Music
Overview
Adlib provided a comprehensive audio, video, lighting, and rigging solution for the UK leg of Brett Young’s "Back to Basics" tour. The production supported a series of high-profile dates, ensuring technical consistency and high-impact visuals across multiple arena-scale venues.
Partners & Collaborators
For the "Back to Basics" tour, the production team required a scalable and reliable infrastructure capable of audio, lighting and video across varying venue configurations. The brief emphasised the need for a seamless integration of departments, including a sophisticated IMAG projection system and a robust RF environment to support the artist’s vocal-centric performance and live band.
Adlib deployed a large-scale L-Acoustics loudspeaker system and a networked Yamaha control package to meet the tour's acoustic requirements.
The primary system comprised 28 L-Acoustics K1 enclosures for the main hangs, supported by 24 L-Acoustics K2 for side hangs and 8 L-Acoustics K2 for additional main coverage. Low-frequency extension was provided by 17 L-Acoustics KS28 subwoofers. The system was powered by LA12X amplifiers housed in dedicated AVB wardrobe racks.
At Front of House, a Yamaha CSD-R7 Rivage PM7 control surface served as the primary mixing interface, equipped with HY144-D Dante cards for networked audio distribution. System processing and tuning were managed via Lake LM44 processors and Smaart 8 software.
The monitor system was centred on a Yamaha CS-R5 Rivage PM5 control surface and a DSP-RX-EX engine. A Yamaha RPio622 I/O rack, loaded with RY16-ML-SILK cards, provided high-quality preamps for the stage inputs.
The RF package was built around Shure Axient Digital technology, including AD4Q receivers and AD2 handheld transmitters. For monitoring, 20 Shure P10R+ bodypack receivers and 7 P10T dual transmitters provided reliable wireless IEM coverage, managed by a Shure AD600 spectrum manager.
The lighting design utilised a high-density rig of LED and moving head fixtures to create a versatile visual environment.
The main rig featured 64 Martin MAC One fixtures, chosen for their compact footprint and punchy output. Additional layers of light were provided by Ayrton Khamsin-S profiles and Ayrton Perseo-S units. For strobe and wash effects, GLP JDC1 hybrids and Acme Pixel Line IP battens were distributed across the trussing.
Atmospheric effects were delivered by a combination of Smoke Factory Tour Hazer II-SF units and Cirro MK3 hazers, supported by high-velocity fans to ensure even distribution.
Lighting control was handled by two grandMA3 Light consoles. The tour also utilised a Robe RoboSpot remote followspot system, consisting of 4 Robe FORTE fixtures controlled via RoboSpot Base Stations, allowing operators to track the artist with precision from a remote location.
A high-definition IMAG system was deployed across arena shows in Belfast, Glasgow, and Birmingham, ensuring clear sightlines for all audience members regardless of their seat position.
The visual solution featured three Panasonic RQ35 4K laser projectors, delivering 30,500 lumens each to two Stumpfl 20' x 11' 3" projection screens. The camera package included a Panasonic UC4000 broadcast camera fitted with a Canon UJ90x field lens for long-throw shots, as well as Panasonic AW-UB50E 4K box cameras for on-stage perspectives.
Vision mixing was executed on a Blackmagic ATEM Television Studio Pro HD desktop mixer, integrated with an Elgato Stream Deck XL for rapid macro execution and playback control via AJA Ki Pro recorders.
The production required a significant rigging backbone, with 34 EXE 1T D8+ motors and 7 EXE 2T D8+ motors used to suspend the audio and lighting systems. Load monitoring was integrated into the motor control system using EXE load cells and Outboard controllers. The rig was constructed using a mix of Tyler GT Plus pre-rig truss and Total Fabrications OV40 trussing.
The integrated production for the Brett Young "Back to Basics" tour provided a robust and technically consistent platform for the artist's UK performances. By coordinating audio, video, and lighting under a single infrastructure, Adlib ensured that the high standards of the touring production were maintained across every date, delivering a reliable and professional experience for both the crew and the audience.
Credits
.png){kind=logo}
