A total of 24 Community Professional R.25 loudspeakers were arrayed to cover the crowd, utilising a pair of 5.8 GHz wireless remote systems to streamline the setup and minimise cable runs. A pair of Community RSH462 long throw systems covered the far reaches of the exhibition, and six R.5 subwoofers provided ample power in the low end.
"We mount the RSH462s on man-lifts, on all-terrain forklifts, even on scaffolding, depending on what's available," said Olmstead. "We mount the R.25s on tripods about seven feet up. The R.25, combined with the R.5 subs, is our favourite system to cover our VIP and sponsor areas."
As Olmstead explained, the two biggest challenges are the near-deafening ambient noise and the sheer size of the coverage areas, and that's where the long-throw power of the RSH462 proves invaluable. "In air shows, the front line coverage is easy," said Olmstead. "It's the back of the airport ramp that's the challenge. That's where the RSH462s really shine."
In addition to the typical festival needs of public address, paging parents for lost children and other announcements, each act usually provides a music track to accompany the narration. Suffice it to say, it's a fair bet it won't be an easy listening selection. "We're usually cranking everything from military music to hard-edged hip hop or metal," said Olmstead. "There's also always a need to 'go live to the cockpit' so the pilot can talk to the crowd over VHF radio."
Olmstead concludes, "Without a doubt, we push these speakers to their limit during shows. We've set them up and taken them down more than twenty times this season alone, not to mention bouncing them down the road in a trailer from Brunswick, Maine to Spokane, Washington, and they continue to impress our clients every time we power them up. With the addition of the RSH462 to our arsenal, we get to hear every soundman's favourite complaint: 'can you turn it down a bit?'."
(Jim Evans)
