L-Acoustics’ newest Chinese rental partner equips Weibo Night

The country’s latest L-Acoustics rental network partner, Shanghai-based Pro Group, has provided a K Series system for the Weibo Night awards show, which since 2004 has celebrated Asian entertainment stars in a live event broadcast to millions. This year’s six-hour event was livestreamed on social networking platform Weibo and broadcast on Dragon Television from the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai.

In 2020, Pro Group became a rental network partner in 2020, purchasing its system through L-Acoustics distributor, Rightway Audio Consutants (Racpro), whose team supported Pro Group for Weibo Night. Racpro and Pro Group used L-Acoustics Soundvision 3D modelling software to design the system. “We’ve been to this venue many times before, so we had it laid out already in Soundvision,” explained Nan Hu, marketing director at Racpro. The circular stage was topped with a giant metal Sina Weibo eye logo above the main floor of the arena. “When the stage design was sent to us, we were able to add it to our venue file and easily plan an audio system design that made sense for this intricate production,” Hu continued.

The system consisted of 14 L-Acoustics K2 cabinets topped by eight SB28 subs per side. Four Kara II speakers and two X8 coaxials were used as front fills, with 20 additional Kara IIs used as side fills. Syva and Syva Low were placed behind the award presentation backdrop, providing presenters with stage cues. “With its wide coverage, visual discretion and plug-and-play installation, Syva helped us to address both side stage audience and backstage needs for Weibo Night,” explained Hu.

Due to the nature of the event, most of the second- and the third-tier stands were empty, posing potential reflection issues which were addressed with L-Acoustics Panflex horizontal steering technology. The top Kara II front fill boxes were flown at a 90° angle, keeping sound away from the walls and empty spaces, while the bottom cabinets used the wide, 110° angle to cover the audience area.

“A superior L-Acoustics sound system like the one used for this show, guarantees that the production and presentation of the award ceremony goes well,” commented Shao Yong, the event’s lead engineer. “The L-Acoustics system did a fine job of supporting an event graced by some of China’s most popular media stars.”