Chicago, Ill.⎯ EDGE ShowTek of Northbrook, Illinois was recently tapped for audio support of the Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup Celebration Rally. An estimated 2 million fans lined Michigan Avenue to join the Blackhawks in celebrating their hard-earned win.

Due to a limited, four-hour set up time along with weight restrictions on hang points, EDGE determined a 48-box NEXO GEO S line array would meet the challenge. “NEXO GEO S was the perfect solution because we were able to get enough PA out there to allow the crowd to hear well and get the job done in the ‘not enough’ time we were allotted,� states Rich Mullen, Principal, EDGE ShowTek. Eight NEXO PS15s, eight PS10s, six CD18s, and a Yamaha LS9-16 were also part of the audio production system.

“The Yamaha LS9 was chosen because of its quick set-up time and ease of use,� Mullen says. “We used a hand-full of inputs for video rolls, a couple of wireless HH’s, a lectern, and used a greater number of the console’s outputs for the main PA, 2x delay lines, front-fill, out-fill, rear-fill, subs, and audio required by the media (most of which was handled off a 48x press mult station).�

“Because of the limited setup time and the nature of the city block lay-out, we had to use wireless transmission to send signal to the many fills and delays throughout the area. We had to utilize some pretty extensive and complex RF methods to ensure the stability of these sends,� says Mullen. “The amount of media covering the event made the area a virtual minefield of RF. We have a fantastic staff and have developed a host of specialized techniques for this kind of situation. Our history of success in these environments is the reason we typically get the calls for this type of event.�

One of the stories that came back from the Blackhawks Rally audio crew was that the confetti cannons kept going off and the A1 had a hard time clearing off the Yamaha LS9 console to hit cues. “It was a little humorous,� Mullen adds.

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About Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc.:
Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. (YCAS) provides a full line of integrated professional audio products offering complete systems solutions for the broadcast, sound reinforcement/installed sound, touring, commercial recording, and post production markets. With the addition of NEXO to the product line, the company remains the official U.S. and Canadian distributor for all NEXO speaker models. YCAS offers comprehensive in-house and field product training for its customers, a dedicated dealer network, and 24/7 technical support.