The purchase, comprising 46 x MLA elements, two MLD Downfill cabinets and 24 MLX subs, followed a very successful trial of MLA at Rock in Rio, USA last May. At the Las Vegas event every FOH engineer had been very complimentary about the system saying it was one of the easiest shows they'd done.
Gabisom has been in charge of the sound at Rock in Rio since 2001 including all 14 international editions and the latest incarnate followed a similar equipment list as to the Las Vegas event. Sixteen MLA enclosures with one MLD per side along with 32 MLX subwoofers ground-stacked provided the clarity and control without the need for delays to entertain up to 10,000 people.
On hand to support the system was Martin Audio director of sales, Simon Bull and MLA aficionado, Simon Honywill, who between them delivered MLA training and system tech support as the Gabisom crew got up to speed with their new toys.
"As the event took place over two weekends, this worked perfectly," stated Bull. "We were able to help oversee the set up for the first weekend, including the opening press event, carry out the training early the following week, and then hand it over to Gabisom for the second weekend."
The FOH set-up was overseen by Pedro Cluny from Gabisom Portugal, who also doubled as system tech. Bearing in mind that the FOH position was set 86m from the PA, he commented that "it sounded like MLA was only about 30m away."
Gabisom chief engineer, Peter Racy, was another who confirmed the impact created by MLA. He stated that the purchase of MLA had confirmed what they already knew about the system's reputation. "For me personally it was a pleasure to hear the pristine sound quality of MLA, and in my opinion that is what made the difference. In fact I heard nothing but rave reviews from users of the MLA in Rio."
(Jim Evans)
