For director of audio programmes Dana Roun, the selection of a Meyer Sound system was driven by a careful balance of technological and educational considerations. "The audio system had to be second-to-none in performance and versatility," he notes. "We had to satisfy every imaginable scenario, from full-tilt, high SPL concerts to precise acoustic music, plus guest speakers, surround visual presentations, and theatre in the round. The Meyer Sound system certainly delivers on that count.
"Educationally, the system had to lend our students a full understanding of audio system design and integration, diverse live applications, and system optimization," continues Roun. "Certainly the SIM 3 [audio analyzer] and MAPP Online Pro [acoustical prediction programme] serve as a foundation for audio design and analysis. Beyond that, we needed a solid commitment to educational support, which is something Meyer Sound has clearly demonstrated."
The new Full Sail Live system is based around left-right arrays of eight-each MIca line array loudspeakers with low-end support from eight 600-HP subwoofers. Centre- and front-fill systems are, respectively, five JM-1P arrayable and four UPJ-1P VariO loudspeakers. The monitoring complement includes UM-1P, USM-1P, and MJF-212A stage monitors, as well as UPA-1P and UPM-1P loudspeakers.
The surround setup features 15 HMS-10 cinema surround loudspeakers and two UPQ-1P loudspeakers as rear-corner systems. The main and surround systems are driven by a Galileo loudspeaker management system with, respectively, dual and single Galileo 616 processors.
"The Galileos are key to controlling the large and distributed system," says Production Manager for Show Production Dave Arias. "We can control the main PA from FOH while monitoring everything with RMS."
Since opening in early summer, the Full Sail Live venue has hosted a variety of concerts and events, including the school's Hall of Fame Awards, a concert by the alt-electro-rock band Mutemath, and surround sound workshops by engineers from TV's Lost series.
(Jim Evans)
