A recent increase in the Scala's live music schedule made the upgrade necessary, to keep pace with the need to supply a versatile and effective house rig for the vast array of artists appearing. Smith approached Utopium's Angus Chinn to discus the best options, and after comparing several brands, Robe fixtures won the day in terms of features and cost-effectiveness.
Smith, an LD and programmer in his own right, had also used the Robes before on other projects, including programming the rigs at the McKenzie Group's Glasgow and Liverpool Academy venues, and at Cox's Yard club in Stratford-on Avon. This hands-on knowledge of their capabilities and reliability further cemented his decision to buy Robe.
"The new lights have made a massive difference to the shows we can create, and the facilities we can offer to visiting LDs," says Smith. They are also a vital ingredient to the regular club nights, with promoters no longer having to bring in additional effects as the Robes can be used for branding as well as building an exciting atmosphere. The Robes and the existing generic lights are all run off an Avolites Azure console.
(Lee Baldock)
