POMPTON PLAINS, N.J. — April 29, 2008 — Zaxcom, a pioneering provider of professional audio equipment, today announced that its TRX900 wireless microphone systems are being used for the first time on Broadway in the musical “Sunday in the Park With George,” showing at the Roundabout Theatre Company’s Studio 54 in New York. On stage now through June 15, this is the American premiere of the new, five-time Olivier Award-winning production of the Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine musical.
New Jersey-based Masque Sound — a company first started in 1936 by three Broadway stagehands — is handling the audio production for the musical. Masque Sound is sub-hiring the Zaxcom systems from U.K.-based Orbital Sound, which selected and successfully used the TRX900 systems during the London debut of the same musical at a West End theater in 2007. Working closely together, Masque Sound and Orbital Sound have deployed the Zaxcom units to support 16 audio tracks — two from the lead character playing “George,” and 14 among other cast members.
“I was blown away by the quality of these systems when we first used them on ‘Sunday in the Park With George’ in West End. I’ve used them for several shows since then,” said Sebastian Frost, creative director and sound designer for Orbital Sound. “They are very stable systems and provide an open, natural sound. One of the bigger challenges in working at Studio 54 has been creating a robust yet intimate sound, particularly with a small orchestra that is set off to the side instead of in a pit. The Zaxcom systems have performed beautifully, providing us with a high level of control and the ability to create this feeling of intimacy throughout the entire auditorium.”
Zaxcom’s TRX family of wireless microphone systems is particularly well suited for theater settings where mobility, premium sound quality and superior performance are of equal concern. A wide feature set is available, including support for transmission of IFB audio and remote control signals.
“For Masque Sound, digital wireless microphones are clearly the final frontier in the digital audio revolution,” said Scott Kalata, Director of Sales Services for Masque Sound. “They are proving to be reliable and easy to work with and — most importantly — the people who use them every night are very comfortable with the technology.”
Learn more about this product and Zaxcom’s full line of audio systems at www.zaxcom.com.
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About Masque Sound
Masque Sound is the leading provider of sound equipment for Broadway shows and adopts leading-edge technologies that advance live sound reinforcement. Masque Sound also provides complete sound reinforcement solutions for television productions, sporting event shows, corporate events, special events, live concerts, and conventions. In 2002, Masque Sound acquired Professional Wireless Systems to offer direct, secure solutions for performance and technical RF communications. Today, Masque Sound is guided by the leadership of Geoff and Jim Shearing, grandsons of one of the original founders. The Shearing family is dedicated to continuing the tradition of excellence and innovation that began nearly 70 years ago. Learn more at www.masquesound.com.
About Orbital Sound
Orbital Sound is a leading supplier of sound systems and design solutions for theater, live events, conferences, exhibitions, visitor attractions, film and television. Based in the U.K., Orbital supplies professional audio solutions for sale or rental to clients in any part of the globe. The company couples this technology with outstanding levels of support — all aided by overseas business partners. Learn more at www.orbitalsound.co.uk.
About Roundabout Theatre Company
Roundabout Theatre Company is one of the country’s leading not-for-profit theatres. The company contributes invaluably to New York’s cultural life by staging the highest quality revivals of classic plays and musicals as well as new plays by established writers. Roundabout consistently partners great artists with great works to bring a fresh and exciting interpretation that makes each production relevant and important to today’s audiences.
Roundabout Theatre Company currently produces at three permanent theatres, each of which is designed specifically to enhance the needs of the Roundabout’s mission: The Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre’s Laura Pels Theatre, the American Airlines Theatre, and Studio 54.
Roundabout productions are made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. American Express is the 2006-2007 season sponsor of the Roundabout Theatre Company. American Airlines is the official airline of Roundabout Theatre Company. Learn more at www.roundabouttheatre.org.
About Zaxcom, Inc.
Zaxcom, Inc. designs and manufactures innovative professional audio equipment for the television and film industries. A pioneer in audio technologies for the sound mixing and ENG professionals, Zaxcom engineered the first digital wireless microphone and the first wireless microphone to feature integrated audio recording. More information about Zaxcom, Inc. is available at www.zaxcom.com.