The Royal Albert Hall has completed installation of a Riedel Bolero wireless intercom system as part of the continued expansion and upgrade of in-house audio equipment and services. Bolero is a scalable, flexible industry-standard that will serve productions for behind-the-scenes communications during live shows.
‘After renting communications systems from a different manufacturer, we chose Bolero for our permanent in-house wireless intercom,’ says Royal Albert Hall Audio Operations Manager, Ben Evans. ‘It’s a user-friendly system that gives our clients clear, reliable audio, and it integrates seamlessly with the gear most of them use. The fact that there’s no complex licence management was also a significant factor in our decision, and the system’s network-based flexibility was a key advantage over competitors’ point-to-point solutions.’
A 153-year-old London venue, the Royal Albert Hall is a highly flexible space with various stage configurations and performance locations. It hosts events spanning rock/pop concerts, orchestral performances, spoken word performances, sports, ballets, ballroom dancing, book launches and poetry recitals. Events rotate in and out quickly, so the venue requires a reliable, scalable communication system that can accommodate the high turn-around.
The Royal Albert Hall’s in-house technical services – lighting, rigging, audio, communications – are a selling point for production companies and attract high-profile productions. In 2018, the venue assembled an in-house audio team to improve the audience experience, and partnered with manufacturer d&b audiotechnik on its permanent PA system, with additional investments in mixing desks, microphones and monitors. Then came the communications system.
‘We have a reputation as a trusted technical partner in the events industry,’ Evans says. ‘Working with Riedel – and having the Bolero comms system onboard – bolsters that reputation and helps us to generate revenue.’
Bolero provides more channels and better infrastructure, and has better range, compatibility and connectivity than the hall’s previous system. It also offers efficient configuration for a range of different events. Interoperability with other equipment means that it is ready to go if issues arise.
Bolero sees daily use as a production communications and talkback system. Communication extends beyond traditional stage teams and show callers. A ‘shout system’ allows front-of-house and monitor engineers to communicate. Separate communication rings simplify interaction for lighting/show callers, audio teams and production. The venue can increase the size of the system for complex productions by adding extra rings.
Similarly, when a large-scale event requires more than the ten wireless packs in permanent inventory, the venue can scale up by renting additional packs or antennae.
‘The Royal Albert Hall’s technical services are a key part of its brand, and we’re grateful to play a role in the venue’s technical excellence and reliability,’ says Riedel Communications Programme Manager for Global Events, Nacho Lee. ‘The travelling productions that visit the hall can trust Bolero to work with whatever equipment they bring in, and its reliability allows teams to focus on events without worrying about communication failures.’
More: www.riedel.net