One of the directors of the operating company, Brian Davis, had previously used Marquee Audio to fit out a bar in London's Smithfield Market. Thus when he secured the site of the former printing works in Old Street, which had been empty for two years, he had no hesitation in renewing the acquaintance, citing: "quality sound, reliable back up and competitive pricing" as the principle reasons. "I never have any problems with the Marquee guys - they are polite, friendly and knowledgeable about the kit they provide," he says.
In designing the three-zone system for The Legion, Marquee Audio's Scott Wakelin specified two Turbosound TQ-315 (two-way 15" + 2") and four TXD-118 (single 18" subs) in the DJ area, four TXD-121s in the bar area and two TXD-081s in the entrance, powered by a combination of three QSC RMX2450s, a PLX3402 and PLX1202. This is controlled and routed through a BSS 9088 Soundweb 8 x 8 digital audio matrix, with three BSS 9012 source/volume remotes offering local control.
Marquee also recommended a top-class front-end - consisting of a pair of flightcased Technics SL1210 MkII turntables and Numark CDN22 dual CD players, Citronic CDM10-4 DJ mixer, with a DAS DS-12A as the reference monitor. The DJ equipment is portable, enabling it to be stored when not in use.
Among the DJs playing back through this system will be Brian Davis' own promotion/DJ team, 3Hedz, who have a Sunday night residency, Home Is Where The Hedz Are. Other regular weekly DJ nights include Friday Derelicte (DJ: Pablo Psychonauts) and a rotation of DJ and live promotions; on Wednesdays States Invaders, Thursdays Intensive Care(DJs: Declan & Perry) and Saturdays Chimps on Speed(DJ: Antony Teasdale) and Platinum Finger(DJ: Butch Cassidy).
Davis aspires to bring a breath of fresh air to the Shoreditch scene, with an all-day kitchen offering comfort food and the venue's signature pie and mash. He says: "We will offer a range of bar snacks, beverages and good service - the kind of character you'd expect from a local."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
