Light Years Light and Sound, from Tavistock, has been servicing the events of the Plymouth Jazz Club for many years, and chose the annual outdoor festival at National Trust property Saltram House as the first outing for its all-new EV inventory.
"Our old point-source system just ran out of steam," says Anthony Plumridge from Light Years. "The criteria I had for a new system was that it should be compact, quick and easy to set up, with superb sound quality. We went over to Shuttlesound's demo facility in south London and listened to several EV options that met our criteria, each with its own different qualities. Eventually, I decided on the XLD281, and after one more phone call, the cabinets were on their way."
Plumridge gives a vivid account of arriving on site with his first line array. "First the Trabes towers were put up, which took about 15 minutes each, then the XLDs were wheeled under the towers in their cases and, with safety checks complete, winched up to 4.5m. All the other usual PA stuff was done and the system was ready for a test.
"Low level check on HF, low and hi-mid, all seemed OK. Now was the time to turn up the wick a little, and a little was all that was needed to get us incredible crystal-clear sound with superb definition. I was amazed and very relieved."
(Jim Evans)
