SR/Live Sun, November 23, 2008

In early 2008, Cardiff-based theatrical audio provider Stage Sound Services took delivery of eight EM Acoustics EMS-152 15” x 2” enclosures for a variety of shows, and they’ve been out of the warehouse constantly, supplying both main FOH and effects systems for shows including Rafta Rafta (National Theatre tour), Equus, Black Watch and educational shows at Birmingham Rep Theatre.

For Rafta Rafta, originally designed and specified by Paul Grutius with Meyer MSL-2 loudspeakers and 650 subwoofers, production sound designer Ed Ferguson from the National Theatre took the opportunity to take the new EMS-152 loudspeakers for a test drive on the UK tour. The show utilized six EMS-152 loudspeakers on the proscenium arch, underpinned by two MSE-118 1 x 18” Quake subwoofers, with two smaller EMS-121 12” x 1” enclosures for on-stage fills.  Ferguson commented that “the sound was great, with bags of headroom.  Even with the amplifiers only set at 50%”.

For Black Watch, sound designer Gareth Fry chose to go for a primarily EM Acoustics system for both vocal and FX systems. Gareth stated: “We are using 16 EMS-81 8” x 1” passive enclosures for our vocal system, and the main brunt of the FX system is 4 EMS-152’s and 4 Quake subwoofers. Black Watch is presented in traverse and is touring a variety of venues across the world, playing variously in drill halls, arenas and numerous other acoustically unfavourable venues. I choose the EMS-81’s for their combination of clarity and power enabling them to reproduce vocals clearly but also allowing them to be used for high level music playback as well. Set in the firing line in Iraq the sound design has to re-create the sounds of an all-too-close war requiring precise localisation, impact and to make the audience feel as if they themselves are in the firing line too. The combination of the EMS-152’s and the Quake subs really make this happen.”

Drama Desk Award-winning designer Greg Clarke chose to take a pair of EMS-152 loudspeakers out for the UK tour of Equus, along with EMS-121 enclosures, and the system was underpinned by the ground-shaking i-12 4 x 12” compound isobaric ULF subwoofer (according to Clarke, the box that must be “filled with dark matter or something….”).

Clarke was thrilled with the results, noting: “The EMS-152 is a truly excellent loudspeaker. Quite apart from the usefulness and practicality of a passive design, they sound beautiful; poised, classy and musical and yet capable of delivering the most enormous punch. I specified them on both the UK tour of Equus and at the National Theatre on The Emperor Jones, and was amazed by their abilities. The EMS-152 is a very powerful tool indeed. It is clear that EM have an extraordinarily intelligent approach to the design of their equipment and have, I believe, an unmatched ability to listen critically during the process.  It is seriously refreshing to come across a manufacturer whose honest aim is to produce an emotional response in the audience, and it really shows in their kit.”

Lastly, Birmingham Rep Theatre have a pair of EMS-152 enclosures used as main FOH for an educational tour. Sound Designer Dan Hoole specified the EMS-152 enclosures after hearing them on the Rafta Rafta tour.

Stage Sound Services MD Phil Hurley said: “All of our EM Acoustics kit is always out the door.  I’ve owned the EMS-152 enclosures for six months, and I look forward to using them myself when they finally come back into the warehouse.”

For more information:
EM Acoustics Home Page
EM Acoustics EMS-152 Product Page