R&B megastar Usher embarked on an ambitious 83-date global arena tour as a celebration of his three-decade career and in support of his ninth album, Coming Home. Cohesion was the selected PA for the worldwide trek, providing the vocal clarity, musicality, and low end support that made his shows memorable for more than a million fans.
“Past Present Future” was performed in the round and featured three stages, so the PA needed to provide full coverage to the upper bowls of every arena, the main floors, and VIP sections near the central B stage, without directing energy onto the performance area or the side walls. The legendary singer-songwriter wanted the show to replicate the nuance and detail found in his albums, so vocal clarity and musicality from the PA was a must.
Six hangs of CO12 provided full-venue coverage and low end extension, supported by a novel arrangement of Cohesion CP218 II+ subwoofers in a circle underneath the B stage. The palpable energy was controlled and comfortable for fans, and an array of four Cohesion CO10 above the VIP section and fourteen Cohesion CF28 around the main stage and pit provided fill.
No matter where fans stood during the tour’s fully sold-out performances across the globe, they received exceptional tonality and clarity from the Cohesion PA. The mix translated the detail of Usher’s hit songs without sacrificing horsepower or coverage, while preserving sightlines for fans. The system rigged quickly and seamlessly alongside other complex production elements.
“It was all there, every sound. Everything cut through nicely and smoothly. Cohesion is consistent, and it translates. It’s a go-to for certain applications , and it’s by far one of my favorite PAs.”
