From Idol To Fine Dining, VUE Proves The Perfect Fit For avon

VUE a-12 pulling monitor duty for Idol in Norway

Versatility and creative know-how are the very qualities that have made Trondheim- and Oslo-based avon one of Norway’s most sought after AV design and installation teams.

Established in 2007, avon has built a solid reputation for tackling a broad variety of jobs with varying degrees of size and complexity. So when it came time to audition the new systems from VUE Audiotechnik, avon’s co-founder Edgar Vaan Lien was hoping to find a versatile solution that would keep pace with his increasingly diverse clients.

“With such a broad customer base, it’s important that we stay apprised of new technologies”, explained Lien. “We’d been following VUE since first hearing about them at the ProLight & Sound Expo. I was very eager to check out their speakers, and after ordering a pallet without knowing what to expect, I was really impressed with the sound and build quality.”

VUE’s i-Class (integrator) and a-Class portable systems quickly piqued Lien’s interest, so he immediately started looking for right opportunity to try them out in the real world. Three vastly different jobs rose to the top of his list including the popular TV program Norwegian Idol, a niche show called Mannegruppa Ottar, and Credo, a gourmet restaurant in downtown Trondheim.

First up were the TV jobs. Lien describes the applications. “Viasat4 was recording a new ‘man’ show called Mannegruppa Ottar, and they needed a compact PA and monitoring system that would be easy to keep off camera. VUE’s i-4.5 surface mount systems were perfect. We installed them below each of the dance podiums, as well as near the hosts and sound technicians.”

“This is the best sound we’ve ever achieved in this sort of application,” continued Lien. “The i-4.5’s wooden box and quality components make a huge difference. In fact, even the sound technicians-who are always the first to complain about “boomy” plastic box speakers-were pleased with the how great the VUE boxes sounded.”

Confident as a result of their early success, Lien set his sights on a more elaborate studio installation for Norwegian Idol, the local interpretation of the internationally recognized singing competition. The show needed a new studio PA. Lien’s team matched a pair of VUE a-12 full-range systems with dual as-215 subs, while six VUE a-8 boxes would function as monitors. Amplification is courtesy of FFA (Full Fat Audio) and a Yamaha LS9 console was selected for mixing duties.

“Everyone from the artists and camera crew, to the judges and even the hosts have commented on how great the new PA sounds,” remarked Lien. “It’s really unusual to hear from the on-air talent, so they’re clearly very happy with the results.”

With the two studio installations a success, Lien and his colleagues Fredrik and Tor began work at Credo. The mission for this upscale restaurant was to balance minimal aesthetic impact with the best possible sound quality.

White i-4.5 systems are the perfect fit for the upscale feel of Credo.

Custom white i-4.5s add to the upscale experience at Credo “This was an important job for us because avon has very long history of quality restaurant installs,” explained Lien. “We are also frequent guests at Credo, and regularly bring clients here.”

Lien and his crew installed seven white i-4.5s for background music in the dining area along with an LD sub for extended LF coverage.

“The warm, full sound of the i-4.5 complements the environment perfectly,” Lien remarked. “Our customer is extremely pleased with the sound quality and how perfectly the VUE speakers fit the room visually.”

Lien understands that good business is all about building lasting relationships, and he’s thankful that VUE shares this same ideal.

“We had a very tight timeline for the restaurant job, and the customer was adamant about having white speakers. VUE made a huge effort to ship white i-4.5’s all the way from California by plane so that we could finish on time. I love working with companies like that.”

Lien credits his close colleague and friend Tor Erik Johansen for discovering VUE. “Tor has a talent for discovering new solutions, and a great ear for sonic quality.”

For more information about VUE Audiotechnik visit vue-audiotechnik.com
Learn more about avon at: www.avonlyd.no

Featured Products

i-4.5 4.5-inch Surface Mount Foreground System
a-8 Compact Full Range System
a-12 Full Range System
as-215 Dual 15-inch Vented Subwoofer