Among the fine contemporary architecture, restored listed buildings, three acres of contemporary art and culture, restaurant and bars, it is fitting that the new 500-capacity urban events space should occupy the original Grade II*-listed Boiler Shop itself, rich in engineering history.
It is today able to host a wide range of corporate, cultural and arts events as well as live performance and exhibitions - thanks to the versatility of an integrated Harman sound reinforcement network featuring mission-critical JBL loudspeaker systems including the first UK install of the company's flagship VTX line array.
Stephenson Works/Boiler Space MD, Daveid Phillips, with whom Harman UK distributor Sound Technology Ltd had worked closely during the 10 years he spent as head of music at premier London venue KOKO, referred the project to Sound Technology's Application Team. Working alongside Phillips is experienced production manager and FOH engineer, John Ashton.
Application engineer, Stuart Strachan specified a Live Music system based around JBL VTX line array and associated premium brands from within the Harman portfolio, while his colleague, Hugo Burnard was responsible for designing the Corporate system around a BSS digital network hub and JBL CBT column arrays.
Taking care of the installation itself was Joss Lord Stevens of LS Acorn Ltd, and he, in turn, sub-contracted Jason Lee of PEL Ltd to handle technical detail.
The asymmetrical building, with pillars running down the middle of the room, presented a set of challenges for an installation in which one sound system for Live Music events would run lengthways down the room, while a second, but integrated system dedicated to conferencing would be set breadthways.
JBL VTX-V20 and CBT 70J were specified as the main enclosures for the respective purposes, although It was clear that due to the nature of the building, flying the VTX system would be a challenge. A meeting was held with the lighting provider, James Mounsey at TryLight, and rigging company, Alan McGregor at UK Rigging, to devise a solution to satisfy all production requirements.
Two new I-beams - using temporary fixings to the walls and pillars - were the ideal solution. Looking like a natural part of the building the I-beams allow the VTX-V20 elements to be flown without the appearance of specific rigging being installed.
The room is now equipped with a portable stage, which can be moved between its two main positions Live Music and Corporate), while the subs, frontfill, monitors and stageboxes are also portable, enabling them be positioned in keeping with the event.
The live music sound system comprises two hangs each of six JBL VTX-V20 line-array elements, powered by three Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD amplifiers. Subs consist of nine VTX-S25, ground stacked as three cardioid clusters of three, powered by five Crown I-Tech 12000HD. Front fill is provided by three stand-mounted JBL VTX F15s.
For stage monitoring, 11 JBL VTX-M20 wedge monitors running in passive mode have been deployed, along with two F18s for drum-fill/DJ-fill, powered by three I-Tech 4x3500HD (allowing an 11-way wedge mix).
For control, a new generation Soundcraft Vi3000 was specified for FOH and a Vi2000 for monitors.
As for the corporate system this comprises 11 CBT 70J column arrays with the 70JE low frequency extension units, powered by three Crown DCi4|1250N. At either side of the Corporate stage, two JBL F15s can be added for extra reinforcement out front, as well as two M20s for monitoring.
In terms of control, a BSS Soundweb DSP back-end allows for the whole system to be switched between presets and managed by a common interface.
A full suite of AKG mics was provided for both live music and conferencing applications.
(Jim Evans)
