Singapore-based ProAktiv Systems supplied and installed an EAW® speaker system with Powersoft amplification at the Elements Club and Lounge in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia.

The club area, where the music is typically a mix of hip-hop, house and funk, features a pair of EAW Avalon Series DC2 three-way loudspeakers horizontally mounted above the raised dance floor. Four SB1002 dual-18-inch subwoofers provide additional low frequency coverage down to a floor-shaking 28 Hz. Powersoft Digam LD3004, D2002 and K3 amplifiers provide the power to the club sound system. Two ultra-compact EAW UB82e loudspeakers powered by a Powersoft LD2004 amplifier ensure even coverage to the DJ and VIP areas.

Chandan Mahtani, Managing Director for ProAktiv Systems, stated, "This is the only club in Cambodia that can boast to be the best in the country. The owner did not compromise on the décor or the sound and lighting system. He had visited TAO in Vegas some years ago and wanted something similar for his club."

The lounge area at Elements, where locals and visitors can retreat for chilled drinks and relaxed conversation, is served by a distributed system of 13 compact, full range EAW VR62 dual-six-inch loudspeakers, together with a single SB150z subwoofer. EAW CAZ1400 and CAZ2500 amplifiers power the lounge's background music speaker setup. Downstairs, in a smaller lounge area, ProAktiv Systems installed a pair of SMS5 loudspeakers and three SBX220 subwoofers. The systems integrator also installed two EAW UX8800 digital signal processors to handle speaker management and system optimization throughout the nightclub.

Posted by EAW at 2:55 PM | Permalink

 Atlanta-based New Birth Missionary Baptist Church recently renovated its $50 million, 7,500-seat sanctuary and opened a sister church in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Design team chose EAW® loudspeakers to fulfill the demand for state-of-the-art sound systems. Chief Engineer Mitch Donner and Production Manager Melvin Wood led the church's own production team in the design and installation of the entire system with the assistance from Roy Drukenmiller of Rock "N" Road and EAW Southeastern Representative, Quest Marketing's' Jim Greene.

"We have had good success with EAW in many of the systems we've done for the church," notes Donner. "We've looked at other loudspeaker options, and nothing really compares to the performance we get from the EAW speakers, especially for a building of this size."

The P.A. system in the Atlanta arena-style location consists of three EAW KF760 Long-Throw Line Array Modules and four EAW KF761 Short Throw Line-Array Modules in a flown line array on both sides of the stage, with three KF760s and four KF761s for the center array, completing an L-C-R main P.A. system. There are sixteen EAW SB1000z Large Format Subwoofers placed eight per side. Donner chose six EAW JF80z Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers for the front fill and 22 EAW UB82 Near-field Loudspeakers for under-balcony fills. Five EAW KF737 High-Q Line Array Modules handle out-fills. In the choir area, four EAW KF730 Compact Line Array Modules hang from the ceiling, and four EAW KF650z Compact Array Loudspeakers are used as side-fills, two per side.

The 2,500-seat Charlotte church facility presented architectural construction issues that compelled a modification to the sound system design. Structural changes meant that certain speakers had to hang lower than originally planned. However, thanks to the flexibility of EAW loudspeakers, the church was able to use all of the original sound system design components. The church's L-C-R arrays use eighteen KF730s and six EAW SB730 Compact Line Array Subwoofers with three SB1000z subwoofers on the floor for added low end support. Six JF50z compact loudspeakers are built in to the stage edge for front fills and six JF80z loudspeakers address the under-balcony fill.

In Charlotte, the EAW DX8 DSP Digital Matrix Mixer and DX810 DSP-based digital audio mixer and signal processors are integrated into the system, as is the EAW UX8800 Digital Signal Processor with EAW Focusing technology, assuring a perfectly tuned system. Says Donner, "EAW always delivers and we're very pleased with that."

Posted by EAW at 1:31 PM | Permalink

The sound system consists of four EAW Avalon Series DCS2 Bent Horn Dance Subwoofers and four Avalon Series DC4 Medium-Format Dance Club Loudspeakers in the dance floor area, powered by Lab.gruppen C-Series and FP+ Series amplifiers with all processing handled by EAW's UX8800. Four CIS400 Ceiling Loudspeakers serve the club's reception area, and four Avalon Series SMS5 Surface Mount Loudspeakers provide sound for the outdoor bar are and are controlled by a EAW UX8800 Digital Signal Processor with proprietary EAW Focusing technology.

Andrew Rowan, Founder of Surgesound, says the EAW Avalon series components have provided consistently exceptional performance at all of the VDP venues. "We are happy with the way the system has performed in all the clubs," he states. "The system in this configuration, used in Clapham Gold, has become a standard in most VDP Group venues. The Clapham Gold is the fourth venue from the Group to employ this setup. It's a powerful, reliable and sophisticated system that delivers on its promise superbly."

Guy Baranyay of VDP noted, "The EAW system is performing magnificently. Within the club environment it is generally very difficult to attain the utopia of soul shaking power on the dance floor combined with quality/fidelity of sound in the more social areas of the club. It's incredible to see the EAW system meet this ideal. It's very pleasing to see customers talking to one another with ease around the bars and tables before shouting out the latest tunes on the dance floor moments later."

Not surprisingly, the EAW Avalon Series has been a hit everywhere it's been implemented. Numerous groundbreaking EAW technologies form the core of the series, including advanced horn and phase-plug technologies found in the flagship KF700 Series line of concert loudspeakers. Another technique employed to great effect is Tuned Dipolar Array (TDA), which provides the most focus control of low-frequency energy devised to this point.

Posted by EAW at 5:00 PM | Permalink

 New York's Major League Soccer team, the New York Red Bulls, finally have a place to call home. The new Red Bull Arena, in Harrison, New Jersey, was completed on March 20, 2010, and features outstanding sound, thanks to EAW®, a world leader in audio system solutions.

The arena features a European design, with a canopy that encircles the entire two-tiered seating area. The first row seats are approximately 21 feet from the touchlines, while the following rows are steeply raked, creating an intimate experience for fans that are closer to the playing field than in traditional U.S. soccer stadiums.

"This is the only soccer stadium of its kind in the United States," states Brian Elwell, Project Manager for Acoustic Dimensions. A catwalk that follows the path of the canopy made access to the hang points easier, but the proximity of the canopy to the seats created coverage challenges for the P.A. system design. The closer speakers were located to seating areas, the less dispersion that each speaker could deliver. At the same time, however, simply adding boxes to expand the density of coverage would not have been cost effective. The solution was a combination of boxes from EAW's AX and MK Series of products.

Utilizing the canopy, P.A. system designer Acoustic Dimensions specified a system of alternating hang points along the perimeter of the 1,400+-linear-foot-long canopy. Each main hang point features an EAW AX364-WP Arrayable Install Loudspeaker (aimed for long-throw use), an EAW MK2399-WP Two-Way Full Range Installation Loudspeaker (rear firing) and an EAW MK2394-WP Two-Way Full Range Installation Loudspeaker (down firing). These main clusters alternate with intermediate hangs consisting of an additional MK2399-WP (rear firing) and an MK2394-WP (down firing). EAW AX396-WP Arrayable Install Loudspeaker units were used along the 350 feet of canopy over the west press box side of the arena. A total of 24 AX Series speakers and 82 MK Series speakers were used.

"In terms of the amount of output versus the cost per box, EAW was by far the best choice," says Elwell. "Their coverage pattern met all of our needs and from a cost point of view they are the most efficient available. We've been extremely pleased with the overall coverage we've gotten with this P.A. system - it gives us great sound at every single seat."

Casey Sherred, consultant with Acoustic Dimensions on the project, cites the AX Series cabinets' full-range design as another crucial reason for their choice. "We didn't have to do a crossover in DSP because the cabinet sounds great on its own," he explains. "Then you add the EAW Focusing alignment and driver processing via the EAW UX8800 dual-mode digital processor, which further enhances the performance of the cabinet, and that makes the system really shine," he adds. "We get great performance out of a very cost-effective solution without having to spend additional money on DSP crossover amplification. That's really incredible."

Perhaps incidentally, the Red Bulls won their very first exhibition game in their new home, and won their first regular-season game with a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire on March 27. The sound certainly didn't hurt.

Posted by EAW at 4:00 PM | Permalink

Famed jazz venue Yoshi's most recent venture, in San Francisco's Fillmore Heritage Center, carries on the tradition begun by Founder Yoshi Akiba and her partners Kaz Kajimura and Hiroyuki Hori in 1973, when they opened a tiny sushi restaurant and jazz club in Berkeley. The new location is a 28,000-square-foot, two-story, state-of-the-art venue that features the best of local, national and international jazz artists, with seating for 417 in the jazz club and nearly 371 in the restaurant and lounge. In order to keep the intimacy that helped make the original Yoshi's so popular, JK Sound, the Bay Area sound systems company that co-designed and installed the new venue's P.A. system, turned to EAW®'s Strategic Engineering Group to do critical custom modifications to the EAW AX396 3-Way Full-Range Installation Speaker, thereby rendering a new model dubbed the EAW AX-SY 3-Way Full-Range Installation Loudspeaker. Once again, the Strategic Engineering Group came through, assuring that the new Yoshi's had great sound and clear sightlines

Michael Lacina, President of JK Sound, and Tom Schindler of acoustical consulting firm Charles Salter Associates, collaborated on the design and componentry of the new system. It was determined that an L-C-R array design would provide the desired coverage, using three pairs of EAW's AX396 speakers with EAW's UX8800 Digital Signal Processor.

The AX396 pairs were to be oriented such that their 90-degree pattern axis was vertical and that the 60-degree pattern axis was coupled, rendering an overall horizontal coverage of 120 degrees for each of the left, center and right speaker pairs. This was the goal of Tom Schindler's design: to provide a true L-C-R listening experience for the entire audience.

However, they encountered the perennial conflict of visual aesthetic versus optimized acoustic performance. "The design called for two AX396 90 x 60 degree cabinets side by side with the vertical dispersion at 90 [degrees] and the combined horizontal dispersion at 120 [degrees]," Lacina explains. "The front dimension of the AX box is 2' x 3'. Acoustically, one would want to arrange the boxes vertically side by side so that the high-mid components have minimal distance between them. But aesthetically, one would want the smallest vertical profile possible so that the speaker would loom less large over the performers' heads."

The solution, they decided, was to strip out the low-frequency woofers from the AX396 altogether and hide these components in the proscenium directly above each L-C-R Mid High pair. Long time JK systems engineer Brad Katz came up with the idea to marry the side-by-side 60 x 90 mid-high horns together in one cabinet, thereby simplifying the complexity of the speaker installation. The new design greatly reduced the vertical and horizontal profile of the speaker arrays, creating a sleek, compact and powerful system. Lacina presented the idea to both Kenton Forsythe, founder of EAW and its Senior VP of Engineering, and Joe Fustolo, EAW's Director of the Strategic Engineering Group. They agreed it could be done, and that there was also an opportunity to minimize the distance between the acoustic centers of the adjoining mid-high components. Thus the AX-SY was born.

A final tweak to the design was a 30-degree angle at the top of the cabinet to get the speaker up as high above the stage as possible. To handle the lows, now that the woofers had been separated out, Forsythe, Fustolo and Lacina decided on the EAW SB625z Medium Format Subwoofer, a compact but powerful dual 15", for the mid bass, which was to be placed above each pair of high-mids. Then between each of the L-C-R dual 15" mid bass cabs, there would be two dual-18 subwoofers, all hidden from view behind an acoustically transparent scrim in the proscenium.

"The beauty of the design is that all of the big low frequency boxes are completely hidden behind the scrim, so the P.A. would look petite but sound huge and effortless," Lacina explains. Yoshi's would also add other groundbreaking elements to its sound system, including the first installation of EAW's then-brand new MicroWedge, which turned out to be so successful (thanks to its small footprint, large output and high phase coherency) that Yoshi's purchased a dozen more MW12s and MW15s for their Oakland venue. And the installation would also be the most extensive use at the time of EAW UX8800s, with a total of five units providing 40 channels of processing output. Thanks to the resourcefulness of EAW's Strategic Engineering Group and the hard work of Lacina, Brad Katz, and the rest of the JK Sound team, and Tom Schindler of Salter and associates, the newest Yoshi's lives up to the goal that had been set for it from the beginning: to be one of the best places in the world to listen to live jazz.

Posted by EAW at 8:50 AM | Permalink

The opening of the new venue Mumja late last year moved the nightclub scene in Tirana, Albania, up several notches. To cater to the widest audience possible, the club hosts DJs spinning house, groove, electro, progressive, techno, drum'n'bass and more on weekends, while during the week, rock, R&B, Latino and funk bands play live. To get the best possible sound for both configurations, Mumja turned to EAW® loudspeaker technology.

The new sound system, designed and installed by leading Albanian sales and installation company (and EAW's Albanian distributor) Prosound Shpk, is composed of eight EAW JFL210 Compact Line Array Modules configured in two arrays of four speakers each, buttressed by four EAW LA400 Bent Horn Subwoofers under the stage. And the DJs can hear themselves loud and very clear thanks to a pair of EAW FR129z Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers used as stage monitors.

The owners of the two-story, 4,000-square-foot nightclub were looking for a very high-energy sound system using speakers placed as fills throughout the club. However, Kliton Gjika, Sales Manager for Prosound Shpk, immediately recommended the EAW JFL210 line array. "The JFL210 has an amazing sound, it's very easy to rig, and has wide horizontal coverage that can fill the entire club and with vertical coverage to reach all the way to the front of the club and to the balcony, which is 50 feet away," he explains. "It was the perfect solution."

Gjika is amused by how visiting DJs and bands are surprised by the quality and coverage of the sound system from a line array in a dance club. "They all ask, how its possible just these few speakers to cover the entire club?" he says. "But when they hear it, they believe it."

Gjika says he choose the EAW LA400 sub due to its punchy bass and consistent medium throw, perfect for the bass-heavy house music favored by the international DJs and live bands hosted at Mumja. "Sometimes we have to turn down the sub," he says. "It has 500 watts RMS, and the output is comparable to using double 18-inch subs. That means we don't have to push the power amplifiers as hard, so the sound stays clear."

Prosound introduced EAW to the Albanian installed-sound market several years ago, initially with the KF730 Compact Line Array Module as rental items. Demand and inventory have grown since to also include the EAW Avalon Series, a favorite of nightclubs around the world, and EAW's SMS Surface Mount Series of loudspeakers. "The EAW brand has become well respected in Albania as the leading brand of loudspeakers for clubs, bars and discos," notes Gjika. "It offers great overall clarity at all frequencies, clear highs, warm midrange and amazing low-frequency response, even at high SPLs. They're just great speakers."

Posted by EAW at 2:53 PM | Permalink

"The large concentric horn design of EAW's AX366 disperses the sound evenly throughout the room," explains Ken Coey, Commercial Sales Manager and Systems Designer at Hollowood. "The AX366 was the perfect fit for this project." Two of the loudspeaker enclosures were used, flown from the ceiling near the sidewalls, which kept reflections to a minimum.

"We used the AX366 in a similar installation recently for Franciscan University's Field house, and they were the perfect solution there, too," recalls Coey. "And the AX366's extended frequency range meant we didn't have to use a subwoofer, so that saved the school even more money without sacrificing any sound quality. My designs always start with the speakers, and EAW is always my first choice. The application-specific design of their products means I'll always have the right speaker to base a design off of."

The EAW AX366 has a horn pattern of 60° x 60°. All AX enclosures, including the companion AX122 subwoofer, have an identically sized, dual trapezoidal shape. The MF/HF transducer loads into a large, common horn via a modified version of the EAW's patented Radial Phase Plug. A unique HF waveguide is integrated within the center of the phase plug. It is acoustically transparent to the MF energy while being acoustically opaque to and acting as a waveguide for the HF energy.

Posted by EAW at 11:48 AM | Permalink

The equipment list included four EAW JFL210 Compact Line Array Modules and four EAW JFL118 Subwoofers. The upgrade was specifically geared toward the school's Division of Music and Sound, which will feature the JFL Series units in a new facility.
Glen Thompson of A.C. Entertainment Technologies was one of the main on-site contacts for the project. He stated, "These JFL210's and JFL118's will be an integral part of the School's music and sound curriculum. They will be used mainly in a classroom environment to help students understand live sound reproduction and how different cabinets are used. It is also possible that they will be used in a 'Live Gig' situation. When I realized the requirement for a portable Line-Array System and the client's preference for a 10-inch driver, I had no problem in suggesting the JFL210. I am very pleased that the recommendation was met with approval."

When the units were demonstrated to Mairead O'Reilly, who is a Lecturer in sound technology at the Cardiff School and a former industry professional, she was instantly won over. Thompson added, "From our initial meeting, it was evident that Mairead had a discerning ear, and I thought the JFL210s would tick all the boxes on her wish list."
O'Reilly stated, "I am excited to be a part of this project, in as much as we are helping to educate the future of the industry and giving these students the chance to hear and study the quality of sound that EAW brings to the table, and instill in them an appreciation of and passion for powerful, crisp and clear audio."

Continue reading "EAW JFL210 and JFL118 Units Chosen for Cardiff School of Creative & Cultural Industries" »

Posted by EAW at 2:00 PM | Permalink

Hully & Mo Restaurant and Tap Room in Dallas, Texas, opened earlier this year, and it features stellar sound thanks to loudspeakers and amplifiers from EAW, a world leader in sound system technology. Gemini Light Sound & Video was the contractor chosen for the project, and they selected a number of EAW products for the restaurant's unique audio system needs. The sale was made by Cowser-Lee Marketing, EAW's sales rep for the region.

Hully & Mo, named after the co-owners, former Dallas Stars right wing Brett Hull (a recently-announced NHL Hall-of-Famer) and current Stars center Mike Modano (the leading American-born scorer in NHL history), is Dallas' newest premier sports bar and restaurant. Located in the McKinney entertainment district, Hully & Mo is a sports-inspired restaurant reflecting a neighborhood feel with Texas Hill Country limestone, custom-designed black and Godiva brown leather booths, dark woods, open theater kitchen and tap room lounge with a courtyard view of fountains. The restaurant houses a front patio, a private dining room, a VIP leather booth to seat large groups and a curtained table offering privacy for national celebrities and special occasion diners. Televisions/drop-down big screens are strategically positioned throughout the restaurant, patio and tap room. The Tap Room Lounge offers a neighborhood-feel atmosphere with imported beers, specialty cocktails and a premium wine list served from the lounge bar designed with dark stone and warm woods. Hully & Mo strikes a delicate balance between an upscale dining environment and a spirited sports establishment, so the speaker system has to have enough control and finesse to meet the restaurant's audio requirements
The main dining area has 12 ceiling truss-mounted EAW SMS1990 Surface Mount Loudspeakers powered with an EAW CXA160 Power Amplifier. The SMS1990's in the main dining room effectively blend in to the background of the black ceiling while providing excellent coverage throughout. Additional SMS1990's were also selected to cover the foyer (one SMS1990 unit) and outsider patio (two SMS1990 units), where surface mounting was necessary. These three units are powered by an EAW CAM80 Integrated Mixer-Amplifier.
In the lounge and the private dining room, flush mounted speakers with high output performance and excellent low frequency response were needed, and several EAW CIS400 Ceiling Loudspeakers were chosen. The lounge has nine CIS400's, powered by a CXA160. The private dining room features six CIS400's, powered by a CAM80. A matrix switcher allows any one of eight DirecTV sources or a DVD player to be routed to any of the speakers in dining or lounge areas - especially useful for hectic game days.
Jerad Garza, Sales Manager for Gemini Light Sound & Video stated, "This restaurant has one of the best atmospheres of any dining establishment I have seen, and the EAW units are appropriately powerful, elegant and low-profile. Because of the nature of a sports bar, several different channels of audio must be piped through different speaker channels throughout the dining room and bar without turning into a muddled mess, and EAW's SMS1990's and CIS400's provide the kind of crisp, clean audio that is just as classy as the restaurant itself."

Posted by EAW at 1:14 PM | Permalink

The Christian Life Assembly (CLA) church in Langley, British Columbia is a tech-savvy multi campus congregation that offers both media streaming and podcast downloads of its services from its website. When the church began an extensive upgrade of its facilities last year, a state-of-the-art sound system for its 1,500-seat sanctuary was high on its list of priorities, and that's exactly what they got with equipment from EAW, a world leader in audio system technology. Three clusters made up of the EAW KF730 Compact Line Array Module, the SB730 Compact Line Array Subwoofer and the SB1000z Large Format Subwoofer provide a touring-class P.A. system that serves all the needs of the congregation, from music to speech, with high intelligibility and full frequency response. Vancouver-based audio, video, lighting and multimedia systems design and integration firm Sapphire Sound was chosen by the church as its design/build partner on the renovation.
"This is a very contemporary, technologically-aware church, so we knew we had to bring in the most advanced sound system equipment available for it," explains Harold Wiens, President and Head Designer of Sapphire Sound. The stage thrusts out into the sanctuary, with seating in a 180-degree arc around it. Technical Director for CLA Kurtis Witt, together with Sapphire Sound decided on three arrays in an "exploded cluster" configuration, with the KF730 enclosures loosely spaced to take full advantage of the KF730's Phase Aligned^TM LF design that extends its horizontal pattern. A center array consists of four KF730 enclosures with an SB730 designed to fly above the KF730. This array is flanked on either side by an array of six KF730 boxes topped with an SB730 subwoofer. These are buttressed by eight EAW JFX88 Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers installed as under-balcony fills and five EAW UB52 compact full-range loudspeakers for front fill, controlled by a UX8800 Digital Signal Processor with proprietary Gunness^TM Focusing technology.
"The dispersion pattern of the KF730 is fantastic," says Wiens, noting that when the room was analyzed for tuning purposes after the system was installed, every one of the 1,500 seats was within 1.0 dB of the others at any selected frequencies. "The consistency and the quality of the sound throughout the room was all you could have asked for. It's excellent for speech intelligibility and it's just as great for music," which Wiens says typically exceeds 100 dB during Sunday services. To add an even bigger bottom to the sound, four SB1000z's were installed in poured concrete bunkers underneath the front of the stage, to eliminate low-frequency vibrations to the stage. With the addition of a Digidesign Venue console at FOH, the system would be at home on any major tour. In fact, says Wiens, "Several of the top live sound mixers in the greater Vancouver area have told us it's one of the best-sounding P.A. systems they're ever heard. It's really a fantastic sound."

Posted by EAW at 3:30 PM | Permalink

London, England's Clapham Grand nightclub, located in a historic theater space, was recently renovated, and the club's P.A. system features outstanding sound thanks to loudspeaker and processor components from EAW, a world leader in audio system technology. South Africa-based pro audio distributor/installer Surgesound supplied the equipment, and the London branch of the SSE Audio Group installed the system and is in charge of its maintenance.
The system consists of four EAW DC4 Medium-Format Dance Club Loudspeakers, four EAW DCS2 Bent Horn Dance Subwoofers, 10 EAW JFX100i Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers and one EAW UX8800 Digital Signal Processor. Lab.gruppen FP+ Series and C Series units are used for amplification.
The owner of London's Clapham Grand also has several venues throughout South Africa, many of which feature EAW units supplied by Surgesound. Andrew Rowan, Managing Member of Surgesound, stated, "We have equipped many of those venues with EAW, including the award-winning Manhattan Club in Rivonia, Johannesburg, as well as Tiger Tiger, which is located in Cape Town. And at the same time Clapham Grand London was set up, we were installing a similar system at another Clapham Grand in Durban, South Africa. For that system, we used EAW JFX88 Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers instead of JFX100i's, but other than that the specifications are identical."  Rowan continued, "We have supplied EAW products for spaces throughout South Africa and even in different parts of the world, and everyone is always pleased with EAW's sound quality, power and control. A venue like London's Clapham Grand relies on keeping the sound energetic and loud, yet with a balanced clarity, and EAW components exceed the demands of club-goers and audio professionals alike."

Posted by EAW at 10:05 AM | Permalink

Visitors to the newly expanded Pasadena Convention Center will be pleased not only with the additional space that comes with the $150-million facility expansion but also with that space’s sound quality, thanks to the installation of a new sound system extension with components from EAW, a world leader in audio system technology. The expansion saw the implementation of 112 EAW CIS991 Ceiling Loudspeakers, installed by GMF Sound, Inc. of Orange, California, in a new 25,000-square-foot ballroom and two new exhibit halls that bring the facility to a total of 60,000 square feet of exhibition space.

EAW’s state-of-the-art CIS991s, part of the new CIS Series of speakers introduced last year, fit nicely within the high-tech Pasadena Convention Center, which is an LEED-certified “green” facility. Also home t o the renowned 3,000-seat Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the Pasadena Convention Center officially reopened over the weekend of April 4-5, 2009 with the 33^rd Annual Home Remodeling & Decorating Show.

“The EAW CIS991s were the perfect choice for this installation,” says Fernando Rico, CTS, Systems Engineer at GMF Sound. “The ballroom has a very high ceiling and is divisible into ten sections. Even though the space has some acoustical treatment, the speakers had to be of a very high quality to make sure that we had very good speech intelligibility in any configuration of the room. The CIS991 performed flawlessly.”

Rico also notes that the flexibility of the CIS991’s design allowed it to be placed around the architectural and lighting necessities that were already in place when the sound system was installed. “There was a lot of trussing, lighting, and HVAC that we had to get around, and the CIS991’s wide coverage” – it features 80-degree-by-80-degree dispersion – “let us meet Len Kusovac’s (formally of Shen, Milsom & Wilke) specifications for the high speech intelligibility we needed there,” says Rico.

This installation is also one of the first large-scale deployments of the CIS991 ceiling speaker. Rico recalls that they were able to audition the speaker during an EAW road show last year. “It was great that we were able to hear and experience its sound quality locally first,” he says. “That way, we were absolutely certain it was the right choice for the project from the beginning. It’s a robust, great-sounding and cost-effective solution for large open spaces like these.”

EAW’s CIS Series of ceiling loudspeakers provide exceptional performance in large, tall structures while fitting seamlessly within ceiling installation grids. They feature a three-way design with fully appointed steel back cans with transducers already installed and that mount within 24-inch ceiling grids. The CIS991 incorporates four 5.25-inch LF cone woofers, four 4-inch MF cone woofers and a 1-inch-exit HF compression driver mounted on a large horn that fosters superior pattern control. The application of proprietary frequency shading techniques facilitates the eight cone woofers working together to provide LF output and impact equal to that of a 12-inch LF woofer.

Posted by EAW at 10:44 AM | Permalink

Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia have recently experienced a swell of A/V installation activity, thanks to Ashland, Kentucky-based Newtech Systems, Inc. (also with offices in Lexington, Kentucky, and Dunbar, West Virginia). Newtech has proven themselves a leader in audio/video system integration and installation for the region, and a key component of these installs has been a wide range of loudspeaker products from EAW, a world leader in audio system solutions. Newtech's Bill Banfield takes particular pride in a number of recent "small but great" projects, which have taken place at a variety of schools, churches and community theaters. The EAW components were sold by Erie, Pennsylvania-based North Coast Marketing.

"Our installations take on all number of shapes and sizes, and EAW has the best solutions for just about every application we encounter," stated Banfield. "Ashland, Kentucky's Christ United Methodist Church's install was short and sweet: two EAW VR62 Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers. However, working with Mercer County High School in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, was a different story. There, we installed a multi-zoned system in the gymnasium, featuring six MK5396 2-Way Full Range Installation Loudspeakers and 10 MK2366 2-Way Full Range Installation Loudspeakers. Additionally, we installed a new auditorium system featuring one MK5326 2-Way Full Range Installation Loudspeaker, one MK5364 2-Way Full Range Installation Loudspeaker, four VRM12 Full-Range Loudspeaker/Stage Monitors, eight CIS80 Ceiling Loudspeakers and two SMS5 Surface Mount Loudspeakers. Of course that's not a huge install as these things go, but it was huge for the school, and it sounds great. EAW loudspeakers provided exactly what those projects needed."

EAW's MK Series loudspeakers are a particular favorite of Banfield's: "The MK's are the most flexible boxes in their product category. They have consistent voicing in the crossover region and give the installer a lot of versatility on installation. I am able to mix and match horn patterns to achieve the best seating coverage as needed."

Aside from the products themselves, Banfield notes that working with EAW and North Coast has been an overwhelmingly positive experience: "I enjoy working with North Coast Marketing, and I know that Dennis Cray is always willing to exhaust every resource to make things happen to support his dealers. And the support that EAW gives is always top notch - EAW's Joe Fustolo and the Application Support Group always do a tremendous job when called upon."

Other EAW/Newtech installs have included Ripley Elementary in Ripley, West Virginia; Frank's Community Center in Boyd County, Kentucky; several churches in Ashland, Kentucky; Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Huntington, West Virginia; Elliot County Performing Arts Center in Elliot County, Kentucky; and many more. Banfield continues: "Some integrators might not make it a priority to cater toward these smaller installs, but the way we see it, local schools, churches, theaters and community centers need crisp, clear and powerful audio just as much as anyone, if not more. And sometimes all they need is the right set of two or four loudspeakers. It's up to us to install that right set, and EAW and North Coast Marketing are there with us, providing the loudspeaker solutions that make the difference."

Posted by EAW at 8:45 AM | Permalink

The waters off the northwest coast of British Columbia are deep, cool and clear - the perfect conditions for salmon and halibut - and the Queen Charlotte Lodge, at the north end of the Queen Charlotte Islands, is perfectly situated to be a fisherman's dream come true. Recently, the Lodge decided to update its sound system, and Vancouver-based installers/integrators Sapphire Sound turned to the reliable and innovative engineering of EAW, a world leader in audio system technology.

The main building was fitted with an SMS1990 Surface Mount Loudspeaker, two SMS3 Surface Mount Loudspeaker systems, a weather-resistant SMS4 Surface Mount Loudspeaker system, two VR62 Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers, a VR61 Compact Full-Range Loudspeaker enclosure with a single 6-inch LF driver, two PH30 Paging Horns, an SB48 Very Compact Subwoofer and three CAZ Series amplifiers. The Totem House, which features a bar and restaurant as well as guest suites, had installed one PH30, six SMS4's and six CIS400 Ceiling Loudspeakers. The private Charlotte House residence now has six SMS4's and two PH30's.

The Queen Charlotte Lodge is accessible only by boat or helicopter. The paging system takes on added importance, as it is fairly common to have to call guests across the island to remind them that their ride is ready to depart. "The system is running background music most of the time, so it has to be full-range and smooth," explains John Powell, Project Manager on the installation for Sapphire Sound. "But when the lodge needs to page people to let them know their helicopter is about to take off, the system has to be loud and clear without being piercing or grating. The PH30 is especially good at that." Powell also cited the ease of installation of the SMS Series speakers, noting that the log wall construction of the Lodge's buildings could have made that a challenge. "The SMS was corner-mounted and we ran the wiring in between the logs," he says. "Everything blended in nicely."

Dave Raneses, EAW Commercial Product Manager describes how EAW is a leader in its field because of its engineering, and the VR62's and VR61 used in the bar area is a perfect example. "The rotatable horn design feature of both enclosures made them the best choice for this application," he explains. "Because of space considerations, these boxes had to be mounted horizontally rather than vertically, which is their usual orientation. But because the rotatable horn can be adjusted up to 90 degrees left or right, the horizontal mounting was not a problem, as the horns were rotated to optimize directivity control. They didn't have to trade off sound quality for space."

The EAW SMS1990 was positioned near the plasma display screens in common areas of the Lodge such as the lobby and breakfast room. "What's unique about the engineering of the SMS1990 is that its coverage pattern is a true 90-by-90-degrees and it's that way throughout its entire frequency spectrum," notes Raneses. "The need in these gathering spaces was for a high level of intelligibility, and the SMS1990 delivers that by design." 

Posted by EAW at 8:24 AM | Permalink

Oriole Park at Camden Yards has housed the Baltimore Orioles since its unveiling in 1992 and continues to be a favorite among baseball enthusiasts. The park recently benefited from the installation of a brand new distributed sound reinforcement system, featuring nearly 300 loudspeakers from EAW, a world leader in sound system solutions. The installation, completed in time for the Orioles' April 6th season opener against the New York Yankees, was finished in a highly accelerated time period of six months, which is approximately half the amount of time a system of this magnitude would take to install under normal conditions. To meet these stringent deadlines, EAW drew on its manufacturing resources to supply the complete loudspeaker inventory requested for the installation.

The Maryland Stadium Authority, who manages the state-owned facility, contracted with the Tampa-based AV integration company AVI-SPL. The system was designed by New York-based SIA Acoustics, who was the audio consultant for the Baltimore Orioles on the project.

"Working with EAW to complete the Oriole Park installation made the process easy for us," stated Sam Berkow of SIA Acoustics. "EAW and our contracting team, SPL, worked out an initial schedule for delivery, in order to meet a tough installation timetable, and they met every deadline - with products we could rely on right out of the box."

SIA selected a wide range of EAW products for the project. EAW AX364-WP (Weather-Protected variation) Arrayable Install Loudspeakers were used for the Upper and Lower Deck front-firing; EAW MK2394-WP 2-Way Full Range Installation Loudspeakers for Upper Deck down- and rear-fill, Lower Deck rear-fill and Outfield front-firing; and EAW JFX100i Compact Full-Range Loudspeakers for Club level front-firing and Lower Deck down-fill. The EAW UX8800 Digital Signal Processor was employed for bowl loudspeaker processing. The system also boasts a new BSS control system, 110 Crown Audio amplifiers and a 48-channel Yamaha digital mixing console. A digital audio network is utilized for signal distribution throughout the stadium, minimizing signal loss and improving reliability and control. Remote monitoring and control of every amplifier channel is also provided.

Berkow continued, summing up the significance of the new system and EAW's key role: "Oriole Park is one of the finest stadiums in baseball - one of the first modern stadiums to celebrate the traditions of baseball. It now has one of the finest sound systems in baseball to match. EAW products serve the seating bowl well and provide the stadium with high performance audio." 

Will Parry, VP of Sales for AVI-SPL stated, "Eighteen years ago the team at legacy SPL installed the original system at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. At that time it was one of the first distributed sound systems in professional sports and radically changed forever the way Major League Stadiums were designed and heard. As a resident of Maryland and as part of the original team, I was extremely proud to have been involved in that project. The upgraded audio system that SIA Acoustics designed and AVI-SPL installed certainly reaffirms Oriole Park as a world class ball park. EAW speakers made our job easy as they just sound great!"

Jeffrey Cox, VP of EAW, stated, "We were very proud to have been chosen as the loudspeaker system manufacturer for the newly remodeled Oriole Park at Camden Yards. This is one of the iconic baseball stadiums in Major League Baseball, and despite the very tight delivery schedule, EAW was able to provide the entire system on time. Working with Sam at SIA and SPL is always a pleasure and their design was impeccable, delivering excellent coverage throughout the stadium. Oriole fans will be delighted with their new sound system. Play Ball!" 

Posted by EAW at 8:59 AM | Permalink

Mets fans will never miss a word when they see their favorite team play at the new Citi Field in Flushing, Queens, New York, thanks to an EAW sound system that’s as “amazin’” as the Mets themselves (to borrow the Mets’ first manager Casey Stengel’s colorful adjective for the team). Over 550 EAW MK and AX series boxes fill the bowl of the 42,000-seat stadium, which opened on April 13, 2009. The systems integrator was TSI Global Companies, LLC, and it was designed by consultants WJHW. The result is a highly focused system that is consistent in quality of sound and intelligibility from the top row to the field boxes. Employing EAW ensures that, from a sound point of view, everyone has a great seat.

The key element of the massive and complex sound system is a customized version of EAW’s full-range AX364-210 Arrayable Install Loudspeakers with 60x40 horn, modified to fire simultaneously forward, down and to the rear. A pair of 10-inch woofers was added to the cabinet, aimed downward to cancel low-frequency buildup in what is, essentially, an architectural bass trap. Three of these precisely modified enclosures are installed at the clubhouse level, one of the most challenging spaces in a stadium of this design. Other notable aspects of the system include a large number of under-balcony speakers. These units make certain that the sound in Citi Field is beamed to hard-to-reach seats under overhanging tiers with the same clarity and intelligibility as everywhere else in the stadium. Furthermore, the system is delayed vertically through the upper and middle-tier levels, with delays ranging from 35 ms to 95 ms, computed using acclaimed SMAART software. Smaller clusters made up of various combinations of EAW MK5396, MK5364 and MK2396 2-Way Full Range Installation Loudspeaker enclosures serve seats on the field’s main level and outfield seating sections. 

“This was an immensely complex and challenging system, engineered to accommodate a sophisticated architectural design, and EAW products are at the core of the solution,” says Paul Murdick, Vice President of A/V for systems integrator TSI Global. “The modifications that EAW were able to execute on their AX364 enclosure met the specifications laid out by WJHW to a ‘T.’ As a result, those boxes are key to the overall consistency of the sound throughout the stadium, even in challenging locations. And the SMAART software made certain that the time alignments were precise and consistent from top to bottom. Thanks to EAW, there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house.”

Posted by EAW at 7:55 AM | Permalink

Northside Christian Church of Spring, Texas, recently installed a new sound system featuring loudspeakers and subwoofers from EAW.  The installation was completed in March 2009, with final system commissioning on March 28, as part of the development of the church’s new worship facility.

Vance Breshears and Kelly Dunlop of El Cajon, California-based Sound Technology Consultants were the A/V and lighting design consultants for the project, and the A/V installation contractor was David Hairel and a team from Hairel Enterprises of Conroe, Texas. The church’s team included music director Jeremi Carnes and mix engineer Jose Barni. Other key individuals included Bruce Green from Irvine, California-based Visioneering Studios, who served as design architect for the new facility, and Kirk Guillory from Columbia, Maryland-based Waldon Studio, who was the project architect.

EAW products selected for the system included AX364 Arrayable Install Loudspeakers, MK8196 Two-Way Full Range Installation Loudspeakers and AX122 High Output Subwoofers. The system is configured in a multi-channel LCR array, where all three primary sources and their delay elements provide coverage to all seating areas. Vance Breshears explained the choice of speakers, stating, “The AX products provide a good blend of pattern control, output and sound quality at a very reasonable cost. The MK8196 units were used for downfill and delay speakers. With the asymmetrical layout of the room, it took a combination of primary coverage, delay and fill speakers to get coverage to all seating areas.”

Jeremi Carnes stated, “The new system and EAW speakers really enhance our worship experience. Sound Technology Consultants and Hairel Enterprises have done a fantastic job in both design and installation. We so appreciate and have benefited from their attention to detail.”

Posted by EAW at 3:10 PM | Permalink

The recently-opened Dubai Mall in Dubai, U.A.E., is one of the largest malls in the world, boasting 1,200 retail outlets, two department stores and more than 160 food and beverage vendors. The mall’s 220-store “Gold Souk” is an elaborately decorated area used for special events by the U.A.E. Royal Family and other dignitaries, in addition to serving as an impressive entertainment area for mall visitors. The Gold Souk features a 75-foot diameter domed super high-resolution projection screen (designed by Salt Lake City-based Evans and Sutherland Digital Theaters Group) raised 40 feet above the floor, which necessitated powerful and clear audio. The design of the area presented acoustical challenges, all of which were met with a custom system featuring EAW AX Series Loudspeakers and some unique architectural solutions. The system was designed by Indianapolis, IN-based firm Bowen Technovation.

Because of the visual nature of the space, loudspeakers needed to be as low-profile as possible, and this was accomplished by flying the units behind the perforated aluminum projection dome, completely out of sight. The system was engineered to include eight custom EAW AX Series “BWN” 2x15" enclosures, two EAW AX366 Arrayable Install Loudspeakers and eight EAW SB150z Compact Subwoofers. The system offers 5.1 audio powered by 38,000 Watts of QSC DCA amplification. Processing is accomplished via a networked BSS Soundweb London system.

The project presented sonic difficulties: “The throw from the top of the dome to the floor is 75 feet, and we needed to achieve very high impact SPL but with perfect pattern control and instrumental clarity,” stated Jeff Bowen, Bowen Technovation President and Creative Director. “In addition to the challenges of providing 5.1 audio inside a concave dome, the surfaces in the area are very high-end marble and custom-sculpted plaster. So keeping audio off the surfaces and focused on the listener was imperative, otherwise we would just have been exciting air needlessly and destroying intelligibility.”

EAW product specialists worked together with Bowen Technovation through design, prototyping and production of the custom AX Series BWN boxes, which have since been used on this install in addition to several other projects. Jeff Bowen could not be more thrilled: “The result is these loudspeakers with extremely high SPL yet incredibly detailed and accurate response. I can’t wait to get them out there in more spaces.”

Posted by EAW at 9:49 AM | Permalink

The BankAtlantic Center of Sunrise, Florida, is a multipurpose arena venue serving the diverse sports and entertainment needs of the Fort Lauderdale area. Aside from housing the Florida Panthers NHL franchise, the arena hosts minor league and college basketball, arena football, mixed-martial arts and professional wrestling, as well as such high-profile events as concerts by Iron Maiden and AC/DC, among others. In addition, in 2008 the venue hosted multiple presidential campaign events from then-Senator Barack Obama, one of which was broadcast on nationwide television.

The BankAtlantic Center recently upgraded its sound system with the following products from EAW, a world leader in audio system and loudspeaker solutions: (80) KF730 Compact Line Array Modules, (6) AX364 Arrayable Install Loudspeakers, (20) AX366 Arrayable Install Loudspeakers, (4) AX396 Arrayable Install Loudspeakers, (4) SB1000z Large Format Subwoofers and (6) UX8800 Digital Signal Processors. The venue contracted Delray Beach-based Event Services and Support (www.eventservicesandsupport.net) to create and install a sound system to replace their existing audio equipment. Event Services and Support in turn contacted noted EAW dealer Orlando-based Stage Audio & Lighting Productions (www.salproductions.com). The system was designed in coordination with Joe Fustolo of EAW’s Application Support Group and Phil Kovacevich of Stage Audio & Lighting Productions. It was tuned by Jamie Anderson of Rational Acoustics (www.rationalacoustics.com), using EAW’s Smaart version 6.

“When asked to design and install a new sound system for the BankAtlantic Center, I knew I had to provide top of the line equipment at an affordable price,” stated Munro. “I was extremely pleased that EAW was able to come through for us.”

“Everyone who has heard the BankAtlantic Center’s new KF730 arrays has been blown away. The boxes provide powerful and articulate sound. Any arena would be proud to have a system such as this installed,” said Kovacevich.

On the system’s alignment and tuning, Anderson stated, “It was rather simple, considering the number of speakers and sub-systems we needed to work through. The system knitted together surprisingly quickly, in a matter of two days, in fact, which was mostly due to the fact that it was a well laid-out and zoned system. EAW’s Gunness^™ focusing processing in the UX processors provided amazingly even and consistent voicing between the various systems which made all the difference. The 730 line arrays in the lower bowl had virtually the same voicing/tonality and measured response as the individual AX’s covering the upper half of the venue, which was really great – the system elements just wanted to work together. There was no wrestling with them to get them to combine, no seams or coverage/consistency issues.”

Posted by EAW at 1:52 PM | Permalink

For a baseball venue named 2008 Ballpark of the Year by ballparks.com, only the best would do for its sound, and the EAW MK Series made sure that the audio hit a home run. 

Springdale, in northwest Arkansas, is a small town with a big vision. When it decided to build a new ballpark for the newly relocated Northwest Arkansas Naturals, the Texas League/Double-A affiliate for the Kansas City Royals, in 2007, it reached for the best, including the award-winning sports architecture division of world-renowned architects HOK. A key addition was sound system components from EAW, a world leader in audio system and loudspeaker solutions. The 6,500-seat Arvest Ballpark, which opened at the start of the 2008 season as home to the Naturals, has a great-sounding PA system consisting of EAW MK2300 and MK5300 Series loudspeakers, as well as the KF750 High Output Line Array with EAW’s proprietary V4 Technology. The system was installed by Springdale-based Commercial Audio Systems (www.comaudsys.com) and specified by Gary White of Dallas-based AV systems consultant WJHW (www.wjhw.com).

With a design by the same architectural firm that designed Camden Yards and Progressive Field, Arvest Ballpark has already exceeded expectations: it was named 2008 Ballpark of the Year by ballparks.com, despite being built in record time (13 months from the ground-breaking ceremony, in what was then a pasture, to opening day on April 10, 2008). It was January 2008 when Commercial Audio Systems of Springdale came in to install the PA system: 21 MK2326WP Weather Protected 2-Way Full-Range Installation Loudspeakers featuring 12-inch woofers, 23 MK5326WP Weather Protected 2-Way Full-Range Installation Loudspeakers with 15-inch woofers and a pair of KF750 High Output Array Loudspeakers. These highly focusable components were assembled into a large, distributed system, which evenly and consistently covered all areas of spectator seating but without spilling over into the neighboring houses.

The “WP” designation indicates weather protection, and Jim Crews, Co-Owner and President of Commercial Audio Systems, notes that this was tested as the speakers were installed. “Typical of a baseball stadium to be hanging speakers at a height of over fifty feet in 20-degree weather, and with sleet and snow blowing at forty miles an hour!” Crews recalled. “This installation required quality, reliability and of course the delivery of great sound, and EAW was able to meet all three criteria easily,” says Crews, who has enjoyed excellent experiences on other projects with EAW components. “We’ve used them in other sports venue installations, and they’re definitely a pleasure to work with.”

For more information on EAW’s entire product line, please visit www.eaw.com.

About the EAW MK Series:
EAW’s MK Series are high output, trapezoidal loudspeakers that continue to set the standard for compact 2-way installation loudspeakers. A variety of rotatable HF horns with patterns from 60° x 45° to 120° x 60° are available. Low frequencies are reproduced by a choice of 8, 12, or 15 inch cone LF drivers. All MK models are carefully voiced to sound similar, permitting them to be mixed throughout an installation while maintaining the same sonic quality. The result is cleaner, usable, high-fidelity output at significantly higher levels than is normally expected from loudspeakers of this size and price.

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Posted by EAW at 9:32 AM | Permalink

Roccaraso is a well known mountain resort in central Italy, inside the Abruzzo National Park.
Its ice arena had to be restored and the municipality assigned the works to HIFI Di Prinzio, one of Italy's leading companies in domestic high-end audio, who is investing and rapidly growing also as a professional audio contractor.

Exhibo, the Italian distributor for EAW, accepted the hard challenge to design the PA system for this hall. The arena had all the possible acoustic problems: high reverberation time, due to the ice surface, concave ceilings and last but not least, glass walls on the short sides. Plus, these halls will not only serve as a hockey stadium but also as a disco on ice.

Mino Di Prinzio, owner of HIFI Di Prinzio and Exhibo took on the challenge of presenting the project to the municipality by referencing a huge list of EAW developed athletic venues.

Guido Diamanti – system designer in Exhibo – explains: “from our side, we concentrated in splitting all the problems, thus privileging the best speech intelligibility on the stands and the high and band-wide sound pressure level on the ice rink, so we proposed a distributed system, made with MK8126 and MK8196 installed close to the stands and a row of MK5394 and SB250 aligned on the ceiling, just to cover the ice surface and decrease reflections on the glass sidewalls. Then, with the help of the versatile EAW DX810, we prepared some presets for the different kind of activity, with different time alignments and levels.”

Exhibo used (6) EAW MK8126 (4) EAW MK8196 (4) EAW5394 (2) EAW SB250 (1) EAW DX810 with remote panels (2) Ecler amps DPA2000 (2) Ecler amps DPA2500T (1) Ecler am DPA4000T and (2) Sennheiser wireless mics to complete this project.

Posted by EAW at 9:16 AM | Permalink

Located on the campus of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, Cameron Indoor Stadium benefits both the Blue Devils men’s and women’s NCAA basketball teams with intimate seating that includes bleacher-style seats along the court reserved for students. In fact, it’s cultivated such a rich heritage that Sports Illustrated magazine ranks it number four on a list of the world’s most prestigious sporting venues.

Opening in 1940 with a capacity of 7,000, some minor renovations have occurred over the decades, most notably in 1988, when a new electronic scoreboard, new sound system and decorative wood paneling gave Cameron an updated look, with seating capacity increased to 9,314.

Yet the university’s mission remains to steadfastly maintain the venue’s original charm and elegance. Against this backdrop, SPL Integrated Solutions (SPL IS) of Columbia, Maryland, was invited in mid-2007 to submit ideas for a new arena-wide sound reinforcement system to the university’s facilities management and athletic departments as part of another subtle renovation phase.

Justo Gutierrez of SPL IS took the lead in evolving discussions regarding the new system, and as a Duke alumnus, he brought valuable context and insight to the specific requirements of the project. (Justo and Mike Moats of SPL are shown at right.)

Following a site survey, SPL IS offered some preliminary recommendations which were accepted. All parties strongly favored a distributed approach, due in part to a relatively low ceiling height and a strong desire not to impact the arena’s classic look, in addition to the dramatic performance gains that can be realized with proper deployment.

Continue reading "EAW Heads New System At Historic Cameron Stadium" »

Posted by EAW at 10:51 AM | Permalink

A superb new sound reinforcement system featuring EAW KF730 Series line arrays, UX8800 digital processing and SB Series subwoofers is currently being implemented by Aatronics for the worship sanctuary at Eagle Christian Church, located in Eagle, Idaho.

Aatronics, a leading systems provider with headquarters in Boise, is busy finishing up the project, which marks the first installed system in the state of Idaho to feature KF730 Series (and UX8800). We'll be providing more details and photos here soon, along with commentary by key system team members, including Joe Colley and Rik Halsteen. (Thanks to Aatronics for the photo of the ongoing installation above.)

Posted by EAW at 1:16 PM | Permalink

A new system featuring EAW KF730 Series line arrays and UX8800 digital processors with Gunness Focusing that was recently implemented for sound reinforcement at Centennial Hall on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tuscon is the subject of a major feature article in the current issue of Stage Directions magazine.

The article was authored by noted Steve Schull, a noted audio mixer and consultant who is now a member of the Theatre Department at SUNY Oswego. It details the demonstration and selection process involved with the new system, as well as the implementation of its A-list components. Arizona Pro Sound, owned by Mark Cowburn, worked with Centennial Hall personnel as well as UAPresents, the largest performing arts presenter in southern Arizona, in formulating and installing the system.

Click here to go directly to the full article and photos.

Posted by EAW at 12:34 PM | Permalink

The 2008 Major League Baseball season kicked off in fine style with the grand opening of Nationals Park, the new 41,000-seat ballpark of the Washington, D.C. franchise that features high-octane venue-wide sound reinforcement led by an all-EAW loudspeaker lineup. The system was designed by Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams (WJHW) of Dallas, with Principal Ron Baker serving as lead designer. Tech Inc. of Latham, Maryland handled the fast-track installation, while the Columbia, Maryland office of AVI-SPL supplied custom engineering services.

As they’ve done with frequently with ballpark sound reinforcement projects, WJHW elected to deploy a distributed system, and in this case, it includes more than 450 full-range EAW loudspeakers, with the majority being compact, two-way members of the MK Series.

The MK Series has proven popular in numerous stadium and ballpark projects around the globe due to their quality sonic properties, durability, and compact footprint.

Most of the loudspeakers for Nationals Park are outfitted with either 12-inch or 15-inch woofers, although some MK Series enclosures with 8-inch woofers also proved fortuitous in regions dictating a particularly low profile.

Continue reading "Inside The All-EAW Loudspeaker Set At Nationals Park" »

Posted by EAW at 7:57 AM | Permalink

Hugos Lounge and Skyy Bar of Sydney has been named "Nightclub Of The Year" at the recent 2007 Seventh Annual Australian Bar Awards, and a huge key to this success must be attributed to sound design and installation by DJW Projects.

Headed by Dave Coxon, DJW Projects is one of Australia's leading club sound providers, and they oversaw the system conversion to world-class status as Hugos transformed from a restaurant-oriented venue to one of the hottest nightspots in Sydney.

The large-scale system project encompasses Hugo’s Lounge, the cocktail bar, Skyy Bar one and two, as well as the entire outdoor balcony area and a private room.

"We didn't cut any corners as we fit the entire venue with an array of EAW loudspeakers, ranging from Avalon Series DC5 and DC6 boxes for the dance floor, through to JFX88 as room fill and CIS400 ceiling loudspeakers for the balcony," explains Coxon. "Skyy bar has been fitted with cabinets from the MK Series range, and all aspects of the system are backed by sophisticated digital processing and zoning."

Other high-profile Sydney clubs outfitted with EAW loudspeakers by DJW Projects include Norths Rugby League Club, The World Bar, The Barclay, Springfields, Trademark Hotel, The Piano Room, and W-Bar.

Posted by EAW at 7:49 AM | Permalink

The beautiful new Club Hotel in Thessaloniki, Greece, features a dynamic sound system headlined by EAW Avalon Series club loudspeakers courtesy of Eurosound S.A., EAW's distributor serving Greece.

The 500-square-meter nightclub features a wide range of entertainment as the newest premier nightspot in Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη), the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of Macedonia, the nation's largest region.

Already one of the most prestigious (and largest) venues in the city, Club Hotel features an all-EAW loudspeaker line-up to meet all sound reinforcement needs. The system is headlined by six Avalon DC2 larger-format full-range loudspeakers spaced throughout the club, joined by six more Avalon DC4 smaller-format full-range loudspeakers, with both models featuring cutaway upper-rear cabinet corners that allow them to tuck up next to the ceiling while being angled downward to provide optimum coverage.

Dual Avalon DCT1 supertweeter arrays (4 x 1.33-inch-exit tweeters) with an inverted pyramid configuration delivering optimized 360-degree horizontal high-frequency dispersion from centrally mounted locations. Low-frequency energy to fill out the sonic spectrum are supplied by six EAW SB1000zR dual-18-inch-loaded subwoofers. All loudspeakers are driven by Lab.gruppen amplifiers.

"The management of the club had first heard the EAW components in another club, and as a result of that dynamic demonstration of EAW quality, selected them for their own venue," notes Apostolos Kanakaris. (Our thanks to Eurosound for the excellent photos as well as the details in this report.)

Posted by EAW at 7:57 AM | Permalink

A recent evaluation process highlights the dramatic performance gains that can be realized by utilizing recent EAW technologies to enhance an existing sound reinforcement system.

The evaluation took place at Crossway Baptist Church in Victoria, Australia, which hosts worship services and other activities in an 1,110-seat, fan-shaped auditorium. The current house sound reinforcement system, installed in 1995 and still going strong, features a pair of EAW KF650E three-way full-range loudspeakers installed per side above the edge of the front platform, with a single EAW SB1000E subwoofer per side on the floor.

Four EAW JFX200 compact loudspeakers along the front of the stage offer fill when needed, and they can also be utilized as spare stage monitor wedges (other monitoring is supplied by IEM systems). Additional front fill comes via four two-way loudspeakers mounted directly beneath the KF650E mains.

The system is under the direction of Media Pastor Peter MacLean, who is heading the evaluation process for possible upgrade of select components. Working closely with Production Audio Services Pty. Ltd., EAW’s distributor for the Australian pro audio marketplace, and also based in Victoria, a new EAW UX8800 digital processor was first implemented, in place of the system’s current digital processor. (Peter is shown at right in the above photo, with Graeme Stevenson and Ben Clarke of Production Audio Services.)

Continue reading "UMX.96, UX8800 Enhance Crossway Baptist Church System" »

Posted by EAW at 10:32 AM | Permalink

The new Nationals Ballpark in Washington D.C., home of Major League Baseball's Nationals franchise, is set to celebrate its grand opening this weekend. Sound reinforcement throughout the state-of-the-art sports venue is supplied by a distributed system featuring hundreds of EAW loudspeakers.

WJHW of Dallas and SPL Integrated Systems of Columbia, Maryland teamed up on the system project. A selection of EAW models is utilized, with MK Series models being most predominant. We'll provide more details and commentary on this project soon.

Posted by EAW at 2:26 PM | Permalink

Clubs of all sizes and styles with EAW-based sound systems (Avalon and more!) are a big part of the recently announced 2008 Club World Awards list of nominees. The annual awards show, held in March in Miami, is run by Club Systems International, the leading U.S.-based nightclub systems/technology publication.

The 2008 nominees:

Best Sound System
1015 Cirque Lounge, San Francisco
Design and installation by JK Sound
Best Superclub
Avalon Hollywood
Mansion, Miami
Best Club
Jet, Las Vegas
Best Lounge
Lush, Las Vegas
Best Renovation
1015, San Francisco
Nightstalker Award
Deko Lounge, Sayerville, NJ

Click here for more information about these venues and the Club World Awards.

Posted by EAW at 1:06 PM | Permalink

Leave it to the innovative Michael Lacina and his JK Sound team to come up with a clever way to utilize EAW KF761 large-format line array modules to deliver superb sound reinforcement in the intimate confines of a lounge setting.

The recent project, at the Cirque Lounge on Folsom Street in San Francisco, offered the particular challenge of fitting a powerful sound system into a low ceiling room with various beams diminishing the height even further.

Further, Scot Peterson, lighting designer for the project, was hoping the sound system's loudspeakers would not infringe on the symmetry of the 1,000-plus LED grid he was planning for the ceiling, while Craige Walters, the interior designer, was pushing for the loudspeakers to disappear into the sweeping curves of his design.

That’s when Lacina (pictured at left), in talking about the project with system integrator Brad Katz, shared an "epiphany": utilize EAW’s top of the line the KF761 line array module, burying four of them into the façade of the soffit that rings the dance floor. Then, hide the speakers behind a perforated metal grill.

The overall result: creation of an invisible monster of a system to serve Cirque Lounge patrons. Not surprisingly, JK Sound has been nominated for 2008 Club World Award for sound design at Slide Speakeasy in San Francisco, and this latest innovation is not at all likely to be overlooked when nomination time comes for next year's awards.

Click here to find our more details about this project in MS Word format
Click here to find our more details about this project in pdf format

Posted by EAW at 3:00 PM | Permalink

Dubai-based Smart Vision LLC a leading Middle Eastern systems integrator, has recently commissioned an EAW-based system at the stunning new Elegante Club, already becoming the hottest nightclub in the region since its December opening.

With a capacity of more than 1,000, Elegante Club (housed within Dubai's prestigious Royal Ascot Hotel and managed by the Executive Group) presents diverse entertainment, including live music, special stage shows, top DJs of the region and renowned international DJs once a month. .

"Elegante Club is unique, appealing to its clientele by featuring a one-of-a-kind light and laser grid, state-of-the-art liquid nitrogen Kryogenifex effects systems and of course, the absolute best sound system design and technology. It all combines to make for the latest evolution of nightlife artistry," explains Oussama Mansour Abou Faraj, who manages Smart Vision LLC as well as HI FI SERVICE of Beirut, Lebanon.

With excellent support from EAW Executive Audio, the Smart Vision LLC team members, including Khaled Abu Rislan (sound system installation) and Tony Mattar (lighting and video system installation) were crucial to the project.

Continue reading "Smart Vision Implements EAW For Dubai's Elegante Club" »

Posted by EAW at 2:07 PM | Permalink

New EAW Commercial CAM160 and CAM80 integrated audio mixers-power amplifiers are outfitted with comprehensive input/output facilities and feature sets to provide exceptional versatility from a highly cost-effective package. Designed for a wide range of fixed installation applications, the CAM Series offers “all in one” functionality without need for add-ons such as expansion modules.

Both models are equipped with six actively balanced combination mic/line inputs as well as individual adjustable potentiometers for line level input, mic level input and mic level input with 24-volt DC phantom power. Input 1 also offers the flexibility of an integrated transformer for connection to telephone paging systems.

Inputs 1 and 2 are divided into four discrete input sections: a combination XLR/TRS connector, Phoenix connector, or terminal strip. Meanwhile, Inputs 3, 4, 5 and 6 offer both Phoenix connectors and terminal strips. Two pairs of RCA connectors allow unbalanced auxiliary (Aux) signals to enter the amplifier via Aux 1 and Aux 2, both of which are attenuated by a potentiometer on the front of the amplifier.

Continue reading "Introducing New CAM Series Integrated Mixers-Amplifiers" »

Posted by EAW at 1:52 PM | Permalink

Zamar Media Solutions has just put the finishing touches on an exciting new sound system design and installation at the beautiful new worship center of WestGate Church in San Jose, California, that's headlined by EAW UX8800 dual-mode digital processing as well as EAW AX Series full-range loudspeakers.

Matt Dow served as the project manager for Zamar, which, since 1991, has successfully provided pro audio, video, lighting and acoustics systems and services in the Bay Area communities, with a committed dedication to the local church community. Dow and the Zamar team worked closely with church-contractor liaison John Coyle on the project.

The WestGate Church worship center features one of the very first church sound systems enhanced with the UX8800's revolutionary Gunness Focusing technology. According to Zamar's Ken Hughes, alternative processing had originally been slated for the system but was replaced when new UX8800 units became available via EAW sales rep firm PCM Marketing.

We'll have a more detailed report on this system in the very near future. Thanks to Ken for the excellent photos shown here. Click here to find out more about Zamar Media Solutions.

Posted by EAW at 1:13 PM | Permalink

Leading club systems provider Ohm Productions recently provided expert audio, visual and lighting system design and installation for the Tattoo Bar, one of Washington D.C.’s newest nightspots located in the thriving K Street district.

Headed by Jeff Darby and based in nearby Potomac Falls, Virginia, Ohm Productions is recognized as the region’s “go to” nightclub and lounge systems resource for more than 15 years, consistently delivering superior designs that are expertly applied to fit and enhance the desired experiences of club owners and patrons alike. Recent projects include Lotus Lounge, FUR Nightclub and UltraBar – all among D.C.’s hottest of spots.

Tattoo Bar presents a decidedly “blue collar” ambiance, with the long narrow room (about 2,500 total square feet) taking on an industrial motif with a biker’s twist. In fact, a full-size steel sculpture of a motorcyclist bursts from the wall above the bar, while motorcycle chains are utilized as “hanging door bead” dividers.

“This venue is different from any other in the area, which makes it an exciting, fresh alternative,” Darby explains. “It’s got a gritty feel, and the music programming goes along with that – heavy on rock n’ roll tracks.”

Continue reading "Ohm Productions Deploys FRz Series For D.C.'s Tattoo Bar" »

Posted by EAW at 12:20 PM | Permalink

EAW loudspeakers have been specified and installed for the new American Spirit Gymnasium and Theater at Escondido (California) Charter High School, a state-of-the-art school serving students in the San Diego region. The systems for both the gym and theater were installed by Integrated Media Systems of Anaheim, with support from EAW rep firm Audio Geer.

The gym offers sound reinforcement supplied by eight EAW MK2366 compact two-way loudspeakers flown in pairs, positioned equidistantly and providing complete full-range coverage of all seating and floor areas.

The theater features dual EAW DSA250i digitally steerable array loudspeakers, one flown to each side of the stage, supplying primary full-range coverage throughout the space. They're joined by an SB150P compact, 15-inch-loaded subwoofer that's flown centrally above the stage. Four EAW Commercial VRM12 stage monitors are also available.

We'll present more details regarding this interesting project here on Front Row in the very near future. Our thanks to Audio Geer for the preliminary information and great photos.

Posted by EAW at 1:57 PM | Permalink

A new performance audio system featuring EAW KF730 Series line arrays and UX8800 digital processing has gone live at Centennial Hall, home to UApresents, the largest performing arts presenter in southern Arizona.

The new system, implemented just in time for a 42-show 2007-08 season (kicked off by Dionne Warwick in concert), was designed and installed by Arizona Pro Sound of Tucson, working with key venue staff, including Operations Manager Gary Lotze.

The system includes KF730 line arrays, each with 11 modules, flown left and right, while eight SB730 subwoofers (in groups of four) on the stage deck. Six EAW JF80 compact loudspeakers provide frontfill. All loudspeakers are driven by Lab.gruppen FP7000 power amplifiers, with a UX8800 processor handling all DSP in addition to providing Gunness Focusing technology for absolute pristine sonic performance.

Posted by EAW at 1:10 PM | Permalink

We're saddened to hear the news that Avalon Boston is closing its doors. The club, and of course, its owner John Lyons, were extremely instrumental in the development of EAW's landmark Avalon Series purpose-designed club loudspeakers. (Some of the original Avalon loudspeakers at the club are pictured at right.)

Based on design criteria developed by Lyons, the Avalon Series offers a fresh look at the balance of subsystems within a loudspeaker system. Techno-industrial dance music presents a relentless, pounding beat, so to address this issue, the Avalon line comprises bottom-heavy systems with double the number of woofers per system to deliver the beat as a physical concussion.

"We took a blank sheet of paper, began with technologies that we knew would be an excellent starting point, and then developed new ideas that would result in superior dance club loudspeakers," explains Jeff Rocha, EAW vice president of engineering. "The fact that a lot of meaningful input came from club professionals, and that the products were created and critically evaluated in real conditions at Avalon Boston, resulted in something special."

Posted by EAW at 8:39 AM | Permalink

“Smaart has been one of our best investments as a sound company - we call it 'audio for our eyes'. And new Smaart v.6 is even better. The 'Repeat' feature is great for obtaining polarity information, saving a lot of headaches. Easily storing snapshots of frequency response is another invaluable feature, allowing us to conveniently keep all of our inventory 'in check' from show to show, year after year.”

Brent Milton
Owner, Pacific West Sound
Bakersfield, CA

Posted by EAW at 1:33 PM | Permalink

The following instructional article was graciously provided by Jeff Lange, who heads up Sonic Art LLC, based in Oshkosh, WI, a firm specializing in the development of audio, video and lighting systems for houses of worship. Our thanks to Jeff (pictured at left) for the article and photos.

The design of a new sound system for the sanctuary of The Pentecostals of the Fox Cities in Menasha, WI, was particularly challenging. This 500-seat auditorium has a 12-foot ceiling, dictating loudspeakers that are very compact in order to not detract from the room’s aesthetics.

To meet this requirement, we chose EAW MK8100 Series loudspeakers, with six of these cabinets flown in their horizontal cabinet position (with horns rotated), carefully placed in a distributed, decentralized arrangement. (Shown in the photo at right.)

Largely due to compact design of these loudspeakers, frequency response doesn't extend much below 90 Hz. Therefore, we also needed subwoofers to reinforce frequencies beneath the 90 Hz point to meet a stated design goal of providing a system offering true full-range capabilities.

Continue reading "Inside Scoop: Subwoofer Isolation For Church Project" »

Posted by EAW at 2:24 PM | Permalink

The September '07 issue of
Front Of House (FOH) Magazine includes a "Road Test" review of new EAW Smaart v.6 filed by Mark Amundson, the publication's technical editor.

Mr. Amundson concisely spells out his favorite features on v.6, and doesn't find much fault. At the outset, he poses the apt question, "Why upgrade?" and then proceeds to inform readers in very clear terms about the numerous advantages, in his view, of v.6.

We thank FOH magazine and Editor Bill Evans for publishing the piece, and also thanks to Mark Amundson for taking the time to check out Smaart v.6 and share his observations. Click here to read the review.

Posted by EAW at 12:52 PM | Permalink

Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) is pleased to announce that it will be the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of the renowned MicroWedge Series of stage monitor products under the terms of a new agreement between LOUD Technologies Inc. and MicroWedge developer Rat Sound Systems Inc. of Oxnard, CA.

The Perpetual License agreement between the two entities calls for current products to be branded “EAW MicroWedge,” fully supported by the resources of EAW. Further, Rat Sound Founder Dave “Rat” Levine, creator of MicroWedge and other acclaimed sound reinforcement designs, will be working closely with the EAW Engineering Department on the development of new MicroWedge models as well as other EAW touring products.

“In securing this preeminent floor monitor line for our worldwide customer base, EAW is once again demonstrating its commitment to true performance audio by bringing the best in both design and talent to the EAW brand,” explains Jeffrey Cox, Vice President of the EAW Brand Group, shown in the above photo with Dave Rat. “We continually populate the EAW family and brand relationships with experienced, talented visionaries who combine their unique skills to push audio forward. Our partnership with Dave is a prime example of this philosophy.”

Continue reading "EAW To Manufacture, Distribute MicroWedge Series" »

Posted by EAW at 1:38 PM | Permalink

Be sure to check out the cover story of the September '07 issue of InAVate magazine for the full story and great photos on a recent system project at a new large-scale stadium in Europe featuring a wide range of EAW and EAW Commercial loudspeakers.

Click here to go directly to the on-line edition of InAVate, and then click on the article noted in the table of contents that begins on page 38. The publication, with Chris Fitzsimmons serving as editor, does a fine job of covering AV technology, systems and applications, certainly exemplified by the September 07 cover story.

Posted by EAW at 12:35 PM | Permalink

Located on the western bank of the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis, the new Guthrie Theater is “a 21st century dream factory,” according to Time magazine. Primary performance spaces include the 1,100-seat Wurtele Thrust Stage, 700-seat McGuire Proscenium Stage and 250-seat Dowling Studio Stage, all supporting classic, modern and experimental productions in addition to live music concerts.

Resident Sound Designer/Supervisor Scott Edwards and Master Sound Technician Ross Anderson thoroughly embraced the opportunity to develop the entire facility’s audio constitution, supported by theater sound department staff companions Reid Rejsa, Paul Estby, Ryan Healey, and Montana Johnson, all working closely with technical and production personnel.

TALASKE of Chicago assisted with audio system and acoustical designs, the latter facet bolstered by Kahle Acoustics of Brussels, Belgium. Installation duties were awarded to local system integrator Electronic Design Company.

What resulted is a completely seamless building-wide audio and control infrastructure that ties all components and systems together as one in a manner beyond compare – in North America, at least. Further, in the case of the Wurtele and McGuire stages, the audio components and acoustics are meticulously integrated with their rooms, resulting in electronic sound reinforcement working so cohesively that the sonic signature is the very definition of natural.

Continue reading "An EAW Audio Dream Factory At The Guthrie Theater" »

Posted by EAW at 7:59 AM | Permalink

Two major college football stadiums are starting the season in style with new sound reinforcement systems that both incorporate EAW KF900 Series high-output loudspeakers capable of delivering solid, tight, full-range coverage from scoreboard locations.

Further, one of the systems - recently implemented by All Pro Sound at Auburn University's 87,450-seat Jordan-Hare Stadium - features processing via six EAW UX8800 digital processors.

One UX8800 is connected by Ethernet, and one receives the analog audio feed, with both control and audio passed among the six processors via EAW U-Net. The KF900 Series cluster serving the stadium includes six KF930F, 12 KF920F, and 6 KF910F modules.

Meanwhlile, at brand-new 45,000-seat Bright House Networks Stadium on the campus of the University of Central Florida, SPL Integrated Systems has implemented a loudspeaker approach of 10 KF920F, four KF910F, four KF914F and two KF913F, joined by six BH2313 and four KF755 for near fill.

More about both of these exciting projects will be presented here soon.

Posted by EAW at 12:25 PM | Permalink

A recent sound system upgrade project at the sanctuary of Evangel Assembly of God Church of Bismarck, North Dakota by Tricorne Audio of Fargo provides much-needed performance quality to support music/drama productions, and it also eliminates troublesome dead spots and poor intelligibility presented by the previous system.

Working closely with Brian Hanson and the church sound/music team, Tricorne Audio designed and installed the new system featuring a variety of EAW installation full-range loudspeakers, including three biamplified AX Series loudspeakers flown left-center-right to cover the entire main floor. Three MK2300 Series loudspeakers bolster output to the balcony that runs the length of the sanctuary's back wall, while four EAW Commercial VR61 loudspeakers with transformers handle the shadowed underbalcony.

Tricorne Audio's Dallas Anderson notes that the original system serving the 900-capacity sanctuary, interestingly, was divided into two parts. Two large loudspeakers in a center cluster were dedicated to "music" reinforcement, while horns and bass cabinets in the same cluster were designated for "speech" applications.

In addition to the EAW loudspeakers, Tricorne Audio also specified and integrated premium digital signal processing and power amplification components within the new system. They resourcefully utilized existing microphone jacks, wireless mics, outboard gear and the 40-channel mixing console.

The new monitor system serving the front platform includes an EAW Commercial VR21 loudspeaker flown for the choir as well as four traditional mixes provided via EAW Commerical VRM12 monitors ("Which they really like," notes Anderson). A personal mixing system with six remote mixers is also available.

"The end result is quite nice. We have very even coverage, excellent gain before feedback and a system that can truly handle full contemporary concerts, intimate theatre productions, and, of course, daily worship activities," Anderson concludes.

Posted by EAW at 1:51 PM | Permalink

On the list of unusual installed sound reinforcement situations, the Olympic Oval in Calgary ranks toward the top, as evidenced by a recent project that saw the venue’s original sound system replaced by a widely distributed, multi-zone design to serve a decidedly unconventional indoor arena.

Constructed for the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, the venue offers a structure of pre-cast, pre-stressed concrete that completely covers a 400-meter long-track speed skating oval encircling two international sized ice rinks for short-track speed skating and ice hockey. The long-track is surrounded by a 450-meter running track, with other track and field amenities including a 110-meter sprint track, pole vault box and long jump pit.

Spectator seating for more than 10,000 runs along one of the long sides of the oval, continuing around the curves a good distance, with portable grandstands able to be staged where needed along the hockey rink and short track.

Known as “the fastest ice on earth” for hosting an unprecedented number of speed skating world records (attributed most frequently to its rare status as a climate-controlled venue combined with the effects of high altitude), the Olympic Oval continues to serve as a premier speed skating site and training facility.

In addition, it hosts hockey games, track and field competitions (and practices), and, located adjacent to the University of Calgary, is connected both with that institution in general and specifically with its sports medicine and kinesiology programs. Constantly in use seven days a week, it’s also open at select times for public skating and a wide range of special events.

Continue reading "Profile: AX, MK Series Key System At Olympic Oval" »

Posted by EAW at 2:42 PM | Permalink

EAW Smaart Version 6 (v.6) has been nominated for a 2007 Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Award in the category of Outstanding Technical Achievement, Ancillary Equipment, with online voting now open to Mix magazine subscribers. Click here to go directly to the voting location.

Smaart v.6 sound system measurement and analysis software features a comprehensive re-write of its underlying architecture that dramatically enhances multi-tasking, in addition to a new streamlined interface for simpler operation and for the first time ever, full compatibility with Macintosh OS X

The TEC Awards was established by Mix in 1985 to honor outstanding achievement in the professional recording and sound production industry. The nominations are made by a panel of approximately 165 audio industry professionals.

The winners of the 23rd Annual TEC Awards will be announced at a ceremony at the Marriott Marquis during the 2007 AES Convention in New York City.

Posted by EAW at 12:19 PM | Permalink

In a project recently profiled in Technologies For Worship Magazine,
United Technology Service (UTS) designed and installed a dynamic new sound reinforcement system featuring a variety of EAW loudspeakers for the new worship sanctuary at New Macedonia Baptist Church in Riverside, Georgia.

The 1,300-capacity sanctuary is fully covered with EAW KF730 Series line arrays flown left and right above the main platform, handling musical programming, working with several EAW SB Series subwoofers positioned beneath the platform. In addition, a center cluster of EAW AS Series installation loudspeakers provide point-source precision for spoken word. Click here to read the entire TFWM report.

Posted by EAW at 10:36 AM | Permalink

Design/build firm John Lyons Systems recently completed a cutting-edge AV install at the Game-On sports bar and restaurant in the shops at Caesars Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Game-On features 96 HDTV displays on a 16x64 video matrix, with the displays are either installed as standalone displays or in groups with the goal to give patrons the best sightlines no matter where they stand or sit in the room. The audio package working in conjunction with this mondo video is an EAW-heavy system offering playback of sporting events with the power of a dance club system.

The audio design includes 46 EAW Commercial CIS400 ceiling loudspeakers as well as 16 EAW JL12 custom 12-inch coaxial ceiling loudspeakers co-developed by Lyons and EAW, with low-frequency output provided by EAW SB250z subwoofers.

“We’ve taken the experience of watching a sporting event to a new level,” explains John Lyons, president and founder of Los Angeles design/build firm John Lyons Systems, who recently outfitted the space with AV systems. “Game-On is a place where you can watch sporting events in a party atmosphere enveloped by high-definition video and a professional-quality audio system.”

Posted by EAW at 8:03 AM | Permalink

Eurosound, EAW's distributor serving Greece, reports on a recent club project of note, with 16 EAW KF650 three-way loudspeakers installed to provide primary sound reinforcement at Galea, one of the hottest nightspots in Athens.

The 16 KF650 loudspeakers are divided into arrays of four loudspeakers, each flown from the ceiling in tight-packed horizontal configuration.

The huge club has a capacity in excess of 7,000. Program material is largely provided by DJ, covering a wide range of musical styles. By the way, the name "Galea" originates from a rare type of pebble, so it's only appropriate that the club now has a system that "rocks"... (Sorry, couldn't resist!) Thanks to Eurosound for the information and access to the photos presented here.

Posted by EAW at 2:55 PM | Permalink

Internationally hailed as a spectacular live performance environment, the new Centro Cultural Miguel Delibes in Valladolid, Spain incorporates high-end AV systems developed by Chemtrol’s División Teatro (Theatre Division) that feature premium pro audio components, including a wide range of EAW loudspeakers such as NT Series loudspeakers with Gunness Focusing and KF730 Series compact line arrays.

The multifaceted venue offers three significant performance spaces, headed by a 1,700-capacity auditorium, which is the host venue of the Symphony Orchestra of Castile and Leon in addition to featuring a wide range of other productions.

It’s joined by a beautiful 500-seat conservatory as well as a reconfigurable experimental theatre with seating for up to 600. The venue also includes the Professional Conservatory of Music, the Superior School of Dramatic Art, the Professional School of Dance, exhibition halls, a library, and rooms for congresses.

Continue reading "Chemtrol Selects EAW For Spectacular Spain Venue" »

Posted by EAW at 2:39 PM | Permalink

A new sound reinforcement system for the historic Scottish Rite Temple, a performing arts center in Bloomington, Illinois, was designed by JaffeHolden and includes EAW AX Series three-way installation loudspeakers.

Wisconsin-based Professional Audio Designs provided expert system installation, positioning the AX Series loudspeaker arrays in a left-center-right configuration around the stage proscenium where they provide the vast majority of coverage to the multi-level, 1,320-seat venue. They're joined by EAW SB180 and SB250z subwoofers as well as six SL 12Se-JHA frontfill loudspeakers. Further, the stage monitoring system, designed by Technical Director Rodney Stickrod, features a wide range of EAW components, including four SM200iH, and two SM84N stage wedges, two SB850z subwoofers, an SB330z sub, and two JFX260i for sidefill.

The project is subject of an in-depth profile in Stage Directions magazine. Check it out here. (Photo courtesy of JaffeHolden.)

Posted by EAW at 1:48 PM | Permalink

Two system projects at churches feature the new UX8800 digital signal processor with Gunness Focusing, and both have produced sonic results beyond expectations.

The Church at Pinnacle Hills in Rogers, Arkansas, features a complex system designed by Acoustic Dimensions of Dallas and installed by the Clair Bros systems integration division that's based upon EAW KF760 Series and KF730 Series line arrays, as well as other EAW loudspeaker models, with consultant Ryan Knox choosing to implement UX8800 processing as soon as it was available. (The unique venue is pictured above left.)

Meanwhile, a new system at New Life Assembly Church in Henrietta, New York, headlined by EAW AX Series three-way installation loudspeakers, also incorporates UX8800 processing at its heart. The system was designed and installed by AVL Designs of Penfield, New York, with an optimization assist from EAW's Rich Frembes. The project is the subject of a feature article in the
July '07 issue of Pro AV magazine - click here to check it out.

Posted by EAW at 9:48 AM | Permalink

The new UX8800 4-input x 8-output digital processor has been created expressly to provide revolutionary Gunness Focusing alignment and driver processing algorithms and protection technology to an ever-growing number of conventional EAW loudspeakers. And with true dual-mode capability, the UX8800 operates either as a standard system processor, or, using the uploadable Gunness Focusing settings, as a loudspeaker-specific processor. Get the full scoop here and here.

The UX8800 provides an unprecedented degree of consistency and interoperability between EAW systems. Users can be confident that cross-rented systems will all have the same starting processing settings. And because of Gunness Focusing, that starting point is phenomenal clarity and fidelity.

Another notable aspect is that in its dual role as a comprehensive digital system processor, the UX8800 is intimately linked to EAW Smaart and FChart acoustic measurement and analysis systems. This is crucial to users and engineers in that it guarantees both standard and “Grey Box” processing exactly matches the processor settings determined in the laboratory by EAW engineers.

Again, more details here and here.

Posted by EAW at 2:45 PM | Permalink

The historic Paramount Theatre in downtown Abilene, Texas, a monument to an earlier time of movie palaces and vaudeville performance, now offers the most modern of amenities in the form of a new, dynamic sound reinforcement system designed and installed by Gemini Sound of Dallas that's highlighted by EAW KF730 line arrays as well as EAW JF50S compact loudspeakers and SM200iH stage monitors.

Built in 1930, the beautiful facility's distinctive Spanish-Moorish architecture received a new lease on life with a 1986 renovation that has led to it serving as a true community asset in providing live and motion picture entertainment of many varieties. The restoration and renovation took over six months and won the Paramount the prestigious Texas Award for Historic Preservation from the Texas Historical Commission.

Late last year, Gemini Sound began the process of developing a commensurate sound system for the 1,199-seat theatre, which has a split aisle (no center) configuration with a main floor and a lower, middle, and upper balcony. Jason Litt, backed by Chad Cain, took the lead system design role, working with theatre personnel that included Executive Director Betty Hukill, Artistic Director Barry Smoot and Technical Director Jennifer Lashley.

"We didn't want to utilize a trapezoidal box approach with this design," explains Gemini Sound President Tim Cain. "There were aesthetic and infrastructure issues to address, with a line array design much more capable of eliminating those concerns while also meeting coverage and concert-type performance goals. The KF730 Series furthers this with its very compact size-to-output ratio, and its sonic signature is excellent."

Continue reading "Paramount Theatre Gets A Gemini Sound-KF730 Upgrade" »

Posted by EAW at 12:39 PM | Permalink

Subject of the cover feature of the current (June '07) issue of Club Systems International magazine, the new Lotus Lounge was created by founder Michael Romeo to provide Washington DC with a space offering "florid architecture and a soothing ambience." The venue's systems are expertly designed by Ohm Productions to perfectly match and enhance that environment, with key components of the audio experience provided by an abundance of modified EAW Avalon Series and UB42 loudspeakers.

John Fiorito, who heads up Ohm Productions, collaborated with the EAW engineering department to formulate the modified Avalon DC5 systems that perfectly meet both the unique aesthetic and sonic needs of Lotus Lounge.

These loudspeakers are distributed throughout the venue, providing solid full-range coverage throughtout, and they also provide monitoring in the DJ booth. Coverage is supplemented by UB42 loudspeakers that do outstanding duty in both nearfield and distributed coverage roles.

Lotus Lounge is the latest in a long line of successful high-end club projects where Fiorito and Ohm Productions have chosen to utilize EAW components. More views of the venue and audio system are provided on the attached page. Click here to find out more about Ohm Productions, and, here are the key players in the Lotus Lounge systems project:

John Fiorito - Audio Design and Engineer (Project Manager)
Ryan Rafferty - Lighting Designer & Programmer
Naaman Wood - Master Electrician & Rigger
Charlie Weiner - Head Rigger
Craig Macon - Visual Content Designer
Michael "Spike" Pedersen - Audio Design and Engineer
Jeff Darby - Audio Design and Engineer
Jasper Braswell - Construction Manager

Continue reading "Ohm Productions Creates Superb Systems At Lotus Lounge" »

Posted by EAW at 8:44 AM | Permalink

The new Guthrie Theater in downtown Minneapolis is a state-of-the-art live performance facility, to say the least. Replacing the theater's original building, the new venue offers three versatile rooms, including the 1,100-seat Wurtele Thrust Theater, to stage first-class productions in a tradition dating back more than four decades.

Under the direction of The Talaske Group, a Chicago area consulting firm, and the theater's Scott Edwards (sound supervisor) and Ross Anderson (master audio engineer), the audio systems throughout the facility are first-class, featuring EAW loudspeakers thoughout. The Wertele Thrust Theater, for example, offers a system headed by EAW KF730 Series line arrays, joined by KF300z, SM200iH, JF60z, and UB82e to meet a wide range of challenging coverage needs.

Meanwhile, the theater's 800-seat McGuire Proscenium Stage features most of these same EAW loudspeaker models to also meet coverage and audio quality expectations. All loudspeakers, by the way, are driven by Lab.gruppen power amplifiers. We'll be presenting more details about this dynamic project - including photos - so check back soon.

Posted by EAW at 1:04 PM | Permalink

Seattle Pro Audio just finished up a stellar design and installation of a new sound reinforcement system at Emerald Downs Racetrack, a horse racing facility located just outside of Seattle in the town of Auburn, Washington.

The new system features an all-EAW loudspeaker line-up, including KF730 Series line arrays innovatively deployed to provide blanket coverage to the entire main grandstand.

Meanwhile, a combination of MQV Series and AX Series loudspeakers proved ideal for meeting other coverage needs, including a vast audience and paddock area adjacent to the grandstand, running several hundred feet along the track.

Seattle Pro Audio is led by Michael Gardner, and on the Emerald Downs project, Walter Lucas played a pivotal role. Additional support on the project was supplied by SM Audio. (Key system team members - left to right, Walter, Michael and Steve Malone - are shown in the adjacent photo.)

We'll have more details on this exciting project here soon, and in the meantime, check out more photos of the system and venue by clicking on the link below.

Continue reading "Seattle Pro Audio Innovates With EAW At Emerald Downs" »

Posted by EAW at 1:45 PM | Permalink

This just in: EAW Smaart Version 6 (v.6) has been nominated for a 2007 Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Award in the category of Outstanding Technical Achievement, Ancillary Equipment.

Smaart v.6 sound system measurement and analysis software features a comprehensive re-write of its underlying architecture that dramatically enhances multi-tasking, in addition to a new streamlined interface for simpler operation and for the first time ever, full compatibility with Macintosh OS X

The TEC Awards was established by Mix magazine in 1985 to honor outstanding achievement in the professional recording and sound production industry. The nominations are made by a panel of approximately 165 audio industry professionals.

Qualified Mix subscribers will make the final determination via an online ballot beginning August 1. (Don't forget to vote!) The winners of the 23rd Annual TEC Awards will be announced at a ceremony at the Marriott Marquis during the 2007 AES Convention in New York City.

Posted by EAW at 12:25 PM | Permalink

While the congregants of Olive Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida, are still enjoying their beautiful worship center built more than a decade ago, the sound reinforcement system has been significantly improved to better serve a myriad of needs, headlined by the addition of a wide range of EAW loudspeakers, including KF730 Series line arrays.

Bobby Taylor of leading systems provider All Pro Sound, Pensacola, worked closely with the Olive Baptist Audio-Video Specialist Kelly Ward to develop the new system. Primary focus was on implementing new loudspeaker technology within the worship center, which offers two levels surrounding the front platform in a fan-shaped configuration, with seating for almost 5,000. (Ward and Taylor are shown below, flanking Olive Baptist Worship Leader Dr. Leo Day.)

Two new EAW KF730 compact line arrays serve as the centerpiece of a left-center-right (LCR) loudspeaker approach. The original loudspeakers were retained to provide left and right output, with the critical center channel handled by dual arrays comprised of eight KF730 boxes. In between these two full-range arrays is another single array made up of four EAW SB730 flying subwoofers.

Continue reading "EAW Components Lead Upgrade At Olive Baptist Church" »

Posted by EAW at 5:18 AM | Permalink

Design/build firm John Lyons Systems recently completed a professional audio design at the world’s first Martini Park located at The Shops at Legacy in Plano, Texas, with EAW loudspeakers used in abundance.

Designed by world-class architect Jeffrey Beers, the 7,500-square-foot Martini Park seats a total of 500 patrons and offers seating choices in the Main bar as well as three other dining and lounging areas – the Stage bar for live music performances, the elevated Round bar and the casual Patio bar.

Martini Park owner Christopher Barish turned to John Lyons Systems to provide the audio - as well as video and lighting - systems for the unique space. (Barish and nightlife impresario Lyons had previously worked together on Barish’s Light nightclub at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, also utilizing EAW loudspeakers.)

Lyons notes: “Because Martini Park is a high-end, sophisticated bar for the 21-plus crowd, it was important that the sound system provide clarity at a reasonable SPL. The sound needed to envelope the crowd but not be so deafeningly loud as to drive people away. In addition, the sleek lines of the interior design meant that the sound system needed to blend in with the décor and essentially become invisible.”

Continue reading "Martini Park Debuts With EAW Specified By John Lyons" »

Posted by EAW at 2:40 PM | Permalink

Sydney, Australia-based system provider DJ Warehouse (DJW) recently completed an extensive project at the Sobar nightclub of the Cremorne Hotel, utilizing a wide range of EAW loudspeakers that highlight the exceptional depth of the EAW line. (Thanks to Production Audio Services, EAW's distributor in Australia, for this report.)

Located on Sydney’s Lower North shore, the hotel faced tough noise restrictions due to a high-rise apartment block directly on top of the planned nightclub. Some of the obstacles DJW confronted were structural vibration paths, thin ceilings and many escape routes for airborne vibrations. EAW loudspeakers chosen by DJW in overcoming these challenges include DSA250 (Digitally Steerable Arrays), KF730 compact line arrays and highly innovative CP621 concentric array ceiling loudspeakers.

Meanwhile, the majority of low-frequency energy is delivered by a custom-built concrete sub column containing six EAW SBX220 subwoofers. This unique design and configuration enabled the DJW tech team to tightly focus much of the sub signal onto the dance floor.

Posted by EAW at 11:01 AM | Permalink

EAW's distributor for Australia, Production Audio Services, reports that Sydney-based company DJ Warehouse has completed the supply and installation of a system headlined by EAW Avalon loudspeakers at Dragonfly Nightclub located in Kings Cross.

DJW Technical Director Dave Coxon comments: “DJW was commissioned by the owners of Dragonfly to design a world class audio system that would fulfill all the requirements for both the local and international acts that perform at the venue. After extensive evaluation of the various systems on the market, we chose a combination of EAW cabinets including four Avalon DC4, two Avalon DCS2, six EAW Commercial VR62 and four VR21, as well as an EAW Commercial DX810 digital processor. The result is a system regarded as the envy of all local competition." Click here for more info about this project, including a selection of great photos.

Posted by EAW at 3:16 PM | Permalink

The 800-seat Meng Concert Hall at the beautiful new Performing Arts Center at California State University, Fullerton, features a high-end sound reinforcement system designed by Multi-Media Consulting Inc. (MMC) of Los Angeles that is headed by EAW AX Series loudspeakers and SB Series subwoofers.

MMC Founding Principal Rick Wells took the lead role in the system design process, specifying three sets of dual EAW AX366 loudspeakers to provide seamless full-range coverage. They're flown in a "one above the other" configuration at carefully selected positions above the front edge of the room's large stage, and each set is joined by a single EAW SBX220 subwoofer. All loudspeaker cabinets are painted with a custom color carefully selected to blend in with the aesthetics of the space.

Wells, who's firm provides full-service media systems design and consulting, selected the AX Series loudspeakers for this prestigious project following an extensive demo process that included numerous leading competitive loudspeaker models. MMC also supplied system designs for several other live performance spaces housed within the venue.

Criss Niemann of Audio Geer contributed valuable input at the early stages of the design, with expert system installation by GroggWorks Inc. of San Diego. Thanks to Alan Geer for supplying the photos here that do a fine job of displaying the loudspeakers and their configuation within the concert hall.

Posted by EAW at 1:46 PM | Permalink

Design/build firm John Lyons Systems of Los Angeles, California selected a wide range of EAW loudspeakers to provide premium sound reinforcement at the newly-opened Social Hollywood, a $12-million restaurant/lounge complex on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles.

Social Hollywood is headed by New York-based restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow, who also created Social Miami at the Sagamore Hotel in Miami Beach, and its nine rooms are housed in the revamped structure of the former Hollywood Athletic Club originally designed by Egyptian Theater architects Meyer & Holler in 1923. The building’s designation as a historic landmark posed an added challenge for John Lyons Systems, which responded with a multifaceted system design and installation approach incorporating the right blend of flexibility and quality performance.

Continue reading "John Lyons Systems Gets Social With EAW Commercial" »

Posted by EAW at 8:52 AM | Permalink

Seattle Pro Audio, headed by Michael Gardner and a leading system provider and dealer based in the northwest U.S., played a key role in the selection of EAW DSA (Digitally Steerable Array) Series loudspeakers implemented with great success at Qwest Field in Seattle, home stadium of the Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise. And in fact, the stadium will be rockin' this coming weekend as the Seahawks enter the playoffs against the Dallas Cowboys in looking to make it to the Super Bowl for the second straight year.

Just prior to the current season, Gardner introduced Fred Micera, head of audio at Qwest Field, to the numerous advantages of DSA loudspeakers when the two were discussing new sound reinforcement options for the venue's seven club spaces.

The biggest challenge of these spaces is that they're all comprised of thousands of square feet of coverage area dominated by multiple reflective surfaces, many of them parallel. Enter Gardner and Seattle Pro Audio, who in addition to offering full-service turnkey system design and installation services also specialize in providing relevant product demonstrations that help guide customers to optimum solutions, which was fully in evidence on this project.

Very quickly into Seattle Pro Audio's DSA demo process, Micera understood the advantages presented by these loudspeaker systems for this critical application. He then specified two sets of single DSA250 and DSA230 topped by a single EAW SB120 subwoofer to serve the three larger club spaces as well as a single DSA250, again topped by a SB120, to serve the four smaller spaces.

"We always take a hands-on approach because it's the best approach," explains Gardner. "The idea is to fully support all of our customers in whatever way possible in order to assist their decision-making processes so that the right direction is the consistent result.

"Our goal in every case is to facilitate a 'win-win' for all involved," he continues. "We aim to please and the success of our customers is our success as well."

To find out more about how the DSA Series loudspeakers were implemented at Qwest Field, click here.

Posted by EAW at 7:12 AM | Permalink

Last month, we detailed a truly innovative new system formulated by Gemini Sound of Dallas and Operations Manager Drew Pittman to serve the Ferrell Center's Paul J. Meyer Arena at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. EAW KF761 line arrays were selected for coverage and sound quality criteria as well as their qualifications for a unique dual-use system concept.

Now, our friend Drew (pictured at right with the new arrays) has checked in with a series of great new photos providing more insight into just how this rig works. Specifically, Gemini Sound worked with Drew to create a system equally capable of serving basketball games as well as high-level concerts and special events that frequently appear at the venue, with the arrays able to be quickly lowered and moved to other arena locations and then re-flown to meet any sound reinforcement need. Click on the link directly below to see the photo tour!

Continue reading "UPDATE! Profile Of Innovation With KF761 At Baylor Arena" »

Posted by EAW at 4:23 PM | Permalink

EAW AX Series and MK Series loudspeakers are the key components in a new fully distributed sound system serving the cavernous Olympic Oval in Calgary, Alberta. The interesting venue was constructed to host speed skating events for the 1988 Winter Olympics and is now the home of the Oval
X-Treme ice hockey team of the National Women's Hockey League. Thanks to two propane zamboni ice cleaners, the high altitude and advanced climate control, the oval is known as "the fastest ice in the world".

The new distributed sound system serving the venue was put together by the Calgary offices of Allstar Show Industries, with the AX and MK Series loudspeakers primarily flown from truss all the way around the venue and meticulously positioned to blanket audience areas with intelligible full-range sound reinforcement. Assistance on the project was supplied by SF Marketing, EAW's distributor serving Canada, and Joe Fustolo of the EAW ASG (Application Support Group) team provided support with final system tuning utlizing EAW Smaart. More on this interesting new project soon.

Posted by EAW at 7:33 AM | Permalink

One of the oldest buildings in Orange County, California now features one of the newest (and certainly best) sound systems in the region thanks to leading system provider Micworks, which chose to implement EAW Avalon Series loudspeakers at Tia Juana's Long Bar, a thriving nightclub and restaurant in Irvine.

Mike Shelton headed up the project for Micworks, also based in Irvine, meeting multiple needs that include background music during daytime hours, high-impact dance music at night, and a Salsa band performing live at least one night each week. The overall goal was significantly improved sound quality for all of these applications in addition to overcoming an unusual challenge presented by the building's location.

Housed in a former produce production facility dating back to the early 20th Century that's constructed of corrugated steel, Tia Juana's is immediately adjacent to railroad tracks (they run just a few feet beyond the rear wall), with Shelton charged to develop a system loud enough to drown out the distraction of rumbling trains passing by hourly each night.

Continue reading "A High-Level Avalon Solution At Tia Juana's By Micworks" »

Posted by EAW at 12:13 PM | Permalink

Gemini Sound of Dallas has just commissioned an innovative new system to serve the Paul J. Meyer Arena at Baylor University (in Waco, Texas), with EAW KF761 line arrays selected for coverage and sound quality criteria as well as their qualifications for a unique dual-use system concept. Specifically, Gemini Sound worked with Meyer Arena Operations Manager Drew Pittman to create a system equally capable of serving basketball games and high-level concerts that frequently appear at the venue.

We're still assembling details on this new system, but can relay that this dual purpose application is rare in arenas; in fact, there might be only one other venue offering this same capability. The system offers four KF761 arrays, each with seven modules, providing reinforcement to the vast majority of the arena from a truss location flown above "center court." This truss can be quickly lowered and the array modules removed for fast reconfiguration at one "end" of the arena for concert sound applications.

Several other EAW loudspeaker models came in handy to meet fill needs for seating areas shadowed from primary array coverage. More on this exciting new system design and installation by Gemini Sound and Drew will be presented here soon.

Posted by EAW at 8:26 AM | Permalink

The Rose Center, a beautiful new multipurpose meeting, conference and reception facility located in Westminster, California, is getting the full benefit of EAW DSA (Digitally Steerable Array) Series technology, which has been deployed by systems integrator Be Media to help tame a highly reverberant acoustic environment.

Be Media, headquartered in El Segundo, California with offices in Georgia, Canada and the Bahamas, turned to DSA250 loudspeakers to provide full-range coverage in a highly trafficked concourse/atrium that's comprised of hard, reflective surfaces from floor to ceiling. The result is sound reinforcement that's tightly focused on patrons and directed away from the myriad locations that could generate echo, slap back and other acoustic anomolies. In addition, the very low-profile DSA cabinets, supplied in standard white, blend in seamlessly with the elegant Rose Center surroundings.

The Rose Center (exterior view shown at left), which also takes advantage of EAW SM Series stage monitors for its theatre stage, is just one of the latest high-profile systems projects by Be Media. Check out more of the company's other fine work here.

Posted by EAW at 7:06 AM | Permalink

The Stones chain of entertainment venues is rapidly becoming one of South Africa's most established and successful hotspots and has been successfully franchised across 19 branches nationwide. Two of the chain's key venues in Cape Town and Pretoria now boast state-of-the-art EAW sound systems throughout, supplied and installed by EAW's South African distributor, Johannesburg-based systems specialists Surgesound.

Offering customers a huge choice of entertainment, Stones venues incorporate chilled lounge areas, upbeat dance floors, live music stages and a relaxed bar and pool table environment, all open seven days per week.

Continue reading "Stones Group Selects EAW For Cape Town & Pretoria Clubs" »

Posted by EAW at 5:51 PM | Permalink

How do you overcome a wild, seemingly "untamable" acoustical environment? A good place to start is EAW AX Series loudspeakers, as evidenced by this expert installation at the "Dutch Dome" - also known as the gymnasium of Holland (Michigan) High School.

This system upgrade, provided by Parkway Electric & Communications (also of Holland), was an early application of the AX Series, designed specifically to present an optimum solution in "higher horsepower" fixed installations. With dual-trapezoidal enclosures and rotatable horns, the AX Series provides an unprecedented degree of freedom to configure arrays horizontally, vertically, even in spherical sections, with EAW's exclusive CSA Technology insuring near-perfect coverage in any configuration.

Continue reading "AX Series Tames The Wild Acoustics Of The "Dutch Dome"" »

Posted by EAW at 6:51 AM | Permalink

Leading club system provider Ohm Productions, headed by John Fiorito, just finished a sound system upgrade for the re-launch of Ultrabar, a Washington D.C. nightclub (pictured left). The renovation of the venue formerly called Home came at the direction of Panorama Productions, which tapped Fiorito to implement a sonic improvement for the main floor as well as a fourth-floor bar area.

Presented with a limited budget, Fiorito drew upon a proven solution he's utilized in the past: EAW FRz Series loudspeakers. Specifically, eight FR129z compact, two-way loudspeakers are installed in stereo pairs, providing even yet dynamic output throughout the fourth-floor bar space. The FR129z's are joined by six EAW FR250z subwoofers to enhance LF performance. "FRz Series loudspeakers are ideal for applications of this type," Fiorito notes. "We've used them before with great results, such as for the system at Spank, another D.C. club. FRz is just hard to beat."

Continue reading "Ohm Productions Delivers "Ultra" Use Of DC & FRz Series" »

Posted by EAW at 10:17 AM | Permalink

Professional system integrators Sonic Art, LLC just commissioned a dynamic new sound reinforcement system – headed by EAW MQH Series full-range loudspeakers - for the worship sanctuary of First Evangelical Covenant Church in Rockford, Illinois.

Sonic Art, based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and headed by Jeff Lange, specializes in developing audio, video and lighting systems for houses of worship. Lange, supported by company general manager Brian Christ, served as a trainer for church operators and tech staffs before expanding his scope to also offer system design/build services.

Continue reading "Sonic Art Paints MQH Masterpiece At Rockford Church" »

Posted by EAW at 7:27 AM | Permalink

Lincoln University's brand new multipurpose venue, the £6 million Engine Shed (so called because that's precisely what it was) opened to great acclaim in September with an inaugural performance from huge UK Indie band Embrace. In addition to housing the Student Union bar and offices, the Engine Shed is also the newest and biggest student venue in the East Midlands.

A venue of this calibre clearly demanded a high quality professional audio system, and so technical systems specialists Stage Electrics were called in to supply and install a complete entertainment system that included a comprehensive EAW loudspeaker system throughout.

Continue reading "EAW Steams Into Lincoln University's Engine Shed" »

Posted by EAW at 7:10 AM | Permalink

The new Seminole Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, accompanying the hotel and casino of the same name, features an installed sound reinforcement system headlined by EAW MQ Series large-format array loudspeakers meeting a variety of applications. The multi-use facility, configured like a small arena with two levels primary levels of seating for about 5,500, regularly hosts a busy slate of concerts and trade shows along with special events like boxing matches and rodeo.

Richard Wagner of RAW Media Teknologies, based in Winter Garden, Florida, put together the sound system for the venue, which handles all PA needs except for concerts, where a separate system is put into place. The MQ Series loudspeakers are split into two "exploded" clusters to cover the vast majority of seating and the floor. Cluster components include EAW MQ1394e and MQ1364e mid-high modules joined by dedicated MQ1312 low-frequency modules. Additional delay coverage to certain zones is supplied by EAW UB82e low-profile loudspeakers.

"We needed to overcome the exceptionally high volume levels a crowd can produce in this venue, particularly during boxing matches, while also keeping sound energy controlled - off the walls and floor as much as possible," explains Wagner. "The MQ Series is an excellent choice for applications like this."

Posted by EAW at 12:37 PM | Permalink

The Grand Hall of the historic Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket, Rhode Island recently received a new sound reinforcement system headlined by a selection of the latest EAW components, including AX Series full-range loudspeakers, EAW Commercial CAZ Series power amplifiers and an MX8750 digital signal processor. Also new is a Mackie Onyx 4880 house mixing console.

After being shuttered for more than 20 years, the all-volunteer Stadium Theatre Foundation began raising funds to restore the venue to its original 1926 grandeur, and today, the completely renovated facility hosts more than 90 events a year, ranging from full-scale concerts to theatrical productions to lectures and nearly everything in between. Earlier this year, the foundation sought a professional-caliber sound reinforcement system for the Grand Hall, a shoebox-shaped room with approximately 1,100 seats split between the main floor, balcony and side boxes.

Continue reading "AX Series Leads Sonic Rejuvenation At Stadium Theatre" »

Posted by EAW at 1:36 PM | Permalink

“DSA is the total package. To attain anything close to the same result in performance would have been a lot more complicated and expensive, and it’s very questionable whether the quality of performance would even be close.”- Fred Micera, Audio Engineer, Qwest Field

Coming off a Super Bowl appearance last season, the Seattle Seahawks returned to the gridiron this weekend for the kickoff of the 2007 National Football League (NFL) season. The team’s home games are played at Qwest Field, which since it opened in 2002 is recognized as one of the premier stadiums in the league, featuring a venue-wide EAW loudspeaker line-up (in fact, it’s more than 98 percent EAW) under the direction of veteran Audio Engineer Fred Micera.

This past off-season, Micera was charged with formulating audio system designs for not one, not two, but seven Qwest Field club spaces that underwent renovation during this past off-season. All of these audio systems serve fan-critical areas, receiving the game-day radio broadcast in addition to a live feed of pre-game activities, team entrance to the field and national anthem, and all have one big thing in common: they’re headed by EAW DSA (Digitally Steerable Array) Series loudspeakers.

Continue reading "Kickoff! DSA Is A Big Hit At Home Of NFL Seahawks" »

Posted by EAW at 8:21 AM | Permalink

Cowboys Orlando nightclub recently took its high-end dance sound reinforcement system to another level with the addition of EAW Avalon Series loudspeakers that are expressly designed to meet the challenges of providing premium club sound quality.

The Orlando, Florida club, currently marking more than 37 years of continuous operation, features traditional and progressive country music in addition to house music that’s especially popular with the “All Ages” clientele on Friday nights. A huge dance floor occupies the back half of the club, which offers a capacity in excess of 1,000.

Continue reading "Avalon Transforms Cowboys Orlando Club System" »

Posted by EAW at 1:48 PM | Permalink

Resurrection Life Church in Grandville, Michigan continues to grow at a steady pace, as evidenced by a brand-new 200,000-square-foot worship campus facility offering several sound reinforcement systems that all feature a variety of EAW full-range loudspeakers.

In the new 4,200-seat worship center, where seating has a fan-shaped arrangement and is backed by a large balcony, the sound team elected to use EAW AX396 full-range coaxial loudspeakers in tandem with the main loudspeaker arrays to provide dedicated frontfill coverage.

Continue reading "EAW Versatility Highlighted At Resurrection Life Church" »

Posted by EAW at 1:43 PM | Permalink

The Maxine Theater, a new 580-seat performing arts center located in Valley Center, California, offers a high-end sound reinforcement system, designed and installed by Quiet Voice Audio, that features EAW AX Series loudspeakers, SB Series subwoofers, as well as MX8750 and DX8 digital processors.

“There weren't any corners cut on this project,” notes Jon Bart, president of Quiet Voice Audio. “It was envisioned not only as a community theater, but as a destination for top concert artists and traveling theatrical productions. This is reflected in the sound design as well as the acoustics of the space.” (John is pictured above, flanked by David Henk and Barry DeHart, also of Quiet Voice Audio.)

Continue reading "AX Series Selected For Maxine Theater" »

Posted by EAW at 1:54 PM | Permalink

Design/build firm John Lyons Systems recently announced the completion of a custom sound installation – featuring EAW Avalon Series club loudspeakers - at the newly opened JET Nightclub at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas.

Within a modest 15,000 square foot space, JET features state-of-the-art entertainment technology in each of its three distinct rooms that play hip hop, rock and house music. Unique to the project is the Avalon DCX loudspeaker, a hybrid custom product built to John Lyons’ specification by EAW.

Continue reading "John Lyons’ JET Takes Off With Avalon" »

Posted by EAW at 1:42 PM | Permalink

Culture Lab-Newcastle in the U.K. is described as a flagship for the University of Newcastle's interdisciplinary research grounded in digital technologies.

The result of a significant investment by the university and the British government's Science Research Investment Fund, Culture Lab is a multi-application, multi-user digital media facility whose aim is to enable the development of new digital technologies for solutions to arts, humanities and social science research problems. The facility boasts a live event space for performances, lectures and interactive displays, and state-of-the-art workshops where people can customize hardware and software.

Continue reading "NT Series For Ground-Breaking Project At Culture Lab" »

Posted by EAW at 12:36 PM | Permalink

The tremendous growth of Crossroads Christian Church has spurred the development of a new church building that’s also purpose-built to serve as a premier live concert hall, and featuring a commensurate high-end sound reinforcement system headed by EAW KF Series line arrays and KF750 concert loudspeakers.

The new 60,000-square-foot facility, located in Corona, California, offers seating for 3,500. It hosts an average of two concerts a month as well as children’s productions, civic events and other community activities in addition to Sunday worship services. Dubbed “Stage1” when used as a concert venue, the facility brings quality artists to the Corona area, including Olivia Newton John, Amy Grant and popular country act Lonestar.

Continue reading "Church-Concert Venue Gets EAW KF Series Treatment" »

Posted by EAW at 11:10 AM | Permalink

Planet Medley, the installation division of Bryn Mawr, PA-based Medley Music Corp., recently unveiled a new sound system headed by EAW DSA Series full-range loudspeakers that provides full-range reinforcement for a 1,200-seat auditorium at Norristown (PA) High School.

Built in 1973, the auditorium hosts theatrical productions, concerts, classes and meetings, but is hampered by numerous hard wall surfaces that seriously compromise acoustics, complicated by an existing infrastructure for cabling that is largely inaccessible. A floor-to-ceiling steel door frequently used to close off the balcony adds to the room’s acoustical challenges, leaving Kyle Rosenbloom, who heads up Planet Medley, seeking to tightly control the output and coverage of the new system’s loudspeakers.

Continue reading "DSA Series Fosters Digital Wonderland For Norristown" »

Posted by EAW at 11:39 AM | Permalink

More than 400 EAW MK Series loudspeakers are the key components of a distributed sound reinforcement system serving 44,000-seat Busch Stadium, the new home of the storied St. Louis Cardinals major league baseball team.

Located in downtown St. Louis, adjacent to the site of the team’s previous ballpark (also named Busch Stadium), the facility opened in time for the start of the 2006 season, built at a cost of approximately $365 million. Wrightson Johnson Haddon & Williams (WJHW) of Dallas was contracted to provide the design of all A/V systems, with SPL Integrated Solutions, based in Columbia, Maryland, responsible for their installation.

“The EAW line is pretty comprehensive, allowing us a lot of flexibility in configuring cabinets for each area,” Ron Baker of WJHW explained to S & VC magazine,“and it's well-suited for some of the unique mounting conditions we faced. Sightlines are always an issue, and you don't always have the luxury of hanging cabinets where you'd like to. The EAW cabinets allow the horn section to be rotated, so you can hang them horizontally and still get the wide coverage necessary for this application. There's a variety of horn patterns as well — the MK series has something like a dozen different configurations. We've used them in a number of other venues and felt comfortable in knowing what to expect in terms of performance.”

Continue reading "MK Series Leads Busch Stadium Distributed Success" »

Posted by EAW at 2:53 PM | Permalink

The new ACME Bowling & Billiard Events Center in Tukwila, Washington, offers 40 bowling lanes in addition to seven billiards tables, a video game arcade, a lounge and even a restaurant staffed by professional chefs, all receiving premium sound reinforcement from a range of EAW Commercial loudspeakers.

Located just outside of Seattle, the 51,000-square-foot facility is perhaps more aptly billed as an “entertainment destination,” reflecting the transition of bowling to a social backdrop for family outings, private parties and corporate events. The venue’s professional caliber sound system, designed and installed by Kent, Washington-based Triamp Group, provides an exclamation point on the entertainment objective.

Continue reading ""Let's Go Bowling" With EAW Commercial" »

Posted by EAW at 12:57 PM | Permalink

The worship center at Calvary Church of Santa Anna (California) now benefits from a new sound reinforcement system offering concert-type performance and functionality, headed by EAW KF730 compact, high-output line array loudspeakers.

Gates Sound, based in nearby Buena Park, California, is headed by Doug Gates, who has successfully transitioned his work in live sound to a thriving installation business, counting work with churches as a primary specialty. On this project, he worked closely with Calvary Church Technical Arts Director Trevor Behrns in devising a system solution and then making it a reality.

Continue reading "KF Concert Audio Enhances Calvary Church" »

Posted by EAW at 12:59 PM | Permalink

The Bainbridge (Washington) Performing Arts Playhouse, a purpose-built live entertainment venue, recently received a new sound reinforcement system, designed and installed by Flamingo Audio, featuring EAW NT Series loudspeakers.

Located in downtown Bainbridge and originally opened in 1993, The Playhouse, with 254 seats, annually hosts a busy schedule of live theatrical, musical, orchestral and other productions. The original house sound system lasted until earlier this year, when an upgrade was sought.

Continue reading "NT Series Working Hard At The Playhouse" »

Posted by EAW at 10:55 AM | Permalink

Fenway Park in Boston, the oldest ballpark in the U.S., underwent a facelift prior to the 2006 season, a process that included a new sound reinforcement system headlined by a wide range of EAW custom and standard loudspeakers.

The system, designed by WJHW of Dallas and installed by Boston Light & Sound (Mark & Zeke of Boston Light & Sound are pictured below), provides outstanding coverage to every seat in Fenway Park's decidedly non-symmetrical layout. The main grandstand and expansive bleachers are both covered by groupings of MK Series and AX Series loudspeakers, with other custom and standard EAW models helping solve problems at some decidedly tough locations. Various luxury clubs and seating areas are served by a range of EAW Commercial CIS400 and CIS300 ceiling loudspeakers, while the house system is headed by a Mackie Onyx console posted at the system control position.

Posted by EAW at 9:53 AM | Permalink

Located in the chic, affluent suburb of Lonehill, Sequoias is undoubtedly one of Johannesburg's hottest openings of the year. Owner Shelley Chadwick, a South African ex-pat now living in Washington, DC, conceptualized the new venue by drawing inspiration from the likes of legendary clubs worldwide such as PURE in Las Vegas, Red Square in Russia, and Tangerine in the UK. The result is the ultimate cocktail and dining experience enhanced by a state-of-the-art EAW audio system installed by the area's premier pro audio specialist, Surgesound.

The architecture and design concept of the new venue is nothing short of stunning, including a bar counter made of solid ice, which keeps the cocktails cool while patrons enjoy the spectacular views across Johannesburg. Chadwick was determined to install an audio system that would do her new venture justice.

Continue reading "EAW Brings Flair To South Africa Cocktail Experience" »

Posted by EAW at 7:41 AM | Permalink

Christian City Church Whitehorse recently opened it's new home in Vermont, Victoria, Austrialia with a new 1,000-seat auditorium has been fitted out with a new sound reinforcement system by Mozaix, a boutique AV systems integrator.

The system, designed by Paul Horwood of Mozaix with review and loudspeaker selection assistance from Graeme Stevenson of Production Audio Services, was modeled with EASE prediction software and is headlined by EAW AS Series and other loudspeaker models as well as XTA processing, Powersoft amplification and an APB Dynasonics audio mixing console.

Continue reading "AS Series Up To Task At Australia Church Whitehorse" »

Posted by EAW at 9:35 AM | Permalink