LD Systems ICOA PRO in Action – Outdoor Event Sound System for Several Thousand Guests

2026-08-20

Providing clear and consistent sound across a large outdoor venue is always a challenge. During an event featuring balloon and aviation displays at Ogrodzieniec Castle in Poland, Event Serwis used an LD Systems ICOA PRO sound system to cover an extensive audience area attended by several thousand visitors.

The main purpose of the PA system was to provide clear speech reproduction for the event host, broadcast radio communications and announcements related to the displays, and deliver powerful, dynamic sound during DJ sets between the scheduled attractions.

Main LD Systems ICOA PRO sound system

The main front-of-house PA system consisted of:

4 × LD Systems ICOA PRO SUB 21 A active subwoofers,
2 × LD Systems ICOA PRO 15 A active full-range speakers.

The four 21-inch subwoofers provided the low-frequency power required for the DJ sets, while the two ICOA PRO 15 A speakers handled music, speech and all essential event announcements.

For this particular setup, the subwoofers were operated at –3 dB. The ICOA PRO 15 A tops were configured in SAT mode and set to +3 dB. This created the desired balance between clear, forward speech reproduction and strong, physical low-frequency output.

These settings were selected specifically for the venue, system layout and character of the event. Every outdoor production requires individual configuration based on the size of the audience area, speaker positioning and acoustic conditions.

Additional outfill coverage

Due to the width and shape of the event area, the main front system was supported by two additional outfill speakers:

2 × LD Systems ICOA PRO 12 A,
speaker stands,
individual delay settings aligned with the main PA system.

The ICOA PRO 12 A speakers were positioned to cover the side sections of the audience area. Their main role was to improve the intelligibility of the event host and reproduce announcements and radio communications from the pilots taking part in the balloon and aviation displays.

Both outfill speakers operated in SAT mode. Appropriate delay was applied in relation to the main front system, allowing the additional speakers to extend coverage without producing a distracting echo or an obvious timing difference.

Correct delay alignment was particularly important because speech intelligibility was one of the main priorities of the event.

DJ monitoring with LD Systems MON 8 A

Two LD Systems MON 8 A active stage monitors were provided for the DJs. They were positioned as wedges and operated using the dedicated MON preset.

Despite their compact size, the monitors delivered clear and direct sound at the DJ position, providing a comfortable monitoring level throughout the performances.

Wireless system configuration with the ICOA PRO app

One of the most useful features of the ICOA PRO series is its dedicated control application. The speakers and subwoofers can be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth and managed from a single device.

For this event, we selected a stereo stack configuration consisting of four subwoofers and two 15-inch top speakers. The correct preset for the entire system could be selected with a single command, after which the settings of individual speakers and subwoofers could be monitored and adjusted as required.

This considerably speeds up system setup and makes it easier to manage a larger active PA configuration. It is especially useful during outdoor productions where the system includes a main front section together with additional coverage points.

How did the ICOA PRO perform outdoors?

The LD Systems ICOA PRO system impressed us with its efficiency and output across such a large and demanding outdoor area.

The event host remained clear and intelligible throughout most of the audience space, while the four 21-inch subwoofers delivered strong, deep and powerful low frequencies during the DJ sets. The system produced the acoustic pressure required for this type of event without losing the clarity of speech and music.

The ICOA PRO 15 A speakers had a demanding job. At certain moments they were driven close to their maximum operating level, yet the sound remained controlled, clear and consistent. Even when the tops were working at very high output levels, the overall audio quality was maintained.

The ICOA PRO series offers high efficiency for a compact active point-source system. In this configuration, it performed extremely well during an outdoor event attended by several thousand people.

It is important to note that this type of system is not intended to replace a large line-array system at major live concerts. However, for outdoor events focused primarily on hosted announcements, public information, presentations and DJ performances between attractions, the ICOA PRO provides an effective, flexible and highly mobile solution.

Final system configuration

The complete sound system used during the event included:

4 × LD Systems ICOA PRO SUB 21 A,
2 × LD Systems ICOA PRO 15 A as the main front system,
2 × LD Systems ICOA PRO 12 A as side outfills,
2 × LD Systems MON 8 A as DJ monitors,
individual DSP presets and delay alignment,
wireless configuration through the ICOA PRO control application.

This configuration provided:

excellent speech intelligibility,
strong and dynamic low-frequency output,
effective coverage across a wide outdoor area,
improved sound distribution in the side sections,
fast wireless setup and system control,
high output from a relatively compact and mobile system,
the flexibility to adapt the system to different types of outdoor events.

The complete system configuration and live sound production were managed by Daniel Rajca from Event Serwis, an event production company based near Kraków, Poland.

Event Serwis provides professional sound reinforcement for outdoor events, aviation and balloon shows, corporate events, festivals, DJ performances and public gatherings. Each sound system is individually configured according to the venue, expected audience size and technical requirements of the production.

Event Serwis
Daniel Rajca
Phone: +48 503 833 256
Email: info@eventserwis.pl
Website: www.eventserwis.pl