Selling more than 65 million records worldwide, TLC’s blend of pop, hip-hop, and R&B ignited a legion of loyal fans who are ready and willing to sing aloud to “No Scrubs,” “Waterfalls,” or “Creep.” Last month the group drew more than 7,000 fans to the Red Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas—delivering the venue’s biggest show to date.
“Converting a poolside area into a top-tier concert venue for 7,000 people is no small affair,” explains Larry Hall, H.A.S. Productions founder, and president. “It’s mostly about getting the perfect balance of output, fidelity, and coverage while simplifying the load-in to show-time process as much as possible.”
For TLC, H.A.S. selected VUE Audiotechnik al-Class line arrays and hs-Class subs. The main PA consisted of left and right CST hybrid clusters each consisting of 8x VUE al-12 large-format elements, augmented with four medium-format al-8 elements providing down fill. The hybrid configuration took full advantage of VUE’s unique Continuous Source Topology (CST), allowing Hall and his team to achieve precise vertical coverage, lower hang weight and improved sight lines without the sonic disruptions associated with typical mixed-element arrays.
“This is where VUE’s CST enabled arrays really shine,” continues Hall. “By combining different sized al-Class elements into hybrid arrays, we have a lot of creative freedom to address everything from SPL and coverage to sightline and weight, while being fully confident that voicing is always consistent. My VUE al-Class systems are by far the most versatile additions to my inventory yet.”
Low-frequency support was also VUE. A total of 12x VUE hs-221 dual 21-in ACM subwoofers spanned the front of the stage in a pair of physical gradient (arced) end-fire directional arrays. The configuration produced optimal directional characteristics with excellent low-frequency cancellation on-stage, while ensuring wide and smooth radiation throughout the audience areas.
VUEDrive Systems Engines provided all power and processing for the line arrays while on-board VUEDrive electronics powered the subs. A pair of Avid VENUE Profile consoles handled both front of house and monitor mixes.
“No matter how hard I leaned into the VUE arrays they always had more to give,” adds front of house engineer Brian Pomeroy. “Especially at the high-end, which was so clean and powerful. It never even got close to breaking up. And the subs just rocked. Top to bottom VUE really impressed.”
H.A.S Productions plans to next deploy their VUE systems at the Star of the Desert Arena in Primm, NV, this Saturday, August 17th for the Joan Jett show, and at the Stratosphere Casino in Las Vegas on September 1st for Roger Clyne.
