XTA ELECTRONICS celebrated shipping its 50,000th unit during the Olympic year by presenting staff with their very own gold medals. The 50,000th unit was a DS8000, XTA’s new audio distribution system. It was sold on 30 July to UK distributor Polar Audio. The company’s first ever unit was shipped in February 1992; the DS400 mic/line distribution system. XTA Electronics was formed
by Andrew Grayland and John Austin, former R&D manager and one of the technical directors of a “well- known rival manufacturer”. Having overseen many of the products there, both Grayland and Austin felt that DSP
sounding digital equipment could be designed.
The partnership lasted over 15
Hayes: “..always believe in your soul, you've got the power to know…”
technology could find a home at the heart of PA systems. At this time DSP was often
disregarded because of its audio quality, but Grayland and Austin believed with the right algorithms and using 32-bit processing maths instead of the standard 24-bits, pure and clear-
years, during which time XTA launched the DP226 series, which sold more than 16,500 units. After Grayland’s departure in 2007 (to start an electric bike shop!), the company launched the DP4 Series processors as well as the DP548 dynamic audio management system, among other products. “Everyone is very proud to
have been part of this massive achievement for XTA,” commented brand and marketing manager Waring Hayes. “We’re as enthusiastic and committed to improving professional audio quality as we were 20 years ago, and it’s this drive that keeps making gear better.” n www.xta.co.uk
Kling & Freitag in tune with rentals all over the world
UNITED KINGDOM
Post-PLASA training at Sound Technology
By Erica Basnicki
In the week following the PLASA Show 2012, Sound Technology, Harman distributor in the UK/Ireland, has lined up a series of training seminars at the company’s new pro-audio demo facility at its Letchworth Garden City head office.
Included in the series is the
now sold out ‘Mixing With Professionals Live’ featuring Soundcraft consoles and hosted by FOH engineer and Harman European tour sound manager Gert Sanner (Deep Purple). Sanner will also host the first JBL VTX certified training course to be run outside America on 19 September.
All training will take place at Sound Technology’s new 4,000sqft facility
On 19 and 20 September, Sound Technology will present Level 2 of its regular BSS Soundweb London training for users who have already completed the Level 1 course. Finally, on 20- 21 September AFMG will present their UK SysTune seminar. n www.soundtech.co.uk
PASSIO
Jack for all trades!
Visual discretion, acoustic presence. This is PASSIO. Visually, not only is the front attractive, but the rear is too thanks to the ability to easily attach accessories. Acoustically, the PASSIO offers a full range and reach clearly exceeding other comparable systems. Whether you use it as a stage monitor, a front fill, as part of a decentralised sound system or as a main speaker, PASSIO is fit for all purposes. The mythical egg-laying and wool-bearing dairy cow. This is PASSIO.