Ronco Specialized Systems, Inc., recently installed and revamped the Niagara County Community College’s (NCCC) theater with a Harman-based audio system built around a Soundcraft Si3 digital console.
The Si3 not only enabled better-sounding performances, but also serves as a useful instructional tool for students interested in the field of live sound.
Along with the Si3, Ronco installed eight JBL VERTEC VT4887A compact line array elements, four VT4881A arrayable subwoofers, a VRX918S subwoofer, eight 8340A surround speakers, two AC26 2-way loudspeakers, seven Control 26-DT ceiling speakers, two Control 25T-WH speakers and four SRX712M monitors.
Eight Crown I-Tech 9000HD, two CTS2000 and four CTS4200USP/CN amplifiers power the system, while BSS BLU-160 and 120 signal processors and two BLU-10 wall controllers are used in configuring for different events.
The system is managed via Harman HiQnet System Architect.
“Our previous system in the theater was, for lack of a better word, horrid,” said Joe Schmidt, associate professor in technical theater and coordinator of audio recording production program, NCCC.
“It was nearly 30 years old and made up of bits and pieces from new and used equipment, with zero sign of brand continuity.”
“The Si3 brings an entirely different sound to NCCC as we traveled from the 1980’s to present time in technology.”
The total sound renovation also gives students of live sound, production and theater tracks more opportunity to learn hands-on with the professional-grade, yet easy-to-use console.
“The theater really rocks now,” said Al Colucci of Ronco.
“The Si3 was the perfect addition to NCCC’s theater department and Harman continues to provide us and our customers with great products and support.”
Demoing the Si3 in late 2010, NCCC’s engineers and professors found it simple to use and knew it would immediately improve the quality of sound in the theater.
“Everything from concerts to theater performances and classes has improved with the Si3 and corresponding system,” Schmidt said.
“We’ve been waiting to upgrade this system for decades and the wait was well worth it.”
