MONCTON, NB CANADA — Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, including boxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay Thai, kick boxing, taekwondo, karate, judo, kung fu and other styles. The sport is growing in popularity and recently Elite 1 MMA returned to the Redball Internet Centre in Moncton, New Brunswick (Canada) for its “Redemption” titled show and championship welterweight title bout.
Elite 1 MMA productions started to explore the option of bringing its casino-based event into a 360-degree arena. The requirement for the sound reinforcement was to cover the audience with the energy like a small theatre naturally produces. Moncton-based SSI Audio (Sound Specialists Inc.) received the contract to facilitate “in the round” production.
“When I was first approached with the idea, I knew that these types of shows go beyond the mat,” says SSI Audio production supervisor (and acting production manager for the show) Evan Cormier. “I needed to make sure the audio system was punchy and loud. But I also needed to ensure the coverage was adequate for a 360-degree arena.” His choice for the show was a Kling & Freitag SEQUENZA 10 line array system with K&F’s NOMOS XLC subwoofers.
Once Cormier entered all data of the venue into the proprietary K&F CON:SEQUENZA simulation software, he noticed how easily six boxes covered the vertical plane. With two different horizontal coverage patterns, 77 degrees and 100 degree in the same series, it is no need to use additional bumpers or other materials, just simply click and fly the system. “The rigging on the SEQUENZA 10 system is definitely a game changer: no more pinched fingers and fighting with pins, it is definitely the safest and fastest system on the market – period!”
The entire 360-degree SEQUENZA line array system with NOMOS XLC subs was managed by the intuitive K&F CD Remote software to set up and control the K&F SystemRacks driving the loudspeakers. “I still cannot believe how far the SEQUENZA 10 system throws, from the back of the arena all the way to cage side, I had adequate coverage and tons of head room, truly a pleasure to mix on such a system.” The SEQUENZA 10 system was delivered by Sennheiser Canada.
The event was also streamed live on the website Go Fight Live (www.gfl.tv). Promoter and owner Mike Williams was impressed and very satisfied that SSI Audio was able to “connect” the audience in such a big room. This was a major concern, as Elite 1 MMA had previously built a great reputation from matches in the small theatre they previously booked and he wanted to retain that same intimacy and impact in a larger venue.
For more details about Kling & Freitag, visit www.king-freitag.biz
For more information about SSI, visit www.ssiaudio.com
