CHINA: Shanghai’s 22nd JZ Festival opened on 16 October, bringing more than 100 musicians from over 20 countries and regions to the city for its largest edition to date. Across 17 days, the programme features 146 performances and industry forums at 13 venues, with artists including five-time Grammy Award-winner Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers, Chinese singer Yuan Yawei (Tia Ray), American jazz trumpeter Theo Croker, German jazz drummer Wolfgang Haffner and American composer and multi-instrumentalist Don Byron.

Mainstage sound reinforcement was provided by Shanghai Haoyun Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., using a NEXO GEO M line array system. The main PA comprised left and right hangs of six GEO M12 cabinets, supplemented by NEXO MSUB18 subwoofers to extend low-frequency performance. The configuration was designed to deliver directional control, high-fidelity reproduction and consistent coverage across the audience area.

To improve coverage for listeners close to the stage, NEXO P15 point-source loudspeakers were deployed as front-fill reinforcement.

“We are using NEXO P15 point source speakers to make sure that front–row audience members also enjoy a rich, clear, and detail–preserving listening experience,” says Alvin Lu, Sales and Marketing Manager at Shanghai Haoyun.

“This fills in the coverage gaps that exist in the near–field area of the main sound system and ensures that the sound pressure distribution is more uniform and consistent across the entire venue.”

On stage, NEXO PS15 full-range loudspeakers provided monitoring for performers. Lu highlighted the series’ ability to deliver clear, detailed sound while supporting high gain before feedback, helping musicians hear their own performances and the nuances of the ensemble during live improvisation.

Shanghai Haoyun, the exclusive fixed-installation agent for NEXO in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, supplied the equipment and provided technical support throughout the project. Its team handled transportation, installation and system commissioning, calibrating the system to the acoustic characteristics and performance requirements of the festival site.

The team worked with festival personnel to complete the system handover and ensure consistent operation throughout the performances.