New Regent sound system set to wow
A new sound desk is set to put a Palmerston North venue at the forefront of theatre technology.
The Yamaha console has been installed at the Regent on Broadway and consultant trainer Otis Dickens spent two days with Regent technicians Braden Noel and Kieran Peters, teaching them how to “drive it”.
The console, valued at $114,000, is the newest in New Zealand and has 120 individual inputs allowing the operator to create a single, coherent sound.
“The sound system will gather all the various inputs on stage and enable the technicians to mould them into an audio sound space,” Dickens said.
It meant it could take the sound from individual instruments, vocalists, backing singers and recorded tracks and provide a clearer, more precise presence.
“It gives the Regent a new set of tools to do the job.
“The audience will experience a more detailed and satisfying experience.”
Technical manager Braden Noel said the sound desk was easy and flexible to use, and allowed them to “go from rock and roll to a school gig”.
The Regent on Broadway general manager David Walsh said it was essential the theatre could provide the best technology available. “The DM7 sound desk is an asset for any touring groups and will help us promote the Regent as a pre-eminent venue for national and international artists. “If a group like Six60 or LAB want to include Palmerston North in their itinerary then the Regent has the technical ability to handle their sound requirements.”
Walsh paid tribute to Friends of the Regent and Central Energy Trust for making funding available to purchase the console. The desk will be used for Act Three Productions’ season of Matilda, which begins tomorrow.