L-Acoustics KIVA system for R&B Group

Adlib Solutions’ Sales & Installations division has designed, specified and supplied an L-Acoustics KIVA system to Newcastle-based R&B Group.

Established 22 years ago, R&B Group specialises in high-end corporate and live events. Adlib has worked with the company for around five years, supplying sound equipment for some of their larger events. When the time came to undertake an extensive audio upgrade, having already collaborated on several occasions, the team asked Adlib to assist in providing a turnkey audio solution to fit their range of work and budget.

R&B wanted a system that would produce clear spoken word reproduction, as well as the power and punch to deliver great sounding live music, which is why a total of 18 L-Acoustics KIVA two-way passive ultra compact WST enclosures were supplied together with six L-Acoustics 8XT speakers, plus four L-Acoustics SB15m subs and eight SB18 subs, flying frames and a stacking system, along with six L-Acoustics LA8 amplifiers.

One of the advantages of KIVA speakers is their light weight, which means a decent-sized array can be flown at under 100kgs, suiting many of the venues in which R&B regularly work. The units were also designed to look "neat, elegant and unobtrusive," which was another general consideration.

Adlib designed a custom amp rack system for R&B, consisting of single and doubled-up LA8 units, which allow them to easily split the system down into smaller components or use it as one large system. R&B’s crew received comprehensive manufacturer led training on the L-Acoustics range as well.

The finished system was delivered direct from Adlib – complete with custom Adlib-manufactured flightcases – to its first R&B gig in Sheffield as a ready-to-use system. From there it went straight up to Newcastle, and was followed by a further four days of intensive onsite training.

“We are delighted with the results,” said R&B’s development director Antony Crerar, who added that many of his clients have noticed the difference offered by the new system. “It was a big investment to make, and sourcing it through Adlib was a fantastic experience at every stage of the process – right from the first contact through to all the after-sales service and support. It’s been brilliant, and Adlib has really made the difference.”

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