26th May turned out to be a day when metal fans in Bengaluru, were completely absorbed into a mind-blowing set-up of stage, sound and light, featuring the legendary metal band. In terms of sound reinforcement the highlight was the deployment of the latest JBL VERTEC V5 that was tuned in by V&P Sound, to support the massive sound output required for the gig.
The use of V5 in this concert is perhaps one of the largest in India, since its introduction. What made the gig exciting was the unlikely venue, located in the outskirts (Clarks Exotica Resort), which was completely geared for one of the biggest acts in metal.
The concert was organized under the ‘Nokia Alive’ banner, promoted by Overture India, a popular event management company that has brought the L.O.G for the second time in India. Considering the huge fan following for L.O.G in India, the expectations were of a large turnout.
The actual turnout was impressive with 7000 + audience enjoying the concert, in the spirit of a true metal fan. Incidentally the L.O.G 2012, tour was kick started in Bengaluru and its huge success is only a reiteration to the fact that Bengaluru, has a fairly evolved metal scene.
The gig started with the opening acts of Esher’s Knot, Bhayanak Maut and Skyharbour setting the mood up for the head lining act of L.O.G. And L.O.G rocked the gig with hour and half set list, while rendering some of their popular compositions – Desolation, Ghost Walking, Number Six and Undertow from their
new album Resolution, followed by all their other hit numbers.
Consulted upon to ensure a bigger and better tour the metal legends’ second concert in India, the renowned sound rental provider, V& P SOUND took upon the sound reinforcement with their proven expertise, by deploying JBL VERTEC line arrays. The entire crowd was electrified with hours of intense high performance sound with 20 VT 4889 tops 16 subs VT 4886/4883 as centre fills and mosh pit fills.
“We love the VERTEC V5 and its performance and for the gig," said an excited Vishnu P. the V&P Sound proprietor, and chief system/mix engineer Mallesh T.
"With this magnitude, it's a true sound." According to the V&P Sound team, the V5 VT4889 has excellent long-throw capabilities. With the throw distance compensation / atmospheric absorption compensation EQ shelf stay on 4kHz and 8kHz, the VERTEC V5 offers significant improvements in horizontal coverage in HF range and Low mid.
The complete system was powered by Crown I-Tech-HD amps (5000, 9000 & 12000) and the LevelMAX processing was also superb. Having sophisticated three-stage limiting, including long term thermal protection which allows for higher Peak and RMS thresholds translates into more SPL output and rock solid limiting. This makes V5 presets more impactful adding pristine clarity to sound output.
"We also like the changes made to the low frequencies on the V5. Overall, we are very pleased with the performance of the system. We are now using new V5 DSP presets, and clearly did not have to use much EQ on the system."
The V&P team were obviously highly appreciative of Paul Bauman, Director of Tour Sound Product and Application Engineering at JBL Professional.
Micing solutions for the stage had come from AKG Drum SET II and AKG Rhythm Pack, with D40. Some of the acts during the concert were also mixed with the industry standard Soundcraft Vi6 console at the FOH.
Says David McKinney, Senior Director- India Operations, Harman Professional, "As a rental sound partner who has always led the way in adapting the latest technologies introduced by Harman, V&P Sound has created yet another yardstick for an international live sound experience in India.”
