SXS were tasked with constructing (and dressing) a dais stage, while the PA was provided by the company's new Martin Audio W8LM line array system supplied by dealers, LMC Audio.
The production company deployed a total of 12 W8LM Mini Line Array enclosures in two hangs, with two W8LMD Downfills at the base of each hang. This was driven by Lab Gruppen FP series amps and controlled using XTA DSPs.
Attended by both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, the launch took place at the Cutty Sark Gardens and the event included a 90-strong symphony orchestra and a 400-strong choir. The Martin Audio system also provided reinforcement for the Queen's speech and took further live feeds from inside the Cutty Sark.
"The Martin Audio W8LM is our latest major audio investment and I was delighted to be able to use it for this event," said Johnny Palmer, production manager, SXS Events. "Our sound department has been booming over the last year and we felt it time we invested in a system that allowed for accurate and even coverage. The W8LM is great for shows such as this because of its clarity, simple rigging and aesthetics - and it will be our system of choice when entrusted with highly demanding, high quality production."
Alex Thompson, head of sound at SXS, added his endorsement. "This show was all about clarity, headroom and maximum gain before feedback - all the core principles of our approach to sound. Our new W8LM system was ideal as we had plenty of gain and the accurate response achieved great reinforcement for the performance. Being an orchestral performance the role of the system was to reinforce the sound transparently and ideally not be noticed at all - and that's precisely what it did."
(Jim Evans)
