Iconic London landmark The Clapham Grand is in the process of a technical upgrade that includes the installation of Martin Audio W8LC compact line arrays as well as multiple Martin Audio AQ architectural loudspeakers.
Designed to reposition the 1,250-capacity, 100-year-old Victorian theater from a pure party/dance venue to a leading-edge live circuit venue, live music and promotions manager Richard Beck called in F1:Sound Company Limited to carry out the refit.
With the venue spread across three floors, Martin Audio’s proprietary DISPLAY predictive software helped the installer in getting the sound, from just four elements per side, firing evenly across the ground floor and to the rear of the first floor balcony (the two usable spaces). Low extension is provided off the stage by six Martin Audio WS218X subwoofers, ground-stacked in threes stage left and right.
“Richard had wanted a PA that would maximize sight lines to the stage,” explains Matt Bate of F1, “He always favored Martin Audio, as he knew this was a good system.”
Technical manager Dan Huxley adds, “We wanted an industry-standard system that was recognized by incoming productions, so they had the confidence to play through the house rig. But at the same time the system needed to be multipurpose, as we are still utilizing the venue for club and DJ nights — and this produces a thumping dance sound.”
F1:Sound Co have bolstered the main system with 14 ultra-compact AQ5’s (each with two 5.25-inch ICT drivers); six deployed to cover the upper two tiers of the middle balcony, and eight for under-balcony on the ground floor, where additional power is provided by a pair of AQ10’s (with 10in bass driver) near the bar.
Independently operated and owned, the venue launched its new live music program with an appearance by Jamie Cullum, who played through the new house system.
