Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1401154
44 FA L L 2 0 2 1 I C A S Q U A R T E R L Y On June 15, 2021, the state of California lifted its restrictions on gatherings that had been in place since the early days of the pandemic. With the new ease in mandates, coupled with a successful vaccination rate among sound professionals, we were finally able to connect with each other once again in person! This is exactly how the Hollywood Sound Expo was born: out of a need to reconnect our colleagues and friends. Andrew Jones of Deity Microphones and I sprang into action to create the first trade show to be held since restrictions were lifted. We called upon all of the local Southern California audio manufacturers and organizations to join us for a two-day event. Day One would be at the L.A. Film Boutique in Burbank, with Day Two being a virtual event on Zoom for those who couldn't attend (or were not yet comfortable) in person. We booked the venue, the food trucks, and started to spread the word. The response was overwhelming and immediate. The exhibitors couldn't wait to talk about their products with their customers. The attendees couldn't wait to get some hands-on time with new gear. When the day came, there was an energy in the room that hadn't been felt in a long time. My company, Halter Technical, finally got to show off the Elite Monitor and new Scene Monitor headphones in person. While we can talk all day about the benefits of our headphones and how they were created specifically for production, there's just nothing like getting hands (and ears!) on them. Deity Microphones showcased their new BP-TRX wireless multi-tool. Fresh off a licensing agreement with Zaxcom, this Swiss Army knife of a beltpack can now transmit and record at the same time. COGA Sound unveiled their Battery Power System, a company all-in-one battery cup and distribution system that's chainable and mountable in a variety of options. K-Tek presented their newest in Stingray Bags with the Stingray Jet-X (now in purple!) built for small mixer- recorders. They also had their newest boom poles, The Mighty Booms, built for versatile cabling, and hand-burnished for smoother moves and locking. Brad and Ron Meyer from PSC had all of their newest power products on display. The PowerStar Smart Traveler uses 4x 99-watt hour "smart" batteries which are easily removable for traveling. Sound Guys Solutions showed their line of accessories and battery chargers, complete with the new NP-50 Six. This new charger simultaneously charges six NP-50 or LB-50 batteries. Ten-Four Accessories brought their complete line of walkie accessories, from surveillance kits to fashionable fabric coils, and even custom logo printing. Daniel Powell demonstrated the Mixer Cage, a reimagining of the traditional sound bag with a rigid frame and secure mounting points. Think of it like a rack case for sound gear that doesn't conform to the RU form factor. Photos by Joe Adams A WELCOME BACK FOR THE LOCAL SOUND COMMUNITY b y D o c J u s t i c e C A S