The new retail space, filled with eateries and drinking establishments, provided a backdrop for this venue, a space allowing for 2,000 people to come and be entertained by Headline Hosts for Saturday's Eskimo Dance, while for the Sunday NME hosted its latest Future Sounds of London event. Both events were broadcast through VME's premium Martin Audio MLA Multi-cellular Loudspeaker Array.
VME and Creation Live had previously worked with We Are The Fair at Gottwood Festival where MLA was also used in 2015, and this was the centrepiece of a fully integrated production provided by the Manchester based specialists for this high profile opening launch. MLA was chosen for its ability to control audio - not only to contend with propagation issues but to optimise sound in tricky venues such as this.
VME rigged two hangs of MLA left and right of the stage trimmed at 5m, then arranged eight Martin Audio MLX subwoofers in a broadside array across the front of the stage.
"Considering this event space is surrounded by metal containers and glass, the ability to control the audio within the audience area was key," stated Mark Cleator, VME head of sound. "With the arrays already flown we were able to really fine tune this area, while controlling off axis rejection. With the new Display software release in our arsenal we were able to keep reflections away from a large section of glass at the rear of the venue without sacrificing level for the crowd."
Setting MLX up in the broadside array also boosted the low frequencies, he said. "Considering it is a relatively narrow space we did not have to compromise on width and were able to focus all the energy straight down the middle."
Eskimo Dance provided the entertainment for the Saturday and did not disappoint. The latest and upcoming DJ's and Grime MC's were on show while Mistajam kick-started the whirlwind of sets that followed. And MLA never stuttered, despite the frenzy.
The Sunday Event was more laid back with Jay Prince headlining an eclectic mix of new and upcomers such as Barney Artist, Alfa Mist and the wild Nova Twins.
"Even with the varied music that was on offer over the weekend, the Martin Audio system never faltered and was capable of handling anything that was thrown at it," said Live Events director Tom Whittle. "It still amazes me to this day how it does it. It gives me the confidence to provide our services in any venue knowing that VME has a system capable of performing in any environment and location."
VME also provided a full stage setup including Pioneer DJ equipment, mics and a full monitor rig along with a full lighting package containing a mix of Robe 100's and 600's amongst the latest Martin LED Atomic Strobes. VME also tied into the in-house LED screen feeding it with their lock-off and roaming cameras along with videos and slides.
(Jim Evans)
