Last year, Systems Etc invested in an EV XLC system, which has been used for mainstream events for up to 30,000 people. Mani has bumped up his XLC inventory as well this month, encouraged by the mix-and-match quality of the two systems. "The XLE is really tiny, compact and user-friendly, and apart from the obvious advantages of its size, the other thing that impresses is its clarity. We're tailoring the system to our own needs, using the new XLC 215 subs which are a perfect fit. And we're just waiting for the new grid adaptors, which will enable us to hang XLE cabinets beneath XLC elements in fully integrated arrays."
Shuttlesound's Sean Maxwell explains that the XLE 8" line array elements "offer fantastically even front-to-back and side-to-side coverage in an impressively compact package. Demand for smaller and lighter sound systems has increased, and EV has designed the XLE systems for situations with critical audio requirements where overall cluster size is a high priority." This is the case for many of Systems Etc's projects, such as MTV and corporate clients where clear sightlines, uncluttered by bulky speaker cabinets, are insisted upon.
Systems Etc, which has earmarked XLE for use in the theatre market as well as live music, has ordered16x XLE181 2-way boxes, which use an 8" neodymium LF/MB transducer and dual ND2S HF driver combination with a 120° x 10° waveguide coverage. At less than 18 kg (40lbs) per unit the XLE offers a powerful, very compact solution for applications with limited space and/or load capacity, and can be used in bi-amp mode or full-range using a sophisticated internal passive network. The purchase includes 4x XLC215 direct radiating subs, which can be flown or ground stacked, delivering extended low end and fantastic low impact while maintaining a low profile. The order is completed by 4x adaptor grids, and 8x P3000RL Precision Series amplifiers.
Additionally, Systems Etc has ordered 16x XLC 127+ top boxes, and 12x XLC118 subs, "and some bits and pieces to reinforce our X-Line system." XLC is already doing regular dates at the Brixton Academy, and working with Carl Cox and XFM's Big Night Out.
XLE made its debut at the Hackney Empire in May, on a night hosted by Groove Armada. It was also used at the Evolution Festival in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the UK's largest free outdoor festival over Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May.
(Chris Henry)
