Held outside MetLife Stadium in Rutherford, New Jersey, the fourth Electric Daisy Carnival NY festival drew an estimated 100,000 fans over two days, to its ultra-high energy mix of trance, dubstep, house, hip-hop and new combinations of each. Martin Audio MLA systems were used by 3G Productions on the Main Stage (Kinetic Field) and Stage Two (Circuit Grounds) to provide consistent coverage to a sea of energetic fans.

The extensive lineup of artists ranged from mainstream to underground dance and beyond, including performances from Carl Cox & Friends, Krewella, Martin Garrix, Martin Solveig, Hardwell, AfroJack, Andrew Rayel, Brodinski, Calvin Harris, Duke Dumont, DJ Snake, Kaskade and Dixon.

In order to deliver maximum power, high end extension and low end impact on site, each MLA system consisted of 12 MLA and two MLD enclosures per side for the main hang; 16 MLA Compact per side for out fill; 32 MLX subwoofers across the front of the stage in a virtual sub arc and two delays of four MLA and three MLX each.

‘3G chose MLA because we’ve been having great success in both quality and control of sound,’ says Event Supervisor and system designer, Julio Valdez. ‘With MLA we are able to minimise sound spill between stages and ensure even coverage to every member of the audience which means the audience gets the experience it deserves. Equally, MLA can also provide exceptional control for sound beyond the audience perimeter, and given the proximity to neighbourhoods in this instance, it was an important factor too. Ultimately, our client, Insomniac, wants the best of worlds: the best audio for the audience with minimal impact on surrounding areas.’

According to Valdez, ‘FOH engineers and artists were impressed by MLA’s sonic impact and sound quality, while the client was very happy with the tonal quality and coverage of the PA, plus the fact that we effectively protected noise overspill into surrounding areas. Stage One metered at 103dB on site but the local neighbourhood was seeing less than 65dB and they even received a call from the Mayor who was excited about the show and the fact that they cooperated with the town in keeping within the noise ordinances.’

With a crew that included eight FOH, system and monitor techs, 3G handled three of four stages with typical professionalism and composure despite the mania surrounding both stages for the event.

‘I’m really excited about what we achieved,’ Valdez reflects. ‘The audience had a crazy, wild time, artists and FOH engineers really enjoyed their sets and we were able to contain sound within the audience perimeters. This is what MLA delivers for us and our clients.’

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