Revelation Sound, Inc. (RSI), a state licensed A/V specialty electrical and integration firm that has niche markets to houses of worship and their associated academic institutions since 1984, was awarded the contract for the audio, video and intercom portion of the project.
The acoustic consulting and analysis for the project was done in partnership with Robert Bernecker of SEFI Consulting in Dallas, Texas. RSI has partnered with SEFI on numerous projects, with the collaboration resulting in excellent A/V designs.
"The gymnasium is brand new construction and is intended to accommodate a huge range of functions, including masses, classroom assemblies, presentations, alumnae events, performances, and, of course, gym class and sporting events," said Michael Melcher, president of Revelation Sound. "The A/V system had to be as easy to operate as a toaster! Thus, the A/V portion of the project features reliable, cost-effective Ashly Audio KLR-series amplifiers and an 8 x 8 Ashly ne8800 networked audio processor."
RSI cited the value of Ashly's technical support and customer service as a key aspect of OLLA's new system: "What we bring to the table is dependent on how our manufacturers support us," Melcher said. "We have to be more than just a number on a sales sheet. Working with Ashly gives us that support. When we call, we always speak to a knowledgeable technician immediately - someone we know and have a relationship with. We sell that support as part of our bid. It is critical. Because Ashly provides such excellent support, we'll stick with Ashly. We're very conservative and very loyal."
Inputs to OLLA's new systems include a well-chosen collection of wireless, standard wired and podium microphones, as well as a Tascam combination CD/iPod/MP3 player and four Mystery Electronics brass court floor boxes. A roll-around rack holds a small Allen & Heath mixer, which provides one level of user control. All of the inputs wend their way to the Ashly ne8800 8-In x 8-Out Protea DSP Processor, which provides gain-sharing auto-mixing for turnkey operation. The processor in turn feeds six Ashly KLR-3200 1600W two-channel amplifiers.
To round out the project, Revelation Sound installed a large EIKI Hi-Def projector mounted on an SVS lift and paired it with a retractable Da-Lite screen.
The result: An excellent user-friendly, high-tech A/V system that meets the needs of one "constantly evolving" learning environment that aims at assisting the school to effectively fulfill its mission.
(Jim Evans)
