Kieron Scott, Sales and Systems Manager for Guildford Sound & Light, and Matthew Ross, Technical Director, as ever with their analytical and clinical attention to detail, looked at the various manufacturers, products and options before settling on KV2 Audio’s VHD units as the most viable system to meet all criteria’s.

Having known Andy Austin-Brown from KV2 Audio for many years, they were delighted to be given the opportunity to work with him as well as putting to the test several of his bold claims regarding the product. Following many discussions, both parties decided on a full VHD system, which was built around eight VHD2.0 mid hi enclosures and a total of 32 VHD 2.16 subwoofers with accompanying VHD2000 & VHD3200 amplifiers.
The clients brief had multiple needs:

The ability to present and perform for audience capacities of between 2.5 to 15K+, meaning the system should be scaleable, or useable in smaller multiple systems.

The system had to offer the flexibility of simple quick ground stacking, or to be instantly flown with the minimum of fuss. Logistics, ease of movement and handling were of importance, but the main requirement was for a system that could cover large areas of ground without requiring complicated, time consuming set-ups and power-eating processing.

Bearing in mind the width and size of stages expected to be used, four KV2 Audio EX12 active loudspeaker enclosures were also specified for front infill duties and as floating ‘problem solvers’ when required, as well as offering on-stage monitoring for performers.

The chosen system was envisaged to for use primarily in the national cricket stadium in central Kampala, necessitating the need for coverage out to the bleachers, whilst maintaining linear coverage over distances up to 120m.

Once the system had been decided on and delivered, Matthew, Kieron, and Andy flew out to Kampala to conduct a complete weeks training of the 30+ crew and personnel on all operating, configuration, flying and system set up, including complimentary training on the new Allen & Heath I-Live large format desk that had also been invested in.

Two weeks later the whole system was used for a large concert featuring Jamaican reggae artist ‘Shaggy’. Reports state that Shaggy played for an extra 90 minutes, due to the response of both the system and the 22,000+ crowd. The accompanying engineer noted the absolute vocal intelligibility and smooth clean response of the PA, adding that he had not had so much ‘fun and enjoyment’ for such a long time.

Since the first large successful gig, the client has been putting the system to good use. Several smaller conferences and a large stadium concert have taken place, with larger venues currently being booked.

All parties were delighted to realise that all of Andy’s claims regarding the system had been surpassed.