The annual Glaston-Bury fundraiser happened on August bank holiday Monday. The event goes from strength to strength, with more stages, venues and bands taking part every year. Mainline ran the East Lancashire Railway Off The Beaten Tracks stage where ten bands performed. Genres ranged from rock covers and originals to pop R&B covers, dub and electronica.
We rolled out a new sound system arrangement with the entire signal chain from stage patch to amplifiers run on Dante digital audio network. This brought its new challenges but rehearsals in the days leading up to the event ironed out most issues (apologies to the earlier bands for a few technical problems). Instrument inputs landed at an Allen & Heath SQ-5 sound desk and GX4816 stage box combination for monitors, then tie-line-split out via Dante to FOH running an Allen & Heath Avantis desk.
PA employed a Martin Audio Wavefront Precision WPM system on its first festival outing with us. The arrangement used four WPM boxes per side with four SXCF118 subwoofers. The arrangement proved perfect for the space, with a powerful, tight punchy sound, and excellent clarity. Two iKon42 amp racks were employed for main PA and LE200 wedges handling stage sound, supplemented with a Nexo drum fill.
This year's lighting benefited from truss sections already pre-rigged with Chauvet COLORdash Batten-Quad 12 units and cabling. Eight box sections were quickly assembled on site to form four 4m free-standing towers at stage rear. Each tower was then rigged with a Chauvet Rogue R2 LED Wash and Showtec Stage Blinder 2. An Equinox Stage Haze 1500 added stage atmospherics. FOH lighting control was handled by an Avolites Arena desk using ArtNet into a Luminex DMX adapter at stage. Downstage key-lighting comprised a bar of Chauvet COLORdash Par-Quad 18 static LED washes.
Martin Audio Blackline is also proving itself popular after being added to hire stock recently. A pair of XP15's were employed on PA duty at The Clarence stage, run by other colleagues on the Glaston-Bury team.
Congratulations and well done to everyone on the Glasto team for another gigantic and successful event.
Client: Glaston-Bury
Rochdale Feel Good Festival - August 2022
Mainline lighting rig at Rochdale Feel Good Festival
during rehearsals and final programming
The Fratellis headlining Rochdale Feel Good Festival,
with lighting production by Mainline
We were very happy to provide lighting services to Rochdale Feel Good Festival for our colleagues at ShowTech. Mainline provided full lighting design, rigging and operation for the festival main stage, headlined by The Fratellis, with main support acts HAiG and The Northern Soul Train, plus several others.
Lighting was flown on the stage truss plus four sets of ladder truss hung at stage rear. All lighting fixtures were Chauvet, comprising 14 Rogue R2 LED wash, 6 Rogue RH1 hybrid beam/ spot, 8 Legend 230SR beam and 7 Strike 4 LED wash. An Avolites PowerCube was used for dimming two 6-way PAR64 bars of key lighting. An Equinox Hazer handled stage atmospherics.
An Avolites Arena lighting desk controlled the show, via Art-Net into a Luminex DMX adapter.
The Fratellis specifically briefed no fast flashing / strobe lighting effects, and no haze to be used. This posed a different creative challenge, but the resulting show hit the mark.
We worked alongside 3D Productions who provided sound production and staging. 3D are also a hire customer of ours, so it was great to meet and work with some of their team.
Client: ShowTech Sound & Light on behalf of TG Events
Venue: Hopwood Hall College, Rochdale town centre
MARTIN AUDIO BLACKLINEX ADDED TO HIRE STOCK - August 2022
Martin Audio BlacklineX XP15 powered speaker
We're excited to have Martin Audio Blackline XP15 new to stock at Mainline. The BlacklineX range of speakers are excellent sounding with mains power convenience; no need for separate amplification and speaker cabling. Bluetooh connectivity is also a feature.
Blackline can be pole-mounted on a subwoofer for extended low-end reinforcement, or simply stand-mounted alone for vocal applications.
Great hire affordability at £30.00 singly, or £50.00 per pair, per day.
Contact us about hiring BlacklineX for your next gig!
LVIV BRIDGE, ROCHDALE - March 2022
Rochdale's Lviv Bridge lit for Ukraine
Photo by kind permission of Rochdale Borough Council
We are proud to have worked with Rochdale Borough Council on its show of support for Ukraine following the Russian invasion.
Rochdale was twinned with the Ukrainian city of Lviv in 1992, with Lviv Bridge in the town centre being named in 2002. A crowd gathered for the vigil, including members of the Ukrainian local community, and a speech of support was made by the leader of Rochdale Borough Council.
A set of Chauvet COLORdash Batten-Quad 12 units was used to light the bridge in the Ukrainian national flag colours of yellow and blue.
Client: ShowTech Ltd
AUDIO INSTALLATION, JUNIPER AND VINE, BURY - DECEMBER 2021
Martin Audio install at Juniper and Vine bar restaurant
We completed our first audio install using Martin Audio speakers for a local wine bar and restaurant refit. Juniper & Vine bar changed hands leaving a very tight timescale to complete works in time for reopening.
The requirement was for a quality audio system to handle background music playback on a tight budget. Martin Audio Adorn A55T speakers were chosen for their high quality sound, cost effectiveness, and offering discrete installation. The 100 volt line type will allow easier future expansion of the system. A three-way amplifier zoning allows good level control across all areas, with spare capacity for future expansion. A small mixer in the bar area accepts a tablet or mobile device input source, with capacity for a DJ and microphone input.
Client: Juniper and Vine
A Clockwork Orange, Bolton School - December 2021
Bolton School production build in progress
Visualiser client render of the school hall
Mainline returned to Bolton School, supplying equipment for their end of year production, an adaptation of the novel A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess.
The main lighting rig comprised two 18m truss lengths on winch stands, with Chauvet R2 wash and COLORDash Batten-Quad 12 fixtures, plus a set of projectors. The lighting show ran on Avolites Titan One hosted on a client laptop PC. Mainline designed the lightshow using Sketchup and Visualiser, which enables us to involve the client throughout the process. Stage deck and power distro was also supplied.
Thanks go out to our colleagues at local suppliers Livewire and Remote Audio Visual.
Client & venue: Bolton School
BRADSHAW CRICKET CLUB FIREWORK DISPLAY, BOLTON - OCTOBER 2021
Fireworks and lightshow at the 2021 event
One of three Martin Audio WPS PA stacks
We were so glad to be invited back to provide PA and lighting for Bradshaw Cricket Club's 50th firework-anniversary event, inevitably held over from 2020. A capacity crowd loved the extended show with our colleagues from Titanium Fireworks.
The show was timed to a medley of the past five music events since the production was broadened, including songs from the Lion King, Independence Day and The Greatest Showman.
This was our largest Martin Audio PA system outing to date, deploying three ground stacks of Wavefront Precision WPS. Four WPS boxes topped two SXCF118 subwoofers in each stack, powered by two iKon42 amplifier racks. Bar area infill was handled by an HK Audio Polar 10 stack.
Speaker positioning is never ideal at the event, having to avoid areas of the cricket pitch being prepared for next playing season. This year however, we were able to model the site for system optimisation using Martin's Display 2 software. We achieved a fine, even sound level across all intended areas with only slight on-site adjustments.
An Allen & Heath SQ-5 mixing desk was in control, distributing sound via Dante with an analogue-over-CAT5 fallback. Local radio station Bolton FM provided background music and commentary, with a mono feed into the main PA.
The light show played a bigger role this year, integrating more with the fireworks. Twelve ground-placed Chauvet Rogue RH1 Beam units were used under Avolites control. A Titan Mobile lighting desk and PC ran the show, fed by an SMTP timecode signal from Titanium's FireOne control system.
Several days of preparation and lighting programming goes into these events, and again the result was happy punters and a happy client.
Special thanks go out to Martin Audio for their close support in the run up to the event, sorting an equipment issue and ensuring our second delivery of WPS boxes and subs arrived in time.
Client & venue: Bradshaw Cricket Club
Manchester Giants, Printworks - September 2021
Manchester Giants lighting and rigging at Printworks
Manchester Giants held an event to celebrate the new basketball season. Mainline provided lighting and trussing for the event, held in the city centre Printworks complex.
Chauvet Rogue R2 wash units were located on the balcony, while Rogue Hybrid RH1's were used on the ground. COLORdash Batten-Quad 12's were deployed on truss towers, with a Unique Hazer adding atmospherics.
There was also an opportunity for fans to meet some of the team for signing and a photo in a wash-lit separate area.
Client:
Manchester Giants
Venue: Printworks, Manchester
Pinked Floyd, Altrincham - September 2021
Pinked Floyd show at the Garrick Theatre
Martin Audio WPS and SXCF118 subwoofer PA stack
We were happy to cover a gig for our colleagues at Ace PA due to a calendar clash.
This seven-piece are the third Pink Floyd tribute act Mainline have had the pleasure of working with, all having their own interpretations of the classics.
PA system comprised stage-stacked Martin Audio WPS from the Wavefront Precision range, plus WPM for front fill. Each side boasted four top boxes, plus two SXCF118 subwoofers arranged side-by-side to improve audience sight lines.
Stage monitors were Martin Audio LE200's for lead vocals and drum fill, with LE100's for all other performers. House PA and monitors were powered by two Martin iKON42 amplifier racks.
An Allen & Heath Avantis sound desk with a GX4816 expander unit stage box were deployed across 26 input channels and 7 monitor mixes. An Avolites Arena control desk ran the lighting show, and FOH was completed with the band's in-house AV and laser control.
Several days' light show programming proved their worth and complimented the sound mixed by James from Soundteks.
A mid-stage bar of Chauvet Rogue RH1 hybrid beam / spot units was integrated into the house lighting system and band's traditional circular AV truss. A mirror ball was already on-hand for another job, so it was used to dramatic effect.
Client: Ace PA
Venue: Altrincham Garrick Theatre
Glaston-Bury Trackside Stage, Bury - August 2021
Retrospect at Glaston-Bury 2021
Martin Wavefront Precision PA speakers and Union of South Africa
The final summer bank holiday of 2021, and the only one out of lockdown; quite an experience for audiences and crew alike. It was a chaotic weekend across the event industry, with a common theme: from nothing to full-on gigging was a struggle for everyone.
Bury welcomed back the annual fundraiser, Glaston-Bury, with Mainline running the Trackside stage at East Lancashire Railway. Thankfully we stretched our setup over a couple of days to avoid everything in one day.
Seven acts took to a fairly small stage, ranging from solo acoustic to seven-piece soul.
The PA system was our first outing with Martin Audio Wavefront Precision WPS. The stage location was challenging but we managed a good clarity and even sound across audience areas.
Four WPS top boxes were used per side, each with two SXCF118 subwoofers in ground-stacked formation. Stage sound was handled by Martin LE100 and LE200 monitor wedges.
An Allen & Heath Avantis mixing desk was deployed at FOH for main PA and monitor mixing.
Lighting comprised several Chauvet Rogue RH1 beam/ spot units plus Chauvet COLORdash Batten-Quad 12 on upstage vertical truss. Fresnel fixtures provided key lighting from a stand-mounted bar, with dimming and distro from an Avolites Art-2000 PowerCube. Lighting control was in the hands of an Avolites Arena Titan control desk.
Thank you to friends and colleagues that came down to see us or lend a hand rigging and de-rigging. Many thanks also to the excellent team at Drum One for servicing and tuning an ailing drum kit ready for the event.
Please check out some of the acts who performed:
Silhouette
John Doyle
Murder On The Airwaves
Troyen
Snatchback
Client: Glaston-Bury
European Cup Final Outdoor Screen & PA, Colne - July 2021
Outdoor LED screen and Martin Audio WPM PA system for the European Cup Final
England's success in the European Cup competition drew many screen and projection hire enquiries for the Final. Over a hundred emails arrived overnight following the semi-final win and continued in the next few days, ranging from small private gatherings to large public events. We were selected to supply an outdoor screen and PA system for Laneshawbridge Parish Council in Colne, Lancashire.
With a set of LED screen panels already out on hire, another controller/ scaler unit was thankfully available at short notice from VME Ltd.
After staff training the previous day, we were able to deploy a new Martin Audio Wavefront Precision WPM line array for an expected audience of up to 200. As the location was on common ground remote from any buildings, it was planned to use public Internet to stream the BBC's coverage of the final. The client had sourced a 4G Wi-Fi dongle, however the signal was not great. Fortunately, we had anticipated this and were able to stream the video reliably by tethering to a mobile phone on a different network.
Equipment overview - Screen: 4m x 2.5m modular LED Screen 5.3DPI. Structure: Prolyte X30V truss on Manfrotto Black Magic winch stands. PA system: Martin Audio Wavefront Precision WPM series flown array, 4 elements per side, plus SXCF118 sub unit per side. Power: Generator supplied by Generator Hire Cheshire.
Client: Laneshawbridge Parish Council
Outdoor LED screen hire - July 2021
Outdoor LED screen on hire
A welcome return to festival season, but a shock after 16 months with little or no work…
Our weatherproof LED screen made its outdoor hire debut with ShowTech Ltd at The Legends Festival in Shoreham-by-Sea. After that hire had been arranged, we were contacted by new client Smarthouse Technology Ltd, who were looking for an outdoor screen for a private celebration. The complication: load out at festival close, 10pm Sunday, then deliver and build in Cheshire the following morning.
The logistical challenge was completed by having to collect a wayward truss delivery from Birmingham, so that was arranged to follow an overnight stop. The Cheshire screen audio was handled by a pair of our very popular HK Audio Polar 10 PA speakers.
Both clients' requirements were met despite a round trip of over 600 miles, battling weather and motorway closures; a heady reintroduction to post-festival portaloos, trampled grass, service station food and long days. Bliss… Read more about weatherproof LED screen hire.
Clients: ShowTech Ltd and SmartHouse Technology
Venues: Shoreham-by-Sea and Cheshire
Stanleys of Bury AV installation - May 2021
Stanleys of Bury AV refit
With the end of lockdowns now in sight, Mainline have been working on a new installation, Stanley's of Bury. Thanks to a client relationship built during various works in their two other premises, we were invited to quote for various audio visual items in the extensive bar refurbishment.
A five-zone PA system has been commissioned for detailed control of sound in the venue. A stage mixer and Bluetooth input feed the system, with control in the bar area.
Stage area visual action is sent via a camera feed to a pair of TV's in the lower level lounge area.
Other works consisted of repairs to the existing CCTV system, and provision for future PA and control in a second bar.
Client & venue: Stanley's of Bury
Please get in touch to talk about inspecting or refitting your bar sound system
Allen & Heath Avantis desk arrival - April 2021
Allen & Heath Avantis desk new to hire stock
An exciting new delivery in April was an Allen & Heath Avantis mixing desk. This is a great new addition to hire stock, completing the dLive and SQ range and harnessing the same 96kHz DSP power. The desk layout suits a larger-format desk workflow, including twin HD touchscreens that are still viewable in outdoor conditions. A great desk for FOH and monitor duties alike. Read more about the Avantis desk.
Low input / output counts can be handled with rear panel analogue XLR connections, while DX32 and GX4816 Expander Units are available for higher counts.
Up to 64 channels / system inputs can be handled on 24 faders across 2 banks, each in 6 'pages'. A superb array of internal effects can be selected for a 12-way effects rack, feeding into some of the 42 mix buses available.
Please contact us for a hire quote.
Elfmas: Letters to Santa - December 2020
Elfmas event at East Lancashire Railway
East Lancashire Railway held a series of on-station Christmas events in place of Santa Season train running, which had to be cancelled due to Covid restrictions. This enabled visitors to enjoy a festive show while avoiding any on-train social distancing worries.
Mainline worked closely with ELR and Alibi Productions who ran the whole show. Production planning was completed in just 36 hours thanks to the resolve and determination of everyone involved.
Father Christmas joined the cast of actors, with Mainline supplying wireless lavalier microphones and lighting for the platform performance area. A small PA system consisted of Allen & Heath SQ-5 mixing desk and HK Polar 10 speakers, giving enough coverage and volume for the space.
Client:
East Lancashire Railway [new window]
Photo courtesy of Rory Lushman
On-train PA Installation, East Lancashire Railway - November 2020
Carriage end PA switch and inset showing PA rack
Mid-carriage speaker position
Initial plans to make Covid-safe train operation were extended to a strategic investment of on-train PA systems for all future events and on-train passenger announcements. Mainline held detailed discussions with the client to ensure requirements were met in a cost-effective and timely manner. A discrete installation achieved a great match with the overall 1950's-1960's railway carriage interiors, with careful selection of speakers, switches and cabling.
Each 100V Line PA system comprises an amplifier rack in the guard's compartment of the train, and Kestral4 speakers located at carriage mid- and end-points, and within each compartment. Each carriage has a local switch to disable its own PA. Connections are provided at each carriage end to allow train formations to be made up and altered as required.
Each PA rack consists of a 19-inch mounted Clever Acoustics MA3240 mixer amplifier and CDMP50 CD / USB media player, fed by a 24V DC to 230V AC inverter, powered from the carriage electrical system. A switched hand-held microphone is used for on-train announcements, muting any music source for several seconds.
Sadly, due to the region entering Tier 3 Covid restrictions the railway was unable to operate Santa trains this year, which would have made first use of the new PA systems.
Client:
East Lancashire Railway [new window]
East Lancashire Railway Halloween Event - October 2020
Platform performer at ELR's 2020 Halloween event
The annual ELR Halloween event took on a modified format just before the second lockdown.We took the opportunity to showcase our latest LED screen, floor-standing on the station walkway in a 6m x 2.5m format, curved snugly matching the curvature of the building wall. The overbridge had two sets of rear screen projection running animation sequences from PC's, with audio effects run in to Mackie 15 Thump speakers. Footbridge lighting comprised floor-standing Chauvet COLORdash LED lighting under Titan One DMX control, plus a segregated area for performance.
As an alternative to on-train acting, the cast performed on the main platform areas with Mainline providing wash and key lighting on a flown truss. The platform PA system comprised wireless lavalier mics. for performers, Allen & Heath SQ-5 mixing desk and HK Polar 10 speakers.
Client:
East Lancashire Railway [new window]
Photo courtesy of Rory Lushman
#WeMakeEvents, Hebden Bridge - August 2020
The evening of Tuesday 11th August saw another co-ordinated demonstration for #LightItInRed. The ongoing UK-wide campaign is drawing attention to the plight affecting our industry, and lobbying UK Government to provide grant support beyond the end of Covid 19 furlough schemes due to finish in October. Many venues, offices and warehouses were lit up in red to show their support.
The performing arts and events industries were among the first forced to a standstill and will be among the last to recover due to the impacts of social distancing. We welcome the UK Government's £1.57bn rescue package announcement in July, however we feel this doesn't go far enough yet.
At best, many of the 25,000 event businesses and 600,000 live event employees are facing a very uncertain future. At worst, we face imminent collapse of the events industry supply chain, worth around £110bn annually to the UK economy. The situation is now being treated as 'red alert' in its severity.
Although we welcome the limited return to live indoor events from 15th August, many venues from small- to arena-scale are not expecting any kind of return to 'normality' until well into 2021. Up to 70% of the live event workforce are freelance. Many have been forced to look for employment away from the industry, with the furlough scheme not covering anywhere near their normal level of income.
Mainline were approached by Calrec Audio Ltd., manufacturers of high-end broadcast audio equipment used worldwide, and one of the biggest employers in the area. We joined forces with Cleckheaton's Wedding Venue Lighting to illuminate Calrec's home, Nutclough Mill.
To the bemusement and delight of nearby residents, the mill building, dating from 1916, was washed with various discharge and LED fixtures in conjunction with LED uplighters. Chauvet Rogue RH1 and R2 LED washes were used alongside Chauvet COLORdash Batten-Quad 12 and PAR-Quad 18 LED units.
For further details please see #WeMakeEvents on the PLASA site
Client: Calrec Audio Ltd.
PA install, Bury - June 2020
PA system install at Stanley's of Tottington
With the news that pubs and bars are reopening, Mainline were pleased to be invited to install a new PA system at Stanley's of Tottington. We have previously worked with the owner on his other bar, House of Bridget. Stanley's is a contemporary bar in the heart of Tottington village, regularly hosting live acoustic and semi acoustic acts.
The brief was to provide a permanent install PA that acts could plug their equipment into without needing to bring their own mixer or speakers. The system should also be suitable for background music, and vocals for quiz nights and the like.
Mainline specified a four-speaker configuration of 6.5" + 1" boxes with a range of 75Hz - 19kHz and a max SPL of 115db. With a four-channel amplifier, the level in each part of the bar can be adjusted as required. At the stage area, a 12-channel Soundcraft Notepad 12FX mixer was specified. This compact mixer includes 2 switchable high impedance channels for direct connection of instruments, and features built in effects. Its small footprint made it the ideal choice for the space available. This mixer feeds a small Xenyx 5-channel mixer behind the bar, giving staff master level control, and inputs for background music playback and a microphone.
We also repaired the outdoor speaker system that had been down on level for some time. Rewiring the speakers in parallel presented the correct speaker load to the existing amplifier, giving a considerable increase in volume without replacing any equipment.
Client & venue: Stanley's of Tottington
If your bar needs a sound system inspection or upgrade, please get in touch.
Update and new DJ Disco lighting package - February 2020
DJ lighting package now available to hire
Throughout February we've continued to support our regular clients with their spot hire needs for lighting and audio.
Towards the end of the month we were at Pendrell Hall, near Wolverhampton, supplying PA and lighting for an evening wedding reception. This was the first outing for our new DJ lighting offer. The package includes 2 mini moving heads, 2 barrel scanners, 2 mirror scanners, RGB colour laser and 2 truss towers with covers for mounting. An optional hazer unit is available if the venue allows. Full details about our lighting and effects package.
The package is available for a single day hire of £120.00 including VAT, based on Friday noon collection to Monday noon return. Collectable with a large car due to the truss tower height being 2 metres.
Don't forget we also have a range of PA & speaker systems to suit DJ events.
At the very end of the month we signed off a new purchase. Direct from manufacturer and built to our specification, there will be more news next time on this exciting new offer.
Update - January 2020
A Mackie speaker under repair
January is a typically quiet time in the events world as everyone recovers from Christmas and New Year season. Here at Mainline, we take the opportunity to service all our equipment ready for the coming season. This is on top of the regular pre and post hire service that everything receives, ensuring reliability for your events.
It's not all repairs and servicing, of course. We continue to support regular and new clients with their hire needs, having several Chauvet fixtures on hire to Starlight Productions and SBS AV.
We have also been working with a new bar in Bury, The House Of Bridget, on their PA and lighting. After an initial three months of trading, they were looking to develop the performance, dancefloor and DJ areas after showing some improvements were needed. Mainline provided advice on décor, and options for lighting and PA. We suggested a phased implementation which will allow each aspect to develop and lead on to the next.
Works included
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Supplying and fitting wall mounting brackets for the existing speakers
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Rewiring speakers with new, installation-grade cabling
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Set up microphones and sound mixer, and provided guidance on their use
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Supplying and fitting PAR64 lights and dimming for the performance area
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Supplying and fitting a pair of Martin Wizards as temporary effects lighting, for evaluation before moving to a permanent solution
Client: The House Of Bridget
Bolton School - December 2019
Lighting fit-out for Bolton School Hall
Bolton School's magnificent main hall was fitted out with key and ambient lighting for their end of year production, 'A Christmas Carol'. Lighting comprised various tungsten and LED fixtures together with runs of LED festoon. Power logistics were a challenge as it wasn't possible to light everything using LED. Incoming mains was fed from an adjacent building into local distribution while keeping cabling as inconspicuous as possible.
Lighting control was laptop PC-based Avolites Titan One, allowing staff to run the show themselves after an introduction.
Client & venue: Bolton School
Bradshaw Cricket Club Firework Display, Bolton - October 2019
Fireworks & lighting display at Bradshaw Cricket Club
Another spectacular and successful fireworks production saw Mainline on our fifth annual event for Bradshaw Cricket club. This year's display was set to music from The Lion King film soundtrack. Mainline supplied a PA system for the music reinforcement and lighting to supplement the fireworks.
The event production has steadily increased over the years with growing popularity, and intelligent lighting becoming a more important element. Working closely with our colleagues at Titanium Fireworks, several days of programming preceded in the Mainline studio. A bank of Chauvet Rogue RH1 Hybrid fixtures were used, with the show cued by the fireworks firing timecode, running fully automatically once the firing signal began.
This year saw our largest PA deployment yet for the client, using five speaker stacks. Three stacks of Logic Systems VA were used for main tiered audience areas, comprising SB2, B2 and VA units. Two full stacks of Logic Systems CA then covered the remaining areas.
Sound control was an Allen & Heath SQ-5 digital mixing desk driving a DX32 expander unit. AES digital audio was used extensively, feeding main VA stacks. Local radio station Bolton FM provided pre- and post-display music with a feed into the Mainline PA. The SQ-5 mixing desk channel compression and delay features came in handy for controlling the radio feed, as the crowd were 100m and more away from the Bolton FM truck PA system.
Client & venue: Bradshaw Cricket Club
Teachers Pet Rock Show UK, Congleton - September 2019
Teachers Pet Rock Show UK performing at the East Cheshire Hospice fundraiser
We were happy to help at a gig for East Cheshire Hospice. The charity's sound company had pulled out of a small fundraising gig headlined by the very talented Teachers Pet Rock Show UK. Mainline were able to step in at short notice.
The PA system consisted of the very versatile Logic Systems LM20 wedges plus an Nd215 bass unit, and LM20's for stage foldback, powered by Matrix amplification. Our Allen & Heath SQ-5 mixing desk was on FOH and monitor mixing duties.
Client: East Cheshire Hospice
Venue: The Waggon and Horses (Eaton)
New to stock! Allen & Heath SQ-5 mixing desk - August 2019
Allen & Heath SQ-5 digital mixing desk now available to hire
Allen & Heath SQ-5 digital mixing desk rear view
New to Mainine hire stock: Allen & Heath's highly acclaimed SQ-5 digital mixing desk. Never has so much processing been available, in such a small format, for so little cost…
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48 channels
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96kHz 24bit sampling
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Class-leading latency of < 0.7ms
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8 stereo FX engines with dedicated return channels and access to the acclaimed RackExtra FX library
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12 stereo mixes, configurable as groups or auxes
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16 onboard preamps
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Extra inputs available via a digital snake and configurable stage box (CAT5/6 connection)
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Remote control via FREE SQ MixPad app
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Up to 8 instances of SQ4You, the personal monitor mix app
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Connect to other SQ or dLive mixing systems, e.g. as a monitor desk in FOH / Monitor duties
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Dante networking option also available
Hire options:
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SQ5 - just the desk, no expansion options, £50.00 / day +VAT
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SQ5 + Stage Box - desk plus dLive DX32 Expander stage box with 24 analogue inputs and 8 analogue outputs (can be configured with AES in / out if required), £80.00 / day +VAT
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SQ5 + Stage Mix - as Stage Box option plus WiFi pack for MixPad or Mix4You apps running on your own device(s), £90.00 / day +VAT
See full details of the SQ-5.
Glaston-Bury, Propaganda - August 2019
Sunglo at Propaganda Bar, Bury
We ran the sound for Propaganda, one of many venues and stages taking part in this year's Glaston-Bury festival. This annual fundraising event continues to build from strength to strength, blessed with good weather again this year.
This was the first outing with our new Allen & Heath SQ-5 mixing desk following a few days of familiarisation. We used a dLive DX32 Expander as the stagebox, to allow more input channels. The desk proved to be a very flexible and powerful. PA was a small-format Logic Systems CA rig with a couple of Mackie Thump speakers for foldback due to the budget and very limited space available.
Thank you to all the bands who performed at Propaganda, and the Propaganda team. It was great working with you!
Please check out some of the bands in the lineup:
Sunglo
Havoc 51
P Starr
The Riflemen Of War
Mercury Machine
Swamp Dog
The Ventrelles
Provocateurs
The Amber List
Client: Glaston-Bury
Venue: Propaganda, Bury
Sci-Fi On The Sidings, East Lancashire Railway - August 2019
Doctor Who exhibits at ELR's SciFi on the Sidings Event
We were very pleased that Mainline was invited back to provide lighting and atmospheric effects on this year's Sci-Fi On The Sidings. This now annual ELR Event continues to grow in popularity, appealing to visitors of all ages.
We supplied a mix of Chauvet Rogue Hybrid and LED wash intelligent lighting fixtures including an outing for our recent additions, COLORdash Batten-Quad 12 LED strips, along with Unique hazing. Control was in the hands of Avolites Titan Mobile, now available to hire from us!
Client:
East Lancashire Railway [new window]
Authentic Pole Dance 2019, St Helens - July 2019
Truss rig for Authentic Pole Dance 2019
Continuing another busy month, we had our first ever pole dancing rig build. Not exactly rock and roll, but the dance moves involved still require a very stable, sturdy rig, with the stage rake of 1:19 being a further consideration. This competition setup had two vertical poles.
A truss lighting grid design was adapted, raised off the stage on truss legs. Global F33 tri truss was used for the whole rig, with the poles supplied by the client (not currently part of our inventory!).
Client: Opal Dance
Venue: Theatre Royal
Private party, Knebworth Park Estate - July 2019
ELO Again at Knebworth
Other lighting around the stage area at Knebworth
Our third outing to this party held occasionally on the Knebworth Park estate. This is a little music festival and party for friends and invited guests only, held in the secluded grounds of the fishing lodge, and we were so pleased to be invited back.
A very varied lineup was headlined by ELO Again, a fine seven-piece E.L.O. tribute band playing all the well-loved hits. The evening was finished off by Les Lunettes, delivering a storming set of rock and pop covers from across the years in their own styles. Supporting acts ranged from a solo piano recital, the amazing voice of Abi Dhese Biggs, plus saxophonist Sandra Grant making a welcome return.
PA system was a tried and tested full Logic CA rig with flown top-boxes, bolstered by twin SB2 sub bass cabinets. Lighting comprised new Chauvet COLORdash Batten-Quad 12 LED units, 419Z LED washes, Strike 4 LED blinder/ washes, and a range of Fresnel fixtures for key lighting. A few more architectural fixtures were arranged to light surrounding trees and areas. Having a fairly large generator supply allowed us to use a few more tungsten lamps in the lighting system, giving extra warmth alongside LED colouring.
Front of house saw lighting control using an Avolites Arena desk, while sound was under control of an Allen & Heath dLive S5000 surface plus DM48 Mixrack at stage end. Multi track recording was used for some acts, using a JoeCo Blackbox BBR 64 Dante recorder.
Sankeys 25th Anniversary, Manchester - July 2019
Logic VA setup at the Sankeys 25th Anniversary event, photo courtesy of ACE PA Ltd.
When you're already planning a sizeable production outing and an enquiry lands for the same weekend, it can be a challenge. Mid-July saw us supply to, or operating at, FIVE weekend events…
We joined forces with our colleagues at ACE PA Ltd., putting most of our larger Logic System VA PA for the Sankeys Outdoor Day Arena. Two hangs of VA boxes were coupled with stage- and ground-stacked B2 bass cabinets with VA centre-fill, B2 and an array of SB2 sub cabinets. Amplification was a mix of Matrix and Camco Vortex. Sound system power totalled around 34kW, enough headroom for volume, coverage and low-end kick.
Client: Soundbase Solutions
Venue: Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester
Matilda The 20 Minute Musical, Market Harborough - July 2019
The cast of Matilda The 20 Minute Musical
We were contacted by a client in distress - they'd been let down with only a few days' notice to find a replacement provider. We stepped in with stage lighting and PA for their production of Matilda, The 20 Minute Musical. A superb effort from our man on the ground saw everything ready to ensure doors opened on time.
The PA comprised a set of pole-mounted Logic LM20 monitor speakers for reinforcing a shy cast of kids facing a range of boundary and vocal microphones. Control was a small format digital mixing desk. Lighting provided a range of wash colours on stage using COLORdash LED PARs. Lighting was necessarily static, due to time and a tight budget.
The result was a lovely production and a happy client, which of course makes us happy at Mainline!
Client: Stagecoach Performing Arts
Venue: Robert Smyth Academy
Weddings, East Lancashire Railway - Summer 2019
Wedding scene at East Lancashire Railway
Mainline are very pleased to be working with East Lancashire Railway again, helping to deliver their wedding venue and service offering. We typically provide a small PA system and music playback for civil ceremonies held at ELR's Bolton Street Station.
This is an increasing popular alternative to traditional church ceremonies! Typically, we'll play the arrival and ceremonial music, with background music before and after the service. Microphones are provided when needed for speeches, announcements, and so on.
Client:
East Lancashire Railway [new window]
1940's Event, East Lancashire Railway - May 2019
1940's style British squaddies at Rawtenstall Station, ELR
Another of our regular jobs is providing a small but discreet PA system for commentary during the WWII battle re-enactments.
A pair of Mackie Thump 500W speakers are used with a Line 6 wireless microphone input. This setup provides enough coverage, throw and clarity despite the battle noise of blank rounds being fired, along with pyrotechnics.
Client: East Lancashire Railway [new window]
Venue: ELR Rawtenstall Station [new window]
Hattons Model Railways, SEC - February 2019
Hattons Model Railways exhibition stand at Model Rail Scotland
Our trade stand structure was supplied to Hattons for the 2019 Model Rail Scotland event.
The structure comprises a floor-standing 6m x 6m grid at a height of 3m, using Global Truss aluminium tri-sections from the F33 range.
Key lighting was achieved using a variety of PAR56 and pin-spot fixtures.
Client: Hattons Model Railways [new window]
Venue: Scottish Exhibition Centre, Glasgow
Manc Floyd, The Met, Bury - May 2018
Manc Floyd performing their final gig at The Met.
Manc Floyd performing their final gig at The Met.
We were pleased and saddened to run the lighting production for Manc Floyd's final shows. The band members have decided to go their separate ways after several very successful years playing Pink Floyd music in the live circuit. Mainline have worked with Manc Floyd for several years including Raise The Roof festival and their own sold-out gigs at The Met.
The lighting rig included two RGB laser units, Chauvet Rogue RH1's, Strike 4's and 419 LED washes. Fixtures were mounted on upstage vertical truss and on-stage.
Sadly, sax player John Hickson was too ill to make the final shows. Our best wishes go to John and everyone in the Manc Floyd family.
Client & Venue: The Met [new window]
1940's Weekend, East Lancashire Railway - May 2018
1940's weekend at East Lancashire Railway Rawtenstall station
East Lancashire Railway 1940's weekend continues to grow in popularity, and the 2018 event was even busier blessed with great weather over the Bank Holiday weekend. In addition to some stage deck for performances in the Bury Transport Museum, Mainline provided a small PA system for the battle re-enactment and firing demonstrations at Rawtenstall station.
The PA comprised a Line 6 radio microphone for the commentators and a couple of Mackie Thump speakers. The setup performed well while keeping within a tight budget, and we were able to keep the equipment discrete enough.
Client: East Lancashire Railway [new window]
Venue: Bury Transport Museum [new window] and ELR Rawtenstall Station
Mainline on the move, Heywood - January 2018
Warehouse shelving at the new Mainline location, Heywood Business Park.
We used a quiet period in January to move premises, our fifth move to date as we continue to expand. We'd outgrown our previous location, making equipment preparation increasingly difficult.
Our new office and warehouse / studio is on the huge Heywood Distribution Park, with convenient access to the motorway network at M66 junction 1 or 2. The office is certainly more welcoming for visitors and staff, and is much warmer in the winter, being separated from the warehouse.
We're fully up and running, but still have some unpacking to do, having hit a busy time since!
New address:
Unit B12a
Heywood Distribution Park
Heywood
Manchester OL10 2TS
East Lancashire Railway Weddings, Bury, July 2017
Bury Bolton Street station ready for the wedding guests
East Lancashire Railway expanded its offering this year with tailored wedding events. Mainline provided a small, discrete PA for the wedding ceremonies and background music for the after-services held on the Bolton Street station platform.
We found our ever-versatile Mackie Thumps were just right for the job.
Client:
East Lancashire Railway [new window]
Whitby Rising, July 2017
The Raywells, Whitby Rising main stage
The Alistair Griffin Band, Whitby Rising main stage
Second year for this top boutique festival in North Yorkshire, so a Mainline crew headed north for the weekend to take care of production on the main stage. Sadly the festival didn't make it to be the hoped-for two-day event, but attendance was up from 2016.
Curated again by Alistair Griffin, main stage line-up was a great mix of singer songwriters, cover bands and original rock / indie bands.
The lighting rig included 'Sunstrips' alongside Chauvet Legend, 419Z LED and the ever-adaptable Rogue range of moving heads, plus Fresnel key lighting. Control was an Avolites Arena desk.
FOH sound was handled by a boosted Logic Systems CA rig with two SB2 twin 18" subs. Sound control was an A&H dLive desk.
Client: Foot Soldiers Music [new window]
Venue: Stripes Farm, Whitby
Private Party, Knebworth Park Estate - July 2017
The Raywells set up for Knebworth Estate Party
We were very happy that Mainline were involved in this year's private party on the Knebworth Park Estate. We provided stage and mood lighting plus live sound for several bands and artistes performing for the invite-only guests.
Performers included: The Raywells,
Nikki Petherick [new window],
Sandra Grant [new window], with headline by Jessica Lee Morgan [new window].
Stage lighting included Chauvet Rogue RH1 and R2's, Strike 4's and Legend 230SR's. We also used up-lighting on surrounding trees as dusk fell, with Chauvet COLORdash LED PAR units. Lighting control was via an Avolites Arena desk.
PA was a boosted Logic Systems CA rig using two SB2 18" subs. We've found this to be an ideal combination for small-medium gigs giving added power to the CA system at depth, with control via an A&H dLive desk.
Manc Floyd, The Met, Bury - April 2017
Manc Floyd at The Met (2015 photo)
We were very pleased to be working with Manc Floyd again this year for their annual sell-out shows.
The Met reopened in Autumn 2016 after major refurbishment, including new lighting, projection and sound rigs. Hence the requirements this year were just to enhance the install, and for lighting design and a lighting operator.
The house lighting rig was bolstered with Chauvet Rogue RH1's, Strike 4's and 419's. Fixtures were mounted on upstage vertical truss or on-stage.
Several days programming preceded the two show days, working closely with the band to dovetail the lighting show with the AV projections, being a very important part of the show.
Client & Venue: The Met [new window]
East Lancashire Railway Sci-Fi On The Sidings - April 2017
Lighting and effects at ELR Bury Bolton Street station concourse with Dr Who exhibits
Mainline provided lighting, effects and PA for East Lancashire Railway's popular Sci-Fi On The Sidings event, when it's quite normal to see Darth Vader and Imperial Stormtroopers walking around the station and locality, even posing for photos.
We provided a mix of Chauvet LED fixtures for Bury's Bolton Street station concourse Dr Who exhibits, along with a hazer, starcloth and various other drapes for atmospherics.
At Rawtenstall station, an ever-flexible small format Logic Systems CA PA system was used for a DJ playing suitably themed music.
Client:
East Lancashire Railway [new window]
Hawkwind, Leeds University - March 2017
Hawkwind's Dave Brock mid-set with monitor engineer Tom Geoghegan watching over the stage
Bradford's Glass Mountain in support role
After a winter working with our dry-hire clients and servicing equipment, our first production outing of 2017 took full sound and lighting to Leeds for the acid rock / prog rock legends Hawkwind on a UK mini tour. A very tight budget and logistical problems caused some headaches due to building works and the refectory being in use most of the day, but the gig went superbly.
We bolstered our own crew by bringing in James Jewry from Soundteks on FOH sound duties, plus Tom Geoghegan as Monitor Engineer.
Lighting requirements had to compliment the heavy visual show run by the Hawkwind crew using an upstage projection screen. An upstage truss bar carried Chauvet Rogue RH1's, R2's and 230SR's while a downstage / key-lighting bar was rigged on the balcony with PAR64's and UV Cannons.
PA configurations were planned to cover various requirements, as the refectory is quite an acoustic challenge. Final setup used four Logic Systems VA ground stacked including 2 twin 18" SB2 sub units per side, and a small in-fill on the balcony area for VIP's and less mobile members of the audience.
Glass Mountain played an excellent support slot, winning over new fans with their own distinctive style, complimentary but very different to the Hawkwind sound.
Mainline thanks go to all the staff at Leeds University Refectory and Foot Soldiers Music for their hard work and co-operation, and to the Hawkwind team who were all great to work with.
Client: Foot Soldiers Music [new window]
Venue: The Refectory, Leeds University
Private wedding disco, Bury - November 2016
Private wedding disco PA system and lights
A private wedding disco for friends - a small format Logic CA system was used with a Line 6 radio microphone for the toastmasters and speeches, and a small analogue mixing desk.
Trusty Martin Wizards and NJD Datamoons provided ample dancefloor lighting.
East Lancashire Railway Halloween Event - October 2016
ELR Halloween 2016 booking hall lighting
This year's event saw a production change to a 'creepy carnival' theme. Mainline provided lighting and effects in the station booking hall, overbridge and at platform level.
A local dance school performed in the booking hall, lit by Chauvet ColorDash LED and Martin Wizard fixtures. Chilled low-smoke fog machines added to the atmosphere, producing a floor-hanging fog in the booking hall, and also on the overbridge with its LED fixtures.
Platform level reverted to tungsten fixtures this year, with the emphasis on mood / ambient lighting. A slow chase on PAR64 bars was supplemented by festoon lighting and two fog machines. All three areas were controlled from a single DMX Universe on Avolites Titan One running on a laptop PC, providing a very cost-effective lighting control option to keep within a tight production budget.
Client:
East Lancashire Railway [new window]
Venue: Bolton Street Station, Bury
Bradshaw Cricket Club Fireworks display, Bolton - October 2016
Bradshaw CC fireworks 2016
Our second PA system for this very well established public fireworks display, and Mainline were very pleased to be working with the Cricket Club again, helping them raise the bar on their productions.
This year's display was set to music from the film Independence Day. Titanium once again provided the display fireworks and time-coded audio for the synchronised firing. Our job was simply to reinforce the audio.
Logic Systems PA was used in a twin ground-stacked formation of 2 x SB2 18" sub bass, 2 x B2 twin 15" bass plus 4 x VA top boxes. Sound coverage was nicely even across the main public areas, including a tiered perimeter, with additional flank coverage provided by the client and integrated into the main PA.
A small format Allen & Heath MixWizard sound desk was used, providing inputs for the display audio, PA announcements, and background music. A compressor insert was used for the display audio, meeting the client's requirements for audio you could 'feel' right from the show's start.
Client & venue: Bradshaw Cricket Club
Homegrown Folk Festival, Bury - October 2016
Belgian group Surpluz at The Minden Suite, Fusiliers Museum
Main stage lighting grid build and rig in progress
A big festival on the UK folk calendar, this annual music festival and expo networking event continues to go from strength to strength. Mainline once again provided the lighting production for the main stage, headlined by Michael McGoldrick, Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain and Steeleye Span.
Chauvet lighting fixtures dominated, from the Legend, Q-Wash LED and Rogue Hybrid ranges, plus Fresnel key lighting. Chauvet COLORDash LED units were used as uplighters for room ambient lighting. Control this year was via an Avolites Arena lighting desk, running ArtNet to the stage for DMX control. All show programming was carried out in-house by Mainline.
Festival arrangements were inevitably disrupted by the closure of The Met building for refurbishment, so other venues in town were hired for the event. Mainline were called on for PA services in the nearby Fusilier's Museum, which proved to be a challenging venue acoustically. Tight timescales leave little tuning time, but the end result was a good, warm sound which the bands and audiences were very pleased with. O'Hooley & Tidow and Jim Causley headlined their respective nights, and all the acts were a pleasure to work with.
A small-format Logic Systems CA PA rig was used, plus LM20 monitor wedges, with an Allen & Heath dLive S5000 sound desk and DM48 MixRack stagebox. A simple LED uplighting backdrop was also provided, with simple keylighting to keep within a tight budget.
Client: The Met,
Venues: Castle Armoury, Fusiliers Museum, Bury
Glaston-Bury festival, Bury - August 2016
The Ultimate Stone Roses at Glaston-Bury Festival 2016
Many thanks to Bury Van Hire for donating a Sprinter hire
The annual fundraiser for Bury Hospice took place again on Bank Holiday Monday. Now in its ninth year, the festival takes over Bury town centre with venues and stages for around 80 local and North West bands.
Mainline donated PA, lighting equipment and staff services for The Peel Stage, which hosted an excellent set of bands including Small Weller, The Phonics, Black Rose, In Bloom and headlined by the Steve Ferringo Band.
Logic Systems CA PA was used, supplemented with SB2 sub-bass units and VA infill, plus LM20 wedge monitors. Mix control was via an Allen & Heath dLive S5000 mixing desk with DM48 MixRack / DX32 Expander at stage end. Lighting was Chauvet LED and Legend 230SR moving heads plus Fresnel key lighting, with control by an Avolites Arena desk via ArtNet.
A smaller PA kit of Logic Systems speakers, amp rack, mixing desk, microphones and cables was also supplied to another venue in town.
Thank you once again to Bury Van Hire for donating the hire of a Sprinter van for the weekend. Alongside all the other suppliers who gave up their equipment and services for free on the day, this really helps maximise all the hard earned cash that people donate in ticket sales, so Bury Hospice benefits directly.
Well done and thank you to all the bands, organisers and volunteers who made Glaston-Bury festival happen. Mainline are proud to be a part of it.
Client: Glaston-Bury
Venue: Cooper Street, Bury
The Great Northern Ska Festival, Manchester - August 2016
Esperanza at The Great Northern Ska Festival
Mainline provided the outside stage PA for this all-day festival, featuring bands such as The Beat and The Selecter. Two hangs of Logic Systems VA speakers were supplemented with SB2 sub bass units.
A stage sound kit was also supplied, comprising wired and wireless microphones, stands, multicores, XLR's, stage power outlets and cabling, plus Logic CA drum fill, LM20 monitor wedges and amplifier rack.
Client: Soundbase Solutions
Venue: Bowlers, Trafford Park, Manchester
Sidewinder Summer Festival, Manchester - August 2016
PA speaker hang at Sidewinder Festival
Two sets of PA were supplied for this two-day UK Garage, Grime and Bass festival, held at Bowlers in Manchester. The main outside stage hosted a range of DJ's, singers and MC's including Wiley, Artful Dodger and Sweet Female Attitude. The PA was flown using two hangs of Logic Systems VA plus 6 SB2 sub units. Line 6 wireless microphones and Logic LM series monitor wedges were also supplied for the stage.
The Gravel Stage was curated by Formation Records, hosting drum & bass DJ's and MC's including Drumsound & Bassline Smith, and Grooverider. The PA consisted of a Logic Systems CA rig bolstered with two SB2 subs. We suffered a few technical problems during the event, but battled through.
Client: Soundbase Solutions
Venue: Bowlers, Trafford Park, Manchester.
Whitby Rising Festival, Whitby - July 2016
Alistair Griffin and band at Whitby Rising festival
Mainline were very pleased to be involved with a brand new family-friendly one day music festival that has become an immediate success, with all tickets sold. We supplied main stage sound and lighting production for the one day event curated by Alistair Griffin.
A superb line-up of bands and performers took to the stage, ranging from singer songwriters to indie and cover bands. We wish the festival every success for the future.
Client: Foot Soldiers Music
Venue: Eskdale School playing fields, Whitby
Raise The Roof 5, Bury - July 2016
Manc Floyd on stage at Raise The Roof 2016
Now in its fifth year, this music festival continues to grow in its unique railway setting, with Mainline delivering full stage production again plus a deeper involvement in the festival organisation. This year added a third day of music, and a significant increase in lighting production. An LED screen backdrop really enhanced the stage show, displaying band logos and media, plus ELR advertising.
Headliners Black Rose, Led Into Zeppelin and Manc Floyd were joined by a host of other rock & indie artists with a mix of original songs and covers. Saturday also saw Blackburn with Darwen Big Band perform during the afternoon, to the surprise of passengers arriving and departing from the station.
The PA system was Logic Systems VA, bolstered this year to give a more focused and even sub-bass coverage. An end-fire configuration of Logic Systems SB2 boxes was used to good effect, which also reduced stage noise significantly.
Mainline thanks go to everyone at ELR who assisted us on the production, with special thanks going to Simon Moran for his drum kit and tech services, and to Unique Technical Services
who supplied the LED screen system.
Client:
East Lancashire Railway [new window]
Venue: Bolton Street Station, Bury
Summerseat Festival - June 2016
The music stage at Summerseat Festival 2016
We were pleased to be chosen again to supply the music stage PA system for this small community festival, now in its successful third year.
A small-format Logic Systems CA rig provided more than enough punch and coverage for the various local groups who performed.
Client: Summerseat Village Community
Venue: Summerseat Village playing field
The Big Whistle Festival, Bury - May 2016
Barluath performing at The Big Whistle Festival 2016
The annual Big Whistle Festival was held away from its traditional Met Theatre home due to refurbishment. Mainline provided lighting and sound for the main stage, this year held over two days at Bury Town Hall.
We enjoyed working with very talented musicians, and gaining experience with unfamiliar instruments such as bagpipes, flutes and a harp, with their individual mic'ing requirements.
Headliners Treacherous Orchestra filled the stage in several ways with their amazing show, bringing a fusion of Celtic folk and rock influences.
Client: The Met, Bury
Venue: Bury Town Hall