Be Play One is the soundscape from the UK Pavilion Milan Expo 2015, which sought to highlight the importance of the UK
UK - In February, KV2 Audio were involved in a unique, immersive and intriguing live event at Nottingham Arts Theatre.

It is not often that any venue can boast 40,000+ performers in a live multi-sensory experience - let alone the welcoming and intimate Nottingham Arts Theatre - but the two sold-out Be Play One shows saw just that.

One is the soundscape from the UK Pavilion Milan Expo 2015, which sought to highlight the importance of the UK's honey bee in our food chain and plight as a species.

At the production, 12 musicians were augmented by live-streamed signals from Brackenhurst, Nottinghamshire - where the sound of a 40,000+ strong honey bee hive was instrumental to the sonic experience delivered to the audience via a fully immersive 15:2 surround sound system made up of KV2 Audio products.

Following listening tests undertaken at Hoare Lea's London offices, sound design consultant Mike Bedford decided that KV2 Audio's EX 10 and EX 12 full range loudspeakers would offer the clarity and detail required for such a task but also the energy required to deliver the atmosphere of the live performance.

The EX loudspeakers were further enhanced by a pair of the newly released active VHD 4.21 2x21" subwoofers.

The VHD 4.21s were vital in delivering the sub bass created by both track and Indian drone box played by award winning artist and creative mind behind the project - Wolfgang Buttress.

The 12-strong multi-instrumentalist ensemble featured a variety of instruments including vocals by Wolfgang's daughter Camille and a three-strong choir.

The eclectic mix of amplified and acoustic instruments needed a system that could critically deliver every nuance of each instrument - another key reason for KV2's involvement in the project.

The band and the bees' audio was distributed around the auditorium by TiMax's Soundhub2 and operated by Out Board director Robin Whitaker. Robin undertook the role of technical producer/programmer for the project, having also been vital in the original Milan Expo 2015 installation.

In addition to the main 15:2 system, KV2 Audio's recently released ultra-compact ESD 5s - passive 2-way low profile 5" loudspeakers - were used throughout the main entrance playing a series of outdoor soundscapes to further heighten audience anticipation.

Robin Whitaker commented, "The EX 10's and EX 12's delivered exactly what was required. They sound open and natural, reproducing the content without losing any definition or clarity."

Wolfgang added, "The musicians, the audience and I were all amazed, thrilled and transported with the quality and immersive nature of the sound."

(Jim Evans)


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