Meyer Sound News : Kylie Minogue Tours with New Meyer Sound M2D

Kylie Minogue Tours with New Meyer Sound M2D

"One thing that struck me about the M3D is its ability to reproduce this low-end content direct from the flying system without relying solely on the sub bass cabinets. This is something that is missing in some of the other systems that I have used."

- Chris Pyne
Sound Engineer, Kylie Minogue

Meyer Sound's newly launched M2D Compact Curvilinear Array loudspeaker hit the road in April as part of an all-Meyer Sound line array system on Kylie Minogue's 'Fever' tour of the UK and Europe. UK rental company Capital Sound, which provided its M3D Line Array loudspeaker system for a month-long arena tour by Scottish rock band Travis earlier this year, is supplying the system. Capital recently purchased the M2Ds from Meyer Sound's UK distributor, Autograph Sales.

The system being used on the Kylie tour is the first combination in the same array of the M2D and the M3D, and is a perfect example of how the new M Series (in this case the M3D, M3D-Sub and M2D) integrates seamlessly as a complete reinforcement solution. Depending on the venue, a typical system for the Kylie tour will consist of ten M3Ds transitioning to an underhang of three M2Ds via the MG-2D Multipurpose Grids. Side hangs of four M3Ds and three M2Ds per side will be utilized in most situations.

The M2D is designed to work sonically with its "big brother," the M3D, where a less powerful, more compact array is desired. The M2D brings advantages to mid-sized venues that require tight vertical pattern control with relatively long throw. The flexibility to tailor vertical coverage is provided by varying the number and splay of cabinets in the array while maintaining constant horizontal coverage. The M2D is fully compatible with most Meyer Sound self-powered loudspeakers, providing sound designers maximum leeway in configuration.

The M2D's crossover design assures smooth response in the critical midrange, with both 10-inch cone drivers combining to reproduce powerful, coherent bass at the lowest frequencies. In the mid frequencies, the crossover feeds one of the two drivers, eliminating interference between them and maintaining optimal polar and frequency response characteristics. A companion subwoofer (the M2D-Sub Compact subwoofer) is available, extending the system power bandwidth and frequency response to 30 Hz. The M2D is compatible with Meyer Sound's RMS Remote Monitoring System, which allows operating parameters to be monitored over a network using a laptop or desktop computer. It also uses Meyer Sound's REM (Ribbon Emulation Manifold - patent pending) to couple a single MS-2010L compression driver with a 1.5-inch exit (4-inch diaphragm) to a new horn with 90-degree constant-directivity horizontal coverage.

Meyer Sound representatives Dave Dennison and Luke Jenks offered technical support and worked with Kylie's crew during the two Manchester Arena shows at the beginning of May. Says Jenks, "The size of the stage and the large amount of vertical coverage that the Manchester Arena demands were a good test for the M2D/M3D integration. For the main hang, there were eleven M3Ds per side with two M2Ds as downfill. For the side hangs, where vertical coverage was the key, the M2Ds were truly tested. The top three M3Ds were covering the upper bowl while the five M2Ds had to cover the large lower bowl by themselves."

Meyer Sound's MAPP Online (Multipurpose Acoustical Prediction Program) was used to determine positioning of the system, with a SIM System II FFT Analyzer employed on site for alignment. "We were able to align the system extremely quickly, easily and efficiently, with no surprises," continues Jenks. "The results were excellent. The M2Ds handled their responsibility and more. The smooth integration allowed for the big low end punch, to which we have become accustomed with the M3D, to be evident throughout the side fill coverage area – and the transition was fantastic."

The nine-week Kylie tour, which kicked off at the Cardiff International Arena on April 26, plays all the major UK arenas before Capital transports its Meyer Sound M Series line array system across to Europe for the first time, taking in Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Holland and Austria. Two weeks of production rehearsals will precede the tour.

Kylie's set design won't allow for a ground-stacked system, so six M3D-Sub Directional subwoofers with four UPA-1P Compact Wide Coverage loudspeakers per side are built into the set, the arenas receiving even coverage from the four main hangs.

This isn't the first outing for Capital Sound and Kylie; the London-based company supplied the audio system for her 'On A Night Like This' tour last March, which covered smaller arenas and larger clubs and theatres. A recent spate of hits has boosted the popularity of the Australian pop princess, resulting in an increase in venue size for this tour. Her 'Fever' album has shot to the top in the UK, Europe and Australia, and she is enjoying mainstream success in the US for the first time in her 15-year musical career.

Kylie's Australian engineer, Chris Pyne, has enjoyed working with Capital in the past. "Right from the beginning of their involvement in last year's tour, the professional and caring attitude they displayed created an environment of excellence, which I believe helped us achieve fantastic results".

Capital's recent purchase of the M Series line array systems means that Pyne has even more to look forward to on this tour. "I have been using Meyer products in many different applications for at least sixteen years, and I have been looking forward to using the M3D since its introduction." Pyne said. "Capital Sound offered us an opportunity to use the M3D system, including the brand new M2D, for this tour. Kylie's musical style is in the pop/dance genre, and generally, this style requires solid, well-developed bass content. One thing that struck me about the M3D is its ability to reproduce this low-end content direct from the flying system without relying solely on the sub bass cabinets. This is something that is missing in some of the other systems that I have used."

Pyne had this to say about the M2Ds: "My instant reaction about the M2D was very positive. There was a nicely detailed stereo image, with well-balanced frequency response. I think it will become a very popular product, especially for theatre venues and corporate presentations – perhaps destined to be another classic like the UPA. All in all, my experience with the M Series has been extremely positive"

Pyne is being assisted by systems technician Mark Ballard, who also worked on the Travis tour, and a total of four Capital Audio crew, all of whom are experienced at working with the M Series.

July, 2002