The main venue at the festival has always presented a challenge for audio reinforcement. To manage this, Stage Electrics supplied L'Acoustics' Kiva Curve Linear Array this year.
The numerous novice public speakers and interview format used creates a level problem along with acoustic challenges arising from staging the event in a marquee, the numerous reflections and the inclement Welsh weather.
Sound designer Paul Turner specified the L'Acoustics' Kiva system due to its formidable reputation for speech reproduction. Previous attempts to install a line array in the venue had presented problems due to limits on weight loading and sight line issues. Stage Electrics explains, "Size and weight are key factors here. Owing to its throw and coverage, the system's ability to deliver speech in this application is perfect. Also, as you can power two drops of 8 boxes with just two LA4 amps its technology footprint is tiny."
L'Acoustics' Sound Vision software enabled Turner to try out different system designs and speaker models before settling on the ideal system. 3D modelling allowed the sight lines to be checked to screen and mechanical data gave accurate weight loading stats.
Stage Electrics also supplied the festival's second venue with the new Digico SD8 console. Stage Electrics' Chris Vass explains, "A digital desk was essential as, along with musical entertainment, the venue was being used for talks, interviews and discussions. Frequently acts have to sound check in the breaks making an analogue desk impractical. The desk also needed to be flexible and of a high enough spec. to meet the requirements of touring acts. The SD8 ticked all the boxes."
(Jim Evans)
