Established by Karel Marynissen in 2004, Ghent-based touring company Klaar Voor Opname offers a ‘one-man touring solution’ capable of high-end results from a tiny footprint – physically, environmentally and economically.

When the time came to replace his long-serving DiGiCo SD8-24 console, Marynissen knew that Quantum 225 was the way forward. Belgian audio systems provider Amptec ensured that the entire system was up to high specification of his mixing console.

Marynissen specialises in jazz and classical music, with his attention focused on delivering a high-quality listening experience for the audience. Using top quality equipment means that he is able to deliver astounding results from a tiny touring package that reduces pressure on transport, as well as the physical footprint of the system.

He was very clear on what was required for his new system – every element needed to be able to cope with the demands of large acoustic orchestrations. It also needed to have the flexibility to cope with a varied client list, delivering all of this with minimal cable runs, ensuring a lightning speed set up and take down, packing everything away into a single van for easy transportation.

This wish-list required detailed analysis to ensure the chosen solution matched the client’s formidable attention to detail. Making the list a reality was Amptec’s David Liebens.

‘We knew that Karel’s logical step from the SD8-24 would be the Quantum 225, the small footprint and additional features deliver the highest quality results while remaining recognisable to his trusted SD8 set-up,’ Liebens explains. A further benefit of the upgrade was access to the DiGiCo Quantum Spice Rack and nodal processing.

Marynissen mixes FOH and monitors from his console, as well as managing the performers’ IEMs. The Nodal Processing makes this much more streamlined and allows him that flexibility. The Spice Rack reduces his reliance on additional outboard effects units, another important part of his wish list.

‘We had to figure out how to reduce the amount and size of the set up so that one man could load in and out from a small van,’ Liebens says. ‘The real challenge was cabling – how could we reduce the multiple signal lines into a manageable package?’

The answer came in the form of the Festival Box from Optocore, which meant that the FOH cabling would require just a single fibre cable running between two purpose-built flightcases. The ruggedised Fibreco 4ch expanded beam connection enables six Madi lines (3in/3out) and three 1G network lines to be patchable via the custom panels from Amptec Connx, enabling the system to be fully adaptable to any performance.

‘Amptec Connex designed two cases – one for the SD rack and one FOH,’ Marynissen says. ‘Both have been built so that the Festival Box connections are patchable and perfectly integrated with the rest of the system.

‘The new set-up brings significant time savings during setup and teardown, and I have the flexibility to adjust the setup according to the needs of the day, thanks to the patching capabilities,’ he reflects. ‘Having a computer and screen integrated into the console flightcase means I no longer need to build and dismantle it separately. Amptec have done a fabulous job integrating everything I need into custom flightcases with custom patchbays. I love it.’