The PA systems were near identical for both sites, allowing the line-ups to flip-flop between locations, teamwork between Adlib's two crews - who exchanged show files, notes, patch and settings information, right down to the mic lists - enabled all the artists' second nights to "run like clockwork". It also ensured they enjoyed complete continuity in sound and mixing conditions for both performances.
With a normal set up inside and three large video screens outside the tent (one either side and one at the back) to increase the audience viewing capacity, getting the sound spot-on became a more complex task.
The main system comprised eight L-Acoustics K1s a side, each column flown off a mast structure, complete with three dV-DOSC underhangs. Some serious bottom-end was offered up by eight SB28s and four K1 subs a-side, all on the ground. The SB28s were in two stacks of four, run in cardiod mode for additional effect and coverage.
Six ARCS were used for in-, out- and centre-fills and at the back of the FOH tower, they installed three dV-Doscs left and right for delays covering the back of the tent.
Outside, the left and right video screens were each accompanied by a stack of six Kudo speakers, positioned to be level with the downstage edge of the inside PA hangs. These were ground-stacked on their flying frames, sitting on a scaffolding structure. The rear video screen was serviced with three Kudos a- side (six in total).
The FOH consoles were Midas Heritage H3000s, spec'd by the client and chosen for the fact that most sound engineers in the world are familiar with this classic mixer. Headliners Pendulum, The Klaxons and LCD Soundsystem all brought in their own consoles.
For monitors, Adlib supplied Yamaha PM5D consoles. Sixteen Adlib MP3 wedges and two d-V drum subs provided monitor coverage, together with Nexo Alpha side-fills. A four-way Sennheiser G3 IEM system was also available, together with a full mics-and-stands package geared for all eventualities.
All the L-Acoustics elements were powered by LA8 amps, with Lab.gruppen PLM10000Qs driving the wedges, networked with the onboard Lake processing.
(Jim Evans)
