Yamaha and NEXO Systems Get into the Swing of Java Jazz

2020 marked the 16th annual Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival (JJF) with performances from both local artist and international acts. This festival is one of the largest jazz festival in the world, with this year’s event spanning three days from February 28th until March 1st and attended by over 100,000 people from Indonesia and surrounding countries. Held in Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo), the festival ground is known as one of the largest exhibition venues in Indonesia. Java Jazz 2020 had 11 stages, 8 indoor and 3 outdoor stages.

NEXO loudspeaker system in Java Jazz 2020 were deployed by Peplus Audio at Brava Radio Hall and PT. Don Sistem Suara Indonesia (DSS Sound System Indonesia) at Be One Hall. They are both Yamaha rental partners as they have inventory of Yamaha CL, QL mixer series, and specifically DSS is the first RIVAGE PM7 system owner in Indonesia. NEXO speakers and amplification was supported by Yamaha Musik Indonesia Distributor (YMID) with additional items supplied from IM Solution as one of Indonesia’s NEXO dealer. The fact that almost 80% of the stages using Yamaha digital mixing console on the FOH and Monitor proved that Yamaha digital mixing system is very well accepted in Indonesian market.

Those system supplied by various Java Jazz’s vendors: DSS Sound System, Peplus Audio, Soundworks and Total Audio. One RIVAGE PM10 and a PM7 digital mixing system were stationed on 2 indoor halls (Top Coffee Hall and Be One Hall respectively), while the outdoor Java Jazz Stage had a PM7. At least 8 Yamaha CL5 and a Yamaha TF5 consoles were provided for FOH & monitor duties across various stages. One Yamaha CL5 was provided specifically for the performance of all-star Yamaha Music Project in one of Java Jazz main shows.

NEXO sound reinforcement system was proudly used in 2 indoor stages, at Be One Hall and Brava Radio Hall. This marked the first time NEXO GEO M12 system was provided for Java Jazz event. Yamaha also has a booth to showcase music instruments product with various performances amplified beautifully by a pair of NEXO P12 point source speakers with 4 new NEXO L15 to handle the bottom-end.

For Brava Radio Hall, main PA was consisted of 12 NEXO GEO M12 speakers, with matching cardioid subwoofer array using 12 NEXO MSUB18 subwoofers, and 2 NEXO GEO M10 speakers set as front fills. Powered by 3 latest generation NXAMP 4x4mkII, using Dante connection with analog fallback function activated, the system gave a very safe, anti-dropout performance. The sound system in Brava Radio Hall was provided by Peplus Audio.

At the Be One Hall stage, the main PA system comprised of 12 NEXO GEO M12 as main speakers, 6 RS18 setup as cardioid subwoofers, and 3 PS15 R2 placed horizontally with rotated horns as front fills. Powered by 3 NXAMP 4x4, the system provided enough SPL to cover the 38m x 35m hall. Initial system design was made with NEXO’s NS-1 simulation software by Yamaha Technical Support team, later verified and adjusted based on actual condition of the hall. Norman Hajadi, the systems engineer overseeing the setup, notes that, “Compared to other halls that had more or less the same dimension, I’m satisfied with the result of using NEXO GEO M12, considering that we used less amount of boxes than other halls. The NS-1 software is so accurate that it gave confidence to the systems engineers, hence minimizing setup and tuning time.” Agi Hardono from DSS Sound System adds, "The main problem that we always faced at Be One Hall was acoustic of the room, which was challenging because of its huge hangar-shaped building with dome-shaped roof. A loudspeaker with directivity that can be controlled accurately is necessary, and NEXO GEO M12 proved to be very capable of conquering those problems in the room and also produce natural yet beautiful sound.”

Rizky Pohan, from Peplus Audio says “NEXO formed a fast yet accurate workflow with an integrated system consisting of prediction software, various installation accessories, and configuration and monitoring solution for the amps. The accurate NS-1 prediction software and the built in DSP inside the NXAMP help to minimize the negative effect. We only needed to do minor adjustments to compensate the room. This time-cost efficiency is crucial for a rental company.” Mr. Pohan continues, “Personally, I really like the frequency response of NEXO MSUB18 subwoofer. It sounded really full, even only using a single 18” driver. Matching the sub’s crossover with GEO M12 can be easily configured with built-in presets. Choosing the right cut-off point for the application in the venue was really quick.”

Chick Hirai from Yamaha comments, "This Year Java Jazz is very special to Yamaha since many Yamaha consoles being used, and NEXO was entrusted to deliver natural jazz sound. It’s a win-win for everybody. Along with many of Yamaha digital mixing console, this year Yamaha had a chance to showcase all the latest product line up that NEXO launched. We also thanked the rental partners, users and dealers for supporting and being appreciative with how Yamaha consoles & NEXO system performed during Java Jazz event.”