Technology has advanced in leaps and bounds since the original d&b system was installed, and now Walsh knew he could take advantage of a more compct and energy efficient footprint - specifying a system that could be remotely set-up, monitored and healthchecked over Ethernet.
He contacted the Theatre's regular audio suppliers, Orbital Sound, who delivered eight d&b E8 two-way multipurpose loudspeakers with a further eight E12-Ds providing bass extension via a long-excursion 12" driver. The rotatable 90° x 50° dispersion he knew would provide all the coverage he needed in the reconfigurable, 300-seat (maximum) studio theatre - whether set up conventionally or in the round.
To remain within the d&b environment, and guarantee a matched and fully-optimised system, Walsh assigned eight d&b D6 dual-channel amplifiers to the new rig, since they incorporate a DSP engine to provide loudspeaker-specific configurations and functions.
Finally, each d&b amplifier is fitted with a remote interface for the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus - in fact the D6 has two RJ45 connectors to enable the CAN-Bus signal to be daisy chained through them. Rich Walsh thus specified a d&b R70 Ethernet-to-CAN interface.
This Remote network enables central control and monitoring of the complete d&b loudspeaker system from anywhere in the network - be it from a PC in the control room, at the mix position, or on a wireless tablet PC in the auditorium.
"This gives us infinite flexibility," states Walsh. "We now not only have a lightweight, discreet and energy-efficient system - with more than enough power in the engine - but the remote Ethernet control allows us to tap into the system wherever we are."
(Lee Baldock)
