The SpongeBob Musical: A Dual M32 Live Focus
A BATS Next Gen Production
Venue
The SpongeBob Musical, produced by BATS Next Gen, took place at The Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke, from August 2nd to 4th, 2024. This case study explores the challenges and solutions related to the sound design and integration for this production, focusing on the advanced audio setup used to bring the show to life.
The Haymarket in Basingstoke is a historic theatre known for hosting a variety of performances, including plays, comedy shows, musicals, and concerts. Located in the town centre, it is one of Basingstoke’s cultural landmarks, offering an intimate setting with a seating capacity of around 400. The venue is part of the Anvil Arts group which plays a key role in the local arts scene, drawing both regional and national acts.
The venue presented several challenges due to its constraints in space, time, and audio infrastructure. However, the audio team, led by Daniel Paine, successfully overcame these challenges using a sophisticated array of technology and tools, ensuring an immersive and seamless audio experience for the audience.
The Challenge and Solution
Limited Set Up Time
With only three days allocated for set up, technical rehearsals, and dress rehearsal, the audio team faced significant time pressure. Preparation was key, and the M32-Edit Software and TheatreMix allowed much of the work to be done ahead of time, allowing for scene programming and provisional settings before arrival, significantly reducing the time needed for on-site configuration – enabling a smoother set up once in the venue.
Extensive Use of SFX and Live Foley
The production involved over 200 sound effects (SFX), in addition to live Foley work. Originally, the intention was to trigger all effects from the Front of House (FOH), but the sheer number of cues led to the addition of a second person to handle sound cues closer to the stage. QLab/Mainstage and additional software were used to trigger sound effects using a game controller for quick, efficient cue handling. The team also utilised QLab Remote for minor real-time adjustments backstage and at FOH.
The Challenge and Solution
Band and Orchestra Pit Constraints
The orchestra pit at The Haymarket Theatre couldn’t accommodate the entire 12-piece band and Musical Director (MD). To address this, some band members were placed in the balcony, which presented challenges in communication and synchronisation.
Personal mixers (P16s) and talkback microphones were used to connect band members with the MD. The band’s talkback channels were fed through the onboard automixer to ensure clear and clutter-free headphone communication.
Microphone Management/200 + Scenes for Programming
With 24 radio microphones in use, monitoring and control is extremely important particularly for a cast that includes children. In addition, the production required programming for over 200 scenes involving precise microphone settings. The team used TheatreMix software for DCA cue programming, allowing for easy automation of channel assignments and scene control. The DL16 headphone/select feature, combined with Sennheiser WSM, enabled effective monitoring of radio microphones offstage. A total of 58 inputs and 39 outputs were used between 2 M32 LIVE Desks.
The Challenge and Solution
Soundcheck Constraints
Due to the short timeframe, the band had only one (1) hour for soundcheck. To maximise this time, the audio team employed virtual soundchecks during rehearsal breaks, to fine tune FOH mix and balance monitors. Both M32 LIVE Desks were aggregated in Apple/Logic Pro to achieve 64ch record and playback. Each song was stored per scene and triggered using program change via MIDI between the Vocal and Band M32s. This in turn was triggered from TheatreMix that allocated an assignable button, this meant that all sound cues (DCAs, Band, Snippets and FX) were triggered using 1 button on the desk.
Using Virtual soundcheck with the Logic Pro and the M32 LIVE Desks allowed time for fine-tuning the FOH mix and balancing monitors even when the band was not physically present.
Surround Sound and Vocal Effects
One of the more experimental aspects of the SpongeBob production was the use of a 7.1 surround sound setup, which not only handled SFX but also processed live vocals for a fully immersive audio experience.
All sound effects generated by QLab and mainstage were routed direct to the speakers. The live vocal mic group assignments were recalled via TheatreMix and routed to various busses around the auditorium. A separate internal reverb was used to enhance this effect. All group volumes were assigned to DCAs for creative control.
Integration and System Configuration
The system was built around two Midas M32 LIVE mixers, with one controlling the vocals and the other handling the band. Both the clock and channels were synchronized via AES50, allowing shared busses and seamless communication between the two mixers.
A MIDI Connection between the 2 consoles allowed scenes to align on both desks.
M32-Edit was used by a separate computer (networked to the Band mixer/USB to the Vocal mixer) so the DAW control button could show DCAs of the Band mixer on the Vocal mixer.
The Setup
Bring it Alive.
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Music Tribe Products Installed
Midas M32 Live
Digital Console for Live and Studio with 40 Input Channels, 32 Midas PRO Microphone Preamplifiers and 25 Mix Buses and Live Multitrack Recording Know More
M32 Edit
Digital Console for Live and Studio with 40 Input-Channels, 32 Midas Microphone Preamplifiers and 25 Mix Buses Know More
DL16
16 Input, 8 Output Stage Box with 16 Midas Microphone Preamplifiers, ULTRANET and ADAT Interfaces Know More
M32C
Digital Rack Mixer for Installed and Live Sound Applications with 40 Input-Channels and 25 Mix Buses Know More
DP48
Dual 48-Channel Personal Monitor Mixer with SD Card Recorder, Stereo Ambience Microphone and Remote Powering Know More
DL32
Digital Rack Mixer for Installed and Live Sound Applications with 40 Input-Channels and 25 Mix Buses Know More
P16-D
Dual 48-Channel Personal Monitor Mixer with SD Card Recorder, Stereo Ambience Microphone and Remote Powering Know More
P16-M
Digital Rack Mixer for Installed and Live Sound Applications with 40 Input-Channels and 25 Mix Buses Know More
Origin
Dual 48-Channel Personal Monitor Mixer with SD Card Recorder, Stereo Ambience Microphone and Remote Powering Know More