L-Acoustics joins Indianapolis Public Library
- Details
A big part of the institution’s more recent history is Clowes Auditorium, an intimate 300-seat, 2,800sq.ft venue that was added during the Central Library’s extensive expansion in 2008. Hosting everything from classical chamber performances and Latin jazz bands to children’s theater and corporate presentations, Clowes Auditorium is now truly ready for the future, thanks to a new L-Acoustics Kiva II sound system installed in May by integrator Mid-America Sound.
The auditorium, which had been using temporary ground-stacked PA components as needed, now has its first-ever flown system consisting of six Kiva II modules hung underneath one SB15m sub per side and complemented by a single SB18m sub positioned below on each side of the stage. A single LA12X amplified controller powers all of the Kiva II modules and flown subs, while an LA4X drives the two ground subs and leaves two open channels available for a potential future expansion of fills.
However, one might not notice the new Kiva II system until it gets turned on. That’s because this is the first US installation of the new standard factory-painted white version, which, when installed alongside the large white acoustical reflector above the stage, renders the system nearly invisible. And thanks to the Kiva II’s weight-to-power ratio—the lightweight 31-pound enclosure puts out a remarkable 137 dB—no additional rigging infrastructure was needed.
“This is such a great performance space,” says Clowes Auditorium Technician Jim Meyers. “It was designed to be an acoustically correct concert hall, and it’s been that plus so much more. The seating is very steeply raked, and that means there isn’t a bad seat in the house. What we needed was a sound system that could put the sound exactly where we wanted it, and keep it away from where we didn’t want it.”
(Jim Evans)
