RNSS is responsible for the in-house sound systems throughout the South Bank Centre, from voice alarm and evacuation systems through to PA. The PA systems in particular have evolved over many years, so the company is currently involved in upgrading and rationalizing the equipment throughout. Having replaced the loudspeaker system in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, it became imperative to replace the console.
Nowell recounts: "When we first took over the contract for the South Bank Centre, one of our initial tasks was to look for a replacement for the old DDA desks that were in residence at the time. The Venice came out - a great little desk, by the way - and we bought four or five, two of which went straight into the South Bank Centre. They did a great job until we upgraded the loudspeaker system, at which point they started to struggle - we needed more outputs, more auxes etc. We didn't have the room, or the budget, to put in a Heritage 1000, so we were scratching our heads a bit. Then we heard about the Verona, and once I'd seen the spec, I didn't need to know any more. We ordered one there and then."
Nowell is delighted that Midas has chosen to go this route, he continued: "The company has always listened to its customers, but we noticed a real sea change with the prototype Heritage 3000. It was obvious at that point that they hadn't just listened to the big players with the major tours, but also to companies like us who might be less visible, less high-profile if you like, but we work our desks just as hard. The difference is that we're not always working in 100,000-seat stadia. Nevertheless, we still require the same audio quality, the same reliability as is manifested in the bigger consoles, hence the reason I'm delighted to see Midas producing desks like Venice, and now Verona. It's a direction that suits us, and companies like us, down to the ground."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
