ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sound Investment Provides a Funktion-One Sound System for RESISTANCE: Carl Cox Megastructure
Carl Cox regularly turns to Funktion-One founder Tony Andrews to deliver the finest sound reproduction and to engineer his sets. To that end, the system at his stage at Ultra was a tour de force of Funktion-One’s flagship technology and philosophy. Due to Andrews’ passion for addressing issues at source, he has developed strategies that fix mechanical anomalies with mechanical solutions and acoustic issues with acoustic solutions. The main speaker hangs were a full contingent of Vero cabinets. Vero is a large format speaker system that skilfully blends point source coherency with many of the conveniences of vertical array systems. The system’s throw and coverage can be tailored to suit the venue and 12 Vero cabinets per hang ensured that each audience position from the front to the back (80m) had excellent imaging, with no delays required. Vero was powered and processed by Lab.gruppen PLM20K amplifiers and LM44 system controllers, which are specifically utilised to take advantage of their clean high power output, precise signal processing, and Dante networking capabilities. All communication between DJ booth, monitor beach, FOH and amplifiers was accomplished using Dante protocol over fibre connected networking components. The low frequency range (when supplied) of the music programme was reproduced using ground-breaking concepts in loudspeaker design and system deployment. The venerable V221 is a dual 21-inch folded horn with exceptional transparency and output. The ultra-low frequency range
between 24Hz and 40Hz was reproduced using Funktion-One V132 hornloaded enclosures, which utilise Funktion-One’s high-tech 32-inch cone driven by a 10kW linear motor - the Powersoft M-Force. In combination, these 2 cabinets effortlessly produce deep, impactful bass. The V221s and V132s were arranged in2 single stacks, both with minimised horizontal dimensions. The result is a smooth coverage pattern in both the time and frequency domain due to the elimination of arrival time differences. Cox also requested that Funktion-One PSM318’s be used onstage for DJ monitoring. The PSM318 is a floor-standing, four-way monitor system that features 2 18-inch drivers for low end, and a tri-axial low/mid/high driver for precise and coherent wave-front arrival regardless of where the listener stands. Funktion-One’s Andrews said: “After his set, Carl made it abundantly clear that he was over the moon with the sound.” Ron Lorman of All Things Audio, supplied a Cadac CDC 6 console for the 2nd year to the Carl Cox stage at Ultra. He said: “Cadac digital consoles provide extreme audio quality with stellar, musical EQs. The console’s transient speed and phase accuracy complimented the Funktion-One Vero rig with unprecedented detail and punch, meaning a powerful audio presentation was delivered to the audience.” TPi www.funktion-one.com
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