Intense dance battle F-1 GRAND PRIX

On September 7, 2019, we went to help out for the dance competition F-1 GRAND PRIX held at the castle remains site called Sakura Castle Ruins Park in Chiba!

This time, we provided;

・Main Speakers: 2x QSC CP12
・Subwoofer: QSC KS212C
・Monitor Speakers: 2x QSC K10.2
・Main Mixer: Soundcraft Ui16
・Wireless Microphone: CLASSIC PRO CWS801M

The stage was set up in a vast open field that was roughly 12m x 5m and about 1m high.
This time, we set the stage up with a subwoofer on the left side.

It looks like this. It was dangerously hot that day. In only a few minutes, I started sweating like a waterfall.

This is the view from the PA seat. Since the audience area had seats, we set the main speakers a little lower to bring them closer to the height of the audience's ears.

We connected the Ui16 digital mixer to a laptop by wire and to an iPad through Wi-Fi.
"It feels safe to connect by wire," said Mr. K from our technical support team. For the power supply, we got two sets of "inverter generator → stabilized power supply CLASSIC PRO PDM/R", and used them for the right and left sides of the stage.

The thing we were concerned about the most when setting up the DJ equipment was to set it up so not to expose all of it to direct sunlight. Moreover, the position of the sun changes from morning when it was set up for daytime/evening when the competition was happening, so we added a sunshade during the competition. Vinyl sheets can be used in various ways.

Here's Mr. K walking around the venue adjusting the sound field. He's a reliable man. Lol.

This time, we connected a wireless microphone for MCing, two CDJs for dance, and a DJ mixer for DJ battle like this.

Ch.1 & 2: CDJ 1
Ch.3 & 4: CDJ 2
Ch.5 & 6: DJ mixer
Ch.7 & 8: Smartphone for BGM
Ch.9: Wireless microphone for MCing

It was so sunny that it felt like midsummer. The distance was about 30m from this position where I took this picture, but full-range treble, midrange and subwoofer bass were all loud enough. I was able to naturally hear the thick sound even to the rear right, which was the furthest corner.

This video shows the effect of the unidirectional subwoofer KS212C taken with an iPhone. It may be easier to hear the difference with headphones, but if you compare the backside of the subwoofer and the audience side, there is a considerable difference in bass volume. Actually, there was a more obvious difference, and it didn't feel that there was too much bass on the stage, and it allowed the performers to monitor the details with the clear sound of the K10.2.

Nobu, who was in charge of the music for the DJ battle, gave us feedback on the QSC KS212C subwoofer.

"Enough sound volume and clear sound with this size. In addition, this subwoofer produces an amazing sound without having a poor bass range. It's good enough for this stage size and event. Dancers dance on the bass beats, so I think it's easier for them to dance if the bass range is loud and clear. I run a studio myself and have four PA speakers, but this sound made me want a subwoofer."

The contrast between the blue sky and the green grass was so beautiful♪

There were a lot of trendy food trucks!! A Sambar Classic, which is the same as my beloved car, was also there and I was so excited!

This chicken curry was delicious♪
It was refreshingly spicy and hot. I loved it and ate it up in a second.

We set the K10.2 monitor speakers in the DANCE mode without low cut.

The CP12 main speakers were set in the DANCE EXT SUB mode. We could create a sound that naturally matched the subwoofer just by turning the knob without complicated settings.

Here's a snippet from the event!!

What I learned from my first outdoor event is:

・Do not leave equipment in the sun

→ It becomes extremely hot in a few minutes.

・It is better to have many power strips and extension cables

→ Extension cables should be long enough for the generator-speaker distance plus extra routing around the stage and ground-speaker stand height, not for the direct distance.

・The generator is quite loud

→ The volume is so loud that you cannot hear the speaker sound near the PA seat.

・Gum tape can melt from the heat

→ On the day of the event, we tried to tape down the floor sheet for dance on the stage with gum tape, but it was a disaster when we tried to fix it with bare hands.

・Sunscreen is a must

→ I got a wonderful farmer's tan. Lol.

・Spare clothes and water

→ I sweated like crazy. Also, since there wasn't a convenience store nearby, it was hard to walk to the closest store. I learned that we should check the location around the venue beforehand.

・Insect repellent is also a must

→ When the sun goes down and the lights are on, of course, many insects will gather around and start attacking you. I was bitten by a lot of mosquitoes, but I had to endure it...

The competition consisted of qualifying rounds, semi-finals, and final, and the battle style is how much you can appeal to the judges within the time limit. I didn't know much about the dance technique since I have no experience in dancing, but I simply felt "everyone seemed to have fun♫". I felt the depth of "dance" in a wide range of age groups from children in younger grades in elementary school to around my parents' age. When the dancers nailed it, the audience cheered, and after the performance, there was warm support and applause from the families and the audience. The mood felt so comforting.

Every time I help the event, I feel happy that I have this job when I see the performers and the audience listening to the sounds coming out of our equipment and enjoy the time and space. It was my first time helping at an outdoor event, so I had a lot to learn.

Next time, we’re going to provide equipment for Good To Be Home, vol.3 at Naritasan Omotesando Street on September 29. It will be another wonderful event for sure. If you have time, please come see it. We are waiting for you♪
Good To Be Home, vol.3 at Naritasan Omotesando Street

This outdoor festival where you can enjoy music, food, and art culture of Narita will be held at Naritasan Omotesando Street!
Here's the information.