Metro Chicago, a popular live music venue on the city’s north side in the Wrigleyville neighborhood that’s celebrating its 40th anniversary, has been equipped with a new loudspeaker system headed by d&b audiotechnik A-Series components in a project handled by Chicago-based Ayre Productions working with Ben Gordon, one of the venue’s sound engineers.
John Wagner, co-owner of Ayre Productions, explains, “I asked if I could change a few things and input my thoughts, which was approved, and what was installed was a uniquely designed collaboration.” The main system incorporates four ALi60 loudspeakers per side flown horizontally directly next to the stage driven by three 40D amplifiers along with three SL-GSUB subwoofers powered by two D80 amps.
Balcony fill is delivered by 24S point source loudspeakers flown above the main arrays and a pair of 44S loudspeakers in front of the center balcony lip. Although the system is flown horizontally, several iterations were run through ArrayCalc to get optimal positioning and coverage.
“The A-Series helped in a huge way, by being able to focus audio onto the main floor and help to create an even dispersion across it,” states Wagner. “Adding the balcony fills gave the balcony its own ‘little’ yet powerful presence, as it was never there before.”
Metro founder Joe Shanahan adds, “The system is remarkable, well designed, and set up for this unique room. Both the main floor and the balcony now have the balance that we have been seeking for many years. The clean and clear sound combined with the d&b dynamics is what we expect to provide for the artists and for the patrons we welcome into our hall. I have listened to many d&b systems around the country, and I’m thrilled with the result that Ayre and d&b have delivered to our venue.”
Wagner notes that the ceilings at Metro are high at about 22 feet, with an open main floor surrounded by a wrap-around balcony. “The room had previous installed treatment, which is decent. The ceiling is even treated. The new system fits perfectly onto truss towers, and the loudspeakers fade away. Compared to the old system, the A-Series clusters are a fraction of the size, yet twice the output.”
The new system’s been used in support of a handful of Metro’s 40th anniversary celebrations this year, including intimate sets with Billy Strings, Green Day, Idles, Patti Smith and her band, Peaches, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and more.
