Soundcraft Vi6 consoles usher in digital era

Doug Kirk with the Centre's new gear.

As the owner and operator of Bass Performance Hall, Performing Arts Fort Worth (a not-for-profit organisation) in Texas has upgraded the venue’s sound system with two Harman Soundcraft Vi6 digital consoles. For shows that utilise house consoles, including concerts, family programs and other performances during the season, the company now has one Vi6 at the front of house position inside Bass Performance Hall and the other for monitoring, while also being able to transport the desks to two satellite performance spaces within the complex.

Opening its doors in May 1998, Bass Performance Hall has been one of the most technologically advanced and highly respected performance spaces in the area. Looking to revamp the Hall’s system from analog to digital to keep its reputation intact, Doug Kirk, technical director of audio and acoustics systems for the Hall, tested the Vi6 in early 2011 and mixed four shows on it in a month’s span.

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After a month with the Vi6, Kirk ordered two Vi6 consoles for the Hall. “Out of all our research and demos, the Soundcraft Vi6 was head and shoulders above every other digital console,” Kirk continued. “Its ease of operation is fantastic and its VistonicsTM interface is completely intuitive. It feels like you’re working on an analog board, not a computer, which makes our in-house engineers and visiting FOH mixers happy.”

Installing the desk was no challenge to Kirk as the console was up and running in mere hours. With a capacity of 2,056, Performing Arts Fort Worth plans on expanding seating arrangements in Bass Performance Hall, as the footprint of the console space has dramatically been reduced. From the original 12 by 12-foot space where the analog console used to sit, the FOH space with the Vi6 is now 8 by 6 feet.

“We now have a greater selling point to bring big acts to Bass Hall when we say Soundcraft is our FOH console,” Kirk concluded. “We’re staying state-of-the-art and on top of the industry trends. Not only do the larger-name bands and Broadway tours enjoy the console, but members of our local engineering union are extremely excited to get their hands on it and offer the community great sound.”