University Head of AV, David Walton, chose Creative Light & Sound to install the new system. MD, Charlie Fleet, commented: "Our brief was simple; the University needed a system that offered flexibility of control. The education sector infrequently adopts new technology, so investment needed to be in a system that was at the cutting edge and would remain up to date. Similarly, the education sector contains a majority of non-technical staff, so we also needed a user friendly system that could easily be operated by University members."
"The benefit of the iDR is that it can be approached "hands off" from a non-technical user's point of view. It also provides remote access at various points in the building and offers a profound level of flexibility whereby audio settings in different areas can be automated by programmable patches using iDR System Manager software. For example, during one of the University's assemblies when the chapel is full, it may be necessary for David to increase the amplifiers to full, but distortion is avoided because the microphone volumes are limited as part of a patch. Furthermore, compression and EQ can all be monitored from a central point.
"Aberdeen University's chapel provided us with the classic church set up where inputs included a lectern mic, minister radio mics, a choir and organ. However, the iDR system can manage a much more complex set up encompassing external systems. In the University's case, the infra-red assisted hearing system, lighting, televisual and camera systems are all managed by the iDR.
"We looked at DRs and various analog desks that could be tailored to the University's needs but the iDR was the only system with all the solutions, no other system came close. The functionality is astounding, there are so many patch and switch options that the possibilities are endless! "The beauty of the iDR system is that this particular installation is only the first step. There is the scope to install more iDR networks in other buildings, creating a matrix of networks, controlled from one central point.
"The audio market is slow to pick up on new technology but it is gradually changing. The future of the industry isn't dependent on wires, knobs and faders but digital processing, utilising a combination of computing and audio skills. Installs will be slick, not seen but definitely heard."
(Lee Baldock)
