Having established itself on the main stages at Rock In Rio in both Brazil and Lisbon, the Martin Audio MLA system at this year’s event in the Portuguese capital saw the addition of MLA to the second delay line. ‘This helped to push our coverage out further with greater clarity and impact,’ stated Peter Racy, Chief Engineer at sound production company, Gabisom.

Use of MLA at Rock In Rio began in 2015 when it was trialled on the second stage in Las Vegas, and later in Rio that same year. Due to its success, MLA was then deployed for the first time on the World Stage at Rock in Rio Lisbon 2016, and has held this position for the following two editions: the 2017 event in Rio leading into Lisbon again this year.

Racy has been involved throughout: ‘The main concern was to obtain even coverage over the entire audience area,’ he says of this the most recent event. The audience area is a natural park approximately 300m deep by 200m wide, with asymmetrical relief and a large VIP area at the very back. ‘Clear and powerful sound is essential there, since that is where all the bosses hang out…’

The PA system followed the template of last year: ‘We again set-up the side-by-side rig which has been the trademark of Rock in Rio,’ he says. ‘This year we not only made MLA available for the second delay line but the ground-stacked subs were set up as end-fire arrays.

‘These two design changes proved a massive improvement to the overall outcome of the far-field,’ he continues. ‘The main system was set to throw 180m at the point where it blended with the second delay line (the first delay line being used merely to support this ambitious throw distance in the case of wind).’

The second delay line had a tough task: it needed to cover the remaining 80m of audience, as well as serving the VIP terrace beyond and 5m above the grass. ‘This was quite a tall order for four towers with six MLA on each, though it did perform exceptionally well. The main PA’s end-fired ground subs made their presence felt at the back and were assisted by a few more MLX at the base of the second delay towers.’

The box counts were impressive, comprising 60 MLA; four MLD; 20 MLX, in left and right flown configuration for the main hangs. 32 MLA; ten MLX on side hangs; 32 MLX ground subwoofers; 16 MLA Compact as front-fills and 24 MLA; six MLX as delay. Side-fills comprised 12 W8LC, with eight WS218X subs, while stage monitoring comprised 24 LE2100.

With an all-star lined up including Katy Perry, Jessie J, The Killers, Chemical Brothers, Bruno Mars and Muse, a firmly-established PA system was vital, and Racy confirms that all engineers were pleased to have the opportunity to test their charges’ sound through MLA. ‘Many had not done so before and they all left happy, having reported good shows. In fact we received some great feedback from engineers, staff, and audience alike.’

In total around 100,000 people per day attend the event, which extends over two weekends during which time the festival stays rigged, with two days silent in the middle. On Wednesday they reconvene for Rock in Rio Academy, a closed event promoted by Roberto Medina, creator of Rock in Rio. Thursday is soundcheck day and Friday and Saturday sees business resume as usual.