Meyer commits to green touring and sustainability
- Details
Panther has been designed for a reduced carbon footprint in manufacturing, transport, and operation, says the company, adding that its commitment to sustainability will be reflected in all future product development, campus facilities, technical support initiatives, and education programmes.
The design criteria for Panther required a substantial reduction in size and weight compared to prior generations of line array loudspeakers, as well as at least a 20% reduction in power consumption to achieve the same acoustic output. The result is a system with a peak acoustic output exceeding 150dB SPL and weighing under 68kg, retaining the same slender width of the Lyon linear line array loudspeaker but with nearly the same output and long throw capacity of the much larger and heavier Leo system.
“The reduction in power consumption is an important factor regardless of the application, whether touring or installed,” notes Meyer Sound director of global marketing Tim Boot, “but what is really critical for portable applications is the size and weight for truck pack, as cutting back even one truck can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by ten metric tons or more on a tour that zig-zags across North America. Of course, Meyer Sound self-powered systems always have had an advantage by eliminating amplifier racks.”
The green credentials of Panther were a crucial factor in selecting a reinforcement system for Ed Sheeran’s + – = ÷ x (Mathematics) tour, according to Chris Marsh, tour production manager and FOH engineer as well as a principal partner in the rental company, Major Tom.
“Sustainability is now one of our chief concerns when planning a tour,” Marsh says, “and we are doing everything we feasibly can to operate in a sustainable way. The fact that this new Panther box is smaller and lighter is a really big thing. It will take less truck space for the shows in UK and Europe, and it will also make a significant difference when we have to use sea freight containers and especially, when we really have to, use air freight.”
The benefits of Panther’s reduced carbon footprint are not limited to high-profile global tours, with local and regional rental companies taking stock of the new product.Boot adds: “Panther’s weight reductions will make a difference - with an even bigger reduction when Panther’s size lets them use smaller trucks.”
