UK - Work was recently completed on an ambitious project to provide a revitalised and upgraded learning environment for those studying a range of further education courses at Barrow Sixth Form College.
Made possible by funding from the Brilliant Barrow Town Deal, a grant from the Government’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund, and investment from parent establishment, Furness College, the scheme included the renovation of existing classrooms as well as a refurbishment of the College’s 160-capacity theatre.
Colne-based audio-visual supply and installation specialist, SoVeryAPT, was engaged by architects and project managers HPA Chartered Architects of Lancaster, to deliver quality, robust AV systems for the theatre, which could comfortably cater for a wide range of campus events. SoVeryAPT had worked with HPA in the past on a number of successful installations.
For the audio element of the project, SoVeryAPT installed a pair of wall-mounted HK Linear 5 MkII 112 FA (single 12”) active loudspeakers, with director Andy Taylor expressing his long-standing trust in HK Audio solutions:
“We’ve been fans and users of HK Audio for more than 15 years now, and the brand is our first consideration for projects of this type and size. We’ve become regular customers at Polar, HK’s UK distributor, as we just know that we’re investing in reliable quality products that will perform over and over again for years to come. That is perhaps best illustrated by the fact that the majority of our hire stock is also HK Audio.”
The decision to deploy HK Audio’s latest Linear 5 MkII products was influenced by their ‘full-range audio capabilities, impressive throw, and precise audio reproduction’, made possible by the units’ on-board DSP. The team had considered using HK’s passive Contour X range with third-party amplification, but concluded that the MkII 112 FA would provide comparable coverage and audio control at a more competitive price point within the project’s strict budget.
For safe and efficient operation, audio and network feeds were run to each speaker allowing control of the onboard DSP software from ground level, minimising the need for staff to work at height and thus enhancing safety.
“The installation of the versatile Linear 5 MkII units is a significant enhancement to the theatre’s audio, providing a premier experience for students, staff and the wider community,” says Taylor. “Should the College wish to expand the system at any point to meet the needs of a developing programme with subs or delays, this would be very straightforward. The combination of advanced technology and expert installation ensures that the theatre will serve as a flexible hub for high-quality performances and events for many years to come.”
