Tulsa, Oklahoma-based design/build firm Sounds From Heaven (SFH) Productions, LLC, was contracted to perform the facility upgrade. After extensive evaluation, a sizeable collection of loudspeakers from the D.A.S. Audio Aero catalogue was installed. The purchase included 20 Aero 38A medium format, powered three-way line array modules, 16 Aero CA-28A powered two-way, compact array modules, and eight Aero LX-218A powered subwoofers. The new equipment replaced a component-based centre cluster that hung above the scoreboard as well as a passive point source array that was used for concerts.
In its largest configuration, the sports arena layout encompasses four array clusters consisting of four Aero 38As over two CA-28As (using the D.A.S. AX-Combo rigging frame) in four equal distance 'corners' within the oval, along with two additional clusters each consisting of four CA-28As in the end zones behind the basketball goals.
The Johnston Theatre setup includes eight Aero 38As over 1-2 Aero CA-28As per side in a left-right configuration that is augmented by four ground stacked LX-218A subwoofers per side. The Expanded Theatre setup builds upon the Johnston setup by adding two outer arrays, each consisting of six CA-28As per side. CA-28As are periodically used as front fill along the edge of the stage in the Johnston setup.
First placed into service in October, the new system is being well received by Mabee Centre's technical staff as well as its patrons. "One of our biggest obstacles in the past was uneven coverage," notes Casey Phariss, Mabee Centre's chief audio engineer. "The new D.A.S. system corrects this. We now have very even, consistent coverage no matter where you listen from and each room setup has its own loudspeaker configuration that's optimized for that particular type of event. Changing the setups is easier and no matter what room configuration is called for, they all sound terrific. This overhaul was long overdue."
(Jim Evans)
