Chester Williamson is technical director at Señor Frogs and oversees all aspects of audio and video at the popular establishment. Señor Frogs recently completed a substantial upgrade to its sound reinforcement system. Coordinated by Williamson in conjunction with GC Pro (Guitar Center Professional Division) and D.A.S. Audio of America, the new sound system incorporates a combination of D.A.S. Audio Aero 8A ultra-compact, two-way line array modules, LX-218CA high performance, powered subwoofers, and the Artec 26 2-way passive loudspeakers. Williamson discussed the challenges of the project.
"Our establishment has a very open design," explained Williamson. "On one half of the complex, we have the nightclub, where the house band and DJ perform from a stage that is centrally located in a space that is much wider than it is deep. The bar is positioned opposite the band and behind the bar is the dining area. Both the dining area and the area behind the stage are open to views of the ocean.
"We wanted to provide adequate sound pressure levels for the nightclub-without being too loud for those who choose to dine with us. As a result, we required a loudspeaker system that delivered broad horizontal dispersion to fully cover the area, but with controlled throw so as to not overpower the restaurant. Secondly, the installation had to take place during the night when we were closed so as not to disturb patrons, so time and efficiency were critical concerns."
Given these considerations, all parties agreed that the D.A.S. Audio Aero 8A and LX-218CA would be well suited for use as the main house system. Eight Aero 8A's were flown-four elements to each the left and right sides of the stage-and these were accompanied by two LX-218CA subwoofers, which were housed in recessed cubicles underneath the stage.
"The Aero 8A's and the LX-218CA subs were perfect for this project," states Williamson. "The Aero's integrated hardware is really well designed and enabled us to fly the system and set the pin outs very quickly and easily. Being all self-powered loudspeakers, system cabling was considerably easier and, this too, helped streamline the installation process. Equally significant, the Aero 8A has the wide dispersion we required to provide proper coverage throughout the nightclub."
(Jim Evans)
