Kudo has demonstrated its ability to adapt to different formats with an unmatched flexibility level: horizontally or vertically, with a directivity of 55° or 110° symmetric, or 25/55° or 55/25° asymmetric. Two tours in 2005 illustrate Kudo's flexibility: the Mamma Mia! world tour, uses two hangs of 10 Kudo as the FOH system in theatres ranging from 500 to 5,000 capacity. The Simple Plan world tour has used 2 x 21 Kudo hangs as the FOH system in arenas from 5,000 to 20,000 capacity. Using K-Louver technology, both these systems were able to deliver unmatched SPL coverage patterns in the diverse range of venues they played.
Apart from its dolly catches, which have been upgraded and replaced recently, Kudo has achieved an almost faultless reliability rating, say the company. As well as an almost zero transducer failure rate (or 0.0975% to be precise), with no devaluation in audio or mechanical performance over time. The rigging system is simple, accurate and reliable and the K-Louvers have stood up well with a 100% reliability record.
The company has recently launched the Kudo Version 2Preset Library. This version includes a revision of the low/mid section processing. The low/mid section crossover point has been changed from 300 Hz to 200 Hz and low/mid equalization has also been reworked. Changes to the high section equalization have also been introduced, resulting in an improved overall power response and on-axis frequency response.
Kudo offers the same signature (coherence and throw capability) as V-Dosc and dV-Dosc. With the new preset library version 2, the tonal balance of Kudo has been re-tuned to offer enhanced performance and a better impact in large venues, with a substantial improvement in end user satisfaction.
The following high profile events have already been completed, the Opening Ceremony of the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino / Italy, the Aerosmith Tour and the recent installation of the Hard Rock Café in Orlando, Florida, USA. All have used Kudo as their main PA system, say the company.
(Lee Baldock)
