Over 500 loudspeakers, 20 digital mixing desks and 100 radio microphones were used to provide stunning sound on a range of high profile shows. The Warehouse provided a range of diverse audio solutions for the spectacular opening & closing shows at the EIF as well as a diverse range of shows across the Festival's calendar from 5-29 August 2016.
As a lead partner supplier to the EIF, the company provided the audio solutions for Alan Cumming's residency at The Hub, Sigur Ros at the Edinburgh Playhouse, Barry Humphries' Weimar Cabaret at the Usher Hall, Young Fathers at the Hub, the Edinburgh International Book Festival in Charlotte Square Gardens and many more. The team also managed the BBC's broadcasting requirements providing sound solutions for shows including BBC Breakfast and The One Show.
For over three decades The Warehouse has designed, installed and engineered audio solutions for the festival's broad programme of events. This year, working closely with EIF's head of sound, Tom Zwitserlood, and head of technical, John Robb, the team provided systems for many live and spoken word performances and live broadcasts at venues including The Playhouse, The Usher Hall, The Lyceum, Festival Theatres and the new BBC Hub at George Heriot's School.
The Standard Life Opening Event: Deep Time took place on Sunday 7 August 2016 and transported festival-goers through 350m years of Edinburgh's history and showcased Edinburgh's iconic Castle.
This epic, outdoor, public artwork event formed the dazzling opening to 2016's festival season, created by Tony award-winning 59 Productions, creators of the acclaimed The Harmonium Project that launched the International Festival 2015.
Blending trailblazing technology, narrative drama and emotional storytelling, Standard Life Opening Event: Deep Time celebrated the wonders and beauties of the natural, the geological and the man-made, exploring the very foundations of Edinburgh itself.
The event required a complex an immersive sound to help the audience feel part of the event. Derek Blair, director of The Warehouse, said, "The team of sound designers and engineers had to create 360-degree, three-dimensional sound that created a multi-sensory effect to match the spectacular visuals.
"Our challenge was to produce a pure and dynamic sound in a challenging outdoor environment and maximise the emotion of Mogwai's score. We achieved this by utilising a variety of d&b loudspeakers distributed across the audience listening area.
"Overall, this year the Edinburgh International Festival surpassed all expectations! The Warehouse has had the privilege to work with some truly outstanding performer this year. The opportunity to provide audio solutions to such a diverse range of phenomenal artists was such an honour."
(Jim Evans)
