The centrepiece of the installation are the four Xi-1153s and Xi1122MHA loudspeakers from Electro-Voice, driven by two TG7 and 10 TG5 power amplifiers with integrated RCM-26 DSP modules. System control is via a NetMax N8000 matrix controller running under IRIS-Net.
Whisky a Go Go's Leonard Contreras and Jason Hines originally favoured a line-array solution, but after numerous test runs, none of the solutions demonstrated convinced the duo. It was David Brown of Electro-Voice who then suggested removing the term 'line array' from the equation. Subsequent tests fully convinced Hines and Contreras, and a decision was made to use the EV solution Brown proposed. But time constraints added considerable challenges to the installation, as Whisky a Go Go is booked with a live act every day of the week.
"We really needed two days for the installation," says Hines, "but instead had to work non-stop." No sooner had the technicians installed the flying hardware in the ceiling and laid the cables than the first test run began. "The room is shaped like a giant box," adds Hines, "so great care had to be taken with the corners. The outer loudspeakers are hanging very close to the wall, which can lead to phasing problems. Nonetheless, we were able to achieve a very vibrant sound that retains every bit of intensity and definition as you move from one end of the room to the other."
Contreras, who has been working at Whisky a Go Go for 14 years, says, "This is a small, intimate rock 'n' roll haven. The new PA is 100 percent right for this venue."
(Jim Evans)
