Based in Greater Manchester, audio hire company fac365 operates an ‘open-door’ policy for local engineers. Branching out into the live touring market, the company saw a fully loaded DiGiCo Quantum 338 mixing desk with Pulse software as the means to let shine. So much so, that the company has invested in two, along with two fully loaded SD Racks.
fac365 has been operating successfully since it was established in 2009 by MD Mike Hayes. The purchase of two DiGiCo Quantum 338 consoles was prompted not only by client demand, but also the request of their own engineers. Since the early days of the company Hayes has encouraged open, collaborative thinking and collective decisionmaking.
This atmosphere of inclusion extends to visiting engineers, whether they are booked in to prep systems or just drop in for a cuppa. The door to the warehouse is always open and people can often be found trying out new gear. The Quantum 338s are no exception as they are already being enjoyed in the warehouse.
When the promise of a new tour came along for 2024, the rider included an SD12 and sensing an opportunity for growth, the team began to discuss purchasing the new Quantum 338.
‘fac365 has always owned DiGiCo consoles and we cannot wait to get the new Q338 out on the road,’ says Operations Manager, Richard Newall. ‘Our existing stock is always a popular choice for live music and events, the smaller format SD11 and S21 are favoured for simple TV jobs. Once the tour was confirmed we saw the opportunity to invest in new equipment and DiGiCo is what everyone wants. Our in-house engineers are all comfortable with the operating system, the infrastructure feels so familiar that the choice to purchase the Quantum 338s felt like a natural, organic progression for us as a company.’
The decision is already paying dividends, as the Q338s are in high demand for dry hires as Nathan Wressell, fac365 Commercial Director, explains. ‘fac365 is well established in broadcast, having secured an impressive and ever-increasing list of clients in the TV, sports and events world. Bringing in people with the technical knowledge and industry experience has now enabled us to diversify into the live touring sector. Choosing DiGiCo is a no brainer, we know it’s only going to get busier and are already set to acquire more consoles to expand our inventory.’
The new equipment is also acting as a catalyst for change and upgrades within the warehouse – a big open space that is having cosy prep rooms added so that both in-house and visiting engineers can train and prep systems in complete comfort. It is an extension of the company ethos of constant improvement and delivering the best.
‘Our existing relationships are important to us. We move forward by expanding organically, being led by our clients’ needs and feedback,’ Wressell says. ‘We have such a great team here at fac365 and we are excited to continue our journey with DiGiCo and cement our position in the live touring sector.’
More: www.fac365.com
