The College wanted to utilise the very latest technology throughout and a Compulite Vector Green control system, complete with iControl riggers control system and WYSIWYG console edition, was specified. The Vector was chosen because of the ability to completely customise the behaviour and syntax of the console to suit a wide range of users and a multitude of multimedia features using the latest software Release 3.15. Its improved theatre style features were a further advantage.
The Vector PC software is available as a free download, with introduction and advanced training videos, where students can easily learn how to use the Vector software without the need to sit in front of it. This, combined with the ability to draw the rig in WYSIWYG and then send the whole patch to either the Vector PC or Vector console utilising the WYSIWYG AutoPatch feature, makes the whole system a powerful teaching tool.
Nick Schneider, Alan Ayckbourn Theatre tTechnician, comments, " I am both surprised and delighted with the ease of use and the flexibility the Vector Green offers. It is a dream for the type of technical students that we receive, who are used to programming Strand and ETC desks; the ability to swap syntax is such a simple idea that we can just get on with the technical rehearsals. It also reduces the playground arguments on what desk is better or more logical to use.
"The CompuRack Dimmers 'fire up' and you forget them - which is what we like. The added bonus of live monitoring of amplitude values is a helpful bonus for the old Ohms law and teaching purposes."
A Compulite DMX distribution system was supplied that consisted of two 6-way DMX output splitters and one 6-way DMX input buffer, which allows a lighting console to be connected at various facility panels around the space without the need for any re-patching.
The equipment was all supplied and installed by The Sound and Light Company, who carried out the complete technical installation for the Theatre, Studio, Lecture Theatre and Theatre Studies Room.
(Jim Evans)
