SLS invests in ‘region’s largest line-array’

Dubai-based production equipment rental company SLS Productions has taken delivery of what it claims is the largest line-array system in the Middle East.

SLS took delivery of the US$600,000 JBL VerTec 4889 system toward the end of last month. The system represents a significant addition to its audio inventory.

The system is set to be put through its paces supporting the UAE National Day celebrations in Dubai this month. However, its first real test in a large-scale concert environment will come with SLS' involvement in the production of the Santana concert on February 15 in Dubai.

"We were considering investing in the 4889 cabinets, which are the largest in the VerTec range," said Martin Luiz, MD of SLS. "When we were offered the job of providing the equipment for a huge event in Ethiopia, the decision was made for us."

The concert, which is still to be confirmed, is expected to be staged in Addis Ababa's main stadium, which has a capacity of 300,000. Luiz said SLS will consider flying the new system to other regional locations if the right opportunity presented itself.

"This new system is capable of providing sound reinforcement for an audience of 150,000," he claimed.

In its full-scale configuration, SLS claim the system is the largest of its kind in the Middle East.

"The number of cabinets we have purchased means we can split the system for separate events of significant size. Our biggest projects to date have involved audiences up to 40,000. In such cases, the new system will allow us to operate with significantly more headroom, which in turn will put far less pressure on the system overall," explained Luiz.

SLS also boasts substantial stocks of VT 4888 and VT 4887 cabinets.

"Our technical crew are now very well-trained with the VerTec range," said SLS production manager, John Britto.

"One of the main benefits of this is that we won't have to conduct extensive training with this latest acquisition."

The new line-array has also necessitated the purchase of new amplifiers, racking and cables in addition to the $600,000 spent on the 24 cabinets.

The company now has 120 VT 4887, 4888 and 4889 individual cabinets.

Luiz said the company was currently scouting for larger warehouse premises, adding he was hopeful of securing a location early in the New Year.

"We recently purchased a 24 x 18m stage so with that and the new line-array we are really pushed for space," he explained.