Milwaukee's The Rave Upgrades Sound System with Latest P.A. Equipment
**The Rave in Milwaukee Upgrades Sound System with dBTechnologies VIO PAs**
The Rave, a historic live music venue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has undergone a significant transformation with the installation of new dBTechnologies VIO PA systems. Originally built in 1926 as the home of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, The Rave has since evolved into a major live music complex, featuring the Rave Hall and Eagles Ballroom, each with a capacity of 1,800 and 4,000 respectively [1][2].
The decision to upgrade the sound system was made by Joe Balestrieri and Leslie West, the venue's owners, to provide top-tier sound quality and power for live music events [4]. The dBTechnologies VIO systems installed in both spaces have been praised for their clarity and power, meeting the demanding acoustic needs of large concerts and events hosted at these historic Milwaukee venues [5].
In the Eagles Ballroom, eight VIO L212s serve as mains, eight L1610s as out-fills, ten VIO S218 subs ground-stacked, and five VIO L1610s for front fills. The Rave Hall now boasts seven VIO L1610s and a dozen VIO S218 Subs per side as mains, along with four VIO L208 as front fills [3]. Monitor systems in both spaces include eight VIO W15Ts, four VIO S118 Subs, four VIO C12 Tops as side fills, and a VIO S118 drum sub [3].
The choice of dBTechnologies was based on hearing the system in action at Milwaukee Irish Fest in 2023 [6]. Local dBTechnologies representatives Audio Biz and Clearwing deployed the system at the festival, providing a positive experience that led to its selection for The Rave.
The upgrades to the sound system are part of a larger effort to modernise The Rave while preserving its historic character. Upgrades have also been made to amenities, new acoustic treatments, HVAC systems, and lighting [7]. The commitment to keeping The Rave up-to-date is crucial due to its high number of shows, with over 200 shows annually by artists such as Bob Dylan, Slayer, T-Pain, Jack White, Florence and the Machine, Lainey Wilson, and others [8].
According to Joe Balestrieri, the upgrades to the sound system in The Rave Hall and Eagles Ballroom have resulted in the best sound quality the venue has ever had [9]. The new sound system in The Rave is now considered to be equal to anyone's, with the new dBTechnologies VIO PAs [5]. The Rave's sound system upgrade reflects a commitment to preserving the historic venues' reputation while modernizing their technical capabilities to serve modern touring acts and audiences alike [4][5].
The upgraded sound system in The Rave, featuring dBTechnologies VIO PAs, has been lauded for its power and clarity, transforming the venue's audio capabilities for live events. With the addition of new technology, gadgets such as VIO L212s, L1610s, S218 subs, W15Ts, S118 subs, and C12 tops, the venue now boasts a sound quality that rivals contemporary live music complexes.
