MAG Audio debuts versatile array technology
- Details
Standing for Multiple Uniform Sound Technology, MAG Must allows installers to use a single line array format, therefore eliminating the need for bothersome stock and complex logistics, says the company. The technology is based on the scalable 8” MAG Wasp line array, which allows creation of uniform sound coverage across a venue of any size.
“We intended to create the technology that can change approach to using small format line arrays,” explains Igor Sydorenko, systems engineer at MAG Audio. “Today, manufacturers offer lines of products depending on the target event size - starting from compact arrays and up to the large-format ones. But we consider this approach outdated. So we decided to design the technology that can serve the needs of any client, regardless of the event’s demands.”
The technicians built an impressive stage, 65m in length, which incorporated two LED screens on each side. Such a large venue called for a nuanced approach to the project design, so MAG Audio engineers conducted extensive researches, studies, and tests to get the best out of MAG Must.
The set-up consisted of two line arrays (24 MAG Wasp tops and 12 Wasp S-12 subs per each side of the stage) as PA; two line arrays made up of 16 MAG Wasp tops each as out-fills; 48 x H28 subs lined in the end-fire configuration; and eight MAG Wasp tops deployed as front-fills. Four tops MAG Wasp and two Wasp S-12 on each side were deployed as side-fills; four Focus 12, four Focus 15 и 2 х Focus SUB covered monitoring on stage.
In addition, eight delay towers ensured smooth sound coverage over the entire venue. Four delay towers provided sound to the back of the field (fan zone 2) and consisted of eight MAG Wasp tops and three Wasp S-12 subs each. The other four towers had to provide sound over the grandstand, so each of them consisted of 16 x MAG Wasp tops and eight Wasp S-12 subs.
All the systems were amplified with 32 Powersoft amplifiers: a total of 20 racks with 22xX8 Dante, four X4 Dante, six T604. Signal routing through all the amplifiers was made by Dante Network which provided excellent sound quality and reliability.
All the elements in the system are preapproved in order to ensure their matching and easy adjustments. This way, rental companies can purchase additional equipment which will be 100% compatible with their current products.
The technology made its debut the next day after the presentation, during the Ready.Steady.Favorit concert at the Olimpiyskiy Stadium, on the occasion of the 20th birthday of Favorit Sport bookmakers.
The concert hosted over 40 000 attendees and featured a range of popular artists, including the Eurovision Song Contest 2007 drag queen Verka Serduchka & Band, the winner of Ukrainian National Selection for Eurovision 2019 MARUV, and Berlin Music Video Awards 2019 nominees Mozgi.
Andrii Tsistanov, sound engineer of Verka Serduchka & Band, states: “MAG MUST is definitely more efficient than big format speaker systems. It is loud enough and creates great uniform sound coverage across the listening area. In my opinion, this idea has great potential, as the technology can be applied for any venues imaginable.”
(Jim Evans)
