Il Divo have enjoyed global success since forming in 2003, recording in seven languages, selling well over 30m albums worldwide and scoring 160 certified gold and platinum hits in 35 countries.
Capital have been the group's choice of audio supplier from the beginning, as Capital's general manager Paul Timmins recalls: "Believe it or not, this is year 12! We started working with them at Ritz rehearsal rooms in Putney all those years ago . . . each successive Il Divo tour has brought new challenges and achievements for us as the band have grown and it's now a very comfortable partnership."
The system configuration used by Capital for the recent show at London's O2 Arena provides an ideal snapshot of how they are using their new equipment - it also highlights how (relatively) little equipment is needed to deliver full-frequency audio accurately within a major international concert venue when using cutting-edge audio designs.
Capital's Robin Conway, who designed the system, said: "Our designs for Il Divo have historically involved flying subwoofers and 2016 is no exception with GTO Subs flown directly behind the main left and right arrays, each of which comprise 12 GTO C-12 modules plus a single GTO-DF down-fill enclosure.
"There are also flown side-fills for the stage (each containing six Outline Mantas28 cabinets), behind and in line with the main L/R arrays. The positioning of these has improved the sight lines to the stage and screen significantly by reducing the overall profile of the flown systems. Flying subs may seem a little strange for this type of show, but our experience with Il Divo's audiences show that they are not fans of large subwoofer stacks, so a combination of flown and discreetly positioned ground-stacked subs is the best solution for this client."
Capital's recent purchase included a complete amplification and processing package, which has further enhanced the efficiency of the whole audio system. Conway continues: "The Powersoft X8 amplifiers are not only driving the main FOH setup but also the onstage monitoring. The flexibility of the X8 amps enabled us to build multi-purpose amplifier packages (each containing three X8s with custom PACom, NL4 patch and Dante Network Distribution) which combine all the power we need for both FOH and monitors into just six touring racks. This gives us a very efficient use of truck space as well as being quick and easy to move and use."
Conway concludes: "Even on this, our first outing with the new equipment, the Outline system has impressed us. The flying systems are very simple to understand and the touring team are consequently finding it easy to communicate the processes to local crew during load-ins and -outs. The audio coverage is really accurate and the frequency response front to back of the audience plane is very predictable. Having phase coherent boxes also really helps with system setup."
Il Divo's FOH engineer Matteo Cifelli commented: "Outline has always been the first choice in my rider as it delivers such pure sound quality and detail. Like its predecessor, the Butterfly, the GTO C-12 is outstanding on vocals and acoustic instruments so I could not imagine a better system for Il Divo."
Paul Timmins describes the strategic and commercial thinking behind their new partnership with the Italian manufacturer: "Our decision to buy into Outline, while possibly surprising for some, was actually a no brainer for us. Having got to know the company over a period we realised that we were dealing with quality people who have a genuine passion for audio, producing great products that simply sound amazing."
(Jim Evans)
