The International Four Days Marches Nijmegen, the largest multi-day marching event in the world, has been a tradition since 1909 and takes place in Nijmegen, Netherlands. With more than 40,000 participants walking 25 miles over four days each July, the event transforms the city with numerous pop-up stages featuring live music and entertainment in the evenings. The challenge for Dutch live sound provider Story Sound was to deliver top-notch audio experiences for the marchers and partygoers while minimizing the SPL impact on the nearby neighborhoods.
Michael Story of Story Sound was tasked with designing and deploying sound systems for eight stages during the event. Partnering with distributor Audio XL, Story Sound utilized multiple JBL Professional VTX Series and VRX Series loudspeakers and subwoofers to provide immersive and exciting audio quality while containing noise pollution to meet the satisfaction of local authorities and stage sponsors. Additionally, European HARMAN provider Audio XL supplied a new JBL SRX Series system for Michael Story to audition in the Dutch live entertainment market.
Story Sound provided each of the eight stages with systems that delivered exceptional audio quality and met stringent noise control requirements. The JBL VTX A Series and the new SRX900 line array were integral to this setup, showcasing innovation and providing an unparalleled audio experience. The precision and clarity of JBL VTX Series and SRX Series loudspeakers and subwoofers not only immersed participants in dynamic sound but also successfully minimized the impact of sound pressure levels (SPL) on nearby neighborhoods.
“The International Four Days Marches Nijmegen has seen remarkable growth,” said Michael Story. “This year alone, we were entrusted with the audio arrangements for eight outdoor stages. Our longstanding partnership with JBL has been pivotal in this journey, as the quality and reliability of JBL speakers consistently meet and exceed our customers’ expectations. The seamless integration of JBL VTX A Series and the deployment of the new SRX900 line array have not only showcased innovation but have also provided an unparalleled audio experience.”
Story highlighted the significant advantages of using JBL equipment, particularly the power-to-size ratio exemplified by the A12 and A8 models. These models not only deliver outstanding sound quality across various music genres but also streamline the labor-intensive process of event setup. The intelligent rigging and quick setup capabilities of JBL’s latest generation of line arrays significantly reduce the required manpower, leading to cost-saving benefits.
“Apart from the fantastic sound quality, JBL’s latest gear is a game-changer when it comes to setting up events,” said Story. “With JBL’s current generation of line arrays, setting up is quick and easy. You don’t need a small army to get things going. The gear is compact, the setup is smooth, and it saves us a ton on labor costs. JBL isn’t just about killer sound; it’s about making events easier and more efficient.”
Story’s confidence in JBL’s equipment is rooted in years of experience. “To do my job, I need my tools,” said Story. “When someone asks what I’m bringing, I tell them not to worry, I’m bringing the best gear they have ever heard. And when they hear it, they’re convinced. I’m not a magician. I need good tools. Otherwise, I can’t provide good sound. That’s JBL for me. We work really hard to make the customers happy with the impact and the authorities happy with the noise level. The VTX A Series gives us the tools we need to give them a really nice sound experience. Everybody was happy, so it was a good job for us.”
The successful deployment of JBL Professional audio systems at the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen ensured that the event’s participants and attendees enjoyed high-quality, immersive sound experiences while respecting local noise ordinances. This achievement solidified Story Sound’s reputation for delivering exceptional live sound solutions and demonstrated the effectiveness of JBL’s innovative audio technologies.
