But it's rugby with which the Millennium Stadium is most closely associated - it is, after all, home to the Welsh rugby union team and recently saw two of the Six Nations 2015 matches played out on its turf.
For several years a PreSonus digital mixer has been at the heart of the stadium PA used for the various announcements, commentary and entertainment that go to make up such events. And most recently a new StudioLive 24.4.2AI desk has taken the central role in a system supplied and maintained by Llanelli-based PAI Group and operated by AB Acoustics.
The StudioLive 24.4.2AI steps into the shoes of its 16-Channel predecessor, the StudioLive 16.4.2 (now employed as a submixer at the stadium). With its additional channels, fully parametric EQ and increased processing power, the StudioLive 24.4.2AI has proved a boon in the pressurised environment of international sporting events, but retains a familiar feel, as AB Acoustic's Rob Ashton explains.
"The StudioLive mixers have a really great analogue feel - that's something I particularly like," he says. "Obviously they're very powerful digital mixers, but there's less hidden away in menus than with other desks. So they're quick and easy to use, and just feel more 'hands on' than those that involve a lot of navigating through screens to make adjustments.
"One of the other valuable things about the new StudioLive 24.4.2AI is the power that it manages to pack into such a compact unit. It's not too large and cumbersome - in fact, for the size and the affordability I can't think of anything to rival it."
As the company charged with the on-going maintenance and certification of the Millennium Stadium public address system, PAI Group and its chairman Paul Adams clearly have a vested interest in ensuring the smooth operation and reliability of all supplied components. And the recent installation of the StudioLive is something that meets those criteria.
"PAI Group contract AB Acoustics to run the Millennium Stadium system," explains Gray, "and they were very keen to continue using PreSonus. PAI is an integrator - we're not an events company - and we were obviously happy to be lead by the wishes of those who would be using the system day-in, day-out as it were.
"We've supplied PreSonus desks and other equipment into various clients and the company makes great products. The StudioLive is very intuitive in use and fits the bill perfectly - it's a lovely product - so we had real confidence in its specification for the Millennium Stadium."
(Jim Evans)
