A wide selection of industry professionals from across the installation, live, rental sectors as well as engineers and production managers came to check out the action.
Adlib Director John Hughes explained that the open days were planned in particular to focus on installation and sales potential, and how offering turnkey solutions with leading brands can have a huge impact on assisting venues in being more competitive and attracting new business. He was delighted with the response and turnout as well as the support from the manufacturers involved.
It was also the first Scottish Soundcraft Vi3000 console and Realtime Rack demo and an exclusive UK preview of the next generation Vi7000 console. Three comprehensive presentations were given each day by Harman's Ed Jackson.
L-Acoustics capitalised on the occasion as the first public UK K2 system demo, also staging three demos per day which were overseen by Chris Vass and Stuart Down. Other L-Acoustics featured products included LA8 amplifiers, 115XT HiQ, 12XT, ARCS II and KARA speakers, plus the renowned SB28 subs.
DPA Microphones showcased their comprehensive range of products via distributor Sound Network, while SSL (Solid State Logic) seized the Adlib Open Day opportunity to highlight their XL Studio console to interested parties at the event.
"Apart from a great chance to hear and see all this technology in action in a calm and relevant working scenario," John emphasised. "We know the importance of face-to-face meeting and being able to discuss people's requirements - current and potential - in a real 'live' environment that is ideal for demonstrating all these products first-hand."
The Technology Open Days follow a roadshow undertaken by Graham Cochrane and L-Acoustics' Stuart Down in February which travelled the length and breadth of Scotland introducing both companies to various companies, organisations and individuals.
"We are keen to highlight that Adlib is working with some of the most innovative and cutting edge technologies on the market," says John.
Craig Hamilton, technical manager at the O2 Academy Glasgow confirmed that the demo days offered a valuable chance to build on their relationship with Adlib, "who have proved their excellent support to the Glasgow venues. The L-Acoustics and Soundcraft demos gave us the chance to get to grips with the full potential of the systems with excellent tutorials and opportunities for the delegates to get their hands on the equipment."
In fact, the K2 rig remained in situ for two shows - Super Furry Animals & Pentatonix. "I'm looking forward to bringing Adlib back to Glasgow for the benefit of the venues and Scottish pro audio community," said Craig in summation.
Reinforcing Adlib's strong association with colleges, universities and student associations, a selection of educational establishments were invited to the Open Days. With recent key installations in Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester universities, this is an area where Adlib's practical design and specification concepts for 'in-house' sound systems are proving highly successful.
Adlib's MD Andy Dockerty concluded: "Having been closely linked to the Scottish music scene since the late eighties servicing bands like Texas and Del Amitri - bands that we are still proudly looking after - we were delighted to finally open our Glasgow office in February.
"To support the Scottish office, we decided to offer these demo days as a statement of our intent to represent certain brands and better serve an increasing client base in Scotland. L-Acoustics, Soundcraft and DPA, to name a few, hav
