To run the sound system, PAI’s Martin Draisey selected to use the new Mackie Industrial DX8/10e digital audio mixer. "I was invited to Mackie’s showrooms in Wickford by Andy Austin-Brown for a seminar on the DX8/10e. The presentation was fronted by Costa Lakoumentas (the man behind the development of the mixer) and I was genuinely enthused by what I learned. The unit is highly flexible. At Reading University, for instance, we have used it as a digital processor and loudspeaker management system. I used 9 of its 10 outputs, for main, left and right (Fussion), six circuits for the peripheral loudspeakers (Monitor 8s and 5s), and a single one for the PL80s in the toilets and washrooms. The software and operation made a refreshing change: within a short amount of time I had the DX10 configured and the venue delays and EQs all set up."
PAI’s decision to go with a Fussion system was based on the need for a set-up that could handle anything the students could throw at it. "We had to ‘fly’ the Fussion 3000 cabinets, continues Draisey, "as there was no place for us to stack the system. We hung the cabinets either side of the stage using brackets and assemblies built and designed in our fabrication shop. The 1800s/sa sub bass units were housed under the stage. The peripheral system, comprising the Mackie Industrial Monitor 8s and 5s, is utilized in the main for the daytime trading operation, since part of the design brief was to have sound from 11am onwards." Providing the amplification across the venue is a QSC system.
PAI also installed the effects lighting system, and configured eight Martin Professional MAC 250s on a 3m central circle of truss hung from the ceiling, along with four existing Martin Professional Roboscan 518s. The balcony front was fitted with eight Abstract VR8s and a further eight Martin CX-4 colour changers.
PAR 56s were also used to provide general colour to the dance floor, whilst further effects were provided by MAD scans and Martin Professional Destroyers. At the helm of the lighting system sits a Pulsar Masterpiece 216.
The venue has a well-stocked DJ booth with a Cloud mixer, Technics turntables, a Denon 1800F and a Mackie ART300A for monitoring.
