d&b audiotechnik breathes new life into Birmingham Symphony Hall

Solotech has installed a d&b audiotechnik audio package in the refurbished foyer space at Birmingham Symphony Hall (BSH).

First opened in 1991, BSH is a 2,262 seat concert venue in the West Midlands. Located within the Birmingham International Convention Centre, in 2019 funding was secured to redevelop the foyer space to include a separate entrance for Symphony Hall. Integral to the plans for the foyer was a performance space, complete with a dedicated permanent audio installation.

Although the global pandemic delayed the project, the building work was completed by the end of 2020. Post-Covid, venue operator B:Music commissioned Solotech to undertake the audio installation. Solotech already had a working relationship with B:Music having supplied a full d&b audiotechnik system for their second Birmingham venue, the Town Hall.

Keen to standardise across their audio equipment, d&b audiotechnik was the preferred choice for loudspeakers and amplification. From an initial spec produced by d&b, Solotech recommended d&b Y10P point source loudspeakers, flown off a truss with additional ultra-compact 5S units ceiling mounted to provide coverage in alcoves and under balconies. Also flown from the truss, d&b Bi6 subwoofers provided the low frequency punch with the whole system powered by just three d&b 30D amplifiers.

At the heart of the system is a QSC Q-Sys 110F core, providing digital signal processing, volume control and input output selection. This core interfaces with the d&b system via a d&b DS10 audio network bridge. A QSC touch screen provides overall system control including input selection of external sources such as digital consoles or playback devices.

Kyle Durno, Senior Applications Engineer from Solotech, was responsible for commissioning the installation. “The finished system is capable of delivering anything from stand-up comedy to a full band. There’s even SPL coverage throughout the foyer with the Y10P cabinets, delivering high-end, high-fidelity audio.”

Lydia Hawthorn, Solotech Business Development Manager, was project manager for the installation. “The foyer as a standalone venue is a great addition to the Symphony Hall. The d&b system ensures compatability with their other venues allowing for additional kit to be added if necessary. It’s also incredibly rider friendly with artists and performers.”

“It has been a pleasure to work with the Symphony Hall on this project and we look forward to working with them again in the coming years.”