AJS SPECIFY MARTIN FOR NEWPORT RIVERFRONT COMPLEX

A colour-matched Martin Audio architectural PA system has been specified and fitted in the new Riverfront Theatre in Newport.

Containing a 493-seat main auditorium and 150-seat studio theatre, gallery and conference facilities, the audio installation work in the arts complex was undertaken by AJS Theatre Services, working to a tender document produced by Carr & Angier to a sound system design by Peter Mapp.

AJS followed the formula they had established so sucessfully with the similarly-configured Brindley Arts Centre in Runcorn (where Carr & Angier were again the consultants).

'Martin Audio is our preferred loudspeaker for an installation such as this,' confirmed AJS project manager, Chris Coates. 'It produces good quality sound - crisp and round - and is perfect for this kind of environment. On top of that the support we receive from Martin Audio has been extremely impressive.'

This support included décor-matching the EM enclosures in 'Black Red' (a kind of deep maroon). Four EM76's are arranged in a flown central cluster with a further four set randomly at left and right of the proscenium arch. A further four EM56's are mounted on the lighting bridge, acting as delays (programmed into a Symnet DSP) and angled down into the balcony. Martin WS2A subs are ground stacked on a perch to the sides of the pros. Arch.

To provide versatility, the Studio Theatre features a further six flown EM56's which can be moved within the complex.

To the delight of the venue's technical manager, Chris Davies, the PA passed its exacting opening night test with flying colours - when a packed house saw the Welsh singing sensation Katherine Jenkins, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Carl Davis. 'The show - and the quality of the sound - received outstanding reviews,' reports Chris Coates. 'Everyone was very impressed with the quality of the PA.'

The Riverfront will bring top acts to the city as well as offer the opportunity for local people to get involved in creative workshops. Thanks to the Martin Audio system the theatre is adequately equipped to present a diverse programme of comedy, opera, dance, music and drama.

Further information from:

Maureen Hayes, Martin Audio
Tel: +44 (0)1494 535312
Fax: +44 (0)1494 438669

Jerry Gilbert, JGP Public Relations
Tel: +44 (0)1707 258525
Fax: +44 (0)1707 267140