The theatre is Wales' major drama producing theatre company and arts centre, and is the home of a highly-acclaimed company. Head of sound, Kevin Heyes, says it was always the plan to buy a second DM2000, to add to the desk they bought from Marquee late last year. The high performance digital console offers 96 (24-bit/96kHz) audio input channels, extensive surround production features, integrated digital audio workstation and ProTools control, providing more than nine times the processing power of the Yamaha 02R.
"With 50-60 inputs on some of our big rock ’n’ roll pantomimes, we were filling our 02Rs to capacity," admitted Kevin. But aside from the number of inputs and outputs afforded, it was the automation that really interested them. "We use a lot of samplers and sequencers for our shows, and so with the DM2000 we can hit a button and route everything to where it needs to go, leaving the operators free to make show adjustments. Also we have big touring commitments and know that these desks are really road durable and can be bounced around the country - unlike some of the mixers designed for the project studio environment."
It is not unusual for Theatr Clwyd to have two shows out on tour, two in rehearsal and two on stage - and so a lot of flip-flopping is necessary. "What is nice when using the 02s and DMs is that the recalls are easy - so one operator can move across without necessarily knowing the show and get straight onto it. We also like the patching on the DMs, which is brilliant, and the number of outputs - 12 aux, eight subs and matrix - which is useful for the level of shows we do. With multiple auxs we can cascade two DMs for pantomimes, which is also brilliant."
Along with a Meyer rig and QSC amplification, Theatre Clwyd purchased the first 02R commercially sold in the UK from Marquee Audio, eight years ago - after meeting them at a PLASA Show - and they have remained their preferred suppliers ever since. The first outing for the new DM2000 is the Welsh TV’s live band shows, in which FOH and monitors will be controlled from a single desk.
(Ruth Rossington)
