Tadco supplies Ridge Dome with Coda
Published: MEA
SOUTH AFRICA: Tadco has supplied a Coda Audio LA8 system to cover the Ridge Dome at the Ridge Casino and Hotel in Witbank. The newly built structure is designed to host any type of live event from corporate functions to live entertainment.
Located in Witbank, Mpumalanga, The Ridge Casino, Hotels & Entertainment is the only destination in Emalahleni and the surrounds that offers a casino, a host of dining options, an event, banqueting and conferencing venue, children’s entertainment and accommodation options with an adjacent mall.
‘We were contacted by Steve Moss from MMPA who was the audio consultant for Tsogo Sun for the project and asked to quote on system that would be capable of handling small bands, corporate functions and comedy acts,’ recalled Tadco’s Josh Oates.
After winning the selection process, the system supplied by the distributor consists of 12 Coda LA8 cabinets with four LA8 subs. Tadco also supplied the power, in the shape of Camco V6 amplifiers, while control is from a Midas Pro 1 which was supplied by Prosound. Lighting and trussing for the venue was supplied by DWR Distribution, while Gearhouse’s In2Structures built the dome.
‘The Coda LA8 is a stunning small box,’ stated Kyle Robson, head of operational support at Tadco. ‘On first sight that box is very easy on the eye, it’s unbelievable to think that so much volume is coming from such a small stack.
‘The LA8 has great smooth coverage, 120-degrees at the bottom of the hang for the first bit of venue and 60-degrees on top of the hang for the far throw of the venue,’ continued Mr Robson. ‘The phasing between stacks as you walk the venue is non-existent. The PA needed to be driven properly and that is why we brought in Camco V6’s.’
The main issue for the project came from the structure itself. ‘The obvious challenge is the horrible acoustics in the dome which unfortunately makes your options very limited,’ explained Mr Robson. ‘The plotting software was a huge help for this. We kept the PA as low as we could and got the coverage we needed. The combination of different angle flares has helped a lot in controlling unnecessary reflections. We had an acoustician who walked the room with all his tools and commented it sounds a lot better than he thought it would. Once there were chairs and an audience the room was sounding fantastic.’
This is something that Mr Oates agrees with. ‘The system sounds great and it outperforms what was required by the spec,’ he added. ‘The intention was for the system to be used for 90 per cent of gigs that will be held at the Ridge Dome and when a larger system is required for larger gigs the system would be taken down and replaced by a hired in system. With the system we have supplied, that is unnecessary. All that possibly could be required is additional sub units.’
Mr Robson is equally happy with the end result with only some minor alterations that he would make with hindsight. ‘The only thing I would change is the length of cable requested. I feel it is slightly too long. And I’d add more subs.’
Importantly, the end customer is also reportedly very happy with the end result. ‘The final client was dancing around the room to Dire Straits, so it’s safe to say they are extremely happy,’ concluded Mr Robson.