Formula One at Silverstone driven by Electro-Voice

Last month saw an array of Electro-Voice systems in use at Silverstone for Formula One motor racing, with a number of the company’s line-array elements specified for the event in addition to a fixed installation above the victors’ rostrum.

Sound reinforcement systems from Electro-Voice were deployed at three different locations. The first was the victors’ podium, which saw a fixed installation from the company handle coverage across the area and musical reproduction for the teams’ national anthems. This challenge was tackled by an Electro-Voice EVF system comprising two EVF-2151D-BLK and four EVF-1122D/96 BLK cabinets installed in the roof above the podium, driven by an Electro-Voice Qseries power amplifiers and a DX46 processor. Furthermore, this was the first time the D models of the EVF series had been deployed not only in Great Britain but also in Europe in general.

The fringe programme at Silverstone this year was also catered for by Electro-Voice. As with the Moto GP in mid-June, a concert stage was erected to host both live bands and interviews, from which professional quality sound reinforcement was expected at all times. Once again, Warwickshire-based installation company 360 Creative Event Solutions (CES) came up with the requisite solutions.

“The production was a very demanding one,” said Neal Allen, Concert Sound Sales consultant, Bosch Pro Sound UK. “Not only because it involved playing to an enormous crowd with sound of the highest possible intelligibility, but also because races were often continuing nearby and the level of ambient noise was therefore extremely high.”

For the show stages, the team from 360 Creative Event Solution opted for an Electro-Voice system bolstered by FIR Drive. 24 FIR-Drive-enhanced XLC-DVX elements were combined with 18 Xsubs and 18 TG7 power amplifiers for the main system. And to ensure even coverage throughout the entire audience zone, a delay tower was also erected. This was equipped with 12 Electro-Voice XLC-DVX line-array elements – also with FIR Drive – and six Xsubs, driven by eight TG7 power amplifiers. Front and side fill, as well as foldback, were provided by Electro-Voice and complemented this time by an XA2 system from Dynacord.

Meanwhile, both the new and old wings of the Silverstone racecourse comprise a NetMax N8000 and CPS 8.5 multi-channel amplifier installation. Replacing the previous 100 V line system, the installed system allows the entire site to be serviced from a central control room on one interactive screen.

“It was a production of the very highest quality,” said Allen, “and it appears that we, together with 360 Creative Event Solution, passed the test with flying colours. The client, at any rate, was extremely satisfied, as is shown by the fact that discussions are already under way for next year’s race productions.”

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