Claiming ‘everything you need – plus a little bit of magic’, Southern Africa production technology company Gearhouse SA has recently added an L-Acoustics K2 system to its Durban branch inventory.
The company has enjoyed steady expansion over the past few decades, and has operating bases in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and a branch in the Ghanaian capital, Accra. The Durban Branch was opened in 1997 to service the demand in that region and to complement Gearhouse’s ability to support international touring requirements from local centres. With around 40 permanent staff and a pool of 60 freelancers, it is the smallest Gearhouse branch, but its work servicing outdoor events, conferences, corporate productions, government work and television shows is as important as that of the larger operations.
‘Gearhouse Group already has a large L-Acoustics inventory, including 24 dV-Dosc here in Durban, so it was the first manufacturer we looked at when we were looking for a flagship system,’ says Gary Loader, the branch Audio Operations Manager.
After considering the option of purchasing various used L-Acoustics systems, the company chose to invest in a new system comprising 24 K2 and 16 SB28 subs.
‘The K2 proved the best option for us. As well as complementing our stock of dV-DOSC, it also made sense to invest in equipment which would perfectly complement the Johannesburg branch equipment, which includes L-Acoustics K1, V-Dosc, Kudo, Kara and Arcs,’ Loader says. ‘The KwaZulu Natal Market is quite different to other regions in South Africa, with a strong conferencing thrust. The K2 system was purchased specifically to service events in the Durban International Convention Centre and the lightweight system is perfect for this sizeable venue and its various corporate events.’
Immediately put to use on a variety of events, the K2 system is already proving a hit with Gearhouse clients and staff. ‘Like all the other Gearhouse teams, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality equipment and service,’ Loader says. ‘The K2 system sounds great, it’s compact, flexible and really straightforward to set up.’
Gearhouse Durban’s new K2 rig will already called upon to augment Gearhouse Johannesburg’s K1 system for a November event at the FNB Stadium where well-known evangelist Angus Buchanan gathered people from all denominations for The Sacred Assembly, an in-the-round event, proving the K2 is already a team player for Gearhouse in Durban, and beyond.
