Borderline hits the right notes with SSE
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The venue has been remodelled to create a flowing space that provides the best possible experience for both performer and audience. As well as creating improved sight lines, more than £100,000 has been invested in a high spec audio and light system.
With excellent audio established as a hallmark for all DHP Family venues, top of the list was the installation of an L-Acoustics PA system to deliver a signature hi-fi quality sound throughout the venue.
DHP Family technical manager Dave McVea said: “The audio system we inherited was an eclectic mix of gear that had clearly been amassed over a period of time. While it did the job, there was no real design to the system. We’re proud that our venues have a reputation for excellent audio so clearly we needed to change that.”
SSE Audio - a long-standing partner - was tasked with supplying and installing the sound system having a proven track record for delivering top quality audio systems in DHP Family’s Rock City and Rescue Rooms in Nottingham, Oslo in Hackney, Thekla in Bristol and most recently The Garage in Islington.
Dave added: “I wanted an L’Acoustics system with plenty of headroom, so the system should not be stressed and easily deliver a quality sound for our acts and events, in keeping with our previous audio upgrades. It also brings the venue’s technical specification right up to date with a considerable investment in quality that I’m sure will be of huge benefit to The Borderline for many years to come.”
Borderline reopened 16 March, with the refurbishment taking just 12 weeks.
“SSE, along with all the contractors on site, pulled out all the stops to ensure this project was delivered on time,” said Dave. "We had issues with the ceiling not being able to take the loads from the designated flying points but everyone on site worked together to provide a solution. The service we have had from SSE, particularly from Paul Lambert who project managed the installation has been superb."
DHP enlisted the help of the lighting designer for Mumford and Sons - Ed Warren - to help create a lighting rig that would be suitable for the tight space.
DHP Family’s Assistant Technical Manager Bryan Rankin and DHP Family Lighting Designer Chris Foot Chris Foot installed a mixture of Chauvet and Martin lights.
Bryan said: “Working in bigger venues we see the R1 wash lots as part of the touring package and fully aware of its qualities. For the price, it is hard to find another led wash light that can zoom to a focused beam in the same price bracket.
“The 255 is less toured, but we have its previous model in the Nottingham venue The Bodega. The light output from such a small fixture is incredible.”
Finally, an Avolites Titan mobile to control all the fixtures was installed as the DHP engineers are already familiar with the platform using it across the other venues in the portfolio.
DHP added: “We would like to thank Ben at Ac Entertainment and Andy at Stage Electrics for their help in getting all the equipment to us in such a short time frame from the moment the design had been approved and also our own Chris Foot for the excellent work he did installing the lighting at the Borderline.”
Over the years, Borderline has played host to some of the biggest artists of the rock world including Rage Against the Machine, Blondie and Mick Jagger. With this latest refurbishment it is now well equipped to host many more acts in the years to come.
SSE specified an L-Acoustics ARCS WIFO package. One L-Acoustics ARCS Focus and one ARCS wide per side have been flown from the ceiling while six SB18 sub woofers have been installed in recesses under the stage apron. A single flown L-Acoustics 12XT provides centre fill and X8 cabinets have been installed in the lounge area as in-fill.
A Soundweb controller manages the EQ and level control for the system while a custom touch screen Graphical User Interface installed at Front of House enables venue staff to manage individual levels and signal sources throughout the venue.
At Front of House, SSE has installed a Midas M32 digital mixing console, linked to a Midas DL32 providing 32 inputs and 16 outputs on stage. A monitor package of five L-Acoustics X12 wedge monitors and an additional X12 with an SB15M for drum-fill was supplied as part of the system. The PA and monitor package is powered by just two L-Acoustics LA8 and two LA4X amplifiers installed off stage in a 19” rack with custom panel work.
(Jim Evans)
