Sound reinforcement for the Production North event saw Wigwam Hire dress the acoustically-difficult RAH with a Martin Audio W8LC/W8LM system, placing the operation in the hands of FOH engineer Mark Littlewood, and his system tech Jon Brooks.
Since first mixing Massive Attack at the venue back in 1998 Littlewood has learnt much of the room's characteristics; and with technology advancing apace both he and Jon noted how well the Martin Audio line array combination had sounded last time the two men rigged it here - for a show by G4 - particularly the front-fill sound created by the Mini Line Arrays.
With a large ensemble including drums, bass, acoustic and electric guitar, keyboards, playback devices and five backing vocals, most of the 48 channels in the digital desk were accounted for.
Wigwam fielded a conventional L/R hang of 12 x W8LC's per side, with eight W8LM's and a pair of W8LMD Downfills on either flank. Recessed under the apron across the bottom of the stage, eight WLX (1 x 18in) subs, on a separate feed, formed a single point source.
Jon Brooks was able to drop the hangs a fraction lower than normal at the RAH to help neutralise the potential for slapback.
"We have been using ViewPoint and I have been getting more geeky with it," said the system tech. "I now have a working version of the new V1.5. which I use to design the room and Display to do the predictive stuff, using ears for EQ and SMAART for time alignment."
System management was via XTA 226's using the Wigwam crossover settings.
"Whether hanging or ground-stacking, rigging the Martin Audio system takes about one and a half hours from tipping the truck to getting it pinked - which is great! You don't have to do much except turn the system on."
He adds that while the characteristics of the Royal Albert Hall won't change - it's alive with reverb, bounce and slap - the W8LC brings the best out of the venue. "It's a lovely system - the vocals are always right in your face and for sensible music levels the subs are fine."
(Chris Henry)
