Autograph Sales has recently supplied the Hull Truck Theatre in Kingston upon Hull
with a brand new sound system from EM Acoustics based around the HALO-C
compact line array to replace an older EM Acoustics system that dated from the
theatre’s previous venue.

“Since our new venue was completed in 2009 we knew that our old sound system
was no longer appropriate for the space,’ explained Hull Truck’s technical manager,
Amy Clarey. “”Our theatre boasts quite a long thrust stage for its size [a three-
sided stage that extends into the audience] which, whilst great for the audience, is
a challenge for all aspects of theatre-making, especially sound. We therefore
needed a system that would be able to handle this configuration and at the same
time offer us as much flexibility as possible as our programme is extremely varied.
Our aim was to invest in a new system that lives up to and indeed enhances the
rest of the production.’

Another driving factor in the decision to renew the sound system was the fact that
Hull has been designated the City of Culture 2017. Hull Truck theatre played a key
part in winning the bid and will take a lead role in the planning and delivery of
2017. The theatre will lead the city’s drama programme, opening up a number of
exiting new partnerships and opportunities.

“With the eyes of the world on us in 2017, we wanted a sound system that could
immerse the audience and truly make them feel part of the show – and that meant
it was time for a change,’ said Clarey. “Our previous system was EM Acoustics, and
although we were really happy with the sound quality, due to the nature and size of
the space in the new venue, it just wasn’t packing the punch that we needed. We
spoke to Autograph who arranged a demo with EM Acoustics. Mike Wheeler and
Dave Kelland from EM came up and we spent a day in the space looking at our
options. We spoke at length with them which was really helpful as they completely
understood what we were trying to achieve.’

The final specification comprised a centre hang of five HALO-C elements
supplemented L/R by an MSE-159 with an EMS81X outfill underneath, four EMS-61
delays and two EMS118 subs. Power and system control comes courtesy of existing
QSC amps and processing.

“We are really happy with our new system,’ concluded Clarey. “The EM team were
brilliant and have got it perfectly right for our unusual venue – we have precise,
even coverage across all seats in the theatre. On the first day it went live we had
overwhelmingly positive feedback from the audience and performers alike. We are
very proud of the audio experience we can now offer our patrons and look forward
to the many ways in which we can use it.’