Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena has added dual Digigram ES8mic analog-to- EtherSound input modules and Digigram ES8out EtherSound-to-analog audio bridges to its video and broadcast suite.
At the same time, the Arena also put its Yamaha M7CL console, originally installed in 2007, on an EtherSound network with AuviTran’s AVY16-ES100 card, while reconfiguring that network in a hybrid star / daisy chain using an AuviTran AVM-500ES Network Matrix.
Technical Specialist Monte Koch, who manages AV at the Arena for the Spokane Public Facilities District, uses Stardraw Control with ESMonitor software to give video technicians input / output switching while limiting their access to the rest of the EtherSound network. Spokane Arena presents events ranging from Spokane Chiefs hockey, to arena football’s Arena Cup championship game, Gonzaga college hoops, pro bull riders, concert tours and more.
“We needed to integrate video and front of house with the broadcast suite and the announce / music playback booth,” Koch explains.
“Now we have 64 bidirectional audio channels, and a robust network architecture. We’ve gained a lot of flexibility — for instance, we can archive AV programming without re-patching.”
When Spokane Arena upgraded its video displays to HD, Koch seized the moment to expand the audio system as well.
“Only Digigram offered compact analog endpoints with the terminations we needed and the versatility we wanted, at a cost that fit our limited budget,” he said.
“Now we can pick up audio from the Yamaha SB168-ES stage box, or any location with an input, and route it to any sound system or video production link in the building.”
Spokane Arena encloses 6.2 million cubic feet. Its 12,000 seats are routinely packed with noisy, enthusiastic fans who generate over 108 dB SPL on lung power alone.
But there’s also plenty of AV horsepower available, thanks to a Meyer Sound powered loudspeaker system installed in 2009, along with the Arena’s original EtherSound network.
An exploded cluster of 23 MSL-4 powered cabinets covers the main bowl, while a delay ring of 19 UPA-1Cs keeps things intelligible in the upper seats. A dozen HP700 subwoofers deliver plenty of low-end muscle.
Support areas (concourse, dressing rooms and backstage hallways) are handled by QSC-powered Bose speakers controlled by QSControl.net.
Along with the audio mixing desk and network computers, the AV control room has controls for video, theatrical lighting, Cyberlights, house lights and the 350 degree LCD ribbon board.
