Heckle explained: "With the improvement of the club's infrastructure we needed to give the place a boost with the standard of equipment we could offer visiting production crews and our own LIPA engineers. We initially spoke to two companies but were more comfortable with Soundcraft as its desks convert theory into practice and I know I will get the after-sales service."
But with limited available space, he was advised by Soundcraft's live sound sales manager, James Baker and Adlib Audio's Andy Dockerty - who has a long relationship with both the club and Soundcraft - that the better solution would be to opt for the smaller footprint 40-channel MH3, with a separate Soundcraft GB4 taking on dedicated monitor duties.
Ideally suited for dual mode operation, the MH3 offers complete flexibility. The touch of a button places either Groups or Aux Masters onto faders, delivering intuitive operation in either application, while the desk contains a new high-headroom mic amp, classic British EQ and rigorous circuit design.
Sharing the same 'family aesthetic' and GB30 Mic preamps and EQ, designed by Graham Blyth for the company's 30th anniversary, the GB4 has a rugged construction. Adlib Audio is not only an established Soundcraft sales and rental house - with a range of desks in its hire fleet - but also has a relationship with the Cavern going back 20 years. In addition, Adlib has supplied sound for Mathew Street Festival, with which Heckle is synonymous, since its inception 12 years ago.
Adlib also supplied the Cavern's stacks and racks five years ago, and Andy explained that the new rationale coincides with the decision to turn the back of the club into a separate venue for touring bands. "The idea with our suggestion is that they can use the 24-channel GB4 for monitors on the bigger shows and the rest of the time mix monitors from front-of-house."
With maintenance now given high priority, Adlib Audio have been retained to give the venue a quarterly health check. The mixing consoles were presented for the first time at a special party night on 10 February, when the new technology in Room 2 was formally unveiled. Bands appearing included The Mags, Keller, The Sound and Void.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
