Electro-Voice loudspeakers driven and controlled by Dynacord electronics were once again called into action for the Best in Show Arena at Crufts 2022. The X-Line Advance X2 loudspeakers, TGX amplifiers and MXE5 Matrix Mix Engine were supplied and deployed by Merlin PA Hire and ARB Events.
Returning to the NEC Birmingham for the 118th year of the show, the world’s greatest celebration of dogs attracted more than 20,000 canines from 38 countries to compete for the coveted Best in Show title. Covering 25 areas of the NEC, including five halls and the Best in Show Arena, Crufts 2022 was an extensive event that drew on the skill sets of multiple companies. ARB have been involved for the last five years and deployed their X2 system to capitalize on its capacity to deliver superior coverage and output from a relatively compact cabinet.
“X2 is a small but very powerful box,” says Merlin PA’s Neal Allen. “Crufts is certainly not a rock ‘n’ roll show, but it can get loud. The system is used for commentary and music so the vocal intelligibility that it provides is incredibly important. It also helps that X2 gives you a really good performance without the need for subs.”
The system covering the Best in Show Arena comprised six hangs of five X2 full-range line-array cabinets. Each array included three of the 90? horizontal coverage pattern iterations of the compact 12” two-way units and two of the 120? versions to provide a smooth and even sound field to every seat in the house.
Power for the system was delivered by six TGX20 four-channel DSP amplifiers, designed for live applications. In addition to this, an MXE5 24 x 24 crosspoint performance audio matrix provided comprehensive supervision of all system-wide commands, and SONICUE Sound System Software delivered the necessary control, system visibility and direct access. With the electronics also flown from the gantry, SONICUE was a particularly important element for the four-day event.
“SONICUE always works well and gives you great insight into the system,” explains Allen. “But this is particularly important when the amps are in the gantry. Rather than having to go up there every day to shut the system down, the intuitive user interface gives me all the control I need to get the best out of the system when it is needed and power it down when it isn’t.”
With every part of the audio solution flown, the X2’s light weight and easy rigging points proved to be another advantage for the project. “We managed to set everything up in just over an hour,” says Allen. “Even the riggers made comments about the speed and efficiency of getting the equipment up and down.”
While Baxter, the flat coated retriever from the Gundog group became the 84th winner of the Best in Show title, the combination of Electro-Voice loudspeakers and Dynacord electronics also proved to be a real crowd-pleaser.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
