Tom Petty Hits the Road with EAW Anya System in Tow

EAW has announced that Sound Image has joined the expanding global network of Adaptive Performance Partners through the purchase of an Anya system. The system will be immediately deployed on the Tom Petty Hypnotic Eye Tour. Award winning FOH engineer, Robert Scovill, insisted upon Anya after putting the system through an extensive evaluation at a private event.

“I haven’t been this excited about a new approach to PA technology in a couple of decades now,” says Scovill. “The approach that EAW has taken with Anya is a leap forward in the quality and the way in which audio can be presented to a large audience. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be an early adopter of Anya. I’m literally counting the days to our first shows.”

The arena tour, featuring very special guest Steve Winwood, will additionally make stops at the scenic Gorge and Red Rocks amphitheaters along with a special night at Boston’s historic Fenway Park. EAW Resolution software will be used to adapt the coverage of the 54 module Anya system to match the diverse requirements of the venues on the tour.

“This is a very big day for EAW,” says Jeff Rocha, president of EAW. “The collaboration between this specific artist, engineer and sound company is as good as it gets. Robert’s selection of Anya further reinforces the industry shift away from conventional line arrays in favor of the pioneering technologies of adaptive performance. And the level of excellence that Sound Image consistently delivers will make those technologies available to a very wide range of artists.”

Dave Shadoan, president of Sound Image adds, “We analyze, watch and develop evolving technology closely and we strive to remain at the technological forefront in the touring industry. When we see a product that has the potential to cut a new path, we will certainly get involved. When Robert Scovill came to us with the concept of using Anya for Tom Petty, we knew that it was time to pay attention as we had been monitoring the Anya system as well.”

“Robert is a very talented engineer and we have had a strong relationship for many years. As we roll this system out for its first major tour, we’re confident that it’s in very capable hands. It will be a great opportunity for Sound Image to show the system to other engineers that are curious about Adaptive Performance technology, allowing them to see how it can be used with their clients moving forward. Jeff Rocha and the EAW team have worked very hard to provide something new and different. It is an exciting project to say the least.”