Adlib has designed and delivered an L-Acoustics KARA audio system with Midas control to the Engine Shed in Lincoln.
The venue, which holds 1,600 people and is located on the campus of Lincoln University, stages a mix of music, comedy, club nights and conferences.
When the in-house production facilities at the Engine Shed were due an upgrade, Adlib won a competitive tender to secure the project, which was managed for them by John Hughes, working closely with Lincoln University’s then technical manager, Matt Benton.
Adlib’s first step was undertaking a detailed site survey, after which the design was fine-tuned by Adlib’s Roger Kirby in conjunction with Dan Orton, applications engineer at L-Acoustics.
“KARA was our line array system of choice”, explained Hughes, adding that it followed from several other great KARA reference systems they have installed including the solution for the Cambridge Corn Exchange.
The main left and right hangs comprise nine flown KARA speakers a side together with three flown SB18 subs, plus four SB28 subs which are ground-stacked each side.
Two L-Acoustics ARCS Focus and two ARCS Wide speakers are utilised for delays together with two additional ARCS Focus’s for centre fills. The system is powered by seven proprietary LA8 amps.
The same logic of making the venue self-sufficient from needing extra sub-hires was applied to choosing the mixing console, which is a Midas PRO2, complete with a DL-251 stage box adding 48 inputs and 16 outputs to the standard PRO2 I/O.
After consultation with the venue on lighting requirements, Adlib specified a cost-efficient basic lighting package comprising 16 Chauvet COLORado Batten 72 LED battens and eight Pro-Can 2 Lite blinders to provide general stage washes for music shows or conference scenarios.
Two Martin Atomic strobes and two Martin Magnum 2500 hazers were also supplied for effects and to enhance the vibes for club nights and music shows.
The house audio crew all received training from Adlib on how to work and maintain the KARA system and all its rigging components, along with operation of the LA Network Manager software. Two sets of training sessions were included in the project package – one at Adlib’s HQ in Speke, Liverpool and the other on-site at the Engine Shed. These were augmented with a specialist one-day session at Midas UK in Kidderminster.
Matt Benton commented: “The overall level of service and support we received through what was a protracted and demanding process was excellent. Every member of Adlib staff involved in the implementation of our new system has been a pleasure to work with, and the continuing after-sales support has proven invaluable”.
