Charlotte, NC – September 2010… Held at the Metrolina Expo this past June 27th, Carnaval Carolina 2010 marked its thirteenth year and was the largest Latin American festival in the Southeast U.S. with attendance in excess of 40,000 revelers. A huge roster of artists—both from the U.S. and Latin America—provided music and entertainment this year. To accommodate the long list of performers and the large, enthusiastic crowd, event planners erected three stages that consisted of two primary setups that stood side by side plus a smaller stage. Throughout the day and well into the evening, the music was loud and clear—thanks in no small part to the robust sound reinforcement systems drawn from the TrueLine catalog of Greensboro, NC-based WorxAudio Technologies.
Dave Barker, owner/operator of db Sound of Charlotte, a full-service live event production company that handles audio, lighting, and video for the special events and secondary level touring markets, was contracted to provide sound reinforcement for Carnaval Carolina 2010. He discussed the challenges of the project.
“We had two large stages side by side—joined with bridging and walkways—that served as the main concert area,� explained Barker. “Because of the large number of performing artists, the setup was designed so we could alternate each stage, as this enabled one act to perform while the next group of performers prepared for their turn. Since we were alternating between stages with each new performing group, it was critical to maintain consistent sound quality and level. For this reason, we required loudspeaker enclosures that were voiced identically. We also needed long throw capability and wide horizontal dispersion in order to properly cover a large area with 40,000+people. To address these concerns, we deployed WorxAudio Technologies’ TrueLine line array systems and subwoofers.�
The Stage #1 (on the left when viewed from FOH) sound system consisted of eighteen WorxAudio TrueLine V10T-P powered line array elements, flown nine modules per side. These were accompanied by eight TL218SS-P subwoofers—ground stacked four enclosures wide and two enclosures high across the front area of the stage. Six WorxAudio 2MX ultra compact floor monitors (from the company’s Wave Series product line) were deployed as needed with each performing act.
The Stage #2 (on the right when viewed from FOH) sound system utilized twenty-four WorxAudio TrueLine V8T-P powered line arrays. These loudspeakers were flown twelve elements per side and were accompanied by eight TL218SS-P subwoofers—ground stacked four enclosures wide and two enclosures high across the front area of the stage. Like Stage #1, six WorxAudio 2MX ultra compact floor monitors were available as required for stage monitoring.
“With the use of the EASE Focus loudspeaker modeling software,� Barker reports, “we were able to calculate each hang across both stages to cover the audience with the same level and sound quality. This made for a seamless show when switching stages back and forth. WorxAudio’s flyware was an equally important factor that contributed to the success of this event. The hardware on the TrueLine boxes make for easy adjustments throughout the hang, so when it came time to hang and trim the boxes, the process was very efficient.�
At the third, smaller stage, the dB Sound crew flew two WorxAudio TrueLine X5-P compact, “all-in-one� line array systems. Incorporating five modules, each with a medium format, 1-inch exit compression driver and dual 8-inch cone transducers, the TL X5-P has a total of five high frequency drivers and ten bass drivers—all housed in a single, rugged enclosure. These two line array systems were accompanied by two TL218SS-P subwoofers—ground stacked across the front of the stage. Four WorxAudio 2MX ultra compact floor monitors completed the system.
For a one-day event, there was a tremendous amount of equipment and accompanying logistics to make everything come together, but it all happened as expected. “This year’s Carnaval Carolina had a few hiccups, but ultimately, everything worked out really well,� says Barker. “With the two main stages side by side, we needed broad coverage. The wide dispersion provided by the TrueLine V10’s and V8’s delivered the seamless coverage we were hoping for. Best of all, we received several compliments from both the client and many of the acts about the overall fidelity and natural sound of the system. We’re now discussing next year’s event with our client. When the project leads to repeat business, that’s as good as it gets.�
To learn more about Carnaval Carolina 2010, go to www.carnavalcarolina.com. For additional information about db Sound of Charlotte, visit the company’s website at www.dbsoundcharlotte.com.
About WorxAudio Technologies
Headquartered in Greensboro, NC, WorxAudio Technologies has been at the forefront of loudspeaker development for the pro touring and contractor markets for the past thirty years. With a comprehensive lineup of more than twenty loudspeaker models that feature integrated rigging hardware for streamlined installation and pack out, WorxAudio products can be found in prestigious facilities worldwide. For additional information, visit the company online at www.worxaudio.com.
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