The most recently-commissioned system was at Northampton Academy, which has been designed around four spaces - the main assembly hall, two drama studios and a dance studio. "We have got to know the Martin Audio catalogue well and know what the product can do," says Ling, adding that the enclosures complement Hawthorn's large hire inventory of Martin Audio loudspeakers. "Not only does it provide a highly flexible solution, but the AQ boxes are relatively compact, quick to install and are aesthetically pleasing." He also said that working alongside architects the colour was critical - and AQ's factory finish provided the perfect match.
In the main 350-capacity assembly hall the system - comprising a pair of AQ15s, four AQ12s (as delays) and a pair of AQ212 subs - is under AMX wireless touch control from the lectern (which in turn controls the Allen & Heath iDR8 DSP which stores all the loudspeaker parameters). Aside from requiring a high degree of speech intelligibility, the main hall will also feature music presentation and the screening of films (via the Hawthorn-supplied big screen) - all of which are within the scope of the AQ series.
Behind the main hall is a giant 'air' wall which can be opened up to reconfigure the performance spaces and integrate the drama studios into one huge area - all under the control of the Allen & Heath live mixing desk. Each drama studio is equipped with four bar-mounted AQ10s, while the dance area sees another pair of AQ12s, supported by a pair of Martin's cost-effective two-way workhorses, the Blackline F12s, forming a complete portable rig.
The contract for the full entertainment/scenic technology package (including curtains) will be worth around £200,00 per site to the Leicester-based theatrical specialist. In addition to Northampton, Lambeth Academy is already open, with work due to start on both Marlowe and Paddington sites within the next three months, the company reports.
(Lee Baldock)
