Avant-Garde gear from global leaders L-Acoustics, Pioneer DJ, Shure, DiGiCo, Claypaky, Martin Professional and more powers Electric Daisy Carnival’s World-Class Debut in Southeast Asia

In the February 2025 issue of ETA, our editor Elton Noronha shared his experience of visiting the first ever edition of the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) that unfolded across the stunning Boat Avenue Lakefront in Phuket from January 17 to 19, 2025. And in the article, we explored how globally recognized comprehensive live event solution provider D8 Group (Digital Aid Sdn Bhd) partnered with INFiLED to deploy over 1300 sq.meters of the newly acquired AMmk2 transparent LED screens at the festival’s mainstage i.e. the kineticFIELD.

In this article, we explore how team D8 meticulously engineered a dynamic and cohesive technical environment that elevated all three performance arenas—kineticFIELD (mainstage), CircuitGROUND, and StereoBLOOM—as they single-handedly coalesced the hyper-immersive audio-visual experience that adorned the mainstage, in addition to crafting bespoke and resonant soundscapes across all three performance arenas.

“EDC Thailand 2025 wasn’t just about creating a world-class festival experience; it was about crafting an immersive world where every element harmonized in perfect synchronicity. We wanted every person who walked through those gates to feel completely transported into the essence of EDC, where technology, music, and spectacle fused into something unforgettable!” asserts Henry Hari Ram, Founder & CEO of D8 Group – the technical wizards whose expertise proved to be the very foundation upon which the magic of EDC Thailand 2025 was built.

Production expert PM Centre was entrusted with the overall production responsibility of CircuitGROUND and StereoBLOOM; with reputed technical solution providers Lightsource and ProStage commissioning the stage lighting, visuals and stage infrastructure at both performance sections.

Pantakarn Pannasuriyaporn, CEO of D8 Projects Thailand, emphasized the complexity of bringing together the festival’s impressive technical infrastructure, as he explains, “From levelling uneven terrain to coordinating global equipment shipments, every detail had to be executed with absolute precision. We collaborated closely with Insomniac’s US team to adapt designs from past EDC events across the globe, and then engineered structures from the ground-up to support their scenic and automation elements, including the unique monolith installations. The complexities of material substitutions, scenic integrations, and structural reinforcements required seamless coordination with our partners at Megaforce; who, I must admit, were uncompromisingly world-class. Plus, working with the fine team of professionals at PM Centre, Lightsource and ProStage respectively meant that there was no doubt about EDC Thailand culminating in a world-class festival experience worthy of EDC’s global legacy.”

L-Acoustics For An Immersive Soundscape

Delving into the festival’s sound design specifics, Henry explains that D8 had to ensure each of the three performance spaces enjoyed a distinct sonic vibe, without any sound-spills between the stages – all while maintaining a seamlessly consistent aural experience for audiences shuttling between stages. And to breathe life into their sound-design plans, team D8 chose to rely on a comprehensive loudspeaker architecture from L-Acoustics.

Henry throws light on the decision, stating, “As the official distributor of L-Acoustics in Malaysia, we have an intrinsic understanding of the technology, the sonic nuances, and the performance capabilities of every system they manufacture. It’s the preferred loudspeaker system brand for world-class artists and festivals across the globe!”

Sonic Poetry In Motion

At StereoBLOOM, team D8 decided to adorn the performance stage with 8 units of the L-Acoustics K2 per side for impeccable stereo imaging while a total of 24 ground-stacked units of the SB28 subwoofers offered a full-bodied bass presence. On the other hand, CircuitGROUND was a beast of its own – designed for those who craved an intense, high-energy experience. Two main hangs of 10 units of the L-Acoustics K1 ensured a powerful central focus, while a total of 33 precisely deployed SB28 subwoofers unleashed relentlessly thunderous low-end impact. D8 also installed outrigger hangs comprising 8 units of the K2 modules on either side of the main system to ensure impactful sonic coverage to those audience members located on the side-flanks of the stage. Alongside, a high-performance front-fill reinforcement of 12 units of the L-Acoustics KARA modules distributed evenly across 4 stacks ensured that the crowd located nearest to the stage enjoyed an equally immersive sonic experience.

The piece-de-resistance, however, was witnessed at kineticFIELD – where the sheer scale of sound deployment was nothing short of monumental. And at the heart of the mammoth kineticFIELD sound system stood two towering main hangs, each comprising 16 units of the L-Acoustics K1 over 4 units of the K2 – as this configuration created the foundation for powerful, crystal-clear sound projection. Alongside, D8 deployed deftly designed outriggers – each carrying 10 units of the K1 over 4 units of K2 – on either side of the main system, which extended the coverage to the outer edges of the crowd. The front fill reinforcement system comprised distributed stacks of KARA II modules; whereas an expertly crafted delay reinforcement solution of K2 modules carried the energy of kineticFIELD to audience members located at the farthest reaches of the field, without compromising sonic fidelity.

Controlled low-end energy experience proved to be another key highlight at kineticFIELD. Demonstrating an unparalleled knowledge of physics and sonic ingenuity, D8 decided to strategically fly 8 units of the K1-SB behind each of the main hangs to create extra cancellation and allow for extra LF throw out the front; while 4 units of the K1-SB were suspended above each of the outriggers to achieve extra LF throw towards the flanks. A whopping 48 ground-stacked units of the KS28 subwoofers added yet another layer of depth that guaranteed every seismic drop and bone-rattling bassline resonated with unmatched clarity and impact.

Naradej Marknarerman COO of D8 Projects Co Ltd, Thailand, shares key insights, “The brilliance of our team’s sound design at EDC Thailand extended beyond mere loudspeaker box counts. Our team, working in close collaboration with our friends at NoizBoyz, seamlessly designed and integrated a colossal yet truly cohesive L-Acoustics system across the massive festival venue which spanned hundreds of metres in almost every direction.”

World-Class Artists Beget World-Class Tech

D8 designed strategically optimized on-stage monitoring systems at kineticFIELD, CircuitGROUND, and SonicBLOOM respectively to deliver seamless artist integration and consistent high-fidelity sound across all stages. Stereo booth monitoring systems comprising stacks of 3 units of L-Acoustics KARA modules perched atop SB18 subwoofers, in varying configurations alongside thoughtfully distributed X15 HiQ wedges offered stage-wide coverage on all stages. Additionally, SonicBLOOM also sported stacks of KARA units deployed as in-fills to enhance spatial depth and clarity.

In tow, D8 Group also delivered high on artist expectations as they infused an industry-leading Pioneer DJ rig across all three stages to offer a seamless high-performance for diverse mixing styles. In total, D8 provided over 34 units of the much sought-after CDJ 3000 players, in addition to multiple units of world-class DJ mixers like the DJM 900 NXS 2, DJM A-9, DJM V10, DJM V10 LF (and the XONE96 from Allen&Heath), alongside exciting FX units like the RMX 1000.

A Sonic Wonderland For Sound Engineers

Sound engineers were also treated to a sonic wonderland of sorts, as D8 masterfully integrated DiGiCo’s powerhouse mixing workflow with L-Acoustics’ Milan AVB technology. At kineticFIELD, the DiGiCo Quantum 7 sat proud at FOH while the SD12 was deployed at monitor mix and backup, with both consoles equipped with the SD Rack (56/32-32 bit). Additionally, FOH engineers here also had access to Waves MaxxBCL, Avalon VT-747 SP, and Waves Server One with Axis PC; while two units of the L-Acoustics P1 units (AVB + analog fallback) and two units of the Lake LM44 processors provided precision-calibrated system optimization. Over at CircuitGROUND, a DiGiCo SD5 console at FOH and an SD12 console at monitor mix – both paired with an SD Rack (56/32) – coupled with Waves Server One + Axis PC ensured punchy, high-energy mixes; whereas a DiGiCo SD10 with an SD Rack (56/32) and an L-Acoustics P1 drive system delivered phase-coherent, crystal-clear sound transmission at StereoBLOOM.

A world-class RF infrastructure centred around Shure’s cutting-edge RF technology helped D8 ensure interference-free transmission, dropout-free performance and crystal-clear audio transmission across kineticFIELD, CircuitGROUND, and StereoBLOOM. Each stage featured world-class technologies like the Shure AD4Q (4-channel receivers), AD-2 SM58 handheld mics, P10T IEM transmitters, and P10R+ bodypack receivers – tailored to meet the specific demands of the artist lineup. The RF world at kineticFIELD was also supplemented with a shout system, wired Shure SM58s, Sennheiser MKH-416 shotgun mics, and Radial JDI Dis; whereas StereoBLOOM featured AD-1 beltpacks, and CircuitGROUND had wireless guitar kits that enabled seamless stage mobility for live instrumentalists.

The Goddess Comes to Life in a Lively Fusion of LED and Lighting

kineticFIELD is where D8 created a true spectacle, as they masterfully orchestrated a harmonious fusion of breathtaking lighting, awe-inspiring stage architecture, and undeniably hypnotic LED screens.

The awe-inspiring dynamic lighting architecture at the kineticFIELD undoubtedly set new standards for immersive festival experiences; where D8 designed and deployed a high-performance lighting rig around 72 units of Claypaky HY B-EYE K15 fixtures that were used as both tight beams and expansive washes. 48 units of Claypaky Arolla 800 BSWF moving head lights and 60 units of Pomelo STM8 LED strobes provided dynamic stage visuals, whereas 24 units of Martin MAC Ultra Performance fixtures allowed for precise key lighting and spotlighting. This primary entertainment lighting architecture was ably supported by numerous high-performance LED PARs and scenic lighting fixtures that provided the perfect ambient lighting to further enhance the energetic atmosphere. Furthermore, the use of MDG TheOne haze machines added further depth and drama, ensuring that laser projections and lighting movements achieved maximum impact. Every visual and kinetic element was seamlessly controlled through 3 units of the industry standard GrandMA3 Full-size lighting console system, while a single unit of the GrandMA3 light console also offered precise lighting motion control during the headliner act.

Reflecting on the seamless execution, Micky Dordregter, Lighting Designer & Operator, praised D8’s expertise, stating: “The D8 team did an absolutely fantastic job at EDC Thailand 2024. Their technical precision, professionalism, and dedication is truly commendable. It was a pleasure working with them, and I look forward to future collaborations!”

Teamwork Made The Dream Work

As the sun set on EDC Thailand 2025, it was evident that this was more than just another festival. It was a seismic shift in the landscape of live electronic music experiences, where D8 Group had once again proven why they are the gold standard in global festival engineering.

Shalini Sugapathy, COO of D8 Group, sums it up best, as she concludes “What we delivered at EDC Thailand wasn’t just production—it was an evolution of what’s possible in live events. A special shout out to D8 team members Andy Marsh who handled the overall production, Rajakumar Narayanasamy who headed the audio department, and Kitson Wong who led the lighting department – for setting the perfect example of achieving the unthinkable through relentless dedication and steadfast collaboration. Team D8 functions on the virtues of passion, precision, and a hunger to keep pushing boundaries; and this festival was a true reflection of that.”