FARGO, ND – Livewire Entertainment Media Services, LLC has invested in dBTechnologies VIO systems, becoming one of the latest VIO Network Partners and serving as a dBTechnologies ambassador to the U.S. market for the rapidly growing brand.
More details from dBTechnologies (www.dbtechnologies.com):
Founded by Kent Kolstad in 1999, the full-time Livewire team of over 45+ people is dedicated to consistently delivering high-quality audio, video, lighting, and staging services for a diverse range of events—including over 720 nationwide conferences, corporate productions, and theatrical and musical performances last year alone.
Recognizing growing demand, Livewire’s Director of Live Audio Services, Christopher Deroche, and Assistant Director, Jonas Biles, identified the need for a scalable sound system that would be trusted by audio engineers, deliver exceptional sound performance, be quick and easy to transport and deploy, and help reduce freight costs.
Livewire’s initial order with manufacturer’s reps and business development specialists Iconic Solutions Group (serving Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Southern Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Western Wisconsin) included: 20x VIO L1610 medium-format line array systems, 16x VIO S218 subwoofers, 6x VIO S118 subwoofers, 16x VIO L208 small-format line array elements, plus various front fills, and accessories to optimize deployment across multiple venues and system configurations based on event and material needs.
Biles shared, “What initially drew us to dBTechnologies was an industry contact who excitedly shared his positive experiences with their solutions, emphasizing their adaptability to different types of events, the ease of configuring various box setups, and the convenience of using Aurora Net software to monitor and control the system. After more research, everything just fell into place.
He added, “Switching from our previous rig to dBTechnologies has already saved us tons of time on load-ins and -outs. Every time I set it up, I’m amazed at how easy it is to grab one other person and teach them on the spot how to get it off the cart and ready to fly.”
Livewire has long provided audio production for TEDxFargo the Fargo Civic Center. Despite the venue’s notoriously difficult acoustics—a 1950s concrete and plaster basketball arena—this year’s system setup, which included eight VIO L208 modules and four S218 subs, yielded overwhelmingly positive feedback from their client who typically hasn’t taken notice of audio quality at past events. In previous years, the team used similar equipment from a well-known competitor but struggled to overcome the room’s challenges.
“We were thrilled to see how well the system performed in such an acoustically difficult space,” said Kolstad. “The VIO series allowed us to implement a clean and effective sound solution. The system absolutely blew attendee expectations out of the water with even volume and presenter clarity throughout, bringing the TEDxFargo experience to life.”
Biles, who manages sound for the 2,500+ attendee event annually, shared his experience: “This setup was easier than previous ones. I managed all boxes with just four outputs using RDNet Control 8 and two AC26Ns. I could shade each speaker, monitor input and output levels in real time, and independently control sends to the concourse fill speakers—all without needing extra outputs or matrices, which was extremely convenient.”
He went on to say, “It was also much easier to push the PA harder this year, with no risk of feedback and plenty of headroom. Last year, I often struggled to raise SPL above the loud crowd to get their attention. This year, the energy and immersive quality of the event was felt throughout the venue. Many staff members also commented on how clear the sound was—it was their first time hearing the new rig.”
Kolstad further noted, “The VIO system we’ve acquired is substantially faster to set up, lighter, far more controllable across virtually every parameter, and has quickly become both an audience and engineer favorite at the events we’ve produced with it. We’re confident its popularity will grow rapidly across our client base, and with A1s around the world.”
He concluded, “From the very beginning, Livewire’s been committed to audio excellence at each and every event we produce—that was the core mission, and it remains a primary tenet of our business today.”
Livewire’s investment in dBTechnologies equipment reinforces its commitment to delivering exceptional sound experiences across events of every shape and size.
Founded in 1990, dBTechnologies is a leading global manufacturer of professional audio equipment. Renowned for its innovation, reliability, and superior sound quality, the company offers smart solutions for live sound, installations, and broadcast environments worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, dBTechnologies continues to push the boundaries of audio technology.
