For Crossfade, delivering this production meant much more than providing equipment. It was about crafting a sound design that could carry the emotional weight of the story, amplify the intensity of the music, and immerse the audience in the drama unfolding on stage.

Sculpting the Sonic Narrative

Chess uses music as a storytelling vehicle, navigating themes of rivalry, love, and geopolitical tension. Our sound design carefully balanced these elements, ensuring each musical moment resonated with clarity and depth. From the hauntingly delicate ballads to the energetic, rhythm-driven numbers, we shaped the soundscape to support the narrative arc and emotional journey of the characters.

The rich electric textures and driving beats — reminiscent of ABBA’s distinctive pop-rock sound — demanded precision and subtlety in the mix. We worked to preserve the intimacy of the vocals while delivering a full-bodied instrumental sound that underscored the score’s complexity and passion.

Wireless Freedom and Real-Time Monitoring

28 channels of Shure SLX-D wireless allowed performers the freedom to move without compromising audio quality. Integrating Wavetool into our workflow enabled the backstage team to monitor all wireless channels in real time, proactively identifying and resolving any RF or battery issues before they could impact the performance. This seamless communication was vital to maintaining the show’s sonic integrity night after night.

Digital Control and Personal Monitoring

The Allen & Heath dLive system, combined with ME-1 personal monitoring, gave both FOH engineer and musicians unparalleled control over the mix. This setup empowered musicians to tailor their in-ear monitor mixes precisely, ensuring performance accuracy and reducing onstage volume — a key factor in achieving a clean and balanced overall sound.

Venue Coverage Tailored to the Production

Adamson S10 line arrays delivered consistent, crystal-clear sound throughout the venue, while cardioid subwoofers were carefully configured to reduce low-frequency spill onto the stage. This setup minimized unwanted stage noise, allowing performers to hear themselves and each other clearly — essential for tight ensemble work in a complex musical like Chess.

Elevating the Story Through Sound

At its core, Chess is about tension — political and personal — and our sound design was integral to expressing this. Every musical phrase, dynamic swell, and lyrical nuance was mixed to enhance the storytelling, drawing the audience into the emotional highs and lows of the Cold War narrative.

Crossfade’s approach ensured the music wasn’t just heard — it was felt. The combination of technical excellence and creative design helped transform the production into a truly immersive theatrical experience.