Alvaro Llano, Campos' FOH sound engineer, also runs an Audio Consulting/Contracting Company in Bogota, whose main market is Houses of Worship. He recommends Adamson as a premiere choice, and wanted Adamson for the show.
He chose to use the Adamson SpekTrix line, a more compact line array system, not only because of its size, but for other reasons as well: "Using SpekTrix allows Latin music, which is rich in percussions and ethnic instruments that need a lot of headroom to pass the peaks and transients generated by such instruments. But it's also important to mention the warm mids in it that enhance my vocals and the richness of the highs without them adding any harsh colourations."
Llano continues: "It's basically a very powerful and natural sounding system for any church. It's incredibly intelligible, yet very musical, and you can count on it if you need it to rock!"
The final set-up consisted of four SpekTrix five degree tops and three SpekTrix Subs all powered by Lab.gruppen and processed with XTA's 428 Drive DSPs. The cardioid configuration of the three Sub stack was very useful to get rid of low end leakage back to the stage especially for a recording project where they had six acoustic guitars and basses, an acoustic piano, a symphonic ensemble of violins, violas, and cellos, alongside Latin American string and wind instruments, and drums and percussion instruments.
Orlando Rodriguez, who won a Grammy in 2001 for best live recording, was equally impressed: "We achieved a clean and excellent sound quality which was perfect (for recording), without compromising a punchy, medium to high SPL for the 1000-seat live audience." Average SPL for the show at mix position which stood at about 75ft from stage was at 104dB - C weighted with Controlled Peaks going up to 110 dB C - weighted. Alvaro Llano added: "Orlando Rodriguez came in to the auditorium many times saying that it sounded amazing; that he couldn't believe the SPL we had for the audience, because in his recording room he didn't have any significant problems due to mics picking up PA Noise!"
Assisting Alvaro Llano at FOH was Mauricio Vilar, son of Cesar Vilar of C. Vilar Ltda; who is a long-time Adamson Yaxis partner and also provided the system for the recording.
(Chris Henry)
