Powerful bass and consistent coverage for reggae at Turnpike with HK Audio

Turnpike Reggae Festival returned to Germany for two days of roots reggae, modern reggae and dancehall in a welcoming atmosphere. For this volunteer-run event, MA Holtewert expanded its HK Audio system to improve sound coverage and reinforce low-frequency performance.

Held in mid-August in Herzebrock-Clarholz, near Gütersloh, the festival featured a line-up including Chuck Fenda, Dr. Ring Ding, Akeem Garrison and Teacha Dee. Organised by the non-profit association Turnpike e. V., the event combines camping, Caribbean food and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere under the motto GET REGGAE!. Profits are donated to clubs and organisations in the region.

Turnpike is entirely run by volunteers, which gives it a very familiar and welcoming atmosphere. One of the most exciting moments this year was when Joel “Kush” Brown joined headliner Dr. Ring Ding on stage, explains Karel Noon, Application Support Engineer at HK Audio. 

MA Holtewert, which supplied the festival's stage, lighting and sound equipment, has been working with HK Audio's COSMO system for years. For this edition of Turnpike, the two teams collaborated to expand the existing setup, aiming to improve sound coverage and strengthen low-frequency reproduction.

"We wanted to improve sound coverage and bass response, so we added four CS 218 and four CF 118 subwoofers to the existing setup", explains Noon. "Achieving consistent coverage was one of the key requirements, so we used all-pass filters and flown subwoofers, among other solutions".

The system consisted of 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 loudspeakers provided frontfill coverage, while CX 12 units handled stage monitoring.

The addition of the new subwoofers delivered greater low-frequency impact, a particularly important aspect of the festival's reggae programme. At the same time, the system configuration ensured consistent sound coverage across the audience area. On stage, the CX 12 monitors provided the artists with the sound reinforcement they needed throughout their performances. Akeem Garrison summed up the importance of good sound: "You can only perform at 100% when the sound is also at 100%".

Turnpike Reggae Festival also gave HK Audio the opportunity to demonstrate its close relationship with regional AV rental companies in practice. The collaboration with MA Holtewert made it possible to get the most out of the existing system and expand it wherever necessary.

This festival demonstrates HK Audio's key strengths: medium-sized events, collaboration with regional rental companies and our commitment to providing support and assistance wherever we are needed around the world, concludes Noon.