Issue 42 summer 24 web - Flipbook - Page 16
Sheerness Dockyard
Restoration Project
Heritage AV were delighted to be appointed as the audio-visual contractor for the Sheerness Dockyard
Restoration Project, a significant endeavour aimed at preserving and revitalising a site of historical
importance. Bringing years of expertise in the field, the Hertfordshire-based, Heritage AV were tasked
with creating a seamless and unobtrusive PA system that would integrate into the historic surroundings,
ensuring modern functionality without compromising the site's aesthetic integrity.
The primary objective was to design a system capable of
supporting various presentations and talks, ensuring clear
and amplified speech as well as crisp audio for presentation media. Furthermore, any installed speakers had to
blend harmoniously with the stonework while effectively
reaching audiences seated or standing up to 12.5 meters
from the stage. Achieving this balance of functionality
and subtlety was paramount to maintaining the site’s
historical charm.
The final solution showcases custom-painted Yamaha
VXL24 line-array speakers discreetly positioned on either
side of the main arch. These speakers are mounted on bespoke floor-mounted brackets, meticulously crafted inhouse by Heritage AV to match the stonework’s colour
and texture. These innovative brackets were specifically
engineered to avoid the need for wall fixtures into stone
or brick surfaces, preserving the integrity of the historical
structure. The speakers' custom paint and the brackets'
precise craftsmanship ensure they almost disappear into
the background, maintaining the visual authenticity of
the space. The system also features the powerful but
compact Martin Audio SX110 subwoofer to augment the
low-frequencies. Combined with the Yamaha VXL24
speakers they work together to provide a full-range audio
experience delivering targeted clear high and mid
frequencies with rich bass sound that’s perfect for speech
and music playback.
Additionally, the system incorporates Sennheiser digital
wireless microphones, renowned for their superior sound
quality and reliability, which are crucial in ensuring that
speakers and presenters are heard clearly throughout the
space. The Denon media player, another integral component of the system, offers robust and versatile playback
options, accommodating various media formats and Bluetooth seamlessly. All these elements are consistently integrated and controlled through a rack-mounted Allen
& Heath AHM16 digital mixer/processor, a powerful and
flexible unit that ensures optimal audio quality and ease
of use.
Control of the entire setup is managed via the intuitive
Allen & Heath Custom Control App on iPad. This app
allows operators to easily adjust settings and manage the
system with minimal training, ensuring that events run
smoothly without technical hitches. The app's userfriendly interface and robust functionality mean that even
those without AV experience can confidently handle the
system, making it a versatile solution for the diverse range
of events hosted at the dockyard.
