LIVERPOOL, UK — Adlib’s audio division has designed and installed an Adlib FD sound system into Eric’s, a live music venue here that is once again open for business.
More details from Adlib (www.www.adlibsolutions.co.uk):
The basement space in Mathew Street, downtown Liverpool, opposite the Cavern, flourished from 1976 to 1980 as a key venue for punk, post punk, alternative and indie bands, including such standouts as Echo & The Bunnymen and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. But the venue shut down abruptly in 1980, then again, in 1981, after opening for a short time as Brady’s.
The room then lay dormant. Finally, in 2011, local musician and singer / songwriter Ethan Allen – also a Nashville country star with his band the Cheap Seats – and back in town after many years in the US – was instrumental in co-ordinating the project to renovate and rejuvenate Eric’s.
In a story of real passion and commitment, it has been restored as an atmospheric performance space and a forum for cutting edge music for both un-signed and famous bands.
Spotting a gap in Liverpool’s already lively night scene for a properly ‘independent’ 400-capacity venue for bands and live comedy, Allen was determined to keep Eric’s as close to the original in vibe and appearance, and he was also keen on getting the right sound system in place.
Allen turned to his long-time acquaintance Andy Dockerty, MD of Adlib. Dockerty, a veteran of the original Eric’s, where he engineered many memorable shows, including those where Allen performed.
To have ‘The best Sound system in Liverpool’ was the brief issued by Eric’s new owner, John Lynch, and “Adlib was the only choice,” said Allen.
“Ethan is a serious musician, and his total dedication to delivering everything that the artist might need whilst performing in Eric’s was a major reason we got involved,” said Dockerty.
“His foresight and vision is taking the venue into a new direction, retaining the legend of its past, and with a new attitude, bringing a vision for the future.”
The sound system needed to be powerful. Providing full frequency response evenly across the whole room, the Adlib FD product in conjunction with the AA81 infill/delay cabinets provided a fitting solution.
The low ceiling height makes a challenging sonic environment, which has resulted in a stack format PA, raised on plinths to get it to the requisite – and maximum – height possible.
The other major challenge was ensuring that the system was flexible and dynamic to deal with numerous different scenarios and live acts.
The main stacks are 2 a-side Adlib FD high packs and 2 a-side Adlib DF 418 subs – which seriously shift some air whilst producing the sound and the excitement needed for all types of music, plus a richness and lucidity to deal with the nuances of comedy and stand-up performance.
At the back of the room are four Adlib AA81 speakers as delays to maintain clarity in that area, plus another two AA81s for outfill cabinets off to the sides of the main PA.
It’s all powered by Crown XTI amps and controlled via a dbx Drive Rack 260.
A Soundcraft SI Compact console (24 channel) was chosen as an ideal mixing solution for its ease of use, small footprint and price. “It ticks all the boxes,” says Dockerty
Once the installation was complete, Dockerty fine turned the system for the specific ambience of the room. So far the formula is working well, with Eric’s establishing itself once again on the touring circuit.
