New Studer Micro Series mixing system is at the center of a comprehensive live performance and broadcast studio featuring JBL Professional, AKG and Martin solutions 

MAIDSTONE, ENGLAND—Toolroom Records recently installed a complete audio and lighting system by HARMAN Professional Solutions in a brand new performance space and broadcast studio at the label’s headquarters in Maidstone.

Toolroom is a UK-based record label that is internationally recognized for its trend-setting brand of House, Tech House and Techno. Founded in 2003 by Grammy-nominated producer Mark Knight, Toolroom features a roster of established and rising DJs and producers, with releases from Fatboy Slim, Basement Jaxx, Underworld and many more. More than just a traditional record label, Toolroom has ventured into a wide variety of media and entertainment platforms, including radio, television, broadcasting, international events and education.

Toolroom Radio is a weekly syndicated program that reaches 13 million listeners, featuring in-studio interviews and intimate performances. In addition to these media platforms, Toolroom Academy fosters a new generation of musical talent by providing a specialized education in electronic music. In order to host such a diverse range of programs and activities, Toolroom recently built an intimate broadcast studio and live performance space in its main office building. The comprehensive production facility is equipped with a complete HARMAN audio and lighting solution, anchored by a new Studer Micro Series digital audio mixing system.

“We’re really excited about unveiling our new multi-use production facility,” said Miles Shackelton, Brand Director at Toolroom Records. “I don’t know of any other independent labels with an in-house performance space quite like ours. The flexibility and power of the HARMAN system enables us to produce our weekly radio show, host live performances, film HD video interviews and more—all from the Toolroom headquarters. The team at HARMAN really went above and beyond to provide us with the technical tools we need to create high-quality content.”

The new Toolroom studio is anchored by the new Studer Micro Series, a compact and cost-effective solution which provides the functionality of a high-end digital audio mixing system. Studer Micro Series is ideal for small-format broadcast studios, combining renowned Studer quality with powerful features, including AoIP, Lexicon effects processing, VoiceMix automatic mixing and more. Consisting of a core unit, an intuitive GUI and an optional fader control surface, Studer Micro saves valuable studio space by eliminating the need for a large, expensive audio mixer.  

“The Studer Micro Series mixing system is the central unit of our facility, and provides everything we need to produce Toolroom Radio,” said Mikey Whyte, Content Marketing Manager at Toolroom Records. “It enables us to mix and stream performances and interviews to Facebook and YouTube, while also recording everything. Our radio producer later mixes down the audio assets on the Studer Micro, and that becomes the radio show that is syndicated on over 70 satellite and terrestrial radio stations worldwide.” 

The HARMAN audio system installed in the Toolroom studio also includes JBL Professional speakers and AKG microphones. Additionally, the intimate space is visually augmented with a Martin lighting solution. Together, the complete HARMAN audiovisual system gives Toolroom the flexibility to deliver world-class production value for any type of artist, performance or event.

“Even though the live performance space is intimate, it was important for the audio to be powerful and crisp, with plenty of deep bass and rich high-end,” concluded Whyte. “The sound provided by the HARMAN system is ridiculously good—many producers are asking us to host album launch parties and private listening sessions because it sounds that great in the room. We’re also pleased with the Martin lighting system because it enables us to adjust the ambience in the room for different scenarios. We can make the room look like a nightclub during live DJ performances or achieve natural subject lighting when shooting video interviews.” 

Mahajak Trio upgrades radio station studio with Studer OnAir 1500 to enhance workflows and ensure seamless integration with MCR system

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei—Mahajak Trio recently upgraded Nur Islam 93.3 FM’s studio with a Studer by HARMAN OnAir 1500 radio broadcast mixing console.

Founded in 1984 by Radio Television Brunei (RTB), Nur Islam 93.3 FM is a state-funded radio station with mostly religious programming, dedicated to helping listeners develop their spiritual lives. Alongside other RTB stations National FM, Pilihan FM, Pelangi FM and Harmoni FM, Nur Islam FM is one of the most popular radio stations in the nation of Brunei, with listeners tuning in online or over-the-air. To keep up with rising global broadcast standards, station managers reached out to audio distributor Mahajak Trio to replace the studio’s aging mixing console with a state-of-the-art digital mixing solution.

According to Mahajak Trio Senior Sales Manager, Lee Chin Kah, a key requirement to be considered was that the new console needed to be fully integrated with the studio’s existing MCR audio and control network such as talkback function between Master Control Room (MCR) and radio studio. In order to ensure premium audio quality for the station’s programming and seamless integration with the existing studio technology, Mahajak Trio selected the Studer OnAir 1500 radio broadcast mixing console.

“We required a reliable and flexible mixing solution that could interface with our MCR router system for both audio network and talkback functions,” said Ms. Ruzana, Audio Engineer, Nur Islam FM. “In a self-operated studio such as ours, an efficient workflow is critical to maintaining high production standards. We love the new Studer OnAir 1500—the Touch ’n’ Action interface and intelligent control system is extremely intuitive, making it that much quicker to dial in a professional mix. We thank Mahajak Trio team for offering a hands-on training session and educating our team on the OnAir 1500’s more advanced features, giving our engineers the confidence to handle any situation.”

The Studer OnAir 1500 is a 12-channel console designed specifically for radio broadcasting and production. Innovative features like USB jingle playback/record and complete integration with radio automation systems make the OnAir 1500 the idea choice for stations like Nur Islam FM, which require a flexible compact mixing console for their production needs. Bridging the gap between on-air and production needs, the OnAir 1500 provides Nur Islam FM’s staff with the premium quality and efficient workflow needed to consistently produce great programming. Finally, the OnAir 1500’s built-in MADI network enabled Mahajak to interface the console with the studio’s existing MCR network router with zero latency issues, as well as connecting the station’s intercom panel to the Studer’s talkback function.

“It is a great privilege to be associated with Nur Islam 93.3 FM, one of Brunei’s longest-running radio stations,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “We have a proud history of providing reliable and efficient production solutions to broadcasters, and we’re confident that the station’s new Studer OnAir 1500 console will ensure high-quality programming for a long time to come. We thank Mahajak Trio for their faith in Studer and HARMAN products, and for their constant innovation and customer-focused approach to satisfying their clients’ needs.”

New mixing surface brings advanced features and Studer Infinity Core support in a cost effective console

KOBA (Booth #C210 Dongyang Digital) – SEOUL, South Korea – HARMAN Professional Solutions, the global leader in networked audio, video, lighting and control systems, today announced the immediate availability of the Studer Vista 5 Black Edition console. Built upon the tradition of the massively successful Studer Vista 5 M3 mixing console, the new Vista 5 Black Edition brings even more advanced capabilities to the platform with the addition of the industry-leading Studer Infinity Core processor.

Studer Vista Black Edition consoles were designed to deliver the flexibility and advanced features of Vista mixing surfaces to a more cost-conscious market, bringing Studer’s legendary sound quality to even more applications, including radio and TV broadcast, OB trucks, houses of worship, performing arts, and more. “The response to the Studer Vista 1 Black Edition has been very strong,” says Mark Hosking, Director, Broadcast Sales at HARMAN Professional Solutions. “The larger Vista 5 Black Edition opens up more potential applications offering the same sleek look but in a scalable mixing system. And because it is built upon the Infinity Core processing engine, it can deliver full processing redundancy in a very cost effective, yet full featured console with the sound quality our customers expect from Studer products.”

The Studer Vista 5 Black Edition is available in 22, 32 and 44 fader sizes, and supports an optional TFT meter bridge. The console’s features include Studer’s unique Vistronics interface and FaderGlow technology, as well as the Infinity Core’s advanced capabilities such as Dynamic EQ plug-ins and full Core redundancy with up to 1000 MEQs (Mono Equivalent Channels). The Vista 5 Black Edition supports any of Studer’s range of Infinity Core products, including the Infinity Core 300, 600 and 1000, as well as the new Studer Infinity Core Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) solution. This IT-friendly solution allows customers to run Studer’s real-time audio processing on their own server hardware just by adding a standard PCIe Infinity CoreLink card.

“We are exceptionally excited to bring the Studer Vista 5 Black Edition to market,” says Hosking. “The combination of advanced features and compelling price point make this an excellent solution for a wide range of applications in today’s market.”

Additional Details

For further details on the Studer Vista 5 Black Edition, we invite you to visit: https://www.studer.ch/en/products/vista-5-black-edition

Audio Director John Simpson selects a Studer Vista 5 digital mixing console to create complex live mixes for the high-profile talent competition

MARINA BAY, Singapore—Mahajak Trio recently supplied veteran Audio Director John Simpson with a Studer by HARMAN Vista 5 digital mixing console for the second season of “Asia’s Got Talent”.

Featuring singers, dancers, magicians, comedians and other performers competing for a $100,000 grand prize, “Asia’s Got Talent” is the regional version of the popular “Got Talent” franchise. The show’s record-breaking first season established the live reality competition as the region’s most powerful platform for launching Asia’s next generation of star performers.

Produced by Astro Productions, episodes are filmed live before a studio audience at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and Pinewoods Iskandar in Malaysia. Astro hired Mahajak Trio Electronics to provide the show with a broadcast audio mixing solution with premium sound quality and an intuitive user interface. Mahajak selected a Studer by HARMAN Vista 5 mixing console for its innovative features and user-friendly operation.

“The producers wanted to be sure that the production audio was superbly mixed using the best equipment,” said Lee Chin Kah, Senior Technical Manger, Mahajak Trio. “They were very satisfied with the Studer Vista 5 we provided, which met all of their technical requirements and is extremely easy to use. Studer consoles offer advanced functionality and the best sound quality in the broadcast market today.”

The show’s producers brought in veteran sound mixer John Simpson to serve as Audio Director for seasons one and two of “Asia’s Got Talent”. As a long-time user of Studer mixers, one of Simpson’s favorite features is vMIX, an automated microphone-mixing algorithm based on gain sharing. vMIX helps Simpson keep complex mixes with several active microphones under control during on-air performances. 

“The producers wanted to make sure I had the best tools at my disposal, so I asked for a Studer Vista 5,” said Simpson. “The Vista 5 is fantastic—it has a reliable and intuitive surface to work on. We used software version 5.1 along with the excellent vMIX automated mixing function. vMIX automatically adjusts all open microphone levels based on who’s talking at any given moment. It’s the best automixing algorithm I’ve heard yet—it mixes faster and better than we ever could!”

The Vista 5 has been adopted by a wide range of broadcast and theater production facilities around the world. Featuring precision TFT metering, comprehensive automation and 5.1 surround sound capabilities, Vista 5 is optimized for use in live sound and broadcast applications, where speed and workflow are equally as important as sonic quality. With modular d21m stage boxes, the Vista 5 offers a flexible and powerful I/O system to handle the high number of inputs and outputs used in broadcast production.

“It’s a privilege to see our solutions being used on the iconic reality show “Asia’s Got Talent,” said Ramesh Jayaraman, VP & GM, HARMAN Professional Solutions, APAC. “Studer Vista consoles are the gold standard in mixing consoles for live broadcast applications. We thank Mahajak Trio for providing Astro Productions with technical expertise and excellent customer service.”

New location expands HARMAN Professional’s global network of experience centers; Multi-functional facility will serve as new headquarters for EMEA region and showcase cutting-edge technology offerings

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif. & LONDON) —HARMAN Professional Solutions, the global leader in audio, video, lighting and control systems, including networked AV, today announced the grand opening of the HARMAN Experience Center – London. The new facility expands the growing global network of HARMAN Professional Solutions Experience Centers, including locations in Los Angeles, Singapore and Shanghai, and will serve as the new headquarters for the EMEA region.

Designed to showcase how HARMAN solutions uniquely address customer needs across a variety of entertainment and enterprise market applications, the 25,800-square-foot (2,400-square-meter), multi-functional facility including EMEA headquarter offices, demonstrates the integration of brands including JBL Professional®, AKG Acoustics®, AMX®, BSS Audio®, Crown International®, dbx Professional®, DigiTech®, Lexicon Pro®, Martin®, Soundcraft® and Studer®.

“The opening of the experience center in London represents a major investment in the EMEA region, enabling us to deepen relationships with our customers and greatly expand our presence across critical markets,” said Chris Smith, Vice President, EMEA, HARMAN Professional Solutions. “Not only will the facility offer customers the opportunity to experience HARMAN innovation firsthand, it provides our staff with a state-of-the-art headquarters that will allow us to pursue new opportunities with greater speed and efficiency.”

The HARMAN Experience Center—London is comprised of several dedicated spaces along with the EMEA office space and meeting rooms.The Product Showroom is filled with HARMAN solutions including HARMAN’s Connected Retail Experience, Huddle Space, Connected Hotel Room, Home Recording, Networked AVoIP, and much more. The Foyer, Boardroom and Auditorium are not only practical-use spaces, but also areas that demonstrate HARMAN solutions for restaurant, corporate, education, corporate, and theatre environments.

“By opening this HARMAN Experience Center in London, we expanding our robust global network of experience centers and enabling our customers around the world to experience the One HARMAN Solution proposition firsthand,” said Mohit Parasher, Executive Vice President and President, HARMAN Professional Solutions. “From JBL Professional sound and Martin lighting to AMX controllers and Samsung displays, the entire facility is a brilliant demonstration of what HARMAN products can do when deployed seamlessly together in enterprise and entertainment environments.”

The HARMAN Experience Center—London is open by appointment only to HARMAN and Samsung customers, employees, distributors, sales representatives, dealers, artists and other industry professionals for meetings, performances, productions, hospitality events, and more.

The HARMAN offices and Experience Center is located at Westside, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9TD. For more information, contact European.Marketing@Harman.com.

New video showcases how HARMAN Professional audio and lighting solutions deliver exceptional results for more than 2,000 events each year   

WASHINGTON D.C.—As the nation’s premier performing arts and cultural center, The Kennedy Center houses nine world-class performance spaces, including four theaters, three concert stages, an opera house, and a concert hall. It is also the resident venue for the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) and the Washington National Opera (WNO). Each year, the Kennedy Center produces more than 2,000 events and performances, making it one of the only venues in the world to host such a high and diverse volume of programming.

In order to support a huge range of performances on a demanding schedule, the Kennedy Center relies on HARMAN Professional audio and lighting solutions to provide brilliant sound and lighting for each event. Every venue in the Kennedy Center features JBL Professional speakers, Crown amplifiers, dbx signal processing, Soundcraft or Studer consoles, AKG microphones, and Martin lighting.

To celebrate the 20-year partnership between HARMAN and The Kennedy Center, HARMAN traveled to the facility to create this video, which shows how HARMAN Professional audio and lighting solutions give event producers impressive artistic license to achieve their vision.  

• See how a complete HARMAN Professional audio and lighting solution enables the Kennedy Center to produce daring and artistic live performances across its nine venues
• Learn why HARMAN equipment provides the reliability, ease-of-use, and technical redundancy required for 365 days of performances across multiple venues
• Discover how more than 1,000 JBL loudspeakers and 500 Crown amplifiers bring impressive sound to every event
• Find out how Soundcraft and Studer consoles, and dbx signal processing help audio engineers deliver world-class mixes for each event
• See how AKG microphones provide professional sound reproduction for the NSO, WNO, and touring artists
• Learn why production teams use Martin moving-head fixtures to create stunning lighting designs

“The partnership that we've had with HARMAN is 20 years old, and in those 20 years we have done extraordinary work together. We've been creative, HARMAN has been responsive. And together we have done things that we alone could never have done.”
—Deborah Rutter, President, Kennedy Center 

“When the technology is at its best, you never think about it, you never see it. That allows culture to be culture and technology to just be the infrastructure that we know we need. And we're grateful to be working with HARMAN because they're a partner who can help us realize that vision.”
—Garth Ross, Vice President, Community Engagement, Kennedy Center 

Watch the video now.