Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (BGET) in Dublin’s Docklands is Ireland’s largest fixed-seat theatre. Opened in 2010, it was well-served for 15 years by a trusted d&b Q-Series sound system. By 2025, it was time for a renewal.

Having experienced d&b’s quality, support and longevity, the new brief required the same – and it had to be a rider-friendly system, versatile enough to be fully capable of serving the one-night events in BGET’s busy programme. For the house delays and fills, the solution had to be aesthetically sensitive and – to offer maximum flexibility – be from a single loudspeaker series.

Working closely with the team from d&b’s GB office to research the company’s latest product offerings, BGET Technical Manager Liam Fitzgerald and sound designer Kevin McGing (a BGET regular and long-term d&b system user) developed a detailed brief for a new d&b system. With longevity in mind, they opted for two of d&b’s newest and most ground-breaking systems, fresh onto the market – the CCL (Compact Cardioid Line Array) for main left and right and the U-Series for delays and fills.

The CCL embodies the full-bandwidth cardioid performance of d&b’s larger SL-Series systems, but in a smaller package than ever before. It provides consistent dispersion (120˚ for the CCL12 and 80˚ for the CCL8). d&b’s acoustic modelling via ArrayCalc ensured optimisation of placements, and – as the system sits permanently behind acoustically transparent cloth panels in the proscenium – d&b also advised on the precise opening needed for the CCL to maintain its cardioid control, allowing the wall openings and cloth covers to be finessed as necessary.

With the U-Series, attention to the delays and fills was similarly detailed. Because of the focus on visiting productions’ flexible configuration of delays and fills, the brief specified that these should all be from a single loudspeaker series. The U-Series is a versatile point-source loudspeaker family offering controlled directivity, tonal consistency, and flexible deployment for precise delay, fill, and distributed theatre sound reinforcement systems.

Together, both series display d&b audiotechnik’s renowned tonal consistency, making for a coherent system.
Despite this being the early stages of the run-up to the U-Series launch, d&b were able to supply all necessary measurements and advance information to allow the design to progress (predominantly using U3 cabinets, 53 in total, plus two U5s).

Using d&b’s compact 40D and 5D installation amplifiers, all delays and fills are powered by just one amp channel per cabinet, giving touring shows great configuration flexibility. Accessibility and ease of use is further increased with a series of default pre-sets, available at the touch of a button via d&b’s R1 remote control software.

Performance aside, the main physical requirements were for a discreet solution in this aesthetically sensitive interior. With the main system, the compact form and proven power of the CCL provided a step forward over the previous Q-Series in appearance and sightlines.

Furthermore, aesthetic concerns, plus the practical difficulty of de-rigging the main system amid such a busy programme (over 360 performances per year), made it essential for the PA to remain in place at all times, but discreetly so – and when in use, reliable dispersion control was vital. Thus the CCL arrays would sit permanently behind acoustically transparent cloth panels in the proscenium: d&b was able to advise on the precise opening needed for the CCL to maintain its cardioid control, allowing the wall openings and cloth covers to be finessed as necessary.

With the choice of the new U-Series for delays and fills, flexibility of configuration was essential. Because touring productions tend to depend on the house delays and fills – whether or not they bring their own main PA – great attention had to be paid to these loudspeakers. These elements were a major focus, not just an after-thought.

It was also essential that cabinets were as unobtrusive as possible. Although this extremely versatile series would offer both the required discreet, compact appearance and flexibility of configuration for visiting productions, the fact that the system had not yet been launched made the specification less than straightforward. Thankfully, d&b were able to supply the necessary measurements and advance information to allow the design to progress with the U-Series.

The sound solution installed in BGET utilises two of the most remarkable new achievements in professional sound. These two loudspeaker solutions from d&b audiotechnik – CCL and U-Series – are at the cutting edge of live sound reinforcement. Together, with d&b audiotechnik’s renowned consistency, they provide a coherent, matched sound.
As such, they provide an extremely fitting solution for a venue which stands as a beacon of excellence in every aspect of the performing arts.

Speaking on behalf of the client team, Technical Manager Liam Fitzgerald says, “In my experience, d&b means quality, reliability, long service life, long-term back-up and quick turn-around on service. I have great confidence in their product: I don’t need to ask questions. I know the kit won’t be let out of the factory unless it’s right.”

He adds, “The CCL boxes’ output is excellent for their size and weight, and they sound very well together with the U-Series. Both treat the HF in a similar way, and both have the dispersion control we required – while the clean look of the U-Series really suits our auditorium too. It was a pretty easy choice in the end.”

The level of service and support provided to the venue by the team from d&b audiotechnik also makes this solution stand out. The accuracy of modelling they were able to achieve, in order to maximise both the concealment and the performance of the CCL main arrays, provided an extra layer of performance and the assurance of client satisfaction.
Says Fitzgerald, “The d&b team were amazing, working hard to make sure we had everything we needed for our very tight install windows. The new system is more powerful, efficient and capable, but also far more controlled, with a lot more primary source reaching more people, giving a much better experience for our audience and tours.”

d&b audiotechnik’s Stephen Hogg says, “We’re delighted that they consulted us about new solutions – and trusted us to put our latest innovations into use for them. The result has been wonderful – it’s a great validation of both CCL and the U-Series.”