latest news headlines
Marquee Fits Out Famous Grammar School
His trail led him to Scott Wakelin at Marquee Audio, who devised an audio visual solution which would allow simple operation and switching of playback devices — sending both laptop VGA and composite video signals from either the control room or lectern positions. At the same time, the provision of a pair of flown Turbosound TQ-310 (10in + 1in) full range speakers and a TQ-115 (single 15in sub) — enabled them to optimise the building’s already enhanced acoustic properties.
The principle playback sources are the Marantz DVD player (with RS232 port) and PC laptops. Thus Marquee Audio specified Kramer switching and scaling interfaces in a signal network with a Biamp Nexia system — which handled the four mic mix — operated via RF from a Cue Guide-SRF integrated colour remote control system.
Since the 300-capacity room is divisible into a more intimate space (due to the use of curtain tracking) Marquee also provided a pair of Eiki projectors — the 3500 ANSI lumen LC-XG210 and 2700 ANSI LC-XG110 for use respectively at the full and mid-points of the room, firing onto an electronic drop down screen at the far end. This enables the school to either use the full projection rig or a 72in interactive white board (positioned at the mid-point).
“Marquee arrived late into the project and yet were able to carry out virtually all the fit-out during half-term,” states Ian. “It was an excellent and timely job. Marquee were clearly a company that cared for the client, and the client’s needs, handing out solid, practical advice. We could do with more of that kind of service.”
Although theatre equipment had been fully installed by engineering company Emanuel Smith Partnership — with 116 retractable raked seats and 180 stalls seating — when Marquee Audio arrived on site, the preparation for audio visual installation consisted of little more than a wiring infrastructure.
“But what we have ended up with is a system that is operationally simple, switching between the loudspeakers and projection, and can be driven either from the inputs in the control gallery or the presentation wall behind the lectern,” enthuses Ian Watson.
Marquee also provided four mic inputs at the front of the auditorium and installed a pair of Beyerdynamic microphones to pick up general sound. With these hard-wired mics set to preset levels, the school can mix this with other sound sources for distribution around the school.
“It has given us a level of sophistication that we never believed possible, and from our point of view it’s been a great result,” continues Ian.
The auditorium will be used for drama performance, music performance, morning assemblies and general studies. But it also recently hosted a charity version of Strictly Come Dancing, attended by 500 boys. “That’s when we really noticed the wow factor,” he declares.
In picture: the new auditorium at the Royal Grammar School, Guildford. Photo courtesy: Emanuel Smith Partnership.
25th May 2005
HEADLINES
news archive
search stories
FOOTNOTE: Select the news type you require in the red band above; this will enable you to see the current news stories from that section
© 1999 - 2012 Entertainment Technology Press Limited News Stories
