Under the direction of Architects - Burrell, Foley, Fischer, the Edwardian theatre has been expanded and completely re-designed to offer a state-of-the-art facility. As a repertory theatre, it will produce up to 10 productions a year and will work with local schools and amateur theatre groups to truly represent the community.
Orbital Sound's sales and installations manager, Tom Byrne, collaborated with sound consultant, Tom Lishman and technical consultant Ian Saunders - to supply a system that offers highly flexible, directional sound. Building on the installed infrastructure designed by theatre design consultancy Theatreplan, Lishman used Spectrafoo analysing software to fine-tune the design and worked alongside the in-house team to complete the installation of the surround sound system.
It comprises a combination of d&b audiotechnik Ci loudspeakers for the stalls, the circle and upper circle, whilst d&b E12 subs have been installed under the stage, and d&b E3 cabinets deployed for balcony fills. d&b's innovative e-pac3 amplifiers were specified not only to power the system, but to provide the EQ and delay. A Yamaha 01V 96 digital mixing desk is at FOH, along with an Allen & Heath GL4000 24-channel mixing desk for added flexibility. The Yamaha 01V is connected to a digital SFX playback system, which further augments the versatility of the system.
Sound consultant Tom Lishman commented: "I presented the theatre staff with a number of choices of system and supplier, and was very happy when they chose Orbital because of their understanding of theatre."
Orbital's Tom Byrne added: "Working with Tom Lishman and the Watford team was a real pleasure - the common goal was to supply a versatile system that will give the theatre flexibility and d&b audio quality."
(Lee Baldock)
