Meyer Sound News : Orbital Sound Buys M3D Line Array for West End Debut

Orbital Sound Buys M3D Line Array for West End Debut

"The useability of the M3D with Meyer's other loudspeakers is superb; it sits really well with the rest of the product line, which I've never found elsewhere... The line array is doing its job alongside their other products without any incongruity, and allows us to have the best of both worlds."

- Mick Potter
Sound Designer, Bombay Dreams

Meyer's M3D Line Array loudspeaker system has been sold by Autograph Sales to Orbital Sound for the worldwide theatrical debut of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Bombay Dreams, a collaboration with Indian film composer AR Rahman and scriptwriter Meera Syal. Bombay Dreams opened at London's Apollo Victoria on June 19.

The decision of sound designer Mick Potter to use the M3D system has a great sense of continuity. Potter had a long involvement with Starlight Express, which recently closed at the Apollo after an 18-year run and which was one of the Meyer Sound's first theatrical applications, using an MSL-3 system.

Meyer Sound's UK distributor Autograph Sales demonstrated the M3D system at the Apollo for the production's creative team, including Lloyd Webber. The demonstration was carried out by Roger Harpum, the Autograph Sales Meyer Sound specialist, and was met with universal approval from the team. Theatre sound specialists company Orbital Sound was contracted to provide the complete sound and communications system for the theatrical debut, and has purchased a Meyer Sound M3D system, along with more than 20 other Meyer Sound loudspeakers and components, from Autograph Sales for use on the production.

Chris Headlam, managing director of Orbital Sound, claims that "it is very interesting being the first to work with groundbreaking technology in a such new and innovative way. Taking M3D into the theatrical arena on such a high profile show is an exciting prospect. We have enjoyed working with the Meyer Sound technical team, configuring the system specifically for the application and the venue."

Six M3Ds with an M3D-Sub Directional subwoofer between the fourth and fifth loudspeakers are being flown each side of the stage, with an underhang of two CQ-2 Narrow Coverage Main loudspeakers separated by a splay of 40 degrees. The system is being driven by three LD-1A Line Drivers. A further eight CQ-2 cabinets are being flown on a delay truss above the auditorium along with two additional M3D subs, providing delay to the rear and front circle. Two UPA-2P Compact Narrow Coverage loudspeakers are centrally rigged above the stage and UPM-2P Ultra-Compact Narrow Coverage loudspeakers are being used as side fills for the circle and stalls.

Potter is full of praise for Meyer's line array products. "The useability of the M3D with Meyer's other loudspeakers is superb; it sits really well with the rest of the product line, which I've never found elsewhere," says Potter. "The M3D has the sound characteristics of Meyer's other products, which is essential for theatrical applications, especially in this case where we're using so many other Meyer speakers in a more conventional theatrical configuration. The line array is doing its job alongside their other products without any incongruity, and allows us to have the best of both worlds."

Meyer Sound's MAPP multipurpose acoustical prediction program was an essential tool in designing the sound system for Bombay Dreams, because custom made rigging equipment had to be fitted in exactly the right positions to support the weight of the M3Ds - 1.5 tons in total. Meyer's consultant engineer Dave Dennison helped Potter to plot the configuration of the Apollo system before it was installed, designing the optimum system for the venue.

Lloyd Webber is hoping his new Bollywood-influenced musical will inject new life into British theatre. The M3D system will certainly ensure that audiences can enjoy the full on Bollywood experience in the best possible sound quality.

August, 2002