Belgian band Clouseau embarked on a year-long tour to celebrate its 40th anniversary, bringing along a range of innovative sound technology to ensure a truly unforgettable experience for the audience. At the heart of this technical endeavor were DiGiCo Quantum 338 and Quantum 7 digital mixing consoles, which were used in conjunction with KLANG’s immersive monitoring system to deliver a spectacular show.
A Cutting-Edge Tour with a Wide Range of Equipment
- Ampli, the primary AV supplier for the Clouseau tour, delivered a comprehensive range of equipment, including mixing consoles, amplification, transmitters, intercoms, and cabling.
- DiGiCo Quantum 338 was used for the FOH mix, while the Quantum 7 was used for the monitor mix.
- The KLANG immersive monitoring system was used for the first time on this tour, with the two DMI-KLANG cards supplied by Ampli and Amptec providing a unique auditory experience.
Clouseau’s long-time sound engineers, Marcel Cortleven and Marc Luyckx, played a crucial role in managing the complex setup. The DiGiCo Quantum consoles – with Cortleven managing the monitors and Luyckx managing the FOH – proved to be the perfect tools for the job.
Benefits of Using DiGiCo Quantum Consoles
- According to Cortleven, the Quantum 7 consoles provided the flexibility to integrate KLANG’s immersive monitoring system via the DMI-KLANG cards.
- Luyckx praises the Quantum 338 for its advanced capabilities, which were essential for managing the complexities of the show’s FOH mix.
- The Mustard Compressor options on the DiGiCo consoles were also a highlight, allowing Luyckx to add musical creativity to the sound design.
“The Quantum 338 offered a powerful engine and superb screens, which were especially helpful during daylight,” says Luyckx. “We had 75 inputs, eight outputs, and 22 inserts, which required a lot of control. The ability to access 36 channel strips without switching between layers made the workflow much easier.”
A Unique Auditory Experience
“Using DiGiCo’s Quantum 7 for monitors gave me the flexibility to integrate KLANG’s immersive monitoring system via the DMI-KLANG cards,” says Cortleven. “The system allowed me to create more space on stage, which was crucial given the expanded lineup of 16 musicians. The added space made a huge difference for the performers, while the ease of integration, thanks to the new DiGiCo software, made the entire process smooth.”
With the integration of KLANG, Cortleven was able to position instruments in the mix more effectively, enhancing the overall sound quality and making the band’s in-ear experience more natural and dynamic.
The Sportpaleis: A Challenging Venue
| Location | Belgium |
| Capacity | 18,000 |
| Acoustics | Poor |
The Sportpaleis, renowned for its challenging acoustics, provided an additional test for the sound engineers. Cortleven and Luyckx worked tirelessly to overcome the venue’s acoustic challenges, and their efforts paid off in a spectacular show.
Collaboration and Expertise
Both engineers emphasize the importance of the collaboration between Ampli, Amptec, DiGiCo, and KLANG in bringing this ambitious setup to life. “I’d like to thank all the teams for their invaluable support in getting everything set up,” says Cortleven. “We couldn’t have done it without their expertise and dedication.”
“It was a pleasure to work with DiGiCo’s new Quantum technology,” adds Luyckx. “It made everything easier and more creative, especially in such a demanding venue. The combination of these tools gave Clouseau’s 40th anniversary tour a sound that truly matched the scale of the celebration.”
Conclusion
The Clouseau tour was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovative sound technology. With DiGiCo Quantum 338 and Quantum 7 consoles, KLANG’s immersive monitoring system, and the expertise of Ampli and Amptec, the band was able to deliver a truly unforgettable experience for the audience.
