Autokultur buzzes with Sido and Sennheiser
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Every evening, up to a thousand vehicles converge on Hannover’s Schützenplatz fairground, where they tune in their UHF radios – just like in a drive-in cinema – to listen to stage performances, from concerts to comedy. It’s all a welcome distraction from life during lockdown, and an optimistic ray of light in a time when typical live events have all been cancelled.
Among the highlights of the early summer concert series were two sold-out performances by German rapper Sido. The artist used a Sennheiser SKM 6000 to wow the crowds on 11 and 12 May 2020. With its bright red, high-gloss finish, the handheld transmitter proved to be a real eye catcher and was the centre of attention during close-ups of the performer on the huge LED walls.
The handheld transmitter from Sennheiser’s Digital 6000 series was operated in the A1-A4 (470 to 558 MHz) frequency range and was equipped with a cardioid, dynamic MD 9235 capsule. A black handheld transmitter of the same type was available as a spare.
“The SKM 6000 handhelds have never once let us down”, says monitor engineer Thomas Hofer. “The MD 9235 capsule harmonises perfectly with Sido’s voice, and this combination of transmitter and microphone capsule is robust enough to withstand the most energetic live performances or even showers of rain during open-air concerts without any damage. What is more, the feedback tendency when the performer is moving in critical areas, for example at the front edge of the stage, is extremely low.”
Hofer is impressed by the sound of the Sennheiser Digital 6000 systems in every respect: “With analogue transmission systems, you sometimes have to struggle with sound influences caused by the companders,” the sound engineer explained. “Digital transmission, on the other hand, doesn’t require traditional companders, which, combined with other features, results in a more open sound image. And when you use a high-quality signal chain you can hear that immediately.”
Thomas Holz, Sennheiser business specialist touring & rental, explained: “For many years, Sido used a 2000 series system with great success. Since 2019, our innovative Digital 6000 system has been his preferred choice, and I’m really pleased that Germany’s most popular rapper has chosen this ground-breaking Sennheiser wireless solution. At the artist’s request, Sido’s SKM 6000 handheld transmitter was given a stunning bright red finish at the Sennheiser factory in Wedemark, in keeping with the artwork of his latest album.”
“We created the Autokultur series of events entirely from scratch in just ten days. You can only do something like that if you have a great team,” said Nico Röger, managing director of Hannover Concerts KG operating company. “Our aim is to put on events even in such difficult times and to make it absolutely clear that culture has systemic relevance.”
