LOS ANGELES – Since its first show in 1985, LaserSpectacular has emerged as one of the longest continuous touring productions ever. The multimedia production combines multi-screen video projection with lasers choreographed to music from Michael Jackson to Pink Floyd.
The production recently added new gear from D.A.S. Audio, chosen in part for its compact size, self-contained rigging hardware and efficient truck pack characteristics. The sound system includes 20 Aero 12A 2-way, self-powered, mid-high line array elements and six D.A.S. LX-218A self-powered subwoofers.
"Size was a key consideration," said "Laser" Dave McConkey, production and tour manager for Paramount Productions, the show's parent company. "This show travels constantly, so in addition to quality sound, the ability to easily set up, break down, and transport the equipment were very important factors.
"Steve Monistere, the show's producer, heard an older D.A.S. Audio system while he was in Los Angeles a while back and thought the equipment sounded very good," McConkey added. "His encounter with D.A.S. prompted us to take a closer look at the company's product offerings, and the new Aero Series 2 caught our attention. The closer we looked, the more impressed we became. Ultimately, it all came down to size versus performance, and this D.A.S. system offers the best of both.
"Thus far, we've always ground stacked the system and it has performed really well for us," McConkey added. "We typically stack six Aero 12As per side and use the other enclosures for front fill and, occasionally, side fill. These loudspeakers throw far and have a very impressive horizontal dispersion. We've been very impressed with the uniform coverage they provide."
As for the D.A.S. LX-218A self-powered subwoofers, "these subs move a lot of air," McConkey said. "We've actually only used all six subs one time. As for the smaller venues, four of these boxes are plenty. The fact that the entire system is self-powered is a huge benefit, since we don't have to concern ourselves with matching power amps to the system.
McConkey also credited D.A.S. Audio for its customer support. "Whenever we've had questions, the company has been very supportive. I was impressed with the fact that Carlos Henao, D.A.S. Audio USA's sales and technical support manager, came to our opening show to ensure that everything went according to plan. He was very helpful."
With several shows under their belt, McConkey reports the new D.A.S. Audio sound system is delivering up to and beyond everyone's expectations. "Even without tweaking, this system sounds very good. On a recent night, I had no time to do anything but roll the left and right stacks into place, eyeball the angles, send power and signal, and roll the show. We were all really impressed."
McConkey also noted that Ryan Waters, an engineer who works with the show regularly, likes the new system. "He wasn't familiar with the DAS product line and at the first show; he tortured the system-looking for a big failure. That failure never came," McConkey said.
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