ATK Audiotek, a Clair Global Brand, recently deployed a range of Cohesion loudspeakers at the Keynote Stage and IP (Interstitial Programming) Theater Stage in support of Microsoft Ignite 2023 at the Seattle Convention Center, the tech company’s annual demonstration of new products and platforms.
Andrew Waterman, Microsoft’s account manager for ATK Audiotek, explains that the company’s top goals at any conference are “to be able to see what presenters are talking about, but more importantly, to hear them clearly.”
Waterman, a 45-year veteran front of house mixer, first heard Cohesion’s products during a demonstration two years prior, says, “Cohesion is easy to rig, easy to fly, and sounds great. The EQ I have to do is minimal. I’m totally all in on Cohesion.”
The system at the Keynote Stage included 12 arrays of CO10 line arrays utilizing both 120- and 80-degree directivities to deliver coverage to 4,500-plus attendees. Watterman: “When you have a guy on stage with a lavalier the size of a pinhead speaking to more than 4,000 people, it’s really important the speaker system works flawlessly. In my experience with Cohesion, it’s engulfing, it’s controllable, it’s seamless.”
Eight CP6+ self-powered point source loudspeakers hidden within the recess of a purpose-built three-foot “moat” shelf in front of the Keynote Stage provided front fill, while a ninth CP6+ directed sound toward a cluster of seats on the side. Six CP218 II+ subwoofers were deployed in a cardioid arrangement to provide low frequency output.
Upstairs on the fifth floor of the convention center, Microsoft held the IP Theater Stage to broadcast a continuous live program featuring a variety of hosts, guests, and live demonstrations that was also supported by CP6+ loudspeakers. This year’s conference topics focused on the latest in AI, including increased applications for Microsoft Copilot and Azure AI Studio.
Waterman concludes, “Cohesion, for me, is the ideal speaker. There’s no other speaker I would use.”
Launched in 2023, Cohesion was previously the private brand for Clair Global’s rental division.
