A recently completed renovation of the Lynn Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium in Massachusetts, which hosts a range of live entertainment, includes a new sound reinforcement system covering the 2,000-capacity venue’s multiple levels that utilizes d&b audiotechnik V-Series loudspeakers and supporting components in a project implemented by Parsons Audio of Wellesley, MA.
“We chose the d&b V-Series high performance three-way passive array system because the venue has had touring groups come through before that have used it, and they’ve performed really well,” states Morgan Chasse, VP of marketing at Parsons Audio. “The V-Series is rider-friendly, and we also chose to use SL-SUBs for their compact power, since we could hang just two boxes in the center and have plenty of low frequency energy for the room. So far, the system has received compliments from the acts who have used it for how great it sounds.”
Specifically, the new system incorporates two main arrays each comprised of eight V8 models joined by two V12s. In addition, dual SL-SUB cardioid subwoofers are flown centrally while six d&b 10S-D point source loudspeakers supply coverage under the balcony while four d&b Ti10P loudspeakers are posted on stage to deliver front fill. All loudspeakers are driven by a combination of d&b 30D and D80 power amplifiers.
“All three arrays have d&b’s ArraySight lasers on board, that enables us to monitor temperature, humidity, and array angle, to calibrate the arrays as accurately as possible,” Chasse explainss. “The system is monitored and controlled from a laptop running d&b’s R1 software.” Drew Levy of d&b provided design support utilizing ArrayCalc.
“Being able to use R1 for system monitoring and control is definitely a plus,” says Zachary Lacroix, CTS, system technician, Parsons Audio. “The amplifiers’ built-in processing capability meant that we could minimize the amount of other equipment in the rack, and handle system control from the laptop from wherever it’s convenient, whether that’s on stage or at front of house.”
The main arrays and subs are rigged using a collection of CM Lodestar electric hoists, with an installed 8-channel hoist control system from Motion Labs that can be controlled from the stage. “As a part of this system, we also installed three hoists to be used for hanging a lighting truss over the pit,” Chasse adds. “The d&b subwoofer array is also using a PY1-MZB-SR5 motor ZBeam and an SFA-16-1100 tilt adapter from Polar Focus, which allows us to use a single hoist for the array, but without allowing it to spin. These parts were also required to hang the sub array in the center of the proscenium, since the structural steel in the ceiling didn’t allow for the hoist configuration we used for the main arrays.”
The new system also includes Midas M32 LIVE front-of-house console with a DL32 stage box. Available wireless microphone system components include a Shure ULXD4D receiver and two ULXD2 handheld transmitters. Further, custom plates built by Entertainment Manufacturing Group (EMG) were installed in the attic, on both sides of the stage and at front of house, to facilitate patching into the system as well as including a mix of data, audio, video, and DMX tie lines between the various locations.
“The system has been installed now for a few months and we have heard nothing but positive feedback from ticketholders, tour mangers, and in fact, artists themselves,” says James Marsh, executive director of Lynn Memorial Veteran’s Auditorium. “From a local spelling bee, to Pitbull, and everything in between, the d&b V-Series installation by Parsons Audio is not only proving to be an amazing system but is paying dividends by showcasing our sound capabilities here at the Lynn Auditorium. It will surely keep customers, renters, and A-list artists coming back for more.”
