#1) The spaced configuration we’re in now sounds really good in the room. Especially when it comes to low end, I learned from our process with Acoustic Dimensions that if prediction/configuration software has a weakness with accuracy, its with subwoofers. Ultimately it doesn’t matter what a picture looks like if it sounds good in the room. The spaced set sounds good as you walk the space. I’ve always preferred to have ground stacked subs for the extra chest energy over flown subs.

#2) We’ll lose a significant lighting position if we fly the cardioid array due to the size of the array. Also, the B2′s are not designed from the manufacturer to fly so our integrator will have to create a custom fly rig for the array. The primary reason I think we’d ever fly them is to get them off the stage deck for artistic and aesthetic reasons.

#3) Since we are almost an entirely in-ears stage, the bands are loving the feel of extra low energy on stage with the subs on the deck, especially compared to what we’re coming from with our old rig. Out front, I feel like there’s plenty of low end in the PA and the band gets solid energy on stage without it becoming a bleed problem in mics. Seems like a win/win for both parties.

We are going to experiment with a cardioid cluster on the stage deck in a few weeks to see what the difference actually is in the space and I’ll report back once that test is concluded.