Designed by San Francisco-based theatre consultants, The Shalleck Collaborative, and installed by Hercules, California-based Pro Media / UltraSound, the Meyer Sound system is centred around left and right arrays of six Meyer Sound M1D line array loudspeakers, each augmented by a 600-HP subwoofer to provide low-frequency coverage. As Shalleck's Ian Hunter explains, the M1D's compact dimensions were well suited to the project's requirements.
"As a former retail space, the venue's ceiling height is pretty low," Hunter says. "With the height of the stage and the other necessary ceiling infrastructure, we were limited in terms of the size of the line array we could implement. The M1D offers a compact profile but more than enough power for the hall." Six self-powered MM-4XP miniature loudspeakers are embedded into the stage for front -fill.
"The M1D array's compact profile is essential in maintaining lines of sight, while still delivering even coverage," adds Hunter. "It's a very rectangular space, not too wide but fairly deep, and we wanted a system that would throw all the way to the rear of the hall without overpowering the seats in the front. The M1D delivers very even coverage and focused pattern control."
A Galileo loudspeaker management system provides signal processing for the system, providing a user-friendly set of controls for theatre personnel. "The productions range from small and mid-sized musicals to cabaret and jazz groups, and we wanted to give them a system that was versatile and powerful, without being overly complex," says Hunter. "The Galileo is perfect, in that they can access most of what they need via the front panel, without the need for a computer or software programming."
Currently, the Meyer Sound system is providing sound reinforcement for Forever Plaid, a musical comedy at the theatre. "The system is articulate, and it's unobtrusive," says Bob Sereno, sound designer and head engineer for the Cosmopolitan, as well as Wells Fargo Pavilion, another Sacramento venue outfitted with a Meyer Sound system. "I can't imagine anything that would have fit the bill better - it covers the room perfectly."
(Jim Evans)
