Rigging a large loudspeaker cluster can often be the toughest part of a sound system installation.

But Bruce Jensen and the crew at B and R Audio recently discovered an improved solution prior to flying a nine-loudspeaker, dual-tiered central cluster that heads a new system at the 1,200-capacity worship sanctuary of West Asheville Baptist Church, located in Asheville, NC.

Previously, B and R Audio, also based in Asheville, had relied upon “ad hoc” rigging, usually employing wire rope for flying clusters and then suffering through the tedious and time-consuming process of finessing each loudspeaker into optimum position and angle. “I wasn’t looking forward to doing that again,” Jensen flatly states.

Enter Todd Foster of Quest Marketing, who introduced Jensen to the Polar Focus Zbeam, a universal audio rigging system that removes many of the restrictions of conventional hardware while also simplifying and speeding the rigging process.

Each Zbeam, capable of supporting up to 880 pounds, works in tandem with Polar Focus Adjustable Tilt Cable Kits, and together they provide total control of each loudspeaker before being grouped into a cluster. Once the loudspeaker is attached, the cable kit makes it possible to change the tilt angle of the loudspeaker quickly, accurately and safely.

Jensen decided to utilize the Zbeam/cable kit combo for this project, where the single central cluster is now deployed to supply primary coverage to the sanctuary. The cluster is comprised of a row of four Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) AS460 mid/high loudspeakers arranged in an arc, with a matching arc beneath made up of four EAW AS660 full-range loudspeakers. Another AS460, serves as a choir monitor, positioned behind the arc and firing downward at the platform.

Each loudspeaker is attached to its own Zbeam via the cable kits, and in turn, all Zbeams are secured to a custom Polar Focus steel grid, connected with chain slings to two roof trusses. The loading pattern of these roof trusses was approved by the project’s structural engineer prior to installation. The loudspeakers, custom grid and flying hardware are painted white, fitting the aesthetic of the sanctuary. (Zbeams are available in both anodized black and white powder coated as stock items.)