The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (BGET) is synonymous with excellence in live entertainment. Prominently located in Dublin’s Docklands, it opened its doors in 2010.
As Ireland’s largest fixed-seat theatre, with a capacity of 2,111, it operated for 15 years with a sound system based on the iconic d&b Q Series. In 2025, the time came for an upgrade, with durability once again a key requirement.
With an already established programme, we knew what we were looking for. After seeing many types of touring sound systems, we knew which ones worked well and, unfortunately, which had failed our audience, explains Liam Fitzgerald, Technical Manager.
 |
 |
Requirements
Working closely with long-time BGET collaborator and sound designer Kevin McGing — a long-standing d&b user — they developed a detailed brief. In addition to quality, reliability, support and durability, they needed a system compatible with technical riders and capable of handling the many one-night events that complement a busy programme of musicals, opera and ballet.
As touring productions often rely on a venue’s delay and fill systems — regardless of whether they bring their own main system — special attention had to be paid to these loudspeakers. “They were a key element”, says Fitzgerald. “Not just a final add-on”.
There was also a strong aesthetic consideration. With more than 360 performances per year, the PA needed to remain installed at all times, but discreetly. And when in use, it had to ensure reliable dispersion control. For visible delays and fills, it was essential that the enclosures were as unobtrusive as possible.
The solution: CCL and U Series
Fitzgerald turned to some of the latest innovations from the d&b product range.
In my experience, d&b stands for quality, reliability, long service life, long-term support and fast service. I have complete confidence in their products: I don’t need to ask. I know nothing leaves the factory unless it’s perfect, he says.
The timing of d&b’s product launches could not have been better: the CCL as the main L/R system, and the new U Series for delays and fills.
As a significant upgrade from the previously installed Q Series, the CCL offers constant directivity: 120° for the CCL12 and 80° for the CCL8. Acoustic modelling with ArrayCalc enabled optimized positioning. In addition, as the system is installed behind acoustically transparent fabric panels in the proscenium, d&b advised on the exact opening sizes required to maintain cardioid control, adjusting apertures and covers as needed.
Attention to the rest of the system was equally meticulous. As the brief specified that all delays and fills had to belong to the same series, and despite being in the early stages before official release, d&b provided all the measurements and advanced information required to design the system with the U Series (primarily U3 cabinets, 53 in total, plus two U5).
With d&b’s compact 40D and 5D installation amplifiers, each delay and fill is powered by a single amplifier channel, offering great flexibility for touring productions. Accessibility is further enhanced by a range of preset configurations, available at the push of a button via d&b’s R1 remote control software.
The installation — made challenging by the fact that the venue only has 10 free days per year — was carried out by the BGET team, with support from the experienced McGing and commissioning by d&b’s EAS (Education & Application Support) engineers.
Performance evaluation
“The CCL cabinets deliver excellent performance for their size and weight”, says Fitzgerald. “And they sound great alongside the U Series. Both handle high frequencies in a similar way and provide the dispersion control we needed, while the clean design of the U Series blends perfectly into the auditorium. In the end, it was a fairly straightforward decision”. He adds: “The d&b team was incredible. They worked very hard to ensure we had everything we needed to meet our tight installation windows. The new system is more powerful, efficient and capable, but also much more controlled, with more direct sound reaching more people, delivering a significantly better experience for both audiences and touring productions”.
We have always maintained a close relationship with BGET — an exceptional venue in many respects. We are delighted they turned to us to find new solutions and trusted us to implement the latest innovations. The result has been outstanding: a strong validation for both the CCL and the U Series, comments Stephen Hogg from d&b audiotechnik.
Photo credits: Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
