Spectra Audio Systems is a St. Louis based event production company specializing in over-the-top electronic music events, formed in 1994 by partners Timothy Kresko and Casey Hunter to provide sound systems for local area bands. Over the years they have expanded their inventory, and have continually worked to provide its growing client base - which has in the past included such notable names as Disney, ESPN X Games, and World Changers Ministries, as well as theatre companies and major label artists - with the most up-to-date audio technology.
Partner Tim Kresko explains the thinking behind the company's decision to invest in a Turbosound Flex Array system. "The cost of the system was what sparked our initial interest - it seemed very fairly priced considering its lineage. Of course price alone could never be a deal maker," he says, "and the choice was sealed by the opinions of the engineers and promoters who were invited to the demo at The Pageant, a 2,500 seat room in St Louis. They all gave Flex Array a big thumbs up."
Promoter PanOptic Productions achieved a record 1,700 ticket sales for the sold-out Winter Warpdrive event on 6 February at the historic Roberts Orpheum Theatre, with headlining attractions Eddie Halliwell, Bluetech and Mimosa, as well as local favourites Ready, Andy B and Cypher, mixing up traditional dance flavors with downtempo and livetronica.
Putting up Spectra's entire Turbosound rig for the first time in anger, systems techs Josh Limpert and Arthur Basil Shaw configured the Flex Array PA each side of the stage with nine deep flown TFA-600HDP tops, and a single stack of five TSW-218DP double 18" folded horn subs on the floor with a further sub for in-fill. System control was provided via BVNet by XTA processors.
According to Kresko, the 75° horizontal dispersion from the mid/highs avoided exciting the sides of the venue, enhancing overall intelligibility and helping to maintain a clear, well defined stereo image. "The system really tamed this notoriously live space," he adds.
(Jim Evans)
