For the 5,000-plus people attending the recent Festival One in Hamilton, New Zealand, the return of live music went from being a vague promise to a welcome reality – a chance to party like it was 2019 and take in a full-fledged live experience again.

Undoubtedly, the audiences and artists who performed over the three-day festival were thrilled to be there. But it’s a fair bet nobody was happier than audio engineer Benny Masterton, who designed the system and – as one of very few engineers in attendance – mixed many of the artist’s sets. “After almost 12 months of ‘retirement’ it was an absolute pleasure,” Masterton says. “I haven’t done this for so long, so I felt a bit rusty, but it was exciting to have that side of my brain working. And I was happy we had an Adamson system because I personally love their PAs, and knew I’d get exactly what I needed out of it.”

 An Adamson IS7 line array system has been installed into the 30,000-capacity Taoyuan Arena, which has a membrane domed roof supported by steel cables. One of only five such structures in the world, the construction technique gives the circular stadium a “big top” feel and in-the-round configuration which lends itself to sporting events, exhibitions and cultural performances.

Given that the Rockhal sits on Avenue du Rock’n’Roll, it is no surprise the venue raised its fist in the air to host five concerts aimed at gathering data to work towards the return of live events.

The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Queen have graced its stage; artists from Bob Dylan to Blur have released albums recorded within its walls. Now, live music has returned to the legendary Nippon Budokan, as rising J-pop stars Little Glee Monster recently kicked off their Japanese tour at the iconic Tokyo venue. An Adamson Systems Engineering system supported the ground-breaking event for the group, the start of their largest arena tour to date.