Head of Hospitality for the University, Keith Williams, wanted a system that offered quality, reliability and, above all, versatility. A complex noise management study had been undertaken, so strict guidelines also had to be adhered to from the initial design, through to final delivery.
"We wanted to offer Cargo a simple, versatile but eminently capable system," says Penguin's Director of Operations, Dylan Thompson. "By using quality components throughout, we were confident that we could provide a solution that provided just that."
The multi-purpose nature of the venue required inputs in various locations for DJ, live and daytime background music playback, as well as microphone inputs for use on quiz nights, for quick announcements, etc, without having to connect to the DJ mixer or live desk.
Capitalising on Penguin's close relationship with Sound Technology, Harman's UK distributor, a BSS Audio Soundweb London Blu-100, utilizing Harman's Motion Control iOS software was specified. Coupled with Audio Architect programming software, the system can offer the required flexibility and ease of operation, along with powerful logic programming and audio processing to meet the noise management plan. The custom control panel on the iPad allows for background and stage level control, source selects, as well as more advanced options, whilst roaming the room. The signal is then fed to a brace of Crown XLS2500 Drivecore power amplifiers.
A Soundcraft Expression 1 console was specified for live use, its compact size, intuitive layout, 16 onboard mic preamps, plus the versatility of the Si digital stage boxes, make it an ideal choice for both students and guest engineers. Stage speakers comprise a pair of Ohm Total Clarity CT12s, flown either side of the raised stage using Mason anti-vibration couplers. A single Ohm Total Clarity CS218 subwoofer is concealed beneath the stage, again on anti-vibration mounts, delivering a discreet, bass reflex solution. Fill for the remainder of the room is courtesy of Ohm Total Clarity CW28 cabinets.
"This combination ensures that recorded music is faithfully reproduced and vocal intelligibility is exceptional, as well as reducing the amount of cabinets required for the area," says Dylan. "Because of the sensitive noise issues, we worked with Ohm to create a 'Penguin Edition' of the CW28 which, amongst other small differences, gives us the ability to rear mount the cabinet with a Powerdrive anti-vibration bracket, offering an aesthetically pleasing solution that's in keeping with the noise management plan."
The video system is equally simple and effective and uses a mixture of eight 40 and 50 inch Panasonic Professional LCD panels located around the room, controlled via a CYP 8x8 HDBaseT matrix.
"Penguin Media exceeded our expectations in every way," comments Keith Williams. "The audio and visual systems they installed are of superb quality, delivering crystal clear sound that really brings the room to life. Nothing was too much trouble, from finding cost-effective solutions, to installing the equipment and training our staff. They bent over backwards to assist in every way possible and were a pleasure to work with."
(Jim Evans)
