Adlib's Andy Dockerty and Roger Kirby designed the system, and the installation project was co-ordinated by Mark Burnley. The system is based around a 9-a-side Nexo GeoD line array, with two Adlib AA 218 HL subs a side. The Nexo was chosen by the venue for its neat, tailored appearance that would cause minimal intrusion in the room and provide sufficient SPL for the various events held within the hall.
Across the front of the stage, the old Nexo PS10 speakers have been reutilised for centre stalls infills and onstage there are eight AA1214w floor monitors, Adlib's latest 650W/12" wedges. To the rear of the stage supplying coverage across the choir stalls area, there are two AA81 full range speakers and six stand mounted AA61's. The latter are used for monitoring, but can also broadcast the FOH mix via a Soundweb.
For control, Dockerty picked a 24 channel Soundcraft GB4, and It's all powered by a combination of Camco and crown amplifiers, with QSC's on the monitors.
Building a comprehensive multicore for both live and recorded sound was also integral to the project - the venue is popular for recording due to its excellent natural acoustics. The multi consists of 48 input channels fed from satellite's boxes on stage. A flexible patch then routes selected channels to monitor desk and either of the FOH mix positions.
All processing for the system is managed via Nexo 242 processors and BSS Soundweb 9088ii devices for distribution and switched routing options on the choir stalls and infill loudspeakers.
The Philharmonic's technical; manager Steve Burke enthuses, "The response to the new system has been incredible. We have had lots of feedback from our audience about how much of an improved experience it is."
Adlib has also supplied the Philharmonic with a small portable system consisting of AA 151 top and 15 HL bass speakers plus control - all contained in two cases, for use in The Rodewold Suite and other 300 - 400 capacity local venues.
(Jim Evans)
