The clarity and performance of the Meyer Sound products, especially the LEO line arrays, allow for exceptional audio every night.”
Jerry HolcombProduction Manager and FOH Engineer, Winter Jam
Featured Products
1100‑LFC, 700-HP, CQ-1, CQ-2, Galileo 616, Galileo Callisto 616, LEO, MICA, MSL-4, UPA-1PHaving topped Pollstar’s first quarter ticket sales charts for the past three years, the Winter Jam Tour Spectacular is playing 58 shows across the U.S. through March 2014. Blackhawk Audio of White House, Tenn. is providing a Meyer Sound LEO linear large-scale sound reinforcement system for the contemporary Christian music concert tour.
“Winter Jam’s music goes from hip-hop to hard rock, and from pure pop to spoken word,” says Jerry Holcomb, production manager and FOH engineer for Winter Jam. “The clarity and performance of the Meyer Sound products, especially the LEO line arrays, allow for exceptional audio every night.”
Winter Jam presents a demanding production challenge as most shows take place on consecutive nights, and tickets are only available at the door for $10. Ticket sales typically begin at 4:00 PM on the show day to accommodate the large crowds.
“The time frame is extremely tight, so the sound system has to go up and come down quickly,” says Jamie Nixon of Blackhawk Audio. “It also has to clearly deliver powerful sound to the back rows of the largest NBA-level arenas. LEO delivers on both counts.”
The tour’s LEO system is anchored by main hangs of 12-each LEO-M line array loudspeakers, bolstered by 12 1100‑LFC low-frequency control elements and six 700-HP subwoofers. The end-stage configuration also includes 24 MICA line array loudspeakers for out fill, as well as dual clusters of MSL-4, CQ-1, CQ-2, and UPA-1P loudspeakers to cover seats to the side of the stage. A Galileo Callisto loudspeaker management system comprised of two Galileo Callisto 616 array processors and two Galileo 616 processors handles system drive and optimization.
The LEO system provides both sonic and logistical advantages. “With the power of the LEO-M and the 1100-LFC in particular, we get better coverage in the bigger arenas using fewer boxes,” says Nixon. “With the rising production costs, we’re delighted that the system helps save truck space.”
Avid VENUE Profile consoles are used for FOH and monitors, while the performers use Shure PSM 1000 IEMs and Shure ULX-D wireless microphone systems.
Winter Jam Tour Spectacular is presented by NewSong, with Holt International as the principal national sponsor. The lineup in the 2013-14 tour includes Newsboys, Tenth Avenue North, Plumb, NewSong, and others, along with an inspirational message from speaker Nick Hall.