Amsterdam ArenA was transformed into an oasis of white for the premiere of Sensation's new show Source Of Light recently, when 40,000 people gathered under a huge dynamic spherical centrepiece dominated by bespoke LED strips from SGM.
SGM's Dutch distributor RentAll, who provide many of the custom solutions for the Dutch-based dance event company, were asked to provide the most dynamic single LED statement yet seen, to decorate an all aluminium, 14 metre radiating sphere, weighing 12 tons, and operated by multiple motors.
Sensation production manager, Joris Joosen, had wanted to combine retro and new generation beam effects — with something special to set it off. They contacted RentAll, who in turn approached SGM.
SGM CEO Peter Johansen confirmed that the distribution company had wanted a much brighter LED strip solution than was available on the market and put the project out to tender. “SGM provided the brightest and most powerful solution and was able to deliver on time for the show more than 1.5km of high power DMX controlled LED strip, matching the very specific requirements.”
“We tested other products and auditioned SGM against another brand, “added Joris Joosen. “Quality wise SGM was better — in fact it is a wonderful product.”
With RentAll's operations manager Vincent Degen working closely with SGM R&D guru Finn Kallestrup to produce nearly 600 DMX controllable strips in three different lengths and girths, the solution was achieved.
The entire rig required 36,000 DMX channels to drive it while the rig itself comprised nearly 100,000 LED's. This was made up of 224 pieces of 2.15m lengths, 210 pieces of 2.11m and 130 pieces of 1.73m and SGM worked feverishly to deliver the order on time. Within the extruded profile, each metre of tubing output 16W of RGB LED, with three channels of RGB operating across every 10cm (one for each colour) with auto-addressing. The whole show was run off a Catalyst and Hog 3 desk.
SGM's unique approach is the first in a series of customised LED solutions, in which the Danish company will use the best available technology to deliver higher efficiency, brighter colours and a broader spectrum.
Meanwhile, Sensation will continue to operate all their various shows under the ‘white' theme — and followed the Amsterdam ArenA spectacular by touring one of their older productions, Ocean of White, around the Far East
When it comes to using spectacular technology, they are among the world's best. Said Joosen, “We stage a lot of productions and events with RentAll's assistance. For the new show we wanted to engage the audience and create a huge source of light; with the help of the SGM LED strips we managed to achieve this.”