Perm-based lighting and sound company Lightmaster was contracted to head the sound system design and installation for the event. The sound technicians were faced with the challenge of designing a system that would stand up to the power and magnitude of Moscow's massive Olympic Stadium. After studying the particular features of the venue Lightmaster opted to fly the entire system from a truss in the centre of the stadium.
The veritable army of D.A.S. Aero Series 2 systems that the sound team rolled out for the event included a total of 24 large-format D.A.S. Aero 50 line arrays. These were brought in for the main PA and were rigged in two linear formations of 12 units per side. The Aero 50s were augmented with an additional 30 Aero 38A self-powered line array systems, also divided into two linear arrays of 15 units each. These Aero 38A were angled to provide coverage for the lateral bleachers farthest from the center of the stadium.
To boost the low frequencies the Lightmaster team deployed high-performing D.A.S. LX-218RA powered subwoofers. Twelve of these units were flown in two arrays of six subwoofers each and flown directly between the Aero 50 and Aero 38A systems at the same height.
This 4th annual Race of Champions Biathlon brought together the top 16 competitors from last year's race, specifically the best eight athletes from both the men's and women's category. This traditional season-ending biathlon exhibition event kicks off at the Olympic Stadium and runs through the streets of Moscow to culminate back at the legendary venue. The Biathlon combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.
(Jim Evans)
