Antelope Valley College’s Performing Arts Theatre in Lancaster, California, US, has been equipped with a Meyer Sound Constellation acoustic system.
The audio system in the 400-seat theatre incorporates new Constellation and sound reinforcement solutions.
For the Constellation system, California-based integrators Sound Image fitted 16 miniature cardioid microphones distributed on stage and throughout the room. These are supplemented by 14 Stella-4C and 29 Stella-8C installation loudspeakers and four UMS-SM subwoofers.
To cover sound reinforcement, Sound Image deployed CQ-2 and UPQ-2P narrow coverage loudspeakers, compact UPJ-1P VariO loudspeakers, and a 700-HP subwoofer, which is used for both sound reinforcement and Constellation.
Both of these systems are driven by Meyer Sound’s D-Mitri digital audio platform, which features the company’s patented VRAS acoustical algorithm. In addition, Constellation lateral and overhead loudspeakers are matrixed by D-Mitri for theatrical sound.
The theatre enlisted acoustical consultant Roger Noppe of California-based Purcell-Noppe Associates to specify the passive and active acoustic systems, while theatre consulting and AV design was handled by Ian Hunter, senior consultant at San Francisco-based The Shalleck Collaborative.
The sound reinforcement system can operate simultaneously with Constellation or independently. At the press of a button, venue operators can adapt the auditorium’s acoustical characteristics to suit performances for the resident Antelope Valley Symphony Orchestra, Shakespeare plays and opera.
“Constellation’s effect is often subtle, but when applied in just the right amount, it is very effective and sounds remarkably natural,” commented David Newby, artistic director and conductor for the resident Antelope Valley Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale. “We always apply some enhancement for the orchestra, and usually select a preset with a bit longer reverberation for the chorus, particularly when singing a capella. I’m very satisfied with the results.”
