Analog & Digital
A Yamaha PM5D-RH running at 96K anchors the house mix position,and it’s not only a favorite of Henion’s, but it also meets the criteria for rider-friendliness in spades.
“The PM5D-RH is the best-selling tour-grade console in the world for many very good reasons,” he notes.
“Even if it’s not someone’s absolute number one choice, it’s certain to be in the top two or three. We wanted to do as many shows as possible without having to swap out consoles, and that’s definitely been the case.”
Still, accommodations were made for both analog and digital consoles, with AES/EBU inputs as well as analog inputs available at the mix position.
The system can be configured with just one switch between aux driven subs analog, full range with the subs fed off the DSP, either analog or digital – any permutation. Plenty of onboard effects on the PM5D also mean that outboard units aren’t needed, but again, they can be patched into the system by any visiting engineer if desired.
The upper balcony region, largely used for VIP and meeting purposes, is served by a discrete system that can be controlled at the house console.
Levels can be adjusted for specific requests, and the system can be shut off when the area is not in use. Two ceiling mounted JBL SRX712 loudspeakers provide coverage, with power from a QSC PLX2402 amplifier.
The stage monitoring system is large and impressive, capable of meeting the production expectations of most artists.
The system is headed by a Midas Sienna analog console, a widely accepted board in its own right that also serves to head off concerns about digital latency issues expressed to Henion by select monitor engineers.
A significant portion of the monitoring gear, as well as some of the house fill components, were brought over from another one of Capshaw’s venues.
It’s still choice equipment by any standard, with Electro-Voice Ti-1152 biamplified (QSC power) loudspeakers for stage side fill joined by Katz Audio dual-18 subwoofers.
Seven JBL SRX712 M biamped stage monitors are driven by Lab. gruppen amplifiers, with an 8-channel C10:8X driving the highs and two 4-channel C48:4 for the woofers. There are also dual JBL MP412S subwoofers for drummers.
Two Ashly Audio 4.24C 4×8 digital processors were specified for the wedges, with a BSS Minidrive for the drum monitors and an EV 3-way processor for the side fills. A host of Ashly 31-band graphic EQs, PreSonus gates, and other effects are also available.
A Wonderful Place
Henion and crew were also responsible for the electrical design for all things related to lighting, sound, stage, and video. They called for a new isolated ground system going to one “technical power” load center.
This feeds an assortment of receptacles recessed into the stage and distributed throughout the facility.
The load center also feeds two 100-amp, 3-phase disconnects on stage left. One is typically used for the stage monitor package and the other is available so visiting acts bringing in their own gear can plug in quickly and conveniently.
And, as noted earlier, Stage Sound specified and installed the lighting package as well as planned the infrastructure for increased video capabilities to be added at a later date. Every bit of their work on the project is backed by immaculate and highly detailed documentation.
All of the time, care, and attention to detail reaped immediate benefit, when on opening night Capshaw simply told Henion, “It sounds good! Thank you!”
Meeting the top priority of delivering a top-quality system to a satisfied client, Henion notes that visiting technical crews and artists have expressed their approval as well, with the vast majority using what’s in place rather than bringing in components of their own.
“A lot off music business luminaries are also regular visitors, and they enjoy doing business in this space,” Henion concludes. “The bottom line is that the Jefferson Theater is now a wonderful place for musicians and for people who love music.”
Downloadable Media
Jefferson Theater System Diagram (pdf)
Keith Clark is Editor-In-Chief of Live Sound International and ProSoundWeb.