In order to update the audio system at the historic Peabody Opera House in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, TSI Global of St. Charles, Missouri, installed a JBL VerTec line array system in the 3,100-seat theater.
The Opera House, originally opened in 1934, has hosted performances by prestigious artists including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones. Today, it hosts a variety of events including concerts, comedies, theatricals, family and holiday shows, and more.
Paul Murdick, Vice President of TSI, stated that the install was a 3-year long process, with plans changing as technology advanced.
For the main PA system, 14 JBL VerTec VT4888 midsize line arrays were installed per side, accompanied by four VT4882 midsize arrayable subwoofers per side as well as three ASB7128 subwoofers per side. An additional six VT4886 subcompact line array elements per side provide outfill, with six more VT4886 loudspeakers for coverage on the stage lip and eight VT4886 loudspeakers for under-balcony coverage.
Crown I-Tech amplifiers power the system, with BSS London for system processing and control via Harman’s HiQnet System Architect.
Many challenges arose during the planning and installation phases of the project.
“With any renovation, especially a historical building, there is great emphasis on not ruining the architectural integrity of the original structure,” Murdick stated. “We wanted to ensure that all types of performances could be held at the theater, from a Broadway show to an intense rock concert.”
“With the high arc of the building, the VerTec’s worked perfectly as they met the weight limit of the rigging points, and provided a variety of uses by installing them on a swivel hang which could be rotated according to the needs of the performer.”
Since JBL is known as an industry leader with a prestigious reputation, Murdick felt confident that everyone who would be using the system would be happy.
“We had the support of JBL and the owner of the Opera House to ensure that everything went according to plan, and looked the best it could be while providing quality sound and coverage needed,” he said.
Murdick concluded, “I’m proud to be a part of the renovation to a historical venue and the architecture that is present in the Opera House. There is nothing built like it anymore, and to help improve and create more history in the Opera House was a pleasure to be a part of.”
