Promaxx Takes Over New OrleansIan Bruce of Bernard Productions found himself short a bass rig and mic cables while prepping a stage for French Quarter Fest this year, so when Charles Hancock of Audio Anonymous Live offered him replacements, and an FBT Promaxx 14A system, he was happy to accept. What he got, he says, was a bigger sound than he bargained for. French Quarter Fest, now in its 32nd year, is considered to be the largest free music festival in the south. Making an impressive $251 million economic impact on the New Orleans area annually, the festival employs over 1,500 musicians who perform on 300 stages, and draws more than 700,000 visitors every year. Music lovers get a taste of local cuisine, as well as a sampling of every local genre: traditional and contemporary jazz, R&B, New Orleans funk, brass bands, gospel, Latin, Zydeco, classical, cabaret, and international. With so much at stake, the events' sound can't be anything less than perfect. Bruce, who has been a systems technician and a bass player for decades, said he was "floored" by the Promaxx equipment. "Our stage was set up in front of a hotel in the Bourbon and Royal Street area," he said. "So we were up against 50' of reflective glass, which is always a challenge, acoustically. We ran the speakers flat and couldn't believe that, even without a sub, the sound out of those little speakers was amazing -- warm, full, and totally powerful. All the professionals who stopped by wanted to know what we were using." John Krupa, president of Italian Speaker Imports and FBT's exclusive distributor in the US, isn't at all surprised by this reaction. "We're hearing this type of testimonial all the time," he added. "FBT's Promaxx line is an amazing product; they're just way ahead of other composite cabinets and, when paired with the right electronics, they can even compete with wooden cabinets that are far more expensive or considered to be 'high-end.' What's more, they're lighter and smaller, so they're easier to transport. Between the ease of use, the value and superior sound, it's just a 'win-win' all the way around." FBT's appeal seems to be spreading throughout the New Orleans area, according to Hancock. In addition to providing the sound for many of the free concerts held weekly throughout the city, he says their products have also been seen at events promoted by larger production companies, such as Pyramid Audio, and cultural staples like the Washitaw Nation Mardi Gras Indians, who host weekly educational programs about the historical significance of the tribe. The company says, wherever FBT is being spotted, the brand is developing a strong reputation in today's sound market. When asked why, Bruce replied, "If someone told me I'd only have FBT products to work with going forward, I'd be all over it. They're easily the most versatile, stand-alone, composite box I've used in 20 years." 
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