Deploying the new system for high-profile productions like BRIT Award-winning singer-songwriter James Morrison and top TV comedian Al Murray, Stage 2 Productions has given the XLD cabinets a fiery baptism. Proprietor Rob Ritchie reports that "both events went really well, with the system performing fantastically. In fact, this was the only date on James Morrison's tour that used anything other than d&b J Series."
Stage 2 Productions has, for some time, operated in the upper echelons of event service providers. "But our old point-source system was just not acceptable anymore. We had to update," explains Ritchie. "Our fundamental criteria were for a scalable and versatile system, where we could use a third of it for a small hotel gig, up to the whole system on an outdoor show for several thousand people. We needed it to perform in both ground-stacked and flown formats. And we needed it to be flexible, able to handle a client list which includes everything from dance events to classical concerts to Status Quo."
After thorough research into the market, Ritchie plumped for the XLD system. "We looked at several alternatives but no one could match the XLD offering in terms of performance and cost." The decision was endorsed by colleagues at APR Sound in Taunton, which carries EV's X-Line, XLC and XLD systems. The two companies have collaborated on several projects, including the Glastonbury Festival.
Stage 2 Productions has purchased 18x XLD281 cabinets, plus XCS312 cardioid subs, which has the same rigging footprint as the 281, allowing it be arrayed directly above or below. The XCS312 subs can be also be used as the base for ground-stack applications. Currently powered by Stage 2's CP analogue amplifiers, Rob Ritchie is now seeking to upgrade to EV's P3000RL flagship models, as well as increasing the inventory by another 6x XLD281 cabinets, and adding some Xsubs into the equation.
In the coming months, Stage 2 Productions expects to use its XLD system for the Bootleg Beatles, Blake and All Angels, Status Quo and McFly. "We knew this was the line array for us: compact, very powerful and sounds awesome. Already it is the largest system on the Channel Islands, and it is going to be very, very busy this summer."
(Jim Evans)
