This has replaced the original Diamond 3 which had been in residence since the Waterfront opened in 1997. It was part of an upgrade instigated by stage electrician Oscar Kane and was supplied by Belfast-based Production Services Ireland (PSI).
The console is used to control the house lighting systems in the Main 2000 capacity auditorium, and is also moved around the building and sometimes used in the Studio Theatre.
"It was a completely logical move to go on to the D4 after the D3" says Kane, "It's a console that can be used at very basic or highly complex levels - as required."
PSI's Sean Pagel arranged the sale of the D4 to Waterfront. He worked at the flagship venue for nine years (as a technician, stage LX and production manager) before joining PSI.
This summer, while the Waterfront is 'dark' in terms of visiting shows allowing for essential maintenance work to be undertaken, the D4 is being used for The Coca Cola Urban Arts Academy, part of trans Belfast, an annual summer programme of creative arts and music events open to young people 15 and over, including: gigs, seminars, courses, exhibitions and its own radio station.
(Jim Evans)
