CLIENT
Done + Dusted
LOCATION
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
YEAR
2022
PROJECT TYPE
Live Broadcast Awards Show
Scope
Full design, management and operation of live sound for a televised music and awards production
Services Provided
- →Audio system design
- →Front of house and monitor mixing
- →RF coordination
- →System operation
- →Live broadcast audio support
The Brief
Auditoria was brought on board by global production company Done + Dusted to deliver a robust and flexible live sound system for the Joy Awards 2022, the region’s biggest televised awards show, broadcast live from Riyadh. With a blend of musical performances, celebrity presenters, and award moments, the brief was to ensure pristine sound for both the live audience and broadcast viewers across the Middle East.
The Challenge
The show’s technical complexity and tight schedule presented immediate challenges. With six major music acts, orchestras, and solo vocalists on rotation throughout the evening, the audio system had to be agile, scalable and exceptionally well managed. The set design included a built-in orchestra platform, multiple hosting positions, and intricate staging that required careful consideration of localisation and intelligibility. In addition, the setup and rehearsals were compressed into a short time window ahead of the live show, with no room for error.
Our Approach
Auditoria took full responsibility for the live sound experience — from concept to execution. We designed a dual-purpose system optimised for both music and speech, ensuring clarity, impact and coverage across the venue. Our approach combined proven technologies with bespoke configurations tailored to the production’s demands:
- d&b audiotechnik V-Series was deployed as the main stereo system, focusing on delivering concert-quality sound for the musical performances.
- L-Acoustics Syva, X8 and 5XT systems were added for front fill in a left-centre-right configuration to localise presenter speech and ensure intelligibility from each of the hosting positions.
- A fully integrated DiGiCo audio control system provided redundant FOH and monitor mixing with signal distribution via Optocore.
- Onstage systems were tailored to accommodate the 80-input orchestra, 40 monitor sends, 20 vocalists, and multiple presenters, with Shure Axient Digital wireless microphones and Sennheiser 2000-series in-ear systems ensuring reliable RF performance throughout.
Technical Highlights:
Audio Design
Loudspeaker System
- Main PA: d&b V-Series stereo system for music acts
- Front fills: L-Acoustics Syva, X8 and 5XT in LCR for speech localisation
Stage Systems
- Orchestra built into the rear wall of the stage: 80 inputs and 40 monitor sends
- 20 solo vocalists, hosts, and wireless lecterns handled via Axient Digital
Wireless Systems
- Shure Axient Digital for microphones
- Sennheiser 2000-series for in-ear monitoring
Dual DiGiCo Quantum 7 consoles (FOH & Monitors)
SD Racks and Optocore network for fully redundant digital I/O
Show Control Design
Dual redundant replay system
The Results
The Joy Awards 2022 delivered a seamless and spectacular audio experience for audiences both in the venue and at home. Despite the complexity of the show and the condensed load-in period, the sound system performed flawlessly, from the orchestral overtures to live pop performances and intimate speeches. Our integrated approach, combined with a trusted team and reliable technology, ensured the audio supported every emotional beat of the evening.
Acknowledgements
Our Client
A huge thanks to Done + Dusted for getting us involved in the project and thanks to Technical Director Sven De Beul for keeping things on track during the compressed load in.
Our Team
The system was designed by Scott Willsallen with Simon Sayer on FOH, Andrea Tesini on Monitors and Davey Williamson on replay.
Our Supplier
Our thanks to Agora for supplying, installing and maintaining the system for us and thanks to their onstage team lead by Nico for their amazing work.
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