British producer of professional audio mixing consoles, Allen & Heath, has teamed up with cruise line Royal Caribbean International to provide a wide range of audio technology for Icon of the Seas. The ship’s Absolute Zero theatre, which stages ice-skating shows, and Music Hall live-entertainment venue showcase Allen & Heath’s S5000 mixer. Atop of Icon is the AquaTheater, where high divers, skateboarders, aerialists, slackliners and synchronised swimmers come together for Royal Caribbean’s marquee water-based shows.
Central to this experience is an Allen & Heath C1500 mixing surface, which offers precise control over the audio channels. Allen & Heath’s SQ-5 mixers have been installed in live music and entertainment venues including Boleros, The Attic, Dueling Pianos and Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues. The ship's upscale restaurants and bars – such as the Empire Supper Club, Schooner Bar and 1400 Lobby Bar – have been equipped with Allen & Heath Qu-SB mixers.
Allen & Heath's sales manager, Kevin Madden, said: “When Icon of the Seas was in its genesis, we were fortunate to present an introduction to Allen & Heath’s newest, flagship 96kHhz dLive audio mixing platform to Royal Caribbean. “The high-resolution audio, myriad of configuration possibilities and ease of operation with dLive, as well as familiar workflow among all product series, presents a unique continuity for production staff that may be tasked with maintaining and operating audio in any variety of venues..