Norwich Arts Centre

The Norwich Arts Centre has been a complex and very interesting project for Old Barn Audio. The NAC Directors made the decision to close the whole Arts Centre from 15 July through to 13 September 2019 for the start of NAC Regeneration.

This amazing Norfolk gem is internationally recognised and at the heart of Norwich’s cultural community. A contemporary arts venue that delivers a daily programme of live music, theatre, dance, live art, visual art, literature and comedy. It is an independently run venue with charitable status and a mission to support the development of artists and nurture emerging talent across a range of art forms.

It started the careers of rock and music giants Ed Sheeran, The Stone Roses, Nirvana, Savages and Kate Tempest which is an incredible testament to the venue itself.

Infrastructure

As they always say, it’s all in the planning. Old Barn Audio had thoroughly planned and organised everything and had a contingency for all eventualities.

Week one was probably the busiest part of the project, with 6 men working a total of 29 man days within the Norwich Arts Centre. Everything was removed from this Grade 1 listed building, including the old speakers, lighting, wiring and cabling as well as the internal lighting grid and trusses, which then exposed, for the first time in 40 years, the vaulted roof of this beautiful 15th Century venue.

The electrics were one of the first sections to be installed back in, including a new 3 phase 125 amp board and a 24 channel eco ETC dimmer pack. Brand new cabling was then added in, for the dimmer channels and hardwired power. This was all included as part of the 6 leg truss system for the hanging of new lighting, speakers and video installed within it.

Sound

The sound installation was possibly the most simple section of the project as, within the planning, all speakers had all been agreed and approved. In total, therefore, Old Barn Audio installed a powerful range of Martin Audio products:

Lighting

There was a lot of input from the venue on what they wanted to achieve when it came to the lighting of the venue. Together we decided on a quality list of lighting equipment that would suit and complement all uses of the space as well as type of event whether it be music or theatre.

There was a mix of the latest lighting equipment installed from large worldwide lighting brand Chauvet along with a powerful Chamsys MagiQ Console, providing four universes of control.

16 Chauvet Colordash Accent fixtures were positioned to uplight the “medieval” roof to give the venue an effective sense of it’s history and complement it’s current use. This is an extremely unique historical feature and with the ability to colour mix, the venue can now adapt to any performance.

AV & Drapes

This was all part of the finishing touches; having the 4m x 2.5m motorised screen installed as well as the Panasonic laser projector. All surrounded by high quality new black drapes and Doughty track finished this install perfectly.  Lastly, was a high-end professional array of microphones and other ancillaries from giants Shure, Sennheiser, Neumann, Beyer and more, with associated stands and cases. A Soundcraft Vi1 console, stage box and 32u floor rack were also installed.

Full training was then given on use of all sound and lighting equipment.

“I want to thank the guys at Old Barn Audio for doing such a great job with the install.  Removing the old rig was always going to be a daunting task and you guys did a great job working in getting that down.  As with this kind of project there were changes made throughout and It was great that you were able to accommodate these as it was important for us to get the aesthetic right for the space.  

When Old Barn Audio brought in the Martin Audio WPC system for testing we were very impressed with the depth and clarity it offered.  At Norwich Arts Centre, we needed a system that would cater for a diverse range of artists so we needed something both flexible and powerful.  

We have been working closely with Old Barn Audio throughout the install to achieve the best possible outcome and they have been great in helping us achieve this.”
Alex Unstead
Chief LX
Norwich Arts Centre

Want to work with us too?

If you are charged with creating extraordinary sound and light within your venue, then we will create you a bespoke venue design. Whether it is a nightclub, bar or restaurant, theatre, church, wedding venue, or a space such as the amazing Norwich Arts Centre, please get in touch with Old Barn Audio. Either call on 01892 752246email us or fill in the Enquiry Form.