Archives

Solotech appoints industry veteran Landon Lovett as Global Market Leader

Industry veteran Landon Lovett joins Solotech as Global Market Leader

Orlando, United States, October 3, 2023 – Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, is excited to announce the appointment of Landon Lovett as Global Market Leader, Sales and Systems Integration Division.

Landon’s newly created Global Market Leader position will focus on areas in which he has previously held impactful roles. In his impressive career spanning more than 20 years in senior leadership, he has been a key player in developing business practices, expanding into new markets, and maintaining consultant engagement and major client relationships.

“I am thrilled to join this dynamic, growing global organization,” says Landon. “Over the last 45 years, Solotech has built a world-class reputation of AV production and installation.  I am extremely excited to come in and maintain that standard of quality and excellence while helping the continued growth of Solotech’s Sales and Systems Integration Division.”

Reporting directly to John ‘Jack’ Steinhauer, Vice President, Global Markets, Sales and Systems Integration, Landon’s focus will be on expanding consultant relationships, creating education and government strategy, and working closely with manufacturers to develop Solotech’s approach.

“I’ve worked with Landon for many years and have always respected his professionalism and his knowledge of the AV industry,” says Steinhauer. “I’m delighted that he is joining us at Solotech to help accelerate our growth.”

Landon’s appointment is consistent with Solotech’s goal of leveraging its world-class expertise and technology and expanding into developing markets.

“Landon is yet another important piece of the puzzle that will ensure we achieve our growth ambitions,” states Philip Giffard, Global President of Sales and Systems Integration. “The experience and professionalism he brings to our team are tremendous assets that will greatly benefit our team.”

Contact

media@solotech.com

Elevating the audiovisual experience in casino sportsbooks

Elevating the audiovisual experience in casino sportsbooks

The sports gambling industry has seen immense growth in recent years. According to Statista, the global online sports betting market is projected to reach US$43.55 billion in 2023 and climb to 174.5 million users by 2027. Following the United States’ 2018 Supreme Court decision granting states control over sports gambling regulations, both online and in-person sports gambling has surged in popularity in the US. To investigate further, SVG dove into the investment taking place to improve the client experience in casino sportsbooks.

To learn more about this dynamic shift and read about what Solotech’s experts had to say on the subject, read the full SVG article here.

Source: SVG (September 20), Tech Focus: Sportsbooks, Part 1 — Broadcast Sports but Bigger, Brighter, Louder

 

Contact

media@solotech.com

 

Outernet London Shortlisted for 2023 Venue Project of the Year AV Award

Outernet London Shortlisted For 2023 AV Award

London, UK, August 15th, 2023 – Outernet London, whose immersive audio system was created by Solotech, has been shortlisted for the 2023 Venue Project of the Year AV Award.

The AV Awards recognize outstanding achievements in the audio-visual industry, and Outernet has been acknowledged for its innovative contribution to the realm of experiential entertainment.

AV Awards 2023 Logo

The installation’s audio system, designed by Solotech’s team, has transformed the way visitors experience digital content and entertainment at Outernet London. With its state-of-the-art QSC Q-Sys network audio system and L-Acoustics L-ISA immersive sound technology, the audio system offers an immersive auditory journey that complements the venue’s captivating visual displays.

The AV Awards winners will be announced on November 3rd at Evolution London, where the best projects, products, and talents from the audio-visual industry will be celebrated.

 

Contact

media@solotech.com

Allen & Heath Avantis Special Offer

For a limited time only, order an Allen & Heath package from Solotech and receive a free dPack plug in bundle worth £1400.

Avantis Console Package – £13,878 ex-VAT

  • Allen & Heath Avantis Digital Console
  • Allen & Heath GX4816 Digital Stage Rack
  • Allen & Heath dPack Software Plug In Bundle – FOC

 

***This offer is for a limited time only and available on a first-come-first-served basis***

Contact the sales team today quoting Ref No WEB/AH2 for further details

 

Allen & Heath Avantis

The Avantis digital console is the latest 96kHz digital mixing console based on the XCVI FPGA engine from Allen & Heath. The console is a 64 channel/42 configurable bus unit, complete with twin Full HD touchscreens, extensive I/O options and processing taken from the company’s flagship dLive mixing system.

Avantis is part of Allen & Heath’s Everything I/O ecosystem, meaning that whether you’re an owner/operator looking to build a compact system, or a rental company already in possession of existing Allen & Heath stock, it can be connected to a large range of audio expander hardware. Avantis is also compatible with Allen & Heath’s range of ME Personal Mixers and IP hardware remote controllers.

For local I/O, Avantis comes equipped with 12 XLR analogue inputs, 12 XLR analogue outputs, plus AES (Stereo In, two Stereo Out). Two additional I/O Ports ensure users can benefit from the full range of current dLive option cards, including Dante (64×64 and 128×128), Waves, gigaACE, MADI and more, expanding the scope for system integration, FoH/monitor splits, and multitrack recording.

*Terms and conditions apply, further details available on request.

 

 

Solotech to host Shure Training in Heywood

In association with Shure UK, Solotech is hosting A Shure Wireless Masterclass and a Shure Wireless Workbench in Heywood.

Where

Solotech Heywood Sales, OL10 2JG

When

Shure Wireless Masterclass – 20th September 2023
Shure Wireless Workbench – 21st September 2023

Solotech and Shure are excited to present two days of in-depth training on the deployment of wireless systems for live events. We will focus on the fundamentals of Wireless Systems design and creating complex coordinations using Wireless Workbench.

Shure Wireless Masterclass

The ever-changing RF landscape can be the key to a successful or stressful performance. Dave Phillips (Senior Sales Manager) will take us through the fundamentals of RF (Radio Frequency) technology, from basic physics to system design and deployment. This popular course helps RF engineers at any level get the best out of their equipment and provides the tools for quick and efficient troubleshooting.

Shure Wireless Workbench

Wireless Workbench has become an industry standard for managing wireless inventory and coordinating frequencies for events of all sizes, from 2 systems in a house of worship up to 200 systems on a stadium tour (and everything in between!). Join Jack Drury (Market Development) for a full run-through of the software. We’ll cover how to manage an inventory, how to coordinate frequencies and how to monitor your systems during the show. By the end of the day – we’ll work through some real-world examples of complex shows and you’ll leave with all the tools you need to set up and execute a successful coordination.

***Please bring a laptop to this session with WWB downloaded.***

We are running these sessions over two days with separate registration for each day. While not compulsory, we would highly recomend attending both days if possible. A buffet lunch will be provided each day.

Places for this FREE event are strictly limited and allocated on a first come first served basis. Click on the links below to secure your places today.

Solotech To Exhibit at PLASA 2023

Solotech invites you to join us at this year’s PLASA show, at Kensington Olympia in London – register for free via the link below.

The countdown has begun for this year’s PLASA exhibition with Solotech once again exhibiting on Stand G11

Free registration is now open for the show which runs from Sunday 3rd – Tuesday 5th September

This year we are joined on the stand by:

  • L-Acoustics
  • d&b audiotechnik
  • DiGiCo
  • Yamaha
  • Medialease
  • InfiLED
  • Shure
  • DPA Microphones
  • Clear-Com
  • Link Italy
  • Solotech UK Manufacturing

 

Join us on  Stand G11 where we’ll be delighted to see you. In addition to our sales and project management staff, we will have representatives from all areas of our business – from Live Production, Sales and Systems Integration and our own in-house manufacturing team. There will be coffee and cold drinks available, or maybe something stronger later in the day!

Save The Date: Monday 4th September at 5pm is the annual Solotech PLASA Party on the stand

Sign up for free by clicking on the link below and we’ll see you there…

Solotech’s AV Solutions Enhance Historic Venues

The article titled “New Life for Old Venues” in InAVation magazine highlights Solotech’s expertise in providing AV upgrades for historic buildings, allowing them to stay competitive and relevant in the modern era.

The feature specifically mentions Tim Mortimer, Business Development Manager for Systems Integration at Wigwam, a Solotech company, and his experience working on cathedrals like York Minster in the UK.

The article emphasizes the challenges faced by technicians when modernizing these centuries-old venues while preserving their architectural integrity. The innovative techniques used by the original builders, designed for amplification in the absence of electricity, often conflict with modern AV requirements. Solotech’s approach involves finding solutions that blend seamlessly with the architecture while meeting contemporary needs. The ability to provide such solutions demonstrates a commitment to preserving the original look and feel of historic buildings while enhancing the audience’s listening experience.

The feature also discusses the increasing trend of older venues, including arenas, houses of worship, concert halls, and museums, seeking AV upgrades to offer modern experiences and attract visitors. Solotech’s expertise in delivering state-of-the-art AV systems is highlighted, along with an understanding of the unique challenges faced by historic venues. Venues are facing a need to generate additional revenue streams and adapt to a changing market. Solotech’s AV solutions help them become multipurpose and accommodate various events, such as corporate functions and product launches, while still maintaining the essence of their original purpose.

In essence, Solotech’s expertise in providing AV upgrades for historic venues allows them to strike a balance between preserving the past and embracing the future. Their solutions enable venues to deliver immersive experiences, compete with modern destinations, attract new audiences, and ensure their long-term sustainability in a rapidly evolving industry.

For more details, read the full article here.

Source: InAVate (June, 2023), New Life For Old Venues

 

Contact

media@solotech.com 

Oran Burns Joins Solotech UK Sales Team

Solotech has added Oran Burns to its UK Sales Team as Business Development Manager.

Solotech continues to establish its position as one of the UK’s leading pro-audio and AV systems integrators, with the company looking to develop new markets while servicing and consolidating its existing client base. Oran Burns joins the company with over 27 years experience in the audio industry.

After 14 years as a freelance FOH engineer, Oran spent 12 years at d&b audiotechnik, working in Education and Application Support. His most recent role was at Electrosonics as account manager delivering AV solutions for large corporate clients.

Oran commented, “I’m delighted to join the great Sales & Systems Integration team at Solotech and am looking forward to helping take the business to the next level.”

Sales Director Ryan Thomas added, “Oran is a great asset to add to our team. Not only does he have an understanding of audio and acoustics that is second to none but his experience in  AV for the corporate market will help us further develop in this key area of integration. I’m confident he will play a key role in our sales business – welcome to the team Oran!”

Yamaha Launches the DM7 Range of Digital Consoles

The culmination of decades of development experience, the new Yamaha DM7 series takes the best elements of previous digital mixing systems and combines them with innovative new features in a compact, powerful, ergonomic, flexible and expandable package.

Comprising two consoles and a control expansion unit,  plus additional software packages, the DM7 series is designed to deliver exceptional results with enhanced workflow for live music, corporate events, theatre, broadcast, streaming and hybrid mixing, where one console is used to independently mix more than one feed.

DM7 and DM7 Compact

An expandable, all-in-one digital mixer with a wide range of inputs and outputs, there are two models in the DM7 series. The DM7 features 32 inputs, 16 outputs and can process 120 input channels in a footprint measuring 793 mm x 564 mm, while the DM7 Compact has 16 inputs, 16 outputs and can process 72 input channels in a 468 mm x 564 mm footprint. Both models feature up to 144 in/out Dante networking at 96kHz, along with 48 mix, 12 matrix and two stereo busses. They can be used with the optional Yamaha R Series I/O Racks and a variety of Dante devices for extremely scalable, flexible audio systems.

DM7 Control

Either console can be expanded with DM7 Control, to create the DM7-EX (or DM7-EX Compact) system. This unit adds more physical controls and is bundled with Broadcast and Theatre software packages. Combined with enhanced performance and new features, the DM7 series is extremely flexible, adapting to the size and style of application, as well as the workflow of the engineer.

Functionality

A major new feature of the DM7 series is Split Mode, which allows the input channels, scenes and mix busses to be divided, letting one DM7 or DM7 Compact function like two separate mixers. Using one console, users can mix Front of House and monitors, FoH and broadcast or streaming, etc. without compromise.

Onboard Dante networking supports up to 144 channels of input and output and can be connected to the devices from a wide range of manufacturers, for flexible and highly scalable audio systems. Head amp remote and device control are also supported, making it easy to patch and control Dante equipment from the console. The DM7 series also features a rear panel USB-C port with 18 input/output audio interface functionality for recording, distribution, playback and connection to conferencing systems, as well as control via MIDI devices and DAWs.

“Complimenting the existing flagship RIVAGE PM and the trusted CL and QL series consoles, the DM7 series provides users with a powerful option to begin their Yamaha journey or expand their Yamaha fleet,” says Thomas Hemery, Yamaha General Manager of Global Marketing and Sales, Professional Solutions Division.

“With expected future firmware updates, similar to the significant new RIVAGE PM feature launching soon, the DM7 series will continue to evolve for many years to come.”

Available from Solotech

The first DM7 units are due to ship in Q3 of 2023 and will be available to order from Solotech Sales. If you need further information, including the opportunity to be one of the first to see the DM7, then contact the sales team today uk.groupsales@solotech.com or call 01706 363400

Audio Training for Church Technology in Liverpool

Solotech, is hosting a free-one day training event in Liverpool for audio techs working in the Church and HOW sector.

Course: Audio Training for Church Technology

Date: Saturday 17th June

Time: 10:00 – 16:00

Location: St Barnabus Church, Penny Lane Liverpool L18 1LZ

Held at St Barnabus Church in Liverpool where non other than Paul McCartney was a choir boy, the training is targeted at both beginners and the more experienced in the world of Church audio. The sessions are aimed at providing a basic understanding of signal flow, radio mics, speech intelligibility, electro acoustics and mixing.

There will be a networking event held after the sessions.

Places will be limited so if you’d like to join us on 17th June, sign up today via the link below.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/audio-training-for-church-technology-tickets-640584574707

Mondo-DR Award

Outernet London Wins Mondo-DR Award

London’s £1BN immersive entertainment complex Outernet, featuring audio supplied and installed by Solotech, has won the Multipurpose Venue category at the 2023 Mondo-DR Awards in Florida.

 

The Mondo-DR Awards recognise outstanding Audio Visual projects and installations around the globe. There are fifteen categories, ranging from Bars to Arenas, with judges assesing projects on their creative design, installation and implementation and ultimately the finished result.

Outernet is the most advanced immersive space in the world – at the heart of the district is The Now Building featuring 23,000 sq foot of floor to ceiling wrap around screens able to create never before seen digital experiences. Inside, visitors will find five different spaces including the main Now Building with a 14-metre-high atrium, the Now Arcade, the Now Venue Cinema Expansion, and two pop-up buildings, Pop 1 and Pop 2. The Now is one of the most exciting parts of Outernet, featuring a four-storey high LED wall as well as retractable walls, creating a flexible immersive space.

Solotech worked on Outernet from the outset, designing an audio solution as flexible as the complex itself. The audio infrastructure delivers exceptional fidelity for any application, from background mood music, through immersive audio in support of video, to live events and performances. A Q-Sys platform allows matrixing of audio, routing inputs to outputs and provides remote access for monitoring and fault diagnosis of the system.

Innovation has been key throughout the project, including the development of new products. For example, many of the loudspeakers are placed in gullies in the floor but no L-Acoustics sub woofer would fit in the space available. Solotech worked with the French manufacturer to develop the SB10i, a high performance subwoofer with an ultra low profile to fit in the available space, a product that is now commercially available in the L-Acoustics line-up.

Mike Whittaker, Chief Technology Officer for Outernet commented, “Early on we highlighted the benefits of the L-Acoustics product set and of a partner like Solotech. That triangular partnership has been key to the success of this project. Testimony to this is that we actually brought the costs down. When the Solotech team looked at the designs they were able to come up with a solution that performed as required but reduced the cost.

The Solotech team played a crucial role in the creation of the audio infrastructure for Outernet, contributing the technical insight and expertise to help bring this complex and stunning project to life. The result is an incredible example of what audio-visual innovation and expertise can deliver for clients and the public.

Dan Seal, Senior Business Development Manager at Solotech managed the project for the company: “Outernet was fantastic to be involved in: technically challenging and innovative, and the results speak for themselves. For our work to be recognised in a global award is an honour. Many thanks to the Outernet team, all our partners and fellow contractors who all helped bring the Outernet to reality.

The Mondo-DR Awards took place on 14th june at Ole Red in Orlando Florida.. Further details can be found here: https://mondodrawards.com/2023/

Read Solotech’s case study on Outernet here: https://www.solotech.com/uk/our-work/solotech-delivers-l-acoustic-l-isa-for-outernet/

Solotech UK: The Big Move Commences

Following record results and continued year on year growth, Solotech announced in January 2023 it would be relocating its UK headquarters to a new state of the art facility in Blythe Valley near Solihull.

Since taking the keys back in January, the facilities team at Solotech have been working flat out making the new warehouse ‘fit for purpose’. Being a new build, the site at Blythe Valley was literally an empty shell so much of the initial fit-out has centred around infrastructure: lighting, power, IT, mezzanine floors and even office walls.

The move to the new building will be in phases, ensuring the day-to-day operations of the business remain unaffected. Phase 1 will see the Live Operations warehouse team as the first to move. This will include the company’s extensive hire inventory, with all tour equipment preparation that would have previously come out of Redditch now taking place in Blythe Valley.

Managing the logistics of the move has been Solotech HQ General Manager Rich Rowley: “It’s no secret that the summer is our busiest time, so it was important to prioritise equipment preparation as the first department to go. If we hadn’t been able to complete it now, it would have been September before the opportunity presented itself again.”

Rich continued, “Operationally we will be up and running on 16th May so an important message to all our hire customers and logistics partners is that all deliveries and collections from this date are from the new premises. The new address is: Unit 1, Connexion II, Blythe Gate, Solihull B90 8DX.  Being a brand new building, many sat-navs are yet to catch up – if you use B90 8AA you can’t miss us!”

UK MD Bryce Jewell commented, “We’re delighted to take the next step on this journey. We had simply outgrown our existing premises. The Blythe HQ will provide the platform that we require to continue Solotech’s development in the UK and take us to the next level. It will provide our staff with the state-of-the-art facilities they require to deliver the levels of service our customers expect from us.”