Audio rental system provider Above Productions of Hamilton, New Zealand, recently purchased new JBL VERTEC portable line arrays for regional events, including VT4887A compact line array elements and VT4880A full-size arrayable subwoofers, supported by JBL VRX compact constant-curvature systems and powered by Crown amplifiers. Above Productions recently deployed the new system for the TSB Bank Fireworks Spectacular, held at the TSB Bowl in New Plymouth, Zealand.
The TSB Bank Fireworks Spectacular drew an estimated crowd of 18,000 people, who enjoyed an outdoor-stage concert, capped with a climactic display of fireworks, choreographed to music. Talent for the event included local singer-songwriters and Auckland-based variety-funk band Lieutenant Funk.
In providing live sound reinforcement for the event, Above Productions deployed a VERTEC system using a total of 24 VT4887A compact line array elements, configured in two arrays of 12 per side. Eight VT4880A arrayable subwoofers with 2269H Ultra Long Excursion, 18-inch woofers were in use (four enclosures per side).
Additionally, a delay ring was positioned farther back in the seating area on the grassy slope, using a total of eight VRX932 speakers, set up as four pairs on poles. All JBL speakers were powered by Crown I-Tech 4000 and 8000 amplifiers, with Harman’s HiQnet System Architect software in use for remote control and monitoring. A Whirlwind E Snake, sharing the same VLAN-configured network as the I-Tech control, was used to transport digital signals from the FOH mix position.
Challenges onsite included configuring the hanging loudspeaker arrays to cover an audience area that was separated from the shell’s main stage platform by a body of water. Above Productions relied on JBL’s VERTEC Line Array Calculator software to predict coverage and sound level results for the gently rising large outdoor audience area, and for selecting correct locations for the supplemental, low-profile signal-delayed speaker arrays.
“As this was a family-oriented show, smooth coverage and moderate levels were an event sound system design goal,” explained Stele Martin, Owner of Above Productions. “This system deployment turned out quite well. We had good, smooth high-frequency coverage as predicted and then sound from the delay arrays kicked in. Overall we had a great sound for the event.”
Martin also noted that his new JBL VERTEC VT4887A system was very quick to set up and easy to tune. “With JBL’s new V4 DSP presets, the FOH EQ was pretty much flat,” he observed. “Overall we achieved a great sound for the event.”
“Using a compact line array system for larger outdoor audiences requires careful pre-event planning as regards overall SPL and coverage expectations,” observed David Scheirman, Vice President, Tour Sound for JBL Professional. “Achieving success with sound reinforcement projects like the TSB Bowl outdoor-stage community events, Above Productions has proven that when smaller, regional sound reinforcement firms make use of JBL’s available system support information and technologies, the results will be predictable and satisfactory to the system owner, their client and the audience.”
