A stage 50m by 25m was erected for the event, along with the installation of four maxi-screens, 200 chemical toilets and 20 km of barriers. The "stalls" had seating for 35,000. The area to be covered by the audio system measured 650m by 250m and the sound reinforcement system installed was manufactured by Outline - to be precise a rig comprising 56 Butterfly modules, 24 Mantas modules and 24 Subtech 218 to boost the low frequencies.
In the vicinity of the Papal chair, two Outline DVS 8, two stage monitor H.A.R.D. 212 and two H.A.R.D. 115 speakers were installed. The choir had other H.A.R.D. 212 monitors at its disposal, while Tripla, Doppia and DVS 10 enclosures covered other areas of the stage.
The rental company responsible for the operation was Dee Jay Service from Rende (Cosenza), a well-known Calabrian company, which recently expanded its stock of Outline systems, particularly Butterfly and Mantas enclosures.
Company owner Remo Florio states, "We received flattering feedback from broadcasters RAI TV and Vatican Radio for the clear reproduction of Pope Francis's message and the even distribution of the sound over the entire area.
"Looking back, I think that - considering the size of the area - anybody else would have thought of fielding a large-format PA...whereas Butterfly is a compact 30 kg PA.
"We believe the key to a line array's success is its aiming, particularly if the system is precise - and the fact that the Butterfly performs like a 'laser beam' is no secret.
"This explains why, thanks also to the Openarray 3D software, in the capable hands of PA man Francesco Spadaccino, we managed to work wonders!"
Luigi Lombardi of Mods Art, Outline Italian distributor, concludes, "I'm very pleased that once again the Outline network worked wonderfully. It was founded with the intent of supporting our clients in the most important stages of their work. In fact, collaboration between companies has become fundamental and the network is the best response to the current market situation."
(Jim Evans)
