In both locations, Gabisom deployed a JBL Vertec system with four array locations for the main (World Stage) system. A total of 120 VT4889 large-format line array elements and 60 VT4880A Ultra Long Excursion subwoofers were deployed in the main suspend arrays. The main system consisted of four arrays across the front in the normal L/R (front), LL/RR (outfill) configuration.
Each array consisted of three separate hangs: dual Vertec VT4889 full-range hangs, separated by a VT4880A subwoofer hang in the middle. The main left and right arrays had two columns of 18 VT4889 line array elements and one column of 18 VT4880A arrayable subwoofers each. Outer LL and RR columns had two columns of 12 VT4889 elements and one column of 12 VT4880A subwoofers. Each group of the three arrays was driven by three separate signals called Band, Vocal, and Sub. This assisted in creating sound that was portrayed by system operators as effortlessly powerful and clear in a festival where the sheer size of the venues demanded something beyond the standard PA.
Peter Racy, Gabisom Audio Equipment's chief engineer for Rock in Rio, explained: "The main PA was set up in a non-traditional and unusual manner, which we call 'side-by-side.' It was non-traditional for line array systems because of its mammoth size, and also unusual because it was intentionally designed to have a greater amount of acoustical output than usual."
(Jim Evans)
