Trondheim- and Oslo-based avon is one of Norway’s most sought after AV design and installation teams, having built a solid reputation for tackling a broad variety of jobs with varying degrees of size and complexity.
The company recently auditioned the new loudspeaker systems from VUE Audiotechnik, with avon co-founder Edgar Vaan Lien hoping to find a versatile solution that would keep pace with his increasingly diverse clients.
“With such a broad customer base, it’s important that we stay apprised of new technologies”, explains Lien. “We’d been following VUE since first hearing about them at the ProLight & Sound Expo. I was very eager to check out their speakers, and after ordering a pallet without knowing what to expect, I was really impressed with the sound and build quality.”
VUE’s i-Class (integrator) and a-Class portable systems piqued Lien’s interest, so he started looking for right opportunity to try them out in the real world. Three vastly different jobs rose to the top of his list including the popular TV program Norwegian Idol, a niche show called Mannegruppa Ottar, and Credo, a gourmet restaurant in downtown Trondheim.
First up were the TV jobs. Lien describes the applications. “Viasat4 was recording a new ‘man’ show called Mannegruppa Ottar, and they needed a compact PA and monitoring system that would be easy to keep off camera. VUE’s i-4.5 surface mount systems were perfect. We installed them below each of the dance podiums, as well as near the hosts and sound technicians.”
“This is the best sound we’ve ever achieved in this sort of application,” continues Lien. “The i-4.5’s wooden box and quality components make a huge difference. In fact, even the sound technicians-who are always the first to complain about “boomy” plastic box speakers-were pleased with the how great the VUE boxes sounded.”
Confident as a result of their early success, Lien set his sights on a more elaborate studio installation for Norwegian Idol, the local interpretation of the internationally recognized singing competition.
The show needed a new studio PA. Lien’s team matched a pair of VUE a-12 full-range systems with dual as-215 subs, while six VUE a-8 boxes would function as monitors. Amplification is courtesy of FFA (Full Fat Audio) and a Yamaha LS9 console was selected for mixing duties.
“Everyone from the artists and camera crew, to the judges and even the hosts have commented on how great the new PA sounds,” remarks Lien. “It’s really unusual to hear from the on-air talent, so they’re clearly very happy with the results.”
Lien and his colleagues Fredrik and Tor began work at Credo. The mission for this upscale restaurant was to balance minimal aesthetic impact with sound quality, with custom white i-4.5s being the right complement to the upscale feel at the venue.
“This was an important job for us because avon has very long history of quality restaurant installs,” Lien says. “We are also frequent guests at Credo, and regularly bring clients here.”
Lien and his crew installed seven white i-4.5s for background music in the dining area along with an LD sub for extended LF coverage.
“The warm, full sound of the i-4.5 complements the environment perfectly,” Lien conclude. “Our customer is extremely pleased with the sound quality and how perfectly the VUE speakers fit the room visually.”