Pioneer Pro Audio powers Pukkelpop 2023
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As well as multiple stages offering a range of artists to cater for the widest possible musical taste, the event also delivers a host of activities, eateries and shops, combining to create nothing short of a pop-up city for contemporary arts. The 2023 edition of Pukkelpop was a sell-out once again, with more than 65,000 fans in attendance each day.
For the second year in a row Pioneer Pro Audio teamed up with production specialists Kage Audio and electronic collective KRANKk to deliver an immersive experience at the Booth Stage.
Thomas Geysen of KRANKk comments: “Last year’s experience of Pukkelpop was a very successful showcase that left us hungry for more! We were eager to take our immersive performance to the next level and wanted to create a full production in a dark, atmospheric setting which included our live band and lighting/visual show. After almost six months of prep and a residency at Kage Audio, we organised a captivating immersive performance called Genesis at Blueprint Festival, Antwerp in April. This led us back to Pukkelpop where we aimed to refine our implementation of Dolby Atmos tracks into the set and present a clubbier version at the festival.”
According to Jorn Truyman of Kage Audio, the sonic experience for the 2000+ audience was a resounding success: “The event’s immersive experience received a significant boost this year with the 11.4.3 audio system in comparison to last year’s 7.4.1. - so 11 sends on the side and centre of the square to four high sends (shower) to 3 sub sends. The increased number of audio sends contributed to a heightened sense of immersion, drawing the audience deeper into the sonic landscape.
“This year’s show took place after dark, so the interplay between audio and lighting became much more important. As always we loved working with Pioneer PRO Audio loudspeakers in combination with ultra-reliable Powersoft amplification. The XY-122 12” point source speakers are perfect for this kind of setup.”
The overall Pioneer system deployed two GS-Wave towers, 16 x XY-122, eight XY-81, four XY-3B, two XY152 and nine XY-218HS horn loaded subs. Stage monitoring comprised two XY-3B for monitor tops and two XY215S for monitor subs. Four of the XY-3B and four XY-122 speakers were used as out-fill and delay to draw in and enhance the experience more audience members outside the immediate immersive square.
KRANKk’s set at Pukkelpop featured a blend of music from recent releases, notably their drum and bass EP ‘THR33FOLD, as well as the unveiling of as yet unreleased tracks from a forthcoming album due for release next year. The set was further enhanced with appearances by guest artists Fahad Seriki, Shaka Shams and Yann Gaudeuille.
Thomas Geysen adds: “This year’s Pioneer sound system was nothing short of spectacular. The sound at the Booth Stage still stood out from all the other stages. The support of our fans and the expertise of the production teams fuels our creativity and motivates us to keep pushing the boundaries of live music. With the support of KAGE and Pioneer Pro Audio we look forward to our next immersive musical adventure.”
Partnership manager at Pukkelpop, Tanja Engelen comments: "I think it was easier to create the immersive experience with lights added as a show element. The additional visual aspect really complemented the excellent sound design and generated a fantastic atmosphere.”
