The Vanguard Revamped
Full article originally published by CX, 25 November 2024. Written by Kurtis Hammer.
The Vanguard is a live music venue holding about 150 people and is located in the Sydney suburb of Newtown, on King Street. Originally opened in 2003, The Vanguard is part of the inner western fringe and alternative scene, offering a wide variety of live events which include anything from burlesque shows through to stand-up comedy, jazz nights, and live bands. It also features a restaurant serving a unique style of modern Australian cuisine.
With an assortment of heavy metal bands playing on Friday the 19th of October, The Vanguard reopened its doors to the public for the first time in just over two months. It had just undergone an extensive renovation. The refurbishment covered all aspects of the venue including remodelling, new bathrooms, new bar, new lighting, new carpet, and new décor. Also included was an overhaul of the audio-visual systems.
  
Beau Neilson, the owner of The Vanguard since April 2024, commissioned the refurb. Silver Bullet Projects specified and installed the lighting, audio and video components.
From a strictly audio-visual perspective, audio took the biggest share of the budget. Previously, The Vanguard was running a DiGiCo console with Dynacord COBRA PA boxes. The upgrade includes a full d&b audiotechnik system with an Allen & Heath console and stage box.
The new d&b audiotechnik sound system includes four ALi60 on main L/R, four Bi6 subs, four E8 delays, one M4 drum fill and six M6 monitors, powered by 5D and 30D amps.
The d&b audiotechnik ALi60 speaker is the installation variant of the d&b audiotechnik AL60 augmented array. The ALi60 loudspeaker module is passive and has a 60° constant directivity dispersion pattern in the horizontal. In The Vanguard, it makes for a good flown array speaker that remains in place.
  
The main aim of the audio upgrade was to get the best sound possible in the space. This went beyond just purchasing new speakers and a desk. Extensive acoustic treatments were also installed which included things such as new draping, baffles, new carpet, and remodelling to soften the space and improve the overall sound quality.
Putting in a digital audio system, as well as an LED lighting rig and a laser projector, have helped to future-proof the venue. A digital audio desk, a lighting console with a touch screen laptop plus a command wing and a four input switcher feeding one projector makes for smoother, more intuitive operating and much more versatility.
With a big commitment to the quality of audio, lighting and vision equipment in The Vanguard, it now shapes up to be one of the best equipped venues of this size in Sydney.