Loud Technologies Asia Delivers Future-Ready AV System for Drama Theatre at Singapore’s National Library

Key facts
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Project type:
- Installed
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Location:
- National Library, Singapore
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Client:
- Arts House Limited
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Brief:
To modernise the Drama Theatre at Singapore’s National Library with a future-ready AV system, enhancing audio, video, lighting, and communications infrastructure. The upgrade ensures high-performance, scalable support for diverse productions using advanced technologies
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Equipment:
d&b audiotechnik AL Series arrays
Vi-Sub and KSL-GSUB infra subs
VG Subs and AL Series ground stacks
44S compact enclosures
E12 stage monitors
d&b 40D, 10D, 5D amplifiersShure Axient AD4D receivers
DPA Microphones
Shure AD600 spectrum manager
RF Venue DISTRO9HDR and DISTRO5HDRBlackmagic Design 12G SDI matrix router
Bolin PTZ and AIDA IR POV cameras
IR blaster floodlights
SDI boosters and scalersClear-Com Arcadia Central Station
HelixNet belt packs
FreeSpeak II wireless
Legacy two-wire party lines
- Year: 2024
Loud Technologies Asia Delivers Future-Ready AV System for Drama Theatre at Singapore’s National Library
The Drama Theatre at Singapore’s National Library, a 614-seat venue suspended mid-air across levels 3 to 5, recently underwent a major AV infrastructure upgrade led by Loud Technologies Asia (LTA)—a top-tier AV consultant and sound system specialist in Singapore. After nearly two decades of continuous use, the theatre’s legacy systems were due for modernization to meet the demands of contemporary productions and ensure long-term scalability.
AV Challenges and Goals
Originally built with high-quality infrastructure and rider-friendly equipment, the theatre’s systems had aged gracefully but were no longer aligned with current performance standards. The goal was to upgrade audio, lighting, video, and communications systems while preserving the venue’s robust cabling and structural backbone. LTA was awarded not as a system integrator, but due to her demonstrated track record of a value-added AV design consultant and supplier, responsible for system architecture, astute equipment specification, and commissioning.
Intelligent Audio System Design
The upgraded sound system features a d&b audiotechnik AL Series left-center-right array configuration, enhanced with Vi-Sub and KSL-GSUB infra subs for extended low-frequency response. Ground stacks include additional AL Series cabinets and V Subs, while 44S compact enclosures address front seating and E12 monitors serve performers on stage.
The system is powered by d&b 40D, 10D, and 5D amplifiers, offering:
- Integrated DSP with loudspeaker management
- Tamperproof configuration and remote monitoring via R1 software
- Load and input monitoring for fault detection
- Energy-efficient operation with ample headroom
This setup ensures high SPL capability, flexibility for diverse performances, and reduced reliance on external rentals.
Wireless Microphone System and RF Infrastructure
To support larger productions, the wireless system was expanded by 50%, featuring:
- Shure Axient AD4D digital dual-channel receivers
- DPA Microphones for pristine vocal clarity
- AD600 spectrum manager for real-time RF monitoring
The RF infrastructure includes RF Venue DISTRO9HDR and DISTRO5HDR antenna distribution units, offering:
- High dynamic range signal handling
- Reduced intermodulation and interference
- Compatibility with any brand of UHF wireless microphones—digital or analog
This brand-agnostic setup ensures robust performance even in high-density RF environments and supports mixed-brand deployments.
Video System Overhaul
The legacy composite video system was replaced with a Blackmagic Design 12G SDI matrix router, supporting:
- HD inputs from Bolin PTZ and AIDA Full HD IR POV cameras
- IR blaster floodlights for cueing in the dark
- Custom SDI boosters and scalers for long cable runs
This infrastructure enables multi-floor video distribution and stable HD transmission using existing cabling, validated through LTA’s signal integrity testing.
Communications and Intercom Flexibility
The hybrid intercom system centers on Clear-Com Arcadia Central Station, integrating:
- HelixNet wired belt packs
- FreeSpeak II wireless systems
- Legacy two-wire party lines over existing XLR cabling
Supporting up to 64 endpoints, this multi-protocol solution allows seamless operation for both in-house and touring productions, with wireless flexibility and built-in redundancy.
Execution and Commissioning
Despite a condensed schedule spanning major holidays, LTA completed the project within three months. Coordination with other trades and long working shifts ensured timely delivery. LTA provided hands-on training for all new systems, and tuning of the loudspeaker system was conducted with precision.
LTA’s Value Proposition
As a leading AV design company in Singapore, Loud Technologies Asia delivers:
- Scalable, rider-friendly AV systems
- Expert consultation and stakeholder engagement
- Seamless commissioning and post-installation support
This upgrade empowers the Drama Theatre to host a wider range of performances with enhanced technical capabilities, setting a new benchmark for AV excellence in cultural venues.
