Possibly the biggest tribute act on the planet, the Australian Pink Floyd Show has
sold over four million tickets and performed in 35 countries.

Recreating the authentic sound and atmosphere of the original band is one thing,
BUT the ability to transmit that sound to an audience of Floyd devotees is a
challenge that Capital Sound has been equal to on many occasions.

For the recent UK and European theatre tour Capital were again on duty, with the
experienced FOH team of sound engineer Trevor Gilligan and system tech Mark
Edwards at the helm. And from the moment the band launched into Astronomy
Domine followed by Shine On You Crazy Diamond, the crowd at Guildford’s modern
G Live were in raptures.

Over the past year Capital Sound has been using Powersoft’s new X Series
amplifiers to drive its passive systems, notably the new Outline GTO purchased at
the same time. A newly configured returns rack, cleverly optimized by Capital
Sound project manager, Robin Conway, ensures that Powersoft’s new Dante-
supporting platform is finding increasing popularity with sound crews.

This tour has been no exception, although on this occasion they specified Martin
Audio’s W8LC Compact Line Array, creating a library of pre-sets for Powersoft’s
proprietary Armonia software.

Trevor Gilligan was happy to adopt the brand, knowing he would have ample power
under the hood and an efficient means of driving and controlling the system.

For Robin Conway, the purchase of the new X8 inventory was a no brainer after
their long experience of Powersoft in the active Martin Audio systems they run in
rental stock, including their flagship MLA. “When we made the purchasing decision
we knew we were investing in a significant platform — it was totally logical and we
had no worries about the reliability of Powersoft… It has amazing broadcast
quality.’

He added that having recently converted to a Dante returns core, the X8’s on-board
Dante facility provided a compelling reason for purchasing. “It made complete
sense and simplifies the signal chain, with seamless integration. It is exactly what
we are looking to achieve in standardising our rental infrastructure.’

Capital Sound run four touring racks, each consisting of three X8 — thus giving
them 24 amp channels per rack. “This gives us just 12U of real estate, drawing very
little power and easily fitting within a 63A, 3-phase touring power supply system;
this makes it a hugely efficient option.

“On this tour the boxes have sounded incredible; having a powerful, DSP-driven
amp with power, headroom, functionality and the ability to drive different boxes is
perfect for our needs. Also, Armonia gives us massive control and flexibility — it
means the signal chain is no longer convoluted because we can bring everything
into a single piece of software.’

In conclusion, he says, “We are finding new features of X8 every day and going
forward we expect more of our engineers to move from their present set-up onto
Armonia.’