The JSS Audio team in front of a ground-stacked column of their new COHEDRA Compact system. L-R: Pete Barnes, John Greatwood, Jem Walker, James 'JB' Brown, John Massey and Mick Fletcher.
UK - Having already gained significant experience on a number of recent concerts with HK Audio's innovative COHEDRA Compact line array system, York-based pro audio specialist JSS Audio has opted to purchase a system for its own inventory. Acoustically compatible to the larger arena-friendly COHEDRA line array, the smaller COHEDRA Compact, with its versatile, extended nearfield projection performance, excels in medium sized venues, says JHS, HK Audio's UK distributor, allowing for optimal sound dispersion levels over the complete audience area.

Utilising integrated 3-point mechanics together with the flying or stacking frame adds to system flexibility, meaning that COHEDRA Compact can be easily adjusted to suit smaller venues with no performance drop-off.

A varied schedule of recent shows both indoor and outdoor, including the Redcar Festival, York University Rag Woodstock, Alistair Griffin, the Mr Swing Dance Orchestra at Leeds United's Elland Road ground and the Spirit Of The Dance touring show means that JSS have had to adopt a comprehensive and pragmatic approach to system choice.

"Size and weight of sound reinforcement systems have definitely become an issue for both us and our clients," claims JSS's Jem Walker. "From our point of view, COHEDRA Compact and a digital desk will fit in a long wheelbase van, reducing transportation costs considerably. Not only that," he continues, "we like them because they are compact and light. Engineers and theatre staff love them because load-out times are reduced considerably, meaning everyone gets home earlier!"

Another serious point of consideration regarding the purchase and use of a COHEDRA Compact by JSS is the ever-increasing issue of noise pollution, as Walker explains. "With regard to outdoor shows in particular, council licences granted for the events to take place are issued under strict guidelines. This means that any complaints from, say, nearby residential areas about intrusive stray noise will put the future of that particular event and others like it, in jeopardy. In use, we've found the COHEDRA Compact particularly accurate, which gives us positive control over where the sound goes. That means we can offer consistent, accurately-controlled sound levels fired at the audience area, minimising any problematic dispersion from conventional speakers."

"With the COHEDRA Compact you also find that sight lines at concerts are no longer disrupted. This can mean extra seats sold to a promoter. You do not need to compromise on your speaker position to allow people to see the band," Walker concludes.

"As a long-standing HK Audio user, we're delighted that JSS has committed to the COHEDRA Compact system," says Neville Raine, pro audio sales manager for exclusive UK & Eire distributors, John Hornby Skewes & Co Ltd. "JSS have built up a considerable working stock of HK systems in recent years and we're certain their acquisition of the CoCo will allow them even greater flexibility for their upcoming schedule. The system is ideally suited to the majority of UK working venues, and the JSS CoCo is the seventh one that's landed in the UK so far since it was introduced. Its versatility and manageability makes it a popular choice for pro audio companies."

(Lee Baldock)


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