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Opus Improves Audio at the New Vic
The installation completes a two-year review of the sound system requirements and has provided the basis on which to replace the sound control systems as well as the amplifier and loudspeaker systems.
In 2003, Nick Jones, general manager of the New Vic approached Mike Walker of Loh Humm Audio to assist James Earls-Davis, head of sound, with the recommendation and replacement of the components. Nick had previously worked with Mike on the recent rebuilding works at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East.
The sound system has to provide for the varied sound needs of the 600-seat theatre including in-house productions of drama, musicals and opera and a varied concert programme from Cleo Laine to The Warsaw Village Band, from Waterson:Carthy or Juan Martin to The Blues Band, with an audience on all sides!
Evaluation days were arranged and James was able to test out control desks and hear potential loudspeaker systems. The Opus equipment was heard against the usual loudspeaker manufacturers but the sheer transparent quality, power and dynamic range is reported to have beaten the competition hands down.
There are four OAD PSD800T loudspeakers, one over each corner of the stage, firing across the stage to the audience block on the opposite side. This provides an even coverage, although inevitably the audience are also hearing the off-axis sound of the cabinet nearest to them, so it was important that the off-axis sound matched in well with the on-axis sound. Two OAD XS134 stereo crossovers feed four OAD HD1250/HD500 amplifiers to drive this main system.
An additional XS134 crossover provides the relevant signal for two SB118 sub bass units via an OAD HD1500/1500 amplifier. These are located on the upper concrete walkway above the control rooms.
The Opus system was supplied and installed by the Loh Humm Audio team of Mark Cornwell, Alistair Blake and Chris Simpson. Andy Fox and Alan Lochhead of Opus were on site to oversee the latter stages of the installation and the commissioning process.
“The Opus system has really opened my eyes and ears to what sound reproduction can achieve,” said James Earls-Davis. “The clarity, depth and richness of well produced material, when played through this system, is extraordinary. Everyone who has heard the system has commented on how wonderful it sounds and I am particularly impressed with the uniformity of the sound in this rather unusual theatre-in-the-round environment. I am very excited at the prospect of using it for the New Vic’s productions and concerts."
Nick Jones, general manager of the New Vic: "Even my ageing inexpert ears were convinced that the Opus equipment was in a class of its own! It is money extremely well spent.”
Mike Walker comments: ”Using the Opus loudspeakers, amplifiers and crossovers, the audio quality is simply amazing. I have never come across a system which can deliver audio so precisely that, even when I’m listening to music I’ve known for years, there are still details appearing in the soundscape that I’ve previously been unaware of. For me, this is remarkable! It’s a phenomenal achievement that Andy and his team at Opus have redefined what is possible with the audio system in a theatre environment.”
In picture: James Earls-Davis, head of sound for the New Vic with Opus MD, Andy Fox.
11th May 2005
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