Paul Nicholson from L-Acoustics UK was heavily involved with the main stage design and was on site along with Paul Bauman the head of technical support to assist SSE with the installation of the system. Utilising Soundvision the site mapping was completed many weeks before the load in and all that was required on the day were a few minor trim adjustments once the undulating nature of the field had been taken into consideration.
L-Acoustics also supplied their Kudo demo rig for the main stage delays. This was the first time that the system had been used in this configuration in the UK and it complimented the main V-Dosc hangs perfectly. Everyone was really impressed by the clarity, throw, and full range output of the Kudo. Just nine boxes were used on each of the two delay positions, covering the last 100 metres to the back of the field.
SPL levels had to be trimmed back to comply with local noise regulations but nevertheless peak averages throughout the audience were around the 104db mark from front to back, which for an event like Download and thanks to the WST loudspeaker technology employed was a comfortable level for all the fans and guest Engineers. As a case in point Mick Hughes from Metallica commented how good it was to be mixing on V-Dosc once again.
Nicholson says: "My thanks go to all the companies and technicians involved for providing such high standards of support throughout the six days on site. It was a great event from start to finish and a testament to the universal approval of the L-Acoustics brand and the professionalism of all the companies both here at Download and throughout the world who have put their faith in us as a manufacturer."
(Chris Henry)
