They already had the Wavefront sound system, the Bodysonic dancefloor, the Timax sound spatializer and the Red Cycloops, enabling them to zigzag sound through three-dimensional space. But recently, when rumours began to resound through the labyrinths under Smithfield Meat Market that fabric was about to fly a line array, it produced all kinds of frissons among visiting acts.
Given the close relationship the two men had built with Martin Audio and distributor Marquee Audio, it was little surprise they should opt to partially upgrade the Wavefront 8C with the new W8L Line Array. "The simple truth," offers Dave Parry, "is that other clubs were starting to catch up, and we needed to retain our competitive edge. Line Array was starting to become the de facto standard, and fabric’s owner Keith Reilly just loves it."
The opportunity to love it came at a demo, orchestrated by Martin Audio product manager, Richie Rowley: "We stacked the line array on the stage and ran the system up and it was smacking right into your chest. Everyone started smiling . . . and then we decided to drop the subs in! "It is a lot of power," admits Rowley, "but that’s what it’s all about. It’s just like a sonic rollercoaster ride." Which answers any questions about whether this system should carry a health warning. Before it was commissioned, the system had to satisfy two of the technical manager’s criteria; it had to be properly supported (in terms of service back-up) and also in terms of structural weight load - with a third of a ton hanging left and right, requiring two-ton flying points each side, the girders had to be specially tested since the W8Ls were coming off the main structure.
And there is a good pay-back for the additional weightmass. Each W8L integrates a high excursion, Hybrid horn-loaded and ported 15" low frequency cone driver, with two vertically-coupled constant directivity horn-loaded 8" mid frequency cone drivers and three vertically-coupled constant directivity horn-loaded 1" high frequency compression drivers.
However, the installation is not entirely about Line Array: while Room 1 will now see two W8Ls slung either side of the stage, replacing the existing W8Cs, serious bass extension will be provided by the monobloc of eight existing WSXs, while the four W8Cs on the rear balcony will continue to provide infill quad sound. Multiples of MA2.8 amplifiers will drive the W8Cs, MA4.2s the line array - and the further 4.2s on the subs. Dave Parry plans to run the system in conjunction with a bass expander to stretch the sound source down a further octave, and if the sound is still too ‘clean’ for some DJs, they will use their existing BSS Soundwebs in conjunction with valve simulators "to warm up the vinyl and create some distortion." At the same time, fabric has implemented a Martin top-up to Room 3 and the VIP Room. The tiny stage area is covered by four Martin Blackline F15s, with two sets of F10s paired together and flown - supported by an F8 out over the bar, while a pair of S218s provide the sub bass. The VIP Room now has the new Blackline F8s - completing the standardization to Martin’s products.
