Solotech x Meyer Sound in perfect harmony for the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal. Leave a reply The long-awaited 42nd edition of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal made a big splash in the heart of the city and in the hearts of festivalgoers. Over 10 days of music, 350 concerts were held, hence the FIJM’s title as the largest jazz festival in the world! For the occasion, Solotech equipped eight indoor and outdoor stages, including the main stage, the TD stage. For the reinforcement system, Meyer Sound was also used for the back-up system. A wide variety of people (enthusiasts, fans and the curious) enjoyed a high-performance sound system even though the location wasn’t ideally suited for a festival. The challenge was to design the sound coverage without it invading the downtown area. To this end, Meyer Sound’s MAPP 30 software proved to be an indispensable tool. For its part, the TD Stage audio consisted of main front arrays of nine LEO® linear speakers per side, with focused bass from endfire arrays of six 1100-LFC™ low-frequency control elements per side. The front fills were MICA line array speakers, with MSL-4 speakers as the outer fills. Overall, it was a return to form for the Festival international de jazz de Montréal, which promise nothing but high notes for future editions. Read the full article here Source: Eagleson J., (2022, 10th august). Meyer Sound and Solotech Boost Rebounding Montréal International Jazz Festival Meyer Sound Contact Héloïse Meunier Corporate Communications Advisor media@solotech.com
Solotech Positions Itself as a Leader in Las Vegas Leave a reply Solotech expands in the entertainment capital of the world. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, August 15, 2022 – Solotech announces its move to a new and improved space in Las Vegas, Nevada, to support its continued spectacular growth. Whether it’s for gambling, a wedding, a celebration, taking in a show, or going on a desert adventure, one thing is sure: Las Vegas knows how to make an impression… and so does Solotech! That’s why it was a natural choice to move into a state-of-the-art, 80,000-square-feet facility in this iconic city. From this strategic location, the company will be able to efficiently serve the entire West Coast, including the dynamic cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Jason Rauhoff, Operations and Project Manager at Solotech Las Vegas, says: “It’s well laid out and has great features. We’ve learned a lot of lessons along the way, and we know where we want to go.” As a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, Solotech strives to stay on top of the latest technologies in the marketplace, making it a preferred choice for high-profile clients, including The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and AREA15, two popular venues for visitors. “With the world and technology changing so quickly, we need to stay ahead of the game,” says Aaron Beck, Business Development Manager and Senior Engineer at Solotech Las Vegas. For his part, John Flynn, Senior Director Production Services at Solotech Las Vegas, is proud to say: “Our workforce is incredibly experienced and knowledgeable in many fields.” Therefore, the company is able to create spectacular effects not only in performance halls but also in casinos, theatres, hotels, and nightclubs. “The future is looking good,” he says. Whatever your short- or long-term projects, you can count on Solotech to push the boundaries and grow with you. Let us show you the scope of our talents! Contact one of our experts today! Contact details: 7970 S Valley View Blvd., Suite 100 Las Vegas, Nevada 89139, USA 702-614-8882 Check out Solotech’s new location in Las Vegas: Contact Roch Carignan Social Media and Digital Content Advisor media@solotech.com
Jack White’s tour set interesting challenges for Lüz Studio and Solotech Leave a reply Jack White trusted Mathieu Larivé for a third time to showcase his last two albums, Fear of The Dawn and Entering Heaven Alive. Mathieu oversaw the tour’s production and lighting and called on Solotech to execute this unique project. Why was it such a unique challenge? Because Jack White doesn’t perform a set program of songs. Indeed, he has over one hundred in his repertoire, which he plays on the piano or electric guitar, depending on his mood or the context. Therefore, the production had to be agile and versatile to create ambiances in line with the chosen musical set. The stage was 40 feet wide by 24 feet deep and was overhung by an Austrian curtain and a background video screen. The latter was made up of ROE Visual CB5 LED panels housed in Air Frames flanked by IMAG and extendable back and side lighting towers on either side of the stage. In a nod to one of his latest music videos, a 6-foot lighted Hawaiian statue was controlled by a footswitch to change color depending on the song: red for the White Stripes, green for the Raconteurs, and blue for Jack White’s solo material. Despite all the sonic and visual challenges, Lüz and Solotech’s collaboration made for a memorable performance for the audience. Read the full article here Source: Event Focus (2022, July 12) Lüz Studio Reflects on Jack White: The Supply Chain Issues Tour. TPI Contact Héloïse Meunier Corporate Communications Advisor media@solotech.com
Coachella: Harry Styles and Solotech for an all-illuminated show Leave a reply If there’s one event that can kick off the festival season in style, it’s Coachella. The industry didn’t miss the opportunity, and Solotech led the charge. The magic recipe for its return? To have the pop star of the moment, Harry Styles perform in a sequined suit under more than 250 VL5LED WASH lights, purchased especially for the event by Solotech. To offer a result as sparkling as offbeat as Styles’ image, the circular lighting effect was designed and implemented thanks to the skills of the Silent House teams and the technical expertise of Solotech. The Vari-lite teams were also on hand to support this large-scale project from start to finish. The VL5LED WASH fixtures were packaged to create a huge circular structure above the singer. Working in harmony, the VL5LED WASH fixtures unveiled a colorful performance with a retro feel and just the right amount of “extra-ordinary”. In the aftermath, Harry Styles’ design team is reportedly interested in working with Solotech again. The lights also caught the eye of other designers for upcoming events. All in all, Styles made this Coachella comeback simply spectacular… Read the full article here Source: Vari-Lite, Solotech invests in vl5led wash for Harry Styles’ headline set at coachella 2022, Touring Contact Héloïse Meunier Corporate Communications Advisor media@solotech.com
The Killers and Capital Sound create a mirage in stadiums with the GSL system Leave a reply As a long-time customer, the sound team of The Killers did not hesitate to turn to Capital Sound, now part of Solotech UK Group, for the expected Imploding The Mirage tour in the UK and Ireland. The sound system chosen and supplied was the d&b audiotechnik SL series GSL. Already satisfied with the system used on a festival in Memphis, the sound team once again called Solotech to finalize the system design for The Killers’ 2022 stadium tour. The system consists of 16 GSL8 and four GSL12 main hooks on the left and right, with 10 flying SL-SUBs per side and 14 GSL8s. Finally, two GSL12 on the left and right completed the whole for the side-arrays. On the ground, there were SL-GSUBs, stacked six-wide and two-high, their arrangement of 21” speakers extending the control of the system’s cardioid pattern down to 30 Hz. Normally a problem, the low end of the spectrum has never been easier to control with suspended subwoofers and G-SUBs. Finally, for delays, smaller KSL8s were deployed in hangs of 16 cabinets per side. All arrays were deployed in compression mode, but the smaller KSL8 arrays can be installed on rooftop structures, in tension mode, to save weight. According to The Killers’ sound engineer, the structure allows for a smoother, more uniform sound than other systems already used. Read the full article here Source: LSI Online. (2022, 11 july) The Killers’ create The Mirage with d&b GSL. Contact Héloïse Meunier Corporate Communications Advisor media@solotech.com
Solotech Becomes Member of the Quebec Film and Television Council Leave a reply Montreal, Canada, July 15, 2022 – Solotech is proud to be a new member of The Quebec Film and Television Council (QFTC), a one-stop shop for foreign productions (film and television) in Quebec, whose mission is to contribute to the development and competitivity of Quebec as a world-class multi-screen production centre. As a leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, Solotech offers a wide range of services and solutions that are perfectly aligned with its vision to expand the pool of customers it serves. By joining the QFTC, Solotech supports its objective of strategic positioning in the film and television industries, which adds to the many others the company already collaborates with, including the music, tour, festival, business, transportation and government industries. This new membership is advantageous to Solotech’s customers since the company recently added virtual productions, webcasting, and augmented reality to its expertise. It will also enable Solotech to contribute to more film and television projects locally and internationally. As a member of the QFTC, Solotech is also part of a solid network of key players in the film and television industries, which will increase its visibility and the development of new business in sectors that can rely on highly qualified experts in technology and entertainment products and services. In addition, film and television industry professionals who wish to take advantage of Solotech’s services (in Quebec or internationally) can find the company’s contact details in the following sections: Supplier of EVENTS Quebec Film Sourcebook (May 2022) (fliphtml5.com) p. 167 Supplier of AERIAL IMAGES Quebec Film Sourcebook (May 2022) (fliphtml5.com) p. 184 Supplier of EQUIPMENT Quebec Film Sourcebook (May 2022) (fliphtml5.com) p. 187 Supplier of STUDIOS Quebec Film Sourcebook (May 2022) (fliphtml5.com) p. 195 Solotech is recognized as a partner of choice worldwide and has proven, for 45 years, that it can meet numerous audiovisual needs of the most varied markets. The company is proud to offer excellent accessibility to its solutions and services via the QFTC. The company is proud to offer excellent accessibility to its solutions and services through the QFTC, an economic development agency that supports the arrival of foreign production teams, conducts studies, collaborates on training programs, participates in working committees dedicated to supporting the industry, and provides the necessary government representations to support the ecosystem that includes all trades related to local production, visual effects and animation. Contact Roch Carignan Social Media and Digital Content Advisor roch.carignan@solotech.com
Meyer Sound Solutions Enrich the Audience Experience at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center in partnership with Solotech Leave a reply Known for hosting a wide variety of musical styles – classical, broadway, rock, jazz and even country – the Filene Center at Wolf Trap has undergone a sound system makeover. A thorough analysis of the venue’s needs, overseen by Solotech Director of Technology Kelly Prince, determined that Meyer Sound systems were the right solution. The Filene Center, which hosts all these musical events, needed to be flexible in its setup while providing exceptional sound quality. The ability to integrate a variety of software and hardware tools for design, optimization, and measurement tipped the scales in Meyer Sound’s favor. The new system consists of left and right main suspensions of 12 LYON linear loudspeakers, with a center suspension of 12 LEOPARD compact linear loudspeakers. Deep bass is produced by dual-flight gradient arrays of 7 1100-LFC low-frequency control elements each. Two large UPQ-D2 drivers and two compact ULTRA-X40 drivers serve as in-fill and out-fill respectively. Seven compact ULTRA-X20 wide coverage loudspeakers provide front fill, and six more are deployed for under-balcony fill. System control and optimization is provided by the X? GALAXY 816 NETWORK PLATFORMS. Read the full article here. Source: Eagleson J., (2022, july 6). Meyer Sound and Solotech Enrich the Audience Experience at Wolf Trap’s Filene Center. Meyer Sound Contact Héloïse Meunier Advisor, Corporate Communications media@solotech.com
Solotech contributes to ABBA Voyage concerts Leave a reply London, United Kingdom, June 6, 2022 – Possibly the most eagerly anticipated live music event of the decade, ABBA Voyage brings the 70s supergroup back to the stage in a seamless blend of the virtual and physical worlds. Several years in the making, the show opened on May 26 in a purpose-built arena designed by Stufish Entertainment Architects at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London. Early reviews confirm that it is like nothing seen before, as it adds a new element to the live music experience by blurring the lines between computer-generated imagery (CGI) and reality that can only be seen in person to fully understand, with The Guardian calling it a “jaw-dropping avatar act that’s destined to be copied.” As a global leader in AV and entertainment technology, Solotech worked under the direction of director Baillie Walsh, working alongside Aniara’s Technical Producer Nick Levitt and Technical Director Joe Frisina, and collaborating with concert producers Svana Gisla and Ludvig Andersson, Industrial Light and Magic (ILM,) and TETRO and Greenwall’s Fredrik Stormby to provide audio, lighting, and video solutions capable of pushing the boundaries for live productions. Scott Willsallen from Auditoria supervised the audio elements of the show, with VYV Photon servers specified and programmed by Anthony “Bez” Bezencon. The project is Solotech UK’s foray as a high-end 360-equipment supplier, as it delivered audio, video and lighting technology and expertise to the show. Solotech drew on its experience as live production specialists to aid in the process from the design stages to installation and opening night to help deliver the incredible event. Working in close collaboration with ABBA’s production team, Ian “Woody” Woodall, Solotech UK’s Director of Special Projects, led the project, with Paul “Macca” McCauley overseeing the installation of the rental equipment in the venue, and serving as the host to technical demos of the system in the many months leading up to the show. Solotech’s Robin Conway oversaw audio, Oli James handled lighting and Alex Mulrenan managed video and cameras. The members of ABBA spent five weeks being filmed by 160 cameras for motion capture as they performed the songs that make up the show’s 95-minute runtime. This footage was then used to realize the band in extreme detail, as they look entirely realistic when they appear on stage alongside a 10-piece live band. Solotech was chosen to help the team realize this transformation from the video performance footage to the physical space due to its multi-disciplinary approach to live production gained from experience working on the world’s biggest festivals and concerts. The result is an unprecedented immersive venue environment that adds another dimension to the show via a unique workflow that breaks new ground by its use of technical innovation. State-of-the-art equipment was chosen from leading manufacturers, including ROE, VYV, Robe, L-Acoustics, DiGiCo and others to augment the filmed performance footage with technology used throughout the venue. The show features one of the largest installations of ROE Black Pearl v2 LED screens, driven by Brompton 4K Tessera SX40 LED processors. It is one of the tallest installations of Black Pearl screens, standing 19 tiles high. Solotech also coordinated the supply of Solotech’s Service+ real-time, managed services software platform. Woody says: “This project has been special as we’ve spent two years of our lives working on it. It is the most technically complicated and challenging project I have ever been involved in. This is proven by the fact that everyone who has been there cannot find the words to describe it. The technical elements of the show have been virtually flawless from the rehearsals through to opening night on a show that is breaking new ground. These are accomplishments that we are extremely proud of.” See the video here: Contact Andrew Low Director, Marketing & Communications (UK) andrew.low@solotech.com
New Solotech location in Nashville Leave a reply Solotech goes big in Nashville Nashville, TN, May 17, 2022 – Earmarking the extraordinary growth that Solotech has experienced in recent years, the company has announced the opening of its massive new facility in Nashville, Tennessee. Covering more than 120,000 square feet of space, Solotech’s new Nashville facility is a powerful picture of what the company has become, and a clear indication of where it’s headed. The global leader in AV and entertainment technology has been expanding, not only in its long-time role as a powerhouse in live production, but also as a Top 10 AV system integrator in North America across the Corporate, Worship, and Transportation sectors. Recent notable projects in the region include the expansion of Nashville International Airport, as well as new sound, lighting, and video in several of the city’s iconic Broadway honky tonks, several major corporate headquarters, and a number of large houses of worship. And of course, Solotech continues to be a major player in the touring circuit, including current sojourns with Kenny Chesney and Carrie Underwood. The new Nashville facility is stocked with more gear than ever, offering a comprehensive array of brands and technologies to suit virtually every demand and rider. In addition, the building offers on-site rehearsal facilities and full stage setup, providing artists and production crew the opportunity to test out touring systems under real-world conditions. Solotech’s new facility also offers a new, state-of-the-art Pre-Production Visual Mapping, enabling clients to visually design and stage their new setup or facility. And the Nashville digs also house a complete fabrication department, making it easier than ever to fill all aspects of designing and creating systems for their ever-growing range of clients and projects. As Lee Moro, Solotech’s VP of Operations, Live Productions, observes, versatility and a comprehensive offering are some of the company’s strengths. “We can be working on the Airport, and then go out on Tour with Michael Bublé. That shows the diversity of the company. That’s what we’re all about.” Michael Casey, Solotech Business Development Representative, agrees. “On the integration side, we have the ability to build our projects in our own shop. On the live side, we can bring artists into the shop and have their rehearsals here, in our spaces, with the equipment they’re going to have out on tour.” “We’re always pushing the limits,” Moro concludes, pointing to the Solotech team as an indispensable part of the company’s success. “If you ask people to go above and beyond, the only way they’re going to do that is if they’re happy. You have to like where you’re working. I think we’ve created something pretty special here with an incredible team of passionate and seasoned professionals. Moreover, if you want to be part of the big Solotech family, now is the time, we’re currently looking to expand our pool of talents!” Take a quick tour of the brand-new Solotech office in Nashville: https://youtu.be/jr3-5XKUhT8 About Solotech Founded over 45 years ago, Solotech is a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology with 18 strategic locations in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. Thanks to an inventory encompassing over 300 renowned manufacturers, Solotech is the single source for audio, video, lighting, rigging, soft goods, control, and collaboration solutions and services. The company is internationally recognized for its expertise in Live Productions and Systems Integration in various markets, namely music, sports, business, culture, and education. Clients can also benefit from its Service Center, Online Store, and virtual technology know-how. Solotech is fully supported by three major shareholders: Claridge, Desjardins Capital and Investissement Québec. The company employs 1,360 professionals in its offices located in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Saguenay, Halifax, Macau, and Hong Kon. Find out more at www.solotech.com Contact Elizabeth Mclead Director, Marketing and Communications elizabeth.mclead@solotech.com
5 minutes with… Jerome Dussault, Sales Director, Live Productions, Quebec Leave a reply Solotech introduces the talent behind its unparalleled world-renowned expertise. We sat down with Jerome Dussault, Sales Director, Live Production Division for the province of Quebec, who has held various positions since he joined Solotech in 2008, leading him to his current management role. Summary of our chat with this AV enthusiast, for whom human qualities turned out to be a springboard for his professional success. Q: Jerome, thank you for talking to us. A first simple question: who is Jerome Dussault? JD: I became a true AV enthusiast in high school. I got involved in school shows and tech. In 2008, I started working with Solotech in the middle of Quebec City’s 400th Anniversary celebrations. I worked as a video technician in the warehouse and on the road. From there, I became a project manager, then sales representative, director in Quebec City, and finally Live Productions Division Sales Director for the province of Quebec. I have a self-taught path, which is rare these days. I had no diploma or specific training. My passion led me to where I am today. Q: How did your boss received your ambitions? JD: I felt supported and encouraged on several levels in my progression. I felt like they trusted in me. Q: What does your current role look like? JD: I use 90% of my time collaborating with people. Everything I start implicates one or many of my colleagues. I interact with bosses, my sales team, and other departments at Solotech, and I am involved in developing global strategies. On a day-to-day basis, I manage a human group, and my goal is to make it shine. From the five Solotech core values, collaboration has always been the one that drove me. The other four are as equally important, but this one always comes back, and it is a guarantee of success. Q: What do you consider your specialty? JD: (Laughters) I have the reputation of having a big mouth. I had numerous nicknames associated with this. You must believe that my social skills served me well. That is my specialty. Q: What makes Solotech different for its clients? JD: For me, it is our unique model. Many competitors offer 360° services with lighting, audio, video, and rigging. It is not a novelty today. What makes Solotech unique is that we are no longer offering only 360°. We are now doing 720° services. We have two, even three axes of possibilities. We can handle a small press conference, an international tour, and everything in between. We are present in all markets, and we can even add the Sales & Systems Integration axis in all markets, from the DJ starter kit to a turnkey install of a mega center in Dubai. We are now at Solotech 1080°! Q: What are you looking for in your team members? JD: I pay a lot of attention to well-being. Much more than knowledge because the knowledge can be taught. I want people who like teamwork because I see the success it brings us to work as a team. Q: What do you see in Solotech’s future? JD: I see success. The company will keep growing, both in terms of expertise and geography. I see the expansion of our service offering.
Solotech marks its 45th anniversary Leave a reply An audiovisual expertise as spectacular as ever, and ready for the future! Montreal, Canada, April 21, 2022 – Solotech is proud to blow out 45 candles this year! As a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, it has brilliantly supported numerous well-known projects around the world since its creation: The Rolling Stones, Resorts World Las Vegas, Celine Dion, Bridgestone Arena, Taylor Swift, Burj Khalifa, Caesars Palace, Elton John, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Lady Gaga, Ascot Racecourse, Paul McCartney, Montreal International Jazz Festival and Ubisoft, to name a few! Over time, the company has evolved by continuously enriching its technological services and products offering. Now recognized worldwide as a partner of choice, Solotech has proven that it can meet all audiovisual and entertainment technology needs. Becoming the benchmark in the industry with audacity Founded in 1977 by Denis Lefrançois and André Riendeau, Solotech was initially dedicated solely to audio. Then, lighting, video, audiovisual expertise and collaboration tools were added. Forty-five years later, the company has 18 locations across the planet, 1,360 employees and an overflowing project portfolio! This success is based on significant milestones, including the arrival in 2013 of three major Canadian investors solidifying its foundation, ambitious organic expansion plans, and multiple acquisitions in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. And recently, the addition of an Online store and virtual technology expertise to an already extensive offering. Solotech was agile with its growth into new, state-of-the-art facilities to better manage its operations and immense equipment inventory. The company also expanded its clientele far beyond entertainment to include, among others, corporate, transportation, government, houses of worship, and education. Martin Tremblay, President and CEO of Solotech: “I am thrilled by this anniversary, its shows how seasoned Solotech is in the industry. For 45 years, customer needs have inspired us to consistently deliver the best of technology and the best of ourselves. The outstanding know-how of our employees is at the heart of our success, and I am very proud of it. We look to the future with enthusiasm as we have just added virtual productions, webcasting and augmented reality to our expertise; it will allow us to support even more clients in achieving avant-garde projects.” The professionals at Solotech continue their mission to deliver on the highest quality of standards, from boardrooms to arenas and everything in between. Their work perfectly embodies the values of the company: passion, innovation, excellence, respect, and collaboration. After more than four decades, Solotech has always remained true to its mission to develop and implement innovative AV and entertainment technology solutions to create a unique experience every time, everywhere. What really sets Solotech apart today? Its uniqueness: no other company has such a comprehensive and diversified offering under one roof. Solotech is proud of how far it has come and, above all, is looking forward to celebrating its future milestones with its valued employees, customers and partners. Technology for the future of business and entertainment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSMqHUvNKgY About Solotech Founded 45 years ago, Solotech is a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology with 18 strategic locations in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and China. Thanks to an inventory encompassing over 300 renowned manufacturers, Solotech is the single source for audio, video, lighting, rigging, soft goods, control and collaboration solutions and services. The company is internationally recognized for its expertise in Live Productions and Systems Integration in various markets, namely music, sports, business, culture and education. Clients can also benefit from its Service Center, Online Store and virtual technology know-how. Solotech is fully supported by three major shareholders: Claridge, Desjardins Capital and Investissement Québec. The company employs 1,360 professionals in its offices located in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Saguenay, Halifax, Macau and Hong Kong. The company owns many brands, including SSE Audio, Wigwam, Capital Sound, BCS Audio, Pro Sound & Video, SEAL, Miami StageCraft, Morris Light and Sound, PSSL, CBCI, in addition to its partners Waveform and XR Studios. Find out more at www.solotech.com Contact Héloïse Meunier Corporate Communications Advisor media@solotech.com
You think you know Solotech? Think again! Leave a reply The past year has been a source of renewal for Solotech. In addition to making four acquisitions, the global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology diversified and expanded its service offering by adding new technologies and solutions. The year 2022 is very promising for Solotech with the return of Live Productions activities and the continued growth of its Sales and Systems Integration and Media and Entertainment Technology Divisions. Discover Solotech’s rich services and solutions offering, provided, as always, with the same passion at the heart of Solotech’s success for now over 45 years. See the video here:
