been using this kit since before we were dealers and would have used it anyway. ShowMan is used for three distinct functions on "The Iceman Cometh" which is a straight play by Eugene O'Neill and very long! 1: Effects & Music sequencing system: All the music for the show is played via a Yamaha Disklavier MIDI Player piano disguised as a Pianola - some list-members may remember a long discussion about how to stop the thing going to sleep in between cues, but Yamaha kindly provided a brand new model that didn't go to sleep, but responded to the velocity information in the original sequences in a completely different way, which meant that I spent the week modifying all the piano cues, sometimes note by note, in order to make them sound right. This was done in StudioVision and then dumped to ShowMan via the "capture MIDI data" command. I must stress that this was entirely due to the various upgrades carried out by Yamaha in the Disklavier system which made the piano far more sensitive to velocity settings than the very elderly version that we had in the U.K., particularly in the quieter sections. On the U.K. model, most velocity levels between 20 and 64 produced much the same result, but with the newer machine, many low velocity notes simply caused the hammers to move without striking the strings. Simply scaling up all the notes by a fixed percentage was not an option, as the U.S. Disklavier then played all the quieter sections of the music more or less correctly, but then blasted out the loud bits at triple F! I had to do selective velocity scaling, sometimes four or five times per piece, in order to achieve the correct dynamic range, and then edit out all the accidental notes that the composer had played that didn't register on the original Disklavier, but that now shone through in all their atonal glory on the new machine. a Yamaha piano tech/tuner called Tom Sheehan (nice guy) came and tweaked the Disklavier as well, which helped a bit, but not enough to stop me being involved in this very long process..... Sound effects for the show are stored in an Akai S3200XL sampler and fired, either singly or in a series of sequences, from Showman. In future shows, we will use the internal hard-drive of the AudioBox to store effects and music cues as well. 2: Program changes to the Yamaha 02R. There are no long fades in Iceman - the ten seconds allowed for in the 02R are sufficient. However, in other shows where I've used the AudioBox, I've used timed fades commands in the AB command set to do long crossfades on both inputs and outputs. This solves any problems and also gives you the option of chosing a fade profile, unlike the 02R. 3: System set-up. The eight 02R sub-group outputs are sent to the eight analog ins of the AudioBox and the crosspoint and in/out level commands are used to set up which group feeds which sets of speakers and at what level. On Iceman, this stays constant throughout the show, but on Plenty, which I'm currently involved in, these change fairly frequently, in particular to make changes to rear auditorium and sub-bass systems. I used the specific AudioBox commands within Showman to make these settings, and MSC commands in Stage Manager 3000 to effect the changes in Plenty. (The Almeida Theatre have not yet made the change to ShowMan in the U.K.) The vocal reinforcement is also routed via the AudioBox. A pair of outputs from the 02R were set aside as reinforcement subs, with five Countryman IsoMax microphones and two Neuman KMR82 Rifles as the source. The (fixed) mix from these microphones is sent to the delay speakers via the AudioBox, with delay settings set in ShowMan. Delays and level for the auditorium rears were also set via Showman. I hope this helps and is of some interest. The SM3000-ShowMan/AudioBox/02R/Akai set-up is one that I've been using for a while now, and I find it extremely flexible. Regards, John A Leonard Aura Sound Design Ltd. 23 Charlotte Road Shoreditch London EC2A 3PB Phone: (+44) 171 739 6057 Fax: (+44) 171 729 1820 http://www.auracle.com ============================================================== RSD CREDITED IN 'WIRED' MAGAZINE FEATURE ON SPIDERMAN RIDE Richmond Sound Design Ltd. is pleased to report that we were one of four suppliers noted for their contribution to the central ride at Universal Studios' multibillion dollar 'Islands of Adventure' theme park - 'The Amazing Adventures of SpiderMan.' Mentioned on page 202 in the May issue of 'Wired' Magazine, our contribution was a specially engineered version of the AudioBox, designed to endure 15G vibration and shock forces continuously while manipulating 16 channels of 3-D sounds for a minimum of 10 years. To accomplish this, we incorporated a special solid-state hard disk drive of the type used in airplane 'black box' flight recorders for storage of audio, spatial sound moves and show control programming. ============================================================== RSD EXPANDS New Staff Member Added to Roster Vancouver, 1999 March 31 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. today announced the addition of new staff member Susanne Mae Clampett. Susanne Mae Clampett has a Masters of Music degree in Sound Recording from McGill University in Montreal. She is an accomplished Sound Designer, Recording Engineer and Music Editor and is currently designing sound for 'Pride and Prejudice' at the Stratford Festival of Canada. Susanne will be responsible for demonstrations and productions using the AudioBox(TM) and will be available to assist in the training and execution of sound designs at AudioBox venues. Susanne can be emailed at ellymae@richmondsounddesign.com Kenneth Deane Bell, PEng, PE, is leaving to develop a new themed entertainment vehicle, KLS Experience (+1-604/444-4660), while remaining a consultant to RSD. ============================================================== E-SHOW(TM) ANNOUNCED New electronic show control realm under development Vancouver, 1999 March 24 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. today outlined the development programme for E-Show, a radically new concept in show control. Physically based on Ethernet, and employing the protocols of the Internet, E-Show will provide a peer-to-peer networking infrastructure for the exchange of real-time show control messages. "Imagine the span of the web, with sub-millisecond control between disciplines and between their media," offers RSD President Charlie Richmond, adding that "unlike contemporary implementations on Ethernet, which are often proprietary, E-Show is intended to be an open standard, essentially a complete show control environment." Driving the project are the specific needs of a major worldwide theme park developer. Concepts and software will be tested in the new Stage Technology program at New York City Technical College, at Rhodes University in South Africa, and at UCLA's Hypermedia Studio (itself a joint venture between Microsoft, Intel, and the UCLA School of Film and Television). ============================================================== RACINE RENEWED Almeida Theatre Company's smash hits Phaedre & Brittanicus come to New York Vancouver, 1999 February 5 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. today announced the use of an AudioBox(TM) and Stage Manager(R) 3000 (SM3000) show control software in the smash-hit Racine double-bill, 'Phaedre' and 'Brittanicus,' at the Brooklyn Academy of Music's Majestic Theatre in January. The shows, starring Dame Diana Rigg, had been playing to sold-out houses at London's Albery Theatre for the past few months. Only a few hours were available to re-create the shows so sound designer John A. Leonard of Aura Sound Design Ltd. rented a front-end system identical to that used in the U.K., consisting of RSD's AudioBox and SM3000 software, Akai S3200 sampler and a Yamaha 02R digital mixing desk. It took a mere ninety minutes to install and configure the system and Phaedre opened before an ecstatic audience on the following day. Later in the week, the changeover to Brittanicus was achieved in a few seconds. Commented Leonard; "Trying to recreate the show using conventional technology would have been a nightmare in the time we had available. Using a show control system like SM3000 and a fully programmable digital mixing desk, sampler and the AudioBox matrix meant that we had only to balance the installed speaker system at The Majestic and this, thanks to the resident sound staff, took hardly any time at all. Fine tuning of the system was carried out using the Audiobox during the technical and dress rehearsals. The sound operator, Scott George, who had originally looked after the shows in the U.K. was instantly at home with the system and we had no problems during the run." Equipment rental was from Masque Sound and Production Arts Lighting in New Jersey, with Dennis Short of Masque co-ordinating. ============================================================== FACULTY OF TOMORROW UCSC's new theatre extends the boundaries of teaching and experiment Vancouver, 1999 January 15 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. today announced the choice of an AudioBox(TM) 1616HD playback matrix with Macintosh software ABControl(TM) for the new Experimental Theatre, under construction at the University of California, Santa Cruz. The 200 seat flexible space augments existing 500 seat and 200 seat proscenium theatres, and features both conventional and automated sound, lighting, and video equipment, including computer-controlled amplifiers and an AudioBox and digital console suite controlled by an Apple G3 mini-tower. A dedicated ProTools audio laboratory with a separate complement of digital workstations and mixing consoles, controlled by a second Apple G3, is connected by Ethernet to the new Experimental Theatre, the two proscenium theatres, and two other performance spaces. UCSC's Production Equipment Staff felt that sound and lighting systems "should provide the best-equipped undergraduate theatre program in the western United States," adding that "we wanted up-to-date devices and methods, to create an environment which is very production oriented, and which turns out the most current and most versatile graduates." ************************************************************* MULTI DIMENSIONAL SONIC JOURNEY Electroacoustic composers challenge immersive orthodoxy Vancouver, 1998 December 21 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. today announced the use of an AudioBox(TM) 1616HD playback matrix with ABControl(TM) software for Macintosh as the diffusive audio control core in the touring spatial concert 'Sound Travels, which opened November 21st in Vancouver, Canada. The Vancouver launch was the culmination of a month-long residency in spatial composition, and featured new works by composers Ned Bouhalassa, Darren Copeland, Kenneth Newby, Matt Rogalsky, Chris Rolfe and Hildegard Westerkamp. The Vancouver concert was in tribute to the international electroacoustic pioneer, the late Martin Bartlett, and coincided with the long-awaited release of the CD, "Burning Water," archiving his work. More details on the concert and photographs can be found on Apple Computer's website: http://www.apple.com/publishing/music/artofsound/ The Sound Travels tour continues across Canada, with a residency and performance at Concordia University (http://cec.concordia.ca) in Montreal February 8th and performances at the Music Gallery (+1-905/822-3918) in Toronto February 12th through 14th. ------------------------------------------------------------- EXPERIENCE PREFERRED Immigration Inspires Immersive Installation Vancouver, 1998 November 6 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. today reported installation of an AudioBox(TM) moving matrix sound source in Gallery One of the Immigration and Hellenic Archaelogical Museum (Melbourne, Australia). The gallery uses an array of immersive AV technologies to convey the immigration experience, including interactive CD's, a Philips digital video store, and the AudioBox, all coordinated by a dedicated show controller. The sonic environment itself uses twenty-one loudspeakers and two subwoofers in three acoustic planes, allowing both horizontal and vertical movement to lend physical presence to sounds in the space. Sound design and show programming (contracted by Australian Business Theatre) was accomplished by Activated Space Pty. of Melbourne (phone +61 3 95720133; Fax +61 3 95720153) led by composer and computer musician Garth Paine, whose most recent commission Escape Velocity was featured at SIGGRAPH '98 and on tour through Europe, and whose previous commissions include MaP1, Moments of a Quiet Mind, and Ghost in the Machine at locations throughout Australia. "The AudioBox" says Garth, "is a very cost effective way of using sound to bring an environment alive. The ability to change spatial positioning, equalization and delay on each channel in real time is absolutely essential to creation of engaging multimedia environments. As the public and our clients raise their expectations of the quality and dynamics of AV displays, products like the AudioBox will become indispensable in realizing design goals." The museum installation is profiled, with photographs, at the web address http://www.creativeaccess.com.au/~garth ------------------------------------------------------------- EASY AS ABControl(TM) Spatial Composer for Macintosh Announced Vancouver, 1998 October 21 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd., today announced the release of Macintosh software ABControl V2.0, by Third Monk Software, for the AudioBox(TM) matrix sound source. Developed by Chris Rolfe, a leading member of Canada's electroacoustic community, ABControl offers an assortment of real-time control surfaces for spatial manipulation of sound elements, based on a loudspeaker map of the enclosing venue. Sound moves so composed can be replayed in sequence from the computer, or installed aboard the AudioBox as .SHO files executable from any MIDI Show Control compatible show controller. A specially constructed editor converts real-time recorded data into a series of visual placemarks for subsequent easy manipulation of loudspeaker levels. ABControl also includes intuitive controls for the EQ and delay features of the AudioBox on a cue-by-cue basis. Pre-release versions of the software have been used in a number of electroacoustic concerts and West End shows, and the look and feel has garnered favourable comment from both electronic composers and theatrical sound designers. ------------------------------------------------------------- AudioBox(TM) ACTIVATED New ActiveX(TM) Control and Development Tools Announced Vancouver, 1998 October 5 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. today announced the beta developer's release of the AudioBox ActiveX Control for the AudioBox matrix sound source. The new ensemble allows third-party developers to communicate with the AudioBox using standard Windows programming procedures - accessing the powerful AudioBox instruction set with simple functions. Intended for use in any Windows development environment supporting ActiveX controls, such as Visual Basic, Visual C++, Delphi or Java, the new control also includes extended support for multiple AudioBoxes in clustered or networked installations. Charlie Richmond, President of RSD, said "Not only does the new AudioBox ActiveX Control make it easier to create third-party applications for specific markets, it makes it easier for our many software partners to maintain and upgrade code." The developer kit and loaner hardware for development purposes are free to qualified developers upon application to RSD. ============================================================== SMILES ALL AROUND ShowMan Controller Propels EXPO Keynote Vancouver, 1998 October 2 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd., manufacturers of sound and show control equipment, today reported the installation of a ShowMan(TM) Model NT/8 show control system as the central sequencer for the feature show 'The Millenium Smile' at the '98 Kyongju World Culture EXPO in South Korea. The Expo, celebrating the triple theme of 'Inheritance, Harmony and Creation' as the kickoff to 'A Global Century of Culture,' is situated in Kyongju, the ancient capital of the 1000-year Shilla dynasty and currently one of Asia's most outstanding temple cities. Producer Ki Churl Yoon of The Last Communication, Seoul (+82 2 585 6800) engaged Thoughtful Designs, Las Vegas (a PRG company) to provide and program a show control system for the fast-track installation, which integrates film and fixed projection, fixed and moving lights, pyrotechnics, moving scenery. lasers, special effects and multi-channel sound. Show Entertainment Producer is Big Kim, President of The Last Communication. George Kindler, President of Thoughtful Designs (+1 702 221 8292) said "the short supply and contract schedule would not have been possible without the close cooperation of RSD and the other suppliers," adding that "the show is very well attended, with long lines and consistently full houses." 'The Millenium Smile' runs until November 10th. Information on the Expo may be obtained at the web address http://expo98.provin.kyongbuk.kr ------------------------------------------------------------- NETWORKING AT THE GUTHRIE SFX Software Links AudioBox(TM) to Euphonix console for Theatre Sound seminar" Vancouver, 1998 September 8 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. today reported use of the AudioBox moving matrix sound source in the seminar 'Digital Audio Playback and Show Control for Theatre,' sponsored by Stage Research Inc. (Cleveland, OH, USA; phone +1 440 717 7510) and held August 14th at the Guthrie Theater (Minneapolis, MN, USA). The Guthrie Theater boasts a recently installed 100 base-T Ethernet audio network with an NT audio server controlled by multiple Windows workstations. The AudioBox matrix provided spatial movements for computer generated sounds within loudspeaker patterns assigned by the Euphonix CS2000 main console. The entire delivery was sequenced using Stage Research's SFX 5.20 software. The Guthrie's resident sound designer, Scott Edwards, noted for a layered, cinematic approach to sound playback, said "aside from the seamless integration, I'm most excited by the control and consistency the system offers." Carlton Guc, President of Stage Research, added that "the AudioBox is a feature-rich unit which provides zoned fades with minimum computer outputs." The seminar, which attracted 25 participants, is one of a series of scheduled presentations by Stage Research in technically advanced theatres throughout the US. ------------------------------------------------------------- NON STOP PERFORMANCE AudioBox(TM) logs time in three West End productions Vancouver, 1998 September 2 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. today reported that an AudioBox(TM) moving matrix sound source originally sourced for 'The Judas Kiss' by the Almeida Theatre Company (London, UK) has been in constant use on three subsequent West End productions. The unit, slated for permanent installation after the original run, has instead been featured in Jonathan Kent's acclaimed production of 'Naked' (by Luigi Pirandello and starring Juliette Binoche) at the Playhouse Theatre, in Howard Davies' stunning 'The Iceman Cometh' (with Kevin Spacey) at the Old Vic, and in a new translation of Racine's 'Phaedre' (by Poet Laureate Ted Hughes and starring Dame Diana Rigg) at the Albery Theatre. Paul Clay, production manager for the Almeida, comments that "the AudioBox and the 02R console obtained with it are the most cost-effective pieces of sound equipment we have purchased. We can adapt them to each location with an absolute minimum of time and money." John Leonard, sound designer for many Almeida shows, concurs "I no longer have a problem running out of matrix sends, reconfiguring during a show, or in generally experimenting with different sound scenarios. The onboard processing, delay and playback facility means that the Almeida tours far less equipment, with minimum real-estate. All I want now is for the Almeida to get a second AudioBox for their own space." ============================================================== WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES Windows Show Sequencer Provides Quick Show Turnaround Vancouver, 1998 August 18 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. today announced the installation of their Windows NT show control software, ShowMan(TM), in a restoration of the volcano attraction at Adventure Island FEC in Orange Beach, Alabama, USA. The Adventure Island volcano, combining powerful smoke, compressed air, audio and lighting systems, is one of the most durable and popular attractions on the Gulf Coast. Facility owner Frank Hughes was devastated when the landmark structure received a direct lightning strike. Nation-wide systems contractor All Pro Sound (Pensacola, Florida; phone +1-850/432-5780) completed the restoration in a mere two weeks, in time to salvage the summer season. Project manager Chuck Walthall, a veteran of the original RSD build, said "we were given a grand opportunity to upgrade to the Windows environment. ShowMan, the new NT program is really slick. It's simple, yet incredibly powerful." The fast changeover was aided by direct import of cues from the Stage ManagerŽ 3000 controller damaged in the strike. Systems administrator T. J. Ward converted a total of six shows to comprise the overall performance sequence, and at completion, was dubbed 'Volcano Master'. ************************************************************* THE CONTROL DISCUSSION New Internet Mailing List Discusses Show Control Vancouver, 1998 August 4 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. today announced the creation of a public internet mailing list specifically for discussion of the technical aspects of show control. The new list is intended as a forum for discussion of any facet of show control, providing a useful resource for advanced users and novices alike. The Show Control Mailing List's archive and subscription web site is: http://www.talklist.com/forms/show-control/ Charlie Richmond, list administrator, said "It's a delight to host such a list. We have seen show control occasionally discussed on theatre sound and stagecraft lists, and in newsgroups. This now provides a forum for exclusive and non-partisan discussion of the field." Mr. Richmond noted that the majority of senior practictioners in the show control arena have been invited and are on the list. The Show Control Mailing List began quietly on July 31 and now has over 170 subscribers. ------------------------------------------------------------- MIDI CAPTIVE RELEASED Windows Show Sequencer Boasts Advanced Message Capture Vancouver, 1998 July 9 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. today announced the addition of the MIDI Message Capture facility in their Windows NT show control software, ShowMan. The new facility time-stamps incoming MIDI messages and allows the contents and cadence of external controllers to be easily incorporated into the master controller. The captured messages can also be edited for content, and adjusted in absolute or offset timing, for complete smoothing and refinement of cues. Charlie Richmond, President of RSD, said "We have had lots of requests for this capability and we are very pleased to announce it is now available!" Current ShowMan licensees may upgrade directly from our web site and the demo version on the web site also includes the new feature. ------------------------------------------------------------- A SOUND ALLIANCE Two TCI Sound Product Winners Team Up Vancouver, 1998 June 24 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. today announced support for the AudioBox(TM) matrix sound source in professional versions of the popular theatrical sound software, SFX, by Stage Research, Inc. (Cleveland, OH, USA; phone +1-440/717-7510; http://www.stageresearch.com) SFX Pro Audio and SFX Show Control are now equipped with AudioBox Tools, seamlessly integrating external playback and routing with the internal soundcards and pushbutton user interface that characterize SFX. The new Tools emphasize Stage Research's commitment to provide a uniform and easy operating experience, regardless of device. Carlton Guc, President of Stage Research, said "it makes sense to take the best of the best and make them work together," adding that "dedicated hardware always points the way for computer solutions." SFX was named TCI Sound Product of the Year in 1996; the AudioBox won this award in 1998. ------------------------------------------------------------- SONIC LANDMARK Revolutionary Sound Tower redefines urban acoustic experience Vienna, 1998 June 8 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. (RSD) today announced the commissioning of the interactive 'Klangturm' (Sound Tower) in St. Poelten, Austria. The core of the Sound Tower is an RSD AudioBox moving matrix sound source controlled by the public, performance artists and audio technicians via a Crestron MIDI control system. A bold statement in real time sonic sculpture, the 62 meter high, eight floor, tower hosts a variety of urban soundscape experiments, including sound cascades, environmental ambience, audio 'donations', variations in the tower's internal acoustics, concerts, and teleperformance -- all in St. Poelten's civic core. On each floor there is something different to do or watch. On the outside of the tower there are loudspeakers mounted on each edge from top to bottom. Klangturm was fitted by MOCOM Communication Systeme GmbH, Vienna (Harald Steindl, hsteindl@mocom.via.at) and the responsive audio and control network was conceived, built and programmed by MOCOM's Walter Thornton. Steindl says "The whole idea is to 'load' the AudioBox with all setups to work the tower in an unattended fashion. For the future there are all sorts of crazy ideas, like interactive furniture making sounds depending on how you interact with it." The official web site for the Sound Tower is http://www.klangturm.at ************************************************************* THE VISION IS CLEAR Three New Shows Toast Latest Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Build Miami, May 29, 1998 --- Richmond Sound Design Ltd. today announced that a Stage ManagerŽ 4000 show controller operates three productions aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines' newest build, 'Vision of the Seas,' namesake of the 'Vision' class. 'Rock On Broadway' (written by Peter Grey Terhune) 'Rhythm Nation' (written by Clint Holmes) and 'Make Mine Broadway' (written by Lenore San Angelo) were all directed by Mark Dow and produced in-house by RCCL, under veteran executive producer Gene Hull. Showroom audio was provided by Clair Brothers Audio (Lititz, PA) with the showroom automation system supplied by Harbour Marine Systems of Miami, FL. Creative Television Communications (Boca Raton, FL) provided video and audio mastering, additional scoring, and show programming for all three productions. John Potts, President of Creative Television, enjoys the pressure, noting "It's a challenge to put three full productions in the same ship at once. We're very pleased. With the RSD system, we can complete three shows in the time of two." ------------------------------------------------------------- WILDE SOUND AudioBox(TM) featured twice in 'The Judas Kiss' London, 1998 May 22 - The AudioBox(TM) moving matrix sound source and Stage ManagerŽ 3000 sequencing software were used in two productions of David Hare's new play, "The Judas Kiss," by the Almeida Theatre Company, London, UK. The London production was directed by Sir Richard Eyre at the Playhouse Theatre, and starred Liam Neeson as Oscar Wilde. John Leonard of Aura Sound Design Ltd., London, provided the design and equipment. The show transferred to the Broadhurst Theatre, New York, for a limited engagement, with equipment provided by Walter Yurgel of Masque Sound & Recording Corp. John D. Owens of Aura Sound Design supervised the transfer, noting "the arrival of the ABEdit software made the set-up even easier." Long-time Almeida colleague Clayton Steward supervised daily operations. "The Judas Kiss" is the third production by Almeida to transfer from London to Broadway, following award-winning productions of "Medea" and "Hamlet," both of which used Stage Manager 3000 sequencing. ------------------------------------------------------------- SHOWMAN DEBUTS! New software revolutionizes PC-based show control Vancouver, 1998 February 6 - Richmond Sound Design Ltd. today announced the release of ShowMan show control software for Windows NT. Two years in the coding by NT expert Loren Wilton, ShowMan duplicates on the affordable PC platform the legendary power of our true multitasking standard, Stage ManagerŽ. ShowMan boasts all of the features of Stage Manager, including multiple simultaneous cue lists, manually fired cues, the full command sets of MIDI, MIDI Show Control and MIDI Machine Control, and switchable time code lock. ShowMan also incorporates a fast-update feature allowing cues to be retimed in cadence with musical or stage action. Any of the thousands of shows written using Stage Manager can be quickly imported into ShowMan. ShowMan includes dedicated device editors for RSD hardware components, especially the new AudioBox(TM), and will soon offer programming screens for virtually all popular lighting consoles and show control units. ------------------------------------------------------------- SHOW CONTROL IN HONG KONG A Tiger Talk Hong Kong, 1998 January 28 - Five-day course in show control at Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Stage Manager software was used in a five-day course in show control techniques, presented by RSD general manager Ken Bell at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts (HKAPA). The course, offered to both Academy faculty and venue technical staff, covered data communications, lighting control, MIDI and MIDI Show Control, broadcast automation, network protocols, and industrial automation using programmable logic controllers (PLC's). Aubrey Wilson, Dean of HKAPA's School of Technical Arts, said that "the course material assists us greatly in developing our own curricula for show control instruction." Philip Soden, Associate Director of Operations, added "the course helps us in designing the show control infrastructure planned for our three venues: the Lyric Theatre (1181 seats), the Drama Theatre (415 seats) and the Studio Theatre (120 seats)." HKAPA is the foremost institution granting degrees for performance technical arts in the Asia-Pacific region. Graduates of the Academy compose the elite of technical decision makers in this fast emerging geographical area. ------------------------------------------------------------- MIDI MAKES MANIPULATION MARVELOUS Hearing Voices in the Telephone Princeton, 1998 January 2 - Custom assembly animates Princeton exhibit. A custom MIDI telephone assembly provides telephone decoding and control in the exhibit 'Voices' at the Cotson Children's Collection, Firestone Library, Princeton University (Princeton, NJ). The children's collection, themed by exhibition designer Lynne Breslin, encourages library study through actual experiences of character and story. The 'Voices' exhibit was designed by Ben Rubin (Electronic Arts Research Studios, New York, +1-212/965-8824) and allows children to create fictional characters by altering their voices as they talk to each other. The exhibit uses two pairs of ordinary phones at opposite ends of the room, with advanced MIDI processing in the signal chains. Exhibit fabricators Maltbie Associates (Mount Laurel, NJ) performed the on-site installation. Of the custom assembly, Ben Rubin remarked that "the Richmond people were very insightful into what we wanted, and were very creative in coming up with the equipment exactly as we needed." 'Voices' is one of three exhibits designed by Rubin in the children's collection. ------------------------------------------------------------- AUDIOBOX FOR DEVELOPERS Development Units Vancouver, 1998 January 2 - A limited number of AudioBoxes are available for software development and evaluation purposes. To apply for for evaluation status, please contact Charlie Richmond, CharlieR 'at' RichmondSoundDesign 'dot' com ------------------------------------------------------------- THE ACCOLADES OF INDUSTRY: AudioBox(TM) named as Sound Product of the Year New York, 1997 December 19 - The AudioBox(TM) moving matrix sound source has been named as a Sound Product of the Year by the prestigious magazine Theatre Crafts International (Jacqueline Tien, Publisher; David Johnson, Editor). Ken Bell PE, General Manager, expressed delight at the award, noting "the TCI judges, who have diverse theatrical, themed and technical backgrounds, look at audio products all year long and at many trade shows. Amidst such a large field, we're honored to have been chosen by qualified people as having developed an outstanding product." The award was presented at the 30th anniversary celebration of Theatre Crafts International, held December 12th in New York. David Johnson, editor of TCI, remarked that "not only was 1997 a watershed year for Theatre Crafts International, it was also a banner year for audio products in the theatrical and themed industries." ============================================================== AUDIOBOX IN HONG KONG My Fair Sound Hong Kong, 1997 December 12 - A Stage ManagerŽ 3000 controller, in conjunction with an AudioBox (TM) matrix, was the sound source in Springtime Productions' (Hong Kong) latest musical drama, 'Pygmalion.' The system was supplied by Dino Technology Ltd. of Hong Kong (Amornthep Tantikovit, Technical Manager). Sound Designer Joey Chan specified the units to handle all sound system controls, saying "RSD products are indispensable tools to the sound designer. I am pleased with the comprehensive functions and flexibility of the Stage Manager system." The production was staged at the Lyric Theatre of the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts (HKAPA). The Academy is the first institution in the Asia Pacific region to offer degree courses in technical production and professional performance. ------------------------------------------------------------- YOUNG PEOPLE AT THE TOP OF THE CLASS Stage ManagerŽ on the Case Toronto, 1997 October 25 - Young People's Theatre Establishes New Ground with Children's Musical A Stage Manager 500 show controller is being used on the Young People's Theatre (Toronto, Canada) production of 'Jacob TwoTwo's First Spy Case,' written by noted Canadian author Mordecai Richler. Setting new standards for children's theatre, the production is a full musical including a four piece band which will "sound like and orchestra through the magic of the sampler" according to Todd Charlton, Sound Designer for the production. A total of ten wireless microphones are used on the performers. Charlton states that he prefers Stage Manager because it's "fast, easy to use, and works perfectly every time." The Stage Manager system controls all four reverb effects devices by changing programs for each song, a sampler for additional sound effects plus the Mackie MIDI-controlled console and a PC running SAW software by Innovative Quality Software, providing hard disk sound effects. ============================================================== COMMAND/CUE CONCURRENT LIVES Knowing Your Sound Winnipeg, 1997 October 10 - Manitoba Theatre Centre (MTC) uses CD technology to fast track new production. Sound design is underway for Manitoba Theatre Centre's (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) production of "A Perfect Ganesh," using a combination of recorded computer samples and in-house CD's mastered on a new CD recording system. Playback sounds are spatially distributed through a custom RSD COMMAND/CUEŽ router controlled by CONCURRENT(TM) software, while MIDIShowCD(TM) software on the same computer sequences the CD's. Asimware's MasterISO(TM) is used to create the custom CD's. "It really is terrific" says David Wallace, MTC's head of audio," I can read off the 12X CD source directly into the Samplitude(TM) editor, play it off the sound card while editing, and burn it to CD as soon as the edit is complete. The sequencing software works great, too, giving me instant starts." "A Perfect Ganesh" was written by Terrence McNally and concerns two women travelling to India for self-enlightenment. Sound Designer Suzanne Clampett, a McGill Tonmeister graduate noted for a recent design of "The Heiress," reports including the sound track of a particular Indian soap opera for the utmost in authenticity. ============================================================== TEACHING SHOW CONTROL Show Control Offered In Ivy League New Haven, 1997 October 1 - Stage ManagerŽ software used in first Yale University course on show control A Stage Manager 500 show control system will be used for the MIDI portion of the course 'Control Systems for Live Entertainment', taught this semester at Yale University (New Haven, CT) by John Huntington, author of the book with same title. "I'm really excited about this course" says Mr. Huntington, "since, although there have been various short workshops throughout the country, this is the first ever full-semester course in the subject." The course is offered to upper levels of the graduate theatre class and covers the entire range of control protocols used in the entertainment industry, including DMX-512 and MIDI as well as newer developments such as IEEE1394 and AES-24. ------------------------------------------------------------- ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINES CONVERTS Eight Ships now with Stage ManagerŽ Show Control Miami, 1997 September 16 - Weekend Conversions Bring RCCL Showroom Automation Total to Eight Ships. Conversions this weekend of Royal Caribbean Cruise lines' 'Monarch of the Seas' and 'Nordic Empress' to Stage Manager 4000 show controllers. Creative Television Communications, Boca Raton, FL, informed of the assigment Tuesday last week, took delivery of the controllers Saturday morning in Florida and programmer Rich Fidanza had automation systems in both ships operational in San Juan, PR on Monday evening. John Potts, President of Creative Television, explained that "RCCL has a commitment of continually improving existing installations to the standard of their latest ships, in this case, the 'Vision' class. This particular opportunity had a short time frame, but fortunately we were able to respond with their requirements." With this weekend's conversions, RCCL now has eight cruise ships sporting advanced Stage Manager show automation. ------------------------------------------------------------- AUDIOBOX DEBUTS IN ROYAL FASHION Fit for a King Stratford-on-Avon, 1997 September 9 - AudioBox makes its theatrical debut! Sound designer John A Leonard used a unit supplied to Autograph Sound Recording Ltd. as the main console fanout in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of 'Henry V' at Stratford-on-Avon. The production will play Stratford for three weeks before touring major cities in the UK. Stage ManagerŽ 3000 software controls the AudioBox and other show elements. ------------------------------------------------------------- Last modified: 2001-Feb-01