AV Production Streamlines Touring with Sennheiser Spectera

Singapore – AV Production (AVP), a Singapore-based production house specializing in concert productions and festivals, is enhancing its live sound capabilities with Sennheiser’s Spectera wireless bidirectional system. The adoption of Spectera addresses the growing challenges of RF congestion and the demands of large-scale international tours.

Balancing Production and Touring Expertise

AVP’s founder, Favian Ngan, uniquely balances long-term system design with the fast-paced requirements of live touring as an active touring monitor engineer working with leading Asian artists. Currently, Ngan is serving as a monitor engineer on an international world tour that has already completed over 70 shows, operating in some of the most demanding live sound environments, including large arenas and outdoor stadiums [Digital AV Magazine].

The Challenges of Modern RF Environments

Modern concerts increasingly incorporate elements like LED walls, lighting effects, and even anti-drone jammers, contributing to a more unstable RF environment. Ngan noted that frequencies appearing clear during soundcheck can become unusable during a performance [Sennheiser Newsroom]. Managing numerous wireless channels across expansive stages, particularly with artists moving freely, presented significant troubleshooting challenges with traditional analogue in-ear monitoring (IEM) systems.

Transitioning to Sennheiser Spectera

Introduced to Spectera by Darryl Tan, Business Development Manager at Sennheiser, Ngan participated in the Spectera Pioneer Programme, receiving hands-on demos, technical briefings, and on-site support. Initial listening tests revealed improved audio quality, but the true test came with RF stability during live performances [Sennheiser Newsroom].

Key Advantages of Spectera

• Enhanced RF Coverage: Spectera’s multi-antenna capability, supporting up to four antennas simultaneously, provides consistent RF performance across wide stages and catwalks, overcoming the limitations of single-antenna analogue systems. The transition from BNC cabling to CAT6 further simplifies setup and reduces signal loss.
• Real-Time Monitoring & Control: The system offers real-time feedback on each bodypack, including battery status, RF levels, and connection status, simplifying troubleshooting.
• Simplified Frequency Coordination: Spectera requires only a 6 MHz bandwidth to operate, streamlining frequency coordination and reducing the risk of interference compared to traditional analogue systems. It utilizes WMAS technology, combining TDMA, TDD, and OFDM for efficient RF management.
• Remote Volume Control: Remote monitoring and adjustment of pack levels ensure consistent audio for performers.
• Superior Audio Quality: The digital system eliminates compression and expansion artifacts, delivering a wider stereo image and clearer sound, particularly for vocal performances.
• Low Latency: Spectera boasts an exceptionally low IEM latency of 0.7 milliseconds, minimizing bone-conduction interference and comb filtering effects for vocalists [Sennheiser Newsroom].
• Compact Footprint: The system’s one rack unit design streamlines transportation and logistics.
• Web-Based Control: Full control via the Spectera WebUI allows for remote monitoring and management from any device.

Collaboration and Support

The integration of Spectera was supported by close collaboration between AV Production, Sennheiser, and Concept Systems, Sennheiser’s partner in Singapore. This partnership provided RF planning guidance, workflow optimization, and system configuration assistance [Sennheiser Newsroom].

Looking Ahead

AVP currently utilizes 22 Spectera bodypacks with two Base Stations, employing different audio modes based on performer needs. Ngan now actively recommends Spectera to his peers, citing its sound quality, control, RF stability, and the confidence it provides during live shows. For AV Production, Spectera has become an essential tool for modern touring and large-scale live productions [Technology Record].