Avante Audio provided the complete audio system for the outdoor Arena Plaza Stage at the recent NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. The company’s active speaker cabinets were utilised for every part of the stage’s sound setup, including foldback wedges and delay towers as well as the main FOH PA system.
However, it was the latter that consistently caught the attention of NAMM attendees who were astonished by the powerful and rich output of Avante Audio’s extremely compact Imperio series mini array system.
Located in a large open space on the Anaheim Convention Center campus, between the Arena and North Hall, the Arena Plaza Stage was this year sponsored by Avante Audio’s sister company, ADJ Lighting. Showcasing an eclectic line-up of musical performers across three days, the stage hosted everything from bluegrass to mariachi and ska to blues. Large crowds gathered at regular intervals throughout the convention who enjoyed performances from a wide variety of both established and aspiring performers.
For its main audio system, the stage utilised the impressive new Imperio Pro mini line array system from Avante Audio. Two hangs of ten Imperio Pro array modules provided the main PA, while two additional hangs of eight Imperio modules were used for delay towers. Low frequency was covered by twenty-four A18S active sub cabinets arranged in a cardioid configuration along the front of the stage, while four additional Imperio SUB210 cabinets were located at the delay position. In addition, Achromic Series A12 speakers served as wedges providing foldback to the performers on stage.
The Imperio Pro is an extremely compact and versatile array module loaded with a pair of small woofers alongside six high frequency drivers, which has been designed to offer the ultimate combination of audio clarity, portability, and flexibility. The active speaker cabinet features innovative in-built rigging hardware that allows up to twelve units to be linked together with selectable splay angles between cabinets. Using the optional flying kits, the sub units can then be mounted either above or below the hang, while a pole mount kit is also available for smaller ground-stacked setups.
A wide variety of musical styles were performed on the ADJ Arena Plaza Stage throughout the three days of NAMM, by acts ranging from solo performers to a high school mariachi ensemble with 19 members. This musical diversity highlighted the audio quality, wide frequency range, and versatility of the Imperio Pro system. The virtuoso accordion and fiddle duo Cory Pesaturo and Mari Black highlighted the system’s ability to faithfully replicate intricate instrumentation, while the ‘80s rock covers performed flawlessly by Youthanize (a band whose members are all aged between 12 and 16) demonstrated the Imperio Pro’s ability to punch out serious decibels!
“NAMM 2022 was a true showcase of the incredible potential of the Imperio Pro system,” enthused Avante Audio Product Engineer, Tony Mirador. “I was running FOH throughout the show and watched a constant stream of NAMM delegates walk past and do a double take when they heard the rich and punchy sound generated by such small speakers. I spoke to numerous fellow audio professionals who were genuinely stunned by what the system has to offer in terms of output, clarity, portability, and affordability. Having used Imperio myself on many events, I also know that the ease of use is another factor that adds to this unique system’s appeal. A full array hang can be rigged quickly and easily by a single person direct from the purpose-designed road case. There’s no doubt in my mind that Avante Imperio turned a lot of heads at this year’s NAMM and will soon be added to the inventory of many more professional audio companies.”
