Clair Global Powers Saudi Arabia’s Largest Festival with Unmatched Audio, Comms, and IT Networks

Coalescing a formidable fusion of cutting-edge sound, seamless connectivity, and critical show communications, globally recognized comprehensive live event solutions provider Clair Global has successfully delivered an unparalleled live production experience at Saudi Arabia’s most prominent music festival – SoundStorm.

Saudi Arabia’s SoundStorm festival, produced by MDLBeast, has rapidly evolved into one of the world’s largest live music events, and its 2024 edition set new benchmarks in scale and production complexity. Drawing over 450,000 attendees and 200 international artists, including headliners Eminem, Muse, and Linkin Park, the festival demanded a robust technological infrastructure to support its massive audience and multi-stage setup. Clair Global – in collaboration with group partners Eighth Day Sound, ATK Audiotek, and AudioRent Clair – delivered an intricate blend of high-performance audio, mission-critical show communications, and IT networks, reinforcing its expertise in large-scale live production.

Coordinating logistics across four time zones and deploying 150 crew members, Clair Global’s team ensured every aspect of the festival’s technical execution was handled with precision. Leading the audio efforts were Stuart Wright – Clair KSA Regional Manager, and Owen Orzack of Eighth Day Sound, while the IT, communications, and radio networks were managed by Clair Data Services team members Ethan Quint and Carlos Elizondo.

Reflecting on the monumental effort behind the production, Wright commented, “I feel proud to be a part of this team; our KSA crew worked tirelessly for three months during pre-production. SoundStorm is an event which really demonstrates our strengths as a global company, and the teamwork that we achieve together, at this scale, is something I’m always thankful for.”

Ensuring seamless communication across the vast festival grounds, Clair Global provided 135 Riedel Bolero wireless belt packs, 60 antennae, 80 smart panels, and 110 wired packs, supplemented by over 3,000 Motorola R7 two-way premium radio handsets. This extensive setup was vital in maintaining operational efficiency for production teams, security personnel, and vendors. Meanwhile, uninterrupted internet coverage was a priority, with Clair Global’s Data Services team designing and deploying a comprehensive IT infrastructure. The network supported production crew, artist connectivity, security, point-of-sale transactions, RFID-based access control, and public-facing Wi-Fi.

“Our data services cover all production vendor IT needs, so the expectation is huge—everyone relies on us,” explained Elizondo. The network architecture included multiple large-scale distribution networks for audio (Dante-based emergency PA, artist feeds, VIB suites, and timecode for drone shows), video (IPTV solutions, WebRTC streaming, and NDI networks), and environmental lighting (ArtNet and sACN protocols). A redundant fibre ring featuring 576 strands, with over 100,000 feet of temporary fibre and 22,000 feet of permanent infrastructure, ensured robust connectivity across the festival site.

Clair Global also played a crucial role in designing and deploying audio solutions for SoundStorm’s four underground stages. Underground Stages 2 and 4 were equipped with Cohesion Audio PA systems featuring CO12 and CO10 main hangs, CP6’s, and CF28’s, while Underground Stages 1 and 3 were powered by d&b audiotechnik KSL rigs with B22 subs. Beyond these stages, the festival’s exclusive VIB (Very Important Beast) experience required a more intimate yet powerful sound design. The VIB Boxes, positioned above the massive 125,000-strong crowd, were fitted with Cohesion CF24 loudspeakers to deliver a front-row auditory experience within a private luxury setting.

“We install a tiny hi-fi in every single VIB box so that fans get an L-R and a sub volume they can control. It makes a huge difference to the listening experience,” noted Wright. With each suite’s CF24 speakers aligned to the same axis as the main PA system, guests enjoyed an immersive sound experience despite being positioned 100 metres away from the ‘Big Beast’ main stage. Additional CO8 loudspeakers provided VIB deck fill.

Beyond live sound reinforcement, SoundStorm 2024 also introduced a groundbreaking multi-track mix offering for performing artists. Every stage featured an option for artists to receive a multi-track mix of their performances for direct upload to YouTube, supported by five dedicated mixing suites outfitted with DiGiCo consoles and Waves rigs. “Another interesting part of our audio scope this year came in providing equipment and engineers for the artists’ live multi-track mixes,” Wright added.

SoundStorm 2024 underscored the significance of cohesive production expertise across multiple disciplines, with Clair Global and its partners ensuring flawless execution across audio, communication     s, and IT infrastructure. With MDLBeast continuing to elevate Saudi Arabia’s live entertainment landscape, SoundStorm 2025—set for December 11-13—promises to push production boundaries even further.