Laycock Street Theatre provides for all with d&b

AUSTRALIA: With funding granted from Arts NSW’s State Government Regional Capital Program and Gosford City Council, a new d&b audio system has been installed at Laycock Street Community Theatre. Located approximately 75km from Sydney, the theatre boasts tiered seating able to accommodate up to 390 guests and hosts a wide a range of events, including musicals, concerts, drama performances, corporate events, film presentations and various community groups. The goal of the new audio system was to ‘ensure all styles of performance were suitably covered, from the loudest rock show to a subtle, fine music performance’. The manufacturer’s Australian distributor, National Audio Systems, handled the project.

‘We were fortunate to receive funding through Arts NSW’s State Government Regional Capital Program which was matched by Gosford City Council,’ explained Chris King, arts and culture coordinator for Gosford City Council. ‘This allowed us to choose a system that not only met but exceeded all of our selection criteria, as well as acquiring equipment that would provide numerous benefits to us in the longer term, in comparison with some other proposed options. Guiding our decision were the many positive recommendations from other venues who had recently installed d&b systems.

‘d&b audiotechnik had the most flexible system with the best quality of sound and coverage for our venue,’ he continued. ‘Another important factor in our decision was that d&b audiotechnik is also one of the few manufacturers specified at the top of most technical riders we receive for touring shows. A d&b audiotechnik installation meant we had a system that would meet all expectations and requirements of touring shows and engineers.’

The selected system was based on the d&b Q-Series, with left/right arrays positioned on either side of the proscenium. The arrays each include a Qi-Sub, with further low-end support provided from B2-SUBs groundstacked beneath. Additional Qi10s have been rigged to provide ‘enhanced centre vocal localisation’ for drama, musicals and film presentations, while several 8S loudspeakers from the xS-Series provide front fills. Driven by a D6 amplifier, M6 monitors provide onstage foldback, with the intention to redeploy them to the theatre’s smaller Don Craig Room to create an additional sound reinforcement system as required.

‘Although the design and the commissioning was done by myself, Laycock Street Community Theatre engaged Cuepoint as the dealer to do the physical installation,’ explained Dave Jacques, from the National Audio Systems technical sales department. ‘They are one of our rental partners and provided excellent service to Laycock.’

Mr King agreed: ‘A big element leading to our selection of the d&b system over other proposals was the high level of attention to detail and customer service provided by both NAS and Cuepoint. Dave Jacques and NAS displayed great enthusiasm and were genuinely interested in putting a great system into our venue. Likewise Brad, Greg and Ricki from Cuepoint had a positive attitude about the challenges faced during the install and were very professional with their approach to the project and produced a high level quality of work.

‘The main aim of this project was to improve our services to artists, performers and audiences,’ concluded Mr King. ‘Prior to this installation, most touring productions needed to sub hire extra audio equipment which added extra cost and subsequent accessibility issues for budget conscious productions. The first use of the new system was a touring dramatic production of Orwell's 1984 which involved a highly dynamic sound design that showcased the range of the system. Next up was a highly respected Led Zeppelin celebration concert performed by a group of top Australian musicians and singers that tested the system to its very limits. The system passed with flying colours on both occasions with many compliments received from touring technicians and engineers as well as audience members, a number of whom are regular patrons of our venue. Since then we have received many comments about the improvement in sound quality and enjoyment in the venue from both audiences and performers. There is a definite sense of ease displayed by performers when they walk on stage and see a d&b audiotechnik monitor speaker in front of them.’

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