SymNet's flexible programming ability allowed Skdura to create master programs for each specific application, with customized sub-program pages allowing the SymNet to adapt to any type of event. "For instance for film sound, we were able to set up pages that would turn on or off individual sound system components, such as turning off a left-side mid-range driver or the high-frequency driver in the centre cluster," Skdura explains. "For music we can configure the page for a full-range system and also automatically set up an aux send for a subwoofer. Every program, live or pre-recorded, is different and has its own nuances. SymNet allowed us to create programs for many possibilities that the Theatre staff can call up, via the ARC remote, and have the Theatre adapt itself to the music. Even within an event's program, they can have perfectly tuned sound, such a page for a 5.1-surround film playback, followed by a program set up for a panel discussion about the film afterwards."
The SymNet system is located at the Soundcraft SM12 FOH console, and allows the system to toggle between the Theatre's two primary applications using preset I/O configurations. Two ARC remote controllers for the SymNet are set up both at the FOH position and in the projection booth. "We didn't use half the DSP power the system has," said Skdura.
SymNet controls a sound system based on EAW MQ speakers. A flown centre cluster consisting of two MQV-1364E three-way boxes and an MQM-1215 low-frequency cabinet handles both the LCR array chores for cinema sound and LCR for live shows, with eight EAW SB1000ZPI subs sited beneath the stage. Cinema and music performances further use nine EAW CR-721 surround speakers mounted on the side and rear walls. The fact that the centre cluster and LCR array can be used for both music and film applications significantly helped fulfill the requirement that the sound system be minimally intrusivevisually. "Better programmability meant we could use fewer components in the system and still achieve the sonic goal we had," Skdura says.
(Lee Baldock)
