Since the introduction of legislation requiring public spaces to provide for all kinds of disabilities, induction loop systems have been installed in most public buildings and, over time, have become more and more sophisticated.
The Sadlers Wells system features two Ampetronic multiloop drivers, one MLD7 and one MLD9 which, are connected to low loss loop arrays installed along the seating rows of the rear stalls and first circle. The feed cables to these are run in 4 x 50 metre runs of Van Damme 2.5 mm 4 core Touring Black cable supplied by VDC Trading connected in star quad fashion to minimise inductance and dc resistance.
Scanaudio's Dee Couchman explained: "At the Wells, the induction loop drivers are sited at high level above the second circle seating so to connect them to the floor loop arrays required a fairly long run of feed cable. In a theatre like this it is vitally important that we have a reliable and efficient signal to ensure the sound quality of the music is as good as it can be.
"For this we always use Van Damme cable because of its professional build quality combined with good flexibility, which is always helpful in fixed installations. The product is great and the service we get from VDC Trading is always helpful."
The copper tape carrying the induction loop signal in the Sadlers Wells auditorium is arranged in two loops known as an array configuration. The design of the layout ensures very even coverage of the seating and compensates the metal loss caused by the structural steel work of the building.
(Jim Evans)
