ESPN’s Annual ESPY Awards saw ATK Audiotek in action once again at the Microsoft Theater (formerly the Nokia Theater LA Live), in Los Angeles with its EAW Adaptive sound reinforcement system.

The California-based event specialist has provided sound reinforcement systems and support for the premier athletic awards since they debuted in 1993, but this marked the first time use of the Anna system. ‘Because on-the-air coverage requires more theatre visibility than is typical, we were interested in using a more compact array like Anna,’ says ATK VP of Special Events, Mikael Stewart. ‘The system had to be discreet, in addition to providing high quality sound and excellent coverage.’

The Anna arrays, which hang straight, could be trimmed at 32 feet to keep the stage open for television broadcast purposes, while still covering every seat at the sold-out event. EAW Technical Training Manager Bernie Broderick designed the system using EAW Resolution software – two arrays, each comprising two columns of six Anna modules, were hung to the left and right of the stage to cover the majority of the seating area. A centre array, consisting of a single column of six Anna modules completed the system. The result was nearly 150° of coverage with fewer arrays than previous systems ATK Audiotek has deployed at the Microsoft Theater. 

‘Not only is the room wide, but the stage is also wide – close to 100 feet,’ Stewart says. ‘It’s not a bad room by any means, but it does have its acoustical challenges – any space with that much volume will. I thought Anna performed very well.’

Stewart noted that he likes to try out new systems in known venues with events that ATK has worked before. In addition to their longstanding relationship with the ESPY Awards, ATK has also worked in the Microsoft Theater hundreds of times, making it an ideal location for its first time out with Anna.

‘It takes two variables – the event and the venue – out of the equation, and lets me concentrate on the system,’ says Stewart. ‘The ESPY Awards were a great opportunity to try Anna out. It worked incredibly well for what I needed it to do vocally, plus was good for music. It’s a very warm sounding PA and I got plenty of dialogue level. Everyone was pleased with the result.’