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LED Walls, Lighting and audio system rental deployed at Marriott Marquis Times Square
EVENTSTARTS
Audio Visual Production and Rental
LED Walls, Lighting and audio system rental deployed at Marriott Marquis Times Square
Overcoming Rigging Restrictions with Professional Ground Support Systems for Atif Aslam and Javed Ali Multi-Artist Event
Event Details
Event: South Asian Cultural Celebration featuring Atif Aslam and Javed Ali
Venue: Marriott Marquis Times Square
Location: 1535 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
Year: 2024
Production: EventStarts
Services: Ground-Supported System Design, L-Acoustics Audio Systems, LED Walls, Professional Lighting Design, Full Backline Services, Technical Operations
Project Overview
EventStarts delivered a comprehensive technical production for a prestigious South Asian cultural celebration at the iconic Marriott Marquis Times Square in the heart of Manhattan. The event featured internationally acclaimed artists Atif Aslam and Javed Ali, bringing together two of the most celebrated voices in South Asian music for an unforgettable evening of Bollywood hits, Sufi music, and contemporary performances.
Atif Aslam, the Pakistani playback singer with over 31 million monthly Spotify listeners, is renowned for his soulful voice and iconic hits including "Tajdar-e-Haram" (540 million YouTube views), "Tere Bin," "Tera Hone Laga Hoon," and "Jeena Jeena." His vocal belting technique and blend of Pakistani pop with Sufi rock has made him one of South Asia's most beloved artists, earning him the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz from the Pakistani government and a star on the Dubai Walk of Fame.
Javed Ali, the Indian playback singer known for Bollywood classics like "Jashn-e-Bahara" (Jodhaa Akbar), "Kun Faya Kun" (Rockstar), "Arziyan" (Delhi-6), and "Ishaqzaade," brought his versatile vocal range spanning Sufi, qawwali, romantic ballads, and contemporary Bollywood music. A regular collaborator with A.R. Rahman and winner of multiple Filmfare and IIFA awards, Javed Ali has recorded over 300 songs across various Indian languages.
The production presented unique technical challenges requiring innovative engineering solutions to deliver professional-grade production quality within the venue's operational constraints.
Primary Engineering Challenge: Ground-Supported Design
The Marriott Marquis Times Square ballroom presented a critical technical challenge: the existing in-house rigging system and lighting infrastructure did not meet the touring rider requirements of the artists. Removing or modifying the permanent venue installation would have been cost-prohibitive and operationally complex.
EventStarts engineering team faced two options:
- Compromise production quality by working within the limitations of inadequate in-house systems
- Design a comprehensive ground-supported production that delivered professional touring-grade results
Engineering Solution:
EventStarts chose the second path, designing a complete ground-supported truss system that delivered ceiling-rigged visual aesthetics while maintaining all structural loads at ground level. This approach required:
- Precise structural calculations for ground-based truss towers
- Strategic positioning to avoid interference with existing venue infrastructure
- Architectural design ensuring professional appearance without visible ground support
- Weight distribution planning across ballroom floor load capacities
- Cable management systems integrated into ground support structures
The result was a production environment visually indistinguishable from a traditional rigged installation, delivering the professional appearance and technical capabilities expected by international touring artists while respecting venue limitations.
Multi-Artist Production Coordination
Beyond the ground support engineering challenge, the event featured multiple performers with distinct technical requirements, varying instrumental configurations, and different stage setups. EventStarts coordinated:
- Separate backline configurations for each artist
- Rapid changeovers between performance sets
- Individual monitor mixes and wireless systems for each performer
- Varied lighting scenes appropriate to different musical styles
- Multiple sound check schedules compressed into limited venue access time
This multi-artist coordination required detailed advance planning, comprehensive technical documentation, and experienced crew capable of executing complex changeovers efficiently.
L-Acoustics Professional Audio Systems
EventStarts deployed a comprehensive L-Acoustics K2 line array system engineered specifically for the Marriott Marquis ballroom acoustics and audience configuration. This professional audio system rental included:
Main PA System:
- 10x L-Acoustics K2 three-way active dual 12-inch line array (main PA)
- 8x L-Acoustics KS28 reference high-power dual 18-inch subwoofers
- 2x L-Acoustics KARA II dual 8-inch front fills
- 6x L-Acoustics KARA II dual 8-inch side fills
- 2x L-Acoustics KS28 subwoofers (side fill reinforcement)
Monitor Systems:
- 8x L-Acoustics X15 HiQ two-way active 15-inch stage monitors
- 1x L-Acoustics SB18 high-power 18-inch subwoofer
Processing and Control:
- 4x LA-RAK II AVB touring racks
- 1x L-Acoustics P1 digital audio processor and measurement platform (20x8 mic/line, AES/EBU and AVB)
- Complete L-Acoustics rigging and cabling package
The L-Acoustics K2 system provided exceptional vocal clarity critical for both Atif Aslam's powerful belting technique and Javed Ali's nuanced Sufi and qawwali performances. The distributed KARA II fills ensured consistent coverage throughout the ballroom, while the dual KS28 subwoofer arrays delivered controlled low-frequency reinforcement without overwhelming the venue's acoustics.
Professional Mixing Consoles
EventStarts deployed three professional digital mixing consoles providing comprehensive control for front-of-house, monitor, and production mixing requirements.
FOH Console:
- 1x DiGiCo SD12 96 digital mixing console with HMA (front of house)
- 2x DiGiCo SD Rack 56x40 Stadius (32-bit inputs, 32-bit outputs, 16 AES outputs)
Monitor Console:
- 1x Behringer WING 48-channel digital mixer with Midas DL251 stage box
Production Console:
- 1x Quantum 7 digital mixing console
Processing:
- 2x Waves SoundGrid Server C with Waves SoundGrid Axis One
- Dell 24-inch touchscreen monitors
- Multirack keyboards
- Complete redundancy systems
Stage Distribution:
- 3-way splitter with sub snakes for complete signal distribution
The DiGiCo SD12 96 at front-of-house provided the precision and processing power necessary for the demanding vocal clarity required by both Atif Aslam and Javed Ali, while the Behringer WING with Midas stage box delivered flexible monitor mixing for multiple artists and support musicians.
Comprehensive Wireless Systems
EventStarts deployed professional-grade wireless microphone and in-ear monitoring systems supporting both headlining artists and full bands.
Wireless Microphone Systems:
- 2x Shure AXIENT AD4Q 4-channel digital rackmount receivers with AD2-B58 transmitters
- 4x Shure ULX-D ULXD1 wireless bodypack transmitters
- 2x Sennheiser EM 6000 Dante two-channel digital wireless receivers with SKM 6000 handheld transmitters
In-Ear Monitoring:
- 6x Shure P10TR+425CL wireless personal monitor systems (G10 band, 470-542MHz) with rackmountable P10T transmitters, P10R+ rechargeable bodypack receivers, and SE425 earphones
Communication:
- 2x Hollyland Solidcom M1 full-duplex wireless intercom systems (8 beltpacks each)
The Shure AXIENT digital wireless systems provided the RF coordination and reliability essential for a Times Square location with challenging wireless spectrum conditions, while the multiple Shure P10T in-ear monitor systems allowed each performer precise personal mix control.
Complete Backline Services
EventStarts provided comprehensive backline rental including guitars, bass, keyboards, drums, and percussion to support the full band performances required by both Atif Aslam and Javed Ali.
Guitar and Bass Amplification:
- Fender '65 Reissue Twin amplifier
- Marshall JCM800 100W top with Marshall 4x12 cabinet 1960A
- Ampeg SVT II Pro and SVT IV Pro bass amp tops
- Ampeg SVT 8x10 speaker cabinet
- Roland KC600 keyboard amplifier
Keyboard Package:
- M-Audio Keystation 61
- Korg Kronos 2 61-key keyboard
- Yamaha Motif XF6 keyboard
- Yamaha Motif XF7 keyboard
- Yamaha CP-88 keyboard with baby grand piano shell
- Yamaha Montage 7 keyboard
- Yamaha Montage 8 keyboard
- Roland EV5 CV pedals
- Quik Lok keyboard stands (1-tier, 2-tier) and bench
Drum Package:
- Complete Pearl drum set (20K, 22K, 10, 12, 14F, 16F, 2 snare stands, hi-hat stand, throne, DW9K pedals, all hardware)
- Professional drum heads (G2 Clear toms, Genera Heavyweight snare, EMAD kick)
- Zildjian cymbal packages (K series and various sizes)
- Sabian cymbal package
- Tama Iron Cobra and DW9000 bass drum pedals
- Roc-n-Soc drum throne with backrest
- ClearSonic plexi baffles
- Roland SPD-SX sample pad with PDS-10 stand
Percussion Package:
- Gibraltar percussion table with case
- LP Quinto, Conga, and Tumba with cradles
- LP Bongos
- LP Timbales (brass 12/13 and 14/15) with cowbell
- Meinl aluminum Darbuka 10-inch with stand
- Remo Djembe 14-inch with stand
- LP Mark tree with stand and striker
- LP Cajon
- Complete percussion hardware
Microphone Package:
- Comprehensive Shure collection (10x SM57, 12x SM58, 6x SM81, 2x Beta 52, 2x Beta 57, 2x Beta 91, 2x KSM137, 2x KSM142, 2x KSM32)
- 6x Sennheiser E904
- Complete K&M microphone stands package
- Professional DI box collection (Radial J48 Stereo/Mono, JDI Stereo/Mono, USB PRO, Catapult TX/RX, BSS AR-133)
This comprehensive backline package supported the diverse musical arrangements required for South Asian cultural performances, from traditional qawwali percussion to contemporary Bollywood arrangements.
Professional Lighting Design
EventStarts created a dynamic lighting environment suitable for the varied musical styles presented throughout the evening, from intimate Sufi performances to high-energy Bollywood numbers.
Lighting Fixtures:
- 6x High End Systems SolaSpot Pro 1500 moving heads
- 8x Martin MAC Quantum Wash fixtures
- 24x MPROW XPoint 16R hybrid moving heads
- 24x MPROW Aura 19x40w wash lights
- 24x Chauvet Colorado PXL Curve 12 pixel-mapping fixtures
- 8x SGM Q7 RGBW LED flood/blind/strobe lights
- 8x MPROW Retro Straight 6 blinder warm white audience lights
- 2x GTD Follow Spot CGTD-330FS with laser optic locators and tripods
Atmospheric Effects:
- 2x MPROW Mystic 1600HZ haze machines
- 2x MPROW Tornado DMX fans
Control:
- 1x Avolites Arena console touring package DMX lighting control desk (primary)
- 1x Avolites Arena console (backup) for complete redundancy
The dual Avolites Arena console configuration provided complete redundancy for lighting control, ensuring zero downtime during the multi-artist performance schedule. The combination of 24 MPROW XPoint 16R hybrid moving heads and 24 Chauvet Colorado PXL Curve 12 pixel-mapping fixtures provided the versatility necessary to create distinct visual atmospheres for each performer's repertoire, from the spiritual ambiance of Sufi music to the vibrant energy of contemporary Bollywood hits.
Ground-Supported Truss Infrastructure
EventStarts engineered a comprehensive ground-supported truss system that provided the structural capacity for lighting, audio, and video systems while maintaining professional touring aesthetics.
Truss Components:
- 14x Bolt Box Truss 20-inch x 10' black
- 14x Bolt Box Truss 12-inch x 8' silver
- 15x Bolt Box Truss 12-inch x 5' silver
- 20x Bolt truss base plates 30-inch x 30-inch
- 4x Schedule 40 pipe 12ft black steel 1.5-inch
- 100x Sandbags 25lb for ballast
- 6x Crank lifters 18ft (500 lbs capacity) truss stage tower stands
The ground support system utilized precise weight distribution calculations ensuring structural integrity while maintaining the visual appearance of a rigged production. The modular bolt truss configuration allowed rapid assembly and provided the flexibility to adapt to the venue's specific spatial requirements.
Power Distribution
EventStarts provided comprehensive power distribution engineered to support the substantial electrical requirements of the L-Acoustics K2 system, lighting package, and backline amplification.
Power Systems:
- 4x Number 2/0 feeder 5-cable sets with 50 ft Camlock
- 3x Power distro 24-way 120/208V PD
- 1x Audio PD L21-30
- 30x Cable protector 5-channel ramps
Professional power distribution ensured clean, isolated power for audio systems while providing adequate capacity for lighting and backline requirements, with complete redundancy for critical systems.
Technical Operations
EventStarts provided complete technical crew including:
- A1 (Audio engineer - front of house)
- A2 (Audio technician - stage)
- LD (Lighting designer)
- V1 (Video operator - primary)
- V2 (Video operator - secondary)
- Power distribution technician
- Stage technicians
The experienced technical operations team executed complex multi-artist changeovers, managed the challenging RF environment of Times Square, and maintained consistent production quality throughout the extended performance schedule.
Results
EventStarts successfully delivered a professional touring-grade production for the South Asian cultural celebration at Marriott Marquis Times Square despite significant venue limitations. The innovative ground-supported truss system provided the structural capacity and professional appearance of traditional rigged installations while respecting venue operational constraints and budget realities.
The L-Acoustics K2 audio system delivered exceptional clarity for both Atif Aslam's powerful vocal performances and Javed Ali's nuanced Bollywood classics, while the comprehensive backline package and wireless systems supported the varied musical arrangements required throughout the evening. The professional lighting design created distinct visual atmospheres appropriate to each artist's repertoire, from intimate Sufi moments to high-energy contemporary performances.
Most importantly, the production successfully accommodated multiple artists with varying technical requirements, executing efficient changeovers and maintaining consistent production quality that met the expectations of international touring performers and their discerning audience in the heart of Times Square.
Services Related to This Project
EventStarts successfully delivered a professional touring-grade production for the South Asian cultural celebration at Marriott Marquis Times Square despite significant venue limitations. The innovative ground-supported truss system provided the structural capacity and professional appearance of traditional rigged installations while respecting venue operational constraints and budget realities. The comprehensive audio system rental featuring L-Acoustics K2 delivered exceptional clarity for both Atif Aslam's powerful vocal performances and Javed Ali's nuanced Bollywood classics, while the comprehensive backline package and wireless systems supported the varied musical arrangements required throughout the evening.
The professional lighting design created distinct visual atmospheres appropriate to each artist's repertoire, from intimate Sufi moments to high-energy contemporary performances. Most importantly, the production successfully accommodated multiple artists with varying technical requirements, executing efficient changeovers and maintaining consistent production quality that met the expectations of international touring performers and their discerning audience in the heart of Times Square.
