Norwest's sound reinforcement system of choice was based on EAW's KF860 Virtual Line Array system supplemented by McCauley MLA3s for the upper decks. The main EAW system comprised a total of 64 EAW KF860 and KF861 Virtual Line Array systems and 36 EAW BH760 subs, which were ground-stacked in 32 arrays around the circumference of the bowl. Each cluster consisted of a KF860, a KF861 and a BH760. Four singly ground-stacked EAW KF750 full range cabinets (and partnered by a BH760) were deployed at either end of the stadium to widen the coverage of the KF860/861 arrays in order to penetrate behind the stages. In addition to this, a total of 40 RCF ART300s were ground-stacked with each KF860 cluster for field monitoring purposes, while 12 EAW SM200ih dedicated monitor cabinets handled stage monitoring. This system, which served the entire lower bowl area where most of the audience was seated, was provided by Norwest Productions' regular inventory, with the exception of 20 BH760 cabinets that were purchased especially for the event and will be added to the 16 the company already own.
Norwest's CEO and financial administrator for the project, Christopher Kennedy, was delighted with the results and explained how the choice of an EAW system was such a crucial element to the events' success. "We had a huge area to cover, yet the system had to be physically discreet so as not to impede sightlines. We opted for the KF860/861 horn-loaded Virtual Line Array solution for the simple reason that there is no other product in the world that does what they do in clusters of two. To achieve the same pattern control and output using conventional line array technology, would have necessitated an unacceptably tall array of a minimum of four and possibly even six loudspeakers per stack. As it was, we achieved superb results using just a two-cabinet array that met all of our requirements in terms of power output and audio quality, and yet remained physically unobtrusive. We went with the BH760 subs because the Greek artistic director wanted to achieve a heartbeat sound effect that would be felt in the 80,000-seat stadium as well as heard. The BH760 is second only to the KF960 super sub for delivering what he wanted."
Kennedy also pointed out that every critical system element (consoles, Optocore signal distribution, processing etc., also provided by Norwest) had one or more backup options. However, the reliability of the equipment ensured that not one of the backups had to be deployed during any of the rehearsals or the ceremonies themselves.
The sound reinforcement system was powered almost entirely by 280 Lab Gruppen fP6400s with just a little help from Camco. Mixing consoles were from Yamaha with a PM1D at FoH (plus one for backup) and a PM5D on monitors (plus one for backup). 36 Shure PSM600 and PSM700 in-ear monitor systems were provided for solo performers and speakers while the cast used 900 Sennheiser in-ear systems (supplied by Delta Audio in the UK).
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
