India - India Bike Week (IBW) 2024, held on 6-7 December at Vagator, Goa, was a vivid celebration of biking culture, attracting thousands of motorbike enthusiasts from across the world. With the theme The Next Chapter, this year’s edition marked a defining moment for the festival, blending the raw energy of motorbikes with cutting-edge entertainment.
Set against the backdrop of Goa’s scenic beauty, the event featured activities such as the Harley-Davidson Flat Track Race, the Reise Moto Dirt Dash and Hill Climb, and performances by riders like MotoGP’s Xavier Simeon and adventurer Elspeth Beard, the first British woman to circumnavigate the globe on a motorcycle.
Music was the heartbeat of the festival. Two stages – the Main Stage and the Howling Dog Stage – set the rhythm for the weekend, offering a sonic adventure that complemented the festival's high-octane vibe.
For the 2024 edition, PP Sound Light Productions was entrusted with the responsibility of delivering a comprehensive sound reinforcement system for the entire festival.
“At PP, we understand that sound is not just an element of an event – it is the soul that connects the audience to the experience,” says Prasad Parkar, founder-director of PP Sound Light Productions.
For the Main Stage, PP deployed the Meyer Sound Panther line array system, coupled with the DiGiCo Quantum 338 digital mixing console.
The team relied on 16 units of Meyer Sound Panther line array modules, arranged in a stereo configuration with eight modules adorning either side of the plush performance stage. In tow, a few additional Panther units were used for front-fill reinforcement, ensuring that even those located at the front of the stage enjoyed seamless coverage.
To deliver deep low-end response, the team integrated 16 units of the Meyer Sound 2100-LFC subwoofers into the main PA system; with these subwoofers strategically ground-stacked to provide the necessary low-frequency impact.
The entire system was managed using Meyer Sound’s Galileo, which offered precise control over every element of the system.
The Howling Dog Stage offered a more intimate atmosphere for those seeking a different kind of auditory experience. “Each stage had its own personality,” Prasad notes. “The Main Stage was about grand, sweeping soundscapes, while the Howling Dog Stage allowed us to craft a more personal connection with the audience.”
For the Howling Dog stage, PP Sound Light Productions deployed the d&b audiotechnik V-Series line array system, once again paired with the DiGiCo Quantum 338 digital mixing console; with the d&b audiotechnik V-Series being chosen for its compact size and powerful performance – making it perfectly suited for this performance section.
The main PA at the Howling Dog Stage consisted of 12 units of the V-Series line array modules arranged in a stereo configuration, with six modules flown on each side of the stage; and additional V-Series line array modules deployed as centre-fill reinforcement. Rounding off the impressive loudspeaker system, eight units of the compact yet powerful d&b audiotechnik B22 subwoofers were ground-stacked strategically to assure deep and resonant low-frequency fidelity.
“We wanted to offer something unique at the Howling Dog Stage,” Prasad explains. “The V-Series system was perfect for this because of its compactness and its ability to maintain high clarity and power despite the smaller scale. We ensured that every moment, whether it was a deep bass drop or a delicate melody, was captured perfectly.”
In addition to the main PA systems, PP Sound Light Productions also deployed high-performance stage monitoring systems to cater to the diverse and often demanding needs of the world-class artist lineup that graced both the performance stages. For this, the team turned to d&b audiotechnik’s Max 2 stage monitors, which are renowned for their clarity and accuracy; as they provided artists with real-time audio feedback, ensuring that they could deliver their best performances.
Wireless microphone systems are another crucial aspect of any large-scale event, and PP Sound Light Productions once again left no stone unturned in this area. The team provided wireless microphone systems, including Shure’s Axient Digital and Sennheiser’s 6000 Digital systems. These systems were complemented by Sennheiser’s IEM 2000 series in-ear monitoring systems, providing performers with crisp, clear audio while maintaining mobility on stage.
Though the Main Stage and Howling Dog stage were the primary focus at IBW 2024, PP Sound Light Productions also provided audio reinforcement for the festival’s other activity zones, which included the likes of the Flat Track section, the Ladhak Tent section, the Box Office, Media Lounge, Club Village, the Big Trip section, and the Main Entry Gate.
Each activity zone had its own set of requirements, ranging from crowd control and announcements to background music and live commentary. And so, for these areas, the team deployed smaller yet equally high-performance sound systems from leading brands like d&b audiotechnik, RCF, and JBL Professional.
“The success of IBW 2024 was not just about providing sound systems; it was about creating an experience,” Prasad concludes. “We wanted to ensure that the music, the performances, and the atmosphere came together seamlessly, and I believe we achieved that. The feedback from both the organisers and the attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, and that’s the ultimate reward for any technical provider.”
