South Australia’s Summer Sounds Festival in Adelaide was a four-week outdoor concert series offering 18 live performances to 2,100-capacity audiences in the month of January, with Adelaide-based Novatech providing the sound reinforcement and support utilizing L-Acoustics components.
The crowds were spaced in “Party Pods” that accommodated four to six people each, with the festival presenting Australian artists such as Bernard Fanning, Spiderbait, and Hayden James. Festival goers could choose from VIP, Gold, Silver, or Bronze seating packages. VIP pods occupied the first five rows and boasted an exclusive restroom block, faster drink service, and a choice of premium drinks.
With fans restricted to their pods, the challenge of providing consistent, clear coverage to the whole audience area was crucial, so the Novatech, an L-Acoustics rental network partner, approached the festival with a careful sound design. The main PA consisted of 12 K2 line array elements and eight SB28 subwoofers per side, and four Kara for front fill hidden behind scrims.
For delay, Novatech turned to its Syva colinear line source, rigged to the rear of the Party Pod, with Syva Sub tucked below. The duo provided ample coverage for the pods in the back rows while ensuring clear views of the stage. The sound coverage for festival attendees was matched by the Novatech team who provided the musicians on stage with 10 L-Acoustics X15 HiQ as foldback wedges accompanied by two SB18 subs.
“While some people were apprehensive about being ‘penned in,’ all doubts were removed after the first weekend,” says Novatech Managing Director Leko Novakovic. “About 80 percent of the feedback we’ve heard is that this is the way all festivals should be staged from now on, COVID or not. Most people want comfort and luxury, and to be able to sit down.
“The VIP and Gold sections are really nice, with their white picket fencing and vines, and everyone has tables and chairs,” he continues. “The Silver and Bronze pods that are further back are on raised decks, so everyone has good sightlines. Audiences need to experience this system for the first time to appreciate how great it is.”
Novakovic adds that the festival was made possible thanks to the support of the South Australia authorities, especially by the territory’s Health and Chief Public Health Office Professor Nicola Spurrier, which in turn got the nod of approval by South Australia’s Premier Steven Marshall.
Check out the Summer Sounds Festival 2021 program here.
