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Capital Sound UK
London-based rental company Capital Sound turned to Meyer Sound last summer when it decided to add a line array system to its inventory. The company carried out rigorous market research before deciding that Meyer's M3D Line Array Loudspeaker system won out over the competition. "We listened to all the alternatives and were interested in Meyer Sound as soon as they introduced the system early last year," says Paul Timmins, Capital's account manager. "We tried out an M3D system for a small tour, and I brought in several front-of-house engineers to get their feedback. We're really happy with the way things are going with the system." Since its official debut in 2001 on the Stereophonics tour, Capital's M3D system has been in great demand. After completing its duty with the Stereophonics, it was called into service for vigorous New Years celebrations in Glasgow. Its most recent outing has been a month-long UK arena tour by Travis, the final leg of the Scottish rock band's year-long world tour. Travis' production manager was so pleased with the system's performance across a variety of venues that he's booked it again for a two-month Kylie Minogue European tour beginning in April, a sure sign that the M3D is making its mark in the world of rock and pop. For the Travis dates across the UK, the M3D system was used in various configurations, depending on the size of the venue. At the 12,000-capacity Wembley Arena, one of the tour's biggest venues, eleven M3Ds were flown each side of the stage with three MSL-4 Horn-Loaded Long-Throw Loudspeakers per side as under hangs, taking care of the very near field. Additionally, a side hang of six MSL-4s were flown at either side of the stage, and some UPM-1P Ultra-Compact Wide Coverage Loudspeakers used as front fills to cover the barrier area. "We used them to get a bit of sparkle around the sub for the benefit of the people standing around the barrier," says Timmins. The versatility of the M3D system particularly appealed to Capital when they road tested it. "When we started looking for a system, we decided we wanted something that would work in larger theatres as well as outdoor or arena applications," says Timmins. On the Travis tour, this included the occasional theatre rather than arena, such as in Plymouth. Four M3Ds were used per side for the 4,500 capacity venue, once again with three MSL-4s as under hangs. Capital was also using the tour to debut Meyer Sound's new transition frames — the first off the production line — to hang the MSL-4s. All the cabinets were linked to an RMS Remote Monitoring System which was run on a laptop at front-of-house, allowing engineers to keep a watchful eye on the system's performance. Systems engineer for the Travis dates was Mark Ballard, who's worked with a variety of line array systems. "We're learning more and more about the Meyer system all the time," he says. "I particularly like the fact that it's self-powered; it's great because you don't have any amps on the floor. The low end is very, very good, and the system is quick to fly." Front-of-house engineer Giles Woodhead first encountered the M3D system on Dido's US tour last summer, which was mainly outdoors. "It's a little different using it in indoor arenas, but I'm really happy with the system," he says. "The good thing about the M3D — in line with all Meyer products — is that they put all the things that PA companies like to mess about with, such as amplifiers and crossovers, in the box where they can't be touched. This means that there's a great continuity from one supplier to another." Capital is justifiably proud of the fact that, as a first-time user of Meyer Sound, it already has one of the largest M3D systems in Europe. The company anticipates that demand for the system will lead to co-hires with other M3D users in the UK, Europe and beyond, further increasing its scope and versatility. "It's very early days yet, but all the signs are good," says Timmins. "Our system will be used for the first time outside the UK on the Kylie tour, and this should go a long way to raising the profile of Capital Sound across Europe as a Meyer M3D user."
Capital Sound July, 2004 |
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