KV2 bring Satisfaction to the Rolling Stones’ Exhibitionism

Set in London’s Saatchi Gallery, Exhibitionism takes visitors through the sprawling history of one of the worlds biggest bands via nine individually themed rooms ranging from an immersive and realistic reconstruction of their first shared flat culminating in a mind-blowing backstage and 3D surround sound concert experience.

With an established reputation for an uncompromised approach to audio reinforcement – especially within the field of Live Music – it is no surprise that Sound Designer Carolyn Downing specified KV2 products for such an important project of musical heritage.

A total of 30 products from the passive ESD range and active EX range were deployed throughout all primary playback areas with 7 ESP 2000 amplifiers powering the ESD products.

Carolyn’s decision to specify KV2 products came on the back of KV2’s recent and high-profile successes within the Theatre market, where many noted Sound Designers have moved away from traditional Line Array solutions in favour of the sonic results achieved through point source. As pioneers of point source technology KV2 Audio aim to offer better coverage along with improved clarity and definition from a more compact Loudspeaker solution.

A day spent in Carolyn’s local Theatre discussing the brief of each room whilst evaluating the various options took place to settle on the exact specification.

Carolyn commented “Discovering KV2 Audio has been a revelation for me. This was my first opportunity to get to know and work with KV2 products and was a key turning point in my design process for Exhibitionism. I was stunned by the audio quality on offer as well as the customer service and personal interaction I received from Jonathan Reece and his team.

“KV2 were more than happy to accommodate the flexible ever-changing and demanding requirements of such a complex high profile venture. Being my first experience of working with KV2 products Jonathan ensured I felt secure in my choices every step of the way.

“The Rolling Stones’ story is incredibly multi-faceted, from humble blues beginnings to electrifying mega stadium gigs encompassing art, fashion and cinema influences in their immense body of work. This meant that I needed a loudspeaker manufacturer who could accommodate the range of story-telling opportunities that the Sound Design was required to fulfill.

Carolyn concludes “I was grateful to have KV2 products by my side providing the delicacy and warmth required for intimate speech playback during documentary content and also confident in the knowledge that I could rely on the kit to deliver high SPLs packing a real punch but giving a pleasurable and invigorating experience for the performance content.

“I am very excited to have KV2 in my arsenal for future projects!”

The exhibition includes rare instruments, lyric books, original stage costumes, backstage and touring paraphernalia, album art, photography, personal diaries and never before released audio archives and behind-the scenes footage.

Tasked with undertaking supply and installation of the project were Dartford-based project and integration specialists Electrosonic. This was the first collaboration between Electrosonic and KV2 and the hugely positive reviews of the exhibition from audiences, professionals and organisers hopefully signal the beginning of a productive partnership.

Talking about the Installation KV2’s Jonathan Reece-Farren said the following “It was a real pleasure working with Carolyn on this project and being able to help 'make the difference' from an audio perspective in telling such an iconic musical story…”

Press reviews of the project have been overwhelmingly positive but in spite of this the shows run in London is strictly limited and will come to end on September 4^th. The exhibition will then travel the globe with every location able to experience Exhibitionism to its fullest, courtesy of KV2 Audio.

Web Links: 

• www.carolyndowning.co.uk
• www.stonesexhibitionism.com