074 VENUE
“The system’s cost is more than paid for in the savings achieved by reducing the
building size and eliminating the need for the acoustic elements.”
Image © Jerry Gilbert
paramount importance. And this affected the choice of FOH mixing console. While Northern Light Project Manager Simon Cooper was convinced the theatre should go digital in order to save space on outboard equipment, he did not want the upgrade curve to be too steep. He therefore selected a Soundcraft Si3 64-input desk, which can either be operated from the control room, set above the first floor balcony, or from a mixer lift position in the stalls. “We were able to offer the theatre a better mixing solution than originally planned, for the same price, and they were delighted,” stated Simon Cooper. “We recommended the Si3 largely because, although digital, it is basically a direct replacement for an analogue desk, and all the existing cable infrastructure was there.” Supplied by Sound Technology Ltd, Soundcraft’s distributor in the UK and ROI, the Soundcraft Si3’s intuitive operation and high input and bus count makes it an excellent choice for theatres such as this. Above each fader is a rotary encoder, the function of which changes according to the mode selected. This ‘bank’ of encoders, known as the Virtual Channel Strip can be set to control every function of a channel, so that mic gain, EQ, dynamics, auxes, panning are all controlled as if a normal analogue channel strip was laid sideways in front of the engineer. “While retaining that analogue feel, this solution offers a lot more processing power, all built into the desk,” continued Simon. “This means that they are saving space on outboard equipment and getting a lot more than they were expecting within the desk.” In addition, portable racks have been provided for use in meeting rooms, with a Soundcraft EPM6 provided for mic and line mixing. All audio is processed by a Biamp AudiaFlex (offering up to 24 I/O’s), with output expansion, while among the playback devices in the main auditorium source rack are the Denon DN-F300 solid state playback unit with CD and minidisc playback, with USB connection direct to the Si3. ATG has maintained continuity with its other theatres by opting for the ETC Eos lighting control surface. The network, consisting of 63,999 DMX universes, operates on their proprietary Net3 protocol, using ACN to stream DMX over Ethernet (via 16 ETC Net3 nodes). Supplied with the Eos is an iRFR Net 3 Radio Focus Remote (with an application for iPhone and iPod Touch). ATG provided the generic and automated fixtures, while ETC supplied the power in the shape of 600A 3-phase supply in a dedicated dimmer room. This comprises six racks of 331 ETC Sensor+ 3K dimmers, 34 ETC 5K dimmers, 55 ETC 3K non-dim and 24 x ETC 5K non-dim switching (all in a single DMX universe). Also situated in the dimmer room is the ETC Paradigm processor, which controls 32 general house / work light circuits throughout the main auditorium, with custom outstations located throughout the building. Northern Light paid credit to the main electrical contractors,
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Oxford-based Darke & Taylor, which provided the entire cabling infrastructure to Northern Light’s design. In addition to the sound and communication cable infrastructure, two Ethernet networks (one for sound, one for lighting) have been installed, utilising power over Ethernet (PoE) with a fibre backbone, using Cisco SRW224G4P 24-Port 10/100 + 4-Port Gigabit switches. This will extend the theatre’s options for plugging in third party devices. The Waterside Theatre’s 225-capacity second room has been equipped with a 32-input Yamaha LS9 and existing d&b loudspeakers and amplifiers, redeployed from the Civic Hall. Sound management is under a Biamp Audia Solo DSP control and lighting is handled from an ETC Element console with Zero88 betapacks. Northern Light has provided Sony cameras for the main theatre and the studio, and associated video and audio playback devices utilising video infrastructure. Additionally, TV distribution throughout the building is via a ProMax digital TV modulator, processing locally modulated off-air sources, such as from the Sony cameras to digital TV. Symetrix 8 x 8 DSP is preferred by Northern Light for paging processing. Simon Cooper credits the useful set of tools in the software, including full show relay calls to all dressing rooms with paging from the prompt corner, control rooms, stage door and front of house. A Canford Tecpro Intercom Master Station has also been specified for both venues for general communication for the technical team to enable important announcements to be heard in designated locations. The foyer is equipped with a Denon 5-disc carousel and Numark iPod dock to enable the manager to play different sources in the foyer, while included among the loose equipment is a 16 x 16 of Avid 16-way stand-alone stage box audio over Ethernet, with a breakout box for further Ethernet capacity and a plethora of loose cabling and stands. Northern Light has also supplied four portable trolleys with Denon CD, Numark iPod dock, Tannoy monitors and Soundcraft EPM6 mixer, which can be used anywhere (including the meeting rooms on site). Theatre curtain specialist J&C Joel supplied the front of house curtains, which were designed specifically to complement the splendour of the theatre and were made in bespoke apricot-gold crushed velvet (VEL295) lined with beige Bolton Twill (BT008). J&C Joel also provided a white printed polyester backdrop with black woodland motif to complete the scene. The project presented challenges, which included networking through two lighting bridges and a forestage, plus servicing ancillary areas such as the second room, a foyer and a number of dressing rooms requiring show calls. All this is within an extraordinarily high, seven-storey building - measuring 25.27 metres from stage level to fly tower - with an orchestra pit and motorised floor. But it was, it
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