A total of 72 K1 boxes, with 30 dV-DOSCs, 20 KUDO large format and 18 KIVA ultra compact line source cabinets, plus 48 SB28 subs, were deployed for the event. The system was driven by 14 flown LA-RAKs housing 72 LA8 amplified controllers, connected by the LA Network Manager.
The event presented several challenges for the sound system. The nature of the bands, including N-Dubz, Tinchy Stryder and Roll Deep, called for high SPLs and sub levels. Two stages were used, one end-on for bands and one in the round for 'vocal to track' acts. The latter needed to achieve seamless 360 degree coverage around the stage, with the system sharing a rigging area with lighting etc., plus weight limitations and the need to keep sightlines as clear as possible for the TV cameras.
For the (end-on) band stage, four hangs of K1 were used, while a further six K1 hangs plus two sub hangs were used for the round 'voice-to-track' stage. K1's power meant less boxes were required, so each array cleared the floor by 9m, improving the all-important camera sightlines.
All 14 L-Acoustics LA-RAK power racks were flown on the K1 bumpers, so that only power and network manager connections needed to be run from FOH to the eight centre hangs. This kept cable runs from the racks to the K1 boxes to an absolute minimum and minimised any power loss.
"K1 was able to meet all the challenges this event threw at it, achieving a full-on and seamless coverage to all parts of the floor area," says Miles Hillyard, senior project manager, SSE Audio. "The power and versatility of K1 meant this could be achieved in the round with just six clusters, with sources blending perfectly. It would probably have been impossible to achieve this using other systems."
SSE was presented with the Best Live Sound Event award by industry publication Audio Pro International for this summer's Download festival, which also featured a full K1 rig. Other events SSE has used K1 for this summer include the Reading & Leeds, Oxegen, Latitude, V and Cropredy festivals, T4 on the Beach and the recent Papal visit to Glasgow.
SSE is now planning to further increase its L-Acoustics inventory with the purchase of a KARA modular line source system.
(Claire Beeson)
