South Africa - MGG Productions has successfully deployed its newly acquired L-Acoustics K2 sound system at the Toyota Innibos Lowveld National Arts Festival, marking a significant milestone as the company celebrates its 25th anniversary year. The strategic investment in K2 technology represents MGG's continued growth and positions them to take on increasingly important projects across diverse market sectors.
Since its inception in 2004, Toyota Innibos has evolved into one of South Africa's most significant cultural celebrations. This year's three-day festival welcomed 78,800 attendees across a 9,500 m² audience area, featuring eight theatre productions, 10 music and lifestyle shows, and performances by over 35 of South Africa's top artists. The festival generates an estimated R80-100m economic impact for the local Lowveld economy, cementing Innibos as both a cultural cornerstone and major economic driver.
MGG Productions acquired its K2 system through L-Acoustics certified provider distributor DWR Distribution. The system acquisition, which began with discussions at ISE in February, was delivered in time for the festival deployment.
"Expanding the L-Acoustics inventory is an important investment in our future capabilities," explains Gunther Muller, MGG project manager. "The K2 system enhances our ability to serve clients across diverse market sectors whilst maintaining the technical excellence that has defined MGG for 25 years."
For this year's festival, MGG faced the complex challenge of delivering quality audio coverage across the venue's challenging layout at Hoërskool Bergvlam. Having provided audio services for Innibos for several years, MGG has built a deep understanding of the event's requirements and audience expectations.
"The venue presents acoustic challenges," explains Dean Parker, MGG's head of audio. "Despite being situated on a sports field, the stage angle combined with off-axis grandstand, multiple VIP areas and surrounding tents, demanded a sophisticated approach to sound distribution, with complex coverage requirements across the entire audience area."
The system design phase leveraged L-Acoustics Soundvision software for venue modelling and coverage optimisation.
MGG deployed a comprehensive L-Acoustics sound system featuring L/R hangs of 12 K2 enclosures with three Kara II down-fill speakers per side. Behind the main arrays, ten SB18 subwoofers were flown in two side-by-side hangs of five units each. Out-fill coverage was provided by nine legendary V-DOSC enclosures per side with three dV-DOSC down-fill units, supplied by Gearhouse South Africa.
The low-frequency foundation consisted of a delay arc of 24 KS28 subwoofers in 12 stacks of two units. Three delay towers of Kara II - configured with six, six, and nine enclosures respectively - ensured consistent coverage throughout the expansive audience area.
The system featured advanced networking capabilities through LS10 switches and P1 processors, providing full Milan-AVB redundancy and significantly streamlining setup procedures. This network-based approach required only power and network connections for each amplifier location, eliminating the need for traditional AES/EBU or analogue cabling infrastructure, making the installation more cost-effective, quicker, and more streamlined than conventional approaches. The integration of SFP modules in the LS10 switches enabled fibre-optic connections to LA-RAK amplified controllers positioned on either side of the stage, creating a robust, redundant infrastructure.
"The K2 system delivers exceptional performance throughout the entire production process," Parker notes. "From rigging through to live mixing, the system consistently supports our objectives. The integrated networking with LS10 switches and P1 processors significantly reduces setup time and complexity."
The technical crew, comprising experienced L-Acoustics users, found the system's operation seamless throughout the event. Front-of-house engineer Murray Lubbe, who is also involved in the festival organisation, consistently praised the L-Acoustics system performance.
The deployment also benefited from support by DWR Distribution, L-Acoustics South African distributor, who provided on-site expertise through solutions architect Kyle Freemantle.