MTELUS Elevates Concert Experience with Solotech’s L-Acoustics K3 Sound System Leave a reply Montreal’s iconic MTELUS venue has raised the sonic bar with the installation of a state-of-the-art L-Acoustics K3 sound system from by Solotech. This 140-year-old venue, renowned for hosting legendary acts, has further enhanced its reputation with a cutting-edge audio offering. Solotech’s Martin Berthiaume collaborated with MTELUS’ Chief Audio Engineer, Reno Richard, to introduce the L-Acoustics K3 system, now delivering impeccable sound quality to the 2,300-capacity venue. The system, comprised of a left-right configuration with ten K3 flown per side and four KS28 ground-stacked, cardioid-configured subs per side, expertly navigates the venue’s acoustic challenges, including low balconies and unique architectural features. The successful integration, accomplished within a tight schedule during 2023’s festival season, exemplifies the synergy between Solotech and L-Acoustics engineers. For a venue with a storied history hosting iconic artists, the new L-Acoustics sound system ensures MTELUS continues to be a preferred destination for world-class performances, solidifying its position as a premier live entertainment space. Read the full article here. Source: SVC Online (November 8), Montréal’s MTELUS Sounds Trés Bon With L-Acoustics K3
blink-182’s Rock Hard Tour: An Audio and Visual Extravaganza Leave a reply blink-182, the pop-punk legends, have stormed back onto the global touring scene with their highly anticipated 2023/2024 Rock Hard Tour. Returning to the stage with founding member Tom DeLonge for the first time since 2014, the band has unleashed a vibrant live show that includes a giant inflatable ambulance, alien encounters, and a floating Travis Barker. The technical prowess behind this spectacle involves a synergy of designers and suppliers. Every department involved in the production was required to collaborate closely to execute a live show as dynamic as blink-182’s tour. Solotech, entrusted with lighting and video, collaborated with a host of other teams to deliver the band’s artistic vision. The visual storytelling, modelled by Vectorworks and Cinema 4D, integrates the lighting seamlessly, featuring cutting-edge solutions controlled by Lighting Designer Griffin ‘Griff’ Dennen. With meticulous planning and cutting-edge technology, Blink-182’s Rock Hard Tour is not just a concert; it’s an immersive experience that has been captivating audiences worldwide. Read the full article and learn more about this incredible production here. Source: TPi (November/December), blink-182: World Tour 2023/2024 Contact: media@solotech.com
iA Financial Group Leave a reply iA Financial Group is one of the largest groups of insurance and wealth management companies in Canada, employing over 9,000 people. As a partner of iA Financial Group since 2018, Solotech is responsible for supplying, installing, supporting, maintaining, and servicing the company’s audiovisual and videoconferencing rooms. When iA Financial Group’s ambitious redevelopment project, including deploying nearly 200 Microsoft Teams rooms across Canada, came calling, Solotech answered the call by mobilizing a team dedicated to project implementation and follow-up. Requiring a significant amount of equipment within a tight timeframe, procurement was a key factor in successfully executing the project. So, the Solotech team turned to Crestron for its videoconferencing systems and room reservation screens, in addition to Poly, Jabra, Biamp, and LG products, to ensure the delivery of state-of-the-art rooms that would delight both customers and user alike. Michel Fortin, Business Developer at Solotech, is proud of the project’s success, which was reflected in the ability to overcome challenges related to the delivery and acquisition of equipment. “The trust and strong alliance established with the customer, the support of a passionate project team, coupled with customer satisfaction, represent our greatest source of pride. It’s a testament to our dedication to putting the customer at the center of our priorities.” For his part, Jean-Pierre Lefebvre, IT Analyst at iA Financial Group, spoke on behalf of his team to underline the important collaboration of Solotech’s experts: “Solotech has been an important partner in our office redevelopment projects across Canada, despite construction and procurement delays and last-minute additions. Their greatest strengths are flexibility, staff competence and availability. They had to deploy a team from Quebec City to Toronto to meet deadlines, and that was no problem. I don’t think our deployment of some 200 hybrid conference rooms in 6 months would have met the deadline without their invaluable collaboration. A huge thank you to Solotech for their professionalism!”
Luc Richard Appointed Vice President, Global Procurement and Facilities Leave a reply Montréal, Québec, November 9, 2023 – Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, is proud to announce the appointment of Luc Richard as Vice President, Global Procurement and Facilities. Under the direction of Martin Chouinard, Chief Global Operations and Asset Officer, Luc will drive excellence in the strategic sourcing cycle, oversee the procurement and facility teams, and continue to build successful alliances with our suppliers and partners. “Since he joined Solotech, Luc has demonstrated his extensive experience in strategic operations, finance, and leadership. I’m pleased to count on his expertise to manage our supplier partnerships in Canada, the US, the UK, and Germany, as well as our facilities, both of which are key to our ongoing success and growth,” says Martin Chouinard. For over 30 years, Luc Richard has held strategic and executive positions within fast-growing organizations, including several years in the video game industry at Ubisoft. Luc also served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 20 years, where one of the positions he held was Director General of Strategic Operations and Resource Planning. Throughout his prolific career, he’s developed expertise in leading corporate finance activities, financial planning and analysis, procurement, operations management, and administration. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University, an MBA from HEC Montreal and is also a Fellow of the Order of CPAs. “I feel privileged to be working with a world-class team like Solotech’s. I look forward to continue contributing to a global company, maintaining our standard of excellence in procurement and facility management, and fostering new initiatives to support our operations,” says Luc. The entire Solotech team wishes him great success in his new role. Contact: media@solotech.com
Solotech Launches Webcasting Solution LiveSphere Leave a reply Montréal, Québec, November 3, 2023 – Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, is proud to announce the North American launch of LiveSphere, an innovative white-label webcasting solution. LiveSphere offers a versatile platform that adapts to a wide range of scenarios. Whether it’s corporate events, government meetings, live entertainment, or hybrid experiences, LiveSphere opens new possibilities for connecting with a global audience of tens of thousands per event. Martin Carrier, President, Live Productions Division, Canada | Global Media and Entertainment Technologies at Solotech, underscores the significance of this launch, “LiveSphere introduces a new dimension to event hosting for Solotech clients. It transcends geographic boundaries, making our clients’ events accessible to a worldwide audience while minimizing the ecological footprint.” LiveSphere offers a customizable and secure platform that caters to each client’s unique needs, prioritizing security and reliability to ensure a seamless experience. One of the most compelling and innovative features of LiveSphere is its accessibility from any device, eliminating the need for desktop applications. The platform comes equipped with an administrative dashboard for managing events, chat moderating, and user analytics. It supports multiple audio tracks and video streams with closed captioning, as well as third-party integration for polling, voting, and ticket sales. “User engagement through LiveSphere can boost conversions, foster customer loyalty, enhance brand visibility, and drive growth. It’s a holistic approach tailored to each client,” emphasizes Michel Poirier, Business Development Director at Solotech. In addition to LiveSphere, Solotech offers a suite of additional services to enhance event experiences. From post-production to streaming show operation and production services, Solotech provides support to make events unforgettable. LiveSphere’s first version was launched in 2020 with select clients to ensure the platform’s features and functionality maintained the company’s standard of excellence before the full launch. With over 45 years of experience in the AV industry, Solotech is well-positioned to deliver outstanding event experiences via LiveSphere. Contact: media@solotech.com
Solotech Empowers Styx’s U.S. Tour with DiGiCo SD12-96 Consoles Leave a reply Solotech continues to be the driving force behind remarkable live performances. The latest contribution to Styx’s U.S. tour in support of the band’s 17th studio album, “Crash of the Crown,” exemplifies a dedication to superior audio technology. Solotech has equipped the tour with a duo of DiGiCo SD12-96 consoles, catering to both front-of-house (FOH) and monitor mixing. While the band relies on local equipment at various venues, their audio crew has chosen Solotech’s control package built around the twin DiGiCo consoles ensures impeccable FOH and monitor mix consistency. The choice of the DiGiCo SD12-96 for this tour was also influenced by a number of factors. The platform’s capabilities allow the team to tackle complex routing, group management, and macros efficiently. Its compact yet high-channel count design resolved space challenges often faced in various venues. The console’s onboard processing and features eliminate the need for external plugins. The dynamic EQ and audio enhancer are particularly valuable tools for the FOH and monitor engineers. The consoles are also equipped to handle the band’s extensive IEM mixes and monitor requirements. The SD12-96 system enables Styx’s team to accommodate requests and deliver on the artists’ creative vision, providing them with a mix that not only sounds exceptional but inspires the band to give their best performances. Read the full article and learn the complete details of this cutting-edge audio control package here. Source: Front Of House Magazine (September 29), Solotech Supplies a Pair of DiGiCo SD12-96 Consoles for Styx’s U.S. Tour Contact: media@solotech.com
Solotech and Outernet Announce Long-Term Global Partnership Leave a reply London, UK, October 26, 2023 — Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, is proud to announce its partnership with Outernet, the innovative, immersive experience in the heart of London. This strategic collaboration solidifies Solotech’s position as Outernet’s global 360 AV partner as it now looks to expand to future sites internationally. “Our partnership with Outernet epitomises the standards by which we measure ourselves,” says Bryce Jewell, Managing Director of Solotech UK. “The audio solution that we provided in London was a massive success, one that was ultimately recognised by many industry bodies. However, as Outernet looks to realise their ambitions in other markets, Solotech’s global reach and track record of delivering full 360 solutions will unquestionably add even greater value to our partnership. Together, I know that our combined strengths and expertise will continue to provide consumers with the most advanced immersive audiovisual experiences available.” Outernet shares the enthusiasm for this partnership. “We are delighted to partner with Solotech, a company that shares our passion for innovation and commitment to client satisfaction,” explains Richard Blaney, Technical Operations Director at Outernet. “Trust is a crucial part of all long term relationships, and following our experience of working together in London we are confident that Solotech will help us create immersive experiences that redefine the industry and set new standards in performance all over the world.” Philip Giffard, President, Global Sales and Systems Integration, Solotech agrees. “I am filled with immense pride and enthusiasm as we unveil this groundbreaking collaboration. This partnership with Outernet exemplifies our commitment to delivering unparalleled value to our clients and is a testament to our enduring dedication to excellence. We are confident that this union will not only elevate our company to new heights, but will also set industry standards for years to come. Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable partnership as we continue to shape the future together.” This partnership is aligned with Solotech’s goal of delivering top-class audiovisual experiences for audiences around the world. Contact: media@solotech.com Photo Credit: Gasoline Media
Solotech Elevates Feist’s UK Tour with Cutting-Edge AV Solutions Leave a reply Solotech played a pivotal role in making Feist’s UK tour a resounding success. The Roundhouse in London witnessed an extraordinary performance, hailed by The Guardian as “one of the best live shows of the year.” Feist’s remarkable musical talents were complemented by Solotech’s top-tier audio and lighting solutions, creating an unforgettable experience for the audience. The Solotech team tailored a package to bring Feist’s artistic vision to life, continuing to set the standard for live performance experiences. Solotech’s system engineer, Ben Malone, expressed his excitement about working with Feist on this worldwide tour, emphasizing the dedication of the UK team to exceed all sound and lighting expectations. David Preston led the UK team, and Phil Collins handled the tech prep, ensuring that every element contributed to an exceptional experience for both performers and the audience. Solotech’s account manager for Feist, Robert Kennedy, praised the exceptional client team, highlighting the collaborative efforts that brought Feist’s vision to life. The team, which included tour manager/producer Jeremy Knowles, lighting designer/director Louise Simpson, production assistant/crew chief Greg Evans, video designer/director Colby Richardson, sound designer and FOH engineer Mark Vreeken, monitor engineer Ed McGlogan, creative producer Mary Hickson, and production design by Rob Sinclair, came together to create an unforgettable performance. For a more in-depth look at this remarkable collaboration, read the full article here. Source: LSi (October 12), Solotech delivers for Feist UK tour Contact: media@solotech.com
Solotech Supplies Cambourne Village College Leave a reply Solotech has completed an audio and lighting and AV fit out for Cambourne Village College, featuring L-Acoustics audio, Chamsys lighting and Epson projection. Cambourne Village College is an academy school situated on the outskirts of Cambourne in Cambridgeshire. The college has occupied its current site since 2013, boasts a roll of more than 1300 pupils and has plans for further expansion including the opening of a sixth form centre in 2024. Upgrading the Cambourne Village College Theatre Block In 2020 the college secured funding to upgrade its theatre block, a flexible performance space that also serves as a dining hall for pupils over lunchtime. The initial design brief was for a high end audio system, lighting grid with fittings, video projection and drapes throughout. While remaining key to the day to day operation of the school, it needed to transform into a venue that could fulfil a range of uses including theatre shows, cinema and even wedding receptions for both the school and external customers. Cambourne Village College reached out to a number of companies with the initial brief before selecting Solotech as their preferred supplier. From the outset Solotech Business Development Manager Lydia Hawthorne was keen to ensure the College got the maximum return for their available budget. L-Acoustics Audio System Design For audio, Senior Applications and Support Engineer Kyle Durno used modelling software to draw up options from a number of leading manufacturers. The software predicts the maximum Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) the designs can offer as well as ensuring that the coverage is even throughout the room. The team at Cambourne opted for an L-Acoustics system which used the A-10 range of loudspeakers. Three hangs of two L-Acoustics Wide and one L-Acoustics Focus in a Left-Centre-Right configuration with a hang of two KS21 sub woofers flown directly behind the centre hang. A QSC Q-Sys 110F core provides Digital Signal Processing, routing and overall system control. Lighting and a Flexible Truss From engineering drawings and calculations, it was decided that a fixed grid truss was the optimum solution for hanging the loudspeakers, lighting and the drop down projection screen. Integrated within the truss would be the power and DMX infrastructure for the lights as well as the loudspeaker cabling. Curtain track has been installed throughout, allowing the room to be turned from a dining hall to a venue in just a few moments, complete with tabs and wings for theatrical events. Lydia Hawthorne commented on the installation: “This project has been a pleasure to work on from the outset. We took Cambourne’s initial design brief and went through it to ensure they got maximum return on their investment. Not only were we able to supply them with options, but we could demonstrate the advantages of each design.” “The finished solution is a high-end theatre package that is both flexible and easy to operate. When configured for an event you would never know you were in a school dining hall.” Charlie Rayner is Events Manager at Cambourne Village College: “ This project has made such a difference to the hall and we are exceptionally pleased with how it has turned out.. The truss gives us such a flexible solution. Lydia Hawthorne and all the team at Solotech have given so much to the college that will be here for many years. I can’t recommend you enough.” Lydia Hawthorne added, “In all my years in the industry, this ranks as one of my favourites. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with the team at Cambourne and we hope we get the opportunity to work with them again in the future.”
Solotech names Éric Thibault Vice President, Sales, Sales and Systems Integration Division, Canada Leave a reply Montreal, Québec, October 9, 2023 – Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, is excited to announce the appointment of Éric Thibault as Vice President, Sales, Sales and Systems Integration Division, Canada. In his new role, Éric will play a pivotal part in driving the continued growth of Solotech within its core markets across Canada, while also spearheading the company’s expansion into new sectors. “My goal is to help solidify Solotech as a market leader across the country and contribute to the team’s success,” says Thibault. “I’m proud to work for a rapidly growing Canadian company. Éric brings with him nearly 25 years of industry experience and 14 years in sales leadership positions, a testament to his exceptional track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets. “Éric Thibault’s appointment as Vice President, Sales, Sales and Systems Integration Division, Canada, represents a significant milestone for Solotech,” says Alexandre Pecqueux, President, Sales and Systems Integration Division, Canada, Solotech. “His extensive experience and deep understanding of the industry will undoubtedly drive our sales team to new heights.” Solotech looks forward to the strategic insights and proven leadership that Éric Thibault will bring to the team. His extensive background in sales, coupled with his dedication to the company’s growth, will undoubtedly contribute to Solotech’s ongoing success. Contact media@solotech.com
5 minutes with… Charlie Marchand, Project Manager, Systems Integration Leave a reply Solotech showcases the talent that underpins its unmatched expertise. We spoke to Charlie Marchand, Project Manager, Systems Integration. Q: Could you describe your typical workday? CM: A typical day is a busy day! I need to make sure everyone’s on the same page and act as the communications contact between our customers and Solotech’s various teams. I’ll have several meetings to review Solotech’s solutions and ensure that the client’s needs and expectations are met, and that everyone understands what’s required. Moreover, I need to pass on information to our teams, find solutions, and ensure they’re implemented. Within a large team, it’s essential for everyone to pitch in; I often put on my boots and deliver equipment myself to make sure our technicians have everything they need on site. Q: How did your career path lead you to Solotech? CM: I came to Solotech with project management experience. Originally, I acquired my skills in the medical equipment manufacturing industry, completely unrelated to AV. This background honed my rigor and sharpened my curiosity. Project management is my passion. Q: What’s the best part of your job? CM: I love being able to break down a major project into distinct, precise parts. I love gathering information and bringing it together, leading a team to deliver the final “big picture”. Q: Is there a favourite project you’ve worked on? CM: My favourite project is currently ongoing: the M.A.A. club. This project has been handled by several people, but I’ve been able to put the pieces together like a jigsaw puzzle. It’s very motivating to see the progress as the months go by and what our team can achieve. Supporting our customers during the roll-out of this project has also been a highlight of this project. This client loves its historic building, and being able to take part in a project like this with a passionate client is one of the best perks of my job. Q: What sets Solotech apart as a workplace? CM: Enthusiasm, creativity, but above all, mutual support. From design to drawings, coordination to warehousing, there’s always someone willing to listen and help. To me, that’s where the Solotech team’s strength lies.
Solotech’s Victoria Hofflin wins L-Acoustics L-ISA Grant Leave a reply Congratulations to Victoria (Vic) Hofflin, Solotech UK’s deputy head of Audio at ABBA Voyage, for being awarded the 2023 L-Acoustics L-ISA grant. L-Acoustics in association with SoundGirls organisation have awarded four grants for courses in the official L-Acoustics Education Program. SoundGirls is a global organisation with a mission to inspire and empower the next generation of women in audio by providing tools, knowledge and support to further their careers. The L-ISA grant provides the funding to sign up for all the applicable L-ISA associated training courses with L-Acoustics. L-ISA is the L-Acoustics immersive audio platform and the training perfects an engineer’s understanding of line source behaviour, optimizing mechanical design and use of electronic settings, as well as allowing them to develop a comprehensive approach to calibration in the entire workflow of a project. “Vic has been a great addition to the team, she joined as a General Swing Technician with a bias in sound and has worked incredibly hard to progress to Deputy Head of Audio.” says Tara Brady, the senior project coordinator at ABBA voyage. “Vic’s commitment to learning and self development is inspiring, I am incredibly proud to have her on my team and part of the Solotech Family.” Vic Hofflin added, “I am a musician at heart and am incredibly passionate about working in the production industry as a female identifying creative and engineer. I not only want a seat at the table, but I want to make the table bigger and more diverse. To me, the only way to do that is to keep on providing opportunities (like these) and to continue educating and inviting new diverse people to be a part of the conversation. It is important to me to continue to engage with, and to learn about new ways of designing, supporting, and managing a system.” Vic is extremely excited about this new opportunity for her to expand her knowledge and claims that it is just the start of her extensive career in specialised immersive audio production. Visit the SoundGirls.org website Discover L-Acoustics Education
