We were approached by the theatre regarding the provision of a hearing support system to further their ongoing commitment to accessibility for all their audience members. We visited site and discussed the different options available, including induction loop, infrared (IR) and radio (RF) systems. 

An induction loop is an ideal solution for hearing support alone, but with visual arts an audio description allows blind or partially sighted audience members a more immersive experience. Both IR and RF systems have the advantage of enabling multiple channels, therefore these systems can be used to provide both hearing support and audio description.

IR operates on invisible (to the naked eye) light requiring line of sight from the radiators (transmitters) at the front of the theatre to each audience member’s seat. The radiators are always on display, and they can restrict where stage sets, curtains, loudspeakers, or stage lights can be installed.

As RF operates on radio waves, the transmitters can be installed anywhere within the theatre, providing 100% coverage to ensure everybody can hear and making the system more flexible, discreet and cost effective. This became the agreed solution.

Two Tourtalk TT 200-ST Stationary transmitters were installed. 

One transmitter is fed (via the theatre’s digital mixer) an audio feed of the stage microphones, to provide a hearing support channel. 

The other transmitter is supplied with a dual on-ear headset and is used to provide an audio description channel. The describer is issued with the headset, and they can adjust their personal settings either by the controls on the front of the transmitter or via the inline remote built into the headset cable. The transmitter also receives audio feed of the stage microphones to provide audio to the describer’s headphones and to the blind or partially sighted audience when there is dialogue in the performance. The describer then provides live verbal commentary of the visual elements of a production as it unfolds.

To enable members of the audience to hear, they are each issued with a wireless Tourtalk TT 200-R bodypack receiver, a lanyard and either a single earphone, headphones or (if they have a compatible hearing aid) a neckloop.

The user then simply switches the receiver on and selects their preferred channel. 

The receivers are charged in desktop charging trays. Each charger features an LCD screen and channel sync function that enables all the docked receivers to be synced to the selected channel at the touch of a button.

Each charger is supplied with software to programme the system. This was used to name the two channels as HS (for Hearing Support) and AD (for Audio Description), disable all unused channels (to avoid users selecting channels that are not in use), disable Channel Lock (so users can easily switch between available channels), enable HAC (for Hearing Aid Compatibility) and enable Out-Of-Range Alarm (so the receivers vibrate and beep if accidentally taken away from the venue).

The transmitters have been programmed to wireless frequencies that are covered by the theatre’s existing wireless microphone licence so there are no additional ongoing costs.

The Theatre is regularly used by performance groups and as an accessible cinema. For more information on the Albert Hall and to book tickets for a show click here.

The Theatre is currently undertaking staff training on the system and aim to offer the services to the audience members from Spring 2024.
The system was jointly Grant Funded by Arts Council Wales, and Welsh Government, along with the theatres fundraising efforts.