Taking place throughout July in Cascais, near Lisbon, Ageas Cooljazz 2025 presents a line-up of internationally renowned names from the worlds of jazz, soul, pop and world music.
Now in its 21st edition, the festival is held in the Hipódromo Manuel Possolo and the surrounding green spaces, with local rental company Audiomatrix handling an audio system based on Outline technologies.
The main PA comprises two hangs, each combining Outline GTO and GTO C-12 line-source modules designed to ensure consistent throw and frequency response throughout the venue’s main audience area. Additional coverage is provided by two hangs of Mantas 28 for out fill, while front fill is also handled by compact Mantas 28 boxes. For low-frequency support, Outline DBS 18-2 subwoofers are set across the front of the stage, providing extended and even bass coverage.
All processing and system control is managed by the Outline Newton, the company’s FPGA-based processing platform. Its unique WFIR filtering offers up to ten times greater resolution in the mid-low frequencies than traditional FIR filters, making it a powerful tool for managing complex live sound environments. Amplification is handled by Outline GTA Series units, completing a fully integrated signal chain from input to loudspeaker.
The sound team is composed of FOH system engineer Raul Poppi, monitor engineer and RF coordinator Francisca Duarte, monitor engineer André Marques, and FOH system engineer Prêntice Silveira. Together, they bring extensive experience in live sound reinforcement, touring and festival production. The FOH team of Silveira and Poppi brought together their expertise in system design and orchestral sound reinforcement to this year’s festival.
Commenting on the deployment, they note: ‘We are using the Outline GTO system in an orchestra-oriented assembly, and the results have been impressive. In the main PA, we have six GTO per side, six GTO C-12s at the bottom and a total of 20 DBS 18-2 subwoofers. The definition, coherence and coverage that the system provides are remarkable, especially in the reproduction of acoustic tones and in the preservation of the natural dynamics of the orchestra. Completing the system, we used eight Mantas 28 per side in the out fill and 8 Mantas 28 in the front fill, ensuring uniform and accurate coverage in all areas of the audience. The system responds in a musical and transparent way, with tonal balance throughout the venue.’
The 2025 edition of Ageas Cooljazz confirms AudioMatrix’s role as an important technical provider in the Portuguese live production landscape. With Outline’s GTO Series and Newton platform at the core of the Ageas Cooljazz system, the result is a reliable, well-balanced sound reinforcement solution for one of the country’s most respected open-air festivals.