Arguably one of the most prestigious music festivals in the US, California’s Coachella Festival attracts around 200,000 to see a wide variety of music and, since 2001, listen to sound systems set up by Rat Sound. The 2016 event saw the Gobi Tent using an EAW Adaptive system

‘The adaptive control of the system allows us to minimise reflections off of the walls of the tent which keeps the sound really clean,’ says Rat Sound President, Dave Rat.

‘This year we used the entire Adaptive family – both the Anya and Anna line arrays, wg=hich were supported by Otto subwoofers – and we were very happy with the results.’

The Gobi tent covers approximately 18,000-sq-ft, with an expansive stage at the far end of the tent. Gobi, known for its eclectic mix of alternative bands, had a line-up that included Volbeat, Chris Stapleton, Pete Yorn, Goldroom, The Vandals, Go Go Penguin, The Dead Ships and more. 

Two Anya arrays of eight Anya modules each were hung to the left and right of the stage to provide even coverage to the area. Delay was provided by two Anna arrays of three modules. Out fill was handled by two more Anna arrays, this time made up of two modules each. Low end, which was substantial, was delivered by 24 Otto subwoofers, 12 per side, stacked two-by-six. 

Adam Labov, FOH engineer for Goldroom mixed on the system for the first time during Coachella: ‘I was very excited to learn that Goldroom would be performing on the Gobi stage,’ he explains. ‘I had heard the Anya system at previous Coachellas, as well as the Tom Petty tour last year, and immediately heard their sonic capability.

‘My overall experience with the Anya system was a very positive one. I felt like I had endless headroom and the speaker response was incredible. Only minimal house EQ was required to get a completely full range, powerful and direct sound. The pairing of the Otto subs added a very solid low-end reinforcement. If I’m ever spoiled enough to pick out a PA for future tours, I wouldn’t hesitate to ask for Anya.’