A VRX For Valentines

Showcasing the soulful sounds of Urban Music award winner Nate James is a challenge, especially when it is an eagerly awaited 'Unplugged Valentines Special' with an intimate acoustic set...
Stratford Circus in East London, which has gained a reputation for its international standards for lighting, sound and projection, played hot to this one-off event in February and London-based professional PA and lighting hire company EZPA looked to JBL for their sound solution.
EZPA Company Director, Nick Lowe, said: "I chose the VRX for its flexibility and power handing. To be able to cover a sizeable audience with only a few compact boxes, at the sound level appropriate for most event, is something not many systems can do."
EZPA made use of the ground stacking features of JBL's VRX series to create an upward firing array of 2 x VRX932LA 800w 12" 2-way speaker, with the added depth of the VRX 918S 800w 18" subwoofer.
Powered by a Crown XLS amplifier and controlled by a Dbx DriveRack PA, the VRX system weighed in at a total of just 88kg making a portable and compact system.
Most importantly of all for an acoustic performance, Nick added: "There wasn't a hint of feedback all night - the dispersion of the system is so precise it allowed us to use it in close proximity to the artist without any problems."
"The upward firing array was perfect for the gig. It gave complete coverage from the pit seats right to the upper balcony with only 2 Mid/Highs per side, with the upper unit shaded up by 3dB. I was thoroughly impressed with the sound quality. Both the lead and backing vocals were crystal clear and the acoustic guitar had real warmth, but with enough depth for the percussion in the backing track."
EZPA took full advantage of the DBX Driverack PA's Auto-EQ function and Nick said that they could see other advantages in the VRX system. He said: "The ground stacked array is great for theatrical work in venues with tiered seating that don't have appropriate flying facilities, plus the pole mount is great for live bands in medium venues and the ability to fly gives the array a whole host of potential uses. It really seems to be able to cope with anything."
Further information is available at: www.ezpa.co.uk.
(KMcA)