The 2017 closure and eventual demolition of the Sherwood Auditorium in San Diego could have dealt a fatal blow to the La Jolla Music Society who had been its tenants since 1986. “It was a huge shock,” recalled Christopher Beach, the society’s president and CEO, “We had no place to call our own.” Now, after a Herculean fund-raising effort, it has a new home in the $82 million dollar La Jolla Conrad Prebys Arts Center.
Located in the heart of La Jolla Village, the 49,200-foot facility houses two performance venues with a total capacity of 620. The 49-foot stage can be configured for concerts, theatre, lectures, or film. Curtis Kasefang of Theatre Consultants Collaborative, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, turned to ETC and High End Systems to create a house rig that could be augmented by touring shows. “There were several factors that drove fixture selection: color rendering, fixture noise, and heat contribution chief among them,” says Kasefang. “The client had a clear vision of a very theatrical space, not your traditional concert hall. He wanted it to be able to support acoustic music, amplified music, film, and secondarily dance and other performing arts.”
Kasefang faced several challenges. “The noise floor was very low, so lighting fixtures had to be fanless for acoustic events and the lighting had to be invisible. The audience chamber and the stage are surrounded by wooden grillage, through which you can see the enclosing box, which was built as an enveloping cyclorama. The initial architectural lighting fixtures didn’t cut it, so we employed the ETC ColorSource CYC fixtures which provided a beautiful quality of light that felt limitless.”
FIXTURES AND CONTROL
The project is predominantly ETC equipment driven by an Ion Xe 20 Console, including Source Four Series 2 Lustr+ front light for amplified events, ColorSource Spots for side and high side light for amplified events, Desire D40 Lustr for down lights, ColorSource CYC lights and wall wash fixtures, and High End Systems SolaFrame Theatre automated fixtures.
“We banked on the development of the High End Systems SolaFrame Theatre units because the tightness of the room and the acoustic requirements demanded a remote focusing light, but we could not tolerate the noise. Early in design, we met with Bobby Hale and based on his word, we trusted the fixture would be a success,” said Kasefang. Being a California installation, environmental factors were important. “The decision to go all LED was a big one. In truth, cost was a wash relative to halogen, but it enabled a reduction in duct sizing which made the building design possible,” Fang explained.
A new Meyer Sound system based on LEOPARD line array loudspeakers is the keystone component of a complete audio upgrade for Omaha’s up to 18,300-seat CHI Health Center arena. Now equipped with the latest in audio reinforcement technology, the venue offers an enhanced audience listening experience for a wide range of large-scale athletic, community and corporate events.
Integrated and installed by the Sports and Entertainment division of Alpha Video, the new system replaces a sturdy but dated Meyer Sound point source cluster system that had been in place since the arena first opened in 2003.
“The durability and craftsmanship of the Meyer Sound speakers outlasted most of the rest of the system,” notes Gino Meyer, manager of audio-video technology for the Omaha Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA), the venue’s manager and operator. “So when it came time to upgrade to the latest in line array technology, going with a new Meyer Sound system was a no-brainer.”
CHI Health Center had worked extensively with Alpha Video on their broadcast systems, so MECA’s Meyer called on Jeff Volk, vice president of sports & entertainment, to work on solutions. System design was a collaborative effort involving Alpha Video Broadcast Design Engineer Fred Street in consultation with Meyer Sound Design Services. Although the planning process extended back to 2018, the actual installation was accomplished in two compressed time windows in summer and then late fall of 2019. The result, according to Meyer, has been a markedly improved audience experience.
“Creighton University men’s basketball is our main tenant here, so we really wanted a system with both very high intelligibility plus a really solid low end,” says Meyer, “since most of the incidental music for them is hip-hop. We really needed a system with punch, and the new Meyer Sound system definitely delivers.”
The system’s 88 LEOPARD line array loudspeakers are configured in six hangs, with four arrays of 16 each at the corners for near and far throw, and two of 12 each for the end arrays with a shorter throw. For low end impact, the 12 900-LFC low frequency control elements are deployed in four cardioid arrays, with two LF arrays of three each flown over the end LEOPARD arrays and two on the sides between the corner arrays. System drive and processing is courtesy of five GALAXY 816 network platforms, with three RMServer implementing comprehensive remote system monitoring.
The system produces remarkably uniform coverage across the full bandwidth, according to Alpha Video’s Fred Street. “Meyer Sound likes to hit within a couple dB consistently, and we’re doing that here,” he says. “Predicted maximum levels are well over 90 dB, and we’re certainly capable of doing that. We didn’t have time to do any formal intelligibility measurements, but it really wasn’t necessary. The clarity is amazing. It’s smooth, consistent and beautiful-sounding, top to bottom and all the way around.”
For Jeff Volk, the bottom line is making the sound work with the contemporary shift in sports video presentation. “It used to be just speech reinforcement in the PA, but what we’ve designed gives them a full range of music playback capability, including a lot of low frequency power. Now when the basketball team comes out, they can complement the opening video with a lot of low end punch to match the visual elements on the screen. Yet it still delivers a very high level of speech intelligibility, even when announcements are over the music.”
Testifying on behalf of the principal user of the venue is Joe Willman, director of marketing and broadcast services for Creighton University Athletics.
“The new Meyer Sound system certainly has delivered,” he says. “Whether you are courtside or in the last row, you get clear intelligibility and enhanced dynamic range. We’ve revised the way we create content for the venue, knowing that we have a lot more room to play with as far as what we’re giving the system. We’ve received compliments on the clarity of our PA announcer, and now when the opening video plays and the sound booms, the fans really know it’s game time!”
For Alpha Video’s Jeff Volk, client satisfaction is a consistent result when partnering with Meyer Sound. “Everything we do with them is a great experience,” he says. “Not only do they make great products, they back them with great engineering and great support. We couldn’t be happier with this project or the others we’re working on.”
Alpha Video’s complete overhaul of systems in the arena also included a complete network infrastructure upgrade on 10 GB fiber optic with fully redundant topology, new back-of-house systems, and new DSP and control systems. Also new are the two Yamaha consoles, with a QL5 at FOH and a QL1 at scoreboard control.
In addition to Creighton University men’s basketball, the CHI Health Center arena also regularly hosts NCAA “March Madness” basketball tournament games, NCAA Women’s Volleyball Finals, Olympic swimming trials (using large temporary pools), and the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders meeting. Concerts by major touring artists also are featured in the venue, though most acts will deploy their own end-stage audio production.
With so many in our industry confined to home as we ride out the Covid-19, the situation provides a great opportunity to brush up or hone skills online. Meyer Sound would like to support you by offering free online training.
They will provide an English-language session every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1800 CET/ 9:00am Pacific.
For easy access to these popular course offerings, simply click on this Zoom link to join the English sessions at the scheduled times: https://zoom.us/j/598994117
Sessions run approximately one hour, are free and no registration required.
They will list the upcoming training sessions in the Events calendar on their Facebook page.
Much of the time, microphones are used in situations where
germs can spread with ease. This can especially be the case in theatre and broadcast
situations with many different users using mics held or placed close to the
mouth. In all situations, cleaning your mics regularly is a good idea for
everyone.
Here are some guidelines that you can follow to keep your
microphones in great working order and make sure they are hygienic for users.
Remember, the most effective way to keep everyone around you healthy and happy
is to practice good hand hygiene.
Miniature & subminiature lavaliers and headsets
We have created short instructions on how to clean DPA Miniature, Subminiature, 4099 Instrument and Headset Microphones. These instructions work for both our omnidirectional and directional mics. Cleaning of mics should be done without grids, caps or foam screens for a proper rinse and to allow the water to evaporate fully when drying out. No cleaning fluids should be used – you will only need demineralized water.
Alternatively, let the microphone dry out on its own after use for 72 hours or place it in an oven at 60°C (140°F) for 30 minutes (please note, this will age the microphone a bit). This process will not clean the microphone but it will allow time for any germs to die.
The video below shows how you can clean all of your DPA Miniature, Subminiature, 4099 Instrument and Headset Microphones. These instructions work for both our omnidirectional and directional mics.
Headsets, clips, booms, grids and adapters can be wiped down on their surface with a cloth moistened sparingly with isopropyl alcohol.
Handheld and pencil microphones
These microphones can be wiped down on their surface with a
cloth moistened sparingly with isopropyl alcohol.
Alternatively, let the microphone dry out on its own after use for 72 hours or place it in an oven at 60°C (140°F) for 30 minutes (please note, this will age the microphone a bit). This process will not clean the microphone but it will allow time for any germs to die.
Cables
Cables cannot tolerate alcohol, but coconut oil is known for its disinfectant properties and can be used instead. Otherwise, we recommend gently washing them in warm water and soap or rubbing them with olive oil.
Foam windscreens
Foam windscreens for miniatures and headsets as well as larger mics can be removed and washed with warm water and soap.
Alternatively they can be removed and left to dry out on their own for 72 hours. This process will not clean the foam windscreen but it will allow time for any germs to die.
Part of a new terminal extension at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Aukio (Finnish
for “square” or “plaza”) is a relaxing, fluid space where global travelers can
gently immerse themselves in the unique sounds and sights of Finland’s vast
landscape. Aukio is surrounded by a gently undulating, two-meter high Samsung
4K video screen — wrapping for 75 meters around the perimeter walls — that
vividly displays Finland’s outdoor scenery cycling through the four seasons.
Complementing the visual panorama is a subtle yet engaging multi-channel
soundtrack, reproduced with precise definition by 27 Meyer Sound self-powered
loudspeakers.
In contrast to the noise and bustle of most airport concourse lounges, Aukio
provides an island of aural and visual serenity. According to Joni Sundelin,
director of Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, the goal of the project was to “create a
showcase through which millions of international passengers will receive their
first contact with Finland. The experience of Finnish design, fluency and
peaceful nature will leave the traveler with a long-lasting, pleasant memory.”
High quality and perfectly balanced audio was critical in achieving this
goal, principally because weary travelers can close their eyes but — short of
inserting earplugs — they cannot shut out sounds. Therefore, the audio program
had to be clearly present and fully supportive of the visuals, but never
annoying or intrusive.
The audio, video and lighting technology package was designed and engineered
by Studiotec Ltd. of nearby Espoo, Finland under the general direction of
Managing Director John-Axel Stråhlman and with project management by System
Specialist Kai Granholm.
“We evaluated options from two other leading loudspeaker manufacturers but
in the end we determined Meyer Sound offered the best overall solution,” says
Studiotec’s Granholm. “Their loudspeakers provide excellent natural sound
quality, a wide choice of sizes and a range of rigging options that allowed
precise placement and orientation.”
The complete Meyer Sound complement comprises 16 UPJunior and 10 UP-4XP
loudspeakers with low-frequency extension from a single X-400C cinema
subwoofer. The UP-4XP loudspeakers incorporate Meyer Sound’s exclusive
IntelligentDC technology, with balanced audio signals and 48V DC power for the
amplifiers supplied to the loudspeakers from a remote rack mount unit over a
single flexible cable.
“The sound of the system naturally supports the effect of the wide,
360-degree panoramic view,” notes Granholm. “The design emphasis is on the
natural beauty of Finland, including some very subtle but remarkable natural
sounds. For instance, many people are surprised that the Aurora Borealis
[Northern Lights] creates audible sound, usually described as crackle, sputter
or hissing. The effect on all sounds is remarkable, and overall the airport
management has been very pleased with the Meyer Sound system.”
In addition to the Samsung wrap-around screen and Meyer Sound loudspeakers,
the complete AVL technology package also includes nine Christie video
projectors, a Christie Pandora’s Box media server, and BrightSign media
players.
Chief designer for the terminal extension was PES-Architects, with video
display designed by Davidson Tarkela Architects in collaboration with Rune
& Berg Design. OiOi Collective and Granlund Oy provided concept development
and implementation of the presentation content. Tuusmet Ltd. and Visual Element
Ltd. partnered with Studiotec on the display installation.
Studiotec Ltd. is a leading Finnish distributor and integrator of audio,
video and lighting equipment. In business for more than 30 years and currently
with a team of around 60 professionals, Studiotec serves a broad range of
clients in government, broadcasting and the performing arts, as well as the cruise
ship building industry.
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is operated by Finavia, a public limited company
owned by the Finnish government.
