Aiming to take on increasingly important projects across diverse market sectors in South Africa, MGG Productions has successfully used its new L-Acoustics K2 sound system at the Toyota Innibos Lowveld National Arts Festival.
Among South Africa’s most respected technical suppliers, MGG acquired K2 system through L-Acoustics Certified Provider Distributor, DWR Distribution, who delivered in time for the festival deployment.
‘Expanding the L-Acoustics inventory is an important investment in our future capabilities,’ explains Gunther Muller, MGG Project Manager. ‘The K2 system enhances our ability to serve clients across diverse market sectors whilst maintaining the technical excellence that has defined MGG for 25 years.’
Since its launch in 2004, the three-day Toyota Innibos festival has become one of South Africa’s most significant cultural celebrations. This year’s event welcomed 78,800 attendees to enjoy eight theatre productions, ten music and lifestyle shows, and performances by more than 35 of South Africa’s top artists.
This year’s festival, took place at Hoërskool Bergvlam – which presented a unique set of acoustic challenges. ‘Despite being situated on a sports field, the stage angle combined with off-axis grandstand, multiple VIP areas and surrounding tents, demanded a sophisticated approach to sound distribution, with complex coverage requirements across the entire audience area,’ explains MGG Head of Audio, Dean Parker.
The system design phase used L-Acoustics Soundvision software for venue modelling and coverage optimisation. Parker’s team imported the venue layout and stage configuration, then used the software’s prediction capabilities to address the complex acoustic challenges. The software proved particularly valuable for assigning amplifiers, loading FIR filters, and making real-time adjustments during setting up.
MGG’s deployment featured LR hangs of 12 K2 enclosures with three Kara II down-fill speakers per side. Behind the main arrays, ten SB18 subwoofers were flown in two side-by-side hangs of five units each. Out fill was provided by nine V-Dosc enclosures per side with three dV-Dosc down-fill, supplied by Gearhouse South Africa – a testament to the remarkable longevity and sustainable quality of this pioneering technology more than 30 years after its introduction.
The low-frequency foundation consisted of a delay arc of 24 KS28 subwoofers in 12 stacks of two units. Three delay towers of Kara II – configured with six, six, and nine enclosures respectively – ensured consistent coverage throughout the expansive audience area.
The system featured advanced networking capabilities through LS10 switches and P1 processors, providing full Milan-AVB redundancy and significantly streamlining set-up procedures. This network-based approach required only power and network connections for each amplifier location, eliminating the need for traditional AES/EBU or analogue cable infrastructure, making the installation more cost-effective, quicker, and more streamlined than conventional approaches.
The integration of SFP modules in the LS10 switches enabled fibre-optic connections to LA-akK amplified controllers positioned on either side of the stage, creating a robust, redundant infrastructure.
‘The K2 system delivers exceptional performance throughout the entire production process,’ Parker notes. ‘From rigging through to live mixing, the system consistently supports our objectives. The integrated networking with LS10 switches and P1 processors significantly reduces set-up time and complexity.’
Load-in presented unexpected challenges when larger transport vehicles were prohibited from accessing the grassed area in front of the stage. However, L-Acoustics’ intelligent transport casing and stacking system proved its worth, enabling efficient deployment despite the logistical constraints. The entire PA system was operational within a single day, with only minor delays related to tower positioning rather than the core system installation.
The technical crew – experienced L-Acoustics users – found the system’s operation seamless throughout the event. Front-of-house engineer Murray Lubbe is also involved in the festival organisation, and praised the L-Acoustics system performance. The Milan-AVB networking capabilities proved particularly valuable, with the fibre-optic infrastructure providing stable, high-quality audio distribution across the extensive venue layout.
The deployment also benefited from support by DWR Distribution, L-Acoustics South African distributor, who provided on-site expertise through Solutions Architect Kyle Freemantle. This collaboration ensured optimal system configuration and provided valuable knowledge transfer to the MGG team.
‘Our experience with L-Acoustics systems at this festival has consistently exceeded expectations,’ Parker says. ‘The decision to deploy our new K2 investment for Innibos was straightforward given the system’s proven track record at this venue.’
‘The K2 system was a real pleasure to work with,’ Muller adds. ‘This successful debut marks an important step in MGG’s evolution as we continue to invest in cutting-edge technology to serve our clients’ growing needs.’