Touring
J Balvin, Back to the Rayo – North American Tour
Context
The Team
Provider
L-Acoustics Services
L-Acoustics Powers Latin Superstar J Balvin’s Back to the Rayo Tour
Colombian superstar J Balvin, heralded as one of the greatest Latin artists of all time, recently embarked on his “Back to the Rayo” tour across North America. Following a six-year hiatus from a proper US and Canada trek, the tour was a highly anticipated return for fans. As the audio, lighting, and camera provider, PRG was tasked with a singular mission: to deliver a concert sound system that would set a new standard for reggaeton tours, providing an unparalleled sonic experience for every single fan in the arena.
The Challenge
Reggaeton is a genre defined by its powerful bass and infectious energy. Creating a system that could not only move air but also reproduce the nuanced bass notes and pristine fidelity of J Balvin’s music was a significant challenge. Furthermore, the arena environments presented complex acoustic hurdles, with tall 300-level sections and deep corners that are notoriously difficult to cover with traditional sound deployments. FOH Engineer Joe Spitzer and System Engineer Eric Rogers were committed to providing a flawless, consistent audio experience from the front row to the very last seat.
The Solution
To meet the tour’s unique demands, PRG turned to L-Acoustics, confident in the system’s ability to deliver both immense power and musicality. The core of the system was built around L-Acoustics K Series line arrays. The team deployed a comprehensive setup that included main arrays of 12 K1 over eight K2 per side, each backed by a hang of 12 KS28 subs in cardioid mode and flanked by out-fill hangs of 20 K2. For low-end support, 18 additional KS28 subwoofers in cardioid mode were ground-stacked across the main stage, with Kara II front-fills placed on top. Eight more Kara II speakers were used to cover the stage thrust. Notably, they integrated PRG’s new L Series enclosures for delay coverage, a solution that proved to be a “no-brainer” due to its quick deployment and effective cardioid directivity, ensuring the sound was precisely where it needed to be.
The Result
The L-Acoustics system was a resounding success, earning rave reviews for its full coverage and incredible response. The strategic deployment, including the new L Series delays, ensured that even the most distant upper-level seats received a coherent and intelligible experience, making the sound feel as intimate as if you were on the floor. FOH Engineer Joe Spitzer noted the audience’s response: “It was a sight to see the upper sections jump just as high as the floor, and we all know they wouldn’t be doing so if the audio quality up there wasn’t 100 percent.” The system’s power, punch, and musicality allowed J Balvin to connect with his fans night after night.
Project photos
The decision to use L Series was quick and unanimous. Their size and weight, along with their incredibly expeditious deployment, made them a ‘no-brainer.’ And, in use, the performance of L2 delays with their cardioid directivity absolutely surpassed our expectations. They ensured that the audiences in the upper sections had a coherent and intelligible experience similar to those in the front row.
Eric Rogers
System Engineer
