Space Recording Live Sound is supplying a system headed by VUE Audiotechnik al-8 line arrays at the Arvada Center for the Arts in Denver, a 1,500-plus-capacity amphitheater hosting an impressive roster of international talent in 2014, including Pat Metheny, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, Don McLean, Judy Collins and the Colorado Symphony.
Space Recording Live Sound production manager Allen Noftall has configured dual al-8 arrays consisting of eight elements per side. Four VUE V6 Systems Engines deliver all power and processing for the arrays, while a pair of Soundcraft SI-Performer 3 consoles handle both main and monitor mixes.
“I first heard the VUE al-8 at a demo hosted by PSI late last year,” explains Noftall. “I was immediately impressed by the amount of pure, clean sound emanating from the system. The top end was like nothing I’d heard before. I knew immediately I wanted to use these at Arvada.”
Noftall continues, “VUE came out and did an EASE model of the venue. We configured the al-8 according to the model, and it was absolutely perfect from the moment it we fired it up. This is easily the most precise and predictable line array I’ve worked with—and the sound quality is nothing short of spectacular.”
Having won Noftall’s respect and earned a place among audio assets, the VUE al-8 arrays will soon be joined by a few familiar additions.
“The al-8 is so versatile and scalable that I see it working well for everything from small street festivals to corporate events,” he says. “Now I’m looking forward to adding few VUE ACM subwoofers to the mix. I’ve heard these subs in action and can’t wait to combine them with the al-8.”
