Complete Audio is among those with high hopes for live in 2012. The Berlin-based rental company reports robust demand for compact digital consoles for touring applications, and recently added four more Avid Profile and D-SHOWconsoles to its existing inventory; general manager André Rauhut remarks that, in particular, “the smaller Profile and SC-48 consoles are always on the road”. The Martin Audio MLA (Multi-cellular Line Array)
May 2012 l 49
XTA/MC2 Audio devices sold by German distributor atlantic audio in the past five years
segment” in Germany, but install should not be underestimated. “There is a trend of increase for install business,” confirms Zeiger, who is Yamaha Music Europe GmbH’s product manager – commercial audio. “We are famous for digital mixing consoles mainly for live applications, but [have expanded our line-up] for install and can see a steady growth there.” While broadcast remains a
profoundly important part of its
mixers to large mixing consoles with large routers,” he says. Shure is also putting further
resources into the install market. Marco Weissert, general manager of Shure Distribution GmbH, says that the company has strengthened its “system business to further focus on the installed market by hiring colleagues who are experts in their fields”. Install’s long-term nature can be a significant benefit during a phase where there may be a
“We are famous for digital mixing consoles mainly for live applications, but [have expanded our line-up] for install and can see a steady growth there” Stefan Zeiger, Yamaha
system is also generating plenty of work: “Since more engineers [have had the opportunity] to work with it, the word has spread that it is one of the best and most powerful systems on the market.” Live, says Yamaha’s Stefan Zeiger, is the “strongest
business, Lawo’s senior product manager –mc2 series, Felix Krueckels, confirms a strong demand for fixed installations in theatres, congress and convention centres. “There is a huge variation in this market of desired products from very small
greater inclination towards short- termism. Lief Witte – who is responsible for business development, sales and marketing at the Hamburg HQ of integrator Amptown System Company – says that “supply and demand are still big enough; a slump in
economic activities caused by the worldwide crisis fortunately seems to have missed us so far.” Witte points to continued opportunities in traditional segments such as theatre, cruise vessels, museums and exhibition facilities, as well as newer ones like digital cinema, which is benefiting from upgrade funding schemes. Iosono is also exploring the cinema market, with CEO Olaf Stepputat revealing that “the first German cinema with Iosono sound is planned” for later this year. Recent months have also seen a flurry of live commitments for the spatial audio specialist, including 2012 Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week Berlin and innovative ‘3D audio opera’ Neither,which premiered recently in Berlin. References by several
contributors to issues arising from employment law and a shortfall in skilled labour indicate that the German market is not without some underlying structural difficulties. In particular, there is a feeling that
livefeature KEY POINTS
l The fundamental strength of the German pro-audio market is reflected by another upbeat edition
of Prolight + Sound l The German install market is figuring strongly on the priority lists of numerous manufacturers, based
at home and abroad l There are some concerns about the availability of skilled labour