Globe Installation

SFL supply bespoked Audio Visual solution for exciting new venue

The Globe Reading (see http://www.thereadingglobe.org )

Overview

The Globe represents an exciting new choice of venue for those seeking to stage events in the Thames Valley area. It offers outstanding facilities. The complex offers two large conference or concert auditoriums, together with a lounge area and seminar/break-out rooms.

Consulting and Supply

SFL were invited to act as audio and visual consultants working with the major building contractor at the design stage of the building conversion. SFL provided all technical designs, equipment supply and installation of the sound, stage lighting and visual systems.

The Globe venue had to meet its primary role as a church worship space for The Deliverance Centre church (see http://www.thedeliverancecentre.org.uk ) whilst also providing a professional conference space for wider community usage and corporate clients.

Design Phase

SFL's Mark Payne worked with the warehouse conversion project team including the architect, project manager and major contractors to define a new space that would be sympathetic to the technical production needs of a flexible theatre/conference space.

Tight budgets were in evidence but many core building infrastructure wins were gained by involvement at this early stage, two examples being:

The creation of non parallel side walls in the main auditorium to reduce standing waves.

The design of under stage bass traps to decouple the sub bass system from the stage structure.

Mark Payne was also able to ensure that realistic costs for production sound, lighting and visual systems were built into the refurbishment budgets at the start rather than being added as an "after thought" towards the end of the project.

Cable Design and Supply

SFL provided a detailed cable routing plan and supplied all the technical audio visual cables to the electrical contractor (MITE). This resulted in all production cabling being installed at first-fix stage by the electrical contractor along with the main building services.

This planning and cable installation provided savings to the client and resulted in an integrated and neat cabling solution.

Sound System

SFL provided a sound system based on d&b audiotechnik C7 systems with d&b CI6 as rear fill. All high frequency components of the system were flown from the roof structure to achieve even sound pressure level (SPL) distribution in the venue.

The C7 sub bass system was hidden within the bespoke stage design. Special enclosures were used under stage to prevent bass energy impacting the stage itself.

Mark Payne made use of d&b EASE data to provide a computer model of the sound pressure level distribution in the venue. Care was taken to design a system with enough acoustic energy for contemporary live music production whilst still maintaining even sound coverage from the front to the back of the audience space.

Lighting

A cost effective 36KW lighting system was specified installed for stage illumination. This was based on the use of conventional par cans for colour wash and profile spots to highlight lectern and presentation areas.

Major budget constraints prevented the use of intelligent lighting in the first phase but all lighting control systems and dimming systems were based around DMX protocols for future expansion.

Serious limitations in the roof structure design required careful planning and professional engineering justification for the suspended lighting and speaker installations.

Audio Visual

A comprehensive AV system was designed and installed.

The system allows for Video/DVD playback on the main hall 14ft projection screen. A Christie 5000 ANSI lumen projector was specified with resolution to XGA.

A presentation PC system is provided at front of house to allow generation and projection of song words and other PowerPoint media.

A Panasonic MX50 mixer is used to mix live camera to screen and overlay words when required.

A network of data and video distribution units allowed the relay of audio and visual information to TFT and plasma screens in the entrance halls, lobby and lounge areas.

Visual data and video connections also allowed for information to be sent and received on stage supporting the use of stage monitor TFT's and local laptop presentations.