DHL transforms DHL Health Logistics campus in Florstadt into a European pharmaceutical hub
DHL Group is moving forward with the strategic expansion of its Life Sciences & Healthcare (LSH) campus in Florstadt near Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The site’s transformation into a European pharmaceutical hub is part of a global multibillion investment in DHL Health Logistics. With the addition of the fourth new state-of-the-art logistics center, the campus now comprises a total of 100,000 square meters of warehouse space. With a footprint in excess of 14 soccer fields, the DHL site will in future offer capacity for more than 140,000 pallets for pharmaceutical and medical products, serving international customers from the biopharma, specialty pharma, medical technology and clinical research sectors with more than 600 highly qualified employees on site. The new climate-neutral “Florstadt 4” warehouse spans over 30,000 square meters and has been specifically designed for the storage and distribution of high-value pharmaceutical and medical products. It features multiple temperature zones, with the capability to reach as low as -70°C if needed. Particular focus is placed on the critical temperature ranges of 2–8°C and -20°C, ensuring compliance with the highest standards for handling temperature-sensitive products. With its four highly specialized warehouses right in the geographical heart of Central Europe, the site offers ideal logistics connections and first-class infrastructure for the storage and distribution of sophisticated pharmaceutical and medical products. In addition, highly specialized services such as sample collection, support for clinical studies and the handling of biopharmaceuticals and cell and gene therapies are provided on site. A further special feature on the premises is the integrated clean room which enables GMP-compliant processes for highly sensitive substances and raw pharmaceutical materials. This includes the handling of solid and liquid hazardous substances up to 1,000 liters – including active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and samples of active ingredients as well as analytical and microbiological tests. The clean room adheres to the most stringent European and international pharmaceutical standards and is an outstanding example of the advanced logistics solutions that DHL offers its customers. With this further expansion phase, the Florstadt site is also consolidating its strategic importance within the global DHL Health Logistics network. "With this fourth expansion, we are creating capacity for the future in Florstadt,” says Hendrik Venter, CEO DHL Supply Chain for Europe, Middle East and Africa. From here, we can supply customers not only in Germany, but throughout Europe – and beyond. Our central location in the Frankfurt economic region, right in the heart of Europe, the close proximity to Frankfurt Airport and the strong local infrastructure all make Florstadt a key location for our activities and our ambitious growth agenda in the Life Science & Healthcare sector," he confirms. In his extended role as the Executive Board Member responsible for the DHL Health Logistics sector brand, Oscar de Bok, Global CEO DHL Supply Chain, sees the expansion of the Florstadt site as consistent with DHL Group’s overall strategic focus: "Florstadt 4 is a prime and concrete example of how we are implementing our Strategy 2030 – with investments totaling €2 billion by 2030, we are strengthening our global DHL Health Logistics network. Hubs like this one here in Florstadt near Frankfurt form the backbone of our end-to-end Supply Chain solutions, which we are increasingly offering customers from a single source. We are creating state-of-the-art, resilient supply chains for the next generation of therapies – from biopharma to cell and gene therapy. Our mission is to provide patients with the vital medicines they need, when they need them, all around the world.” At the Florstadt site, DHL Supply Chain is focusing on end-to-end visibility, compliance, and digitalization – with daily operational processes supported by a warehouse management system that is closely integrated with the customer’s IT systems. This also facilitates efficient supply chain management for particularly complex and patient-specific products such as clinical trials or temperature-sensitive specialty medications. Rainer Haag, CEO DHL Supply Chain Germany & Alps, confirms the importance of the location: "The Frankfurt Rhine-Main area is one of the most important economic regions in Europe. The fact that we are consistently expanding our largest LSH campus in Germany right here in Florstadt shows just how important the site is at the heart of our DHL Health Logistics strategy. As we expand, we are keeping an eye to sustainability and climate protection – the site is also a flagship project in terms of environmentally friendly operations.” With climate-neutral operations, solar thermal panels, air source heat pumps and a comprehensive energy concept with LED lighting control and a photovoltaic system, DHL is pursuing a holistic approach as a Green Logistics Provider of Choice. The site’s DGNB Gold certification confirms these high environmental standards and the future-oriented planning of the project.
Tokyo Game Show 2025, starting! Teaser video, new logo, photo spot, and present campaign are all available
In preparation for the Tokyo Game Show 2025 to be held from Thursday, September 25 to Sunday, September 28, 2025 (hosted by Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association and co-hosted by Nikkei BP/Sony Music Solutions), today, Thursday, May 15, TGS 2025 teaser video and new logo were released. The video will be available on the official TGS YouTube channel from Thursday, May 15. To commemorate the event, TGS official X and TGS media partner media will be running special events. We hope you will join us in the excitement leading up to the Tokyo Game Show in 2025. ◼ Tokyo Game Show 2025 Teaser Video Released This year's main visual is created by Zashiki Warashi, an illustrator who has garnered attention for his delicate and unique world view. A teaser video, along with newly drawn characters, was released today on the official TGS YouTube channel to heighten anticipation for TGS 2025. ●Comment from Zashikawarashi: I am pleased to announce that I will be participating in the Tokyo Game Show with my illustrations. Having grown up with video games since childhood, it is a great honor for me to be involved in this project. Under the theme of "An endless playground where you can't play enough," we put our hearts and souls into the creation of this fun project. This is my first effort in the form of a teaser illustration. I have devised a composition to create a sense of anticipation and excitement in the viewer, even with limited information. I hope you will look forward to the main visual to be released in the future. I am now sincerely looking forward to the Tokyo Game Show. ●Profile Born in Fukuoka, Japan in 1987. While working mainly on commercial illustrations, Zashikawarash also regularly holds exhibitions of original artwork. Zashikawarash has published two collections of illustrations, "COLOR PALETTE" and "DANDELION" from Geijutsu Shinbunsha. ◼ Renewal of the TGS logo! New design unveiled for the first time Starting with TGS2025, the TGS logo has been redesigned. The stylish design symbolizes a new era of TGS, where evolving gaming experiences and next-generation entertainment gather. ■ Monuments appeared at the TGS site! A large monument with the new logo will appear near the TGS site. It will be set up from the first day of the event as a perfect photo spot for visitors to take commemorative photos. Please take a memorable photo with the logo that will be the new "face" of TGS in the background. ◼ Teaser video release commemorative gift campaign! To commemorate the release of the teaser video, a present campaign will be conducted by the TGS media partners who have endorsed the video. In this campaign, limited items in collaboration with a teaser visual created especially for this event will be given away! Please check each media article or SNS for application procedures and conditions of participation. TGS Official X: @tokyo_game_show
BRAZY and JUNKY CREAM : The Korean Creative Engine Redefining the Future of Virtual Art
On April 29, 2025, a new chapter in virtual artistry was written. South Korea–born creative label JUNKY CREAM unveiled OCEAN, the second member of its virtual group BRAZY, through the debut single “BAD THINGS.” But this was more than a song—it was a cultural moment. A new kind of intellectual property was born, fueled not by fleeting trends, but by the intersection of emotional precision and bleeding-edge technology. Q: Who is OCEAN? A: OCEAN is no ordinary virtual avatar. She’s a visual-emotional artifact—crafted to embody fluidity, depth, and the dynamic tension of human feeling. As a core member of BRAZY, she carries her own identity, narrative arc, and creative mission. She doesn’t just represent emotion—she physicalizes it, offering audiences a visceral way to feel art rather than simply watch it. Q: What sets JUNKY CREAM apart? A: Based between Seoul and California, JUNKY CREAM is a four-person creative powerhouse that builds IPs with surgical precision and full in-house control—spanning modeling, music, choreography, branding, and post-production. What truly differentiates them is their command of AI-directed creative production. They don’t merely use AI—they direct it. From voice synthesis to motion capture, choreography translation, texture design, and multi-layered video editing, JUNKY CREAM wields machine learning as an artistic tool. They are among the global vanguard shaping the next frontier of creative direction through AI. Q: Tell us about “BAD THINGS.” A: “BAD THINGS” marks OCEAN’s official debut and BRAZY’s latest evolution. The track explores emotional contradiction—where beauty meets discomfort and light intersects with shadow. Inspired by Spider-Verse director Alberto Mielgo, the team employed choppy animation and AI-enhanced visuals to add depth and texture. Some individual frames took more than 8 hours to render—demonstrating the team’s obsessive attention to emotional detail. Q: The choreography seems different—why? A: Because BRAZY’s dance language is different. Their style is called emotional choreography—movement co-designed with music to express internal states, not just external shapes. JUNKY CREAM collaborated with industry icons like Sammy (SM, JYP, HYBE), LA-based JIN, world dance champion NUPCHII, and rising Korean choreographer SONJU. The result? OCEAN doesn’t perform emotion—she becomes it. Q: How about the sound production? A: Produced by emerging talent DAF and mixed by Grammy-winning engineer David “Yungin” Kim, the track fuses American hip-hop grit with K-POP’s layered precision. JUNKY CREAM doesn’t live within genre—they thrive at the edges, in the friction between sounds. That’s where new sonic identities are born. Q: 120+ pieces of content for one release? Why? A: Because OCEAN is not just a character—she’s a living ecosystem. The “BAD THINGS” rollout includes mood films, cinematic edits, studio experiments, and dynamic teasers. Each piece is a puzzle fragment within a larger, immersive IP world. JUNKY CREAM isn’t releasing content. They’re architecting a multi-sensory narrative universe. Q: How is the global community responding? A: From Tokyo to Brooklyn, subcultures are leaning in. Fashion tastemakers, digital art collectives, and dance communities are already embracing BRAZY’s energy. Rather than chase mass virality, JUNKY CREAM cultivates high-fidelity fandoms—passionate, intentional, and deeply resonant. OCEAN isn’t a product of one country. She’s a new cultural texture. Q: What’s next for JUNKY CREAM and BRAZY? A: Two more BRAZY albums will drop in July and August 2025—but that’s only the beginning. JUNKY CREAM is expanding into virtual fashion, AI films, immersive exhibitions, and interactive storytelling. Their long-term vision? To build Asia’s next entertainment superpower, modeled not on trends, but on emotional innovation and AI fluency. They plan to go public on KOSPI and NASDAQ by 2035. Their mission isn’t just to entertain—it’s to transform how the world builds, feels, and interacts with creative IP. Q: Where can people experience BRAZY and OCEAN? A: Dive into JUNKY CREAM’s official YouTube, website, Instagram, and TikTok channels. This isn’t just content—it’s a participatory art movement. And it’s just getting started. A Korean Innovation Story. A Creative Revolution in Motion. This is BRAZY. This is JUNKY CREAM.
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Embraer to showcase multi-mission medium transport KC-390 Millennium at LIMA 2025
Embraer (NYSE: ERJ/ B3: EMBR3), a global leader in the aerospace industry, will display its KC-390 Millennium, the most advanced multi-mission tactical airlift in its class, at the 17th edition of Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) from 20 to 24 May 2025. This marks Embraer’s increasing momentum for its defense portfolio in Southeast Asia. Visitors to Embraer’s booth (C013) and the outdoor static display area will be shown how this advanced, new generation multi-mission aircraft which entered into service in 2019 is redefining the concept of medium transport aircraft across the world. "Embraer is proud to bring the KC-390 to LIMA 2025. It is a new generation military airlift with multi-mission capability, interoperability, reliability, low life-cycle cost, and high performance at its core. The aircraft is gaining traction around the world, and we look forward to expanding our footprint in the Asia Pacific region,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO, Embraer Defense & Security. The KC-390 is a new generation multi-mission aircraft designed and built to take on the demands of the 21st century operating environment. The aircraft is the most advanced in its class and flies faster (470kts) and further on a standard crew duty day. It also carries more cargo (26 tons) compared to other medium sized military cargo aircraft. It is powered by IAE V2500 engines. The KC-390 has been in operation for many years at Full Operational Capability and can perform a wide range of missions such as transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, humanitarian missions, firefighting and air-to-air refueling both as a tanker and a receiver. Capable of performing reliably in Southeast Asia’s diverse terrains and climate, the KC-390 can operate on temporary or unpaved runways, including packed earth, soil and gravel and in conditions ranging from humid to hot and high or cold and dry. Embraer’s KC-390 is also equipped with a modern and comprehensive suite of sensors and communication equipment that support vital connectivity between aircraft, operational commands, and troops on the ground. Additionally, KC-390’s robust integrated electronic warfare and self-protection system drive survivability. The aircraft has achieved an outstanding mission accomplishment rate of 99% with low operational costs. Its multi-mission capability and interoperability are built-in by design, enabling the aircraft to be ready for all mission profiles by Air Forces. Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium is quickly becoming the aircraft of choice in countries around the world including Europe, contributing to the modernization of their armed forces while adding new capabilities and enhancing interoperability. The aircraft is already in operation with Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, and has been ordered by South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and an undisclosed customer. The aircraft was recently selected by Sweden and Slovakia for their national defense needs. Embraer’s aircraft are operated by several defense forces in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia. The A-29 Super Tucano aircraft which enables various missions including close air support and advanced training missions are operated by Indonesia and the Philippines. Services & support for Embraer’s customers in the region are bolstered by its personnel across APAC, along with its main APAC office and a Regional Distribution Centre for spare parts and components, both in Singapore. In the last two decades, Embraer has designed, manufactured, certified, and delivered into service 21 different aircraft platforms – a testament of its engineering capabilities and excellence.
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Embraer successfully concludes KC-390 Millennium demo tour in the U.S. with static display at Joint Base Andrews
Embraer (NYSE: ERJ/B3: EMBR3), a global leader in the aerospace industry, is concluding a U.S. demonstration tour of the multi-mission medium airlift and tanker KC-390 Millennium with a static display at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The two-day event was attended by U.S. military representatives, members of the U.S. Congress and members of the press. Over the last two weeks, the KC-390 has attended several events across the country to showcase its unmatched capabilities to the U.S. Defense, Space, public security and disaster relief communities. At the ARSAG (Aerial Refueling Systems Advisory Group) annual conference, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Embraer highlighted that the KC-390 Millennium is ready to support the U.S. Department of Defense to overcome some of the critical air refueling challenges facing the U.S. and partner nations worldwide. After that the aircraft visited the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, to demonstrate how it can set a new standard of performance and cargo capacity in rescue mission support and space logistics operations. At the Special Operations Forces Week (SOF Week) conference, in Tampa, Florida, the KC-390 promoted its multi-mission capabilities for special forces operations. “We are thrilled to see the positive feedback from everyone that visited or had the chance to fly in the aircraft during this series of demonstrations, and we see many opportunities for the KC-390 in the U.S.,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “The aircraft offers an unbeatable combination of unmatched performance, cargo capacity and low operating costs and that is why we are extremely confident that the KC-390 fits the needs of the U.S. Armed Forces”. The KC-390 is currently the best aircraft in its category, being able to perform the most demanding missions under the most difficult scenarios, including Aerial Refueling and Agile Combat Employment. It is a medium airlift and tanker designed and built in the 21st century, a multi-mission jet by design that offers greater performance and better productivity with low operational costs. The aircraft is also equipped with a modern and comprehensive suite of sensors and communication equipment that support vital connectivity between aircraft, operational commands, and troops on the ground. Additionally, KC-390’s robust integrated electronic warfare and self-protection system drive survivability. This means multi-mission capability and interoperability are built-in by design, enabling the aircraft to be ready for all mission profiles from delivery to Air Forces. Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium is quickly becoming the aircraft of choice among NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) members and allies in Europe, contributing to the modernization of their armed forces while adding new capabilities and enhancing interoperability with allied forces. The KC-390 is already in operation with Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, and has already been ordered by the Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, and an undisclosed customer in addition to Sweden and Slovakia, both of which recently selected the aircraft. South Korea completes the growing list of nations that have opted for the KC-390. The KC-390 Millennium is currently in production and has been in operation for many years at Full Operational Capability. It is an off-the-shelf platform that is available today and ready to provide affordable mass for the U.S. and global markets to deal with emerging threats.
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Embraer E190-E2 and E195-E2 Granted Type Certification in Mongolia
The Embraer (NYSE: ERJ / B3: EMBR3) E190-E2 and E195-E2, the world’s most fuel-efficient and quiet single-aisle aircraft, have been awarded type acceptance certificates by the Mongolia Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA). This milestone paves the way for the introduction of the advanced E-Jets E2 family into Mongolia’s growing aviation market. The certification follows rigorous assessments by MCAA, aligning with global aviation standards already met by the aircraft through certifications from the FAA (US), EASA (Europe), ANAC (Brazil), CAAS (Singapore) and CAAC (China). “We thank the Mongolia Civil Aviation Authority for their diligent assessment and confidence in Embraer’s aircraft,” said Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer of Embraer Commercial Aviation. “Certification paves the way for more business opportunities as we continue to expand our footprint in Mongolia. The E2 is ready to be a strategic asset for Mongolian carriers seeking to modernize their fleets and grow their networks. We look forward to supporting Mongolia’s growing aviation market with these game-changing aircraft.” Embraer’s presence in Mongolia began in 2018, when ERJ 145 entered service with Aero Mongolia. In 2019, Hunnu Air, the largest private airline in the country, added two E190s to its fleet, leveraging their efficiency and versatility to serve domestic and international routes between Mongolia and neighboring countries/regions. Most recently, in 2023, Hunnu Air launched direct services between Ulaanbaatar and Beijing Daxing using E-Jets. These milestones underscore Embraer’s long-standing partnership with Mongolian airlines in advancing the nation’s aviation capabilities.
Review
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PK Sound Launches Tx Series Intelligent Point Source Modules
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Avalue’s AIB-3588: The Future of Edge AI Computing with Rockchip RK3588’s Advanced Capabilities
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SOLUM Debuts Eco-Friendly Full-Color E-signage with E Ink Using E Ink Spectra 6, Further Expanding Display Collaboration Beyond ESL
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SOLUM Introduces Light-Powered Rail-Based ESL System, Powered by Epishine
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AVID Appoints ACT Eentertainment as U.S. Distributor for Its Live Sound Portfolio
ACT Entertainment, the industry-leading manufacturer and distributor of live performance equipment, announces that it has been selected as a U.S. distributor for the acclaimed live sound portfolio from Avid, a leading provider of audio and video technology for media organizations and independent professionals. ACT and Avid will officially debut this partnership at InfoComm 2025 (ACT Entertainment Booth 3943), where the companies will celebrate with a press event on Wednesday, June 11 at 3 p.m. ACT Entertainment has a proven track record of building infrastructure and market presence for premium brands, such as Ayrton, MA Lighting and PK Sound. This new partnership represents a significant expansion in Avid’s U.S. strategy and underscores its commitment to serving the professional live sound community with exceptional service and support. “The partnership with Avid represents another major step forward in our strategic initiative to build the ACT Entertainment portfolio with class-leading solutions across all categories of entertainment technology,” says ACT CEO Ben Saltzman. “We have long admired Avid’s commitment to innovation, and we believe this collaboration marks a very exciting chapter for both Avid and ACT Entertainment. Collectively, we bring together some of the most passionate professionals in the world for the benefit of our shared customer base.” “This is a landmark moment for ACT Entertainment,” adds ACT Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, James Oliver, who played a pivotal role in this agreement. “Our goal is to build the resources and support network needed to serve the live sound market at the highest level. We’re proud to have the opportunity to bring ACT’s dedication for excellence to Avid’s live sound solutions.” Among the products that ACT will represent is Avid’s powerful VENUE | S6L System. Widely regarded as the digital mixing console of choice for the world’s top touring artists, VENUE delivers unmatched flexibility, reliability and sound quality. The teams recently met at ACT’s Cincinnati location to kick off the collaboration with console demonstrations and discussions surrounding streamlining distribution processes, to ensure every customer receives a fully supported, plug-and-play Avid experience from the start. “Partnering with ACT Entertainment empowers us to reach more live sound professionals with the tools they need to deliver unforgettable performances,” says Avid CEO Wellford Dillard. “ACT shares our commitment to innovation and excellence. Together, we’re not only distributing premium live performance solutions, but building a stronger, more responsive experience for the live sound community. ACT’s expertise and infrastructure will allow us to deliver our VENUE systems with the speed and support our customers expect.” The Avid VENUE | S6L will be on display at InfoComm 2025 alongside ACT’s other leading live entertainment solutions, at Booth 3943 and in Demo Room W224C. For product details, visit: avid.com/products/venue-s6l-system
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Gibson Gives and FirstBank Amphitheater Music Education Program Raises Over $49,000 For Students
Gibson Gives, the non-profit division of the legendary music brand Gibson, is honored to partner once again with FirstBank Amphitheater in Franklin, TN, to raise funds to support Williamson County Public Schools and music education initiatives. Through their partnership this year, these organizations brought their selection of 15 hand-signed guitars from Chappell Roan, Slash, Third Eye Blind, The New Kids on the Block, Train, Yellowcard, Staind, Seether, Jamey Johnson, and more to the Strumming With The Stars Gibson Gives and Julien's Auction which raised over $49,000 this spring. To date, the Gibson Gives and FirstBank FirstBank Amphitheater Music Education Program has raised over $169,000 for Williamson County Public Schools. “We are proud to once again partner with FirstBank Amphitheater to continue supporting Williamson County schools and their music and arts programs,” says Erica Krusen, Global Executive Director of Gibson Gives. “We recognize the importance of arts education in offering an outlet for expression and fostering growth for students.” “This is another great year of fundraising for Williamson County arts programs,” adds Rick McEachern, Owner of FirstBank Amphitheater. “FirstBank Amphitheater is honored to continue our role in raising money that gives back to the local community and encourages and contributes to the next generation of musicians coming from the County.” “The Gibson Gives program helps Williamson County Schools give more complete music instruction to all our students,” adds Jason Golden, Superintendent of Williamson County Schools. “We’ve focused Gibson donations on those larger instruments that can be prohibitively expensive for families, such as tubas, baritones, and bass clarinets. Thanks to Gibson Gives, students can now choose to learn any instrument they set their hearts on.” Proceeds from the Strumming With The Stars Gibson Gives and Julien's Auction were donated to the Gibson Gives and FirstBank Amphitheater music education program, whose previous auction initiatives have raised over $169,000 to support the next generation of musicians in Williamson County’s public schools. Highlights from the auction included a Gibson Demo Shop 2020 Slash Collection “Victoria” Les Paul Goldtop guitar with doodles and a signature from Chappell Roan, 2025’s “Best New Artist” GRAMMY® Award winner; a 2021 Gibson Custom Les Paul Custom electric guitar in Ebony VOS finish signed in gold pen by Guns N’ Roses guitar legend Slash; a 2023 Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s electric guitar in Blueberry Burst signed by members of 90s alt-rock band Third Eye Blind, and more guitars signed by members of Yellowcard, The New Kids on the Block, Staind, Seether, Jamey Johnson, Train, and more. Gibson supports the music community via its philanthropic endeavor, Gibson Gives, assisting non-profit organizations in their efforts to advance musicians, youth-focused music education, and health and wellness initiatives. The Gibson Gives Scholarship program has provided direct financial support to young students with music career aspirations and is on track to help many more players in 2025. Gibson Gives, a 501(c)(3), is committed to cultivating and offering support for all communities. One hundred percent of all donations to and from Gibson Gives go towards the gift of music. Gibson Gives has raised over $5.5 million and enabled $52.5 million in funding for key organizations through product donations and meaningful giving worldwide. For more information about Gibson Gives and to donate directly, visit https://www.gibsonfoundation.org FirstBank Amphitheater is a world-class boutique amphitheater nestled within a beautiful, wooded, natural stone and park-like setting. Located at the Graystone Quarry in Thompson’s Station at the southern border of Franklin, Tennessee, FirstBank Amphitheater is an iconic location for memorable music experiences for fans and artists. For more information, visit www.firstbankamphitheater.com
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NUGEN Audio Unveils Dialogcheck Speech Intelligibility Software
NUGEN Audio launches its new speech intelligibility plug-in, DialogCheck. A mono, stereo and multichannel dialog clarity meter, the software provides an objective measure of speech audio intelligibility. DialogCheck is ideally suited for use in film, television, radio, podcasting and game audio production, as well as post-production environments. NUGEN Audio will present the solution at MPTS 2025 (HHB, Stand F40). “Poor speech clarity is commonly cited as a major source of television audience complaints, making dialog intelligibility increasingly important for audio professionals,” says Dr. Paul Tapper, CEO, NUGEN Audio. “As engineers are likely to listen in an acoustically specialized environment compared to where the final mix might be played, it can be difficult for them to judge whether further changes are needed to improve clarity. NUGEN Audio DialogCheck provides an objective measure of speech in a portion of the audio file or through an entire project.” The ability for a listener to understand a piece of dialog is affected by many factors. This includes language, dialect, enunciation, reverb and effects, loudness of speech and background noise, as well as listener hearing ability, listening environment, placement of speakers and supporting visuals, among other elements. DialogCheck enables users to easily evaluate their audio to identify sections of speech that might be difficult for listeners to understand. DialogCheck features more than one-dozen interface tools aimed at supporting engineers in their dialog editing process, such as the integrated real-time bar meter and history graph. Additionally, the distribution view and numerical statistical values provide an overview of the speech intelligibility of the entire program. This information can then be used to guide engineers to correct issues before testing again. Furthermore, the tracking function syncs the views with the audio playback in the DAW, while ‘Macro View’ highlights the current audio section within the wider historical view. “Dialog intelligibility is where the drama either unfolds or falls flat on its face,” says Dubbing Mixer and Sound Designer, Mike Aiton (BBC One ‘Panorama,’ The History Channel and ‘Robot Wars’). “With metering savants NUGEN Audio, you can ensure that your dialog is actually heard and not just seen.” DialogCheck also has its benefits for pre-production to assess different mic’ing configurations, performance styles, room set-ups, etc., to ensure that raw production audio is already near to the desirable clarity levels. The Netflix Team says: “Understanding dialogue intelligibility across Netflix titles is invaluable, but our mission goes beyond analysis—we strive to empower creators with the tools to craft mixes that resonate seamlessly with audiences at home.” DialogCheck utilizes the Listening Effort Meter (LE-Meter) developed by Fraunhofer IDMT, which allows sound engineers to visualize listening effort during mixing and conduct post-mixing checks to optimize audio quality. Designed to objectively assess the listening effort of dialog in broadcast material, LE-Meter utilizes automatic speech recognition and psychoacoustic modeling with metrics to evaluate the intelligibility of dialog. “Our LE-Meter enables the objective measurement and display of speech intelligibility and listening effort,” says Prof. Dr. Jan Rennies-Hochmuth, Group Leader for Personal Hearing Systems at the Branch for Hearing, Speech and Audio Technology at Fraunhofer IDMT. “Thanks to validations and optimizations using formal listening tests, this provides media producers with a precise tool for analyzing and implementing audio content. For example, difficult sections can be identified automatically for improvement with respect to listening enjoyment and accessibility.” Like all NUGEN Audio solutions, the new software also comes with a variety of factory settings and presets. Personal presets can be created and saved to later be selected in the featured “Preset Bar.” While DialogCheck is designed for use in traditional post-production, any audio that includes speech/dialog can benefit from integrating the software. For more information regarding DialogCheck, visit nugenaudio.com/dialogcheck.
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EAW Partners with David Budge and BLUE5 Technology as Independent Sales Representative for Europe
Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW®), a leading innovator of professional loudspeaker systems and technologies, announces the appointment of industry veteran David Budge and Blue5 Technology as an independent sales rep for Europe. In this role, Budge and Blue5 will work with EAW’s sales team to support existing partners in Europe as well as identify and bring on new partners in countries that do not currently have local EAW representation. “EAW is excited to welcome David Budge and Blue5 to the team,” says TJ Smith, president of Eastern Acoustic Works. “With specialties in sales, channel and relationship management in the EMEA region, we look forward to his expertise in developing business and solidifying customer relationships across Europe.” Budge serves as Managing Director at Blue5 Technology where he has been since 2020. Headquartered just outside of London, England, Blue5 Technology offers manufacturers services of an EMEA office without physically establishing one. The company offers sales, marketing and go-to-market planning with regular reporting. Budge has also held previous roles as Export Sales Manager, Africa, at Bose Professional and Director of International Sales, EMEA, at Harman International. “There are a lot of challenging yet exciting opportunities ahead for EAW across Europe,” says Budge. “I plan to build on the solid groundwork laid by the team by continuing to grow business in all vertical markets through forging relationships with distributors and their key clients.”
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Top Track Studios unleashes sound innovation with KRK
Now in its fifth year, Top Track Studios has been thriving as one of Music City’s prime recording studios. Designed to enhance the city’s evolving sound, the facility has been acoustically set up with creativity, comfort, and elegance in mind. It boasts a wide selection of top audio equipment, from the well-known classic pieces found in all major studios to the newest technologies available today. Additionally, Top Track Studios prides itself on its commitment to service, ensuring that it respects a musician’s artistry by honoring their needs and vision. “We are heavy on analog processing here at Top Track,” says Studio Owner, CEO, and Lead Engineer Gibran Sponchiado. “Our amazing outboard equipment and microphone collection make us passionate about the type of work we do. Services at the studio include live tracking of full bands; vocal recording and production; mixing; producing solo artists; and recording ADR and voice-over.” To support this vast array of projects at Top Track, Sponchiado relies on a multi-speaker setup, which features a pair of KRK GoAux 4 Portable Studio Monitors for referencing in his control room, as well as creating seamless communication with remote collaborators. Notably, KRK’s parent company, Gibson, has recorded promotional videos for the new Les Paul Studio Guitars at Top Track. “The KRK GoAux sound great and have balanced frequency response, despite the small size,” says Sponchiado. “In a studio, you always need a speaker that can handle loud sounds with extra headroom to avoid distortion on loud transients. When I first sought a small set of speakers for the studio, a friend of mine suggested trying out the GoAux. I bought myself a pair, and they are a great addition to Top Track’s setup.” Sponchiado goes on to explain that his team also relies on the GoAux speakers for sessions with remote clients. “If we are working with a producer in California who wants to direct the recording sessions in real-time, it’s important to have our client’s feed in an alternative set of speakers in order to separate the communication from the actual session material.” Sponchiado also admires the sleek design and modern aesthetics of the KRK GoAux monitors, finding their appearance both appealing and distinctive. “The GoAux matches the vision of the studio and goes great with the wooden elements we have throughout the space,” he adds. “We want to make art here at Top Track, and it is important to have speakers that make an impact on the artists and people who come here, both visually and auditorily. The GoAux speakers are equipped with Bluetooth® capabilities, which allow us to quickly let clients play some of their music from their phones or laptops without having to hook up anything physically.” A devoted audio enthusiast and true maestro of analog gear, Sponchiado blends his wealth of audio expertise with his passion for music and has forged a reputation for excellence over his extensive 20-year career. As a highly skilled Brazilian Producer and Recording/Mixing Engineer, Sponchiado also specializes in serving the region’s Latin communities, bringing a unique cultural perspective and deep understanding of diverse musical styles to his work. Artists looking to elevate their sound will ask to collaborate with Sponchiado because of his commitment to quality and creativity. Sponchiado got his start as an audio engineer in 2004. He earned a bachelor’s in music education from Universidade Estadual do Rio Grande do Sul (UERGS) in Brazil in 2008 and an MFA in recording arts and technologies from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in 2016. Some of his past clients include R&B artist Jeremih, Pedro Capó (Sony Music), Rome Ramirez, Brittney Spencer (Elektra Entertainment), Finesse2tymes (Atlantic Records), rapper Rocko, actress Ariel Winter, and actors Luke Benward and Chris Mason. Record labels Top Track worked for include Sony Music, Universal Music, Warner Music, Atlantic Records, and 300 Entertainment, among others. He’s also done ADR and voiceover sessions for production companies such as Monster Factory (Resident Evil Franchise) and Wolf Studios (Doctor Who). Today, Sponchiado approaches every session with a commitment to precision and quality that ensures each project not only meets but exceeds expectations, making him an asset in the world of sound and for Top Track Studios clients.
