D8 Group provided full AV integration for the inaugural Southeast Asian edition of the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), held at Boat Avenue Lakefront in Phuket from 17 to 19 January 2025.
The event marked EDC’s debut in the region, featuring three performance arenas: kineticFIELD, CircuitGROUND, and StereoBLOOM.
D8 handled the complete AV scope at kineticFIELD and provided sound design and infrastructure across all three stages. Production responsibilities for CircuitGROUND and StereoBLOOM were overseen by PM Centre, with Lightsource and ProStage delivering lighting, visuals, and stage infrastructure.
Pantakarn Pannasuriyaporn, CEO of D8 Projects Thailand, commented: “From levelling uneven terrain to coordinating global equipment shipments, every detail had to be executed with absolute precision. We collaborated closely with Insomniac’s US team to adapt designs from past EDC events across the globe and then engineered structures from the ground up to support their scenic and automation elements, including the unique monolith installations. The complexities of material substitutions, scenic integrations, and structural reinforcements required seamless coordination with our partners at Megaforce – who, I must admit, were uncompromisingly world-class. Plus, working with the fine team of professionals at PM Centre, Lightsource, and ProStage respectively meant that there was no doubt about EDC Thailand culminating in a world-class festival experience worthy of EDC’s global legacy."
Delving into the festival’s sound design specifics, Henry Hari Ram, Founder & CEO of D8 Group, explained that D8 had to ensure each of the three performance spaces maintained a distinct sonic vibe without any sound spill between the stages, while delivering a consistent aural experience for audiences moving between them.
D8 chose to implement L-Acoustics solutions to meet the project’s audio demands.
At StereoBLOOM, team D8 installed 8 units of the L-Acoustics K2 per side on the performance stage, while a total of 24 ground-stacked SB28 subwoofers delivered a full-bodied bass presence.
At CircuitGROUND, two main hangs of 10 L-Acoustics K1 units were supported by 33 SB28 subwoofers in total. D8 also installed outrigger hangs comprising 8 K2 modules on either side of the main system. In addition, front-fill reinforcement included 12 KARA modules distributed evenly across 4 stacks.
The main deployment was centred around kineticFIELD. At its core were two primary line arrays, each consisting of 16 L-Acoustics K1 units flown above 4 K2 units. To extend the system’s reach, D8 Audio deployed supplementary outrigger arrays on either side of the main hangs, each comprising 10 K1 units over 4 K2 units, covering the outer sections of the audience area.
For front-fill, distributed stacks of KARA II modules were employed, while a delay reinforcement system utilising K2 modules was deployed across the rear of the field.
Low-frequency performance was also a significant focus of the deployment. To enhance bass projection and control, D8 flew 8 K1-SB subwoofers behind each main hang to improve low-frequency throw and introduce cancellation patterns. An additional 4 K1-SB units were flown above each outrigger for extended low-end coverage along the sides. On the ground, 48 KS28 subwoofers were deployed in stacks.
Stereo booth monitoring systems comprising stacks of 3 KARA modules perched atop SB18 subwoofers, in varying configurations alongside X15 HiQ wedges, offered stage-wide coverage on all stages.
D8 also integrated DiGiCo’s mixing workflow with L-Acoustics’ Milan AVB technology.
At kineticFIELD, the DiGiCo Quantum 7 sat at FOH, while the SD12 was deployed at monitor mix and backup – both consoles equipped with SD Racks (56/32–32-bit). FOH engineers also had access to Waves MaxxBCL, Avalon VT-747 SP, and Waves Server One with Axis PC; while two L-Acoustics P1 units (AVB + analogue fallback) and two Lake LM44 processors provided precision-calibrated system optimisation.
Over at CircuitGROUND, a DiGiCo SD5 at FOH and an SD12 at monitor mix – both paired with an SD Rack (56/32) – along with Waves Server One + Axis PC ensured punchy, high-energy mixes. Meanwhile, a DiGiCo SD10 with an SD Rack (56/32) and an L-Acoustics P1 drive system was fitted at StereoBLOOM.
An RF infrastructure centred around Shure’s technology helped D8 ensure interference-free and clear audio transmission across kineticFIELD, CircuitGROUND, and StereoBLOOM. Each stage featured Shure AD4Q (4-channel receivers), AD2 SM58 handheld mics, P10T IEM transmitters, and P10R+ bodypack receivers – tailored to meet the specific demands of the artist lineup.
The RF world at kineticFIELD was also supplemented with a shout system, wired Shure SM58s, Sennheiser MKH-416 shotgun mics, and Radial JDI DIs; whereas StereoBLOOM featured AD1 beltpacks, and CircuitGROUND included wireless guitar kits.
D8 also worked on the visual aspects of the festival.
The lighting architecture at kineticFIELD consisted of 72 Claypaky fixtures, including Arolla moving heads and Pomelo LEDs, while 24 Martin MAC fixtures allowed for precise key lighting and spotlighting.
D8 partnered with INFiLED to deploy over 1,300 sqm of AMmk2 transparent LED screens at the main stage. Positioned eight metres from the front row, the screens delivered a 7344 x 2088 resolution, ensuring a high-impact visual experience across the audience area.
Shalini Sugapathy, COO of D8 Group, concluded: “What we delivered at EDC Thailand wasn’t just production – it was an evolution of what’s possible in live events. A special shout-out to D8 team members Andy Marsh, who handled the overall production; Rajakumar Narayanasamy, who headed the audio department; and Kitson Wong, who led the lighting department – for setting the perfect example of achieving the unthinkable through relentless dedication and steadfast collaboration. Team D8 functions on the virtues of passion, precision, and a hunger to keep pushing boundaries; and this festival was a true reflection of that.”