"In prior years we had used four different systems from four different suppliers, with inconsistent results," says Sage Anthony Plakosh, production manager for the tour. "This year we wanted to assure that the yoga teachers and musicians would get a consistent experience from venue to venue."
The main Wanderlust system is anchored by dual arrays of 10 Mina loudspeakers per side, with low end provided by four-per-side 650-P subwoofers arranged in end-fire directional arrays. Two UPJunior VariO loudspeakers serve as lip-fills, and a Galileo loudspeaker management system with one Galileo 616 processor provides drive and optimization. The stage foldback system comprises eight UM-1P stage monitors plus two-each UPA-2P loudspeakers and USW-1P subwoofers for side and drum-fills.
"Versatility was another key factor in opting for MINA," continues Plakosh. "We needed a PA that could maintain full intelligibility for people listening at knee height while doing yoga, then provide the power and punch at night for rock bands and DJs playing electronica. At first I wasn't sure a box Mina's size could handle it all, but I've been pleasantly surprised."
Midas PRO2 and PRO1 mixing consoles are used for main stage FOH and monitors, respectively. Two smaller reinforcement systems for breakout sessions and evening events are each powered by four MSL-4 loudspeakers and two 650-P subwoofers. All stages use Shure UHF-R wireless systems equipped with a mixture of handheld and headset microphones.
Dave Brotman of DBS Audio Systems adds, "The power-to-size ratio of Mina is just phenomenal, and with the tour's limited trussing systems, Mina's light weight was a key factor as well."
First launched in Squaw Valley, Calif. in 2009, Wanderlust Yoga Festivals draw thousands of attendees by bringing together yoga students, world-renowned teachers, musicians, and inspirational speakers.
(Jim Evans)
