The evolution of sound systems from giant globs of speakers to finesse full narrow line-arrays created the opportunity to cover large venues with multiple systems utilizing minimal space.
The entire Wall of Sound was 26,000 watts, current systems run at ten times that power and are a fraction of the size.
Plus we now have the capability of effectively predicting the sonic coverage in a venue based on room dimensions.
What this means is that with today’s sound system technology, multiple sound systems can be hung conventionally to either side of the band rather than stacked behind them without blocking sight lines.
This creates an inconspicuous yet effective implementation of the concept. (The photo below shows the “dual-PA” system approach that Rat Sound has developed for The Red Hot Chili Peppers.)
Initially I considered proposing a triple system rather than the dual system the Peppers are currently touring with.
The PA for the Red Hot Chili Peppers tour a couple/few years ago, with dual line arrays flown to each side of the stage (click to enlarge)
The triple would have been three separate stereo sound systems, one for guitar, one for bass and one for vocals with drums interspersed into the three.
To test the concept, I purchased three small home hi-fi systems and roadie Ethan and I built a small simulator in my living room.
With a Pro Tools system and live Peppers multi track recordings from last tour, I was able to try out different combinations and test the effectiveness of the setup.
I found that the most noticeable improvement occurred when going from one system to two and adding the third was more subtle.
So here we are today, and I smile as long ago dreams have become real.
A refined and usable version of what the Grateful Dead had started, a grand scale application of what I learned from so many years.
Dave Rat is the co-founder and owner of Rat Sound, a leading sound reinforcement company based in California.
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More Articles From Dave Rat
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When Hearing Starts To Drift, How To Avoid Becoming “EQ Oblivious”
A Way To Increase The Actual Power That Amplifiers Deliver To Loudspeakers
Dave Rat Transmission: Dynamic Versus Compressed
Dave Rat Transmission: Sometimes Sound Is About Time
Part 1 of a multi-part fictionalized series on making it in the sound reinforcement business
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