Vue Audiotechnik al-8 Line Array Impresses at Steve Miller Show in Newport News

	System engineer, Tom Martinez, and the Vue al-8 line array

Steve Miller's long-time system engineer, Tom Martinez, and front-of-house engineer, Scott Boorey, recently had the chance to put Vue Audiotechnik's new al-8 line array system through the paces at Miller's tour stop in Newport News, Virginia.

The Vue line array was used in place of the house system at the Ferguson Center for the Arts Concert Hall on the campus of Newport University. Constructed in 2005, the 1,725-seat venue is a popular stop for national and international concert tours and theatrical productions.

"Steve has an extremely loyal following, so we're accustomed to the bigger line arrays deployed in the larger venues where he typically performs," explained Martinez. "When I heard we'd have a chance to try the Vue system, I was initially concerned that an 8" box wouldn't provide enough output, or the warmth in the low mid-range that Steve likes."

Martinez continued, "I made some calls and discovered that Mike Adams designs for Vue, and that Ken Berger is also involved in the company. I respect both of these guys immensely so I decided to forge ahead and see what the al-8 was made of."

Dual al-8 arrays of ten elements each were configured for 140' throw, 26' trim, two balconies up to 45' deep, and 90-degrees of vertical coverage. A pair of Vue h-15w powered two-way systems were used for additional coverage under each array. Five Vue V6 systems engines provided all the power and processing for the arrays.

"The Vue al-8 absolutely surpassed my expectations," continued Martinez. "Steve likes a very warm guitar tone, and smooth mid frequencies. Most smaller line arrays sound harsh or inconsistent in those areas. The al-8 had all the warmth of a much larger line array and was extremely consistent."

Getting sufficient coverage and output from the compact Vue line array was an additional concern for Martinez, who admits that he rarely takes chances with new systems in live situations. Fortunately, the company says the al-8 had little difficulty keeping pace.

"There's always a certain amount of trial and error when working with a new system," Martinez remarked. "But I was really impressed with how great the al-8 sounded from the moment we sent signal to it. With almost no tweaking, the imaging was spot on and the coverage was really consistent."

Rounding out the system in Virginia was a Midas Heritage 3000 console at front-of-house, and artist-owned in-ear monitors.

"We typically travel with our own front-of-house and monitor systems to ensure consistency," explained Martinez. "Essentially we match each speaker system to our mix as opposed to making big console adjustments."

Low frequencies came courtesy of four Vue hs-28 subwoofers. The compact dimensions of the hs-28 subs allowed for on-stage placement, which left additional space for VIP seating in front.

"The subs are a very nice complement to the al-8 array," added front-of-house engineer and Miller's long-time manager, Boorey. "They provided great warmth and exceptional low-end punch. They're really impressive for their size."

Indeed Boorey and Martinez took a chance on the new Vue line array when others may have opted for familiarity. In the end the al-8 not only seized the day, but offered a few pleasant surprises for the veteran crew.

"For such a new company it's clear that Vue is off to a great start," concluded Boorey. "This is a really capable line array with some very compelling technology inside. VUE has definitely got my attention."