Commented King: "The feature set of the GB4 is fantastic; the EQ has been greatly enhanced, and unlike other consoles in this market it contains a matrix section." Onyx presentations hire manager, Craig Theaker, agreed that the company had made the right decision in holding back its purchasing decision until the GB4 became available: "We waited for a year, and it's been one of the better decisions we've made, the two 32-channel desks, which backed up the six 16-channel GB4's, went straight out on a corporate project in Barcelona. It wasn't so much a cost issue as the fact that the other desks we looked at didn't have the matrix facility." As for the GB8, which follows a similar template to the GB4 but contains a meter bridge, four stereos and eight sub groups, Theaker says: "We are starting to do large scale work in larger venues such as Alexandra Palace, as well as working closely with other production companies - and these will be ideal." He added that where possible Onyx attempt to crew all hires using freelance engineers. "We always take on board what engineers have to say about equipment and all are delighted that we waited for the GB4 to come onto the market, without jumping in."
Started 13 years ago by Paul Gilley, Onyx Presentations has grown tremendously since moving to Sunbury a year ago and has expanded its range of corporate service facilities from a base in AV technology to a 17-ton truck - and even prompting facilities.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
