The Box represented another challenge, that of being able to contain and control sound without creating external noise pollution. In this case the Odyssey complex is surrounded by a multi screen cinema complex, an IMAX cinema directly above and several well know chain restaurants in the surrounding building.
The services of LSFX of Coleraine, the KV2 Audio representatives in Northern Ireland, were enlisted for the project. Managing Director Darren Gardiner commented: 'This gave us the unbelievable chance to re-fit this venue as we had previously completed the original installation when the venue was operated as Precious over five years ago. I knew all the foibles of the building. Working closely with Carl I was able to explain the problems associated with the Storm cinema above. From the outset we were able to provide the necessary advice, building works and soundproofing to alleviate future problems and we designed the system to take all of this into account."
KV2 ES1.0 mid hi enclosures and a combination of KV2 ES2.5 & ES1.8 subwoofers, supplemented by well placed KV2 EX10 active loudspeaker enclosures, were chosen for the ground floor nightclub dance floor system.
On the first floor, for the first time, a true 5-way system was designed utilising KV2 ES1.0 mid hi packs with the sub bass compliment consisting of a combination of ES2.5 subs with VHD1.21 subs operating below them. These were all actively driven by the new EPAK 2500R controller/amplifiers.
Again, a multiple system of KV2 EX10 active loudspeaker enclosures were utilised for infill and re-enforcement. Overall control of the whole audio system was provided by the new BSS Soundweb London Blu units - two were used, allowing complete matrixing and remote call up and control. Damian McFaul from LSFX spent a considerable amount of time designing the Soundweb software to fulfil all of Utopian's requirements.
Utopian's Carl Hornsby commented 'Considering we are working in such a difficult acoustic environment the sound system has exceeded all my expectations. My thanks to the team at LSFX and KV2 for all there support."
(Jim Evans)
