Brisbane Sound Group Steals Elevates Queensland’s Iconic Big Skies Festival 2024 With Cutting-Edge Tech That Transforms Jimbour House Into A Festival Paradise.

The Big Skies Festival 2024 made a spectacular return this year, coinciding with Queensland’s King’s Birthday Long Weekend. Hosted at the iconic Jimbour House amidst the breathtaking Western Downs region of Queensland, Australia, this three-day extravaganza drew thousands of visitors from across the nation. Featuring a star-studded lineup that included The Screaming Jets, Killing Heidi, Kaylee Bell, and Brad Cox alongside a wealth of local talent, the festival delivered an unforgettable experience against a backdrop of rolling landscapes and historical charm.

This year’s event was elevated to new heights, thanks in no small part to Brisbane Sound Group (BSG), a stalwart in Australia’s live event technical solutions scene. BSG, long associated with Big Skies Festival, went above and beyond to deliver a comprehensive package of sound, lighting, and vision technologies. With a commitment to ensuring a fully immersive sensory experience for all attendees, BSG’s meticulous planning and technical prowess brought the festival’s ambitious vision to life.

Sonic Excellence with L-Acoustics and Allen & Heath

Central to BSG’s technical setup was the deployment of the L-Acoustics K3 rig, a world-class sound system renowned for its impeccable clarity and coverage. The main PA system featured 24 units of L-Acoustics K3 line array modules arranged in a stereo configuration, with 12 modules flanking either side of the performance stage. This configuration ensured that festival ground by and large was enveloped in crystal-clear sound and a consistent auditory experience to attendees.

To complement the main PA, A15 loudspeakers were deployed as front-fill and out-fill reinforcements. The consistent voicing characteristics of these modules allowed BSG to achieve seamless sonic coverage across the vast audience area while tailoring the sound impact to the venue’s unique dynamics.

On the other hand, comprehensive low-end reinforcement was delivered through 16 units of the L-Acoustics KS28 high-performance subwoofers, ground-stacked strategically to provide deep, chest-thumping bass.

Powering and managing the loudspeaker system was L-Acoustics’ LA-RAK II AVB amplified controllers, which ensured reliable power delivery and precise control – enabling the loudspeaker system to operate at peak performance throughout the festival.

Mixing duties were handled with precision using Allen & Heath’s D-Live series consoles, known for their robust processing capabilities and user-friendly interfaces, which catered to the diverse technical requirements of the festival’s varied performances.

Illuminating the Stage with Cutting-Edge Lighting

Lighting played an equally pivotal role in creating the festival’s vibrant atmosphere, with BSG deploying an impressive array of world-class fixtures. The lighting rig featured Ayrton Rivale fixtures, renowned for their powerful output and dynamic effects, alongside Martin Professional MAC Aura PXLs, which delivered rich, saturated colours and smooth transitions. ShowPRO R3s added an extra dimension to the visual experience with their dynamic range of effects and versatility.

These lighting fixtures were seamlessly controlled using MA Lighting International’s grandMA3 Light consoles, which offered precise and intuitive control over the complex lighting setup. The result was a series of visually stunning displays that perfectly complemented the energy and emotion of each performance, enhancing the overall audience experience.

Visual Wonders with High-Performance Displays

To ensure that the action on stage was accessible to all, BSG deployed an impressive display setup featuring Unilumin URM3 high-performance displays as IMAG screens, which provided sharp, vibrant visuals and ensured that every attendee could enjoy a front-row experience, even from a distance. Complementing the IMAGs perfectly were VuePix Infiled Airmesh screens, which were utilised as artist banners, as they added a dynamic visual element that highlighted the performers and enhanced the stage design.

The integration of these high-quality display solutions allowed the audience to connect with the performances on a deeper level, blending seamlessly with the sound and lighting elements to create a cohesive and immersive festival environment.

A Meticulously Orchestrated Technical Symphony

BSG’s success at the Big Skies Festival 2024 was no accident. The team conducted a thorough survey of the venue, taking into account its physical dynamics and the specific requirements of the festival’s lineup. Armed with this insight, they devised a meticulously crafted plan to deliver a technically flawless experience.

The decision to utilise L-Acoustics’ K3 and A15 systems was driven by their unparalleled ability to deliver consistent voicing across different modules while offering flexibility in coverage and throw. This, combined with the precision and reliability of the Allen & Heath D-Live consoles, ensured that the diverse performances—from the powerful rock anthems of The Screaming Jets to the soulful melodies of Kaylee Bell—were delivered with unmatched clarity and impact.

The lighting and visual elements were equally well-considered. Ayrton Rivales and Martin Professional MAC Aura PXLs were chosen for their ability to create dynamic and engaging lighting displays, while the grandMA3 Light consoles provided the control and versatility needed to adapt to the varied performances. The use of Unilumin URM3 and VuePix Infiled Airmesh screens ensured that every visual detail was presented with stunning clarity, bringing the performances to life for the audience.

A Testament to Technical Excellence

The Big Skies Festival 2024 was a resounding success, not only as a celebration of music and culture but also as a showcase of technical innovation and expertise. BSG’s commitment to excellence was evident in every aspect of their work, from the precision of their sound setup to the creativity of their lighting designs and the clarity of their visual displays.

For the thousands of attendees who gathered at Jimbour House, the festival was more than just an event; it was an immersive experience that engaged all the senses. As the sun set over the Western Downs and the music echoed across the landscape, the Big Skies Festival 2024 proved to be a triumph of artistry, technology, and community spirit.