Octagon Theater Enhances Performances with New KV2 Audio System
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Recognised nationwide for its dedication to unforgettable audience experiences, Bolton’s award-winning Octagon Theatre welcomes a creative selection of bold and adventurous productions. From collaborative community projects to large-scale touring shows, its immersive auditorium is the heart of every performance. Here,the Octagon Theatre’s in-house team conducts regular quality checks to ensure all assets perform to their full potential,which recently led to the installation of a new KV2 Audio PA system.
Addressing the Need for an upgrade
The existing sound system had served countless shows with excellent audio but was beginning to show its age. “As part of the Octagon’s long-term strategy for fixed assets, the in-house team identifies areas of concern before the equipment fails,” says Chris Whitwood, the theatre’s Head of Production. “The old system did not provide the clarity and coverage we needed for increasingly complex productions.” The team wanted a system that would deliver extraordinary sound quality, reliability, and future-proof the theatre’s audio capabilities.
The Selection Process
Whitwood and his team undertook a thorough evaluation of several leading PA manufacturers. KV2 Audio consistently stood out. “We demoed several systems, and KV2 was the clear winner,” Whitwood explains. “The clarity, power, and compact size of the speakers were impressive. We also appreciated the active design, which simplifies system control and reduces the risk of component failure.” The decision was also influenced by positive feedback from other theatres using KV2 systems.
The New KV2 System: A Detailed Look
The installed system comprises a main array of 12 x KV2 ES1.0 full-range active loudspeakers, supplemented by 4 x KV2 ES2.6 dual 18″ active subwoofers. These are powered by KV2 amplifiers and controlled via the KV2 Control 8 software. The system also includes KV2 EX6 loudspeakers for front fills and balcony fills, ensuring consistent coverage throughout the auditorium.
Key Components & Configuration
- ES1.0: Full-range active loudspeakers providing the main sound reinforcement.
- ES2.6: Dual 18″ active subwoofers delivering powerful and accurate low-frequency reproduction.
- EX6: Compact active loudspeakers used for front and balcony fills.
- KV2 Control 8: Software for system monitoring,control,and optimization.
Positive Results and Future Plans
As the installation, the new KV2 system has received rave reviews from both the theatre’s technical team and visiting sound designers. “The difference is night and day,” says Whitwood. “The sound is clearer, more dynamic, and more impactful. We’ve had nothing but positive feedback.” The system’s compact size and ease of setup have also been appreciated, streamlining the production process.
Looking ahead, the Octagon Theatre plans to further integrate the KV2 system with its existing digital audio network. This will allow for even greater versatility and control over the theatre’s audio infrastructure. The theatre remains committed to providing audiences with the highest possible quality of sound and immersive theatrical experiences.
Key Takeaways
- The Octagon Theatre upgraded its aging PA system with a new KV2 Audio system.
- The KV2 system was chosen for its clarity, power, compact size, and active design.
- The installed system includes ES1.0, ES2.6, and EX6 loudspeakers, controlled by KV2 Control 8 software.
- The new system has considerably improved sound quality and received positive feedback from both technical staff and visiting designers.