An all L-Acoustics system empowers Pro Sound to delivers a night of audio perfection for HanuMankind’s fans at the iconic Jayamahal Palace Grounds

Sooraj Cherukat, the rapper and singer known as HanuMankind, has steadily built a name for himself in India’s burgeoning hip-hop scene and beyond. Recognised for his bold, unfiltered lyricism and boundary-pushing sound, HanuMankind first turned heads internationally with his powerful track “Big Dawgs,” a gritty anthem that highlights his unique artistry. As one of India’s few hip-hop artists to achieve such recognition, HanuMankind’s journey represents a new wave of independent Indian artists who are beginning to command global attention.

In September 2024, HanuMankind embarked on a much-anticipated India tour, announcing to his fans through social media that he would be performing at select cities across the country. Promoted by Skillbox and Imaginary Frnds, the high-energy concert took place at the Jayamahal Palace Grounds in Bengaluru on 13th September, culminating in an absolutely electric atmosphere that proved to be a landmark achievement in the artist’s career. Thousands of devoted fans gathered at this prestigious venue to witness an electrifying performance that combined impeccable musical artistry with world-class production.

The concert, orchestrated by a team of industry-leading experts, went beyond expectations; as the stage setup was a visual masterpiece, boasting complex lighting and immersive visual displays that enhanced every beat of HanuMankind’s intense and lyrical performance. The event organisers collaborated with Pro Sound – a company renowned for its audio expertise and innovative approach to sound engineering – who were tasked with ensuring that the concert achieved unmatched sonic clarity and dynamic range.

Armed with the ultimate goal of transforming the Jayamahal Palace Grounds into a soundscape that was as powerful as it was refined, Pro Sound brought their best to the table.

To meet the demands of both the artist and his fans, the Pro Sound team meticulously analysed the venue’s layout and acoustics before developing a custom audio plan that would allow for optimal sound distribution across the vast outdoor space. This required careful consideration of the audience’s positioning, the architectural nuances of the venue, and the organisers’ vision for a truly immersive concert experience. After a comprehensive survey, Pro Sound chose to deploy a full L-Acoustics system, known for its precise sound quality and versatility in large-scale live environments.

At the heart of this setup was the L-Acoustics K2 line array system, a formidable choice that would serve as the main PA for the concert. The K2 modules, arranged in stereo hangs flanking the stage, offered broad coverage and consistent sound pressure, ensuring that fans near the stage and those at the farthest reaches of the grounds enjoyed an equally impactful experience. For Pro Sound, the K2 system’s adaptability and coherent voicing characteristics were essential in delivering a seamless and unified audio experience.

Complementing the K2 arrays, Pro Sound incorporated L-Acoustics KARA II modules for centre-fill, which provided an extra layer of sonic reinforcement for the audience directly in front of the stage. The KARA II’s capability to cover challenging gaps in sound dispersion made it a logical addition, enhancing the overall audio consistency across the audience area. To complete the soundstage, Pro Sound employed L-Acoustics’ KS28 subwoofers in a carefully planned arrangement, delivering resonant, deep bass that heightened the physical impact of HanuMankind’s music and left a lasting impression on the audience.

Pro Sound also took meticulous care in crafting an equally impressive sound experience on stage. Understanding the importance of clear and powerful monitoring for live performers, they deployed L-Acoustics’ 115XT HiQ monitors, which offered high SPL and reliability, as the floor monitoring solution. To supplement the stage setup, KARA II modules were again employed as side-fill monitors, along with SB18 subwoofers to provide the kind of full-spectrum support that a dynamic performer like HanuMankind requires.

The powerful loudspeaker setup was driven by multiple units of L-Acoustics amplifiers, ensuring every sound frequency was handled with precision and power. For mixing control, Pro Sound equipped the front-of-house team with the DiGiCo Quantum 338 console, an industry-standard digital mixer revered for its flexibility and high-resolution sound processing. The Quantum 338 console, complemented by external expansion racks, gave sound engineers the ability to finely adjust audio parameters and maintain control over the intricate sonic dynamics of the show.

Beyond the live audio setup, Pro Sound made sure that HanuMankind had world-class RF and wireless equipment for seamless on-stage mobility and sound clarity. The team provided SHURE’s Axient Digital Wireless System, coupled with the KSM8 capsule, which offered the artist precise vocal reproduction and reliability throughout the performance. This choice underscored Pro Sound’s commitment to delivering top-tier sound quality at every level of the production. Additionally, Sennheiser’s 2000 Series in-ear monitoring system was used to ensure HanuMankind had direct, interference-free monitoring of his own vocals and the backing tracks, enhancing his control over the performance.