Nottingham Trent University
Project:
Brief
From Wesleyan Chapel to Synagogue and now University Hall, Grade II listed Shakespeare Street in Nottingham has enjoyed a rich history since its construction in 1854 to designs by Thomas Stimpson. The building was acquired by Nottingham Trent University in 2016 and has since been the subject of sensitive refurbishment works aimed at creating a facility suitable for ceremonial occasions including graduation days. The hall will also offer a multi-functional space suitable for a variety of internal and external lectures, talks and small-scale music performances. A new foyer has been created and the former chapel has been opened up by the use of glass to replace solid screens. A newly created glass vestibule at the back of the hall will act as a lobby, whilst the large rear extension added in 1976 has been developed to provide a music centre and dance studios.
NTU required a system to provide sound reinforcement, signal processing and lecture capture for the main ceremonial hall, as well as further audio provision for the ancillary spaces. The listed status of the main hall demanded that all works be undertaken with great sensitivity towards the Victorian interior. The main ceremonial hall is divided between a ground floor and a surrounding first floor mezzanine. The nature of the architecture conspires to produce a highly reverberant space, complicated by low-ceilinged areas beneath the mezzanine. Flexible wireless microphone systems were required to cater for a wide range of uses in both the hall and the music centre.
Key Features
- 8 x Office Spaces featuring Philips Displays and Extron touch panels
- Boardroom including Eiki Projector, Extron control system and Polycom video conferencing system
- Court Room including Renkus-Heinz speakers, Beyerdynamic microphones and Extron 1600 Matrix
Solution
In the main hall we installed two Renkus Heinz ICONYX IC16-RD (white) in the upstairs mezzanine area and two IC8-RD downstairs. Each self-powered IC16 allows up to eight steerable beams to be individually shaped and aimed, whilst the IC8 allows up to four. Two Renkus Heinz CF 15S-5 self-powered subwoofers were located downstairs. Supplementing the system were four pairs of Cornered Audio C5TRM speakers positioned as delays (two in the upper area and two in the lower) for additional voice lift when required. Driven by four high performance MC2 T1000 amplifiers, the triangular Cornered Audio speakers mount discreetly between wall and ceiling and deliver wide dispersion, low power compression and excellent sound quality.
Two Biamp TesiraFORTE DAN CI digital audio servers with 12 analogue inputs, eight analogue outputs and Dante digital audio networking, were installed to control all audio processing, including signal routing, mixing, filtering, EQ and delay. POLAR’s design specified a beyerdynamic TG1000 digital wireless system. This extremely flexible 24-bit system covers an impressive 319MHz of the UHF bandwidth and combines a wealth of user-friendly features designed to enhance performance. In the ceremonial hall, six beyerdynamic TG1000 DR dual receivers with Dante interface were seamlessly integrated into the network. A combination of seven beltpack transmitters for use with TG H57C earhook microphones, four handheld transmitters with TG V50w capsules and two beyerdynamic Classis GM 315 gooseneck microphones cover the broad requirements of the venue. In a setting such as this, where performers or presenters are out of necessity in front of the the PA speakers, when compared to a lavalier, the H57C earhook microphones enable more gain, due to the proximity of the capsule to the mouth.
In the music centre extension, a different Renkus Heinz system was specified, this time based on two CFX121, two CFX81 (delays) driven by an MC2 T1500 and an MC2 T1000 amplifier and two self-powered CF12S 5R. The Renkus Heinz CF/CFX Series is a compact, high performance main PA, ideal for music and speech reinforcement in a multi-use space such as this. A further two Biamp TesiraFORTE DAN C1 servers were put in place along with a Dante compatible Mackie DL32R mixing console, controlled wirelessly using the Master Fader iPad app. Another TG1000 beyerdynamic wireless system was installed in the space, comprising in this instance six TG1000 DR dual receivers, six TG1000 beltpack transmitters and sixx H57C earhook microphones.
The final part of the installation saw the Dance Studio equipped with a pair of Renkus Heinz CFX 121 speakers driven by an MC2 T1500 amplifier. A beyerdynamic TG 534 Headworn microphone set was the perfect choice of wireless microphone for the needs of this single-use space.
Partners
Outcome
“Our principal aim was to enhance the graduation ceremony experience by providing an AV solution that could be streamed to other venues in the university, as well as to our dedicated YouTube channel. The Beyerdynamic gooseneck microphones assist the vice chancellor, registrar and other dignitaries addressing the guests and graduands, whilst the beltpack and handheld mics act as back up or for use in other events. The Renkus Heinz Iconyx speakers were an easy choice to make, we’ve had a lot of experience with them and they provide excellent coverage to a large area of the hall. The Cornered Audio C5TRMs provide the necessary infill for further into the room, managed by a couple of Biamp Tesira Forte DSPs in the control room." Stuart Loughran - Nottingham Trent University
"Roche are currently installing & commissioning some exciting services that we are offering to staff, students & senior management. None more important that our flagship corporate offices at 50 Shakespeare Street During the complex & at times frustratingly delayed programme of work. They have stood out as shining examples of professionalism, customer service and a "can do" attitude. They have worked tirelessly to meet our ever changing expectations with the right level of commitment, technical knowledge and enthusiasm. On behalf of both myself and Nottingham Trent University I would like to thank you."
Peter Nicholson - Nottingham Trent University