Local A/V integration firm Sound Concepts, was hired to design and install high-fidelity sound systems, both for the new studios and to preemptively replace the older components in the existing studios. Sound Concepts delivered an impactful, energy-efficient sound system centred on the Ashly nXp8002 two-channel Network Amplifier rated at 800W per channel with a built-in Protea DSP processor. All nX Series amplifiers can be programmed to trigger a defeatable sleep mode where the amp draws less than 1 Watt of AC power.
"The Columbia Performing Arts Centre is always brimming with energy and activity, and high-quality sound reproduction is an important component in its success," said Chris Howe, manager at Sound Concepts. "In addition to supplying the new studios with great, easy-to-operate sound systems, the centre's directors wanted us to harmonize functionality and quality in the existing studios as well. That way, instructors trained in one studio will be able to use any other studio without a hiccup." Howe completed the installation in stages, beginning with the new rooms and progressing to the existing rooms as class schedule logistics permitted.
As requested, each studio is nearly identical. Each features a Denon DM700C CD player for a primary music source. Howe used its digital output with the Ashly nXp's optional digital input card. In addition, he gave each system a 1/8-inch iPod-style jack and connected it to the nXp's analog input. "If an instructor wants to use the CD player, they just use it and it works," he said. "If they want to connect their digital music source from a player, phone, or computer, they just turn the Denon player off, and the nXp automatically fails over to the analogue input.
"It's really simple and removes a layer of equipment that we (and they) would have had to deal with." He used the nXp's back-panel volume control option to wire a 10k potentiometer for a simple volume control. Depending on the room, the nXp powers either four 8ohm Renkus-Heinz TRX182s or two 8ohm Renkus-Heinz TRX151s. Each room gets the full benefit and liveliness of stereo sound."
(Jim Evans)
