Allen & Heath’s dLive and Qu series took centre stage at the 14th edition of the Cartagena International Music Festival, set in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, with an extensive week-long programme, which saw the mixing systems deployed for FOH, monitor and broadcast duties.
Year after year, nearly 25,000 spectators flock to the festival, which brings together the world’s greatest classical musicians. Held at various venues throughout the city, the festival also hosts a variety of exhibitions, musical masterclasses and educational programmes for young, aspiring artists.
As per previous years, the festival turned to Colombian rental company, 903pro, to provide audio support across several locations and found dLive and Qu to be the perfect solution to cope with the variety and volume of events and broadcasts taking place over the week.
“I’ve been mixing classical music festivals in different parts of the world for more than 20 years and I can honestly say that Allen & Heath consoles are just perfect for the job,” explained head engineer, Stefano Melone.
The main stage, located in the Plaza de San Pedro Claver and operated by Melone, featured a dLive C3500 setup, paired with a CDM64 MixRack and Waves card, used for multi-track recording. A Qu-16 provided support for the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Chapel, while a Qu-32 was deployed for TV broadcasting. Additionally, a GLD system handled audio within the Convention Centre.
Melone concluded: “I’ve always preferred the sound of Allen & Heath for its clarity, depth and quality of its FX. Overall, A&H was the best solution for the job and I’m very satisfied with the results from this festival.”
