The centrepiece of the production comprised a combination of XLC and XLE line-array systems from Electro-Voice, driven by TG7 power amplifiers equipped with RCM-26 modules. Xi-2123A/106F loudspeakers accompanied by Xsubs. Xi-1122 loudspeakers driven by CP3000S amplifiers saw action as side- and front-fills.
"The sound quality was singled out for praise by numerous visitors as well as many of the musicians," says Ralph Huber, deputy chairman of Jazz an der Donau. "The sound was powerful and transparent. Every instrument was crystal clear, which was of decisive importance, especially to Klaus Doldinger's Passport and Richard Galliano."
Haasch's sound team not only found the right blend of sound in front of the stage, but also onstage. Wolfgang Haffner, the drummer playing with Till Brönner, explained: "Monitor sound is crucial to the success of a concert because if the musicians can't hear themselves properly - or other band members are too quiet or too loud - it has a negative impact on the quality of their performances. Fortunately I was totally satisfied with the foldback at this festival."
Jazz an der Donau 2009 was also a success for Ingo Haasch. "This is now the seventh time we've handled this event," says Haasch. "Naturally the experience accumulated from previous years influences the planning - and our calculations this time proved spot-on. The combination of XLC and XLE systems once again proved extremely flexible, so we were able to do full justice not only to the delicate jazzy sound of Lee Ritenour but also to the powerful, eleven-piece lineup with which Santana took to the stage."
(Jim Evans)
