LONDON – SSE Audio Group supported BBC Radio's 1Xtra Live at Wembley Arena with an L-Acoustics K1 large-format line source system that included 72 K1 boxes, 30 dV-DOSC, 20 large-format KUDO and 18 ultra-compact KIVA line source cabinets plus 48 SB28 subs. The system was driven by 24 flown LA-RAK housing 72 LA8 amplified controllers, connected by LA Network Manager.
The event presented several challenges for the sound system. The nature of the bands, including N-Dubz, Tinchy Stryder and Roll Deep, called for high SPLs and sub levels. Two stages were used, one end-on for bands and one in-the-round for "vocal to track" acts. The latter needed to achieve seamless 360 degree coverage around the stage, with the system sharing a rigging area with lighting, etc., plus weight limitations and the need to keep sightlines as clear as possible for the TV cameras.
For the (end-on) band stage, four hangs of K1 were used, while a further six K1 hangs plus two sub hangs were used for the round "voice-to-track" stage. K1's power meant fewer boxes were required, so each array cleared the floor by 30 feet, improving the all-important camera sightlines. All 14 L-Acoustics LA-RAK power racks were flown on the K1 bumpers so that only power and LA Network Manager connections needed to be run from FOH to the eight center hangs. This kept cable runs from the racks to the K1 boxes to a minimum, also minimizing power loss.
"K1 was able to meet all the challenges this event threw at it, achieving a full-on and seamless coverage to all parts of the floor area," said Miles Hillyard, senior project manager, SSE Audio. "The power and versatility of K1 meant this could be achieved in-the-round with just six clusters, with sources blending perfectly. It would probably have been impossible to achieve this using other systems."
SSE has used K1 for other events this year, including the Reading and Leeds, Oxegen, Latitude, V and Cropredy festivals, T4 on the Beach, and the recent papal visit to Glasgow. SSE is now planning to further increase its L-Acoustics inventory with the purchase of a KARA modular line source system.
For more information, please visit www.sseaudiogroup.com and www.l-acoustics.com.
