Since restructuring the company in 2003, owner Shaun Pearce along with managers Andy White and John Huson have rationalised their approach to business, as White explained: "We realised our reputation was gaining us work all over the country but had possibly been overlooking opportunities on our own doorstep. We contacted local events and venues and since have been incredibly busy working on some great local projects."
Peterborough United football team needed a new audio system for their London-Road ground, and Hawk AV of Peterborough contracted Pearce Hire to install a brand new 100V line system on both a very tight schedule and budget. White designed the system which incorporates around 100 high quality DNH horns ideal for both public address and music reproduction, while being very good value for money. The system was powered by QSC amps, with Shure Microphones and a Cloud digital paging system. Pearce Hire also installed significant cabling infrastructure while at the ground to future-proof the system. Two local theatres are also now better equipped for future performances.
An audio system has been installed into the Broadway Theatre for a new conference facility to accommodate 350 delegates. To comply with the architects specification for hidden ceiling speakers that delivered uniform high quality speech reinforcement in the venue, White installed 30 JBL control 26 ceiling speakers. The system is powered by Yamaha amplification and controlled by Cloud zoning equipment, giving the in house technicians independent control over the various areas of the venue.
After having experienced years of problems with their audio, the 400 capacity Key Theatre consulted with Pearce Hire as part of an extensive refurbishment programme. On examination of the system it was discovered that the venue already had the majority of the components required to create a high quality audio system, however, the previous install was both sub-standard and seemed to disregard many of the basic principles of live audio. Mindful of the limited budget Pearce Hire installed new cabling infrastructure to the venue and re-configured every aspect of the current system, leaving them with a user friendly theatrical audio system suitable for everything from simple play's to full musical productions.
Laxton (private) junior school called on Pearce Hire after suffering from the 'awful acoustics' of their new school hall to devise a solution for their school productions. White designed an Allen & Heath IDR digital matrix system to give the teachers a simple interface, without the daunting appearance of a traditional analogue mixing desk. Inputs to the system include eight permanently installed Shure ULXp radio-mic systems, float-mics for the stage and stereo inputs from around the room that allow teachers to plug iPods into the system for lessons. The reproduction comes courtesy of three flown (left, centre, right) QSC installation speakers driven by Yamaha amplification. White said: "The system needed to be high quality but idiot proof and as the eq and dynamics is all done on the IDR computer all the teachers/pupils have to do is slide faders."
Shaun Pearce said: "These projects may not be as high profile as many we work on but bringing our expertise and experience has meant that local businesses have benefited from best value. We always take pride in our work and that is never truer than when working on our own doorstep, and we've all enjoyed a bit more time at home, which has to be good."
(Lee Baldock)
