How to resolve AdBlock issue? HK Audio for Turnpike Reggae Festival
Turnpike Reggae Festival returned to Germany, for two days of roots reggae, modern reggae and dancehall in a relaxed, wholesome setting. Supporting the volunteer-run event, production supplier MA Holtewert expanded its HK Audio system to improve coverage and low-frequency performance.
Held mid-August in Herzebrock-Clarholz, near Gütersloh, the festival welcomed a line-up including Chuck Fenda, Dr. Ring Ding, Akeem Garrison and Teacha Dee. Organised by the non-profit Turnpike e. V., the festival combines camping, Caribbean food and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere under its “GET REGGAE!” motto, with profits donated to clubs and organisations in the region. “Turnpike is completely run by volunteers, which gives it a really familiar, welcoming atmosphere,” says Karel Noon, Application Support Engineer at HK Audio. “One of the most exciting moments this year was when Joel ‘Kush’ Brown joined headliner Dr. Ring Ding on stage.”
MA Holtewert, which supplied the festival’s stage, lighting and sound, is a long-standing user of HK Audio’s COSMO system. For Turnpike, the two teams worked together to expand the existing setup, improving coverage and adding more low-end support. “We wanted to upgrade the sound coverage and low end, so we added four CS 218 and four CF 118 subwoofers to the existing setup,” explains Noon. “Consistent coverage was a key requirement, with all-pass filters and flown subwoofers forming part of the approach.”
The system combined 12 COSMO C 10 and eight C 6 mid/high units, complemented by the additional CS 218 and CF 118 subwoofers. CONTOUR X CX 210 units provided frontfill, while CX 12 loudspeakers handled stage monitoring. The additional subs brought more low-end weight to the reggae programme, while the wider setup helped deliver consistent coverage across the audience area. On stage, CX 12 monitors supported the artists throughout their performances. Akeem Garrison summed up the difference good sound makes: “You can only perform at 100% when the sound is also at 100%.”
Turnpike was also a chance for HK Audio to put its close relationship with regional rental companies into practice, working alongside MA Holtewert to get more from its existing system and build on it where needed. “This festival clearly shows where HK Audio is strong - medium-sized shows, regional rental companies and being there to support and help wherever we’re needed around the world,” concludes Noon.