Parker Playhouse first opened its doors in 1967 and has played an important role for performing arts in the Fort Lauderdale community ever since.
The performance venue, now managed by Broward Center for Performing Arts, fully seats 1,168 and hosts concerts, plays, musicals, and other events.
Anton Foresta, Head Audio Engineer for Parker Playhouse and owner of Anton F. Audio Design, recently purchased a Harman Soundcraft Si Expression 3 digital mixer for use at Parker Playhouse, as well as other one-off events.
“We host everything from a single mic production, like a comedian, to a full band. The Parker Playhouse just recently hosted comedian Jim Breuer and Alan Parsons before that,” said Foresta, who is also a touring FOH engineer for “Arrival—The Music of ABBA, Direct From Sweden.”
Foresta required a console offering user-friendliness and excellent sound quality both for personal use and at the Parker Playhouse.
“I wanted a small-format console that I could have for myself. I came across info on the Si Expression 3 online and as soon as I read about it, I knew that was what I wanted,” said Foresta. “I have always been a Soundcraft fan.
“Their consoles provide tremendous ease of use, and even during the transition to digital they kept the consoles simple, especially with their Si Series.”
“Everything has been solid. I like the I/O, the 32 inputs and 16 outputs. Having a graphic EQ on every single output is an advantage that’s unique to this board as well,” said Foresta.
“At this price for a Soundcraft console, nothing compares,” Foresta concluded. “The preamps on the expression sound fantastic. I’ve used all types of consoles and this is the best-sounding console I’ve found in the small-format category.”
