"We selected the ML3000 because it fulfilled all the requirements without breaking the bank," commented ACE PA's Gary Jones. "This is the first VCA desk that ACE PA has ever owned and we are very impressed with the grouping capability. The 36 mono and six stereo format has the capacity to cover the medium to large events for which we predominantly cater. Furthermore, the ML3000's eight auxes provide the perfect solution when we have to control both monitor and FOH sound from the FOH position."
Manchester's BBC Music Live event commenced with classical performances from twelve international cellists from the Royal Northern College of Music, the tuba quartet Tubalate, contemporary classical strings from Litmus, and world-class tenor, Jon Christoloudou. More contemporary acts followed from pianist and singer, Aiden Smith, DJ Mark Rae with vocalists Veba, followed by two bands, The Bays and Toolshed.
For the climax of the event, two local bands - Cullain and Toss the Feathers - took to the stage, creating an Irish party atmosphere in preparation for a live link up to the main BBC Music Live event in Belfast, televised via a big screen in the Square. The Belfast event was broadcast around the world and featured Divine Comedy, Ronan Keating, Bob Geldof, Alanis Morisette, Hothouse Flowers and Katie Melua.
Jones concluded: "The ML3000 performed brilliantly at the BBC Music Live event, managing nine hours of live acts, and the live feed to Belfast via the desk's matrix to the BBC's recording engineers. We received many compliments from the event organizers on the day, mostly about how quick the changeovers were due to number of channels, and that we could have three or four acts ready and sound checked. The desk has also improved the sound quality of our line array PA system."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
