Pro Audio Systems, based in Bradford, UK, recently managed the sound for one of Europe’s largest Mela festivals, selecting an Allen & Heath ML5000 live sound VCA console as the monitor mixer for the main stage.
The 2005 Bradford Mela attracted 300,000 visitors over the two days. Entertainment ranged from workshops on cookery, dancing and meditation, to a spectrum of musical acts from traditional artists to DJs. The main stage hosted 14 acts over the two days, including the Indie-Bhangra band, Cassava Music, Bollywood-style Orchestra Music World, Asian-rock band Trick Baby, pop singer Faakhir and the Mercury Prize–winning Talvin Singh Trio.
“The audio requirements for the weekend’s diverse lineup varied from simple playback and guitar-based bands to large traditional Asian acoustic instrument groups,” commented monitor engineer Rod Clarkson. “The ML5000’s logical navigation, mute/VCA functions and advanced PFL facilities helped me manage the tight changeovers between bands. The desk provided absolute control over the stage, and the multitude of outputs made it possible for me to provide 10 stage mixes, plus several IEM mixes, and feeds for DJs, playback and talkback returns where required.” The main stage sound system comprised a Meyer Sound Milo system with Nexo wedge monitors and a Logic system for sidefills. All cabled and radio microphones were Audio-Technica.
For more information on Allen & Heath, visit www.allen-heath.com.
