Sound Image recently completed a sound system renovation at the San Diego Civic Theatre utilizing a range of Harman Professional components, including JBL Professional loudspeakers, Crown Audio power amplifiers and BSS Audio processors, are part of the major retrofit.
The new audio system, designed by WRL Sound Consultants for the city-owned, 2,967-seat performance venue, is headed by two JBL PD5322/95 full-range loudspeakers and four JBL PD5322/64 full-range loudspeakers comprising a center cluster, supplemented by four JBL ASB6128 subwoofers. An additional four JBL PD5212/95 loudspeakers serve as delay fills for loge and balcony coverage.
“There was an outdated system in the Civic Theatre before we came in,” says Sound Image project manager Mike Martin. “As far as retrofits go, it’s always a challenge to install modern equipment with the existing structure, especially with the last update occurring more than 30 years ago. Projects like this are always a great test of an installer’s mettle.”
To swap out the older system for the new one, an intricate pulley system was used to bring each piece down and their replacements up, with care to avoid disturbing the fragile space. The pulley system was originally installed during the 1990’s to set up the previous loudspeaker system.
“The new JBL loudspeaker system offers a completely improved level of sound quality,” Martin continues. “This cutting-edge performance space required top-notch equipment to support the dramatic vocal and musical performances, and we were able to deliver that with JBL.”