Heritage AV were delighted to be appointed as the audio-visual contractor for the Sheerness Dockyard Restoration Project, a significant endeavour aimed at preserving and revitalising a site of historical importance. Bringing years of expertise in the field, the Hertfordshire-based, Heritage AV were tasked with creating a seamless and unobtrusive PA system that would integrate into the historic surroundings, ensuring modern functionality without compromising the site's aesthetic integrity.
The primary objective was to design a system capable of supporting various presentations and talks, ensuring clear and amplified speech as well as crisp audio for presentation media. Furthermore, any installed speakers had to blend harmoniously with the stonework while effectively reaching audiences seated or standing up to 12.5 meters from the stage. Achieving this balance of functionality and subtlety was paramount to maintaining the site’s historical charm.
The final solution showcases custom-painted Yamaha VXL24 line-array speakers discreetly positioned on either side of the main arch. These speakers are mounted on bespoke floor-mounted brackets, meticulously crafted in-house by Heritage AV to match the stonework’s colour and texture. These innovative brackets were specifically engineered to avoid the need for wall fixtures into stone or brick surfaces, preserving the integrity of the historical structure. The speakers' custom paint and the brackets' precise craftsmanship ensure they almost disappear into the background, maintaining the visual authenticity of the space. The system also features the powerful but compact Martin Audio SX110 subwoofer to augment the low-frequencies. Combined with the Yamaha VXL24 speakers they work together to provide a full-range audio experience delivering targeted clear high and mid frequencies with rich bass sound that’s perfect for speech and music playback.
Additionally, the system incorporates Sennheiser digital wireless microphones, renowned for their superior sound quality and reliability, which are crucial in ensuring that speakers and presenters are heard clearly throughout the space. The Denon media player, another integral component of the system, offers robust and versatile playback options, accommodating various media formats and Bluetooth seamlessly. All these elements are consistently integrated and controlled through a rack-mounted Allen & Heath AHM16 digital mixer/processor, a powerful and flexible unit that ensures optimal audio quality and ease of use.
Control of the entire setup is managed via the intuitive Allen & Heath Custom Control App on iPad. This app allows operators to easily adjust settings and manage the system with minimal training, ensuring that events run smoothly without technical hitches. The app's user-friendly interface and robust functionality mean that even those without AV experience can confidently handle the system, making it a versatile solution for the diverse range of events hosted at the dockyard.
Heritage AV's commitment to excellence and attention to detail ensures that the Sheerness Dockyard Restoration Project benefits from a cutting-edge audio-visual solution that seamlessly blends into its historic environment while delivering excellent performance. This project exemplifies how modern technology can enhance historical sites, allowing them to serve contemporary needs without losing their historical essence. Heritage AV's work at Sheerness Dockyard not only provides an enhanced visitor experience but also stands as a testament to the company's ability to innovate and adapt within the constraints of historical preservation.
The success of this project has helped to elevate the functionality of the Sheerness Dockyard. By combining advanced technology with sensitive design, Heritage AV has demonstrated that preserving the past does not mean compromising on the present. Their work ensures that the Sheerness Dockyard remains a vibrant, functional space for both current and future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
All pictures courtesy of Hertiage AV