Martin Audio has supplied a modular loudspeaker system to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, addressing longstanding coverage deficiencies in the Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium – a 700-capacity hall originally designed in 1954 for unamplified performance.
The previous system, comprising early-generation powered column speakers positioned only on the left and right sides of the room, delivered uneven coverage across both the floor and balcony. Sebastian Hurtado, senior technical manager, AVMS production at The Met, said he identified the need for an upgrade within three days of joining the institution in 2024.
The installed system is anchored by a centre cluster of three Martin Audio TORUS T1230 and one T1215 constant curvature array elements, rigged from a truss at the front of the stage. Four FlexPoint FP12 12in premium point-source speakers address outer coverage gaps on the sides of the room, while four FP6 6in models – time-delayed – cover the under-balcony zone. Ten LE100 stage monitors complete the fixed installation.
For larger performances, a ground-stacked system of three TORUS T820 8in tops and two SXC115 15in cardioid subwoofers per side doubles as a portable rig for events across the museum’s gallery spaces, including the acoustically demanding all-glass Engelhard Court.
Hurtado, senior technical manager, AVMS production at The Met, said: “The even coverage is the most significant improvement; there’s not a dead spot in the entire room. And we have the full frequency range represented with incredible clarity and fullness. Whether it’s a lecture that keeps the audience engaged, or a full band with brass and strings, everything is represented properly.”
Martha Callaghan, northeastern regional sales manager, North America at Martin Audio USA, added: “It’s a gorgeous venue, with important work to do, and the combination of TORUS and FlexPoint makes sure that work is coherent and delivered with pristine articulation and clarity.”
The system was purchased through dealer ADI, who handled amplifier programming and final tuning. Physical installation, including cable routing through the building’s century-old infrastructure, was carried out by The Met’s in-house team.
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