Pro Audio Review - June 2008 - (Page 43) nical areas supplying audio to the bars, clubs and meeting rooms.” In addition, a separate Hockey Fill system comprises 10 JBL Model 2447H HF compression drivers on Model 2352 90x50-degree large-format horns and six JBL AM6212/64 60x40-degree cabinets mounted on the score board. “The arena system is designed to run in a series of operational modes controlled by the central MediaMatrix system,” Prager explains. “For Hockey Mode, these additional horns and AM Series cabinets provide additional sound coverage for the outer perimeter just behind the Dasher Boards, to overcome shadowing of the main clusters. Its purpose is to enhance on-axis coverage to the second and third seating rows.” Currently, the Prudential Center is set up to provide a total of five preset modes via MediaMatrix. In addition to Hockey Mode, Basketball, Indoor Soccer, Concert and Floor Show Modes are available, with corresponding loudspeaker re-assignments and delays. “For large concert events,” Prager explains, “there is provision for a dedicated south stage area and [rigging for] suspended line arrays from a touring sound company, for example. The house system can accept a mono feed from the visiting front-of-house mixer, which is then distributed under Concert Mode to Delay Ring #1 to add presence. Of course, the delay settings are adjusted because of the different timing references to the suspended PA system.” INSTALLATION CHALLENGES Regarding the biggest challenges faced during the commissioning of Prudential Center’s Crown-powered JBL systems, Prager cites three main dimensions. “Firstly, we had a short time to complete the installation,” he recalls. “We started in April 2007, and the opening concert occurred just seven short months later. Secondly, we had specified a fast 1 Gbit Ethernet fiber system between the MediaMatrix and amplifier racks that needed to be wrung out and fully functional by the first event, including four V-LAN topologies to be set up and programmed. Thirdly, we faced some logistical problems due to construction delays. We were promised a broom-clean room for the sound equipment, which [because of time pressures] was not always possible!” MISSION ACCOMPLISHED According to Prudential Center Audio Engineer Tom Wick, who mixes sound for a variety of sports events, “From turn on, everything sounded great! The new PA system gives a good feel to the arena; having walked the space, the overall sound is outstanding in every seat – I couldn’t find a dead spot anywhere. The sound is warm with no slap back. Diversified Systems did an exceptional job during the installation. The various modes we have available from the MediaMatrix are outstanding – we can re-configure the entire system at the touch of a button. For high-end concerts the customized delay ring for the upper areas is very useful, as is coverage of the various concourse, suites and other areas around the arena. All in all, our new system is well thought out, and extremely easy to use.” Mel Lambert has been intimately involved with production and broadcast industries on both sides of the Atlantic for more years than he cares to remember. He is principal of Media&Marketing and can be reached at mel.lambert@mediaandmarketing.com. CONFIDENCE IS EVERYTHING AMP2-E8MDA ® ® Are you confident in your audio masters? Measure by the same standard as the broadcast industry: Wohler. USA +1 888 5 WOHLER (Toll Free) +1 510 870 0810 UNITED KINGDOM +44 (0) 1234 320006 HONG KONG +852 2851 8325 sales@wohler.com www.wohler.com www.proaudioreview.com June 2008 | ProAudio Review | 43 http://www.wohler.com http://www.wohler.com http://www.proaudioreview.com
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