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Pro Audio Systems supplies and installs audio systems for Bradford City of Culture Loading Bay pop-up

As UK City of Culture 2025, Bradford is playing host to an extensive programme of events in the arts and entertainment field, and therefore has invested in a number of existing and new creative spaces to further opportunities for people to engage in cultural events. One such venue is the Loading Bay, a multi-use arts centre located in a disused warehouse.

Music, comedy, talks, exhibitions, immersive theatre, and live video-gaming take place across its two performance spaces and gallery. Bradford 2025’s technical team enlisted Bradford-based production specialists Pro Audio Systems (PAS) to supply and install all the audio and video technology required for every part of its programme.

“This project was defined by the strong relationships that were quickly forged between all the contractors”, comments Dave Simpson of PAS. “The timeframe around the City of Culture status meant that things had to progress very quickly and efficiently with everyone hitting the ground running and pulling in the same direction. That’s exactly what happened.”

“The technical team at Loading Bay, led by Venue Technical Manager George Jackson and Director of Production Ben Pugh, came to us with a comprehensive list of their requirements, some of which were very specific and some of which they wanted to consult over”, he continues. “Loading Bay accepted our recommendations for a number of aspects of the project, most significantly the main front-of-house PA and monitoring system, as well as the zoned system which takes care of the gallery audio and paging throughout the venue.”

PAS recommended a front-of-house system from UK manufacturer EM Acoustics for the main 200-capacity theatre space. It comprised a flown pair of two EM Acoustics R8 (2 x 8’’) passive three-way loudspeakers, supplemented by two R4s as frontfills and two R5s as delays. Two EM Acoustics S15 (15’’) reflex subwoofers positioned on the floor completed the system, which is driven by an EM Acoustics Di20 installation amplifier.

“We’ve deployed EM Acoustics systems on a number of projects and felt that the R8s would precisely meet the needs of the space”, furthers Simpson. “We specified and supplied an Allen & Heath Avantis Solo mixing console, as well as A & H stagebox and expander. As well as the audio systems, we supplied a large inventory of Shure, DPA, AKG, and Sennheiser microphones for wired and wireless applications, passive and active DI boxes by Radial, and a range of speaker and microphone stands from K&M. We also supplied and installed the venue’s assistive listening system based round a Sennheiser MobileConnect station.”

For monitoring in the theatre space PAS supplied eight RCF NX10SMA active 10’’ monitor wedges and two RCF Sub 15-AX 15’’ active subwoofers. The steel pole mount installed on the side of the NX10SMA enables the wedges to be deployed as part of a small, portable standalone PA system in the venue’s other spaces, including its multi-format basement room. An Allen & Heath SQ5 console was supplied to work with this flexible system.

An Atlas IED Atmosphere AZM8 Zone 8-zone audio processor facilitates Loading Bay’s venue-wide paging system and enables background music to be played in the gallery and outdoor areas, with a combination of pendant and wall-mount Cloud loudspeakers driven by a Dynacord amplifier providing the coverage for these areas. Completing the picture from the PAS standpoint was the supply of a Panasonic VMZ71 BEJ projector with up to 7000 lm.

“The project began in October 2024 with a tight deadline for its first event in March 2025, with Pro Audio Systems brought in to handle the audio and video installations for the theatre, gallery, FOH areas, and other event spaces”, says Loading Bay’s George Jackson. “From the start, the team demonstrated a clear understanding of the brief, and delivered a smooth, detail-oriented install.”

(Photos: Tom Arber/Bradford 2025/Pro Audio Systems)

www.proaudiosystems.co.uk

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