NORTHRIDGE, CA — XL5 Productions of Valencia, Calif., deployed a wide variety of JBL loudspeakers in its first year as the primary sound reinforcement provider for the annual X Games in Los Angeles.
The system included JBL VerTec line array loudspeakers, VRX and SRX portable PA loudspeakers, and EON-powered PA loudspeakers. These were dispersed throughout several venues that included the Home Depot Center, the Staples Center, and other outdoor competition areas.
For the 2007 Summer X Games, XL5 Productions provided a variety of rental audio systems with customized setups for specific venues. The Home Depot Center’s main PA system was complemented by VERTEC VT4888 midsize line array elements and VT4880 full-size arrayable subwoofers.
Outside the Home Depot Center, the “Vert” area hosted BMX and skateboarding aerial events, for which XL5 Productions deployed VerTec VT4889 full-size line array elements and VT4880 arrayable subwoofers. The BMX Park, also located outside the Home Depot Center, featured SRX728 portable PA loudspeakers and SRX718S portable subwoofers.
XL5 Productions supplied VRX932LA portable line array loudspeakers and VRX918S portable line array subwoofers at “Skate Street,” held inside the Home Depot Center. The starting and finish lines were supported with JBL EON portable PA loudspeakers, as were the VIP suites and security areas. Lastly, XL5 Productions provided EON loudspeakers for the “Big Air” ramp at the Staples Center.
According to Anthony Lennon, director of XL5 Productions, ESPN’s existing relationship with XL5 provided a solid foundation for XL5’s first year as the primary audio provider at the X Games.
“We have worked with ESPN for the last three years, providing audio for the live music stage in past Summer X Games before being asked to take on the additional work for all the Summer X Games events this year,” Lennon said. “The short 10-day time frame in which we had to put together the equipment list and labor, while in the midst of the summer touring season, was a real challenge. But ESPN was great to work with and helped us prepare the audio systems for the live feeds to the broadcast trucks.”
For XL5 Productions, the X Games also highlighted the company’s ongoing successful relationship with JBL Professional as a commercial supplier. XL5 purchased its first VerTec system, and arranged additional sub-rentals for the X Games, through Los Angeles-based Exodus Sound & Lighting.
“We are big fans of JBL and have used VerTec for the last couple of years,” Lennon noted. “We have had great success with the system. VerTec is rider-friendly, easy to work with and because we have VerTec as part of our inventory, we don't get turned down for events very often.”
Additionally, XL5 Productions has enjoyed past success using the JBL VRX and SRX series loudspeakers, which factored into Lennon’s decision to deploy them for the X Games. “We have worked with the VRX series for the past year, largely for corporate events, so we were aware of the VRX932LA’s capabilities,” Lennon added. “They are extremely light and sound great. We were able to use them at the X Games in some areas that weren’t necessarily built with audio in mind. We have also used the SRX series for a variety of club and outdoor events. Once you are aware of all the different choices JBL offers, you’ll find there’s always a product or combination of products to fit your needs.”
For information, please visit www.XL5productions.com or www.jblpro.com.
