January 2023… Durban-based, SA Van Conversions is an established panel van conversion company that produces top-quality modifications across South Africa and the SADC countries. Previous projects have garnered them respect from peers within the industry, as well as from the government. While they specialise in panel vans, the team is adept at fitting a range of vehicles including ambulances, taxis, camper vans, trailers and more. As part of a recent project, SA Vans Conversions teamed up with Stage Audio Works to deliver a fully AV-equipped touring bus for KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence (KZN Sharks Board for short) to utilise during their live demonstrations, which include the dissection of a shark in front of their audience.

Stage Audio Works were brought in to design and install a complete AV system for the touring truck which opens up to create a full stage complete with integrated PA and large video screen. Stage Audio Works specified a Plus Audio and Pixel Plus solution to handle audio and video respectively. In this ever-increasing technological era, these tools help to immerse and engage audiences – especially younger generations. The company also supplied a full DJ Setup, comprising a professional grade Denon DJ system, along with a pair of Plus Audio M13 stage monitors.

“After talking with SA Van Conversions and the end-client, we decided on a Plus Audio sound system based on the compact Li-series which offers an excellent quality-to-price ratio and is ideally sized for the project,” explains Victor Vermaak, sales representative for SAW. “Four L208 loudspeakers and two L118 subs are per side are built into the van as in L/R stacks. The system is powered by our proprietary Stage Plus 12AD amplifiers.”

SAW also supplied a Sennheiser EW100 G4-835-S handheld wireless system, paired with an additional corded E835 microphone. “This solution is durable and easy to use, and the cardioid design of the E835 is also ideal for KZN Sharks Boards presentation style and touring requirements,” says Vermaak.

“For the visual element, we supplied a fully weatherised outdoor Pixel Plus LED screen mounted inside the truck on what is effectively the back wall of the stage,” he continues. “We paired it with a Novastar processing solution. We’ve found this combination to be highly effective across a number of projects.”

Finally, Stage Audio Works provided a range of Stage Plus flight cases to protect the equipment whilst on the road, specifically for the Denon DJ equipment, the amplifiers, the microphones and the digital mixing console.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of delivering this project, which was particularly close to our hearts,” recalls Nathan Ihlenfeldt, CTO of SAW. “Many of us recall witnessing the same KZN Sharks Board live dissection when we were younger. The organisation is renowned for their work, and it’s great to see them carry it forward, finding new and exciting ways to educate future generations on living in harmony with sharks while minimising environmental impact.”

“Our portfolio of work is naturally extensive – clients often come to us requiring highly-specific bespoke solutions – but even so, this project was a first,” says Justin Williams from SA Van Conversions. “We’re thankful for SAW’s assistance in the design and supply stages. Together we’ve implemented a cutting-edge system that the KZN Sharks Board are already putting to great use!”

For more information, please visit www.stageaudioworks.com, www.savans.co.za and www.shark.co.za.