Staples Center in Los Angeles, home to four professional sports franchises – the NHL’s Kings, the NBA’s Lakers and Clippers and the WNBA’s Sparks – is opening the doors for its 13th season with a new audio system headed by JBL Professional VerTec line arrays.
The sound system upgrade follows the recent installation of a new Panasonic LIVE 4HD video scoreboard system, upgrading audio quality provided for the tenant teams as well as a wide range of special events.
The new system is also designed to enhance the sound of touring production shows by allowing them to selectively use the installed system in a signal-delayed capacity.
Staples Center will provide touring sound crews with a wi-fi tablet for remotely adjusting delay times, EQ, and levels. By augmenting the incoming portable touring systems this available option will provide better coverage and sound quality throughout the arena.
The control capabilities provided by Harman HiQnet System Architect software enables rapid configurability of the system to meet different event programming requirements. The new system includes the following elements:
—Main Clusters: Eight arrays of JBL VT4889DP-DA three-way powered line array modules are in use for the main system. Each cluster contains between 11 and 13 cabinets, with special attention having been paid to improving sound coverage and clarity in the upper bowl seating areas through precise array positioning and focusing technique.
—Fill Clusters: Two dedicated fill clusters are specially positioned to cover the end seating areas specifically during basketball games. Each array contains four VT4889DP-DA cabinets.
—Subwoofer Clusters: Four subwoofer arrays, each comprising six JBL VT4880A dual 18-inch subwoofer enclosures, produce extended low frequencies to create a full range musical system.
“The specialized audio needs of a multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue like Staples Center, combined with today’s audience expectations for an exciting and immersive sound experience, require a truly unique solution,” states David Scheirman of JBL. “When we designed this new VerTec system, it was with top-tier venue applications like Staples Center in mind.
“Our entire team took a personal interest in this project, and we took a hands-on approach to working with the designers, installers and venue staff to really dial-in this system. Staples Center is now equipped with our latest loudspeaker system technology, combining advanced networking capabilities with digital signal processing, integral power amplification and advanced control software. This is the largest and most comprehensive installation to date of JBL’s digitally-networked, powered VerTec loudspeakers.”
“We are incredibly excited to unveil the brand new JBL system to kick off our thirteenth season,” adds Lee Zeidman, senior vice president & general manager, Staples Center. “Technology has grown tremendously since we opened Staples Center in 1999 and as part of our overall annual upgrades we decided it was time for us to improve our audio system. It is important to us to keep providing a better fan experience for our guests and offer cutting edge audio technology to our tenants and the numerous tours and special events that we host each year.”