LONDON – Only a lunatic would put a new loudspeaker system out on a tour with a rock opera like Quadrophenia, right? But for sound designer Jason Barnes, there was method to the madness for the production based on the album by the Who. For starters, he based his decision to go with the AXYS ScopeG2 as the FOH PA on a direct comparison between several sound systems.
"I chose the Axys Speakers over alternatives because of their dynamic sound, energy and ability to deal with the full range of frequencies whilst not sounding over processed," Barnes said. "I wanted to take the risk and try something new and powerful that had never been used in theatre before to create a more individual mix. I also wanted a 15-inch speaker with punch rather than anything larger, because of the varied venues we are touring to. These boxes fit the bill and are light enough to throw up the pros and punchy enough to throw a rich rock and roll sound to the back of the house. I cannot recommend them enough, the AXYS ScopeG2 is the best speaker I have heard in a long time."
In total, 12 AXYS Scope T-2115s were supplied to specialist theatre sound rental company Stage Sound Services for the tour, together with eight B-07 subwoofers. The T-2115s are a full range 3 way active loudspeaker with built in amplification (3 x 350W) and DSP. Comprising of a 15" loudspeaker for low frequencies, a 2" for the mids and a 1" for the highs, all the crossover functionality is taken care of by the on board DSP, which also offers, delay, equalization and a volume control to ensure that the systems gain structure is preserved.
The B-07s include a single 18" driver, and again benefit from built in amplification (1 x 700W) and DSP.
The system is configured and monitored using the AXYS WinControl software which connects to the loudspeaker from a PC at the mix position via a RS-485 network.
The AXYS equipment is not the only new technology on the tour as Barnes also chose a DiGiCo SD8 mixing console for the tour.
"It wasn't the easy option to go for more new technology on the show, but it has certainly paid off," Barnes said. "Like the PA, I wanted a compact option and the desk is certainly that without loosing any of the functionality. I also wanted the desk to be able to cope with the demands of a 9-piece Band and 16-cast all in DPA headsets. It is safe to say there isn't a spare channel on the desk whilst making full use of the alternative input on all channels as a backup."
Stage Sound Services provided all the gear for the tour.
"We are very happy with our investment, I have been looking for a powered speaker system within our rental stock and believe the AXYS products will become one of the next industry standard systems in a very competitive market " said Phil Hurley from Stage Sound Services. "The boxes not only sound great but, combined with the DiGiCo desk, we have a PA that is very compact to transport and load into new venues. What's more the AXYS boxes are very efficient and the PA pulls a remarkably low current compared to other systems."
For more information, please visit www.duran-audio.com.
