Front-of-house engineer Madden already had experience of the HK COHEDRA set-up, having used it on a Waterboys tour earlier this year, where dynamics and detail in the amplified sound, based around mainly acoustic instruments, were equally critical. Having declared himself impressed with the COHEDRA performance throughout the Waterboys gig, Madden and Concert Sound again specified COHEDRA.
The main FOH set-up for Charlotte's tour featured 12 CDR 208C plus 12 CDR208S mid/high cabinets for the flown line array columns, plus 16 CDR210S with four CDR210F subs. Driving this system were four HK PR16 amp racks (four VX2400 amps and two DFC controllers with patch bays and power distribution), plus a further two PR8 amp racks (each with two VX2400 amps, DFC controller, patch bay and power distribution). Six ConTour CT112 cabinets, with four ConTour CT108s were also used, acting as both in-fills and out-fills as required.
Whilst COHEDRA's impressive power delivery certainly came to the fore in the larger venues on the itinerary, venuesGlasgow Clyde Auditorium, the unique acoustics and constructional layout of Cardiff St Davids Hall proved more troublesome. For this set up, Chris Madden measured the audience area with a laser measure before inputting the dimensions into HK Audio's configuring CAPS software enabling Concert Sound to achieve a formidable sound in an otherwise acoustically-challenged venue.
Additionally, a lighting cage in the way of his flying points meant that Madden couldnΩt achieve his desired flown rig height for optimum coverage. A novel solution saw Madden resourcefully modify the line array hang by angling the flown bass bins upwards, thus forming a 'C' shape hang instead of the more conventional 'J' shaped hang associated with flown line arrays.
"It worked really well," says Madden. "I think that serves to demonstrate just how flexible the COHEDRA system is in any kind of venue. This was an important tour for Charlotte and COHEDRA proved to be the ideal choice."
(Lee Baldock)
