UK - With a capacity of 700 and located in the heart of Bilston, The Robin is one of the West Midlands’ premier live music destinations. Opened in 1998 and staging more than 20 shows a month, the popular venue hosts a varied programme of artists, including well-known names, up and coming original bands, and leading tribute acts.
Given its packed schedule, it is essential that the venue’s audio provision is of a high standard in order to cater for the variety of styles on stage and cope with the rigours of prolonged daily use. With this in mind, events manager Chris Meddings keeps all the venue’s technical requirements under constant review, and recently took the decision to upgrade and modernise the Robin’s amplification, choosing XTA amplifiers to replace the existing units:
“Our house rig is an excellent, tried and trusted EAW system, comprising KF850 and SB850 units, but the amplification side of things was becoming tired and beginning to require more attention than was practical. Given the needs of the venue, it was clear that we needed to take some steps in terms of future-proofing, so we took some soundings from our friends and suppliers at Core Pro Audio, who recommended XTA.”
The Robin invested in a pair of XTA DPA100 digital processing amplifiers to replace the four existing amplifiers in situ. The DPA100 delivers cutting-edge power amplification technology with the highest definition DSP, with total control of all processing via its front panel and all the remote options an operator could require.
Chris Meddings is pleased with the new amplifiers: “This investment has given a new dimension to our business in terms of future-proofing the venue. The DPA100s have given us a huge power increase, and more access and control over our sound. We now have the ability to remotely change the EQ of our system, and the use of Dynamic Compression is a game-changer.
“The system sounds fantastic and it’s given The Robin a new lease of life. XTA were also really helpful in working with us to finesse the sound in the venue. Safe to say I’m a complete convert to XTA – any considerations I need to make for amplification and processing will be taken straight to XTA.”
Rich Fleming of XTA adds: “We were very happy to work with Chris and also Will from Core Pro Audio during the installation to ensure that the DPA100 units are deployed to their full potential – the system really does sound fantastic.
“Interestingly, the processing element of the DPA100s which are now breathing new life into The Robin can also be found at the iconic Shepherds Bush Empire in London, another hugely popular venue with an established EAW system, in the form of three of our DP448 signal processing units. We’re proud of our presence in these important live music hubs.”
