Three Lakes Center for the Arts Live Sound Reinforcement System Install and Testing Notes Project Summary 2 Signal Flow Diagram 4 Original Proposal 5 Pictures 9 Zachery Strauss 1
Project Summary Last Revised 4/5/2013 6:29 PM Project Summary The project to install a reverberant component to augment the existing live sound system at the Three Lakes Center for the Arts achieved and exceeded its proposed goals. The addition of speakers in the crawlspace of the celling fixture afforded a natural-sounding extension to the visible PA speakers on the stage already, and allowed the stage volume to be lower, while the house level was consistent. The increased flexibility also gives the venue further options to tune the space s sound reinforcement to individual acts. Install Notes The mid-channel speakers put into the celling fixture fit without incident; the increased amount of ductwork was not a problem. I did not receive the tie-in point to the surround right and left channels of the in-house movie sound system, thus that section of the proposal was not implemented. The same is true of the side channels for the celling, as I had overestimated the power-handling ability of the speakers available to me. The elements of the original proposal that were fully integrated were the: Stage Left and Right Dual Subwoofers In-celling mid Channels Even at this reduced level of functionality, the system met the goals put forth in the original system proposal. Testing Notes The system was tested by playing back a variety of sources including commercially recorded music as well as a set of stems from a youth band contest recorded at the venue previously. The weaknesses of this testing are that: The theater was not at seating capacity for the testing The stage was not at the volume level that it would be during a live performance Zachery Strauss 2
Equipment List Last Revised 4/5/2013 6:29 PM Three Lakes Center for the Arts House Equipment Involved 2x Peavey PR 15 PA Speakers 1x dbx 231s Stereo 31-Band GEQ Crown XLS 1000 2-ch PA amp @ 215W/Ch(8Ω) Mackie CFX16 MKII 16 Channel mixer Three Lakes Center for the Arts House Equipment unsued Ramsa WR-s4424 24 Channel, 4 buss mixer Zach Strauss Personal Equipment used MOTU Audio 2408 24x24 Audio interface (3x8 Used) (Original mk1 model) Computer Windows based custom build 2x Computer monitors 23 1920x1080 and 27 2560x1440 Pioneer SX-311R Home stereo receiver, used as mid/side amp 2x MTX audio AAL12 Home speakers 2x Subwoofers, unknown 15 Electro-voice drivers, ported horn boxes Phase Linear A60 225W/ch power amplifier, used for subs Zach Strauss Personal Equipment unused 2x Ross R-183 PA Speakers Peavey CS-800 Power Amp Studiomaster 16/4/2 28 Channel, 4 buss mixer Crown VFX2A 2ch, 2way active crossover Zach Strauss Software Used REAPER DAW Assorted Waves EQ plugins Zachery Strauss 3
Signal Flow Diagram Last Revised 4/5/2013 6:29 PM Zachery Strauss 4
Original Proposal Abstract The TLCFA has had past problems during live shows, in which the volume throughout the venue is inconsistent, and many seats in the house are acoustically inferior to other parts of the building. This system aims to add a method of keeping volume throughout the house consistent, as well being able to modify certain aspects of the live sound reinforcement system dynamically, through the use of computer-based DSP. Limitations of current system Due to position of speakers relative to the seating, the difference in sound level from the front to the back of the house is drastic, leading to patrons in front complaining of excessive loudness, and hampering clarity in the rear of house. The shape of the building induces many unconventional issues with room modes when used with a traditional stereo reinforcement system. Due to the highly reflective nature of the house back wall, large amounts of PA are reflected straight back to the stage, adding difficulty to monitoring and micing on stage. Proposed system impact By adding more in-house speakers to the system, volume differences throughout the house can be alleviated. Reverberant nature of proposed system can be tuned to change the apparent characteristics of the space. DSP-based nature of system allows for easy tuning of all aspects of the audio system. An avenue for potential future video integration is created. Proposed system difficulties Speakers are added to ceiling space, making access more difficult. Separation between movie and live sound systems is blurred. Proposed audio system is reliant on a computer with some specialized hardware and software. Proposed system is significantly more complex to operate, owing to its amazing customizability. Use of DSP adds an approx. 10ms delay between sound on stage and the PA system, this should not be audible, but may cause comb filtering on stage. Zachery Strauss 5
Original Proposal Proposal implementation steps 1. A set of four speakers is placed in the celling crawlspace, with required amplification to be placed in the projection booth, or where appropriate. 2. A computer with an 8-channel audio interface is set up near the house board, and configured as per the system diagram. 3. System is tested and further configured to suit the venue. Requirements of implementation Time to set up and test the system, most likely over the period of two to three days is needed. This entails building and theater access, with equipment being left set up overnight. Ability to place speakers in crawlspace is needed. Direct access to house movie sound system, surround right and left channels is needed to tie in. Zachery Strauss 6
Original Proposal Zachery Strauss 7
Original Proposal Zachery Strauss 8
Pictures REAPER Mix Window Zachery Strauss 9
Pictures Final stage setup Computer and Mixer setup Zachery Strauss 10
Pictures Installed speakers Zachery Strauss 11