Two Tannoy VQNET 64MH’s are also used as side fills to cover the nearly 270 degree audience area around the stage and are aligned with front facing Tannoy VQ/MB arrays via on-board DSP and Smaart measurement system, as is the rest of the system.
“The whole rig was predicted thoroughly ahead of time. Then we used measurement and critical listening in the field to objectively confirm that the system was performing as predicted.”
Tannoy VNET USB Interface is employed for system control and Tannoy’s proprietary VNET Software was used for signal processing, in conjunction with an Avid D-Show Profile for control of FOH and monitors.
As with Tannoy’s self-powered speakers and onboard DSP, Shulman sees the console as a reflection of a general trend in pro audio with respect to modularity and the leveraging of DSP and plug-in technologies.
For SIA, the annual Madison Square Park series presents more than an opportunity to entertain people. “It’s a testing ground where we explore and field-test new technologies and techniques,” says Shulman, who is also a musician himself.
“People say ‘you’ve recommended this product or configuration for my venue, but would you mix or perform on this yourself?’”
“And I can say, ‘Last week I was mixing a show and the week before that I was on stage myself. I understand your position.” Throughout the course of their involvement SIA has explored not only various loudspeaker types, but also a number of digital networking technologies.
Again, that experience is critical. It’s a matter of achieving a balance between big picture concerns and the details that make all the difference at a live show.
The same kind of balance Tannoy applies to the development of its product lines, and an essential component to their ever increasing reputation in the United States as a go-to audio solution for major corporate, sports and entertainment facilities, as well as clubs and concert halls.
While SIA Acoustics offer a variety of production management, product development and consulting services, a substantial portion of their work is design and they take pride in their objectivity when it comes to specifying solutions for clients.
“It was through an open-minded and impartial process that we came to the Tannoy and the VQ/VNET products” Shulman says, “for this type of application, they offer a number of very compelling and interesting features. Moreover, we are excited to see where this combination of technology leads.”