KV2 Audio upgrades Octagon Theatre’s immersive auditorium with reliable PA solution

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 sufficient coverage across the auditorium and no longer delivered the clarity and versatility required for the scale and ambition of the theatre’s programme. Its increasing unreliability was the perfect opportunity to upgrade to a system that could ensure consistent, high-quality performance for years to come.  

“The auditorium is fully flexible, offering in-the-round, thrust, and end-on configurations for truly immersive audience experiences,” continues Whitwood. “Therefore, we needed a new system that would deliver reliable audio without the need for intensive equalisation work and re-rigging before every use.” Having collaborated with the theatre’s in-house team on previous occasions, the venue’s trusted audio partner, dBS Solutions, was invited to design a new PA system suited to the theatre’s unique stage setup.   

“The theatre required a system that delivers clear, detailed coverage across all audience spaces – including the balcony – for excellent intelligibility and a cohesive sound image to complement the existing delay loudspeakers,” comments Chris Bogg, Director of dBS Solutions. During past productions, Bogg had successfully implemented KV2’s EX and ESD series loudspeakers to provide outstanding clarity and consistent coverage due to their distinctive dispersion characteristics. “The venue’s technical team were beyond impressed with the natural tone and definition. When it came time to upgrade to a permanent PA system, KV2 was the obvious choice.”  

Chris Bogg collaborated with the Octagon Theatre’s in-house engineer, Gerry Marsden, to identify the most suitable loudspeaker solutions for the venue’s infrastructure, eventually landing on KV2’s passive ESD series. “We deployed a central cluster of five ESD10 loudspeakers, which now delivers clear, even coverage across the entire audience when used in-the-round, whilst maintaining flexibility for other stage configurations,” details Bogg. “We also integrated KV2’s linear ESP amplifier series outside of the main auditorium to minimise ambient noise.” By combining the new KV2 system with the theatre’s existing delay loudspeakers, dBS solutions and the Octagon Theatre’s in-house team delivered an improved audio solution that maximises the immersive audience experience and supports performances across all genres.  

“KV2’s reputation in the UK theatre market has ensured strong creative confidence in the new system,” says Bogg. “Octagon Theatre’s visiting sound engineers and composers will be more than satisfied with the quality and coverage it provides.”  

“Our original intention was to provide the highest sound quality with even coverage throughout the entire auditorium, so audiences would experience the same clarity and impact no matter where they sit – the KV2 system delivered on all of these goals,” concludes Chris Whitwood. The upgraded PA system has noticeably improved the coverage, quality, and intelligibility of each performance, adapting to the artistic demands across all of the Octagon Theatre’s productions to ensure pristine audio reaches every seat. 

Related links:

• Octagon Theatre
• dBS Solutions