The Venue, one of South Africa’s most prestigious medium-sized venues for all manner of events such as conferencing, awards ceremonies and social events, recently received a complete overhaul of its audio, lighting and video systems. The audio system was supplied by Johannesburg-based distributors Tadco, the video control systems were supplied by Electrosonic and DWR supplied the lighting solution. The installation was performed by Andi Rogers from Fifty South.
Tony Raciti’s thirty-plus years’ experience in the business meant no compromises resulting in the entire venue being gutted, the floors dug up, the ceilings removed, and new facilities installed such as new bars, new kitchens, new cutlery and crockery, new stairs and new washrooms. Keeping with the theme of “no compromise’, the new audio system was no exception.
“I’ve known Tony for over 30 years and love him as a friend’, says Simon Oates, owner of Tadco, “but I’ve never met a more “icky picky’ person’.
Kyle Robson, head of operational support at Tadco, oversaw the installation. He too agrees that when it comes to Tony Raciti and The Venue, there is no compromise.
The existing Nexo system was rejuvenated and moved to an active digital-format. An extensive Quest HP15 loudspeaker system was added for delay and split room use. Expanding the existing Symetrix DSP environment, a Quest Q Matrix 88 control matrix was installed, linked to remote panels for user-friendly operation and control.
Raciti explains his motivation behind this move: “There are many times when a waiter has to adjust the signal. I have the best waiters you will find anywhere, but when a remote panel reads MENU, of course there can be a problem.’
The audio console supplied was a DiGiCo SD11 with an accompanying D-Rack, a 32 input 16 output stage box which will cater to almost any on-stage need for clients utilising the club.
Video control was designed by Electrosonic and a comprehensive suite of Kramer products for matrixing, scaling and signal distribution was supplied.
Lighting, supplied by DWR, included a combination of Robe Robin Beams and Washes. An Avolites Titan Mobile was the lighting console of choice while DMX splitting came with the inclusion of LSC DMX splitters.
Watch out for the full article on the venue installation in the next issue of Pro-Systems magazine.
