A regular feature of Japanese life that is slowly making its way to other territories, annual matsuri involve parades of floats and costumes, as well as a wide variety of cultural events. A new addition to the Kobe masturi were Apex Intelli-X2 processors.

The occasion allowed Kobe International Stage Service (KISS) the chance to use its new Apex Intelli-X2 processors to support a carnival of costumed dancers, musicians and more than 1,000 grandmothers in formal kimono. KISS installed four PA towers along the route, each featuring six flown Martin Audio MLA Compact cabinets, covering both the parade and spectators, and an Intelli-X2 for system management.

‘The Intelli-X2 is very easy to use. I like the character of the sound and signal routing is very flexible,’ says sound engineer Mr Yamaguchi, who was in charge of the audio production for KISS. ‘I also like having the choice of control from a computer or directly from the front panel. The PA towers were a long distance from the mix position, so being able to control the loudspeakers directly from each tower was very useful.