Wireless Audio System by Lectrosonics Performs Exceptionally in Performance on Vancouver Island
Step into the heart of Canada's west coast, where the Royal Theatre and its sister venue, the McPherson Playhouse, reign as cultural powerhouses. These historic theaters are more than just a symbol of the past - they're pulsing with the latest technologies, with Lectrosonics' digital wireless tech leading the charge.
From symphony concerts to plays and Broadway tours, these theaters serve a smorgasbord of performance genres. And while they're steeped in history dating back to 1913, they're anything but old-fashioned when it comes to sound tech. Lectrosonics' D Squared family of digital wireless tech powers the show, catering to theaters, musical ensembles, and entire orchestras.
Take a peek behind the scenes, as technical director Warren Busby shares the details. The theaters have been loyal users of Lectrosonics since 2004, believed to be the first theater in Canada to deploy the Venue system. Now, their arsenal includes six DSQD four-channel wideband receivers, 24 DBu transmitters, four DHu handheld wireless microphones, four DPR-A Plug-on transmitters, and two ultra-compact SSM transmitters, all boasting Lectrosonics' time-tested Digital Hybrid radios.
Fast-forward to 2017, as the Royal Theatre added a Venue 2 system, complete with 6 HHa transmitters and 6 SMQV transmitters, to complement the original Venue system. When it comes to supplying the theaters' wireless gear, they've kept it local, partnering with Pacific Audio Works, a longtime Vancouver Island audio production company.
Dive into the story of Canada's changing radio frequency landscape, and you'll find that Lectrosonics' then-nascent D Squared digital wireless proved just the ticket. The system's ability to offer more usable channels within a given range of RF spectrum, while needing less bandwidth separation, aligned with Canada's radio frequency landscape changes. Busby shares that they demo'ed the system quickly and went with four DSQD receivers, for a total of 16 channels.
On the transmitter side, things are nearly all digital, as Busby explains. They've got 16 DBu belt packs, resulting in 16 channels, plus four DHu handheld mics and a couple of the tiny SSM transmitters for the utmost in adaptability.
Backstage at the McPherson Playhouse, frequency coordination faces two challenges: a potentially large channel count in a relatively compact space, and a rotating roster of companies and performers. Gordon Heal, the head of audio and assistant technical director, uses Wireless Designer software to tackle both issues. This software helps integrate equipment, find all frequencies in play, and set up a plot rapidly. Plus, it makes updating frequencies for troupes that do residencies a breeze.
So, whether it's a community theater company in need of wireless, or a full-blown production like the Victoria Symphony performing the soundtrack to Home Alone while the movie plays onstage, the Royal and McPherson theaters have the equipment and know-how to deliver exceptional audio quality, every time.
Lastly, Busby can't help but applaud Lectrosonics' personalized customer service, which he says has been instrumental in keeping the live theatre world running smoothly. As he recalls, "Colin Bernard was rather prescient" when he helped configure their first Venue system in 2004. Indeed!
At these theaters, technology partners like Lectrosonics, featuring digital wireless tech, keep pace with a diverse range of events, catering to genres from symphony concerts to plays. The theaters' arsenal includes gadgets such as transmitters and receivers, ensuring top-notch sound technology for every performance, whether it's a community theater or a large-scale production.
