Festival de Jazz 2018, Vitoria (Spain)

July is the time for jazz festivals in the Basque country. 2018, Fohhn, together with Spanish distributor Neotecnica and Fluge Audiovisuales, supplied Focus Venue systems with Beam Steering technology for Heineken Jazzaldia in San Sebastián and Festival de Jazz in Vitoria.

At the 42nd Vitoria Jazz Festival, visitors to the Mendizorroza Arena were able to enjoy a whole range of jazz styles and internationally renowned bands. Whether it was an emotional performance from Carla Bruni, or strong funky numbers from Earth, Wind and Fire, the system consistently proved its great versatility.

Focus Venue produced excellent results with regard to coverage, evenness and acoustic clarity. Moreover, the devices’ cardioid functionality, which can easily be switched thanks to Fohhn Convertible Dispersion technology (CDT), ensured cleaner mixes. The installation team also underlined the ease and speed with which the system could be flown straight, without requiring any angle adjustments. It was for those precise reasons that the technical- and production manager, renowned sound engineer Fernando Díaz, had decided to use Focus Venue systems for both events.

The Focus Venue system used here consisted of two FV-200 low-mid modules and a single FV-100 high frequency module on each side. These systems covered the entire venue with its audience of around 5,000. To extend the low frequency range, four PS-850 subwoofers were used on each side in a cardioid L-R configuration in order to maintain a cardioid system across the entire frequency range. For out fills, two PT-70 point source speakers were used, which also have cardioid functionality. Six XT-10 loudspeakers were used as front fills, while eight XM-4 wedges served as stage monitors.

The entire system can be controlled using Fohhn Audio Soft, a unique software application that enables the beam dispersion to be intuitively adjusted in real time. Furthermore, all subwoofers, out fills, front fills and monitors were driven using digital amplifiers from the new Fohhn DI-Series. This enables the Fohhn Beam Steering technology to also be extended to sub arrays and for these to be controlled and monitored together with the main system.

We thank Neotecnica and Fluge Audiovisuales and congratulate them on this great festival!