Click on the Technical Specification Sheet to the right to view an PDF detailing the specifications for the equipment installed at The Backroom.
The following is article contains commentary from the experts who installed and set up this state of the art system for McGrorys.
A new Era at the Backroom
from Live Sound Int. by Mike Lathy
The Backroom underwent major refurbishment in 2006 and McGrory’s took the opportunity of using the wisdom, expertise and advice offered by top London based AV Company, Live Business International to not only install a new top class PA system but also to install a complete cabling infrastructure, including plug-and-play facilities for broadcasters and full A/V patching throughout.
Gerry Logue from LBI explains: “Three main configurations were required for the Backroom. One was live music reinforcement, the second was a cinema facility and third was the facility to use the room for broadcast production. So the infrastructure was really important, with the flexibility to patch in anything anywhere.”
The PA system had to be able to handle everything from solo singer/songwriters to full rock bands, and to do it in a smaller, more efficient style than the old system. Low ceiling height and the stage’s location by the main entrance were further considerations. “Getting something that was substantially powerful and high quality but without compromising sightlines was the order of the day,” continues Logue. “We chose biamped Turbosound TQ-445s and installed two TQ-425 subs under the stage with acoustic panelling to eliminate rumble, and we maintained even coverage with Turbosound TQ-308 rear delays.”
The complete system is powered by MC2 E25 and E45 amplifiers. A 24-channel Soundcraft Series Two handles the FOH mix.
Live Business deployed a BSS Soundweb London as a central system processor, facilitating front of house processing, delay and EQ processing and, crucially, stage monitoring.
The system provides an eight-way monitor matrix with minimal effort, set up at FOH on an LCD monitor, and the same screen permits patching and routing options and well as overall system set-up.
“It’s a practical and versatile solution,” comments Logue, “and gives them a lot of options”. Monitors are seven Turbosound TXD-12M and one TXD-15M, powered by Crown XS4300s.
The London also controls switching between AV/cinema mode and PA mode, with the former mode providing Dolby 5.1 surround to accompany the large electrically-powered screen and Christie LX25 video projector and Extron data switcher, used for both movie screenings and corporate presentations. PRG Lighting, Croydon, replaced the aged PARs and scanners with a contemporary rig designed to give a more modern look within the restricted height.
The rig now comprises half size Pixeline LED Battens, three square Pulsar Croma LED panels to stage right, low wattage Altman Battens upstage and High End Systems Studio Spots and Studio Colors over the dancefloor.
In control is an Avolites Pearl 2000, bringing fully programmability to this small but versatile system. “The facilities are remarkable for this part of Ireland,” concludes Gerry Logue. “Which is precisely why people are already coming from far and wide to see it.”
