NAPACA (the NSW ACT Performing Arts Centres Association) represents more than 30 professionally managed and operated theatres across regional and metropolitan New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
One such theatre is the 450-seat Performance Arts Centre Cessnock (PACC), a premier destination for live entertainment and culture in Australia’s Hunter region, located close to the world-famous vineyards.
At a recent NAPACA Expo, PACC Venue Manager Andrew Bondfield took the opportunity to discuss a possible upgrade to the theatre’s existing FOH sound system with Chris Clarens, NSW Sales Manager at Pro AV technology specialists Factory Sound. Voicing a commitment to providing performers and audience members alike with world class sound at PACC, Andrew also cautioned that the available budget was limited.
“Given this constraint, I proposed a solution using NEXO P15 point source speakers and L18 subs” reports Chris.
“During my visit to the venue, I conducted an on-site demo with 2 x P15s and 2 x L18 subs, with amplification and processing from a single NEXO NXAMP4X2Mk2 Powered TD Controller.
“Andrew and his team were particularly impressed by the coverage, especially the impact of the L18 subs, as their previous system lacked any subwoofers. However, when we ran a performance simulation using NEXO’s NS-1 system configuration software, we identified some coverage gaps in the front rows. To address this, we added 4 x NEXO ID24s as front fills.”
Commenting on behalf of the venue, Andrew says “Chris was responsive and considerate from the very beginning. He took the trip out to our venue to demo the products in situ which was a significant factor in giving Factory Sound’s proposal the most compelling score.
“The difference in clean, clear and even coverage now is night and day different. I am impressed by what advances have come down the line over the last twenty years in speaker performance and design and am surprised by how much the P15s can do in such a small box. The L18 centrally hung and 4 x ID24s across the front of the stage has brought PACC back towards the audio capabilities that a professional stage should be – for performer, audience member and technician alike.”
For further information on the Performance Arts Centre Cessnock, visit: mypacc.com.au
For further information on Factory Sound, visit: factorysound.com
Photographer: Jarrod Behringer
