AJS followed the formula they had established so successfully with the similarly-configured Brindley Arts Centre in Runcorn (where Carr & Angier were again the consultants). "Martin Audio is our preferred loudspeaker for an installation such as this," confirmed AJS project manager, Chris Coates. "It produces good quality sound - crisp and round - and is perfect for this kind of environment. On top of that the support we receive from Martin Audio has been extremely impressive."
This support included décor-matching the EM enclosures in 'Black Red' (a kind of deep maroon). Four EM76s are arranged in a flown central cluster with a further four set randomly at left and right of the proscenium arch. A further four EM56s are mounted on the lighting bridge, acting as delays (programmed into a Symnet DSP) and angled down into the balcony. Martin WS2A subs are ground stacked on a perch to the sides of the pros arch.
To provide versatility, the Studio Theatre features a further six flown EM56s which can be moved within the complex. To the delight of the venue's technical manager, Chris Davies, the PA passed its exacting opening night test with flying colours - when a packed house saw the Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Carl Davis. "The show - and the quality of the sound - received outstanding reviews," reports Chris Coates. "Everyone was very impressed with the quality of the PA."
The Riverfront will bring top acts to the city as well as offer the opportunity for local people to get involved in creative workshops. Thanks to the Martin Audio system the theatre is adequately equipped to present a diverse programme of comedy, opera, dance, music and drama.
(Lee Baldock)
