UK - Entec Live has extended its long-term partnership with d&b audiotechnik by making a substantial investment in its large format three-way GSL line array system.
Entec head of sound, Dan Scantlebury, a long-term advocate of the brand, authorised the purchase of a significant system to complement their existing, smaller footprint KSL system. They have boosted their hire fleet with the addition of 32 GSL8 enclosures and eight GSL12, while at the same time adding a further 14 SL Subwoofers. Completing the purchase is an additional 28 D80s, taking their inventory of these powerful four-channel amplifiers into the hundreds.
Explaining the rationale, Scantlebury said the decision became axiomatic once he was convinced that the rental company would have the workflow to support such a level of investment. In the event, the new system was shipped out immediately to join Editors’ European tour. It will also be utilised on The Other Stage at Glastonbury in July, where Entec Live made their debut last year, and the following month at Silverstone, for the British Grand Prix.
Scantlebury also sensed that it would increase the company’s options when it came to deployment. “GSL complements what we already own, so we can use it as one large system, for the largest arenas or split it into several small stages.” It will also partner with KSL, which can be deployed for out-fill and delay hang duties alongside its bigger brother, he said.
Additionally, it will increase Entec Live’s potential as a corporate event supplier and better prepare them to meet tour riders. “Whereas previously we would win contracts based purely on our reputation, now we also have a box that everyone wants.”
The partnership between Entec and d&b audiotechnik dates back to a 1995 multi-manufacturer shoot out arranged by Dick Hayes, recently appointed head of sound, and, as quoted after the event, “As soon as we turned on the d&b, we knew it was the perfect solution for us.” The C4 System was soon earning its keep, fulfilling the exacting performance standards and financial returns expected by CFO Barbara Pendleton.
Dan Scantlebury himself has been using d&b sound systems for at least 15 years. “Personally, I have always thought they had the best sounding boxes out there. The d&b software is second to none in terms of designing the PA in advance and it’s quick to optimise the system - you always know what you will get.” The company’s ArrayCalc simulation software runs intuitively with R1 Remote control software to run the show, he points out.
Richard McLean, d&b audiotechnik commercial manager UK, confirmed the strength of the partnership. “Entec Live has invested systematically over the past 30 years, and particularly heavily this year. It’s been rewarding to have seen the continual development of the company in the 10 years I’ve been at d&b, and I am proud to be part of our long-lasting relationship dating back to the days of Mr Hayes.”
He notes that Entec’s pre-pandemic investment in the SL-Series had complemented their already large stock of J-Series loudspeakers. “The introduction of the d&b SL-Series has provided d&b with a portfolio of scalable line arrays, all offering sound reinforcement systems with full bandwidth horizontal pattern control, and with offsite sound emissions now becoming a real talking point, Entec will now be at the table for those conversations.
“They are among the few companies who really understand the core values of d&b and were one of the early adopters of both the SL-Series and our flagship D80 amplifier. It would be easy for a company steeped in such a tradition to stand still, but representing the brand the way they do shows the gravitas and forward thinking they bring. Their support has been constant - it’s a great relationship that has been mutually beneficial.”
Dan Scantlebury concludes, “As a result of this strategic development we now look forward to working even more closely with d&b on projects in the future.”
