UK-based audio distributor Autograph Sales recently supervised a complete design and installation at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester. Installed in conjunction with B & H Syscom, this joint venture is the most recent of a new partnership approach that Autograph Sales is developing with installers across the country.
The theatre's technical manager Marcus Christensen approached about the re-design; Autograph's Mike Mann visited the site and produced an intricate system design that included loudspeakers, microphones, and processors.
Photographer: Robert Day
As Mann explains, "The theatre has a hexagonal auditorium and a compromise was needed for loudspeaker positioning due to sightline restrictions, but detailed predictions were done to make sure the sonic result was in no way effected and on this occasion, the Meyer Sound M1Ds were the right choice. The ability to use electronic predictions meant there was less time was need on site by Autograph Sales and in turn any disruption to the theatre was minimized."
The system that Autograph Sales supplied included two arrays of the Meyer Sound M1Ds, USW-1P subwoofers built into the stage and UPM-1Ps as front fills. For signal distribution a BSS FDS-336 minidrive was installed along with a range of microphones from AKG, Audio Technica and Shure. Further equipment consisted of Sony minidisc recorders and Lexicon and Yamaha effects.
Mercury Theatre seemed delighted with the work carried out as Christensen comments, 'From the initial site visit through to the final fine-tuning of equipment the installation team were extremely helpful, as well as being flexible with their time and working to our very tight schedules.'