Project Perspective
Stage 3 of the Geelong Arts Centre upgrade wasn’t just an expansion—it was a reinvention. This ambitious phase reshaped the cultural heart of Geelong, introducing two state-of-the-art theatres, three versatile studio spaces, and a stunning new foyer complete with box office and restaurant. The transformation meant saying goodbye to much of the old structure, making way for a venue designed to inspire creativity for decades to come.
One space that stayed was the Playhouse Theatre—a beloved stage with history, but its sound system was showing its age. To match the world-class standard of the new facilities, the Playhouse needed a serious audio upgrade. Hansen and Associates led the design, and MultiTek Solutions was brought in to make it happen.
Our mission? Deliver a PA system that doesn’t just amplify sound—it immerses audiences in every note, every word, every moment.
Technical Requirements
The Playhouse’s previous JBL point-source system had served faithfully for 15 years, but technology had moved on. With the new theatres adopting Martin Audio systems, consistency was key—so the Playhouse joined the Martin family.
The upgrade introduced three precision-engineered flown line arrays in a Left-Centre-Right configuration, supported by four time-aligned subwoofers for deep, directional bass. Delay and fill speakers ensure every seat gets the same crystal-clear experience, while portable subs can be added for extra impact during major productions.
At the core is a Q-Sys DSP platform, managing 32 output channels with ease. Audio is delivered over Dante for pristine quality, backed by analogue redundancy for peace of mind. The Q-Sys system also empowers staff with advanced testing tools—an iPad interface lets them check individual speakers in seconds, guaranteeing flawless sound for every performance.
To future-proof the space, we also upgraded audio patching facilities, giving the Playhouse flexibility for any event.
Outcomes
In just two months, a team of four MultiTek technicians transformed the Playhouse’s audio landscape. Outdated analogue patching was replaced with modern digital infrastructure, and our programmers fine-tuned the Q-Sys system for optimal performance. Hansen and Associates completed the final tuning, ensuring every detail met the highest standard.
The result? A system that delivers not just more volume, but breathtaking clarity and consistency across the venue. Audiences can now experience sound that feels alive—whether it’s a whisper or a crescendo. MultiTek is proud to support Geelong Arts Centre and this incredible upgrade for the next 15 years and beyond.
