ADLIB’s Big Weekend with Radio One

Following on from hugely successful stints in Sunderland & Dundee, Radio 1 ventured to Preston to kick-off UK Festival season in style.

ADLIB Audio supplied a JBL VerTec sound system for the INMWT (In New Music We Trust) stage at Radio 1’s One Big Weekend in Preston. Featured artists included The Gossip, Maximo Park, Bloc Party, Groove Armada, the Klaxons and many more.

It was the first time that Liverpool-based ADLIB has been involved in the event, brought onboard by promoters SJM and Radio 1’s Sam Cunningham. ADLIB’s Client Manager Phil Kielty says, “when Andy Redhead at SJM invited us to supply for this event he stressed how important it was to impress Radio 1 and we were determined to do so”.

“We did everything in our power to deliver the service to an exceptional standard”, commented Dave Jones Adlib’s PA Manager, who liaised with Andy Redhead to ensure all feasible requests could be accommodated. “We were determined to make sure that all of the bands were happy.”

“The event ran very smoothly and all the crew worked their socks off to ensure there were no blips (although we need to address the sockless crew problem for next year!!!)

The feedback from Radio 1 stated that it was probably the biggest and best so far …so job done – until next year!” said Phil Kielty.

Located in a large tent, the 6 a side VerTec 4889 system was configured with ADLIB’s DF4 subs – a common ADLIB combination and was designed to fill the space with even coverage and a good SPL level. They used Nexo Alpha for infills and outfills – primarily M3 top cabinets and a stack of Nexo Alpha M3, B1 bass and S2 sub for sidefills onstage. The system was powered by Camco Vortex 6 and Crown Itech amplifiers. Elements of each day’s action were broadcast live on Radio 1 and the event was also recorded for broadcast on BBC1 and BBC Three.

The ADLIB crew of 4 was led by James Neale who explains that they decided on a Midas H3000 for both FOH and monitor consoles, because, “It’s an industry standard desk and a known entity with which all engineers are familiar”. With many visiting engineers to accommodate, this was a primary consideration, “We just wanted to make it as easy and hassle free for everyone as possible” says Neale.

They put together FOH processing & FX racks that included dual channel BSS DPR 402 and dbx 160 compressors, a TC M3000 reverb, two Yamaha SPX 2000s and Lexicon PCM 91 and a TC D2 delay. This covered all eventualities.

Onstage, ADLIB supplied their robust low-profile MP3 wedges along with two ADLIB 18” subs for drum fills. A full range of microphones included all the standard Shure models, AKG 414s and Sennheiser 935 and 945 vocal and guitar mics, along with some 609s as an alternative. They also supplied a myriad of KT DI boxes.

ADLIB’s Steve Pattison babysat at FOH, while Kenny Perrin did the honours at the other end of the multicore on monitors, leaving Richie Nicholson and James Neale to look after the stage.

ADLIB also supplied to the Radio 1 Acoustic Tent ; a 2-way ADLIB sound system, amplification, compressors, graphics, a Yamaha LS9 digital mixer and some MP3 wedges for special acoustic performances by Mika, The Fray & Mutya Buena. Danny Castree was the Adlib technician who oversaw the smooth running of the performances.

The event was a huge success for all concerned and kick-started the 2007 festival season in superb fashion!

www.adlibaudio.co.uk