A new PreSonus StudioLive 24.4.2AI audio console has taken the central role in the Cardiff Millennium Stadium’s audio system, which is supplied and maintained by Llanelli-based PAI Group and operated by AB Acoustics.
Since it opened in 1999, the stadium has hosted myriad high-profile sporting and music events, and is most closely associated with rugby: it is home to the Welsh rugby union team and recently saw two of the Six Nations 2015 matches played out on its turf.
For several years a PreSonus digital audio console has been at the heart of the announcements, commentary and entertainment that happen at the stadium. The new StudioLive 24.4.2AI console steps into the shoes of its 16-channel predecessor, the StudioLive 16.4.2, which is now employed as a submixer at the stadium. With its additional channels, fully parametric EQ and increased processing power, the StudioLive 24.4.2AI has proved a boon in the pressurised environment of international sporting events, but retains a familiar feel, according to AB Acoustics’ Rob Ashton.
“The StudioLive mixers have a really great analogue feel – that’s something I particularly like,” he said. “Obviously they’re very powerful digital mixers, but there’s less hidden away in menus than with other desks. So they’re quick and easy to use, and just feel more ‘hands on’ than those that involve a lot of navigating through screens to make adjustments.
“One of the other valuable things about the new StudioLive 24.4.2AI is the power that it manages to pack into such a compact unit. It’s not too large and cumbersome – in fact, for the size and the affordability I can’t think of anything to rival it.”
Paul Adams, group managing director, PAI Group, commented: We have a contract to manage, maintain and upgrade the system for the next decade, so it’s a close, ongoing relationship with have with the venue. We also have to certify the system each year, so it’s important that we’re working with equipment that we trust implicitly.”
“We contract AB Acoustics to run the system and they were very keen to continue using PreSonus at the stadium. PAI is an integrator – we’re not an events company – and we were obviously happy to be led by the wishes of those who would be using the system day in, day out, as it were.
“We’ve supplied PreSonus desks and other equipment into various clients and the company makes great products. The StudioLive is very intuitive in use and fits the bill perfectly – it’s a lovely product – so we had real confidence in its specification for the Millennium Stadium.”
