Wellington based Audio Workshop recently added JBL Professional’s versatile VTX A8 line array to its rapidly expanding hiring inventory for medium and large-scale events. The addition includes VTX B18 subwoofers and VTX M20 low profile monitors for stage use.
The Opportunity
Founded as an audio visual installation company in 2015 by former touring musician and sound engineer Matt Chapman, the company has since expanded into a full-service equipment supplier for the event industry, contributing to some high-profile events and installation projects throughout New Zealand.
The first real run of the new line array was a solemn occasion, yet the ideal opportunity to utilise all of Audio Workshop’s JBL VTX arsenal, from its VTX F-Series through to the newly acquired VTX A8. Shortly after Matt and the Audio Workshop Team had received their JBL VTX system training by JBL distributor JPRO, the production company was contracted to be the audio visual service provider for the Queen’s Memorial Service held in New Zealand’s capital city.
Audio Workshop was tasked to provide audio visual services in three areas – the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul located opposite Parliament for the State Memorial Service and live screenings in the Parliament Grounds with a main arena and overflow for the public.
The Solution
The State Memorial Service in the Cathedral was attended by dignitaries including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Due to the sensitive acoustics of the historic church, Audio Workshop deployed their portable JBL CBT1000 high output line array column as main PA with JBL CBT100 line array columns as fills.
Members of the public were invited to gather in the grounds of Parliament where the new A8 system was put to the test for the first time. 6x JBL VTX A8 line array elements were flown on each side of the large screen with video and audio from the memorial service being broadcast to those in attendance. 4x JBL VTX B18 subwoofers for low frequency extension were included.
“We simply had to include the subs so that we could enjoy the pipe organ that can produce bass frequencies down to 20Hz,” quips Matt Chapman. “The detailed audio reproduction by the VTX A8 and B18 is remarkable!”
“For us it has been a natural progression to expand our inventory with a high-end tour grade line array from JBL Professional”
The Audio Workshop Team clearly appreciated the accuracy and fidelity of the JBL VTX A8 as well as the simplified patented rigging system which makes system set up and pack down quicker and easier.
The delay stack in the Parliament Gardens consisted of JBL VTX F35 loudspeakers being flown on the truss alongside the screen. The F35’s integrated mounting points allowed the system to be set up at the required angles while its high output three-way enclosure provided pristine audio coverage over the area.
“The VTX A Series really sounds amazing, providing smooth accurate sound reproduction and versatility. The set up of the gear was simple and fast thanks to the rigging system that works exceptionally well.”
The Impact
“We are very excited to expand our range of JBL VTX speakers to include the A8 line array, B18 subs and M20 monitors. For us it has been a natural progression to expand our inventory with a high-end tour grade line array from JBL Professional. The demand to provide audio for larger events necessitated this,” says Matt Chapman. “We were satisfied with the performance from the F35’s and the level of support by JBL distributors JPRO, and as we already had Crown iTech HD amplifiers and many JBL loudspeakers, it made financial sense to keep it in the family as these systems can work together.”
“The VTX A Series really sounds amazing, providing smooth accurate sound reproduction and versatility. The Queen’s Memorial service was our first time flying our expanded VTX A8 Line Array along with our other systems. The set up of all the gear was simple and fast thanks to the rigging system that works exceptionally well.”
