From left: Frank Guerra, audio supervisor, Telemundo Networks; John Pernal, production audio mixer; and Joe Lizano, music mixer
JBL VerTec Series line array systems were used during the Billboard Latin Music Awards (April 28, Miami). Featured artists included Marc Anthony, Soraya, Juanes and Conjunto Primavera. The 16,508-seat multi-purpose facility Hotel InterContinental was fitted with a temporary stage, which encompassed half of the available venue space and extended deep into the usual seating zones. Precision system tuning and adjustment was critically important, as the show featured multiple acts whose performance required that they venture into the audience and in front of the loudspeaker arrays while fitted with wireless microphones.
Sound reinforcement was provided by Acoutech (Hollywood, Fla). The sound system design was based around a left/center/right format, with auxiliary side arrays to cover the wide audience seating area. Each main array included 12 JBL full size VT4889 line array elements. JBL VT4889, VT4888 and VT4887 were included in the rental system package, which was supported by 16 JBL dual-18-inch VT4880 full-size subwoofers. All loudspeakers were powered by Crown I-Tech amplifiers.
The system’s primary operator, John Pernal says, “Our productions are very demanding; we require systems that can deliver excellent results. Occasionally, I’m required to mix on other loudspeaker systems, but JBL’s VerTec is the only one I request when given the opportunity to specify the sound system. Acoutech is one of the finest audio rental vendors I’ve worked with, and the results here have been exceptional.”
The 2005 event marked Acoutech’s fourth time in a row to provide a JBL VerTec system. Michael Abbott served as audio production supervisor. Acoutech owner A.J. Perez, along with co-owner and chief engineer Juan Turro, headed up a sound reinforcement team of a dozen technicians and audio mixers.
“With advanced technologies like an extensive rental inventory of VerTec line array systems, AES/EBU digital audio infrastructure and a dual-path fiber-optic delivery system between the house console and the amplifier locations, Acoutech is an excellent example of a regional firm that is well-positioned to service the area’s leading entertainment events,” noted David Scheirman, director of tour sound for JBL Professional.
For more information on the event, go to www.acoutech.com, www.jblpro.com and www.billboardevents.com/billboardevents/latin/index.jsp.
