Vine Theater Modernizes Its Sound Experience with New 1SOUND Audio Setup
The lively Vine Theatre, nestled within the luxurious Del Lago Resort and Casino in Waterloo, NY, is a hub for a diverse array of touring bands, comedians, and various performances. This 1,600-seat theater, a popular destination for performers, recently underwent an upgrade to its concert system, now boasting the cutting-edge 1 SOUND system.
The decision to improve the audio system was a necessary response to persistent issues with sound quality, system reliability, and the deteriorating condition of their existing self-powered line array system. Tom Knauss, principal consultant at NV5 Consultants, was brought in to evaluate the current setup and offer suggestions. According to Knauss, the existing system was past its prime, with many components beyond repair, and the overall sound quality was deteriorating.
In the course of their assessment, NV5수기 3 proposals mostly focusing on replacing the line array system were considered. However, based on the success of several recent proscenium theater upgrade projects, NV5 recommended exploring an alternative approach. This approach would be designed using digitally modeled, multi-channel, point source arrays, which presented a refreshing contrast to the traditional line array setup.
Curious about this innovative strategy, the Del Lago management organized an on-site demonstration of a point source solution from 1 SOUND. Given the urgency of their needs, 1 SOUND agreed to provide a demo followed by a factory-developed report, including a system design and proposal from an authorized 1 SOUND integrator.
1 SOUND's founder and designer, Lou Mannarino, conducted the demonstration based on a preliminary digital model utilizing multiple full-range point source devices and carefully located subwoofer devices. The demonstration immediately outperformed the existing system, leaving FOH engineer Mike Richards from The Vine utterly amazed.
"I was taken aback by the quality of sound coming from those relatively small speakers," said Richards. "We wanted new technology that could cater to our room's needs and deliver the sound pressure levels required for our concerts. 1 SOUND was the ideal choice."
Anthem Productions, a 1 SOUND dealer and integrator, was awarded the contract to complete the full installation of the system. The system included left, center, right, under balcony, over balcony, stage fills speakers, as well as stage wedges, drum fills, and more.
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The visible PA, as the main left and right, consisted of two Contour CT212s mounted on either side using their dedicated wall bracket. The Contour CT212s, with their two 12-inch drivers and a mid-high coaxial compression driver, provided a constant directivity, horn-loaded loudspeaker with a max SPL of 145 dB and a 3-way crossover for controlled, powerful sound. Four CSUB610s were positioned in front of the stage, and five SUB2112s were flown by truss, delivering the necessary depth and impact for the venue.
For the mezzanine, two more CT212s were suspended from the truss. The smaller speaker in the series, the Contour CT28, was used for coverage from the truss and the catwalk. Ten Level L38 loudspeakers were flush-mounted to the ceiling, standing only 8 inches off the ceiling, for under balcony fills.
"The clarity and coverage provided by the 1 SOUND system is astounding," said Richards. "With the completed 1 SOUND system, we have even coverage with + or -2 dB in every seat, which puts us ahead of industry standards. I used to rely heavily on EQs and compressors, but with these Contour boxes, I hardly need them."
As for the sound on stage, The Vine marked the first theater to use 1 SOUND's new cardioid concert monitor, the CM38. The CM38s, with their small stature and progressive horn design, offered increased control for the musicians on stage.
"The standard reaction I get when a guest engineer walks into the sound booth, they remark, 'That's all the PA I have?' Because all you see are two boxes on the wall. I encourage them to turn it on and have a listen. When they leave, they always ask for more information on this system," concluded Richards.
The advantages of choosing a 1 SOUND point source system at The Vine Theater include providing a more natural and coherent sound in intimate venues, offering better uniform coverage, being simpler to set up and maintain, and being more cost-effective compared to traditional line arrays. The choice aligns perfectly with the venue's focus on high-quality live performances and audience experience.
The Vine Theatre, newly equipped with the cutting-edge 1 SOUND system, has expanded its offerings beyond live performances to include state-of-the-art technology. Tom Knauss from NV5 Consultants, following an evaluation of the current setup, suggested replacing the traditional line array system with a more innovative approach, employing digitally modeled, multi-channel, point source arrays. The chosen solution, implemented by Anthem Productions, features Contour CT212s, CSUB610s, SUB2112s, Level L38 loudspeakers, and 1 SOUND's new cardioid concert monitor, the CM38, promising a natural and coherent sound, uniform coverage, and a simpler setup for the venue.
