The music was piped through a vibrant sound system drawn from the Aero Series 2 from the Spanish based audio company.
DBS Sound and Lighting were contracted to handle sound reinforcement for this year’s EDC event. Ruben Silva, the company’s owner and Chief Operator, ultimately deployed a collection of D.A.S. Audio Aero Series 2 loudspeakers, including Aero 50 three-way line arrays, Aero 20A compact line arrays, UX-221 high power ultra-low frequency subwoofers, and LX-118A subwoofers. He discussed the challenges of the project and his experience with the D.A.S. Audio equipment.
“This year’s EDC event drew an average of 134,000 people each day so we needed a large and potent sound system setup,” Silva explained. “In order to provide the SPL levels necessary for suitable coverage, we used 20 D.A.S. Audio Aero 50 line array enclosures powered by Crown HD12000 amplifiers – 10 each for the left and right main hangs. We also used four D.A.S. Aero 20A line arrays for front fill and another eight Aero 20A’s for out fill – four per side.”
He continued, “For low frequency support we deployed 24 D.A.S. UX-221 subwoofers configured as eight triple-stacks in a cardioid configuration. These too, were driven by Crown HD12000 power amps. Sidefills were handled by a combination of Aero 20A line array enclosures and LX-118A powered subwoofers – two each for the left and right sides.”
When queried about those attributes that made the D.A.S. equipment the ideal choice for the EDC project, Silva offered the following thoughts: “As a large format line array, the Aero 50 has great throw, which was essential for an audience of this size. These enclosures are easy to rig, they’re power efficient, and while they have very high SPL capability and yet they’re really quiet when you’re behind them.
“Similarly, the Aero 20A is super-efficient, loud for its compact form factor, and is versatile enough to be used in for house mains, sidefills, front fills, and more. And the UX-221 sub is insane! It delivers deep bass and high output. The entire rig sounded awesome – with lots of headroom, great fidelity, transparent and clear sound with lots of 23 Hz bass.”
Silva was equally complimentary of D.A.S. Audio’s customer and technical support services: “Being in this business for over 23 years, you can only imagine how many brands and type of speakers I’ve owned,” he said. “D.A.S. makes great loudspeaker products and is continuing to improve every year with gear, service, and customer support. Carlos Henao (D.A.S. Audio’s US Accounts Manager) introduced me to the Aero 50 line array, but it was the value and great support he and the whole D.A.S. staff provided that made the deal.”
Before shifting his focus to an upcoming project, Silva offered these final comments on his experience with D.A.S. Audio equipment: “EDC Orlando was a success. German Grammy Award-winning electronic dance music DJ, musician and record Producer Paul Van Dyk loved the rig. Further, the Event staff and Promotions team were very happy with the rig and the services we provided. Most importantly, we’ve been invited back. When one project leads to new business, that’s as good as it gets.”