In addition to the beautiful architecture and construction, the Four Seasons Centre boasts the sonic virtues of more than 150 Meyer Sound loudspeakers, though their presence isn't apparent: all are concealed from sight, either around the proscenium or embedded in the hall's walls and ceilings. The system works hand-in-glove with the acoustical characteristics to provide flexible support for any type of production, though opera usually proves the most demanding.
"The hall has extraordinary natural acoustics, and that makes it more challenging to introduce reinforced sound into a performance," comments Al Merson, head of sound at the Four Seasons Centre. "For opera, it is critical to carry all the subtleties, with sounds totally transparent and appearing to originate exactly where the director wishes. The Meyer Sound system accomplishes just that while keeping discreetly out of sight."
The design for the main system comprises a total of ten self-powered Meyer Sound loudspeakers framing the top and sides of the proscenium. Overhead are a CQ-1 wide coverage main loudspeaker, a UPA-1P compact wide coverage loudspeaker, and two UPJ-1P compact VariO loudspeakers at the sides to cover the near loges. The "chimneys" to either side of the proscenium each contain a CQ-2 narrow coverage main loudspeaker, a UPA-1P cabinet, and a PSW-2 high-power flyable subwoofer.
The complementary fill systems, covering the front rows and those seats architecturally shadowed from the main system, employ a total of 58 MM-4 miniature wide-range loudspeakers along with four UPJ-1Ps and a pair of UPM-1P loudspeakers. A separate surround system uses 56 MM-4 units distributed around the hall, while a directional effects system, usually flown upstage, projects with force through matched pairs of PSW-2 subs and MSL-4 horn-loaded long-throw loudspeakers.
Finally, for stage monitoring and flexible placement for special effects, the hall keeps a complement of five UPM-1P units, eight UPJ-1P cabinets, a UPA-1P, and four UM-1P narrow coverage stage monitors.
(Jim Evans)
