Surrey, BC––One of several free two week-long concerts at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the outdoor/indoor site at Surrey featured headliners such as Blue Rodeo, Hot Hot Heat, Marianas Trench, 54-40, Mother Mother, Tokyo Police Club, The Paperboys, Arkells, Sam Roberts and others.
The Concert site is at Holland Park in Surrey and is billed as a “free family-friendly Celebration zone” and includes daily entertainment, live video feeds and top Canadian recording Artists from a variety of genres past and present.
Not surprisingly, the Briere Production Group was put in charge of the indoor stage (Surrey House) and outdoor (Celebration Stage) sites at the venue with a full complement of Martin Audio W8LCs, WSX subs, MA12K and MA 4.25 amps, along with Dolby Lake processing and Yamaha PM5Ds for FOH and Monitors at both the Celebration and Surrey House stages.
As described by BPG Operations Manager Brandon Hestdalen, “We needed two complete concert systems, so we erred on the side of more PA than necessary in both cases. Our coverage was clear and consistent throughout both audience areas and we didn't have to push either rig too hard.
“The outdoor stage featured live acts, live Olympic coverage and feeds from a mobile stage. The indoor stage was housed in a massive 300' x 100' vinyl tent. The type of acts associated with both stages dictated that we offer a professional tour/arena grade system for both,” Chris continued.
Asked about equipment choices, Briefer said, “We opted for a Martin Audio W8LC Line array for both venues. The throw of the both arrays eliminated the need for delays at the back of the tent while maintaining consistent coverage front to back.
“DISPLAY software was utilized for 3D site design and pre-visualization during the pre-production phase to ensure all parties that audio coverage would be exceed everyone's expectations.”
Pressed for more specifics, President and Project Manager Chris Briere added, “Our new shipment of MA12K Amplifiers are incredible! The user interface is very useful and informative. These 12Ks are barely idling and our subs are absolutely pounding! Our Audio Tech Rep, Rico Domirti, has redesigned our racks to incorporate the new amps into our main configurations which has resulted in a more efficient system that takes up less truck space.”
Mixing from a less than ideal FOH Engineer/System Tech Paul Lepage quipped, “Even if my mixing position is way off to the side my reference is still very good, it sounds pretty even everywhere. Love that PA.”
Fife Williamson, FOH Engineer/System Tech for the Celebration Stage mentioned, “The Martin audio at Surrey Olympic venue was easy to install. The point hang makes it a snap to install and more importantly focus can be changed. Making it much easier to please the client.
“The tight vertical and very wide horizontal pattern of the boxes makes for a seamless coverage pattern from the edge of the barricade all the way to the back walls of the site. No holes at all.
“The PA is full bodied and very accurate-sounding, which make your reference a pleasure. No surprises in or out of the front of house tent. What you hear in the tent is what the audience hears everywhere. The sub coverage is perfect in a three stack array, no center lobe at all and the note of the box is tight and very punchy.”
Other personnel in the BPG crew included Doug Short (Surrey House Monitor engineer) and Operations Manager Matthew Smith.
For more information, please call 519.747.5853, email [email protected], or visit www.martin-audio.com.