London’s Royal Albert Hall recently installed a new Bolero wireless intercom system from Riedel Communications as part of its continued expansion and upgrade of in-house audio equipment and services. Bolero will be used by visiting production teams for behind-the-scenes communications during live shows.
A 153-year-old venue, the Royal Albert Hall is a flexible space with various stage configurations and performance locations. It hosts diverse events, such as rock/pop concerts, orchestral performances, spoken word performances, sports, ballets, ballroom dancing, book launches, and poetry. Events rotate in and out quickly, so the venue requires a reliable, scalable communication system that could accommodate the high turnover.
As part of its upgrades, the venue first partnered with manufacturer d&b audiotechnik to install a permanent PA system, with additional investments in sound desks, microphones, and monitors. Then attention turned to the communications system.
Bolero is designed to provide more channels, compatibility, and connectivity than the hall’s previous system. According to Riedel, it offers configuration for a range of different events and allows interoperability with other equipment. For example, when a visiting production’s own wireless communications system failed midshow, the crew maintained continuity by switching to the Bolero system employed by the Royal Albert Hall.
The Bolero is seeing daily use as a production communications and talkback system. Communication extends beyond traditional stage teams and show callers. A “shout system” allows front-of-house and monitor engineers to communicate. Separate communication rings simplify interaction for lighting/show callers, audio teams, and production. The venue can increase the size of the system for complex productions by adding extra rings.
Ben Evans, audio operations manager at the Royal Albert Hall, said: “After renting communications systems from a different manufacturer, we chose Bolero for our permanent in-house wireless intercom. It’s a user-friendly system that gives our clients clear, reliable audio, and it integrates seamlessly with the gear most of them use. The fact that there’s no complex license management was also a significant factor in our decision, and the system’s network-based flexibility was a key advantage over competitors’ point-to-point solutions.
“We have a reputation as a trusted technical partner in the events industry. Working with Riedel – and having the Bolero comms system onboard – bolsters that reputation and helps us to generate revenue.”
