Both SCV5 and SCV6 were built as 24-track recording/broadcasting vehicles in the mid 1980s and have been consistently upgraded since that time. The MB2S-Active is self-powered with PMC/Bryston electronics and low distortion active cross-overs. Among the newly refurbished SCV5 truck's most recent notable outings was at Glastonbury 2003, Europe's biggest contemporary performing arts festival, where it was used for a live to air broadcast from 'The Other Stage'. Senior engineer (audio) Colin Pearson comments: "The speakers provide a very good balance and are suitable for the material which the truck would be working on, mainly rock and pop live broadcast."
BBC Radio Resources have also recently refurbished its smaller C+ vehicle, based at Kendal Avenue facility, with PMC LB1 monitors. The refurbishment, which includes the configuration to 48-channel fully digital operation with a Sony DMX-R100 digital console, has made a significant operational impact. The vehicle is used throughout UK for various assignments, including Radio 3 concerts, broadcasts and recordings.
The MB2 is a versatile 3-way design, available in passive and active variants, able to fill a variety of roles from high-power midfield to large scale soffit-mounted main monitoring. Higher SPLs with lower distortion, greater dynamic capacity and detail are benefits, especially of the active design. The MB2 features a useable frequency range from 20Hz - 25kHz making the MB2 a potent performer. A matched active sub, the XB2 is available for surround sound applications.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
