Farnham Maltings: Flexible Audio Design for Theatres Case Study
Farnham Maltings is a vibrant cultural venue in Hampshire, hosting everything from theatre and dance to live music and film festivals. When Audiotek was commissioned to redesign the audio system in its Great Hall, the goal was clear: deliver a flexible audio design for theatres that could handle a wide range of performances without the need for additional equipment.
Farnham Maltings Project Challenges
The venue’s existing system limited the scope of events. The key challenges were:
- Stage space: Touring acts often required extra equipment, reducing available performance area.
- Flexibility: The system had to accommodate theatre, live music, and dance without constant reconfiguration.
- Quality: Audiences needed consistent, high-quality sound across different seating and performance setups.
Project Scope – AV Installation at Farnham Maltings
Audiotek designed a solution that combined performance flexibility with discreet integration:
- Loudspeakers: Martin Audio TORUS (10 × T1215 & 2 × T1230) for precision coverage.
- Subwoofers: Martin Audio SX218 delivering powerful low-end performance.
- Amplifiers: Martin Audio amplifiers optimised for the TORUS system.
- Control: QSC Q-SYS platform enabling intuitive system management.
Design Approach to Flexible Audio Design for Theatres
At Farnham Maltings, flexibility was paramount. The Great Hall hosts everything from spoken word and theatre productions to full-scale live music and contemporary dance. The new system had to transition seamlessly between these performance types without the need for reinstallation or additional hired equipment.
- Multi-performance coverage: The Martin Audio TORUS system was designed to handle both the clarity required for dialogue-heavy theatre and the power needed for amplified music.
- Reconfigurable options: Subwoofers and front fills can be repositioned depending on the type of performance, with delay lines adjusted to support either raked seating for plays or open floor layouts for concerts.
- Minimal intervention: The system was engineered so venue staff can switch between performance presets instantly, without calling in additional engineers or cluttering the stage with hired-in PA.
- Preserving creative space: By removing the need for external equipment, valuable performance area is freed up, giving directors, choreographers, and artists more flexibility in how they use the stage.
This approach reflects the principles outlined in Chris Kmiec’s open-access eBook, Sound Engineering for Concert Halls, which highlights the importance of designing systems that serve both performers and audiences equally. By embedding those ideas into the Maltings project, Audiotek created a theatre-ready system that adapts to every event on the calendar.
Key Innovations at Farnham Maltings
- Single-system flexibility: One install now handles theatre, dance, and live music equally well.
- Dynamic design: TORUS loudspeakers provided versatile coverage with minimal visual intrusion.
- Audience-first tuning: Every seat in the Great Hall enjoys clear, consistent sound.
Installation & Execution of Farnham Maltings
Audiotek worked closely with the venue to integrate the system into the historic fabric of the building, respecting its industrial heritage while upgrading its technical backbone. Commissioning and tuning were carried out to optimise for both speech and full-band performances, ensuring the Great Hall could expand its programming without additional hire costs.
“Our vision for the Great Hall was to give visiting acts everything they needed without bringing racks of extra kit. Audiotek’s design delivered exactly that — a flexible, high-quality system that frees up stage space and broadens what we can host.”
— Chris Kmiec, UK General Manager, Audiotek
Commercial & Educational Insights
This project highlights why flexible audio design for theatres delivers value beyond technical quality:
- Expands programming potential: The venue can now host a wider range of acts with confidence.
- Reduces operating costs: Touring companies no longer need to hire or ship extra PA systems.
- Improves guest experience: Consistent sound quality makes every performance more engaging.
- Maximises venue space: Freeing up stage area increases creative flexibility for performers.
Conclusion – Flexible Audio Design for Theatres That Empowers Venues
Farnham Maltings is proof that the right system design can transform a cultural venue. By combining Martin Audio and QSC technology into one cohesive solution, Audiotek delivered a flexible audio design for theatres that enhances performances, saves space, and strengthens the venue’s ability to serve its community.
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