Dialed In
Line arrays were the choice for house loudspeakers, with a thorough evaluation process culminating in the selection of JBL VerTec.
Brawley played a big role in helping determine array structures and locations, employing modeling to help with the finer details. “Jim was not one of those guys that want to take over the entire project and stay involved for the life of the system,” Stone says.
“He was there to make sure that the arrays got flown and trimmed and dialed in to perfection, and that was that.”
The arrangement consists of four arrays flown above the front platforms. Two of the main left-right arrays consist of 10 VerTec VT4888 3-way, dual-12 modules flown more toward the center region above the front platform, tapering gently to the classic “J” shape.
Flanking them on the far sides are two more VT4888 arrays, these comprised of nine modules, extending solid coverage to the widest regions of the room while carefully positioned to keep as much energy off the side walls as possible.
Enhanced Principles
The subwoofer complement to the full-range arrays have an interesting “flown and floor approach.” Six JBL ASB6128V dual-18 subwoofers are positioned equidistantly in chambers carved out beneath the front platform.
Another 10 ASB612B subs are flown above, split into two groups of five that are mounted in straight lines behind the full-range arrays on each side.
All are flown on custom flybars designed by Strategic Communications, and at the suggestion of Brawley, each adjacent cabinet has reversed polarity. Combined with some strategic gapping between each unit, the result is cardioid output.
“When we originally looked at how the subs would have to fly, it was kind of ugly,” explains Stone.
“Jim suggested that we fly them one behind the other and to enhance cardioid principles for additional control, and to diffuse low-end build-up down the center of the room. It seemed kind of crazy at first, but sounds amazing.”
Seven JBL AC28/95 compact full-range loudspeakers were installed under the lip of the stage to bolster mid/high coverage to the first few seating rows, in addition to helping to further anchor the audio image to the platform.
Range Of Functions
One of the biggest parts of the remodel was rebuilding the backstage area, which encompasses production and creative offices, all of the back stage space, lighting control, the amp room, as well as all of the building’s AV and computer interconnect.
A new AC run delivers power to the equally new rack room carved on the third floor of this area, right behind one of the main arrays. It’s served by a dedicated air conditioning unit that keeps the temperature at a constant 62 degrees.
Racks house the main system’s 49 Crown MA5000i power amplifiers and eight BSS Soundweb London digital processors, both of which are under Harman HiQnet monitoring and control accessible from several points in the facility, including the house operator position.