Both TourTech and the venue itself have a long history of operating Soundcraft desks, so it didn't take long for the hire company's Dick Rabel and concert hall technical manager, Pearse Ellis to agree on a 32-channel MH3 to mix the sound in the 2,300-capacity, three-tiered hall.
There is now continuity with the adjacent Theatre Royal, who have just taken delivery of an MH4 from Orbital Sound - flight cased so can be used for touring purposes. "Although it's a smaller venue," says Ellis, "with the number of radio mics required for the pantomimes they stage, they need the additional channel capacity afforded by a larger desk."
As for the Concert Hall, the requirement was for a desk sufficiently versatility to cope with a broad range of shows - from comedy to light weight rock. "We have upgraded from 24 inputs to 32, and we went for the maximum size we could," Ellis continued. "A major consideration is that it's a dual mode desk, which will allow us to run monitors from the FOH position." The MH3 formed part of an upgrade that includes PA and processing.
Rabel said: "We have done a lot of shows at the Royal over the years, and the management and technical staff had been impressed with the results we had achieved. So when it came to replacing their ageing system they asked if we would be interested. It's what we do on tour and it makes absolute sense for venues dealing with a substantial turnover of live events to use an audio installer who has extensive touring experience and an excellent reputation. This ensures the suitability of the installed equipment for the job in hand and at the same time establishes a 'credibility link' for visiting sound engineers."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
