For such an extensive outdoor site, sound reinforcement is essential. The original sound system consisted of ageing re-entrant horns and the sound quality was poor so Father Thomas Millar of the adjoining St. Francis Xavier church, approached Tony Kennedy of Glasgow-based Teknique Systems to upgrade the system. Kennedy and David Wilson of Teknique first approached Community at the PLASA SHow in 2005 and discussed the suitability of the all-weather R Series. As the project reached the design stage, Community's Stuart Cunningham and Alan Lochhead then visited the site with a system and the product was demonstrated to Teknique and the client.
The system is operated on a 100V line and consists of eight R.25-94TX and six R.5-94TX driven by Kind KDL800, KDL1200 and KDL2200 amplifiers with three Kind TMK1 100V transformer kits, the KIND equipment also being supplied by Community UK who are exclusive distributor for the brand. At the front end is an Allen & Heath mixing console, chosen for fulfilling the functional needs, but also for its audio quality.
The R.25-94TX has an 8" (203mm) cone LF driver and a 0.75" (20mm) exit HF compression driver with weather resistant diaphragm. The HF driver is coupled to a nominal 90 x 40° horn, coaxially mounted with the LF driver and the loudspeaker has an integral a 120W line transformer. The larger R.5-94TX has a more extended response and higher SPL capability with a 12" (300mm) cone LF driver and a 1" (25 mm) exit HF compression driver. With moulded enclosures and HF horns, stainless steel hardware and three-layer Weather-Stop grilles, the loudspeakers are capable of withstanding the harshest environmental conditions.
Commenting for Teknique Systems, Tony Kennedy, said, "The original demonstration proved the suitability of the Community loudspeakers. Audio quality, particularly on vocals, SPL, throw and well defined dispersion combined in such compact all-weather packages made them the perfect choice. The client is very pleased with the system and for the visitors the audio is now crystal clear."
Teknique Systems has also been appointed for the project to upgrade the lighting for the Carfin Grotto, which will commence in October 2006.
(Lee Baldock)
