The multiplatinum-selling pop-rock band Hedley is in the midst of their cross-continent “Wild Live” tour of Canada supported by a Meyer Sound LEOâ„¢ linear large-scale sound reinforcement system. Supplied by Richmond, BC-based KiAN Concert Sound Services, the flexible LEO system adapts to venues of all shapes and sizes, from theatres up to arenas in Montreal and Toronto.
“LEO has been dynamite for every show,” says Russ Giroux, FOH engineer and tour manager for Hedley. “I can get a clean, tight pop mix out of LEO in difficult arenas. Even when the roof level is different from one side to the other, or with very steep 200 levels, I still get solid, uniform coverage. It’s a super-versatile system that helps a lot in unconventional rooms.”
The typical configuration for the smaller venues is 12 LEO-M line array loudspeakers per side, which is increased to 15 per side for larger arenas. Available as needed are 24 MILO, 12 M’elodie, and two MICA line array loudspeakers for outfill, front-fill, and downfill applications, respectively. Twelve 1100-LFC low-frequency control elements and 12 700-HP subwoofers supply low-end reinforcement, while a GalileoA® Callistoâ„¢ loudspeaker management system comprising one Galileo 616 AES and four Galileo Callisto 616 array processors supplies drive and alignment. Six MJF-212A stage monitors are used for stage foldback.
“I’ve been really impressed with the 1100-LFCs,” says Giroux. “They are super efficient, and with Galileo and the CompassA® software, we’re able to steer them to avoid a power alley down the middle. Also, their power is incredible.”
Giroux appreciates the flat, linear response and pattern control of the LEO-M arrays as well. “We have a satellite B stage way in front of the arrays,” he notes. “We are able to tune the PA so the lead singer can work out in front of the speakers for 80 percent of the show, but we never worry about feedback.”
KiAN has supplied two 96-input Avid VENUE Profile consoles for FOH and monitors, while the band uses Sennheiser 2000 Series wireless microphones along with Sennheiser G3 IEM and instrument systems.
“I admit that I decided to take out this rig having never heard LEO before, so I was taking a chance,” says Giroux. “But I ‘ve worked with KiAN for years, and I was told great things about LEO by people I respect. They were right.”
One of Canada’s most popular touring acts, Juno Award-winning Hedley has released four consecutive multi-platinum albums. Its 36-city “Wild Live” tour kicked off in Prince George, BC, turned around in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and finishes in Abbotsford, BC.
