Denver Center For The Performing Arts Goes Digital With Studer

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is the nation’s largest non-profit theater organization and was founded in 1972 by Broadway producer Donald Seawell who, now at 103 years old, can still be found in his office most days.

Looking to add a new digital console in anticipation of an original production called The 12, the DCPA recently purchased a 32-fader Harman Studer Vista 1 digital audio mixer.

The 12 is a rock musical that follows the 12 disciples as they wrestle with fear, uncertainty, anger and love in the days after their Teacher’s death. The 12 was held in the 770-seat Stage Theater, which put the Vista 1 to the test as the front of house console.

The Vista 1 is a compact, all-in-one digital console, with the control surface, I/O system, DSP and power supplies all contained within the board. It is equipped with Studer’s exclusive Vistonics user interface and Vista control surface, plus 32 mic/line inputs, 32 line outputs and Multi Mode MADI. An additional Dual MADI card is available for remote stage boxes.

“The 12 required more sound support than is usually required for our productions, and was designed by Zach Williamson,” said John Pryor, director of sound for the Theatre Company division of the DCPA.

“Zach has worked with Studer in the past and wanted to design the show on a Studer console, so he encouraged us to purchase the Vista 1. But we also listened to the advice of several other colleagues in the industry who recommended Studer and we purchased the Vista on the on strength of a product demo given to us by [Studer US sales director] Rob Lewis.”

The 12 was a resounding success and the Vista 1’s performance gave Pryor and his team the confidence to continue working with the console, with an eye on possibly adding more Studer equipment in the future.

“The opening went very well and we are entirely pleased with the Vista 1,” Pryor noted. “We are considering the purchase of two more Vista consoles over the next two years, replacing our legacy analog consoles in each of our primary theaters.”

Studer Vista 1
Harman

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