L-Acoustics K Series Delivers Professional Sound for Singapore’s 59th National Day Parade L-Acoustics K Series Delivers Professional Sound for Singapore’s 59th Nati...
Showtec International deploys comprehensive L-Acoustics solution for prestigious national celebration, serving 27,000 spectators with pristine audio across challenging outdoor venue
SINGAPORE – November 2024 — When Singapore celebrated its 59th year of independence this August, the nation’s most prestigious event, the National Day Parade (NDP), required a professional sound system as precise and reliable as the ceremonial parade itself. L-Acoustics Certified Rental Provider Showtec International rose to the challenge, designing and deploying a sophisticated K Series solution that delivered pristine audio to 27,000 spectators at the iconic, open-air Padang venue.
The outdoor celebration transformed the historic Padang field into a modern 360-degree performance space, surrounded by the architectural splendour of the National Gallery, St. Andrews Cathedral, and Victoria Concert Hall and Theatre. The three-hour spectacular showcased the full spectrum of Singapore’s heritage and talent, opening with a grand-scale parade featuring synchronized contingents from the Singapore Armed Forces, the Navy and the Air Force, along with various government agencies all broadcast live for the nation to witness. This was followed by vibrant cultural performances from institutional organizations, community groups, and homegrown artists. The dynamic program ranged from choir renditions of upbeat national classics to new compositions written especially for the celebration.
“The 360-degree layout meant our speaker systems had to cover all directions while accounting for reflections from the eight-story National Gallery and the six-story FOH control booth,” explains Hidayah Azman, Sound and Systems Engineer at Showtec International. “This required extensive pre-planning and precise optimization.”
Working alongside the event’s sound designer Shah Tahir, Showtec leveraged L-Acoustics comprehensive solutions to tackle these challenges head-on. The team utilized Soundvision 3D modeling software to predict and visualize coverage for each audience sector, strategically minimizing overlap between systems. This precise planning proved crucial for the three-hour live broadcast event, which featured everything from military band performances to contemporary pop numbers.
The resulting solution comprised 102 K2 and 26 Kara II loudspeakers, strategically deployed across four color-coded audience sectors. Each zone received carefully tailored coverage. The Red sector featured a main L/R system of nine K2 per side covering up to 60 meters, with five Kara II per side for the VIP area, while Yellow and Blue sectors each had nine K2 per side for coverage of 15 to 30 meters, while four Kara II per side served as in-fill. In the Green sector, twelve K2 per side covered up to 70 meters, with six K2 per side ground-stacked for lower grandstand coverage and finally an outer audience sector used six K2 per side for coverage of 30 to 60 meters. Sixty-two LA12X amplified controllers powered the entire professional sound system, with LA Network Manager providing precise control.
“The software tools were game-changers,” notes Hidayah. “Features like Panflex allowed us to precisely control coverage patterns, while LA Network Manager’s Array Morphing and Zoom Factor helped achieve optimal low-frequency response where needed.”
The meticulous two-week optimization process ensured flawless sound delivery throughout the event. Singapore artist weish, who composed and performed one of the songs for NDP 2024, titled “Horizon”, experienced the system’s capabilities first hand: “The sound at the Padang was absolutely spectacular. The L-Acoustics system delivered incredible clarity and powerful bass that remained consistent through months of rehearsals and the main event. Having such reliable, pristine sound gave me the confidence to perform for tens of thousands of people.”
Learn more about Showtec International at www.showtecgroup.com
Press release assets are found by clicking here.