DWTC uses Leo for Layali Dubai
Published: MEA
UAE: The live events team at the Dubai World Trade Centre put to use its Meyer Sound Leo cabinets alongside a host of its other equipment for the recent Layali Dubai concerts. The Arabic music event takes place during Eid each year and sees performances from well-known Arabic performers as well as rising stars.
‘This is the fifth year we’ve been hosting the concerts and we are selling out shows,’ said Marwan Al Marri, head of live events at DWTC. ‘Dubai TV started the concerts in 1999 but after a few years decided to stop for a variety of reasons. Five years ago I visited the CEO of Dubai Channels Network and suggested that we did it together. We decided to concentrate on the GCC countries and bring back some of the musical legends from the region alongside some up and coming performers. The concept has worked and people come to see the shows.’
DWTC has an extensive inventory and was able to supply the 3,800 capacity all seated concerts using exclusively its own equipment. The main PA consisted of Meyer Sound equipment with Leo as the main hangs and Mina used for fills. ‘We have used 14 Leo per side to cover the auditorium,’ explained Mr AlMarri. ‘They are very powerful and cover the hall in a very balanced way.’
The monitor setup for the concerts saw a combination of a variety of brands depending on the preferences of the musicians. The vocalist was covered by Meyer Sound MJF-212A wedges while the different sections of the orchestra were supported by JBL and Electro-Voice cabinets. ‘The monitors are also very important for the vocalists and the musicians,’ noted Mr AlMarri. ‘It needs to be very clear for them.’
In terms of the mic package, DWTC opted to use its Shure Axient system. Completing the audio equipment was an Optocore network for multi-track recording, Clear-Com intercom and Furman power conditioning. Away from the sound, Christie 12K projectors were used for the IMAG screens and the lighting rig consisted entirely of Clay Paky fixtures.
‘We have also supplied all of the LED screens and all of the staging,’ said Mohammed Shams director of DWTC’s Event Services division. ‘We have the equipment and capability to change the look of the show for each of the Layali concerts.’
Putting these concerts together has been a real team effort, and Mr Shams is quick to praise the whole technical team. ‘I have a very good bunch of engineers working here for the audio, video and lighting,’ he stated. ‘They are all very talented.’
‘The Event Services team works so well together,’ agreed Mr AlMarri. ‘They are systematic and synchronised. The rigging team work with the A/V team to get everything up and in safely. The project managers do a detailed plan for each event according to the time slots they have and everyone knows their job.’