Magnetic Audio Devices (MAD) Surface Array™ loudspeaker systems were utilized recently to support an annual orchestra concert on the east lawn of the Capitol building. The event, a free public concert, was the first use of the system in reinforcing a live orchestra. The system, consisting of two MAD arrays of sixteen A9 rows per side, covered the entire expanse of the west lawn, as well as the steps of the Capitol building. Selected by PRG for the event, the systems provided coverage out to approximately 550' without delay towers.

The array elements provided more than 90 degrees of horizontal coverage each, and were articulated to provide even coverage from front to back. Array elements were packed and flown in blocks of four rows, preset to the desired vertical coverage angles, and the array rigging hardware was intuitive enough to minimize the learning curve. Each block of four rows was transported in flight cases (included in the cost of the system), and the arrangement greatly eased both set-up and system strike at the end of the performance. In this instance, using PRG personnel who were unfamiliar with the system, each array went from the flown position to packed and ready for the truck in approximately 20 minutes, using a crew of four (including riggers).

Rain and power issues complicated the event somewhat. After the system was flown and ready to be tuned, a day of rain washed out most of the time allocated to system tweaking. The MAD arrays were exposed to the soaking throughout the day prior to the event, but did not exhibit any loss of performance when the array was used the following day.

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