MLA Compact was specified as it was the right soundiung system for the job and offered the most control and cosisyency of sound for the auditorium.
MLA Compacts’ degree of controllability was ideal for this unique theatre, where the distance between stage and auditorium perimeter was no more than 35 metres.
Ten MLA Compact per side and six MLX subs in a reverse cardioid design, two stacks of three per side, meant they could get lots of energy firing into the audience, especially at the low end, to give us that typical early 70s rock gig sound.
Having discussed the overall EQ Lister required, they plumped for rock preset, but softened it to give a more suitable, clearer sound.
Hard Avoid® setting was positioned just above the mix position, dropping off sharply just above the operators’ head.
There was no bleed above the top of the seating bowl, and thanks to the cardioid subs there was no need to prevent bleed at the back of the stage either, as the level was extremely low.
Just a 3dB variation from front to back of the auditorium was programmed so there was a powerful and consistent sound everywhere, with the show running at around a 95dB average.
The success of the show was underlined with an Oliver Award nomination as well as winning the BBC Radio 2 Audience Award For Best Musical as part of The Evening Standard Theatre Awards.
