NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — New York's landmark Knitting Factory venue has had a major technology makeover on its main space area that includes all-new lighting and PA systems, a new onstage monitor mix position and an HD audio/video capture system.
Its new intelligent lighting system is driven by the Hog 500 lighting console, which features top-of-the-line Vari-Lite 2500 moving head luminaires, high-impact Martin Atomic 3000 watt strobe fixtures and the DF-50 atmospheric fog hazer. The system also features a professional par can array enabling frontal lighting and full washes of the stage from multiple angles.
Its new sound system is anchored by a 32-channel Soundcraft MH3 console at front-of-house, and features state-of-the-art Meyer Sound UPA-2P and UPJ-1P self-powered main speakers and USW-1 sub-woofers. Outboard processors include popular devices by Klark-Teknik, Drawmer, TC Electronics, Lexicon and Meyer Sound. KFE has also installed an onstage monitor position, featuring a new 24-channel Midas Siena console manned by a dedicated monitor engineer.
Its ground-breaking HD audio/video content capture system will allow record labels and artists to cost-effectively record live music content in high-definition quality. The system has four Sony BRC-H700 HD audio/video cameras, which can be customized with unlimited operator/floor cameras for additional angles and shots, mixing, and post-production. It will be controlled from a production booth by a dedicated director. Each robotic camera features independent pan, tilt, zoom capabilities. The sound system features a Panasonic HD/SD switcher with full effects and processing, providing fast delivery of professional line edits (or camera ISO) to SD and HD DVD or cartridge formats. Multitrack or stereo audio capture is also available. A matching HD A/V capture system is also being installed in the Knitting Factory’s Hollywood venue.
“The Knitting Factory has never looked or sounded better,” said Jared Hoffman, president and CEO of KFE. “Entering our milestone 20th year, we are actively building on our reputation, not only as the place that showcases the best in emerging and established music, but also as a state-of-the-art venue that provides the very best audio-visual live music experiences."
Currently developing media partnerships, KFE already has a partnership with XM Satellite Radio, which will launch the weekly program, “Live from the Knitting Factory." — Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
