"The previous production of Cats in South Africa in 2001 used an analogue console, and I wanted to use this opportunity to not only go digital but to get the PRO6 into the country," says Malherbe.
Prosound's involvement in the earlier production was somewhat limited, with the majority of technical skills provided by System Sound of Australia, and the company used the experience to learn from them. "The level of preparation and dedication to detail by the System team was unprecedented at that time in the local theatre industry. Prosound took full advantage of this opportunity and has since adopted many of the same principles of operation, albeit in a manner more suited to their environment.
"Things have moved on and when this latest production was mooted, Prosound provided a proposal that was approved by Pieter Tourien Productions to provide all aspects of the sound requirements for the show, including local design."
At the heart of the system, providing the bulk of the mixing and show control, the Midas PRO6 handles all of the 28 cast radio microphones and the orchestra channels. In addition, it provides all the midi triggers to the auxiliary consoles (rhythm section and sound effects control) and sound effects software package. The console's flexible output configuration allows the numerous feeds, monitors, stage feeds, press and main system outputs to easily be provided and managed.
In addition the Midas remote stage box has meant that cabling installation is quick and unobtrusive with only two Cat 5 cables from FOH to stage. The console's full complement of 64 input channels are used for this production.
(Jim Evans)
