With a hot single (‘Sleeping With a Friend’) and new album (Pop Psychology) ready for release, Neon Trees are preparing for a summer tour. The FOH system they will be using is also new, with a unique cross-stage monitoring and front-fill solution designed around Vue Audiotechnik’s al-8 and al-4 line array systems.
‘We’ve been using line array elements for additional monitor and side fill support since 2004,’ says Production Manager, Mike Bangs. ‘Their low profile and high output ensure good coverage across and immediately in front of the stage. Plus their compact size keeps sight-lines clear and makes for easy transportation.
‘Over the years we’ve tried boxes from most of the well-known brands, but we’ve struggled to achieve a good balance of output and fidelity. In my experience, most line array elements break down sonically when pushed beyond even moderate volume levels.’
A self-proclaimed pro audio junkie, Bangs prides himself on staying apprised of the industry’s latest innovations. This led him to inquire about Vue’s new al-Class systems and their unique beryllium compression driver technology: ‘I’ve known Mike Adams [Vue Audiotechnik Design Chief] for many years, and have always been a fan of his work,’ Bangs says. ‘When I found out he was working for Vue and developing line arrays with beryllium components, I immediately reached out to see if he had a solution to our ongoing challenge.’
Vue line arrays use a compression driver with a Truextent beryllium diaphragm, which has an extremely high stiffness-to-mass ratio that reduces breakup at high output levels. The result is improved high-frequency performance at higher SPLs than aluminium or titanium designs.
Bangs assembled a new cross-stage monitoring system using a single al-8 element and hs-25 subwoofer on both sides of the stage facing inward. A pair of subcompact al-4 elements placed directly in front of each al-8/hs-25 combination provide additional front fill. The two al-4 stacks are angled slightly inward for ideal coverage directly in front at centre stage-a critical ‘sweet spot’ for Neon Trees fans.
A pair of Vue V6 Systems Engines handle power and processing for the al-4 and al-8 line array elements. Both V6 units are networked along with the self-powered hs-25 subwoofers and accessible via the SystemVue control and monitoring software.
‘With every other system we’ve tried, I reach a point where I literally have to choose between output and intelligibility,’ Bangs says. ‘But the Vue line arrays have no problem delivering on both fronts. We can literally push them to their limits and they remain perfectly clean and clear. And their coverage all the way to the center and directly in front of the stage is nothing short of exceptional.’
Bangs and the production team are equally pleased with the low-frequency improvements from the new Vue subwoofers: ‘When I first set up the hs-25 subs, our bass player Branden [Campbell] stopped playing and asked “what is that?” almost immediately,’ Bangs says. ‘The Vue subs not only deliver way more output, but they’re much more musical than anything we’ve used before. You can actually hear notes, which is clearly what Branden was hearing.’
More: www.vueaudio.com
