GLASGOW, Scotland – With a crowd of 75,000 followers, Pope Benedict XVI's voice during mass at the Bellahouston Park in Glasgow, Scotland was heard via SSE Audio Group's two Soundcraft Vi6 digital consoles. With a 35-piece orchestra, 800-piece choir and pre and post-show concerts, the event required a considerable number of digital channels.
SSE project manager Dan Bennett is well-acquainted with the Vi6 digital consoles. "Soundcraft is personally becoming a favorite of mine for specs," he said. "The amount of channels available with the Vi6s were perfect for this type of event and the surface features ensured the utmost quality for the performance."
Facing challenges that included inclement weather, narrow deadlines and a concert-style sound system for the Pope, SSE used one Vi6 for the monitors and another Vi6 plus a Vi1 console for the FOH management. It was vital to the organizers that the seating area sounded perfect for the Pope's service.
"We were able to keep the large stage and all of the entertainment under control with the Vi6s as if it were a large concert, while still offering a peaceful worship service environment for the Papal mass itself," said Bennett. "Everything was absolutely perfect, and we couldn't have asked for a better job all around from the team or the Vi6s."
The Soundcraft Vi6 digital console, which features 96 mono inputs and 35 outputs, uses a derivation of the Studer Vistonics touch screen user interface to allow engineers to operate the desk intuitively. SSE purchased the Vi6 consoles through Sound Technology, Soundcraft's UK distributor.
For more information, please visit www.soundtech.co.uk, www.sseaudiogroup.com and www.harman.com.
