Market report: Venues
V1 RESPONDENT ORIGIN UK
Netherlands Denmark Norway Belgium Finland Spain
Ireland
Portugal Sweden
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
0
2010 2011 2012
Above 4,000
Above 4,000 23 32 24
requirements of many touring productions, this is an area about which it is difficult to construct blanket generalisations. Nonetheless, responses to questions about priorities for new equipment spend do demonstrate considerable continuity, with loudspeakers/amplifiers again emerging as the primary consideration (Graph V5). There was, however, some
emphatically good news for microphone manufacturers, whose product rose in
52 8 8 8 4 4 4 4 4 4
V2: VENUE CAPACITY INCLUDING SEATED & STANDING 2010-2012
2010 2011 2012
however, it’s clear that there is an eye to an increased reliance on non-wired systems (“wireless will be the big saver”, as one contributor remarked) – a trend from which a variety of manufacturers should take heart.
1,000-4,000 1,000-4,000
68 55 48
Less than 1,000 Less than 1,000
9 13 28
well as the wider economic gloom – is an important consideration here. Putting present circumstances to one side, venues were then invited to nominate the piece of equipment they would most like to purchase if resources allowed. As in the other sector reports, respondents prioritised new loudspeaker systems and audio consoles. Nexo and d&b were among the popular choices, while Martin Audio’s much- discussed Multi-cellular Loudspeaker Array (MLA)
Overall there was a greater expectation of stability or modest growth than in 2011
importance to eclipse consoles this year – in contrast to a surprisingly low-priority status reported in the hire/rental companies report (see page 6). Preparing for the requirements of the new spectrum map is undoubtedly a primary agent of change. Further reflecting the rather
stagnant nature of this report, the largest single share of respondents expected their new audio equipment budget to remain unaltered during full- year 2012 (62%; V6). Anecdotal evidence suggests that increased difficulty in accessing credit – as
18 l PSNLIVE 2012
system also put in an appearance (“the way it is designed would be [of optimum use] for our venue”, noted one respondent). In terms of desks, more than 40% of venues expressed a wish to upgrade or extend their console inventories. Midas (notably the PRO series) and Yamaha received the greatest number of namechecks. Despite these wishes, there
was little impression of urgency about the need to upgrade, with plenty of venues appearing to feel that their inventories are essentially fit-for-purpose at present. In the longer-term,
They are likely to be rather less cheered by the results of an enquiry about the probable near-future impact of networking and enhanced systems integration. Last year, the largest single share (35%) expected it to affect working practices to some degree, depending on time and resources. In 2012, however, the emphasis shifted in favour of the non-believers, with 48% decreeing day-to-day networking to be “years away for us” (V7). It’s an interesting result, and
one that contrasts sharply with responses from our sound engineers and hire/rental companies. It may well give technology providers/developers cause to pause. Will current standardisation efforts help to alleviate the hesitancy and encourage more venues to take the plunge? It may be a couple of years yet before the long- term outlook becomes clear.
MORE OF THE SAME? As in previous years, there was a mixed response to a query inviting venues to reflect at length on the recent expansion of the live music sector and its current/future prospects for growth. Overall, there was a greater expectation of stability and modest growth than in 2011, with few contributors expecting a significant drop in activity. “We expect it to expand, [meaning] that we will be adding more time for live music generally,” remarked one of the most upbeat respondents. More typical was a sentiment along the lines of “maybe things will level out and remain about the
“‘Bring down ticket prices –that will solve everything” Respondent
same”. Echoing the point, another observed that “it may continue as it is depending on artists still wishing to travel [so extensively]”. Given the ongoing fragmentation of recorded music revenues, this would seem
10 20 30 40 50
0 Increase
2010 2011
Increase 37 35
Decrease
Decrease 18
30 2012 32 36
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
0
2010 2011 2012
Stay the same Stay the same
45 35 32
V4: INCOME FROM LIVE MUSIC EXPECTED TO INCREASE/DECREASE IN FULL YEAR 2010-2012
2010 2011 2012
to be a near-certainty. In the final area of enquiry,
venues were invited to nominate steps that could or should be taken by industry stakeholders to help ensure the continued good health of the live music
V3: LIVE MUSIC DAYS EXPECTED TO INCREASE/DECREASE IN FULL YEAR 2010-2012
2010 2011 2012
Nexo rig in Sweden’s Globe Arena
Increase
Increase 45 22 21
Decrease
Decrease 14
26 17
Stay the same
Stay the same 41
52 63
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