Focusrite Novation Inc. Appoints KMC Music to Serve as a United States Sub-Distributor of Focusrite and Novation Lines

Underscoring their shared commitment to meet the rapidly expanding needs of the 21st century MI retail marketplace, Focusrite Novation Inc. (www.focusrite.com) and KMC Music (www.kmcmusic.com) today announced that, effective immediately, KMC Music will become a United States distributor of both the Focusrite and Novation digital audio production and recording lines. The announcement was made today at NAMM 2016 by Focusrite Novation Inc. President Phil Wagner and KMC Music President Mark Terry.

In announcing its expanded distribution strategy, Phil Wagner noted, “We are very happy to have KMC Music represent Focusrite and Novation products to their customer base of more than 6,500 retailers.  We believe KMC Music have the reach into the market that our products deserve.  It’s tremendously convenient that our distributor, American Music & Sound, and KMC Music are both owned by Canada’s JAM Industries.  KMC Music’s customers will enjoy the same benefits that AM&S customers have experienced.”

For KMC Music, the appointment marks the start of the next great chapter in the company’s quest to meet all of the instrumental and technology needs of today’s MI retailer. “Having added 18 new lines to our product portfolio in 2015, including major guitar, amplifier, and percussion brands, KMC Music is taking the next giant step forward in its commitment to meet the needs of today’s 21st century MI retailer,” Mark Terry said today. “Today’s MI retailer has to be able to provide the instruments, accessories, and the digital audio production and editing technology that their customers want to buy.  KMC Music will now be able to provide them with the very best in digital technology with the Focusrite and Novation product lines. Now, more than ever, KMC Music’s offerings mirror the reality of the 21st century MI retail marketplace.”

Terry today also reaffirmed the importance of the larger corporate relationship between JAM Industries, KMC Music’s parent company, and Focusrite Novation. “This appointment strengthens a very successful existing JAM Industries corporate relationship with Focusrite while making it possible for thousands of new MI dealers to have immediate access to the Focusrite and Novation brands through KMC Music.”

Focusrite Novation, Inc. is the United States division of The Focusrite Group, a global music and audio products group that supply the hardware and software products used by professional and amateur musicians, which enables the high quality production of music. The Focusrite Group has two established and rapidly growing brands — Focusrite and Novation. The Focusrite brand makes audio interfaces and other products for audio recording musicians. The Novation brand allows its customers to make electronic music using synthesizers, MIDI controllers and computer-enabled technology. Each brand has over 20 years of quality sound heritage and are well established as leaders in the music making industry.

Both the Focusrite and Novation brands are being featured at the KMC Music booth all during NAMM 2016 in Anaheim, California in Hall B at Booth #5952.  Focusrite is exhibiting its products at Booth #6464 in Hall A of the Anaheim Convention Center.

Aalberg Audio Appoints KMC Music as its Exclusive United States Distributor of the Ground-Breaking, Wireless Controlled Effect Pedals

Adding further momentum to its 2016 business development program, KMC Music (www.kmcmusic.com), the industry-leading distributor of MI and ProAudio products, today announced that it has been appointed by Aalberg Audio (www.aalbergaudio.com) to serve as its exclusive United States distributor.

Roger Hart, KMC Music Vice President of Merchandising, today called the appointment another important step forward in KMC’s 2016 business development program. “While last year was very much a year of transition for KMC, this year is going to be a year of significant growth and expansion as we add more and more lines to our brand portfolio," Hart said. "The addition of Aalberg’s audio effects pedals to our available lines is only going to help drive sales for our dealers.” 

According to Hart, great care has been invested in the hardware and software that makes Aalberg audio effects pedals sound amazing while being intuitive to use — with and without their wireless controller. “The pedals have rich, high definition audio, LED indicators for parameter levels, stereo in/out for multiple signal configurations, and a patented custom designed aluminum housing that is built to last,” he emphasized. “The pedals also the have the ability to wirelessly connect with the Aalberg Update app, enabling musicians to easily upload new content to the pedals.” 

Aalberg Audio of Norway, an award-winning manufacturer of innovative and high-end audio equipment, is committed to becoming the world leader in wireless music equipment. The core products of Aalberg Audio are guitar effects pedals that can be controlled wirelessly from a control unit attached to the guitar. This gives the guitar player greater freedom on stage, and the possibility to manipulate the sound in a manner not previously possible.

The inspiration for wireless effects pedals came to Aalberg Audio co-founder and guitarist Rune Aalberg Alstad after a night out with student friends in 2010 during which they'd been arguing about which were the best effects pedals on the market at that time. Alstad realized that all the pedals shared a common flaw: they are all fixed to one position on stage. The sky opened up and the ideas for a remote controlled pedal just came pouring in. Alstad recalls grabbing the closest object he could write on and scribbling down the blueprint for a remotely controlled effects pedal.

Rune used his idea to form the basis of a Masters degree in Music Technology at the Norwegian University of Science & Technology (NTNU). Rune teamed up with the engineer Torkild Indstøy (now Aalberg's CTO) and entrepreneur Aleksander Torstensen (now Aalberg's CEO). The team has grown since then with many contributors and advisors helping to make our innovative ideas into a reality.

Homeowner Replaces Inoperable Model Home Automation System with ELAN to Simplify Living Experience

Model homes often come decked out with top-of-the-line finishes, an ideal layout and the latest home appliances. However, when the Kurland family purchased their model townhome near Richmond, Virginia, it came with something unexpected – a home automation system that was essentially unusable. After a year of living with the system, the family turned to local integration firm Connec Inc. to install an upgraded ELAN Entertainment and Control System. 

“We actually installed the original system in the model home six years before the Kurlands purchased the brownstone, but it had been altered in a makeshift manner making it a disappointment,” Connec President Edward Wood explained. “After the Kurlands moved into the home, they were interested in getting the system operable. I explained how the old system was supposed to operate, then presented all of the features and benefits of an ELAN smart home experience.”

The Kurlands jumped at the idea of installing a truly smart home control system built around the ELAN platform, and were excited to connect it to all of the sub-systems in their home. Throughout the four-floor townhouse, Connec integrated multi-room audio, security system, security cameras, door locks, thermostats and advanced LED lighting systems into an ELAN gSC10 system controller. 

“We contacted Edward and his team at Connec because my wife and I greatly needed to address our security system needs, and wanted to make use of the entertainment equipment,” homeowner Alex Kurland explained. “Edward clarified what had happened with the once-model-home’s system, and asked us a lot of questions regarding our possible uses of the system and needs for the home. Then, we basically set him loose to let him work and create a system suited for my family’s lifestyle.” 

Since the Kurlands enjoy travelling, Connec installed advanced security features to ensure the home was always protected. Utilizing Lutron RadioRA2 lighting and the ELAN capabilities, Connec programmed in the ability to have four lighting configurations enabling the homeowners to turn on and off lights on an easily variable schedule through the ELAN system thereby creating the illusion that the homeowners were inside, whether they were home or away. To operate the lighting system, 10 dimmers and switchers were installed throughout the home. “This lighting system also comes in handy when the family and guests are trying to maneuver down four flights of stairs at night,” Wood added.

To further ensure safety and protection against unwanted visitors, Connec integrated window sensors and a Yale touchscreen door lock into ELAN, allowing the Kurlands to monitor their home whether they are upstairs or travelling. In addition, a 15-zone Interlogix Concord 4 Security Panel and Panasonic IP security cameras were also integrated into ELAN for added piece of mind. 

“Edward is very creative and his crew is extremely capable,” Kurland continued. “They really understood our security needs and went above and beyond to provide our home adequate protection. They also provided us with simple ‘home’ and ‘away’ buttons on the ELAN home screen and mobile apps, which provide flexibility for our security system to accommodate both planned visitors and pets with the push of a button.”

The Kurland’s integrated ELAN automation system doesn’t stop with high-end security; Connec also installed an in-depth entertainment system that allows the family to easily operate their favorite electronics and easily make use of a variety entertainment options. 

“An ELAN S86A audio controller connected to two Marantz Surround Sound Receivers provides six zones of audio,” Wood explained. “Additionally, an S1 Digital three zone streamer provides the family with local radio stations, Pandora, Sirius/XM and CD storage. To personalize the system even more, portions of the family’s photos are stored in the system, so they can be shown from any of the ELAN TP7 seven-inch in-wall touchpanels.”

Operating the Kurland’s system is easy through the ELAN in-wall touch panels, ELAN remotes or the ELAN App on the family’s iPhones, iPads or MacBook Pros. “In our previous home, we had great TVs along with a surround sound system which we rarely used because we had to open cabinets and press a series of buttons to turn each on,” Kurland added. “Now, through the ELAN system, one-touch on my iPad or phone and everything is up-and-running. It makes it very simple. It’s a very attractive and user friendly system.” 

Wood concluded, “The Kurlands are the one of the best customers I’ve worked with. They’ve been very happy with the system and have provided me with great feedback. They are the kind of customer that make you feel like this is a great business to be in because they fully utilize and appreciate the customized ELAN system we built for their home.” 

To view additional images, click here. Connec is a Platinum Elite ELAN dealer.

Manuel Rodriguez Guitars Names KMC Music to Distribute Exclusive Models in United States

Manuel Rodriguez Guitars (http://mrguitarras.es/en/) the renowned 110-year old crafter of the iconic Spanish guitars known around the world as a central contributor to “Brand Spain,” today announced the appointment of KMC Music (www.kmcmusic.com) to distribute exclusive models of Manuel Rodriguez guitars to its network of 6,000 resellers in United States, making it possible for dealers to offer their customers the greatest range of Rodriguez models in the company’s history. 

“Our partnership with KMC Music is going to make it possible for more consumers than ever before to experience the beauty, the craftsmanship, and the unique performance characteristics of a Manuel Rodriguez guitar, regardless of the collection and model they choose,” said Manuel Rodriguez III, the third-generation CEO of Manuel Rodriguez Guitars.  “The combination of our commitment to old-world craftsmanship and design and KMC Music’s ability to sell and support our line is going to make for a very powerful business relationship for many years to come.”

In accepting the appointment, KMC Music Vice President of Merchandising Roger Hart emphasized, “It is an honor to represent this storied line of classical Spanish guitars, which has, for more than 110 years, maintained the very highest standards of design, materials, and construction.  Indeed, each and every Rodriguez guitar, handcrafted in Toledo, Spain, carries within it the very essence of Spanish history and culture.  Our dealers will be equally thrilled to be able to present the Rodriguez collections to their discerning guitar enthusiast customers.”

The full range Rodriguez guitars are almost entirely handmade.  Rodriguez still employs the traditional Spanish Heel construction technique that increases the solidity of the neck joint, resulting in enhanced resonance and tone. No detail is too minor to merit attention.  The tuning machines are intricately cast, whether nickel-plated or gold-plated.  Silver-plated frets from Germany are meticulously set, leveled and polished ensuring optimum feel and performance.  

The neck and headstock of Rodriguez guitars are typically made of Canadian cedar, often reinforced with two ebony strips on the underside of the fingerboard to increase rigidity and eliminate movement caused by wood aging.  Each Rodriguez guitar is hand-formed and glued to create precise balances.  From the delicate sanding —even inside the body, to the beautifully unique rosette inlays, each guitar stands as a credit to its luthier and is worthy of being handed down from one generation to the next.  Each instrument receives a thin varnish finish ensuring purity of tone.  The cutaway electric models feature a state-of-the-art L.R. Baggs or Fishman pre-amp system for excellence in response, balance, and tonal adjustability. 

Honolulu International Airport Brings the 'Wow' Factor Back to Travel with State-of-the-Art LED Displays

Adding to a growing portfolio of airport installations around the world, NanoLumens, today announced the completion of a new installation at the Honolulu International Airport (HNL). In partnership with systems integrator Ford Audio-Video, NanoLumens, the industry-leading manufacturer and innovator of LED display visualization solutions, installed two 44.65’ X 7.28’ NanoLumens NanoSlim LED display solutions that now serve as the central traveler communications platform for an improved experience. 

According to Airport World, environmental graphic design within airports is often not the first thought when looking to boost revenue, but it has a tremendous potential to influence a traveler’s experience. In fact, J.D. Power and Associates, reports that happy passengers spend an average 45 percent more than grumpy ones or $20.55 versus $14.12 on airport retail purchases in shops and eateries.

The Honolulu International Airport project joins a growing list of NanoLumens airport installations that now include London’s Stansted and Heathrow Airports, the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, the Miami International Airport, the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and the Darwin International Airport in Australia. According to NanoLumens Regional Sales Manager Eric Seigler, “More and more airports understand that large format LED based visualization solutions are the best way to cut through the clutter and engage hurried travelers with critically important messages, information, and, in many cases, sponsored advertising content,” Seigler explained. “The Honolulu International Airport installation represents the latest addition to our transportation portfolio, with more to follow.” 

NanoLumens worked with its systems integration partner, Oklahoma City-based Ford Audio-Video, to install two 44.65’ X 7.28’ NanoSlim 6MM pixel pitch solutions to help the airport operators more efficiently and compellingly communicate flight information to travelers. Ford Audio-Video selected NanoLumens for the project based on its demonstrated ability to custom design solutions in any size, shape, or curvature that are also thin, light in weight, and easy to service. 

“Ford Audio-Video has partnered with NanoLumens on many successful projects,” said Bid Division Manager  at Ford Audio-Video Ed Knoll “NanoLumens was selected for this project because of their strong integrator support program, superior product performance, and long-term performance reliability. The NanoLumens team is very accessible and responsive, and is always eager to help us with design and creativity.”

According to Ford Audio-Video Project Engineer, Travis Ellis, “Ford Audio-Video has been the long-term provider of Public Address, Flight Information Display and Gate Management System Maintenance and AV integration at the Honolulu international Airport (HNL). The goal of the project was to provide departure flight information that could be visible throughout each of the two lobbies that are approximately 120-feet in depth. Additionally, the airport required that there be additional LED real estate space to show additional content of passenger interest, such as a destination city’s weather and a Hawaii tourism video slideshow.”  

To operate the NanoLumens 6MM, 2,000 NIT visualization solutions, Ford Audio-Video installed SITA manufactured software running on Dell Optiplex XE2 computers to generate the flight information in addition to a BrightSign 4K242 solid state media player to output the destination city weather and Hawaii Tourism video slideshow.

Available in any size, shape or curvature, NanoLumens solutions fit seamlessly into any architectural space and on virtually any surface without being obtrusive, adding the ‘WOW’ factor to an airport without taking up precious space. Each display is extremely slim, ultra-lightweight, energy efficient, featuring a bright, seamless, high-resolution picture quality that can be viewed from any angle throughout the display horizon without color shift or image distortion.

“This is the first large format LED display installation at the Honolulu International Airport,” Ellis concluded. “The success of this project should help us to bring future large format LED displays to lobbies four through eight of the airport’s overseas terminal.”

Seigler concluded, “NanoLumens values the relationship with Ford Audio-Video and looks forward to working on many more projects with them in the near future.”