Rat Sound Systems supplies audio equipment for Coachella 2013

Sound reinforcement company Rat Sound deployed the new Anya system from Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) at Coachella 2013.

The system, which was set up in the Gobi tent, featured seven Anya modules per side with a single out fill module flanking a main column of six, and it was the first time the new Anya system was used for a public event.

Rat Sound principals Dave Rat and Jon Monson contributed throughout the research and development process for Anya. According to EAW President Jeff Rocha, the decision to deploy the initial pilot build for the high-profile event came relatively late in the planning cycle.

“When Dave and Jon came to the factory to work with the final engineering prototypes, they asked if they could use the first 16-module build live at Coachella,” Rocha said. “Naturally, we were thrilled to showcase our new product at one of our industry’s most important and demanding events.”

Coachella – held at the Empire Polo Grounds near Palm Springs – features two massive outdoor stages and three large tent stages. The Gobi tent’s audience area measures roughly 165 feet wide by 200 feet deep.

Despite challenging weather conditions, the fully integrated Anya system performed "excellently" for the entire run of the show, according to Rat.

“The Anya system sounded great and did an excellent job of covering the space,” he revealed. “It is really exciting to have a hands-on experience with a new technology system thrown right into a challenging, real-world application. It’s especially interesting that even though this was the first time this system was deployed, we were able to hear a wide variety of engineers mix on it.”

In addition to the seven Anya modules per side, the complete Coachella system included 16 EAW SB2001 dual 21-in subwoofer systems deployed in spaced, cardioid arrays, as well as six EAW KF364NT powered three-way systems for front fill. Ten EAW MW12 MicroWedge stage monitors provided on-stage reference for the performers.

Artists and bands on the Gobi stage this year included Foals, Spiritualized, Lee “Scratch” Perry, TNGHT, Janelle Monae, Pusha-T, Purity Ring, Booka Shade, OMD, Father John Misty, Japandroids, Jello Biafra and more.

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