Sennheiser has announced the return of the popular MD 9235 capsule for wireless handheld microphones. The move comes in response to repeated requests from touring professionals, who remained attached to the 9235 even after it was discontinued a few years ago. “When the MM 435 mic head and the MM 445 high-rejection head succeeded the MD 9235 in 2020, they quickly built their own fanbase,” explained Product Manager Sebastian Schmitz. “But we still had enquiries for the MD 9235 coming in, even after years had passed since its discontinuation. So we sat together with our development and manufacturing engineers and…
Author: Peter Iantorno
Auditoria delivered the audio systems for the debut concert of the UAE National Orchestra, staged at Emirates Palace Theatre in Abu Dhabi last month. Produced by Done + Dusted, the performance marked the orchestra’s first public appearance and a significant cultural moment for the UAE. Auditoria worked closely with Done + Dusted and the UAE National Orchestra to shape an audio approach that supported an immersive orchestral experience, alongside full multitrack recording and a broadcast-ready stereo mix prepared for immediate release. “This was a special moment,” stated Scott Willsallen, Auditoria’s CEO and Sound Designer. “It was an important performance for…
NMK Electronics, a Midwich group company, has announced its exclusive distribution partnership with lighting control solutions company, ChamSys – a member of the Chauvet Group. This strategic alliance expands NMK’s lighting portfolio, complementing its existing distribution of Chauvet Professional products. “ChamSys is a natural addition to our portfolio,” said Dino Drimakis, Director, Strategic Development, MESEA, NMK Electronics. “Our focus has always been on building a portfolio that enables our customers to design, deploy, and operate complete solutions with confidence. ChamSys strengthens that vision by adding world class lighting control to an already powerful lighting technology offering. This is about giving…
The Middle East has never lacked ambition. From record-breaking opening ceremonies to immersive mega-events and headline-grabbing international tours, the region has built a reputation for scale, speed and spectacle. When it commits to a vision, it delivers – and often does so better than anywhere else in the world. But as the live entertainment landscape here matures, a quieter and more important question is beginning to surface beneath the lights and laser beams: are we building an industry, or are we simply importing moments? After more than two decades producing theatre, live events and large-scale entertainment across the Middle East,…
The live events industry has always been fast paced, particularly here in the Middle East – we solve problems quickly and deliver under pressure. It’s one of the reasons I’ve always loved working in this industry. It rewards agility, resilience, and creativity. However, the industry is maturing. Speed alone is no longer enough. Structure, governance, and responsibility are becoming just as critical as technical delivery. After more than 20 years working across major events, production environments, and complex operational businesses in the region, I have seen first-hand how rapid growth can create both opportunity and risk. Over the past few…
The FIFA Arab Cup 2025 kick-off in style at Qatar’s Al Bayt Stadium, with more than 60,000 spectators treated to a spectacular and visually ambitious Opening Ceremony ahead of the first match on 1 December, 2025. Katara Studios engaged SILA SVETA to develop the full creative concept for the stage design and visual content, while Roland Greil produced the lighting design and Auditoria delivered the full stadium audio design. Inspired by ancient Arab legends, the 20-minute show explored the themes of unity, heritage and renewal through a narrative-driven cinematic experience that traced the creation, transformation and symbolic rebirth of the…
Since the 2022 FIFA World Cup, global attention has remained firmly fixed on Qatar’s emergence as a major sporting and entertainment destination. The Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix is the latest showcase in that evolution, bringing an expanded live entertainment offering that saw the circuit transformed into a premier concert venue following the race. This year’s line-up included Seal, Cheb Khaled and Metallica, with Creative Technology Middle East (CTME) tasked with delivering the production infrastructure to support performances of this scale for an audience of over 30,000. Building on previous editions, CTME supplied both the equipment and the expertise required…
Taking place on 11 January, the 2026 Spanish Super Cup Final saw Barcelona claim a record 16th title over their bitter rivals, Real Madrid. Meanwhile off the pitch, the crowd at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium became part of the spectacle, with 25,000 ENJOYGALAXY Apollo wireless pixel lights from ENJOY TECHNOLOGY installed seat-by-seat across an entire stand. “The client wanted the stands to function as a large-scale visual canvas that could support the Opening Ceremony, enhance the live football broadcast, and elevate key emotional moments such as goals and the trophy presentation,” recalled ENJOY TECHNOLOGY’s General Manager and co-owner,…
With legions of fans in all corners of the planet, wherever in the world Metallica and their loyal crew find themselves, one thing is for certain: they always put on a show that delivers the very best version of themselves. “This show is all about the band,” stated Show Designer, Dan Braun. “I work for a band that’s not like anything that existed before. So, each show also has to be different from what existed before. The goal is always to create a platform where they can go out, connect with the audience, and be the best Metallica they can…
With a passion for perfecting the live sound experience, Wissam Shaheen has spent the past two decades not only using d&b audiotechnik products but also being a committed advocate of them to anybody who will listen. So, when he revealed to TPiMEA that he would be joining the company full-time, the only surprise was that it hadn’t happened sooner. “This is an ambition I’ve had since my early 20s,” said an enthused Shaheen, clearly delighted to have landed a role at his dream company. “People keep telling me that it was bound to happen sooner or later, but I feel…
Downtown Dubai welcomed 2026 in style with a technically and logistically complex New Year’s Eve spectacle. Viewed from Burj Park, the Dubai Mall promenade and across the Dubai Fountain lake, the Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve programme combined fireworks, water-based performance, lasers, lighting, aerial choreography and live music into a multisensory, broadcast-ready experience delivered at extraordinary scale. Premiering on New Year’s Eve, the show was for a further seven nights continuously afterwards. At its core sat a tightly integrated technical ecosystem designed to operate within one of the busiest urban environments on the planet, while delivering fault-tolerant performance for both…
With ever-increasing production demands for shows taking place in the Middle East, there is a greater need than ever for rehearsal facilities that can accommodate large-scale, complex productions. In response to this demand, Protec has proudly opened the doors to STEVES – a brand-new, purpose-built space designed to cater for full-scale event rehearsals. The space is also fully equipped to host film and TV shoots, theatre rehearsals and even live performances. Named after Protec’s founder, Steve Lakin, who sadly passed away in 2023, the goal of the facility, according to the official website, is a “commitment to perfection, precision and…
